Linda's Top 5 Reads of 2012

Whatever you celebrate as the calendar year comes to a close, I hope you have loved ones near, a full belly, laughter, and hugs. May you keep that warmth and love with you in the new year.

LINDA'S FAVORITE READS OF 2012

These are not all titles released this year.

They are not all fiction, either.

But they are the books that come to mind

as I try to write this post.

They are sticking out for some reason,

be it entertaining purposes or research purposes.

Without further adieu:

 

#5

 

A HISTORY of SECRET SOCIETIES  by Arkon Daraul

An interesting place for inspiration of the odd. If you want to learn a bit about some of the unusual things people have believed, and what they have done in veneration of such beliefs, this will inform you about some lesser known cults--such as the Castrators of Russian--and maybe clarify some things about the better known ones--such as Templars. Nice illustrations of cyphers and such, too.



#4

 

WOMEN WHO RULED by GUIDA M. JACKSON

A concise little encyclopedia. Enough details to springboard ideas and inspiration from. Nice chronology section, appendix, and bibliography.

 

#3

 

THE PALACE JOB  by PATRICK WEEKES

Because of my sister Word-Whore Allison Pang, I had the pleasure of meeting Patrick Weekes at WFC in Toronto and hearing him read from this novel. Very fun. Nice guy. If you agree with me that a motley crew of fantasy misfits pulling off a palace heist is a premise with humorous potential, you must read this book.

 #2

 

BLOOD AND BULLETS by JAMES R. TUCK

Former Word-Whore Tuck has the opening to an action packed series here. With a hero you can trust and respect, a cause you can connect with, and an in your face style...you won't want to miss this. 

 

(DRUMROLL PLEASE...)

 

#1

 

THE ART OF CHOOSING by Sheena Iyengar

I often go to the library and leave with an armful of research books from which I fully intend to read only this or that chapter. I've been working on a new novel with a heroine who must make some pretty hefty choices, so just by the title, I thought this would have a chapter or two worth checking out. This book reeled me in and I devoured the whole thing. Engaging, interesting, part self-help and part story, and part springboard for your mind (for your self and your characters), this is my #1 recommendation.