WV Reads 150 discussion

Maybe Defending Jacob by William Landay. Lots of good books in 2012. Defending Jacob

I've had a difficult time narrowing my favorites down to just one and my top 5 seem to change daily, so I'll just say that two of my favorites from 2012 are: A Killing In The Hills by Julia Keller and Child of the Mountain by Marilyn Sue Shank.

I would have to say my favorite book of 2012 was
Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult.

Vivian wrote: "I've had a difficult time narrowing my favorites down to just one and my top 5 seem to change daily, so I'll just say that two of my favorites from 2012 are: A Killing In The Hills by Julia Keller ..."

I agree, Vivian. Both of these are near the top of my list.

Kelly wrote: "I would have to say my favorite book of 2012 was
Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult."

I haven't read that, Kelly, but I'm adding to my TBR list.

I really loved Gone Girl. for, like, sheer soapy, twisty goodness. Totally entertaining and some pretty clever plot trickery that was refreshing in its unexpectedness.

Melissa wrote: "I really loved Gone Girl. for, like, sheer soapy, twisty goodness. Totally entertaining and some pretty clever plot trickery that was refreshing in its unexpectedness."

Love your description, Melissa! "soapy, twisty goodness." Perfect!

Although not written in 2012, my favorite was The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. This book connected with some of my top professional concerns as a family therapist about children in foster care who age out of the system and are completely unprepared and unsupported as they enter the "real world."

John Adams by David McCullough although The Dirty Secret by Brent Wolfingbarger is excellent too.

David McCullough is a national treasure. He is devoted to books and reading and I really appreciate his willingness to always mention it when he speaks in public.

Tammy..would the
Language of Flowers make a good book group book?

I think it would be a great for a book group, lots of possible discussion questions!

Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void and Stasiland: Stories from Behind the Berlin Wall were two of my faves from last year. I've become a big fan of "microhistories" lately and am using this Good Reads Listopia list as a guide for further reading.

Alison..thanks for the suggestions! I'm not at all familiar with the second one but it sounds like a good one. I agree about microhistories.

Vivian wrote: "I've had a difficult time narrowing my favorites down to just one and my top 5 seem to change daily, so I'll just say that two of my favorites from 2012 are: A Killing In The Hills by Julia Keller ..."

I also really liked A Killing in the Hills! Another favorite was Gone Girl by "Always forget her first name" Flynn