A new year, a new reading list. I always enjoy a sneak peek at other’s reading “To Do” lists, so here’s mine.
More than a few books have rolled over from my 2012 Reading List, but this time around, I’ve decided to pare it down to only the ones that I really want to read.
Here’s to a book-centric 2012; may your afternoons be lazy, your couch cozy, and your novels enthralling.
Fiction
- Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
- The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson
- Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
- The Passage by Justin Cronin
Non-Fiction History
- A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
- Sin in the Second City: Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America’s Soul by Karen Abbott
Non-Fiction Psychology
- The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
- The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay
- The Wisdom of Psycopaths: What Saints, Spies, and Serial Killers Can Teach Us About Success by Kevin Dutton
- The Magic Room by Jeffrey Zaslow
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Great post Jorie – I’ve been thinking about the very same thing!
I’d love to know what you come up with, Kerry!
I found The Night Circus a challenging read for several reasons… it’s non-linear timeline was just a little too all over the place for those night when I wanted to read a few chapters before bed, and as a result I found it hard to read get into the story. I refuse to give up on a novel though, so I’m still truckin’ away at it. In the meantime I finishing up Life of Pi by Yann Martel (finally… a bit behind the curve on that one), after that I have The Paris Wife by Paula McLain that my step-mum lent me, Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, and a non-fiction that I cannot for the life of my remember the name of at the moment. I try to limit my booklist so I have the freedom to add others along the way
Happy reading!
That’s exactly what I’m doing this year–trying to limit so I can add last minute add-ons! I absolutely loved Life of Pi and I enjoyed The Paris Wife too
I didn’t realize the Night Circus was so non-linear. I keep hearing good things though! I’ll have to give it a go!
As you should, and please pardon all my typos in my previous comment… obviously I was distracted at work haha!
I agree with L on ‘The Night Circus’ – it’s quite challenging at first, but I loved it. I’m a sucker for all things magical and mysterious
If you’d like another one to add to your list, I’d recommend ‘The Song of Achilles’ if you’re partial to a bit of mythical fiction. I loved the story of Troy as a kid, and then The Odyssey as a teen, and this new take on it is really addictive. I’ve not put it down since I started – and here was me thinking I’d be too slow at getting through my list!
And thanks for the ‘Middlesex’ reminder – I read ‘The Marriage Plot’ last year and totally forgot to check out any of the author’s other novels!
That’s an awesome recommendation, Claire, thank you. I have been getting much more into fantasy lately, so I think that could be up my alley. I’m currently reading The Marriage Plot right now, because all my co-workers are raving about Jeffrey Eugenides. I like it so far. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve had THE NIGHT CIRCUS on my reading list for months. Here’s hoping 2013 is the year for it! Right now I’m reading THE NEXT BEST THING (by Jennifer Weiner) — really enjoying it so far!
Shari, I’m the same way! The Night Circus has seriously been on my list forever…I’m definitely going to tackle it soon. Every time I go to the library, it’s checked out and I keep forgetting to put my name on a waiting list!
Where’d You Go Bernedette was one of my favorite books that I read last year (and I just love the cover!) I just downloaded The Family Fang for my Nook and I also need to get started on The Night Circus (rented from the library a couple of weeks ago.) I can’t wait to see what you think of Bernedette and I look forward to reading your book reviews of the others
Di, the cover of “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” is one of the first things that drew me in. So minimalist yet cartoonish at the same time. It also doesn’t hurt that I’ve heard tons of positive press regarding it
It sounds like we have similar reading tastes–can’t wait to hear more about your opinions and reading suggestions throughout 2013!
I’m working on my reading list too! I definitely have A Moveable Feast on there! Good choices
Thanks, Laurie! I can’t wait to read “A Moveable Feast.” I love Hemingway, and the Roaring ’20s, so I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to read it. Only so many hours in a day…
Night Circus – Yes! One of my favorites of 2012. Sin in the Second City is on my bookshelf!
Oooh, yay, Nicole, that’s what I keep hearing! Can’t wait to try it out. Did you like Sin in the Second City?
I haven’t read Sin in the Second City yet – I’m sure I’ll get to it this year.
I’ve heard great things about several of those novels. This year I really want to dive into more classics. For someone who loves to read, I actually haven’t read that much classic literature! Other than that, I am anxiously awaiting Jodi Picoult’s new book that comes out next month!
Oooh, I went through an intense Jodi Picoult spell in college — my favorites of hers are My Sister’s Keeper, 19 Minutes, and The Pact. And I totally know what you mean about the classics. I feel like I need to revisit a lot of them because I haven’t read them since high school or college. It’s a great goal, Natalie!
I’ve not read any of these books but have heard that The Happiness Project has changed people’s lives, it’s that good. Let me know what you think of it and I just might have to pick it up too!
Definitely, Emily! I really want to read that one early on in 2013 — I feel like it’ll be a good goal-setting book.
I wanna read the Happiness Projects, I’ve heard good things about that
I’m into like young teen books haha still have to finish up the Hunger Games series this year 
Ooh, you’re in for a treat, Rachel! I loved the Hunger Games trilogy, although the first book was my favorite. I will definitely review the Happiness Project when I read it
I loved Middlesex and I Night Circus is def on my “read soon” list!
Awesome, Rebecca! I will post a review of it (most likely…ha) when I get around to reading it and I’ll let you know if it’s any good. I’m sure it will be, everyone is raving about it (just like Middlesex)
I just read A Moveable Feast a few months ago, I loved it. Hemingway is really frank, and it’s the perfect length to read in a few afternoons over coffee
. Hope you like it!
Thanks, Cindie! I am so looking forward to that one; just one of those books I’ve been meaning to read for a few years now, and it kept getting bumped down my list. No more!
I loved the Happiness Project…and my roommate read The Defining Decade and really enjoyed it! I’ve been meaning to borrow it from her. I love reading!
Me too, Meghan! Definitely my preferred low-key activity. I am excited to read the Defining Decade but I also feel like it’s going to be a swift kick in the tush. Ha. Maybe that’s what I need as I turn 25 in 2013!
What an awesome idea, I definitely want to read lots and lots of books in 2013 as well! I have read The Happiness Project and its brilliant! Definitely a good one. Happy Reading!
Alright, Britta, I’m pumped for that one! I love those social psychology-ish books.
Great list, Jor. The one about how to do your 20s is intriguing. I want to read it now! The Night Circus is on my list, as is A Moveable Feast, but I’m most excited about getting into The Psychopath Test and Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style. I’m learning how to shop and keep a wardrobe in 2013!
Thanks, Kate! Let me know how Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style is–sounds good!
The Night Circus is great – Enjoy! Love your list and will have to check some out – want to read the Happiness Project. Happy Monday:)
Thank you! I keep hearing that too, about the Night Circus. Planning to hop on it pronto!
what a great list, I am hoping to read more this year so will be using this for inspiration
Thanks, Alex! Please do. I’d love to hear about your reads too!
Middlesex was a good book! I like your list
Thanks, Suzie! I’m in the middle of his other book, The Marriage Plot, right now, and I’m really liking it so far. Excited to read Middlesex too!
I’ve read the first two on your list and very much enjoyed them both. I never make reading lists, you are like way too organized.
Hey Jorie! Hope you’re doing well with the freezing temperatures in the midwest! Every year I set similar reading goals for myself. I don’t have a full list yet but The Family Fang is on the “to read” list! I’ve read The Night Circus and Middlesex, both I really enjoyed. Very different from each other but very interesting none the less. I’d love to read how you enjoyed them and the others! Happy Reading!
Hi Constance! I’m hanging in there–although it IS perfect reading weather
I just finished Jeffrey Eugenides’ “The Marriage Plot” and really liked his style of writing, so I’m excited to pick up Middlesex next. Although I’m dying to read The Night Circus because everyone is talking about it, too! Thanks for stopping by!
PS I checked out your latest 14C blog post and I am jealous of your book club — a group of friends from work and I have been trying to get one going for the past couple months. We actually all erad the first book but we can’t seem to find a date that works for all of us to get together!
Thanks so much Jorie! I’m glad you liked the post
When all of 14c was trying to plan Mariam’s bachelorette party we used Doodle calendars to vote on a date. That could be helpful for your new book club – this way majority wins, fair and square.
I actually read The Night Circus for book club, which I thought was a great pick (made my myself, ehem). Good luck with yours!
I keep my list in my head but I need to write it down! I always have so many books that I want to read. And…I agree that the Marriage Plot is a good book to add!
I just finished it and I looooved it! Looking forward to reading more by Jeffrey Eugenides. Onto “Middlesex”