10 Best Reads of 2012

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Forty-five minutes before the clock strikes 12 here, and 2013 steps in. So, I've enough time to finally post my ten favorite reads from 2012. I actually read a lot of good books this year, but it's been a custom on this blog to post 10 of my favorite books for the year. My main criteria for choosing these books: I ponder on them until now and still have warm feelings when I see them.
  1. The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson - I found this story of a family of performance artists hilarious and moving, especially with the kids having to deal with their crazy parents.
  2. The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides - I loved Middlesex, but this one, my God. It is beautiful. The language, the characters, the description of the house and community.
  3. House of Mirth by Edith Wharton - I still feel bad about Lily Bart. She was a rebel, but things just didn't work out her way.
  4. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot - This is the book that made me want to read more scientific journalism. Fantastic research by Ms. Skloot and great portraits of Henrietta Lacks's family.
  5. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis - More than grossing me out, this book made me laugh in a good way. There's something hilarious and pitiful in Patrick Bateman's efforts to make others see him for what he is.
  6. Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - I read the abridged version when I was younger and didn't like it. Glad I got the Penguin unabridged edition this time. If you're looking for a classic and a page-turner, this is it.
  7. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell - Two words: Richard Armitage. Warm, warm feelings all around.
  8. Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson - This was a surprising book for me. Loved the Eastern mythology and theology. I'm distraught that it's not widely available in my neck of the woods, and hence, not read much. But as a technothriller, page-turner, fantasy book, and means to understand Islamic culture, this is perfect.
  9. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - What to say about this book that hasn't been said by everyone else? Suffice to say, I loved the excitement.
  10. The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains by Nicholas Carr - Read this as the first book in our Non-fiction Reading Challenge. I just checked my Kindle. I have over 200 highlights and notes combined. It is fascinating, and such rich fodder for discussion.

Unfortunately, I don't have reviews of the books, what with my awful blogging year. But I do hope my posting them here urges some of you to pick them up. They're all worth your time.

Fifteen minutes to midnight at the end of this post. Happy New Year!

Comments

Stepford Mum said…
Yay, Honey! I see from your Reading Roundup that we read many of the same books this year - and some you've read are still in my TBR. May 2013 bring many more great reads!

Oh, and I'm with you on the indie erotica/romance. I read a whole lot of those too, and was mostly disappointed in the quality of writing. Haven't changed much from the Mills and Boons of years ago!

Wishing you a Happy New Year :)
January 1, 2013 at 1:46 PM
fantaghiro23 said…
Hi, Iya! Cool! Will check out your Shelfari shelf to see what we have in common. Maybe we can talk more about them.:)

And yes, the indie erotica/romance ebooks could work a lot on the writing. But it's highly educational, too, when you think about how popular they are despite the quality of writing.

Also, I think, compared to the books I've read, Mills & Boon books are better by a long shot.:)
January 1, 2013 at 9:52 PM
Astrid (Mrs.B) said…
Hi Honey! Interesting list! I read Gone Girl but it didn't make my top 10. I hope to read American Psycho finally since I so enjoyed the film. All in all its been a great year for reading and a bad one for blogging. Haven't posted much this year. Hope I can also participate in the Readers Con this year. Was out of town last Aug. and I hear you are planning a World Book Night here! Let me know if I can help out!
January 2, 2013 at 9:08 AM
Anonymous said…
Miss Ronnie also loves North and South, so I guess I should be hunting for a copy. And oh my, I got teary-eyed when I saw The Virgin Suicides on your list. I just got an audiobook version and might listen/read it again if I have ample time. Happy New Year!
January 2, 2013 at 9:49 AM
fantaghiro23 said…
Hi, Mrs. B! Haven't seen the American Psycho film myself, so I hope to watch it this year. Agreed about the great year for reading, but not for blogging. Let's hope we can both remedy that this year.:) Hope to see you at the ReaderCon, too! And about World Book Night, I only wish I could do it. Nothing definite yet. But I hope it'll happen.:)
January 2, 2013 at 1:52 PM
fantaghiro23 said…
And after you read North and South, watch the BBC drama! I bet you'll get teary-eyed, too.:)
January 2, 2013 at 1:53 PM
Monique said…
Sharing Angus' tears when I saw that The Virgin Suicides is included in your list. *cue tears*

There. North and South. On the wish list shelf. :D
January 7, 2013 at 3:22 PM
Anonymous said…
I love reading people's book lists. I read Gone Girl and it was really good! I will have to check out some of your recommendations!
April 9, 2013 at 10:24 PM
fantaghiro23 said…
Hi, Lisa! Thanks for visiting. And I hope you do get to check out some of these books.:)
April 10, 2013 at 8:40 AM
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