My Favorite 2016 Reads
A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War by Joseph Loconte
A fantastic biographical look at C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and the influence of World War I on them personally, their writing, and their friendship. Both of these literary giants served in the war and I had little prior knowledge of how much it shaped them and the stories they would go on to create. This book is an encouraging glimpse into their spiritual formation, literary genius, and inspiring friendship.
Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay
Katherine Reay is a first-rate author of what I (along with Anne Bogel) like to call “sweet spot fiction” – easy to read and understand while still tackling subjects of depth and teaching a valuable lesson. Lizzy and Jane is my favorite Reay book so far. Sister relationships, trust issues, cancer, family dynamics, and forgiveness take major roles in this one, all within the themes of food and cooking. I loved every bit and am now waiting for a Lizzy and Jane cookbook to be a thing.
Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me by Karen Swallow Prior
I first encountered Karen Swallow Prior through her fantastic biography on Hannah More, so I was excited to finally pick up her personal memoir. What a joy it was! She brings her journey to vivid life through so many classic works of literature and tells her story with relatable honesty and encouragement. And she explains the importance of books and how God’s character is reflected in them so well. I was saying “Yes!” in my head pretty frequently as I read it.
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Where have I been, you ask? Well, I have to say I’m glad I read them for the first time as an adult. The magic of Harry’s world brought me back to the innocence of childhood in many ways while also reminding me of priceless truths that I’m not sure I would have fully appreciated as a youngster. Good and evil, lifelong friendship, courage, and unfathomable sacrifice are at the forefront as Harry, Ron, and Hermione grow up and work together to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort. I’m so glad to have now taken the journey with them and expect I’ll go back to it before long. (Read my longer thoughts on the whole series here and here)
Warleggan by Winston Graham
The Poldark series just got better, guys. This is book four and it’s a roller coaster. Ross and Demelza go through the ringer like never before and George Warleggan becomes an ever more formidable foe in this one. And yet, Ross and Demelza endure and forge ahead as the heroes once again. I’m amazed at the nuance and depth Winston Graham wove into these two central characters – their pains and joys are palpable to the reader and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
Quite the title, I know, but don’t let it throw you. This story is charming, witty, and engaging while also bringing in profound themes. It’s 1946, and London writer Juliet Ashton is struggling to find a subject for her next writing project. But soon, she starts wondering if a subject might be forming itself when she begins an unlikely correspondence with people from the small British channel island of Guernsey, the only British territory that the Nazis occupied during World War II. From start to finish, this book is a delight (especially on audiobook!).
Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber
I read this one in February/March, but I had a good feeling as soon as I read it that it would likely remain my favorite of the year. I was right. This is the personal memoir of an English professor that reads more like a compelling novel. In it, Carolyn Weber shares mainly how she became a Christ follower while studying Romantic Literature at Oxford in England. I love literature and England, so I related strongly to her in many ways, but her honesty and grace and joy encouraged and humbled me greatly. Read this book. (Check out my full review here).
These were the top ones, but really, I read so many good books in 2016. Below is the full list of titles from the year! What did you read in 2016? Got any good ones planned for 2017? I’d love to hear all about it and get your recommendations!
My 2016 Reads:
Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Joy in the Morning by Betty Smith
Heir to Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Driftwood Lane by Denise Hunter
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden
A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War by Joseph Loconte
Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber
While You Were Mine by Ann Howard Creel
An Assembly Such As This by Pamela Aiden
The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller
A Cowboy’s Touch by Denise Hunter
One Lavender Ribbon by Heather Burch
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth E. Wein
Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway
The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay
Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay
Little Bee by Chris Cleave
Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis
Hope Heals by Jay and Katherine Wolf
For the Glory by Duncan Hamilton
Holy is the Day by Carolyn Weber
Are We Together? by R.C. Sproul
Jeremy Poldark by Winston Graham
Warleggan by Winston Graham
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ by John Piper
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Light Between the Oceans by M.L. Stedman
The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen
Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave
Greater than Gold by David Boudia
What is a Healthy Church? by Mark Dever
Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me by Karen Swallow Prior
A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay
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