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Top 12 list - 2016 edition

12 because I couldn't pick just 10 (...and 12 fit better!)

Top 12 list -2016 edition12 because I couldn't pick just 10 (...and 12 fit better!)

my favorite books I read this year

In 2016, I read over 90 books - totaling over 21,000 pages. :) These are some of my favorites I read throughout the course of the year. I read MANY good books this year - it was hard to just pick just a few! I hope you will take some time to explore some of these titles in 2017. :)
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The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

I was a fan of her first book, and loved this one even more (which I didn't think would be possible). This story takes place over the course of one day... a life changing day for the two narrators in the story. young adult fiction (link to Goodreads)

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Something New: Tales from a Makeshift Bride by Lucy Knisley

I love her work! She doesn't disappoint with this one. SO GOOD. It was fun to read this as I was preparing for my own wedding. She tackles it all in this book: DIY craftiness, family expectations, stress of planning and also the joy. adult graphic novel (link to Goodreads)
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Before the Fall by Noah Hawley

A mystery that keeps you turning the pages to try to figure out what happened when a small charter planes crashes...with only a two survivors. This is perfect book when you need something to hold your attention. adult fiction (link to Goodreads)
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A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers

If you are a reader, know a reader, or just love books - find this book and read it now. Beautifully illustrated, the first sentence captures the essence of this book: "I am a child of books. I come from a world of stories and upon my imagination I float." picture book

(link to Goodreads)
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The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin

This one is hard one to explain. Be sure to read GoodReads summary. It is unlike any fiction I have read in a while, I couldn't put it down, and it gave me many things to think about ... all signs of a good book in my opinion! adult fiction (link to Goodreads)
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The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan

This book is stunning. Not long, a quick read - but beautifully written. It is about love, loss, friendship and loving again. Highly recommend. middle grade fiction (link to Goodreads)

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The Spy Who Couldn't Spell by Yudhijit Bhattacharjee

This was fascinating! This tells the story of Brian Regan, a traitor that the FBI tracked for many months. The hunt was made more difficult because Regan's codes and messages were hard to crack because he was dyslexic. adult non fiction (link to Goodreads)

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The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith

Not an easy read, but an important one that is incredibly well written. This reminds me of Speak (high praise from me). It tells the story of a young girl during her high school years as she tries to move forward after being assaulted. young adult fiction (link to Goodreads)

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The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry

A not-so-typical young adult novel. Friday Night Lights meets The Time Traveler's Wife is an accurate and good description. I really enjoyed this one! young adult fiction (link to Goodreads)
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When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

This is hard, but is also gut-wrenchingly beautiful. It is one of those books that I want to press into people's hands because the writing is wonderful and even more importantly, I think there is such wisdom to be gained from within the pages. adult memoir (link to Goodreads)
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Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Over the past couple years it seems that Picoult's novels are the same. Not the case with this most recent one. It is thought provoking and timely. adult fiction (link to Goodreads)
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Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon

A little gem of a book. I loved the graphics and the bits of wisdom and tips within the pages. Good advice for creatives and non-creatives alike. adult non fiction (link to Goodreads)

Happy Reading!

Please let me know if you read any of the recommended titles and how you liked them!


Also as a reminder, I keep track of all the books I read on Goodreads. Please feel free to follow me on there.

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Katie

{teen librarian) also a: teacher, bookworm, photo taker, retweeting expert, music listener, tech geek, list maker, Apple admirer, Cubs fan, crafty gal.

Email: katielibrarian@gmail.com
Location: Chicago, IL, United States
Twitter: @katielibrarian