The Burning of Isobel Key: Favorite Books

Top 10 Favorite Books & Why

I never know how to answer this question, but I’m going to try.  I’ve always been an avid reader, so instead of my top 10 favorites of all time, I think I’ll share with you my top ten favorites that I’ve read in 2012.  My goal for the year was to read a hundred books before 2013 (or the Mayan apocalypse, whichever comes first), and I’m ALMOST there.

Hmm.  So it might be harder than I thought to pick just ten.  But I’ll do my best!
 
Make Lemonade, by Virginia Euwer Wolff
This novel-in-verse is haunting, gripping, and beautiful.  It’s a fast read, but it’s also the kind of story that you want to linger in for awhile.  LaVaughn, Jolly, Jilly, and Jeremy will steal your heart.  Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster!

A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty, by Joshilyn Jackson
If you haven’t read Jackson before, you need to remedy that immediately.  Told from the points of view of three generations of Slocumb women, this is a story about skeletons in the closet (or the back yard) that will suck you in from the first line.

The Minister’s Daughter, by Julie Hearn
What do piskies, Puritans, and witches have to do with each other?  Read this lyrical tale that blends history and myth for the answer.  I was truly charmed by this book: the characters are vivid, the setting is rich, and the story takes a few unexpected turns along the way.  

The Book of Blood and Shadows, by Robin Wasserman
History, mystery, and a sinister secret society: this book is bursting with adventure.  Woven around an alchemical mystery that spans centuries and pulls the story to Prague, I loved every minute of this book. 

The Near Witch, by Victoria Schwab
This is mystery told in true fairy tale fashion.  Dark and haunting, I devoured this book in one sitting.  What an amazing read!

Moon Magic, by Dion Fortune
Known for her esoteric teachings, Fortune’s last novel (completed posthumously) is bewitching.  Lilith is a priestess, and Malcolm is a pragmatic man.  Of course their relationship changes both of them forever.

Cinder, by Marissa Meyer
It’s a sci-fi retelling of Cinderella, with a cyborg standing in for the beautiful scullery maid: so cool!  I love reimagined fairy tales, and this is one of the most unique I’ve ever found.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone, by Laini Taylor
Karou has blue hair.  She’s been raised by demons.  An angel is after her.  Seriously, if you haven’t read this one yet, grab it now.  SO good!

Summoning the Fates, by Z. Budapest
Budapest breaks down a woman’s life into three astrological phases: the Saturn returns.  Myth and fairy tale weave together with astrological wisdom to craft a book that every woman must read at least once in her life.

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, by Lish McBride
Dark comedy meets action and mythic adventure in this awesome tale.  Sam’s more than just a college dropout: he’s a necromancer, and his powers plunge him into a world of danger (and zombie garden gnomes).
 
Well, y’all, those are my favorite books of 2012.  What are your picks this year?