34 books. That’s all I’ve read in 2012. That isn’t even a sad two pages on my goodreads “shelf.” And I’ve reviewed so few of those 34 books–just slapped a quick rating on them. I’ve been too busy. I’m hoping for more free time in 2013.
So here’s a quick recap of my reading year. I’ll list my favorites, honorable mentions and the books that didn’t capture me.
Favorites:
- Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause. The book and movie are nothing alike! As is most often the case, the book is better. What I enjoyed most was the setting. I was a teen in the late 90s, and this book portrays grunge and the hippy revival I lived through.
- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. This book well deserves its place as a feminist classic. I’m glad I finally made time to read it.
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Just pick up a John Green novel. You won’t be sorry.
- Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier. I ♥ Marillier. She’s a queen of high fantasy. So happy that she’s started a new trilogy.
- Rodzina by Karen Cushman. I listened to this one in audiobook format and it made my commute to and from work fly by.
- Out of The Easy by Ruta Sepetys. Officially, this is book will be released in 2013, but I had the good fortune of coming across an ARC. Great characters and setting. I can’t wait for her next novel.
- Winter’s Bone by Daniel Woodrell. Just read this yesterday. It’s very dark, but wonderful and Ree is an unforgettable protagonist.
Honorable:
- Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner. I liked the post-apocalyptic setting. This isn’t your typical Faerie novel.
- The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson. A Louisiana teen in a snotty London school makes a great premise. There were parts of the story that strained my suspension of disbelief, but overall it was a good read.
- Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. This was almost a favorite for me. Looking back, I can’t quite remember why I didn’t give it 5 stars on goodreads. This is why I need to take the time to write reviews. It is a great story about the friendship between two girls, a pilot and a spy, during World War II.
- Cinder by Marissa Meyer. Such a quirky retelling of Cinderella. Cinder’s sidekick Iko is just too cute. Warning: cliffhanger ending.
Not So Favorites:
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. So many people loved this book that I feel like it must be a matter of personal preference why it was just OK for me. I liked the idea of the circus. I liked many of the descriptions. The narration just didn’t hold my interest and the romance wasn’t breathtaking in my opinion.
- The Little Russian by Susan Sherman. Honestly, I’ve forgotten much of this one. I do remember a certain death that I wish hadn’t happened. I don’t need happy-ever-afters, but certain deaths are so cruel.
- City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. This is another novel I expected to love and didn’t. Jace really annoyed me and he’s the main love interest.
- Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore. I couldn’t put down Graceling and Fire. Bitterblue just didn’t hold the same magic for me. I’m still glad I read it–I needed to finish the trilogy.
- Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr. I’ve finally finished this series! I really liked Wicked Lovely and I kept reading the rest of the series because of that, though the other books aren’t as good as the first. The happy ending is a bit over the top. There could have been a little more loss for the characters. But, I understand the temptation to be too kind to the characters you’ve created.
For Christmas my husband gave me a Kindle Fire. I feel like I’ve joined the dark side, but I love it. So far, I’ve read two books on it. Oddly, I feel like I read faster on my kindle. Is that possible?
I did manage to write more in 2012 than I did in 2011. I picked up an old manuscript and worked on it steadily in November. I must have fed off of some of that NaNoWriMo energy out there. This manuscript has a long way to go, but I’m resolving to finish it in 2013.
I hope 2013 is filled with wonderful new releases.
Happy reading in 2013!
Gossamer and Lichen 