What My Book Club Read in 2020
Not knowing the upheaval that 2020 would hold for all of us, I finally took the leap to start a book club in January, and it was one of my absolutely favorite things about the year - a safe, soul-filling space full of coziness, novels, tea, snacks, and close friends.
Even through quarantine in spring 2020 and having to meet virtually for several months, our curiosity, commitment, and a desire for community were the threads binding our little group together. I treasure all the places we journeyed through books our first year in book club and all the insights we’ve learned and shared.
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Here are the books we read together in 2020, along with my personal review of each:
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was completely immersed in this story of siblings Danny and Maeve and how The Dutch House is a main character and influence in their lives spanning decades. Also some major themes of feminism and motherhood which were interesting to discuss in group.
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book made me weep when I finished it at 2am. It’s a fictional retelling of the real-life love story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis but based on historical facts, writings and journals. I kept this one for my own shelves, because I definitely want to read it again. Breathtaking writing and phrases that sweep you into the story of C.S. Lewis and Joy’s world at The Kilns.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh, how I adored this book and the brave and empathetic main character, Cussy Mary Carter. It occupied my thoughts for weeks after I finished reading it. This book gave me compassion and understanding of a people group in U.S. history that I didn’t previously know much about - the “blue-skinned people” of Kentucky.
The Paris Orphan by Natasha Lester ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I adore WW2 historical fiction, especially ones that take place in multiple time periods (similar to one of my all-time favorites, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah). This book was an emotional journey full of surprises, twists and turns. Sent me down a rabbit trail researching the real female war photographers that inspired this book, many of whose actual names were used as characters.
Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a good, enjoyable story about identity and family with characters you fall in love with. I could completely picture the setting in the marshes of coastal Georgia and learned some interesting historical details. There were some slightly predictable parts, but after the intensity of the books we read before this one, we needed something like this.
Call Your Daughter Home by Deb Spera ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ahh, I loved this book set in 1924 small-town South Carolina. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different, diverse female main character, each woman fierce but also deeply struggling in her own way. There were breathtaking supernatural elements, heart-wrenching themes about motherhood and loss and faith.
Snow Flower and The Secret Fan by Lisa See ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a tough one for me. I can’t say I loved this book, but I’m glad I read it. There were some really disturbing themes and scenes, but I was (barely) able to push through to learn about what life was like for women living in villages in 19th century china and the Laotong relationships that were so precious to them. The sickening reality of Chinese foot binding was hard to digest, but I’m glad I know more about it now. 3 stars for how how much I enjoyed it, but 4 stars because the story is told excellently.
The Honey Bus (a memoir) by Meredith May ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Meredith learns about the miraculousness of bees and finds belonging in the true meaning of family. This memoir was hopeful, yet honest. Full of warmth and kindness. The sensory imagery is vivid - I felt like I could smell and taste her words at certain points. Loved it and made me even more grateful to be a sustainable farmer. I’m even more motivated to keep adding flowers and produce to provide a happy environment for the bee colonies that live on our land. 🐝🌸
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is officially my favorite book from our first year of book club. The last line of the book still makes me a little teary when I think about it. When I finished this book, I felt like I had actually traveled down the Mississippi River myself. It’s everything I love about a novel - characters you feel like are real, accurate historical elements, intricate storylines interwoven with each other, shocking twists and turns, and redemption.
Teaching From Rest by Sarah Mackenzie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When we got to December 2020, we didn't want a huge novel to read over Christmas break with all the family activities, so we made an exception and read this non-fiction homeschooling/parenting book as our last of the year. Since all five of us happen to homeschool our children right now, this was an inspiring and encouraging read to help us start fresh in January. Sarah Mackenzie, in her adorable and lighthearted way, always encourages me in what is good and true and to keep the most important things at the forefront - connection with my children and leading them in the ways of Jesus.
