The best and the worst books I read in the year 2020
I love to read.
Last year (that’s 2020), I set myself a higher than the previous year. In case nobody’s asking, I met the reading targets for both 2019 and 2020.
I read a total of 70 books for 2020. The highest number of books I have read in a year, ever. The target was 45 books. I am typing this paragraph of self-achievement with a minute smug expression. Pardon me.
I have here, a very short list (in random order) of my absolute favourite books, as well as the ones I loathe the most.
Books I love:
- What The Dog Saw — Malcolm Gladwell
This is special to me because it was the first of my many journeys with Malcolm Gladwell. Although I came across his name and books hundreds of times for the past several years, I was not moved to try one. Until I found his book in the public library. The rest is history.
2. Reimagining India- McKinsey & Co
With each chapter I read, my admiration for the most entrepreneurial individuals featured in this book grew stronger. I remember uttering “Damn, that’s so clever!” plenty of times while indulging myself in this book.
I believe the book was written while Narendra Modi has yet to become India’s Prime Minister. I also remember that the book was generous with praises to Modi. I did not like that part too much.
Aadhaar project, Khan Academy, Ambani’s were some that I could still recall. (I ought to get one for my own personal shelf). Oh, the license raj. That, I remember!
I feel proud and happy for India to have so many successful, hungry entrepreneurs that want to turn their country for the better.
Very inspiring, to say the least.
3. A Generation of Sociopaths- How the Baby Boomers Betrayed America — Bruce Cannon Gibney
This is a must-have! I kid you not. Especially if you have grown weary and rather scornful of unhelpful remarks and judgements from the Baby Boomers. In his book, Gibney emphasizes that his definition of ‘Baby Boomer’ with an extra layer of specificity. Apart from the usual age bracket, Gibney specifies that it applies especially to Caucasian men (and women) in America.
Why did he exclude Black old people from his ‘baby boomer’ label? It has something to do with draft dodgers ;)
The book is full of scathing (but so true) observations and proofs in the actual mess by the Boomers that resulted in America’s current predicament (in my view in the global too). Gibney delivers brutal honesty. So brutal I had to put the book down several times just to have a loud screamlaugh “HAH!” at least four times in the course of reading his book. He roasts both Democrats as well as Republicans too.
You will want to read this one before you get it as a gift to that deadwood in your office.
4. Becoming- Michelle Obama
Let me wear my cone-of-shame for reading this one years after it came out.
I love it. I love it so much. Before I picked up this book, I knew Michelle Obama had gone to Ivy League university twice.
I read the book and followed her on her journey from her childhood to her meeting her husband. To their struggles in thinking if her husband should go further in his politics, to them moving out from The White House in 2016.
The most striking insight about this book that I gather is that Michelle Lavaughn Robinson is a product of excellent parenting.
5. These Truths- Jill Lepore
America History 101. Very long read. But so worth it. I love it and wish I could have one for me to flick through every now and then when Republicans scream All Lives Matter and Stop The Steal. As well as Democrats when they keep on berating Republicans for the latter’s supposed Conservative views, instead of engaging and be united….states of America.
The book is not pro-Democrat. I just feel compelled to add this note due to a conversation I had with a friend who did not (back then) even pick up to book but criticized that it is biased.
6. Alias Grace — Margaret Atwood
I just love the way Atwood makes the women sassy. I’ll always be suckered into this theme. Like a cat loafing anywhere near a warm surface.
7. The Help- Kathryn Stockett
I love it so much. Minny! Though I disapprove of the choice of actor to play Skeeter in the film adaptation. The actor is not lanky at all.
8. Factfulness- Dr Hans Rosling
I genuinely feel that this book should be on everyone’s bookshelf. The SJWs and perpetually miserably people should own two copies. Just in case they tear one apart.
Now let’s get to the ugly list.
Books I wished I hadn’t read:
- The 5 AM Club- Robin Sharma
I could not even describe how terrible it is. It just is. Please look away when you come across this book.
I love the gist but not the delivery, good God!
2. The Tiger’s Wife-Tea Obreht
Such a bore! How did this book even win an award?? To each his own, I guess.
3. Lord of The Flies- William Golding
I don’t care if this is a classic. In fact, I am clueless just how did it become a classic.
Because it is beyond awful!
Now I am curious. Just who was it that read the book liked it so much and thought…..” hmm I think all school-going children ought to read this one! Let’s make it a must-read for the kids in school, shall we?”
WHY???
If it wasn’t enough that the kids were barbaric in the book, Piggy died! Why would any adult want to subject a child (as well as other adults) to this torturous plot?
Have you no mercy?
X
Hajar.
P/S Suggestions welcome for my 2021 reading list. It’s ok if you like Lord of the Flies, don’t worry as I will still consider your suggestions. *Hugs*
