Here's to the Best of Everything in 2012

Well, it's that time of year again. My heart is full once again at the close of this year, and I'm thankful to all of you for continuing to read my blog in this little humble corner of the blogosphere. Thank you.

Just a reminder that these are my favorites books, whether released this year or not.

BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR. Hands down.

Wool Omnibus, by Hugh Howey

I still can't believe this is a self-published book, but I've recently heard that Simon & Schuster is releasing a print version in March and Ridley Scott has optioned this for a film. I am definitely not surprised that they are trying to dive in on the Hugh Howey creativity as they would clearly be missing out on what will definitely be a powerhouse book that will be nabbed off the shelf come the end of the first quarter next year. If you have an electronic reader, download it now, or if you prefer a print copy, you may want to pre-order it now. This brilliant five part tale of a future society living underground only able to view earth through a camera is suspenseful and full of superb character and story development. This kept me up late at night and I found myself in many a checkout line during the holiday rush trying to read what I could. I'm still thinking about this story and the characters, and anxiously awaiting future installments. You absolutely do not need to be a sci-fi expert at all, this is a tale for anyone who enjoys stories on love, political corruption, mysteries, suspenseful thrillers, action, and love. Wool has it all, and it just might be the book to convince readers to try more of a genre they may not be used to. You won't regret this one.

BEST AUDIO OF THE YEAR

It, by Stephen King, narrated by Steven Weber

One of Stephen King's classics, this audiobook is expertly delivered by actor Steven Weber. Because of his narration, many of his characters that I might have found challenging to read were easily understood through Weber's flawless skills. Not to mention that the scary parts were just that. much. scarier. because of Steven Weber. Each character was distinct and recognizable and I couldn't be happier with recommending this audiobook to everyone that wants to try audio. I listen to audiobooks while I run and this is the book that helped me get through my longest run of more than six miles at the time.

My Favorite Books Read in 2012 are (in alphabetical order):

1. Baker Towers, by Jennifer Haigh
2. The Casual Vacancy, by JK Rowling
3. Clair de Lune, by Jetta Carlton
4. Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn
5. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
6. In the Woods, by Tana French
7. The Lathe of Heaven, by Ursula K. Le Guin
8. The Poison Tree, by Erin Kelly.
9. The Secret History, by Donna Tartt
10. Shantaram, by Gregory David Roberts (I haven't finished it yet, but is it presumptuous to know it will be one of my favorites this year?
11. The Stand, by Stephen King
12. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, by Rachel Joyce

My Favorite Audiobooks Listened To in 2012 are (in alphabetical order):

1. Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall
2. The Breathing Method, by Stephen King
3. Days of Blood and Starlight, by Laini Taylor
4. Daughter of Smoke and Bone, by Laini Taylor
5. Divergent, by Veronica Roth
6. The Exorcist, by William Peter Blatty
7. Legion, by Brandon Sanderson
8. Lullaby, by Chuck Palahniuk
9. The Shining, by Stephen King
10. The Scorpio Races, by Maggie Stiefvater
11. Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, by Mary Roach
12. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, by Haruki Murakami

What's on your list?