My Top Books of 2012

Hi Everyone!

It was hard choosing my favorite books of last year. I read so many amazing ones. After much consideration of all the fabulous books I read this past year, I chose the following five (which is my lucky number). 

The words I can use to describe my love for these books: Wowsiee!!! Spectacular!!! Unforgettable!!!

All the following five contain characters who have real feelings and relatable flaws, exciting stories and superb prose. 

A book that is amazing written by one of my favorite authors I discovered in 2012...

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

A brilliant written book set in my home state of Maryland. This book provided me with my first animal favorite character- the warrior dog Casper! This book has a terrific group of characters and an action packed story. A book that I became completely enamored by! What more can I want? 

A suspenseful book that is leaving me anxious for the sequel...

Hide and Seek by Sara Shepard

This book may continue an unresolved main mystery, but I still love it. I can read it again and again and again and still feel thrilled with the story. Each time I re-read it, a new theory forms in my mind of who murdered Sutton. Even though it has been months since I read this book for the first time, I am still thinking about this amazing installment and eagerly anticipating the next one.

This book is definitely the best of the amazing Lying Game series so far. It has excitement, an amazing surprise that brings hope to Emma's future with the Mercers, suspenseful intrigue, unique writing style, shares the importance of family, friends and belonging, and an incredible main cast (Thayer! I love you!). Cross My Heart, Hope To Die by Sara Shepard- I am thinking about you and can't wait to read you. Just one more month!

A book that left me breathless and tearful... 

If I Lie by Corrine Jackson

Once I finished If I Lie, I immediately wrote my review gushing through my tears. I wanted everyone to know this book was unforgettable and a must read. The the courage Quinn embraced during the struggles she faced was astounding. The hilarious and delightful George. Oh my! How much I hope everyone reads If I Lie. 

Amazing quote- “Sometimes a moment defines you, defines how people see you the rest of your life.” (Jackson 249)

The best historical fiction book I read this year...

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

An assassin who actually assassinates. A girl I initially disliked but grew to admire. Ismae! A brave man I love, who is entirely loyal to his family and does not keep secrets from his best friends. Duval!!!!!!!!!!!! Grave Mercy is an amazing book that properly represented medieval Europe! And the amazing writing! So many wonderful and brilliantly worded sentences! I cannot wait to read its sequel Dark Triumph! After all, Sybella (the narrator of DT) was my favorite character in the enticing Grave Mercy. 

An amazing description of Duval's eyes: "The man's eyes, as dark and shifting as storm clouds" (LaFevers 79)

My favorite line of the book that perfectly suits the title Grave Mercy. "For while I am Death's daughter and walk in His dark shadow, surely the darkness can give way to light sometimes." (LaFevers 549) 
That line remained in my head for days after I completed Grave Mercy. It is an amazing statement of hope to someone living in a dangerous path. 

The perfect book to tie in with my senior year of high school and love of music... A book I urge everyone to read... A book I read many times and still love...

Take A Bow by Elizabeth Eulsberg!

My adoration goes towards this amazing story. This book captures the anxieties and spirit of senior year. I love every moment of this book and the happiness I feel whenever I re-read this story. This is a story about friendship, reaching for your dreams, the joy of performing and the story's continuous changing in the lives of Take A Bow's brilliant cast of characters that mirrors reality. The perfect book for a senior in high school like me!  

Thanks for reading! What were your favorite reads of 2012?