Sharing Our Bookshelves {January 2012}

It's time for another monthly round of Sharing Our Bookshelves. This time though, we're starting out a new year!

What kind of book goals have you set for yourself to accomplish in 2012?
I hope that if you're posting about books anytime this month, you'll link up below so that some new blog readers can find your posts.


If you saw my last post 'Looking at my reads from 2011' then you'll know I've been thinking about all the books I enjoyed during the twelve months of 2011, including a list of my very favorites.

2011 was a year of firsts for me in some respects in the literary world. The beginning of three new bookish friendships began. That is, with R.M. Ballantyne, G.A. Henty, and with the lovely Lamplighter books. If you have some specific titles of these books that you've enjoyed, I would appreciate your suggestions on which ones I should choose next to read.

There are some notable reads I should mention in addition to my favorite books of the year. For example, in November, I just finished the last of the wonderful books penned by Laura Ingalls Wilder (I have started the series over and over a few times before, but this time I can now say I've read them all---finally.) I also read a drama play for the first time, Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw---Who knew it could be so interesting just to read the lines of all the characters? Also to go on my list of "firsts" for 2011: I was able to read Book #1 of the Nancy Drew series, Secret of the Old Clock. For a reader who loves mysteries, I'm surprised at myself for not reading the good ol' Nancy books until now---I had read a few of the newer stories before this, but not the originals. I'm looking forward to reading more in the new year.

One thing I have enjoyed for several years now is a notebook to keep track of all the books I've read. It helps me remember titles of books, the authors, and the dates when I read those books. In fact, I have more than eight years' worth of a notebook like this! It is an invaluable piece of memory to keep around. If you haven't started your own notebook like this, maybe 2012 is the time to start recording all the books you'll be reading this year.

So then, I look forward to see the wonderful posts you'll be linking up below. Whether it is end-of-the-year lists, or goals for the new year... whatever bookish thoughts you're blogging about, please share so that we can all enjoy.

Looking at my reads from 2011.

At the end of each year, I always enjoy taking a little time to look through all the book titles that I have read during the last 12 months. I usually come across a lot of "I read that book only just this past year?"---especially ones that I loved so much, and it seems like its been ages since I did read it---but it was only a few months ago. This year I accomplished reading 50 books, which almost means one book every week. I enjoyed each of these, but I do have my tip-top favorites. So now...




(in no particular order, because I can't bring myself to use favoritism on my favorites)

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
I'm so glad to have read a classic like this---it is currently my favorite of Dickens' works that I've read so far. If I was to choose a character from any book that I admire most, it would be Sydney Carton. {You can read my full review here.}

Little House in the Highlands by Melissa Wiley
The first in a series of 4 about Martha, the great-grandmother of Laura Ingalls Wilder. She roamed and romped across the wild, heather-filled highlands of Scotland!

A Peep Behind the Scenes by O.F. Walton
Sweet and charming. Just how I thought a Lamplighter book would be. Now I can't wait to read more of these books in this new year.

My Heart's in the Lowlands by Liz Curtis Higgs
Has anyone heard of "arm-chair travel"? The author literally takes you on a trip across the sea to Scotland and "shows" you the landmarks, the quaint shops, houses, kirks, and majestic castles. She talks to you, as the reader, as if you were standing beside her, taking in the same sights, smells, feelings, and noises that she is.

In Freedom's Cause by G.A. Henty
To introduce myself to Henty, this was a great book to do it with. It is the story of William Wallace & Robert the Bruce, two exceptional leaders in the First War of Scottish Independence.

Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris
A perfect book that every teen should read! It holds many invaluable truths. The subtitle of the book says it all: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations.

Basil of Baker Street by Eve Titus
This is one children's book that I will adore forever, now that I have found it. I do so need to read more of little Basil's adventures. {You can read my full review here.}

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen
Exquisitely delightful! Reminiscent of Laura Ingalls' childhood stories, but set in the time right after WWII ended. I can see myself reading it again sometime!

The Coral Island by R.M. Ballantyne
Heart-pounding suspense with island cannibals and pirate ships. Utter delight and respect for everything God has created. I'm looking forward to more books from Ballantyne.

Christmas with Tucker by Greg Kincaid
This was the perfect addition to my December days. Meshes beautifully with the book "A Dog Named Christmas" by the same author.



Here are some other bloggers who have written end-of-the-year bookish posts:

Jennifer {Blogful of Books}

Eyebright {Defective Compositions}

Katie {Whisperings of the Pen}

Rachel {Young Homemakers}