As book lovers eagerly anticipate the new releases coming up in 2020, there are several highly anticipated titles that are generating buzz and excitement. From long-awaited sequels to new works by beloved authors, here are the top ten most anticipated books releasing in the first half of 2020.

1. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins: This prequel to the wildly popular “The Hunger Games” series takes readers back to the early days of the dystopian world of Panem and follows the rise of President Snow.

2. “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins: This gripping novel tells the story of a Mexican woman and her son who must flee their hometown after a violent drug cartel brutally murders their family. It has already garnered rave reviews and is sure to be a must-read in 2020.

3. “Apeirogon” by Colum McCann: This novel follows the intertwined lives of two men – an Israeli and a Palestinian – who have both lost their daughters to violence. McCann’s lyrical prose and complex storytelling promise to make this a standout book of the year.

4. “The Glass Hotel” by Emily St. John Mandel: Fans of Mandel’s bestselling novel “Station Eleven” will be thrilled to dive into her newest work, a haunting tale of greed, guilt, and the ripple effects of a Ponzi scheme.

5. “The City We Became” by N.K. Jemisin: Jemisin, a three-time Hugo Award winner, is back with a new urban fantasy novel that imagines a world where cities come alive as literal beings fighting against an ancient evil.

6. “The Mirror and the Light” by Hilary Mantel: The much-anticipated conclusion to Mantel’s bestselling Thomas Cromwell trilogy, this novel follows Cromwell’s final days as chief minister to King Henry VIII.

7. “Deacon King Kong” by James McBride: McBride, the author of the National Book Award-winning “The Good Lord Bird,” returns with a new novel set in 1969 New York City and centered around a shooting in a Brooklyn housing project.

8. “Valentine” by Elizabeth Wetmore: Set in 1976 West Texas, this debut novel weaves together the stories of five women whose lives are forever changed by a brutal crime. Wetmore’s lyrical prose and unforgettable characters make this a must-read.

9. “The Jetsetters” by Amanda Eyre Ward: This novel follows a dysfunctional family on a Mediterranean cruise that turns into a journey of self-discovery and second chances. With its mix of humor and heart, “The Jetsetters” is sure to be a standout read in 2020.

10. “The Glass Hotel” by Emily St. John Mandel: This highly anticipated novel is a haunting tale of greed, guilt, and the ripple effects of a Ponzi scheme. Mandel’s intricate storytelling and lyrical prose promise to make this one of the standout books of the year.

With a mix of genres and styles, these ten books are sure to keep readers eagerly turning pages in the first half of 2020. Whether you’re a fan of dystopian fiction, historical narratives, or contemporary storytelling, there is something for everyone in this exciting lineup of new releases. So mark your calendars, clear some shelf space, and get ready to dive into these must-read books as they hit bookstores in the coming months.