The 20 Best Books of 2020 to Read in 2021

Books From Last Year That are Still Relevant in 2021

There's nothing quite like getting lost in the pages of a book while you lay in your hammock. After a year like 2020, we could all use the relaxation.

Give yourself a chance to catch up on the best reads of 2020, and enjoy one of these top-rated books in your Hammock Universe hammock.

For The Fiction Fan

Deacon King Kong – James McBride

James McBride's fictional story about a shooting in New York in the 1960s is rife with intensity, but it's the human storytelling that you will keep you engaged in this award-winning novel.

The Vanishing Half – Brit Bennett

A stellar piece of historical fiction, The Vanishing Half tells the story of two twin sisters who become separated in early adulthood, but are intertwined for generations. The story captures notes of racism, identity, and distance with an immersive approach.

Even As We Breathe – Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle

Part-coming-of-age, part-historical fiction, Even As We Breathe captures the reader with the author's warm, pointed writing. The protagonist, a teenager learning about life beyond his Cherokee reservation, faces experiences that blend race, class, trust, and identity.

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For the Political Mind

A Promised Land – Barack Obama

The 44th president had intended to finish his memoir within a year of leaving the White House. Instead, he spent years crafting his book, ending up with a 700-page behemoth that covers everything from his youth to his political journey.

Twilight of Democracy – Anne Applebaum

In response to the political happenings of the last few years, many writers and pundits have claimed that democracy itself is under attack. In this book, Anne Applebaum looks at that idea with microscopic precision, studying the politics of the U.S., the U.K., and Poland.

The Great Demographic Illusion – Richard Alba

Political conversations often get heated because people are so willing to defend their strongly-held beliefs. In this refreshing page-turner, Richard Alba looks at some of the traps that people on all sides of the political spectrum are likely to fall into.

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For the Socially Conscious Reader

The Skin We're In – Desmond Cole

In The Skin We're In, Toronto-based activist and journalist Desmond Cole illustrates the past, present and future of racism in Canada, all under the context of our country's 150th birthday.

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents – Isabel Wilkerson

In a book that critics have called an instant classic, Journalist Isabel Wilkerson frames American racism as a caste system. Her work shines a light on the way that societies build a hierarchy, and fuel bigotry by shunning outsiders.

This Is Your Time – Ruby Bridges 

At age six, Ruby Bridges became the first student in New Orleans to integrate into a previously all-white class. In This is Your Time, Bridges writes a letter to readers, urging them to do what's right. The book is captivating for readers of any age.

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For the Entertainment Junkie

The Answer Is... – Alex Trebek

Jeopardy host, beloved Canadian, beacon of kindness: we all loved Alex Trebek. Before his passing, he released his charming, smart memoir.

Songteller: My Life in Lyrics – Dolly Parton

The perky country star's book is a must-read for any music fan. Parton dives into the stories behind her greatest songs, and writes with the dazzling charm we've come to love.

The Meaning of Mariah Carey – Mariah Carey

Whether you know all the words to her #1 hits or you change the dial when her signature vocals come on the radio, one thing is for sure: Mariah Carey isn't holding back. This powerful memoir documents a rocky childhood, abusive marriage, and a rollercoaster career.

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For the Forward-Thinker

Uncanny Valley – Anna Wiener

This non-fiction page-turner tells the tale of a young woman who leaves her job as a copywriter to discover the world of tech in Silicon Valley. She describes the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of the tech world with a refreshing, biting style.

The New Corner Office: How the Most Successful People Work From Home – Laura Vanderkam

From the effects of COVID-19 to the shift to a digital world, more people than ever are working remotely. This book provides a front-to-back guide on not just surviving, but thriving in your home office.

Until the End of Time – Brian Greene

This one-of-a-kind book combines science and spirituality. Written by a physicist, Until the End of Time searches for the meaning of life, and matches the big "what if" with even bigger ideas, but they're shared in a digestible way.

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No matter what type of reader you are, you know one thing's for sure: reading feels heavenly on a swinging hammock. Check out Hammock Universe's selection and revamp your Zoom book club with a comfy, durable hammock.