Of course, my reading in 2020 will not be limited to these ten books, but these are ten books that I definitely want to make sure that I read next year. I initially planned to include a book from 10 different genres, but that quickly fell apart. Mostly because there were a number of memoirs I really want to read, three ended up being included here. What I have ended up with, instead, is a collection of memoirs, novels, poetry and essays.

Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches

Audre Lorde

This book has been on my reading list since it showed up on Emma Watson’s book club Our Shared Shelf. I am wanting to learn more about the lives of black women and their perspectives on the world, and this collection of essays and speeches by a black woman seems to be an excellent place to keep doing that. Of course, I am reading novels and autobiographies as well - Toni Morrison’s Beloved, Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give have been influential, but I want to expand my horizons as much as I can.

the witch doesn’t burn in this one

Amanda Lovelace

I’ve mentioned a few times now, in a few different places, that Amanda Lovelace is one of my favourite poets. So, of course this follow up collection to the princess saves herself in this one had to be on my list for reading next year!

Becoming

Michelle Obama

I have a great deal of admiration and respect for the Obamas, and this memoir of Michelle Obama’s was added to my reading list the moment it was released. Sadly, my local library does not seem to have it, so maybe if I make a public commitment to reading it next year, I’ll finally be able to convince myself to spend the money to buy it.

The Beekeeper of Aleppo

Christy Lefteri

This novel dovetails so nicely with my interest in bees and my love for the Arab world, that of course I won’t to read it. Rather desperately, too. But then, that’s true of all the books on this list.

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Marie Kondo

Don’t tell anyone, but I haven’t actually watched Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. I do want to, but I want to read her book first. Call me weird and old fashioned. Also, it’s easier to refer back to tips given in book format than in TV show format. So, this one goes on the list.

The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet

Bernie Su and Kate Rorick

It’s no secret that I love Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. What may be less well known is that one of my favourite adaptations of the novel is the webseries The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. This novel is a companion to that series, and actually includes the complete adaptation of The Letter - something that was never fully revealed in the show. So, yes, as far as I am concerned, this is a must read.

Reading Lolita in Tehran

Azar Nafisi

True story? Strong women? Books? Sign me up!

Dog Songs

Mary Oliver

I will forever be devastated that I did not find out about Mary Oliver and her poetry until after she had died. Since then, however, I have fallen in love with her poetry and am keen to get my hands on this collection. Also, this dog is gorgeous.

No Friend but the Mountains

Behrouz Boochani

Another one that I’ve been wanting to read since it came out. So. Much. Even if I am kind of mad that even though Behrouz Boochani won awards for this memoir, nothing has actually changed with regards to Australia’s policies to asylum seekers.

Brideshead Revisited

Evelyn Waugh

I’ll be honest, I don’t actually know much about this novel, but I have heard it is wonderful and it intrigues me. So, here it is. The 10th book on this list.

Over to You

Have you read any of these books? What books are on your list to be read next year? Let me know in the comments below!