2016 had a great many books that thrilled me, and others that delighted. The rest of the year I could have done without — so many deaths and a horribly long election and a range of backlash to terrify anyone.
For those interested, these are the best books I read in 2016, though not all were published in 2016.
Best Series:
March by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and artist Nate Powell (March: Book One, March: Book Two, March: Book Three)
Best Photography:
Photographs from the Edge: A Master Photographer’s Insights on Capturing an Extraordinary World by Art Wolfe, Rob Sheppard
Best Memoir:
Bukowski in a Sundress by Kim Addonizio
Best Children’s Book:
Science Verse by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith
Best Young Adult Fiction:
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Best Short Story Collection: (I only read 3 and these 2 tied)
Heirlooms: Stories by Rachel Hall (this one has remained on my mind more than expected)
Fall of Poppies: Stories of Love and the Great War by Jessica Brockmole, Hazel Gaynor, Evangeline Holland, Marci Jefferson, Kate Kerrigan, Jennifer Robson, Heather Webb, Beatriz Williams, and Lauren Willig
Best Jane Austen Fiction: (this is a three-way tie)
A Moment Forever by Cat Gardiner
Darcy’s Hope: Beauty from Ashes by Ginger Monette
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner by Nicole Clarkston
Best Poetry: (another tie)
Field Guide to the End of the World by Jeannine Hall Gailey
Obliterations by Heather Aimee O’Neill and Jessica Piazza
Best Fiction: (a three-way tie)
The Secrets of Flight by Maggie Leffler
My Last Continent by Midge Raymond
This is the Story of You by Beth Kephart
What books were your favorites this year?
I’m extremely honored, Serena! Thank you for choosing A Moment Forever for your Best 2016 books. I’m over the moon! <3
I’m so glad, Cat. It is a fantastic book.
Yes, here’s hoping for a better year in 2017! I love reading these type of posts to see what other books I need to add to my list 🙂 Looking forward to checking out some of these.
These lists can be so tempting…I end up adding a bunch of stuff to a list.
My daughter and I enjoyed The Scorpio Races too. I have yet to read The Secrets of Flight! My best list will be posted tomorrow.
I loved The Secrets of Flight.
i still haven’t read Kephart!! I know. I seriously meant to this year, too.
Well, 2017 is the year for you to read those books you meant to read. Joyce in February!
I have a Kindle version ready to go but I think I print copy would be more useful. I am expecting to highlight much of the book.
I am going to get a print copy too.
I haven’t compiled my list yet, but I know there will be at least 1 Cat Gardiner book on it! I really must add some of these others to my to-read list. Happy New Year!
Cat Gardiner is on the list and could have been on it twice, honestly. I love her writing. But I chose the one I loved most! I do love hot Iceman, don’t get me wrong!
Have you read Undercover? That’s another awesome one! Actually all of her books have been 5 stars for me. I only have Villa Fortuna left to read, and then I will be sad.
I read all of those Undercover ones…I have to read Villa Fortuna, and Lucky 13…is that it? There must be more
Undercover was the femme fatale detective story. Then there were 2 in the Conscience series (Iceman). Lucky 13 was awesome as well! I think that’s all there is at the moment.
Yup, I read that and Conscience Iceman books.
I think I’ve been reading all the wrong books this year. I haven’t read anything on your list!
I’m sure you have read some great books too.
Serena, thank you for taking the time to put together this list. I’ll keep your choices in mind. I’ve only read one of these books, Field Guide to the End of the World. It is outstanding.
(I have finally posted a giveaway and hope you will stop by!)
Hi Suko, I hope you check out some of these books. I really had a great number of books that were fantastic this year, and it was so hard to choose…hence the ties! I will check out your blog now!