2011 Finished Books

Here is my reading list for 2011! I like to keep a list going in drafts for the blog so that I can keep track of what I read throughout the year. I love looking back on what I have read. It's like reliving memories made with dear friends.

I read 42 books by 23 authors in 2011. Last year, I read 51 books. I read a little less this year but what I did read I really enjoyed. Some old, some new. I only read a few books that were flops. Usually, when I start reading a book and realize it's going to be a flop I put it down and don't finish it..I don't include those in this list. There were a few that I held out on and read the whole thing in hopes that it would turn out well..they didn't. 

I think my favorite re-read of 2011 were the Emily books by L. M. Montgomery. I read them when I was younger but decided to read them again. I loved them so much. 

Favorite new (to me) book was Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens. We love the movie and I finally got time to read the book. It did not disappoint. Mr. Dickens is brilliant as always.

As last year, I will put an * by the books I have read once (or five times) before. I will attempt to rate them from 0-10. 

0 = hated and 10 = loved

I will also attempt to give each book one word to describe my feeling toward it. I may give it two or three words...and I can do that because it's my blog. So there. :)

*Little Women by Louisa May Alcott- Favorite. 10
The Winter Rescue by Paul Hutchens- Cute. 6

 

*Plum Pie by P.G. Wodehouse- Funny. 10
*Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder- Pa. (The whole series gets a rating of 10)
*Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder- Love Pa.  

*Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder- Manny.
*On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder- I really love Pa.
*On the shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder- Laura too.

 

*The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder- Cold.
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks-  Meh. 4
*Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder- Beautiful.
The Lost Campers by Paul Hutchens- Fun. 6
*These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder- Manly and Laura.
*The First Four Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder- Disappointing (I wanted more detail and it just skims   through their lives. *cry* Still loved it though!)
The Painted Veil by M. Somerset Maugham- Ick. 1 (one of the flops unfortunately. I liked a few of the characters but not enough to redeem the story so I give it a 1)

 

The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss- Adventure. 8
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa- Touching. 9

 

*Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke- Lovely. (this is my favorite series by Ms. Oke, I give the whole series a rating of 9)
*Loves Long Journey by Janette Oke
Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter- Sweet. 9

 

*Love Follows the Heart by Janette Oke
*Loves Abiding Joy by Janette Oke
The Story Girl by L. M. Montgomery- Beautiful, beautiful and funny too. 10

 

Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens- Mr. Pinch! 10
The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald- Entertaining. 7
Meet Me In St. Louis by Sally Benson- Silly, sweet and funny. 10

 

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- Curious. 8
The Patch of Blue by Grace Livingston Hill- Sweet. 8
*Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery- Lucy. Maud. Montgomery. Need I say more?  10

 

*Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt- Endearing. 9
The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry- Crack up.  8
Big Money by P. G. Wodehouse- Hilarity. 10
Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell- Dark. 7
A Daughters Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick- Beautiful. Sad.  10
Rosanna of the Amish by Joseph Yoder- Interesting. 7
Sam the Sudden by P.G. Wodehouse- Belly Laugh. 10

 

*My Man Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse- Oh Jeeves.... 10
Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy- Comical and lovely. 10
Beauty by Robin McKinley- Romantic. 9

 

*Emily Climbs- Enchanting. 10
*Emily's Quest- Exquisite. 10

What did you read? What was your favorite in 2011? Least favorite?

♥Genevieve

A Pile of Reading

I seem to never be able to stick to one book at a time...I always seem to be dashing back and forth between books. Right now I am reading six books! 

 I started keeping a book journal awhile back which is wonderful to look back on and see what I've read and how I liked it and where I got the book from.

I'm on a roll...I would like to try to read at least 20 books in 2012. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but last year I think I only finished one book. What's wrong with me!? I guess it was a busy year. But now I've decided to make myself take the time to relax and read. Sometimes I feel guilty sitting down to read as if I should be doing something else. There are always dishes, dust, knitting, mending, etc....etc...etc...
However, I've realized the exercise (and rest) of our mind is important too! My mind gets exercised by reading about new ideas, new places, and learning new words. And it gives my mind a rest at the same time from thinking about the millions of things there are to do. It's a little escape in my day to refresh me.
What does your reading pile look like? Do you ever feel guilty sitting down to read?

Powell's City of Books

{via}

Last week my fiancée and I went to Portland to visit friends and family and while we were there he took me to Powell's bookstore. Not only that...he let me spend two whole hours there. :) I could have spent much much longer but there were other things to see and do. We've decided though that we should go there every time we visit Portland. It's probably one of my favorite places.

{via}

While perusing the shelves for books to take home Britton ran across this one:

Which he immediately fell in love with and HAD to buy. It's a really cute and funny book! However if you have a particular fondness for fairies you may not like Tollins as they are rather careless of them. We read the first story together and then he read the other two over the phone to me. They are really funny. :)

And then I found the beautiful clothbound Penguin Classic Cranford which was used so it was much cheaper but it still looks like brand new:

Can you tell I'm in love with it? :)

And Britton also bought Brisinger, so we now have the whole Eragon set until the fourth book comes out. I need to finish this series!
Going to Powell's can be overwhelming and you suddenly seem to forget what books you've been looking for so we've decided next time we're taking a list. In the meantime...I'm going to get some reading done. ;)

~Elizabeth~

Books Jane Read in 2010

Here is a list of books I read this year. The total count is 50 books! I beat last years list by 2 books. Ha ha! :) Childrens books seem to be the theme of this years list. There are around 15 books that would be considered children's fiction. For 2011 I'm continuing the trend of reading kids books with Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books. I forgot how great they are. :)

I kept better track of the books I read this year by keeping a post in drafts on this blog. Last year, I just had to remember what I read and it was too difficult.

So, here is the list for your reading pleasure (wink!). I will put an (*) by each title that I have read before. I will also but a little rating or comment on some of the books so that I can remind myself if I liked it or not. Rating is 0-10. 0=hated it and 10=loved it.

2010 Finished book list

The Cat Who Went Bananas by Lilian Jackson Braun Hmm..not really my favorite. A little boring in fact. 4

*The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien My sis Marg read this to me and my younger sister. 10 of course!

*Little Women by Louisa May Alcott My annual read! You all know what I think about this one. 15 ;)


Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella Really dumb. I do not reccomend. I'll give it a 3 because there were a few laugh out loud parts.

*Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery I love this story even more now that I'm older. 10

Akin to Anne by L. M. Montgomery Great collection of short stories in Ms. Montgomery's beautiful style. 9

The Blue Castle by L. M. MontgomeryThis one was lovely too although I felt it was quite different from her other writings. A very imaginitive and touching story. 7

*Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery The last book in her Anne series. Love this story about Anne's daughter. I loved seeing the time (World War I) through her young eyes and seeing her mature from a slightly spoiled teenager to a mature and loving young woman. 10

Summer Lightening by P. G. Wodehouse P. G. Wodehouse is ALWAYS a good read. :) 9

Robin Hood by Howard Pyle This is the first Robin Hood book I've read. Loved it. 9

Freddy the Politician by Walter R. Brooks hilarious! 9

*A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter I tried to read this when I was younger but I didn't get it. I LOVED it this time. I love Ms. Stratton-Porter's writing. I'm looking forward to reading more of hers. 10

Cranford and Other Stories by Elizabeth Gaskell Got this book from Lizzie. Full of short stories that are very diverse and imaginative. 9

The Black Stallion by Walter Farley I borrowed this book on CD from the library. Strangely, I hadn't read this one before. I would love to read the other books in this series sometime. 9

*Thank You, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse Again, you cannot go wrong with Mr. Wodehouse! 10

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster Very imaginative and fun. 7

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith Not absolutely sure what I think about this one. I loved the first part of it but as the story went on I seemed to like it less and less. Maybe I will read it again someday and decide. For now, I will give it a 5

Heidi by Johanna Spyri No wondering about this one. Loved it with all my heart. 10


The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson
Jeeves in the Morning by P.G. Wodehouse This was a great adventure story with a sweet bit of romance in it. In the style of Robin Hood. 7

A Court of Inquiry by Grace Smith Richmond A lovely turn of the century story about friendship. 8

Freckles by Gene Stratton Porter I love this book. 10

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit Strange but good read. 6
*And Old Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott Hadn't read this one for quite awhile. It's such a lovely story! 10

* Right Ho, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse *laughing* 10


Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace Hard to believe I know, but this was the first time I've ever read these. I LOVED them. All of the Maud Hart Lovelace books get a 10. :)


Betsy-Tacy and Tib by Maud Hart Lovelace


Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill by Maud Hart Lovelace


The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo Cute story! 8


Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace


Heaven to Betsy by Maud Hart Lovelace

Betsy in Spite of Herself by Maud Hart Lovelace

Betsy Was a Junior by Maud Hart Lovelace

Betsy and Joe by Maud Hart Lovelace

The Chronicles of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery I love her short stories. And these are great because they are about people you already know through the Anne series. Anne herself shows up in a few. :) 9

The Further Chronicles of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery 9
Betsy and the Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace

Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace

*Jeeves and the Tie that Binds by P. G. Wodehouse Jeeves. Need I say More? 10

Baby Catcher by Peggy Vincent Memoirs of a Midwife. So interesting and a good read. 9

Robin Hood by Louis Rhead Fun to read different versions. 7

The World of Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse Yes, sir, I would rate it a ten. That rating best illustrates the tasteful humour contained in the tome.


*Captain's Courageous by Rudyard Kipling Another example of enjoying the book more now that I'm older. 9

Carney's House Party by Maud Hart Lovelace One of my favorite Lovelace books. So enjoyable. 10

Winona's Pony Cart by Maud Hart Lovelace Winona is a hilarious and loveable little girl. :) 10

The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel I first watched the Hallmark film of the same name (really good as well!) then found the book. I really loved it. 9

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Horribly despressing. I do not reccomend this book. 0

The Swamp Robber by Paul Hutchens First book in the Suger Creek Gang series. Sweet and funny. 8

Jennifer by Zoa Sherburne Bought this one for the cover but decided to read it anyway. Kinda sweet. 4

Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace I loved this one as well. In fact, I think I will give it an 11

The Killer Bear by Paul Hutchens Another book in the Sugar Creek Gang series. Fun! It would be great for boys from 8-13. Full of adventure and excitement but with a Christian theme throughout. Written from the perspective of a 10 or 11 year old boy. Cute. :) 8

Hope you all are having a lovely winter and that you are finding ample time to read. I encourage you to keep a list of the books you read throughout the year! It's so interesting to go back over the year and remember what you were doing and how you were feeling when you read that particular book. It's also nice to be able to remember that you have read a certain book and if you liked it or not.

Happy Reading my friends!

♥Jane

Christmas is Coming.....

Last year around this time I posted about the beautiful Penguin Classics. Oh, they are so beautiful. There are a few new ones so I thought I'd share some of my favorites. I also included a few of my favorites from last year as well.

The next books are not necessarily ones I'd like to own and read, I just thought they had beautiful covers. Nothing like judging a book by it's cover...oh come on, I know you guys do to. ;)

Aren't they beautiful? I would love to own the beautiful copy of Little Women. The pink scissors. Oh my! I also love the Dickens covers and of course all of Jane Austen. And isn't the Jane Eyre beautiful?

For as long as I can remember, books have been on my Christmas list. Old ones, new ones...I just love them. What's on your Christmas list this year?


♥Jane

Outside the Cover: Inspiring Places to Read

New Old Books

I did it again. I went to a used bookstore. I caved. I bought books. Oh well, they are fabulous! See for yourself....

Aunt Jo's Scrap Bag by Louisa May Alcott

I couldn't believe it when I found this. I've never ever seen this in a book store. In fact I wasn't even aware that it existed. What kind of Alcott fan am I?? The funny thing is, Lizzie found the exact same book at another store just a few days after I found this copy!

Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens

I've been wanting to read this book so I was glad when I found it. Can anyone tell me if this is an abridged copy? It's a World's Classic edition. And it says it's edited by so and so (name escapes me). Does that mean it's abridged? Help! If I'm going to read a Dickens I don't want to read a stupid abridged copy. It was only a few dollars so I picked it up anyway.

The World of Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse
I'm reading this right now. It's hilarious! If you ever find a P.G. Wodehouse book at a used book store...BUY IT!!!

Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott
Another Alcott book to add to my collection! Isn't this a beautiful copy?

Not pictured: Anne's House of Dreams by L. M. Montgomery to add to my collection and a beat up copy of Martin Chuzzelwit by Charles Dickens.

Where am I going to put all of these books you ask? Ta-da!

My brother-in-law made me this awesome bookshelf! Each part is separate so that you can arrange it anyway you want. Sim designed it and built it himself. I love it so much and can't wait to fill it up with all my new old books.

I also got a lovely book from Lizzie!!! I need to take a picture of it so that I can show you.

Have you guys gotten new books lately?
♥ Jane