In my previous post, you can see all 52 books I read in 2012. The following were my top 5:
5. Shanghai Girls-Lisa See
A great work of historical fiction about China through the war and the struggles of immigration into America. It was poignant to read about all Chinese immigrants went through to find success in the United States. I also connected with the story about the relationship the sisters had with one another.
4. Wild: From Lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail-Cheryl Strayed
I was interested in this memoir about a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest trail alone. I have lofty ambitions to one day complete the trail, so I was excited to read about her journey. This book was informative about the trail, but it hit on much deeper levels for me. Strayed talks quite a bit about losing her mother and her grief.
On a very personal note, I was reading this book the very night my father passed away back in March. I did not open it again till about a week later. It was hard to get through some parts, but I feel that it helped open the door for me to begin grieving and healing.
3. Madame Tussaud-Michelle Moran
Another great piece of historical fiction about the beginning of the French Revolution. I was completely caught up in the story and learned so much about the history of France in the process. I am hoping to read more of Moran’s historical fiction this year.
2. The Fault in our Stars-John Green
This book is about 2 teenage cancer patients who meet and begin a relationship. That is the shallow description, there is so much more to discover in the story, but I do not want to spoil it. If you have not read it, please do! This book made me ugly cry. I cannot remember when, or if ever, has book has made me cry. The story and characters were very touching. It was tragically beautiful.
1. Crazy Sexy Diet-Kris Carr
This book catapulted me back into veganism. I had forgotten how much healthier and ethically sound I felt when I ate absolutely NO animal products. Since making changes to my diet, giving up coffee and practicing meditation more regularly (all discussed in the book), I have noticed a vast improvement in the way I feel, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Reading Goals for 2013
I am hoping to surpass my 52 books in 2012, by reading 60 in 2013. I think this is a reasonable increase and realistic to complete.
The biggest goal I have as far as reading goes, is to decrease my to-read pile. This means NO BUYING NEW BOOKS.
I have real problem with this and am already having Amazon.com withdrawals. I have 2 sizable stacks of books to plow throw (I may or may not have a hidden 3rd one that started…) There is no reason for to buy another new book, until I have read a significant amount of those I already had.
This was also one of my goals last year and I only made it to March. I must keep my book hoarding to a minimum this year!
Do you have any book related goals for the year?
Angie Eats Peace 
Reblogged this on xlibrisbookreviews.
We have such a similar style of reading it’s crazy! I’ve been wanting to read Shanghai Girls, and have never heard of Madame Tussaud but I’m curious about it, especially if it made your top 5. Will check those out! Since I want to try vegetarianism again this year, I think I’m also going to look into Crazy Sexy Diet, especially if you say it hits on such big and important points. So many great books on your list!
My goal is to read all those unabridged titles which I downloaded as a member of audible.co.uk but never got around to reading. I, like you should stop purchasing books until I have caught up with those which I have bought but not yet read, however I just keep purchasing books!