Favorite Books Read in 2012

Yes, it's time for reflective posts. My reading year is definitely winding down as Christmas approaches so I took the time to bring my 2012 Reading List up-to-date. (I keep a running list of books read going over at The Master List which is linked on my sidebar.) The only other book I plan on taking on to the end of the list, if remotely possible, is going to be Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books. I read Lit at the close of 2011 and it was so thought-provoking (and changed the way I selected books to read in 2012) that I'd like to re-read it at the end of every year. (I talked a little bit about it here and a little bit about it here.)

Comparing between 2011 and 2012, I like my 2012 list better. Although the first half of the year was derailed a bit due to my burning a chicken and smoking us out of house and home for a few months, I feel pretty good about the second half of the reading year. I think I made better use of my reading time and certainly enjoyed myself (which is the most important thing). I read several books I had long wanted to read and picked up a few titles through 5 Minutes for Books which I might not have otherwise touched but found intriguing in different ways. So yes, on the whole, I think I was more focused and purposeful in my reading this past year. And yes, I would like to improve my reading even more in 2013.

With all that stated and out of the way, here are my top ten favorite reads from 2012 (all titles linked to my original reviews):

1. Keeping House: A Litany of Everyday Life

I read this one at the recommendation of a friend from church and it has changed the way I think of doing most household "chores." It definitely improved my attitude towards laundry.

2. The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart 

This was my second read through of this story and it won't be my last.

3. The Search for the Delicious, by Natalie Babbitt

This was my first introduction to this fantastical story and I loved it. Can't wait to introduce my children to it!

4. Loving the Little Years, by Rachel Jankovic

This book was another re-read for me. I gleaned a lot from it yet again. It's my "go to" gift book for new mommies. There is a lot of wisdom packed into this little book!

5. A Woman's Wisdom, by Lydia Brownback

Speaking of wisdom (and the constant need for massive amounts for it) - here's another great title which I reviewed with my friend Heather in five parts this past summer.

6.  Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey

Just plain fun. Especially if you like history and/or the BBC television series.

7. The Fruitful Wife, by Hayley DiMarco

Are you a married woman? You need to read this.

8. Bleak House, by Charles Dickens

Who else is surprised this made my list? Turns out I really do like Charles Dickens.

9. Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Barbara H. selected this book for the Reading to Know Book Club and I found it extremely impacting, personally. I'm so glad to have re-read this!

10. The Tomb of King Tutankhaman, by Howard Carter

Again, this one was just plain fun.

So those are my top ten for the year. As always, I eagerly await the flip of the calendar and a clean slate to start a new reading year! We shall see what the future holds.

What about you? Any particular title of yours that is a favorite for 2012?