Books 2012
- Outlander, Diana Gabaldon
- The Luzury of Less: The Five Rings of Minimalism , Karol Karol Gajda
- Geekomancy, Michael R. Underwood
- The Drifter's Wheel, Phillip DePoy
- Mark of Athena, Rick Riordan
- The Pleasures of Men, Kate Williams
- Sandman Slim, Richard Kadrey
- Tea Olive Bird-Watching Society, Augusta Trobaugh
- Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn
- Broken Harbour, Tana French
- The Snowman, Jo Nesbo
- Throne of Fire, Rick Riordan
- Ready Player One, Ernest Cline
- Feed, M. T. Anderson
- Matched, Ally Condie
- Wired, Douglas E. Richards
4 star concept with 2 star writing. Seriously, Richards has a great plot structure here, but knows nothing of writing, and at times I wonder if he knows as much of science as he ought. [Hint: Mutations are not passed through heredity, and Edison was many things, but "creative" was never one of them.] For all that, I'm probably (ok, possibly) going to read Amped, the second in the series. Here's hoping Richards meets some geek friends he can have edit his upcoming works; we are a tough audience.)
- I Couldn't Love You More, Jillian Medoff
I really, really like the way Medoff writes. Her characters are funny and real, and getting to learn them is like becoming part of a family, with all the quirks and weirdness and love and drama that comes with it.
Sadly, the plot is lame, and at times a little over-the-top with the obvious heavy-handedness of consequence and appreciating what you have. Seriously, the plot is downright preachy.
Meh.
- Gods of Gotham, Lyndsey Faye
I really, really liked this book. I am a fan of police procedurals in general, but this took the genre much further than the norm. Set in 1840's Manhattan, Faye weaves a birthing of the hard-boiled detective who will invade our hearts and minds, using characters who are real, sweaty and true, and with whom we identify and reject in equal measure. Key amongst these characters is the City itself, roiling in its own identity crisis as its population explodes, its commerce is invigorated, and its countryside is eroded by the influx of inhabitants, many beyond poor, all seeking to find their way in a bustling new world.
The crime-mystery of this book is but one part of the drama that Faye serves up; watching the many characters come to life on the page and learn each other and how to get along (or not) is a heady fare indeed. None of these characters or plots is cliche, and for that Faye has my unfailing gratitude. That alone would be enough, but in so doing she crated folks I want to know and to see again, and if I am lucky I will. Highly recommended.
Note: This is the first of Faye's novels that I have read, but I'm excited enough by it that I'm interested in picking up Dust and Shadow.
- The Red Pyramid, Rick Riordan
- Wise Man's Fear, Patrick Rothfuss
- Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss
- Snuff, Terry Pratchett
- Dance of Dragons, George R. R. Martin
Previous Booklists:
2011
