Peace Out, 2012: End of Year Book Survey

(Side note: I’m purposely not including books that I’ve read this year that aren’t out yet. I don’t know why, because I would CERTAINLY have put Scarlet and Prodigy on this list. Probably because I don’t want to be a spoiler. Whatever my reason, only 2012 releases and earlier below. And, seriously, get on those two book up there. AWESOME x infinity.)

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

Ok, then I will! First, though, I’m going to say that, by and large, I adored lots of books that I read this year. I feel like if I read a book that was the first in a series, I was made a fan for life. I am going to break it down into categories in a sec because I have way too many favorites that I want to share with you all, but I’m going to offer these two books right here as my tied for number 1 most favorite books of the year: Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson and Cinder by Marissa Meyer.

Fantasy: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, A Dance With Dragons by  George R.R. Martin, The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima

Sci-Fi/Dystopian: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Contemporary: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson, Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith, Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley (I will stop now. Clearly, 2012 was the Year of the Amazing Contemp)

Historical Romance: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Mixed Genre: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (historical fiction, paranormal), Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (paranormal, historical fiction, alternate history)

MG: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan, The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy, A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby

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

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. OK, so just BEAR WITH ME HERE. I still wound up really enjoying The Raven Boys. Honestly, I did. I’m invested. I’m more than ready for book number 2. I felt all the things, thought the end was gripping, and the whole book had this really boss mysterious atmosphere that was amazing. BUT. It was definitely a slow start for me, and even though I enjoyed the whole thing, it still left me with lots of questions, and sometimes things that I didn’t understand on the first read. Which isn’t always bad. So you know essentially what this is, putting The Raven Boys here? It’s me saying that I was waiting to be instantly sucked into this one like I was to The Scorpio Races, and I wasn’t. Don’t give up this one, though. You’d be missing out.

Also, The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats, because I thought both main characters were unlikable…way unlikable. And Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, because I was expecting AMAZE, and got merely very good with lots of promise.

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

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer. Guys? I’m pretty absorbed in this series about the Merrick brothers. The elemental stuff is interesting for sure, but I’m OBSESSED with their relationship. I love reading about them, mostly because I have never read any YA books about brothers, and this set is the bomb. Also, Unraveling by Elizabeth Morris, because I couldn’t put it down, and because it DIDN’T blind me with science–it gripped me.

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2012?

I seem to be recommending the Pink Carnation series to lots of people lately, which is excellent. I don’t know how many of them are actually going to READ it, but you know. And Tiger Lily. And, always, The Scorpio Races.

5. Best series you discovered in 2012?

Completed series: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead & The Seven Realms by Cinda Williams Chima

Incomplete: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer & The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2012?

Jodi Lynn Anderson, for one. Marissa Meyer for another. So awesome.

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

Hands down, This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers. If you’re a regular round these parts, you should have an idea that I don’t really do zombies. I don’t like horror books. I don’t watch The Walking Dead (have NO desire at all, so sorry, fans). But this book was really outstanding. Lots of tension and fear and ANGST. And fear.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

Cinder. Unraveling. Insurgent. Guys, none of these books were small, although Cinder was no doorstop at 387 pages long, But Unraveling was 445 pages and Insurgent was freaking 525 pages!! I read them all in less than two whole days.

9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:

I am a big rereader. I reread the following books this year that I usually reread every year, sometimes because I’m just craving them and sometimes because I’m in a rut and I know that these books will at least temporarily get me out of it: Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols, Legend by Marie Lu. For sure, I’m going to reread Cinder by Marissa Meyer and Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson, but I’m always struck randomly with the desire to reread stuff, so you never know.

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

Like I could pick just one:

11. Most memorable character in 2012? 

My immediate thought: Tiger Lily, yo. But other characters that I still think about, even after finishing their books months ago? The Merrick brothers from Brigid Kemmerer’s Elementals series, Cinder, AND OMG ALSO ALSO: KVOTHE.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

Tiger Lily. No contest.

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

Book that made me cry the most: A Monster Calls, Tiger Lily

Book that made think the most about difficult things: Pieces of Us by Margie Gelbwasser

Book that sucked me into the world the most: The Name of the Wind, Cinder

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

The Name of the Wind, Vampire Academy, The Demon King. Egregious oversights x 3. All now rectified.

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

Umm, what? How am I supposed to choose this?! WAH SO HARD! But here are a few of my favorites:

“Sometimes love means not being able to not being able to bear seeing the one you love the way they are, when they’re not what you hoped for them.” ― Jodi Lynn Anderson, Tiger Lily

“Still, the longer I was around her, the more I could see the colors of her mind and the recesses of her heart. There was a beast in there. But there was also a girl who was afraid of being a beast, and who wondered if other people had beasts in their hearts too.”― Jodi Lynn Anderson, Tiger Lily

“Mum says when wanting collides with getting, that’s the moment of truth. I want to collide. I want to run right into Shadow and let the force spill our thoughts so we can pick each other up and pass each other back like piles of shiny stones.”
― Cath Crowley, Graffiti Moon

“So young,” said Wyman Manderly, “Though mayhaps this was a blessing. Had he lived he would’ve grown up to be a Frey.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Dance With Dragons (BOOM. Wyman Manderley is MADE OF BOOM.)

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2012? 

Longest Adult book: The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (992 pages)

Longest YA: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (549 pages)

Longest MG: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan (586 pages)

Shortest Adult: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson (264 pages)

Shortest YA: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller (214 pages)

Shortest MG: Sleuth or Dare by Kim Harrington (179 pages)

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

This is actually kind of hard for me this year! Last year I had A Dance With Dragons to fall back on! But…if we’re talking about something that made me want to shout from the rooftops because it was emotional and gorgeous and I loved it so much? The end of Tiger Lily. THAT LETTER!

But if I’m being honest, I REALLY had to have a chat about a certain series-ending book that isn’t coming out until next year that I’ve been lucky enough to read early. (I know, I know, breaking my own “2012 reads only rule from up top there. BUT I MUST, JUST THIS ONCE.) Friends, it upsets me to say that I was not pleased. I can’t even tell you all what book I’m talking about because I don’t want to be mean or be a spoiler, but the more I think about it, the more I am disappointed pretty hugely. No lie? To me, it was the worst book of the series, which is a horrible way to go out, you know? Lots of venting necessary. I don’t think I’ll be alone, either. SIGH.

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

Romantic: Jase and Samantha from My Life Next Door. These two kids had a pretty strong relationship that really impressed me, mostly because I love how it depicted a young relationship that never rang false. I totally believed that Jase and Samantha were one of those high school couples who would for real stay together.

Also, for pure steaminess, Grayson and Leah from Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols.

Friendship: Cinder and Iko from Cinder. LOVE THEM.

Family: The Merrick brothers from Storm/Spark. Guys. I am more absorbed by the relationship between these brothers than I am in the paranormal element in this series. Seriously. I don’t think I’ve ever read any books that focused so much on the relationship between brothers, but the Merricks are wonderful because they struggle, they fight, they annoy each other, but they’re loyal and they love each other.

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

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson.

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

The Name of the Wind. I still can’t figure out why I hadn’t read this book before, but basically EVERYONE told me that I had to read it because NOT reading it was dumb, and EVERYONE was right. This book was legit.

 Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2012 (optional)

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2012? 

Books Take You Places, Bunbury in the Stacks, and The Book Addict’s Guide. I can’t believe that I only just met Alyssa, Heidi, and Brittany this year. I CAN’T. Because they’re all wonderful, thoughtful, fun, ladies and all of that shows in their blogs. I love that they are some of my favorite people to fangirl with on Twitter over books that we’ve both–or all!–loved. It’s the best feeling. Check these ladies out, friends.

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2012? 

I really liked writing my review of Tiger Lily, with the quotes and all. And I also really enjoyed writing my review of Second Chance Summer, because it’s one of the only times I’ve ever welled up writing a review from remembering how emotional the book made me while reading.

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?

There were some great responses to my post about DNFing, which of course, I have not responded to yet because I’m a horrible slacker. Also, there was a fun discussion–well, it was fun for us Avatar/Legend of Korra nerds–on one of my recaps. I’ll talk about those shows all day.

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

I am constantly blown away by the insightful, in-depth discussions on Stacked. I really enjoyed this one about what bloggers should expect from pubs, and this really fascinating post about profanity in YA and its impact on feminism in YA books. Seriously great, thought-provoking stuff. Reading Kelly’s posts helps me see things more clearly and organize my own thoughts.

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

BEA. Again. It’ll probably be BEA maybe for a long time. It’s such a great event, and one I’m so glad that I can participate in with relative ease and at very little cost to myself. PLUS PLUS!! This year I got to meet so many awesome people!! Can’t wait to get together with them again next year and spend some more time hanging out.

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2012?

Mah birfday!! No, not MY birthday, my blog birthday. My baby is ONE!!!

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

By Comments: Top Ten Tuesday (20)–Books I’d Play Hooky With–has 51 comments, narrowly beating Top Ten Tuesday (17) about my top ten favorite foreign edition book covers, with 42 comments.

By Views: This Excuse Me While I Fangirl post about Legend of Korra Fanart got 4,058 views. @$&!! 4,058!!!!

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

I’m a big fan of my Excuse Me While I Fangirl posts because I love getting my nerd on, so I’m always going to say that I wish people checked those out because I want to nerd out with people all the time.

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

I love trolling Etsy for bookish things! I know that’s a copout, saying Etsy, but it’s true.

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

SIGH. Guys, I had such high hopes for my challenges this year. I was going at a great clip in the first half of the year on my Goodreads challenge and the Debut Author Challenge, but I started working in the spring and my reading time nearly went the way of the dodo. The one challenge I DID complete, though, was the Completely Contemporary Challenge. HUZZAH! Not so much for the Mythology Challenge and the Historical Fiction Challenge, and I outright BOMBED my own personal challenge to read a bunch of books I’ve had on my shelves forever. Oh well. I’ll probably lower my expectations for myself next year, knowing more about how I need to organize my time.

Looking Ahead…

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

Days of Blood and Starlight, for sure. Mastiff, because I refuse to list this book as the answer to this question THREE times. Bitterblue, which is happening soon with the Cashore Goodtimes readalong!!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?

THIS QUESTION. So, ok. I know I’ve already mentioned Scarlet and Prodigy waaaaaaaay back up top there, but I’m going to bring them up again here because I loved these books and can’t wait to hold real finished copies in my hands. I also can’t wait for Isla and the Happily Ever After, The History of Luck (JANDY NELSON!! PLEASE!! RELEASE YOUR BOOK IN 2013!!), and lots more. LOTS.

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

I want to get myself on something resembling a schedule. But mostly I want to be able to schedule my posts ahead of time. I almost never do this, and it’s a strain on my time. Thankfully it’s not something I mind doing, otherwise I’d go crazy! But I’d really love to be able to bang out a bunch of reviews and schedule them and not have to worry about finishing a book and writing a review instantly in order to have any content at all.

So, pat yourselves on the back, friends. You’ve just officially read the longest post on my blog.

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Tripping Over My First Blogoversary

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Over the course of time, lots of things have happened on October 29th. John Glenn went back into space at age 77 (astronauts are the best). Richard Dreyfuss and Winona Ryder were born. Duane Allman, one the greatest guitarists in the WHOLE WORLD died on October 29th. The stock market crash known as “Black Tuesday” started the Great Depression on October 29th. In 1964, there was this MAJOR jewel heist from The American Museum of Natural History. And, one year ago today, I wrote my first post on Tripping Over Books. Small potatoes, friends, but a big deal in the life of moi.

I can’t believe it’s been a year already. This must be what new mothers feel like on their first baby’s birthday. What happened to the time? One year seems like both hardly any time at all, and more than enough time for something epic to have a huge affect on my life. I know I’ve said before that I feel like I can be more myself on this blog, talking to you all about books and nerdy things and life, and that’s the truth. So THANK YOU for every time you’ve visited, commented, shared your thoughts. It’s been an incredible year, and that is really all down to you. Here’s to another year full of awesome people, awesome books, and more good times than we know what do with!

Readathon: The Finish Line

So, friends, the readathon is over. Alas, I only finished a book (TEXAS GOTHIC) and a half (THE HALLOWED ONES), but I kind of did the readathon on a whim and planned very little. Next time it’s ON. I’m not sure about the whole 24 hours, though I’m definitely game to try!

End of Event Survey:

Which hour was most daunting for you?

Probably the one where I fell asleep for good: about 1 am. I just couldn’t keep my eyes open AT ALL.

Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

I think I’m going to keep is short and sweet next time. Maybe some graphic novels, too. I could get down with that.

Which book did you enjoy most?

Honestly, I really enjoyed TEXAS GOTHIC, and THE HALLOWED ONES kept me up quite frankly longer than I thought I could manage. They are/were both pretty legit.

Which did you enjoy least?

Liked ’em both! Well, I am so far. Not finished with THE HALLOWED ONES yet. Today. Amish vampires and football. Recipe for winning.

How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again?

For sure! I’m going to do it up BIG next time!

Handing in My Readathon V-Card

It’s true. I’ve never done a readathon before, even though I can’t exactly imagine why because I LOVE reading and I LOVE being able to hunker down and plow through some books. But Dewey’s October Readathon sounds like just the thing right now. I have to admit that the 24 hours business is daunting, though, because I am basically tired all the time, but whatevs. I’m giving it a go. I’m only going to pick 5 books and see how far I get. Although I can tell you right now that MAYBE I’ll finish two. Also, it’s highly likely that I’ll stop for a nap sometime. But a girl can dream, right? So, here we go!

Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement Moore

Just started this one actually, so I’m keeping it on my Readathon list because I want to finish it. Also, ghosts and cowboys and TEXAS FOREVER. I’m kind of loving it right now.

The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle

Amish vamps? OF COURSE, I WILL! I have heard so many good things about this book. I’m looking forward to reading something perhaps a little creepyish in time for Halloween!

The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1) by Julie Kagawa

Because Julie Kagawa writing more fairy books? Definitely reading it. Also, little Ethan Chase is all shirtless on the cover. It’s hard not to be intrigued.

The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus #3) by Rick Riordan

Psh, I can almost guarantee that I am not going to finish this book. It’s like 600 pages long. But it’s the continuing saga of one PERCY JACKSON, and even if I don’t finish it today (or, you know, start it even), it’s going down soon.

It’s In His Kiss (Bridgertons #7) by Julia Quinn

Guys, I LOVE the Bridgertons. I’m sad that I’m on book 7 of 8! But then I can jump into some other hot historical romances, too, and I’m always a fan of that. This 7th book is about Hyacinth, the youngest of the lot.

Let’s see how we do, friends!

Bookish Goodies: The Bookmark Edition

Wherefore art thou, bookmark?

Guys, I am in full-on crisis mode over here. Remember a little while ago when I confessed that I have a bookmarking scheme? It’s not really elaborate but it works for me and I’ve been adhering to it for awhile. Anyway, last weekend I MAJORLY cleaned the premises and last night when I went looking for my secondary bookmark I COULDN’T FIND IT. I looked again this morning and no dice. It’s missing. In the midst of my freak-out, I decided to check out Etsy for some bookmarkish goodness. AND HOW. There’s super creative people over there, friends, and I thought I’d share some of my favorite finds with you.

From Ozzy and Lulu‘s shop

So Ozzy and Lulu have some awesome quote bookmarks. This one, from Lord of the Rings, is one of my FAVORITE quotes ever. But they also have quotes from THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, a YOLO bookmark, and a few others. They’re all really sharp. I love the different fonts they use.

From Joy’s Specialties shop

I have a big weakness for bookmarks that are woven or made from something other than paper. I’m not a huge fan of metal bookmarks because I’m always afraid that they’ll rip something, and I think that the string bookmarks are too flimsy, but I LOVE these. I love the colors, too. Such pretty details.

From leatherandcopper‘s shop

I LOVE LOVE LOVE leather feather bookmarks. I just think they’re so cool.These look particularly awesome. Not as big a fan of the black ones, but I do like that reddish brown feather. So rustic.

From byvikINK‘s shop

Ok, so THESE BOOKMARKS I totally want. I’m probably going to buy them just because. First of all, I love this idea of a traveling bookmark. But second–and most important–of all, THEY LOOK LIKE LIBRARY CARDS. I’m dying right now. I love this retro library thing. Big fan of these.

From LaceAmour‘s shop

Isn’t this cool-looking? I love the curlycues and the texture. So pretty. And there are a few of these in different colors: yellow, pink and white, light brown. Very pretty.

From MesaDreams shop

Ah, leather. I’m sensing a pattern here because I’ve got two leather bookmarks on here already, and my primary bookmark is leather, too. But this one is fun because it’s so skinny! And I love the pattern on it.

From bethydesign‘s shop

OMG MERLIN. So ok. This designer makes a TON of these bookmarks–the two arms go over the page, and the body goes behind it so it’s kind of like a paper paperclip–in different characters. There’s Morgana, the Doctor, Sherlock, Harry Potter. All AWESOME. But these are my faves. Look at them! Arthur, Merlin, and Gwen, looking so perfect I can’t even deal.

From CastleOnTheHill‘s shop

Jane Austen characters drawn on book pages. I love the pretty colors, and seriously, these are amazing drawings. I’m not sure who is who, but I think they’re adorable.

There are TONS–literally TONS–of bookmarks on Etsy. Some of them you can even print out yourself, which is cool but sometimes I’m lazy and just want a finished bookmark already. But I think any of these would be a good replacement for my secondary bookmark, although I’m still holding out hope that I’ll find it! What do you guys think?