What I choose to remember about 2016: Adele at Glastonbury. The wonderful Billie Piper in Yerma at the Young Vic. Angela Merkel showing true Christian compassion and allowing one million human beings into Germany. And who could forget Ed Balls dancing and making us laugh in a truly horrible time.

Lalita Carlton-Jones

Llandudno, Conwy

• It wasn’t Austria that stopped rightwing populism in its tracks (theguardian.com, 31 December) – it was “Red Vienna”, which voted two to one for Green-backed candidate Alexander Van der Bellen.

Dr John Doherty

Vienna, Austria

• Percentage of anglophone titles recommended by Guardian readers (Review, 31 December): 95%. In translation: 5%. Percentage in other languages: 0%. Looks as if, culturally, Brexit has already happened.

Kevin Hilliard

Oxford

• Interesting how journalists have taken to routinely referring to “secretive family courts” (Judge supports ban on victims facing abusers, 31 December). They’re not secretive, just private, and with good reason. It smacks a little of mere petulance at being excluded.

Sylvia Rose

Devon

• Can we ride alone in a driverless car while drunk? This could decide their success or failure.

Bernie Corbett

London

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