I started out this year by vowing to read 35 classics before turning 35. Since I turned 33 just a few days ago, I suppose I owe you an update.
But I don’t wanna tell you.
Okay, fine. Here it is. I’ve read stacks of mysteries and dozens of YA books, many about aliens, witches and other glittery teenagers. [I know.] And I only managed to read a few classics.
And I might be using the term “few” loosely. I read Catcher in the Rye and The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I know. Nerd City. But it’s kind of a classic, right? Oh, also, I read about half of Pride & Prejudice and watched the whole movie. [FYI, I loved the movie, but not so much the book.]
I’m still hoping to read some more classics, but to all of you who suggested the Count of Monte Cristo? Yeah. I looked at that one in the library. It is crazy long, and probably not on my 2012 list!
Some of my favorites from the 2011 list include:
- Good Enough Is the New Perfect: Finding Happiness and Success in Modern Motherhood
- The aforementioned The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
- Lisa Tawn Bergen’s River of Time series
- The Hunger Games trilogy
- Quitter by Jon Acuff
- Bossypants by Tina Fey
- This Book is Overdue! by Marilyn Johnson
- The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
- Paper Towns by John Green
- The latest books by my favorite authors: David Baldacci, Brad Meltzer, Iris Johansen, Catherine Coulter and Janet Evanovich
- And, yes, reading the first (or more) in several paranormal or dystopian YA series: Graceling, Across the Universe, Delirium, Hex Hall and Firelight
My list for 2012 includes the next book by all my favorites, as well as Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling.
What did you read in 2011? What did you love – or not love? And what’s on your list for 2012?
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No shame in liking YA! Some of my favorites were Divergent, Shatter Me, and Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Good luck on your 2012 list!
Oooh, thanks for the recommendations! Just added those three to my to-read list!
Wow, I think that’s quite an impressive amount of reading!! Good job :)
I plan to post a favorite books of 2011 soon. The top of my list would be Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman and Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper.
Enjoy your reading in 2012!
Can’t wait to hear more about your favorite reads from this past year!
I keep hearing about “The Hunger Games” so that’s on my list to read this coming year. I think one of the best books I read this year was “The Art of Racing in the Rain.” It surprised me. At least I think I read that this year. I really should write these things down. Hmmm…bet I could use Evernote to keep track.
Thinking of doing Life As Mom’s Booking It online book club…. I used to love book club. Haven’t found a good one in the new hood yet.
The Hunger Games really IS good – and you’d better start reading before the movie comes out! ;) I’ve never heard of The Art of Racing in the Rain – I’m off to look it up now!
I would love a mom’s online book club … I would definitely be interested :) There aren’t any in my area and finding ones online is kind of a daunting task.
I don’t have to go in to all that I read this past year but I’m fairly certain you’ve read most of my monthly recaps. :) I should read more classics but I think it’s OK to read “regular” books too. Pride and Prejudice is not an easy read- try Persuasion. That’s my favorite Austen and the most readable of hers. Great Gatsby, A Farewell to Arms, Jane Eyre, Little Women, Ethan Frome, Ordinary People- all readable classics in my mind. I will totally hook you up with good suggestions so you can meet your goal!
Okay, you convinced me – I just requested Persuasion from the library!
I love YA also, maybe it’s our adult guilty pleasures :) I stumbled upon a great author, Jennifer Donnelly in 2011 and have almost all of her books. She writes historical fiction with a modern twist … I loved (and have re-read 2x’s) Revolution and her “Rose” Series. As for Austen reads, I agree Persuasion is the easiest to read … maybe you should try reading some of the fun Jane Austen adaptations (they’re based on the originals with a twist to the story line).
I don’t think I’ve read Jennifer Donnelly before. I’m going to look her up right now and maybe add her to my to-read list!
I am currently reading the 5th book in the Game of Thrones series. I love the series. So far the first book is still my favorite, but the story is definitely worth reading all the way through. It will be hard to wait for the next book to be published.
I have The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest waiting to be downloaded to my new Kindle. I will also read the Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan, and probably the next book in that series as well as his other new series. I will read the most recent book by James Rollins too (The Sigma Force series; I think you would really like it). And the last book in Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein series. Oh, and Artemis Fowl.
Nicole, I have been wondering about the Game of Thrones books. I don’t know anything about them, but I enjoy fantasy and wondered if I’d like that series. I actually haven’t read any Rick Riordan, but he’s on my list – and now, so is that James Rollins series. I’ve never heard of him but you’re right – it looks like something I’ll like a lot! Thank you for the recommendations!