End of the Year Survey

Canya believe that it's the end of 2011?!  Wowzers!  I had hoped to post all of my reviews of books read in this year by the end of the year, but I don't see that happening.  *le sigh*  One of these days.

Nonetheless, let the reflection begin!

Best Book You Read in 2011?

I'm going to cheat because there are so many books that I loved dearly this year and they are all so different from one and another that I cannot fairly compare them side by side.  THEREFORE *snicker*, I will be posting a Best Of list within the next day or so.  *squee* Don't you just love all of these LISTS at the end of the year?!

Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did? 

*sigh* I had some downers this year, for sure.  The Uncoupling by Meg Wolitzer had the best promise in literary fiction but dulled my brain cells.  Also, Blood Magic tempted me with its brilliant cover and promise of new young adult paranormal.  #nottrue But the ONE book that EVERYONE seemed to love EXCEPT me, hands down, was Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs.  I don't know if my reaction specifically occurred because of the hype or if I would have been disappointed in the (lack of ) plot anyways.   

Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?

This is a toss up, once again because the two genres are so different.  Lonesome Dove by Larry McCurty.  Ah-MAY-zing.  Seriously.  I NEVER would have read it, 'cept James had a western readalong that I convinced myself in completing.   Admittedly, when I chose Lonesome Dove I had no idea that it was the massive tomb that it was.  Still, one of the best decisions ever.  The second book is definitely Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma.  If anyone told me at the beginning of 2011 that I would read a book whose premise is incestual love, I'd say bah!  So. Well. Done.  #heartbreaking

Book you recommended to people most in 2011?

This might make me a very bad book blogger and reader, but I hardly ever recommend books.  *shrug* There's just not a lot of people that I know in my little corner of the world who read.  That's why I created this place.

Best series you discovered in 2011?

It's not a series, but a trilogy.  Still, I'm counting it.  I also did not write or post a review for this, which is shameful.  But I DEVOURED the Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study Trilogy by Maria Snyder.  I absolutely freakin' loved the world that Snyder created.  Oh and the characters!  Yelena is this impossible and kickass female who doesn't allow anyone to really dictate her life.  She makes mistakes and she discovers her past and makes decisions on her future, but they're HER mistakes.  Also, there's no love triangle.  Yay for the small things, huh?

Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?

There are just way too many for me to list.  I tend to read new authors all the time.

Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

Once again this goes to Lonesome Dove by Larry McCurty.  This book grabbed me by my pigtails and didn't put me safely down again until I was in tears because the characters become so real. 

Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?

Prolly Nevermore by Kelly Creagh.  I just couldn't get enough of the Poe tie-ins. 

Book you most anticipated in 2011?

They weren't published in 2011, but I definitely was anxious to finally read Woman in White by Wilkie Collins and Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier. I'd actually like to read more of both Collins an DuMaurier in 2012.

Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

 The book that I thought had the most gorgeous cover I HATED.  Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison. 

Most memorable character in 2011?  

Memorable character only because of the repetition and reputation.  Who is John Galt you say?  I'm probably one of the few who do not buy into Rand's philosophy but still enjoyed Atlas Shrugged greatly. 

Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

This is a tie between The Color Purple by Alice Walker and Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko

Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011? 

The book was read early on:  Reading Women How the Great Books of Feminism Changed My Life by Stephanie Staal.  I found that most of the books that Staal revisited were books that were required reading for my undergrad.  It was interesting to skim through the ideas that shaped my early twenties AND see someone else reminiscent as well.

Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read? 

Uh, I'm looking back at you: Ceremony, The Color Purple, Woman in White, Rebecca.

 

Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012?  

There's actually not a book in 2011 that I plan on rereading, although there are some rereads that I'm looking forward to in 2012.  One in particular is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers! 

 Um, hello?!  Did you miss me mentioning incest?  I REALLY REALLY wished I had someone to discuss Forbidden with!

[I've deleted the q's about book blogging and have added this one instead] Things most realized in your 2011 reading?

Okay guys!  I'm coming clean.  I've tried and tried and I've read six of his books so I'm GIVING UP.  *taking a deep breath*  I DO NOT LIKE CHARLES DICKENS.  There.  I said it.  Great Expectations did it in.  It was so anti-climatic.  (Even though Miss Havisham is perhaps the most detestable character I've ever known).  I also could not finish Oliver Twist.  Sorry.  Dickens, please forgive me.  I want to love you.  Truly.  But we're at odds.  My b.

Looking Ahead....

One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012? 

*looking at my daunting and overflowing bookshelves*  I can't answer this for fear the other gazillion books will come after me whilst I sleep.  Luckily we have the TBR Double Dare to look forward to, eh?

Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012? 

There are so many young adult books out there that I want to read in 2012, but the one that I'm looking forward to the most is Amy Plum's second in the Die for Me series.

One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012? 

I really like that I sorta threw everything out the window this year and read for me.  So sure, it ended up being a bit more young adult than what I would read in a normal year and there were times when I felt as though I was turning into a YA blogger (I'm not) but man it was LIBERATING.  I still plan to allow for those freedoms, but I do want to go back to my other overlooked genres.  PLUS there's my March Mystery Madness which I'm excited about.  I know NOTHING about mysteries.  Cannot wait to see what's out there.  Drop me some hints. :)