Top Ten Books I Read in 2012
Laini Taylor blew me away with the beauty of her language while maintaining an engaging plot filled with high stakes and conflict. The ending was the most satisfying puzzle being put together, leaving me satisfied but also craving the sequel. (Which I've bought and will hopefully savor over the Christmas holiday!)
Read my review: Book Review of Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Cinder by Marissa MeyerI was skeptical when I heard the concept of a cyborg Cinderella, but Marissa Meyer pulled it off. Cinder was a refreshing and original fairy tale retelling while also being an engrossing piece of science fiction. I highly recommend this fun read, and I'm eagerly awaiting getting my hands on Scarlet.
Read my review: Book Review of Cinder
I'm not a big reader of contemporary fiction, but this book won me over. It may even have made me want to become more open to contemporary fiction! I loved all the quirky characters, and I especially loved Cricket. I'm a new Stephanie Perkins fan!
Read my review: Book Review of Lola and the Boy Next Door
This book came out awhile ago, and I finally had to read it for my graduate class on dystopian lit. I absolutely love how this book made you think about big ideas, like the very essence of humanity. I recommend to all fans of science fiction. A sequel came out this year, and I definitely want to check it out!
Read my review: Book Review of Adoration of Jenna Fox
In our technology driven society, this book is a MUST READ. An action packed story that shows how the technology we use everyday can so easily be used against us. Doctorow does a great job of making techie language accessible to any reader. A great book to get for the guys in your life. I'm so excited there is a sequel coming out, Homeland, in 2013.
Read my review: Book Review of Little Brother
This book also came out awhile ago and I'd heard a lot of buzz but never picked it up. This was one of those books that I finished in tears, though most people find it memorable for its use of language and the world Anderson creates. I'd say this is another MUST READ for our technology driven society.
Review is forthcoming...
Like pretty much everyone in the universe... I think John Green is genius and this book is a work of art. I simultaneously laughed and cried while reading about Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace. John Green is a master of characterization. If haven't read this book because you've heard it will make you cry... JUST READ IT ALREADY.
Review is forthcoming...
I read this entire series and enjoyed every minute. While it's no Harry Potter, I still was enchanted with a juvie boarding school for teens caught displaying their magical powers. Sophie is a likable heroine complemented by a fun cast of characters. But the standout feature of the Hex Hall series is how FUNNY the books are! The books are filled with humor that caught me giggling unawares.
Review is forthcoming...
I blew through Obsidian, Onyx and Shadows (prequel) in just a few days. These are guilty pleasure books. They are meant to be fun and not taken too seriously. Aliens... who happen to be really good-looking teenagers with amazing superpowers. The action and romance are both intense and will keep you furiously flipping the pages. I've bought book three, Opal, and am restraining myself from picking it up before I finish the book I'm currently in the middle of.
Review is forthcoming...
This is the amazing true story of a boy named Salva who escaped civil war in Sudan. Salva went through so much hardship, but became a truly inspirational person who has had an astounding impact on the world. This book is written for a middle grade audience, but can be appreciated by anyone. A short, quick read that will inspire you.
Review is forthcoming...
I loved the Hex Hall series! The books were so flipping funny and I loved how witty Sophie was. The Fault in our Stars was so beautiful and it was funny and heart-wrenching at the same time, that book danced with all my feelings.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! I love books that evoke such feelings!
DeleteYou have so many of my favorites on your list! I loved Lola so, so much! Jenna Fox has been a long time favorite of mine and I have TFiOS on my list this year!
ReplyDeleteMy Favorites!
Yay! Glad to find another blogger who shares my taste in books :)
DeleteI haven't seen the Linda Sue Park book. Thanks for sharing it and your other favorites.
ReplyDeleteHere's my Best of 2012.
The Linda Sue Park book was one I read for my school's curriculum, but it was published in 2009 and was a great read!
DeleteI keep considering Feed. Fault in Stars is on my list also and i'm not even a YA fan, I think that will past the test of time.
ReplyDeleteI agree that TFIOS is going to stand the test of time!
DeleteDaughter of Smoke and Bone is one of those books I meant to read back in 2011, but could either never get a hold of from the library or find in a local bookstore. I'm so jealous of everyone currently reading Days of Blood and Starlight because I still have yet to read this first book. Definitely remedying this next year!
ReplyDeleteCinder, Lola, and TFIOS ae on my list as well (and I can't wait until Scarlet and Isla and the Happily Ever After are released!).
I adore all of Mary E. Pearson's books, so it's really great to see The Adoration of Jenna Fox on your list. I absolutely loved it when I read it, and the sequel is just as brilliant.
Hex Hall sounds interesting (magic and boarding schools are kind of my thing - I blame Harry Potter XD ), and I actually have Obsidian waiting for me to read on my bookshelf. I'll definitely be checking those out.
So many amazing books! Great post!
I can't wait for Scarlet and Isla too!!!! I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the sequel to Jenna Fox because I haven't read it yet, and I'll def need to now!
DeleteI think you established that we have very similar reading tastes so I'm going to have to check out a couple here that I've not heard of before - like Feed and Adoration of Jenna Fox. Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteGreat list. Following you back.
Jessie Marie @ The Daily Bookmark
My TTT
If you like sci-fi that makes you think, then you'll really enjoy Feed and Jenna Fox!
DeleteThe Adoration of Jenna Fox, The Fault in Our Stars, and Feed are some of my favorite YA of all time! I must admit I have yet to do Lola and the Boy Next Door or Daughter of Smoke and Bone, but they are two that I'm hoarding for a time when I need a really good book. Enjoy savoring #2 in the Smoke and Bone series. Find a good fire and a Christmas tree and just tuck in ;)
ReplyDeleteI love hoarding good books for a day when you need a pick-me-up!
DeleteThe Adoration of Jenna Fox was a great read! :) Here’s my TTT list: http://aliceinreaderland.wordpress.com/2012/12/17/top-books/
ReplyDeleteAlice @ Alice in Readerland
All of these I either love or have been meaning to read! I'm especially dying for The Adoration of Jenna Fox and Little Brother. And I can't wait for all of your forthcoming reviews. I'm so happy you're back! (And I haven't finished the Hex Hall series, but am hoping to in 2013.)
ReplyDeleteYou'll enjoy the rest of the Hex Hall series! I'll await your reviews of them :)
DeleteI'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteYou might be interested in joining our online book group. We are trying to read all the books in 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up. It's an Australian Yahoo group.
Sounds like a cool group! I'll have to check it out!
DeleteI love Hex Hall! That series is one of my favourites. I do prefer Demonglass, though :)
ReplyDeleteBooks of Amber
I read the entire Hex Hall series back-to-back in one weekend, so I can't really keep the books straight in my mind! But I loved ALL OF THEM :)
DeleteI read Feed this year too, and while it didn't make it onto my list, it's definitely a memorable read. The world that Anderson depicted really left an impression on me.
ReplyDeleteDaughter of Smoke & Bone is one of those books I've been meaning to get around to but I keep putting off for some reason. So many people have recommended it to me that I think it's time I check it out.
Anyway, thanks for stopping by my blog!
You said it perfectly, the world Anderson creates is definitely a memorable one!
DeleteI love these year end lists! I love knowing what I need to put on my tbr for next year. The Fault in Our Stars and Cinder, especially, are pretty high up on the list. I am also intrigued where the story will take us in The Little Brother sequel!
ReplyDeleteI love year end lists too!!!
DeleteI can't wait to read what you think of TFIOS and Cinder. I really hope you like them!
And yes! I'm so intrigued and excited about the Little Brother sequel!
the hext hall series is so fun! like everyone else, i was also enamored with laini taylor's writing. lovely list!
ReplyDeleteAgreed!!
DeleteHex Hall = Fun
Laini Taylor = beautiful writing