It’s time to start taking stock of all the amazing titles released in the first half of 2020! To kick things off, we’re turning to you, our wonderful readers. Here are the 20 books you’ve liked the most.
1. The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
More complicated, weirder and far more haunted than Station Eleven, the new novel from Emily St. John Mandel defies all expectations.
2. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Smart, witty and even a bit sly, this penetrating social commentary is also one of the year’s most enjoyable novels.
3. Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
A killer takes inspiration from classic mysteries in this wickedly clever new thriller.
4. Hid From Our Eyes by Julia Spencer-Fleming
Hid from Our Eyes is an exciting return to a beloved series, as well as an intriguing entry point for readers new to the world of Russ, Clare and Millers Kill.
5. The Lost Book of Adana Moreau by Michael Zapata
As intriguing as the plot may sound upfront, it can’t speak to the otherworldly beauty of Michael Zapata’s writing.
6. The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
This exceptional work of historical fiction offers insight into the rippling effects of extremism.
7. The Regrets by Amy Bonnafons
For the heartbroken and heart-hungry, there’s no better book than Amy Bonnaffons’ debut novel of haunted love.
8. Hill Women by Cassie Chambers
Hill Women is a quietly moving, powerful memoir in which Cassie Chambers praises the fortitude, intelligence and strength of Appalachian women.
9. The Lady’s Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness by Sarah Ramey
The Lady’s Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness is a stirring, inspiring rallying cry and an engaging, harrowing and often hilarious personal story.
10. The Escape Artist by Helen Fremont
Concealed within Helen Fremont’s polished family image was a Jewish refugee, a traumatized survivor and children wrestling with mental illness.
11. Afterlife by Julia Alvarez
In one moving scene after another, Julia Alvarez dramatizes the sustaining power of stories.
12. When Time Stopped by Ariana Neumann
When Time Stopped is filled with heartbreaking, spine-tingling stories about Ariana Neumann’s father and his dramatic past as a Jewish refugee in WWII Berlin.
13. Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon
Nancy Grace Augusta Wake is a woman so extraordinary that your first instinct might be to believe she is imaginary, like James Bond.
14. The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren
Fans of Lauren will be delighted with their latest romance, and newcomers should look forward to beginning what will become a lifelong love affair with the author duo.
15. Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker
At the center of Hidden Valley Road are 12 children, six schizophrenia diagnoses and two parents navigating a meager mental health care system in America.
16. The Chill by Scott Carson
This fast-paced, frenzied tale of survival against both natural and supernatural forces will leave you gasping for air.
17. Little Gods by Meng Jin
Crossing continents and spanning decades, Meng Jin’s intimate, emotionally complex debut novel is an awesome achievement.
18. Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb
Bess Kalb's heartfelt, hilarious memoir pays tribute to her beloved—and opinionated—grandma.
19. All Adults Here by Emma Straub
Emma Straub’s writing is witty, informal and deceptively simple, drawing readers in as if they’re having a conversation with a close friend.
20. Deacon King Kong by James McBride
Deacon King Kong is an incredibly funny novel, with sharp comedic language and precise timing that never lets up.
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