My 10 Favourite Books of 2020!

[@alexreith4877]

I read the Annihilation trilogy and really enjoyed it in that weird trippy way, but then I watched the movie and it totally annoyed me at the direction it went. Thank you for all the trigger warnings. I have PTSD and trigger warnings allow me to read books despite triggering content by allowing me to mentally prepare myself and make sure I'm in a headspace that can deal with the content. There's a misconception in social media that trigger warnings only give people a way to avoid content entirely, which is very much not the case for me. Trigger warnings allow me to consume more content without putting myself at psychological risk. It was enlightening that several of these have been on my TBR list for a while, so your reviews give me a sense of where to bump them up the list.

[@PlantBasedBride]

I agree about the Annihilation film - it was a total let down after the books! And I am so glad to be able to help with your process of selecting books at the right time. My husband has PTSD and while I already made use of trigger warnings before we met (I am hypersensitive and am deeply impacted by what I consume) my perspective has shifted and deepened since getting to know him and and how handles potential triggers ❤️ I don’t know if you saw my last video (december wrap up) but I ended up going on a bit of a rant about trigger warnings because I completely agree 😅

[@amandaquick5823]

haven't read those first three honorable mentions but it sounds like they're "stream of consciousness" type genre. Which is super good!

[@PlantBasedBride]

I suppose they could be categorized that way!

[@andreajacobs6069]

@@PlantBasedBride it could also be magic realism, which is a genre more popular in Latin American writing.

[@sarahasselmann9225]

got distracted for the first minute cuz i was staring at the lipstick, girl thats such a good look tbh!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha thank you! It’s power suit by Vieve

[@cassilynne]

Lovely list! Definitely added a few to my TBR for 2021. Since you are such a fan of sci-fi, a recommendation of mine is the novella This Is How You Lose the Time War. It's absolutely spectacular, definitely one of my all-time favorites. It's a sapphic, sci-fi, fast-paced novella told in an epistolary format and it's truly breathtaking.

[@PlantBasedBride]

Ah that one has been on my list for a while! I'm going to request it from my library so I don't forget to get to it :)

[@cassilynne]

@@PlantBasedBride I hope you enjoy it! It's a really quick read. I'd also recommend the audiobook if you have the app Scribd, it's done beautifully.

[@lisaheffley7134]

So I’m adding to my to be read list. I am 50 years old and I love YA novels. They have come such a long way from Sweet Valley High. Thanks to your channel I read Devolution and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. I’m so thrilled with both of these books!

[@valchester2571]

I'm so happy I just bought a few books you recommended throughout the year- to be taught if fortunate and the fifth season are among those, I just got them today, can't wait to start reading !

[@PlantBasedBride]

Oh I hope you love them as much as I did!

[@Drgarza]

When you were talking about the weird dream like books, it made me think of House at the Bottom of the Lake by Josh Malerman (same author that wrote Bird Box). It took me somewhere far. The characters felt real but what they were experiencing was dreamlike. It’s such a quick read too, I recommend if you haven’t read it.

[@Lilli626]

Love that you have a Storygraph account! I switched over at the start of the year, I'm really enjoying it so far 😌

[@janinedoller9610]

You NEED to invest in a Kindle... It'll make a HUGE difference to your eBook experience, and it's much easier on the eyes, etc than reading on your phone... I'm still a HUGE fan of actual paper books, but way prefer reading on my kindle to reading on my tab or phone...

[@PlantBasedBride]

Everyone is telling me this! I guess it’s time, eh? I need to find an ereader that lets me read my library books!

[@breequill1611]

@@PlantBasedBride kobo ereaders will let you do that, I never thought I would be into e reading but it has changed my game!

[@MatChrysan]

The fifth season is one of my all time faves too. Gotta reread one of these days!

[@ecorker100]

Just wanted to give you a shout out for included Trigger Warnings in your reviews - very appreciated

[@ryttu3k]

I'm so delighted with how much you've enjoyed Becky Chambers! God, they're so good. House of Styx is on my TBR too, and I might add Raybearer and The Fifth Season too! (Ooh boy it's a long list, though...)

[@heatherberg8462]

I, unfortunately, haven't read any of your Top 10 books but added The Conductors, Ring Shout, and An Unkindness of Ghosts to my Goodreads TBR. I was pleased to see so many BIPOC and LGBTQ+ books in your Top 10 for 2020, and am happy to say the same happened for me; I believe 4-5 of my Top 10 were more diverse authors, as well. Thanks for another great video!

[@PlantBasedBride]

All three are fantastic! I hope you love them ❤️

[@AnniesBookNook]

I read my first Becky Chambers book this year (To be Taught if Fortunate) and I LOVED it!! I know I have to read all her other books now!

[@PlantBasedBride]

I just started rereading it tonight! Chambers is awesome ❤️

[@stephaniecarter973]

I’m so excited to read these! I love hard core sci-fi. I’ve been reading a lot of YA fantasy. While that is my favorite I do need to get back to sci-fi. And I love the fifth season. I read it in 2019 and it wreaked me 🤣 I was too afraid of the sequel because I didn’t think it would be as good but I’m happy that you recommend it, I’m going to start it soon.

[@wendyhoward2699]

Great video! I love hearing what books you liked. Blessings.

[@arianalloyd7867]

would you ever consider making a top 10 list of all time? that would involve so much internal conflict i can imagine😂

[@PlantBasedBride]

Lol oh no 😭 maybe someday! It stresses me out just thinking about it haha

[@legumesss]

To Be Taught If Fortunate was one of my highlights of 2020. I can't wait to read other books by the author. So many of the books you mentioned are on my immediate tbr. I am sure I will love them just the same.

[@PlantBasedBride]

It’s just so wonderful ❤️ I want to reread it soon!

[@cuppa.books.]

This is a great selection 📚 Will definitely add the ones I haven't read to my list 😊

[@PlantBasedBride]

I hope you enjoy them!

[@amelieklingner1329]

Honestly I love how the title says top 10 and we just got 15 amazing books ❤️ and like you said, your list, your rules! I am currently reading Little Women and it is such a comfort book for me too. I never heard about it until the film was released 2019 and I was interested in the movie and so I got the book to read and I absolutely love it! ❤️ also thanks so much for the other recommendations, I really hope I get to pick up some of them in 2021 :)

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha I couldn’t help sneaking a few more in 😂

[@Sarah-bw8tm]

I’ve been looking forward to this video to help me fill out my 2021 TBR!

[@PlantBasedBride]

I hope it gave you some ideas!

[@christinamoxon]

I really did think your thumbnail said something else then! I'm like 'hun, I feel you. It's been one of those years.' - And then I read the title.

[@PlantBasedBride]

What did you think it said? Haha

[@gabby_olivari]

Added several to my TBR list! Loved this video

[@PlantBasedBride]

I hope you love each and every one!

[@bookchelves9392]

I’m a new subscriber, I love your content so much, especially your bookish videos. It’s amazing how much effort you put into your videos and it really pays off. Thankyou for the recommendations, I really want to buy Pet soon and I have the fifth season so I’ll add it to my current TBR 😄

[@PlantBasedBride]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that ❤️ I hope you get as much out of Pet as I did!

[@clem302]

Thank you for this list, it gives me a lot of ideas for 2021. Your reading videos encourage me to read more and I appreciate it :) Love your channel in general ;)

[@PlantBasedBride]

I’m so glad! ❤️

[@thebookstamp9976]

I loved Ring Shout. I agree that Becky Chambers writes the kind of sci-fi I want to read.

[@thebookstamp9976]

The fifth season and the long way to a small angry planet were on my top 10’of the year. I think you would like This is How You Lose the Time War if you haven’t already read it!

[@etc4604]

piranesi by susanna clarke definitely falls into the hazy, dream-like category. one of my favourites last year, but from what I've seen it's polarizing as well haha

[@PlantBasedBride]

Ohhh I’ve heard about that one! It’s on my list. I should try to get to it soon ❤️

[@iMikriVivliofagos]

I just found your channel and I love it! You have made such a wonderful bookchannel! I'm a booktuber too and I'm obsessed with this kind of channels. What camera and lens do you use?

[@glendaw5221]

Gosh I love your videos but totally am not on the same page with fantasy and sci fi. I’m dipping my toe into both genres but just cannot read about child abuse or too much sadness. So imagine how shocked I was to see Little Women on your list. It bored me to tears (shhhh don’t tell anyone). The only dystopian novel I read in 2020 was Odd Billy Todd by N. C. Reed. I loved it. Now looking back, it was not as diverse as I think it should have been. But I liked the story and I read it right before Covid hit. Anyway, I’m 70 and am trying to broaden my reading so will definitely remain subscribed to your channel. ❤️

[@rosierodriguez5861]

If you like weird books, I highly recommend Carmen Maria Machado's work! I cannot get enough of her. She has one cohesive book (In the Dream House) and one collection of short stories (Her Body and Other Parties) published right now.

[@PlantBasedBride]

Her body and other parties is on my TBR and I really want to get to it!

[@rosierodriguez5861]

@@PlantBasedBride amazing!! I can’t wait to see what you think

[@jasmattey]

For more fever-dream-like books you should check out: In the Dark of the Woods by Laird Hunt & Fever Dream (lol) by Samantha Schweblin!!

[@admiraladeline8015]

Have you ever read Hyperion? It's one of the most famous Sci-Fi books. I would love to know your thoughts!

[@danielbrylka2228]

Very good video, as always. Just for your information, I use The Storygraph to track my books and I’ve created there a tag with your name to add to the books you recommend 🙏🤗

[@kristarzis]

lmfao i'm so glad you chose the still you did for this video bc..... ok so i'd put off watching your november book recap, cause i was afraid you weren't going to have enjoyed the fifth season (jemisin is my fav fav author i would have been heartbroken, so i was steeling myself) so i just let out a yelp of joy, glad my worries were, unfounded, to put it lightly lol so glad the series struck you the way it has and i hope this means we'll see reviews of her other work from you in the future? like, ive never cried about a book the way i did while reading the final book in her inheritance trilogy :D

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha I loved it! I’m sorry to have caused stress lol 😅

[@kristarzis]

@@PlantBasedBride your enthusiasm /instantly/ erased my worries!! plus you just helped me add some more books to my 2021 TBR so a win on all counts i'd say

[@confundo247]

I definitely want to read all these books now! Have you read The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss? That series/world is my new obsession and I think it fits in with the rest of your list :)

[@bookishly.introverted]

The first book that came to mind when you were describing the feeling while reading Catherine House was The House of Velvet and Glass by Katherine Howe. It hazy and like I was drug-induced while reading it. I'm not sure if I liked it but it was strange for sure like Catherine House, which I also read. I just got The Conductors from Netgalley too so thank you for mentioning that one.

[@PlantBasedBride]

Oh interesting! I’ll have to look into that one ❤️

[@wolffieboy]

N. K. Jemisin is one of my all time favorite authors. This trilogy is absolutely AMAZING!

[@PlantBasedBride]

I need to read everything she’s ever written!

[@lisalantrip7509]

I have not read any of your three honorable mentions, but your description makes me wonder if you would like Threats by Amelia Gray. I did not like it at all, but you may. 😃I'd be super curious to know.

[@JL-qz1lr]

Would be amazing if you did more Film Reviews with female protagonists as the Little Women vid was SO wonderful!!! Pride & Prejudice etc... As I love your insights/articulation/aesthetic/measured personality but am not into books these days lol

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha that could be fun! Maybe I should post content like that on my second channel 🤔

[@WhiteWizard42]

If you want bizarre and dreamlike books, I'd suggest Jeff Noon. Vurt in particular is specifically concerned with dreams, but all his early stuff is surreal and I recall it being a lot of fun. I haven't had a chance to read his later works, sadly, my library doesn't have it and I'm a cheapskate on just buying stuff.

[@PlantBasedBride]

Thank you for the recommendation! I’ll look up his work.

[@WhiteWizard42]

@@PlantBasedBride Great, enjoy! It's trippy cyberpunk set in ... Manchester, I think? Also, while I have your attention, my partner says to tell you they love your artwork (BuJo stuff).

[@mayatannir4352]

Ive never been early in my life and i dont know what to comment. But great review! Most of these books i havent heard of so I’ll definitely add some to my reading list. Also i recommend Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do! - R.Schuller. ISTG this book lifted me up so much during my first semester at college( i finish tomorrow!!!) But it was just so awesome and it really taught me that your problems never last, and you’ll eventually get over them so i HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Ps: it’s a bit old but i hope you find it because it’s amazing!! ❤️🥺 Turns out i DID know what to comment😂

[@PlantBasedBride]

I’ll have to look into it! ❤️

[@jessinorton6469]

If you haven't tried The Priory of the Orange Tree, I think you might really love it.

[@PlantBasedBride]

I bought the audiobook but I haven’t had a chance to listen yet!

[@jessinorton6469]

@@PlantBasedBride It's so good. I finished it two days ago.

[@meghanbyrne6271]

Daughters of the wild!! It was definitely weird, but very good

[@kittychandler7308]

Dropping by to share in your Broken Earth Trilogy love and to recommend that if you like NK Jemisin's style I think you'll like The Inheritance Cycle. It's not quite as dark as Broken Earth but shares the same rich world development and description, immersing you in the characters and setting. I found it impossible to put down and really enjoyed it. I've also heard good things about The City We Became (on my TBR) but I haven't read it yet so I don't have anything specific to say.

[@PlantBasedBride]

Thank you for the recommendations! I have Eragon on my TBR but haven’t gotten to it yet ❤️

[@kittychandler7308]

@@PlantBasedBride ... SO SORRY I mean the Inheritance *Trilogy* which is actually different from the Inheritance Cycle. I keep forgetting they have the same basic keyword in the name. The first book is The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. I believe it's also available as an omnibus.

[@StrawberryLegacy]

I don't know if you even take recommendations, but maybe someone else reading this may be interested too. As I saw that you've read The Song of Achilles and Circe by Madeline Miller, I would really like to recommend the "Dancing With The Lion" books by Jeanne Reames. It's truly excellent historical fiction set during the early live of Alexander the Great, including the friendship (and romance) with his later to become second-in-command, Hephaestion. In addition to being a very talented writer, Jeanne Reames is not only a professor for Ancient Greek and Macedonian history and an expert on Alexander and Hephaistion in particular, but also bisexual herself and an incredibly sweet person on top (she has a tumblr where she occasionally answers questions). I strongly believe her work deserves more recognition (unfortunately the cheap look of the cover and the publisher's insistence to market it as a YA romance don't help) so I just wanted to put that out there.

[@averym7068]

You have really similar reading taste to booksandlala, you should definitely check her channel out for book recommendations

[@elizabethturnbull2175]

I love her videos! A few of these books I found through her ❤️

[@thesmallthingsoflife8538]

Great video. Where is your lipstick from? It’s so pretty and I am similar colourings as you.

[@PlantBasedBride]

It’s Power Suit from Vieve!

[@thesmallthingsoflife8538]

@@PlantBasedBride thank you

[@bangtanseonyondan4lyfe]

Have you read any books by Sarah J. Maas? I absolutely love her books and highly recommend!!!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Yup, I’ve read her two big series and am currently reading her new adult novel! Her writing style isn’t my favourite, though.

[@vataidalma6855]

I'm guessing The Fifth Season and The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will be on here for sure!

[@PlantBasedBride]

🏆 here is your award for guessing first and second place! 😂❤️

[@rileyroseinabox6754]

Immediately I was like "#1 is gonna be The Fifth Season isn't it"

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha you know me too well! 😅

[@Honeydewple]

hello, I have a question for PBB @Plant Based Bride (idk if that will work). but I really struggle with reading. I have always had a horrible time reading. I can but I read slow and in my schooling I was always put in extra classes and taken out of things I new I could do because I was a slow reader. I can comprehend at a collage level since I was in middle school, I just read slow. this has always impacted my confidence and I have a shelf full of books I've wanted to read since I was younger and fine that I have not read a single one. My mom's family has always pushed me to read Harry Potter as if its the only master piece in the world and I've just deiced to give up on even trying to finish the books especially since the 4th just was horrible in my view. Last time I tried to read a book my mother suggested I read something harder (like Harry Potter...) and it just shut me away from books all together outside of class work. I am honestly sick of wanting to read books and being unable to even try them. I want to read them but I don't have to confidence to. Have you ever struggles with people taking advantage of your reading skill (or lack there of, in my case)? I would just like to get some support from someone who seems like she knows what she's doing is all.

[@Honeydewple]

Nothing against Harry Potter lovers but I just cant do books that long and "She who shall not be named" who wrote them is another story all together.

[@speaking_bookish]

Almost all of these books are on my TBR

[@1995TheCaroline]

"Fantasy has come a long way since I was a teenager ..." I'd like to know what your stance on The Inheritance Series is now 😂

[@serenity8910]

I really wanted to read The House of Styx after you reviewed it. I requested my library to get the ebook and it was approved today! I can't wait to read it! If you are looking for a weird book, let me recommend Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. It's not really dream-like, I would say it's more weird and quirky with a bit of magic. I gave it 4 stars! On another topic, I also want to recommend The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan. I really really think you'll love it. Please check it out!

[@pauladeviveiros1448]

Your fondness for strange, dreamlike books - have you read “Jane, unlimited” by Kristin Cashore?

[@wealthmindsetx1471]

misquote Woody from Toy Story, when we make a few mistakes, we are not failing, just falling - with style

[@TheKasiaLin]

Hi! I'm wondering if you follow Booksandlala's channel because she also loves "weird books" and both Bunny and Cathrine house were on her various favourites lists so she might be a good person for you to follow for recommendations?

[@PlantBasedBride]

I do! Love her content ❤️

[@izzyfigueira2331]

little women is one of my favorite books of all time but I'm having a hard time finding a book that's similar, if anyone has recommendations, I would appreciate that a lot.

[@PlantBasedBride]

I can’t think of anything off the top of my head but I would also love any recs anyone has!

[@hajuzt]

Hello PBP :-). Anything by Neil Gaiman - and you must absolutely read The black Tower series by Stephen King. It is an undertaking, I know, but it is, well, don't have the words.... Thank you, very interesting! From someone who once hated e-books with a passion, but then one of our vacation suitcases got lost in the airport.... the one with my 8 books carefully picked for holiday... (oh yeah and all the kids clothes...), so now I absolutely LOVE e-books! :-D many kind regards Hanne from Denmark (who also by the way loves thin tomoe-paper and thinks ghosting is beautiful :-D)

[@PlantBasedBride]

I have Neverwhere from the library but I'm worried I won't be able to get through it before it's returned! I've actually never read any Stephen King. I always assumed his work wouldn't be my kind of thing!

[@hajuzt]

@@PlantBasedBride Neverwhere is my absolute favourite! Such a Strange and wonderful twist on Alice in Wonderland! And Stephen King - I u n d e r s t a n d where you are coming from! But I am also pretty sure that this Will surprise you 🙃 and Jemisin is on my tbr now 📚

[@arubiamaroguerra1995]

I wanna read addie larue, but im scared!!!!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha why are you scared? Worse case scenario it’s just not your thing 🤗

[@arubiamaroguerra1995]

@@PlantBasedBride Awwww thx!! Ive just heard so many good things bout it, i do wanna give it a go!!! Thx for the support!! I love your vids! especially the bullet journal ones!!! U go girl!!

[@liessatop6349]

I should stop watching these video's. My bookwishlist only gets longer :D I'v already added an extra bookwishlist to my bujo. I can't add a third spread without having the time to read them :p

[@mercythehopefulwoman1747]

❤️❤️❤️

[@annec8127]

It's definitely not cheating! Otherwise NK Jemison and Becky Chambers would have taken over the list!

[@PlantBasedBride]

Haha they definitely deserve to ❤️