12 books 12 months

Well all gung-ho I joined Latter Day Bohemian's 12 books 12 months plan. The end date was today. I can't say I read all 13 books on my list... But I wanted to do a wrap up to tidy the ends.

I read 8. This is a HUGE deal if you think about it. 8 books I have had around my house and never gotten around to reading. Books that I have carried from move to move and just not had time for. (and still bought more books, and still borrow books from the library!)

I tried to read 1 of the 5 remaining books and gave up in disgust. I love Delillo, but Underworld might just have to be given away. I have 4 others to try for. They are still on my bedside table, waiting for me.

I did read, from Labor Day 2010 until Labor Day 2011, 96 books. I am kind chuffed at that number. I read quite a few books that had been on my "to read" list for quite a while.. Like the one I finished this weekend: Kim by Kipling. So I wasn't slacking. I just think those last 5 books on my list were just not as interesting as a new title from the library or a new title by a beloved author.

HIghlights of the last yr bookwise for me:

1. Mockingjay by Collins. I really really insist on everyone trying to read this trilogy. Mockingjay is the last book, but oh so good.
2. Half Broke Horses by Walls. A great story about her grandmother's life growing up in the wild west.
3. The Magicians by Grossman. I just picked up the 2nd in the series this weekend. I haven't felt this excited about a series since I was a child.
4. The Various by Augarde. A British faerie tale told in today's time period. This was on my 12 for 12 list and it made me buy the 2nd book. I am on the hunt to find the 3rd.
5. Any of the Mary Russell books by King. Glad I have become a huge Sherlock Holmes fan while people are making such interesting new Holmes books. This also has turned me on to reading original Doyle books
6. Dreadnought by Priest. I tell you, Cherie Priest is a fantastic story teller. Steampunk has really put her on the map, but the woman can WRITE!
7. People of the Book by Brooks. Another 12 for 12 that I am so pleased I read. I want to read EVERYTHING she has written.
8. Cranford by Gaskell. WHY had I waited so long to read this??
9. Ditto: Agatha Christie
10. James Herriot (all 5 All Creatures books) and his biography written by his son. Sue and I started by watching the whole tv series together, but I ahd to read the books as well.

Oh there is plenty if fluff in my 96 books this yr. But overall I am pleased with the books I read. Right now? I am finishing up One Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by Mitchell on Heather's recommendation (really good!). Then I will pick up a book I stopped reading on 9/11: Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All by Gurganus (can't wait to read it, but just couldn't finish it 10 yrs ago.). I have the Magician King waiting for me at home as well. I am lucky to have such a wealth of reading available.

 

Comments

[rj]

oh btw: Laurie R. King books are on sale at the Borders near where I work. Are there any you need me to acquire?

If you like layered mysteries -- try "She walks these hills" by Sharyn McCrumb. I'd skip the Nascar based ones. But the ballad mysteries are pretty wonderful.

[Lisa in Oregon]

I loved the Collin's seriese too! i mostly read 'fluff' lol...I need the escape! Urban fantasy and mystery, mostly. 96 books this year? i'm so impressed! :)

[Andrew J]

O.M.G. 96 books? Do you even sleep? Or perhaps you have a time turner like Hermione? Knowing everything else you do, I can't figure out how you could possibly have time to read 96 books!!

[Lanea]

8 is excellent! And 96! 96!! Anj, that's great. I wonder how many books I read a year. Maybe I should track that. And I love that you and I love so many of the same books. I love The Magicians, and People of the Book(astoundingly good!), and the Hunger Games trilogy, and Priest's books . . . and Underworld can't get off my shelf either. Hmmm. Maybe I'll take it as a sign of something or other.