Once Upon A Time I Was A Book Worm

Remember last year when I posted about the books I read as a 25 year-old? I had the same goal last year-- to read as many books as I was old-- and I fell quite short, again. But, hey! I actually read one more book than the year before.

In chronologically read order:
1. Bossypants, by Tina Fey
2. Tortilla Flat, by John Steinbeck
3. Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen
4. Immortal Milk: Adventures in Cheese, by Eric LeMay
5. The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver
6. Her Fearful Symmetry, by Audrey Niffenegger
7. Julie & Julia, by Julie Powell
8. How to Be Good, by Nick Hornby
9. The Kind Diet, by Alicia Silverstone
10. Persepolis 2, by Marjane Satrapi
11. The Tiger's Wife, by Tea Obreht
12. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, by Mindy Kaling
13. Brick Lane, by Monica Ali
14. High Fidelity, by Nick Hornby

My least favorite book was probably Water for Elephants or Her Fearful Symmetry. My favorite book was definitely The Poisonwood Bible. I remember my roommate Audrey recommending it back when we lived together-- that's how long it's been on my to-read list. At first it seemed daunting, and I wondered if I could get into it, but I once I settled in, I was so, completely absorbed. There were a couple chapters that I sat sobbing on the couch while I read. Some of the themes and messages were so poignant and perfectly articulated, addressing questions and doubts and fears that are very real to me. I am actually glad I waited this long to read it, because I don't think it would have meant as much to me had I read it when I was 19.
I already have a stack of books to read-- some gifted, some borrowed, some from the library-- yet I still always love recommendations. I'm starting on only my second book this year (Everyday Zen), which means I need to get a move on. So, yes, I will again set the goal. While I am 27, I aim to read 27 books. Sam is going back to working nights soon, so I think the goal could even be attainable this year!

In Which I Only Met Half My Goal

I have a loooong New York post brewing (Sam and I went to New York for my birthday!), but being married to someone who works in film means there is a very, oh, particular way I'm supposed to organize files on our computer, meaning I haven't even learned how to upload pictures from our fancy new camera yet, so you'll have to be patient. Until then, I have a (completely non-food-related) book list.
My sister-in-law Rachel read 365 books last year (really!), and it inspired me to read more. I read a ton the year after Bria was born, because, well, I didn't really have anything to do. But then things got slightly busier, and I just haven't been in the habit of reading like I used to. So sometime last year I decided I wanted to read 25 books when I was 25. Not a lofty goal, sure, but more than I was used to and totally doable. But I didn't do it. I blame it on two really long books (and a little laziness), but whatever. So it may not be 25, but here is the list of books I read in my 25th year. (And I am aiming for 26 books this year, and I think I have a better shot this time around.)
**Also, disclaimer: This is not a book recommendation list. I never recommend books because I know too many people who would probably be offended by my love of postmodern literature. So take from that what you will.

1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
4. The Glass Castle
5. The Time Traveler's Wife
6. When You Are Engulfed in Flames
7. A Brave New World
8. Mockingjay
9. Pillars of the Earth
10. Revolutionary Road
11. Rich Dad, Poor Dad
12. Stress Free Potty Training
13. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay

I have linked all the books to Goodreads, so if you're curious about my specific ratings for each book, you can check them out there. It's actually pretty difficult to pick my favorite book. I might say Hunger Games just because it was so exciting, thrilling, and captivating that I read it straight over two days. I was absolutely floored by the quality of writing in Revolutionary Road as well as Kavalier and Clay. I do recommend The Glass Castle to almost anyone, and The Pillars of the Earth is the longest book I've ever read or care to read again.
I am starting the year off with Bossypants by Tina Fey, which is making me laugh my socks off. That woman is a comedic genius. As for the rest of the year, I have a long and ever-growing list of books to read, but I always accept recommendations. So now please tell me books you love!