Reading books, real books, is a wonderful way to explore your world and connect with other people. Booking It is an online book club to help you do that.
It’s amazing to me that we’ve been booking it for TWO whole years now! I have discovered some amazing books thanks to your book recommendations and book reviews. I know that I have read more books over this time thanks to you. Look at what I read this year!
- The Happiness Project
- Clutter Rehab
- The Fiddler’s Gun
- Mansfield Park
- Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day
- Mere Christianity
- The Jesus Storybook Bible
- So Far From the Bamboo Grove
- Finding Your Purpose as a Mom
- Emma
- The Pilgrim’s Progress
- Don’t Make Me Come Up There
- Dancing with My Father
- Little Women
- The Help
- The Real Food Cleansing Guide
- Eight Cousins
- Rose in Bloom
- How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too
- Organized Simplicity
- The Unhealthy Truth
- Not Your Mother’s Casseroles
- The French Women Don’t Get Fat Cookbook
- Women, Work, and the Art of Savoir Faire
- EntreLeadership (
almost done! finished 12/17, good food for thought.) - One Bite at a Time (about halfway, still chewing – Good stuff!)
- The Reluctant Entertainer
- The Monster in the Hollows
Survey says!
Thank you also for filling out last month’s survey! It was immensely helpful in accessing this online book club as well as thinking through changes to make for next year. Here are some things I found out or had confirmed by the survey responses.
Engagement: While there may not be a ton of conversation going on in the comments, folks are reading the book reviews and visiting the linked up sites. Many readers said that they really enjoy hearing about other books. We’re just quiet in our discussions, and that’s okay. The point is to read a book!
Enough folks responded to confirm that this is a good thing to continue next year.
Posts: Two posting days is too confusing and cumbersome. I felt it, too. Next year, one post, one day, one link up. On the 12th of every month, come ready to share what you’ve been reading. I will have a link up widget ready to leave your post link, or you can just chat about your recent reads in the comments. If it falls on a weekend, the linkup will still be open throughout the coming week.
Feel free to tweet, pin, or facebook the post that month to encourage more participants and more conversation.
Recommended Books: Folks definitely want a recommended list. Recently I spent time chatting with some friends about a booklist for next year. We came up with a list of 12 books to read in the new year.
Disclaimer: All but two are new to me, so I’m a little like the blind leading the blind. I can’t vouch for the language or content in any of them, except the two I’ve read or started, The Hobbit and One Bite at a Time. Read at your own risk! But, know that we’ll be in the adventure together.
As always, you are in no way required to read any of the listed books in order to participate in the book club. But, if you’d like to read one of these books, it would be great to do it when we’re reading so that we can all talk about it.
The List of ’12
I came up with twelve books that I really want to read and that I think are generally “safe” to recommend. Again, read my disclaimer above. Some are new releases, a few are classics, a few haven’t been released yet. There is a good handful of fiction as well as a few memoirs. I’m hoping it’s a good mix. There’s nothing too expository, but hopefully enough to inform, entertain or encourage.
If you’re interested, I’d love to have you come along for the ride in Booking It in 2012!
Here’s the reading schedule for the new year:
January - One Bite at a Time by Tsh Oxenreider
February – The Money Saving Mom’s Budget by Crystal Paine (release January 2012)
March – A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller
April – The Dirty Life: A Memoir of Farming, Food, and Love by Kristin Kimball
May – Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson
June – All in Good Time by Tara Kuczykowski and Mandi Ehman (release January 2012)
July - Desserts in Jars by Shaina Olmanson (release May 2012)
August - The Hobbit by JRR Tolkein (movie to be released in December 2012)
September – Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
October - Not Your Mother’s Make Ahead and Freeze Cookbook by Yours Truly (release Sept 2012)
November – Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (movie to be released in December 2012)
December - Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin (release Sept 2012)
In the meantime….
Read any good books lately?
{ 73 comments… read them below or add one }
First of all Thank You! I am so excited to check out these books always looking for recommendations.
I just finished reading the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series and loved it. Light, entertaining, endearing, & wholesome reads about a cast of unique characters in Botswana.
Carrie @ Busy Nothings has spoken very highly of those books during Booking It. I tried one, but there was language or phrasing that made it hard for me to follow the story. Maybe I should try again.
I’ve read most of these and likes them, but I think they are even better when you listen to them. I don’t stumble over the names so much.
That is an interesting thought. I’d not considered an audio book. Thanks for the suggestion!
You really need to read Friendship Bread if you haven’t read it already. It’s a great story that helps keep your faith going.
Did you tell us about this book before? I know I’ve read the Amazon reviews. Maybe I’ll see if the library has it. The reviews made me think I shouldn’t buy it. What do you think?
Jessica- I wouldn’t buy it, just borrow it from the library. You can always choose to buy it if you really love it!
I just know that it made me think about a lot of the little things in life that we take for granted.
I just put it on hold. Thanks for the rec!
I’m excited about next year’s booking it. I didn’t get much reading done last year – for many many reasons. I’m excited to get back on the ball for next year!
It happens to all of us. If it weren’t for you guys, I don’t know that I would have read anything. We’ll help you!
Thank you for doing this! I really enjoyed reading last year and I can’t wait to read these books!
I’m so glad! Thanks for joining us!
We’re members at the CSA run by the Kimball family in the book The Dirty Life. You’ll enjoy reading their story! great family, great farm, great food:)
What a small world! How fun!
love this..Ive read some awesome books that i might have overlooked otherwise! cant wait for another year!
Isn’t that the truth? Two of my all-time favorite reads (The Happiness Project and The Potato Pie book) came from what folks shared here.
I cannot wait to read Happier at Home. I loved The Happiness Project.
I did, too. But, I am trying to temper my expectations. Could a second book be as good? Hope so.
Book recomendation: Still Alice by Lisa Genova, June Bug by Chris Fabry, The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers, Dogwood by Chris Fabry
Thanks for sharing the ideas! Can you tell us more details?
Still Alice is one of my favourite books – it is about a harvard professor who has early onset alzheimer’s and has to deal with that transition and reality. It is a beautiful, sad and moving and really takes you into what it would be like to go from the life of a highly intelligent independent person to suddenly not even remembering where you live… (her other book Left Neglected would be excellent for your book group as well)
Thanks for the recommendation!
They are finally making a good movie of Les Miserables? That is exciting!
I just read North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell this week and really enjoyed it! It is one of my favorite movies and I think it will be one I read again!
I re-reading A Mother’s Hope and Her Daughter’s Dream by Francine Rivers. Excellent book, that everyone, especially if you have not understood your mother at times, should read!
Yes — on the movie. Details here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1707386/ Cast includes Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham-Carter, Russell Crowe, and Hugh Jackman.
Books are always better. And even though, it’s a huge book, I thought it might be a good challenge.
I have heard great things about North and South, but never read it or saw the movie.
If you like any Jane Austen films, you would like it!!!
Ironic…I totally forgot about the Booking It Link-Up yesterday.
Love the final selections and can’t wait to start adding them to my bookshelves! Come on Christmas money…
Thanks so much for hosting this each month, Jessica. It has been a good nudge to keep me reading, especially as life got a little crazier this year. Reading is always a relaxing refuge.
I wondered where you were!
I know when the date falls on a weekend, it throws everyone off. I went back and forth about the 12th or some “third Tuesday” kind of thing, but 12 was just easier to remember.
The second half of this year, I struggled to get any reading done; for some reason, I was drawn like crazy to the TV and couldn’t pull myself away…but in the past month I’ve read three or four books and the reading bug is happily, officially back!
Looking forward to 2012–happy reading!
Well, you’re making up for lost time! Great job!
Love the Booking It program. I read Kisses from Katie- superb! I was just recommended to read The Dirty Life so can’t wait. Thanks for coordinating. One link up sounds excellent!
I ordered several of the books already, and am just itching to get started. Glad to hear you liked KfK. Her story is amazing!
My review is a bit old, but Married Mom, Solo Parent is one of the best books that has come out this year.
Annie Kate
I have known many women who would have really benefited from a book like this. It can be a really tough row to how, no matter the circumstances. Thanks for sharing your review!
Thanks for that book suggestion. I’ve put it on my list of to be read. My husband is a paraplegic and in constant pain so while he tries he best so much lies upon me. I’ve been spending a lot of time this year feeling sorry for myself and my family because of what he can’t help out with and getting angry at him for it. I think this book might be just what I need.
Michelle Try reading One Thousand Gifts….it might give you a “brighter side” to look from.
It’s incredible that you read 28 books! I wish I could do it. With homeschooling, bible studies homework and writing and can barely read anymore. But it’s a good idea to decide what to read in advance. I’ll try to at least read three books by the beginning of the year.
Right now I’m reading: How to be successful christian parents by John MacArthur. Thank you to motivate me!
I am right there with you on the homeschooling, writing, etc. One thing that helps is that I count our family read alouds (hehe) and I allow myself 30 min/day to read. Set the timer and find a quiet place. I don’t finish books as quickly, but at least I finish. May your new year be filled with great books!
I’m so glad you’re keeping this going next year. I really look forward to it — and can’t wait to read your new book!
I reviewed Wait Till Next Year by Doris Kearns Goodwin, which is kind of about baseball and kind of not.
I read somewhere that they’re re-making The Great Gatsby in 3-D so that’s on my list for next year for sure!
The Great Gatsby was one of my favorite books from high school English. We watched the Robert Redford movie.
I am currently reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. It is one you can’t put down!! Highly recommend it.
Even with the holiday busyness, I am finding time to learn about Henrietta. Thanks for continuing Booking It. I look at all the recommendations each month.
Forgot to mention I just read The 100 Thing Challenge by Dave Bruno. I am on a cleaning out binge thanks to this book!
That sounds really interesting. Off to the library site….
Thanks for this review. I’m something like 300/1200 on paperbackswap.com and I was thinking of deleting it from my list. I think I’ll keep waiting.
I didn’t get to participate last year, but am excited to this year. I love this list of books! Can’t wait to get started.
Glad to have you join us!
i just finished kisses from katie. it is a must read! i read it and gave my copy away to be passed on. it is inspirational and really makes you think about what has called us to do to take care of the orphans.
That was one of the reasons I bought the hardcover instead of the Kindle. Figure it’s easier to share that way.
You previewed Money Savings Moms Budget, didn’t you? (I think I saw a post or something at some point). Would it be worth reading for a Canadian? I find often budgetting books from the states are full of things that don’t work in Canada (like couponing and saving& investment planning) so the book becomes a let down for me.
I haven’t got very deep into it yet, so I have not posted about it. But, I bet you could look on MSM to see if any Canadian bloggers have reviewed it.
It doesn’t look like any Canadians reviewed it but every blog that did review it had good things to say about the book. Its a really good price and with the proceeds going to charity I’ll think I’ll try it out.
Let us know what you think when you’re done. I’m sure other Canadians would appreciate that perspective.
I didn’t get much reading done this year but hope to join you for 2012 Booking It. I love the list of books
The more the merrier! Glad to have you with us.
I’ve read The Dirty Life and really enjoyed it. Hope you like it as much as I did!
Oh, that is good to hear! All I know is what’s available on Amazon.
I really loved The Dirty Life, too. Even though the odds of us beginning a full scale farm are few and far between, I was captivated by the story and thoroughly enjoyed her writing.
Les Miserables is one of my all time favorite books. It’s mostly about redemption and is absolutely worth all those pages.
There was a movie a while back with Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush and Clare Danes which was pretty good so I’m surprised to see it remade again so soon. Nonetheless no movie will ever beat the book– even the fantastic musical.
Oh good. Thanks for the encouragement. When I started flipping through the Kindle version, I feared that I had made the wrong choice. Glad to hear you think it’s worth the read.
Best two books ever:
Same Kind of Difference as Me
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
if you think you need an attitude adjustment, go with One Thousand Gifts first! Author has a unique writing style, which make take a few chapters to adjust to, but wow, so much “food for thought” here!
I’ve heard lots of good things about 1000 gifts. Thanks for the suggestion!
oops I meant best books I have read, not best ever! ha…and name of the one misprinted/mistyped….
Same kind of DIFFERENT than Me
sorry on both counts!
I was going to suggest the same book! Ann Voskamp writing style is unique and beautiful. A must read.
Jessica, thanks for doing Booking It! I love keeping track and was amazed to learn that I read 118 books this year! Here’s my final update: http://www.whoislaura.com/2011/12/18/december-reading-list/
Looking forward to Booking It in 2012 with you again!
Dr. Laura
THAT is amazing! That’s almost ten books per month. Wow!
How fun! This is the first that I have heard about your booking it, but I may need to follow along now. Looks like you have some reads on your list that I would enjoy! Looking forward to 2012 reading!
I really want to join a book club and i think I just found it! The list looks great! I’ve read 1 and 1/2 of the books (Les Mis) and am excited to have a list ready to go for the new year. Sign me up, please!
Great to have you along. If you’re up for it, the first book is One Bite at a Time . We’ll be talking about it on January 12th.
I am still trying to read through the shelves of books we already have, and have made a list with my hubby’s help for 2012… http://bystreamsofquietwaters.blogspot.com/p/2012-booklist.html
And this week I am hoping to finish 4 that I started and didn’t finish the past few months.
I found the 2011 Booking It challenge through a friend’s blog and decided to do it but make my own list rather than follow yours because there were some books I just wanted to read. Some were on your list too. Anyway, I am working on my wrap-up post but in the meantime, there were a few non-fiction books I really, really, enjoyed. I read A Time to Plant by Kyle T Kramer, I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirby, and Manning Up (highly recommend) by Kay S. Hymowitz. Do not let the sub-title of this think it’s some rant against feminists, it’s not. It’s actually about the rise of what she calls “pre-adulthood” in our culture.
For 2012, I am going to follow your book list and add in a few of my own. I found that I actually read so many more than 11 books this year (more like 2 doz +) just because of this challenge. I read more and watched less tv. Yeah!
Yay! So glad I stumbled across the list for this year! I had intended on participating last year but with a hectic work schedule and kids, I never did manage it. I can’t wait to dig in this year!!
Glad to have you with us!
Think I am going to try and come along for the ride with you this year (2012). Jessica, seriously, how do you get all that you do done. It really boggles my mind. You are truly inspiring. Thank you for all your hard work that you put so much of yourself into (it is obvious). Simply CANNOT wait for the publication of your freezer cooking book.
Glad you’re going to join us, Jenny! I don’t know how I get ANYTHING done, quite honestly. Feeling quite bogged down at the moment. But, as concerns reading, I allow myself 30 minutes every day. I set a timer and ignore everything else.
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