8 books i have to read before 2020 ends

Oy there, crew!

Before 2020 became the total catastrophe we all know it is, I set myself to read 50 books by the time the year ends. We are now more than halfway into the year, and as I write this post, I’ve managed to read 34 books. I’m even 3 books ahead of my schedule, according to Goodreads, hooray!

2020 Reading Challenge

élodie has read 34 books toward her goal of 50 books.

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34 of 50 (68%)

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And even if I managed to read some new favorites, such as The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon, or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, there are still lots of books I’d like to read before the year ends.

So today I am sharing with you 8 books that are top priority on my TBR shelf:

Radio Silence, Loveless and Solitaire

I’ve read all of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper comic in physical form, her novella Nick and Charlie, I more than loved her novel I was born for this, I was so stressed when I was about to meet her in Paris back when lit festivals were still a thing… but I still haven’t read her three other novels. A shame, I know, especially since I have friends that read and loved Solitaire and Loveless and can’t wait for me to read them and share my feelings with them. So I’m planning to do some sort of Oseman-verse readathon next month in the hope to catch-up.

They reviewed those books:

• BOOK REVIEW: Radio Silence by Xandra @ Starry Sky Books
• Loveless by Alice Oseman | Book review by Ellie @ Beyond a Bookself
• Solitaire | book review by Alyssa @ Read ’em and Weep

Girl, Serpent, Thorn

I’ve heard so much about Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust, and it was only good things. So yeah, I’m really hyped about this book, and I’m really hoping I get to read this Persian-inspired world sapphic fairy tale before the year ends.

They reviewed this book:

• Review: Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust by Chaima @ Books with Chaima
• ARC Review: Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust by Anna @ Reading Peaches
• Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust: A Lush Fairytale by Ikram @ Readlogy

The Tea Dragon Society

I had so many difficulties buying The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill — it was out of stock at my fav bookshop, then lock-down happened, and I finally got my hands on it in June — that the least I can do is read it before 2021 is here. So now it sits nicely on my shelf, waiting for me to finally pick it up. But this feels like such a beautiful book, I don’t want to rush it, you know? I want to take my time and enjoy it to the fullest.

They reviewed this book:

• Mini Reviews #8: The Complete Maus/ Tea Dragon Society by Hamad @ The Book Prescription
• Kate’s Review: “The Tea Dragon Society” by Kate @ The Library Ladies

One to Watch

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London is one of my most anticipated new release of this summer. I mean, a novel about a dating reality show with a fat character and a full cast of diverse love interests? Consider me sold! I really need to find the time to sit and read this one.

They reviewed this book:

• One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London | The actual most dramatic season ever. by Shruti Ramanujam @ This is Lit
• REVIEW: ONE TO WATCH BY KATE STAYMAN-LONDON by Olivia @ Candid Cover
• One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London by June @ Nerd Girl Loves Books

If you want to read more about fat characters:

books with fat characters

The Heart’s Invisible Furies

The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne was recommended to me by a close friend, whom I entirely trust with her bookish recommendations. She warned me, though, that this book might make me cry, so I’m waiting to be emotionally prepared and available for this book to crush my heart and soul.

They reviewed this book:

• The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne by Susie @ Novel Visits
• The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne by Melissa @ Melissa « Dog/Wolf Lover » Martin’s Reading & Ramblings
• December’s Doorstopper: The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne by Rebecca @ Bookish Beck

The Black Veins

Last but not least! I’ve been following Ashia Monet on Twitter for some time now, and every time she tweets about her different WIPs, I’m marveling at her talent for plotting and writing an ensemble cast. Recently, I’ve been gifted her novel, The Black Veins, and I just can’t wait to get to read it.

They reviewed this book:

• BLOG TOUR REVIEW: THE BLACK VEINS, ASHIA MONET by Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane
• REVIEW|| The Black Veins- Ashia Monet || QPOC +Found Family+ Roadtrip+ Magicians = Stunning Book by Krisha @ Bookathon

So here’s my top priority TBR pile for the rest of the year! I don’t know if I’ll have the time, energy, or motivation to read all of these books — I am sometimes a mood reader, and sometimes I like to plan in advance. So I am going to surprise myself on this one, I think. I’ll sure do another post by the end of the year to tell you if I managed to complete that mini goal!

Are there some books you’d like to read before 2021 arrives?
Have you read some of these books?

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