These Are the Best New Books of 2020 (So Far), According to Our Editors

"Without question, my favourite book that came out in 2020 is The Girl with the Louding Voice: A Novel ($12, originally $26) by Abi Daré. It was one of the first books I read this year, and I recommend it to everyone I know. Set in Nigeria, it follows a 14-year-old girl named Adunni on her quest to get an education. It's inspiring and heartbreaking all at once, and I truly couldn't put it down." — Murphy Moroney, staff writer, Family

"Beach Read ($9, originally $16) was such a quick, fun read! Everyone can relate to that 'stuck in a rut' feeling the main character, January, goes through — both creatively and romantically. I'm also a huge sucker for enemies-(through a miscommunication)-turned-lovers, and I blew through this book in a day and a half. The title is also super accurate because it gave me 'beach read' vibes even though I read the majority of it on my couch in comfy pajamas." — Madeleine Fournier, social media coordinator

"One to Watch ($14, originally $17) was my second favourite read of 2020 (after Beach Read). If you enjoy The Bachelorette, this is basically like watching a (very dramatic) season unfold, except in book format. It's a fun and fresh premise, with multiple love interests to root for, a cool (fictional) look into the production side, and a lovable leading lady, who also happens to be a plus-size fashion blogger." — Stephanie Nguyen, senior editor, Branded Content

"Luster: A Novel ($16, originally $26) is sublime. It gave me a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach the entire time I was reading it but in the best possible way. The writing is visceral and honest and funny — there's a scene with lobster bisque that I swear I could smell and feel because it was so well-written. Leilani writes about sex and love and being a young woman in today's world and in relationships in a way that cuts to the bone, and her discussion of sex and taboo and race is honest in a way that I don't see often. This book will probably make you squirm — it did for me — but it's definitely a good thing." — Bryce Aston, copy editor

"Swedish crime writer Camilla Läckberg knows how to write a psychological thriller that will have you holding your breath as you race through every page, and her latest novel The Golden Cage ($20, originally $28) is a sexy, twisty tale of revenge and the strength of women. I could NOT put it down." — Tara Block, content director, Growth and Strategic Features

"Untamed ($17, originally $28) by Glennon Doyle just came out this year, but it's already on my 'greatest of all time' list. The book is a powerful manifesto on creating a life you want and embracing all that you are. After reading it, I sent it to my best girlfriends, because I think it should be required reading. It's also written in little vignettes, so it's easy to just open a page and get some magic." — India Yaffe, assistant editor, Shop

"Holy book hangover — do yourself a favour and grab a copy of this book. Anna K: A Love Story ($13, originally $19) is a modern retelling of Anna Karenina with major Gossip Girl and Crazy Rich Asian vibes. It's a YA book but it had me hooked until the very end. A sequel is coming in 2021 and I am counting down the days until I can buy it." — Renee Rodriguez, executive assistant

"I loved the first book in Holly Jackson's YA thriller series, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, and Good Girl Bad Blood ($14), the recently released sequel did not let me down, either. The main character Pip's spunky personality and dry sense of humour adds some levity to the missing person's case she's investigating, and all of the twists and turns make the book impossible to put down." — Annalise Mantz, editor, Branded Content

"A Beautifully Foolish Endeavour ($19, originally $27), the sequel (and conclusion) to An Absolutely Remarkable Thing uses not-quite-alien, not-quite-robots to comment on the crumbling infrastructure of the economy, technology, and society at large in a way that's profound and also admirably funny. I pre-ordered this book because I was so excited for it after reading the first instalment and, now, nearly every page is dog-eared or marked with pen from how many amazing quotes I've marked for future reference." — Chanel Vargas, editorial assistant, Trending and Viral Features

"I loved everything about Writers & Lovers ($19, originally $27), the voice of the central character, the cadence of the story, and how it ends. It's a perfect portrait of a young female artist struggling both with writer's block and romantic relationships, all while dealing with the recent death of her mother. It's funny and wry and gutting and weirdly relatable and I couldn't put it down." — Aviel Kanter, associate director, Branded Content

"To be completely honest, this book sat on my shelf way longer than it should have. A quick read that was truly chock-full of twists, I think I read The Last Flight: A Novel ($19, originally $27) in 24 hours. The story follows Claire, the wife of a high-powered, abusive man. Readers are taken on a wild ride when she formulates a plan to escape him after running into a woman named Eva, who has a very seedy past, at the airport." — MM

"Every summer I await a new Riley Sager book with eager anticipation, and his latest book Home Before Dark ($20, originally $27) did not disappoint. If a book can get me to consider sleeping with the lights on, I consider it a win. Prepare to be scared!" — RR

"I don't listen to many audiobooks, but I had a long solo drive this summer and our book club on Facebook (join here!) couldn't stop raving about how good the audiobook was for The Guest List ($22). Boy, were they right! This gripping mystery follows several characters (each voiced by different actors on the audiobook) who are at a wedding on a remote island in Ireland. It's sexy, darkly funny, and engrossingly atmospheric, and if you're a fan of Agatha Christie like I am, you will love it!" — TB

"The Return ($20, originally $28) is the perfect book for those of us who just need a classic romance novel right now, I loved how Nicholas Sparks developed the characters of Trevor, an orthopedic surgeon looking for a new start in New Bern, NC, and Natalie, a sheriff's deputy who's harboring a major secret. Trevor's life gets shaken up after being forced to take care of his late grandfather's cabin, which has bee colonies on the property." — MM

"The Vanishing Half: A Novel ($16, originally $27) by Brit Bennett is the latest book I've read, but it's one I had to ration out over two days; I could have read it in an afternoon, but wanted to savor all the goodness. I was utterly enthralled with the story, and it's easily the most engageing novel I've read this year. I found myself continuously saying, 'but what happens next' as I was reading, and the social commentary was powerful and poignant. I loved it." — IY

"I stayed awake until 2 a.m. finishing The Sun Down Motel ($23, originally $26) when I got it - it was that amazing. It's a creepy read that involves a good old-fashioned mystery with a supernatural twist. Grab an extra blanket because this book will give you the chills." — RR

"If you want to cosy up with a really good thriller, The Shadows: A Novel ($20, originally $27) is for you. I literally had to make sure my husband was home while I read this book because it was so freakin' scary. Of course, readers may know Alex North from his debut novel, The Whisper Man, but I liked The Shadows even better!" — MM

"Oona Out of Order ($16, originally $27) isn't a book I would have picked for myself, but my dad sent it to me in the mail and I fell in love with it. In 1982, the main character Oona is about to turn 19 on New Year's Day. Instead of waking up in on her 19th birthday in 1983, she wakes up as a 51 year old and learns the rest of her birthdays will be spent waking up 'out of order.' Romance, time travel, humour- this book has everything. My only complaint is that the author didn't turn this into a series because I would have loved to continue reading Oona's story." — RR