Growing up, I always had a book or five on hand. I lived next door to a library, and it became a ritual to bring a new stack of books home every week. I hid them inside textbooks to get a chapter or two in during class and eventually became besties with the two librarians at school, who would always offer new recommendations. 

As an adult, I more or less have the same habits. I prop my book up while eating breakfast, sneak in chapters on my phone in waiting rooms, and stay up way too late at night, reading from the glow of my kindle. 

If you’ve ever discussed reading or books with me, then I’ve likely brought up goodsreads. It’s the website where I find recommendations, track everything I read, and join the book challenge every year. 

Last year was definitely my most successful reading year. With all the downtime staying at home because of COVID, I tore through books like never before. My goal for the year was 50 books, but I finished it out with 92. It’s safe to say that I read a few good and not so good books along the way. 

Here are my top 10 books—in no particular order or genre. 

Evicted: Describes the real-life experiences of people in Milwaukee who suffer from constant eviction and homelessness. This book brings attention to the eviction crises, those who suffer from it, and the laws that perpetuate its existence. It opened my eyes to how these illogical, broken systems continue to fail people. The basic need of a house isn’t a right or guarantee in this country, it’s a privilege–a privilege that an astounding amount of people don’t have and in turn, it puts them at a disadvantage for the rest of their lives.

The Beekeeper of Aleppo: A beautiful and heartbreaking story with brilliant imagery. The book focuses on a beekeeper, his wife, and their family during the war in Syria and the subsequent strife and loss they encounter while fleeing their home for Britain.

The House on the Cerulean Sea: A fun, light read that everyone can enjoy. It might be a little cheesy to some, but I enjoyed the magical elements in it.

Breath: I was first introduced to James Nestor and his book on Joe Rogan’s podcast, so if you don’t have time to read the whole book, then I’d definitely listen to that. I was astounded at how much your breathing can affect your overall health, and especially at how certain conditions like asthma, sleep apnea, and snoring can be treated using breathing exercises.

Disappearing Earth: An interesting collection of characters whose stories intersect during the abduction of two little girls in Russia.

The Body: A fascinating breakdown of every part of your body. If you want to learn more about your taste buds, hearing, internal organs, or any part of your body, then read this. You’ll come away with a fun collection of facts about the human body.

Heavy: A powerful memoir by Kiese Laymon that reflects on his experiences growing up, “his relationships with his mother, grandmother, anorexia, obesity, sex, writing, and ultimately gambling.” (GR) His story was raw, messy, painful, confusing, and embodied so many other feelings. I highly suggest reading this to get a better understanding of who we think we are as a nation vs. who we really are at the moment.

The Great Alone: A mother, daughter, and an abusive father who suffers from PTSD move to a very remote part of Alaska. The father believes that living off the land and away from people will cure his PTSD. Surprise! It doesn’t!

Educated: I had this on my to-read list for quite some time and I’m so happy I got to it this year. Based on the author’s real experiences, this book follows Westover throughout her wild life, growing up in a Mormon, fundamentalist family.

My Brilliant Friend Series (Neapolitan Novels): I’m hooked on the TV show and when I found out it was based off of a book series, I knew I had to get my hands on it. The first two/three books are definitely the best in my opinion, but I loved following Elena and Lila–two little Italian girls–as they grow up in impoverished Naples during the 1950s.

I also enjoyed—Such a Fun Age, Where the Crawdads Sing, Know My Name, The Midnight Library, Talking to Strangers, and Blink!

I will follow up with 10 books that fell on the opposite end of this list.

Feel free to drop any book suggestions you might have!