The Best Books I Read in 2016

Sadly, I read fewer books in 2016 than in years past, and I did not meet my Goodreads challenge of 45 books for 2016.  I took up knitting a little over a year ago, and it’s a pastime that has definitely cut into my reading.  However, because of knitting, I listened to more audiobooks (13) this past year than ever before.  Still, I read/listened to a total of 33 books in 2016, which isn’t too shabby.

Here’s a rundown of my faves:

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The Life We Bury by Allen Eskins: a restrained, quietly told story about a college student trying to escape family dysfunction, a dying Vietnam vet convicted of a heinous crime, and an unlikely friendship.  Suspenseful and moving.  Read my review in its entirety here.

 

 

 

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In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick: historical non-fiction that reads like a novel as only Philbrick can deliver it.  This book centers around the whaling industry and way of life for early nineteenth-century Nantucketers, and specifically the destruction of the whaleship Essex and the survival at sea of its crew.  Better than the movie; a stand-out adventure/survival story.  Read my review in its entirety here.

 

 

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Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling): in this latest installment of the Cormoran Strike crime novels, Det. Cormoran Strike’s trusty assistant is mailed a human leg, setting the duo on a harrowing hunt for a killer.  The characters of Robin and Cormoran continue to develop, as does the complicated relationship between them.  Each novel in this ongoing series gets better; I’m eagerly awaiting the next one.  Read my review in its entirety here.

 

 

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The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena: a riveting psychological thriller of the caliber of The Girl On the Train and Gone Girl, this suspenseful novel centers around a young couple who leave their baby unattended and every parent’s worst nightmare becomes a reality: their baby disappears.  Lots of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of her seat.  Read my review in its entirety here.

 

 

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Women Beyond Belief by Karen Garst: an anthology of personal essays written by women from all backgrounds and walks of life who have left religion in favor of personal discovery and liberation.  This book is a study of how religion has always, and continues to subjugate and oppress women and girls.  If I could get everyone I know – male and female alike – to read this book, I would.  Read my review in its entirety here.

 

 

For what it’s worth, the worst book 911Xmhn9+rLI read in 2016 was Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.  As a devoted but late-blooming Harry Potter fan, I despised this book with the heat of a thousand suns.  I reviewed it here.

I’m going to challenge myself to read 35 books in 2017.  Read with me!

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