The best books of 2020 for your summer reading list

Was there a year in recent years where we needed books more? Of the many, many our book experts read this year, these are the ones that have lasted the distance; made indelible impressions; surprised and delighted. Enjoy them outdoors if you possibly can.

Amnesty by Aravind Adiga

Over 24 hours we follow Sri Lankan-born Danny as he traverses the inner suburbs of Sydney as an astronaut — but not one bound for the heavens through human ingenuity. He’s an underpaid, illegal house-cleaner with the silver canister of a portable vacuum cleaner strapped to his back. In a plastic bag, he carries his food for the day: “Black & Gold $2.25-for-ten…