2012: The Year In Review

Well, today marks the end of 2012. What a year it has been! When I started this blog as a way to hold myself accountable for reading one book each week, I never could imagine how much it would grow. A Book A Week has evolved from a simple review site to a community of readers. Thanks to everyone who has supported me, offered comments, criticisms, and recommendations. Without your help, this blog would fail to exist.

I'm sure that faithful followers of this site have noticed that I did not complete my goal of reading 52 books this year. Despite maintaining a strict reading schedule and managing my time, I was simply unable to fit 52 books into my year. A part of me is a bit disappointed by this, but I also am extremely proud of what I was able to accomplish this year. As some followers may know, I recently completed my final semester of school and now carry a music degree! As I'm sure you can imagine, the push towards graduation took a toll on my reading time. (Actually, I read a lot of textbooks, but I'm sure you wouldn't want to read my reviews of those!) Although I failed to reach my goal, I was able to read a staggering 47 books this year. For more details on how I achieved this feat, check out this article written in the Hartford Examiner where I describe my process.

Out of those 47 books, here are 5 of my favorite books of 2012 listed alphabetically:
Note: The selected books were not all published in 2012, rather, they are my favorite books that I read this year. 

Banned for Life by D.R. Haney


A kind of Outsiders for adults, Banned For Life is the coming of age story of an outcast punk rocker struggling to find his way in life. Haney writes with a real grit and clarity that is truly refreshing. With all the sex, drugs and rock and roll that a novel like this requires, Banned for Life perfectly captures all of the triumph and heartache of being an artist and growing up.

Read the full review
Bleed For Me by Michael Robotham
Not only was this my favorite mystery/thiller novel of the year, but it was also one of the most vividly real portrayals of a character's attempt to regain control of his life. The protagonist, Joe O'Loughlin, a psychiatrist who assists in police investigations, tries to battle Parkinson's disease, patch his marriage together, and reconnect with his daughter, all while trying to solve the most difficult case of his career. In Bleed for me, Robotham provides readers with wonderful characters and a first-rate thriller.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett


What more can be said about this novel. The commercial and critical hype surrounding this novel over the years was well deserved. The story of of maids and their bosses during civil rights era America captured the hearts of audiences with its witty prose and meaningful message. If you, like me, waited to read this novel, wait no more! You certainly won't be disappointed.

Read the full review

The Kings of Cool by Don Winslow

Don Winslow made waves with Savages, his exceptional novel about young California drug entrepreneurs and their run in with the Mexican Cartel. In The Kings of Cool, a prequel to Savages, Winslow surpasses his best providing a tightly woven insight into the beginning of the young drug runners' operation. The edgy content and bare prose make this novel the coolest book of the year. 


The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

In what is perhaps the most charming and magical novel of the year, debut author Eowyn Ivey combines her knowledge of an Alaskan fairy tale with her obvious writing skill into this fantastic novel. The story of a couple who, out of loneliness craft a child made of snow and by their love for each other bring that child to life, rings with a timeless sense of fantasy that is sure to capture the imagination of anyone who reads it. 



Well, there they are, my favorite books of 2012. As we enter into the new year, I look forward to reading more fantastic books, providing fun giveaways, and interacting with all of you. As always, feel free to contact me by either leaving a comment or using the info located in the contact page. Whether you have a book recommendation, giveaway offer, criticism, or just want to say hi, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks again for supporting this blog. Happy New Year, and happy reading!

This entry was posted on Monday, December 31, 2012 and is filed under ,,,,,. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response.

5 Responses to “2012: The Year In Review”

  1. Glad you liked The Snow Child, I've heard many good things about it.

    http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

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  2. I really, really want to read Snow Child. Happy New Year!

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  3. Snow Child really is worth the read. Happy New year to you all!

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  4. I'm surprised more people did not know about The Snow Child. It would Definetly be included in my top five picks for 2012. Congratulations on all you have accomplished this year. I am an admirer of your blog and wish you continued success.

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    1. Thanks Joyce! I've been an avid follower of your blog as well. Best of luck in 2013.

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