2020 – The Year in Reading My goal this year was to read 68 books. Total read was actually 94 Every year I join the reading challenge on Goodreads. For the past couple years my goal is to read my age in books. Obviously, the bar is set higher as I get older. Goodreads My Year in Books Below are the books I read this past year that I rated to be 5 stars (in no particular order). Very eclectic list.

Couldn't put this book down. Great plot twists and wonderful character development.

Family drama, racial tension, young love all make for an outstanding story that is heartbreaking and devastating

Interesting read while the Impeachment Trial plays in the background.

A truly heart-wrenching, brutally honest memoir about a complicated life. Addiction, depression, pain, abuse, neglect, mental illness, but most of all gratitude.and love were depicted in this engaging story.

This is just the perfect book! The truths it tells are the perfect reminder for everyone.

Despite the controversy over this book it covers a story that should be told.

A fascinating story about the mental illness that occurred in a family of 12 children half of whom were affected by schizophrenia. Chapters are devoted to individual children and their stories as well as stories about the family dynamics.

This story will not be leaving me for a while. Heartbreaking and hopeful!

Fascinating book of food from around the world, food customs, celebrations and even a few recipes. Want to know about unicorn horn poison detectors? How about a recipe for Finnish mustard? And let's not forget about stuffed camel spleen.

A must read! So much to think about.

This quote says it all - “This was a story about many different things, but most of all about idiots. Because we’re doing the best we can, we really are. We’re trying to be grown-up and love each other and understand how the hell you’re supposed to insert USB leads. We are looking for something to cling onto, something to fight for, something to look forward to. We’re doing all we can to teach our children how to swim”.

This is the civics book every American should read. It is a very readable explanation of American government. Clearly written, fun facts, great illustrations. This book clearly shows how makes our democracy works. A must read.

I have been wanting a book to suck me and feel a part of the story and this one did just that. Set in the bleak time period of the Depression and the environmental disaster of the Dust Bowl, the story is one of bravery, strength, preseverance and most of all love. I found this an unputdownable read! “Love is what remains when everything else is gone.”

Two unlikely characters joint to go on an epic adventure to find the golden beetle. Margery and Enid, the eccentric companions, go on a journey of discovery about the world around them and most importantly about themselves.

I remember seeing a segment about The Lost Kitchen on CBS Sunday Morning a year or two ago and was fascinated by the concept and its popularity. Enter "Finding Freedom" Erin French's memoir that tells the story not only of the restaurant, but of the real life world of Erin, the talent behind the restaurant. From working the breakfast line in the family diner as a child, raising a child, addiction and toxic relationships, Erin finds creating good food is the glue that keep her going and gives her hope. Food is a way to demonstrate love. So happy to have found this book and learn more about this inspiring and courageous woman. After reading this I added an item to my bucket list-have a meal a The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine

Kindness matters!