Wow - It's already near the end of 2012! I've had my blog up & running since September 2012 but I've been reading for... well... Years... No need to remind everyone how old I am because I'm feeling pretty old right now HA
This will be my first every end of the year book survey!! I'm excited to get started & reflect upon this year!
Best In Books 2012
1. Best Book
You Read In 2012?
Wow... this year has probably been one of the best years for my bookshelf. Honestly, there's no way I can only choose one. I've read several great books this year. Here's a few of them - yes this is just a "few" because I've read over 100 books this year LOL:
Wow... this year has probably been one of the best years for my bookshelf. Honestly, there's no way I can only choose one. I've read several great books this year. Here's a few of them - yes this is just a "few" because I've read over 100 books this year LOL:
2. Book You
Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?
Well... It's not that I really hated these books but I just didn't love them as much as I thought I would. I was really excited to read them but really ended up having to push myself through them because the lead female role was probably the most annoying character I met all year... >_<
Well... It's not that I really hated these books but I just didn't love them as much as I thought I would. I was really excited to read them but really ended up having to push myself through them because the lead female role was probably the most annoying character I met all year... >_<
3. Most
surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012?
The subject matter for the Dark Duet is intense & a horrible problem in the world. I really thought I wouldn't be able to read these novels because I thought "there's no way that someone can turn such a horrible issue into something worth reading." Man was I wrong. I couldn't put these books down. These are books you either love or you hate. I haven't really seen many reviewers on the fence about them. I Loved them. I was a complete emotional mess but loved them!
The subject matter for the Dark Duet is intense & a horrible problem in the world. I really thought I wouldn't be able to read these novels because I thought "there's no way that someone can turn such a horrible issue into something worth reading." Man was I wrong. I couldn't put these books down. These are books you either love or you hate. I haven't really seen many reviewers on the fence about them. I Loved them. I was a complete emotional mess but loved them!
4. Book you
recommended to people most in 2012?
Honestly, I have recommended a lot of books to people but none as much as Taking Chances. I mean - Blown Away! I read this book several months ago & I'm STILL talking about it!
Honestly, I have recommended a lot of books to people but none as much as Taking Chances. I mean - Blown Away! I read this book several months ago & I'm STILL talking about it!
5. Best
series you discovered in 2012?
This year has been the Year of the series for me!! As far as a new series I discovered in 2012 (not published in 2012 but that I discovered this year), I'd have to say that these were my top faves:
This year has been the Year of the series for me!! As far as a new series I discovered in 2012 (not published in 2012 but that I discovered this year), I'd have to say that these were my top faves:
6. Favorite
new authors you discovered in 2012?
Well this is going to be a repeat really as far as new books that I've read & enjoyed this year... Amy Bartol, Jamie McGuire, Shelly Crane, Priya Ardis, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Teresa Mummert, Abbi Glines, Colleen Hoover, Tammara Webber, Molly McAdams, J.A. Redmerski, Debbie Dee, Kathy Petrakis, R.L. Mathewson.... I could honestly go on & on... when you read over 100 books, you end up with lots of faves, LOL I've met & worked with several great authors that I haven't had a chance to read yet! I have their novels on my TBR list & I can't wait to get to them: Deborah Palumbo, E. Van Lowe.... I've loved working with them & can't wait to read their novels!!
Well this is going to be a repeat really as far as new books that I've read & enjoyed this year... Amy Bartol, Jamie McGuire, Shelly Crane, Priya Ardis, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Teresa Mummert, Abbi Glines, Colleen Hoover, Tammara Webber, Molly McAdams, J.A. Redmerski, Debbie Dee, Kathy Petrakis, R.L. Mathewson.... I could honestly go on & on... when you read over 100 books, you end up with lots of faves, LOL I've met & worked with several great authors that I haven't had a chance to read yet! I have their novels on my TBR list & I can't wait to get to them: Deborah Palumbo, E. Van Lowe.... I've loved working with them & can't wait to read their novels!!
7. Best book
that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?
I really tend to stick to my usual genre and don't stray too far but one that was way out of my comfort zone & usual genre that I really enjoyed was Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this touching story.
8. Most
thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?
See question 1 - ha. I really can't pick just one - it's nearly impossible.
See question 1 - ha. I really can't pick just one - it's nearly impossible.
9. Book You
Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:
Again - see question 1 - I would so read each and every one of those again.
Again - see question 1 - I would so read each and every one of those again.
10. Favorite
cover of a book you read in 2012?
I'm such a sucker for a good cover. There's a few that really grabbed me this year & each time I see them even now, I sigh and think "man that's a gorgeous cover!"
I'm such a sucker for a good cover. There's a few that really grabbed me this year & each time I see them even now, I sigh and think "man that's a gorgeous cover!"
11. Most
memorable character in 2012?
I think of Chase from Taking Chances by Molly McAdams & Christian Grey from Fifty Shades of Grey automatically *sigh*
I think of Chase from Taking Chances by Molly McAdams & Christian Grey from Fifty Shades of Grey automatically *sigh*
12. Most
beautifully written book read in 2012?
Ooh this is a good question.... Hmmm..... let me think....
I guess I would have to say The Last Witch by Debbie Dee... Honestly, her book was such a flowing read. Her writing was beautiful but not extravagant, detailed but not over-descriptive, and emotional but not annoyingly so.
Ooh this is a good question.... Hmmm..... let me think....
I guess I would have to say The Last Witch by Debbie Dee... Honestly, her book was such a flowing read. Her writing was beautiful but not extravagant, detailed but not over-descriptive, and emotional but not annoyingly so.
13. Book that
had the greatest impact on you in 2012?
Oh man, you'll get tired of hearing this but Definitely Taking Chances by Molly McAdams. I have never cried that hard & seriously grieved a character as much as I did during this book.
Oh man, you'll get tired of hearing this but Definitely Taking Chances by Molly McAdams. I have never cried that hard & seriously grieved a character as much as I did during this book.
14. Book you
can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read?
I honestly cannot believe that I had never read the Significance Series by Shelly Crane until this year!!! Book 1 was published in 2011 and I didn't even find it until this year!!! Now it's on its way to being a movie!! What what!
I honestly cannot believe that I had never read the Significance Series by Shelly Crane until this year!!! Book 1 was published in 2011 and I didn't even find it until this year!!! Now it's on its way to being a movie!! What what!
15. Favorite
Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012?
Ha... I have so many quotes that I love! Thank you Goodreads for giving me a place to start tracking them! I want to re-read several books I read years ago just so I can find all the passages/quotes that I loved! This year, so many book passages made me giggle out loud, cry, tear up, smile, get mad...
Let's see... a favorite... There's no way I can pick a favorite but here's one that I absolutely love...
This is a Slam Poem from Colleen Hoover's Slammed novel.
“My name is Olivia King
I am five years old.
My mother bought me a balloon. I remember the day she walked through the front door with it. The curly hot pink ribbon trickling down her arm, wrapped around her wrist. She was smiling at me as she untied the ribbon and wrapped it around my hand.
“Here Livie, I bought this for you.”
She called me Livie.
I was so happy. I’d never had a balloon before. I mean, I always saw balloons wrapped around other kids wrists in the
parking lot of Wal-Mart, but I never dreamed I would have my
very own.
My very own pink balloon.”
Ha... I have so many quotes that I love! Thank you Goodreads for giving me a place to start tracking them! I want to re-read several books I read years ago just so I can find all the passages/quotes that I loved! This year, so many book passages made me giggle out loud, cry, tear up, smile, get mad...
Let's see... a favorite... There's no way I can pick a favorite but here's one that I absolutely love...
This is a Slam Poem from Colleen Hoover's Slammed novel.
“My name is Olivia King
I am five years old.
My mother bought me a balloon. I remember the day she walked through the front door with it. The curly hot pink ribbon trickling down her arm, wrapped around her wrist. She was smiling at me as she untied the ribbon and wrapped it around my hand.
“Here Livie, I bought this for you.”
She called me Livie.
I was so happy. I’d never had a balloon before. I mean, I always saw balloons wrapped around other kids wrists in the
parking lot of Wal-Mart, but I never dreamed I would have my
very own.
My very own pink balloon.”
16.Shortest
& Longest Book You Read In 2012?
Hmm well, I don't really track pages but if I had to guess, the shortest book I read was probably one of the Dark Kings series books by Donna Grant. They're all super short - like 70-90 pages. The longest book was probably one of the Mortal Instruments Series novels by Cassandra Clare. I haven't looked at the # of pages but they seems like huge novels.
Hmm well, I don't really track pages but if I had to guess, the shortest book I read was probably one of the Dark Kings series books by Donna Grant. They're all super short - like 70-90 pages. The longest book was probably one of the Mortal Instruments Series novels by Cassandra Clare. I haven't looked at the # of pages but they seems like huge novels.
17. Book That
Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It?
(a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of
spoilers!
HA - I cannot honestly tell you how many times I text a co-worker who is as book obsessed as I am and said "HOLY HELL JESSICA - YOU HAVE TO READ __________. I'M DYING OVER HERE!! READ IT NOW!!!"
Some of those books included:
Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts
Taking Chances by Molly McAdams
The Colters' Legacy by Maya Banks
The Edge of Never by JA Redmerski
A Table for Three by Lainey Reese
HA - I cannot honestly tell you how many times I text a co-worker who is as book obsessed as I am and said "HOLY HELL JESSICA - YOU HAVE TO READ __________. I'M DYING OVER HERE!! READ IT NOW!!!"
Some of those books included:
Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts
Taking Chances by Molly McAdams
The Colters' Legacy by Maya Banks
The Edge of Never by JA Redmerski
A Table for Three by Lainey Reese
18. Favorite
Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).
Hmm....
I loved the relationship that was built between Emmeline & Erick in Debbie Dee's The Last Witch.
I loved the relationship of Zoe & Trevor in R.L. Mathewson's Neighbor From Hell #2 - Perfection.
Oooh & Jax Stone + Sadie in Abbi Glines' Sea Breeze #1 - Breathe!!
Okay - really, I could go on and on and on....
Hmm....
I loved the relationship that was built between Emmeline & Erick in Debbie Dee's The Last Witch.
I loved the relationship of Zoe & Trevor in R.L. Mathewson's Neighbor From Hell #2 - Perfection.
Oooh & Jax Stone + Sadie in Abbi Glines' Sea Breeze #1 - Breathe!!
Okay - really, I could go on and on and on....
19. Favorite
Book You Read in 2012 From An Author You Read Previously
Oooh Kresley Cole - Lothaire - Definitely didn't disappoint. The Immortals after Dark Series is one of my ALL TIME FAVE Series!!
Oooh Kresley Cole - Lothaire - Definitely didn't disappoint. The Immortals after Dark Series is one of my ALL TIME FAVE Series!!
20. Best Book
You Read That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:
My fabulous friend Jessica & I swap recommendations back and forth! My fave this year was probably the Colters' Legacy Series by Maya Banks. It wasn't something I would've picked up myself and when I started it, I thought it would be an uncomfortable read but it was HOTT on so many levels. The dedication of the men in the family in this series is just unbelievable. I mean, seriously, I'd take ONE of those men <-- Don't tell my husband, LOL :)
My fabulous friend Jessica & I swap recommendations back and forth! My fave this year was probably the Colters' Legacy Series by Maya Banks. It wasn't something I would've picked up myself and when I started it, I thought it would be an uncomfortable read but it was HOTT on so many levels. The dedication of the men in the family in this series is just unbelievable. I mean, seriously, I'd take ONE of those men <-- Don't tell my husband, LOL :)
Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2012
1. New
favorite book blog you discovered in 2012?
This is a really tough question... I've found so many amazing blogs out there this year! My favorite I guess would be The Story Siren because I've gotten so many helpful tips from her site. It's great!! If you haven't checked her out, do it now!
This is a really tough question... I've found so many amazing blogs out there this year! My favorite I guess would be The Story Siren because I've gotten so many helpful tips from her site. It's great!! If you haven't checked her out, do it now!
2. Favorite
review that you wrote in 2012?
Definitely The Last Witch by Debbie Dee
Go here to read it!
Definitely The Last Witch by Debbie Dee
Go here to read it!
3. Best
discussion you had on your blog?
Hmm I've met & talked to some great people this year but my favorite Interview has been Kathy Petrakis, author of Passion & Pain. Go here to read it. She is AMAZING. I really enjoyed speaking with her & her novel is fabulous - definitely go pick up Passion & Pain today if you haven't yet.
4. Most
thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog?
I really enjoyed the discussion for Justin's Book Blog's post - The Pressures of Book Blogging.
5. Best event
that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes,
etc.)?
My favorite Meme is In My Mailbox & Stacking the Shelves! I LOVE seeing what everyone gets - I've found so many new reads through IMM/STS posts!
6. Best
moment of book blogging in 2012?
7. Most
Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
My most popular post by far has been my I <3 My Followers Giveaway - a huge 979 views alone for this bad boy. Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite by Lianne Simon - Review & Giveaway came in a close second!
8. Post You
Wished Got A Little More Love?
This post is not book related but I really wish it would've gotten more love from people - simply because of the message I wanted to portray. Please go here to read my "Christmas - Be Thankful For What You Have" Post
9. Best
bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
Oooh Goodreads is by far the best discovery of the year!!! I use Goodreads every day. If it wasn't for Goodreads, there's no way in this world I'd be able to keep up with all of the books that I want to read.
10. Did you
complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the
beginning of this year?
You know, I really didn't set any particular goals for myself except to start a somewhat successful blog about life & books.
Looking Ahead…
1. One Book
You Didn’t Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?
Oh man, my list is like forever long... LOL... there's no WAY I can even begin to list the books I wanted to read this year and haven't gotten to. Go here for my TBR list!
2. Book You
Are Most Anticipating For 2013?
Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire AND Stealing Harper by Molly McAdams (I HOPE it comes out in 2013)
3. One Thing
You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2013?
I really hope to continue to meet & help expose great, new, indie authors!
I really hope to continue to meet & help expose great, new, indie authors!
great post! I agree with you in a lot of items! And yes, since I discovered Goodreads I haven't stop reading either! It's the only way to keep track of the books I want! (btw, we have a million books in common!)
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! I know right! Totally addicting & totally user friendly! (although, I wish they'd make the iphone app more useful). Hehe you have fabulous taste in books then but of course I'll be a little biased since we have so many in common ;)
DeleteThank you so much for including THE EDGE OF NEVER. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by!!! I LOVEDDDDD The Edge of Never! Good luck in 2013!! I can't wait to see what you do next!
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