It was very difficult to narrow down which books I wanted in the top five. Cassandra Clare’s second in the Infernal Devices series, Clockwork Prince, and Kate Morton’s The Secret Keeper had to be cut. To see a full list of what I read in this year’s challenge, feel free to browse here.
2012 was a mix of contemporary and dystopian young adult with Victorian gothic literature. I read my absolute favorite genre of all time and explored a new and booming genre with relish. Here are my top five books of 2012, in no particular order!
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The first and only novel by John Green written from the point of view of a teenage girl in the midst of heartbreaking cancer is full of life, wonder, and awe. The characters are charming and a joy to read, and as a previous Indianapolis resident I was so happy to watch all their adventures across my home city.
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Every person on this planet needs to read this book. I convinced my mother to read it — and it sparked hours-long discussions on Soviet history, her old Latvian friends, and the state of the Baltics today. I convinced history buffs to read it — and they are discussing untouched topics with their history professors. I convinced a friend who never reads nonfiction or YA, and she was moved to tears. This book, true accounts of Soviet Russia’s mass slaughter of the Baltics during and after WWII wrapped up in a fictional character, is beyond words. It is a must-read.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Enchanting and riveting, this masterpiece is set in the late Victorian age as two magicians compete in a fierce challenge within a spell-binding circus. The characters, the setting, the dream-like qualities, and the love are so moving, you’ll never want to leave Le Cirque des Reves.
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Diana is supposed to be an American professor in Oxford, nothing more. But her magic draws attention to other creatures only heard about in myths, including the very predatory Matthew cannot seem to stay away. This is not the ordinary academic professor romance, nor are the witches and vampires sweet and kind. History, magic, alchemical texts, Oxford, Massachusetts, genetics, and chemistry merge together in this great, intelligent romance.
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Hunger Games brought me back into the YA genre, and Delirium kept me in. I’m a hopeless romantic, so a story about forbidden love will always draw me in. However, Oliver does not make this dystopian cheesy or cheap. Love is forbidden because love is a disease. Love clouds judgement, causes unnecessary illness like fevers, sweat, lack of appetite. This concept is so beautifully written, and the characters so well-developed and intuitive, I could not put this down.
Scribbles & Wanderlust 
3 thoughts on “Top 5 Books of 2012”
prettybooks
‘Every person on this planet needs to read this book.’ Absolutely! It’s fantastic. I actually accidentally ruined my copy and so need to buy another.
stephpickett
Reblogged this on 2 Different Worlds and commented:
Let me start by saying I set reading goals for the New Year. If you read my last post you know I said I wanted to read 2 books a month, and preferably by authors I do not normally read. So I picked my first book based off a blog I follow.
https://scribblesandwanderlust.wordpress.com/2012/12/24/top-5-books-of-2012/
What a very good decision that was!!!! Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys was a really quick and exciting read. I seriously couldn’t put it down. I would read a few chapters during my lunch break and have so much trouble making it through the afternoon without thinking about what was going to happen next.
The writing style was perfect for the type of book. So much action! She was able to provide enough detail while keeping the book fast paced. I have to admit at first the short chapters seemed silly. Each one ending with a one-liner that made you think a little, but want to keep reading. As I read on it was clear the short chapters were keeping you reading. It allowed the author to keep to the story and not fill it with fluff between important scenes. Each chapter ended with a hook that made you turn the page no matter how many times you told yourself “last chapter then I’ll start dinner.”
The flashbacks were also done very well in this book. If you are looking to write a novel with flashbacks, READ THIS! All are used for a specific purpose. Nothing is wasted. I think that’s so important in writing a good novel.
Overall a very good read. Would suggest this book to anyone.
Pingback: Top 5 Books of 2012 « 2 Different Worlds