Top 10 Best Contemporary Reads of 2016

Contents

Are you looking for the best contemporary reads of 2016? Whether you’re a fan of classic literature or a reader of new releases, this list of top 10 books will have something for you. Get ready to explore the world of literature with these amazing reads!

1. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead is a powerful novel about a young slave named Cora who escapes her Georgia plantation and embarks on a harrowing journey to freedom. Along the way, she encounters a variety of characters, both good and bad, and learns about the harsh realities of life as a runaway slave. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of slavery in America.



2. The Girls by Emma Cline

The Girls by Emma Cline is a gripping novel about a teenage girl who is drawn into a cult in 1960s California. Evie Boyd is a lonely teenager who is desperate for attention and acceptance, and she finds it in the form of a mysterious group of girls led by the charismatic Suzanne. This novel is a haunting exploration of the power of manipulation and the dangers of cults.

3. The Nix by Nathan Hill

The Nix by Nathan Hill is a captivating novel about a college professor who discovers that his long-lost mother is a political activist. Samuel Andresen-Anderson is shocked to learn that his mother, Faye, has been involved in a protest that has gone viral. As he attempts to reconnect with her, he discovers the truth about his family’s past and his own identity. This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in family dynamics and the power of the media.

2016 was a great year for contemporary reads, with some of the best books of the decade being released. From Salman Rushdie's Satanic Verses quotes to John Wood's John Wood quotes , here are the top 10 best contemporary reads of 2016:

  • The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
  • The Sellout by Paul Beatty
  • The Nix by Nathan Hill
  • The Girls by Emma Cline
  • The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan
  • The Vegetarian by Han Kang
  • The Mothers by Brit Bennett
  • The Sport of Kings by C.E. Morgan
  • The Wangs vs. The World by Jade Chang
  • The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

4. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi is a stunning novel about two half-sisters who are separated by slavery. Effia and Esi are born in different villages in 18th century Ghana, and their lives take drastically different paths. This novel follows the sisters and their descendants through centuries of history, exploring the legacy of slavery and the power of family. This is a must-read for anyone interested in African history and culture.

5. The Vegetarian by Han Kang

The Vegetarian by Han Kang is a haunting novel about a woman who decides to stop eating meat. Yeong-hye is a seemingly ordinary woman who is married to an ordinary man. But when she decides to become a vegetarian, her life begins to unravel in unexpected ways. This novel is a powerful exploration of the power of choice and the consequences of rebellion.

6. The Sellout by Paul Beatty

The Sellout by Paul Beatty is a hilarious and thought-provoking novel about a man who attempts to reinstate slavery and segregation in his hometown. The protagonist, Bonbon, is a young man who is determined to restore his hometown to its former glory. This novel is a biting satire of race relations in America and a must-read for anyone interested in social justice.

7. The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan

The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan is a powerful novel about the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Delhi. The novel follows the lives of the victims and perpetrators of the attack, exploring the ripple effects of violence and the power of grief. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of terrorism and its aftermath.

8. The Mothers by Brit Bennett

The Mothers by Brit Bennett is a captivating novel about a young woman who is torn between two men. Nadia Turner is a teenage girl who is struggling to come to terms with her mother’s suicide. When she falls in love with the pastor’s son, she must choose between her own desires and the expectations of her community. This novel is a powerful exploration of faith, family, and identity.

9. The Girls in the Garden by Lisa Jewell

The Girls in the Garden by Lisa Jewell is a gripping novel about a young girl who goes missing in a London park. Grace and her friends are playing in the park when she disappears without a trace. This novel follows the lives of the people connected to Grace, exploring the power of secrets and the consequences of tragedy. This is a must-read for anyone interested in suspenseful mysteries.

10. The North Water by Ian McGuire

The North Water by Ian McGuire is a gripping novel about a 19th century whaling ship. The novel follows the crew of the Volunteer as they embark on a dangerous voyage to the Arctic. This novel is a thrilling exploration of the power of nature and the brutality of man. This is a must-read for anyone interested in adventure and exploration.

Conclusion

These are the. From classic novels to new releases, this list has something for everyone. So grab a book and get ready to explore the world of literature!

Table of Books

Book Author Genre
The Underground Railroad Colson Whitehead Historical Fiction
The Girls Emma Cline Fiction
The Nix Nathan Hill Fiction
Homegoing Yaa Gyasi Historical Fiction
The Vegetarian Han Kang Fiction
The Sellout Paul Beatty Satire
The Association of Small Bombs Karan Mahajan Fiction
The Mothers Brit Bennett Fiction
The Girls in the Garden Lisa Jewell Mystery
The North Water Ian McGuire Adventure