I think it is fair to say that many of us feel as though 2016 was an annus horribilis. That said, this was not the case for my year in books.

Books were a soothing balm in a year when we lost so many prominent people, such as the (UK) MP Jo Cox (and others too numerous to mention), who touched the lives of so many and made a positive influence, leaving many of us feeling sad and cheated.

Some of these books mirrored humanity; reflections of the feelings of frustration and helplessness some of us feel in a world where other prominent and influential people who stand for selfishness and intolerance have prevailed, gaining power and influence that will affect the lives of so many.

These books were also a temporary distraction in a world where we received daily news reports of innocent people being massacred or displaced while their homes and cities are being destroyed because they are caught up in wars they want no part of and no one seems to have the power and influence to stop.

On Twitter recently Book Lovers tweeted a quote made by the actress Emma Thompson who said, "I think books are like people in the sense that they'll turn up in your life when you most need them." I am inclined to agree.

Happy New Year. May 2017 be a better one in general for us all.

My best read for 2016 was The Sun is also a Star by Nicola Yoon





Click here for my Top Ten Reads of 2016.