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Lawrence Picks: LPL Staff Best Books of 2020

By:

LPL_ReadersServices

Lawrence Public Library

Staff-created list

In a year when we needed to be distracted, entertained, and lifted up more than ever before, books were there for us. Here are LPL's Staff picks for the best reads of 2020.

By:

LPL_ReadersServices

Lawrence Public Library

1-25 of 31 items

1-25 of 31 items

Conjure Women

Conjure Women

A Novel

by Atakora, Afia

Book - 2020

A mystical and insightful coming-of-age tale of one community in the heartbreaking eras of antebellum and reconstruction (before and after the U.S. Civil ...Show more A mystical and insightful coming-of-age tale of one community in the heartbreaking eras of antebellum and reconstruction (before and after the U.S. Civil War). Earth-bound natural elements are revealed in vivid scenes as May Belle sends her daughter Rue to search for medicinal plants and mysterious foxes wonder the woods. -Shirley, Readers' Services Show less

A mystical and insightful coming-of-age tale of one community in the heartbreaking eras of antebellum and reconstruction (before and after the U.S. Civil ...Show more A mystical and insightful coming-of-age tale of one community in the heartbreaking eras of antebellum and reconstruction (before and after the U.S. Civil War). Earth-bound natural elements are revealed in vivid scenes as May Belle sends her daughter Rue to search for medicinal plants and mysterious foxes wonder the woods. -Shirley, Readers' Services Show less

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The Once and Future Witches

The Once and Future Witches

by Harrow, Alix E.

Book - 2020

Witchcraft meets the suffragist movement in this dazzling tale from my favorite up-and-coming fantasy she-ro. -Leah, Readers' Services Witchcraft meets the suffragist movement in this dazzling tale from my favorite up-and-coming fantasy she-ro. -Leah, Readers' Services Show less

Witchcraft meets the suffragist movement in this dazzling tale from my favorite up-and-coming fantasy she-ro. -Leah, Readers' Services Witchcraft meets the suffragist movement in this dazzling tale from my favorite up-and-coming fantasy she-ro. -Leah, Readers' Services Show less

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Black Sun

Black Sun

by Roanhorse, Rebecca

Book - 2020

Inspired by pre-Columbian Indigenous folklore, it has all the makings of the next big fantasy series. Effortless world building, complex and memorable cha...Show more Inspired by pre-Columbian Indigenous folklore, it has all the makings of the next big fantasy series. Effortless world building, complex and memorable characters, great queer representation, a plot that unfurls in a most satisfying way to an epic conclusion that left me yearning for book 2 of the Between Earth and Sky series. -Leah, Readers' Services Show less

Inspired by pre-Columbian Indigenous folklore, it has all the makings of the next big fantasy series. Effortless world building, complex and memorable cha...Show more Inspired by pre-Columbian Indigenous folklore, it has all the makings of the next big fantasy series. Effortless world building, complex and memorable characters, great queer representation, a plot that unfurls in a most satisfying way to an epic conclusion that left me yearning for book 2 of the Between Earth and Sky series. -Leah, Readers' Services Show less

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Caste

Caste

The Origins of Our Discontents

by Wilkerson, Isabel

Book - 2020

Gregor, Book Van Coordinator Gregor, Book Van Coordinator Show less

Gregor, Book Van Coordinator Gregor, Book Van Coordinator Show less

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American Oligarchs

American Oligarchs

The Kushners, the Trumps, and the Marriage of Money and Power

by Bernstein, Andrea

Book - 2020

Ruby, Info Services Ruby, Info Services Show less

Ruby, Info Services Ruby, Info Services Show less

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Weather

Weather

A Novel

by Offill, Jenny

Book - 2020

Ruby, Info Services Ruby, Info Services Show less

Ruby, Info Services Ruby, Info Services Show less

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A Deadly Education

A Deadly Education

A Novel

by Novik, Naomi

Book - 2020

Lauren, Children's Librarian Lauren, Children's Librarian Show less

Lauren, Children's Librarian Lauren, Children's Librarian Show less

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Little Fox

Little Fox

by Vendel, Edward van de

Book - 2020

An early chapter book for young readers, this Dutch import tells a dreamlike tale of a fox's life in a natural setting near people. It strikes a wonderful...Show more An early chapter book for young readers, this Dutch import tells a dreamlike tale of a fox's life in a natural setting near people. It strikes a wonderful balance between the realities of nature and anthropomorphism, with its human character, a child observing the fox, on the edges of the action, as the fox explores its world, lives its life, and passes on. -Dan, Collection Development Librarian Show less

An early chapter book for young readers, this Dutch import tells a dreamlike tale of a fox's life in a natural setting near people. It strikes a wonderful...Show more An early chapter book for young readers, this Dutch import tells a dreamlike tale of a fox's life in a natural setting near people. It strikes a wonderful balance between the realities of nature and anthropomorphism, with its human character, a child observing the fox, on the edges of the action, as the fox explores its world, lives its life, and passes on. -Dan, Collection Development Librarian Show less

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The Book of Eels

The Book of Eels

Our Enduring Fascination With the Most Mysterious Creature in the Natural World

by Svensson, Patrik

Book - 2020

American and European eels are some of the most mysterious animals on Earth, and our knowledge of their life cycle still has many gaps. This fantastic nat...Show more American and European eels are some of the most mysterious animals on Earth, and our knowledge of their life cycle still has many gaps. This fantastic nature memoir explores what we know about them and how it was discovered, as well as the author's experiences fishing for eels with his father growing up in Sweden. -Dan, Collection Development Librarian Show less

American and European eels are some of the most mysterious animals on Earth, and our knowledge of their life cycle still has many gaps. This fantastic nat...Show more American and European eels are some of the most mysterious animals on Earth, and our knowledge of their life cycle still has many gaps. This fantastic nature memoir explores what we know about them and how it was discovered, as well as the author's experiences fishing for eels with his father growing up in Sweden. -Dan, Collection Development Librarian Show less

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The House in the Cerulean Sea

The House in the Cerulean Sea

by Klune, TJ

Book - 2020

Reading The House in the Cerulean Sea reminded me of what it was like to open up a book as a child, and encounter a fantastical place within the pages tha...Show more Reading The House in the Cerulean Sea reminded me of what it was like to open up a book as a child, and encounter a fantastical place within the pages that surprised me, delighted me, kept me awake late at night to discover more, more, more. This story captures all of the light in the universe and holds it aloft, like a present you didn't know that you needed. Months later, I'm still aglow with hope after reading it - I recommend this book to *everyone*. -Kimberly, Readers' Services Show less

Reading The House in the Cerulean Sea reminded me of what it was like to open up a book as a child, and encounter a fantastical place within the pages tha...Show more Reading The House in the Cerulean Sea reminded me of what it was like to open up a book as a child, and encounter a fantastical place within the pages that surprised me, delighted me, kept me awake late at night to discover more, more, more. This story captures all of the light in the universe and holds it aloft, like a present you didn't know that you needed. Months later, I'm still aglow with hope after reading it - I recommend this book to *everyone*. -Kimberly, Readers' Services Show less

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Real Life

Real Life

by Taylor, Brandon

Book - 2020

This beautifully written #ownvoices debut novel about black, gay doctoral student a midwestern university brought me out of my pandemic reading slump. Highly recommended. -William, Cataloging and Collection Development Coordinator This beautifully written #ownvoices debut novel about black, gay doctoral student a midwestern university brought me out of my pandemic reading slump. Highly recommended. -William, Cataloging and Collection Development Coordinator Show less

This beautifully written #ownvoices debut novel about black, gay doctoral student a midwestern university brought me out of my pandemic reading slump. Highly recommended. -William, Cataloging and Collection Development Coordinator This beautifully written #ownvoices debut novel about black, gay doctoral student a midwestern university brought me out of my pandemic reading slump. Highly recommended. -William, Cataloging and Collection Development Coordinator Show less

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Cynical Theories

Cynical Theories

How Activist Scholarship Made Everything About Race, Gender, and Identity-and Why This Harms Everybody

by Pluckrose, Helen

Book - 2020

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the dysfunctional academic foundations underlying modern Social Justice movements. -Aaron, IT Coordinator This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the dysfunctional academic foundations underlying modern Social Justice movements. -Aaron, IT Coordinator Show less

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the dysfunctional academic foundations underlying modern Social Justice movements. -Aaron, IT Coordinator This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the dysfunctional academic foundations underlying modern Social Justice movements. -Aaron, IT Coordinator Show less

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Shuggie Bain

Shuggie Bain

A Novel

by Stuart, Douglas

Book - 2020

Shuggie Bain is sad, but there’s so much more to it than that. Hugh “Shuggie” Bain is different—he’s gentle and polite and lonely, a poor boy growing up i...Show more Shuggie Bain is sad, but there’s so much more to it than that. Hugh “Shuggie” Bain is different—he’s gentle and polite and lonely, a poor boy growing up in 1980’s Glasgow. His glamorous mother, Agnes, is an alcoholic, but she embodies her dignity when she needs it most. Shuggie will never be like other boys, and his mother will never stop drinking. Their relationship is beautiful and overflowing with love, deeply humanizing those who struggle with substance abuse. I’ll never forget Shuggie Bain. -Mary, Youth Services Show less

Shuggie Bain is sad, but there’s so much more to it than that. Hugh “Shuggie” Bain is different—he’s gentle and polite and lonely, a poor boy growing up i...Show more Shuggie Bain is sad, but there’s so much more to it than that. Hugh “Shuggie” Bain is different—he’s gentle and polite and lonely, a poor boy growing up in 1980’s Glasgow. His glamorous mother, Agnes, is an alcoholic, but she embodies her dignity when she needs it most. Shuggie will never be like other boys, and his mother will never stop drinking. Their relationship is beautiful and overflowing with love, deeply humanizing those who struggle with substance abuse. I’ll never forget Shuggie Bain. -Mary, Youth Services Show less

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We Are Not From Here

We Are Not From Here

by Torres Sanchez, Jenny

Book - 2020

We Are Not From Here follows three Guatemalan teens along their treacherous journey to the United States as they flee the violence of their homeland. Unfo...Show more We Are Not From Here follows three Guatemalan teens along their treacherous journey to the United States as they flee the violence of their homeland. Unforgettable—the squealing brakes of La Bestia are the screams of migrant children, demanding to be heard. -Mary, Youth Services Show less

We Are Not From Here follows three Guatemalan teens along their treacherous journey to the United States as they flee the violence of their homeland. Unfo...Show more We Are Not From Here follows three Guatemalan teens along their treacherous journey to the United States as they flee the violence of their homeland. Unforgettable—the squealing brakes of La Bestia are the screams of migrant children, demanding to be heard. -Mary, Youth Services Show less

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Anxious People

Anxious People

A Novel

by Backman, Fredrik

Book - 2020

A writer of extraordinary insight, humor and intelligence who manages to weave, seamlessly, both the depth of human idiocy and the height of human compassion into the same story. -Randi, Sub Squad A writer of extraordinary insight, humor and intelligence who manages to weave, seamlessly, both the depth of human idiocy and the height of human compassion into the same story. -Randi, Sub Squad Show less

A writer of extraordinary insight, humor and intelligence who manages to weave, seamlessly, both the depth of human idiocy and the height of human compassion into the same story. -Randi, Sub Squad A writer of extraordinary insight, humor and intelligence who manages to weave, seamlessly, both the depth of human idiocy and the height of human compassion into the same story. -Randi, Sub Squad Show less

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Redhead by the Side of the Road

Redhead by the Side of the Road

by Tyler, Anne

Book - 2020

As always, Tyler tells a small story that turns out to be a big story. And she does with an economy of exquisitely chosen words. -Randi, Sub Squad As always, Tyler tells a small story that turns out to be a big story. And she does with an economy of exquisitely chosen words. -Randi, Sub Squad Show less

As always, Tyler tells a small story that turns out to be a big story. And she does with an economy of exquisitely chosen words. -Randi, Sub Squad As always, Tyler tells a small story that turns out to be a big story. And she does with an economy of exquisitely chosen words. -Randi, Sub Squad Show less

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Becoming Duchess Goldblatt

Becoming Duchess Goldblatt

Book - 2020

Kristin, Events Coordinator Kristin, Events Coordinator Show less

Kristin, Events Coordinator Kristin, Events Coordinator Show less

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Empire of Wild

Empire of Wild

by Dimaline, Cherie

Book - 2020

Kristin, Events Coordinator Kristin, Events Coordinator Show less

Kristin, Events Coordinator Kristin, Events Coordinator Show less

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Mexican Gothic

Mexican Gothic

by Moreno-Garcia, Silvia

Book - 2020

Kristin, Events Coordinator Kristin, Events Coordinator Show less

Kristin, Events Coordinator Kristin, Events Coordinator Show less

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Piranesi

Piranesi

by Clarke, Susanna

Book - 2020

Piranesi by Susanna Clark - Piranesi’s world is one of seemingly infinite grand classical halls. The lower levels are flooded. The highest touch the cloud...Show more Piranesi by Susanna Clark - Piranesi’s world is one of seemingly infinite grand classical halls. The lower levels are flooded. The highest touch the clouds. Innumerable statues populate “the House,” but innocent Piranesi and the enigmatic “Other” are its only known human residents. Until now. A beautiful, atmospheric, awe-inspiring, and mysterious book. -Ian, Materials Handling Coordinator Show less

Piranesi by Susanna Clark - Piranesi’s world is one of seemingly infinite grand classical halls. The lower levels are flooded. The highest touch the cloud...Show more Piranesi by Susanna Clark - Piranesi’s world is one of seemingly infinite grand classical halls. The lower levels are flooded. The highest touch the clouds. Innumerable statues populate “the House,” but innocent Piranesi and the enigmatic “Other” are its only known human residents. Until now. A beautiful, atmospheric, awe-inspiring, and mysterious book. -Ian, Materials Handling Coordinator Show less

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Eat the Buddha

Eat the Buddha

Life and Death in A Tibetan Town

by Demick, Barbara

Book - 2020

Eat the Buddha by Barbara Demick - A fascinating and compelling history of Ngaba, a Tibetan town known for its high volume of self immolating monks. Focus...Show more Eat the Buddha by Barbara Demick - A fascinating and compelling history of Ngaba, a Tibetan town known for its high volume of self immolating monks. Focusing on a handful of Tibetans who lived through the CCP’s takeover, Eat the Buddha grounds Tibet’s tragedy in the personal. One of the best books I’ve read all year. -Ian, Materials Handling Coordinator Show less

Eat the Buddha by Barbara Demick - A fascinating and compelling history of Ngaba, a Tibetan town known for its high volume of self immolating monks. Focus...Show more Eat the Buddha by Barbara Demick - A fascinating and compelling history of Ngaba, a Tibetan town known for its high volume of self immolating monks. Focusing on a handful of Tibetans who lived through the CCP’s takeover, Eat the Buddha grounds Tibet’s tragedy in the personal. One of the best books I’ve read all year. -Ian, Materials Handling Coordinator Show less

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Failed State

Failed State

A Novel

by Brown, Christopher

Book - 2020

Not my favorite OVERALL book of 2020, but my favorite book published in 2020 was Failed State by Christopher Brown, a dystopian sci-fi legal thriller that...Show more Not my favorite OVERALL book of 2020, but my favorite book published in 2020 was Failed State by Christopher Brown, a dystopian sci-fi legal thriller that is also about climate change and the earth in ~50-100 years. It sounds ambitious when I write all of that out, but Failed State is really a quick and somewhat redemptive read. It illuminates the issues of justice and reparation (perma-timely, but especially so in 2020) through the inexplicable lens of the post-carbon courtroom. Also, Christopher Brown sends out weekly "Field Notes" emails about walking around forgotten thoroughfares and unused public spaces in Houston, and they are even more of a delight to read. ALSO, his first novel was called "Tropic of Kansas" (that's us). -Hazlett, Info Services Show less

Not my favorite OVERALL book of 2020, but my favorite book published in 2020 was Failed State by Christopher Brown, a dystopian sci-fi legal thriller that...Show more Not my favorite OVERALL book of 2020, but my favorite book published in 2020 was Failed State by Christopher Brown, a dystopian sci-fi legal thriller that is also about climate change and the earth in ~50-100 years. It sounds ambitious when I write all of that out, but Failed State is really a quick and somewhat redemptive read. It illuminates the issues of justice and reparation (perma-timely, but especially so in 2020) through the inexplicable lens of the post-carbon courtroom. Also, Christopher Brown sends out weekly "Field Notes" emails about walking around forgotten thoroughfares and unused public spaces in Houston, and they are even more of a delight to read. ALSO, his first novel was called "Tropic of Kansas" (that's us). -Hazlett, Info Services Show less

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Breath

Breath

The New Science of A Lost Art

by Nestor, James

Book - 2020

Jake, Info Services Jake, Info Services Show less

Jake, Info Services Jake, Info Services Show less

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How the South Won the Civil War

How the South Won the Civil War

Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America

by Richardson, Heather Cox

Book - 2020

Jake, Info Services Jake, Info Services Show less

Jake, Info Services Jake, Info Services Show less

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Kindred

Kindred

Neanderthal Life, Love, Death and Art

by Wragg Sykes, Rebecca

Book - 2020

Jake, Info Services Jake, Info Services Show less

Jake, Info Services Jake, Info Services Show less

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