When I was a kid, when we put more on our plate than we could eat, my dad would say, "Guess your eyes are bigger than your stomach." That's the way I feel when I survey my bookshelf and plan what books to move to the top of my reading list. I want to read them ALL! And I want to re-read my favorites. So making a list is an exercise in delusions of grandeur. Although I desperately want to devour them all, I have to narrow it down to a few dozen choices, knowing that there will be new releases and "hot" books hitting the bookstore shelves again this year. And that one-click button on Amazon is sooooo easy.
So this list is a loose outline of what I hope to read in the next twelve months, words that will nourish my spirit, give me a laugh or two, and prod me to be a better writer myself.
- When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley (I've already started this one and am loving it)
- The Bungalow by Sarah Jio
- Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls (on last year's list - didn't get to it)
- There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
- From This Day Forward by Margaret Daley
- Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (also one I didn't get to last year)
- The Girl Who Chased The Moon and Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen (recommended by a friend whose literary taste I trust)
- Mother of Pearl by Kellie Gilbert (will have to wait as this is a September release)
- Lilacs in Bloom and The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick
These are the books I have or know about. Charles Martin has a new one coming out and will likely move to the top of the pile the minute I get my hands on it. I also have three of Elizabeth Berg's books that I want to sink into - I love her voice and lovely stories.
I also want to revisit my Anne Tyler collection - I'm thinking The Accidental Tourist and Back When We Were Grownups. It's been too long since I've enjoyed one of her books.
Now for a fun surprise:
What books were on the NYT Bestsellers List on this week in January, 1952?
No. 1 - The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk
No. 8 - From Here to Eternity by James Jones
No. 12 - The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
Sixty years and these are still beloved. Classics, I suppose, by now. I'll think I'll add The Catcher in the Rye to my 2012 list.
How do you choose what books you want to read? Friend recommendations? Best-seller lists? Classics? Do you ever read books more than once?
2012 is off to a great start! What's the first book you want to read?
9 comments:
Carla those and SOOO many others,Lisa Wingate, Lisa Kleypas, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Beth Wiseman,Janice Thompson, Deborah Malone,Julie Lessman, Ann Gabhart, Barbara Cameron, Charles Sutherland,Mary Jane Clark, Joanna Weaver, Sandra Aldrich, Keith Miller, Virginia Burns, Suzanna Woods Fisher, Amy Clipston, Brad Thor, all the ones you have named and all the ones I'm forgetting!!!!!!! like Constance O'Banion....sooooo many to choose from....this will drive me nuts!!! LOL
Crud, I forgot that I have two of Lisa Wingate's on my list - Dandelion Summer and Blue Moon Bay (which hasn't come out yet). And I love many of those you've listed. Happy Reading in 2012!
Thanks for sharing your list, Carla. I am reading There You'll Find Me now. Literally, it's open on my lap as I type. :-) I've got a Martin on its way, decided to buy a couple instead of try my luck with library deadlines - makes savoring a book a bit harder.... :)
Add The Sugar Queen to your list by Sarah Addison Allen. Love that magical realism! Also better add Kate Morton's other 2 books. :-)
I think I'm going to put something by Carla Stewart on my list for this year . . . :-)
Oh dear. lol Your bookshelf looks like mine. Right now I'm reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. My book choices are based on how I feel but I also read friends and books I've won regardless if I'm in the mood.
I love blurbs. :-)
Love your list and your book shelf. It looks like mine--really full!! I write all over a book as I'm reading it, especially novels. Have read a few on your list. We love the same kind of books, my friend. So, so looking forward to Kellie's!!
Love,
Julie
Camille, which C Martin books did you order? Chasing Fireflies and When Crickets Cry are my favorites of his. I've heard great things about Jenny's book!
Jennifer, if I find an author I love, I read everything they write so The Sugar Queen just might be in my future. And yes, you should get a Carla Stewart book :-))
Jessica, my mood plays a part in what I pick up too - hence the variety of things on my list. Let me know what you think of GWADT - I've heard they're great!
Julie - I keep cleaning that bookshelf off, and I think they multiply when I'm out of the room. Yes, can't wait for Kellie's book!
Thanks gals!
Nice picture Carla. I regonize some books that are on my shelf too!
Most of the time I read historical romance. Most of my friends like this genre too, so they always let me know what book is great. And most of the time I like that book too.
But I also read other genres like suspense/military, contemporary. Sometimes I read an Amish novel, but I really must be in the mood for that.
On my 2012 list are Chasing Lilacs (of course);), Ronie Kendig - Digtitalis, Robin Caroll - In the Shadow of Evil, Lynn Austin - In Wonderland, Lisa Bergren - The Blessed and Breathe. Jody Hedlund - The Doctor's Lady, Brandilyn Collins - Gone to Ground. And many more... :))
Yay, Marion! Great list and some of my favorite authors too. Happy reading!
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