I'm going to begin by clarifying that these aren't my favourite books that were released in 2012, but the best books I read in 2012.
This would probably have become apparent when you saw my shortlist, but I thought it best to be clear! So, without further ado, I've managed to pick out three books that I loved - and there are a couple of others that I thoroughly enjoyed and that very nearly made the cut.
1. The Count of Monte Cristo
I don't know why it's taken me so long to get round to reading this classic, but it's one that I massively enjoyed. I can't stress enough how excellent this book is, how well written and how timeless. Even though it's very long (and I was certainly glad for my Kindle so I didn't have to cart a weighty tome around in my bag) I never felt bored of the story or wanted to hurry it along.
Certainly a book I'll be returning to at some point in the future and probably one I'd urge my kids to read (or anyone else who asked for that matter!). Read my full review here.
2. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
I've fallen in love with John le Carre this year, having first picked up A Small Town in Germany without knowing anything about the author. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was the third book of his I read and I loved every page. The story is fantastic, he keeps you guessing right up to the last minute and there are some wonderfully human characters that I got really attached to.
I think my favourite thing about this particular book of le Carre's is that there's very little real action, yet he manages to create this wonderful sense of tension and suspense - even danger at times - when all someone is doing is reading a file - genius.
3. All My Friends Are Superheroes
This had to make it into my top three because it's the one book I've read in the last 12 months that I've leant (or bought for) several people. It's really short and very quick to read but a remarkably touching story told in a very quirky way.
If you want to have a warm feeling inside when you finish the final page of a book or you just need a pick me up, I'd read this. It's just lovely. You'll find a (very short) review here.
Honourable mentions...
There are a couple of other books that deserve a mention in here, even if they didn't make my top three. First up, The Somnambulist - a delightfully Gothic Victorian-era tale that captured my imagination.
Also, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which would have been even better had Dickens managed to finish it - although the abruptness with which it ends is somewhat charming in itself.
Let me know if you've got any books you particularly enjoyed last year!
This would probably have become apparent when you saw my shortlist, but I thought it best to be clear! So, without further ado, I've managed to pick out three books that I loved - and there are a couple of others that I thoroughly enjoyed and that very nearly made the cut.
1. The Count of Monte Cristo
I don't know why it's taken me so long to get round to reading this classic, but it's one that I massively enjoyed. I can't stress enough how excellent this book is, how well written and how timeless. Even though it's very long (and I was certainly glad for my Kindle so I didn't have to cart a weighty tome around in my bag) I never felt bored of the story or wanted to hurry it along.
Certainly a book I'll be returning to at some point in the future and probably one I'd urge my kids to read (or anyone else who asked for that matter!). Read my full review here.
2. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
I've fallen in love with John le Carre this year, having first picked up A Small Town in Germany without knowing anything about the author. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was the third book of his I read and I loved every page. The story is fantastic, he keeps you guessing right up to the last minute and there are some wonderfully human characters that I got really attached to.
I think my favourite thing about this particular book of le Carre's is that there's very little real action, yet he manages to create this wonderful sense of tension and suspense - even danger at times - when all someone is doing is reading a file - genius.
3. All My Friends Are Superheroes
This had to make it into my top three because it's the one book I've read in the last 12 months that I've leant (or bought for) several people. It's really short and very quick to read but a remarkably touching story told in a very quirky way.
If you want to have a warm feeling inside when you finish the final page of a book or you just need a pick me up, I'd read this. It's just lovely. You'll find a (very short) review here.
Honourable mentions...
There are a couple of other books that deserve a mention in here, even if they didn't make my top three. First up, The Somnambulist - a delightfully Gothic Victorian-era tale that captured my imagination.
Also, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which would have been even better had Dickens managed to finish it - although the abruptness with which it ends is somewhat charming in itself.
Let me know if you've got any books you particularly enjoyed last year!
