BookTrib Editors Predict Goodreads Choice Winners
Everyone loves a good prediction debate, including our editors Jim and Chelsea. Go ahead and compare their guesses with the results, and you’ll probably come away with a few more books on your to-read list.
Paulo Coelho’s The Archer: A Parable of EnlightenmentThe author of the much-lauded The Alchemist comes through with another masterpiece. Full of incredible artistry and perfectly placed literary devices, this novel investigates humanity’s intrinsic need for higher knowledge and ceaseless personal growth.
The Value of Kindness and Acceptance in Have You Seen Luis Velez?A quietly groundbreaking and deeply sensitive read, this coming-of-age story leaves a lasting impression and highlights the transformative power of true friendship. A dialogue with the author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, sheds even more light and wisdom and provides wonderful insights into the mind of a writer.
Hidden Valley Road: An Intimate Portrait of One Family’s Struggle With Mental Illness
This nonfiction pick is not exactly a beach read; a journalist, Robert Kolker, chronicles a family’s experience with Schizophrenia, PTSD, and abuse when almost every member is diagnosed with a species of mental illness. The story is a hard-hitting one, but an eyeopening depiction of a little-discussed topic.
Identity is Complicated in The Vanishing Half
While it’s now become a colloquialism to say that we’re sporadically having “an identity crises,” those offhanded comments don’t hold a candle to this novel’s exploration of a much deeper issue. Race, family, and community are all moving themes of the narrative, but simultaneously the private, interior struggles of individuals comprise the heart of this stunning book.
Doyle’s Untamed Rewrites Personal Truths in the Wake of Divorce
Reese Witherspoon attests that “This memoir is so packed with incredible insight about what it means to be a woman today,” and we agree that it merits a reading. It touches upon the author’s prior battles with her inner demons, and how those same battles made her the stronger woman she is today. Now, Glennon Doyle uses the lessons she’s learned over time in order to fuel her activism, and there are some bits of wisdom that will surely resonate with her audience.
Multiple Voices Tell a Story of Darkness and Obsession in Saint X
A fun family vacation turns horrific in the blink of an eye in this fast-paced and intriguing thriller. Author Alexis Schaitkin’s answers questions and provides insights into her research process in our post, so there’s something for everyone here. The novel’s ending is completely unexpected and utterly enthralling.
Crafty, Cranky Amateur PI Agatha Raisin Back on the Case in Beating About the Bush
This mystery brings wit and quirk along with the genre’s trademark twists and suspense. Flamboyant, fun, and down-to-earth, you’ll be stumped by how much you enjoy this romp. Sadly, author M.C. Beaton passed away on December 31st of 2019, but we’re happy that her work was appreciated throughout this year.
Sole Survivor Finds His Way Back to Living in Dear Edward
A beautiful, inspiring story of a boy who overcomes tragedy to find his future is just the sort of thing we need in 2020. This coming-of-age novel by Ann Napolitano was inspired by real events and will conjure up some very real emotions in those who read it.
The Boy from the Woods Driven by Signature Coben Plot Twists
From Harlan Coben, so productive and well-loved that he’s written 31 prior thrillers, comes another winner. With twists and turns, disappearances, and mysterious backstories, everything you love about the genre shines brightly and boldly. The spooky setting casts an eerie pall over the narrative that only helps heighten the climactic final revelation.
For a Thrill Ride, Welcome Aboard The Last Flight
Yet another thrilling read, Julie Clark’s latest features strong women and terrifying travel. Tangled timelines give the book a clever and well-crafted bonus. and with the “Me Too” movement as a critical theme, it’s not only entertaining but empowering.
A Tableau of Artful Murders in the Museum of Desire
Unique storylines and even more unique characters create a not-to-be-missed murder novel. Peppered with theatricality, luxury parties, and the first openly gay character featured in a police procedural series, Jonathan Kellerman has created something special in these pages.
Digging Into the American Dirt Controversy
Wreathed in controversy upon launch, this book began a needed discussion this year about diversity in publishing — both in terms of authors and editors. The novel itself focuses on thorny topics like race relations, immigration and drug wars. Oprah doubled down on choosing this book for her book club, despite #ownvoices backlash. Your opinion may vary.
7 Love Triangles to Sweep You Off Your Feet and Whisk You Away
Here we have something much lighter, and much beloved as a literary device; the classic love triangle. A good one is winning for a reason, and these picks take the cake!
8 Historical Fiction Reads to Satisfy Your Royal Curiosity
Historical Fiction offers the reader a great escape, a journey into a world and time they would never experience otherwise. In 2020, when we all longed for escapes and travels to far-away places and other times, it’s no surprise that this genre reigned supreme.
Past and Present: 7 Books with Dual Timelines
This device can take a book to the next level, showing off an author’s airtight plot and astounding character development. Weaving past and present sheds new light on old stories while providing perspective on our current age. These seven tales are satisfying and poignant.
Collab With Actor Kristoffer Polaha is the Next Chapter for Anna Gomez aka Christine Brae
A talented female romance writer collaborates with an acclaimed actor from the Hawaiian Islands on this passion project for each of them. Moments Like This is moving and sensitive, and leading to sequels and adaptations. The pair works together in harmony to breathe life into this lovely story.
Coriolanus Snow Lands on Top in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Everyone knows Suzanne Collins’ tour-de-force The Hunger Games series. In this prequel novel we dive deep into the infamous President Snow’s checkered past, and the result is another gripping dystopian page-turner.
If You Like “This Is Us,” You’ll Love These 5 Books
Another highly successful pop-culture phenomenon, the TV series “This Is Us” inspires this list of similarly realistic, perceptive, family-oriented reads that center on love and ties that bind.
If You Like Amazon’s “Modern Love” You’ll LOVE These 6 Books
This collection of books recognizes the transcendent power, but also the often frustrating complexities, of love in an ever-changing world. Each of these picks is refreshingly honest and involves far more than just a meet-cute. You can’t go wrong with any of the options here!
Former U.S. Special Agent Examines 25 Years of Service With Heart in Switched On
A retired Special Agent for the U.S. Government Eric J. Caron has a new calling; imparting life advice learned through his years of remarkable experiences. He calls his protocol being “switched on” and recommends some handy principles, tactics, and tools for safety and preparedness.
My Dark Vanessa Explores Issues of Consent, Complicity and Coercion
This novel brings up more controversial topics mixed into intense psychological realism. The lines between truth and lie get blurred beyond clarity, and when the question is about rape, an answer must be given. It’s impossible not to feel chilled by Kate Elizabeth Russell’s narrative, and the story is impactful enough to provide serious discussions about race, sexuality, and identity.
Fiona Davis’s The Lions of Fifth Avenue: A New York City Mystery of History
Brilliantly weaving a tapestry from threads of the Gilded Age, women’s rights, New York City, the power of literature, and the drama of mystery, the novel vividly places the reader in the way of progress and promise. Encompassing both 1914 and 1993, there’s a timelessness that permeates the pages of this memorable piece.
The Henna Artist Paints the Challenges Women Faced in Post-Colonial India
An indelible journey into the culture of post-colonial India takes place with every page you flip of this heart-wrenching story by Alka Joshi. Enthralling in its complexity and enlightening in its content, The Henna Artist and its remarkable protagonist Lakshmi will completely capture your attention.
5 Audiobooks Featuring Multiple Cast Members
Last but not least, books take on an alternate form and become great listening experiences. When many voices add their talents and personality to the characters and plot of well-written words, the results are magical and transportive. For those moments when you just have to keep reading but also have to make dinner or do the laundry, settle into one of these!
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