Top 5 Backlist Reads

I started doing this a couple of years ago to really showcase the top books I read of the year. If you missed it, check out the books that made my Top 5 Backlist Reads in 2019. It makes more sense to split it out by backlist books and new releases! I own so many books and so it is always a goal to read the books I own! I read so many great books this year and it was hard narrowing down the list. But here are the Top 5 Backlist Reads 2020!

In no particular order…

A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

“It’s our memories that make us who we are -those moments that, for whatever reason, big or small, stick in our brains, that make up our stories.”

This underrated book was heartbreaking but absolutely beautiful and full of hope! It completely surprised me! A young man’s unrequited love and journey through his thoughts and inner monologue was so full of emotions and humor. No one warned me I would be ugly crying through a good part of this book. If you are looking for a quick emotional contemporary read this is for you!

The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus

“Take your feelings and hold them with softness, but also with power. And whenever you feel afraid, know you can ask your fear about itself.”

This sapphic romance, hard hitting story was both heartbreaking and beautiful! This book was character driven and gives us an in depth look into the lives of two girls, Audre and Mabel. We get an inside look into each their lives as they try to figure out their identity and the meaning of life. It explores diverse backgrounds, sexual orientation and love. The prose and poetry were absolutely stunning. This book deals with a lot of hard issues, but also has joy and hope.

The Simple Wild by K.A Tucker

“I might take risks, but they’re always worth it.”

I am not usually one for contemporary romance, but this book won me over! Calla, a city girl, travels to the great Alaskan wilderness when she learns her estrange father is sick. I adored the second chance father/daughter relationship. Calla is not about the rugged life that her father lives and the other bush pilots who work with her father. It had a great enemies to lovers romance, Jonah was so gruff with such a big heart! The Alaskan setting really won me over and I loved learning more about Bush pilots.

The School For Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

“She had always found villains more exciting than heroes. They had ambition, passion. They made the stories happen. Villains didn’t fear death. No, they wrapped themselves in death like suits of armor!”

Whimsical, Dark, Unique take on Fairy Tales!

This reminded me of a mix of Grimm Fairy Tales, Disney and Ever After High. I loved the time spent on the characters, the description of the world and where the story went. It was completely captivating, took unexpected twists and turns and was just a fun read!

Sightwitch by Susan Dennard

“Paths do not come to you. You have to find them for yourself, and sometimes, you have to carve new ones entirely.”

I loved being back in the Witchlands! This novella was writing in diary entries and had illustrations included! We get some more background information into some of the characters and the world of the Witchlands. Dennard does not disappoint. The writing was fantastic and it was such a quick read!

Honorable Mentions

What are some of your top backlist reads from this year? Have you read any of my Top 5 Backlist Reads 2020?