Have you ever thought about why is it exactly you like reading? For me, it’s about connecting with the characters and the author, learning new things and finding another way to be entertained. If you’re curious to find out which were the most read books in 2012, you can read about it below.
1. Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith (History)
Once she occupied the throne at the age of 25, Elizabeth II became an admired and maligned queen. But after so many rumors how do we know the true life of one of the most famous monarchs?
In Elizabeth the Queen, we meet a child who has had to take over the throne from her uncle, who had just abdicated. We see the young Queen as she tries to balance the duties required by the status with the role of a mother of two children. Also, we find out about her relations with Prince Philip, her husband of 64 years old and the love of her life.
2. The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman (Fiction)
Tom Sherbourne is a young man who works as a guard at a lighthouse on a deserted island in western Australia. The only inhabitants of the island are Janus Rock and his wife, Isabel, who life a quiet life away from civilization.
One day, a boat arrives ashore with a dead man and a child crying. Since then, their lives have taken a strange twist. After many years they will discover the devastating consequences of their decision taken in that day and the true story of the child.
3. Quiet: The Power of introverts in a World That Cannot Stop Talking by Susan Cain (nonfiction)
Quiet shows how much we underestimate introverts. This extraordinary book has the power to permanently change our opinion about introverts and realize how they see themselves.
4. The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter (Science Fiction)
1916 Western Front: Percy Blakeney wakes up on a green field. He hears birds singing and the wind blowing. Where did all the mud and blood of the battlefield disappeared? Where did Percy disappear?
2015: Madison, Wisconsin: Monica Jansson is investigating the house of scientist that burned and she discovers a strange device: a box with a few wires, some buttons and a potato. It is the prototype of an invention that will change people’s perception of the world, forever.
5. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed (Autobiography)
At 22, Cheryl thought she lost everything. After her mother’s death, her marriage reached the brink of destruction. Four years later, she takes the impulsive decision that would change his life forever: go hiking to the Mojave Desert.
6. The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King and Jae Lee (Fiction)
Stephen King uses a marathon stories exploring unknown places of the Dark Tower universe and brings back the story of Roland, an outlaw who killed in cold blood. These stories will inspire fear, fantasy and good night stories will take over the nightmares of a little boy.
7. The Casual Vacancy, by J. K. Rowling (Fiction)
This is definitely not a book for children: suicide, rape, heroin addiction and domestic violence are found in all the pages. The volume contains dramatic moments and only occasionally a trace of humor. The novel ends so abruptly that the reader is left with an empty feeling in the. The story takes place in a town called Pagford and begins with the death of Barry Fairbrother, who was part of the local council. Since his seat became vacant, a war starts between his successors, even before elections.
8. Wicked Business by Janet Evanovich (Fiction-Horror)
When professor Gilbert Reedy, of Harvard University is killed in a mysterious way and thrown from his balcony, Lizzie and Diesel continues his search for the famous Luxuria stone. Following clues from a 19th century book of sonnets, Lizzie and Diesel get walk through the catacombs of Boston, government buildings and homes of millions of dollars.
9. Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James (Love)
When student Anastasia Steele meets for the first time entrepreneur Christian Grey, the spark of passion between them becomes an adventure that will change both lives. Shocked and intrigued by Christian’s erotic tastes, Ana asks him a deeper engagement. Determined not to lose her, he accepts. Now Ana and Christian have everything: love, passion, intimacy, and a world of possibilities for their future.
Just when they thought they could overcome any obstacle, fate turns to reality Ana’s worst nightmare.
10. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (Thriller)
Gone Girl talks about a marriage that took a strange turn. One summer, Nick and Amy are preparing to celebrate their 5th anniversary. The presents are wrapped and appointments made when Nick’s beautiful wife mysteriously disappears from their rented house. Husband of the year Nick seems to be innocent, but Amy’s diary reveals otherwise.