2012: a year of reading
2012 was an odd reading year for me. I went through a dry spell in the middle, and thought that I wouldn’t even hit my annual goal of 75 books (I made it to 77).
Without further ado, here are my notable reading experiences of 2012.
Blog-to-Books
I never thought I’d read a single blog-to-book, but this year I read four, including The Best of Catherine, Caffeinated by Catherine Ryan Howard and The Freelancer’s Survival Guide byKristine Kathryn Rusch. Which just goes to show: never say never.
Short Fiction
I read several anthologies, both single author and not. My comfort reads this spring (right after our move) were six volumes of L. M. Montgomery’s short stories. I finally tried out Margo Lanagan’s work by reading her collection, Black Juice, and yes,”Singing My Sister Down” is one of the most powerful and heartbreaking stories I’ve ever read.
Best YA Fantasy
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
One of the most well-done treatments of human-dragon relationships I’ve ever read.
Best Book I Didn’t Expect to Like
Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines
This book is more about family dynamics and social commentary than action-adventure. A surprisingly moving read.
Best Worldbuilding-YA
Dark Life by Kat Falls
Two words: Undersea. Colonies.
Best Worldbuilding-Adult
The Serpent Sea by Martha Wells
This, and the third book of the Raksura trilogy, The Siren Depths, are just awesome. I love the depth of Wells’ world, with its mysterious flying islands, several sentient races, giant trees, and–especially–the Raksura themselves who are both so alien and so sympathetic.
Best Book That I Did Not Finish
The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan
Beautifully written, but so emotionally wrenching that I had to put it down.
Book That Filled the Georgette Heyer Void in My Life
Captain Vorpatril’s Alliance by Lois McMaster Bujold
This book is a romp, featuring a marriage of convenience, eccentric family members, a search for treasure and a cute romance. Different from the books starring Miles Vorkosigan, but in the best way possible.
What were your favorite reads of 2012?
Related Post: 7 Favorite Books of 2012 (as of 9/24/12)
