2011 Wrap up

Wow, it's that time again. Where has the year gone? Time for the end of year look back on what was read, what was enjoyed the most and what was the most disappointing. I'm just posting a link to my read in 2011 post in case you're interested. Honestly, I don't know how I even read 280 books. Okay, maybe I do. My closets need a good cleaning out and so does a lot of other places here. The yard needs a ton of attention. Let's just say when I get into a good book, housework/yardwork gets put on the back burner. Luckily, TBG doesn't mind helping out in the house and is a fair hand in the kitchen.

So, lets get to it. Although I read a lot of excellent books this year, ones that I just couldn't put down for anything were few and far between. Only 4 books earned that elusive 5* rating from me.

1. The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman
2. Summer in the South by Cathy Holton
3. The Peachkeeper by Sarah Addison Allen
4. The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston

Most Disappointing: I had read positive reviews and was really hoping for better.

1. The Lake by Banana Yoshimoto
2. Cemetery Girl by David Bell
3. The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

Surprise reads: (never heard of the author but really liked the books). Actually there were quite a few of these but the standouts are:

1. Front Porch Prophet by Raymond Atkins
2. Home to Woefield by Susan Juby
3. A Pinch of Love by Alicia Bessett

Worst book read:

1. I Shall Not Want by Debbie Viguié ( a cozy mystery, no less)

Here is just a reiteration of how I rate books, mainly to remind myself how I felt about the book while reading.

Ratings criteria or what I call the "put down, pick up factor":

• 1* put it down and leave it down, couldn't stand it, best used as a paperweight, doorstop or kindling.
• 2* meh, could take it or leave it but mostly leave it. I could put it down and not care if I picked it up again or not
• 3* okay enjoyable read, although I liked it, I could put it down easily and not rush back to continue
• 4* I really liked this one, I could put it down but reluctantly and was somewhat anxious to get back to it 
• 5* Loved it! Couldn't put it down and if I absolutely had to ( if something was on fire or flooding) I couldn't wait to get back to it.

I'd also like to take this time to thank each and every person who stopped by for a visit here at Pudgy Penguin Perusals. Your thoughts and comments are always much appreciated.You all make the on-line reading community the special place that it is. I've really enjoyed reading your blogs; your thoughts, friendships, creativity and posts that let me get to know you better and for all of your recommendations that expanded my reading. Here's hoping for a fantastic year ahead with good books to read and share, good health and happiness to all of you and yours.

 I'd also like to thank every publisher who sent me a review book, provided 52 copies for giveaways, and every author who graced these pages with their thoughts in a guest post.

There you have it! I can't wait to see your lists. What were your faves and disappointments? Loves and hates? Do you have any plans to do anything differently in 2012?