Best Reads of 2012

This was indeed a magical year of reading, and it was agony picking a top ten list. As I’ve explained in the past, I only use the blog to recommend books I love, which means that there are many books I read which do not make the blog. I also deal almost exclusively in historical fiction, but that said, one book made my list this year that is not historical fiction (Shine, Shine, Shine.)

Without further ado, before I can change my mind again, and in no particular order, here is my list of favorite books read in 2012. If you click on each link, it will take you to the corresponding review.

1. Beautiful Ruins, Jess Walter

2. The Lost Wife, Alyson Richman

3. The Lighthouse Road, Peter Geye

4. Cascade, Maryanne O’Hara

5. Stoner, John Williams

6. Shine, Shine, Shine, Lydia Netzer

7. The Chaperone, Laura Moriarty

8. The House I Loved, Tatiana de Rosnay

9. The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns, Margaret Dilloway

10. The Crown, Nancy Bilyeau

Have you read any of these books? What are your favorites of 2012?