2010 In Review

(Please note that I stole the above logo from Cindy's Love of Books because it's such a gorgeous purple!)

Wow. It's the end of 2010 already. It seems like we just got finished with 2009, and here we are, almost in 2011!

2010 was a decent year in general life terms. I won't bore you with all of the details, but in September my hubby got a new job which was a much better fit for him and for our family. The first month or two brought a period of adjustment, but things seem to have settled down a bit, and we seem to be in a good place. My job went through some not-so-great changes, but I'm also adjusting, as best as I can. I just need to stick it out at this particular place of employment for two and a half more years, until my youngest is in Grade One and I can start exploring other employment opportunities.

As far as books go, I had a fantastic year. I've starting up working relationships with several fantastic publishers and publicists while continuing to work with the ones that I had already established relationships with. Thank-you to each and every one of you, and Happy New Year! I've met some fantastic bloggers and have gotten to know some of you through e-mail and your blogs. It still amazes me that some people take the time to come and comment on a regular basis. Thanks! You guys rock! (You know who you are).

Okay, summary time! In 2010 I read a total of 145 books, 107 of those by new-to-me authors. I read 26 library books and 27 off of my own shelves, meaning that I read 92 review copies. Wow! Since I'm pretty content with how things are here (I try to tweak things as I go along), my only reading goal for 2011 is to read more of my own books. I pick up so many great books from used bookstores, bookstores and friends, many of which it takes me forever to get to even though I'm excited about them. So, this year my goal is to read more books purely for pleasure, just because I want to.

Finally, here is a list of my favourite books of 2010. Not all of them were published in 2010, but all of them were read by me in 2010. This list is in no particular order, with the exception of the first one, which was my favourite of the year.

Husband and Wife by Leah Stewart: This was my favourite book of 2010. I loved the writing, the plot, and I could relate to the characters in so many ways. This is the book that I can't stop raving about.

Come Thou Tortoise by Jessica Grant: This quirky book stole my heart. It was different and truly fantastic.

So Much For That by Lionel Shriver: This book opened my eyes to so much about the American heath care system, and had characters and scenarios that are hard for me to forget.

Life After Yes by Aidan D. Rowley: This book was beautifully written and painted life in shades of gray. I can't wait for more from this author.

Mothers & Other Liars by Amy Bourret: A book about what it truly means to be a mother. I loved it.

The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond: A recent read for me, but one that I'm glad that I had the chance to read. Heartbreaking, and beautifully written.

The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook by Matt Dunn: This one made me laugh throughout, and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more by him, especially his upcoming The Accidental Proposal.

Room by Emma Donoghue: I would be remiss if I didn't mention this book and Jack, who captured my heart.

Every Last One by Anna Quindlen: I knew that something bad was going to happen, but I had no idea what it would be. This book shocked me and made me think about those who I love the most and how much they mean to me.

Jessica Z. by Shawn Klomparens: Klomparens just has a way with words, and in this book he creates this mysterious future world that I couldn't get enough of.

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares: This book really made me think about memory and past lives in a different way. I can't wait for the sequel!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: I loved this book. If you haven't already, read it!

I could go on and on and on with this list, but I've already picked 12. 2010 was a great year in books- I read so many that I thoroughly enjoyed and that will really stick with me into 2011 and beyond.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!