Best Books of 2016

As 2016 draws to a close, many have started to post their favourite books of the year. We're pleased to see some Sandstone Press titles have been highlighted on these lists, and perhaps they will give you inspiration for your own Christmas shopping!

Out There: A Voice from the Wild, Chris Townsend. RRP £8.99

Chris Townsend's new book has been included in not one, but three lists!

TGO Magazine's Best Outdoor Books of 2016: 'A collection of writings by this magazine’s equipment editor and backpacking expert, Chris Townsend, drawing from more than 40 years walking and camping in the hill.'

The Scotsman's Top 40 Books about the Outdoors: #23 'Compendium of visionary writing by the respected long-distance walker and environmentalist.'

UK Hillwalking's Christmas Recommendations: 'Not just a wonderfully written celebration of backpacking and mountaineering; it’s also a call to arms – a warning that nobody but us will step in to save the wild places we love, and that we all have a responsibility to protect and nurture the environment.'

Upbeat: The Story of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq, Paul MacAlindin. RRP £19.99

We were pleased to see that Upbeat was featured in The Bottle Imp's Best Scottish Books of 2016: 'it narrates how the author, a professional conductor from a by no means privileged background, learned of the post of maestro for a non-existent orchestra by almost miraculous chance.'

It was also recommended by Totally Hussein, editor of Iraq Solidarity News. You can read his interview with Paul MacAlindin here.

The Making of Mickey Bell, Kellan MacInnes. RRP £8.99

It was wonderful to see Kellan MacInnes' debut novel listed in the Scots Whay Hae Best Books of 2016: 'possibly the most packed novel you will read this year in that it is bursting with ideas, stylistic flourishes, unusual narrative voices and literary experimentation which makes it stand out in the crowd.'

Sandlands, Rosy Thornton. RRP £8.99

Rosy Thornton's collection of short stories received so many excellent reviews, and we're pleased to see it listed on Being Anne's Books of the Year 2016.

Read Anne's review and interview here.

A Fine House in Trinity, Lesley Kelly. RRP £8.99

It's been a great year for Lesley Kelly: her debut novel was longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize, and she read at Ian Rankin's event at Bloody Scotland.

Now, to top it off, A Fine House in Trinity has been included in Portobello Book Blog's Top Ten Books of 2016!

You can read the full review and interview with the author here.