Staff Of Mandel Public Library Of West Palm Beach Choose Top Books Of 2020

Press release from the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach:

by Emily and the Mandel Public Library Staff

It's finally the end of 2020, and we'd like to share with you some of the best books that got us through. Despite all that 2020 brought us, we managed to fall in love with books just as we do every year. Without further ado, here are some of our favorite things we read this year and recommend to you. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did!

Ionnie's pick: Whatever Happened to Interracial Love? by Kathleen Collins

The gem that is Kathleen Collins. Many people are not aware of the work or existence of this African American writer, playwright, film director, and teacher. She was the first African American woman to write and direct her own feature-length film and start the Film Program at CUNY. This little book of short stories and plays gives you insight into her brilliant use of words and mastery of language and imagination. You will be transported into her scenes. You will inhabit the lives of her characters. This book will make you feel.

Leah's pick: Department of Q series by Jussi Adler-Olsen

I love this series! Similar to Jo Nesbo's Nordic thrillers, but not quite as dark or graphic. Interesting plots, characters you really want to get to know, and set in Denmark - what more could you want?

Emily's pick: The Early Earth series by Isabel Greenberg

When Isabel Greenberg released her graphic novel Glass Town earlier this year, I figured it would be a good time to read her other books as well. I was SO glad I did. The Early Earth series of graphic novels (The Encyclopedia of Early Earth and The One Hundred Nights of Hero) are mesmerizing. Greenberg takes traditional folklore and fables and turns them into something fresh, feminist, and funny to create the legends of an alternate Earth. These books are a joy for anyone who's interested in the craft of storytelling. I know I will be rereading them for years to come.

Erika's pick: Berserk series by Kentaro Miura

Berserk is a dark fantasy manga about a cursed mercenary seeking revenge against someone who was once close to him, ongoing (40+ volumes) since 1989. It has an amazing plot, and the world and character building are excellent. A very sad story.

Sarah's pick: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Addie LaRue wants to be free. She wants to travel and explore and experience new and exciting art. Unfortunately, Addie LaRue was born in a very small village in late 17th century France. So, when the day of her unwanted marriage arrives, Addie becomes desperate and prays to the old gods. This is how she comes to make a deal with the night itself. She is given freedom and time but is ultimately cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. This is the case for 300 years until she meets a boy who inexplicably remembers her. V. E. Schwab's latest novel is not only a beautifully-rendered fantasy tale; it is also a love letter to humanity in all of its messy existence. It is a testament to the power of art and ideas, and it is an intimate portrait of the longing so many humans have for more in their life whether that be more time or more love or even just more direction. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a long novel that will pass by surprisingly quickly, much like Addie's life. Fans of V. E. Schwab's former work, of well-rendered urban fantasy, and of time-slip novels will love The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

Kristine's picks: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

This book is simultaneously hilariously awkward and nuanced. A real page-turner, each chapter left me wondering what would happen next while exploring themes of wealth, privilege, marriage, motherhood, and interracial relations. Such a Fun Age was a fresh novel that I couldn’t put down!

Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu

A unique book told in the form of a screenplay, this book utterly blew me away. Yu's wit and playful way of shattering stereotypes of Asians in America deeply resonated with me while making me laugh wholeheartedly. Interior Chinatown is clever and exuberant and just what I needed in 2020.

Kimi's pick: Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss

My choice for this year is a haunting exploration of human nature. The story follows a young girl on an Iron Age reenactment trip with her parents and a group of archaeology students. We may assume that our ancestors were primitive and savage, but much of their frightening behavior carries on into the present. So often consent and freedom are inextricably tied up in family dynamics and societal expectations. I experienced this title on audiobook, but we also have it available in print.

Faith's pick: Destiny Trilogy by Beverly Jenkins

This series was the first historical romance I have read in about a decade, and it reminded me why I loved them so much in high school! The characters were wonderfully developed, their emotions and actions made sense and followed their personalities, and Ms. Jenkins situated her POC characters in the late 1800s masterfully. Would highly recommend it!

Janice's pick: Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe is neither as beautiful as the nymphs nor as powerful as the gods and when one day she commits an unforgivable transgression, it is easy for Helios to exile her to a small, empty island. On the beaches and in the forests of her island, Circe learns to make her own way and take her own power in ways even the gods did not expect. This enthralling tale pulls you along the twisted path of one of the very first witches of Grecian myth with beautiful prose.

This press release was produced by the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.