Book Recommendations - 7 books you should read in 2020!
Updated: Aug 25, 2020
Being an avid reader myself, I always make sure to keep myself busy reading something or the other. From the hundreds of books that I’ve over several years, these are my top 7 recommendations for 2020.
1. The Secret Dream World of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Genre: Comedy
Goodreads rating: 3.65/5
The book is written as a first-person narrative of Rebecca Bloomwood (the shopaholic), who works as a journalist for a financial magazine but genuinely hates her job. It is a hilarious take on her struggles with her job, her relationship with Luke Brandon, and most importantly credit card bills and bank over-dues, due to her obsession with shopping.
2020 so far has been very grim with COVID-19, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanoes, and whatnot. This book will bring the much-needed smile on your face and I bet that it will work as a glee to your gloom.
Check it out HERE
2. You are not so smart by David McRaney
Genre: Self-help, humour, pop-psychology
Goodreads rating: 3.87/5
This book is not at all boring as most of the self-help books are. It explains 46 ways in which almost every one of us is deluding oneself. Now and then, through examples of research and experiments, the book proves that “you are not so smart” and you’ll be able to relate to all the concepts. The author challenges our everyday actions and assumptions and makes us realize actually how irrational we are without even knowing it. This book will surely leave you puzzled and amazed, imparting some knowledge of psychology at the same time.
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Genre: Philosophical, fantasy
Goodreads rating: 3.87/5
This international bestseller narrates the experiences of a young shepherd, named Santiago, in search of a treasure about which he was having recurring dreams. His journey throughout the book can be seen as a metaphor for life and the struggles of a common man to achieve her/his destiny. The book is a beautiful blend of spirituality, fulfillment, and self-realization.
This year has been a big hurdle for many to achieve their goals, so I think this book will not only inspire them but also help them find their true purpose in life.
Check it out HERE
4. Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
Genre: Behavioural economics
Goodreads rating: 4.13/5
This book by Ariely challenges the famous Rational Choice Model of classical economics and helps explain complex economic concepts with the help of everyday examples and anecdotes which are easily relatable and understandable. This is a perfect pick for learning something new while simultaneously being entertained by the light tone of the book.
5. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
Genre: Mystery, thriller
Goodreads rating: 3.90/5
This book is a must-read for anyone who loves enigmatic and fast-paced stories with extreme plot twists and appalling revelations. The story is set in CERN, when a Harvard symbologist, Robert Langdon is summoned there to decode a mysterious symbol seared onto the chest of a brutally murdered, world-renowned scientist.
It is a brilliant page-turner and by the time you reach the end, you’ll have your heads blown up. This is one of the best novels that I’ve read in several years and I am damn sure, you’ll find yourself as enthralled as I was.
Check it out HERE
6. The Accidental Prime Minister by Sanjaya Baru
Genre: Political drama, memoir
Goodreads rating: 3.71/5
The book is Sanjaya Baru’s account of the first term of the UPA government elected in 2005. It brings to light the working of the Indian bureaucracy and the political conspiracies that unfold under the table. This book highlights the transition of Dr. Manmohan Singh from an academician to a politician. Sanjay Baru, his media advisor struggles to maintain a public image of Dr. Singh despite the treacheries of his party against him. It is a valuable addition to the bookshelf of a person who is interested in Indian politics.
Check it out HERE
7. The Subtle art of not giving a Fuck by Marc Manson
Genre: Self-help
Goodreads rating: 3.95/5
This book argues that the pointless positivity that other self-help books try to bring about is quite impractical and useless. The author tries to convey that in reality, shit happens and we should learn to embrace our fears and faults instead of bringing about positivity in every situation.
The book is backed by examples and real-life situations which make it relatable and engaging for the reader. Some people criticize this novel by saying that is an anti-self-help book or anti-positivity book. But believe me, it’s not. The author has just risen above the horizons of positivity and negativity and taken the book to the level of a realist.
Check it out HERE
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If you’re still not sure about what to read, here are some websites that can recommend you some books based on your mood and interests.
https://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/
https://www.literature-map.com/
Also, check out my blog for interesting stuff (https://joieforlife.blogspot.com/), will be uploading more articles soon.