On Top Ten Tuesday today, Broke and Bookish asks you to list the Top Ten Books of 2012. Without further ado - books are in no particular order and links are to my review if it is posted:
The World We Found by Thrity Urmigar: What a way to kick off 2012! This was one one the first books I read this year and I devoured it. As I said in my review - just read it!
The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani (audiobook): This epic tale is still with me weeks after finishing it - from the mountains of Italy, to the streets of Little Italy in NY and mining towns in Minnesota, the story follows Enza and Ciro's dreams and losses. By far, best immigrant read of the year.
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker: This one surprised me - the premise of the gradual slowing of the earth is apocalyptic which is not usually my thing but this book is really more about the coming of age of the book's young protagonist. Beautifully written.
Mrs. Queen Takes the Train by William Kuhn: The Queen of England wanders outside the walls of the palace and ends up on a train north to Scotland as she questions what has come of the monarchy and her considers her own disappointments. I couldn't read this fast enough - it is so well done - smart and funny.
The Underside of Joy by Sere Prince Halverson: Beautifully written, this book drew me in from the beginning and I still think of the characters 10+ months later
The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain: This author's books feature well drawn characters and complex but easy to follow storylines and draw me right in .
The Year of the Gadfly by Jennifer Miller: This book doesn't seem to have gotten the attention it deserves. Smartly written and set in a boarding school, this author debut combines psychological thriller with coming of age.
Gold by Chris Cleave: I waffled between putting this book or the author's earlier work, Little Bee, on this list but landed on Gold since 2012 featured the London Olympics. I see why the author has so many fans.
Bossypants (audiobook) by Tina Fey: I love a good memoir and an intelligently funny one is even better - this is a winner for sure!
Happy Accidents (audiobook) Jane Lynch: On a business trip, I found myself parked in the hotel parking lot not unable to pull myself away from this audio in the car - enough said.
I'm bookmarking these recommendations, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of Year of the Gadfly, but I will have to look for it next time I'm at the library. And I had The Shoemaker's Wife on my list, as well! It was so well written and it really did just sweep you up in the story. Great list!
ReplyDeleteI need to do my 2012 wrap-up. Great list. I haven't read any of those!
ReplyDelete2 Kids and Tired Books
Great list! I've read a few of them and agree with your endorsements :) The Age of Miracles, Gold and Bossypants..all great reads!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Gold and The Age of Miracles as well, and I'm looking forward to reading Mrs. Queen Takes The Train. Will have to check out the rest of your recommendations!
ReplyDeleteLisa
My TTT
Haven't done my favorites list yet -- next week, but from your list, I've read Gold, Bossypants and The Underside of Joy and enjoyed them. Great list.
ReplyDeleteI love how you did the collage of the covers. I might have to "steal" that idea!
ReplyDeleteThe only two I've read are Bossypants and The Shoemaker's Wife - loved them both! Great list.
ReplyDeleteI think the Shoemaker's Wife is going to make my list this year as well and Bossypants made my list last year. Now I want to read the others you suggested!
ReplyDeleteBossypants is a winner, I agree! It's one of the best of its kind in a while. I did the audio version and thoroughly enjoyed it! Great list!
ReplyDeleteGreat list here! Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteI loved The Age of Miracles, too. Happy New Year to you!
ReplyDeleteI loved Bossypants too. Why has The World We Found been sitting on my shelf so long? I need to do something about that!
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