top 7 books of 2020

Over the last few days I've been compiling a list of my top favorite books for 2020. I keep track of all the books I read on goodreads, and especially like the feature of "my year in books". If you want to see mine, here's a link. Books are given a star rating of 1 - 5. I don't very often rate a book at 5 stars because my personal criteria is that it has to be memorable enough that I won't quickly forget it, or make a lasting impression. Of the 67 books I read in 2020, I gave 7 a 5 star rating. Here's a brief description of each of those seven books.

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

Nonfiction

After reading about the death penalty and the work of Bryan Stevenson with the Equal Justice Initiative in The Sun Does Shine, I wanted more. Just Mercy tells stories of death row convicts, how they got there, and the injustices many suffer. A thought-provoking, worthwhile read.

Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science by John Fleischman

Nonfiction 

I'm fascinated by true medical stories and the unbelievable nature of what happened to Phineas Gage, a man who had a hole blown through his head and lived, thoroughly interested me. 

A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley

Nonfiction 

At 5 years old, Saroo became separated from his family after getting lost on a train in India, ending up in the dangerous city of Calcutta. Surviving homelessness and hunger, he was eventually adopted by an Australian couple. He never forgot his home and family in India, and when he became older, spent years searching Google Maps for a place that matched his memories. He finally found his hometown and was reunited with his family as an adult. An astonishing, engrossing book!

Devotion by Adam Makos

Nonfiction

From the same author as another favorite, A Higher Call, Devotion takes place in the Korean War and tells the story of Jesse Brown, an African American Navy pilot. Heartwarming friendship, heroism, and tragedy make this an unforgettable book. 

My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie

Historical fiction

This novel uses true events, letters, and original sources to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton's wife, Eliza. Just like in America's First Daughter, history comes to life! Who knew the characters in history books had such rich, real, even scandalous lives!

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Classic fiction

I don't know why I waited until I was 35 years old to read this wonderful classic. Even though it's a looong book (49 hours of listening) I could not get enough! I loved the romance, Southern charm, and historical setting of this Pulitzer Prize winning novel. What surprised me is how tragic the whole story is, and it doesn't turn out perfectly in the end!

The Huntress by Kate Quinn

Historical fiction 

I've read many WWII historical fiction novels and rate most of them 3 - 4 stars.  I consider The Huntress as one of the best, along with The Alice Network by the same author. A Nazi murderess, a Soviet female night bomber, and long-hidden secrets make this vividly written book one to remember.