There are two parts to this post:
- my top ten favorite books I read in 2016
- your (as reader) top ten favorite book reviews I wrote in 2016
My Top Ten Favorite Books
I read 198 books according to Goodreads–blasting through my goal of 162 books.
I love reading and would prefer to do that than watch TV, go to the gym, floss my teeth, pay bills, or do the laundry. I review a lot of the books I read, usually received from Netflix or the library but not all. I collect all of my book reviews here, but it isn’t always up to date.
I try.
When I read for fun, I often read thrillers, mysteries, and historic fiction so you’ll see a lot of those on the top ten list.
My ten favorite books that I read in 2016 (in no particular order) are as follows:
- Livia Lone by Barry Eisler
- Reckless Creed by Alex Kava
- The Steel Kiss by Jeffrey Deaver
- Off the Grid by C.J. Box
- Mark Greaney’s Gray Man series
- Sandra Saidak’s Kalie’s Journey series
- Brett Battles’ Jonathan Quinn series
- James Runcie’s Granchester Mysteries series
- Rufus by Terry Barca
- Ki’ti’s Story
Top Ten Book Reviews
I reviewed 45 books in 2016, everything from non-fiction like Meeting Prehistoric Man to serial fiction like Off the Grid. Overall, book reviews’ are popular on WordDreams. I understand that because I love reading reviews of books by other writers. Here are the top ten book reviews based on hits in 2016:
- 21 Tips from Strunk and White’s “Elements of Style”
- Killing Lincoln
- Meeting Prehistoric Man
- The Tree Where Man Was Born
- The Temporary Agent
- Zero-Degree Murder
- The Singer From Memphis
- Off the Grid
- Beijing Red
- Desert God
Since I read about three books a week, I’m always eager for new material. What’s your favorite book from 2016?
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, and the thriller, To Hunt a Sub. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for TeachHUB, monthly contributor to Today’s Author and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. You can find her books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning. The sequel to To Hunt a Sub, Twenty-four Days, is scheduled for Summer, 2017. Click to follow its progress.
these reviews are so fabulous!!! please check my blog too
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Will do–love reviews.
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You seem like you have read and picked apart a lot of book reviews. I just posted my first one yesterday, and I’ll be posting another one tomorrow afternoon.
If it’s not too much to ask, would you be willing to review my book review? Any tips will be appreciated because I want to do the best job that I can.
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What’s the link, Tyler? I’d be happy to help.
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thewrightread.com
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
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Wow, you read more than me. In 2015 I read 117, I cut back 2016 resd 83. My average is100 a year, never made over 150. You go.
Juneta @junetakey.com
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I didn’t read a lot of non-fiction last year. That goes much slower. For example, I’m reading about Chosin Reservoir, during the Korean War. I’ve been at it for 2 weeks. Almost done!
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I re-read a number of books this year. Including my favourite book of all time Mill on the Floss by George Eliot. I love historical stories. I also read in a genre I do not normally go for – it was a thriller and the last chapters I read all in one sitting despite the fact we had visitors. It was called ‘To Hunt a Sub’. I loved the way the author combined vulnerability and strength in her main characters. I loved where the macho character ‘Rowe’ takes Kail’s hand even though she pulls away. And there is this beautiful raw, insight into what it can cost you to be a mother. Otto is very cool too.
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Awe, you are so wonderful. I love how you snuck that review in there. You’ve made my day.
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I could have said more but would have given the ending away!
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If you’re an Amazon sort of person, I’d love you to add your kind comments to the Amazon feed. I can always use those. If not, no worries!
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Will do.
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Amazing and impressive, Jacqui! I must step up my reading and writing!
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There have been times this past year, the only escape from the real world was a good book. Love that.
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Indeed a great escape!
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Hi Jacqui
Trust you are having
A great weekend
I am totally amazed at you
198 books read?
How do you do it?
Where do you
Find the time?
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My chosen free time activity is reading. Truthfully, I don’t do much besides read and write. I’m not into traveling. My kids have moved away. Well, I do walk the dog every day.
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You are a reading machine girl! 🙂
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All that time you’re doing guest appearances on radio shows–I’m reading!
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Lol. I’ve only done 2 but busy writing for interviews and setting up the rest of January for my long awaited blogging break in February. And then I’ll be catching up on lots of reading! 🙂
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Jacqui – Thanks for posting your 10 favorite books for 2016. I’m always searching for both Tom and I. My ability to concentrate broke down this year and instead of reading my average of 72 fiction and 45 non-fiction, I barely made it through 6 novels. I know it has to do with my level of concentration and Tom’s illness. Tom often turns to your list when selecting a new book.
I’ve always loved to read but this has been a tough year for me and I’ve written a lot in my journal but I must get back to reading, Beautifully written words help keep me sane.
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If nothing else, it might be a good escape valve for you. Sigh.
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Jacqui, Reading has always been a great escape for me. When Tom became so ill this year and everything seemed like multiple battles each and every day, my lack of concentration set in and it scares me. I’ve started reading short stories trying to get myself back on track. I’m currently reading ‘Kitchen Table Wisdom’ by Rachel Naomi Remen, MD and have promised myself to keep up with at least the magazines and newsletters I subscribe. I refuse to allow reading go without a fight.
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Wow. 198 books in one year!!!!! I’m lucky if I read 12. That’s amazing, Jackie. You’re a reading powerhouse. Well done 🙂
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I think it will slow down this year. I have a few too many other projects.
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Ha ha. You’re a powerhouse, Jacqui. Slowing down is still way more than most of us do. 😀
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Oh WOW. People say *I* read a lot of books…and I only read five a month! Well, I also listen to about 2-3 books a month on Audible, but that’s not nearly what you read.
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Well, I did count your book in my list! Despite it being under my grade level and short. My count is much wider than what other people might do!
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Are you sure you’re human, or human with six million dollar parts so you don’t need sleep? I can’t even c.o.u.n.t. to 198 in one year let alone imagine reading that many. Whew. Reading this number of books would take me a lot of birthdays.
I loved the trilogy ❤ by Stephen King, Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers and End of Watch.
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I don’t read James Joyce or even Hemingway (well, not many). Rather than literary fiction, I read genre fiction. That goes a lot faster. That’s probably the difference between how many I read and lots of other people.
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Jacqui, I’m always a bit stunned when I consider how many books you read. I read all the time but I’m just not that fast. I also keep track of all the books I read but it’s in no order at all, and I don’t even know exactly what I read in 2016. But I loved, loved, loved All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, actually read the first time in 2015, the second in 2016, so it counts. I reviewed it on my blog under my Favorite Books by Letter series.
I just started a new file, noting books I’ve read this year so I’ll be able to see what and how many books I read in a year. This year’s first entry is Marge Piercy’s He, She and It, a story I think you’d love – if you haven’t already read it. I also recommend A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, a wonderful story about the value of living even when lonely.
Looking forward to your 2017 reviews.
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My books are consumed more quickly than yours because I’m looking for entertainment and relaxation. I get enough mind expansion from my research and the articles I write. You, though, always pick pithy, deep books. I’d probably end up with just a handful of those.
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Great list!
My favourite last year was “The America of the soul” by Karl Ove Knausgård. I read it in German “Das Amerika der Seele” and both Klausbernd and I think it was one of the best books we have ever read. I’m not sure if it’s translated into English yet, but it will …
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That sounds enticing. I’ll see if I can find it in English. Thanks, Dina.
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wow – in 2017 I hope to read at least 10 books…
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Hehe. I will say, since I read few literary fiction, it requires less of a commitment to finish a book. I’m looking for relaxation, not cerebral growth.
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Wow thanks for reading and reviewing. I will check out some of your reviews.
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Thanks, Grace. I’m a true bibliophile.
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Reblogged this on Grace Allison, Award Winning Author and commented:
Do you read? Here are reviews for you to consider from 2016. #gracethemystic
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Thanks for the reblog!
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If anyone could pull off this achievement it would be you. Amazing. Wonderful. Happy New Year, J
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I did make my 2017 goal 200–barely over this year. I’ve taken on a new writing gig and have (hopefully) my sequel out this summer so I might fall short on my reading.
Happy new year to you, too, Audrey!
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I’ve ordered the trilogy of Peter Mathiesson’s books …. 1972 – just before I went out to SA … but should make interesting reading … and I’ve a great friend here, who has major African interests … so she can read after me .. cheers H
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Oh I wish I could read those again for the first time. And in situ–can you see me green with envy?
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Not quite sure when I’ll get to read them .. but just might be enticed at first look! So keep being jealous for a while longer!! But thanks for the intro .. H
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Hi Jacqui – gosh that’s lots of books – it’s interesting I don’t really enjoy novels any more – preferring something more realistic … which is perhaps why I can’t get through many books in a year. Though I have read 7 or so this year … and thus had a lot of time on the sofa – not doing what I should do! So now must get on … I even managed to write up a few reviews on Amazon for blogging authors … The Tree Where Man was Born sounds fascinating …
Anyway I’m looking forward to more helpful posts in the future … Happy New Year and cheers Hilary
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I do love non-fiction. I can get through the academic type, but so appreciate authors like Margaret Meade and Matthiesen who make it more reachable for us ordinary folk.
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I didn’t read many non-fiction books last year, so i don’t know if this counts… but my favorite was “Warpath Across the Pacific” by Lawrence J. Hickey and IHRA.
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I’ll have to look into that one. It sounds like WWII? I’m soon starting Martin Russ’ Breakout, about Chosin Reservoir. My novel’s character brought it up and sparked my interest!
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Oh my, The Chosin Few, as they called themselves – wow what a battle! Hold on to your seat reading that!
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All I know so far is that it was quite a battle. I’m looking forward to more detail!
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Wow! I’m so jealous of your reading time, Jacqui. Thanks for your awesome reviews.
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I love reading. I take books everywhere I go and indulge if even for ten minutes.
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Me too!
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198 in a year. 1 book every 2 days. And writing and reviewing and blogging and responding. That’s staggering.
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Well, books are getting shorter. I used to be surprised when I started and finished a book the same day. Not so much any more. But there are times it’ll take me a week. Or two. Life intrudes.
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