This past year was a strange one, and what I read in 2020 was not nearly as much as I would have liked, despite the lockdowns and general upheaval.
With that being said, I did read thirty-five books, so not horrendous (this year I started with a low goal due to a baby boy on the way!).
Of those thirty-five books, there was the usual selection of stand-out reads and books I could barely trudge through.
Stand Out Books Read in 2020:
Narrowing the list of books read to one is always a difficult task, and this past year I discovered two books that I cannot quite decide between for the number one slot.
In no particular order, Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo was a wonderful, encouraging gem, laced with a philosophy that has already permeated my brain.
There were actionable tips, homework-style written responses, and lots of opportunities to apply what you were learning throughout.
Educational and inspirational, this book can hardly be classified as “self-help”, so don’t let that moniker turn you off. I highly recommend this book and have already placed it on my husband’s so-called “assigned reading” list.
The other stand-out book read in 2020 was How to Be a Bawse: a Guide to Conquering Life by Lilly Singh. Also reviewed here on All Behind a Smile, the short version is that Singh provides a no-nonsense tone, blunt honesty, and plenty of guidance to not just inspire, but help the reader through introspection and change.
Slog-Through Books:
When I think of books I had to slog through in 2020, the first book that comes to mind is You Are a Bada**: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Living an Awesome Life (language editing mine) by Jen Sincero.
Although the final book read of 2020, it was definitely nowhere near the top of my list… in fact, despite all of the hype about this particular book (the reason I picked it up), I found it very frou-frou.
All of that to say, Sincero and I have a very different belief system (manifestation is way beyond my realm of belief), and I would place it right down there with prosperity gospel – people love hearing it, love believing it, but it doesn’t get them very far.
With that clarification out of the way, there were a few nuggets of wisdom throughout the book – enough for me to finish it, despite not finding it a book I’d recommend.
Have you read any of the above mentioned books? What were your thoughts on them? Let me know in the comments below.
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
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