I’ve heard the song “Favorite Things” a bunch of times over the last few weeks, and it got me thinking about my favorites for 2016*. The idea of “favorites” is quite broad, but seeing as my life revolves around reading, it was all literary-related favorites that came to mind.
Take a look at what tickled my fancy this year. The first half is all books (and I couldn’t pick just one favorite in some cases) and the second half is bookish “stuff.” Not everything was published or came out in 2016, but everything listed is something I read, watched or experienced this year.
Let me know some of your literary faves of the year in the comments below!
My favorites of 2016:
Literary Fiction
The One-in-a-Million Boy, by Monica Wood
One of the last books I read this year – I’m so glad I fit it in. The story is sweet without being sappy and makes you want to break World Records!
Non-Fiction
A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson
The perfect combination of hilarious stories of out-of-shape, middle-aged men coupled with information you didn’t know you wanted to know.
Memoir
Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman, by Lindy West
See my thoughts from my post 8 Books that Empower Girls and Women
Mystery/Thriller
I Let You Go, by Clare Mackintosh
The Guest Room, by Chris Bohjalian
Fantasy
Sorcerer To the Crown, by Zen Cho
Science Fiction
Dark Matter, by Blake Crouch
Get ready for your brain to be blown!
Short Story Collection
Children of the New World, by Alexander Weinstein
These tales of humankind’s potential future have burrowed deep in my mind and I can’t stop thinking about them…
Graphic Novel
Trashed, by Derk Backderf
All the facts you’ll learn about the waste industry are fascinating. It made me seriously cut back on what I throw away on a daily basis.
Picture Book
They All Saw A Cat, by Brendan Wenzel
This book pretty much blew my mind in the best possible way. The artwork is amazing and is an avenue for some great conversations about point of view and perspective.
Middle Grade
The Seventh Most Important Thing, by Shelley Pearsall
I especially enjoyed this book because the piece of art in the story is actually part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection. I haven’t had a chance to see it yet, but it’s on my to-do list for 2017.
Young Adult
Simon vs. the Homo Sapien Agenda, by Becky Albertalli
Man, am I glad I’m not in high school anymore!
Audio Book
Veronica Mars: The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line, by Rob Thomas/
Kristen Bell’s narration made it feel like I was experiencing a super long episode of Veronica Mars side-by-side with the private eye herself. It was awesome!
Trumpet of the Swan, by E.B. White
Listening to this book just made me feel all warm and happy inside. E.B. White’s voice is perfection for the narration.
Podcast
What Should I Read Next with Anne Bogel
Anne Bogel’s concept is so fun. A caller phones in with three books they love, one book they hate, and what they’re reading right now. With that information, Anne then recommends three books she thinks the caller should try next.
TV Show
Younger on TV Land
Movie-Based-on-a-Book
Me Before You
Honestly this was maybe one of 5 movies I saw in the theater this year (and it’s a good thing I brought tissues!). I spend most of my free time reading, cooking or hanging with friends/family, so I don’t see many movies. For those of you who make it to the theater on a more regular basis, which movies-based-on-books were worth watching? I’ll get recommendations on Netflix 🙂
Play
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
The use of space on stage and the lighting effects were brilliant!
Musical
Matilda
Although the school where I work did a bang-up job with Oliver!, Matilda on Broadway really blew me away.
Article
What Makes a Children’s Book Good?, by Adam Gidwitz
Adult Beverage
The Deathly Hallow
1 part cider
1 part amber ale (Hogshead ale from Universal Studios would be ideal)
1 part Guinness
My husband and I were informed by a rather inebriated fellow that it is actually forbidden to ask for this drink by the Deathly Hallows name (decreed by J.K. herself). But if you list all the alcohols to the bartender with a wink-wink nudge-nudge, they’ll know what you getting at.
Live Author Event
Kwame Alexander at Politics & Prose
Kwame Alexander is funny, charismatic, and really connects with the audience. If you haven’t read his books The Crossover or Booked, you are missing out. Pick them up today!
Fashion
When in Doubt Go To the Library T-Shirt
Let me know some of your literary faves of the year in the comments below!
*Sidenote: I do not consider “Favorite Things” to be a Christmas song and would prefer it not be played as such. I think Julie Andrews would agree.
All book cover images from www.amazon.com
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