Hey friends —
New year, new reads, new goals… and if you’re anything like me, there’s something so comforting about starting a new year with a fresh stack of books and a little bit of optimism that this might be the year we finally catch up on our Goodreads challenge.
Whether you’re deep into your reader era or just looking for a couple of page-turners to cozy up with, today I’m sharing five books I read in 2020 that really stuck with me — from heart-melting romance to twisty thrillers and even a peek inside the therapy room (yes, really). These are the ones I kept thinking about long after I turned the last page.
Scroll down for the full breakdown, or if you’re more of a visual person, hit play on the video below where I talk through all of these in more detail:
📺 Watch the video here:
(click to watch on YouTube or play directly below!)
And now, let’s dive into the books!
1. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Genre: Romance / LGBTQ+
Okay, let’s start strong. If you love a rom-com with depth, political flair, and two very charming leads, this is the book for you.
This story follows Alex, the son of the President of the United States, and Prince Henry of the British Royal Family. What starts as a fake friendship (aka: PR damage control) slowly evolves into a real connection, and eventually a passionate, emotional, high-stakes romance.
✨ Why I loved it:
- The representation. It’s so rare to see queer relationships portrayed in mainstream romance this way — heartfelt, steamy, messy, and real.
- The banter! The emails! The character growth!
- It made me think about identity, legacy, and how we write our own history.
Honestly, I didn’t want this one to end. If you haven’t picked it up yet, now’s your time.
2. Normal People by Sally Rooney
Genre: Contemporary / Literary Fiction
You’ve probably already seen the Hulu adaptation (hi, Paul Mescal 👀), but if you haven’t read the book yet — here’s my take.
Normal People is the story of Connell and Marianne, two Irish teenagers from the same town who orbit each other through high school and college. The book follows them through years of missed timing, intense emotional connection, and internal struggle.
✨ My thoughts:
- It’s beautifully written — but warning: the pacing is slow, and the writing style is a little… unconventional. (No quotation marks!)
- The emotional complexity between the characters feels so raw and real.
- I didn’t love it the way everyone else seemed to, but I definitely appreciated what Sally Rooney was trying to do.
Still, I think it’s worth a read — especially if you’re into introspective character studies and relationship dynamics that make you feel everything.
3. Conviction by Denise Mina
Genre: Mystery / Thriller / True Crime Vibes
This one was a surprise favorite for me. It starts off with Anna, whose life gets turned upside down in a single morning: her husband leaves her (for her best friend, no less), and she finds herself spiraling — until she becomes obsessed with a true crime podcast that sounds a little too familiar.
✨ Why it stands out:
- It blends fiction and podcast-style true crime in a super creative way.
- There are twists, secrets from the past, and some real “WTF is happening” moments.
- It got a bit chaotic at the end, but I couldn’t stop reading.
Perfect for fans of mysteries with a modern twist — especially if you, like me, are always “just one more episode” into your favorite true crime podcast.
4. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Genre: Memoir / Nonfiction / Therapy + Mental Health
Hands down one of my favorite reads of 2020.
Lori is a therapist who, after a personal crisis, ends up in therapy herself. The book weaves together her own experience as a patient with stories from her therapy clients (all anonymized, of course).
✨ What I loved:
- It’s funny, emotional, vulnerable, and surprisingly uplifting.
- It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what being a therapist is really like.
- I felt so seen reading this. It’s the kind of book that helps you understand yourself better — without being preachy or overly “self-help-y.”
Highly recommend this one if you’re interested in mental health, storytelling, or just want to feel a little more human in a messy world.
5. The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Genre: Thriller / Whodunnit
If you’re looking for a fast-paced mystery you won’t be able to put down — this is it.
Set on a remote Irish island during a very fancy (and very cursed) wedding, The Guest List is a classic locked-room mystery told from multiple perspectives. Everyone has a secret. Everyone has a motive. And someone ends up dead.
✨ Why I devoured it:
- The multiple POVs keep you guessing the whole time.
- The setting is eerie and atmospheric — perfect for a rainy day.
- I never guessed the ending, and I usually see those coming!
It gave me big Agatha Christie vibes, but with a modern twist. 10/10 would recommend for a weekend binge read.
A Few Final Thoughts…
Books were a huge part of how I coped with everything 2020 threw at us — and I know I’m not the only one. Whether you’re looking to escape into a love story, lose yourself in a mystery, or reflect on your own life with a bit more compassion, there’s a book on this list for you.
If you’re curious about what else I’ve been reading, don’t forget to check out my two other book rec videos here and here — and follow me on Instagram @flopereira or Goodreads to see what I’m reading in real time!
✨ I’d love to know what your favorite books of 2020 were — or what’s on your 2021 TBR. Drop a comment below and let’s talk all things books 💬
Thanks for reading and watching —
Flor ☁️📚
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