My Challenges in 2012

2012 meant 10 Reading Challenges and a lot of great books and authors that I discovered. The 71 books read during what was supposed to be a very busy year made me realize that keeping track and getting involved in challenges is a highly positive thing. I simply loved reading Japanese literature and I will continue to do so in 2013. I am also looking forward to Venice in February Reading Challenge hosted by Bellezza and myself and I am optimistic I will be reading more than two books for Birgit's Tea and Books challenge.

Here is a glimpse of my 2012 in books:

1. Best book I read: The Museum of Innocence (Orhan Pamuk)

2. Book I was excited about and thought I was going to love more but I didn't: The Daylight Gate (Jeanette Winterson)

3. Most surprising book: Soni (Andrei Ruse)

4. Favorite new author of 2012: David Foenkinos

5. Book I recommended the most: Manuscript Found in Accra (Paulo Coelho)

6. Most thrilling book: Piercing (Ryu Murakami)

7. A book I will definitely enjoy re-reading soon: The Last Lecture (Randy Pausch)

8. Favorite cover book: Furious Love (Sam Kashner)

 9. Favorite quote from a book read in 2012: Nothing to Be Frightened of (Julian Barnes)
 “When we fall in love, we hope - both egotistically and altruistically - that we shall be finally, truly seen: judged and approved. Of course, love does not always bring approval: being seen may just as well lead to a thumbs-down and a season in hell.”

10. Worst book: Fear and Trembling (Amelie Nothomb)

Post inspired by Elena.

Venice in February Reading Challenge 2012

And the time has finally come to reveal the challenge I have been hinting at for a few months now: in February, together with Bellezza, I will be hosting a simple yet marvelous reading challenge: read one, two or how many books you would like and have the time for, that are related/based in Venice.

We have chosen Venice because it's a unique city, with a dreamlike atmosphere and yet, with secrets to discover. Whoever visited Venice once still wishes to go back and this challenge may be the next best thing :)

There are two buttons that you may choose from if you want to join us, a very long list of books to choose from - or come up with others - HERE and a BLOG where you could link your reviews and also enjoy "other things Venice".

So, are you up for the challenge of (re)discovering the mysteries of VENICE, A PURE CITY?