Culture December 8, 2020

'GMA' anchors share 2020 book picks for holiday gifting

WATCH: Author Glennon Doyle shares her 2020 book picks

If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season, consider a book they can get lost in.

While 2020 has kept many people indoors amid the pandemic, books have offered readers a chance to escape to so many other worlds.

With so many books to choose from, our “Good Morning America” anchors, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan, have put together a list of their favorite reads from this past year.

MORE: 'This Time Next Year' is the 'GMA' December 2020 Book Club pick: Read an excerpt
Editor's Picks

George’s book picks

‘The Boy from the Woods’ by Harlan Coben

"If you decide to pick this up, set aside a little bit of time because the minute you read page one you're going to want to go all the through," Stephanopoulos said.

‘Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir’ by Natasha Trethewey

"I guarantee you've never read a book like this and you will never forget it," he said of the book written by the poet laureate who wrote about her mother's murder. "An absolutely harrowing story but written with the intensity and beauty of a poem. It is an amazing book."

‘No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality’ by Michael J. Fox

"This book is raw, it's real. Mike had a few challenges over the last couple years, but he talks about how he got through it with his signature humor," Stephanopoulos said.

MORE: Paula Hawkins, author of 'The Girl on The Train,' announces new book 'A Slow Fire Burning'

Robin’s book picks

‘Innatious: An Innovative Tool to Strengthen Your Emotional IQ and Improve the Quality of Any Relationship’ by Dr. Linda Buscemi

Robin said, “This book will not only help you understand the truth behind why you think and act the way that you do, but it also offers a blueprint for making real change in your life."

‘The Band of Innocence-Legacy’ and ‘Meet the Glimmers’ by Robert Agnello

The books are "all about fantasy and adventure," Roberts said.

Agnello, who is “Good Morning America’s” senior tech manager, wrote these two books about fantasy and adventure. Robin said Agnello’s books “offer a much-needed escape so many of us need right now.”

‘Dream Grabber’ and ‘Dream Jumper’ by John Green

Roberts said these two companion children's books were written after Green came up with a ritual for his twins to conquer their trouble with bedtime.

John Green, who is also one of ABC News’ family members, wrote these two companion books based on his children, Francesca and AJ, to help them conquer their fears at bedtime.

MORE: 13 new books to get cozy with over the holidays

Michael’s book picks

‘A Promised Land’ by Barack Obama

"I chose this book because it really takes you behind the scenes at the White House and what it's like to be the President. From the smallest things like walking to the Oval Office every day to talking to the White House gardener every day to also the bigger decisions," Strahan said.

Stephanopouls added that "this book is beautifully written."

‘Talking to GOATs’ by Jim Gray

The longtime sportscaster goes through some of the biggest interviews of his career.

‘African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle and Song’ by Kevin Young

Amazon
'African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle and Song' by Kevin Young

Bonus Pick:

'Breath from Salt: A Deadly Genetic Disease, a New Era in Science, and the Patients and Families Who Changed Medicine Forever' by Bijal P. Trivedi