Best Reads of 2020 (So Far)

You guys, it's almost fall already! We've already had our first snow in Denver, so it's starting to feel more and more like the coziest time of the year. I know 2020 hasn't really been what any of us expected, but even with all of the ups and downs, I've read some great books this year. Here are my favorite reads of the year so far.

Star Crossed by Minnie Darke

Sometimes the stars need some help. Nick lives his life by the words of his monthly horoscope in The Alexandria Park Star. Justine, who just so happens to work at the magazine, knows that if the stars so dictate, Nick may end up realizing that they are a couple meant to be. Queue a year of astrological medalling and all of their effects on the magazine's readers.

Um hi Netflix, why haven't you made this a movie yet?! Seriously the very best rom-com I've ever read. The interweavings of all of Justine's horoscope modifications fold together in such a remarkable way. Darke's plotting is one of the best I've ever had the pleasure to enjoy, so even if you're a rom-com skeptic, I highly recommend you pick this one up.

Calypso by David Sedaris

This was the first Sedaris book I've read and I'm already hooked. Sedaris tells snippets of his life with his family, ranging from the loss of his sister to suicide, discovering a tumor on his abdomen, and purchasing a beach house he endearingly names The Sea-Section at which he hosts summer-long family reunions.

All throughout, his snarky humor shines through, and

I found myself laughing with him as he coped with his most difficult moments.

As someone who also uses humor to cope, I found his writing style to resonate so strongly with me. This book took me out of a little reading slump—I read it all in about two days! It made me laugh and cry. You can definitely expect me to read more of his books ASAP!

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

When the bridal party for a wedding on a remote Irish island gathers, the perfect day may not be as perfect after all. Uncomfortable toasts are given, dresses are ruined, secrets are revealed, and someone is found dead.

If you read And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie and loved it, you need to put this one at the top of your to be read stack! Everyone has something to hide, and every secret has a catastrophic impact on the other guests. So when the booze from the open bar starts flowing, nothing good can result. It's an ultimate page-turner and summer thriller read. But let's be real, thriller season is year-round.

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

Patricia Campbell's life feels out of her own hands. So when the other women in her 1980's small southern town band together to start a true-crime bookclub, everything feels more together—until James Harris comes to town, and children start to go missing. Nothing will get between Patricia and her kids. She only has one option here: get the girls together and slay a vampire.

Hendrix was inspired to write a book about his own mother, who protected him from all of life's troubles as a child. Patricia is one of the most relatable characters I've read, and I couldn't help but love her the whole time. Her quest for justice and protecting not just her children, but the town's disregarded Black children speaks the truth for the current times. It's an incredibly thoughtful, scary, and heartfelt horror novel that I could not put down.

Want a full review of any of these titles? Let me know in the comments!