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BKLYN BookMatch: Our Favorite Books from 2020

It was a difficult year, to put it mildly, but at least we had books. In this list, BPL librarians and staff recommend their absolute favorites from 2020, in every genre and age group. Most books were published this year, some were published earlier, and all were a much-appreciated distraction.

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50 items

I want to be where the normal people are
Bloom, Rachel, 1987- author.
Format: Book

I laughed so hard reading this essay collection I nearly broke out in song.

Solutions and other problems
Brosh, Allie, author, illustrator.
Format: Book

The long-awaited return of Allie Brosh! These laugh-(and sob)-out-loud autobiographical comics cover everything from love and sickness to babysitting and pet ownership.

If you come to Earth
Blackall, Sophie, author, illustrator.
Format: Book

A beautiful and ultimately hopeful story about our world and the people in it.

Big friendship : how we keep each other close
Sow, Aminatou, author.
Format: Book

An entire book putting into words why we can and should take friendships seriously? Yes, please!

Four Sisters 1 : Enid
Ferdjoukh, Malika/ Baur, Cati
Format: PRINTED MATL

A stunning French graphic novel about family that is hyper-realistic and specific with a tinge of magic. Gorgeous art.

Race the Sands
Durst, Sarah Beth
Format:

A twisty, perfectly-paced adventure for readers who want their high fantasy with a dose of mystery.

Tam Lin
Dean, Pamela, 1953-
Format:

Annual autumnal read of this Tam Lin retelling set in the 1970s. Magical but believable.

Plain Bad Heroines
Danforth, Emily M./ Lautman, Sara (ILT)
Format: Book

Half Victorian boarding school novel, half celesbian gossip satire—queer, creepy and atmospheric.

How to win in a winner-take-all world : the definitive guide to adapting and succeeding in high-performance careers
Irwin, Neil, author.
Format:

This looked intimidating, but turned out to have thoughtful advice about success in today's economy.

Deacon King Kong : a novel
McBride, James, 1957- author.
Format:

Fantastical tale of Brooklyn in the vein of Kurt Vonnegut or John Kennedy Toole. Lovable, imperfect characters.