This past year I kept a running record of the books that I read to guide my future decisions of what to dive into. I have a really bad habit of wanting to read, well everything, that I end up starting several books at one time and getting too distracted to finish them in any sort of decent time frame. I have tried to do much better of making a list, then reading one book at at time. When I was still in school, I would have three lists – school books, fun reading, and spiritual growth. Yet somehow, after grad school and work, that delineation got smashed together to one big jumble, so one of my new years resolutions it to reign it back in so I can read more, and more efficiently. Anyhow, I love to share my books with others so I figured what better way to do so than to post a tiny review of each book I managed to get through this past year..
Look Me in the Eye – John Elder Robison: incredible. Such a pleasure to read form the perspective of someone with Aspergers. If you work with anyone on the Austism Spectrum you should read, and even if not, it is well worth it.
A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini: moving. Such a beautifully written story that tugs at your heart. Makes you ponder a great deal as well. (And if you haven’t read Kite Runner already, you should read that too!)
The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins; Catching Fire – Suzanne Collins; Mockingjay – Suzanne Collins: It seems logically to review these together. Fabulous. The second was my favorite of the three, however, I couldn’t put it down so it really just meshed into one book for me. Great read!
Shutter Island – Denis Lehane: a delightful phycological thriller. Even better than the movie.
Middlesex – Jeffery Eugenides: slow at first, but the second half of the book was really good. Very interesting read for sure.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chobosky: powerful. It is real life and that’s why I love it. It’s honest and vulnerable.
Quitter – Jon Acuff: funny, creative, and very encouraging. Anyone who has ever wanted to follow their dream should read!
Start Something That Matters – Blake Mycoskie: inspirational. Love TOMS and what Blake has to say in the book. Good easy read that’s uplifting.
Through My Eyes – Tim Tebow: not my favorite. Too much play by play and not enough insight. Read my full review here.
Holidays on Ice – David Sedaris: hilarious, as all of his works are.
Surviving & Thriving – Tessa Hardiman: great quick and easy read, especially if you are a teacher or work in a school.
I started both of these last two books and just could not got into them despite trying on several occasions. I may try Life of Pi again, but I doubt I will pick up Zen again.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – Robert M. Persig: boring, plain and simple
Life of Pi – Yann Martel: not quite sure what it is, just can’t seem to be captivated by it.
I’m on the process of making my list for 2013, so if you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them! So far I have A Year of Biblical Womanhood – Rachel Held Evans; House of Leaves – Mark Z. Danielewski; The Help – Kathryn Stockett; and finally finishing Naked Spirituality – Brain McLaren that I started a few months ago. Let me know your favorites or other particularly good reads 🙂
have you read the emily giffin books? i have really enjoyed them and they are light reads. also- the help is awesome! you'll love it.
i have not, but you the second person to suggest her to me! i will have to check them out. i'm excited for the help most of all 🙂