5 New York Times Best Sellers To Read In 2016

By Victoria Robertson on December 29, 2015

Winter break is a great time to relax, unwind from the past semester and enjoy your time with your family. But about halfway through that break, you’re just about done with everyone, ready to return to school and knock out another semester.

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So then what?

Well, while you have plenty of time on your hands during the remainder of your winter break, you have a great opportunity to sit back and enjoy a few New York Times Best Sellers. So which ones do you go for?

Here are five must-read books that you should read this winter break, or at some point in 2016.

1. “The Witches,” by Stacy Schiff

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Following the events of the Salem Witch Trials in New England, 1692, this historically based and extended account of the mass hysteria that swept through a single village, wiping out 19 men and women in the process, is a must-read. Of course, if you’re expecting a narrative of this story that pinpoints a single cause, this is not the book for you.

Rather, “The Witches” tells the story in a more factual manner, which has lead many critics to claim it’s drawn out and too detailed. However, those interested in the true history behind this witch panic are going to love the text. The emphasis of smaller details and the wide-sweeping knowledge of Schiff is enough to keep readers entertained, so long as they have the patience and desire to continue.

It’s not a light read by any means, but if you have the time and the interest, it’s one that I highly recommend.

2. “The Nightingale,” by Kristin Hannah

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“The Nightingale” is a fictional work by Kristin Hannah that takes place during WWII in France. The story follows Vianne Mauric as she parts with her husband (who is leaving for war) and stays home with her daughter, in the midst of a Nazi invasion which results in her being forced to live with the enemy or lose everything she ever loved.

The story also follows Isabelle Mauric, sister of Vianne, who joins the Resistance after a betrayal from her lover. Both sisters are finding themselves in the wake of war, trying to figure out what’s worth fighting for and doing whatever it takes to keep some sort of normalcy.

This story shows the other side of history: the women’s war at home. Though it is fictional, it’s a piece of historical fiction that men and women alike will enjoy.

3. “Yes Please,” by Amy Poehler

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If you’re looking for a lighter read this winter break, Amy Poehler’s “Yes Please” is the perfect book for you. Fans of Poehler are familiar with her quick wit and personable attitude, but there’s far more to the actress than meets the eye.

Poehler’s book is self-damning, relatable and full of great advice and personal anecdotes that’ll keep you turning pages from cover to cover. It’s a quick read, a light and happy read, and most importantly, it’ll brighten up your dreary winter break just a little bit more.

4. “The Bazaar of Bad Dreams,” by Stephen King

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Fans of Stephen King, you’re in for a treat. King just released his new collection of short stories, and this time, they’re all brand new and awaiting eager eyes of King fans. Plus, each new passage begins with an explanation (backstory, if you will) for why it was written, what state of mind he was in, etc. So really, it’s a book of brand new short stories that also let you into the inner workings of King’s mind.

They continue along with King’s typical tone, creepy, eerie and any other horrific word you can think of, but they also connect to one another whilst sending out the same thematic messages of morality, guilt, etc. The stories are great, the insights are even better and the fact that Stephen King is the author should get you through this read in no time.

5. “Between the World and Me,” by Ta-Nehisi Coates

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Disclaimer: Not everyone will agree with the viewpoints in this work. That being said, anyone that discredits Coates’ ability to tell a story and elicit emotion while doing so is a liar. The text touches upon one of the most controversial, touchy subjects of today: race. So to think this is a light, unbiased read is a mistake.

Still, the text is so well written, evidenced and, albeit, a bit preachy for some. But in modern society, maybe that’s exactly what everyone needs. Granted, this text will not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially as it focuses largely on what it means to be a black American, citing very touchy topics. But for those that agree, or that are just interested in hearing a new perspective, and an insightful one at that, this text is a must-read.

And the praise that it’s gotten to date is enough to evidence that.

Of course, the New York Times Best Seller List is obviously full of other choices as well, if none of these suit your fancy. But if they do, get to reading, because these are some of the best of the best the book world has to offer at the moment.

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