2012 is rapidly coming to a close and, like book bloggers everywhere, I’m taking stock of the year. I’ve spent the past week reflecting on my reading, and doing some housekeeping here on the blog. I added to my Best of Musings page, made sure all my other pages were up-to-date, and then decided to spice things up a bit with some new design elements. If you’re using a feed reader, I hope you’ll click-through and have a look!
Now about my 2012 reading. I finished 64 books (and might reach 65), fewer than in any of the past five years, but for good reasons which I’ve already explained. And as my book-blogging buddy Rebecca from Love at First Book reminded me in a recent comment,
I also don’t think you should be hard on yourself with the AMOUNT of books being read this year. Take a look at those books and think: Were they challenging? Did you learn things from them? Did you enjoy reading those books? Did you read when you could or was there more time you could have dedicated to reading?
It’s about quality, not quantity. I could read 300 zombie/romance YA books, one per day almost, but that wouldn’t fulfill my requirements of reading actual books.
Yes Rebecca, I’ve read some really great books — books that delighted me, challenged me, and provided insight. These are my Top 5, all of which garnered 5-star ratings (click on links for my reviews):
- Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller
- The Fault in our Stars, by John Green
- Gillespie and I, by Jane Harris
- Good Behaviour, by Molly Keane
- In the Country of Men, by Hisham Matar
When I look back on my 2012 Reading Resolutions, I find a bit of a mixed bag. I wanted to read more books from my stacks than I acquire, and I did better at this than in earlier years. I added 64 books to my library, not including reference works like knitting books. This is, coincidentally, the same number of books I read. 28 of my 64 acquisitions were Virago Modern Classics, which I regard as a collection, something slightly different from a run-of-the-mill TBR pile (if you sense me rationalizing here, you’re probably right). 25 of my 64 books read came from my shelves, and 12 from my Virago Modern Classics collection. I don’t want to over-complicate the math here (!!), so I think I’ll just declare this reading resolution a draw. Are we all OK with that?
Moving on. I completely failed to read more non-fiction; in fact, I read only 6 books. They were good reads, too: books like The Hare with Amber Eyes (review), and The Worst Hard Time (review). I had good intentions to read more, but often found I just wasn’t in the mood. I’m not giving up on nonfiction entirely, but I now known I just have an overwhelming preference for fiction.
Moving on, again. I feel good about my remaining two resolutions!! I continued making progress on all reading projects,reading loads of prize winners/nominees and classics, including Virago Modern Classics. I also increased interaction with the book blogging community. This came about through The Classics Club, Book Blogger Appreciation Week, and the Estella Society’s Book Blogging Buddy System, which is how I “met” Rebecca.
And finally, there was the Elizabeth Taylor Centenary. This began in the LibraryThing Virago Modern Classics group, but in a burst of new year enthusiasm I expanded beyond LT, recruiting other bloggers to chat about one of Taylor’s novels each month. I had so much fun collaborating with the hosts, and of course reading the novels and talking about them with other readers. I’m also thrilled at how many people have discovered Taylor because of this event. It was one of my most satisfying reading projects, ever!
Well, that’s the year that was. And of course I’m already geared up for 2013. I’ll be back in the coming days with more resolutions to keep or break as I see fit. 
And I’ll tell you about a personal long-term project, too. See you soon!
What were the highlights of your reading year?
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I love the new look : )
The Elizabeth Centenary has been a high light for many of us – all thanks to you for getting us enthused in the first place. I’ve only read one of your top 5, In the Country of Men, which I read a few years ago and loved. You are quite about right about the number of books we read no mattering, I always think that although I do keep count – mainly for my own information.
I am going to post my years round up and favourite reads tomorrow. I hope 2013 is a great reading year for you.
Thank you Ali! I’ll be on the lookout for your round-up post. And I’m really looking forward to reading Barbara Pym with you in the new year!
I love posting and reading lists like these. Can’t wait to read Gillespie and I — glad it made your top list.
Thanks Diane! Gillespie was a really fun read wasn’t it? Glad you enjoyed it too.
Love your post! I’ve got The Fault in Our Stars on my TBR stack, glad you loved it. I’m off to check out your 5 star reviews. Hope 2013 is a wonderful year of new reading and knitting adventures
Thank you Teddyree. I hope you enjoy TFiOS. Happy New Year!
I’m writing up my resolutions for 2013. I’m trying to both make resolutions and leave the resolutions open-ended enough to let whimsy lead me through them. Tricky. Here’s my list: Best of 2012.
You had some great reads in 2012! Happy New Year!
The new look is lovely, Laura! And I think you have done remarkably well with your reading. I try to make plans and to follow read-alongs etc but as we know it always goes wrong and I get sidetracked by a whim! But I am going to try and aim my whims through my tbr this year and get the pile down a little!
Thank you kaggsy! I’ve enjoyed following your reading this year and am looking forward to 2013.
This is a great overview!!! Thanks for the shout-out, too!
I think that Song of Achilles was the best book I have read since I started blogging this year in July. I actually just purchased it for a friend whose birthday is coming up because I just want to share the love!
Since this is my first year of blogging (or half a year, to be exact), my highest points are being able to make REAL blogging friends online, real blogging mentors who are more than willing to not only share favorite books, but also tips and tricks for blogging!
Happy New Year!!!
Great idea to give SoA as a gift, Rebecca. You’re off to a great start with your blogging, too!
Funny enough, my friend told me today (when I called her for her birthday) how amazing SoA is! So I told her it’s coming to her in the mail as well and she’s welcome to exchange it. But she did say that my post made her read the book!
The Fault in Our Stars was my #1 book. Happy New Year.
Thanks Anne! It’s one of those books I might never have read if it weren’t for my kids pushing it on me, but I’m so glad I did. Happy New Year to you, too!
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I love the new look, Laura! It’s very relaxing. I changed mine up too-but it’s much bolder than it was before and maybe headache inducing (although hopefully not).
Green’s book seems to be making it on a lot of lists this year. I’ve been wanting to read it, but still want to make my way through some of his earlier work first. I loved the one book by him I have read.
I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
Ooh, I love your new “bold” look Wendy! As for John Green, I keep meaning to read his earlier books — my daughters love them. Enjoy!