Putting together this list of standout fiction published so far this year wasn’t an easy task, mostly because it could just as easily have been twice as long. It’s been a very good year for fiction, whether your tastes head more towards classical storytelling, or narrative innovation, or incisive societal observations. What follows is a list of some of the books published in the first half of 2016 that have impressed us the most.
Morning Bites: James McBride and James Brown, Alexander Chee Nonfiction, Emma Straub, Luc Sante on Junk Shops, and More
In our morning reading: thoughts on James McBride’s book on James Brown, an interview with Dorothe Nors, new music from G.L.O.S.S., and more.
Afternoon Bites: Robin Wasserman’s Latest, Svetlana Alexievich Interviewed, Alexander Chee Nonfiction, Steve Gunn, and More
In our afternoon reading: thoughts on the new novel by Robin Wasserman, an interview with Svetlana Alexievich, new nonfiction from Alexander Chee and Amanda Petrusich, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Robin Wasserman, Notes on Loneliness, Teju Cole, “Day of the Dead” Reviewed, and More
In our afternoon reading: thoughts on Robin Wasserman’s new book, new nonfiction from Helena Fitzgerald, and much more.