The Best of 2012

2012 was another year of mostly great reads in both young adult and adult fiction. There are so many great books it's hard to keep up! I was excited this year to discover several authors whose works I haven't read before including Julie Klassen, Amy Clipston and Penelope Delta, whom I will be reviewing in 2013. 2012 was the year that saw the publishing of many second and third installments in trilogies, some of which were decent, but most of which, disappointed. While the dystopian subgenre continues to be crowded with subpar books, there are young adult authors who are writing books that are exploring themes very relevant to the lives of teenagers.

This year saw the publication of several very good historical novels including The Wild Queen by Carolyn Meyer and Rachel's Secret by Shelly Sanders. In 2013, I'll be reading two reprints of Greek historical writer, Penelope Delta, whose books explore two very unique historical time periods.

So for better or worse here's my list for this past year:

Best Young Adult Books 2012:

1. Opposite of Hallelujah by Anna Jarzab
2. Everything I Was by Corinne Dmas
3. The Wild Queen: The Days and Nights of Mary, Queen of Scots by Carolyn Meyer
4. The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi
5. Starters by Lissa Price
6. Reckless Heart by Amy Clipston
7. Shadow on the Mountain by Margi Preus
8. Miracle by Elizabeth Scott
9. Secrets of the Henna Girl by Sufiya Ahmed
10.While He Was Away by Karen Schrek
11.The Watch That Ends The Night by Alan Wolf
12.Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

Honourable Mentions:

Capetown by Brenda Hammond
Waiting by Carol Lynch
Origin by Jessica Khoury

Worst Young Adult Book:

Adaptation by Malinda Lo (This wins hands down; so bad and weird I couldn't review it)

Best Adult Fiction

1. The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian

Best Picture Books

1. Zorro Gets and Outfit by Carter Goodrich
2. The Obstinate Pen by Frank Dormer

Best Movies 2012

1. Lincoln
2. Anna Karenina
3. Les Miserables (to be reviewed in 2013)
4. Brave

Best Documentaries

1. The War of 1812