Just in time for holiday reading and gift giving, NCSU Libraries has reprised its popular “The Best Book I Read This Year” blog with new entries from 2012. We asked faculty, students, alumni, Friends of the Library board members and staff to share their very-best, couldn’t-resist book picks and are delighted to share them with you. From a fascinating biography (Steve Jobs) to a fanciful children’s book (Martina the Beautiful Cockroach), this blog is sure to include something for every reader.

We’d also love to hear from you — if you’ve got a book that knocked your socks off in 2012, take a few moments and follow the link below to submit your own review.

Submit your own review!

Read 2011 reviews.

Read 2010 reviews.

Book: The Checklist Manifesto
Author: Atul Gawande
Reviewer: Venkitasubramanian Akshay, student, Industrial and Systems Engineering, NC State

A simple solution to a complicated world. This book is an exciting read for anyone who is looking for an excuse to discover the power of simple Post-its and how it has transformed the world around us. Beautifully written, this is by far the best book I have read this year

Book: Bright Shiny Morning
Author: James Frey
Reviewer: William L. Page, NC State alumni, class of 1983

The story takes place in Los Angeles and has four story lines.  A homeless person, a young couple from Ohio, an immigrant Mexican, and a mega famous movie star. They are all chasing something in LA and encounter some tremendous struggles.  The book also mixes some very cool facts and history about the city of Angels.  What I especially like is the ending, one happy, one tragic, and two kind of in-between.  Try it — it’s fast, it’s engaging, and unique!