I'm one of the hosts of Last Reads of 2012 -- a readathon that encourages participants to finish those last few books they want to read in 2012.
This is not a competitive readathon, just a way to let you set whatever goals you have and try to reach them. If it's just to finish one book by year's end, that's fine. You can sign up here!
How am I doing? Since the challenge started on December 17, I've read only one book. But I'm hoping to get a lot of reading done this weekend. I have 6 more books to read to make my Goodreads goal of 200 books read in 2012. I can do it!
As part of the event, we're also looking back on what we've read over the past year. Below are a list of challenges and my response to each. I also hosted a challenge on books that made me laugh or cry (or both) and you can find that here.
Saving June by Hannah Harrington (Harlequin)
This book wasn't really on my radar at all, but then I kept hearing about it. I went on the Barnes and Noble website and it was getting great reader reviews. So I tried it and loved it.
Personal Effects by E. M. Kokie (Candlewick) AND
If I Lie by Corrine Jackson (Simon Pulse)
I also didn't know much about these two until I started reading for my YA On the Homefront series. But I was blown away by how much I loved both of them.
Butter by Erin Jade Lange (Bloomsbury)
This book about an overweight boy who intends to eat himself to death is an underdog book just by its subject. If you're squeamish, don't be. This is a great story that's not just about about weight issues, but also about technology and how it affects our relationships.
December 19th: Singing and Reading in the Rain Standalone Sorrow. What? No Sequel?
I do NOT have Standalone Sorrow. In fact, I ran a series this year called Standalone Saturday that identified great standalones for those readers who are series-weary. Here are some of my favorite standalones of 2012:
Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols (MTVBooks/Simon & Schuster)
In Honor by Jessi Kirby (Simon & Schuster)
My Life In Black and White by Natasha Friend (Viking)
December 20th: Lili Lost in a Book Sleep? What’s That For? Books That Kept You Up All Night
This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
Zombie apocalpyse meets the Breakfast Club. Loved this one!
Everneath by Brodi Ashton (Balzer + Bray)
A girl who comes up from the underworld to say goodbye! Shades of Persephone!
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (Hyperion)
Such an intense and gripping book. I could not put this one down.
December 20, 2012 The Bookshelves Battle of the Teams
I'm so indecisive. But with these particular love triangles, there's just no question who the girl should end up with:
Twilight? Of course Edward. Poor Jacob never even had a chance.
Vampire Academy? Same with Rose and Dmitri. I love Adrian, but he and Rose aren't a good match.
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini? I'm totally Team Orion. Lucas is way too broody for me.
Clockwork Angel by Cassie Clare? I still need to read Clockwork Prince. So I should finish this post and get on that!
December 21st: Emily’s Crammed Bookshelf Best Debuts!
Wow, this is such a hard one. I've read 63 debuts this year according to my Goodreads page and so many of them were fantastic. Here are a few you might have missed out on:
The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna (Balzer + Bray)
Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock (Katherine Tegen)
Slide by Jill Hathaway (Balzer + Bray)
Through to You by Emily Hainsworth (Balzer + Bray)
Okay, time to stop reminiscing and GET READING! How are you doing with your end of year reading goals?
I've finished one book and started another (almost 1/2 way through it). I also scheduled 2 of my Top 10 lists for next week and managed to write down the rest. That is it so far for my LR2012 list! Not sure how much reading time I'll have this weekend since apparently I am expected to have a clean house before the family comes over. lol My sister also gets here today, but hopefully I can at least finish the one book.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get lots of reading time this weekend! I am curious to what team you would be on for Clockwork Prince. Oh and of your debuts? I've read none of them so far! I own 3 of them though. I know you can complete that reading goal. :)
I'm going to do my 201 reading stats next week -- maybe on the 31st!
DeleteI have one goal: Finish THE SORROWS OF YOUNG WERTHER.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of that book!
DeleteLots of great books listed up there!! My only goal for the rest of the year is to read what makes me happy. I was starting to get overwhelmed with things so I had to step back. I just read two awesome short holiday novellas from Entangled pub and it was just what I needed.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds fantastic. I usually have that policy unless I have specifically requested a book -- I DNF a LOT of books. I guess I should include that in my stats!!
DeleteI finished one that I had started, read 3 more, and am at 72% of the current one. Not expecting to get much read from today til probably thursday though so must keep going! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThat's great!!
DeleteYay for Orion-I love him so much as I find Lucas' brooding so annoying.
ReplyDeleteI still have 10 books to go to reach my goodreads goal but I'm hopeful of finishing 6 books over the next four days and then getting the rest done before the new year starts.
We (almost) always agree :)
DeleteI'm doing horribly at this readathon! I haven't read much all week. But the good news is I only have three books left to finish my 100 books challenge.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about Butter. I loved that book! It was so freaky, and not like any other book out there in my opinion. The only thing I didn't like was his weird stalker online profile where he made up a whole other identity and lied to that girl. (I also didn't find it believable that she forgave him but whatever.) Anyway, I loved Butter and I recommend it all the time.
Bekka
Pretty Deadly Reviews
I thought it was an interesting, thought-provoking book. Bookworm 1858 and I had this stalker debate about Not Exactly a Love Story. I see why Butter does it, so it bothered me less than if he was just trying to scam her into trusting him.
DeleteOh I like these challenges! I will try to do lists on my blog as well. What?! Jacob had a chance! If Bella was smart that is she would have dumped controlling Edward and had some cute wolf pups!
ReplyDeleteUm.... no. He was just a distraction for a half a book or so. I hope he finds a nice werewolf girl his own age!
DeleteYou can totally get to 200 books!!! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I wish I could have read as much as you. I was giving you a run for your money, but I fell behind..
DeleteYou can do it!!!!
ReplyDelete*chants* READ READ READ! lol
I'm hoping to get some quality reading time in before the end of 2012. I'm over 100 (Goodreads didn't count quite a few so I'm not sure of the exact #) Which isn't too bad considering I was in a reading slump most of the year.
I'm going to make it!!
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