As I try to explore books both old and new, a best of 2012 list is difficult. Do I do a list of the best books released in 2012 or just pick from the books that I’ve read in 2012? I took some time to think about what I wanted to do and I decided to would be best to give my top five books I would recommend to read based on the books I’ve read this year. So here they are;
5. Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
I picked this book because there are so many great YA novels out there but it’s nice to read a book with a protagonist full of angst not only having to deal with her teenage years but also having to deal with love and lost.
4. Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops by Jen Campbell
For all book lovers out there, this is just a fun read. Some great and interesting things have been said in a book store but my favourite from this book would be; “Do you have this children’s book I’ve heard about? It’s supposed to be very good. It’s called Lionel Richie and the Wardrobe.”
3. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
I wanted to pick a classic piece of literature but it’s hard to pick something that you can recommend to everyone. But A Wrinkle in Time is probably a book that everyone should at least read and I think most people would enjoy.
2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I do hate that I’ve got two YA novels in this list but when it comes to recommendations they are probably the easiest to recommend because they are a gateway read into the world of finer literature. John Green is a brilliant writer and this book is a touching; it’s hard not to have it as a recommendation.
1. Angelmaker by Nick Harkaway
My favourite book of the year (so far). Combining a plot made for a Bond movie with a writing style that has been compared to Charles Dickens; I think this is an exciting Victorian style adventure well worth reading.
While there are other books I thought were better than some of these books, including Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes, When Gravity Fails by George Alec Effinger, Talulla Rising by Glen Duncan and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky they really aren’t books you can recommend to everyone for many reasons.
ArmchairBEA is a virtual convention for book blogger who can’t attend Book Expo America and the Book Blogger Convention. Banner by Nina of Nina Reads and button by Sarah of Puss Reboots
I am embarrassed to admit I haven’t read anything on your list although I have heard amazing things about The Fault in our Stars.
My Post – http://obsessionwithbooks.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/armchair-bea-day-2-my-favourite-reads.html
I hope you get to read it soon
I have never read any of the books on your list but I am interested in reading Weird Things. Great blog too. Really interesting posts to read.
Thanks Lena, I’m glad you like it, I’m very happy with my blog. As for Weird Things Customers say in Bookshops; its a quick read but good for a chuckle
I need to read Please Ignore Vera Dietz. I have seen quite a lot about it around.
I hope you enjoy it
Great list. I’m looking forward to Tallula Rising myself. I had a bit of trouble deciding on my list and decided to limit it to only books published in 2012 that I’ve read thus far. Imagine my surprise when I realized I’ve only read 2 books that fall in that category this year!
That’s the problem I had that’s why I did the recommendations
hahahahha I really think I need to pick up Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops! That sounds hilarious!
amanda
So worth it
I’m not a YA reader but I do happen to be reading The Fault in Our Stars. Seems to be popular with many.
I don’t think I read much YA but I apparently read more than I expected
Number 4 and 3 I definitely want to read. I keep seeing The Fault in Our Stars but I’m afraid to read it because it’ll be too sad.
I understand that, It would break your heart
Lionel Ritchie and the wardrobe! Love that!
I’d read it
I’m ashamed to say that I have yet to read A Wrinkle in Time. Somehow I managed to miss that one in my childhood. I’ll get around to it eventually. 😀
Here are my favs!
I only just read it, so I won’t hold that against you
So many people have The Fault in Our Stars on their list, and deservedly so. I loved it.
I hope you have a great BEA-filled week!~Christina (and the other Book Hookup Litbrarians)The Book Hookup’s Best of 2012
Thanks Christina, I’m having so much fun and loving all these books, but my TBR and Netgalley requests are suffering from it
my husband read Angelmaker and really liked it. I loved A Wrinkle in Time, want Weird Things and have decided to buy The Fault in Our Stars. Nice list!
Thanks Marie, I’m happy with my list; I like that I’ve only got one book common with others
I love A Wrinkle in Time and was fortunate to see Madeleine L’Engle speak, many years ago. I can’t get either of my sons to read it, though! So weird!
They are missing out on something great. I hope they change their minds soon
I think I need to read the Bookshop one. When I worked in a library (many moons ago, in high school), we always said we should write a book. Looks like someone just did. 🙂
It’s worth getting a hold of, I got it on kindle but I think I need a physical copy of it too
I am kicking myself for not reading Our Fault in Stars yet. It is on everyone’s list. Hmm going to have to fix that soon. Have fun for day 2.
I hope you enjoy it as much as everyone else 🙂
I haven’t read A Wrinkle in Time since primary school. I really must find a copy of The Fault in Our Stars, everyone raves about it so much!
Thanks for stopping by Book’d Out earlier
Happy Armchair BEA!
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
It’s always a pleasure dropping by Book’d Out, Shelleyrae
I’ve been trying to remember if I ever read A Wrinkle in Time before. If I had, and I want to say I did, it was when I was young still. I think I’m going to have to pick it up and see if it’s at all familiar to me.
Maybe time for a re-read Ryan
I just bought The Wrinkle in Time boxed set. I’ve never read any of the books in the series (ashamedly so) so I figured it was about time to rectify that! TFiOS is literally on EVERYONE’s list. It’s making me feel pretty bad about not having read it yet!
KellyMy Best of 2012
It’s a good book. John Green is so popular
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