So far in 2012 I have read 83 books, but there are a few that have really stuck with me. I list both YA and adult fiction titles, so there is a little something for everyone. I’m sure I could make this list much longer, but it might be a never-ending post.
In Young Adult fiction this year I have really enjoyed:
The List
Author: Siobhan Vivian
Genre: Young Adult
Format: ARC
Publisher: Pulse/Scholastic
Release Date: 4-1-12
Every year an anonymous student posts a list of the prettiest and ugliest girl in each class at Mount Washington High School. Although the author is unknown, the arrival of the list is big news and the eight girls who are named each experience their own journey and have to decide whether they will let the list change them for better or for worse.
This was an extremely powerful book and I think that teens and adults should read it. My review.
The Immortal Rules
Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: Young Adult
Format: ARC
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: 4-24-12
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad. Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike. But it isn’t easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for. – Goodreads
This is a great vampire book for people (like me) who aren’t into vampire books. Allison kicks butt! My review.
Yet to be released titles that I’ve really enjoyed:
Sarah Rees Brennan does not disappoint in this novel that is hilarious, gripping and spooky! (9-11-12)
I was blown away by this story of an assassin fighting for her life. (8-7-12)
Of course, a few highly anticipated sequels came out this year. I was in fangirl glee over a few of them:
If you haven’t read this series, you are missing out!
I am a huge fan of this series!
In the world of adult fiction, I have read a few books this year that have stuck with me.
Heft
Author: Liz Moore
Genre: Fiction
Format: ARC
Publisher: W.W. Norton
Release Date: 1-23-12
Former academic Arthur Opp weighs 550 pounds and hasn’t left his rambling Brooklyn home in a decade. Twenty miles away, in Yonkers, seventeen-year-old Kel Keller navigates life as the poor kid in a rich school and pins his hopes on what seems like a promising baseball career if he can untangle himself from his family drama. The link between this unlikely pair is Kel’s mother, Charlene, a former student of Arthur’s. After nearly two decades of silence, it is Charlene is unexpected phone call to Arthur a plea for help that jostles them into action. – Goodreads
This was a subtle book, but you won’t be able to stop thinking about it when you’re finished. My review.
Far From Here
Author: Nicole Baart
Genre: Fiction
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Howard Books
Release Date: 2-7-12
Danica Greene has always hated flying, so it was almost laughable that the boy of her dreams was a pilot. She married him anyway and together, she and Etsell settled into a life where love really did seem to conquer all. Danica is firmly rooted on the ground in Blackhawk, the small town in northern Iowa where they grew up, and the wide slashes of sky that stretch endlessly across the prairie seem more than enough for Etsell. But when the opportunity to spend three weeks in Alaska helping a pilot friend presents itself, Etsell accepts and their idyllic world is turned upside down. It’s his dream, he reveals, and Danica knows that she can’t stand in the way. Ell is on his last flight before heading home when his plane mysteriously vanishes shortly after takeoff, leaving Danica in a free fall. Etsell is gone, but what exactly does gone mean? Is she a widow? An abandoned wife? Or will Etsell find his way home to her? Danica is forced to search for the truth in her marriage and treks to Alaska to grapple with the unanswerable questions about her husband’s mysterious disappearance. But when she learns that Ell wasn’t flying alone and that a woman is missing, too, the bits and pieces of the careful life that she had constructed for them in Iowa take to the wind. A story of love and loss, and ultimately starting over, Far From Here explores the dynamics of intimacy and the potentially devastating consequences of the little white lies we tell the ones we love. – Goodreads
This was an usual book for me because it was published under a Christian imprint and that’s not a genre that I usually read. However, the religious aspect was very subtle and I found myself really drawn into this story. My review.
Lastly, I want to draw your attention to a series that you might not have heard of. It’s the best series that you aren’t reading!
The Birthmarked series is, in my opinion, one of the best and most overlooked YA crossover trilogies out there. The story of a scarred girl, Gaia, tells a compelling story about bravery, personal freedom, environmental ruin and choice. I recommend these books to anyone who will listen. The best part is that it appeals to adult and teen readers. The last book, Promised, is due for release this fall with Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan)..
Thanks for stopping by! I cant wait to see wait everyone else is posting!
Your site is beautiful. And I really want to read UNSPOKEN! Nice to *meet* you.
http://mwgerard.com/armchair-bea-12-giveaways/
Just a note to say that I love your header–it’s beautiful. That Birthmarked series does sound interesting…
The List was one that’s really stuck with me, too, and I have to thank you and Amy Rose for your recommendations. 🙂 I’m so eager to read Throne of Glass, and I’m glad to hear you really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your Best of 2012, Kate!
~Amy
I’m so excited for THRONE OF GLASS!! Black Heart was a nice ending to the series too!
I so want to read Immortal Rules and Black Heart is next in my queue. And this is the third list I have seen Unspoken on. Opening Goodreads right now.
I need to read ALL OF THOSE! Well, except for Birthmarked and Prized as I did actually read them already 😉 I did have some issues with Prized (namely the love quadrangle), but I hope they’ll get resolved in Promised!
And can I just say that I’m beyond jealous that you’ve already read Throne of Glass? 😉
I’m really excited for Unspoken too! I haven’t heard of the Birthmarked series but put it on my must read pile just now to check out. Great picks!
Great choices! I’m a fan of the Birthmarked trilogy and excited to see where Gaia ends up. And lots of other good choices (I really want to get to Throne of Glass and Unspoken).
Amazing list! I still need to read some of them!
I totally agree about The List. Great story, great message. I think it should be read by teens with their parents!
I really really want to read The List, but haven’t read it yet 🙁 I did read The Immortal Rules though 🙂 it was really REALLY good 😀
O____O I’m really looking forward to Unspoken too, I’m reading the Demon’s Lexicon and I’m really enjoying it 🙂
Here’s my Best of 2012-> http://bookpics-reading2alba.blogspot.com/2012/06/armchair-bea-oh-clouds-its-best-of-2012.html
I LOVED Black Heart!! such an amazing and breathtaking series! I love Cassel. 🙂
great list!
Great list! Most of the ones you chose are either on my bookshelf (have read and loved), on my nightstand (waiting to be devoured), or on my TBR shelf (Why aren’t there more hours in the day?).
I hope you have a great BEA-filled week!
~Christina (and the other Book Hookup Litbrarians)
The Book Hookup’s Best of 2012
I haven’t gotten to The List or The Immortal Rules yet, but I so can’t wait too! 😀
I also loved CoLS and Black Heart! They were amazing! 😀 I’m also excited for Throne of Glass and Promised! 😀 Awesome list! 😀
Thanks for sharing!
Ambur
My Armchair BEA Giveaway
The List sounds interesting. I am so far behind! Enjoy day #2!
I have The List sitting on my bedside table, I really need to get to it soon! And oh man, I’ve got both Unspoken and Throne of Glass sitting waiting to be read, and you’re making me want to just drop all the books I’ve currently got to read them haha.
Thanks for visiting my post!
Great picks! I also enjoyed Immortal Rules, and I’ve heard great things about Throne of Glass and Birthmarked. Here’s my Best of 2012!
YES!!! The Birthmarked series needs so much more attention than it gets. I can’t wait to get my hands on Promised. Most excellent list today. 🙂
i so need to read the birthmarked books
gr8 list