What I read in 2012

Before this past year I kept an update of what I read each month. I'm planning to do that again this year.  Still... not having made an account of what I read last year here is the list (I can't vouch for this being in order and I may be leaving one or two out):
1. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith 7/10 an enjoyable read, worth owning and reading again.
2. The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer 8/10 mostly because I loved Sophy so much, one of my favorite characters EVER.
3. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch 8/10 Truly inspiring. Good reminders, if not completely original still a good fresh perspective.
4. The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews 7/10 Book club pick, it had it's faults but it was easy to overlook them because of the great intentions of the author. Worth a perusal.
5. The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Success by Dave Ramsey 8/10 Will be re-reading (possibly listening to) this because I read the 2003 version.
6. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris 7/10 Excellent biography, although overly long it still left me wanting more since it was only the "rise of".
7. Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross 5/10 Sometimes I find historical novels from medieval times a bit bleak and this was no exception. Still... it was enjoyable. Completely middle-of-the-road feelings about this book.
8. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes 5/10 Interesting but somewhat forgettable.
9. A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter 6/10 Although I think this was a great book and I would encourage my daughters to read it I had a hard time relating to the main character personally which made it a little less than spectacular for me.
10. Let The Great World Spin by Colum McCann 2/10 Even though this was beautifully written I found the people and subject matter vapid and disjointed. Didn't finish.
11. The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson 8/10 I usually am let down by Ibbotson's romances so this was a rare surprise. A keeper.
12. The Mysterious Affair At Styles by Agatha Christie 8/10 Completely surprised by this lesser known 1st of Ms. Christie's. A master of playing with those who think they can figure things out. Love her!
13. Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie 6/10 Good but not great- trying to read Christie in order.
14. Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie 5/10 Still good but I didn't enjoy the short stories as much as I do with Holmes/Doyle.
15. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie 8/10 I still can't believe I didn't see it coming!
16. The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough 5/10 I usually love David McCullough but just couldn't finish the second half of this. As a testament to his writing the first half has managed to stick in my head pretty well despite my lack of interest.
17. Paragon Walk by Anne Perry 5/10 Even though I love Charlotte & Thomas Pitt I have a hard time giving these a higher rating than even steven. I love the time period but Perry doesn't give you much to guess at. Everything comes together at the very end much like Maisie Dobbs. I read these more for period and character than for the mystery.
18. Resurrection Row by Anne Perry 7/10 More stimulation for thought in this "Pitt" novel which is why it gets a higher rating- the mystery was better too.
19. June Bug by Chris Fabry 7/10 book club selection. I had never heard of this book before and it was a pleasant surprise.
20. Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery 9/10 Loved it. Loved Emily. Loved her friends. Loved her family. Loved her escapades.
21. Emily Climbs by L.M. Montgomery 5/10 Comparable to the "Anne" books when Anne is away at school- I just don't enjoy Montgomery as much during this stage of life. Love her portrayal of childhood and small town life.
22. Emily's Quest by L.M. Montgomery 6/10 More interesting than the 2nd installment due to some twists and turns and I do love it when an author can make me angry... still it began very slowly for me.
23. The Divine Center by Stephen Covey 7/10 This was a great book but I kept thinking it would have been better if every seminary/institute teacher I ever had hadn't borrowed ideas from this book. It felt really unoriginal in parts but I doubt that is the authors fault since this book isn't exactly new.
24. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill 7/10 I remember liking the book but now all I can remember is the miniseries I watched after reading it which I thoroughly enjoyed.
25. How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming by Mike Brown 7/10 Another book club pick. Did not think I would enjoy reading this as much as I did and did not think I would ever be okay with Pluto not being a planet (childhood memories) but I am. Thank you, Mike Brown!
26. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton 9/10 Not perfect but this book fit everything that I love about reading. My pick for my favorite of the year.
27. All Things Wise and Wonderful by James Herriot 7/10 which I feel guilty doing because I completely LOVE James Herriot. War time memories was not my favorite writing device and I'm anxious for the next book when he will be back home.
28. The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan 8/10 Saw the movie first- like each for their very different plots.
29. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan 8/10 Nice to not have a movie to compare to, probably my favorite of the series.
30. The Titans Curse by Rick Riordan 6/10 an important part of the series I just didn't enjoy it as much.
31. The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan 7/10 more Percy
32. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan 7/10 final Percy- lots of action and tense moments end the series perfectly.
33. The Blackstone Key by Rose Mellikan 5/10 Good premise that started out strong and then petered out a little. I find it interesting how many times I've noticed "Blackstone" (a law tome) being referenced in other novels since.
34. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon 9/10 If it weren't for a couple of scenes that made me uncomfortable this would have been #1. I loved everything else about this.
35. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 9/10 a book club selection I was glad to have a reason to re-read this old friend.
36. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson 9/10 one of the best biographies I have ever read.
37. The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer 8/10 Heyer delivers again!
38. The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout 7/10 Very interesting. Scary, but comforting in the way that having more knowledge gives you comfort.
39. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary 6/10 read to the kids and Ginny especially loved it.
40. The Cricket in Times Square by George Seldon 5/10 the kids liked this but didn't love it.
41. Lemon Tart by Josie Kilpack 6/10 a book club selection. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would even though the mystery was pretty predictable.
42. Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson 9/10 Favorite romance of the year. I could read it over and over again but sadly my copy has been making the rounds with my friends.
43. Elephant Run by Roland Smith 9/10 so good!
44. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg 8/10 Reading this to my girls brought back so many memories.
45. Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale 5/10 A really fun read but forgettable.
46. Follow the River by James Alexander Thom 8/10 Still thinking about this one and planning to read this author again in the future.
47. Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear 6/10 an improvement over the last Maisie Dobbs I read.
48. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Extupery 8/10 I know my girls didn't "get" everything in this little book but it started some interesting discussions.
49. Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale 7/10 I wish I had read "Princess Academy" first. I found myself trying to remember who many of the girls were for most of the book. The rating may bump up a bit if I read them together in the future.
50. The History of the Medieval World: From the Conversion of Constantine to the First Crusade by Susan Wise Bauer 6/10 A long laborious read- but then after the 1st one I new it would be. Valuable knowledge to have if it sticks.
51. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie 10/10 Perfection. I was worried once I started and realized this was much more difficult than I remembered. Still, my girls enjoyed it and Ginny named it her favorite book of the year- I'm still not sure if I completely believe her.
52. Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv 7/10 Highly recommended if only for it's thought-provoking-ness (better/real term???)
53. The Witches by Roald Dahl 7/10 So much fun to read in October, had Abby hiding under the covers more than once.
54. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 10/10 One of my top 5 of all time, get's better every time I read it.
55. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho 5/10 Interesting how a few years and different experiences can completely change your view of a book. I would have easily given this 9/10 the first time I read it. I'll re-read in another 10 years to see if anything has changed.
56. Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear 8/10 Probably my favorite Maisie Dobbs so far.
57. An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear 5/10 the story line just didn't grab me in this one but it was still better than "Birds of a Feather".
58. The Parenting Breakthrough by Merilee Boyack 9/10 I think I liked this better because I've heard her speak but still... great ideas, great advice with an outlined plan to implement what you've learned- in my top 5 parenting books.
59. Wonder by R.J. Palacio 8/10 Loved the varying points of view- you start to think you understand a character and then BAM!
60. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay 8/10 another that could have been best of the year if it weren't for a sprinkling of language, etc.
61. Don Quixote (part 1) by Miguel de Cervantes 6/10 Funny, whimsical, interesting in parts, but I just couldn't get into it and had to put it down for a while.
62. Little Bee by Chris Cleave 7/10 Could have been 10/10 or at least 9/10 if it had been narrated solely by Little Bee.
63. A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck 8/10 Just as entertaining as "A Long Way From Chicago"
64. Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl 9/10 a childhood favorite, the girls liked listening to this almost as much as I liked reading it to them.
65. The Poe Shadow by Matthew Pearl 5/10 beautiful language, boorish protagonist.
66. Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly & Martin Dugard 8/10 Loved learning a little more about a presidency I knew little about.
67. Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear 6/10 Good but not great, not a huge fan of "madness"
68. The Mapping of Love and Death by Jacqueline Winspear 8/10 close second to "Messenger of Truth" in the Maisie Dobbs series. I really liked this one.
69. A Lesson In Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear 7/10 I don't know what to add- I'm still reading the series, aren't I?
70. Elegy for Eddie by Jacqueline Winspear 7/10 I wish the next one were out sooner than March- something to look forward to!
... and I did not mean to hit 70 exactly- that was just lucky!
( I just remembered that I also re-read (#71) Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Imaculee Ilibagiza. It was my pick for my book club this year. Such a great book, 9/10.)

What I read in December

"Killing Lincoln" by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard, recommended to readers who like their history to be raw and riveting. Those who only want the facts surrounding the death of Lincoln without a history of the entire Civil War and his presidency. (the end of the war is chronicled briefly)








"Christmas Jars" by Jason Wright recommended to sappy sentimentalists and possibly those who aren't usually sentimental but when it comes to Christmas they don't mind having a feel-good moment.









"Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman" by Robert K. Massie, recommended to those who want to know what was going on in Russia when the colonies were fighting for their independence. Those who are interested in this woman or Russia in general and want a VERY thorough accounting.








"Al Capone Shines My Shoes" by Gennifer Choldenko, recommended to young adults, people who want to visit Alcatraz or have visited Alcatraz and want to see a different side of it. Anyone who enjoys an adventure, preferably those who have read the book "Al Capone Does My Shirts".






"The Princess Bride" by William Goldman, recommended to once again readers who are looking for an adventure. Whether you have or have not seen the movie you will probably enjoy this. Those who are in need of a good laugh.








"The Kitchen House" by Kathleen Grissom, recommended to people who can handle a sad story as long as it is worth reading.






"Look Me In the Eye: My Life With Asperger's" by John Elder Robison, recommended to people who know someone with Apergers. People who are interested in Auto mechanics, the band KISS, snarky humor and/or people who are brilliant enough to fake their way through various situations.








"And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie, recommended to lovers of a good whodunit.

What I read in November

"Why Gender Matters" recommended to: Parents, people who think that gender is a social construction and want to be proved wrong or maddened.

I found this much more helpful than the book on gender that you'll find below. It contained information that I haven't heard a million times in stereotype form. I believe it will make me a better parent and it gives you information on how to help your children be more well-rounded because often parents/teachers have ideas of what the right on wrong way to learn are and that doesn't always work for both genders. This has caused some stereotypes like girls are good at english and creativity and boys are good at math and science.

"Birds of a Feather" recommended to: argghhhh, the problem with reading series is that I can't really recommend later books in the series, you have to read them sequentially and I'm getting tired of writing "if you've read..."
(this excludes Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot and Charlotte and Thomas Pitt which don't necessarily need to be read sequentially to be enjoyed.

If you are familiar with Maisie Dobbs and you liked it go ahead and read this.

"The Girl With the Pearl Earring" recommended to: those who don't mind slow as long as it's well done (note: I'm not necessarily saying this was well-written, I'm torn on that issue).

This ended up being fairly clean and it really could have gone a different way. If you are interested in the Dutch Mona Lisa and want a story to apply to that enigmatic smile you'll probably enjoy this. This is one of those where it's hard to know.



"The Female Brain" recommended to: Women who feel that they fit all or most of the stereotypes of women. Also recommended to men who are married to such women. You will find chemically based explanations for why you are the way you are.

If you don't consider yourself typical save yourself the time, headbanging and/or book throwing.


"Alice I Have Been" recommended to: Is anyone noticing some trends in my reading this month? Famous characters, mystery series, gender and coming soon: egocentric y/a.

Sorry, recommended if you love Alice in Wonderland... unless you are one of those people who are highly impressionable. For example: you read an unfavorable story about a movie star that you previously liked and now you refuse to see his/her films. If that's you this book is not for you.


"Uglies" recommended to: People who like dystopian novels for young adults. People looking for a light, easy albeit entertaining read. People who love to hate the main character.






"Pretties" recommended to: ditto






"Specials" recommended to: ditto






"I am Half-Sick of Shadows" recommended to: Lovers of Flavia de Luce. People who don't mind a flimsy mystery as long as it's well-written and has excellent characters.

What I read in October

"Walk Two Moons" recommended to: lovers of young adult fiction/coming of age books. This was delightful. However, I do think that adults might be more impressed with it than pre-teen readers, excepting the right kind of pre-teen reader. (I would have liked it at that age but I look at pre-teens I know now-a-days and wonder. Darn Twilight... don't get me started).




"All Things Bright and Beautiful" recommended to: People who have read and loved "All Creatures Great and Small". Those who enjoy lovable characters skillfully drawn. People who like to be happily surprised by a book whose premise might not sound as interesting as it actually is.





"The Tale of Despereaux" recommended to: anyone who has lost faith in the caliber of children's books in the past decade or so and wants their faith restored. Almost as good as "Edward Tulane".






"Don't Let the Kids Drink the Kool-Aid" recommended to: People who like Marybeth Hicks and enjoy her sound logic. If you are unfamiliar with her I would suggest reading "Bringing Up Geeks" first or perusing her blog for a while so you know what to expect.

Liberals and (possibly) teachers beware. I did feel like she was a little unfair to teachers in this book. They seemed to be characterized as unwitting propagators of the left's ideas. I doubt that the author seriously believes that the majority of teachers are this way (having read her before) and think that she got a little caught up in her anti-left angst. That being said I heartily agree with the majority of the material in this book.

"Heaven is For Real" recommended to: people who believe in an afterlife. I wouldn't recommend this to someone who is not religious- there are better "near-death experience" books out there for non-believers.





"Saving CeeCee Honeycutt" recommended to: women. Seriously, as with many southern/woman/coming-of-age books this is not particularly male-friendly. But look at the cover... honestly, what self-respecting male would pick this up anyway?
As for women: cute, a little cliche-ey, a little preachy, but all in all done in a nice, breezy, down homey, welcoming fashion.



"Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison" recommended to: Once again... those who have read the first four books of this series. For those of you who haven't, in my opinion, this book makes a good case for reading the series. I was promised a good ending and I was not disappointed.

Any time I read a series that will interest young boys in reading I get really excited since it seems like there are many more options for young girls. This last installment was so action-packed that it would interest even the most easily bored young man out there. I guarantee it.

"My Unfair Godmother" recommended to: teen girls and women of any age who enjoy a good laugh and a good adventure.

I quite possibly liked this better than the first and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. From the titles of this author's other books I'm not sure if I would enjoy them as much- but I would be more likely to give them a chance after having read these "godmother" books.

What I read in September

"Unbroken" recommended to: people who find their books on lists of books that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime (because you should).










"Gift from the Sea" recommended to: mothers who need a moment of reflection but can't afford to leave their families for weeks at a time and don't mind that this marvelous woman could.









"Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary" recommended to: people who are reading this series.




"Matched" recommended to: Young Adults who liked Hunger Games and don't mind a little less action than that series. Adults who aren't that particular.





"Year of Wonders" recommended to: People who are interested in the psychology of plague victims and enjoy gorgeous writing. People who can overlook a strange ending when the first 80% of a book is wonderful.









"Maisie Dobbs" recommended to: lovers of mystery series and want one geared towards women. People who liked "#1 Ladies Detective Agency" but aren't from Africa and would enjoy someone they can relate to a little more.

Where Did the Baby Go? To Kindergarten.

These are my two absolute favorite Eloise Wilkin illustrated books. These were my books when I was little and they have been very well loved.
"We Like Kindergarten" goes through all of the many things a child might do at kindergarten and can also be reassuring to the child who is going to start kindergarten soon. But really, the charm of this book is in the pictures. The children fingerpaint, make clay animals, swing at the playground, play music, drink milk (Jackie doesn't finish his. It spilled), rest on their own rugs and say goodbye to Mrs Hall.
When Carol leaves for kindergarten her little sister Laurie wants to go too, so do the pets and the stuffed animals. When Carol gets home she puts on kinderegarten for everyone at home. I love this because I did lots of role playing as a child and now I watch my daughter get home from school and do the same things.
"Where Did the Baby Go?" is my absolute favorite. I love the details. I love how it reminds me of my early childhood in the late 70's early 80's when there was a revival of these styles.
I LOVE this house. If I could find the interior of this house I would buy it.
A little girl finds a picture of a baby and wonders where the baby has gone. She asks her mother who tells her she knows this baby and see's her everyday. The little girl looks all over the house.
She finds lots of things but no baby. Finally she finds the hat the baby was wearing in the picture. She tries it on and realizes that SHE is the baby, just a few years older. She runs and tells her mother that she knows where the baby went.
"You do?" says the mother, "Where is she?" "Here I am" and she jumps into her mothers arms.

September Illistrator of the Month: Eloise Wilkin

Okay- I've come to terms with the fact that when it comes to children's books it's often all about the illustrator. Sometimes it's going to be "illustrator of the month". I grew up poring over many of the Little Golden Books illustrated by Eloise Wilkin. In many ways they sum up childhood for me. They helped me envision what I wanted my own family to be like one day. I simply cannot leave her out.

Some fascinating things I learned about Mrs. Wilkin:
- She was an award winning baseball player.
-Jane Werner Watson, author of many of the books she illustrated said that Eloise was "the soul of Little Golden Books". I agree.
-She illustrated paper dolls early in her career.
-She often used family members as models.
-She revised some of her work as society evolved. For a re-print of a book of prayers that had originally shown only Caucasian children she altered it to portray children of many races. A picture that had originally shown an infant sleeping on her stomach was changed with a re-release in the 70's as there was an increase in awareness about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
- She was a devout Christian who often illustrated books of prayers for children.
-She grew up in New York City but spent her summers in rural western New York state. The rural setting and domestic environs influenced her illustrations later in life.

Now, you can find some books with her illustrations at the library. My absolute favorites are a little harder to find. I will review some of both and let you know if it's worth trying to track them down on ebay or in your grandma's attic.

What I read in August

"The Lightkeeper's Daughter" recommended to: people who want a light read with a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance and who don't mind a moderate amount of befuddlement (the characters aren't befuddled, the reader is and not because the reader is dense about mysteries either).




"Chess for Dummies" recommended to: those who want to learn how to play chess. Not recommended to cheese enthusiasts, however. (I also watched some videos on playing chess and WOW. #1 Can't some normal people get interested in chess anymore?!?! Floods and untamed cowlicks are not a requirement people!!!
#2 Someone needs to make a new video. The only one I could find came out circa 1990. The music was awesome. Karate Kid meets Chariots of Fire).






"Team of Rivals" recommended to: Americans with a forgiving attention span. People who want a greater appreciation for an admirable, to say the least, past president. People who don't give Lincoln enough credit and need to be put in their place.




"Ghostwalk" recommended to: People who enjoy lovable and quirky minor characters. Those who don't mind an intriguing story being effectively murdered by the protagonists insufferable blandness.









"My Fair Godmother" recommended to: teenagers. Women who want to take a break from reading books about chess, historical figures, bad mysteries, etc. and want to pretend they are 15 for a day. Please ignore the silly cover, this book was so fun!

Warning: reading this book may result in neglected children and burned food.







"Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague" recommended to: People who have read the first two books of this series and want a reason to read the last two books of this series. This is the hump that SAVED the camels back.

What I read in July

Okay, Okay. I read this in June. Somehow it got left off the list and some crazy part of me can't let the random blogger void think that I read this in July when I did not. There. I feel better.

"Wait Till Next Year" recommended to: Memoir readers. Baseball lovers. Yearners after a simpler time and darn good writing.






"Fablehaven" recommended to: Fantasy lovers. Series lovers. People who promised their husbands they would read this series and are going to see it through to the end because he promised it gets better.





"Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star" recommended to: Once again, fantasy lovers and series lovers. And now I can see a slight light at the end of the tunnel but that thing better get brighter and fast!





"Big Stone Gap" recommended to: People who like quirky, lovable characters. Women in their 30's who want a little romance and haven't found it yet and want to believe it's still possible. (It is.)










"Stardust" recommended to: People who haven't seen the movie. People who haven't ever read a book and ended up liking the movie more and want to experience that.










"Still Alice" recommended to: Anyone who ever wondered what it was like to have Alzheimer's. Anyone who never wondered what it's like to have Alzheimer's but like to read well-written, clever books that make you think.