Books I read in 2012

It's that time! Time to let my blog readers know what my favorite reads of the past year were. I read over 50 books in 2012. There a several that I will definitely re-read, the kind of books I want to keep copies of, good books that I can share and recommend to friends. Here are my favorite reads of 2012 (in no particular order):

Finding Your Child's Way on the Autism Spectrum

Laura Hendrickson

This book was written by a mother of an autistic child (she has real experience!). This woman is also a clinical psychologist (so she has medical knowledge) and she is also a NANC counselor (biblical knowledge). The fact that this woman has TRIPLE knowledge of autism (experience, Bible, and medical) really appealed to me. It is a very well written book that offers encouragement and advice to moms like me without sounding arrogant or like the author has it all together. She is honest about all the ways she struggled as her son was growing up. There is hope! I'd highly recommend this book for ALL parents and grandparents of children with autism who want to give their child the best education and life experiences while preparing them for the kingdom of God.

By the Light of a Thousand Stars 

Jamie Langston Turner

I know, I know. I've mentioned this author before. But I love her. Heart-wrenching books. Make me cry every time. We read this for book club and had a wonderful discussion. The main theme of this book is ACTION even when you don't FEEL. Living in a loving manner when you don't feel love is difficult! All of Turner's characters are REAL people, flawed and imperfect. Just like me. God's grace is sufficient! Good stuff in her books.

Heaven is for Real

Todd Burpo

Ok, so I didn't LOVE this book. I didn't even agree with it. However, it made me think. It made me think a lot. I thought about the power of prayer. I thought about heaven. I read everything mentioned in the Bible about heaven after I finished this book. I drove my husband crazy on a long trip from New York with comments and questions as I was reading this book. Any book that makes me think a lot and drives me to God's Word for answers is a book I can be ok with reading, even if I think it's unreal or untrue. So, this book deserves a mention in this post.

And the Shofar Blew

Francine Rivers

Wow. This was such a good book, very thought provoking. Our book club had an amazing discussion after reading this. This book focusing on the temptations within the church that church leadership deal with. The temptation to be bigger, more powerful, with more programs, and have more money are all things that churches everywhere deal with. This book really brings to light the need for checks and balances and humble people within the church leadership. Very good and I highly recommend!

Midnight is a Place

Joan Aiken

I do read children's books throughout the year. I've loved Joan Aiken since I first read The Wolves of Willoughby Chase in elementary school. That whole series is so good and I highly recommend it as a read-aloud series for your family. This book is a great rags-to-riches story in the tradition of Charles Dickens. Loved it! After reading it, I was immediately driven to research factories and sewer "diving" in England's history. I love English history. 

Competent to Counsel

Jay Adams

I was required to read this for my NANC certification. I've read it through twice now. It's very good, and easy to read. This book is so informative and clearly explains what is wrong with today's secular counseling and psychology methods. It also encourages the reader to go to the Bible for God's answers to all of life's problems. A good introduction to counseling.

Shadowfell

Juliet Marillier

Juliet Marillier has long been one of my favorite fantasy authors. I think I've mentioned Wildwood Dancing and Cybele's Song on this blog before. This book is just as good and perhaps more thought provoking than her other young adult books. 

Those were my favorite reads of 2012. I've already started on my book list for 2013, have you?

What did you read that you LOVED or HATED in 2012?