In looking back on 2012 there was a clear winner to me for favorite book ~ 11-22-63 by Stephen King. Phenomenal. And what made the reading experience even that much more was listening to the audiobook and Craig Wasson’s narration. Wasson became Jake Epping for me. Do yourself a favor and listen to this gem of a novel ~ you won’t be disappointed.
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield was my favorite debut novel of the year. A fantastic southern fiction reminiscent of The Secret Life of Bees. Favorite general fiction that grapples with faith was Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas. A historical fiction novel highlighting the resiliency of the human spirit.
There were a couple of favorite reads in the young adult category, not to be missed: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake and Ash Mistry and the Savage Fortress by Sarwat Chadda. Two very divergent novels ~ the Blake novel is a perfect Halloween read while the Chadda novel reflects the unique diversity of authors and characters.
So what was your favorite book of the year?
I listened to 11/22/63 as well and was totally enthralled from the first word. It is outstanding!!
even long after I finished listening to this one I could hear Wasson’s voice in my head as Jake Epping saying “the past harmonizes”….and I know I’ve recommended this book to every person I know!
11/22/63 and The Jenny Wingfield book were favorite books of mine as well, but in 2011. Hope 2013 is a good year for you.
yup, i’m about a year behind in my tbr list! here’s hoping your 2013 is amazing!
SO there with you. I loved Anna Dressed in Blood.
I made the mistake of trying to listen to the audio of Girl of Nightmares one night while home alone and figured out that it was really, really scary! saving it for this fall and the RIP challenge!
Happy New Year sweetie.
I had 11/22/63 in my hands the other day in the bookstore…now I wish I’d brought it home :/ I’m not sure what my Best of 2012 would be…it’s hard to pick just one, isn’t it?
Oh gosh Patti you should try it! Go back and buy it….it’s so much better than you could even possibly imagine! But if you want a real treat….listen to the audio version!
I only read one book from your list (upon your recommendation) and it was probably my most favorite book ever! LOVED The Homecoming of Samuel Lake!
Will have to remember this list when there aren’t so many baby books to read
awwww, thank you dahlin’! And hopefully soon you’ll be helping me to pick out the perfect baby board books to review!
11/22/63 was on my year end best list too — I wish I had listened to it on audio though!
i can’t recall if you like to re-read books or not but if you do ~ invest in the audio version of 11-22-63. I went back and purchased the written version so i could re-read it as soon as i have an opportunity. i know there’s things i missed.
Hope you have a wonderful 2013 Jenners!
Oh, you guys! I envy that you read so much. My life is a blur. I work part time as a women’s health provider and every minute I can, that I’m not working, I try to write.
My first novel came out this August, The Midwife of Hope River (William Morrow) and I’m writing The Healer of Hope River now.
I know reading good fiction would help me be a better writer, but when, I ask, do you read?
I have been thinking about reading 11/22/63 but have hesitated because of its length. I think you just convinced me to read it. Thank you and happy new years.
It seems like 11/22/63 is a lot of bloggers’ favorite this year. The Homecoming of Samuel Lake was such a good book. I love the look of your blog – it’s so open and fresh.
Happy New Year.
I haven’t read any of those. I love how my favorite list can be completely different from my friends’!
I think I had too many to name. That’s kind of a first for me. I’m glad that I got to make an entire list this year.