So one thing about this blog that I don’t think I discuss often enough is my love of reading, I have loved reading since I was a kid and after losing that passion in high school the app Libby helped me find it again in college with the access to audiobooks. It’s connected to your library card so I literally can borrow audiobooks for free which is amazing. Also now in my post-grad life, I’ve gotten back into reading physical books too and it’s been a blast. So I have read a lot during this pandemic, 14 books to be specific. Some of them are audiobooks and some of them are physical copies but I’ve decided to rank them and give a brief review. This post will also include affiliate links to Amazon in case you want to check any of these books out!

14. Everything’s Trash, But It’s Okay

I’m going to be honest, I hated this book and I didn’t even finish it. I got this book years ago from my mom for Christmas and I just never got around to it and now I’m a little glad I waited. There was something about the tone that just did not work for me and I couldn’t power through, earning it the bottom spot on this list.

Find it on Amazon for $12.00

13. Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex by Michael Todd

I got this book for bible study and it just didn’t click for me but I also hate self-help books. If you like that genre, maybe it’ll mesh better for you.

Find it on Amazon for $13.80

12. China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan

This book is a sequel to Crazy Rich Asians, and it just doesn’t compare or wrap you in as effectively as the first book. There’s a fun story but it just doesn’t have the direction and understanding of character that the first one had in my opinion. But if you want to see what’s next for the characters then I’d still check this one out.

Find it on Amazon for $8.43

11. The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae

This is another book that I’ve had my hands on for a while and just literally never cracked open until now. It was a fun read, and I’m an Issa Rae stan so it was really enjoyable but it’s also obvious that Issa is a writer for a visual medium, which leaves a little to be desired.

Find it on Amazon for $9.98

10. One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

This is a book that I really struggled to finish, I just never got invested in the story until this most recent listen to the audiobook. I know that a TV or Film adaptation is coming soon and I think the story lends itself to something like that well. It’s a fun read if you can get into it for sure.

Find it on Amazon for $6.62

9. Sharp Objects

I have been thinking of reading this book since I saw a clip from the miniseries on Twitter and it wrapped me in immediately, I cheated a bit because I started this book a few weeks before we all went under lockdown but it is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. It’s only this high because I’ve read a lot of good ones over the past few months.

Find it on Amazon for $7.98

8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

So as a kid, I was more interested in the Clique series and Twilight than I ever was in picking up the Harry Potter series, but something made me want to give it a try a few months ago and I am hooked. I’m starting the second one this week and I cannot wait. If you weren’t allowed to read it as a kid, just never wanted to, or have been urging to dive back into the Wizarding World I WHOLE HEARTEDLY recommend you go pick this up, J.K. Rowling drama aside.

Find it on Amazon for $4.87

7. Minority Leader: How to Lead from the Outside and Make Real Change by Stacey Abrams

This book and I have an interesting relationship, and I debated putting it this high but I think I got some valuable lessons from reading Stacey Abrams memoir. I think reading this helps put things in perspective for me personally, and about my feelings on her and politics in general so I definitely think this book is a really thoughtful one that may help you during such a tumultuous time.

Find it on Amazon for $6.55

6. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

The benefit of the second book in a series is that you’re already immersed in the world making it easier to dive into a fun story. This book kept me guessing a lot more than the first made this book rank higher than the first. I honestly can’t wait to start book 3.

Find it on Amazon $6.59

5. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

So I committed one of the biggest book lover sins with this book, I watched the miniseries before I read the book and I actually enjoyed the Hulu adaptation more (I know, this never happens). However, I think this book is fantastic and worth reading whether you’ve watched the show yet or not, I even bought my mom a copy.

Find it on Amazon for $10.20

4. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

This book is honestly just a really fun way to look at the American race and class divide. It doesn’t take itself too seriously which is one of my favorite ways to read books that take on these kinds of issues. These issues exist and it doesn’t have to be depicted in this grim, dark, hyper-serious tone all the time because we are all human beings with nuance which is why this is in the town 5 of my favorite reads during its pandemic. f

Find it on Amazon for $15.50

3. Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie

This book is, interesting. I don’t think I expected this to be in my top 3 and yet, the more I reflect on it this book was just good to me. It has some social commentary and characters of color which is great and I love that but it was also just good, with a story that felt fresh to me, which is why I’m putting it here, I love when I can just read (or listen) and enjoy.

Find it on Amazon for $12.39

2. Becoming by Michelle Obama

This book is the only one that makes me want to kick myself for not reading it as soon as I got it for Christmas two years ago (we’re blaming college induced stress). It is one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read and I really saw pieces of myself between the lines at times. I’m sure you’ve all read this already (because I’m the last person on the planet to do it) go buy it right now.

Find it on Amazon for $11.89

1. Party of Two

Now I know what you’re thinking right now, you put Michelle Obama second to a romance book, and I sure did. Have you ever read a Jasmine Guillory book? Because I have read every single one and they all make me feel 15 again. They are everything, and I can’t wait to read more from her. Also, I need all of her books adapted into a “Valentine’s Day” style film, please and thank you.

Find it on Amazon for $12.78

Have you been reading during this time? Let me know what have been your favorites in the comments!