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2012 Lists
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Gina's Reads for 2012
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Books read as of January 13, 2012. This YA novel far exceeded the typical expectations from this genre. It's a fantasy novel that portrays a strong heroine who becomes the chief Commander's food taster and has to fight for her life on multiple occasions. It reminded me of the YA book Graceling, but it was MUCH better. Also, I adored the character Valek. There are two more sequels that I will definitely be reading in the future.
2.) Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder (361 pages)
Books read as of January 19, 2012. Mindy Kaling is adorable; I just know we would be best friends if given the chance. This book starts in typical memoir fashion detailing stories from Mindy's childhood and describing how she made her way from awkward teenager to "famous person." The second half of her book evolves into miniature essays, or rather random musings from Mindy. Although these were hit and miss, I thoroughly enjoyed the book as a whole, with my favorite part being her list of "Best Friend Rules."
3.) Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling (222 pages)
Books read as of January 30, 2012. This book came highly recommended from a friend of mine. While I didn't find it quite as magical as she did, I did enjoy this read. Christopher Moore creates an intriguing mythology about death and the life of a soul that I became very invested in. However, I often found his characters less than genuine, and thus I struggled sympathizing with them; especially the main character, Charlie, and his daughter Sophia.
4.) A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore (387 pages)
Books read as of February 3, 2012. And I'm counting it. Even though it's taken me more than two years to finish this daily devotional, a daily devotional that I didn't even read every day, I'm counting it as read in 2012. If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the right grammar track with daily tips and helpful reminders, check this out.
5.) The Grammar Devotional: Daily Tips for Successful Writing from Grammar Girl by Mignon Fogarty (224 pages)
Books read as of February 16, 2012. This book was recommended to me by a friend with the caution that it was "just okay." I would have to agree with that assessment. I'm a sucker for time travel, so that aspect alone had me hooked, but I didn't fall in love with the characters as much as I would have liked to. Also, it took way too long for the aunt and her nephew to find each other in the 1800s. Until that moment, the story was dragging and it wasn't until they found one another that the story picked up again. I also wish they would have spent more time back in the present after it was all said and done. 
6.) Now & Then by Jacqueline Sheehan (386 pages)
Books read as of February 21, 2012. I loved this book. But then who here is surprised that I fell in love with yet another Julia Quinn novel about the Bridgerton family? Not me. The story was set up like Cinderella, but with a twist. The two main characters were great and I loved reading about how the "evil stepmother" got what was coming to her. I can't wait to read Colin's story next. 
7.) An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn (446 pages)
Books read as of February 27, 2012. Anyone who likes to laugh, watch romantic comedies and believes in love needs to read this book stat. It's so cute and such a fun read. Five stars. 
8.) Attachments by Rainbow Rowell (323 pages)
Books read as of March 9, 2012. Another great addition to the Whistledown series, courtesy Julia Quinn. The best part about this book is that it features two of my favorite characters, Colin and Penelope, and it unlocks the mystery to Whistledown's identity. A must read for Bridgerton fans. 
9.) Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn (370 pages)
Books read as of March 20, 2012. I originally read this book in 2009, but with the onset of the movie premiere, it was due for another read. I loved it as much the second time around as I did through my first reading. 
10.) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (374 pages)
Books read as of March 28, 2012. I added this book to my reading queue because many people had said it was one of the better books of 2011, matching the imaginary world of Harry Potter. I was a little disappointed, however. If you thrive on imagery, prose and vivid descriptions, this is the book for you. The writing is gorgeous and the imaginary world the author creates is spectacular. However, if plot is something you need (like me), pick up another title.
11.) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (387 pages)
Books read as of April 19, 2012. This was a fun chick lit book about a character I really enjoyed spending time with. There were times I found the story exhausting, but overall I really enjoyed it.
12.) Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner (376 pages)
Books read as of May 14, 2012. I'm not very familiar with gothic tales, but I apparently need to read more of them, because this book had me on the edge of my seat half the time. There were twists, turns, ghosts and crazy family anthologies. Check it out if you like to read.
13.) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (406 pages)
Books read as of May 22, 2012. Although this book didn't have a complex plot, it was easy to read because the characters and the time period are so interesting. It's really a book that evaluates relationships and inner strength. I only wish that things had ended differently, but I guess that's not realistic of me. Very moving, but it left a sour taste in my mouth. 
14.) Wench: A Novel by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (320 pages)Don't forget to check out the latest detailed book reviews on my personal blog: http://ginadebacker.wordpress.com/201...
Books read as of May 27, 2012. I absolutely adored this addition to the Bridgerton series. The hero was truly troubled and Eloise Bridgerton was just the woman to help him rediscover himself. Plus, his two kids are adorable. Love, love, love.
15.) To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn (372 pages)
Books read as of June 19, 2012. This was a tough one to get through. The story just was not gripping enough to hold my interest until there were only 60 pages left. I enjoyed the two main character's interactions and really wanted them to give love a second chance, but I just couldn't identify with them. Maybe it was the generation gap or the cultural differences. So, all-in -all, it was a slow story, but enjoyable.
16.) Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson (368 pages)
Books read as of June 24, 2012. I felt like this was an appropriate book for the summertime. The friendship of these four girls continue in (what was supposed to be the) final book of the series. It was a cute, fast read. 
17.) Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares (384 pages)
Books read as of July 16, 2012. I don't know what it is about a Lisa See book, but she always manages to captivate me. Her style of writing is typically very matter-of-fact and lacks the pages of dialogue I usually love. But her characters and the events they go through are just so compelling. This book is a sequel to her previous novel Shanghai Girls, only it takes place later in time and focuses on the main character's daughter. It's a tale of the choices we make and mother love. Like all teenagers, Joy makes terrible choices. However, the choices I made in high school maybe led me to date the wrong guy for a couple of weeks or get in fights with good friends, where as her choices led to famine and starvation. Yikes.
18.) Dreams of Joy by Lisa See (354 pages)
Books read as of July 24, 2012. There is a nonfiction book about Laura Ingalls Wilder and her books that I would like to read this year, but before picking up that title I thought I would reminisce by reading a few of Ingalls' books all over again. It has been years since I read these. I think I read this specific title last sometime in the fourth or fifth grade. I barely remembered anything about it except for the characters. As far as books go, this one was nothing like I remembered it. There is zero plot. It's just musings about prairie life, and if that's all your after, then you'll love this. Ingalls romanticizes prairie life, and she is great at luring you into her world. It's crazy to think that food and hats and clothes and toys were once privileges or things you had to reap or make yourself. Life sure has changed.
19.) Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder (238 pages)
Books read as of July 28, 2012. I don't have many words for this. You would think that a book that chronicles the lives of a popular troupe of teenage girls ten years later would offer some maturity to the characters' lives, but it didn't at all. They may actually have grown more immature. Their lack of communication between one another is ridiculous. Also, there is a HUGE twist at the beginning of this book, so I won't say anything to spoil it, but what the hell Ann Brashares!? Just what were you thinking!? Dislike indeed.
20.) Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares (349 pages)
Books read as of August 1, 2012. I haven't been this moved by a book in a really long time. Wow. This book had me 100 percent obsessed with the horrific story of Elisabeth Fritzl for well over a week. Although I wouldn't say this book was based on Elisabeth's story, it was definitely inspired by it: Elisabeth was imprisoned by her lunatic father at a young age and was held captive for more than 25 years! (Seriously, go read about her right now if you don't know her story.) While captive she gave birth to multiple children, three of whom grew up in the basement she was imprisoned in at her father's house. This was the only place they had ever seen and known until their mother was let go 25 years later! In this book, the child of a woman in a similar situation tells his story. He is five and this room is all he has ever known. Prepare for your heart to ache, but don't miss out on this read. It's so good. 
21.) Room by Emma Donoghue (321 pages)
Books read as of August 20, 2012. I feel guilty not liking this Julia Quinn book because it was written by Julia Quinn. I love all of her Bridgerton books, but this one just didn't resonate with me. Mostly, I feel it was in part because I didn't really like Francesca. She was not that powerful of a character, and Michael didn't do much for me either. I'm glad they found their happily ever after (duh!), but I didn't enjoy the journey as much as I had hoped I would. 
22.) When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn (384 pages)Don't forget to check out the latest detailed book reviews on my personal blog: http://ginadebacker.wordpress.com/201...
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Books read as of January 4, 2012. I tried out another memoir and I liked it much better than Belle de Jour: Diary of an Unlikely Call Girl. It was a fun read that made me want to get in the kitchen and whip up a batch of crepes.