Book Review: 2011 and What's in Store for 2012

My goal for the year 2011 was to read 50 books. Most years I read this and more. Since I spent the majority of this year pregnant and then with an infant, I knew I wouldnt get as many read as I normally do, so 50 was my goal. I read a total of 51, with five in progress. Ive finished two off this year so far. My goal for 2012 is 60.

Instead of listing all the books I read, Ill just share my favorites in no particular order.

The Book Thief, by: Markus Zusak

This book really touched me. It takes place during WWII in Germany. The narrator is Death. It follows a young German girl, her adopted family, the Jewish man they harbor and the community they live in. It's a really well written book. I reviewed it last year. So, so good. 

Outlander, by: Diana Gabaldon

I also reveiwed this one which you can read here. I loved this book so much. I started reading the second book last January. I still havent finished it. I hate it and will probably never finish it. It's graphic, disturbing and sickening. So disappointing, but the first one was great. 

The Discovery of Witches, by: Deborah Harkness

Check out my review here. This is the first in a trilogy and I cant wait to read the second one this summer!

The Help, by: Kathryn Stockett

By now Im sure you all know about this book and have probably seen the movie. I loved them both. Touching, heartwarming and totally made me cry. My review can be found here. 

The Scent of Rain and Lightening, by: Nancy Pickard

This was recommended by a fellow blogger and was a book club read. It's a cold case murder mystery that takes place in small town Kansas. It alternates between the present and the past, reliving the murder of a well liked man and the disappearance of his wife, told through the eyes of their daughter. 

The Virgin of Small Plains, by: Nancy Pickard

Another murder mystery set in small town Kansas. A naked body is found in a pasture in the middle of a blizzard. Someone sees something they shouldnt have. Secrets and lies abound. Good book. 

90 Minute Baby Sleep Program, by: Polly Moore

The book that changed my life. Read my review here. 

What's a Wine Lover To Do?, by: Wes Marshall

We have a ton of wine books, but this one is by far, my favorite. It is so easy to read, informative and interesting. I liked the layout and wording- not too stuffy or dumbed down. 

Thirteen Reasons Why, by: Jay Asher
Before a thirteen year old girl commits suicide, she mails out 13 tapes to the people who influenced her decision. Makes you think about all the people you have an impact on, with out even knowing it.

The Next Always, by: Nora Roberts

The first in a new trilogy. It's about three brothers who are refurbishing an old building in a small town on the East coast, turning it into a B&B, their love lives and adventures. I really liked it!

So far in 2012, Ive read only two books. 

On my to-read list are some promisingly titles:

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?- Mindy Kaling

Incarceron- Catherine Fisher

Divergent- Veronica Roth

Delirium- Lauren Oliver

Shadow of Night- Deborah Harkness

Destined- P.C. Cast 

The Night Circus- Erin Morgenstern

MWF seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend- Rachel Bertsche

The Alchemist- Paulo Coelho

We Need to Talk About Kevin- Lionel Shriver

The Flight of Gemma Hardy- Margot Livesey

Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think about them? Would you recommend them?