What Best Reads 2016 Are Recommended By Critics?

2016 was a year packed with incredible reads, and critics had plenty to say about the best of them. 'The Vegetarian' by Han Kang, winner of the Man Booker International Prize, was a haunting exploration of identity and rebellion, leaving a lasting impression with its surreal and poetic prose.

On the nonfiction side, 'When Breath Becomes Air' by Paul Kalanithi moved readers with its poignant reflection on life and mortality, written by a neurosurgeon facing his own terminal illness.

For fantasy fans, 'the obelisk gate' by N.K. Jemisin, the second book in the 'Broken Earth' trilogy, continued to redefine the genre with its rich world-building and complex characters. Critics couldn't stop talking about its innovative narrative and themes.

In the thriller category, 'The Woman in Cabin 10' by Ruth Ware kept readers on edge with its tense, atmospheric mystery. Meanwhile, 'Swing Time' by Zadie Smith was celebrated for its sharp commentary on race, class, and friendship. These books not only dominated critics' lists but also stayed with readers long after the final page.

I noticed critics couldn't stop praising certain books in 2016. 'The Sellout' by Paul Beatty made history as the first American novel to win the Man Booker Prize, blending satire and social commentary in a way that was both hilarious and thought-provoking.

Another standout was 'Dark Matter' by Blake Crouch, a sci-fi thriller that kept readers hooked with its mind-bending plot and fast-paced storytelling. Critics loved how it balanced intellectual depth with sheer entertainment.

For historical fiction fans, 'The Nix' by Nathan Hill was a favorite, offering a sprawling, multi-generational tale that felt both epic and deeply personal. These books stood out not just for their storytelling but for the way they pushed boundaries and left a lasting impact.

I remember 2016 as a fantastic year for books, with critics raving about several standout titles. 'Homegoing' by Yaa Gyasi was one of the most talked-about novels, praised for its sweeping historical scope and emotional depth. It traces the lives of two half-sisters and their descendants across generations, offering a powerful exploration of family and heritage. Another critical darling was 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead, a reimagining of the historical network as an actual railroad, blending magical realism with brutal honesty about slavery. Critics also loved 'Evicted' by Matthew Desmond, a nonfiction work that sheds light on America's housing crisis through gripping storytelling. These books not only topped best-of lists but also sparked important conversations.