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Here are my Angel Picks from 2016. These are not ranked or in any particular order. Just the best five I read this year based on my own humble opinion, and based partially on the ratings I gave on Goodreads (I’m Angry Seraph there, if you want to connect). Please note that these books are not necessarily books written in 2016, I just happened to read them in 2016. Full reviews are linked in the titles.

Homegoing (2016), by Yaa Gyasi

The story of two sisters and their descendants on different paths through history. This is a beautiful story of what family means, what struggle is, and how to find peace. I cannot wait to read more of Yaa Gyasi’s work. Her voice is an important one.

 

Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman (2016), by Lindy West

Lindy West’s voice in this book provides representation and strength in a world where obesity and overweight are the norms. This book reminds us to question society’s expectations and pressures while listening to what makes you happy, no matter your weight

 

Kitchens of the Great Midwest (2015), by J. Ryan Stradal

A journey through one woman’s influences on others and her movement towards independence from a past full of tragedy. This book is the beautifully told story of the ripples in her wake. What really stood out about this book was that it was about this woman without actually telling us what she was doing every minute.

All the Bright Places (2015), by Jennifer Niven

A young adult novel which explores grief and the mental struggles that young people deal with. We see two teens fall in love and experience loss. This book speaks to my need for truthful representation of real phenomenon in books, but that also made me question whether this book should be classified as YA. A powerful and beautiful story.

The Girl With All The Gifts (2014), by M.R. Carey

This is the first book I have read in a long time that I feel offers a decent solution and future in a world of zombies. It explores “human” relationships, expands our understanding of what it means to be human, and shows how we can teach children to live in a world that exists, and not a world that has passed. All important lessons in our world today.