It’s a little early, and if I find the time, I may finish the book I’m currently working on (and another… probably not, but you never know), but I thought I’d list the books I read this year! I’m a little excited because last year I barely read any books. I got a lot more gaming done, though. Sometimes it seems like I have to rotate my hobbies if I ever want to have time for it all.
This list is nothing compared to some of my friends’, who single-handedly keep the library open or the e-bookstores in business (I kid). But there are five 1000-ish-page books on this list, so that’s got to count for something, right?
2012 was a pretty awesome reading and writing year for me. I got into one of my favorite series (a few years behind most fans), which in turn inspired me to get back into serious creative writing, and I finally finished my first manuscript. (I’ve gotten close with a second one, but we’ll see if I can finish its first draft within the last few weeks of the year or not!)
This list covers novels only, no graphic novels or manga, of which I read plenty this year:
- Graceling by Kristin Cashore (I’d started it in 2011, though)
- Mr. Monk on Patrol by Lee Goldberg (I was a big fan of the show, and some of the books continue on from where the show left off–too bad they’re ending in a few weeks!)
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Catching Fire ditto
- Mockingjay ditto (this was the new favorite series–I read books 2 and 3 over a weekend)
- Fire by Kristin Cashore
- The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (because it was about time I read a work by the third Bronte sister, and I’d enjoyed the TV production)
- The Girl Who Was on Fire collection of essays (still obsessing about Hunger Games at the time)
- A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin (I got into the show a year late)
- A Clash of Kings ditto
- Mr. Monk Is a Mess by Lee Goldberg
- The Sweet Life ebooks 1 and 2 by Francine Pascal (since I got the ebooks for review–I still haven’t finished the saga, though; as long as I wasn’t reviewing, I was waiting for the print version)
- Sweet Valley Confidential ditto (another book for review)
- A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin (my favorite of the series by far)
- A Feast for Crows ditto
- America Again: Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t by Stephen Colbert (it has pictures, but it counts, right?)
- A Breath of Eyre by Eve Marie Mont
- A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin (my least favorite of the five–it took me three months to finish, as I kept getting distracted. The others took me about a month each.)
- Who Could That Be at This Hour? by Lemony Snicket (yay for more Snicket!)
- Divergent by Veronica Roth (a really addicting read I got through in three days; I’m going to read the next one soon, I hope)
- Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (still working on it–I wonder if I’ll finish by the end of the year?)
Here’s to more good reads in 2013! What did you read this year?
Amy McNulty 
I first read the Song of Fire and Ice series (Game of Thrones) years and years ago when they were first released. I was surprised when they suddenly grew so popular b/c of the HBO series. The books are phenomenal.
I’m often late to the game like that! But I was glad the show inspired me to read the books. I don’t often read high fantasy for adults, besides perhaps The Lord of the Rings.
I don’t frequently read Fantasy either. I bought the first one with a gift card from my brother. There was one copy, it was a thick book and unlike what I normally read. I felt challenged and since I don’t like to walk away from a challenge I bought it and loved it.
That’s a lucky find! ^^
I love being able to read an entire series back-to-back! It never happens though, as I’m always reading books the moment they come out and then waiting a year (or more!) for the sequel (and then forgetting the majority of what happened. ^^). But, like you, I was late to the Hunger Games party, so by the time I got into it, all three were out. I’m glad I didn’t have to wait to find out what happened next!
I guess there’s one benefit to being as behind with what’s hot as I am! But you read so quickly, sometimes you can fit in a re-read!
If I reread everything I wanted to reread, I wouldn’t have time to read anything new! I’m in the middle of too many series.
It’s the same with games. I used to re-read/re-play old beloved books and games all the time. Not so much anymore!