Book Challenges

This is just one small book shelf I have  - there are 6 full size bookcases throughout our house, plus at least 10 boxes of books in a closet (I have listed the books in the boxes now so that i at least know what's there!)

Now that I am starting my first full year of retirement, I decided that I will definitely read more. I wasn't planning on joining any book challenges, other than at Goodreads (100 books for the year). But the lure to tackle challenges was too great and I am signing on again to a number of book challenges. I did not do well last year - I fell a few short of my 50 books, but I put that down to not reading much through the first 6 months of the year while I was teaching.

I am hoping to read a fiction and a non-fiction each week through 2014. Many of these books are already on a list through the "Read the House Down Challenge" I began before Christmas. I will continue with this,  as well as :

100 Books in a Year

The challenge here, through"Book Chick City, is to read 100 fiction books a year.
Info from her blog:
Challenge Info

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2014 – 31 Dec 2014
• Rules: Read 100 books in 2014 (any genre)
• You don’t have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.
• You can join at anytime. All books read in 2014 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.
• Audiobooks are accepted.
• Only fiction, no non-fiction.
• This challenge can crossover with other challenges.

I will be reading at least 25 YA books this year and will add these to the total.

Non-Fiction

My goal is read at least 50 non-fiction books this year.(Master level!) Many of these are art books i want to work through (or finish)

Challenge info:

The Challenge:  Read any non-fiction book(s), adult or young adult. That's it. You can choose anything. Memoirs? Yes. History? Yes. Travel? Yes. You get the idea? Absolutely anything that is classified as non-fiction counts for this challenge.

I always like levels in my challenges, so here are mine:

Dilettante--Read 1-5 non-fiction books

Explorer--Read 6-10

Seeker--Read 11-15

Master--Read 16-20

This challenge will last from January 1 to December 31, 2014. You can sign up anytime throughout the year.

Crossovers with other challenges are acceptable, and feel free to read your books in any format you like.

TBR Pile Reading Challenge

This will work with "Read Down the House Challenge". I have already listed 26 books to read and will add more as I am able. I am aiming for the 41-50 level: Could This be Love

Challenge Info:

1. This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2014 - Dec 31, 2014.
2. Anyone can enter! You don't have to be a blogger, as long as you review the book you've read! (On your blog, Amazon, Random Buzzers or Goodreads/Shelfari!)
3. Any genre, length or format of book counts, as long as it is a book that's been sitting on your shelf for some time now. Short stories and novellas are OK, too! Only books released in 2013 and earlier! NO  2014 ARCs and 2014 fresh-off-the-press releases allowed!
4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
5. When you sign up in the linky, put the direct link to your post about joining the 2013 TBRPILE Reading Challenge. (If you don't have a blog, post about it on Facebook or Tweet!)
6. You can move up levels, but no moving down.
7. Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2014, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.
8. On the 20th of each month we will post a wrap-up post, here, on BOOKISH. Every wrap-up will have it's unique theme, a mini-challenge, a giveaway and place for you to link up your reviews from this month. For each review you link up, you will get one entry in a drawing of one book of choice from Book Depository. It's open to INTERNATIONALS. The giveaway will be open until the next wrap up post goes up! (i.e. the entire month)
9. If you miss a wrap-up post + giveaway, you can link up your reviews next month. Do not, however, try to link up one review twice - we will be checking ;) 
10. December is a wrap-up for the whole year. All the book reviews you linked up January-November + the ones you'll link up in December will be entered into a GRAND PRIZE giveaway. 
11. You don't have to follow Bookish Blog to join the challenge, but you do have to follow us to be entered in giveaways!       

Levels:

1-10 - A Firm Handshake
11-20 - A Friendly Hug
21-30 - First Kiss
31-40 - Sweet Summer Fling
41-50 - Could this be love?
50+ - Married With Children

Reading Outside the Box

This one sounds like a lot of fun. I will try to read from  between 8-10 categories.

Here are the Categories 

Classics are the new black – read a classic novel

It’s a serial thing – you’ve read the first in a series (or even three of them), it’s time to read another!

Lost in translation – time to read a book that was first written in another language and then translated.

It’s about time! – read a book that has been sitting on your shelf for at least two years! (and haven’t read it yet!)

By the numbers – read a book with a Number in the title

Weird Science! – read a book that features some form of science – and maybe discover an untapped passion.

I just love a good Duet – a book written by more than one author.

New Guy in Town – read a Debut book written by a new author.

Almost Human – read a book from the perspective of an animal – or an alien – or a robot! (at least feature an ‘almost human’)

Chunkster-time! – read a book that is longer 500 pages. (Time to dust off War and Peace)

Random Rescue – go to a used book store and RANDOMLY pick a book! (could even be from a grab-bag)

Under-Aged Writer – read a book by an author who is not yet 21. Here's a little help.

Time for exercise – read a book that is set in or around a sport or exercise activity (like yoga or baseball). This can be fiction or nonfiction!

Make-Believe - This category is just for YOU! (and anyone who wants to try it!) Here is your chance to let others know what would get you outside of your Comfort Zone!

Here are the levels

Choose your level – just how far out of the box do you want to go?

I’m a little Scared: 3-4 categories

It’s not so bad out here!:  5-7 categories

Look at me, outside my comfort zone!:  8-10 categories

Outside In!: 11-13 categories

No Box can Contain Me!: I did ALL 14!

This challenge will run from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014.    

1. Sign up any time.  However, sign-ups will close 1 December 2014

2. You cannot use any books or reading material that was read before 1 January 2014.

3. This year you can post at any time under the Category found below, but you must post a link to your review for it to count! If you don’t have a blog, be sure to link up the review you did in GoodReads, Amazon, Library Thing, etc. We need to read your review! 

4. Share the Love (PLEASE!?!) – Write your intentions on your blog, link back to this post, have the button on a side bar, so others will know what fun you are having, and they can have it too!

5.  You cannot use one book for multiple categories.  You can, however, read a book for this challenge and use it for another challenge.

6. Comment below with how comfortable you are of climbing out of your literary box!  BUT, don’t feel you have to be tied to that level! You are shy and want to start slowly but love the feeling of the air outside of where you are…go for it!  You thought you wouldn't be contained and think that the box is warm and comfy, that’s okay too!

 Everything YA reading Challenge

I will continue to read YA fiction as i believe the writing is so good. i am aiming for 25 YA books this year.

(at least 2 a month) 

 Challenge Details

How long will the challenge run?
The Challenge will run from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014
Who can participate? 
Anyone can participate! As long as you can provide a link to an online shelf or blog page of where you will list the books you have read :) 
What are the rules to the challenge?

• Participants must create a shelf or a page to where they can list the books that they have read for the year. 
• Book must meet any of the sub- genres of the young adult category, whether it’s paranormal, romance, drama, contemporary, horror, etc. 
• Must be longer than 100 pages.
• The year of when the book was published does not matter. As long as you have read the book in 2014, it will be accepted. 
• TO THOSE WHO HAVE A BLOG, feel free to post up a review of each book that you have read for the challenge and provide a link please?? I would love to read it :) 
• All formats are acceptable (paperback, ARC, ebook, etc.)

Here's to an enjoyable and busy year of reading!

A New Book Challenge

While visiting "Create with Joy", a new book challenge for March was described. It sounds like a great way to read some of my many to be read books!
So I will be joining in the fun for March. Check here for more information.



I haven't read as much as I would have liked but have read the following this past month:

"Whitethorn Woods"  by Maeve Binchy   I hadn't read any of her books until "A week in Winter" which I did enjoy. I enjoyed this one and because it was told in different voices, it was easier to put down and start.
This book was a TBR book and met the Monthly Key word  challenge for January  ( "white")

"Rebel Heart" by Moira Young   I had the first book ("Blood Red Road") and enjoyed it. A former student who I had given the first book to, gave me this one to read - during recport card week!

I have read a number of books at school - many are re-reads.

I am currently focused on reading 2 books:

"The House I Loved"  by Tatiana De Rosnay  (key word for Feb.: house and a TBR book))

"The Hobbit" - I have had it for years and never finished it. Have to if I want to see the movie.


There are other books in a pile to be finished and will get to them shortly.

Book Challenges

(just one of many shelves)


Book Challenges abound  - there is a challenge for every reader, from Mysteries to historical fiction to romance and everything in between.
Last year I committed to a number of challenges and was fairly successful in most. I definitely read more and read a lot of wonderful books ("Wonder" and "The One and Only Ivan" were 2 of my favourites.)

This year I have  decided to commit to less challenges but focus more on attacking my ToBeRead pile  (or piles to be more exact.)
I cannot resist a bookstore, second hand shop or Costgo. I go in saying "no books, no books" - and I am lucky if I come out with only 1. But books overflow in every bookcase I have and I still have books in boxes.

I keep lists of books I want to read and love getting recommendations. I always have several books on the go. 

I have decided that this year I will not buy books, except if I receive a gift card or am taking a course.  I must read what I have first. (The Double Dog Dare will definitely help!)

Check here for a huge number of book challenges.


These are the challenges I am committing to:

1.

Guidlines:

The TBR Dare is back again for a third year; except this time it's much more intense. It's not just a dare, it's a double dog dare. Dakota and I double dog dare you to join in the fun.

But, remember, especailly those of you who do not participate in reading challenges, the TBR Double Dare is not a "reading challenge;" it's a dare.

We dare you, no we double dog dare you to join in the fun.

The rules are extreme, but you can change them to fit your needs. The TBR Double Dog Dare is meant to be fun, so rule number one is--have fun.

The goal of the TBR Double Dog Dare is to reduce the size of your TBR stack, to read those books you've had for years and always meant to get around to reading one day. January 1, 2013 just might be the day.

If you agree to the full Double Dog Dare, then you pledge to read only books in your TBR stack as of January 1, 2013 from the start of the new year until April Fool's Day. Your TBR stack is officially defined as the books you have purchased or have requested from the library as of January 1, 2013. This includes books that have not arrived in the mail or at the store yet. Dakota and I will be making exceptions only for books selelcted by my book club, and possibly not even those depending on what my book club selects. If you're a member of a book club, then you know how that works. You can make whatever exceptions you would like to or need to make.

We understand.

If you don't want to sign up for the full four months, you can sign up for whatever period of time you'd like. We think it's more fun if people spell out the details of their personal Double Dog Dare in a post on their blogs, but you may do as you like.

*You may count any "currently reading" book that you begin prior to January 1--provided that you had 50% or more of the book left to finish in 2013. I will trust you all on that.

*Books may be used to count for other challenges as well.

*Feel free to submit your list in advance (as incentive to really get those books taken care of) or to tally them as you climb.

*A blog and reviews are not necessary to participate..

Feel free to sign up here

2.

.

I am committing to Pike's Peak (12 books), although I hope to read more of my TBR books. I am not listing them yet, as I have too many to choose from and never know what it is I feel like reading after I finish a book. 

Here are the guidlines:

   

Challenge Levels
Pike's Peak: Read 12 books from your TBR pile/s
Mount Blanc: Read 24 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Vancouver: Read 36 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Ararat: Read 48 books from your TBR piles/s
Mt. Kilimanjaro: Read 60 books from your TBR pile/s
El Toro: Read 75 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Everest: Read 100 books from your TBR pile/s
Mount Olympus (Mars): Read 150+ books from your TBR pile/s

And the rules:
*Once you choose your challenge level, you are locked in for at least that many books. If you find that you're on a mountain-climbing roll and want to tackle a taller mountain, then you are certainly welcome to upgrade.

*Challenge runs from January 1 to December 31, 2013.

*You may sign up anytime from now until November 30th, 2013.

*Books must be owned by you prior to January 1, 2013. No ARCs (none), no library books. No rereads. [To clarify--based on a question raised last year--the intention is to reduce the stack of books that you have bought for yourself or received as presents {birthday, Christmas, "just because," etc.}. Audiobooks and E-books may count if they are yours and they are one of your primary sources of backlogged books.]

Check it out here.

3.

 My goal is Dweeb level - 12 books, 6 different categores. I like the idea of reading 1 adult and one children's/young adult books for each level.

GUIDELINES
Levels:
Geek: 4-6 books in at least 2-3 different categories
Dork: 7-10 books in at least 4-5 different categories
Dweeb: 11- 14 books in at least 6-7 different categories
Nerd: 15+ books in at least 8+ different categories
Categories:
* Health, Medicine, Fitness, Wellness
* History- US, World, European, etc.
* Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy
* Technology, Engineering, Computers, etc.
* Business, Finance, Management
* Sports, Adventure
* Food- Cookbooks, Cooks, Vegan Vegetarianism, etc.
* Autobiography, Biography, Memoir
* Art, Photography, Architecture
* Music, Film, TV
* Self Improvement, Self Help, How To
* Home, Garden
* Science-Nature, Weather, Biology, Geology
* Anthropology, Archaeology
* Animals-Insects, Mammals, Dinosaurs, etc.
* Family, Relationships, Parenting, Dating, Love
* Crime, Law
* Poetry, Theatre
* Politics, Government, Current Affairs
* Literary Criticism/Theory
* Cultural Studies
* Travel
* Crafts
* It is not necessary to pick your categories ahead of time, but try not to read more than two books in each category so you can broaden your horizons.
* The categories I listed are just suggestions. If you have a different category you'd like to add, let me know!
* When you write about the challenge or read/review a book, come back here and link up or leave a comment and tell me what you read and what you thought of it.
* If you're participating in a different non-fiction challenge, please feel free to still link up. It's always fun to see what other people have read in the different non-fiction categories.

Check here.for more information and to sign up.

and finally,

4.

Choosing 12 books by words will be a crossover to the other 3 challenges. 

GUIDELINES

* The title you choose can be a variation on one of the key words. For example- your title could include the word 'snowing' or 'snowflake' even though the key word is 'snow.'

*Key words can be tweaked. For example- You could read "Cinder" or "Ashes" for the key word 'Fire' and that would be just fine. If the key word is 'family' then your title could include the word 'sister' or 'mother.'If the key word is 'food' then your title could include the word 'cake.'


Monthly Key Words:

Check here for more info and to sign up.

_______________________________________________________________________

I am looking forward to these challenges - not too many and a chance to read what I already have.

Join in the fun and check out the challenges.

It's Monday! What are You Reading?

It has been over a month since I took part in these memes. I have been reading, although not as much as I'd like. But it is report card time and spending more time on marking and working on reports.
My list of books to read keeps growing though!

We got a small bookshelf at a yard sale a couple of weeks ago and finally set it up Saturday. I knew there were few places it could go - but my husband's suggestion worked so well! It now sits atop a desk in my soon to be functional art room (at least by the time school ends!)

In the past few weeks,  I read:

"The Island" by Elin Hilderbrand  - really enjoyed it

"Bite of the Mango Tree" by Mariatu Kamara with Susan McClelland. I finally finished this autobiography of Mariatu - from her  horrific loss of arms in Sierra Leone to life here in Canada.

as well as these YA and picture books:

"Bifocal" by Deborah Ellis and Eric Walters (It was excellent and really looked at two different ways of life and viewpoints

"Dancing Through the Snow"  by Jean Little. very enjoyable

"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White this was a reread - as I  read it as our class read aloud. I still love it, as did the children.

"Charlotte" by Janet Lunn an excellent look at the United Empire Loyalists and how the revolution tore family's apart.

"Little Burnt Face" by Kath Lock   great for comparison to Cinderella

Right now I am reading:

"Alice I Have Been" by Melanie Benjamin  (historical fiction about Alice of "Alice in Wonderland"

"Stolen Child" by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch (A Brantford resident and a writer of historical fiction for young adults. I'm enjoying this one)


Be sure to check out some great book choices here and here.

What are You Reading?

The past couple of weeks I have read mostly YA and picture books.

I finished "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio. It was amazing and totally lived up to the reviews I read. It really renewed my faith in goodness in people and the necessity of being kind.
THIS IS A MUST READ!

I also finished "How I  Came to be a Writer" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor". As I come across books by authors about their writing life, I read them and look at their road to being an author (one I am trying to navigate).

In class, I finished "Stone Fox" by John Reynolds Gardiner, as our novel read aloud. This is the fourth time I have read this book to a class and each time I still get effected by the ending. I have the children write me a letter after most of the read alouds - it was interesting to read their thoughts and feelings about this book. For the first time, I actually had a student say they found it boring! I wrote back to her that it is important she have her own opinions, as long as she backs them up.

Today, I read "Maple Moon" by Connie Brummel Crook. I love this story and had read it numerous times. Connie actually came to a class in Bowmanville about 10 years ago and read her book. What an experience that was.

I finally got to see the movie "The Hunger Games". I loved the series and I actually love the movie. The differences with the book did not detract from enjoying this movie.
I also saw the movie "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close". The young actor who plays Oskar was incredible. Strange movie, strange book - but worth seeing.I did prefer the movie this time,


Right now I am working on a number of books:

I am still reading: "Stolen Child" by Marsha F. Skrypuch

                             "Life is a Verb" by Patti Digh

I have just started: " Desire to Inspire"  by Christine Mason Miller

and plan to start this week: "Three Day Road" by Joseph Boyden (for our May pick for our social justice book club)

It's \monday! Whart are you Reading?

It has been a few weeks since I have shared some of what I have been reading. With all the picture books read at school and fun reading during the March Break, I have a number of books to share.

Read Alouds from School:

Picture Books:

"A Chance to Shine" by Steve Seskin and Allen Shamblin

By far my favourite, it is by the authors of "Don't Laugh at Me", both a book and video.

"Fancy Nancy" by Jane O'Connor

"Kate and the Sunflowers" by James Mayhew

Lovely romp through art of the impressionists. If only e could step into paintings!

"Sorry" by Trudy Ludwig

YA Novels:

"The Worst Name in 3rd Grade" by Debbie Dadey

How would you like a name like Bridgett Butt? The class enjoyed it.

"Mean, Mean, Maureen Green" by Judy Cox

Solving problems and facing up to fears and bullies.

Adult Fiction:

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the novels I have read this past month.

I finally read the last 2 books (of the ones I needed to finish all of the books in the series) of the mystery series on Gamache, by Louise Penny:

"The Murder Stone"

"The Brutal Telling"

Here next book comes out in August - can't wait!

I finally finished "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett and loved it.

Also read:

"Remarkable Creatures" by Tracy Chevalier (about real women fossil hunters of the 1800s)

"Mercy" by Jodi Picoult

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safron Faer

"The Fiction Class" by Susan Breen"

I am currently reading:

"Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers (for our social justice book club) Very interesting, about a real life Muslim family caught up in Katrina)

So many books to read! I am enjoying the challenges I am involved in and making headway.

Book Monday

I am glad I signed up for the book challenges as I know that I am reading more because of them.

I have read a number of picture books the past few weeks:

"Chicken Sunday" by Patricia Polacco (I love all her books. I listened to a presentation by her last year and she was amazing. I now have several books autographed by her. )

"Amelia to Zora - 26 Woman Who Changed the World" by Cynthia Chin-Lee. An excellent abc of strong, important women role models.

I have also read a couple of young adult novels:

"Liar Liar Pants on Fire" by Gordon Korman. My class loved this as the read aloud at the end of the day. It had us all laughing!

"Things Will Never Be the Same" by Tomie de Paola. I enjoy his picture books and this was more autobiographical.

Right now I have a number of books on the go. I try to squeeze in a few minutes each day.

I am almost finished:

"The Bite of the Mango" by Mariatu Kamara. I am enjoying this book about the young woman who had her hands chopped off in the war torn Sierra Leone. She is now living in Ontario and lives an active, purposeful life. It is a very inspiring book.

I am also reading:

"The 12 Secrets of Highly Successful Women" by Gail McMeekin. I won this book before Christmas and am slowly working though it. I thoroughly enjoyed her previous 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women.

"MWF Seeking BFF" by Rachel Bertsche. I had read a review of this book a few weeks back and went out on Saturday and bought it. Her search for a best friend resonated with me. After living in one small town for almost 20 years I have found it so difficult to meet "kindred spirits". There are lots of acquaintances but not not BFFs. So thought I would read this one. I am enjoying her book.

"The Freedom Writers Diary" by Erin Gruwell . Loved the movie - wanted to read more.

Two books I will be reading next are:

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins (A YA novel - the novel will be coming out soon)

"A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini (For our social justice book club. His first book "The Kite Runner" was excellent.

There are so many good books to read! I hope to tackle quite a few from my shelves this year.
Any suggestions??

Book Challenges for 2012, Part 2

More Book Challenges

There are several more book challenges that have really appealed to me. Here is a summary and what I hope to accomplish in 2012. It will definitely be a "reading" year!

________________________________________

5. Read Canadian Award Winners

I would like to be a "Can-Lit Lover" and so I will be reading one book from each of the five award lists (check the website for all the lists)

I’ve been trying to incorporate more Canadian writing into my 2012 reading list so I’ve decided to spotlight winners of Canadian literary prize.
I’ve chosen what I think are the most heralded of Canadian book honours: the Governor-General’s Award for Literature and the Giller Prize. Because the Giller hasn’t been around all that long, I’ve added in the prestigious Canadian Authors’ Association Literary Award. I’ve picked the main fiction category in all of those.
In addition, the Amazon.ca (formerly Books in Canada) First Novel Award is widely-known and, over the years, has brought to the forefront many who have become major players in Canadian literature.
Finally, I can’t host this challenge and not promote my adopted home, Nova Scotia, so I’m also drawing attention to the Atlantic Book Awards’ Thomas Head Raddall Atlantic Fiction Prize.
Here’s the scoop on the ways you can enter:

Toe-dipper: one book from the list of award winners of each of “main” prizes: the Governor-General’s Award, the Giller Prize, and the CAA Prize. (Total 3 books)

Chance-taker: one book from each of the “main” lists plus one from the Amazon.ca First Novel Award winners. (Total 4 books)

Bluenoser: One book from each of the “main” lists plus one from the Atlantic Book Award winners. (Total 4 books)

CanLit Lover: one book from each of the five lists. (Total 5 books)
Here’s a list of the prize winners:

Governor-General’s Award for Literature

Canadian Authors Association Award for Fiction

Giller Prize

Amazon.ca First Novel Award

Thomas Head Raddall Atlantic Fiction Prize

Be sure to check here for more information.

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6. Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2012

I thoroughly enjoy a good mystery. I have read all of Sue Grafton books (except for the last which I am sure is under the tree!), most of Kathy Reichs and am just beginning reading Louise Penny's.

I am choosing the first level and so plan to read 12 books for the year - one a month.

Welcome to the Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2012! I didn't do very well this year (again!) even though it is my own challenge, but I hope to do better this in 2012. However, it seems many of you did very well, so congratulations for completing the challenge. For those of you who were more like me, here's your chance to beat this challenge!
Challenge Details
• Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012
• Rules: There are TWO LEVELS you can choose from:- Read TWELVE (12) mystery & suspense novels in 2012 - Read TWENTY FOUR (24) mystery & suspense novels in 2012
• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.
• You can join at anytime. All books read in 2012 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.
• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews.
• Audiobooks do not count, but all other formats are accepted.
• This challenge can crossover to other challenges.
• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to add your reviews.
• You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog justFILL IN THIS FORM and I will add you to the list - just join the discussion in the comments section to let us know when you've read a book and what you thought of it! :)
• You can choose from the numerous sub-genres of mystery and suspense, from cosy mysteries such as Agatha Christie to the more hard-boiled kind like V I Warshawski by Sara Paretsky, or romantic suspense written by the likes of Linda Howard, forensic crime such as those written by Kathy Reichs and even paranormal/supernatural suspense such as Kelley Armstrong. I'm sure this challenge will have something for everyone! :)
To help you figure out and decide, I have updated a sub-genre list - to view this list go HERE.

For more information and to sign-up, please see this post.

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7. Illustrated Year 2012 in Picture Books

As a teacher I am always on the lookout for good picture books that can inspire children to write and to think. This challenge is a natural fit.

I plan to select Level 3 and read 24 picture books during the year.

A few of us participated in my picture book reading challenge during 2011. I had a fun time with it and wanted to give it another try. I love picture books, and was collecting them long before I became an elementary librarian. Sometimes it's the story, sometimes the illustrations, and a lot of the time it's the fun of reading them out loud to kids that makes picture books so enjoyable. I thought it would be fun to create a reading challenge for this shorter, though just as entertaining, genre. Picture books are a great way to share stories and the experience of reading with children. If you're reading the books with kids, I encourage you to add their opinion of the books as well! I love the way the family at Bookie Woogie reviews books. That being said, not all picture books are for children. Picture books for older audiences are also welcome.
I will be using the thumbnail inLinkz form for participants to link their monthly reviews to. This way we can see the books you've reviewed!

To Sign Up

· IF YOU BLOG: Please make a post on your blog about participating in the challenge. Then use the URL for your CHALLENGE POST when signing up using the inLinkz below. IF YOU DO NOT BLOG: Please link to your GoodReads, Library Thing, or similar profile.
· You must add the button to your sidebar - make sure that it links back to this post so others can join the challenge if they wish. Just copy and past the code displayed below!

The Details
· Timeline: January 1, 2012- December 31, 2012
· Select your level:
Level 1 - Read 12 picture books
Level 2 - Read 16 picture books
Level 3 - Read 24 picture books
· You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. If you do list your books in the beginning, you can always change them later on.
· Crossovers with other challenges count.
· Digital books count
· Re-reads count as long as you read them in 2012 and you post a new review for the book.
· You can join anytime

Be sure to check the post here for more information.

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8. Young Adult Reading Challenge

There are so many good young adult novels and I do read these for my class. Another good fit.

I am aiming for the first level - 12 books for the year. (I hope to read more though.

Challenge 2012 Young Adult Reading Challenge

January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
The Rules:
Anyone can join.
You don't need a blog to participate.
Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post on Jamie's blog.
Audio, eBooks, paper, re-reads all count.
No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
There are four levels:
The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
The "Fun Size" YA Reading Challenge – Read 20 Young Adult novels.
The Jumbo Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 40 Young Adult novels.
The Mega size YA Reading Challenge – Read 50+ Young Adult novels.

For more information and to sign-up, please see this post.

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I know, I know - it does seem like a lot of reading and a lot of challenges. But this past year, I really did miss reading. I did not read what I had hoped. The "Off the Shelf" challenge will provide a lot of the titles for the other challenges - so there will be overlap.

Check out here for a great overview of hundreds of book challenges.

Exciting Book Challenges

Book Challenges for 2012

While visiting a new blog, I rediscovered book challenges. I had signed up last year but life (and especially school) interrupted the direction of my reading. I still read, but needed different books.

There are so many book challenges this year and I am eager to take part in several of them. One in particular (Off the Shelf) will help me clear my shelf of many books that are just gathering dust!

My biggest weakness is books. I have well over 1000 here at home and an equal number at school. Every time we enter Costgo, I vow I will not buy another book. I usually end up with 2!

I keep lists of books I want to read and love getting recommendations. I always have several books on the go.

Here are the challenges I am joining in on. (I will probably post over several days or this post will be way too long!)

What I especially like about these are that they're supportive of what you do accomplish. I hope in the end that I have read many different genres and that my shelves have room for new books!

(The descriptions of the challenges come from the actual posts)

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1. Off the Shelf:

My goal is to read 15 books (Trying level). I will be able to use many of these books I hope with other challenges. The goal though is to clear my shelf!!

Off the Shelf 2012 Reading Challenge (Jan.1- Dec.31, 20012)

This is the second year running for Off The Shelf!, with last year being an overwhelming success (over 300 participants), and we hope this year it does just as well!

There are some differences this time, thanks to a new year, new place, and some experience. Have a read below, if you have any questions ask away, and the most important part of it is to have fun!
What It’s All About
Do you love books? Do you love them so much your to be read list seems to keep growing, and growing, and growing? Is space on your bookshelf taken up with unread books? Is your eBook library burgeoning with unread stories? We’ve been there at BA and we still are!

This challenge is to read those books you own a copy of, print, digital, and audio, you have been meaning to read, but never gotten to. If you don’t own enough books for the challenge you can read your TBR list instead. And no, you do not need to get rid of your books afterwards, that’s completely your choice, this challenge is only to read them.

The Deets
The Main Rule: Do not include books acquired during 2012, it defeats the purpose, read those books from before 2012 started!
Running Dates: 1st of January – 31st of December 2012
When Can I Sign Up: All the way up to the last two weeks of December!
Crossover Genres: Anything! The name of the game is to turn those unread books into read ones.
Mr Linky: To use the Mr Linky you’ll need to click on the graphic then enter your link. These will be updated and posted into this page every couple of weeks or so.
Further Details: Crossover challenges are fine, you can change levels at any time, this is eBook, short story, and graphic novel friendly, and you don’t need a blog to join in (read further for details).
The How To
Choose Your Level:These are listed further down and you can change levels at any time.
Grab The Badge: Place it somewhere on your blog, profile, or in a signature where possible and link back (main page or this page, it’s up to you).
Sign Up Post: Create a post on your blog, in a group, or on a forum (only if allowed) to let others see what you’re aiming for (a predefined list of books is optional).
Link Up: Grab the direct URL to your sign up post, not your blog, click the Mr Linky graphic and enter your link!
Blogless? Don’t worry, you can sign up with your social network profile (YouTube, Twitter, GoodReads, Shelfari included), just make sure you link to your review list, shelf, tweet, or category. If you don’t have any of those feel free to comment!
Afterwards
Your Reviews: Reviewing is optional! But if you do review we’d love for you to share them by submitting them on the Review Page (including social networks).
Finished: When you’re done it’s completion post time and you can share these on the Completion Post page!
Challenge Levels
Tempted– Choose 5 books to read
Trying – Choose 15 books to read
Making A Dint – Choose 30 books to read
On A Roll – Choose 50 books to read
Flying Off – Choose 75 books to read
Hoarder – Choose between 76-135 books to read
Buried – Choose between 136-200 books to read
For more information and to sign-up, please check this post.

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2. Non-Fiction Non-Memoir

I want to read more non-fiction this year and already have a number of books I want to read (including the Steve Jobs' biography)
This may be the only way I will achieve a Master's degree (lol), so I am aiming high on this one!

Non-Fiction Non-Memoir Reading Challenge

I've decided to host a challenge to motivate myself and others to read more nonfiction. To make it more of a challenge, the Non-Fiction Non-Memoir Reading Challenge will exclude memoirs, which seem to be the most read type of nonfiction among the book blogs I follow. Instead, we'll focus on learning about a variety of different topics and discovering new facts. The challenge will run from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012.
What Counts:
- Books can be any format (bound, ebook, audio) but must be written for adults or young adults.
- Books can cover many different topics, including science, technology, religion, sociology, business, biography, politics, economics, history, food, art/design, etc.- How-to, self-help and travel books are permitted, as long as you actual read them cover to cover, and don't just use them as a reference.
- Crossovers with other challenges are permitted.


What Does Not Count:
- Reference books, cookbooks and instruction manuals that are not meant to be read cover to cover
- Essays and articles
- How-to, self-help or travel books that are not read cover to cover
- Memoirs, journals and autobiographies
- Books written for children
- Re-reads don't count since the point is to learn something new


Levels:
Elementary - 5 nonfiction books
Diploma - 10 nonfiction books
Bachelor's Degree - 15 nonfiction books
Master's Degree - 25 nonfiction books



Details:- Write a starting post that states which level you will be working toward, including a link back to this post. You can include a list of books, but it is not required. Link to your post in the Linky below.- If you don't have a blog, leave your information in the comments on this post.- Reviews are not required, but I will have a post set up where you can link up to your reviews throughout the year.- There will be quarterly update posts to which you can link up, and at least one giveaway at the end of the year. I may host others throughout the year as well. [Note to authors: I'll gladly accept your nonfiction books as giveaways.]- A wrap-up post at the end of the year will be required to be considered for the final giveaway. If you don't have a blog, you'll need to comment on the wrap-up post with your accomplishments.- You can sign up for this challenge through November 30, 2012.This is my first time hosting a year-long challenge so please let me know if you have any suggestions or questions! And here's a button to grab for your sidebar.






For more information and to sign-up, please check post here.




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3. Book 2 Movie Reading Challenge

I love the idea of this challenge. Most of the time I read the book before I watch the movie.
Here are my choices so far:
1. Movie is more famous than the book: "Time Traveller's Wife"
2. to a TV series: "Jane Eyre"
3. Main characters are animals: "Silverwing" by Ken Oppel
4. with favourite actress: "Julie and Julia"
5. book classic made into a movie after 1990 : "Emma"
6. book written for the movie: "I am Number 4"
7. from an author not of your home country: ?
8. about love and you'll probably cry: ?
9. social issue: "The Help"
10. story from over a 100 years ago: "The Pillars of the Earth"
11. playing in Asia/Africa or future: "Memoirs of a Geisha"
12. movie coming out in 2012: "The Hunger Games"






The goal for this challenge is to read a book/ watch a movie in each of the 12 categories, which are further down, during the year of 2012 (01.01.2012 – 31.12.2012) + 1 bonus category, if someone can’t find a book in one of the 12 categories..
This means: 12 books + movies in 12 months, as a result 1 book/ 1 movie per month. (Book can be read/ movie can already been watched – but just one of each)
You want to join?:Then please write me an e-mail to: martina.bookaholic@gmx.net with your book choices with the category #number and your blog address and the name, which I should use in this post.

Check this post for more information.


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4. Memorable Memoirs
I love memoirs and this challenge looks perfect.
I am aiming for: the Autobiographer level.

The 2012 Memorable Memoirs Reading Challenge (Jan.1-Dec. 31. 2012)

It's back again for the 3rd year! If you love memoirs or if you simply want to add more memoirs into your reading life, then the 2012 Memorable Memoirs Reading Challenge is for you!

What Counts as A Memoir?I know there's a difference between memoir and autobiography, but for this challenge, we're going to define memoir as a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of them and based on personal observation.

Published letters, diaries, journals, autobiographies, nonfiction books on the craft of writing memoirs ... in my book, they all count as Memorable Memoirs for this challenge. (Generally, biographies don't, but I could always be convinced.)

The Rules:Books, e-books, audiobooks, ARCs, NetGalley books are allowed.

Overlaps with other challenges are also allowed.

Re-reads are allowed.No need to create a list of books in advance (but if you want to, please feel free!)

You don't need a blog to participate.

You must select a level. You can increase your level, but you can't go back down.

The Dates:January 1 - December 31, 2012. You can sign up anytime between now and throughout 2012.

The Levels (new this year!)

Diarist: read 1-4 memoirs

Autobiographer: read 5-9 memoirs

Memoirist: read 10+ memoirs.

For more information and to sign-up please see this post.

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Check here for a huge overview of hundreds of book challenges. It is a fantastic resource.