52 Weeks Challenge

Well~ once again I have failed miserably at the 52 books in 52 weeks challenge. I read more books than are listed on the bottom of my blog, however, I forgot to add them to the list and now I am having trouble remembering what they were! Needless to say, it's been a crazy year. I am going to attempt to do the challenge again this year. Mainly because I love posting to the challenge blog and seeing what others are reading. On the 52 week blog there is a little survey that one of the members posts every year. So I thought I would fill it out so I can look back on it for next year. 


1) How many books did you read this year?
     I have listed 12 books (pitiful, I Know) but I know I read more than that I just can't remember what. (pitiful, I know) 

2) Did you meet or beat your own personal goal? I didn't meet or even come close to my personal reading goal this year- but hey- there's always next year.

3) Favorite book of 2012 (you can list more than one or break it down by genre)
My favorite book this year was The Witness by Dee Henderson. 

4) Least favorite book of 2012 and why?
My least favorite book was not "the least" because of any reason other than that it was the third book in a series, and I didn't realize it until the end. That book was The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. I very much enjoyed the book, was a little slow at times, but really wish I would have read the first two books before this- would have explained things.
5) One book you thought you'd never read and was pleasantly surprised you liked it?
Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi. My only exposure to Pinocchio was the Disney movie. I really enjoyed the original story. The moral lessons to be learned are presented so much better in the book than the movie.
6) One book you thought you'd love but didn't.
I really enjoyed each book I read this year.
7) One book that touched you -made you laugh, cry, sing or dance.
The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson. It was a really touching Christmas story.
8) Any new to you authors discovered and you can't wait to read more of their stories?
Every book that I read this year was by a new to me author. I have several of Barbara Cameron's and Lisa Wingate books on the list today.
9)Name the longest book you read? Shortest?
The Mysterious Island was definitely the longest book I read and Christmas Dog was the shortest.
10) Name the most un-put-down-able book you read?
I could not put down The Witness by Dee Henderson or  A World I Never Made by Jame Lepore. Both very suspenseful page turners. 
11) Book that had the greatest impact on you this year?
I guess it would have to be Raising the Perfect dog by Cesar Milan. It is helping us train our puppy Zoe.
12) What book would you recommend everybody read?
Pinocchio- especially if you've only had the Disney experience.
13) Share your most favorite cover(s) I love Amish themed books and love the covers!


14) Do you have a character you fell in love with?
Betty Kowalski, the main character in The Christmas Dog. She is what everybody wants as a grandmother.
15) What was your most favorite part of the challenge? Did you do any of the mini challenges? I did read three classic books this year as a mini challenge and at least 3 new authors as another mini challenge.

What are your goals for the new year? To read more non fiction? To dip your toes into a mystery of an urban fantasy? What book are you most looking forward to reading in 2013?
I am going to challenge myself to read the 52 books this year. I would like to read some books that I have on my shelves for starters, there are so many I haven't touched yet, and also finish a few of the book series that I started in 2012. I am really looking forward to reading Bill O'Reilly's books Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy. I have them on the shelf and have heard good reviews on them. I would also like to read a few non-fiction books and maybe be as brave as to attempt something sci-fi! Only time will tell.
Happy reading!