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End of year book survey!
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How many books did you read this year? 83 so far and I think I'll finish another 2 before the end of the year.
What was your SINGLE most top favorite of them all?
Hey Nostradamus!
And your least favorite?
Death Comes to Pemberley
What book were you surprised to like?
I can't think of a book that I expected to dislike, then didn't.
What book did you think you would like but didn’t?
Ah...this is an easier question! :D
The Haunting of Hill House
Favorite new author that you discovered this year?
Douglas Coupland
What was the funniest book you read this year?
Hmmm...I haven't read many funny books this year.
The Serpent of Venice was humorous but not really funny.
What book made you cry?
None
What was the most beautifully written?
The Beautiful and Damned
Most thought-provoking or life-changing?
Wit
Most action-packed/unputdownable?
(most unputdownable) Cutting for Stone
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death, etc.)
None
Most frustrating or angering?
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (I was expecting a book about the joys of running; not one about the aches & pains....we all have these...)
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting?
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Favorite quote from this year’s books?
From Habibi:
After battle, the Prophet said, "we have returned from the lesser Jihad to the greater Jihad."
When asked, "what is the greater Jihad?", he replied:
"It is the struggle against oneself."
Who was the most memorable character of the year?
Timothy (Timothy, or Notes of an Abject Reptile)
Most memorable romantic relationship?
Marcelo & Jasmine (Marcelo in the Real World)
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don’t read?
Theology (Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth & The Jesus Dynasty: The Hidden History of Jesus, His Royal Family, and the Birth of Christianity)
What book can you not believe you waited this long to finally get to?
Hey Nostradamus!
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it?
No
What books from your to-read list are you most excited to read next year?
I can't pick just one.
Post your favorite cover of the year, regardless of your opinion on the book:
(it also has a velvety feel to it that I liked)
How many books did you read this year? So far this year I have read 132 books but there are a few days of the month left so we'll see how many I get to by December 31st. What was your SINGLE most top favorite of them all? I liked all I read this year so I can't pick just one.
And your least favorite? I don't have one.
What book were you surprised to like? I was surprised that I would like The Island of Dr. Moreau and it was my first H.G. Wells novel too.
What book did you think you would like but didn’t? It's not on my list of books as books I am unable to read or continue I give up on.
Favorite new author that you discovered this year? I found lots of new authors this year from Roderick Vincent, Eric Morse, David Baldacci, Jason Segel, H.G. Wells, and more.
What was the funniest book you read this year? Midnight's Children was laugh out loud funny that it made me cry because there were lots of weird things that made me laugh like the poopy scene (You'll have to read the book for yourself to see what I am talking about).
What book made you cry? I don't think there was one.
What was the most beautifully written? Jo's Boys
Most thought-provoking or life-changing?
The Four Seasons as it made me think how important family is.
Most action-packed/unputdownable?
The Finisher
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death, etc.)
The The Infects because it was about what would happen if you ate Chicken and turned into a zombie.
Most frustrating or angering? That's why I don't read books that make me mad.
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting? Un Lun Dun because it was an upside-down wonderland.
Favorite quote from this year’s books? This is my favorite quote from a book I read this year: “The world isn’t fair. And no matter how good and decent you are, no matter how much you give to others, someone is always going to hate you for no other reason than the fact that you breathe. You can’t help that. You can’t change people or their minds once they’ve allowed them to get twisted by hatred. But you can change how you deal with them. Never back down, but walk away when you can, fight when you must. Whatever you do don’t give them the power to hurt you. Don’t let them inside you. They’re not worth it. Live your life for yourself. Stay true to yourself and if they can’t see the beauty that is you, it’s their loss. Let the bitterness take them to their graves. Spend your time on what matters most. Being you and appreciating the people who see you for who and what you are. The people who love you, and the ones that you love. They are all that matter. Let the rest go to hell.” - Drux Cruel” from Born of Silence by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Who was the most memorable character of the year? Carmen Espinoza from The Exquisite and Immaculate Grace of Carmen Espinoza
Most memorable romantic relationship? June and Wes from The Big Crunch
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don’t read? This is my first time listening to audiobooks as I have never done that before but I enjoyed listening to them with reading my regular print and ebooks so will add more audiobooks to check out next year.
What book can you not believe you waited this long to finally get to? Under the Dome because I had to listen to an audiobook to read it and because of the TV Show was disappointing and I wanted to see if the book was better. It was.
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it? I saw the film adaptation to This is Where I Leave Youthen read the book. They were both pretty good.
What books from your to-read list are you most excited to read next year? I want to check out Treasure Island and more!
Post your favorite cover of the year, regardless of your opinion on the book:
Petra wrote: "Who was the most memorable character of the year?Timothy (Timothy, or Notes of an Abject Reptile)"
This book sounds so interesting! Definitely adding it to my list.
Amber wrote: "What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting? Un Lun Dun because it was an upside-down wonderland."I just read the description - wow, this book sounds whimsical and strange in a great way. Adding to my list!
Awesome Shannon enjoy! I read it earlier this year and it was pretty good. :)
How many books did you read this year? 43 but gonna read a few more before the year is through :) (my goal is 45)What was your SINGLE most top favorite of them all? Probably Long Walk to Freedom, so glad I read it. My sister-in-law lent it to me and never would have read it otherwise so glad she gave it to me :)
And your least favorite? Orlando. Love Virginia Woolf but this book wasn't for me. I read it for Uni and had to write an essay on it so perhaps that's why because I did think it was a good read but going over it again and again completely bored me.
What book were you surprised to like? Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Didn't think I'd like Harry Potter but enjoyed this a lot and want to read the rest of the books now.
What book did you think you would like but didn’t? Orlando. I appreciated the writing and the plot but just wasn't for me.
Favorite new author that you discovered this year? Philip Pullman
What was the funniest book you read this year? We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves.
What book made you cry? Amy, My Daughter. Just because I love Amy and reading this book after she died is sad :(
What was the most beautifully written? Autobiography
Most thought-provoking or life-changing? A Woman in Berlin: Eight Weeks in the Conquered City: A Diary. I'll never forget this book.
Most action-packed/unputdownable? Anything from the Pretty Little Liars series. Any book I read from the series I read in 2/3 days.
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death, etc.) The Storyteller. Wow is all I can say. My mam gave me this book and told me it was good but the twist was amazing and totally unexpected.
Most frustrating or angering? Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eyewitness Account. Don't read this book if you want to feel anger! So so sad and made me feel angry for what happened to the people that went through this.
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting? Long Walk to Freedom. Not only was his writing easy to read but I could understand where he was/what he felt and got a true sense of where he was.
Favorite quote from this year’s books? From Waiting for Godot.
"Vladimir: I don't understand.
Estragon: Use your intelligence, can't you?
Vladimir uses his intelligence.
Vladimir: (finally) I remain in the dark."
Who was the most memorable character of the year? Rebecca and the second Mrs. de Winter
Most memorable romantic relationship? The second de Winter and Rebecca and Maxim.
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don’t read? Treasure Island. Never as an adult read children's or young adult fiction but since doing a course in children's lit I've been reading quite a bit of it and liking it loads.
What book can you not believe you waited this long to finally get to? Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it? Rebecca. Liked them both but by far preferred the book.
What books from your to-read list are you most excited to read next year? The Paying Guests & Loving Amy : A Mother's Story.
Wow Katie you've read such a variety of books this year...they all look good :) I've put A Woman in Berlin on my tbr shelf as it looks really interesting...and I love Berlin.
Katie wrote: "Most frustrating or angering? Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eyewitness Account. Don't read this book if you want to feel anger! So so sad and made me feel angry for what happened to the people that went through this."Oh wow... I just read the description... I don't think I could handle that, it sounds so upsetting. Important, of course, but still hard to get through. Kudos to you for braving it!
Mod
I first read Rebecca years and years ago and loved it - as I do all Daphne Du Mauriers book.THEN - I went and read Mrs. De Winter by Susan Hill - and it completely changed how I felt about them. I hated them! If you haven't read that book my advice is DON'T, its awful.
How many books did you read this year?28. Not very much maybe, but still a lot more than previous years. :)
What was your SINGLE most top favorite of them all?
The True Deceiver. I love Tove Jansson - both her Moomin books and her adult books, and this was no exception. The characters and the relationship between them were very well described, and it was beautifully written.
And your least favorite?
Definitely Torn, the only 1-star book this year. That one was a representative of the YA books I don't like - there were potential in the plot, but the characters were almost without exception flat and unlikeable, and all the psychological and moral questions the author could have explored were left untouched - instead, there was a weird and undeveloped romance that took up most of the book. It's safe to say I'll not read any more of this author.
What book were you surprised to like?
Odinsbarn. I think I've had a lot of prejudice against Norwegian debutants, especially when it comes to fantasy. Because of that I went into is book with no expectations, but I found a well-written and surprisingly complex story, with a strong plot and amazing characters. The next book in this series is the first thing I'll read next year.
What book did you think you would like but didn’t?
None.
Favorite new author that you discovered this year?
Ursula K. Le Guin.
I also read my first book by Charles Dickens this year, and I look forward to reading more.
What was the funniest book you read this year?
Skipping Christmas
What book made you cry?
Fantomsmerter: Noveller
What was the most beautifully written?
Travelling Light
Most thought-provoking or life-changing?
I read A Wizard of Earthsea in the middle of a very dark and challenging period, and the message of facing the thing that's haunting you and being the hunter instead resonated very strongly with me back then. The whole plot was easily transmittable to the depression I was feeling… and yeah. It was important to me back then, and still is.
Most action-packed/unputdownable?
I'm going to go with Odinsbarn once again.
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death, etc.)
None of the new ones, but I reread The Thief Lord (one of my childhood favorites) this year. I still think the twists and turns in that one are very good (especially since it is coupled with childhood nostalgia)
Most frustrating or angering?
Can't think of any.
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting?
Ptolemy's Gate - a reread, but still.
Favorite quote from this year’s books?
"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more natural to the human heart than its opposite."
- Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
Who was the most memorable character of the year?
Anna Aemelin from The True Deceiver. A complex and interesting character, who is also (to me at least) clearly autobiographical.
Most memorable romantic relationship?
None.
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don’t read?
A lot, actually. I'm just in the process of "moving on" from just reading YA/children's books to also read some adult books. So I feel I've made a start on that this year, both in classics, general adult fiction, and poetry.
What book can you not believe you waited this long to finally get to?
To Kill a Mockingbird.
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it?
No.
What books from your to-read list are you most excited to read next year?
I usually pick my to-read books entirely at random, so I have no clue. I'll read Råta, the follow-up to Odinsbarn, though.
Post your favorite cover of the year, regardless of your opinion on the book:
Erica - It's well worth a read :)Shannon - It was so upsetting when reading it. Anything to do with the second world war I'll generally read about but it was the most difficult book I've ever read..but like you say important.
Greg - It's probably a book that divides people I know some people on my course loved it but then others didn't get it. I appreciated the writing, obviously, but in general it kind of bored me.
Kristin - I love that quote too.
How many books did you read this year? 88 - I was going for 100What was your SINGLE most top favorite of them all? The Goldfinch
And your least favorite? Murder Past Due which I got as a cheap ebook & I didn't think was at all well-written
What book were you surprised to like? The Portrait of a Lady
What book did you think you would like but didn’t? Life After Life (it was more like Death after Death!)
Favorite new author that you discovered this year? Jo Walton - I loved both Tooth and Claw and Among Others
What was the funniest book you read this year? The Martian
What book made you cry? A Town Like Alice
What was the most beautifully written? Driftless
Most thought-provoking or life-changing? We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
Most action-packed/unputdownable? The Martian
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death, etc.) The Paying Guests
Most frustrating or angering? Gone Girl It's well done enough, it keeps you reading but it's so dark and just totally unbelievable
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting? Neverwhere
Favorite quote from this year’s books? from Driftless "Our lives unfold through each other and within each other"
Who was the most memorable character of the year? Boris from The Goldfinch
Most memorable romantic relationship? And the Mountains Echoed
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don’t read? Biography Charles Dickens
What book can you not believe you waited this long to finally get to? Ulysses
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it? I intend to watch The Perks of Being a Wallflower
What books from your to-read list are you most excited to read next year? The Luminaries, not sure what else, too many on my list.
Post your favorite cover of the year, regardless of your opinion on the book:
How many books did you read this year? 209What was your SINGLE most top favorite of them all? Don't really have one. I had a lot of enjoyable reads.
And your least favorite? The Palace I was hoping to enjoy her books and this was excruciatingly slow paced with a plot that didn't enthrall me at all.
What book were you surprised to like? Infinity. Not usually a YA fan, but this series adds so much more depth to the adult series.
What book did you think you would like but didn’t? The Haunting of Hill House Boring. Not entirely sure what was haunting vs mental illness.
Favorite new author that you discovered this year? Carved in Bone
What was the funniest book you read this year? Don't really read funny books. Some had humorous moments.
What book made you cry? Styxx. Some of the things Styxx endures are heartbreaking.
What was the most beautifully written? Changes
Most thought-provoking or life-changing? None.
Most action-packed/unputdownable? Cold Days
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death, etc.) Gone Girl The only way to describe the wife is "wow".
Most frustrating or angering? A Shiver of Light Nothing happens and the author thinks she writes hard boiled mysteries.
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting? Illusion. Kenyon takes what you know about the world and turns it upside down.
Favorite quote from this year’s books? None.
Who was the most memorable character of the year? Probably Nick Gautier from Infinity
Most memorable romantic relationship? Damalia and Carlos from the Vampire Huntress series. Some of the trials they go through...wow.
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don’t read? Young Adult by a couple different authors.
What book can you not believe you waited this long to finally get to? The Exorcist
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it? Firestarter
What books from your to-read list are you most excited to read next year? J.D. Robb's Eve Dallas series.
Post your favorite cover of the year, regardless of your opinion on the book:
Awesome Myst. I enjoyed Styxx too and have not read Illusion from the Chronicles of Nick series yet but plan on it as the next one will be out sometime in 2015. Glad you liked them though.
Kristin wrote: "I read A Wizard of Earthsea in the middle of a very dark and challenging period, and the message of facing the thing that's haunting you and being the hunter instead resonated very strongly with me back then. The whole plot was easily transmittable to the depression I was feeling… and yeah. It was important to me back then, and still is."It's so amazing when that happens, when books come into our lives at precisely the right moment. I'm so glad you had something to bring you comfort and strength during that time.
Robin wrote: "What was the funniest book you read this year? The Martian"Interesting that you say this was the funniest! I haven't read it yet but it sounds like it'd be very serious from the description. I'm looking forward to reading it.
Myst wrote: "What book did you think you would like but didn’t? The Haunting of Hill House Boring. Not entirely sure what was haunting vs mental illness."I liked this book, but I didn't find it very scary either. I liked it more for its witty dialogue.
Mod
Greg wrote: "I agree Shannon - The Haunting of Hill House was very witty and also psychologically subtle - more of a good psychological thriller/drama with a little bit of horror rather than the ot..."The 1960's film version is scary - and I don't scare easily! its one of my favourite films. (Nothing horrible to see; its all suggested but so good). A remake was done in the 90;s - rubbish!
How many books did you read this year?54...my biggest number ever...and it exceeded my goal for 2014 for 45 books :)
What was your SINGLE most top favorite of them all?
My Name Was Judas... so well-written and thought-provoking!
And your least favorite?
Marcel...it was just boring. I don't even remember what happened in the slightest!
What book were you surprised to like?
Post Office. My first Bukowski...I only read it cos I found a cheap copy in London while I was travelling around and my partner said he was an amazing writer...and he is!
What book did you think you would like but didn’t?
The Pearl Diver. I picked it up from the library, it sounded really good on the blurb but the writing was pretty average and so was the story. Underwhelming.
Favorite new author that you discovered this year?
I'd say C.K. Stead which I'm so glad about cos he's a kiwi :)
But also John Green...looking forward to reading heaps of his after I read Looking for Alaska and loved it!
What was the funniest book you read this year?
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid...literally had me crying with laughter in parts.
What book made you cry?
Looking for Alaska...was bawling like a baby and I haven't cried while reading in a very long time!
What was the most beautifully written?
I'd probably have to go with Unaccustomed Earth. A great collection of short stories.
Most thought-provoking or life-changing?
My Name Was Judas
Most action-packed/unputdownable?
I read both The Art of Racing in the Rain and The Rosie Project super quick.
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death, etc.)
Looking for Alaska and The Goldfinch
Most frustrating or angering?
The Larnachs. This one was so frustrating cos it was a really interesting topic but it wasn't executed well in my opinion, average read :(
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting?
The Snow Child....snowy Alaska.
Who was the most memorable character of the year?
Jasper Jones from Jasper Jones...I still recommend this book to people.
Most memorable romantic relationship?
Eleanor & Park...romantic but totally believable...the best love comes from the closest friendships I say.
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don’t read?
I usually steer well clear of Sci-fi. But I finished the Hunger Games trilogy this year and that opened my eyes to how interesting this genre can be. I read: Catching Fire, Mockingjay and a classic On the Beach
What book can you not believe you waited this long to finally get to?
Sounds of the River: A Young Man's University Days in Beijing. I've had it on my bookshelf for years!!! It was so well written and interesting.
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it?
I read the final two books in the Call the Midwife series and then watched one episode of the tv series (not quite a movie but close) and thought reading about births is much easier and interesting that watching them! So I stopped at the first episode haha
Call the Midwife Boxed Set: Call the Midwife, Shadows of the Workhouse, Farewell to the East End
What books from your bookshelf are you most excited to read next year?
Fall of Giants...I love Ken Follett.
Middlesex and
Purple Hibiscus
Post your favorite cover of the year, regardless of your opinion on the book:
Mod
Maggie, I so agree! The 60's adaption was an absolutely fantastic film - I've seen it dozens of times around Halloween.
If you like that one, I think you might also love The Innocents, a superb film adaption of the Henry James novella The Turn of the Screw. It has the same sort of psychologically complex acting & eerie atmosphere. Everything is suggested. So, so good. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_In...
Greg wrote: "Maggie wrote: "Greg wrote: "I agree Shannon - The Haunting of Hill House was very witty and also psychologically subtle - more of a good psychological thriller/drama with a little bit ..."Yes, I have seen The Innocents - good film.
Trying to get caught up here!How many books did you read this year?
48, I think, which was my goal, but is about half of what I would LIKE to read and will never manage.
What was your SINGLE most top favorite of them all?
Not a lot of great books this year, but I think I will go with The Shoemaker's Wife
And your least favorite?
I had four 2-star books this year. I'll say The Anatomist's Wife. Just couldn't take the historical inaccuracies - but I did finish it.
What book were you surprised to like?
Gilt. The Tudors meets The Gossip Girls. But it was actually not bad.
What book did you think you would like but didn’t?
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. I really wanted to like this one, but it was a bit of a struggle for me.
Favorite new author that you discovered this year?
Tamar Myers (The Witch Doctor's Wife). Had not read any of hers before, and I loved this. I also loved C.C. Benison, Adriana Trigiani, and Megan Whalen Turner.
What was the funniest book you read this year?
Perhaps Death at Buckingham Palace
What book made you cry?
The Hungry Little Bunny. This was a book that I remembered from my very earliest childhood, and have spent a good 40 years trying to find. My blog post about it is here: https://welshbookworm.wordpress.com/2...
What was the most beautifully written?
The Night Circus. Lovely, evocative descriptions.
Most thought-provoking or life-changing?
Fiction: Room
Non-fiction: Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
Most action-packed/unputdownable?
Didn't really have a lot of action/adventure this year. Enjoyed the intrigue of Laura Andersen's Boleyn trilogy. Megan Whalen Turner was also fun.
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death, etc.)
The Headmaster's Wife had quite a twist in the middle.
Most frustrating or angering?
The Valcourt Heiress was neither frustrating nor angering, but might have been a wall-banger if it hadn't been an audiobook. Absolutely unbelievable sex scene ...
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting?
Hollow City, although I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book.
Favorite quote from this year’s books?
Didn't record any.
Who was the most memorable character of the year?
Father Christmas (Twelve Drummers Drumming, et al.) I really wanted a new book in the series for Christmas this year, but nothing out yet...
Most memorable romantic relationship?
Aside from The Valcourt Heiress, hard to say. I think I'll go with The Night Circus.
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don’t read?
Gray Mountain. My first John Grisham and I was underwhelmed.
What book can you not believe you waited this long to finally get to?
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it?
Before I Go To Sleep - the movie was okay. Colin Firth is always good! Didn't care for the book much.
Hamlet.
Looking forward to Wild.
What books from your to-read list are you most excited to read next year?
Everything!
Post your favorite cover of the year, regardless of your opinion on the book:
I thought Edgar Sawtelle was a beautiful, moving book - I cried!
I've read all of Adriana Trigiani's books and really enjoyed them - but The Shoemaker's Wife is the one I liked the least.
Maggie wrote: "I thought Edgar Sawtelle was a beautiful, moving book - I cried!"I was disappointed in Edgar Sawtelle, it went on so long and was so farfetched, and it seemed like a stretch to tie in the Hamlet theme. But I know many people loved it.
Interesting, Maggie, that we have 97 books in common on our shelves, but opposite views in rating! Ah well, it is all subjective.
How many books did you read this year? My goal was 50 and I managed 83 - I was out of action for a few months (elbow replacement) so all I did was read!What was your single most top favourite of these? Its so hard to choose one! I'll go with The Devil and the River by R.J. Ellory, he's a fantastic writer.
And your least favourite? I have to put 3! The CarrierbySophie Hannah, Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty and The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison. I am sick of reading about educated, intelligent, middle class women who behave like idiots!
What book did you think you would like but didn't? The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer just didn't do it for me. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson - have tried other books by her and didn't care for them either.
What book were you surprised to like? The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton - because the one before was terrible!
Favourite new author that you discovered this year?
What was the funniest book that you read this year? Briefs Encountered by Julian Clary - love him! Also Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canalby Mary Roach was rather good
What book made you cry?
What was the most beautifully written? As always The Devil and the River R.J. Elloryby
Most thought provoking or life changing? Two Soldiers by Anders Roslund thought provoking.
Most action packed/unputdownable? Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End by Manel Loureiro
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death etc) One Step Too Far by Tina Seskis- didn't see that end coming! Two Soldiers by Anders Roslund - truly shocking. The End of Alice by A.M. Homes truly nasty!
Most frustrating or angering? Tha Carrier, Apple Tree yard, The Silent Wife - reasons above.
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting? Apocalypse Z, Dark Matter by Michelle Paver
Favourite quote from this years books?
Who was the most memorable character of the year?
Most memorable romantic relationship?
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don't read? Don't usually read biography but read Cave Full of Ghosts: The Billy Bob Tapes which was really good. Also Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal.
What book can you not believe you waited so long to finally get to? Birdman by Mo Hayder,Garnethill by Denise Mina, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - all were fantastic andi can;t wait to read more.
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it? I read Broadchurch: A Novel by Erin Kelly I'd already seen the Tv series but the book was very good. Also What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? by Henry Farrell - one of my favourite films - the book didn't disappoint.
What book from your to-read list are you most excited to read next year?
Post your favourite cover of the year regardless of your opinion of the book.
~How many books did you read this year? 153
What was your SINGLE most top favorite of them all?
Shadowfever by Moning, Karen Marie
And your least favorite?
How To Talk To Girls At Parties by Gaiman Neil
What book were you surprised to like?
Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
What book did you think you would like but didn’t?
Take a Chance by Abbi Glines
Favorite new author that you discovered this year?
Katja Millay
What was the funniest book you read this year?
Two for the Dough by Evanovich Janet
What book made you cry?
The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
What was the most beautifully written?
A Day of Pleasant Bread by David Grayson
Most thought-provoking or life-changing?
David: Seeking a Heart Like His by Beth Moore
Most action-packed/unputdownable?
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death, etc.)
Mariana by Susanna Kearsley
Most frustrating or angering?
Boundless by Cynthia Hand
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting?
Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning
Favorite quote from this year’s books?
"Hey, heart. Are you listening? You and I are officially at war." - Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
Who was the most memorable character of the year?
Harry Dresden - Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Most memorable romantic relationship?
Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser - Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don’t read?
Medical Autobiography: Over My Head: A Doctor's Own Story of Head Injury from the Inside Looking Out by Claudia L. Osborn
What book can you not believe you waited this long to finally get to?
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it?
I'm going to count the Starz TV series, Outlander. It's been outstanding so far.
What books from your to-read list are you most excited to read next year?
All the Light We Cannot See; Big Little Lies; First Grave on the Right; and Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good.
Post your favorite cover of the year, regardless of your opinion on the book:
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Here are my answers - thought it was about time I summed up last year.How many books did you read this year? 42 - not as many as the year before, but I did read some very long books.
What was your SINGLE most top favorite of them all?
That's quite hard. I guess I would have to say To Kill a Mockingbird - but if re-reads don't count, then I would go for A Fine Balance or The Goldfinch - both excellent books!
And your least favorite?
That's quite easy - Shirley
What book were you surprised to like?
Vanity Fair - because it was such a long book, I didn't think it would be so readable, but I enjoyed it all.
What book did you think you would like but didn’t?
Shirley
Favorite new author that you discovered this year?
Diane Chamberlain - Necessary Lies is the only book I have read by her, but I was impressed by this book.
What was the funniest book you read this year?
Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops
What book made you cry?
None of them made me cry, but I thought Burial Rites was sad. Also - The Night Rainbow
What was the most beautifully written?
Snowdrops
Most thought-provoking or life-changing?
Necessary Lies
Most action-packed/unputdownable?
Luther: The Calling
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death, etc.)
Luther: The Calling
Most frustrating or angering?
Mrs. Dalloway - didn't make me angry, just found it hard-going. Much preferred To the Lighthouse
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting?
Lots of them - but I would say Trash.
Favourite quote from this year’s books?
Oh, I would have to think about that! I am not one for remembering quotes. Probably something from To Kill A Mockingbird, I should think.
Who was the most memorable character of the year?
Pea and Margot from The Night Rainbow
Most memorable romantic relationship?
There weren't any, really. Probably, the romance in The Goldfinch between Theo and Pippa.
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don’t read?
I read two books by Virginia Woolf - as I thought I would try her writing.
What book can you not believe you waited this long to finally get to?
Robinson Crusoe - been meaning to read this for years! Glad I did. Also, a re-read of To Kill a Mockingbird - not read since my schooldays.
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it?
Yes - Divergent - in my opinion, the film is better. But The Hunger Games is better still.
What books from your to-read list are you most excited to read next year?
Lots of them!
Post your favorite cover of the year, regardless of your opinion on the book:
I don't have a favourite - I'm not really bothered by what the cover looks like anyway.
How many books did you read this year? 339
What was your SINGLE most top favorite of them all?
First comes to mind Uncle Silas but it's really hard to choose
And your least favorite?
The Back Passage
What book were you surprised to like?
Dodger, sort of. I've either love/hate relationships with Pratchett's books.
What book did you think you would like but didn’t?
The Neverending Story
Favorite new author that you discovered this year?
Leon Garfield
What was the funniest book you read this year?
Cocktail Time
What book made you cry?
None
What was the most beautifully written?
My Cousin Rachel
Most thought-provoking or life-changing?
Farmageddon: The True Cost of Cheap Meat
Most action-packed/unputdownable?
The Pianist
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death, etc.)
Julius
Most frustrating or angering?
The Good Psychopath's Guide to Success A pile of rubbish
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting?
No Mouth But Some Serpent's a wonderful Harry Potter fanific
Favorite quote from this year’s books?
“Pretend to be good always and even God will be fooled.” Kurt Vonnegut, God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
Who was the most memorable character of the year?
Matthew Shardlake from Lamentation
Most memorable romantic relationship?
Whyborne/Griffin Bloodline
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don’t read?
Cookbooks, if they count.
What book can you not believe you waited this long to finally get to?
Gone with the Wind
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it?
Yes, BBC The Mystery of Edwin Drood, I didn't finish watching first episode. But from what I saw I think it's was OK
What books from your to-read list are you most excited to read next year?
Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, Great Expectations, Cranford and many others
Post your favorite cover of the year, regardless of your opinion on the book:
All About Books
Books mentioned in this topic
The Back Passage (other topics)Uncle Silas (other topics)
Dodger (other topics)
Sonnets from the Portuguese (other topics)
Cocktail Time (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Leon Garfield (other topics)Diane Chamberlain (other topics)
Richelle Mead (other topics)
Katja Millay (other topics)
Abbi Glines (other topics)
More...
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How many books did you read this year?
What was your SINGLE most top favorite of them all?
And your least favorite?
What book were you surprised to like?
What book did you think you would like but didn’t?
Favorite new author that you discovered this year?
What was the funniest book you read this year?
What book made you cry?
What was the most beautifully written?
Most thought-provoking or life-changing?
Most action-packed/unputdownable?
Most shocking? (Plot twist, character death, etc.)
Most frustrating or angering?
What book had the most vivid or imaginative setting?
Favorite quote from this year’s books?
Who was the most memorable character of the year?
Most memorable romantic relationship?
What subject matter or genre did you try that you normally don’t read?
What book can you not believe you waited this long to finally get to?
Did you read a book and then watch its movie adaptation? How was it?
What books from your to-read list are you most excited to read next year?
Post your favorite cover of the year, regardless of your opinion on the book:
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