2012 reading roundup

Monday, January 07, 2013

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Let's just get things started by saying I can't believe I'm titling this post "reading roundup" as if it's some sort of ranch/rodeo situation for kindergarten kids. CIRCLE THE WAGONS!

Moving on. I kept track of all the books I read in 2012. I ended up reading 12 books, which is not that astounding, yet not too shabby, a book a month. Because I love nothing more than to read other people's book reviews, I'll share my thoughts on all the books I read this year.

Room by Emma Donoghue: Absolutely loved this one. I got it last Christmas and couldn't put it down - I think I finished it in two or three days. It is the kind of book where you have trouble getting to sleep because you can't stop thinking about the characters, worrying about them, and hoping they'll be OK. 

The Virgin Cure by Ami McKay: Another Christmas gift, another really good read. The author lives in Nova Scotia which just makes me like the book even more, as biased as that may be. 

Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay: Really liked this one despite the jumping back and forth between eras, which is usually something I haaate. 

11/22/63 by Stephen King: This was super long but good. I haven't been a huge fan of Stephen King's more recent books but this one was worth the read. Very suspenseful! 

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella: If you're a fan of the Shopaholic series, you'll like this one. It was a quick read, really light, good beach reading. 

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks: Another beachy read, more than a touch predictable but enjoyable nonetheless. 

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides: I REALLY wanted to like this book, especially coming off of a few fluffy reads, but I hated all the characters. There was not one likeable person in the entire novel. So even though I tried my best to like it, I was relieved when it was over. It's hard to enjoy a story when everyone in it is a massive tool. 

Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner: After struggling through The Marriage Plot I wanted another easy read that didn't stress me out. This was easy, but not great. Probably my least favourite Jennifer Weiner book. 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: Ehhhh...this one annoyed me. Somehow I missed the memo that it was comprised entirely of letters written back and forth. I found it a wee bit slow and the protagonist was overly spunky and irritating. 

A Wedding In December by Anita Shreve: Again, not a great read by an author I usually love. Just a little slow-moving and precious.

Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls: Loved this one. I read The Glass Castle in one day on vacation and this didn't take much longer to finish. Recommended!


The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling: So good! I have only read one of the Harry Potters so I wasn't too hung up on the fact that it wasn't Harry Potter, which I understand is a criticism some people have of this book. I really liked it.

There you have it: my year in books. Feel free to share what you're reading in the comments!


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8 comments

  1. Thanks! I got a chapters gift card for Christmas and I was wondering what books I should get! I read the Birth House by Ami McKay a few months ago and it was awesome. I would recommend it. I'll definitely read the Virgin Cure! I wish she had more books!

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  2. I could not get through "Then Came You" and I usually love Jennifer Weiner. If you haven't read them I recommend "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern and "Girl Gone" by Gillian Flynn.

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    1. I got The Night Circus for Christmas! I haven't read Gone Girl yet but it's on my list.

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  3. Yay! I've been searching for some new books to read so this is the perfect post! Reading more books was actually one of my goals for 2013, and so far I've been a little book worm. I'm impressed, 12 books and a baby? I think I read TWO books last year, TWO.
    Excited to hit up Chapters with your list!
    :)

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    1. Having the baby was probably the reason I was able to read so much. Mat leave + nap times = me reading instead of doing things I should have been doing :) I'm going to try to read 12 books again this year. We'll see!

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  4. Thanks for this post. As I acknowledged in my own recent blog post, I kept getting all these books at the library, with lofty goals in mind. I am only part way through one of my current bunch. :/

    I think 12 books in 12 months is a very attainable goal!

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    1. I can only sign out one library book at a time, otherwise I get stressed out. So much pressure :) I think a book a month is definitely doable!

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