What a fantastic reading year! I managed to complete 83 books which was a record for me and beat my 2011 total of 69 books by 14! Of course, these numbers are significantly skewed due to my lack of employment in 2012, but I’ll take it! My goals for 2013 are going to be less (52 books) since I’m a working lady again, but I still hope to leave those goals in the dust. Shooting for the moon and all.
On with the show! Picking my 10 favs wasn’t particularly difficult. In fact, I managed to choose exactly 10 the first time through my reading list. As with previous years, this list is classics heavy and doesn’t contain that many newer releases. I guess that’s why the classics are still hanging around all these years later, huh? Love them.
And now, in no particular order:
Emma by Jane Austen: Is anyone surprised? Not only will this book always be a forever favorite, it’s also my favorite Austen novel. If you haven’t read it, shame on you.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline: Adored in all the ways one can adore a book. So much fun and filled with addicting adventure and the most wonderful pop culture references. A book I’ll be rereading for the rest of my life.
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach: The characters are top notch in this debut novel and my entire book club adored this read. Lovely writing and superb development.
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns: Now this is southern story telling at its best!
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett: Perhaps my childhood nostalgia pushed this story over the top for me, but I adored every minute spent in that damn garden.
Jane Austen: A Life by Carol Shields: I feel like anything related to Austen will always make this list, but this biography was really fantastic. I found myself grinning like a maniac many times throughout my reading.
My Antonia by Willa Cather: I highlighted this book more than any other this year. Cather’s talent amazes me.
The Tiger’s Wife by Tea Obreht: Such a gorgeous story told creatively. I’m amazed at how young Obreht is and can’t wait to watch her grow as a writer.
Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen: Another book club winner (at least in my own opinion!) and the imagery was the clear winner here. Africa comes alive.
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell: I haven’t seen the movie, but this novel swept me away. I found it challenging in the best of ways and utterly mind-blowing.
I’m going to be lazy and not post links to my individual reviews, but you can find them all on the 2012 books read page located at the top of the blog. They are all pretty much just gush-fests.
What were your favorites? Have any recommendations for me based on the above selections? How many books did you read in 2012? Let me know!!
The Blog of Litwits 
Nice list! I’ve only read three of those, Emma, Out of Africa and The Secret Garden, but I have some of the others on my To Be Read pile and am now tempted to add a couple more.
My favourite Austen is Northanger Abbey. Catherine Morland is one of my favourite heroines.
(Obviously I love Emma too.)
I love that everyone has their very own favorite Austen heroine! I’m rereading Persuasion this year and can’t wait.
My son liked Cloud Atlas and he’s a fussy reader. I should read the book and watch the movie!
It really is a gorgeously crafted novel, but does take a good bit of effort – especially the middle section.
Love this list! Emma, Secret Garden and Cloud Atlas are all favourites of mine too. Plus, I have the same edition of Emma, isn’t it beautiful?
I’m glad to see you enjoyed Out of Africa as I’m going to be reading it soon. It’s on my classics club list and I’m really looking forward to it.
I adored Out of Africa. I just think it was written so beautifully. And yes, the Penguin Threads editions are GORGEOUS.
Great list. I’m a huge fan of Isak Dinesen and Willa Cather, hooray! And The Secret Garden is wonderful. I liked Tiger’s Wife and Art of Fielding too. Happy 2013!
You too! Looking forward to another fantastic book year.