In January of 2011, I set out to complete the challenge of reading 50 books in 2011.

Yeah, I didn’t reach 50… yet. Currently, I am on book #27. I’m not really disappointed because I found it hard to read from January-May because I was working, going to school full time, and on a swim team that practiced for over two hours a day..5 days a week. I also had other obligations like going to church, hanging out with my boyfriend, friends, and family.

I’m not trying to make excuses as to why I didn’t reach 50 though.

I think if I would have had an iPhone for the whole year of 2011, I might have finished 50 books. I got my iPhone in late July (I think?!) and downloaded the Nook app from Barnes and Noble and never looked back! 

For some reason, reading books on my phone really works for me. I already take my phone everywhere, so I technically always have a book with me. I read while I walk my dog, I read while I run on the dreadmill, I read if I’m waiting at the doctor’s office, etc. All these short periods of reading add up and I finish books pretty fast. What can I say, I like multitasking 😉 

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*I wanted to share some of my favorite books that I’ve read in 2011.*

The Glass Castle – By Jeannette WallsThis memoir recounts Jeannette and her siblings’ unconventional, poverty-stricken upbringing at the hands of their deeply dysfunctional parents. I was given this book by a co-worker who warned me that it was a bit crazy. At first, I didn’t believe the stories she wrote, but I grew accustomed to the craziness and ended up liking the book.

Unbearable Lightness – By Portia De RossiPortia de Rossi captures the complex emotional truth of what it is like when food, weight, and body image take priority over every other human impulse or action. This book was very intense and I couldn’t believe how honest she was and what she went through. 

Shanghai Girls – By Lisa SeeThis book centers on the complex relationship between two sisters as they go through pain and suffering in leaving war-torn Shanghai and try to adjust to the difficult roles of wives in arranged marriages and of Chinese immigrants to the U.S. I loved this book because the author had such a great understanding of sister relationships. 

Water for Elephants – By Sarah GruenA veterinary student abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet. I loved this book for the love story it portrayed and for the love of animals. This became one of my favorite books, ever. Plus the movie was great!

Somebody Else’s Daughter – By Elizabeth BrundageThis novel is about an adoption under stress and tragic circumstances. Willa, brought up in elegant prosperity, is now a student at the prestigious Pioneer School. But her biological father, a failing writer and former drug addict, can’t live with himself without seeing her again. I love the author of this book, she writes extremely good psychological thrillers! 

The Hunger Games (trilogy) – By Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games series was so hard to put down! I honestly read the back of the book and thought I wouldn’t like it. I didn’t read the books until I was forced to for summer reading. This isn’t a series for everyone. You will be drained emotionally by its end. Each book makes you think about society and what it is could come to one day.

A Stolen Life: A Memoir – By Jaycee Dugard

When Jaycee Dugard was 11 years old, she was abducted from her bus stop and was missing for eighteen years, held captive by Phillip Craig and Nancy Garrido. She gave birth to two daughters during her imprisonment and on August 26, 2009 was set free when Phillip brought her and her daughters to his parole officer’s office with him. I was so sad when I read this book, her life literally was stolen. She overcame so much to be where she is today emotionally.

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So, those were my favorites of the year! I’m not sure if I will try to read 50 in 2012 or if I will continue the 50 from 2011 into 2012. I hope that made sense. I’ll let everyone know 🙂

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Did you read any of these books?

Do you have any recommendations of books I should read?!