2016 BOOKS OF THE YEAR W


elcome to a glorious stroll through the winners and shortlisted books from the British Book Industry Awards’ Books of the Year. These are new awards to recognise and honour the breadth and depth of pub- lishing and we are delighted at the richness and di- versity of our lists. There really is something for every-


one here, no matter whether you are looking for a book for yourself or seeking a gift for someone else. Want to be thrilled and a bit frightened? Then have a look at The Girl on the


Train, Disclaimer or In a Dark Dark Wood. Perhaps you enjoy a weep over a book? I do, and A Little Life, Grief is the Thing with Feathers and The Versions of Us all had me sobbing as I turned the pages. I like a cracking twist and I won’t give too much away, but A God in Ruins and I Let You Go both whip the ground away from the reader in a highly satisfying fashion. I also like to be educated and informed by reading and that’s what SPQR,


Reasons to Stay Alive and Gut do for me—I would not have dreamed that I would find the journey of poo quite so fascinating. There are no restrictive or gloomy diet books here but Lean in 15 and Deliciously Ella both have advice on how to eat well and substantially, and feel better. If you find laughter is the best medicine then The Husband: How it Works raises a chuckle, and there are giggles galore on the children’s list—we laughed our heads nearly off at A Boy Called Christmas, My Brother is a Superhero and Grandpa’s Great Escape. And the winner? The Loney is a beautifully written tale of dark deeds.


A book to remember long after the final page. Happy reading.


CATHY RENTZENBRINK THE BOOKSELLER, ASSOCIATE EDITOR AND CHAIR OF THE BOOKS OF THE YEAR JUDGING PANEL


GREAT BOOKS FROM BRITISH PUBLISHERS


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