2020 Yearly Wrap Up

It’s the end of 2020! Huzzah! I did so much reading this year, thanks to not working for a while, honestly. It did wonders for my reading game. That and audiobooks! Thanks to audiobooks, I read over 300 books this year. I’m so happy with where I’m at, and can’t wait to see what next year brings for reading. For my 2020 Yearly Wrap Up, I’m going to focus on highlighting some of my favorites in different formats, including my favorite TV shows and movies I’ve watched this year.

So, here are the categories I’m going to focus on for this wrap up: Graphic Novels, Audiobooks, Fantasy/Sci-fi, Contemporary, Nonfiction, TV Shows, and Movies! I’m going to try to stick to 5 for each category, but we’ll see if I can stick to that. If you’re interested in seeing more of what I read this year, either check out my Monthly Wrap Ups or my Weekly Bite Size Review posts!

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2020 Yearly Wrap Up

Top Graphic Novels

1. The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen: This book is just gorgeous. Three narratives intertwine and collide, giving a close look at another culture. I love it and I’m so glad I got it for Christmas.

2. Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds: An already powerful story paired with gorgeous illustrations. What more could you ask for?

3. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman: The characters in this! I love Nick and Charlie; they deserve all the happiness.

4. The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag: This is a middle grade graphic novel that I absolutely adored. I need to own this one, too!

5. This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews: The illustrations in this book are just breathtaking. It wasn’t hyped a lot, but I loved it.

Top Audiobooks

1. A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir: This has my favorite narrator paired with one of the best series endings I’ve read in a while. Listen to the series! You won’t regret it.

2. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare: This trilogy might be my favorite of Clare’s books. The characters in these are just great.

3. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds: Narrated by Jason Reynolds. Need I say more?

4. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson: Also narrated by the author, and such a powerful book. Plus, a gorgeous cover!

5. Memento by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff: Illuminae is my favorite audio series of all-time, so of course this needs to make the list!

Top Fantasy/Sci-fi

1. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune: A warm hug of a book! That’s how I keep describing it, and I’ll describe it like that forever.

2. Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko: A unique and magical world, plus I loved the book design here. It’s fantastic.

3. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas: My favorite book of the year! Seriously, I love this book so much.

4. Burn by Patrick Ness: One of my favorites by Patrick Ness. It hasn’t taken the top spot, but it’s up there!

5. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi: A short book that packs a punch. Makes you think about how we classify monsters, especially real ones.

Top Contemporary

1. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender: Felix! I love him. The audiobook for this was great. Kacen Callender knocked it out of the park this year.

2. You Should See Me In a Crown by Leah Johnson: I loved this so much I read it in one night. I can’t wait to see more from Leah Johnson in 2021!

3. Harley in the Sky by Akemi Dawn Bowman: One of my favorite authors, and I loved the way this book examined the intersection between mental health and following your dreams.

4. Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram: I love Darius and I’m glad this sequel delves deeper into his life. It’s a quiet book, but I love it.

5. Dear Justyce by Nic Stone: This might have even been better than Dear Martin. Such an important, necessary book.

Top Nonfiction

1. Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi: This is so long, but so worth. An in-depth look at the history of racism in the United States.

2. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds: The YA version of the previous book. Also mentioned in audiobooks.

3. Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall: Since feminist theory was my favorite in grad school, this was a must read. Basically, a must read for anyone that calls themselves a feminist.

4. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah: This book is hilarious. But also important. Definitely recommend the audiobook, because Trevor Noah narrates it and it’s fantastic.

5. Almost American Girl by Robin Ha: A look a immigration and culture clash and learning to find a place to fit in.

Top TV Shows

1. Schitt’s Creek: Absolutely a new favorite comfort show for me. It’s definitely being added to my re-watch cycle.

2. Psych: Also hilarious. I loved the hijinks that Shawn and Gus get into. They’re fantastic.

3. Watchmen: Even if you know nothing about Watchmen, I recommend this show. It’s so powerful.

4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine: It was a year of comedies, and this is another one I’m definitely adding to my list.

5. Downton Abbey: Not quite finished with this one, but I love the characters. They make the show worth watching, 100%.

Top Movies

1. The Old Guard: Action packed with great characters and a great lead. Still need to read the graphic novels!

2. Soul: A new release, but this movie makes you think about enjoying life.

3. Marriage Story: I know the story isn’t fantastic, but the acting in it was phenomenal. They both did amazing jobs.

4. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: I actually finally watched all the Star Wars movies! Still working on ranking them, but this one is near the top!

5. Onward: I loved this, mainly because the Dungeons & Dragons references were fantastic and the brotherly relationship got to me. Plus, you know, Tom Holland.