The Best Books of 2016

Here are my absolute top ten books that I've read this year. Click 'Show More' to see my list and links to full reviews. What are your favourite books of 2016?

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Read my full reviews of all my favourite books & links to buy them:

The Man Without a Shadow by Joyce Carol Oates:
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The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead:
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Get in touch

[Amerie.]

New sub, here! Great selection of books, Erik. And YES to THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD for speaking to what is happening in today's world. I felt it was very much on dialogue with BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME, as well. I'm going to check out THE LONELY CITY--thank you!

[michealmack]

Hi Eric. What a great list! The only ones I've read are Under the Udala Trees and the Olivia Laing. Both were excellent. I hope you have a happy & book filled new year!

[victoriahoyle-publichistor]

Happy new year Eric! I've only read one of the books on your list so far - The Tidal Zone by Sarah Moss, who is one of my best beloved writers - but there are lots that I have stacked by my bedside. I can't wait to get to The Underground Railroad, Autumn and Under the Udala Trees. My favourite book of the year (I may have exhorted you to read it already!) was The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry, the most humane and generous novel I've read in ages. It gives me the warm fuzzies just thinking of it.

How wonderful that Joyce Carol Oates dedicated her book to you! An honour richly deserved given the honesty, integrity and thoughtfulness of your approach to reading. Looking forward to following your bookish adventures into 2017.

[helenejeppesen]

I just pretty much added all of the books in my shopping basket :P Although I probably won't buy them for another couple of months just because I have a focus in 2017 to actually read the books I already own :)

[sandra.]

Wonderful list and summary and congratulations on your dedication ..Wow!! Some of my favorites this year were Trouble, The Small Hotel, The Bluest Eye, Ruby, Villette

[columbusmoore]

I absolutely loved Gustav Sonata. Didn't think I would enjoy it more than Trespass but I did. Rose Tremain is an incredible writer.

[CatAiLin]

Thank you for all your recommendations. I am glad I found your channel. Happy New Year!

[indydriven]

I have just ordered The Tidal Zone from Book Depository - I have only heard great things about it and am really looking forward to reading it. Happy New Year.

[claudiaberger]

I've just found your channel and I like it. I'm adding several of the books you mentioned to my TBR.

[LiaMahony]

I have not read any of these books but so many are on my TBR. I'm waiting for Autumn to actually hit Australia before reading Ali Smith. Thanks for your videos in 2016. Looking forward to 2017. Happy New Year.

[BetweenLinesAndLife]

Really look forward to picking up the Gustav Sonata, since I live in Switzerland it's always fun to see it as a setting of a book!

[robotnic]

Great list, there are a few on here that I wasn't familiar with. I've heard mixed things about Under The Udala Trees but the people who like it really rave about it so I think I'll give it a shot sometime.

[assemblyizeable]

Nice to hear your thoughts on The Tidal Zone. I've had that one in my cart for over a month, but haven't decided to order just yet, but your praise may change that. I'm also interested in Autumn by Ali Smith.
I haven't read many books this year that stood out, but for something different, The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers kept me thinking about it long after I finished it.

[aethikv]

She dedicated it to you, so well deserved sharing your reading experiences with us with so much passion, thanks so much!

[BlightyX]

I really enjoyed your very thoughtful review and inspiring recommendations. Ashamed to admit I have not read a single one of these..yet! Nice to hear Rose Tremain recommended too, I have not read her for a long time. Off to watch your other videos, I really like your calm, considered presenting style too.

[tesscap]

Hi Erek Im interested to read all the books u mention here, most specially the tidal zone

[jasonmetzker]

I usually read books or authors based on the recommendations of others. There are a few that stand out from your list that I would like to read, based on your comments. The Gustav Sonata sounds really interesting, and so does the one by Sarah Moss. I have never really read Joyce Carol Oates - many years ago I started reading Mysteries of Winterthurn and gave up on it, because I thought it was going to be a mystery, and turned out to be something unexpected and not to my taste. I know she has written some great novels, and I even have some of hers in e-book form. For someone starting out on JCO, which of her books do you recommend that I start with? I always enjoy your channel and friendly personality.

[kyrawilder]

Great list, thanks. I loved the Gustav Sonata, in addition to being a great story, Rose Tremain really captured something ineffable about Switzerland (speaking with limited the limited expertise of an expat who lives there/here). I would put Barkskins up as an amazing book made, like The Underground Railroad, sadly more important in light of the results of the American election. Thanks for the recommendations!

[SavidgeReads]

Colson Whitehead is on my list for 2017 as I didn't fit it in in 2016 annoyingly as I was ridiculously excited about it. Chinelo too. You might like Sweet Home by Carys Bray if you've not read it yet if you liked Dinosaurs on Other Planets. The Gustav Sonata was my final read of 2016 it was just so so so so good.

[goddessdster]

This is a great list! How did you ever get a book dedicated to you by the Almighty JCO?

I decided 2016 was the year for me to finally try Ali Smith. I read the accidental and found it to be a punch in the gut (in a good way), and I love her style, so I have Autumn on order. I really want to read The Tidal Zone, but Sarah Moss is difficult to easily find in the US, so I will probably order it soon.