The Official 2012 Book List

I did read this year. Forty-two books, in fact {if I added correctly}. There were books I began and didn’t finish. Last year, I think I told you about those. This year? This year I’ll only tell you about it if I decided to never pick it up again, and then I’ll briefly explain why {I think there was only one that fits this criteria}. And yes: I did do categories. It was so satisfying to give everything a tidy label. I rarely do that.

If you have heard me talk about a book, but it isn’t on the list, don’t be afraid to mention it. There is a chance I forgot! There is also a chance I’m just not done with it yet.

So. On to the list!

Favorite Theology-ish 2012

Theology-ish

1. Future Grace
2. From Behind the Veil
3. Reversed Thunder

Education

1. A Philosophy of Education {twice, actually}
2. Climbing Parnassas 
3. Uncovering the Logic of English {read my review}

Literature and Fiction*

Can’t go wrong with Wendell Berry!

1. Andy Catlett: Early Travels {referenced here and here}
2. The Home Ranch {aloud}
3. Peter Pan {aloud}
4. Kidnapped
5. Adam of the Road {aloud}
6. The Borrowers {aloud}
7. The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood {aloud}
8. Dandelion Fire
9. Little House in the Big Woods {aloud}
10. The Chestnut King 
11. The Pillars of the Earth {I didn’t finish this one, and I don’t intend to. It came recommended by people I greatly respect, and I still respect them even though we’ll have to agree to disagree on this book. It was far, far too risque for my tastes. I try to avoid books with that sort of content, if you know what I mean, especially when it is gratuitous. And I must insist that the phrase “hot body” was not used in the Middle Ages! It felt to me like the author slapped a modern novel into a medieval setting. Personally, I do not recommend it.}
12. Shaking the Nickel Bush {aloud–this is my least favorite book by Ralph Moody}
13. The King of the Golden River {aloud}
14. Mary Poppins {aloud}

Hadn’t read this since fourth grade!

15. Carry On, Mr. Bowditch {aloud}
16. Brighty of the Grand Canyon {aloud}
17. Puck of Pook’s Hill {aloud}
18. Along Came a Dog {aloud}
19. King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table
20. The Lightening Thief {aloud to my husband–we decided not to let E-Age-Ten read it at this time}
21. A Christmas Carol {aloud}
22. The Lion in the Box {aloud}
23. Robinson Crusoe
24. The Incredible Journey
25. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
26. Rip Van Winkle

Book of the Year

History/Geography

1. George Washington’s World
2. Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution 
3. Of Courage Undaunted
4. Isaac Newton: Inventor, Scientist, and Teacher
5. The Roots of American Order {the book club entries for this title can be found in the Russell Kirk category–am I the only one who hates that this puts them in reverse order?}

Nature Study/Science/Microhomestead

1. The Storybook of Science
2. Natural Goat Care {here’s the category for all things Pat Coleby}

Health 

Enlightening.

1. Natural Healing with Cell Salts{not recommended}
2. Gut and Psychology Syndrome

Other Nonfiction

1. Home Economics
2. Ideas Have Consequences

What was your favorite book of the year?