End of Watch by Stephen King (June 7th 2016) –
Having written over 50 novels in his lifetime, many of which have been adapted to film or television, King has established himself as one of the world’s most renown, reliable sci-fi horror writers of the 21st century. It’s no surprise that his newest novel set to debut this year is highly anticipated and at the top of the list. It will also please avid King readers to know that this new book is a follow up to his last two novels Mr. Mercedes and Finders Keepers. Keeping with his classic dark theme, this book is all about murder, intense detective work, and supernatural suspense.
Glass Sword (Red Queen #2) by Victoria Aveyard (Feb. 9th 2016) –
Following the book that shot to the top of the bestseller lists in 2015 for the genre of Young Adult Fiction (YA), Red Queen, comes the second in the series. A story about an ordinary girl with extraordinary magical powers who finds herself easily exploited by the rulers of her kingdom because of them. Upon finding out she is not the only one with these spectacular abilities, the main character sets out to find her equals and overcome the tyranny of the evil king. For those who enjoy action-packed stories with a fantastical twist, keep an eye out for this one to hit the shelves soon.
Leave Me by Gayle Forman (Sep. 6th 2016) –
University of Oregon alumnus Gayle Forman’s new book is gathering attention going into the new year, as it is her first that will be classified under the genre as “Adult Fiction,” straying from her typical style of writing YA. It is a book, “for every woman who has ever dreamed of boarding a train to a place where no one needs constant attention” or for anyone who has ever felt they needed to just get away and rediscover themselves again. In this novel, Forman looks at concepts of rediscovery, motherhood, and the beauty of human nature that has her fans waiting in anticipation.
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys (Feb. 2nd 2016) –
The bestselling novelist of Between Shades of Grey has come back with another book that has readers on the edge of their seats. This historical fiction is set in WWII focused on the refugees seeking freedom on the open sea, until disaster strikes and they must find the strength to survive the perilous journey together. With its suspenseful plot and round characters this book is bound to be another chart topper.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (Jan. 12th 2016) –
One of the most exciting nonfiction books of the year has already hit the stands, but still claims a spot on the list with all the hype it has gathered already. Kalanithi writes a unique story about his experience working for many years as a neurosurgeon, and then tragically being given the shocking diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer at age thirty-six. His narrative deals with the tough questions a person has who has stared into the face of medical complications his whole career, but develops a whole new perception of life when faced with them personally. This book asks what makes a meaningful life and how we face death, and considering Kalanithi sadly died while writing this book, it is captivating readers with the power of his message.
The Fever Code (Prequel to The Maze Runner) by James Dashner (Sept. 27th 2016) –
Before there was the maze, and the scorch trials, and the huge blockbuster series of films adapted from Dashner’s books, what was there? This question will finally be answered for Maze Runner fans everywhere this fall when this prequel finally is released. This is sure to steal a spot at the top of the bestsellers list, as did its predecessors within the dystopian series, and is highly anticipated by readers of all ages.
Living Color by Jodi Picoult (Oct. 10th 2016) – (No Cover Available)
Picoult takes her audiences by storm every year, returning without fail with a new story that brings them to their knees under the weight of honest human emotion. This year is bound to satisfy, with this recently announced book-in-progress about an African-American delivery nurse, Ruth, who is faced with prejudice and hate by two patients who demand nurses of color not be around their newborn. But when an emergency arises, she is faced with the tough decision of to obey or save the baby and face even graver consequences. Picoult’s books always take a deep look into the minds of every character, and this book will be an interesting look at race and manifestations of prejudice still in society today.
Magruder’s Curiosity Cabinet by H.P. Wood (June 1st 2016) –
In her debut novel, Wood will transport readers to a mystical world of flea circuses, unusual tricks of the mind, and overall eerily strange images. Receiving high-marked reviews from pre-readers on Goodreads, this book already shows promise as being a fun, fantastical, tantalizing read for the year.
All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation by Rebecca Traister (Mar. 1st 2016) –
This is another nonfiction book ready to take the world by storm this year. With clearly a strong feminist viewpoint driving the book, journalist Rebecca Traister aims to show the various accolades and accomplishments single women have made in recent years and the rise of this trend in America. Reminiscent of the book Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, it is a definitely a book to watch out for this year.
The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj (May 3rd 2016) –
Here comes a book that is not stepping into the spotlight just yet, but could potentially be cast there soon after it’s release. A story about a broken man setting out on an international journey to India where “he finds himself tested physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” As he learns more about the Indian culture, he is rebuilt into a man of integrity and deep spiritual understanding.
Into White by Randi Pink (Sept. 13th 2016) –
In the little information that has been released about this under-wraps book, it seems to be classified as a book for younger readers targeted as a sort of coming-of-age book. However, just because it’s targeted at a younger age audience doesn’t mean that older readers can’t gain a valuable reading experience from them as well. This book looks at a young black girl, Latoya, who is growing up in a primarily white high school in the “Bible Belt.” She struggles with her identity as a growing woman of color in her environment and spontaneously wishes she were white. The story takes a turn when she wakes up the next day to find she is. This book will provide an important conversation about race and identity in young people of color, and give a powerful voice to a character of color as well.
Brown: 11 Books To Read in 2016
Jordyn Brown
January 26, 2016
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