2012 Goodreads Choice Awards

December 27, 2012

Goodreads describes itself as a web site for book lovers. This is a very accurate description. Members can use Goodreads as an interactive source for new books, favorite authors, reading lists, book reviews, and more. Almost anything is possible, from joining a discussion group to starting an online book club. Joining in is as easy as entering your name, email, and a password. 

I’ve been using the site for a few years, but I just noticed this year that they have an annual readers choice awards in 20 different categories. I didn’t vote this year, but definitely think I’ll join in next year.

A highlight of some of the winners includes The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling as Best Fiction. Rowling’s first adult novel has had mixed reviews, but it’s been on the best seller's list since its release this fall. The people have spoken. Best Mystery is Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. This has also been on the best seller's list since its release this summer. Gone Girl is definitely on my reading list, and I just found out recently that the story is set in Carthage, MO. Best Romance is Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James, which is the third in the Fifty Shades trilogy. I was a little surprised that the winner wasn’t the first book in the series, Fifty Shades of Grey. I have heard that the last book was the best, and I guess the Goodreads readers agree. Best Young Adult Fiction is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I work with the community book clubs at the North Oak Branch, and this is showing up on many reading lists for next year. The only book I’ve actually already read is the Best Memoir by Cheryl Strayed called Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. I would have definitely voted for this book and have recommended it to several of my book clubs. Memoirs are not always something I enjoy reading, but this book was really a great read and Oprah’s first 2.0 book club pick.

Be sure and check out all the winners at the Goodreads site, and join me in voting for your favorite books next year.

Linda O.
North Oak Branch