If you don't have a dream, how are you going to make a dream come true? |
The Best (and Worst) of 2012 My goal was to read 52 books this year and by December 31st, I expect to have finished 54! I had some great ones (and some terrible ones) this year, and I wanted to share the highlights! The Quantum and the Lotus: A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet – One of the most interesting reads of the year. It had been my intention to read more non-fiction and this was my start. What I liked most about this book was that it wasn’t an argument of science vs. religion/spirituality – instead it was where the two meet, where they overlap and where each can perhaps find answers within the other realm. The Count of Monte Cristo It’s rare for books to affect my emotions. Sure, I feel excited during a chase scene or a murder investigation, but this book was on a whole different level. The Count of Monte Cristo was on my list for years and I put it off mostly due to its length. I can say now that I wish I had read it sooner! Absolutely one of my favorite reads of all time! The Handmaid’s Tale Dark, gripping and frightening. Loved this classic story! Sacre Bleu This one automatically makes my list because I met the author at a book signing and he is just as funny in person as he is in his writing! (Even if I wouldn’t have met him, this would make my faves list) A great book for anyone interested in art, particularly the Impressionists. Versim One of my free/cheap kindle e-book risks. You really take a chance on these because they could be a waste of time, or they could be really good. This one was good! Dust Awesome short story! Definitely had an early Stephen King feel to it. I loved it! Wool Omnibus Absolutely my favorite read of the year (and it topped some really, really good ones). What is also amazing about this book (in addition to the fact that it’s a well-written, enthralling post-apocalyptic dystopia) is that it’s an indie book! I (and over 2,500 reviewers on Amazon) believe this will be a classic along the likes of 1984 and Brave New World! You can get the first story free for the Kindle or the 5-story series for $5.99. It will be released on paperback in March 2013. Overall, I had some good reads, but a lot of just so-so (and some pretty bad) ones. My focus in 2012 was to see how many books I could read in a year. For 2013, I’m back to focusing on content. I want to read books that I want to read. No more picking books just because they’re short! The book I just started and won’t finish until into 2013 is The Book Thief, which was a gift from my sister-in-law who teaches middle school grades. Her family has an interest in the Holocaust and so found this historical fiction book which is narrated by Death (aka The Grim Reaper). I’m about 100 pages into it, and I love it so far! Just the right kind of book to start my new year of reading! I've yet to come up with the rest of my goals for 2013, but as to reviewing, I came up with this activity to help myself and others to reach our reviewing goals:
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