2020 was a life-changing year. I was at a job I hated (well, I loved the job – just not my coworkers) and in a relationship that I hadn’t yet realized was toxic. However, being home all day, every day led to revelations.
Covid hit and I started reading again. And I read books I loved as a teenager – lgbtq+ ones – which helped me realize that not only was my then-partner toxic – he was also the wrong gender for me!
I came out of the closet, began reading and reading and reading, and created more art than ever before.
I also met my wife (whom I married last month) that year. 🩷 So- though it was a rough time, horrible for many, I want to share the good parts with you all: My favorite books of 2020, as well as art I created that year.
Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden
This one was written in 1982, so I’m sure it was influential to many people struggling with their identity! I know when I was a teenager, unsure who I was, I couldn’t find many books about the type of relationship I dreamed of. But this one was there! And it was very influential then, and very influential again in 2020.
Ash by Malindo Lo
Ash is a YA fantasy retelling of Cinderella. Malinda has such beautiful writing. I didn’t know if I wanted to be he titular character Ash or be with her! I loved the relationship building between her and the huntress Kaisa. A beautiful lesbian novel definitely worth checking out. She was other great novels, as well!
High School by Tegan & Sara Quinn
Many just know Tegan and Sara as a Canadian rock duo, but the twins also wrote this novel about their high school years, struggling with finding their secuality and coming out. The book also details their rise to fame. This book definitely made me cry, as I related a lot to some of the hardships they experienced. I would definitely recommend this. Also, they have 2 graphic nivels out now, as well!
2020 Art
Most of these creations were actually given to my wife during our first couple months of dating. We were long-distance, so we each sent eachother packages often. The woodburned flowers and cicada drawing are the only two I made for myself.
Do you have any good book memories from 2020? Art? Accomplishments? Anything good that came out of that hard year?
Read With Conina 
Leave a comment