In a year where time seemed to stand still and we had nowhere to go but home, my new year's resolution of reading 101 books in a year could not have been more fitting. My books became my sanity during quarantines and my way of learning and growing this year. My year, despite the many downfalls, was filled with many laughs, happy tears, lessons and role models due to the novels I read. While I would not recommend ALL of the books I read this year, I have been reading long enough to know that not all books are for everyone. Here I will give my honest review/opinion on the 101 books that made my 2020 a little bit better.
Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
When I say I am obsessed with the Podcast "My Favorite Murder," I mean it! When I heard that there would be a book that came out of this podcast, I added myself to the waitlist on Amazon. This one is a must read. You do not have to listen to the podcast to enjoy this book. I fell in love with Karen and Georgia all over again and it made me want to be their friends even more. If you are a murderino and fan of all things true crime, this should be the first book you start 2021 with. I guarantee many laughs.
2 . The Lucifer Effect by Philip Zimbardo
If this name sounds familiar, you are probably a psychology student. This author is the same man responsible for the Stanford Prison Experiment. The Lucifer effect answers the questions of 'what makes a person bad,' 'how can good people do such terrible things,' and 'how can we better prevent bad outcomes by changing situational factors?'. Renowned Psychologist, Philip Zimbardo, uses his deep knowledge of what went wrong in his experiments at Stanford and his opinions on the prisoner abuse in Abu Ghraib to help him answer the question: what sparks the most evil parts in all of us to rise to the surface?
3. The Outsider by Stephen King
I have never met a Stephen King novel I didn't like and this one is no different. It kept me on my toes and made me question EVERY character in the book. Although this is one of his newer novels (2018) it gives off an eighties slasher vibe. Despite its length in pages, I did not put this book down until it was finished.
4. Murder in Mayberry by Mary Kinney Branson and Jack Branson
I LOVED this true crime novel. I originally only grabbed this one off the shelf because this murder happened in Madisonville, KY. A town many of my friends call home. A murder in a house that one of my friends confirmed is still around (aka a reason for me to come visit and geek out). Sometimes I forget that such terrible things happen and when they hit a little closer to home, it becomes even more real (and therefore even more scary). This heartbreaking true crime story becomes even more upsetting when you realize that the authors are close relatives to the lady who was brutally murdered. Another true crime must read!
5. The Green Mile by Stephen King
Be prepared for many more Stephen King novels on this list. This book was a rare event for me because I rarely read a book that I have already seen the movie of. I am a big believer in reading the novel first. However, I watched the green mile at a very young age. I still remember how much I adored John Coffey, the gentle giant. I remember the anger I felt when his death penalty was carried through. I knew, even at a young age, that crime and punishment was something I would be passionate about for the rest of my life. Reading this book only reminded me of those things and how my feelings about John and his treatment have not changed in the ten plus years since I watched the movie. For people who feel the same as me, this book is still worth reading after watching the movie (and if you haven't seen the movie I am sorry about the spoiler).
6. Revival by Stephen King
ANOTHER stephen king, I am sorry (I am not). This one is honestly unlike any other of his works. I can't even begin to describe the way this book made me feel and the trance-like narration of Revival. I would not say this is horror and would most likely recommend it to most readers who do not like horror. I would say this is more of a mystery, it makes you think more for your own. However, this year, I found this book to be more scary than I would in years past. This is due to the fact that this novel is about how far one man will use science to get results that he desires. In a year so heavily relying on science, I often question how much is too much and when science hurts more than helps. Revival is a great example of the many ways science and technology can become our biggest enemies.
7. Joyland by Stephen King
This book also gave me major eighties film vibes. A carnival haunted by the past and young people just trying to make some money during those summer months. This book made me nostalgic for childhood summers. I applaud King for making a book about a dying child and a haunted carnival seem so normal. His writing in this novel is so gentle and warm. Despite the thrilling plot, this book made me feel safe. I really enjoyed reading this one. Just writing this review makes me want to read it again right now.
8. House of Evil by John Dean
True crime set In my state's capital is all I needed to hear to get me to buy this book. As someone who studied criminology and psychology in college, this book made me sick. While all brutal crime is upsetting, it is even more so when the victim is a child. This book is not for the faint of heart and comes with many triggers. However, it is stories like these that need to be heard. I do not love true crime because I am sick and twisted, I read them because I believe every victim has a story that needs to be heard and that truth leads to well deserved punishment of their abusers. I believe stories of victims of crime make surviving victims feel less lone. This book and this crime opened many eyes to the horror of how our country treats children and children's safety. If you are not mad at how our country handles issues involving children ( CPS, fostering, abusive households) then this book will be sure to change your mind.
9. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
This was a book I read simply because it was a classic I felt I had to read to be considered a well-rounded reader. I am here to say that I will strip myself of the badge of being a bookworm if it means I have to like this book. Not only did I not get into it, but I hated it. It wasn't the writing, it wasn't the plot nor was it the characters. I can not pinpoint the reason I did not get into this crime novel like I thought I would but I think it could be that I simply amped it up too much in my head before I started reading. I would still tell people to read it if they haven't because it has to be a classic for a reason. I simply did not connect with this book as a reader like many others might. This may be the only bad review of this book you will ever see so... you're welcome??
10. The Man Who Shot My Eye Out is Dead by Chanelle Benz
I bought this book from dollar tree and it was a disappointment. I can confidently say this is a book that is not worth your time. I am rarely harsh on books, even when I dislike one, but this one is well deserving of my cynicism. I do, however, highly suggest shopping at Dollar Tree for books.
ll. The Demonologist by Gerald Brittle
The Conjuring universe movies are some of my favorite horror movies and I adore Ed and Lorraine Warren. This book is all about them and the true story that inspired the movies. I was amazed at just how much the movies stuck to the truth. To know that so many of the scenes from the movies that scared me were not dramatized for the sake of the movie made the book even scarier! This book also goes into detail about ways in which people make themselves more susceptible to demonic activity and I am sad to say I have done a few. This book was the perfect spooky read.
12. How to Fall In Love With Anyone: A Memoir in Essays by Mandy Len Catron
If you are a big self sabotager when it comes to your romantic life, then this is the wake up call book for you. Mandy Len Catron tells us what she knows about love in a collection of truthful, heartwarming essays. She explains to us what we already know deep down: love is NOT a fairytale, Cinderella is a lie and real love is full of work, dedication and companionship. It may not be the sappy, cheesy romance many read around Valentine's day but I am sure Mandy would agree when I say that a love story worth reading is a realistic one.
13. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
It is about time I finally got around to this classic.I hope I do not have to explain what this book is about due to the many movies made about this book but I will say that the page numbers may seem intimidating but you become so engrossed in the story that the length is NO problem! Jo is definitely my favorite sister!
14. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
If you have seen the Netflix original show based on this book, you know how amazing it is. I was hoping this book would answer some questions that the show did not but it ended up being just as mysterious but twice as good! This classic is not only super easy to read, but still relevant and realistic.
15. A Selfie as Big as The Ritz by Lara Williams
This was another dollar tree find and I am so happy I found it. It was a super easy, fast read filled with stories that make you feel heard. It is empowering for those in their 20s who feel lost and a reminder that you are not alone.
16. Find the Good: Unexpected Life Lessons from a Small-Town Obituary Writer by Heather Lende
Oh lordy. This one made me cry, laugh and think deeply about my life. All the things that make a good book are here. My favorite quote from this book is: "The world is full of happiness and plenty to go around, if you are only willing to take the kind that comes your way." Heather shares what she has learned about life while writing about death.
17. The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
This book COMPLETELY threw me off. I would never have been able to predict where each page was going to take me. I am a sucker for a dystopian novel and this one delivered everything I could have wanted and more. Not to mention that this book has an amazing female lead and an even more amazing female author.
18. If You Tell by Gregg Olsen
This book is terrible and completely amazing. The writing is amazing. While the story of this true crime is so tragic, it makes you ill, this is an amazing story of how we persevere despite everything life throws our way.
19. The Long Walk by Stephen King
I am endless impressed with anything King writes and this one is no different. Unlike most of his horror novels, this dystopian novel is scary due to the society King creates that allows so much suffering just because people are desperate enough to risk their lives for others entertainment. If you are a scaredy cat, this book is still safe for you to read.
` 20. Everything I know About Love by Dolly Alderton
This is a book for the lost, those in need of a laugh, independent women, women who know there is more to life than romantic love (or for women who need to hear that). It is safe to say that I am now obsessed with more than one Dolly. I highly recommend this one.
2l. The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man by W. Bruce Cameron
I I had no expectations for this book and was pleasantly surprised. This is not the kind of book I normally read and definitely not the kind of characters I am used to reading about. It wasn't until after I finished the book that I realized it was by the same Author as "A Dog's Purpose" and it made so much sense once I knew. I guarantee this one will be a pleasant surprise for you too.
22. A Good Idea by Cristina Moracho
If I am being honest, I do not remember this one that well. I don't remember it being bad but not remembering much can not be good either. I do know that this is one I bought from Dollar Tree so it may still be worth the time with such little monetary investment.
23. Notes on a Banana: A Memoir of Food, Love and Manic Depression by David Leite
You can't help but fall in love with this author. He is one of those rare ones that make you feel like you are listening to a best friend. I really enjoyed this one.
24. The Animators by Kayla Rae Whitaker
This story is about true friends and loyalty. It'll make you nostalgic on movies such as Thelma and Louise. I really enjoyed this one but be prepared, it is a long read.
25. The Lifeboat Clique by Kathy Parks
I normally do not read YA books but this one was good enough to give it a try. I knew that even if I did not end up liking it, the cover was cute enough to make up for it.
26. The Fire Line by Fernanda Santos
I did not know about this book until after I watched the movie "Only the Brave". The movie broke my heart... TWICE and the story was no different. If you have not heard about the heroes of Granite Mountain Hotshots, I beg of you to read this book.
27. A Drowning King by Emily Holleman
I am not one to read historic fiction but I really enjoyed this one. It is intimidating in page length and word size but the story was worth it. it takes a couple of chapters to get in to but if you hang in there, you will be rewarded.
28. You are a Complete Disappointment: A Triumphant Memoir of Failed Expectations by Mike Edison
This book has two of my favorite things: memoirs and dysfunctional families. I found this one at dollar tree but I would have been willing to pay more than just a dollar for this one.
29. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
I really wanted to like this book. It is on every 'Books to read before you die' lists and I was inspired to read it because of that. It may have been that I amped it up in my head before I read it but I just could not get into it from start to finish.
30. Rules for Others to Live By by Richard Greenberg
Another book I barely remember. I am so sorry!
3l. The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues By Edward Kelsey Moore
I love it when a book mentions places I know or are set in places I have been. The most exciting is when a book mentions my HOMETOWN! While this book did not impress me enough to give it 5 stars, I really enjoyed the story.
32. The Reminders by Val Emmich
A heartbroken man who wants to forget befriends a girl with a mental condition that makes it impossible for her to forget even the smallest detail. It is a story about the importance of our memories, music and love. It is a breath of fresh air and each chapter is named after a Beatles song. I can not stress enough how much I adored this book.
33. Don't I Know You by Marni Jackson
I enjoyed reading this book. It reminded me of my whimsical imagination from my childhood and how I would fantasize about meeting my favorite celebrities. This book brings the "They are just like us!" magazine columns to life by showing famous people as everyday characters in each chapter. Taylor Swift works for apple. Leonard Cohen works in an ice cream truck. Keith Richards performs surgery. The list goes on and on.It is funny and simple and such a delight to read.
34. Wild Nights: How Taming Sleep Created Our Restless World by Benjamin Reiss
I have had a love/hate relationship with sleep for most of my life. Insomnia, restlessness, etc. While this book does not map out the perfect way to sleep, it shows how the history of our sleep has evolved throughout the years and how there really isn't a perfect way to sleep. This is basically one long research paper that reads like a novel. Super interesting for those who are fascinated by sleep and bedtime rituals.
35. Pretty Is by Maggie Mitchell
This was a great mystery read and I only paid $1 for it! I have said it before and I will say it again, GO TO DOLLAR TREE FOR BOOKS!! I love this story and I wanted so desperately to be friends with the main characters.
36. Happiness by Heather Harpham
This was SO beautiful. In times like these when our health is such a scary thing to think about, this book reminds us to have hope and to be thankful for every breath we are given. WARNING: the little girl in this book will steal your heart.
37. Mind of Winter by Laura Kasischke
I will guarantee that your jaw will DROP when you read the ending to this book. I honestly feel like I am haunted after reading it. This is sooo good! With the stress of holidays and family trouble, a lot can slip through our fingers and this book is an example of just how much can go wrong.
38. Party of One by Dave Holmes
This book mixed two of my favorite things: reading and music. A memoir about the 90s and the pop culture and music that shaped the author into the person they are today. A light, fun read for sure!
39. Setting Free the Kites by Alex George
I fell in love with the two main characters in under 50 pages... this may be a new record breaker for me because it normally takes me a while to warm up to the characters. This book is so beautifully heartbreaking. Full of life. It'll drag your heart through the gutter and then make you feel so light. It's a story of friendship and loss and how the latter is eased by the former.
40. Sunday Silence by Nicci French
Mystery and fun are normally not two words you would put right next to each other to describe a book unless it was a children's story but this one is different. I really enjoyed reading this murder mystery novel. I can also say that this one is also another scaredy cat safe book on my list.
4l. Pig Tales: An Omnivore's Quest for Sustainable Meat by Barry Estabrook
This book was very off-brand reading for me. While I must admit that I was bored through reading most of this, it was very informative ( I am just not book on books that read like research papers). Even though I rarely eat pork as it is, this book just confirmed there are even more reasons to hate bacon. If you are one of the many people who love bacon, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK.
42. Perfect Little World by Kevin Wilson
"We're mysteries to each other, no matter how hard we try to prove otherwise." This was such a unique story. I have always been a fan of utopian/dystopian novels and this one fits the mold. This book is a story about a family we get to choose. It is a fictional psychology study about families and childhood development. I highly recommend this read. (Also another dollar tree find)
43. Anyone who's Anyone by George Wayne
This is a generous one star read for me. While I learned some interesting facts about a few celebrities, this is basically just 278 pages of the author bragging about how many famous people he knows and how cool he is. I HATE writing such a negative review but dang it if I didn't roll my eyes every other page. Just trying to save you all some time and tell you to find a better book on this list to read. I will say that I do love the cover and there is some pretty cool artwork spread out through the pages.
44. Brainquake
On top of the design of this book, the vintage, mobster mystery storyline is enough to make you fall in love!
45. The Sinner by Petra Hammesfahr
The Sinner will keep you on your toes and make you want to read even faster so you can watch the series afterwards. I would go into more detail about this one, but it already seems to be a household name!
46. The Aspern Papers by Henry James
If I am being honest, I only read this one because it was wrapped into another book I bought. And to be even more honest, I don't remember enough about it to give a decent review!
47. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
Annddd the book I was really after! I did not even know this book existed until I watched the horror movie, "the Turning." The movie left me with so many questions and I was hoping this book would answer at least a few of them. Turns out (see what i did there), the book is just as mysterious and actually left me with MORE questions. It is definitely one of those books where the ending is left up to the readers interpretation. Although it left me puzzled, I enjoyed this classic horror read.
48. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
This is also on my top 3 favorite books I have read this year. I literally could not put it down. The only reason I didn't read this book all in one sitting was because I had to go to work halfway through. This book will have you thinking you know what is going to happen just to laugh in your face and say 'YOU THOUGHT!"
49. A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines
A black author writing about oppression and an improper sentencing of an innocent, young black man. It is about injustice and finding hope through those injustices. It is social commentary wrapped up in a short novel. I found this quote about this book on amazon that sums up the 'lesson' better than I could: "Heroism is not always expressed through action-- sometimes the simple act of resisting the inevitable is enough." Give this book your time, it is worth the read!
50. Moody Bitches: The Truth About the Drugs You're Taking, The Sleep You're Missing, The Sex You're Not Having and What's Really Making You Crazy by Julie Holland, M.D.
If you are a woman (or if you love a woman) you MUST read this book. It was such an eye opener to me and I am now more in tun with my body just by reading what Julie Holland, M.D. has to say. This book will make you want to quit oral contraceptives if you are on them. It will make you want to treat your body better. It will make you appreciate nature and what it does for you. Most importantly, it'll remind you why women are so dang awesome. This was BY FAR my most informative read of 2020.
5l. In Context: Understanding Police Killings of Unarmed Citizens by Nick Selby, Ben Singleton, Ed Flosi, MS
This was a book I had sitting on my shelf for quite some time now. I could not get into it. However, with all that 2020 has brought, this book suddenly became interesting. It explains when police killings are justifiable and when they are not. This book only covers the incidents from 2015 and I would love to see the authors do another book with more recent incidents. Information and education is s beneficial in times like these. We are better people when we are smarter.
52. Quiet Until the Thaw by Alexandra Fuller
This book was a slow read for me despite the low page number. I do not blame the book though. It took me longer because it was full of a culture I am not well-informed on and I had to constantly look things up.
53. Pantsuit Nation By Libby Chamberlain
Why would I read a 250+ page book about a politician I do not support? Why would I read that much about the opinions of many that do not align with mine all the time? The answer is that I believe it is important to educate yourself on all levels. I believe you can't say you are educated in politics unless you have take the time to study all of the parties. I believe that no matter who you support, you should be respected and your opinion should hold equal value. I believe that it is our duties as humans to study the cultures, politics, religions, etc that exist outside of our bubbles. I believe it is time we start popping our bubbles altogether. How are you educating yourself on something new today? You can start by reading books like these.
54. The Postcard Killers by James Patterson
I felt like a big traitor while I read this book because this author is a major competitor to my all time favorite author, Stephen King. This book, however, was AMAZING. I found out about this book after watching a trailer for the movie made out of it. After seeing the trailer I thought to myself, 'This is too good to not be a book first.' It is a story about a man hunting down killers who leave their victims bodies posed as famous artwork, take a photo, and send it as a postcard out to the public. You NEED to add this to your 'to be read' pile.
55. Midnight in Peeking: How the Murder of a Young Englishwoman Haunted the Last Days of Old China by Paul French
This book was a - finish in less than 24 hours- good. I am, if you couldn't already tell, a big fan of true crime novels. I am also a fan of books with pictures in the middle. This book gave me both. I had a lot of fun reading this book not just because of my obsession with true crime, but also because this was a first time for me. I have read very little about this culture and this time period so it made for a good learning experience.
56. Act Like a Lady: Questionable Advise, Ridiculous Opinions and Humiliating Tales From Three Undignified Women by Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin and Jae Vanek
Go get this book right now. No, seriously... RIGHT NOW. I laughed, I felt understood, I wanted to be the authors friend, I teared up a little and I felt inspired all in a short 276 pages. If you are a strong, independent lady (or you are trying to become one) this book is basically a how-to.
57. The Best of Adam Sharp by Graeme Simsion
THIS BOOK WAS READ IN ONE DAY! I fell in love with the characters so easily and they did not disappoint. It is about failing relationships. It is abut long lost lovers reuniting. It is about learning that what you wish for is not always better that what you have. I love this book so much and will be one I carry in my heart for a very long time.
58. Every Day by David Levithan
Can you imagine how strange it would be to wake up in a different body every day? If you want to imagine, just read this book. I enjoyed this one a lot.
59. Newtown: An American Tragedy by Matthew Lysiak
This was a heavy read and my heart hurt the whole time. It was not easy but it was a story that needs to be heard... deserves to be heard. 26 lives lost. 20 of them being young children. This happened 8 years ago and yet the story STILL needs to be told over and over again because children are still not safe. Schools have come a long way but proper safety measures must be taken to ensure that, in such an unsafe world, kids can come to school knowing they will be cared for and kept safe for at least 7 hours of their day. I believe this is a book everyone should read.
60. Mop Men: Inside the World of Crime Scene Cleaners by Alan Emmins
This was about a 3.5 stars out of 5 for me. It was interesting but I was expecting more action and less talking about the action. Warning: it was gory at times, but very educational. Not many people are made for a job of cleaning up after gruesome murders and suicide but this book follows people who have the guts to do just that. MAJOR trigger warning: there are very descriptive scenes of suicide and contemplation. This book is not for everyone. It is very dark.
6l. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
I am so glad I finally jumped on the bandwagon for this book. It is funny, sad, heartwarming AND eyeopening. Being a retail worker, I could tell you right now that people like Eleanor are some of my biggest enemies. She can be so rude and short to people. However, this book allowed me to see things from her perspective. She never meant to be those things. The way she interacts with people is a reflection of how she watched her mom do so and also as a result of her survived tragedies. I loved this so much. I went from hating Eleanor to feeling like her friend.
62. The Emancipation of Cecily McMillan : An American Memoir By Cecily McMillan
"When I was a young girl my mother told me, 'Everything you see, your home, your loved ones, even your life, can be taken from you at will. But no one can strip you of your dignities without your consent."
This is a story worth reading. It is empowering. It makes you remember why it is so important to stand up for what you believe in ( and that one of those things you should believe in is yourself).
63. Admissions: Life as a Brain Surgeon by Henry Marsh
Funny. Insightful. Upsetting. Sad. Inspiring. A new way of seeing the medical world. I have always wondered why so many doctors come off as such cold, heartless people and now I understand why. It is for their own survival and mental well-being. This short read was a great way to look at things through a different lense.
64. CRAZY: A Father's Search Through America's Mental Health Madness by Pete Earley
This book shows just how far a parent will go for their children. Even if it is just to seek to understand. As I studied psychology in college, I understood just how life-altering and complicated having a mental illness can be. What is even more alarming is how such a developed country, like the United States, has treated people with a mental illness and how little we have truly came in treatment and maintenance. Why are so may of our citizens with mental illnesses in jails or homeless? This book dives into this hard subjects and tries to find the answers. TRIGGER WARNING: suicide, contemplation, physical abuse, drug abuse, homelessness, etc.
65. All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols
I have been a big fan of Morgan Harper Nichols from the very beginning so this book was a major hit for me. I suggest that if you buy this one, to go ahead and buy two so you can gift the other one. It is fully of beautiful illustrations and even more beautiful words.
66. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
I am a sucker for anything Bradbury writes and I am also a sucker for anything spooky. His writing is rare and hard to compete with. This is why he will always remain a classic. If you have yet to read anything by him: !. are you okay? 2. Start anywhere 3. This is one of my new favorites so maybe start here. A creepy carnival, suspicious activity in a small town and two young boys just trying to play detective = the perfect plot.
67. Wally's World by Marsha Boulton
Wally's World broke my heart like I knew it would. I am a mess when it comes to our beloved pets and almost every novel I read about one comes to a tragic end. I would be rich if I had a dollar for every time I said that dogs should live forever. I fell in love with Wally the second he was introduced. I cried with the author every time he hurt himself or got sick. I laughed at his goofiness and admired his capacity for love and fun. If everyone could be like wally (or most dogs for that matter) the world would not only be a better place, it would be the best place.
68. Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
"Well, actually, I love books because books are my best friends"
This was so fun. I have never read a book quite like this one. Let's just say if Penumbra's 24 hour bookstore was real, I would spend al of my time and money in it. This was the kind of book that will make you remember why you fell in love with reading and remind you of the magic of a good book. I am obsessed and you will be too.
69. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
I loved this movie so much and I fell in love with the book just as fast. The culture and wealth in this book is so fascinating and a world I know nothing about. When I saw how the characters in this novel spent their money. I felt so outside of that world because I can't imagine spending so much on things I do not care about. Millions spend on 5 outfits? No thank you! I am sure it is just because I am no where near having my hands on that kind of wealth, but I found myself thinking about how I would probably still go shopping at TJ Maxx even if I had the kind of money that the people in this book do. Also, Rachel and Nick's love is something you can't help but root for.
70. China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
The second book to this trilogy did not let me down! The people got richer, the plot got even more intense and my love for Rachel and Nick's love only got bigger.
7l. Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
The final and last book of this trilogy was the best yet! I think they gradually got more interesting and intense with each book. Everything worked itself out and I was satisfied in how the stories of all the main characters ended. These books are truly a gift to every person that reads them.
72. Everything's Eventual by Stephen King
This was Stephen King's first collection of short stories. This collection includes the short story 1408 and if you haven't seen the movie, go watch it (after you read the story of course).
73. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
I read these simply for the nostalgia and they took me straight back to 7th grade. There is something to be said about a book worth reading twice. Yes, I found these way more cheesy the second time around, but I loved them just as much.
74. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
75. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
76. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
77. Rose Madder by Stephen King
This book was unlike most of King's work. It was not scary. But what it lacked in horror it made up for in suspense. A woman leaves an abusive relationship to start over with a new identity. With the help of those who've been where she is and a mysterious painting she buys at a pawn shop, Rose finds a way to live on despite her abusive husband using his cop skills to track her down.
78. If It Bleeds by Stephen King
This was by far one of my favorite short story collections. Mr. Harrigan's Phone (the first story in this book) was so chilling and I still think about it. I loved that King gave a backstory to what inspired him to write each short story. This one is a MUST READ.
79. Cujo by Stephen King
I have a very early memory of watching this movie. I remember how scared my mom was while watching it and all my three year old self could think was "cute doggy." I can confirm after finally reading the book that it was NOT cute.
80. The Running Man by Stephen King
This may be the only Stephen King novel that i could not get into. I could not follow it and, to me, the plot was not interesting. There, That's it. The only bad review of a Stephen King novel you will get from me.
8l. The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King
I really enjoyed this collection. While it was not my absolute favorite of his collections, I did find it to be the most unique. All of the stories were so strange and different. There were also two poems in this collection and it was a first for me. I was not even aware that Stephen King wrote poetry and you will be pleasantly surprised by the two in this book.
82. The Regulators by Stephen King
Not going to lie, Desperation (The book to be read with this one that is almost the same story... but opposite?) was better.I still enjoyed this book because it took me back to the story that Desperation told. It's creepy, it's confusing and it makes you wonder what is out there.
83. The Rules Do Not Apply by Ariel Levy
Many people who read this book may tell you that they could not get over how conceited and self absorbed Ariel Levy is. To that I say... it's a memoir... what else is she supposed to talk about besides herself? This is a story about facing trauma and tragedy, and then facing it again... and again and again. This is about resilience and not giving up on a life that is still beautiful even when we can't see it. I truly enjoyed this read.
84. 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works by Dan Harris
This one was just okay for me. I enjoyed the educating aspect of this book but I could not get into the authors story. I could not relate and I found myself not wanting to be the authors friend (by no fault of his own or his writing) and it made it hard for me to emotional invest like I normally do while I read autobiographies and memoirs.
85. Behind the Murder Curtain by Bruce Sackman, Michael Vecchione, and Jerry Schmetterer
Killer nurses and doctors caught red handed? Yes please. When you think of doctors and nurses, you would hope that you can trust them. Considering when you are in need most, these are the people you would rely on to save your life, you would want them to have your best interest in mind. You definitely would not want them to have murder on their mind. This book is all about tracking down the nurses and doctors that do have murder on their mind.
86. You are a Badass: How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living An Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
You have seen this book on many lists, I am sure of it. If you have read any bad reviews, I am not sure of. If you haven't, here it is. I did not enjoy this book. It was boring, it said the same thing over and over again. It was the cookie cutter self-help book. I am being harsh, I know.
87. Thinner by Stephen King
I read this book because I really wanted to watch the movie. I am here to say that the book is better. Not to mention that this one you can recommend to anyone because it is one of King's shorter, less intimidating reads. Everyone wants to lose weight... as long as the weight loss eventually stops... as long as that loss is not a curse. If "be careful what you wish for" was a book, it would be this one.
88. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book and I knew I would because I loved Gillian Flynn. A survivor of a family murder lives her whole life believing her brother killed her sisters and mother. It is not until she comes across a true crime club that she is convinced to reevaluate everything she supposedly remembers about that tragic night. How much died she truly remember and how much was she coaxed into confessing? GO READ THIS NOW.
89. Out in the Open by Jesus Garrasco
This one might have been my last favorite read this year :( that is all I have to say.
90. Anatomy of a Song by Marc Myers
Being a big music geek, this one made me excited for the next chapter after just starting a new one. Each chapter goes into depth about a certain, legendary song and the background and inspiration behind it. It is filled with interviews and fun facts about everyones favorite songs.
9l. Just After Sunset by Stephen King
All of these short stories deal with altered realities or the VERY THIN line between life and death. While it wasn't my favorite collection, it wasn't my least either.
92. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
These were a blast from the past. I have always been obsessed with a good dystopian society and these four books hit the nail right on the head. A great example of when science and technology are taken too far. This will make you question what is truly 'good for humanity'.
93. The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
94. The Death Cure by James Dashner
95. The Kill Order by James Dashner
96. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
AMAZING. To hear so many people who felt lost be vulnerable and ask for help was so refreshing. Reality and honest is something I love in a good book and the main reason I love reading non-fiction. While I love a good fictional read, they do not make you feel understood quite like books like these. You will want to read this one.
97. The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
I am normally not a big sci-fi reader but if anyone can make me read it, it would be Ray Bradbury. I LOVE this classic.
I am not sure how this one made it down to the bottom of this list when it was in fact the FIRST book I read this year. And what a great way to start the year. I suggest you start your 2021 with this one.
98. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
ANOTHER favorite book of the year. I cried as I finished this book because I did not want it to end ( not to mention that the ending is nothing short of amazing). I cried because I love Ove so much . I cried because I have recently given up my faith in humanity and this book reminded me of how beautiful human nature is. It is a story about how we all read almost everyone wrong and how it is often the most unlikely friendships that save our lives and make them sweeter. If you read nothing else on this list, at least read this one.
99. A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
Who would've thought that a 116 page book could be so intimidating. This one has been sitting in my TBR pile for the whole year and I finally got the nerve to tackle it. SPOILER ALERT: it is not intimidating or hard to read. It is eye opening, inspiring, and informative. It was a battlecry to women authors in the 1920s. This feminist piece of literature demands truth and equity during a time where such things were still hush-hush and promiscuous. I am so glad I finally tackled this essay.
100. Bibliophile by Jane Mount
This was an early Christmas gift to myself and I geeked out from the first page to the last. There are so many fun facts and beautiful illustrations. I've already read every word from front to back and already want to do it again. Every bookworm needs this on their shelves.
10l. Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
Like all other Malcolm Gladwell books, this one was very informative and makes you understand yourself and others better. It is all about how we are often better off when we trust our gut. Scientific research proves that thinking too much into things makes our judgment worse. This one is greta for psychology majors or just people who seek to understand more about the workings of the world.
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