So when Joyfully Jay asked me to list my favs for 2012, I jumped all over it! I was thrilled to put to paper once again how many fantastic novels I reviewed this year. However, given the number of choices, I knew I had to think critically and carefully about my top picks. I needed a weekend to review–meditate on my choices. But how to break free from all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and find that quiet oasis I needed so desperately? Where could I possibly go? To the gay mecca (Pittsburgh) of course and into the loving arms of my gay best friend!
My BGFE (“Best Gay Friend Ever!”) Rick was ecstatic when I told him my plan. I would travel to Pittsburgh and spend some quality time with him and that honey he was practically married to—BGFBWFA (“Best Gay Friend’s Boyfriend with Fine Ass”) Freddy AND spend time contemplating THE LIST!
YES! I was received with open arms—it went kind of like this:
Me: Can you believe it–little old me?? Picking the favs for Joyfully Jay? This is the most amazing honor I have…
Rick: Yeah—uhm didn’t she ask all her reviewers to make a list?
Me: oh please—she had to ask them—pffft! It’s my list she really wants. Anyway kick out whatever freeloading gay twink you guys are housing these days and for god’s sakes change the sheets on the futon this time please—I’ll be there in a few hours.
Rick: What? If you think I am putting your freeloading ass up at my house this weekend you have got another thing coming. No way—no how!
I laughed till I cried—what a joker he was and of course he was secretly thrilled I was coming—as is evidenced by the reception I received just a few short hours later. That went kind of like this:
Me: I can hear you breathing in there. You may as well unlock the door I am not going away!
Rick: Rick and Freddy have moved—we have no idea who you are and we are calling the police.
Such admiration and love—even now the memory of my kneeling and begging at their locked door makes me misty eyed.
But I digress…. let us get to the heart of the matter, shall we? My top picks for 2012!
After laboring for hours over the list, I finally came up with the winners. Rick was an incredible help—holding my hand and sighing beautifully over each and ever choice. It went kind of like this:
Me: So, Irregulars or A Hole in God’s Pocket?? Oh god—which one—maybe both?? What do you think??
Rick: For god’s sakes Sam for the last time—I am trying to watch television—I could care less what you choose!
Me: Both—of course—my thoughts exactly!
Well, thanks to my gay best friend—I managed to come up with a list. So, without further ado—here are my picks (in no particular order) for 2012.
- A Hole in God’s Pocket by K.Z. Snow
- Listening to Dust by Brandon Shire
- Unexpected Demands by Kaje Harper
- Irregulars Anthology by Nicole Kimberling, Josh Lanyon, Astrid Amara, Ginn Hale
- Holding On by Em Woods
And my Young Adult Picks:
- Distant Rumblings by John Goode
- Eye of the Storm by John Goode
- Kamikaze Boys by Jay Bell
- Outtakes of a Walking Mistake by Anthony Paull
And there you have it dear reader, my top choices for the last year. Each and every one—a delightful read! And, yes, Rick and Freddy agree!
