My 2012 Favorites

The sad thing about my job is that it doesn't leave me a whole lot of time to read everything I'd like to. I know about all sorts of books, and want to read lots of them, but just don't get the opportunity; and often I don't get to actually read the new books I purchase for the library's collection until long after everyone else has. So, when I thought I'd do a list of my favorite 2012 releases, it didn't take long to realize I didn't (yet) read all that many titles released this year. However, I did read a couple I thought were outstanding, and these I will share with you.

My favorite book of 2012 was Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl. This was the creepiest, most addictive book I've read in a long time, one of those books I resented having to put down in order to do things like sleep, feed my family--oh, and work.

Nick and Amy are a married couple who have recently undergone a stressful life change in moving from Manhattan to Missouri. On their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy disappears from their home in what appears to have been a violent manner. The first part of the book alternates between Nick's narration and Amy's diary entries, and the reader is left wondering who to believe. Neither Nick nor Amy seem to be telling the whole story, and the reader begins to distrust both of them and wonder where the truth lies. As you move further into the story, you begin to realize just how flawed--even unlikable--both Nick and Amy are. This doesn't detract in any way, however, from the story; on the contrary, it adds to the dark, voyeuristic atmosphere Flynn has created.

The second part of the book--well, I can't tell you any more without giving everything away. Flynn concocted a suspenseful story about the disintegration of a marriage, but its brilliance lies in the fact that the reader is entirely in her hands. Between the plot twists and the unreliable narrators, you have no idea where the book is headed; I can tell you that the ending is chilling, completely unexpected, and perfectly satisfying.

I also adored Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. This young adult novel is also told from two points of view: two young women who meet and become friends during World War II, and who are both unconventional for the time--one is a pilot, and the other a spy. On a mission into occupied France, their plane is shot down. The first section of the book is the spy's (Julie's) perspective; she has been tortured into telling her story to her Nazi captors, but manages to sneak paper and write the "true" version of the events that led to her capture and, she believes, her friend Maddie's death.

In the second section, Maddie gives her version of their botched mission, which differs markedly from Julie's secret version. Again in this book, the reader is left wondering about the truth and the reliability of the narrator; Julie is, after all, someone who regularly pretends to be different people and indeed lies. The reader is eventually able to piece together what really happened, and Maddie brings us through the conclusion of the story.

An aside: I've recommended Code Name Verity to several people who have had trouble with it; the reaction, in fact, was similar to that of The Hunger Games, where an adult thinks the subject matter is too graphic for teenagers and objects to the book on that basis. But as adults we must remember that teenagers want and need to read about how other young people handle challenges in their lives, so just about every young adult novel will have this as its theme. Read this book without constantly thinking about its intended audience, and if you love a character-driven novel with surprising plot twists, and especially one that deals with friendship and loyalty, you will like Code Name Verity.

With both Gone Girl and Code Name Verity, I greatly enjoyed the feeling of being in the hands of the author. Both books were unsettling, even at times confusing; both left me wondering if I should "believe" what I was reading. But when I gave up control and went along for the ride, it was exhilarating. What impressed me most with both books was the author's ability to sustain the edginess, suspense, and tension all the way to the very satisfying, perfect ending.

Did you read either of these books? Please share your comments, or share your favorites from 2012!

The Season of Giving

I'd like to share two items that may be of interest. First, Maine has a new checkoff on the state income tax form that allows taxpayers to make a donation to public libraries. The donations will benefit all public libraries in the state, but a threshold must be crossed so the checkoff pays for iteslf. If you pay income tax in Maine, please consider participating! For more information, click here:
http://www.maine.gov/msl/tax/index.shtml

Here is a wonderful opportunity to share your favorite book or your love of reading:
http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/
Applications to be a Book Giver for 2013 are now being taken; if you are chosen, you get to give away free copies of a book you love. I did it last year, and it was a blast! I love getting the opportunity to talk about the book I gave away, The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. Those of you who know me well enough know that I will talk about this book whenever I get an opportunity--i.e., "Hi Kathleen, isn't it a nice day?" "Yes, and that reminds me, what did you think of the ending of The History of Love?" The list of the 2013 books can be found on the World Book Night website; if there's one you feel strongly about, apply for the opportunity to play Santa Claus on April 23!