A little late, but here is the list of books I read in 2012, in the various categories I've labeled. I've done a very brief review of my favorites from each category.
THEOLOGY
Table Talk by Martin Luther
Right In Their Own eyes by George Schwab
The Works of Thomas Brooks, Volume II by Thomas Brooks
The Bondage Of The Will by Martin Luther
Favorite: Table Talk by Martin Luther
I haven't enjoyed a book like I enjoyed this one in a long time. I usually mark pages for quotes and passages that I want to remember, or that i love etc. This one has little page markers all over it. Luther is hilarious, insightful, witty, and an amazing storyteller. What I wouldn't give to have been one of the students who sat at his table!
FICTION
The Two Towers by J.R. Tolkien
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
The Endless Knot by Stephen Lawhead
Chosen by Ted Dekker
Patrick by Stephen Lawhead
Killing Floor by Lee Child
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Favorite: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My favorite author is Stephen Lawhead, and most of the time, his book(s) would definitely be the favorite. However, this year, I was intrigued with the Hunger Games. It was an amazing page-turner, and although Collins isn't the best writer I've read, she can certainly tell a good story, and that's what the Hunger Games was. Unfortunately, the rest of the series wasn't as good in my opinion, and went nowhere. The Hunger Games thrived where the other two books, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay, lost steam as they progressed. It was actually a big disappointment by the time I finished the third book, but that takes nothing away from the brilliance of the Hunger Games.
HISTORICAL/POLITICAL/BIOGRAPHY
Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow
God's Battalions by Rodney Stark
American Conspiracies by Jesse Ventura
Walt Disney by Neal Gabler
Favorite: Walt Disney by Neal Gabler
This could have been tied with American Conspiracies, but "Walt Disney" edged out. It was a long book. A LONG book, but very interesting and I couldn't really put it down. Perhaps it stems from our love of Disneyland/World, but it was extremely insightful into who Disney really was. At the same time, it's a sad story of a man who has left so much conjured up happiness in the world. I highly recommend this biography to anyone in the least bit interested in Walt Disney. The sections on Snow White and Disneyland are especially notable.
CLASSIC
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
To Kill A Mockingbird by Lee Harper
Favorite: To Kill A Mockingbird by Lee Harper
Easiest choice of the year. I didn't get to read hardly any classics this past year which was disappointing. This is due to "Crime and Punishment". The book took FOREVER to trudge through and thus deprived me of time to read other classics. I know a lot of people like this book, but it just never took off for me. However, "To Kill A Mocking A Bird" was every bit the classic I've always heard it was. The character of Atticus Finch is one of the best in literature, of all time, hands down. His morality, courage, and the lessons you get along the way are phenomenal. My only regret is that I was never asked to read this in high school!
PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY/OTHER
Lit! by Tony Reinke
The Trellis And The Vine by Colin Marshall
The Intolerance of Tolerance by D.A. Carson
Manly Dominion by Mark Chanski
The Archer And The Arrow by Philip Jensen
Favorite: Manly Dominion by Mark Chanski
This was the hardest choice of the year. So many great books in this category. A very close second runner up is "Lit!". (Any book on reading books gets my nod!) However, "Manly Dominion" was very timely, goring through a year with little Aisley. It has such great insight and knowledge on what God requires of men as men, as husbands, and as fathers. Given to me by dear friends, I would very much like to see this book read and discussed by groups of men (and women!).