Amazon Books is one of the biggest booksellers in the world, and so you can assume they know a thing or two about literature. Every year, the Amazon editors get together and they select their ten best books of the year. The 2016 list is now out, and it’s a fine old mix!
The editors said “In the end, we picked [the top book] for a few reasons: first, it’s a great piece of literature, second, it’s the one that stuck with us the most, and third, it’s a book you look forward to picking back up.” And that seems to us a good enough reason to make something book of the year!
We know you’re always looking for suggestions, so we’re replicating the list here. According to Amazon, here are the top ten books of 2016. (Captions from Amazon).
10
Swing Time- Zadie Smith
“A masterful novel that tackles big issues — race, class, and the ups and downs of long-term friendship — told with a dancer’s grace and ease.”
9
Before the Fall – Noah Hawley
“From the award-winning creator of ‘Fargo,’ a thrilling page-turner about an airplane crash and its seemingly heroic survivors.”
8
Pumpkinflowers – Matti Friedman
“An unforgettable nonfiction account of men changed by war, told in a voice that is both straightforward and undeniably literary.”
7
Another Brooklyn – Jacqueline Woodson
“A poetic, breathtaking novel about growing up female and black in the 1970s — a time of conflicting pressures and sometimes crushing assumptions.”
6
Lab Girl – Hope Jahren
“An inspiring and entertaining memoir about work, life, and love from a plant scientist who is just as adept at analyzing the natural world as she is at illuminating human relationships.”
5
Mischling – Affinity Konar
“Affinity Konar’s beautiful novel about twin sisters who survive Auschwitz is precisely crafted, acutely sensitive, and ultimately uplifting and hopeful.”
4
The Nix – Nathan Hill
“A big, smart novel about so many things: family, politics, revolution, and the things we choose to remember (and forget).”
3
Hillbilly Elegy – J. D Vance
“A very personal tour of a segment of our culture that’s losing its way in modern America.”
2
The Wolf Road – Beth Lewis
“Part literary thriller, part Western, this is a debut novel about a young tomboy trying to survive a postapocalyptic wilderness as she searches for her parents.”
1
The Underground Railroad – Colson Whitehead
“A brilliant, wise, fantastical yet grounded portrayal of a young slave seeking her freedom on a real underground railroad.”
We’d have to agree on the number 1, and what a fantastic top ten full of diverse and interesting reads. Lots of these titles were shortlisted for literary awards and included in prominent reading lists this year too.
We’ll be asking you for your opinion soon for the people’s choice for the For Reading Addicts Book of the year!
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