My favorites this year include both fiction and non-fiction, new releases and classics, a work in translation, and a collection of short stories. Here are my favorite books of 2012, listed in the order I read them:
You Know When the Men are Gone (audio)
by Siobhan Fallon
narrated by Cassandra Campbell
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake (a read/listen combo)
by Jenny Wingfield
narrated by Catherine Taber
by Junichiro Tanizaki
by Anna Quindlen
by Amor Towles
North and South (read/listen combo)
by Elizabeth Gaskell
narrated by Juliet Stevenson
by Ernest Hemingway
(Is it really the same book I read in high school?)
by Rachel Joyce
by Anne Brontë
by Alice Steinbach
What is your favorite book of 2012? Have you read any of these?
What a good list, JoAnn! I've only read the first one, but I loved it. I've wanted to read The Makioka Sisters for years. Maybe in 2013.
ReplyDeleteHope you and your family have had a wonderful holiday season!
Kay - So nice to see you! The Makioka Sisters had been on my shelf for years and I'm so glad to have finally read it. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and wish you a Happy 2013.
DeleteExcept for the Hemingway's book, I have not read any of the above. Time to go seek them.
ReplyDeleteRosaria - Considering how much I disliked Hemingway in high school, it's very surprising to see it on my list.
DeleteSame - 'The Old Man the Sea' is the only one I've read. It's not my favorite Hemingway, though - I can't really decide between 'A Farewell to Arms' or 'The Garden of Eden.'
DeleteErin - The Garden of Eden is my favorite! I'd love to reread it this year.
DeleteYay for Harold Fry and Hemingway! You know, I've had Without Reservations on my shelves for the longest time and have yet to get to it. Looks I'll need to make plans for that next year! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteNatalie - You're in for a treat with Without Reservations! She has another book, Educating Alice, that I hope to read in 2013.
DeleteI haven't even thought about my list yet but I'm pretty sure Harold Fry will be on it. Loved that book.
ReplyDeleteTi - I can't wait to see your list!
DeleteI forgot I wanted to read "You Know When The Men Are Gone!" But I don't think even you an talk me into rereading "The Old Man The Sea" again!
ReplyDeleteLisa - You Know When the Man Are Gone was so good on audio! Cassandra Campbell is one of my favorite narrators. As for Hemingway, I'm still can't believe that's the same book I read (and hated) in high school...
DeleteI have my best of Imprint Friday up today, but my best in general will go up on Monday. Anna Quindlen is definitely on my list too.
ReplyDeleteBeth F - So many great books on your best of Imprint Friday list! Can't wait to see Monday's post.
DeleteI love seeing these lists - and taking notes! The Makioka Sisters will be on mine, thanks to you. I need to put the Quindlen on my library list, again - I keep having to give it back unread.
ReplyDeleteLisa May - I'll be looking for your list... so glad The Makioka Sisters made the cut. Hope you get to read Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake. It's really an extra-special book.
DeleteRules of Civility is such a beautiful read and I loved Harold Fry :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't done my year end list yet as I wanted to finish my reviews first, however, (3) of the books on your list are ones I liked an awful lot as well. Great list JoAnn
ReplyDeleteTwo of my all-time faves are on your 'Best of 2012' list-- "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" and "North and South". Both are just wonderful novels! Happy New Year! Cheers! Chris
ReplyDeleteI loved your post and will be marking many of these to read in 2013!! I adored Homecoming and The Old Man and The Sea!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat list and several have made their way onto my wish list. I loved Harold Fry too!
ReplyDeleteI love the diversity of all these lists although Harold Fry is proving to be a popular favourite. And another reminder that I must read Rules of Civility.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know you've a rewarding year of reading/listening. I have The Tenant of Wildfell Hall on the shelf, maybe I'll get to that next year. Hope 2013 brings you more delights! Happy New Year to you and yours JoAnn!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the Quindlen this year! I have Harold Fry on the shelf to read this year. :)
ReplyDeleteWithout Reservations has been on my shelf for a couple of years - if it has made your "best of " list I definitely need to move it up the TBR pile!
ReplyDeleteTonight I'm culling everyone's best of lists and making my reading list for January. If it shows up and I have it on my shelf I 'm going to try and read it :) I have your first two sitting right here. Can't wait!
ReplyDeletegreat list! I plan to read Tanizaki and Joyce.
ReplyDeleteyou will find my list in this post:
http://wordsandpeace.com/2013/01/03/year-of-reading-2012/