Hey, good evening and I hope you are doing well. We had an uneventful voting process at my polling station and I am praying it is so all over Ghana.
Today’s prompt is writing about your best books of 2020. I didn’t read much this year, I can’t tell exactly why. Bhurbx on the other hand seems to have done a lot of reading so I am doing a feature post of her day 7. I hope you enjoy.
A POST FROM BHURBX.
Often, the best way to find a book is through recommendations. In every one of these recommendations is a small part of me that gradually fell in love with literature. My life to an extent pays homage to the power of literature and how important stories and words are to the human(my) experience. I have a bookgram that I write my reviews on books I’ve read but honestly I’ve not read alot this year and even some of the books I’m about mentioning didn’t make it to that gram. But that’s fine. They are here anyway.
By no means have I read everything, but I consider myself quite well-read. (Smiles)
So in no particular order my read list for 2020:
• A little life by Hanya Yanagihara.
After thought:
A Little Life feels elemental, irreducible — and, dark and disturbing though it is, there is beauty in it. After you have finished the book it will stay with you or a very long time.
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
After thought:
This novel follows the narration of Nick Carraway, neighbour to the infamous Jay Gatsby who lives in the unmissable mansion that crowns Long Island. (Yes, you’ve seen the movie and you liked it. Read the book too when you get it). It also encapsulates a timeless message. Short, sweet and full of beautiful writing. A product of its time.
• New Generation African Poets; A chapbook box set (Saba) by ten phenomenal poets.
After thought:
I’ve cheated a bit here by including a whole series but once you read the first poem collection you won’t be able to stop and I’ll forever be grateful to Henneh kwaku Kyereh for getting me the whole series (well not all but i respect his judgement and take pride in his choices, that’s getting me all the best ones).
I feel like the authors in this series have not received the credit they deserve. I’ve only read one of each authors books, but it feels like somewhat timeless masterpieces. Tryphena Yeboah wrote in an atmospheric and chilling way but reveals something far more sinister than the initial premise of a her story/poems.
• Saturday by Ian MacEwan.
After thought:
This novel follows the life of Henry Perowne, a successful neurosurgeon. One morning changes him and his life forever, as he wakes up to see an unusual sighting in the sky. I read this book early this year and perhaps that’s why I looked up more this year. This is a powerful story about fragments of time and how moments can change the course of someone’s life forever. It’s gripping, poignant and everything you could want in a story.
• Sophie’s Choice by William Styron.
After thought:
I have not finished reading this book but I can put it on this list because whew I have been haunted. It’s one hell of a book but told with great delicacy and poignancy. Set in New York and told through the perspective of Stingo, a 22-year-old aspiring writer. it’s based on the truth and not something to read if you’re looking for some gentle escapism. Powerful and gut-wrenching much.
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.
After thought:
This should be the bible for any creative person. Recommend by my friend-Nestar Erskines- last year. I read it then and I skimmed through some time during the year. This book took me from writer’s block to being able to see the world in a whole new way. The book can help you overcome the many different obstacles that a creative person faces on their journey. Pick this book up when you see it.
• Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops by Jen Campbell
After thought:
This is a book that talks about all the weird and wonderful experiences booksellers have had with their customers. It will make you laugh to no end, and perhaps you will find some cool reads along the way! Or maybe even find out what not to read!
We can all learn something from literature and its importance should never be undermined. Whether you’re a voracious reader or are still working on the same book since Adam, it doesn’t matter. We can all probably spend more time learning and opening our minds.
Thank you for reading.
So please feel inspired and comment if any “must-read” books are missing on this list!
I have read a couple of books this year but the one that has stayed with me and given me new perspective on life and love is Paulo Coelho’s the zahir. I know he is most famous for the alchemist but the zahir is a really powerful book that shows you that loving is not done any certain way.
Really, I will make it a point to add it to my list for next year. Thanks for sharing…