Five books I read in 2012 (that I want you to read!)

2012 has been one of my slowest reading years, but interestingly, it has also been one of my best in terms of the quality of books (by my yardstick). I guess when you have reduced time to read, you are probably "wiser" or choosier in deciding what to read. Also, you tend to be more willing to give up on a book, if it isn't working for you. I stopped counting the number of DNFs last year, because unlike in previous years, I was quick to put down a book, even 5 or 10 pages in.

As a result, it was very hard to come up with a list of favorites. I eventually managed to whittle down my list to five books I really want you to read - four favorites and one special mention!

The Favorites
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer: I haven't reviewed this one yet, but I promise to do it soon! This real-life narrative about a tragedy that unfolded on the peak of Mt. Everest intrigued, shocked, frightened and educated me so much that I still think about its "characters" and their families two weeks later.

What the Zhang Boys Know by Clifford Garstang: I'm not usually one to enjoy short story collections, but this one had me spellbounded and unbored (which I totally invented) all the way to the end.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce: I have already seen this book on a few favorites list and I can't help but concur. Harold's journey was enchanting, exhilarating and occasionally symbolic of his own life - Rachel's voice went well with the pacing of the story.

The Singer's Gun by Emily St. John Mandel: I didn't review this one and possibly may never. The actual details of the brilliance of this book have slowly escaped my mind and there is no way I can clearly articulate the cleverness of the plot, the beauty of Mandel's writing and the gradual way the book grew on me.

And a Special Mention
Make it Stay by Joan Frank: This is a book I rated five stars soon after reading it but forgot all about it until I read my own review. Usually when that happens, I tend to lower the rating of the book. But in this case, along with my recollection of the plot, I remembered everything that I loved about this book (well-etched characters, nice buildup to the peak of the story, lovely writing). I still feel the same way about Make it Stay as I did when I read it, but the details of the book probably won't stay with me.