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- https://moreblminfo.carrd.co/
- https://getinformed.carrd.co/ This is an incredible carrd with information and resources about many of the issues the world is going through right now!
- I find Twitter an extremely useful tool in finding information about these injustices and ways to help. As well as Change.org for petitions!
In 2020 I read just over 60 books. Despite not being close to my previous yearly goals of 100, I was amazed at reading this much! What was also great was that half of them were 5⭐’s for me! I re-read a lot of book in 2020, so I’ll start with those and then talk about the books I read for the first time.
RE-READS
Howl’s Moving Castle (Film Comics Vol. 1-4); Hayao Miyazaki
After a escaping the unwanted attentions of some bored soldiers with the help of a handsome stranger, Sophie returns home only to be accosted by the infamous Witch of the Waste! The Witch lays a curse on her, turning Sophie into a creaky old woman. Sophie knows she has to leave town, and soon finds herself taking shelter in the moving castle of the dread wizard Howl…who is rumoured to eat women’s hearts!
Goodreads
Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones’ novel is one of my favourite films. I adore the artwork, the story and the characters so much that picking up these 4 manga’s always makes me happier. The film version of Sophie is cute, determined and incredibly relatable. On the other hand Howl is such a diva and I love that idiot! Unsurprisingly, all of the volumes get 5⭐’s from me.
Heartstopper (Vol. 1+2); Alice Oseman
Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more…?
Goodreads
The Heartstopper volumes are really sweet and endearing graphic novels. It’s really nice to see Charlie coming out of his shell and seeing Nick – just in general because that boy is precious! This is also a very diverse work of art ♥
Ouran High School Host Club (Vol. 1-18); Bisco Hatori
One day, Haruhi, a scholarship student at exclusive Ouran High School, breaks an $80,000 vase that belongs to the ‘Host Club’, a mysterious campus group consisting of six super-rich (and gorgeous) guys. To pay back the damages, she is forced to work for the club, and it’s there that she discovers just how wealthy the boys are and how different they are from everybody else.
Goodreads
Last year, the Ouran boxset was on sale and I bit the bullet and finally bought it. It was probably my best book purchase of 2020!
It had been a while since I read the entire series and doing so was such a fun and nostalgic experience. The characters are wonderful! Haruhi is a perfect lead to counter the extravagant and odd rich boys of the Host Club. I love that in many ways she’s just as odd. This series is both hilarious, charming and heart-warming. If you’re a fan of Shoujo manga or want to get into it, I would highly recommend this series ♥
Pride & Prejudice; Jane Austen
When Elizabeth Bennet meets Mr. Darcy she is repelled by his overbearing pride, and prejudice towards her family. But the Bennet girls are in need of financial security in the shape of husbands, so when Darcy’s friend, the affable Mr. Bingley, forms an attachment to Jane, Darcy becomes increasingly hard to avoid.
Goodreads
Every year I read Pride & Prejudice at least once. It’s my favourite book and I adore it ♥ Lizzie Bennet is one of my favourite characters – flaws and all – and the plotline is so charming and has the wittiness of Austen that I love.
FIRST TIME READS
Elantris; Brandon Sanderson
In the new capital, Kae, close enough to Elantris for everyone to be reminded of what they have lost, a princess arrives. Sarene is to be married to unite Teod and Arelon against the religious imperialists of Fjordell. But she is told that Raoden, her husband to be, is dead. Determined to carry on the fight for Teod and Arelon’s freedom, Sarene clashes with the high priest Hrathen. But there are secrets in Elantris, the dead and the ruined may yet have a role to play in this new world. Magic lives.
Goodreads
Sanderson is wonderful at world-building and intertwining such interesting concept of magic with political intrigue. His characters are well rounded and interesting and Elantris shows all of this off. Sarene was a strong presence and I really enjoyed how she used her wits and brains in a court full of many powerful sexist men. And it’s amazing that this was a debut novel!
Heartstopper (Vol. 3); Alice Oseman
In this volume we’ll see the Heartstopper gang go on a school trip to Paris! Not only are Nick and Charlie navigating a new city, but also telling more people about their relationship AND learning more about the challenges each other are facing in private.
Goodreads
While this volume talks about some heavy topics, it was full of love and humour. The communication between Nick and Charlie just keeps getting better and better. We’re also learning more about the other characters in their friendship circle and I love them all. Darcy is such a chaotic lesbian and I love her! ♥
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin; Roseanne A. Brown
The first in an fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction.
Goodreads
I will say that this book is closer to 4.5⭐, but I wanted to put it on this list because other than the romance, I loved this! Roseanne’s debut novel is beautifully written, with an intricate and fascinating world. The characters are well written and they’re relatable – Malik has anxiety and panic attacks. We also stan an author who puts trigger warnings in the beginning of their books ♥
Spin the Dawn; Elizabeth Lim
A gifted tailor in disguise. Three magic dresses. The competition of a lifetime. The competition is cutthroat, and Maia’s job is further complicated by the unwelcome attention of the court enchanter, Edan, who seems to see straight through her disguise. But nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge to sew three gowns so dangerously beautiful, it will take a quest to the ends of the earth to complete them.
Goodreads
Lim’s writing is wonderful and the story is fast paced and intriguing. The ancient Chinese elements within Spin the Dawn elevate the story tenfold and the characters were well rounded and grew throughout the novel. Maia was strong and capable (for the most part) and Edan was a precious flirt and their friendship and love was lovely to follow.
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race; Reno Eddi-Lodge
‘Every voice raised against racism chips away at its power. We can’t afford to stay silent. This book is an attempt to speak’. The book that sparked a national conversation. Exploring everything from eradicated black history to the inextricable link between class and race, Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race is the essential handbook for anyone who wants to understand race relations in Britain today.
Goodreads
This book is so important for British people as the discussion of race is more often than not swept under the carpet or used to push a right wing agenda and put the white majority in the “victim” box. This was incredibly eye opening, both in the present circumstances and in this country’s history. I know we sucked, but wow. I highly recommend this book as the knowledge and writing is compiled and presented in such an engaging way.
What books did you love in 2020? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for reading! I hope you’re having a lovely day and staying safe ♥
DramaRambles 🌸 