Best books of 2012
(Fulcrum Publishing / FULCRUM PUBLISHING)
PHOTOS | As the end of the year approaches, we’ve chosen our favorite fiction, nonfiction and graphic novels from 2012.
Recent Reviews
Oprah’s latest pick is ‘The Twelve Tribes of Hattie,’ by Ayana Mathis
A moving debut novel about a struggling mother and her family in Philadelphia.
Hot romance reads for cold weather
New novels from Theresa Romain, Julie Anne Long, Sarah Morgan, Thea Harrison and Lauren Dane.
Between reality and a nightmare
Stories in Elizabeth Hand’s new collection, “Errantry,” inspire wonder or horror — or both.
David Baldacci’s latest thriller
In “The Forgotten,” the eerily Jack Reacher-like John Puller battles the international slave trade.
Exploring ‘Heaven’ and history
REVIEW | End of trilogy about black community reminds us that lives are shaped by time together.
American Science Fiction: Nine Classic Novels of the 1950s
REVIEW | The Library of America publishes a handsome two-volume set of nine novels.
Drawn into a circle of poetry giants
REVIEW | In ‘With Robert Lowell and His Circle,’ Kathleen Spivack recalls time among poetry’s greats.
The fan is mightier than the sword in ‘The Stockholm Octavo’
In Karen Engelmann’s 18th-century costume drama, a compelling story slowly unfolds.
After “Madame Butterfly”
David Rain’s first novel, “The Heat of the Sun,” chronicles the life of Cio-Cio-San’s son.
‘Sleep Like a Tiger’
A magical picture book about going to bed — or not, by Mary Logue and Pamela Zagarenski.
‘Starry River of the Sky’
Grace Lin returns to the old, fantastical China of her Newbery Honor book.
Nineteen different-tasting stories
You may not like all the tales in “She Loves Me Not,” but but at least author Ron Hansen offers variety.
Back to France with Peter Mayle
Enterprising bon vivant Sam Levitt is back for another delicious detective romp in “The Marseille Caper.”
‘A Question of Identity,’ by Susan Hill
The controversial, award-winning writer’s latest toys with what is most sacred to us.
Sunday reviews
A chief justice’s crusade
Book review: “The Partisan: The Life of William Rehnquist” by John A. Jenkins
Lifelong activist and intellectual
In “Howard Zinn,” Martin Duberman traces the life and work of the civil rights activist and radical historian.
A Marine’s heroic story
In ‘Into the Fire,’ Dakota Meyer recounts his actions in battle that earned him high distinction.
The admiral who made the modern Navy
In ‘Zumwalt,’ Larry Berman explores Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, who guided the Navy during the final days of Vietnam.
The best books of the year
Washington Post book critic Jonathan Yardley gives his best reads of the year.
The author who couldn’t say no
“Thornton Wilder: A Life” explores why the Pulitzer-winning novelist and playwright sought solitude out West.
The mother behind the author
REVIEW | “Marmee and Louisa” explores how Louisa May Alcott’s mother influenced her work.
Wine’s journey through history
“Divine Vintage” and “Inventing Wine” tell the vintage story from biblical days to the latest fads.
China and its foreign friends
In “Restless Empire,” Odd Arne Westad offers a provocative view of foreign influence in China.
Football at its most outrageous
In “The Dallas Cowboys,” Joe Nick Patoski chronicles America’s most hated and most loved football team.
The John Lennon letters
Hunter Davies has compiled and annotated the musician’s notes, screeds, asides and howls
Treason at the CIA
Sandra Grimes and Jeanne Vertefeuille recall Aldrich Ames, the CIA mole who spied for the KGB
A Small Town Near Auschwitz
Mary Fulbrook examines the people who ignored the death camps in their neighborhoods
Washington Post Bestsellers Nov. 18
The books Washington has been reading.
Ron Charles
Oprah’s latest pick is ‘The Twelve Tribes of Hattie,’ by Ayana Mathis
A moving debut novel about a struggling mother and her family in Philadelphia.
Ron Charles
The fan is mightier than the sword in ‘The Stockholm Octavo’
In Karen Engelmann’s 18th-century costume drama, a compelling story slowly unfolds.
Ron Charles
Larger, sexier and richer than life
REVIEW | In Bill Roorbach’s new novel, a young man gets drawn into the deadly lives of celebrities.
Michael Dirda
Drawn into a circle of poetry giants
REVIEW | In ‘With Robert Lowell and His Circle,’ Kathleen Spivack recalls time among poetry’s greats.
Michael Dirda
Spanish lessons for modern America
In “History in the Making,” Sir John Elliot looks back on his career as a Hispanist.
Michael Dirda
Shakespeare’s Common Prayers
The Book of Common Prayer and the Elizabethan Age, by Daniel Swift. Reviewed by Michael Dirda.
Jonathan Yardley
The best books of the year
Washington Post book critic Jonathan Yardley gives his best reads of the year.
Jonathan Yardley
“A Wicked War”
Amy S. Greenberg examines how the Mexican War altered the livesof Henry Clay, James K. Polk and Abraham Lincoln
Literary Calendar
Going Out Guide: Upcoming events
Get the latest on readings, signings and author appearances in the D.C. area.
Best books of 2011
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