This was Oprah's book club pick and I also saw it on a list from Obama of his recommend reads, so I figured it was going to be amazing. It was definitely very good, but I wouldn't quite peg it as the best book of the year. It was powerful, absolutely sickening and heart-breaking in parts, really moving, but also a little slow in parts. If you don't know much about the underground railroad, or if all you know is what you learned in middle school history class, definitely grab this one. It will come to life in a way that will change you and make you want to be a freedom fighter even if it's risky and counter-cultural. We have come far in America, but this kept reminding me how much further we have to go. Definitely a thought-provoking and worthwhile read.