Tuesday, January 31, 2012

January 2012 in Review


 I can't believe the first month of 2012 is over already.

Instead of worrying about the number of books I read or meeting some self-imposed monthly goal, in January I just went with the flow --reading what I felt like reading and not worrying (too much) about review books.  I have to admit I loved it and I ended up really enjoying what I read a lot, except for one audio review book which was just so so.  Here is what my month looked like (I decided to include the movies I saw as well) ---

January

  1. A Sense of an Ending; Julian Barnes (5/5) - literary fiction
  2. Lethal; Sandra Brown - 4/5 (suspense - audio book)
  3. The Girl Who Played With Fire; Stieg Larsson - 4/5 (books to movies)
  4. Heft; Liz Moore - 4.5/5 (contemporary fiction)
  5. The Odds: A Love Story; Stewart O'Nan - 4/5 (contemporary fiction) 
  6. Home Front; Kristin Hannah - 3/5  (contemporary fiction  - audio book)
  7. East of Eden; John Steinbeck - 5/5 (classic challenge - audio) 
  8. The Invisible Ones; Stef Penney - 4/5 (arc/mystery) 
Books in Progress 

Movies
February Plans

23 comments:

  1. East of Eden... my fave book ever.

    Happy February reading.

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  2. Looks like a great reading month.

    As for your movies, I've heard great things from several people on Warhorse (and The Artist too by the way). I really need to see it soon.

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  3. Good for you for just going with the flow! Sounds like it added up to you having a great reading month!

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  4. January looks like it was a great month and February seems promising too!

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  5. I really must read East of Eden as I keep seeing it mentioned and everyone is full of praise. Glad you had a good month - I felt the same about sitting back and reading what I wanted to.
    Hope February will be as good.

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  6. you've been a busy lady! How I look forward to hearing your thoughts on "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking; Susan Cain (NF)" As a mostly introvert myself I do find the incessant need for talk all the time to be overwhelming.

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  7. I also read the Sandra Brown book and The Sense of an Ending in January. We agreed on Lethal, but were at opposite ends on The Sense of and Ending. I have it 1 star. That's the glory of books - they appeal to each person in different ways.

    Have you read Extremely Close and Incredibly Loud? I have it on my Nook and hopefully I'll get to it in Feb. Then want to check out the movie.

    Have a good February!

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    1. Tami, I actually read the book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close way back when it first came out. I actually did not remember much about about it other than it was about a young boy that lost his dad in 9/11.

      The acting by the boy (T, Horn) was amazing in the movie.

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  8. Tiger Mother is a piece of work.

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    1. Esme,

      Not because I'm an American, but I just couldn't believe how unreasonable and down right mean she was to her girls. To me she was doing what she did more for her than for them.

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  9. Looks like a great list! Best wishes for a happy February!

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  10. This sounds like a really wonderful reading and viewing month, Diane! I got a bit read, but almost nothing blogged with the start of the semester. I'm hoping to get back on track in February! Sorry you didn't like Water for Elephants -- my daughter has been trying to get me to see it!

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    1. Col, I actually enjoy the movie Water for Elephants, but just liked the book so much better when I read it. I do recommend that you see it.

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  11. I've been going with the flow a lot more too. Great isn't it? I hope February is just as rewarding.

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  12. Great start to the year. I can't believe January is done... spring will be here before we know it (something I'm anxiuos for since winter has decided to stay away). Missing the snow!

    Have a great February!

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  13. You sound like you had a really stress-free reading month, and like you enjoyed yourself most of the time! A lot of the books you read are awesome too! I hope that February is a great month for you as well!

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  14. Nice reading month -- nice range of books! I've never read any Julian Barnes but I want to -- I also want to read that Hemingway (someday, someday). I hope February is as fun as Jan was for you!

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  15. Bravo on a month well done and to your liking!!! I was very pleased with my reading month of January also and the relief from review books has had a tremendous affect on me and my outlook on reading!! Here's to another winning month in February!!

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  16. I blinked and January was over! Great reading month for you!

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  17. It should all be about the fun!

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  18. I really need to read all of my reads in progress, too. They are piling up!

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  19. great month! mine was also terrific, see here my recap: http://wordsandpeace.com/2012/02/02/january-wrap-up/

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