There have been a lot of great new books released in 2020, so if you’re looking for new titles to consider for your book club (or maybe just a buddy or group read), here’s the Bibliofile’s roundup of great 2020 picks. From provocative dramas to chilling thrillers, there’s plenty to variety to choose from in 2020!
I’ll be updating this list as books get released, so stay tuned! The list below is ordered by release date.
For last year’s list, see the Best Book Club Books of 2019.
Long Bright River
What It's About: Long Bright River by Liz Moore, released January 7th, is a slow-burning family drama about addiction. I want to be clear about this, because it calls itself a mystery, so I went in thinking it was going to be a faster-paced mystery novel. I ended up not really loving it, since I had specifically chosen it since I wanted to read a mystery. There's an element of mystery (the book opens with the discovery of a dead body), but it's not really at the heart of what the book is about. I think if I'd read it in the right mindset, I would have enjoyed this thoughtfully written novel more. If your group likes family dramas though, this book is one to consider.See the Full Summary and Review of Long Bright River Publication Date: January 7, 2020
What It's About: Long Bright River by Liz Moore, released January 7th, is a slow-burning family drama about addiction. I want to be clear about this, because it calls itself a mystery, so I went in thinking it was going to be a faster-paced mystery novel. I ended up not really loving it, since I had specifically chosen it since I wanted to read a mystery. There's an element of mystery (the book opens with the discovery of a dead body), but it's not really at the heart of what the book is about. I think if I'd read it in the right mindset, I would have enjoyed this thoughtfully written novel more. If your group likes family dramas though, this book is one to consider.See the Full Summary and Review of Long Bright River Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Such a Fun Age
What It's About: See the Full Summary and Review of Such a Fun Age Publication Date: December 31, 2019
What It's About: See the Full Summary and Review of Such a Fun Age Publication Date: December 31, 2019
The Sun Down Motel
What It's About: The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James was released back on February 18th, and I have to admit it wasn't on my radar for a long time. But I've seen lots of positive reviews for this book which sounds just up my alley (billed as a mystery-slash-ghost story), so it's officially on my shortlist of books to read. For book clubs that like mysteries, take a look at Sun Down Motel. I expect my review of this book to be up shortly!Publication Date: February 18, 2020
What It's About: The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James was released back on February 18th, and I have to admit it wasn't on my radar for a long time. But I've seen lots of positive reviews for this book which sounds just up my alley (billed as a mystery-slash-ghost story), so it's officially on my shortlist of books to read. For book clubs that like mysteries, take a look at Sun Down Motel. I expect my review of this book to be up shortly!Publication Date: February 18, 2020
The Splendid and the Vile
What It's About: Erik Larson has written another enthralling page-turner, this time about Winston Churchill and London during the Blitz. Larson is a pro at writing accessible and entertaining, but very substantive, historical non-fiction, and the consensus seems to be that this is another winner.
What It's About: Erik Larson has written another enthralling page-turner, this time about Winston Churchill and London during the Blitz. Larson is a pro at writing accessible and entertaining, but very substantive, historical non-fiction, and the consensus seems to be that this is another winner.
Released on February 25th, The Splendid and the Vile is one for the history buffs.
Publication Date: February 25, 2020
Deacon King King
What It's About: See the Full Summary and Review of Deacon King King Publication Date: March 3, 2020
What It's About: See the Full Summary and Review of Deacon King King Publication Date: March 3, 2020
The Vanishing Half
What It's About: The Vanishing Half tells a very timely story about two twin sisters who run away at sixteen and whose lives diverge. One sister passes for white, while the other raises her black daughters. Released on June 2nd, It's a story about family, race and perception that will likely appeal to lots of readers and book clubs, as many are trying to enhance their understanding of race. I'm reading this right now and will update this with a link to the review when it's up!See the Full Summary and Review of The Vanishing Half Publication Date: June 2, 2020
What It's About: The Vanishing Half tells a very timely story about two twin sisters who run away at sixteen and whose lives diverge. One sister passes for white, while the other raises her black daughters. Released on June 2nd, It's a story about family, race and perception that will likely appeal to lots of readers and book clubs, as many are trying to enhance their understanding of race. I'm reading this right now and will update this with a link to the review when it's up!See the Full Summary and Review of The Vanishing Half Publication Date: June 2, 2020
Mexican Gothic
What It's About: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a gothic-horror-type novel set in a house called the High Place in (you guessed it) the Mexican countryside. To be released on June 30, the early reviews have been very promising. I'm holding off on deciding whether I'll read it or not until after it comes out, but it's one to watch.
What It's About: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a gothic-horror-type novel set in a house called the High Place in (you guessed it) the Mexican countryside. To be released on June 30, the early reviews have been very promising. I'm holding off on deciding whether I'll read it or not until after it comes out, but it's one to watch.
Moreno-Garcia writing tends to lean YA-ish at times, so this might appeal more to groups that also read some YA.
See the Full Summary and Review of Mexican Gothic Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Home Before Dark
What It's About: See the Full Summary and Review of Home Before Dark Publication Date: June 30, 2020
What It's About: See the Full Summary and Review of Home Before Dark Publication Date: June 30, 2020
The Shadows
What It's About: Alex North is known for his scary thrillers, so if your book club is up for spine-tingling thrills, then this might be the book for you. To be released on July 7, The Shadows is about a teenage who murdered our protagonist Paul's friends and then was never seen again. At the time, it inspired copycat murders. Now, twenty-five years later his the town of Featherbank, another copycat has cropped up and Paul suspects someone is following him.Publication Date: July 7, 2020
What It's About: Alex North is known for his scary thrillers, so if your book club is up for spine-tingling thrills, then this might be the book for you. To be released on July 7, The Shadows is about a teenage who murdered our protagonist Paul's friends and then was never seen again. At the time, it inspired copycat murders. Now, twenty-five years later his the town of Featherbank, another copycat has cropped up and Paul suspects someone is following him.Publication Date: July 7, 2020
Piranesi
What It's About: Susanna Clarke's debut novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, was a mega-bestseller, so you can bet this is likely to be a popular title if it's as good as early readers are claiming it to be. It'll be released on September 15 just in time to get included on holiday wishlists.
What It's About: Susanna Clarke's debut novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, was a mega-bestseller, so you can bet this is likely to be a popular title if it's as good as early readers are claiming it to be. It'll be released on September 15 just in time to get included on holiday wishlists.
Get your book club ready! I loved Jonathan Strange, so I'm fairly certain I'll be reading this one as soon as I can get my hands on a copy.
Publication Date: September 15, 2020
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
What It's About: See the Full Summary and Review of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Publication Date: October 6, 2020
What It's About: See the Full Summary and Review of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Publication Date: October 6, 2020
I have yet to read the books you listed. Doubt I’d be reading My Dark Vanessa though…too much of Lolita vibes :( I have read The Book of Longings, and loved it! :) Great list, Jennifer!
I’m beyond excited for the next Clarke novel and the Novik one as well. Two fascinating story threads from two fantastically talented authors.
I usually read lists like this and don’t find anything I’m interested in, but I added three of these titles to be TBR! Thank you for sharing