Yearly Recap: A Desk, Favorite Books, Stats and a Giveaway

I thought I’d share with you all my new desk! My Mom and I drove down to Kansas City, about a 3 hour drive one way, and picked it up from a furniture warehouse. It’s home safe and sound now and I just love it! My Dad gave me the chair. It came from a public library, which I think is fitting. I’ve been doing most of my homework on the floor and couch so I’m really looking forward to having my own study space! You might spy the strategically placed Kindle sporting John Steinbeck on the screen. I got a Kindle from my husband for Christmas/my birthday/my anniversary present (these 3 events happen within 11 days). Am I spoiled, or what?

Anyways, here are some of my favorite reads of 2010. Click on the links for my review.

1. Most Hyped Book That Delivered: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2. It Made Me Laugh Until My Sides Hurt: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney

3. Caused a Cascade of Tears: Maus I and II

4. Pure Fun: The Maze Runner (this is my first review! Wow does it stink! lol) and The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

5. Most Beautiful Language: All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy 

And one book which nearly fits in all of these categories is: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. This was probably one of the most surprising books I read all year. Here are my reading stats for 2010 which I gathered from my Shelfari profile.

I read 71 Books in 2010.

My average rating was 3.62.

-          Five Stars: 13

-          Four Stars: 29

-          Three Stars: 22

-          Two Stars: 8

One Star: 1

Many of these books were given a half star (3.5) but were rounded up or down (depending on my mood) to fit into Shelfari’s rating scale.

At the end of December 2009 I began this blog not exactly sure what I was going to do with it besides talk about a few books. Well, I read the most books I’ve ever read in a year. I credit blogging for that. Keeping track of what I read has motivated me to read more. I love sharing my bookish thoughts with you all. Equally, I’ve enjoyed reading everyone else’s posts and learning more about literature though your insights!

After looking through my shelves I’ve spied a couple books, Advance Uncorrected Proofs which I won from other bloggers, which I’d like to giveaway. They are Numbers by Rachel Ward and Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley. If you would like to win either or both of these just fill out the form below. The giveaway ends Janurary 28th. The winner will be emailed on the 29th and must respond by the 31st or I will choose another winner. Since I will be mailing the books myself, this giveaway is open to U.S. residents only so I can manage the cost. Extra points for blog posts and tweets (see form). Thanks and Happy Reading in 2011!