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Book Buzzed: January 2020 Book Releases

Are you looking for multicultural and international books in 2020? Uncover some of our most anticipated January 2020 book releases and books that inspire travel around the world.

Book Buzzed January 2020 New Releases

January 2020 started off with a plethora of new books to read. We had our eyes on indie art fiction, heartwarming YA WW2 historical fiction, and a dash of controversy.

Some of these books are on our to-be-read list with lengthy library waits, while others–marked with an asterisk–we received as free advanced copies from authors in exchange for an honest review.

And yes, if you follow The Uncorked Librarian (TUL) regularly, you know that I am a little out of order this year and wrote about our most anticipated February 2020’s book releases first. Oops!

Book Buzzed is our newest feature so please bear with us. I am also currently reading some fantastic March book releases that I cannot wait to tell you about.

Here are 6 of January’s down and dirty newest releases plus an extra one full of debate.

January 2020 New Releases
If you are behind on new books like me, add these January 2020 book releases to your TBR queue. Pin this reading list for later.

6 Of TUL’s Most Anticipated January 2020 Book Releases

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano navy blue book cover with colorful flying birds

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

January 6, 2020 – Fiction – Based on a real-life airplane crash, Edward is the only survivor on a flight bound for LA. How can he go on without his family and still find hope? Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→

If you love historical fiction, don’t miss TUL’s most anticipated WW2 releases from January to June.

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This Light Between Us by Andrew Fukuda book cover with woman in the background and male soldier carrying a backpack

This Light Between Us by Andrew Fukuda

January 7, 2020 – YA WW2 Fiction – A Japanese-American boy and a Jewish French girl become pen pals. Watch their friendship and letters evolve throughout World War 2.
Amazon | Goodreads

One of my favorite yet lesser-known January 2020’s books is The Caroline Paintings by indie author, Arthur Hittner. The Uncorked Librarian has reviewed Hittner’s other two books, Artist, Soldier, Lover, Muse and Four-Finger Singer And His Late Wife Kate. The Caroline Paintings might be his best yet.

Be on the lookout for a mini-book review along with other non-new 2020 book releases coming soon.

The Caroline Paintings by Arthur Hittner book cover with art studio and painting on easel

The Caroline Paintings by Arthur D. Hittner

January 10, 2020* – Art Fiction – When a Florida retiree bids on a locker filled with mysterious paintings, he is sent on a journey to uncover the identity of a beautiful young muse and her painter. Find lies, new beginnings, and unlikely friendships. See our full review here.
Amazon | Goodreads

Big Lies In A Small Town by Diane Chamberlain blue book cover with two shadows

Big Lies In A Small Town by Diane Chamberlain

January 14, 2020 – North Carolina Family Fiction – Morgan Christopher has a 3-year jail sentence for a crime that she did not commit. When asked to restore an old mural on-site, she uncovers more than she bargained for.
Amazon | Goodreads

You can also find Big Lies In A Small Town on our Books Set In North Carolina reading list. One of TUL’s contributors will tell you why she thought Big Lies In A Small Town was one of Chamberlain’s best books to-date.

The Whispers Of War by Julia Kelly book cover with a blonde and brunette woman watching a war plane from the window.

The Whispers of War by Julia Kelly

January 14, 2020 – WW2 Historical Fiction – Three childhood friends find themselves caught up in WW2, especially as one is threatened with internment. The story takes place as Germany invades Poland while Britain fears war. Amazon | Goodreads 


American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

American Dirt Controversy

One of the most controversial new January 2020 book releases is American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. Unsure if I will pick up this selection myself, you can read about the controversy here to help inform your own decisions. Goodreads


A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende turquoise and gold patterned book cover

A Long Petal Of The Sea by Isabel Allende

January 21, 2020 – Historical Fiction – Roser is forced to flee a civil war-torn Spain in the 1930s. Pregnant but alone, she finds herself in a forced marriage as they emigrate to Chile.
Amazon | Goodreads 

What January 2020 book releases did you read? What are your most anticipated 2020 books?

I hope January reading life treated you well! What did you read? Are you behind in some books that you hoped to catch last month, too? Did any books disappoint you?

I’d love to know your thoughts about American Dirt and if I should give it a go.

Stayed tuned as The Uncorked Librarian works on new features this year, including Book Buzzed with new monthly releases that we’ve read, are anticipating, and think you’ll love as well as posts that feature current reads–both old and new.

Where Should You Head Next?

Find all of our most anticipated 2020 upcoming book releases here.
February 2020 Book Releases
March 2020 Book Releases
Most Anticipated WW2 Book Releases

Sarah

Tuesday 4th of February 2020

Oh, I haven't heard of any of these books, well I had heard about American Dirt but only because of the controversy surrounding it. I love lists like this, it makes me aware of new and upcoming releases that I may have otherwise missed. Going to add a few of these to my TBR for sure.

Christine

Wednesday 5th of February 2020

Do you think that you will read American Dirt? I might put this new release on hold towards the end of the year. A ton of the book bloggers that I follow gave the title good reviews. I've read about the controversy and while I don't think I'd pay for the book, I'm interested to see the conversations it sparks. Thanks so much for the input too! I am working on my March new releases, and like February, I will try to read at least 3-5+ of all the titles to give my opinions. The rest are what I think TUL's audience might find interesting. It's been a pretty popular new feature--and I love working on them.

Macey @ Brine & Books

Tuesday 4th of February 2020

The Whispers of War & This Light Between Us are calling my name!!

Christine

Wednesday 5th of February 2020

I literally cannot believe how many good books are out this year!

Aj @ Read All The Things!

Tuesday 4th of February 2020

I like the sound of Dear Edward. I don’t think I’ve seen that book before.

Christine

Tuesday 4th of February 2020

I haven't seen too many book bloggers talking about Dear Edward this year, yet.