Best Books of 2012

Top books I read in 2012 with descriptions in 10 words or less. In no particular order.

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
   A great book. Too bad she didn't stop at that one.
   
   
2. Gospel of Mark (Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture) by Mary Healey
   Very accessible while still being scholarly. (my review here)
   
   
3. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
   A children's story that isn't just for kids. I listened to Gaiman's excellent narration. (discussion/review at A Good Story is Hard to Find)
   
   
4. The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
   Made me wish both sides could win the Battle of Gettysburg. (review at Goodreads; discussion/review at A Good Story is Hard to Find)
   
   
5. Howard's End is on the Landing by Susan Hill
   A book about books, people, places, and life. (review at Goodreads)
   
   
6. The Hidden Princess by Stephanie Angelini
    Enchanting new "classic" fairy tale (My review here)
   
   
7. The Art of Faith:A Guide to Understanding Christian Images by Judith Couchman
   Just what the subhead says (my review here)
   
   
8. Heidi by Joanna Spryy
   An old classic still has the power to surprise. (my review here)
   
   
9. The Beckoning Fair One by Oliver Onions
   Subtle ghost story a la Turn of the Screw (review at Goodreads, audio reading/discussion at SFFaudio)
   
   
10. Bleak House by Charles Dickens
    Mystery, horror, romance, character examination, and riveting  (review here,  review/discussion at A Good Story is Hard to Find)
    
    
11. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
    In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit... reread. (review and related items here,  review/discussion at A Good Story is Hard to Find)
    
    
12. Introduction to Christianity by Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI)
    Dense but accessible in tons of places. (excerpts and review at Goodreads)