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BostonPL_BPL Staff Picks: Best Books of 2020

By:

BostonPL_ReadersAdvisory

Boston Public Library

Staff-created list

Staff from the Boston Public Library recommend their favorite books of 2020, from adult fiction and nonfiction to graphic novels, as well as teen and children’s fiction. We hope this list inspires you to keep reading, so check one out today and enjoy a good book! Some of these titles may be available in other formats or languages. Check our catalog for availability. #BPLStaffPicks

By:

BostonPL_ReadersAdvisory

Boston Public Library

16 items

16 items

All Systems Red

All Systems Red

The Murderbot Diaries, Book 1

by Wells, Martha

Downloadable Audiobook - 2017

Science Fiction. This SecUnit hacked its governor module, and calls itself (though never out loud) "Murderbot." All it really wants is to be lef...Show more Science Fiction. This SecUnit hacked its governor module, and calls itself (though never out loud) "Murderbot." All it really wants is to be left alone to watch its entertainment feed, but when danger arises for the humans it's charged to protect, it must leap into action. This series is hands down the best thing I've read all year: action packed, humorous, emotional at times, and very, very relatable. I highly recommend the audiobook as Kevin R. Free does a fantastic job narrating Murderbot's point-of-view. - JordanD Show less

Science Fiction. This SecUnit hacked its governor module, and calls itself (though never out loud) "Murderbot." All it really wants is to be lef...Show more Science Fiction. This SecUnit hacked its governor module, and calls itself (though never out loud) "Murderbot." All it really wants is to be left alone to watch its entertainment feed, but when danger arises for the humans it's charged to protect, it must leap into action. This series is hands down the best thing I've read all year: action packed, humorous, emotional at times, and very, very relatable. I highly recommend the audiobook as Kevin R. Free does a fantastic job narrating Murderbot's point-of-view. - JordanD Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 36 on 12 Volumes

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Harrow the Ninth

Harrow the Ninth

Ninth House Series, Book 2

by Muir, Tamsyn

eBook - 2020

Science Fantasy. This sequel to Gideon the Ninth adopts a clever new narrative style to tell the story of a necromancer who is questioning her perception ...Show more Science Fantasy. This sequel to Gideon the Ninth adopts a clever new narrative style to tell the story of a necromancer who is questioning her perception of reality. As a huge fan of the first book in the Locked Tomb trilogy, I was beyond excited to read this one. While vastly different in terms of style, the sequel was every bit as humorous, emotional, and engaging as its predecessor: my favorite read of the year! - KirstenD Show less

Science Fantasy. This sequel to Gideon the Ninth adopts a clever new narrative style to tell the story of a necromancer who is questioning her perception ...Show more Science Fantasy. This sequel to Gideon the Ninth adopts a clever new narrative style to tell the story of a necromancer who is questioning her perception of reality. As a huge fan of the first book in the Locked Tomb trilogy, I was beyond excited to read this one. While vastly different in terms of style, the sequel was every bit as humorous, emotional, and engaging as its predecessor: my favorite read of the year! - KirstenD Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 7 on 12 Volumes

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You Should See Me in a Crown

You Should See Me in a Crown

by Johnson, Leah

eBook - 2020

Teen Romance. If she wants to attend her dream college, Liz needs a scholarship. When the scholarship she was planning on falls through, the only option l...Show more Teen Romance. If she wants to attend her dream college, Liz needs a scholarship. When the scholarship she was planning on falls through, the only option left is for her to run for prom queen in hopes of winning her high school's prom scholarship. But that's easier said than done considering that Liz struggles with anxiety, is one of the only Black kids at her school, isn't out to her classmates, and is falling for another prom queen hopeful. This is the perfect feel good read to brighten your day! - Laura B Show less

Teen Romance. If she wants to attend her dream college, Liz needs a scholarship. When the scholarship she was planning on falls through, the only option l...Show more Teen Romance. If she wants to attend her dream college, Liz needs a scholarship. When the scholarship she was planning on falls through, the only option left is for her to run for prom queen in hopes of winning her high school's prom scholarship. But that's easier said than done considering that Liz struggles with anxiety, is one of the only Black kids at her school, isn't out to her classmates, and is falling for another prom queen hopeful. This is the perfect feel good read to brighten your day! - Laura B Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 4 on 0 Volumes

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The Lost Future of Pepperharrow

The Lost Future of Pepperharrow

by Pulley, Natasha

eBook - 2020

Science Fantasy. This richly detailed tapestry is woven of historical fiction, fantasy, and steampunk. Moving from 19th century London to Imperial Japan,...Show more Science Fantasy. This richly detailed tapestry is woven of historical fiction, fantasy, and steampunk. Moving from 19th century London to Imperial Japan, the sequel to "The Watchmaker of Filigree Street" (not necessary to read it first, but do read it!) continues the story of Thaniel Steepleton, the clairvoyant watchmaker Keito Mori, and their adopted daughter Six. There is electricity in the air -- literally. And did I mention ghosts? Yes! There are ghosts! Show less

Science Fantasy. This richly detailed tapestry is woven of historical fiction, fantasy, and steampunk. Moving from 19th century London to Imperial Japan,...Show more Science Fantasy. This richly detailed tapestry is woven of historical fiction, fantasy, and steampunk. Moving from 19th century London to Imperial Japan, the sequel to "The Watchmaker of Filigree Street" (not necessary to read it first, but do read it!) continues the story of Thaniel Steepleton, the clairvoyant watchmaker Keito Mori, and their adopted daughter Six. There is electricity in the air -- literally. And did I mention ghosts? Yes! There are ghosts! Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 1 on 2 Volumes

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Intimations

Intimations

Six Essays

by Smith, Zadie

Book - 2020

Essays. "Written during the early months of lockdown, Smith, in these deeply personal essays, explores universal ideas and questions prompted by the ...Show more Essays. "Written during the early months of lockdown, Smith, in these deeply personal essays, explores universal ideas and questions prompted by the unprecedented situation and reality of the pandemic. Though the volume is slim, her words are powerful as they encourage the reader to think and reflect on our history, as well as on what should come next. I read a lot this year! Much of it was reading that was meant to help me escape from our reality, but I am choosing this as my ""best of"" pick because it was able to both take me away and also force me to reflect and think critically about the place we find ourselves in today. " - Liz B. Show less

Essays. "Written during the early months of lockdown, Smith, in these deeply personal essays, explores universal ideas and questions prompted by the ...Show more Essays. "Written during the early months of lockdown, Smith, in these deeply personal essays, explores universal ideas and questions prompted by the unprecedented situation and reality of the pandemic. Though the volume is slim, her words are powerful as they encourage the reader to think and reflect on our history, as well as on what should come next. I read a lot this year! Much of it was reading that was meant to help me escape from our reality, but I am choosing this as my ""best of"" pick because it was able to both take me away and also force me to reflect and think critically about the place we find ourselves in today. " - Liz B. Show less

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Crackling Mountain And Other Stories

Crackling Mountain And Other Stories

by Dazai, Osamu

eBook - 2012

Short Stories. I don't know what else to say about Dazai other than when I finish one of his short story collections or novels I think about it for days. ...Show more Short Stories. I don't know what else to say about Dazai other than when I finish one of his short story collections or novels I think about it for days. It happens often enough to mention it that little, everyday episodes in my life will trigger a recollection of something Dazai has written. This may or may not reflect well on me or what it is that I get into. ANYWAYS... He is one of the most honest, tragic, unreliable, funny and shameless writers I've ever read. - Maty c. Show less

Short Stories. I don't know what else to say about Dazai other than when I finish one of his short story collections or novels I think about it for days. ...Show more Short Stories. I don't know what else to say about Dazai other than when I finish one of his short story collections or novels I think about it for days. It happens often enough to mention it that little, everyday episodes in my life will trigger a recollection of something Dazai has written. This may or may not reflect well on me or what it is that I get into. ANYWAYS... He is one of the most honest, tragic, unreliable, funny and shameless writers I've ever read. - Maty c. Show less

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Keep Moving

Keep Moving

Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change

by Smith, Maggie

eBook - 2020

Nonfiction. "Keep Moving" by poet Maggie Smith couldn't have come at a better time. This quaint volume features bite-sized bits of motivation an...Show more Nonfiction. "Keep Moving" by poet Maggie Smith couldn't have come at a better time. This quaint volume features bite-sized bits of motivation and inspiration that remind readers that we are not alone in our struggles through life and that, no matter what, the best thing we can do for ourselves is to keep moving. - Paul F. Show less

Nonfiction. "Keep Moving" by poet Maggie Smith couldn't have come at a better time. This quaint volume features bite-sized bits of motivation an...Show more Nonfiction. "Keep Moving" by poet Maggie Smith couldn't have come at a better time. This quaint volume features bite-sized bits of motivation and inspiration that remind readers that we are not alone in our struggles through life and that, no matter what, the best thing we can do for ourselves is to keep moving. - Paul F. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 1 on 6 Volumes

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Severance

Severance

A Novel

by Ma, Ling

eBook - 2018

Fiction. 2 years before our current pandemic, Ling Ma perfectly narrates what would happen in contemporary New York if there was a massive deadly pandemic...Show more Fiction. 2 years before our current pandemic, Ling Ma perfectly narrates what would happen in contemporary New York if there was a massive deadly pandemic. She explores what happens when capitalism, religious fanaticism, and the human drive to survive intersect while adding subtle, dark humor. As a former disillusioned New Yorker and millennial, the main character resonated with me so much. - SarahM Show less

Fiction. 2 years before our current pandemic, Ling Ma perfectly narrates what would happen in contemporary New York if there was a massive deadly pandemic...Show more Fiction. 2 years before our current pandemic, Ling Ma perfectly narrates what would happen in contemporary New York if there was a massive deadly pandemic. She explores what happens when capitalism, religious fanaticism, and the human drive to survive intersect while adding subtle, dark humor. As a former disillusioned New Yorker and millennial, the main character resonated with me so much. - SarahM Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 33 on 5 Volumes

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Once Upon a River

Once Upon a River

A Novel

by Setterfield, Diane

Downloadable Audiobook - 2018

Fiction. One dark night in a crowded tavern by a river, an injured man appears at the door carrying in his arms a little girl. So many questions come up f...Show more Fiction. One dark night in a crowded tavern by a river, an injured man appears at the door carrying in his arms a little girl. So many questions come up from this appearance - who is he? Who is the girl? What happened to them? Is she really dead? This visit becomes fodder for the storytelling of the tavern's patrons, and perhaps what was lost is now found. - RebeccaH Show less

Fiction. One dark night in a crowded tavern by a river, an injured man appears at the door carrying in his arms a little girl. So many questions come up f...Show more Fiction. One dark night in a crowded tavern by a river, an injured man appears at the door carrying in his arms a little girl. So many questions come up from this appearance - who is he? Who is the girl? What happened to them? Is she really dead? This visit becomes fodder for the storytelling of the tavern's patrons, and perhaps what was lost is now found. - RebeccaH Show less

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Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

by Butler, Octavia E.

Downloadable Graphic Novel - 2020

Science Fiction. Reading this at the height of the Spring lockdown may have given this a stronger impression in my mind, but it really was perfect timing ...Show more Science Fiction. Reading this at the height of the Spring lockdown may have given this a stronger impression in my mind, but it really was perfect timing to revisit this story, in a fantastically rendered graphic novel version. The art is stunning, emotional, like colored woodcuts come to life, and giving all the action and events a heightened feeling. This adaptation includes so much of the original text that it feels like very little was lost, but it is still "easier" to read than the full text of the book - perfect for the fog that we have all had during the pandemic. But due to the nature of the story - survivors navigating a forsaken US after environmental destruction - it resonated with me more at this point in my life than when I was younger, when we seemed much closer to this doomsday scenario. - gphatty Show less

Science Fiction. Reading this at the height of the Spring lockdown may have given this a stronger impression in my mind, but it really was perfect timing ...Show more Science Fiction. Reading this at the height of the Spring lockdown may have given this a stronger impression in my mind, but it really was perfect timing to revisit this story, in a fantastically rendered graphic novel version. The art is stunning, emotional, like colored woodcuts come to life, and giving all the action and events a heightened feeling. This adaptation includes so much of the original text that it feels like very little was lost, but it is still "easier" to read than the full text of the book - perfect for the fog that we have all had during the pandemic. But due to the nature of the story - survivors navigating a forsaken US after environmental destruction - it resonated with me more at this point in my life than when I was younger, when we seemed much closer to this doomsday scenario. - gphatty Show less

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The Only Black Girls in Town

The Only Black Girls in Town

by Colbert, Brandy

eBook - 2020

Children's Fiction. Part mystery, part coming of age, this book was like surfing a wild wave. Colbert's voice is compelling and her characters fully realized and lovable. This book has stuck with me all year! - Allison H. Children's Fiction. Part mystery, part coming of age, this book was like surfing a wild wave. Colbert's voice is compelling and her characters fully realized and lovable. This book has stuck with me all year! - Allison H. Show less

Children's Fiction. Part mystery, part coming of age, this book was like surfing a wild wave. Colbert's voice is compelling and her characters fully realized and lovable. This book has stuck with me all year! - Allison H. Children's Fiction. Part mystery, part coming of age, this book was like surfing a wild wave. Colbert's voice is compelling and her characters fully realized and lovable. This book has stuck with me all year! - Allison H. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 1 on 0 Volumes

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How Beautiful We Were

How Beautiful We Were

A Novel

by Mbue, Imbolo

Book - 2021

Fiction. Imbolo Mbue follows up her magnificent debut, Behold the Dreamers with a hard-hitting tale of corporate destruction and governmental greed from t...Show more Fiction. Imbolo Mbue follows up her magnificent debut, Behold the Dreamers with a hard-hitting tale of corporate destruction and governmental greed from the perspective of the community in a small African Village whose way of life faces destruction. With a keen eye and heart examining responses from villagers across educational and generational lines, Mbue uses an impartial eye, even while breaking our hearts for this community's suffering. Her writing is powerful and pulls no punches as the reader is taken on a harrowing journey as a tiny village tries to overcome insurmountable odds for a better life. - Michael C. Show less

Fiction. Imbolo Mbue follows up her magnificent debut, Behold the Dreamers with a hard-hitting tale of corporate destruction and governmental greed from t...Show more Fiction. Imbolo Mbue follows up her magnificent debut, Behold the Dreamers with a hard-hitting tale of corporate destruction and governmental greed from the perspective of the community in a small African Village whose way of life faces destruction. With a keen eye and heart examining responses from villagers across educational and generational lines, Mbue uses an impartial eye, even while breaking our hearts for this community's suffering. Her writing is powerful and pulls no punches as the reader is taken on a harrowing journey as a tiny village tries to overcome insurmountable odds for a better life. - Michael C. Show less

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Return of the Thief

Return of the Thief

by Turner, Megan Whalen

eBook - 2020

Teen Fantasy. Turner's brilliant, decades-long historical fantasy series comes to a satisfying close with this sixth installment. Although it is told thro...Show more Teen Fantasy. Turner's brilliant, decades-long historical fantasy series comes to a satisfying close with this sixth installment. Although it is told through the eyes of a young Attolian heir serving in the castle, this epic conclusion is all about Gen - everyone's favorite thief turned royal - as he and his gang of young leaders gather all of their resources, political savvy, and cunning to protect their three kingdoms from the final confrontation with the Greater Peninsula. If you haven't caught up with this series, now's the time! If you haven't yet visited Eddis, Sounis, or Attolia, check out The Thief and thank me later. - Jessica M Show less

Teen Fantasy. Turner's brilliant, decades-long historical fantasy series comes to a satisfying close with this sixth installment. Although it is told thro...Show more Teen Fantasy. Turner's brilliant, decades-long historical fantasy series comes to a satisfying close with this sixth installment. Although it is told through the eyes of a young Attolian heir serving in the castle, this epic conclusion is all about Gen - everyone's favorite thief turned royal - as he and his gang of young leaders gather all of their resources, political savvy, and cunning to protect their three kingdoms from the final confrontation with the Greater Peninsula. If you haven't caught up with this series, now's the time! If you haven't yet visited Eddis, Sounis, or Attolia, check out The Thief and thank me later. - Jessica M Show less

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The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water

The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water

by Cho, Zen

eBook - 2020

Fantasy. A bandit walks into a coffeehouse and picks a fight on behalf of the nun working as a waitress... and then ends up facing the unexpected conseque...Show more Fantasy. A bandit walks into a coffeehouse and picks a fight on behalf of the nun working as a waitress... and then ends up facing the unexpected consequences of his chivalry when she decides to join his ragtag crew. In the midst of a very difficult year, reading and even just thinking about this beautiful, quirky little book brought me joy. I wish that there was whole series about Guet Imm and Tet Sang's adventures, so that I could tag along! - VeronicaKM Show less

Fantasy. A bandit walks into a coffeehouse and picks a fight on behalf of the nun working as a waitress... and then ends up facing the unexpected conseque...Show more Fantasy. A bandit walks into a coffeehouse and picks a fight on behalf of the nun working as a waitress... and then ends up facing the unexpected consequences of his chivalry when she decides to join his ragtag crew. In the midst of a very difficult year, reading and even just thinking about this beautiful, quirky little book brought me joy. I wish that there was whole series about Guet Imm and Tet Sang's adventures, so that I could tag along! - VeronicaKM Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 0 on 2 Volumes

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The Searcher

The Searcher

A Novel

by French, Tana

eBook - 2020

Mystery. There are plenty of twists in this new stand-alone thriller by bestselling author French (Dublin Murder Squad series). The action takes place in ...Show more Mystery. There are plenty of twists in this new stand-alone thriller by bestselling author French (Dublin Murder Squad series). The action takes place in a small village in the west of Ireland where a retired Chicago police officer becomes involved in investigating the disappearance of a local man and discovers that nothing in this small community is quite as simple as it appears. - ES Show less

Mystery. There are plenty of twists in this new stand-alone thriller by bestselling author French (Dublin Murder Squad series). The action takes place in ...Show more Mystery. There are plenty of twists in this new stand-alone thriller by bestselling author French (Dublin Murder Squad series). The action takes place in a small village in the west of Ireland where a retired Chicago police officer becomes involved in investigating the disappearance of a local man and discovers that nothing in this small community is quite as simple as it appears. - ES Show less

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NIV, Holy Bible, New Testament

NIV, Holy Bible, New Testament

by Various Authors

eBook - 2011

Nonfiction. I found this part of the Bible invaluable in the past, COVID-infused year. Of course the whole Bible is precious but during difficult times it...Show more Nonfiction. I found this part of the Bible invaluable in the past, COVID-infused year. Of course the whole Bible is precious but during difficult times it is hard to beat the comforting and challenging words of Jesus, and to marvel at His concern and love for His people. A real Christmas message! Soli Deo Gloria!! - Linda S. Show less

Nonfiction. I found this part of the Bible invaluable in the past, COVID-infused year. Of course the whole Bible is precious but during difficult times it...Show more Nonfiction. I found this part of the Bible invaluable in the past, COVID-infused year. Of course the whole Bible is precious but during difficult times it is hard to beat the comforting and challenging words of Jesus, and to marvel at His concern and love for His people. A real Christmas message! Soli Deo Gloria!! - Linda S. Show less

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