By Isabella Purdy
2020 is here and with it comes new books to read and buy. Here are some to get you in the mood of the roaring 20’s.
The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Drama, Romance
This is a heartwarming, NASA-filled, boy-meets-boy romance. Cal is a successful social media journalist with half a million followers on social media who is used to his life being viewed by outsiders. When his father is selected by NASA for a highly publicized mission to Mars, Cal is forced to move to Houston and the media spotlight turns on him. When Cal meets Leon, a fellow “Astrokid,” they fall for each other. But, this Mars mission is not what it seems and Cal will struggle to find a way to uncover the truth while protecting his father and Leon.
Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon
Genre: Drama, Romance, Fantasy
This contemporary spin on “Beauty and the Beast” comes from the beloved author of “When Dimple Met Rishi”, available February 18, 2020. Princess Jaya Rao is determined to enact revenge against the Emerson clan, a family her family has had a feud with for centuries when they target her little sister. When she finds out she will be attending the same elite boarding school as Grey Emerson, Jaya plans to win his heart – then break it. But when Jaya begins to fall for him, she is determined there could be no happily-ever-after for two feuding families. Will she be able to follow her own heart and help save her family?
The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
Genre: Romance, Realistic Fiction, Drama
This sweet contemporary romance from Wattpad, a writing platform, will be a great standalone. It has been years since Becca Hart believed in true love, but when her former best friend teases her for not having a boyfriend, Becca lies that she has been talking to someone. Brett Wells is more focused on his future than who to date – even if his friends keep bothering him about it. But when he hears Becca’s lie, he decides to step in. It’s a perfect decision: friends won’t bother him anymore and she has someone to keep up the ruse with. But, this relationship may blur into something real.
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Thriller, Drama
This story that follows Nannerl Mozart, Wolfgang’s older sister, coming March 3, 2020. Nannerl Mozart wants nothing more than to be remembered for her music and to become an acclaimed composer. But in 18th-century Europe, women are not allowed to become composers and her tyrannical father is determined to end her music career by marrying her off. It doesn’t help as she approaches marriageable age, that her younger brother, Wolfgang, has a career that is taking off. But when a mysterious stranger appears from a magical land with an offer to grant her wish, Nannerl must decide what’s most important – and what she’s willing to lose.
The Glass Magician by Caroline Stevermer
Genre: Historical fantasy, Drama, Thriller
If you love historical fantasy, then you are going to love this story set during the Gilded Age. If Thalia had the power to turn into the animal of her heart anytime she wanted, also known as a Trader, she would join the upper echelons of New York society. Thaila, however, is a Solitaire, one who does not have animalistic magic but performs as a magician with her own human skills. But when a trick goes horribly wrong, releasing a discovery that could change Thalia’s life forever, she is set on a path for riches – one that just might kill her.
