2012 was a magnificent year for Book Lovers. Throughout the Year we've sold many great Books, and the following Titles were especially delightful to discover and share with our Customers.
Favorite novels of the Year:
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
If there's a common theme to Books we love, it's getting lost in them. Harold Fry takes us on a surprisingly magnificent adventure when he decides to visit an ailing friend.
Leon and Louise by Alex Capus
Originally a Bestseller in France, this Paperback original captivated us with a story of two lovers separated by war and reunited by happenstance.
John Saturnall's Feast by Lawrence Norfolk
While Hilary Mantel grabbed headlines with her Booker Prize Winning novel Bring Up The Bodies, Lawrence Norfolk delivered a tantalizingly rich historical story about a young orphan, a 17th century manor house kitchen, and the road to love through great food.
Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
A profound and gripping tale of a childless couple, a baby adrift at sea, and the choices we make to keep ourselves strong in an unforgiving world.
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
We had a lot of debate about whether this belonged in mystery, because the surprise ending adds such a twist!
Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
Our favorite handsell for anyone who's overloaded, overscheduled, or overwhelmed. Where'd You Go Bernadette is a Book we can all relate to, and the laugh-out-loud moments make the lessons inside all the more bittersweet.
The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields
One of Vivien's most popular recommendations, made even more popular when we learned that the letters behind the Book's inspiration were discovered in an attic just a few blocks from the Bookstore!
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
Richard Russo said it best: "Why mince words? Beautiful Ruins is an absolute masterpiece."
Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain
This made a lot of Year End Lists, and it's on ours because it proved to be a pitch-perfect satire of modern war. Inspired by an actual Super Bowl moment, and apparently, truth is stranger than fiction because this year's Half-Time Show will feature Beyonce.
The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson
A Pandora's box of a novel, revealing the inside world of North Korea. From the prisons that don't exist to the fairy-tale lives of the high command, this Book is masterfully written.
A Good American by Alex George
Still a staff favorite for so many reasons: the Midwestern setting, the highs and lows of three generations across the 20th century, and especially the blend of music and food into a narrative about finding a new place to call Home.
American Dervish by Ayad Akhtar
An amazing debut opening our eyes into the lives of American Muslims. Set in the doldrums of suburbia and challenged by the temptations of consumerism and mass media, this coming-of-age story reveals the struggle of a young boy between his faith and his adopted country.
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
A lively novel about Kansas native and actress Louise Brooks, richly told and well-researched by Kansas native Laura Moriarty.
The Art Forger by B.A. Shapiro
A many layered Literary Thriller about love, betrayal, and authenticity. The story of an artist who becomes caught up in one of the most dazzling unsolved mysteries in the art world.
Favorite Thrillers / Suspense / Mystery:
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
If you've read it, you know why it's here. If you haven't, all you need to know is that Gillian Flynn is the high priestess of the modern prairie gothic. So twisty and surprising we can't tell you anything other than, don't start it late at night.
Prague Fatale by Philip Kerr
From the opening assignment, Bernie Gunther has a most difficult task: find a murderer in a houseful of murderers. A taut, perilous police procedural where the detective is German, the setting is World War II, and the suspects are all high-ranking Nazi officers.
Wanted Man by Lee Child
We LOVED the latest Jack Reacher adventure, and so did many of you. We especially liked the third act, which takes place in and around Kansas City!
The 500 by Matthew Quirk
For anyone who's ever thought that Washington was more than just a power play, it's all a giant con game. This fast-paced legal / political thriller was a big hit.
Growing Up Dead in Texas by Stephen Graham Jones
25 years ago, someone set fire to the cotton fields in Stephen's West Texas Hometown. Now Stephen is heading back, sifting the ashes of his childhood and finding a white-hot mystery.
The Yard by Alex Grecian
If you're longing for a great Historical Mystery like Sherlock Holmes, we've found it in The Yard. Atmospheric and stimulating, we're eagerly awaiting the next adventure!
The Inquisitor by Mark Allen Smith
A gritty and gripping thriller about a professional: a man who specializes in getting information from those unwilling to surrender it.
The Spy Who Jumped Off the Screen by Thomas Caplan
What if one of the world's most high-profile actors was also a spy? This one had us hooked from the first chapter, and we wouldn't be surprised to see this made into a Movie!
Angelmaker by Nick Harkaway
Part spy thriller, part homage to cold war fanaticism, and part delightful English romp, Angelmaker is inventive and addictive.
Favorite Science Fiction / Fantasy:
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
A moving story about a post-apocalyptic world and one bush pilot's daily search for the remnants of humanity.
Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
Something peculiar is going on at this Bookstore, and it might just involve the intersection of two powerful worlds: the realm of technology and the kingdom of Books.
The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
There are strange forces at work, and one young woman has just discovered that she's one of the good guys, but who are the bad guys? Filled with witty dialogue and sharp action.
Redshirts by John Scalzi
From a gifted writer of science fiction comes this perfectly crafted ode to that most under-appreciated member of the space adventure: the lowly crewman. Yet, this is no ordinary spaceship, and the legends have yet to be written.
Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson
When a Middle Eastern hacker crosses paths with state security and a long lost Book of the Djinn, the result is the stuff of pure fantasy.
Favorite Non-Fiction / Biography:
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
A Book about a long walk, filled with inspiring messages about who we are, where we come from, what we're made of and where we're headed.
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan
Written like a first-rate medical thriller, only the author is the victim. A terrifying narrative of her descent into a medical mystery that baffled the experts until it nearly killed her.
Rise to Greatness: Abraham Lincoln and America's Most Perilous Year by David Von Drehle
A monumental Book, meticulously researched and told with a strong narrative voice. A close look at one of the most important periods in American history, starring the most iconic figure.
Crossing the Borders of Time: A True Love Story of War, Exile, and Love Reclaimed by Leslie Maitland
A true story of long lost love, separated by continents and war and reunited through the determination and journalistic talents of the Author.
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
Still the most talked-about nonfiction book at our store in 2012, it's certain to be even more popular now that the time has come for New Year's resolutions!
Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Eduction of Two Society Girls in the West by Dorothy Wickenden
When two society women in 1916 New York decide to head out West to become Teachers, the result is a tale for the generations to tell. You really can be whatever you set your mind to.
Favorite Books for Young Readers:
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The Book of the Year! Hands down.
Grave Mercy by Robin Lafevers
Our favorite historical adventure for young adults, a blend of romance, intrigue, and rich atmosphere.
Crewel by Gennifer Albin
A stellar debut Novel, beloved by our entire Staff, young and old alike. The start of a fantasy epic where reality and romance play equally strong roles.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
A moving and uplifting debut Novel about a young boy whose face hides an unquenchable spirit for life. Highly recommended for middle schoolers struggling with peer pressure.
Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
This quirky and original debut Novel kept us laughing to the very end. A very Southern mystery, a young girl, and a town full of curious characters that might hold the key to something big!
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Ivan is a gorilla living in a sideshow, but his life is about to change when he meets a new arrival Ruby, a baby elephant. Much to love about this story about the bonds of friendship and the souls of animals of all kinds.
Nightsong by Ari Berk
Loren Long's illustrations are the stuff of legend (Otis the Tractor, anyone?). Here with this marvelous story from Ari Berk; a tale of a young bat venturing out into the world is sure to capture the heart of readers of all ages.