My Favorite Books of 2020

[@nazaninslife]

Take a hint Dani brown was so problematic about muslims

[@zenk7002]

You know what, this is exactly why I haven't given it a go. It's stems fron the harlequin romance 'Sheikh' trope, where the H doesn't behave like a practising Muslim, and the culture is primarily used as a device by the authors to portray an 'other' controlling man. The opposite end of the spectrum is where yet again the Muslim character isn't shown to be practising, and their inclusion is there for a plot device nothing to do with true representation. When Penny Reid has written characters from different cultures to herself, you can see she has researched them, and embedded the culture in every aspect of the written character. Just out of interest, how was representation problematic in 'Take a Hint Dani Brown'?

[@nazaninslife]

@@zenk7002 Maybe the author has a great intention by trying to represent Islam in her book, but I really wonder if she even did a research first. Being a muslim doesn’t limited to having Arabic names, wearing scarves, or saying “Alhamdulillah” and “Inshallah”. What the male character did (extramarital sex) is one of the greatest sins in Islam. It’s considered as Zina. Even something small as dating isn’t allowed is Islam because of this, because dating could lead to Zina. This is the reaseon why it’s a big deal to me. Sometimes, I still can tolerate muslim characters not praying or missing prayers, because believe me I have friends who do that too. But doing a great sin? HELL NO. I hate that some people say something along the lines of “oh he doesn’t practice so it’s okay”. BRUH. NO. Whether he practices or not doesn’t change the fact that ZINA is HARAM and he shouldn’t be doing that. He grew up in a muslim household, dang it. HE FREAKING ACKNOWLEDGED LYING AS HARAM BUT NOT ZINA??? you are joking me, i have to laugh. I’d rather have no representation than being misrepresented. I’m actually so tired of being misinterpreted in books just so the books and characters could fit the western standard better😔 People even applaud the representation. You all know nothing about Islam and it shows.

[@zenk7002]

@@nazaninslife Eek. I'm waiting for the day an author writes a character that looks like me, and reflects my culture/belief system . 'Marriage of Convenience' is the perfect trope for this. Or friends to 'in love.' I've been a lifetime romance addict. There have been studies on the fact that if the race/culture of a character isn't explicitly or implicitly shown, people assume the characters they're reading are White. Tbh, I'm living for Black and Asian representation in romance over the past few years, because it gives me hope that one day I'll read about someone like me.

[@bookslikewhoa]

I appreciate the conversation here-- I've actually heard the opposite (but perhaps from folks who are interested in seeing characters who come from a Muslim cultural background but are not shown to be practicing very strictly?), so I appreciate having this perceptive to share when I talk about this book. Thank you!

[@zenk7002]

@@bookslikewhoa I don't wear a hijab, and my personal development as a Muslim needs work. I don't judge, and know of fellow Muslims who have been in relationships outside marriage or have drunk alcohol. In media/books, however these things make me uncomfortable because it's not a representation as a whole of Islam. I'm not planning on reading the book, but I'm still of a mind that this is a case of baby steps going in the right direction.

[@JessieMaeBooks]

You have me so hyped for Ring Shout and Black Sun!!! 🤩

[@TheLibraryofAllenxandria]

This was a great list and I just love the sheer variety of the books you read! I want to read the Christie and Ware books as well as Light Brigade!

[@lucillerenard9019]

The Eighth Detective was SUCH a fun and fascinating read, it felt like an interactive puzzle-type experience where the author was directly 'responding' to the reader on every page. So delightful to read!

[@WildeBookGarden]

Mara I love that you blend critical reviewing with enjoyment so well! I feel like the perennial book blogging discussion of "do you read critically or for enjoyment?" often overlooks the fact that for many of us those things overlap! I am so excited to get to Black Sun!

[@JessOwens]

Ring Shout is definitely in my top for 2020

[@opheliawinfrey9501]

I like your method of stats/categorisation for the books you’ve read in 2020, great ideas. Also, your earrings are pretty 😍

[@lifefullofwords]

I'm so glad you've been recommending The Eighth Detective because I'm not sure I would have picked it up otherwise and it is amazing! I'm not even halfway through and it's already subverting the expectations I have for a murder mystery. It's the kind of book that's going to live in my head for a long time.

[@bookslikewhoa]

So glad you enjoyed!

[@LienesLibrary]

I’d hoped to read Ring Shout last year and just didn’t get to it but I’m even more excited to pick it up now 😍

[@bookslikewhoa]

I think you will really like it-- though I'll be interested to hear your POV on the world/magic piece!!

[@elenathegreat]

My only one criticism of black sun was that the ending felt rushed, but otherwise I loved it! So happy it got the top spot :D

[@alexandrailarionova989]

Could you make a video discussing Russian authors and their style, and your favourite book by a Russian author? I think it would be interesting.

[@HappyforNow]

I love all the romance you picked! They are the ones in my rec to people who want to try romance list too! I really want to read Ring Shout this year. The cover freaks me out though 😂

[@randim7144]

Ahhh, I’m so happy you loved Black Sun! I just got a copy and am hoping to read it this month. 🥰

[@TheEmmaLucille]

Ha ha! I was so SURE et pleased to see Take A Hint, Dany Brown! I'm not much of a romance reader but thanks to you I started to read some of them, including this series! Thank you and Happy New year!

[@aprilwhitley1880]

Just finished Jane Doe and loved it. First book of 2021 is a five star read! Way better start to my reading year than 2020. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Yay, so glad you enjoyed!!

[@kwalton7690]

Even though I wasn't the biggest fan of the overall story (there were 2 too many twists for me), I am glad you put The Eighth Detective on here. And I can recognize it as an impressive debut novel. The sheer creative plot structure makes me excited to read Alex Pavesi's next novel. I would love to read more mystery novels this year that do not have a British/Eurocentric focus and am looking into black mystery writers of the 20th century like Chester Himes and Barbara Neely (who actually won the Agatha Award in 1992).

[@bookslikewhoa]

That's a great goal-- that's on my horizons for 2022... I feel like I have a huge backlog of mysteries on my existing TBR that I need to make progress on, and then I want to be more intentional about venturing outside of my comfort zone of isolated closed circles :)

[@petrafadel2517]

Black Sun was one of my favorites this year. Thank you for that recommendation 💜💜💜

[@bookslikewhoa]

Glad you enjoyed!!

[@KristiLizzz]

i always get so excited to go read when i watch your videos. i also always sit with good reads open and ready because you have so many good recommendations. happy 2021, wishing you all of the best reading endeavours this year! 😊

[@bookslikewhoa]

Same for you!! :)

[@jeanninethompson6243]

Jane Doe and problem Child were so good. I would love more revenge stories!

[@greymyers4087]

I’m happy to see that it’s not just me who gives so few 5 star ratings. I read 105 books and gave only one 5 star.

[@stephaniecook9212]

I feel so stingy with 5 stars too. To me they have to be unforgettable.

[@BernasBookishAdventures]

I am adding the Eighth Detective to the recommendations list. By the way, I loved your enthuasism while talking about these books :)

[@TheBookishMom]

I am really looking forward to reading Black Sun soon!

[@bridgettesmith3721]

My favorite books that I read this year: Anxious People, Spoiler Alert, Beach Read and White Fragility

[@AnniesBookNook]

I also really liked Black Sun :) One of my favorites this year was the Empress of Salt and Fortune

[@cherylmusgrove7]

I loved Ring Shout !! It was brilliant!!!!

[@gambit613]

I think I’m going to have to give Black Sun another chance because I read about 50 pages and just wasn’t feeling it, but this was also right after finishing The Priory of the Orange Tree, so I think I just might have been burnt out on fantasy

[@kim66003]

I love the infographics you showed about the type of books and authors you read! Really original and well done. My new year's resolution is to read more non-European/American literature and more books written by LGTB authors (e.g. own voices).

[@stephaniecook9212]

Ok what colour is that nail polish? I need it 😍

[@bookslikewhoa]

Haha pretty sure it's Citrine by Cirque Colors

[@TheGoofy1932]

Some of my favorites this year were Cards On the Table and Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie. Also, Hunting Demons for the Ill-Equipped by Annette Marie and Omens by Suzanne Wright. Really enjoyed Dani Brown, but not quite top of list. I tend to be very hard on contemporary romance though, in general so that I liked it as much as I did is a testament to the author. Presently reading and loving The Eighth Detective so it may make 2021's list.

[@katieparks826]

I’m curious as to whether the eighth detective would appeal to readers like me who don’t have a lot of experience with mystery. Is it solely intended for the advanced mystery readers or would you recommend it for the newbies?

[@nehayadav5316]

These romance books works wonder for getting me out of reading slump. PS- If you love god walking among us trope try Paternus triloy by Dyrk Ashton. Its loaded with it, I mean the book covers speaks for itself. 😉

[@rustiqjoy]

I think my favourite book for the year is the Nickel boys. Jane Doe sounds interesting.

[@jes_the_bookworm8089]

Love all the stats! How did you make the infographics? Beautiful work!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Thank you! I used a plug in for Final Cut Pro :)

[@jesepenny]

Thank you for recommending the Brown Sisters books by Talia Hibbert - the BEST books!

[@LectoraEstherica]

Hi! Very nice video! You were so happy! I've read Jane Doe because of you and enjoyed it, not made it to my favorites though. I'm very interested in The eight detectives. Clark is going to be translated into Spanish this year, so I will definitely chek it out. It's not Ring Shout, but I'll get to "taste" his style. Alyssa Cole has some very awesome premises to her books. I've read one, The AI who loved me and it went somewhere unexpected! I'm going to read more of Hibbert, I wish she continue with her paranormal novelas. Have a nice day, Mara! E.

[@bookslikewhoa]

Agreed on the Hibbert paranormals! I could have those all day every day

[@torkusmarie]

My favorite book I read in 2020 was definitely The Color Purple, by Alice Walker.

[@honeylait]

I think my best reads of 2020 were Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. It was my first time reading Jane Austen and both stories were excellent. I can't wait to read a ton of retellings!

[@bookslikewhoa]

Hurrah for Jane Austen!

[@DontHaveaDegreeinReading]

black sun and ring shout 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@bookslikewhoa]

YESSSS GIRL they are so good!!!!

[@Kaivijs]

Added Black Sun to my tbr list.

[@JoshsBookishVoyage]

Wow the exclusivity of your 4.5-5 stars is inspiring. I feel like I'm way too generous.

[@bookslikewhoa]

LOL I'm too picky about it probably! I defined 4.5 as favorite of the year & 5 as all time favorite at some point, so that really narrowed the field :D

[@HunebeeNZ40]

The book I enjoyed the most was The Black Sun (through your recommendation). My top 3 in different catagories: Fiction: Black Sun, Smoke bitten and Shards of hope (not caught up on this series yet -on my 2021 goals tho) Non-fiction: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and you; No visible bruises and The radium girls YA: House of Earth and Blood, From blood and ash, Clap when you land MG: Closer to nowhere by Ellen Hopkins, Orion lost by Alastair Chisholm and The space we're in by Katya Balen Graphic novels: Spy x family vol. 3, Good talk by Mira Jacob and Space boy, vol 5 I read 183 books last year. I am not as selective as you with my 5 stars, but I have found that at 55, I really only pick up books I know I will enjoy (even the one's that challenge me :)) so I very rarely rate books lower than a 3 because I just DNF them and I don't rate what I don't read. I look forward to your 2021 content. Arohanui from NZ x

[@bookslikewhoa]

What a great list!! Glad you had such a good year of reading

[@HunebeeNZ40]

@@bookslikewhoa Thanks! Something that really resonated with me was the comment Simon Savidge made about his grandfather's only regret in life was finishing books he didn't enjoy. I want to stretch my reading but at the same time I don't have time at 55 to read a lot of books that don't bring me joy. Thanks for commenting 🙂

[@Kindlelover88]

I promise you I will read more than the top four books you liked. I have Ring Shout on hold at my library.

[@KristinMomentsOfSanctuary]

Fun list! Thanks for sharing and putting a couple on my list. I picked top books by what I enjoyed most as well- my top was Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson- loved world he built, characters and how much I thought about it all as I read it- epic adventure and glad to meet this new to me author.

[@chrish4991]

my best book was The Invisible Life of Addie Larue. I plan on putting Ring Shout on my tbr.

[@jennifercoleman900]

Thank you for the recommendation of Black Reconstruction in America. My mother passed this year. She was a lifelong Southerner born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. Before she died, we talked a lot about how things would have different if white churches had been more welcoming during that time. I’m anxious to read this book.

[@bookslikewhoa]

I hope you find it as enriching as I did! And I'm sorry for your loss- losing a parent is never easy

[@KAZHE63]

I threw Beach Read in the Goodwill box 30 pages in; still do not understand the hype with that book.

[@cutiee225]

can I just say...you look absolutely stunning!!

[@jennymcevoy8961]

Your make up is beautiful ⭐⭐💥

[@bookslikewhoa]

Thank you!!

[@isaacmacers]

Wow wow wow wait a second how do you read almost a book a day that's impossible???

[@bookslikewhoa]

Haha I have a whole video on it if you're curious, but at a high level, I have a very high reading speed as a result of grad school & I don't really watch TV anymore so it gives me more time to read

[@isaacmacers]

@@bookslikewhoa that's absolutely incredible wish I could read that quick what's the title of the video would love to watch?

[@AeroPortJoga]

Hello, I really like your videos and reviews. However, 1.86% of the books you've read got a 5 star....... So how MANY books did you rate with a 5?...Stats are what's slowly killing Davinchi-humanity ... I know the whole world is going all "Murrican" but why not read more outside of the english-speaking world?? T.T Who else if not YOU?? p.s. always looking forward to your videos, and I can't thank you enough for introducing ruby dixon to me ^.^