2020 in Review

I thought it might be fun to go over some of my favorite books that I read. I believe I did a similar post last year. http://www.pagestoremember.com/2020/01/01/2019-in-review/. It has been such a crazy year!! I didn’t read quite as many books as I did last year, but I came close. Probably part of it due to reading some longer books *cough * War and Peace *cough * Atlas Shrugged. I’m looking at you two. Anyway, my total (I’m going to count the book I’m reading as I will defiantly finish it before New Year’s day) count is * Drumroll please * 65!! Whoohoo!! Plus, I read all but 2 of the books on my TBR list posted here – http://www.pagestoremember.com/2020-book-list/

Now on to some of my favorite books!!

#6 Offworld by Robin Perrish

Really enjoyed this Christian science fiction book!! Its a little different in that instead of astronauts going to outer space, they are returning to find quite a different world. Its quirky and unique, but keeps you guessing which I loved! My review here – http://www.pagestoremember.com/2020/02/25/review-for-offworld/

#5 Flight of Angels by Allen and Aaron Reini

Another Christian Science fiction themed book! Go figure! 😉 This one includes some spy & thriller type feel to it. I liked the diverse cast of characters and being set on different planets other then earth. Capatin De’falco and Nikky were my favorite characters of the bunch. I mean who doesn’t like the guy in the chair. 🙂 There also some good themes about friendship and betrayal. Link to my review here – http://www.pagestoremember.com/2020/04/16/review-for-flight-of-the-angels/

#4 Maze Runner by James Dashner

This was a new to me dystopian that I fell for hard! Love the movies version of this book. The first one is the best of the series in my opinion. The second was ok, but the third was a disappointment. Anyway, its an easy read, but bits of it hit very close to home, what with their illness and our virus. My favorites all seem to be science fiction. 😉 My Review here – http://www.pagestoremember.com/2020/11/01/review-of-the-maze-runner/

#3 Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

I discovered Gary Schmidt last summer and absolutely loved Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now. I heard this book was more for adults then some of his previous books. He does a wonderful job with a tough subject and showcases a family’s love for a foster son. Read this with tissues nearby! I truly loved the story arc of the main characters. Truly one I highly recommend! My review here – http://www.pagestoremember.com/2020/05/14/review-for-orbiting-jupiter/

#2 Taliesin (Book 1 of Pendragon Cycle) by Stephan Lawhead


This was really close to being #1, but Lawhead takes his time to develop the characters and setting and so it takes time to really get going. Taliesin tells the story of Merlin’s parents while recreating the lost world of Atlantis. I’m really looking forward to continuing the story. Lawhead has a lyrical sense with the way he writes. Solid fantasy epic with a redemptive arc. My more in depth review is here – http://www.pagestoremember.com/2020/07/13/review-for-taliesin/

And my favorite book of this year is …….

#1 Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Ugh, I really loved this WWII survival story!! It’s so good. Sepetys weaves together a tale of four teenagers at the end of the war. Each has had a different experience during the war. It’s also based somewhat on a true story of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, a German cruise ship endeavoring to flee. Truly a captivating story although this is another one you’ll need some tissues. My Review here – http://www.pagestoremember.com/2020/01/31/review-for-salt-to-the-sea/

These are some my favorites this year! A few close seconds include: A Sky Without Stars by Jessica Brody & Joanne Randell, Goodbye Mr. Chips by James Hilton, Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart, & This Tender Land by William Kent Kruger.

Now I want to hear from you! What did you read this year? Have any favorites? Have you read any of these?

Anna