Put A Bow On It - 2012 Final Wrap Up Post

I haven't been reading as much lately (though that's all about to change!) and I don't have a review for y'all today.  Instead, I'm going to dig through my 2012 archives and bring back a few of my favorite posts - ones I'm proud of, ones I had fun with this year. 


Favorite Reviews

• Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
• Blue Sky Days by Marie Landry 
• Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins 
• The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg (also the FIRST debut author book I read for 2012, and one that really resonated with me.) 
• Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
• Splintered by A.G. Howard
• Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
• This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
• Send Me A Sign by Tiffany Schmidt
• Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
• Defiance by CJ Redwine
• Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock
• Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
• Deity by Jennifer L Armentrout
• Through To You by Emily Hainsworth
• Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard
• Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Additions/Changes

• I introduced my rating system, which I quite like!
• I introduced a new feature, If I Could Write a Letter To Me (title changing to "Becoming A Better Blogger in January.)
• I introduced a new feature, Shelved, and had the first edition featuring Send Me A Sign by Tiffany Schmidt.

Favorite Discussions

• I talked about where new bloggers should start when it comes to what in the world to post about!
• I talked about getting return visitors and comments on your blog!
• I talked about authors vs reviews vs how silly it all is.
• I talked about how to build relationships with publishers!
• I discussed how far YA literature has come.

 
Misc

• My blog turned one!  *pets blog*
• I had a lot of fun with a Top Ten Tuesday involving music...
• I set up a review archive!
• I confessed my bookish secrets.
• I talked about the changes coming to the blog in 2013!
• I reached 1200 followers!

So what a fantastic year!  I'm looking forward to doing it all over again in 2013, and I hope y'all will be there with me!  Also, this is the final wrap up post...after this, the blog will return to review, discussions, etc.  :)

2012 End of the Year Survey Part 3

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2012? 

I didn't meet as many new bloggers in 2012  - for shame, that's one of my goals in 2013 - but instead concentrated on getting to better know bloggers I was already following.  I think I did a decent job of that, and I'm still working on improving.  My favorite new-to-me book blog I discovered is Giselle at Book Nerd Canada.  Giselle is an amazing web designer (she's helping me re-design ONCE!) and her posts, especially her advice for bloggers, are great!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2012? 

My review of Send Me A Sign by Tiffany Schmidt.  I can't stop talking about this FANTASTIC book, and how much it touched my heart.  I remember crying while I wrote the review - this book meant THAT much to me.  I talked in the review about this, but I lost my Grandma Jean to cancer in 2009 and her loss hit me SO profoundly.  I miss her all the time.

 

Little Me with my Grandma Jean

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?

I've had some good ones, and people tell me my discussion posts and topics are awesome... (you can submit a topic here if you'd like!)  I think my favorite one was when I discussed how to get regular comments on your blog.  I have a pretty awesome group of people that make it a point to stop by my blog regularly and I love them for that.

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog? 

I'm incredibly fond of Rachel's Book Blogging 101 tips - I can always find something useful there, or a tip I'd forgotten that makes SO much sense.  I've also really enjoyed Anna's discussion posts! 

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

Armchair BEA 2012!  It was SO much fun interacting and chatting with other bloggers, visiting participant's posts.  I even won an ARC of Crewel!  (Also it's interesting to see that despite the fact that I read a lot of books after Armchair BEA, most of my "best of" books this year were ones I'd already read at that point!) 

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2012?

• Armchair BEA

• Reaching 1200 followers!

• Reaching 100,000 page views

 7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

I'd say my discussion posts are the most popular!  Also my review of Anna and the French Kiss got like 25 comments, which was AWESOME.

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

My review of Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone.  It deserves ALL THE PRAISE.   

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

Epic Reads, and as a result, Tea Time with Epic Reads!  I love Margut and Aubry and their Tea Time videos on Wednesday.  They are too awesome and their site is a MUST for book lovers!

10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I originally challenged myself to read 100 books - which is HUGE because I barely made my goal of 50 last year.  I broke 100 awhile back and will hopefully reach 120 this year!  I'm setting the same goal for 2013 of 100!  

Looking Ahead...

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?

So many.  *sighs*  Probably Something Like Normal by Trish Doller.  I SO SO wanted to read it this year, so I've made it part of my 2013 TBR Challenge.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?

Check it here! 

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2013?

I have a whole post coming up soon on this very topic but I'd say, get back to the reasons I started this blog, and focus more on those goals and values!  

 

2012 End of the Year Survey Part 2

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Continuing from Part 1, this is Jamie's year-in-review book survey, which all things considered, is pretty awesome!  Jamie definitely asks the tough questions.  I was practically sweating doing part 1!  This is part 2, and tomorrow I'll have part 3 (the final portion) up.  This is a lot of fun so be sure to link me to YOUR survey and link up at Jamie's site!

11. Most memorable character in 2012? 

Okay truth: I read about SO MANY amazing characters - both heroines and heroes - in 2012.  It's impossible to pick just one, but as I'm thinking back, one does stand out, and that's Rachel from Defiance by C.J. Redwine.  Rachel is one of THE strongest, most resilient heroines I've ever read about - she's up there with Katniss.  That girl endured SO much and just kept going.  I really, really admire her.  

Other characters I loved, and will NEVER forget about: Aria from Under the Never Sky, Kaleb from Timepiece by Myra McEntire, Alina from Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, Gyver from Send Me A Sign by Tiffany Schmidt.  

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

Leaving out 2013 galleys I read, probably The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg.  Jess's way with words is just beyond description.  Her style is heart-felt and elegant, without being too poetic to be straight-forward.  I NEEDED this book when I read it, and it has such healing power! 

Other books that were in the running: Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson for the gorgeous prose, Send Me A Sign by Tiffany Schmidt for making me cry so many times with the messages of hope, and The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna for being just so creative and beautiful!  

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012? 

No question here - that goes to Send Me A Sign by Tiffany Schmidt.  I heard about it, added it to my TBR, and then honestly didn't think much about it for awhile, since I was buried under review books.  Time came closer to its release, and I saw it on NetGalley.  I hesitated to read Send Me A Sign because it's about a teen dealing with cancer, but oh my gosh.  It was BEAUTIFUL.  It was amazing.  I cried so much reading it, but looking back, I'm SO SO glad I read Tiffany's book.  It resonated so deeply with me - made me remember my grandparents, before cancer took them, and made me really LOVE the characters.  If you'd like to know more about this book, you can read my review here, or see me reading from it here.

Other honorable mentions: Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone.  I could go on and on about how many reasons I loved this book but I'll just link to my review, and to this tweet from Tamara.  

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read? 

Anna and the French Kiss!  I felt like the last person in existence who hadn't read this one, so I finally picked up my copy in February and read it in one day, according to Goodreads.  I think that's true!  And since I never actually got around to posting my Goodreads review, you can see my thoughts here, but to make it simple: BEST BOOK EVER.  I'm glad I read it when I did, because by the time I got to Lola, I was on the beach in Florida and read it in the sunshine with waves as the background.  I'm going back to Florida in May of this year so I maaaaay buy Isla and take it with me then!

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012? 

Whatever burned between us was just as bright, just as undeniable.  The moment our lips met, I knew with pure and piercing certainty that I would have waited for him forever.  - Shadow and Bone

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2012? 

Longest: The Diviners by Libba Bray at 592 pages.  I was intimidated by its size, but once I started it, I didn't even notice.  It was THAT good.

Shortest: Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi at only 97 pages (in e-book form.)  But just because this was short does NOT mean it wasn't emotional and powerful!  It swayed me to Team Warner (and Unravel Me only cemented that.) 

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Ummm, shoot, again, I'm trying to leave out 2013 galleys (because UH HOLY HOTNESS IN UNRAVEL ME).  Probably...most of the scenes between Anna and Kai in Sweet Evil.  *fans self*

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).

Okay now this one just isn't fair.  There were SO MANY relationships that I thought were well done.  My FAVORITE romantic relationship was Mal/Alina from Shadow and Bone (though that is also under the friendship category.)  

Other favorite romantic relationships: Kyle/Mac from Hemlock, Gyver/Mia from Send Me A Sign, Bennett/Anna from Time Between Us, Kai/Anna from Sweet Evil, Aiden/Alex from Deity, and Logan/Rachel from Defiance.  Oh!  And Harlin/Charlotte from A Want So Wicked. 

My favorite friendship (GAH SUCH A HARD QUESTION) was probably Perry and Roar from Under the Never Sky.  I fell HARD for Roar, and I enjoyed his interactions with Perry.  Other friendship I liked: Kami and Angela from Unspoken, Jordan and Henry from Catching Jordan, and Haven and Dante from Illuminate.  

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2012 From An Author You Read Previously

The good/bad thing about 2012 was that almost all the authors I read were debut authors.  So I don't have a lot to choose from here, but I'm going to go with Stealing Parker by Miranda Keneally.  It was actually BETTER than Catching Jordan!

20. Best Book You Read That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:

The blogging community at large has recommended a LOT to me this year.  I heard about several books from WoW posts, or by signing up for ARC tours, and even from publishers.  Hmmm.  And I am terrible at remembering who talked about which books!  I think I'm going to go with Starling by Lesley Livingston because I was able to read it thanks to Anna at Literary Exploration, who a) talked it up to me and b) loaned me her ARC!  

  

Feel free to add your answers for any of these questions OR link me to your "best of" post!  And watch for part 3 (blogging questions) tomorrow!

2012 End of the Year Survey Part 1

MERRY ALMOST CHRISTMAS, Y'ALL!

I didn't want the blog to be empty this week, but I also am running a bit low on reviews, and I wanted to participate in Jamie's survey SO, I decided to split it into a few parts this week, to give me a bit of breathing room and to have some fun wrapping up this year.  This is the "best books of..." part.  If you want to participate, the survey questions are located HERE.  Anyone who links up by January 10th, 2013 is in the drawing for a book of their choice from Jamie, too!
 

1. Best Book You Read In 2012? (You can break it down by genre if you want)

There's no possible way I can pick just one...okay I probably could, but that wouldn't be very fun at all.  I've read SO many fantastic books this year.  So I'm doing this by genres.

Young Adult Contemporary: Send Me A Sign by Tiffany Schmidt (my review).
Young Adult Fantasy: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (my review).
Young Adult Paranormal Romance: Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock (my review).
Young Adult Sci-Fi: Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone (my review).
Young Adult Dystopian: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (my review).

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

That would have to be Starters by Lissa Price. I honestly thought this book would blow me away, but it left me VERY under-whelmed. 

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012?

Probably...Lucid by Adrienne Stoltz/Ron Bass.  I originally wasn't planning to read this one at all, but then I ended up on an ARC tour for it, and it really blew me away - kept me guessing, made me care about the characters, even made me cry.  I never would have thought I'd love it like I did!  

Runner-up: The Diviners by Libba Bray.  I knew I was going to love this one, but man, I LOVED it a LOT.  It almost gave me nightmares, which is awesome.  I don't scare easily, but Libba's book scared me!  It was so awesome - the characters, setting, story. 
  
4. Book you recommended to people most in 2012?

If you've been to my blog much this year (or worse, if you know me) I couldn't STOP talking about Shadow and Bone.  Fantasy is my "comfort zone" genre, the genre I feel like is my reading "home" and Leigh Bardugo's debut novel really made a huge impact on me.  It broke my heart in ways I wasn't sure I COULD be broken - and then it put me back together.  I fell in love with the characters...hard.  I've stalked Goodreads since then, and squee'ed embarrassingly loudly over the title, cover, and synopsis.   

5. Best series you discovered in 2012?

I read a great many debuts that are the first book in a series, but I didn't get to read many sequels/second books IN a series.  Which is a bit sad, but really not, because I'm more of a fan at times of stand-alones...and this way I know which series (of the ones I read/wanted to read) are worth continuing and which aren't.

So Miranda Keneally's Hundred Oaks series gets to be my favorite.  I read Catching Jordan (finally) AND Stealing Parker this year, and am really looking forward to Things I Can't Forget next year.  Miranda is a fabulous writer who tells amazing stories!
  
 6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2012?

Wow, SO many...I almost don't know where to start.  I'd say...NOT counting debut authors:

• Miranda Keneally 
• Alyssa Rose Ivy
• Sarah Rees Brennan
• Stephanie Perkins

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

Since although I like it, I don't read a great deal of historical fiction, I'd have to say Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers.  It.  Was.  Mind.  Blowing.  SO SO good.  I'm ready to do bad things for a galley of Dark Triumph, because...the world-building, the characters, the subtle-yet-intense romance...GAH.     

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?


Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi!  I was GLUED to the pages, to see what happened next, where the characters went.  I loved, loved, LOVED the characters and relationships.  I'm actually re-reading it now!
  
9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:

Well, the problem is there are SO MANY.  But MOST likely...probably Defiance by C.J. Redwine.  It gave me ALL THE FEELINGS and I want to re-read it to let a lot of the details and finer points really sink in.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2012?

 I read a lot of books with beautiful covers this year but Sweet Evil wins.  I remember almost crying when I got this galley - I wanted it SO FLIPPING BAD.  Then I got my hands on it, and WHAT a book.  WOW.  And that cover.  *swoons*

 

Check back on 12.27.12 for part 2 and 12.28.12 for part 3!  In the meantime, if you're doing this survey, link me to yours so  I can check out YOUR answers!

2012 Blog Goals

{ ++ } 2011 was an amazing year for me, because I started my blog!  I've learned SO much already, and met some wonderful people, not to mention doubled my TBR thanks to all the awesome book recs.  That said, I have a few goals for the new year that I'd like to accomplish here on the blog, and what better place to post them? 

• To read great books, and post quality reviews
• To continue to post at least 2 reviews per week, possibly 3.  
• To re-evaluate which memes I participate in, and make them count
• To get to know my followers and find ways to reach out to them and show my appreciation
• To continue to learn all I can about book blogging
• To build lasting relationships with authors and publishers
• To make Once Upon a Prologue the best blog it can possibly be
• To not be afraid to let myself shine through in my reviews and posts
• To just have fun!

2011 Year-End Book Survey

{ ++ } Hosted by Jamie at The Perpetual Page-Turner (and also one of the great minds behind The Broke and the Bookish), this is a fun and cute way of summing up your year of reading.  This was a unique year for me, considering I originally set a goal of 50 books this year intending to make my way through my physical TBR stack.  Instead, I hit a reading slump, started a book blog, and bought way too many books, which ended up in INCREASING my TBR.  Oy.  BUT.  It's also been kind of a magical nine months in that I've discovered amazing new books, made new friends, and found the book blogging community.  

1. Best Book You Read In 2011? 

This is a difficult question, because there were so many books that I read this year that I adored, for different reasons: characters, relationships, plot, romances.  A good book is one that makes me FEEL something, for the characters, for what they’re going through, and I experienced that with so many books, most of which I’m sure I’ll talk about throughout this survey.  

I have to mention Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.  I read it in the middle of January of this year.  It almost could be the best book I've read in 2011 but I think of the three Hunger Games books as one long story, and I can't fully separate them. The Hunger Games series means so much to me, and is so close to my heart, but I'll be talking about the trilogy and the characters a little closer to time for the movie.  

And then there was The Wise Man's Fear.    I paced back and forth practically waiting for the sequel to the Name of the Wind.  I've rarely fallen for a character the way I did for Kvothe.

But the BEST book I read this year is Tempest by Julie Cross (read my review).  I can’t explain it.  But this book somehow got ahold of my heart.  It hasn’t let go since.  I’m a HUGE Doctor Who fan, so that’s probably why the time-travel aspect appealed to me.  The story itself was great, with room for improvement like any book.  But it was the emotion to the story that really stuck with me.  I’m STILL thinking about the book and the characters, especially Jackson’s relationship with one particular character.  There were several scenes in the book that had me actually sobbing.  I just…I NEED the sequel.  

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane.  I go into every book I read hoping to love it, but this book was just a mess, in so many ways, which definitely sucks because it seemed so unique.  I’d probably read more from the author though, to give her another try.  

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?

Probably The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell (read my review).  I haven’t read that many “period” books so I wasn’t sure what I’d think of this one.  But oh, holy wow.  The writing style was so gorgeous, and absolutely blew my mind.  The main character, Amelia took my breath away a bit, as did her romance, which was absolutely my kind of be-all-end-all courtship.  I wanted to hug Saundra for writing this amazing novel, and  I think I’ve probably told her so, at some point.  Plus she is absolutely totally friendly and fun to chat with on Twitter.  

Runner-up: The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab (read my review).  I've never really read many ghost stories and this one was  really unique and different - part spooky story, part YA, part folklore. 

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2011?

Either Hourglass by Myra McEntire or Tempest by Julie Cross.  I’ve talked various friend’s ears off about both book.  Both were amazing debuts, and incredibly promising starts to their respective series.  Tempest especially struck my so hard, emotionally, in a good way.  If you haven’t read them, oh please do.  Hourglass is already out and Tempest will be published in January, 2012.

5. Best series you discovered in 2011?

 

Hmmmm, another tough question.  I think I’m going to go with the Nightshade series by Andrea Cremer.  I was broke when Wolfsbane (read my review) first came out, and waiting a week for it was TORTURE.  It was absolutely worth it, though once I did get the book, all I wanted to do was savor it.  Andrea is a fantastic author who knows how to create characters you’ll just care so much about, and a story that keeps you turning page after page.  I'm absolutely, totally on edge waiting for Bloodrose (the final book in the trilogy) to be released.

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?

I’ve read more YA novels this year than ever before, thanks to friends and largely, to the blogging community for recommending such awesome, amazing novels.  I’ve also read some self-published novels, something I’d never really considered before blogging.  So to list ALL my new favorite authors would take forever, but I’ll put a few out there who really reached out to me with review requests and whose books were stunning, or who I’ve interacted with through email/Twitter and adored their novels: Christine Nolfi, Saundra Mitchell, Ashley Willis, Amy Lichtenhan, Andrea Cremer, Tahereh Mafi, Myra McEntire, Jennifer L Armentrout, Victoria Schwab, etc.  (If I listed them, their books are worth reading, definitely.)

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton.  It's part historical fiction, part women's fiction, with a bit of a Gothic tinge.  I'm not really sure how to classify it, but it was kind of like when I first read Jodi Picoult, how I knew I'd found something different, an author I was definitely going to love.  The Forgotten Garden is so unique, full of mystery, just a dash of romance, and family secrets.  I absolutely adored it.  It was kind of like a grown-up V.C. Andrews without all the taboo-ness of VCA's novels.  I highly recommend it!

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead.  Just knowing it was the final book in her Vampire Academy series - everything was on the line - made it so breath-taking to read.  Plus, it was really kind of awesome. 

9. Book you most anticipated in 2011?

The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss.   I've fangirled over this man and his books since I picked up The Name of the Wind on a whim and fell utterly, head-over-heels-over-head-over-heels in love with the world he has created.  If you haven't read Rothfuss, we need to talk. 

Runner up: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.  Which I…still haven’t read.  *hides*  I plan to get to it hopefully in February!  

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

Oh definitely the cover of Cinder by Marissa Meyer.  Look at that funky, beautiful cover!  Isn't it just absolutley swoon-worthy?  :)  And that book is SO awesome!!!

11. Most memorable character in 2011? 

Emerson Cole from Hourglass.  Emerson is full of strength and courage.  She’s so genuine, and relatable.  She’s a very sympathetic character, whom I immediately bonded with.  I was head-over-heels for Em shortly after starting the story.  She just stands out in my mind as a true heroine, inspirational, and yet so human.  

Runner up: Elena from Kelley Armstrong’s Otherworld series.  Elena is a female werewolf, and she is so strong, stubborn, and fierce.  I’ve only read the first two books of the series, but Elena is amazing, and I admire her so much.  Her personality just kinda leaps off the pages at you, and you can’t help but love her.  

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.  I knew the basic premise of it, but I did not expect the haunting, ethereal writing style, the “voice” of Juliette, the protagonist.  There were some passages in Shatter Me that made me cry, and the book as a whole has stuck with me.  I HAVE to know what happens next.  I just, I adore the book, and Juliette, so much.  

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011? 

That would have to be Lauren Oliver's Before I Fall.  It is one of the VERY few books that, months later, I am STILL thinking about.  The character growth alone was so stunning and impressive.  And Lauren's writing is golden, and so emotionally-wringing.  I just, I adored the book.  The characters all felt real, and Sam's journey...oh man.  I tear up still thinking about the book.  I've been wanting to re-read it for months but I'm waiting awhile, so that I when I DO re-read it, it will feel like the first time all over again.   I savored every gorgeous word the first time, and I want to be able to do that again. 

Runner-up: Saving June by Hannah Harrington (read my review.) This one made me cry quite a few times.  Also: Take This Regret by Amy Lichtenhan (read my review).  I laughed and cried, I cheered, I despaired, I raged.  I ran the gamut of emotions...this novel was AMAZING. 

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read? 

Probably Hush, Hush (read my review).  I remember wondering what all the hype was about when a few of my friends read the book when it first came out, then thinking, “okay, can it really be THAT good?” and for the most part, it WAS.  I’ve been slowly reading a bit here and there when I can on the sequel, but I’m so anxious to continue the series.  

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011? 

“Maybe you can afford to wait. Maybe for you there's a tomorrow. Maybe for you there's one thousand tomorrows, or three thousand, or ten, so much time you can bathe in it, roll around it, let it slide like coins through you fingers. So much time you can waste it. 

But for some of us there's only today. And the truth is, you never really know.”  - Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

16. Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012? 

Definitely The Vespertine, and probably Hourglass, in order to be ready for the sequel, Timepiece.  I think I’ve already mentioned loving/flailing over both books, but they were THAT good.  I would definitely also reread Shatter Me, and probably will when it’s closer to time for the sequel.  

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Mmmm, Shatter Me for some of the steamy scenes between Adam and Juliette, A Need so Beautiful (THAT ENDING OMG), Wolfsbane for some of the amazing twists, Hourglass for a few scenes near the ending!

Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2011

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2011? 

Well considering this was my first year of blogging, I’ve really loved ALL the blogs I’ve discovered.  But I like to think I’ve kinda built relationships with a few bloggers in particular, like Marie at Ramblings of aDaydreamer, Laurie at Bona Fide Reflections, Anna at Literary Exploration, Lisa at Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me, Rebecca at Kindle Fever, Liza at BookCrook Liza, Mimi (who is awesome!) at Mimi Valentine.  And I have to mention Suz at A Soul Unsung.  Suz is one my IRL BFF’s and the reason I started my own book blog.  

2.  Favorite review that you wrote in 2011? 

Probably my review of Shatter Me.  I thought it was way too fangirly, but then Tahereh Mafi herself read it and called it “eloquent.”  I about had heart palpitations.  HEEHEE. I could kick myself for not favorite'ing that Tweet!

3.  Best discussion you had on your blog? 

Unfortunately I didn’t do a lot of discussion posts this year, though with 2012 approaching, that is definitely something I want to start doing more often!  I want to get my followers involved, too!

4.  Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog?

Specifically, I’m blanking on any particular one, but I ALWAYS love reading Rachel (Parajunkee’s) Book Blogging 101 posts and her 101 parties on Twitter.  Rie at Mission to Read’s Blogger Helper posts are also kinda awesome, and I’ve learned SO much from her!  (She was the first blog to feature me!)

5.  Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I always always have loads of fun participating in the Book Blogging 101 Twitter chats.  And doing IMM has been so much fun this year, getting to show off my pretty new books, doing videos, and seeing what other bloggers have received.

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2011?

Being featured on Parajunkee’s Follow Friday (at Alison Can Read).  I felt so honored to be able to participiate and be featured.  It gave my blog a nice boost, for which I’m still grateful for daily.  I was also jazzed to hit 300 followers this year.  I don’t get to spend as much time as I wish I was able to promoting my blog, so I’m so happy being at 300+.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

Definitely my giveaways, which is awesome, because it brings new traffic to my blog.  In 2012, I hope to continue that trend and to also drum up interest in the new features I’m starting: Guest Who (a monthly guest post from a fellow blogger) and Once Upon a Blogger (a monthly interview with a fellow blogger in order to get to know my followers better.) If you'd like to be a part of either of those features, simply send me an email at courageousgrace (at) gmail (dot) com because I'd LOVE to have you!

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

My review of Cinder!  I was SO psyched to read the book, then to share my love for it with the blogging world, and it could use a few comments.  This is a GREAT book, y’all, I promise.  

9. Best bookish discovery (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

The Book Depository!  They’ve been great so far with my orders.  I use them for giveaways for the free shipping.  I also discovered some new features at Goodreads and started posting reviews at my Amazon.com account.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I set a goal to read 50 books this year in order to make more time to read and less TV watching/etc.  Unless something changes in the next day or two, I should make that goal, just barely.  I hit two or three massive reading slumps, or I think I definitely would have read more.  My tentative goal for 2012 is to read 75 books.  

Looking Ahead

1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and The Iron King by Julie Kagawa.  I’ve heard amazing things about both (yes, I cheated a little on the question) and need and want to read them both soon to find out for myself what’s going on with them each. 

 

2.  Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?

Timepiece by Myra McEntire.  Hands down, my most-anticipated.  Emerson is one of the strongest protagonists I’ve ever read about, and Myra just let us in on a Timepiece secret the other day that has me SO SO anxious/excited for the book.  

       3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?

I’d love to see my blog continue growing, both in number of followers, but most importantly, in building relationships with those followers.  It means more to me to have a smaller number of people that I KNOW are reading my posts and commenting than 1,000 who click the “follow” button, then never come back. So in 2012 I want to continue reading amazing books, posting quality content, and building my readership. 

{ ++ } If y'all participated in this survey, please leave me a link in case I miss your post so I can come and check yours out!  This was SO much fun!