📚What I Read in 2020📚

Reading has definitely helped me through the year of 2020. Even though I only read three books, I’m pretty proud of myself for even reading at all. I haven’t done this hobby in such a long time, I felt so out touch to just jump back into it. Through the years, I’ve accumulated a lot of books in my home library; I thought to myself, why not read some of them throughout the year so I can shorten my TBR (to be read) pile. Side note, my TBR pile is huge like three stacks of books “huge”. I was reminded on why I loved reading so much- the different settings, the characters and the story itself going to the climax and even more reasons. Each of the three books I’ve read had everything I could want in a book. 

The three books I’ve read this year was The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo and lastly Heartless by Marissa Meyer. I would definitely say these were all my favorites for the year; I can’t pick a top favorite. Each deserve a 5-star rating to me. I’ll talk about each book in the order of which I read the books and what I liked about each book. 

First up is The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chboksy

Short Plot: (I don’t want to give it all away if you want to read it also side note book mentions mature content)

This story is told in a letter/diary form which is addressed to “friend” by writer Charlie who is starting his first year in high school. Charlie is a person who doesn’t put himself out there and is what you would call a wallflower; a person who observes what’s around him and is very shy around people. Then Charlie meets two people that changes his life- Patrick and his step sister Sam. Patrick and Sam are seniors in his high school that meet Charlie at one of the school’s major activities and they immediately welcome him as one of their own. In the rest of the book, we follow Charlie and his new friends on their many adventures together. Some of these adventures has many different effects to Charlie emotionally and mentally. But overall, we see a lot of good changes in Charlie even though his many hurdles. 

What I Love About This Book:

I really like the friendship between Charlie, Patrick and Sam; the book shows so much of what each character goes in the narration of Charlie. Even though they have mishaps on their own, their support of each other is pretty amazing to see. Patrick and Sam go through a lot of love problems with their respective partners, but Charlie goes through a lot of mental battles within himself. Through all these battles, they help each other and support each other as well. Charlie is shy but Patrick and Sam show him to be himself that he comes out of his shell a little bit. 

Second is The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo 

Short Plot:

This story is written entirely in verse and told in the point of view of Xiomara who lives in Uptown New York. Xiomara discovers her passion of poetry and the only way she can express herself freely. But growing up in a religious household by her mom, she has to hide this from her. Her mother pressures her to become super religious like she is but Xiomara knows that isn’t the life she wants for herself. Knowing this, she’s learned to be a tough girl who is vocal to be people in community and sometimes in school. We see her going through changes and even trying something she’s never done before which is spoken word. It’s a fast paced read with so many empowering words from Xiomara. 

What I Love About the Book:

Not only is the main character a Latina and a writer but I loved all the Hispanic elements in the book. It felt like I was reading my family from all the Spanish phrases she mentioned. There were even times she mentioned the different settings of Uptown New York like Harlem- which I loved reading because growing up, I used to go to that neighborhood a lot. But what I also loved is being able to relate from a writing standpoint. Throughout the book, Xiomara finds her writing voice which is poetry and I can relate because at a young age, I found that journalism was for me. Also, I’m very biased because I love Elizabeth Acevedo’s poetry work, and this is her first novel. She recently came out with more novels since this book release which I can’t wait to read. Support people of color and their novels; such amazing stories!

Lastly, Heartless by Marissa Meyer 

Short Plot:

This is a fairytale retelling of the Queen of Hearts from Alice and Wonderland- her origin story of how she came to be. Catherine is from a high society family and her mother pressures her to marry the King of Hearts but that doesn’t interest her at all. Catherine is a very talented baker who wants to open her own bakery someday with her best friend. Soon she meets the court jester, Jest and everything changes. She can’t help but start a secret relationship with him and learns what true destiny is. This story takes you on so many twists, turns, love, magic of wonderland, madness and even the mysteries of the fairytale land we all know. 

What I love About the Book:

There’s a lot I love about this book like I love the relationship between Catherine and Jest. Both of these characters are so different and yet they compliment each very well. Jest shows Catherine basically a whole new world and opens her eyes to the possibility of changing the path her mom destined for her. He also supports her dream of being baker which I think is always important in any relationship either love or friendship. Support is great whenever its coming from! I also love the determination in Catherine of having her dream come true. We can all relate to Catherine in wanting to have dreams become reality. Don’t ever give up on dreams or goals no matter the timeline!

Tell me in the comment section what books have you read recently!