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fiction books I've read lately
August 21, 2020 (Updated December 18, 2023)

Books I’ve Read Lately: Fiction

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

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I’ve been reading a ton this year, and today I’m excited to share some of my favorite recent reads with you guys!

I’m going to split the books up into two posts; this one will feature fiction, and the second post will include memoirs and non-fiction. I was originally going to do just one post until I actually counted how many books I’d want to feature, and realized… wow! I’ve apparently been a reading machine!

The last book round up post I did was in October (12 Books I Read Recently and Loved), so I guess that makes sense since it has been awhile!

I know you fellow parents are like: “Wait, what? How do you have time to read, especially nowadays?” I hear you!

I always read in bed, right before I go to sleep. Some nights I’m so tired I only read 5 minutes; other nights I get so into what I’m reading that it ends up being closer to an hour. I’d say my average is about 20 to 30 minutes. I’ve always been a fast reader so that means I can pound through books pretty quickly, especially if they are engaging and draw me in!

Reading in bed is my favorite way to unwind from the day and reset before going to sleep. It helps me to fall asleep to have that time to reset a bit, too, vs. just going straight from my computer or my phone to bed!

Anyway, if you’re looking for something interesting to read, let’s get to it!

fiction books I've read lately

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Fiction Books I’ve Read Lately

Most of the fiction books I’ve read lately fall into the historical fiction or mystery/thriller categories. But there are also a few romance, contemporary, and fantasy books, too! Something for everyone. 🙂

I only included the books that I particularly liked in this post, so while I’m more enthusiastic about some of them than others, they made the cut, so I’d still recommend them all either way. 

Please note the links in this post are affiliate links. 

book cover: the family upstairs by lisa jewell

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

When Libby Jones inherits an old mansion from her birth parents, she’s looking forward to finally finding out who she is. But she doesn’t realize how many family secrets might be buried with the past.

Like many of the fiction books I’ve read recently, this is a thriller, and it’s a really engaging, twisty-turny one that will keep you guessing until the very end.

It’s dark but really good. I couldn’t put it down!

book cover: a good girl's guide to murder by holly jackson

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

High school senior Pippa Fitz-Amobi decides to do a her capstone research project on a years-old murder that happened in her small town. She knows the boy who everyone thinks killed Andie Bell, and she’s not so sure he’s guilty.

This is one of my favorite thrillers that I read this year!

It’s really well done, the story of an investigation turned obsession. I did start to expect the ending a bit towards the very end, but it was still very engaging and one of those books I was thinking about when I wasn’t reading it.

book cover: the vanishing half by brit bennett

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

When they turn 16, identical twin sisters Stella and Desiree Vignes decide to run away from the small Black community they grew up in. When one twin chooses to pass as white, we watch as their lives diverge over the next few decades, spanning from the 1940s to the 1990s.

This was a really interesting book because while it is fiction, it touches on a lot of important topics, like race and identity. It’s an insightful and fascinating read that will make you think. 

book cover: before we were yours by lisa wingate

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

Based on a true scandal in the 1930s where an adoption organization kidnapped and sold poor children to rich families, this story follows a family of five children who are forcibly taken from their shantyboat home on the Mississippi river and put into an orphanage.

It’s horrifying that this book is based on a true story. It’s riveting and engrossing and you won’t be able to put it down. 

book cover: the tattooist of auschwitz by heather morris

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Set during World War II, The Tattooist of Auschwitz follows Lale Sokolov as he tries to survive imprisonment in a Jewish concentration camp. When it’s discovered that he can speak many languages, he is forced to work as a tattooist to mark new prisoners – including Gita, a newcomer to the camp whom he falls in love with.

This is a beautiful story of courage and hope amidst horrific atrocities. 

book cover: the last time I lied by riley sager

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

Fifteen years after a girl goes missing at Camp Nightingale, artist Emma Davis returns to the summer camp – this time not as a camper, but as a painting instructor. But when more memories of the girls’ disappearance start to surface, Emma starts to realize the camp might be holding onto deadly secrets.

This is one of my absolute favorite of the fiction books I’ve read recently – the nostalgia of the summer camp setting combined with excellent storytelling and a really twisty tale that left you guessing had me hooked from page one. 

book cover: the glass ocean by beatriz williams

The Glass Ocean by Beatriz Williams

The Glass Ocean follows three women – all in different time periods – as they each discover they are somehow linked to the sinking of the passenger liner, RMS Lusitania.

This is another of my absolute favorites that I’ve read recently – I couldn’t put it down. So many layers of stories on top of stories and the setting of the high seas added to the allure of this historical fiction novel (with some romance in there, too)!

book cover: american dirt by jeanine cummins

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

Lydia Quixano Pérez lives a comfortable life with her husband and young son in Mexico City. But when her husband publishes a tell-all about a new drug cartel boss, Lydia and her son are forced to flee Mexico. We follow their extremely perilous journey as they travel north in search of safety.

Oof. Suspenseful and intense, engrossing and horrifying, hopeful and crushing all at the same time.

Definitely worth a read, but just a heads up it may give you nightmares… I definitely had some really intense dreams while reading this book.

book cover: the forgotten room by karen white

The Forgotten Room by Karen White

This novel, set in alternating time periods, follows a young doctor in 1945 as she tries to solve the mystery of her family’s past. She discovers that three generations of women are somehow all connected to one particular room in a Gilded Age mansion.

I loved this book – it was really well done and kept me engaged and interested the whole time. Even when I thought I had the ending figured out there were some more twists! 

book cover: normal people by sally rooney

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Set in Ireland, Normal People tells the story of Marianne and Connell, who meet in high school and begin a secret relationship. As the years pass and they go off to college, they are drawn to and from each other for different reasons. Will they self-destruct, or can they find a way to save each other?

I read this book after first watching the Hulu series it’s based off of and loving it. The book delves more into the inner thoughts of the characters, so it was interesting to understand a bit more about what was going on in their heads during some of the scenes in the book.

It’s really intense and raw – I’d highly recommend both the show and the book, but just an FYI that it is quite racy. 🙂 

book cover: chosen ones by veronica roth

Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth

Years ago, five teenagers defeated an ancient evil in Chicago and saved the world. Ten years later, they’re reunited at a funeral for one of their own, and find out the world is still in danger – and they’re the only ones who can save it.

This book is by the same author that wrote the Divergent series, which I LOVED (yes, Young Adult novels, no shame), so when I saw she had a new book I knew I had to read it. 

I was not disappointed – the book drew me in immediately and it was a really interesting mix of a creative fantasy world plus some romance for good measure. 😉

book cover: the lost girls of paris by pam jenoff

The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff

This story follows a group of female spies during World War II: the brave sacrifices they made, and the mystery of their disappearance.

I’ve been really into books that jump back and forth in time and share stories from the perspectives of different characters, and this one fit the bill. 

It’s a fascinating historical fiction novel that you won’t be able to put down.

book cover: followers by megan angelo

Followers by Megan Angelo

How much ambition is too much? Friends Orla and Floss will do whatever it takes to make it big – using social media as a catalyst. But they don’t realize their actions might have dark consequences that change the world and its future.

This is another book that does a great job keeping you guessing by jumping back and forth in time and in whose perspective you are reading from. It’s a dark, creative look at what can happen when we take obsession with social media too far.

book cover: the marsh king's daughter by karen dionne

The Marsh King’s Daughter by Karen Dionne

Helena Pelletier has a dark past: her father was her mother’s abductor. He took her and kept her in a remote cabin in the marshlands, where Helena was born after two years. Now, Helena’s father has escaped from prison, and she’s the only one who knows the swamps well enough to track him down.

This book was a fascinating, engrossing psychological thriller. I especially appreciated the complex character development.

book cover: the banker's wife by christina alger

The Banker’s Wife by Christina Alger

When a banker dies tragically in a plane crash, his widow is left to pick up the pieces. But she discovers that her husband had many secrets to hide – and that maybe his death wasn’t an accident, after all.

This thriller will have your heart hammering until the very end. The character development could have been a little better, but the twists and turns kept me interested regardless!

book cover: this is how it always is by laurie frankel

This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

This is How It Always Is is the story of a family and their little boy who wants to be a girl when he grows up. It navigates the triumphs and difficulties of parenthood, identity, and change.

As a parent, reading this book gave me a lot to think about. It’s an interesting exploration into the emotions of parenthood, and how to best support children who don’t fit into the boxes the world has set out for them.

—-

Whew – that was a lot of books. I think that should keep you guys busy for now!

Have you read any great books recently?

Let me know in the comments. I’m always down for more book recommendations. And stay tuned for my non-fiction/memoir books I’ve read recently edition coming next month!

- anne
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32 comments
  • Sierra
    August 21, 2020 · 8:38AM:
    I read the Queen of Hearts and The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Both very good books in their own unique ways! I'm excited for the rest of your recommendations - psychological thrillers is my favorite genre and it looks like there are a few good ones on here :) Thanks!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 21, 2020 · 12:16PM:
      Yes, I've been so into psychological thrillers lately! I feel like almost all of these books are thrillers... enjoy!
      Reply
  • Lindsay August 21, 2020 · 8:56AM:
    This is How it Always is is one of my all time favorites. Everyone I've recommended it to also loves it. I'm currently reading The Vanishing Half and enjoying it. I loved Normal People on Hulu and wasn't sure if I should bother reading the book - glad to hear there's more to it!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 21, 2020 · 12:16PM:
      Yes, I would totally give it a shot - definitely interesting to learn more about the characters!
      Reply
  • Julie @ Peanut butter Fingers
    August 21, 2020 · 9:13AM:
    love this post!!! saving it because we clearly have very similar taste! i've read a bunch from your list that i also loved (tattooist of auschwitz, queen of hearts, banker's wife, glass ocean, forgotten room) and can't wait to check out more of your recommendations. i recently read the last flight and the guest list and would recommend both. currently in the middle of reading the winemaker's wife and it's great so far!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 21, 2020 · 12:17PM:
      I think I got those book recs you mentioned from your latest book post! I always love your book recaps since we do have such similar taste! :) I'll have to add those other ones you mentioned to my to read list, too - I have a massive note on my phone where I throw all my "must read" books!
      Reply
      • Lindsay August 21, 2020 · 12:25PM:
        You should get Goodreads! It's a great app to keep track of "to reads" and what you've read. You can be friends with people and get recs that way too!
        Reply
        • Anne
          August 21, 2020 · 12:26PM:
          Ooo interesting, I'll look into it! Right now I just have a massive Evernote list of books to read...
          Reply
  • Miley August 21, 2020 · 10:46AM:
    Love these recommendations! Thanks, Anne! The best fiction book I've read recently is Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. I loved the timeline of the book and the character development. It was a tearjerker, but I'd definitely recommend it. :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 21, 2020 · 12:19PM:
      I read that last year and also loved it! So good.
      Reply
  • Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
    August 21, 2020 · 10:59AM:
    You have read a ton lately! Thanks for debunking the myth that parents don't have time to read. It's all about how you prioritize your time. For some, that means reading before bedtime; for others, that means watching tv or doing something else. It's all about what matters to you! I actually read more books now that I did pre-Paul, I think because I have way fewer social plans -and that is especially true during COVID! Our son goes to bed around 7, so I spent 1-1.5 hours with my husband and then go to bed around 8:30 and read for 30-60 minutes. But we had a book-themed wedding since we are both big readers (my husband reads less than me, but is definitely an avid reader) so it makes sense that we still make time for reading! I actually read 12 books in the month of July which was surprising to me but I read a lot of lighter stuff early in the month so I got through those very quickly! Some of my favorite from this year are The Boston Girl, So You Want To Talk About Race (best book on race I've read!), If You Want to Make God Laugh, In Five Years, and This Tender Land. None of these are lighter books, but I tend to not give those 5 stars for some reason. But I've enjoyed romances by Jasmine Guillory (and like that they feature black characters), The School of Essential Ingredients, and Love Lettering.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 21, 2020 · 12:21PM:
      Exactly, definitely all about prioritizing! I don't watch TV much because I'd usually rather read as my wind down time, unless I'm working my way through a super good show. But I'm usually too tired to both watch TV AND then read, so I have to pick one or the other and reading usually wins! It's my favorite way to recharge. I love that you guys had a book themed wedding, that's so cool! I'm going to add your recs to my list - thank you!
      Reply
  • Cindy Mitchell August 21, 2020 · 3:28PM:
    Hello Anne! I'm so excited to see your fabulous book list! I loved the one from last October so can't wait to dig into this one. So nice that you provide food for our minds in addition to our bodies. :) I have The Tattooist of Auschwitz sitting on my bedside table now to be next in line! I am currently reading The Proposal, a lightweight so far (halfway through) but still entertaining. I also have Blackberries, Blackberries waiting on my table which was recommended by someone but I can't remember who. I just finished Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine which was sad, sweet, and affirming too and The Cactus which was coincidentally a similar topic to Eleanor Oliphant but both were good reads. Thank you for making this great list for us! Enjoy your weekend! Cindy
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 23, 2020 · 5:22PM:
      Food for your minds as well as your bodies - I love that! Thank you for these other recs - I'll add them to my must read list!
      Reply
  • Jessica August 21, 2020 · 11:19PM:
    We so have the same taste in books. Saving this list- although I read a lot less these days. I think you may also like The Silent Patient, The Nightingale, and The Alice Network. Some of my recent faves!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 23, 2020 · 5:20PM:
      I loved The Nightingale - will add the others to my list too! Thanks!
      Reply
  • Catherine Cormier August 22, 2020 · 9:38AM:
    A few recent notable books: The Paris Seamstress Whisper Network Daisy Jones & The Six All These Beautiful Strangers The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Seven Days I Invited Her In The Last Mrs Parrish
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 23, 2020 · 5:20PM:
      Thanks! I've read a few of those and enjoyed them... will add the others to my list!
      Reply
  • Tori August 22, 2020 · 7:11PM:
    Great list! I put a lot of these in my reading list!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 23, 2020 · 5:19PM:
      Great, enjoy them!
      Reply
  • Roadrunner August 22, 2020 · 10:34PM:
    I know several of these, and they are terrific and real page turners. Excited to read some of the others... Thanks!
    Reply
  • Amanda August 24, 2020 · 5:57PM:
    I recently read and enjoyed The Last Flight!
    Reply
  • kerry August 24, 2020 · 6:26PM:
    It's wonderful that you making reading a priority amidst what I imagine to be a busy life (raising a toddler, working, etc.)! If you like historical fiction, I just finished a wonderful book called "Finding Dorothy" by Elizabeth Letts. Here is part of the synopsis from GoodReads: "A richly imagined novel that tells the story behind The Wonderful Wizard of Oz , the book that inspired the iconic film, through the eyes of author L. Frank Baum's intrepid wife, Maud--from the family's hardscrabble days in South Dakota to the Hollywood film set where she first meets Judy Garland." It's wonderful! Enjoy:)
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 25, 2020 · 2:28PM:
      Awesome, definitely adding that to my list - thanks!
      Reply
  • Stephanie August 24, 2020 · 9:04PM:
    I’ve read a few of these, but adding the rest to my list. You need to read Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld (also wrote Prep and American Wife). So good!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 25, 2020 · 2:29PM:
      Oo I've been meaning to read that, love that author's other books!
      Reply
  • Sam
    August 25, 2020 · 8:10PM:
    Love this list! Pam Jenoff was my Professor in law school and she’s a wonderful person (and teacher) — I was so excited to see her on your list!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 26, 2020 · 1:26PM:
      Oh no way, that's awesome! She's a great writer!
      Reply
  • Brittany Muetzel August 26, 2020 · 12:32PM:
    I recently read the queen of hearts on Julie Fagan of pbfinger’s recommendation. In light of the continued violence against black communities by police and civil unrest our courtry is experiencing, I wanted to comment to draw your attention to the problematic way the author describes people and communities of color in that book. I was extremely disheartened by the racist and stereotypical language and descriptions throughout the book. (I commented on a post of hers as well hoping that it would help keep her from recommending again.) I was hoping that you pointing you to this you’d revise this list, or at least put a note about the potentially disturbing and damaging way the author describes people and communities of color. A more comprehensive review is found here: https://www.amazon.com/review/RTP5MN8MJ3A0Q/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ASIN=0399585052
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 26, 2020 · 1:29PM:
      Thank you for sharing this with me, Brittany. I have just removed the book from the list.
      Reply
      • Brittany Muetzel August 26, 2020 · 1:55PM:
        Thank you for doing that!
        Reply
        • Anne
          August 26, 2020 · 2:08PM:
          Absolutely, I appreciate you bringing it to my attention.
          Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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