The Best Books Of 2016

46:44

December 05, 2016

The best books of 2016: “The Underground Railroad,” “Swing Time,” “Commonwealth.” We’ll crack the books.

A selection of the covers of some of the year's best books. (Courtesy the Publishers)

The days grow short, the nights grow long, the snow begins in the north, and many minds turn to the joys of a great book. For companionship, for enlightenment, for enchantment. We’re looking today at the best books of 2016. For the reads you may want to devour, or share as gifts this year. Maybe “The Regional Office is Under Attack,” by Manuel Gonzales. Maybe “Barksins,” by Annie Proulx. We’ve got great readers from across the country. And great books. This hour On Point: the best books of 2016. — Tom Ashbrook

Guests

Mary Ann Gwinn, book editor for the Seattle Times. (@gwinnma)

Jill Grunenwald, host of the Professional Book Nerds podcast and staff librarian at Overdrive, an e-book and audio book app for public libraries. (@jill_grun)

Ron Davis, co-owner of Wild Fig Books and Coffee in Lexington, KY and author of “Tangerine Tubman.”

From Tom’s Reading List

Seattle Times: The best books of 2016, from our critics -- "The first week of December is one of my favorite times of the year — not because of the holiday buzz, not because of the waning light (definitely not that), but because I get to compile The Seattle Times best-books list."

New York Times: 100 Notable Books of 2016 -- "The year’s notable fiction, poetry and nonfiction, selected by the editors of The New York Times Book Review. This list represents books reviewed since Dec. 6, 2015, when we published our previous Notables list."

Washington Post: The Ten Best Books Of 2016 -- "In our annual survey of the best books, you’ll find 10 that we think are exceptionally rewarding and 100 notable titles that you shouldn’t miss. Also, look for our special recommendations for lovers of mysteries, graphic novels, audiobooks, romance, poetry, memoirs, and science fiction and fantasy."