2012 IN REVIEW

If my calculations are correct, I have read 34 books in 2012.  Here are my picks for the best ones - my favourites, which I would encourage you to read.  (Not all were released in 2012)

Absolute favourite book read in 2012.

A Song of Ice and Fire: A Storm of Swords 2 - Blood and Gold by George R.R Martin (2000).  This book completely blew my mind.  Excellent writing, excellent storytelling, and jaw-dropping surprises.  Of course, you would have had to read the previous three books in the A Song of Ice and Fire series to really appreciate this one.

Best Young Adult novel:

Both Hunting Lila (2011), and its sequel Losing Lila (2012) by Sarah Alderson.  This was the best YA fiction I have read in a while.  The story is gripping, the characters are fascinating and the writing is wonderful.

Best historical novel:

Maid to Match (2010) by Deeanne Gist.  This book was beautifully done, very realistic and an all-round lovely read.

Best Christian novel:

Pearl In The Sand (2010) by Tessa Afshar.  It has been a few years since I have discovered a book I love this much.  It is right up there with Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, which is my favourite novel of all time.  Perfection.

Best Tyndale review book:

Trauma Plan (2012) by Candace Calvert.  This is a close second to best Christian novel.  I loved everything about this book; great story, great lessons and wonderful character development.

Here's hoping 2013 will bring more amazing books, and deliver some more masterpieces we can claim as favourites.

Happy reading.