The Best American Essays 2016

Franzen, one of America's most important novelists, edits this year's entry of the Best American Essays. He chooses "risk" as his primary selection criterion, by which he means writing that not only takes stylistic chances but also threatens to upset readers and call into question the writer's own credibility. In the opening piece, "Bajadas," Francisco Cantú describes his experiences as a border cop in New Mexico. In "Girl," Alexander Chee reflects on the power of a woman's beauty, as experienced as a man in drag. And in "Ordinary Girls," Jaquira Díaz presents a haunting account of herself as a 13-year-old girl, coming of age despite attempted suicides that were spurred by her mentally ill mother's abuse and neglect. Indeed, "risk" does operate as the unifying theme in this anthology both in form and content. And while it could invite the opportunity for lurid sensationalism, that is not the case here. These essays surprise, but only in the service of important human truths. While many anthology collections tend to be hit or miss, these are all hits. They are also topical, sparking conversations crucial to understanding today's political climate.