Friday Forum: What’s the best book you read this year?

The Friday Forum is a weekly discussion thread about some aspect of reading. __________________________ It’s the time of year when readers and writers of all stripes start ranking, sorting, compiling, or otherwise coming to terms with the books they’ve read this year. This is fun and sometimes controversial, but the central reason we care about such lists is this: seeing what others have loved is one of the best ways to find something you’ll love yourself. So, tell us what the best thing you read this year was. It doesn’t have to be a new book, just a new-to-you book. And pick just one thing: no ties, or disclaimers, or other qualifications.