"Turn the Page"*

As we turn the page on 2010 to a new one on 2011 (yeah, yeah, pretty corny!), I've been thinking about the pages and pages I've read this year, which just happens to be enough fill 65 books (not to mention all the magazines, newspapers, blogs, and cereal boxes I've read). Interestingly that was the same exact number of book I read in 2009. I had hoped to read more books in 2010, but I put reading somewhat aside in the second half of the year in order to give myself more writing time, or as was often the case, more revising time.

Throughout the year, I featured the book trailers of some of my favorite books, including my absolute most favoritest book of the year: The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson (which my twin-not-twin sister gave to me for my b-day). I also picked up a bunch of signed books (some of which are still on my to-read list): Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko (which came highly recommended by my 11-year-old nephew), Dead Girl Walking by Linda Joy Singleton, and Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock to name a few.

In honor of Banned Books Week, I draped myself in only banned/challenged books. After reading that post, a certain book buddy of mine gave me The Giver by Lois Lowry when she found out I didn't have my own copy.

As for 2011 in addition to print books, I've now had my Nook for over a year and hope to add to my Nook book collection. At Girls' Christmas a new book bag was started. Basically, a group of us girls pass around the bag of books and when it's out turn to have the bag, we can read none/any/all of the books in it and write in the enclosed journal if we choose to. Then you take out any books you had previously put in and add more books if you want to.

Up next, I've got some 2011 releases I'm really, really looking forward to reading! Enter a great contest on Anna Staniszewski's blog to maybe win some of those books. What were your favorite books of the year?

*Bob Seger