*all book title links lead to my review
Thanks to the wonderful Jamie for doing this again! And good gracious this was tough!
AGHHH this was so hard to do! It broke my heart to have to whittle this down...
Contemporary: Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard, The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Dystopian: Cinder by Marissa Meyer, Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Best Fantasy: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Best Romance/Comedy: Meant To Be by Lauren E. Morrill
Best voice: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
Needs It's Own Category Because Yes: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein.
2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?
Easily Beta by Rachel Cohn. Sad sighing has ensued.
3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012?
For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund (my heart), Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (did not expect to love the characters so much), and Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer (looked super fluffy, but was so much more!).
4. Book you recommended to people most in 2012?
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard. For sure. (Although Meant To Be by Lauren E. Morrill was a close second!)
5. Best series you discovered in 2012?
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, Shatter Me by Tahareh Mafi (I still need to write my review...), Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (also one I need to review...).
6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2012?
ALL OF THEM. But really...Trish Doller, Tahareh Mafi, and Rainbow Rowell.
7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?
I've never read much fantasy, but Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas has totally turned that around for me. I'm really looking forward to exploring that genre now. And I just got into the Dystopian thing (as did the world, I feel), but Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi and Legend by Marie Lu were fantastic ways for me to get into it.
8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?
Crap…this is hard. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Something Like Normal by Trish Doller, and Ten by Gretchen McNeil.
9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:
The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith. Funny that it was my first book of the year, too.
10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2012?
11. Most memorable character in 2012?
Bria from Wanderlove and Celaena from Throne of Glass were probably my favourite girls. Joe Fontaine (oh Joe...) from The Sky is Everywhere and Isaac from The Fault In Our Stars were my favourite dudes.
Easily Beta by Rachel Cohn. Sad sighing has ensued.
3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012?
For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund (my heart), Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (did not expect to love the characters so much), and Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer (looked super fluffy, but was so much more!).
4. Book you recommended to people most in 2012?
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard. For sure. (Although Meant To Be by Lauren E. Morrill was a close second!)
5. Best series you discovered in 2012?
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, Shatter Me by Tahareh Mafi (I still need to write my review...), Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (also one I need to review...).
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| Sarah J. Maas and I (we glow!) |
ALL OF THEM. But really...Trish Doller, Tahareh Mafi, and Rainbow Rowell.
7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?
I've never read much fantasy, but Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas has totally turned that around for me. I'm really looking forward to exploring that genre now. And I just got into the Dystopian thing (as did the world, I feel), but Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi and Legend by Marie Lu were fantastic ways for me to get into it.
8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?
Crap…this is hard. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Something Like Normal by Trish Doller, and Ten by Gretchen McNeil.
9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:
The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith. Funny that it was my first book of the year, too.
10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2012?
And honourable mentions, since I haven't read these yet...
11. Most memorable character in 2012?
Bria from Wanderlove and Celaena from Throne of Glass were probably my favourite girls. Joe Fontaine (oh Joe...) from The Sky is Everywhere and Isaac from The Fault In Our Stars were my favourite dudes.
12. Most beautifully written book read in 2012?
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. The poetry in her words (and actual poetry) are just...gorgeous. Shatter Me by Tahareh Mafi was also beautifully done.
13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012?
The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour made me yearn to write again. And For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund simply made me yearn.
14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read?
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson and Saving June by Hannah Harrington.
15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012?
Shoot...this is tough. The first three that jumped into my head are all from The Fault In Our Stars.
14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read?
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson and Saving June by Hannah Harrington.
15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012?
Shoot...this is tough. The first three that jumped into my head are all from The Fault In Our Stars.
I love you present tense.
***
I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once.
***
Sometimes you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book. And then there are books...which you can't tell people about, books so special and rare and yours that advertising your affection feels like betrayal.
16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2012?
Hmmm...I think the shortest was Stand Tall by Joan Bauer at 182 pages. Longest was Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger at 496 pages (which I reeaaally need to get around to reviewing...oy).
17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!
The entirety of The Fault In Our Stars had me wanting to discuss with someone. I think Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris was the one that I was like WHAT OMG WHY WHAT SOMEONE TALK ME THROUGH THIS. Because...I mean...just AGH! And Uses For Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt made me want to talk about it with someone IMMEDIATELY, though it wasn't necessarily in a good way...(which I know is cryptic since I haven't reviewed it yet, but f'realz. It was...I don't even.)
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| Me, Siobhan Vivian & Jenny Han |
Shit. This is tough, too. I fall in love with pairs so easily...Aria + Peregrine from Under the Never Sky. Rowan + Bria’s friendship in Wanderlove. Eleanor + Park in Eleanor & Park (ahaha that was...obvious. The review will be up this week!) by Rainbow Rowell. Amelia & Chris's friendship from Love and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo. Puck + Sean Kendrick from The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
19. Favorite Book You Read in 2012 From An Author You Read Previously?
Looking back, I'm really surprised that I read a lot of new authors this year! I think I'll have to cheat and say Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Prince. Because yes. Also, Ned Vizzini's The Other Normals just solidified my love for him even more.
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| Cassie Clare & I |
ohhhh goodness, this is hard! Between You & Me by Marisa Calin was fabulous, and Estelle's review on Rather Be Reading is the reason I even had that on my radar at all. And even though it was the first book I read of the year, Anna from Anna Reads' glowing review (and 2011 pick!) of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is the reason I picked up that one too! Also, S from Oh Paper Pages sang the praises for Shatter Me and was on such a hunt for Destroy Me at ALA that it made me pick it up faster - TOTALLY worth it. Can't believe I waited so long to read that.
1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2012?
Since I'm a new blog from 2012, almost all the blogs I go to now are ones I discovered this year. But S from Oh Paper Pages is one of my best blogging friends and has a fabulous blog, and I have to say that I consistently go to The Fake Steph, The Flyleaf Review, Hobbitsies, GReads, Rather Be Reading, Makeshift Bookmark, and That Artsy Reader Girl.
2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2012?
Since I'm a new blog from 2012, almost all the blogs I go to now are ones I discovered this year. But S from Oh Paper Pages is one of my best blogging friends and has a fabulous blog, and I have to say that I consistently go to The Fake Steph, The Flyleaf Review, Hobbitsies, GReads, Rather Be Reading, Makeshift Bookmark, and That Artsy Reader Girl.
2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2012?
I think I'm hilarious with the end Timeline Review I did for For the Darkness Shows the Stars, but my "favourite" would probably be the one I did for Something Like Normal by Trish Doller. I don't think it's particularly written well (it's actually really scatter-brained, which kills me), but it was a tough one for me to write. Probably the hardest ever, and I'm proud I managed to get it down in words.
3. Best discussion you had on your blog?
3. Best discussion you had on your blog?
Sadly, I don't think I had many discussions :( Which is actually a goal for next year! Most of the chatter I do happens on Twitter or in emails, but I hope to bring them to posts in 2013.
4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog?
4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog?
I loved Jaime's rant. That was one where I was like YES. I LOVE YOU. I already loved her anyway, but I mean...i love her. I also wanted to hug Anna hard after reading her Why I Read YA post. It was phenomenal and so well written and well-worded and something I think we all share.
5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
Too hard! Just look at all the photos I've sprinkled throughout this post - and that's not even all the events I went to or authors I met! I am so fortunate to live within some fantastic events and attend them. I think ALA Annual would have to be the best though, because I was just settling into being a real book blogger that identified as one, and then I got to immerse myself in books, authors, publishers, and blogging friends for 3 days. Being surrounded by people who understand and share your love for this is just...it's an honor to be among them and experience that.
6. Best moment of book blogging in 2011?
YA or Bust tour - I talk about it a lot (the recap post is here!) but long story short I got to listen to Gayle Forman, Nina LaCour, Kirsten Hubbard, and Stephanie Perkins talk and banter, and then right after a fantastic event ran into Kirsten, Cindy Pon, Debra Driza, Andrea Ortega, and Nikki Katz at Tea Station and they let me crash and hang out with them! Coincidentally, the YA in the Sun event is a close second, and they plus Shannon Messenger & Lisa Cannon were the ones to organize it!
7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
My interview with Karen Ann Hopkins about her book Temptation had a high count, even if you discounted what was probably an elevated mark due to the giveaway. The post that was just a review with the highest count was Something Like Normal by Trish Doller. And the post that randomly has the most views (I seriously have no idea why! I'm not complaining, just wondering...) was my modified WoW post that congratulated my friend Stephanie on her book deal!
8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?
5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
Too hard! Just look at all the photos I've sprinkled throughout this post - and that's not even all the events I went to or authors I met! I am so fortunate to live within some fantastic events and attend them. I think ALA Annual would have to be the best though, because I was just settling into being a real book blogger that identified as one, and then I got to immerse myself in books, authors, publishers, and blogging friends for 3 days. Being surrounded by people who understand and share your love for this is just...it's an honor to be among them and experience that.
6. Best moment of book blogging in 2011?
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| Me, Kirsten Hubbard, Nina LaCour, Gayle Forman, and Stephanie Perkins. |
7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
My interview with Karen Ann Hopkins about her book Temptation had a high count, even if you discounted what was probably an elevated mark due to the giveaway. The post that was just a review with the highest count was Something Like Normal by Trish Doller. And the post that randomly has the most views (I seriously have no idea why! I'm not complaining, just wondering...) was my modified WoW post that congratulated my friend Stephanie on her book deal!
8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?
I always wish for reviews to get more comments, but really? I'm just so surprised that anybody takes the time to read & comment here that I'm happy.
9. Best bookish discovery (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
NetGalley, for sure. And I finally went to Mysterious Galaxy, one of the only indie bookstores in San Diego and fell madly in love. They have fantastic employees, a fabulous YA section, and the best events.
10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
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| Jessi Kirby & I |
NetGalley, for sure. And I finally went to Mysterious Galaxy, one of the only indie bookstores in San Diego and fell madly in love. They have fantastic employees, a fabulous YA section, and the best events.
10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
The Successes:
Overall reading goal: My goal was 100 books, and BAM: done! 103 as of December 31, 12:01am.
Local Library Challenge - easy peasy. I frequent my libraries entirely too much.
Contemporary Challenge - my favourite genre. I'll always read dozens of these in a year.
Debut Author Challenge - thanks mostly to the DAC ARC tours, ALA, and fantastic friends willing to loan me books!
The FAILs:
Sophomore challenge - MASSIVE fail. I don't know why I tried this when I so rarely start series before they're finished anyway.
Completely Contemporary - which makes me sad, I thought I'd finish this one with ease! I got so caught up in new releases that I didn't revisit nearly as many older books as I wanted to.
Overall reading goal: My goal was 100 books, and BAM: done! 103 as of December 31, 12:01am.
Local Library Challenge - easy peasy. I frequent my libraries entirely too much.
Contemporary Challenge - my favourite genre. I'll always read dozens of these in a year.
Debut Author Challenge - thanks mostly to the DAC ARC tours, ALA, and fantastic friends willing to loan me books!
The FAILs:
Sophomore challenge - MASSIVE fail. I don't know why I tried this when I so rarely start series before they're finished anyway.
Completely Contemporary - which makes me sad, I thought I'd finish this one with ease! I got so caught up in new releases that I didn't revisit nearly as many older books as I wanted to.
1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo and Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne.
2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?
Just One Day by Gayle Forman. I AM DYING TO READ THIS BOOK. Thank God it comes out relatively soon.
3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?
> Use my Facebook page more - I haven't even put it up on my sidebar! I hope to actually interact with people more over there. (And if you haven't liked it, I'd be so obliged if you would! http://www.facebook.com/AshleyLovesBooks)
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo and Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne.
2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?
Just One Day by Gayle Forman. I AM DYING TO READ THIS BOOK. Thank God it comes out relatively soon.
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| Me & Morgan Matson |
> Use my Facebook page more - I haven't even put it up on my sidebar! I hope to actually interact with people more over there. (And if you haven't liked it, I'd be so obliged if you would! http://www.facebook.com/AshleyLovesBooks)
> More discussions/bookish things that are not reviews or memes on my blog
> Finally getting back to vampires. I failed on that goal pretty hard.
> Author interviews
Thanks for a FANTASTIC first year of book blogging, everyone! I know I called out some major influences to this blog - both other bloggers and some authors - but trust me when I say I left out some other truly fantastic and wonderful people. Tomorrow is my one year blogoversary! I'll kick off a month-long celebration with a fantastic giveaway - some of the books mentioned here will definitely be in it ;) Come back for that!
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| Coming January 1! |
Great list! There are a few I need to add to my Goodreads pile. I almost bought Meant to Be on my Nook, and now it is on my list for my next buy. I love seeing all the author events and can't wait for more in 2013. Woot woot!
ReplyDeleteI know that I need to read For Darkness Shows the Stars, Wanderlove and Meant to Be this year, because you loved them so much! I can't wait to read Just One Day either, the reviews I've seen for it already have been amazing, which just makes me even more excited, haha!
ReplyDeleteTFIOS is so freaking quoteable. And I seriously need to get on Wanderlove and Something Like Normal.
ReplyDeleteHey Ashley! Happy blog birthday + happy new year! I've so enjoyed reading your blog the past few months (I'm sure you noticed from my obsessive commenting!). It looks like you had a great year of reading, and I also started my year off reading The Statistical Probability. It truly set a precedent for all my other reading.
ReplyDeleteJust One Day is definitely going to be awesome! I pre-ordered my copy and can't wait until it comes in next week so I can gobble it up. Thanks also for mentioning our blog as one of your daily stops. It means so much that you do stop in and read, and it makes me feel so nice inside!
I hope we continue chatting with books as the year goes on! Here's to some great reads! xo
Love your survey, Ash! Come check out mine some time: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4274507-heather
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait for you to read Just One Day, Ashley. You are going to DIE. One word: WILLEM. Promise me you will tweet or email me after you read it so we can gab about it! I read it months ago and cannot wait to gush with my bloggy friends about that book! Oh, and I saw you met Jessi Kirby. I just finished Golden and it was WONDERFUL. You MUST read it, it's definitely an Ashley book:)
Your survey has reaffirmed that I need to read Under the Never Sky-- which I'm embarrassed to say is sitting on my Kindle, unread. And thank you so much again for turning me on to For the Darkness Shows the Stars! Hoping to have my review up in the next couple of weeks!
Aaah I love The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight, I've read it thrice :D I'll definitely be checking out some of the other ones on your list!!
ReplyDeleteHoàng Quân Cho thuê xe 16 chỗ và thuê xe 7 chỗ tại Hà Nội uy tín, giá rẻ nhất.
ReplyDelete