Not all of these books were published this year, although several are new releases. They’re just the best, in my opinion, of the stuff I happened to read this year. I recommend them all to you.

12. Wolf in White Van by John Darnielle

11. Our Endless Numbered Days by Claire Fuller

10. Rat Girl by Kristin Hersh

09. The Sorrow Proper by Lindsey Drager

08. My Body is a Book of Rules by Elissa Washuta

07. Dora: A Headcase by Lidia Yuknavitch

06. The First Bad Man by Miranda July

05. The Last Illusion by Porochista Khakpour

04. Get in Trouble by Kelly Link

03. Swamplandia! by Karen Russell

02. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

01. Gold Fame Citrus by Claire Vaye Watkins