Top 9 Books I Read This Year

I read several good books this year. I have narrowed down my favorites to this list of nine. Most were published this year, but not all. So why nine? I had several that were close to making the cut, but did not quite reach the standard set by these nine. Also, nine covers fit just perfectly in the picture to the left.

I have blogged about all of them, so you can find more info about them if you want.

So here they are (in no particular order), my favorite books that I read in 2012:

Burning Blue by Paul Griffin
After the most beautiful girl in school is permanently disfigured by having acid thrown in her face, loner Jay decides to find out who is responsible. More than just a mystery with lots of suspects - this is about two drifting teens who find a connection.

Every Day by David Levithan
A jumps into a different person every single day. One day A spends the day as Rhiannon's boyfriend and falls in love with her. Now A must find a way to be with her at the risk of messing up other's lives. One of the most unique teen books I have ever read.

Butter by Erin Jade Lange
Butter is obese and only gains popularity after promising to eat himself to death live on the internet. Sensitive topics like bullying and obesity are handled with great care and depth. An unforgettable story.

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
Jazz hunts for the person committing murders just like his famous serial killer father did.  I love Barry Lyga's books, and this is one of his best.

Shine by Lauren Myracle
In a small Southern town, Cat's best guy friend is the victim of a hate crime, and she decides to find the perpetrators. This is one of those 'wow' kind of books where when you are finished all you can say is 'wow.'

Beautiful Music for Ugly Children by Kirstin Cronn-Mills
A teen girl who wants nothing more than to life life as a boy struggles to be accepted by her family and the community. His only refuge is in music and sharing it with the listeners to his late night radio program. An incredible story set to music - my favorite combination.

My Life in Black and White by Natasha Friend
A stunningly beautiful girl suffers permanent scarring to her face after a horrific car accident. Rumors fly, her popularity drops and the events leading up to the accident haunt her. Not a teen melodrama, but an exploration of loss and rediscovery.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
John Green gives us an exquisite story about two young people who find each other in a cancer support group. This book has won numerous awards and deservedly so. 

Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher
Logan falls for the interesting new girl in school who fears that her secret (she is really a boy) will be discovered. Enlightening and heartbreaking. This book is an eye opener for anyone unfamiliar with the struggles of transgender people.