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Best Books of 2020 Margaret Paige Nebraska Lifestyle Blog
26 Jan 2021
Advice, Reading

Best Books of 2020

My “Best Books of XYZ Year” is always a favorite post to both write and share. Each year I set a reading goal, and most years it increases. In 2020, I wanted to read 32 books; however, 2020 was a bit of a mess. Although I spent more time at home than ever before, I spent less time reading. I did get the chance to finish 26 novels, and I can’t wait to share them with you. I know it’s past the end of the year, but I wanted to share this best books of 2020 post still, as I know many of you made a reading goal for this year and may be looking for suggestions! And, in case you missed it, here’s last year’s post.

I shared a lot of my reading updates on Instagram and Goodreads. If you aren’t following me on either, I recommend doing so now! I’ll continue to use both of these throughout the year to share with you what I’m reading.

I’m going to break down the best books of 2020 by category (just like I did last year), and also share my overall faves.

THE BEST BOOKS I READ THIS YEAR (TOP 5)

These are ranked in order and I’ve linked each so you can read a description/purchase. They’re also included below by category. I really have to say – I think these books have so much more substance than my previous year’s rankings. They have deeper, controversial topics. Even Elin Hilderbrand’s novel is a bit intense.

  1. 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
  2. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
  3. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
  4. Long Bright River by Liz Moore
  5. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

THE BEST HISTORICAL BOOKS I READ THIS YEAR

These are ranked in order, but I still recommend you read all of them. At least add them to your list!

  1. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
  2. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
  3. Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris 

THE BEST MYSTERY/THRILLERS I READ THIS YEAR

In 2019 I started reading more thrillers. In 2020, I added more “mystery” books to my lists. This was obviously my biggest category in 2020.

  1. Long Bright River by Liz Moore
  2. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
  3. When You See Me by Lisa Gardner (this is in a series)
  4. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
  5. Someone We Know by Shari Lapena
  6. The Guest List by Lucy Foley
  7. A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight 
  8. The Last Flight by Julie Clark
  9. The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth
  10. You Are Not Alone by by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

THE BEST FICTION I READ THIS YEAR

These are books you want to read AFTER the thrillers. To bring you back to reality a little bit.

  1. 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
  2. After the Flood by Kassandra Montag (this would be my #6 after my top five best of 2020 AND it’s a NE author)
  3. The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim (also a close top five contender!)
  4. Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand (the third in this series)
  5. One To Watch by Kate Stayman-London
  6. Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein
  7. The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes by Elissa R. Sloan
  8. Anna K: A Love Story by Jenny Lee

THE BEST NON-FICTION I READ THIS YEAR

There’s just one, but warning: it reads like fiction. It’s worthy of it’s own list; I gave it five stars!

  1. My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress by Rachel DeLoache Williams

Lastly, I want to share my favorite books from 2018 and 2019 – Sarah’s Key by Tatiana Rosnay, The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer, and Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris. I don’t even know if Behind Closed Doors was well written… but it stuck with me. Anyone else feel that way? I actually listened to it via audiobook earlier this year too. It was just a crazy read.

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Hey there, I’m Margaret.

Welcome to MP, a place to start your day while you sip your coffee. Feeling stuck? You’re just one read away from finding a new outfit, favorite book, next renovation project, Peloton ride you have to do – or, making 2020 your most impactful year yet. Thanks for being here.

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Lately on the Blog

  • February Recap
  • January Recap
  • Best Books of 2020
  • 200 Peloton Rides: All of My Workout Recommendations
  • Everything I Watched in Quarantine: Ranked

@MPRONSPIES ON INSTAGRAM

  • If you watched my stories, you may have seen my GIANT #monstera! I decided to propagate it on Monday after
  • Each year I set a reading goal, and most years it increases. In 2020, I wanted to read 32 books;
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  • If you’ve followed me since the holidays, I’ve been testing the @peterthomasrothofficial Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum from @sephora, and

Follow along @mpronspies

  • Two months ago, I tested positive for COVID-19 and during that quarantine period I did a whooooleeee lot of binge-watching. Whether you’re in my situation or you’re just quarantining before you see family for the holidays, I put together an important guide on the blog: Everything I watched in quarantine, ranked from worst-best. #quarantinewatchlist #whattowatch #nebraskablogger
  • 200!! Happy to kick off 2021 with a big @onepeloton milestone! I’ve been loving the #bikethatgoesnowhere for almost 2 years and finally hit this goal. Big thanks to @robinnyc for the back-to-back rides today! I’ve never stuck with a fitness program this long and could go on and on about Peloton. If you’re on the fence, GO FOR IT! I’m sharing my favorite rides and recommendations after completing 200 on the blog today. TOGETHER WE GO FAR! #onepeloton #peloton #pelotonbike #pelotonnebraska #nebraskablogger #pelotoncycle #pelotoncommunity #sweatwithswagger #homegym #togetherwegofar #cycling
  • If you watched my stories, you may have seen my GIANT #monstera! I decided to propagate it on Monday after finding this perfect rattan-looking ceramic planter. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is my first year with any houseplants that aren’t succulents so I googled a ton of blog posts about how to propagate. Today (after waiting 3 days) I swapped the water out for new and placed the cutting next to the current plant on a little table. I’m hoping this works and it grows roots/thrives in a few weeks. Please send me ALLLL your houseplant tips! So far I only do these
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  • Each year I set a reading goal, and most years it increases. In 2020, I wanted to read 32 books; however, 2020 was a bit of a mess. Although I spent more time at home than ever before, I spent less time reading. I did get the chance to finish 26 novels, and I can’t wait to share them with you on my blog today! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I know it’s past the end of the year, but I wanted to share my “best books of 2020” post still, as I know many of you made a reading goal for this year
  • If you’ve followed me since the holidays, I’ve been testing the @peterthomasrothofficial Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum from @sephora, and I’m amazed with how this product literally drenches your skin with intense moisture. In the winter (especially this weather), I always struggle with certain parts of my face being more dry than others, and if I had any dry spots, applying this at night took them away by morning.  I use one other serum at night, and this was a great one to alternate this season (I also love PTR’s masks). It’s clinically shown to lock in hydration for up

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