Top Ten Teen Reads of 2012: Some Pretty Good Stuff Here!

I don't know what it is about Christmas, but it seems to suck all the time out of my life and leave me ragged and only wanting some quiet time.  I've put together my list of my ten favorite teen reads of 2012.  They run the gamut--which says a lot about the quality of the novels I'm finding in the teen section of our bookstore.  They are amazing!  And so many that I just didn't get to read in 2012.  Add 'em to the 2013 list....it's already impossibly long.  

Without further ado.....here's my top ten:

10.  

Prudence sets out to help find the source of a deadly typhoid outbreak in New York City, and sets the course for a showdown between emerging modern medicine and old beliefs.  Loved this! 

9.  Oh, this was good!  Young Victor Frankenstein suffers an horrible loss, and decides to travel down a dark path to achieve the impossible.  Fantastic, well written, and oh so good.

8.  Young Sherlock Holmes is 14 in 1868 when he's sent to his Uncle's home for the summer and gets tangled up in a mystery that threatens the security of England.  Clever and fun mystery. 

7.  Set in White Cemetery near Chicago, this novel is told chapter by chapter by  different teen ghosts that remain trapped near their graves. They've all died odd deaths from the 1860's to present day.   Smart, interesting, and great for late night reading.

6.  Oh, a very smartly written novel about a young girl's race against time to save her town from a horrible horrible fate--courtesy of the medicine show that decides to stop for a visit.  

5.  A novel that lingers with you and keeps you unsettled long after you've finished it.  Young Charlie climbs out a window late one night to help Jasper, and gets entangled in a mystery that will rock his small town.  Brilliant writing.

4.  Young Lina finds herself, her mother, and brother on a train bound for Siberia during World War 2.  Lithuania is not a safe place, after all.  Great historical fiction that will leave you haunted and in tears.  

3.  Laini Taylor can imagine worlds that take your breath away.  Join Karou in Prague as she learns about her past--and the dangers it represents.  Simply amazing!

2.  Sherman Alexie can write one hell of  story.  Add in art by Ellen Forney, and Junior's story about leaving the Indian reservation school to attend the white kids' school miles away will make you laugh, cry, and never forget Junior.  One of the best teen books I've ever read.  Twice.  

1.  Seraphina, you pulled me in, and I knew I was reading something special within a few pages.  Dragons, secrets, learning who you are, unlimited love, and devious people are all mixed up in this magical, musical novel.  A must read for anyone who loves to read about dragons.  Rachel Hartman has created a world you won't want to leave. 


So there you have it!  I can't wait to dig into my reads for 2013.  What were your favorite teen novels of 2012?  What are you looking forward to reading the most?  

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Top Ten Teen Reads of 2012: Some Pretty Good Stuff Here!

My Top Reads of 2012: Adult Fiction

Looking back over my list of read books for this year, I was taken aback by all the wonderful stories I read.  I had a hard time picking my top favorites; there were so many that I throughly enjoyed and lifted my heart into that happy realm that only a good story is capable of doing for me!

Anyway:  here are my Top Ten Favorite Fiction Reads of 2012:  Starting with #10:

#10:  The Twelfth Enchantment by David Liss

Magic, Lord Byron, and the English Industrial Revolution.  Delightful surprise read.

#9: The Healing by Jonathan Odell

 The Satterfield Plantation is the scene for young Granada's entry into the world of healing during pre-Civil War America.  An excellent novel about the Old South.  

 #8 Sister by Rosamund Lipton

Bee searches for answers to her sister Tess' untimely death.  Heart wrenching psychological thriller about what it means to be a sister.

#7 The Book of Lost Fragrances by M.J. Rose

An famous old french perfumery family is at the middle of this novel about a lost fragrance that imparts special powers, reincarnation, Ancient Egypt, and a sister seeking answers to her brother's disappearance.

#6 The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

A young couple living on an island make a choice that will rock their world for
years to come.  A great book club book that will lead to lively discussions.

#5  The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window... by Jonas Jonasson

This delightful novel will make you laugh out loud as you follow Alan's adventures after he escapes a retirement home.  Brilliant.

#4  Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

The second in a trilogy about Diana and Matthew.  Kept me on the edge of my seat!  Smart, sexy, and highly entertaining.

#3 True Sisters by Sandra Dallas

A group of Mormon followers travel to Salt Lake City in deteriorating conditions that strengthen the bonds between 4 women on the journey.  Great novel about a little known episode of American history:  the Mormon Handcart Disaster.

#2  Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd

My gigantic read of the year!  I have found an author that is truly a gifted historical writer.  This novel travels a 10,000 year road of history surrounding Salisbury, England.  Follow the lives of 5 families that survive, thrive, and become part of the very core of this amazing novel.

#1  The Island House by Posie Graeme-Evans

Ah.  Love at first page.  A young archeologist travels to a small island off the coast of Scotland only to discover a mystery surrounding her father's work and the island's past.  Vikings, Pagans, Christians all come together to weave the past (AD800) and the present in a wonderful novel.  Just so damn good!

And.....My top 10 is actually my top 11!  My favorite book of 2012 is....

It came to me at the end of the year, but it was worth waiting for!  Intrigue, other-wordly creatures, lost memory, and a delightful main character all wrapped up in a British bow.  You MUST read this book!

So there you have it.  I cannot wait to see what 2013 brings.  What was your favorite read this year?  

And...coming soon:  My favorite teen and young adult reads of 2012.

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My Top Reads of 2012: Adult Fiction

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Anyone with the name of Eowyn Ivey is required to write a magical, timeless novel set in the Alaskan wilderness in the early 1920's.  It's a given.  So glad she did--and I thoroughly loved it!

Jack and Mabel have come to the Alaskan wilderness to start over after a miscarriage ends their hopes of having a child.  It's the early 1920's, and Alaska is such a wilderness only the most brave and optimistic people tackle the land.  And those who want to flee heartbreak.  That's Jack and Mabel.  They are not youngsters with a dream in their minds and a gleam in their eyes; they are running away from all they know to start in the middle of nowhere in a land that does not suffer fools gladly.  

One snowy winter evening, Jack and Mabel pull themselves out of their rapidly spinning thoughts of failure, starvation, and ever present grief--and run outside to build a snowman in the swirling snow.  They quickly dress the snowman--now a snow child--with red mittens, and a red scarf.  It's a moment of serene beauty, quiet, and peacefulness in this novel that reminded me of being much younger, skating out on the lake behind our house at night--quiet, quiet, quiet.  Shhhh.  That is what this novel is about--quiet.  Nature.  The indifference of weather, the icy blast of wind, the unbelievable beauty of a single snowflake caught in the palm of the hand.  It's about grieving, healing, retaining hope, and learning to love again--or for the first time.  

The next morning, the snow child is ruined.  The mittens and scarf are gone.  And soon, Jack spies a young girl in the woods, wearing those very mittens and scarf.  She looks like she was created out of nature itself--was she?  Her name is Faina, and she is the center of this story--she is the fixed point from which this story progresses.  

I really did love the writing in this novel.  It truly is magical, and hopeful, and gives such an ode to Nature that it makes you want to run outside and play in the snow--or just take a silent walk during a snowstorm, enjoying the hush hush and the sound of falling snow.  It  is a great reminder of how connected we are to Nature--from which everything comes and returns.

Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book.  

Rating:  4/5 for writing style, well drawn characters, and a lovely story.  

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The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

The Rook by Daniel O'Malley: Most Awesome!

Lately, not much gets me excited.  I've found myself reading the same type of book over and over, and quite frankly I became bored with myself.

And then The Rook decided I needed to read something so fantastic, so clever, so damn funny, that it would leave me a happy camper for a few hours.

I am a happy camper.  I loved this book.  Seriously, loved it.  I can imagine it as a BBC series full of quirky characters in that beloved quirky place, London.  There's something to be said for a city that is a gazillion years old--you do believe pretty much anything can happen there.  And in the center of this craziness, you meet Myfanwy Thomas (pronounced Mifany).  She's lost her memory, and is surrounded by a ring of dead people; she's in a park and completely gobsmacked.  This begins Myfanwy's journey as she pulls out a letter from her coat, reads it, and quickly discovers she's a Rook--a top notch member of the Checquy--Britain's secret supernatural agency.  It keeps all of Great Britain safe from all the supernatural stuff that goes on all day, every day.  Most people are oblivious to it, and the Checquy likes it that way.  Imagine Emma Peele with amazing abilities to control people's nervous systems just by thought.  That's what Myfanwy does.  Except the Myfanwy that wrote that letter (and many more for the new Myfanwy) is known as meek, mild, and top notch with numbers.  The new Myfanwy isn't quite that way, and as she navigates her first day at work--bluffing the whole time--she soon discovers her powers have been underutilized and she's pretty pissed at whomever took her memories.  

Follow Myfanwy as she works to find out who stole her memories, why, and what it's got to do with what the old Myfanwy uncovered during her routine paperwork duties.  You will love the new Myfanwy--who's not afraid to swear, stand up for herself, and kick some ass.  You'll also come to know the old Myfanwy, who knew something was going to happen to her and took the time to build a file full of information for the new Myfanwy.  All of the players in this novel are so much fun to get to know, and Daniel O'Malley's ability to construct such an amazing, crazy, convoluted, oh-so-British world full of supernatural creatures and situations will keep you glued to the pages.  

Quite simply, this book is one of my favorite books of 2012.  Maybe, just maybe, it could take the top crown for this year.  This book is perfect for anyone who loves science fiction/fantasy, all things British, and wants to read a rollicking good story.  I found myself snickering quite a bit.  

Rating:  5/5 for an amazing, imaginative novel.  Please do not stop writing, Daniel O'Malley.  

Available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book.

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The Rook by Daniel O'Malley: Most Awesome!

A Message of Hope from the Angels by Lorna Byrne

This book came to me the week after my sister passed away.  I went to work a few days after her funeral to check in with my manager and talk about things, and when I went into my office, this was sitting on my desk.  My manager told me it had come in as a free copy that week with my name on it.  

I took this as a sign, but it's taken me a few weeks to pick it up and read it.  It's a slim book, but one you want to linger over and take your time reading.  Some people may think this is all a load of bunk, but really--who wouldn't want to believe that Angels are all around us, all the time?  Angels that comfort, guide, help, and lend us unwavering loving support 24/7.  Guardian angels that are with us all our lives, never leaving us, and leading us when it's our time to go back "home".  I'm all on board with this.  I've always believed in Angels, but this cemented my belief.

This book is written very simply, and would not stand up to a rigorous book review on flowing sentences, structure, and a strict outline.  That is what makes it so satisfying to read.  Lorna Byrne is an Irish mystic--she's been seeing angels since she was a little girl, and for most of her life, never told a soul what she could see and hear.  Now, after her first book, Angels in My Hair was published a few years ago, she's become a beloved figure to many who are looking to understand our world, our purpose, and how we can overcome our problems to make ourselves and the world a better, loving, more open place of light.  Heck yes, sign me up!  I am wide open to believing I have an angel with me all the time.  I am wide open to believing I can say something as simple as "Help me be more confident and courageous today" and know that someone is listening, and doing their best to give me that courage and confidence.  Angels cross all boundaries of religion, belief, culture, education, and lifestyle.  They are there for each soul on this planet with unconditional love and support.  That's a pretty amazing thing.  

So this book came at a critical time for me, and it has given me a small nugget of happiness and comfort.  I have already ordered Lorna's first book, Angels in My Hair and can't wait to read her life story and her experiences.  You don't need to read that before you pick up A Message of Hope...  

If you are looking for a special Christmas present (or any other religious holiday that's celebrated this time of year--we can all use this book!) or a book of comfort for someone who is having a difficult time in their lives, pick up this book and gift it.  The Angels will be happy you forwarded their message of love and strength to someone you love.

Available in hardcover 
Rating:  4/5 for an inspirational message written simply, yet sincerely.  

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A Message of Hope from the Angels by Lorna Byrne

Plans for 2013 Reading Extravaganza!

I have been very guilty of buying too many books this year.  My few "extra just in case" books have grown to around 200 extra--unread--brand new--books.  I was going to buy Life of Pi until I realized I already had it on my Nook and bought it on sale months ago.  Oops.  

Having a life altering event happen to me always makes me stop and reflect on what I've been doing, what I'm going to do, and how do I get myself moving again.  Because of course I have come to a complete halt in my usual schedule, and I'm finding that not only am I having a difficult time diving back into my reading routine, I don't really care much about it.  I know my perspective will change as I progress in my grieving for my sister, and I will once again be turning to my books for the comfort only a book can provide.  They truly ask no questions of you, wait patiently, and amazingly--there are many many kinds to fit whatever mood you're in at the moment.  Luckily through my purchasing in 2012 (and 2011!), I have many kinds of books to choose from when I get on the reading wagon again.

I've been thinking about what reading goals I want to make for 2013 with the understanding that I usually don't manage to keep them.  Pretty much as soon as I make the goal, I change it within hours.  I irritate myself that way! 

But.

Get it here

I think this will be the year of Sci-Fi/Fantasy for me.  I have accumulated so many novels in that genre that I can quite happily read them all year and probably not have to buy one more.  I know I will, though.  I love this genre and always buy more books but don't have time to read them.  This will change in 2013.  Of course, doing book talks for my bookstore means that I do need to keep reading other fiction and non-fiction titles, so I have a good mix to talk about at a moment's notice.  But Sci-Fi/Fantasy will be top dog in 2013!!  

A friend of mine had a great idea, and I've seen this idea on many blogs.  I think it's time I do this myself:  make a list of books to read in 2013, and cross 'em off as I read them.  It's a great way to read those classics, those dusty books on the shelves, and have a goal that's not only fun to reach, but chock full of good reads.  Since I'm also exploring my "spiritual" side, there will probably be a sprinkling of New-Agey titles in here, too.  Can't wait.  

I've managed to make my Good Reads Reading Challenge for this year, and I'm happy with that.  Yes, I could frantically read more in the next month--but quite frankly I can't concentrate long enough on one book to finish it, and I don't want to.  There.  I don't want to.  Blah.  

Stick with me, people!  I'll be gathering my list together of must reads for 2013 and post it on my blog, so you can see my progress.  I hope to have it up by Mid-December, and of course I will have my favorite reads from 2012 coming up shortly.  

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Plans for 2013 Reading Extravaganza!

Miss Dreamsville and the Collier County Women's Literary Society by Amy Hill Hearth

I picked this book up a few months ago, began it, then set it down to read other books.  Just today, I picked it up again and finished it.  It's the kind of book that thoroughly entertains, lets you escape for awhile, but has a great message all at the same time.  At this time of year, there is so much going on, and it can be hard to sit still long enough to read without falling asleep.  This is perfect book for a quick escape!

Miss Dreamsville and the Collier County Women's Literary Society takes place in the small town of Naples, Florida in 1962.  Women are still expected to get married, raise a family, and be content as a housewife.  The South is still mired in segregation, the KKK, and old ways--and they don't like Northerners.  Especially Jackie Hart, a red-headed spitfire from Boston who's moved to Naples with her husband and her three kids.  She's a bit of a mystery to most people in town, and does not fit in well.  She decides to start a literary society at the library, and the cast of characters that show up make up a delightful group of people that you quickly grow to love:  Priscilla, the young black woman who works for the rich white family ( and is incredibly smart and well-read), Mrs. Bailey White--an older woman recently released from jail for killing her husband; Plain Jane, an unmarried middle aged woman who write poetry for a living, Miss Lansbury, the local librarian; Robbie-Lee, the only man who joins--and is clearly gay, but doesn't know it's so obvious; and Dora, a divorced young woman who works in the post office and is the narrator of the novel.  

Oh, at first they are all a little wary of each other, and that Southern politeness keeps them from sharing their secrets.  But little by little, things happen, Jackie shakes up Naples, and they all soon bond together in a friendship that many of us never experience but still desire.  

This book is all about dreams--how it's important to have them, how it's important to dream big, and how it's important to share them with others.  You never know who or what will help you make that dream attainable.  This is a great book for a group of friends or a book club to read and discuss over a good dinner and a few drinks.  There's sure to be laughter and maybe, just maybe some secrets spilled.  

Available in paperback and as an E-book.  

Rating:  4/5 for sheer enjoyment, quick read, and memorable characters.  

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Miss Dreamsville and the Collier County Women's Literary Society by Amy Hill Hearth