My favorite books of 2012
I love to read, and I hope that at least one of the books I shared has intrigued you enough to read it too. If so, please let me know!
Here’s my annual wrap-up of the best books I’ve read this year (though not necessarily published this year) – with a special thanks to the Hawaii Public Libraries!
Best simple, fun, and interactive children’s book:
* “Press Here” by Hervé Tullet – about dots that change color, multiply, move around, and get bigger (my son was 5 years old but still enjoyed pressing the dots and guessing what would happen)
Best young adult star-crossed romantic fantasy:
* “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” by Laini Taylor – about learning who you are, “hope makes its own magic,” choosing a different life, and tyranny vs. slavery
Best danger-filled, explosive paranormal urban fantasy:
* ShadowCity” by Diana Pharaoh Francis – about loyalty, obligation, trust, and freedom to choose
Best high-voltage action, risk-taking fantasy:
* “Cast in Peril” by Michelle Sagara – about change, the gift of mortality, living in the moment, and the power of words and story
Best action-packed steampunk investigative fantasy:
* “The Iron Wyrm Affair” (2012) by Lilith Saintcrow – about trust, duty, and powers of detection
Best Hawaii historical guidebook:
* “Ancient Sites on O‘ahu: A Guide to Hawaiian Architectural Places of Interest” (2010) by Van James – part tour guide, part history book, part cultural guide
Best practical and effective teachers’ guide nonfiction:
* “Teach Like a Champion: 49 Techniques That Put Students on the Path to College” (2010) by Doug Lemov – “the techniques described here may not be glamorous, but they work”
Best cheerful, encouraging, rediscover-your-creative-power nonfiction:
* “Living Artfully: A Heart-full Guide of Ideas and Inspirations That Celebrate Life, Love, and Moments That Matter” (2006) by Sandra Magsamen – reminding us that “Life is a word of art and we are its artists.”
Make friends with books and have a Happy New Year!
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December 26, 2012 at 3:23 am
[…] the positive side, Seduced by a Book says it’s wonderful. Also, it’s nice that this person named Shadow City as: “Best danger-filled, explosive paranormal urban fantasy” of […]
December 26, 2012 at 9:04 am
Congratulations, Diana! I preordered “Blood Winter” and am waiting for it anxiously. aloha, Rachelle
February 9, 2013 at 8:13 pm
Helpful info. Lucky me I found your site accidentally, and I am stunned why this accident did not happened in advance! I bookmarked it.
February 9, 2013 at 8:58 pm
Thanks! Hope there’s something on my blog that you find useful or helpful.