If you’ve been following along for a while, you know that I like to start each year with a book list—a collection of books that I’d like to read (knowing that I usually discover other books throughout the year that I’ll add in).
I used to be a strict one-book-at-a-time reader, but last year, I found that I enjoyed reading two at a time—a nonfiction/business/health book for mornings or pockets of free time during the day and a novel/memoir for reading at night.
I always try to choose books from a few different categories:
Business
Health & Lifestyle
Spiritual
Relationships
Fiction
Personal/Intellectual
Nonfiction/Memoir
This helps me be intentional about the books I choose to read and ensure some diversity (so I don’t end up reading only one type of book!).
Without further ado, here is my book list for 2020:
23 Books to Read in 2020
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Business
This is Marketing (Seth Godin)
A simple, profound, and practical guide to marketing in a digital world, written by marketing guru, Seth Godin.
Essentialism (Greg McKeown)
I’ve been hearing about this book for years and am excited to read it in early 2020!
“The Way of the Essentialist isn’t about getting more done in less time. It’s about getting only the right things done. It is not a time management strategy or a productivity technique. It is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution towards the things that really matter.“
The Creative Habit (Twyla Tharp)
Written by a choreographer, artist, and Broadway writer, Twyla Tharp shares 32 practical exercises to sharpen your creative habits.
Health & Lifestyle
Digital Minimalism (Cal Newport)
I read Cal Newport’s Deep Work in early 2019 and was so inspired by his insights (and impressed by the depth of his research and professional practice). I can’t wait to read his thoughts on developing a minimalist philosophy for technology use.
Spiritual
Faith Unraveled: How a Girl Who Had All the Answers Learned to Ask Questions (Rachel Held Evans)
Rachel Held Evans was such an inspiring writer and faith leader, gone too soon. I’m looking forward to reading this book about her “own spiritual journey from certainty to doubt to faith.”
Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again (Rachel Held Evans)
In this book, “Evans examines some of our favorite Bible stories and possible interpretations, retelling them through memoir, original poetry, short stories, soliloquies, and even a short screenplay.”
Relationships
Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People (Mahzarin R. Banaji & Anthony Greenwald)
Blindspot refers to the hidden biases we carry with us, informed by years of cultural influence related to age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, social class, sexuality, disability status, and nationality. Most likely, a challenging, but very necessary read.
The Outward Mindset (Arbinger Institute)
This book came recommended by a good friend. It’s about developing an outward mindset (as opposed to an inward one) that’s focused on inclusivity, collaboration, and engagement.
Fiction
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe (Heather Webber)
Set in a small, Southern town, this book tells the story of a girl who returns to settle her grandmother’s estate and ends up uncovering bits and pieces of her past and a few family secrets. “A captivating blend of magical realism, heartwarming romance, and small-town Southern charm.”
Where the Crawdads Sing (Delia Owens)
I’ve heard so many good things about this book in the last year: the lyricism of the prose, the captivating story (murder mystery + coming-of-age), the plot twists. Have you read it?
A Gentleman in Moscow (Amor Towles)
“A transporting novel about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel . . . . Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count’s endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose.”
The Music Shop (Rachel Joyce)
Set in the late 1980s, a music shop owner prides himself on connecting his customers with just the piece of music they need. Until a mysterious woman arrives one day and asks him to teach her about music.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill (Abbi Waxman)
A single mother and bookshop owner, Nina Hill suddenly finds herself with a brand-new family and a new story to tell when the father she never knew passes away.
Dear Mr. Knightley (Katherine Reay)
A story about a 23-year-old English major who receives an offer from an anonymous benefactor to attend Northwestern’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism. His only request is that she write him letters sharing her progress. Through doing so, she learns to write her own story.
The Invention of Wings (Sue Monk Kidd)
Set in Charleston in the early 1800s, this is a story about Sarah Grimke (a historical figure) who, on her 11th birthday, is given ownership of a young urban slave, Handful (a fictional character) who is to become her handmaiden. The story follows these two young women on a 35-year journey, through heartache and sorrow, loneliness and the struggle for freedom and liberation.
Everything I Never Told You (Celeste Ng)
After reading Celeste Ng’s second novel, Little Fires Everywhere over the holidays, I can’t wait to pick this one up. A story about family, intertwined relationships, and the lifelong quest to fully understand one another.
Personal & Intellectual
Mindset (Carol Dweck)
The psychology behind how we achieve success and how we see ourselves as learners. Do you have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset?
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing (Daniel H. Pink)
I enjoyed reading Daniel Pink’s Drive a few years ago (all about motivation) and am looking forward to reading this book about the science of timing, informed by research from the fields of psychology, biology, and economics.
Nonfiction & Memoir
Bella Tuscany (Frances Mayes)
I love Frances Mayes’ poetic and lyrical writing so much and was especially drawn to her colorful descriptions of Italy in Under the Tuscan Sun a few years ago. Looking forward to reading this follow-up book when it’s cold and snowy outside in preparation for our next trip to Italy!
Four Seasons in Rome (Anthony Doerr)
A memoir about the author’s year in Rome, from the culture to the sights, the people in the community to life with newborn twins, Doerr recounts his observations, experiences, and shares insight into his writing process.
Bird by Bird (Anne Lamott)
A classic, in this book Anne Lamott shares wisdom and humorous insight into her life as a writer, with advice on writing and life in general.
On Writing Well (William Zinsser)
A classic guide for all types of writing, offering “fundamental principles as well as the insights of a distinguished writer and teacher.”
A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table (Molly Wizenberg)
Part memoir, part “blog-style cookbook,” Molly Wizenberg shares stories about her family, her time in Paris after losing her father to cancer, and of course, a collection of tried-and-true recipes.
Have you read any of these? I'd love to hear your thoughts! What's on your book list this year?
