On the 10th Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me...
a skein of limited edition Smooshy!
To have a chance to win this Rapunzel's Rose color that Dream in Color dyed specially to commemorate the opening of our new space this past August (the color matches the 1940's wall tile!), just answer the following question in the comments section below:
What book did you most enjoy reading this past year? Was it a knitting book? What about a recipe or cookbook? How about a series that you really enjoyed? And if you didn't have a chance to read anything, you're welcome to simply tell us that.
The books that I really enjoyed reading this past year was the Hunger Games series, and I read all of them in just 10 days. I'm all about an easy read that allows me to visualize vivid landscapes and action, and that series definitely fit the bill. I'm really looking foward to the first movie coming out this spring too.
I, too, read The Hunger Games because I wanted to "connect" with my teenage son who loves them. For myself, however, the best book I read this year is Purple Hibiscus, a novel set in Nigeria. It was one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read--and I read a LOT.
Posted by: Erin | December 22, 2011 at 08:32 AM
My favorite book this year was the forgotten garden by Kate Morton. It is the story of a woman trying to find out where she came from. Each chapter talks at a different time in her life and a magnificent story unfolds! Her Granddaughter finally finds out who her grandmother really was.
Posted by: Kathy | December 22, 2011 at 08:33 AM
Haven't had a chance to read the Hunger Games, but hoping to soon. I enjoyed reading The Help this past year- haven't seen the movie version yet though. I hear the book is better.
Posted by: Liz Petrella | December 22, 2011 at 08:33 AM
The best book I read this year was Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. I never read science fiction, but I heard about it in a podcast and it turned out to be the most fun book I think I've ever read.
Posted by: Kathy | December 22, 2011 at 08:36 AM
Read lots of good books this year! Finished the Dragon Tattoo series and the Hunger Games series. Also, Steve Jobs' biography-- such a tragic loss! Currently reading the Forgotten Garden --really enjoying that one!
Posted by: Julie | December 22, 2011 at 08:40 AM
The Outlander series by Diana Gabledon is my favorite.
Posted by: Kim Baker | December 22, 2011 at 08:45 AM
I am a late starter and have only this year discovered the Yarn Harlot, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee - brilliant!
Posted by: Jan | December 22, 2011 at 08:45 AM
wow ! 10 days! I am one who reads before bedtime, so sometimes I get 10 pages or sometimes just 1 before falling asleep. I read the first Dragon Tattoo book and am now reading the second. I also love Sharon Penman novels, and read her latest(I think) and I can not for the life of me remember the title.
Posted by: Liz Noyes | December 22, 2011 at 08:46 AM
Jeffrey Eugenides' Middlesex. Wow!
Posted by: Wendy | December 22, 2011 at 08:48 AM
The only books I read are knitting books, so I will mention those. I think the two most beautiful books I purchased and read this year are Coastal Knits and Beyond Toes. Also, have to mention that I collect and use sock knitting books, and this was a good year for new books to feed my sock knitting addiction.
Posted by: Sue Johnson | December 22, 2011 at 08:50 AM
My favorite knitting books this year were Knit.Sock.Love and Knit Swirl. The patterns are wonderful! My favorite book was Eat.Pray.Love..also a good movie. It has been a great year for biographies, especially rock stars like Keith Richards, and, of course, Steve Jobs, a really great read.
Posted by: Alison | December 22, 2011 at 08:52 AM
Love to read Karen White. Couldn't wait for her new one. Read the whole book in 24 hours. It ended with a cliff hanger of sorts. Now have to wait for next book!
Posted by: Donna | December 22, 2011 at 08:54 AM
Some books I enjoyed this year are Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Caleb's Crossing, The Help, and Cleopatra's Daughter. Can't pick just one. I listen to audio books while I knit and also read from my Kindle.
Posted by: Marsha | December 22, 2011 at 08:55 AM
While I love to read, I have been knitting more and reading less this year. I did manage to fit in reading all of Jane Austen's books this year though. I love reading about that time in history.
Posted by: Debby | December 22, 2011 at 08:55 AM
The best book I have read lately was The Help. I am always on the lookout for new reading suggestions so I can't wait to see what others have to say!
Posted by: julie | December 22, 2011 at 08:57 AM
I enjoy reading Christian romance/mystery books. I usually just walk up and down the aisles in our local library, looking for the Christian label on the spine of each book. If I find a series I really like I go online and put them on hold because that's very convenient for me. I need to start a list, though, because I have brought home books I've already read more times than I'd want to admit!
Posted by: Denise | December 22, 2011 at 08:57 AM
I've been enjoying the Outlander series.
Posted by: Lynn Beck | December 22, 2011 at 08:59 AM
I've read sooo many this year. (Must have been the year of the book for me!) That makes it so hard to pick just one. Hmmm... probably my rereading of The Count of Monte Cristo. That book has it all!!
Posted by: p-la | December 22, 2011 at 08:59 AM
I also read and love the Hunger Games series, and I also read my first Discworld book and am really enjoying this series. I am an avid bookworm, and it's hard to pick my favorite!
Posted by: AnitaSCook | December 22, 2011 at 09:00 AM
I've enjoyed reading the book series by Sue Grafton starting with "A is for Alibi". Right now I am studying the book "55 Christmas balls to knit".
Posted by: Lisa Nixon | December 22, 2011 at 09:01 AM
I've been reading The Night Circus, and knitting books. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman was a great one to listen to in the car. And probably my favorite this year
Posted by: Jeanne | December 22, 2011 at 09:03 AM
I love books and magazines. My books are all non-fictional...knitting is the theme here. I purchased 1 more Elizabeth Zimmermann book, Knitting Workshop. Also Colorwork Creations and Around the World in Knitted Socks.
Posted by: Denise | December 22, 2011 at 09:04 AM
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society...one of my all time favorite books.
Posted by: Joyce | December 22, 2011 at 09:04 AM
Our knitting group passes around books when we think others will enjoy them. The Help was one that so many read. I have read or at least 'paged through' more knitting books then I can count.
Posted by: Jane | December 22, 2011 at 09:05 AM
The Weird Sisters is the most recent really enjoyable book I've read.
Posted by: Jen | December 22, 2011 at 09:05 AM
I admit to having two addictions: yarn & books... can't get enough of either. I always listen to audio books while I'm knitting/crocheting. Too many good knit/crochet acquisitions this year to mention. For me, "The Help" was a very powerful book and I reread "A Tale of Two Cities"...
Posted by: Judy S-G | December 22, 2011 at 09:08 AM
I really enjoyed reading The Help (before the movie was out). I kept thinking while reading it that I had lived through that time period and was so unaware of how bad things were back then since I was a white child living in the North. A wonderful first novel!
Posted by: Donna Gerber | December 22, 2011 at 09:08 AM
This year I sucked into several different series. Game of Thrones was the best, then Girl with the Dragon Tatto, then the Hunger Games. Loved them all!
Posted by: Angela | December 22, 2011 at 09:08 AM
I enjoyed a bunch of books this year, but none of them seem to have floated to the top yet. Maisie Dobbs, the first in a detective series that takes place in post WWI-England, was quite good. As was Ruby Diamond, which is set in New York City in the 1920s. And Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, which is paranormal YA set in the present day.
Posted by: sprite | December 22, 2011 at 09:09 AM
City of Thieves: A Novel by David Benioff was my favorite book this year.
Posted by: Teresa | December 22, 2011 at 09:12 AM
The knitting book that became a "must have" for me after borrowing it from the library was "Brave New Knits". Non-Fiction is "1491" and fiction is Brad Meltzer-- take your pick on the book, or "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" series or ..... there aren't many books that I don't love.
Posted by: Kendra | December 22, 2011 at 09:14 AM
I'm a John Grisham fan and loved his new book "The Litigators".
Posted by: Ann | December 22, 2011 at 09:17 AM
So many good books! Most recent: The Color Purple. Again.
Posted by: Melisa | December 22, 2011 at 09:19 AM
I buy tons of knitting and crochet books and magazines and I love to read through them, but the book I enjoyed most was "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo".
Posted by: Kay Morrissey | December 22, 2011 at 09:19 AM
I finally had a chance to read Stephen King's new book 11/22/63. Pretty good read. I forgot how much I enjoy reading! I really want to read the "Song of Ice and Fire" series. That's next on my list!
Posted by: Janene Reeves | December 22, 2011 at 09:20 AM
THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett
Posted by: Jackie | December 22, 2011 at 09:20 AM
Right now I'm reading The Forest Lover by Susan Vreeland, a fictionalized account of Emily Carr and her work. It's an older book and I'm loving it. I've also been sucked into the Flavia de Luce mystery series by Alan Bradley.
Posted by: mkg | December 22, 2011 at 09:20 AM
I'm currently re-reading the Vlad Taltos series, they are fun. And if audio books count I'm re-listening to the Harry Potter series. I have really enjoyed Gail Carriger's books Soulless, Changeless etc, I even got my dad hooked on those!
Posted by: Malin | December 22, 2011 at 09:21 AM
I love to read and I have Janet Evanovich's next to latest book checked out from the library. Currently I'm reading "The Friday Knitting Club" and am really enjoying it.
Posted by: emily cossins | December 22, 2011 at 09:22 AM
I've been all about biographies this year. I love reading about former first ladies. The two I've loved the most this year have been about Dolly Madison and Edith Wilson.
Posted by: Autumn Pilditch | December 22, 2011 at 09:23 AM
The Game of Thrones series, not the last one, yet. I'm saving that one for a special reading time by a lake next summer.
Posted by: Ruth viste | December 22, 2011 at 09:23 AM
I read Rachel Herron's How to Knit a Love Song and it was a very enjoyable book. :-)
Posted by: Suparna | December 22, 2011 at 09:23 AM
I really haven't read as much this past year as I had hoped I would. Despite this, one book stands out and it's Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.
Posted by: Andrea | December 22, 2011 at 09:25 AM
I read The Knitter's Book of Wool and The Knitter's Book of Socks by Clara Parkes. Both were wonderfully educational and informative, and the design is lovely. The patterns are great too!
Posted by: Jo | December 22, 2011 at 09:25 AM
I enjoyed the Yarn Harlot, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Posted by: Lois Richmond | December 22, 2011 at 09:26 AM
I read a lot of books, but can't say that any of them were wonderful. None really floated my boat enough to say "You've got to read this". I did buy, look at, drool over, and smell lots of knitting books. I'm drawn to sock books - although can be talked in to most any knitting book without too much trouble.
Posted by: Julie | December 22, 2011 at 09:26 AM
I enjoyed quite a few books this year, thanks to the Kindle I got for Christmas last year. I read The Magicians and The Magician King and REALLY enjoyed them! They were a bit corny at times, as they are kind of based on Harry Potter and Narnia - though definitely not books for children. But I thought the stories were fantastic! And I also enjoyed Cutting for Stone, which was a bit heavier to read, but worth it!
Posted by: Amy | December 22, 2011 at 09:27 AM
I read a book by Beverly Lewis. There were 3 in the series. They are about the Amish.
One was a movie on TV. Then I had to find the last one to see what happened. The Shunning, The Confession, and The Reckoning.
Posted by: Helen | December 22, 2011 at 09:28 AM
I love to read anything really. My new favorite author is Lori Foster... her romance novels are great.. just enough danger to keep you turning pages.
Posted by: Melissa | December 22, 2011 at 09:29 AM
I read the Irish Doctor series and couldn't put them down! Course, it did help that I had just spent 10 days in Ireland in June! But seriously, it was a most interesting series and I couldn't wait to read each book.
Posted by: Rheba Rozeboom | December 22, 2011 at 09:31 AM
I have read and enjoyed several books this year- two of them are "The Help" and "All Wound Up". I have several new knitting books that I'm trying to find time to squeeze in when I'm not knitting! Lol.
Posted by: Debbie Huett | December 22, 2011 at 09:31 AM
This is a very hard question - I've read and listened to so many books this year. The Stieg Larsson books are incredible. But Michaeal Connelly's Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller books are so good too (love the audiobooks - Len Cariou and Peter Giles are such good narrators). And John Sandford's Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers AKA That F***ing Flowers (also well narrated by Richard Ferrone and Eric Conger) are also a treat. And for sheer wackiness, there is Christopher Moore and Tim Dorsey.
Posted by: Susan Benzer | December 22, 2011 at 09:31 AM
My favorite read of the year was A Discovery of Witches by Deborah E. Harkness. The book that I most anticipated was A Dance With Dragons by George RR Martin, which was good. However, the book I enjoyed most was an unexpected find in A Discovery of Witches.
Posted by: Elaine | December 22, 2011 at 09:32 AM
I have been exploring sock loom knitting - so I have been reading all I can about that!
Posted by: Jess White | December 22, 2011 at 09:33 AM
I read several books this summer but I can't tell you any of the titles. For some reason I tend to forget the titles as soon as I finish the book.
Posted by: Margo | December 22, 2011 at 09:34 AM
Sadly, no reading going on here... maybe next year.
Posted by: Carla in MT | December 22, 2011 at 09:37 AM
I got hooked on the Septimus Heap series.
Posted by: Ina | December 22, 2011 at 09:37 AM
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. It's a novel and really terrific. I stayed up until 2 AM to finish it.
Posted by: Janine | December 22, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Sock knitting books when I'm in a technical state of mind. Agatha Christie mysteries when I'm not. And I downloaded a sample of Game of Thrones. It is great, so I'll start buying the series.
Posted by: Sally Miller | December 22, 2011 at 09:39 AM
The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman was my favorite book this year. I loved how the story was told. The first 2 Song of Fire and Ice books were also among my favorites. I can't wait for season 2 of Game of Thrones on HBO.
Posted by: Holli | December 22, 2011 at 09:39 AM
The books I most enjoyed were "A Dance with Dragons" and "The Towers of Midnight", both of which were the latest in fantasy series whose authors take several years between books, so I devour them upon publication. I listen to audio books while I knit, usually favorite books I have read before, like "The Count of Monte Cristo", the Jane Austen books, and forty years after high school reading requirements, I have discovered that Charles Dickens books are actually quite enjoyable if someone reads them to you!
Posted by: Jane | December 22, 2011 at 09:43 AM
I don't remember if I read anything good this year. My favorite books are Ken Follet books (Pillars of the Earth, World without End and his newest Fall of the Giants)
Posted by: Joyce | December 22, 2011 at 09:47 AM
read several books this year but "the help" stands out
Thanks for the great offer and continuing congrats on opening the brick & mortar shop. Can't wait to get to FW sometime to see it!
Posted by: Martha from Ohio | December 22, 2011 at 09:47 AM
I have read many books this year and it is too hard to choose one! I am currently reading Anna Kareninia for the first time and am really enjoying it!
Posted by: kate | December 22, 2011 at 09:49 AM
I too read the Hunger Games series in quick order. The trailer for the new film looks good, I can't wait to see it with my teenage daughter. However my favorite book of the year was "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand. An amazing tale of survival that I couldn't put down.
Posted by: Tara | December 22, 2011 at 09:49 AM
My favorite book this year was Cutting for Stone, by Abraham Verghese
Posted by: Sarah | December 22, 2011 at 09:49 AM
Haven't taken much time to read this year but did enjoy The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka. It was a fast read but insightful.
Posted by: Kathleen B. | December 22, 2011 at 09:51 AM
I read all four books by Sarah Addison Allen - I loved them all!
Posted by: Susan | December 22, 2011 at 09:54 AM
I, too, enjoyed the Hunger Games trilogy. I also enjoyed Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.
Posted by: Beverly Shearon | December 22, 2011 at 09:55 AM
What a beautiful colorway! I most enjoyed My Name is Mary Sutter.
Posted by: Connie | December 22, 2011 at 09:55 AM
I'm finishing the last hunger games book right now, I loved the series. I think my favorite read this year was Ghost Story by Jim Butcher. I love it when a new book by a favorite author comes out.
Posted by: Jenn | December 22, 2011 at 09:56 AM
I love Steve Berry and James Rollins books and have read several this year. But A friend gave me The Help and I thoroughly enjoyed it even though it was not the genre I usually chose. I also read House Rules by Jodi Picoult and Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. Now I'm diving into Stephen King's new book and find it engrossing, especially because I remember that time period well.
Posted by: Mary Chrisman | December 22, 2011 at 09:57 AM
I like James Patterson's Cross Series.
Posted by: Vivian | December 22, 2011 at 10:01 AM
I most enjoyed Kate Atkinson, "Started Early, Took My Dog".
Posted by: NancyN | December 22, 2011 at 10:02 AM
This has been a year of a lot more knitting for me so less reading--but lots of knitting blog reading! I am currently enjoying Free Range Knitter. Also enjoyed Julie and Julia and Identical Strangers (twins separated at birth who find each other-true story).
Posted by: Jen | December 22, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Knitting without tears by Elisabeth Zimmermann, my first knitting book!
Posted by: sharon | December 22, 2011 at 10:07 AM
I do so much serious reading for work that 2011 was dedicated to novels. My favs are Sally Goldenbaum's knitting mystery series. "Knitting Local" was my favorite knitting book of 2011. Loved learning about locally produced yarns in the US, especially in my NE region.
Posted by: Kim B. | December 22, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Her Sister's Shadow by Katharine Britton was my favorite impulse read. The Double Comfort Safari Club was my favorite continuing series read.... #11 in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Series.
Posted by: Karen | December 22, 2011 at 10:07 AM
The latest Michael Ondaatje book ...
Posted by: Merna | December 22, 2011 at 10:09 AM
I'm currently enjoying the audiobook of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.
Posted by: marianne | December 22, 2011 at 10:11 AM
I really liked The Help.
Posted by: Veronica | December 22, 2011 at 10:12 AM
I enjoyed Sally Goldenbaum's knitting shop mystery series this year. I also loved The Help.
Posted by: Ruth Anne | December 22, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Hard to choose. Most recently, I loved The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.I've been revisiting the Narnia Chronicles. Any sock book....Wendy Johnson, Cat Bordhi, CookieA,Charlene Schurch........
Posted by: Carol | December 22, 2011 at 10:14 AM
My two favorite books of the year were Blood, Bones, and Butter, an autobiography, and the Marriage Plot. I was able to listen to Blood, Bones, and Butter on my MP3, a perfect combination because reading and knitting are my two favorite pastimes. I read the Marriage Plot on my Kindle,but it was worth the knitting time sacrifice.
Posted by: Allise Vicens | December 22, 2011 at 10:15 AM
The best book of the year for me was "Matterhorn" by Karl Marlantes. It is a novel about a company of Marines during the Vietnam war. It was selected as the book for our "City Reads" program, and as I was on the committee that selected it, I felt compelled to read it, despite the fact that I don't read war novels. I am so glad I read this book! It is not a happy subject, but it is one of the best-written and most engrossing novels I have ever read.
Posted by: Julie | December 22, 2011 at 10:15 AM
That's a tough one. I would have to say The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe.
Posted by: LeAnn | December 22, 2011 at 10:20 AM
I read "Pennsylvania" a book with 4 complete novels from the Heart of Colonial America by Kay Cornelius. I love book about Colonial America, as well as books on weaving, spinning and knitting.
Posted by: Virginia | December 22, 2011 at 10:22 AM
The Help. I read the book, then saw the movie -- I recommend the book.
Posted by: Kim Deiro | December 22, 2011 at 10:22 AM
I really enjoyed reading the Unreliable Wife. It was a page-turner and had a twist. However, it doesn't compare to The Gargoyle or The Timetraveler's Wife which are my 2 favorite books ever. I better stop there. :)
Posted by: Julie Krick | December 22, 2011 at 10:23 AM
the Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. Prompted me to re-read the Secret Garden afterwards.
Posted by: Jeanne Bringley | December 22, 2011 at 10:24 AM
A recent one I just read is "A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage and the Quest for the Color of Desire" by Amy Butler Greenfield. Great book on the cultural history of dyeing, especially red dye. I've read many others but this one, at least, is fiber related.
Posted by: Sara | December 22, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Friday Night Knitting Club for sure!!!
Posted by: Chevas | December 22, 2011 at 10:28 AM
I recently read the Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt. I've heard so much about the Hunger Games books that I'll have to try them soon. I've also read all of the Yarn Harlot books this year, and always enjoy the various knitting mystery series.
Posted by: Karen G. | December 22, 2011 at 10:28 AM
I finished reading all the JA Jance that my library had. Just waiting for new ones to be written now. That's the trouble with series...we can read faster than they can write.
Posted by: Stephanie V | December 22, 2011 at 10:29 AM
I loved reading The Help. It not only have an accurate portrait of relations between the races in the south in the 60's but also a spot on description of the limitations imposed on women - especially in the labor market.
Posted by: Donna | December 22, 2011 at 10:29 AM
I really liked the knitter's life list, but right now I'm enjoying the poisonwood bible again.
Posted by: tami | December 22, 2011 at 10:31 AM
I've been reading the Game of Thrones series--much better than the TV series on HBO! I've been accused of picking a book by it's number of pages - but I read quickly and most average sized books are finished in a weekend. I keep my Kindle filled with interesting new titles for when knitting is not an option in how I spend my time.
Posted by: Leslie B. Fehr | December 22, 2011 at 10:31 AM
I enjoyed The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks -startling and eye-opening.
Posted by: cheryl | December 22, 2011 at 10:32 AM
I sincerely never get tired of Alice in Wonderland! Also, Earth Prayers is a classic on respecting the environment and being one with nature. Also, many and varied and various cultural perspectives on animals and plants.
Posted by: mary | December 22, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Gosh, it's hard to pick just one but I quite enjoyed ''Animal, Vegetable,Mineral'' by Barbara Kinsolver. Plus all the sock books that came out!
Posted by: Rusty M | December 22, 2011 at 10:33 AM