Annette's Book Spot: 12 books of Christmas

Showing posts with label 12 books of Christmas. Show all posts

Friday, December 30, 2011

TGIF, Year-End Summary -- Best Books and Statistics

My 12 Books of Christmas countdown ended on Christmas Eve, but I never had a chance to summarize for you. Here's the list:

1. Blood Red Road,	Moira Young
2. Divergent	Veronica Roth
3. Goliath	Scott Westerfeld
4. The Sky is Everywhere	Jandy Nelson
5. The Dark and Hollow Places,	Carrie Ryan
5. The Dead-Tossed Waves,	Carrie Ryan
5. Forests of Hands and Teeth	Carrie Ryan
6. Dust &Decay	Jonathan Maberry
7. Virals	Kathy Reichs
8. Scorch Trials	James Dashner
9. Forgotten	Cat Patrick
10. Misfit	Jon Skovron
11. Hate List	Jennifer Brown
12. Sisterhood Everlasting,	Ann Brashares

I've read 180 books this year, which adds up to 56,790 pages. This is an average of about 156 pages per day. This doesn't include the pages of several I didn't finish and a couple of ebooks that didn't have page counts.

I had 20 books with a "5 Hat" rating (that's about 11%)

My average book rating was 3.6, which may seem high, but my lowest rated books got "2 Hats." If they were below that, they were a DNF and I didn't rate those.

I participated in one challenge this year -- the 350 Page Book Challenge. I read 61 books with over 350 pages. I didn't really set a goal, but I'm pretty happy with that total!

I'm having trouble getting annual statistics for my blog. They all date back to the beginning, which was over a year ago. If you know an easy way to do this, please leave a comment. Thanks!

Ginger at GReads! has a TGIF question related to our End of Year Summaries:

First & Last: What was the first book you read in 2011 and the last you finished in 2011? How do you feel about these books? Would you recommend them to other readers?

The first book I read was Linger, and I gave it a 5/5 rating! So, yes, I would definitely recommend it, although you need to read Shiver first.

My last book read is Racing the Devil. I really enjoyed this murder mystery and I rated it a 4/5. This is the first in a new detective series, and I'll recommend it, and look forward to the next one.

How about you? How was your year, book-wise? Leave a link, so I can visit your post. Happy New Year, and may 2012 be filled with BOOKS!!!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- Book #1 -- My Favorite Book of 2011!!!

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #1. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. My #1 book of 2011 is:

Blood Red Road, by Moira Young

Click on the title to read my full review. I don't know where to begin with this book. I loved EVERYTHING about it. The characters, the dusty, bleak setting, the bad guys, the action, the love interest. Most of all, I loved the dialect. I think this is what made this book feel so real to me. It didn't bother me at all, and I felt like I was living this adventure with the characters because of this technique. From my review:

The plot moves rapidly and is very exciting, as Saba embarks on an epic journey to places she had no idea even existed. But what also is compelling is the change in Saba. She becomes a warrior—tough and hard. She rises to every challenge that comes her way, no matter how impossible the odds. She makes friends and enemies along the way, and each character is well portrayed and important to the story.

Saba has a pet crow named Nero and you will fall in love with him. He’s an important character, and I totally believed in his abilities. Emmi, the younger sister, is totally frustrating. She never does what she’s told, and I really wanted to slap her several times. Jack is Saba’s romantic hero, and he’s perfect too. I could go on and on about these wonderful characters.

This is apocalyptic and dystopian. It's an adventure and a thriller. It's a must read. For sure. I need some more from Moira Young....please???

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Thanks for following along. What are some of your favorites of 2011?

Friday, December 23, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- #2

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #2. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book #2 is:

Divergent, by Veronica Roth

Click on the title to read my full review. Divergent had one of the most colorful, kick-ass heroines that I've ever read. The book is action-packed, but still has enough interesting plotting to make the story real. From my review:

Roth writes characters that just jump off the page. My heart pounded right along with Tris, and I felt her pain as she made a decision about her faction. All of the side characters brought out strong emotions – whether hate, love, heartbreak, or tension. She really gets you inside all their heads.

For dystopian lovers this is a must read. And for those who aren't quite sure, this book might make you a believer. Give it a try.

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number #1!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- Book #3

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #3. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book #3 is:

Goliath, by Scott Westerfeld

Click on the title to see my full review.This is a series that each consecutive book got better than it's predecessor. Goliath just blew me away. I'm not big on illustrations in books either, but these are just stunning and mesmerizing. Some quotes from my review:

The twists and turns of the plot are creative, ending up taking us pretty much all the way around the world, meeting famous (and infamous) people, and experiencing an adventure at ever stop. The ending is completely tied up and doesn’t disappoint.

How Westerfeld depicted the Clankers’ machines and the Darwinists’ beasts is beyond my comprehension. I don’t know where he came up with all this, but boy it is good stuff.

This series has wide appeal.. Girls and boys, historical, adventure, or science fiction lovers would all love these books. I can't see why anyone wouldn't love these books!

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 2!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- Book #4

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #4. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book #4 is:

The Sky is Everywhere, by Jandy Nelson

Click on the title to read my full review. Let me just say, if you like contemporaries at all you have to read this. Some adjectives I used in my review: special, poetic, lyrical, beautiful, romantic. This is one of the few books that I used multiple quotes from in my review -- there were so many special things about it. The story is about loss and love. Here's a quote from my review:

They all are struggling in one way or another, and don’t seem to realize that they all need each other to get through this. Nelson tells this story as if she’s lived through it, with such compassion and understanding. One way Lennie has of working through her sadness is to write poems on scraps of paper and then leave them in random places around town. Each one of these poems is a work of art itself.

I don't know what else I can say, except just writing this makes me want to go get this and read it again. You really should.....

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 3!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- Book #5

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #5. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book # 5 is a bit different, because it's a series. I justify this choice because I read the entire series this year, and all the books received 5/5 ratings. And how perfect that the series ended up on the "Five Golden Rings" day!

The Forest of Hands and Teeth, The Dark and Hollow Places, and The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Click on the titles to see my original reviews of these books. Like I alluded to yesterday, I would have never thought I would be a "zombie lover." The Forest of Hands and Teeth was the first zombie book I read, and I was hooked. Ryan is a masterful story-teller, and these books contain action, romance, tension, and everything I love in a book. Some quotes from my reviews:

From Forest of Hands and Teeth:

I really liked all the characters. Ryan makes you care about all of them, even with their faults. Their reactions to disaster are believable from people who are under this much pressure constantly. The end brings some sadness, some safety, and still a lot of questions to be answered.

The Dead-Tossed Waves is so much more than a zombie book. It’s about survival, adventure, family, romance, and even explores what it means to be “alive.”

How can she do that? How can she write such intense TERROR, and then write such insightful thoughts? To me, that’s what is special about Carrie Ryan.

From Dark & Hollow Places:

This book is heart-wrenching, and takes your breath away at the close calls and misery they sometimes must endure.

Ryan, once again, makes the reader feel connected to these characters and long for them to achieve all their hopes and dreams. There’s romance and tenderness as well as terror. All I can say is she’s done it again… keep it coming!

If you like thrilling paranormal books, even if you don't like zombies, I still highly recommend you try these. You just might change your mind!

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 4!

Monday, December 19, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- #6

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #6. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book # 6 is:

Dust & Decay, by Jonathan Maberry

Click on the title to read my full review. I loved Rot & Ruin, but it didn't quite make my top 12 books. Dust & Decay beat it out by a smidge. I really got into zombies this year. I never thought I'd say that (more on that tomorrow though...) I loved this one because of the tension, non-stop action, and yet the book was emotional. I cried. I laughed. I got to know the characters better, and I still think about how they're doing and am waiting for the next book so I can find out.

Do you ever do that? After you finish a fictional book, you keep wondering about where the characters are, and how they are doing? And then you think, "Wait. It's just a story. Those characters don't exist." I love it when a book can do that. What a talented author. Here are some quotes from my review:

It's action packed, but the characters are so loveable that you want them to conquer these obstacles so badly! I also love that Maberry has created all of these colorful zom hunters. Each one is unique, creative, and entertaining. And...the villains are just as unique and horrible!

I love that there is an ending to the book. This episode is over, and there is closure. But, the journey isn’t over, and now they must decide whether to go back to Mountainside or continue on to the east.

If you love zombies, you have to read this series. If you love colorful, exciting characters and a thrilling plot, you should give these a chance.

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 5! (Five GOLDEN Rings!!!)

Sunday, December 18, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas - Book #7

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #7. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book # 7 is:

Virals, by Kathy Reichs

Click on the title to read my full review. I love Reichs' Temperance Brennan books, and so when I found out she was writing a book for teens about Temperance's niece, well, I was all over that! And the book didn't disappoint. Now, it's not about a forensic investigation, like Temperance's books, but its about some really intelligent teens outsmarting some really intelligent (and crooked) adults. There's action, and danger, and I ended up loving the book. Yes, it's a bit far-fetched at times, but hey, the entertainment value more than made up for that. From my review:

The Virals (as they call themselves) must still struggle to prevail, even though they have some extra weapons, so I was able to invest in the outcome and root for the good guys. The twists and turns kept you on your toes. I started to suspect the bad guy, but not until about three-fourths of the way through.

It's a rather long book, but teens who like these types of teen adventures will want to read this. The sequel, Seizure, is already out (and on my TBR!)

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 6!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- Book #8

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #8. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book # 8 is:

The Scorch Trials, by James Dashner

Click on the title to read my entire review. This book is a grabber. It's hard to sit down after just the first few page. It's about kids, who are having a rough time, and have no adults to help them. Actually, it seems like the adults are the ones causing all the problems, so it also tugged at my heartstrings. I wanted to be their mother. The survival aspects are creative and tense. Here's a quote from my review:

The plot moves rapidly, making this a quick read. It's just difficult to put down until all our beloved characters are "safe." But you know there's another story, The Death Cure, so I have a feeling this new-found safety is also short-lived.

Teens, both boys and girls, who like adventure stories love these books. They are never on the shelf very long.

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 7!

Friday, December 16, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- Book #9

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #9. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books were a bit difficult to determine. Book # 9 is:

Forgotten, by Cat Patrick

Click on the title to read my entire review. I described this book as "unputdownable." I loved it because Patrick took a totally unbelievable premise (a girl who forgets everything every night when she falls asleep) and made it believable. And then she added one of the sweetest, romantic boys that just melted my heart. A quote from my review:

There are surprises in store, which keep you on your toes. The ending is not perfect but satisfying. This is a book for young adults, but there’s no reason this book doesn’t have adult appeal. The romantic elements are so heartwarming, and I just felt so deeply moved by what London had to live with day after day.

So try this one if you like a sweet romance, or a teen with a twisted existence. Or both!

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 8!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

12 Books of Christmas -- Book #10

I've been counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011, and today we are ready for #10. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books was a bit difficult to determine. Book # 10 is:

Misfit, by Jon Skovron

Click on the title to read my full review. This is a story about demons, which really isn't my kind of book. But once again, I can expand my horizons, especially when the writing and characterizations draw me in and wouldn't let go. The feisty main character, Joel, is unforgettable. Here are some quotes from my review:

I loved Skovron’s descriptions of hell, of Jael’s powers, of her parents’ escape, of her entering souls, and of the big battle at the end. Everything was so creative, and so well-described that I was literally mesmerized.

The story is good, but it’s special because of the writing. I just felt like I was inside Jael. She was so strong that I never doubted she would prevail even though she had doubts herself.

Give this one a chance, if you are at all interested in paranormal stories. It's gripping!

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 9!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- Book #11

I started counting down my 12 favorite books of 2011 yesterday. So, today we are ready for #11. To clarify, these are book I READ in 2011; they weren't necessarily published in 2011. I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books was a bit difficult to determine. I did cheat a little, because one "book" will be a series, since all of the books in the series got 5s and I read them all this year. Book # 11 is:

Hate List, by Jennifer Brown

Click on the title to see my full review. I described this book as "gut-wrenching." It's about a school shooting, told by one of the victims, Valerie. But Valerie was also the girlfriend of the shooter, so it gets more complicated. Here's some quotes from my review:

My emotions ran the gamut while reading this--frustration, sadness, hate, and sympathy, to name a few.

It’s a good story; one that needs to be told. And, in this case, it’s told in a sensitive, realistic manner that evokes such deep emotion that I would recommend this to anyone.

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 10!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The 12 Books of Christmas -- Book #12

I have rated 18 books so far this year with a perfect 5 out of 5 hats. So my top twelve books was a bit difficult to determine. I did cheat a little, because one "book" will be a series, since all of the books in the series got 5s and I read them all this year. So without further ado.... my 12th Book of Christmas is:

Sisterhood Everlasting, by Ann Brashares

Click the title to see my full review. The Sisterhood series is truly my favorite series ever. I love stories about friendship, and these are classic. I know some didn't like the plot in this book, but I thought it was perfect and rang true. You can't expect all of these girls to be as close as adults as they were as teens. I know it's true when I look at how my own friendships have changed. Here's a quote from my review:

I didn’t like what happened. But, by the end of the book, I came to terms with it – just like the Septembers did. Isn’t that amazing? I actually felt like they did, and had to come to terms just like the characters. I had to work it out just like I was one of them. Amazing writing. That’s all I can say....

So, if you have read the series but not this one, you really need to. If you haven't read the series, what are you waiting for?

Feel free to link up your favorite books in the comments, if you want. Tune in tomorrow for number 11!