Although some people lists annoying, I revel in year-end lists, especially of books. What have I read? Not read? Do I agree with the list? Do I not? It’s like being given the mast of a ship against which I can test my sails. Even a month into the new year, I still go back to the lists. Here are some to consider:
- 26 Ridiculously Good Historical Fiction Books, According to Readers
- The 10 Best Books of 2018, according to the New York Times Book Review
- NPR’s Book Concierge: Our Guide to 2018’s Great Reads
- The Best Books of the Year, Barnes & Noble
- Best Books of 2018: Goodreads Choice Awards
- The 19 Best Books of 2018: The Atlantic
- Best Books 2018, Publisher’s Weekly
- The Best Books of 2018, The New Yorker
- Best Books of 2018: The Washington Post
- The Ultimate Best Books of 2018 List, The Literary Hub
- The Best Books of 2018, according to Independent Bookstores
- Best Indie of 2018, by Category, Kirkus Reviews
- And the lists go on, but
you get the idea. There’s plenty of overlap, but that, too, is one of the good things about these lists. The overlap is instructive, whether it shows popularity or reader interest or just plain great writing. That’s what to look for, if you’re a writer. The great writing. Have at ’em.
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