2011: The Year in Reading, By the Numbers

So, I only read four books in December, folks.  *hangs head in shame*  (You can flip over to my Year in Reading tab to see what I added to my list)

BUT! 

As it turns out, I can't beat myself up too much over a short reading month, because I read 136 books last year.  I know, right? That's a lot of reading.  And since I just love lists and statistics and all that fun stuff, I thought I'd break it all down for you. 

2011 Year in Reading



Total Books Read: 136

Children's Books: 87 books (83 young adult / 4 middle grade)  64%

Adult Books: 47 books  35%

Non-Fiction: 2 books   1%

Now, let's break it down even further!

On the Children's Book side of things, it looks like this: 87 books

Contemporary (this includes Literary, Mainstream, Comedy & Satire):  44 books  51%

Historical:  3 books   3.5%

Romance: 0 books  0%

Mystery: 5 books  5%

Paranormal (this includes vampires, werewolves, ghosts, mermaids, aliens, zombies, unicorns, yetis and anything else you could possibly think of): 13 books 15%

Fantasy: 3 books  3.5%

Dystopian: 19 books 22%

On the Adult side, here are the numbers: 47 books

Contemporary:: 1 book  2%

Historical: 0 books  0%

Romance: 17 books 36%

Mystery: 21 books  45%

Paranormal: 4 books 8%

Fantasy: 3 books  7%

Dystopian: 1 book 2%

Altogether, now!  (both adult and children's): 136 books TOTAL

Contemporary: 45 books  33%

Historical: 3 books  2%

Romance: 17 books  12%

Mystery: 26 books  20%

Paranormal: 17 books  12%

Fantasy: 6 books  5%

Dystopian: 20 books  15%

Non-fiction: 2 books  1%

As an aside, it should be noted that of the 136 books read, 28 were ARCs (thanks to the many authors who allowed me to review their books on this little old blog!) which equates to 21% of my total! 

So, that's it for my number, folks.  What about yours?  Upon looking over your list, did you find that you read more of one genre than another or did you spread the reading love fairly evenly?  I'd love to hear about it in the comments! 

Also, what do we think my reading goal should be for this coming year?  Any specific area you think I may have neglected? More particularly, an author/book I should read?

November's Novel List

It's that time of the month again, folks.  Yep, my monthly reading list is now up for your entertainment.  Hope you find something interesting :)

• SPECIALS by Scott Westerfeld ... YA Dystopian (audiobook)  I have to admit that at first, I wasn't too thrilled with this book.  I liked the action, the superiority complex that Tally and the other Specials had over the "randoms" and "bubbleheads" but I found myself more than a little horrified and sickened by the way Westerfeld portrayed cutting.  At times, it felt like he was glorifying it to the point of unease (for me, anyway).  But, once, I forced my way past that and Tally was helping Zane and the other crims runaway to the New Smoke, I was as enthralled with SPECIALS as I was with UGLIES and PRETTIES.  All in all, a good read, but I'm not all that sure I'm going to move forward with reading EXTRAS.  I feel like SPECIALS closed out the story quite well.  I'm not sure what more there is to add to it.
• VIRALS by Kathy Reichs ... YA suspense/paranormal/genetics mutation drama  I've read many a Kathy Reichs book in my day, especially her BONES books.  So, when I saw this on the YA bookshelf, I nabbed it right up.  I have to say that I like her adult books better, but this was a fast read that kept me intrigued.
• THE WAY WE FALL by Megan Crewe ... YA Dystopian (ARC)  an okay read.  I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. 
• SHELTER by Harlen Coben ... YA mystery/suspense  Yet another adult novelist jumping into the YA pool.  Coben does it much, much, much better than James Patterson did in his foray.  If you love the Myron Bolitar novels, you will fall head over feet for Mickey Bolitar. 
• HEAT WAVE by Richard Castle ... Mystery/suspense  This month's Book Hungry selection.
• EVE by Iris Johansen ... Mystery/suspense  In this installment of the Eve Duncan series, we get a look into where it all began, before Eve was EVE and how she met the man who would later give her the love of her life: her daughter Bonnie.
• QUINN by Iris Johansen ... Mystery/suspense  When a standoff between John Gallo and Paul Black lands Eve's lover Joe Quinn at death's door, she's even closer than ever before to finding out what happened to Bonnie all those years ago, but at what cost?
• BONNIE by Iris Johansen ... Mystery/suspense  After so many years (and so many books in which the reader continually asks, "What happened to Bonnie?"), Eve, Quinn, and John Gallo finally find out all the circumstances surrounding seven year old Bonnie's disappearance and death.  And, let me tell you, I never once guessed who it was.  Even after I found out, I just couldn't believe it.  Well played, Iris Johansen.  Well played.
• ASH by Malinda Lo ... YA fairy tale   The age old tale of Cinderella retold in a new and intriguing way. 
• LIFE AS WE KNEW IT by Susan Beth Pfeffer ... YA Post-apocalyptic/this could so happen and that's uber-scary/dystopian  An asteroid crashes into the moon, knocking it much closer to Earth and causing a cataclysmic shift in global climate.  I love, love, LOVED this book just as much I unloved it.  It impacted me that much.  But, more on this later as this is our Book Hungry pick for December :)

So, what about you, minions? Read anything good lately?  I'd love to hear all about it in the comments!

October's Frighteningly Small Reading List

Do you see a trend lately peeps? Yep, my reading lists keep getting shorter and shorter.  I'm pretty sure next month will be about the same, as November and December are notoriously slow reading months for me.  Ah, well.  What am I gonna do, right? 

I know.  I know.  Read more.  We shall see, minions.  We shall see.  But, enough idle chatter.  On with My October reading list!

• PRETTIES by Scott Westerfeld ... YA dystopian (audiobook)  The second in Westerfeld's UGLIES series.  Highly recommended read.
• DITCHED by Robin Mellom ... YA contemporary (ARC...release date 01/10/2012) A fun, light and fluffy teen romance.
• PARTY by Tom Leveen ... YA contemporay I looked into this book after having read an ARC of Leveen's sophmore effort, ZERO.  PARTY is a smart, well-thought out story of eleven teens and how their lives change over the course of one night.
• ABANDONED by Cody McFadyen ... Mystery/Suspense   The fourth book involving kick-ass FBI agent Smoky Barrett and her crew.  McFadyen weaves fast-paced thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first to the last page, with almost no rest in between.  Those of you who like Harlen Coben, James Patterson, Karen Slaughter, etc, you simply must check this guy out.  (If you're new to McFadyen, you don't have to read his books in order, but I think it helps.  They are: SHADOW MAN, THE FACE OF DEATH, THE DARKER SIDE, and then ABANDONED)
• SWEET AS SIN by Inez Kelley ... Romance  This was our Book Hungry October selection.  Not really my taste, but the book did have some redeeming qualities.
• ZOMBIE TAG by Hannah Moskowitz ... Middle Grade (ARC...release date 12/20/2011) My favorite read this month! Great story.  You should check it out :)
• DESTINED by PC & Kristin Cast ... YA paranormal    One of the few vampire series I willingly read anymore.  After the letdown of AWAKENED, I didn't have very high expectations for this installment, but with DESTINED, I was once again reminded why I loved vampires so much.

That's it, folks.  Not too many this month.  So, tell me.  Have you read any of these? If so, what did you think?  Also, any ideas for next month?  I'm all ears :)

A Small List in September

Again with another short reading month, peeps.  What is wrong with me?  Have I lost my reading mojo? Ah, well.  We can't always have double-digit months, I suppose.  Right?  Anyway, here's my September list:

• UGLIES by Scott Westerfeld ... YA dystopian (audiobook)  my favorite non-ARC book this month.  I can't believe I didn't read this sooner.  and can't wait to crack open PRETTIES.
• FETCHING by Kiera Stewart ... MG contemporary (ARC ... release date: 11/08/2011) this was a fun, fast read.  a barking good MG!
• THE BUTTERFLY CLUES by Kate Ellison ... YA mystery (ARC ... release date: 02/04/2012) I'm not usually impressed with YA mysteries.  This one was quite intriguing.  Not the usual Nancy Drew-esque murder mystery, but Lo (the MC) and all her quirks are very endearing.
• ZERO by Tom Leveen ... YA contemporary (ARC ... release date: 04/24/2012) LOVED this book! Quite possibly my favorite read this month. Mark this on your TBR lists for when it comes out!
• THE WHOLE STORY OF HALF A GIRL by Veera Hiranandani ... MG contemporary (ARC ... release date: 01/10/2012) One of the best MGs I've ever read.  A very timely novel about one girl's struggle to figure out her cultural identity while dealing with the fallout of one parent losing his job.
• GRAFFITI MOON by Cath Crowley ... YA--yay for Aussie YA!!--contemporary (ARC ... release date: 02/14/2012) LOVED this book! I can't say enough good things about it.  Make sure you put this on your TBR list as well!
• NEW YORK TO DALLAS by JD Robb ... Mystery/Suspense (number...like 38 or 46 or something like that of the IN DEATH books, and they just keep getting better and better!) GUH. this one just killed me. I loves me some Roarke.
• WATCH ME DIE by Erica Spindler ... Mystery/Suspense  Like most of Erica Spindler's books, I picked out the killer within the first three chapters, but that didn't ruin the book for me.  Added bonus: my favorite cop couple (Stacy Killian and Spencer Malone) are front and center here...and they finally get married! good for them!
• THE ELEVENTH PLAGUE by Jeff Hirsch ... YA dystopian  Probably the scariest dystopian I've read recently...mostly because The Collapse as they call it in the book is completely believable as something that could happen today. Like I said: SCARY.

How about you, fun folks? Read any of these books? See any that spark your interest? Do share ;)

A Short List for August...

I hate to admit it, minions, but I just didn't get much reading done this month.  *hangs head in shame* I know. I know.  You count on me for vast and varied reading lists and I've let you down.  I'm sorry.  Can you ever forgive me?

Yeah?  Good! I feel better now that the groveling is all over with.  Now, we can get down to the business of sharing my reading list for the month of August.  Here we go!

• MAKING WAVES by Tawna Fenske ... Romantic Comedy
• FIXING DELILAH by Sarah Ockler ... YA Contemporary
• STAY by Deb Caletti ... YA Literary
• THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD: MY JOURNEY THROUGH MADNESS by Elyn R. Saks ... Non-Fiction/Memoir
• BEAUTY QUEENS by Libba Bray ... YA Dystopian/Satire (I don't know if that's how others would categorize it, but since this is my list, I'll do whatever I want *sticks out tongue*)
• STOLEN by Lucy Christopher ... YA Literary
• BLOOD RED ROAD by Moira Young ... YA Dystopian
• SMOKIN' SEVENTEEN by Janet Evanovich ... Comedy/Mystery (more comedy than anything, but there was a healthy helping of mystery snuck in there)
• WHEN PASSION RULES by Johanna Lindsey ... Historical Romance
• EVE by Anna Carey ... YA Dystopian ARC

So, only ten this month, folks.  I promise to try harder next month, but I make no guarantees.  *shrugs*  Have you read any on this list?  What did you think?  If not, are there any you're thinking about picking up? Do share :)

A MidSummer Night's Reading...

I'm a little late with July's list, folks.  Sorry about that, but there was just no help for it.  I finally got my pre-order in from a book that EVERYONE and their mother has had for eons.  I was literally the last person in the world to get her copy and I just had to sit down and read as soon as I got it in my hot little hand. 

And, boy was it a fantabulous read.  I'm sure you're all just dying to know the name of said book, but since it was read in August, you'll just have to wait to hear about it later.  Na-na-na-boo-boo.

Okay, so on with my July Reading list!  And, let me tell you, I got so lost in all these books.

• THE LOVER'S DICTIONARY by David Levithan ... YA literary
• THIS GORGEOUS GAME by Donna Freitas ... YA literary
• HOLD STILL by Nina LaCour ... YA literary
• A STORM OF SWORDS by George R.R. Martin ... Fantasy
• GONE, GONE, GONE by Hannah Moskowitz ... YA literary ARC
• STORK by Wendy DelSol ... YA paranormal romance
• ALSO KNOWN AS ROWN POHI by Ralph Fletcher ... YA contemporary ARC
• FLYAWAY by Helen Landalf ... YA contemporary ARC
• DEVIANT by Adrian McKinty ... YA mystery/suspense ARC
• VAMPIRE INSTINCT by Joey W. Hill ... Paranormal
• BEYONDERS: A WORLD WITHOUT HEROES by Brandon Mull ... YA fantasy
• RAW BLUE by Kirsty Eagar ... (Aussie**)YA literary 
• HOW I LIVE NOW by Meg Rosoff ... YA contemporary
• BUT I LOVE HIM by Amanda Grace ... YA literary

That's my list for July, minions.  Did you read any on this list?  How did you enjoy them?  As always, book recs are always appreciated.   What do you think I should go for next?  I'll just be over here with my nose stuck in yet another book ;)

**I point out the fact that this is an Aussie book only because I had the devil's own time hunting this book down. Only after I begged it from a blog buddy did I get to enjoy it, and let me tell you, I'm so glad I got to read it!

A Storied Month of Reading

It's that time again, folks, and all I can say is: I really need this chair.---->>>>>

Isn't that just the best reading chair EVER?  Exactly my point.  Okay, onto my reading list for June!

• ASHFALL by Mike Mullin ... YA Dystopian ARC
• WHEREVER YOU GO by Heather Davis ... YA Paranormal Romance  ARC
• JUST LIKE HEAVEN by Julia Quinn ... Historical Romance
• THE GODDESS TEST by Aimee Carter ... YA Fantasy
• ULTRAVIOLET by RJ Anderson ... YA SciFi/Fantasy/Paranormal/I-don't-know-WTF-genre-it-is-but-it's-good  ARC
• STEALING HEAVEN by Elizabeth Scott ... YA Contemporary
• INVINCIBLE SUMMER by Hannah Moskowitz ... YA Contemporary
• LOST DOG by Bill Cameron ... Mystery
• CHASING SMOKE by Bill Cameron ... Mystery
• GAME OF THRONES (A Song of Ice and Fire, book 1) by George R.R. Martin ... Fantasy
• REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly ... YA Historical/Literary
• A CLASH OF KINGS (A Song of Ice and Fire, book 2) by George R.R. Martin ... Fantasy  (okay, okay. I might not be completely done with this one yet, BUT it's nearly 900 freaking pages long and I only have 150 left, so I'm counting it. So there *sticks out tongue* Plus, I'll probably finish it tonight before I go to bed anyway, so that means it'll be finished in June...and why am I explaining all this anyway???)

Well, that was an eclectic mix, now wasn't it?  What about you, peeps?  Anything you think I should be reading next.  I have to warn you, after Nomes' blog carnival, my TBR pile has magically transformed from a mere molehill into a full blown mountain range.  I might need to take some rock-climbing lessons in order to tackle it ;)

A Mountain of May Reads

Ah, it's that time of the month again, folks.  Yep, my May Reading List is now available for your perusal. Enjoy!

• DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth ... YA Dystopian  --->>> BEST BOOK of the MONTH! BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST book of the freaking MONTH!!! In case you all didn't catch that.  BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH.  Read it. Go. Now. Read!!!
• DEAD RECKONING by Charlaine Harris ... Paranormal
• SLEEP NO MORE by Susan Crandall ... Mystery/Suspense
• CALL ME IRRESISTIBLE by Susan Elizabeth Phillips ... Romance
• WHAT I DID FOR LOVE by Susan Elizabeth Phillips ... Romance
• PERFECT YOU by Elizabeth Scott ... YA Contemporary
• GLITTER BABY by Susan Elizabeth Phillips ... Romance
• GIRL PARTS by John M. Cusick ... YA
• LADY BE GOOD by Susan Elizabeth Phillips ... Romance (so far, this is my fave SEP book.  hilarious, heart-warming, simply irresistible)
• THIS LULLABY by Sarah Dessen ... YA Contemporary
• THAT SUMMER by Sarah Dessen ... YA Contemporary
• FANCY PANTS by Susan Elizabeth Phillips ... Romance (my least fave SEP. honestly, if this had been the first of hers I'd read, I wouldn't have read her further)
• SOMEONE LIKE YOU by Sarah Dessen ...YA Contemporary (I'm now officially caught up on Sarah Dessen. All I have to read is her newest effort, which is in my TBR pile)
• 10th ANNIVERSARY by James Patterson ... Mystery/Suspense

What about all you magnificent minions? Read any good books lately? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

April's Reading Extravaganza

Yet another month of reading, and it was a good one, too ;)

• LOVE ME TO DEATH by Allison Brennan ... Mystery/Suspense
• PETALS AND THORNS by Jennifer Paris ... Adult Romance (graphic scenes)
• KISS ME KILL ME by Allison Brennan ... Mystery/Suspense
• I'LL WALK ALONE by Mary Higgins Clark ... Mystery/Suspense
• FEAR NO EVIL by Allison Brennan ... Mystery/Suspense (this was a reread for me, but if you're a first time Allison Brennan reader, you really must read this BEFORE the other two on this list, as they each refer back to events in this book...thus the reason for my rereading it)
• LOST VOICES by Sarah Porter ... YA fantastical literary ARC (hehe...like that category I made up? but it fits this story...has a dark feel and touches upon the more taboo subject of abuse, but then it has mermaids in it)
• SWEET VALLEY CONFIDENTIAL: TEN YEARS LATER by Francine Pasqual ... technically and Adult contemp, but it felt more like an old-school YA. a bit of a disappointment for this former SVH fanatic
• GINGERBREAD by Rachel Cohn ... YA contemp  (recommended by the lovely Jennifer Hoffine)
• VIXEN by Jillian Larkin ... YA historical 
• BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY by Ruta Sepetys ... YA historical (recommended by the fantabulous book blogger Nomes)
• LOVE IS MURDER by Allison Brennan ... Mystery/Suspense
• WHERE SHE WENT by Gayle Forman ... YA literary/contemp
• WITHER by Lauren DeStefano ... YA dystopian

Well, that's my reading spree this month, folks.  Do you have any suggestions for next month's list?

March Reading Madness

So maybe, 'madness' is not quite the right word, considering this is a fairly average monthly reading quantity for me, but...*shrugs* whatever :)

• CITY OF BONES by Cassandra Clare ... YA paranormal
• NATURAL BORN CHARMER by Susan Elizabeth Phillips ... Romance
• CAUGHT by Harlan Coben ... Mystery/Suspense
• BUMPED by Megan McCafferty ... YA dystopian (ARC)
• GIRL WONDER by Alexa Martin ... YA contemporary (ARC)
• AFTERLIFE by Joey W. Hill ... Romance
• MAGNOLIA LEAGUE by Katie Crouch ... YA paranormal (ARC)
• HEREAFTER by Tara Hudson ... YA paranormal romance (ARC)
• VIOLENCE 101 by Denis Wright ... YA contemporary/literary
• TREACHERY IN DEATH by JD ROBB ... Mystery/Suspense
• PASSIONATE PLEASURES by Bertice Small ... Romance
• THE TRAVELING VAMPIRE SHOW by Richard Laymon ... Horror
• ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins ... YA contemporary

That's it for me, minions.  Not a bad number, but it definitely could have been more.  But, sadly, little reading has been done this past week.  What do we think my number might be next month? More or less? Only time will tell...

What about you?  Read any good books lately?  Do share :)

Step Away From the TBR Pile!!!

Okay. Someone really needs to stop me.  Have you guys seen the sheer number of book reviews I've posted lately?  I've read easily three times more books than those I've reviewed. 

And the real kicker: My TBR pile is growing faster than I can read.  For every book I finish, three more magically appear on my pile.  How is that happening?!?!? 

Anywho. Here is my reading list for the month of February.  Don't say I didn't warn ya!

• TWENTY BOY SUMMER by Sarah Ockler ...YA contemp/literary
• ALONG FOR THE RIDE by Sarah Dessen ....YA contemp
• THE ROAD by Cormac McCarthy ...SciFi/Dystopian
• MY FAVORITE BAND DOES NOT EXIST by Robert Jeschonek ...YA Fantasy (ARC)
• AFTER by Amy Efaw ...YA contemp/literary
• ICE QUEEN by Joey W. Hill ...adult romance
• MIRROR OF MY SOUL by Joey W. Hill ...adult romance
• LOCK & KEY by Sarah Dessen ...YA contemp
• SHINE by Lauren Myracle ...YA contemp/mystery/literary (ARC)
• DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver  ...YA dystopian
• BEFORE I DIE by Jenny Downham ...YA literary
• IN FRONT OF GOD AND EVERYBODY by KD McCrite ...comedy (ARC)
• LIPSTICK LAWS by Amy Holder ...YA contemp (ARC)
• POPULAZZI by Elise Allen ...YA contemp (ARC)
• SPLENDID by Julia Quinn ...historical romance

See what I mean, folks?  With all this reading, look at what I've turned into.  And, I don't care what Kermit says.  It's surprisingly easy being green ;)

Reading: It's What I Do...

So, yesterday's ranting tirade about the neighbor kids and my dogs disappeared. Kind of like Keyser Soze. Poof! He's gone.  (blatant Kevin Spacey/Usual Suspects reference).  And, so was my blog post.  For those of you who got a chance to read it yesterday before the Blogger gods stole it, you all know what a harrowing day I'd had on Monday. 

But, really that is no excuse for not posting my January reading list before now.  I mean, hello? February here.  *sigh* So, anyway.  On with the show.

January 2011 Reading List

• AWAKENED by PC & Kristin Cast ...YA paranormal
• INDULGENCE IN DEATH by JD Robb...adult. suspense
• DREAMLAND by Sarah Dessen (audio book) ...YA. contemp
• KEEPING THE MOON by Sarah Dessen (audio book) ...YA. contemp
• HOLDING THE CARDS by Joey W. Hill ...adult. romance(graphic scenes)
• THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE by Jandy Nelson ...YA. literary
• TRICKSTER'S GIRL by Hilari Bell  ....YA. dystopian/fantasy
• TILL DEATH DO US BARK by Sarah Klise ...MG. paranormal
• SOME GIRLS ARE by Courtney Summers ...YA. literary/contemp
• THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER by Sarah Dessen (audio book) ...YA contemp
• YOU by Charles Benoit ...YA dark literary
• THE KILL by Allison Brennan ....adult. romantic suspense
• DEADLINE by Chris Crutcher ...YA. literary/contemp
• PERSONAL DEMONS by Lisa Desrochers ...YA. paranormal
• CHELSEA BANG BANG by Chelsea Handler ...adult. non-fiction

And then, of course, this month saw the first time in my entire life where I did not finish a book. NEVER LET ME GO by Kazuo Ishiguro.  I'm still kicking myself for not finishing it. 

So, that's it for me, folks.  What have you all been reading? Any recommendations? I'd love to hear about it in the comments! :)