Caroline's 2012 review

What is your favorite read of 2012?
Gah! I really don’t know why I set these questions. Well I’m sure that you are all very well aware that there is no way I am going to be able to narrow this down to just one!
I adored Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi . I was going through a real dystopian love affair at the time and I found myself completely pulled in by Rossi’s world building. Not to mention that the pacing of Aria and Perry’s romance was just perfect.
I’m now fully absorbed in a Contemporary romance phase, and totally addicted to the New Adult genre, which has exploded over the last year. Easy, by Tammara Webber is my favorite contemporary read of 2012. Despite having only picked it up for the first time in November I have already re-read it.
A special mention has to go to Patrick Ness’ The Knife Of Never Letting Go. Although this was published in 2008, I only read it for the first time in February of 2012. I was absolutely blown away by Ness’ world building and characterization. Not to mention I blubbed like a total baby (full on puffy face and snot bubbles) after a particular scene. It is the book that I have recommended the most to non-YA reading friends and colleagues.
Which book have you most enjoyed reading with your children in 2012?
My daughter, Ava, turned five and started school in September. Although the books she has been sent home with haven’t been the most entertaining or exciting, I have absolutely loved watching Ava learning to read for herself, and assisting her on this journey.
As a family we have enjoyed sharing Jon Klassen’s I Want My Hat Back. The sequel, This is Not My Hat is currently sat, neatly wrapped, under my Christmas tree.
What have you enjoyed most about book blogging in 2012?
Aside from the actual books, the thing I love most about blogging is the community. Whether it be through comments, Twitter or at events, there is nothing quite like “finding your people” and being able to gush for hours about your favorite books without people’s eyes glazing over.
I have been particularly lucky to have developed genuine friendships with two YA book bloggers, Kerri from Read and Repeat (Click here to check out her blog) and Pruedence,The Library Mouse (check out her blog here). You should definitely check out their shared feature Two-Pound Tuesdays.
This year I have taken part in the first UK YA Book Bloggers Secret Santa. I have lots of fun checking out my recipients’ blog for shopping clues and browsing for book related presents. I can’t wait until Christmas day when I will get to open my own Secret Santa gift and discover the secret identity of the man (or woman) in red.
What was your favorite book related event of 2012?
In June we celebrated our first anniversary. I am really proud of the whole team for managing to sustain the blog for a year (and still enjoy it) despite house moves, illness and increasing family/work/school demands.
I delighted with our new look. The move from blogspot.com to our own website came with its own stresses and a lot of hard work but I am really pleased with how it has turned out. The credit goes to Webmaster Ed Gillett. Despite being paid entirely in cake and babysitting, Ed treated the project with professionalism and perfectionism.
I have also been lucky enough to attend lots of fabulous book event at my local book store, Waterstones in Guildford. My favourite being The Queen Of Teen after party – wow! So much YA talent in one room.
The events organized by Neil at Foyles are always fabulous. I thoroughly enjoyed the series of YA Creative Voices panels they hosted over the summer.
What book are you most looking forward to reading in 2013?
Which book? Seriously, what was I thinking? How about, Which books are you most looking forward to reading in 2013?!
For me 2013 marks the continuation and finale of some fantastic series. I can’t wait for the, as yet untitled, conclusion of The Divergent Trilogy or Goddess Inheritance (Goddess Trilogy) but the final installment I am most anxious to read is Clockwork Princess. The third book Cassandra Clare’s The Infernal Devices Trilogy, and what is fast becoming my favorite book series to date.
I am really looking forward to the continuation of Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Cycle, Cassandra Rose Clarke’s The Pirates Wish (The Assassins Curse Trilogy) and C J Redwine’s Deception (Defiance Trilogy).
The debut I am most anticipating is G Howard’s Splintered. The synopsis sounds amazing and the cover is just stunning.
Caroline’s favourite books of 2012.(Click on the title to read more)
Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Easy by Tammara Webber
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
Post by Caroline