1. The Illumination by Kevin Brockmeier

The Illumination is an experience, a phenomenon, a worldwide shared moment when your pain, your hurt and your sadness radiates with miraculous light for all to see. Then there’s the journal. The written love story from a husband to his wife.changes the lives of six individuals as they pass it along and experience the glowing hurt and hope that shines from it’s pages. Kevin Brockmeier is a wonderful writer and this book is illuminating. Best of the year.

 2. What You See in the Dark by Manuel Munoz

First novel that is first-rate. Imagine the filming of the movie Psycho, complete with Mr. Hitchcock set against a grisly murder in the small town where the filming takes place– that’s What You See in the Dark. Behind the eye-catching cover is a well-written and unique story full of nuances and intrigue as a relationship goes horribly wrong. Very original and engaging.

 3. My New American Life by Francine Prose

Lula, a young Albanian immigrant works for Mister Stanley taking care of his high school son, Zeke. Her new American life slowly shifts from carefree and hopeful to uncertain and slightly dangerous. Prose is a language magician, Lula’s voice is hilarious, introspective and sometimes fumbling. My New American Life is a  perfect satire.

 4. The Architect of Flowers by William Lychack

William Lychack is the author of one of my favorite novels; The Wasp Eater and I’ve been eagerly awaiting for something new from him. Thankfully, The Architect of Flowers doesn’t disappoint, instead  it elevates his writing composition to another level. This collection of supremely well-written and contemplative short stories explores the pull and push nature of relationships and the dark and light that highlight and contort those connections.

 5. I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley

Christmas time brings a film crew to Buckshaw to  improve the continually worsening financial situation of the de Luces. During a blizzard, with half the town staying at the estate, a body is found strangled with a length of film. Flavia once again outwits everyone to solve this murder while also working in her laboratory, navigating new developments with her sisters and attempting to trap Santa. Delightful.

 6. Legend by Marie Lu

There’s the Republic and the colonies, there’s June and Day and there’s dead Republic soldier. Muscular and taught, Legend tells a gripping story from two alternating viewpoints in a dystopian and uncertain future. June’s brother is dead and Day is the prime suspect, although nothing is what it seems. Best YA book of the year, as good as (maybe better) than The Hunger Games.  

 7. Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne

Another classic from the author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Noah runs away from home through a magical forest and meets an unusual toy maker. The elderly toy maker crafts a story that poignantly lifts the shrouded curtain and slowly reveals Noah’s reasons for leaving home. Not thinking about things doesn’t make them go away, but facing the inevitable with grace and courage can help. Have a tissue (or two) ready. 

 8. The Great Night by Chris Adrian

A modern take on A Midsummer’s Night Dream complete with heartbroken humans and magical creatures. The story starts in Buena Vista park in San Francisco and Molly, Harry and Will can only acquiesce to the magic about to envelop them. Dark, dense and delightful. The Great Night is like a tantalizing slice of Valrhona chocolate torte, once you’re done, the smile of satisfaction will be evident to everyone who looks at you.

 9. Zone One by Colson Whitehead

Are you surprised at this? Probably. Was I? Yes, a little. Zone One is a literary take on the sub-par zombie genre. It’s smart, introspective and psychologically disturbing. A pandemic has created the living and the living dead and Mark Spitz is on a recovery team to clear out Manhattan’s remaining zombie population. Most of the story takes place in Mark’s head as he struggles to come to terms with the present reality and contemplates the future. Cerebral.

 10. Miss Peregrin’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Without giving away too much, let me sum up this book with one word: creepy. Creepy story, creepy pictures and creepy characters. The result: it’s magical and haunting. You should really read this, but not after dark. Looks like there is a forthcoming sequel as well.