Books I Must Read Before December 31

In Which I Am On a Deadline That I Cannot Meet

Friends, I originally wanted to be able to read 150 books this year. But then I got a job (YAY!) and all of a sudden, my free reading time evaporated (BOO!) and I had to lower my total to 125, which I am behind on at this moment. Sad face. And listen: I would LOVE to be able to read all of these books here before December 31, but I have not made it easy for myself guys. There are some BIG BOOKS on this here list. And I’m in the middle of reading two books right now: THE MISCHIEF IN THE MISTLETOE by Lauren Willig and a reread of GRACELING by Kristin Cashore. But I will try!! Because I’m really looking forward to all of these books HARD.

Book cover for Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2) by Laini Taylor

Obviously. I loved DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE lots and lots, and I can’t wait to see what happens with Karou and Akiva. And Laini Taylor is one of the prettiest writers there is.

Book cover for The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima

The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms #4) by Cinda Williams Chima

I can’t believe I just FINALLY got to this series this year! But I’m glad I did. It’s a solid fantasy with great characters, and I am both excited and full of sadz that this is the last book.

book cover for The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke

The Assassin’s Curse (The Assassin’s Curse #1) by Cassandra Rose Clarke

I’m sorry, did you say pirates and assassins AND a curse? Yes? Oh ok. Then yes, I DO need to read this book ASAP. Thank you.

Book cover for Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally

Stealing Parker (Hundred Oaks #2) by Miranda Kenneally

I really enjoyed CATCHING JORDAN, so I’m excited about this book. But I’m also really looking forward to the whole “macking it with my teacher/authority figure” thing going on here. THAT sounds interesting.

Book cover for Mastiff by Tamora Pierce

Mastiff (Beka Cooper #3) by Tamora Pierce

SIGH. I’ve owned this book for two years now and I still haven’t read it. Which makes NO SENSE because I love Tamora and I love Beka. Alas. Keeps falling through the cracks.

Book cover for The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

Because I gotta keep up with Joneses sometimes. Literally ALL THE PEOPLE who have read this book that I know have basically DIED from how much they loved it. I don’t think there’s a better way to recommend a book to me.

How about you guys? Any books you are unquestionably going to force yourself to read before year end?

The All-Star Break

 My Ten Favorite Books of 2012…So Far

So, I was just catching up a little bit on some blogs that I LOVE but have been neglecting lately, much to my own sadness. One of these is my friend, Heidi’s spot, Bunbury in the Stacks. And wouldn’t you know that she has just today posted something that I have been wanting to do myself? Figures that she would inspire me to DO. Let’s see how many of these books are on my favorites list at the end of the year, guys. My guess? Quite a few. But I’ve been known to be wrong.

In no particular order…

Book cover for Second Chance Summer by Morgan MatsonBook cover for The Humming Room by Ellen PotterBook cover for My Life Next Door by Huntley FitzpatrickBook cover for Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Book cover for Something Like Normal by Trish DollerBook cover for Grave Mercy by Robin LaFeversBook cover for Unraveling by Elizabeth NorrisBook cover for The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

Book cover for The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jessica E. SmithBook cover for Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Click on the covers for my reviews! And tell me who’s on top of your favorites list at the 2012 All-Star Break in the comments. (I HAD to go there with the baseball metaphor. Be thankful that I didn’t take it even further and assign books for each position on the field.)