Dive into 2020's Best: The NYT's Top Books of the Year
Hey there, bookworms! Ready to explore the crème de la crème of literature from 2020? The New York Times has done the heavy lifting for us, curating a fantastic list of the best books of the year. So, grab your cozy blanket, a steaming cup of your favorite brew, and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and nyt best books 2020.
The Big Guns: NYT's Top 10 Books of 2020
The New York Times kicked off their best-of list with a bang, revealing their top 10 books of 2020. These literary powerhouses span various genres, from fiction to non-fiction, each offering a unique perspective and unforgettable narrative.
1. "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett
Brit Bennett's "The Vanishing Half" took the literary world by storm, landing the coveted top spot on the NYT's list. This captivating novel explores the lives of two Black twin sisters who run away from their small Southern town, one passing for white and the other returning years later to their estranged family.
2. "Sharks in the Time of Saviors" by Kawai Strong Washburn
Kawai Strong Washburn's debut novel is a spellbinding tale that weaves together Hawaiian mythology, family drama, and the contemporary reality of gentrification. "Sharks in the Time of Saviors" is a powerful exploration of identity, heritage, and the struggles of a family navigating modern-day Hawaii.
3. "Deacon King Kong" by James McBride
James McBride's "Deacon King Kong" is a vibrant and heartwarming tale set in the 1960s, centering around a church deacon who witnesses a murder and must navigate the complex web of secrets and lies that follow. McBride's signature humor and storytelling prowess shine in this captivating novel.
4. "The Night Watchman" by Louise Erdrich
Louise Erdrich's "The Night Watchman" is a deeply moving and historically significant novel inspired by her grandfather's experience as a night watchman at a plant in North Dakota. The story weaves together a rich tapestry of characters, each grappling with their own struggles amidst the backdrop of the Ojibwe Nation's fight against termination.
5. "The Lying Life of Adults" by Elena Ferrante
Elena Ferrante's "The Lying Life of Adults" is the first novel in her Neapolitan series not to feature the beloved characters of Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo. Instead, this captivating coming-of-age story follows Giovanna, a young girl growing up in 1990s Naples, as she navigates the complexities of adulthood and the lies that often accompany it.
6. "The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Ta-Nehisi Coates' "The Water Dancer" is a mesmerizing tale of power, memory, and the journey to freedom. Set in the antebellum South, the story follows Hiram Walker, a young enslaved man who discovers he possesses a unique ability and must use it to escape the plantation and fight for his people's liberation.
7. "The New Wilderness" by Diane Cook
Diane Cook's "The New Wilderness" is a chilling and thought-provoking dystopian novel that explores the consequences of humanity's destruction of the natural world. The story follows two women, Lynette and her young daughter, as they flee the crumbling remnants of society and seek refuge in the last remaining wilderness.
8. "The Mirror & the Light" by Hilary Mantel
Hilary Mantel's "The Mirror & the Light" is the thrilling conclusion to her Wolf Hall trilogy, chronicling the final years of Thomas Cromwell's life. Mantel's masterful storytelling and meticulous research bring the Tudor court to life, as Cromwell navigates the treacherous political landscape and grapples with his own mortality.
9. "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison (Rest in Power)
In a poignant tribute to the late, great Toni Morrison, the NYT included her seminal novel "The Bluest Eye" in their top 10 list. This powerful exploration of race, beauty, and self-worth follows the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl growing up in 1940s Ohio, and her desperate desire to have blue eyes.
10. "Long Bright River" by Liz Moore
Liz Moore's "Long Bright River" is a gripping and suspenseful crime novel that explores the opioid crisis through the eyes of two estranged sisters, one a police officer and the other a recovering addict. As the sisters' paths converge, they must confront the demons of their past and the devastating consequences of addiction.
The Rest of the Best: NYT's Top Books of 2020 by Category
The New York Times also broke down their best-of list by category, highlighting the standout titles in various genres. From captivating memoirs to thought-provoking works of non-fiction, these books offer something for every reader.
Fiction
1. Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson Isabel Wilkerson's "Caste" is a groundbreaking exploration of the caste system in the United States, drawing parallels between America's racial hierarchy and the rigid caste systems of India and Nazi Germany.
2. The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson Erik Larson's "The Splendid and the Vile" is a gripping and immersive account of Winston Churchill's first year as prime minister during the early days of World War II.
3. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune TJ Klune's "The House in the Cerulean Sea" is a heartwarming tale of love, acceptance, and the extraordinary children who call a mysterious house home.
4. The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir, "The Secret to Superhuman Strength," is a candid and humorous exploration of her lifelong quest for physical prowess and the unexpected lessons she learns along the way.
5. The First Woman by Jennifer T. Roberts Jennifer T. Roberts' "The First Woman" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that imagines the life of the first woman created by God, offering a fresh perspective on the biblical story of Eve.
Non-Fiction
1. The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X by Les Payne and Tamara Payne Les Payne and Tamara Payne's "The Dead Are Arising" is a comprehensive and revelatory biography of Malcolm X, drawing on extensive interviews and previously unseen documents to paint a vivid portrait of the civil rights icon.
2. Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe Patrick Radden Keefe's "Empire of Pain" is a gripping and meticulously researched expose of the Sackler family, the billionaire dynasty behind the opioid crisis and the pharmaceutical giant Purdue Pharma.
3. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab V.E. Schwab's "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" is a captivating and atmospheric novel that follows the story of Addie LaRue, a young woman cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets, as she searches for a way to break the spell and reclaim her place in the world.
4. The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans Danielle Evans' "The Office of Historical Corrections" is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of short stories that explore the complexities of race, identity, and the legacy of the past.
5. The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr. Robert Jones Jr.'s "The Prophets" is a stunning and evocative novel that tells the story of Isaiah and Samuel, two enslaved men on a Mississippi plantation, as they grapple with their forbidden love and the devastating consequences of their secret.
Honorable Mentions: More Must-Reads from 2020
The New York Times also highlighted a number of additional titles that deserve a place on your reading list. From captivating works of fiction to insightful works of non-fiction, these books offer a wealth of literary treasures to explore.
1. The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin N.K. Jemisin's "The City We Became" is a spellbinding and original novel that imagines a world in which cities are sentient beings, fighting to protect themselves from the forces of darkness.
2. The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski Andrzej Sapkowski's "The Last Wish" is the first book in the Witcher series, a captivating and action-packed fantasy adventure that follows the story of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a treacherous and unforgiving world.
3. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood Margaret Atwood's "The Testaments" is a chilling and thought-provoking sequel to her classic novel "The Handmaid's Tale," offering a glimpse into the future of Gilead and the women who dare to challenge its oppressive regime.
4. The Water Cure by Sophie Mackintosh Sophie Mackintosh's "The Water Cure" is a haunting and atmospheric novel that explores the story of three sisters living on a remote island, as they grapple with the secrets of their past and the mysterious rituals that govern their lives.
5. The House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas Sarah J. Maas' "The House of Earth and Blood" is the first book in her Crescent City series, a captivating and action-packed urban fantasy that blends mythology, romance, and suspense into a thrilling narrative.
Wrapping Up: The Best Books of 2020
And there you have it, folks! The New York Times' top books of 2020, a fantastic and diverse collection of literary gems that offer something for every reader. Whether you're in the mood for a captivating work of fiction, a thought-provoking work of non-fiction, or a gripping memoir, there's a book on this list that's sure to captivate and inspire you.
So, grab your favorite reading nook, pour yourself a steaming cup of your favorite brew, and dive into the best books of 2020. Happy reading, and here's to an even more fantastic literary year ahead!