Author Obsessions in 2012

Author Obsessions in 2012

• Dec 11, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Every week they post a new topic/Top Ten list and invite everyone to share their own answers. I'm so obsessed with lists!

Top Ten Favorite New-to-Me Authors I Read in 2012

{Contemporary & Dystopian}

1. Melina Marchetta - I am convinced that Melina Marchetta can do no wrong. It started with Jellicoe Road, which was seriously amazing. Even though I was really confused at first, I soon fell in love and haven't looked back since. I haven't reviewed them yet, but I recently finished Saving Francesca and The Piper's Son... I think Melina Marchetta may be my absolute favorite author discovery of 2012. I don't know of anyone else who writes quite like this lady. She's amazing!

2. Veronica Roth - For some reason, I waited a long time to read Divergent and Insurgent. I think I was suspicious of all the hype, but I totally get it now. Roth creates a really interesting world with characters that you're invested in, and that's a sign of a really good writer in my mind. I can't wait to read the third in the series, and to see what else Roth creates in the future. She's one to keep an eye on! 

{Non-Fiction}

3. Rebecca Skloot - I kept reading about The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks because it's been on all the bestseller lists, but I was really put-off by the summary. It's a science book, and I don't really like reading about science-related things. BUT HOLY COW. I got so caught up in this book - I read the entire thing in just a little over a day and that's a testament to how talented Rebecca Skloot is as an author. You'll get so caught up in the drama and emotion of it all, and you might learn a little more about science along the way. Skloot understands the science, but she also knows how to tell a good story.  

4. Laura Hillenbrand - Several people recommended Unbroken to me, and I wish I'd dropped everything and read it when they first mentioned it. Instead, I waited a while and finally grabbed it when I saw it at the library one day. I sat down to read a little, and I was hooked. Soon after, my mom, dad, grandma and uncle all read it. Because I told them it was that good... and they all agreed. You can really see how much research went into the book, and I can't wait to read Seabiscuit. I'll be checking out anything Ms. Hillenbrand writes.

{Fantasy}

5. Maggie Stiefvater - I've only read The Scorpio Races so far, but I can't wait to check out more from Maggie. I loved the atmosphere of the world she created - the setting was like another character in the book. It was such a rich tale that was unlike anything else I've ever read, and I love when I find an author who takes me to places and introduces me to characters I never would have imagined or met on my own.

6. Kristin Cashore - I thought Graveling sounded like the weirdest book, and I wasn't interested in reading it. Even a little bit. Then, I decided that I couldn't just dismiss something without giving it a try, so I checked the first book out from the library. And I couldn't put it down! I loved Katsa and Po, and I was legitimately sad when the book ended. I wanted their adventures to continue! I've since read Fire, but I haven't gotten around to Bitterblue just yet. Either way, I'm so happy I took a chance on Kristin Cashore. 

7. Laini Taylor - I actually owned Daughter of Smoke and Bone for a while before I ever got around to reading it. I waited for some of the hype to die down and the reviews to fade out of my mind so that I could approach it without bringing all that to my reading experience. But once I finally picked it, I was transported to the crazy world Laini's created. It was so unique and different, and I kept thinking about how it felt like I was discovering a new favorite author.

8. Robin LaFevers - So here's the thing, I had to suspend my disbelief a lot when I was reading Grave Mercy. But I didn't care at all - I was totally in love with the book! Assassin nuns are so unrealistic, but they are also so fun to read about! And who cares if something is remotely believable as long as it's enjoyable?! I can't wait to see read more from Robin, and I may even check out some of her middle grade books.

{Historical Fiction}

9. Elizabeth Wein - After everyone in the blog world started raving about Code Name Verity, I was really intrigued. I love good historical fiction, so I was excited to read something that people were so in love with. And I wasn't disappointed! I've already been thinking about re-reading it just so that I can fully appreciate all the thought that went into crafting this novel. Wein knows her stuff, and I really hope she writes some more historical fiction. I'm a fan!

10. Jody Hedlund - Jody Hedlund writes Christian historical fiction, and I knew I had to include her on the list. After reading her first book, I immediately found her two other books and read them in quick succession. I really loved all three! I had been in a little bit of a reading slump, and these totally helped get me out. The romance was sweet and swoony, and I loved the stories behind her books. I will definitely be reading more from her!