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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Favorite Books Read in 2012

Yes, it's time for reflective posts. My reading year is definitely winding down as Christmas approaches so I took the time to bring my 2012 Reading List up-to-date. (I keep a running list of books read going over at The Master List which is linked on my sidebar.) The only other book I plan on taking on to the end of the list, if remotely possible, is going to be Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books. I read Lit at the close of 2011 and it was so thought-provoking (and changed the way I selected books to read in 2012) that I'd like to re-read it at the end of every year. (I talked a little bit about it here and a little bit about it here.)

Comparing between 2011 and 2012, I like my 2012 list better. Although the first half of the year was derailed a bit due to my burning a chicken and smoking us out of house and home for a few months, I feel pretty good about the second half of the reading year. I think I made better use of my reading time and certainly enjoyed myself (which is the most important thing). I read several books I had long wanted to read and picked up a few titles through 5 Minutes for Books which I might not have otherwise touched but found intriguing in different ways. So yes, on the whole, I think I was more focused and purposeful in my reading this past year. And yes, I would like to improve my reading even more in 2013.

With all that stated and out of the way, here are my top ten favorite reads from 2012 (all titles linked to my original reviews):

1. Keeping House: A Litany of Everyday Life



I read this one at the recommendation of a friend from church and it has changed the way I think of doing most household "chores." It definitely improved my attitude towards laundry.

2. The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart 



This was my second read through of this story and it won't be my last.

3. The Search for the Delicious, by Natalie Babbitt



This was my first introduction to this fantastical story and I loved it. Can't wait to introduce my children to it!

4. Loving the Little Years, by Rachel Jankovic




This book was another re-read for me. I gleaned a lot from it yet again. It's my "go to" gift book for new mommies. There is a lot of wisdom packed into this little book!

5. A Woman's Wisdom, by Lydia Brownback




Speaking of wisdom (and the constant need for massive amounts for it) - here's another great title which I reviewed with my friend Heather in five parts this past summer.

6.  Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey



Just plain fun. Especially if you like history and/or the BBC television series.

7. The Fruitful Wife, by Hayley DiMarco



Are you a married woman? You need to read this.

8. Bleak House, by Charles Dickens



Who else is surprised this made my list? Turns out I really do like Charles Dickens.

9. Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe


Barbara H. selected this book for the Reading to Know Book Club and I found it extremely impacting, personally. I'm so glad to have re-read this!

10. The Tomb of King Tutankhaman, by Howard Carter


Again, this one was just plain fun.

So those are my top ten for the year. As always, I eagerly await the flip of the calendar and a clean slate to start a new reading year! We shall see what the future holds.

What about you? Any particular title of yours that is a favorite for 2012?

9 comments:

Amy @ Hope Is the Word said...

Well, aren't you on top of things this year! ;-). Lots of nonfiction on your list, I see. I want to read more nonfiction next year. I'll take this as your list of suggestions.

I still haven't read Lit! Maybe I should start with it. :-)

Barbara H. said...

I'm just tickled pink that a Dickens book made your top ten. :-)

I'm hoping to do a post like this after Christmas.

I have The Fruitful Wife on tap for next year.

wxroz said...

Love the Bleak House addition! I like to think I'm partly responsible :). You have a lot of books on this list that I'd like to read myself! Maybe next year...

I think my favorite 2 books I read this year were Bleak House and Christy (re-read).

Shonya said...

Hmmmm, for some reason this list surprised me. I guess because your reviews of these books didn't stand out to me. I would have expected A Woman's Wisdom and The Fruitful Wife, but they are the only ones. Strange, huh?

But I think it's funny Loving the Little Years made it again as a second read. Isn't that book just great?!

Sure wish there was another great one like Unbroken to delve into!

Cassandra said...

I too have still not yet read Lit!. It's on my list for next year. Great list! I'm excited to see what 2013 brings.

*carrie* said...

Keeping House has remained on my list for a couple years. Maybe in 2013?!

I've read Little Years 3 times, with more to come, I'm sure.

BerlinerinPoet said...

I, for one, am thrilled Bleak House made the cut. I also enjoyed seeing number five. :-D

Sherry said...

Oh, Carrie, I added several of your choices to my ever-growing TBR list. I also linked to your list and took the liberty of recommending a couple of books for you to consider for your reading in 2013.

http://www.semicolonblog.com/?p=19478

Happy New Year!

Stephanie said...

I LOVED The Fruitful Wife. I'm pretty sure it's going to be a huge help/reference for me in 2013 as I study about abiding and the fruit of the spirit this year. So glad you reviewed and recommended it!

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