year-end book recap

I thought it would be fun in 2010 to keep track of the books that I read. Not only to see how many books I ended up with, but to use the list on a scrapbook page :)

1. Skinny Bitch : This was an eye opener, in every sense of the word. Short of becoming a vegan, though, it is impossible to follow their recommendations perfectly. There is so much "bad" out there in the food industry, it is scary. So scary that to get through the day, you just need to go "la la la" and shake your head so everything you just read falls right out your ear.

2. Waking the Dead : Oh this was a wonderful book. It really helped me along my path to spiritual awakening this year. We did this as a book study in my department at work, and not only did it help me grow, but it helped me learn more about my coworkers, and begin forming an even deeper bond with them. This is a must read...

3. Best Friends Forever : This book was a gift from Kim, and it was an entertaining story. It was a story about second chances, and rebuilding relationships. I don't feel it was the author's best, but it was a decent read.

4. Handle with Care : Yet another Jodi Picoult book, I really enjoyed it. All but the end. Sometimes her endings drive me insane!!

5. The Shack : If you haven't read this book, please go out and get the book and read it immediately. This book also helped me along my spiritual path this year, but more than anything, it opened up the world of forgiveness in my heart. It opened my eyes and it was so so simple.

6. The Last Song : I am a big Nicholas Sparks fan, but I do think his books tend to fall along a similar story line most of the time. This book was refreshing, and I felt it was a bit of a departure for him. Very enjoyable, and I'd like to see the movie, even if it does have Miley in it.

7. Little Bee : The writing was beautiful and the story was outrageous. Scary in that it could actually happen, and honestly, what would I do in that situation???

8. Eat Pray Love : This was part of my Sabbatical, and taught me more about forgiveness and love and God. I love books that encourage you to embrace your true inner self and let your light shine.

9. Captivating : This was the most important book I have ever read. Again, if you have not read this book, put it on the top of your "to read" list. I learned so much about myself in this book. I guarantee that you will too!

10. Bend in the Road : This book was back to Spark's typical plot, but an easy, enjoyable read.

11. Perfect Match : Jodi never fails to create a thought-provoking story that ends in a suspenseful trial. Not my favorite, but still very good.

12. Marriage on the Rock : This was a very detailed, technical book. It shared a whole lot of information that you can apply to your daily marriage. I was left feeling like I would have to read the book 10 times before it had all soaked in though. A bit of overload.

13. Friday Night Knitting Club : I thought this author wrote very well, and created a very engaging story. Loved the characters.

14. Percy Jackson - Battle of Labyrinth : These are fun to read...a lot like Harry Potter, but on a smaller scale, and with mythology instead of magic. I think this was the 5th book of the series.

15. Knit Two : This was the sequel to Friday Night Knitting Club, and I was excited to read it. I didn't enjoy it quite as much, as it seemed the characters had taken on a different life. It just didn't have the same appeal that the first one did.

16. Charlie St. Cloud : I thought the concept was interesting but it turned out to be pretty predictable. I had really wanted to see the movie, but after reading the book I decided against it.

17. Captivating (again) : Yes, I read this book twice this year! I can't say that I have ever done that, so that should tell you how special this book is to me! Upon request, I started a book study with the girls in my department, and it really brought us together. It was fun to see them experiencing the things that I did as I read through it the first time. And I gained even more the second time around.

18. Comfort Food : This is by the same author as Friday Night Knitting Club...all new characters, and it turned out to be a pretty good story and very good character development.

19. Love & War : This is by John and Stasi Elderedge, my new favorite author(s)...this book is about marriage and I learned so so much. And it was written in an easy going manner, so that it didn't feel like information overload. Definitely recommend this one, it can only help any situation you are in!

20. Her Fearful Symmetry : This is the author of The Time Traveler's Wife, one of my favorite books...this one was well written but kind of odd. Well, very odd. Not at all what I expected and I hated the ending.

21. I Remember You : I decided to try out a new author on this one, and was excited because she has quite a long list of books. However, this book was just average and I doubt I'll read any more of hers.

22. Keeping Faith : This was my last Jodi Picoult book of the year :) This one was really good, and the ending kind of stumped me until I really thought about it. Ok ok, and until I read through the author's notes at the end! This was about a little girl who was having visions of God...who happened to be a woman...very interesting stuff!

So...22 books for me! How many did you read this year? If you read any great ones, please share with me!