@jaylynn It was discussed earlier in the thread; this is where I heard of it. I mentioned it for the benefit of anyone who’s joined the thread since then and hasn’t had the chance to go through 4000 posts yet, or anyone else who missed it among the torrent of good books discussed here.
I see @TNE2011 mentioned back in December reflecting on best books read in 2016, but I just finished a book that I thought was an interesting, quick read: Before The Fall - Noah Hawley
Touched upon some themes that were very relevant to the times we are living in and was an entertaining read. I picked it up in the New Releases area of my library and checked it out after reading the inside cover.
I know, @LasMa , and I appreciate that. I’ve been able to find lots of great new titles and classics because of the long and circling back nature of the thread. It would be great if the search feature was more user-friendly, to find past mentions.
I’ve mentioned it in the past; don’t know how many of you are fans, but The Morning News’ Tournament of Books shortlist came out today-- a yearly bracket-y ‘competition’ of books (published in the last year, often under-the-radar or quirky, with some bestsellers, all well-reviewed) patterned after college bball’s March Madness. I’ve discovered some amazing titles in the past that I never would have picked up (The Tsar of Love and Techno, The Sellout, and long ago, Cloud Atlas, one of the first winners). Check it out-- it’s fun. The judges’ commentaries for each round and reader comments are some of the best literary discussions I’ve ever read. Sponsored by Powell’s City of Books. Of course 
http://www.themorningnews.org/article/the-2017-tournament-of-books-shortlist-and-judges
Oooo! Cloud Atlas is next up for me!
I think The Nest was discussed a few times lately. Just finished it. It was readable, had some good set piece scenes, but I don’t think it will stay with me. I’d recommend it to someone looking for an entertaining well-written read.
Did Mr. Monkey get mentioned yet? Read that recently. Good characters and writing. Didn’t love it but liked it.
@jaylynn Thanks for the Tournament of Books link! I’ve read one and got three others for Christmas. Just started The Mothers.
@garland Mr. Monkey is on the list for the Tournament of Books.
I agree about The Nest. Not a favorite but quirky and fun.
I recently read Faithful by Alice Hoffman and liked it quite a bit, although the ending was a bit too neat for me.
Although I initially didn’t like A Man Called Ove I admit that I was charmed by the end.
Also just finished Commonwealth, which came highly recommended (and I’ve seen mentioned on this thread). I didn’t love it as much as Bel Canto, but it had a great plot and her characters are so well developed. Lots of complex relationships.
Listening to David Lagercrantz/Stieg Larssen’s The Girl in the Spider’s Web. Hard to keep track of who’s who with all the characters, but it’s suspenseful. By the end I’m sure it will be too violent, but for now it’s not too bad.
One book from this year that’s stayed with me is We Are Not Ourselves. Some parts are so poignant but terrifying at the same time.
@jaylynn I’ve never seen the Tournament of Books before. Thank you for the link - shared it with my book group.
a warning - if you plan on reading Cloud Atlas - there are two fairly popular books with that name - the one talked about here (and the monthly read a few years ago) is Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
I am reading Columbine by David Cullen.
I had nightmares about this last night. One of the killers, while in the library, looked under a desk and found a terrified student attempting to hide. He said “Peek-a-boo!” Then shot her dead.
I’ve had dreams throughout my life where a person would smile or say something perky, then shoot at me. I guess I find that far more terrifying than imaginary monsters or vampires. PEOPLE who are monstrous are far more frightening to me.
This is going to be a tough read.
@kiddie You scared me for a second, but I just checked and I did download the right Cloud Atlas. 
Another “thank you” to @jaylynn for the Tournament of Books link – I’ve never heard of that, and it looks great.
I second @doschicos’s recommendation of Before the Fall. It might not be quite Great Literature, but it is very entertaining and well-written. It was a page-turner for me.
Finally, has anyone mentioned The Unseen World by Liz Moore? I think that was the favorite of all the books I read in 2016. It’s kind of a slow burn read, but at the same time, it was really hard to put down. I loved it. https://■■■■■■/xSe6bP
Wait, try this link for The Unseen World: https://www.amazon.com/Unseen-World-Novel-Liz-Moore/dp/0393241688/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484323620&sr=8-1&keywords=the+unseen+world
@LasMa, when you are all done with Cloud Atlas, you might enjoy perusing this thread: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1378606-cloud-atlas-%C2%96-october-cc-book-club-selection-p1.html
It’s been a few years, but I remember we had a good discussion about that complex and wonderful book.
I’m reading “The Unseen World.” I think the writing is a little uneven but overall, the story is compelling.
Really enjoying “The Mothers,” a much-praised debut novel by Brit Bennett.
@katliamom Me, too!
If you like extremely well-written, taut suspense, I can highly recommend The Fall Guy by James Lasdun. John Cheever meets Patricia Highsmith. Really fun and really good.
I just finished The Nix. Thought it was fantastic. It took me a while to get really invested, but then it got better and better. And rather topical, as well.
Word of Mouse by James Patterson. It’s a middle grade novel, but suitable for all. It tells the story of a unique mouse trying to find his voice and help others. Great story about diversity, working as a team, and finding your voice. I thoroughly enjoyed it and gave it to my college student for Christmas. Good for anyone trying to find their voice. I highly recommend it.
I am also enjoying The Mothers. Trying to decide where to go next so I’m here gathering recommendations.