2011: Wrap-up, Stats, and Favorite Reads!

Another year gone by, huh? It seems like just yesterday I was writing up my favorite reads of 2010 post. Now here we are again.

2011 was a big year for me. I got a fabs promotion at my lovely library where I hope to grow my career. I lost my beautiful kitty, Baby. I freaking went to BEA where I met CHUCK freaking PALAHNIUK and dined with the incomparable Beth Hoffman!  Then, I moved out of my parent's house and into an apartment with my boyfriend. I got a doggy, Dakota, who changed my life. I graduated with my Bachelor's degree. I started grad school. I got a 4.0 in my first semester of grad school (three classes too, I might add). I got my wisdom teeth out finally. I got into a car accident. So, 2011 saw many changes for me, and despite that, I kicked 2010's ASS!

Last year, I read 68 books; this year, I am currently on number 79! Heck yeah! Let me add that in both years my goal was 100, so I still failed, but I'll keep trying! My goal for 2012 is still going to be 100 and I'm determined to read it once and for all. So now, onto the favorite reads of 2011. These are in order of when I read them:

Simply From Scratch (now named A Pinch of Love) by Alicia Bessette - This was the first book I read in 2011, and still one of my favorites. This story of a young, grieving widow, a baking contest, and her precocious young neighbor stole my heart.

Letters From Home by Kristina McMorris - this WWII set novel follows the lives of three young women during the war, all in unique situations. It really surprised me and made me realize I love WWII novels.

The Chimp Who Loved Me by Annie Greer and Tim Vandehey - this animal memoir of an animal chiropractor and vet's wife cracked me up so hard. It's one of the funniest books I've read and I highly recommend it to all animal lovers.

Exposure by Therese Fowler - this timely novel about a high school sexting scandal blew me away. I couldn't stop reading and I recommend it to everyone who will listen.

Things We Didn't Say by Kristina Riggle - Wow, what an amazing and fast paced novel about a young woman and her fiance's family full of drama and a runaway teenage son. Incredible and haunting.

32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter - this book was the biggest surprise of the year for me. I didn't know what I would think of it, but holy smokes, I adored this story of Davie, an ugly duckling African American girl and her transformation into a beautiful, successful singer.

Stiltsville by Susanna Daniel - this quiet story of a marriage in its entirety grabbed hold of me. I cared so much about the characters and and their life story that I was sad when it ended.

Lost December by Richard Paul Evans - yes, RPE, you have made my "Favorite Reads" list for the second year in a row... but I just couldn't stop reading this modern retelling of the Prodigal son. I was touched by the young and rich, Luke, who loses all his money, friends, and possessions, becomes homeless, and seeks forgiveness from his father, the one person who will always give it.

I read a lot of excellent books this year, but these were just the absolute best of the best. I'm looking forward to another great reading year in 2012!