Thursday, December 27, 2012

My Favorite Books of 2012

It's that time again...  I love all the yearly wrap-up posts and "best of" lists bloggers are so fond of compiling. It's fun to see which books stood out or left a lasting impression, and which ones missed the mark.

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:

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?

27 comments:

  1. 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.

    Hope you and your family have had a wonderful holiday season!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Delete
  2. Except for the Hemingway's book, I have not read any of the above. Time to go seek them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rosaria - Considering how much I disliked Hemingway in high school, it's very surprising to see it on my list.

      Delete
    2. Same - '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.'

      Delete
    3. Erin - The Garden of Eden is my favorite! I'd love to reread it this year.

      Delete
  3. Yay 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natalie - You're in for a treat with Without Reservations! She has another book, Educating Alice, that I hope to read in 2013.

      Delete
  4. I haven't even thought about my list yet but I'm pretty sure Harold Fry will be on it. Loved that book.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa - 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...

      Delete
  6. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beth F - So many great books on your best of Imprint Friday list! Can't wait to see Monday's post.

      Delete
  7. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa 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.

      Delete
  8. Rules of Civility is such a beautiful read and I loved Harold Fry :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I 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

    ReplyDelete
  10. Two 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

    ReplyDelete
  11. I loved your post and will be marking many of these to read in 2013!! I adored Homecoming and The Old Man and The Sea!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great list and several have made their way onto my wish list. I loved Harold Fry too!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Glad 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!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I also enjoyed the Quindlen this year! I have Harold Fry on the shelf to read this year. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Without 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!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Tonight 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!

    ReplyDelete
  18. great list! I plan to read Tanizaki and Joyce.
    you will find my list in this post:
    http://wordsandpeace.com/2013/01/03/year-of-reading-2012/

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Be sure to check back, I always respond. Due to a recent increase in spam, all comments are moderated.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails