What is it about the arrival of fall that always drives us to our bookshelves? Perhaps with the dawn of back to school season and the welcome chill in the air, we’re reminded that no one is ever too old to hit the books. For most Americans, school looks radically different this year, whether your children are heading back to the classroom or learning from the dining room table, but one thing doesn’t have to change: you can always craft your own reading curriculum.

Our favorite books of 2020 are the ideal place to start your self-made syllabus. Whether you’re looking to lose yourself in a novel that will transport you to another place or explore the multifaceted world of short stories, there’s something here for you. Our favorite reads of the year range from incisive reporting on hot button subjects like Silicon Valley and the housing crisis to exemplary, absorbing fiction about such diverse subjects as family, identity, and romance. With a slate of books this good, you'll have your homework cut out for you in no time. Watch this space—we'll be adding more as the year progresses.