My books in 2012

Last January, I made a list of all the books I read in 2011. I'm going to do it again just so I can call it an annual tradition.

I liked so many books on this list (Flavia de Luce! The Bloggess!) but here are my top five picks if you're interested.

The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
This memoir is mainly a story about a daughter who adores who father and vice versa. Cancer unfortunately plays a huge role in their story but I loved the sweetness and grit mixed together. I cried several times but laughed even more.

Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
If you want to stay comfortable about your American life, don't read this book. If you'd rather not think about the plight of orphans, don't read this book. If you don't want to be wrecked to tears, don't read this book. But I really, really, really think you should read it.

NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children by Po Branson and Ashley Merryman
I'm really not one for scientific studies and deep thoughts (clearly) but I found this book fascinating. The authors analyze scientific studies whose results go completely opposite of how most people parent. (Does that make sense?) There have been many times over the last year that I recommended this book, referenced it in a conversation or just thought about it while in a parenting moment with Madeline.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
I know Tina Fey's "Bossypants" was deeply loved by everybody but I think Mindy's book is way funnier. I laughed so hard and wanted to keep reading every passage out loud to Joe. I may or may not have finished it and then picked up the audiobook just to hear it again in her voice. #stalker #obsessed

Real Marriage by Mark and Grace Driscoll
The title kinda says it all but I thought this was a truly honest look at marriage and all the inevitable struggles and blessings that could be. It was written by a husband and wife who are very candid and practical when it comes to tricky subjects. "Marriage either gets bitter or gets better" rings in my head a lot.

Katie's 2012 Book List

Give Them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick
Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
One Call Away by Brenda Warner
Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir by Jenny Lawson
NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson
An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
True Colors by Kristin Hannah
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson
The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller
For the King by Catherine Delors
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman
Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow
The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Heaven Is Here by Stephanie Nielson
Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys by Stephen James
Real Marriage: The Truth about Sex, Friendshp and Life Together by Mark Driscoll
Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling