2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE

This challenge is being hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog. (click host title for sign up)

1. 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. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.

2. There are four levels:

--The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
--Just My Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 25 Young Adult novels.
--Stepping It Up YA Reading Challenge – Read 50 Young Adult novels.
--Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels.

3. Audio, eBooks, re-reads all count.

4. 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.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

I'm starting with The Mini YA Reading Challenge:

1.  Winter's End--Jean-Claude Mourlevat Completed
2.  Hush, Hush--Becca Fitzpatrick
3.  Violet Wings--Victoria Hanley
4.  Never Slow Dance With A Zombie--E. Van Lowe
5.  Graceling--Kristin Cashore
6.  The Graveyard Book--Neil Gaiman
7.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows--J. K. Rowling
8.  Eclipse--Stephenie Meyer Completed
9.  Marked--P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
10. The Summoning--Kelley Armstrong
11. Wake--Lisa McMann
12. The Vampire Diaries (2 book omnibus)--L.J. Smith
13. Angel Star--Jennifer Murgia Completed
The Mark--Jen Nadol
Vampire Academy--Richelle Mead

The Art History Reading Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE

This challenge is being hosted by Sarah (dedicated blog The Art History Reading Challenge).

Do you love art? Do you love reading about art? Join The Art History Reading Challenge and challenge yourself to read at least 3 books about art in 2010. These books can be either fiction or nonfiction, and they can span every genre from historical fiction to graphic novel. Young adult and children's books count too. The challenge will last from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

How much art needs to be in a book to qualify? Use your best judgment! I've read books I thought would be about art, and they weren't. I've read books I had no idea were about art, but they were. Relax, have fun and enjoy reading!

You can make your list in advance if you'd like, or you can read according to your whims. You may overlap your selections with those for other challenges.

This year there will be four levels of participation:

• Curious - Read at least 3 books about art, either fiction or non-fiction.
• Fascinated - Read at least 6 books about art, either fiction or non-fiction.
• Enamored- Read at least 9 books about art, either fiction or non-fiction.
• Utterly enchanted - Read at least 12 books about art, either fiction or non-fiction.

I'm going to participate at the Curious level--at least 3 books.

My list:

2 more from this list possibly:
Arcadia Falls--Carol Goodman
The Passion of Artemisia--Susan Vreeland
The Lady and the Unicorn--Tracy Chevalier
Stone Virgin--Barry Unsworth

The O.A.T.E.S. Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE

This challenge is being hosted by Hey Lady! Whatch Readin'?

Here it is laid out to make it easier for you to see:

O – Joyce Carol Oates
A – Margaret Atwood
T – Leo Tolstoy
E – Ernest Hemingway
S – John Steinbeck

I’m nothing if not a fan of changing things up, so if there’s a literary author on par with any author already on this list, and their last name begins with A, T, E, or S (come on, this is the O.A.T.E.S. challenge, you can’t substitute anything for Joyce!), then you can substitute that author in. For example, if you wanted to substitute George Eliot for Ernest Hemingway, you could. Or if you wanted to substitute Mark Twain for Leo Tolstoy, you could and I would probably even encourage you in that! Because I think Tolstoy’s shortest book (not including short stories, because duh, those are short) is a million pages.

Here’s the rules/details:

• The challenge goes from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010.
• Anyone can participate! You do not need a blog!
• Challenge books can overlap with other challenges.
• You do not need to pick your books in advance.
• You can change levels mid-challenge!

Levels:

• Instant OATES – 1 book
• Old Fashioned OATES – 2 books
• Rolled OATES – 3 books
• Steel Cut OATES – 4 books
• Whole OATES – 5+ books

So...I'm going to do the instant OATES to start out...one book from each author. 
UPDATE: I'm not sure if instant OATES meant 1 book from each author or just 1 book from one of the authors so I'm going to do 1 book from 1 of the authors.

Here are my authors:

O -- Joyce Carol Oates
A -- Margaret Atwood
T -- Rose Tremain
E -- Umberto Eco
S -- Sigrid Undset


Subject to change:

1. My Heart Laid Bare--Joyce Carol Oates
2. The Handmaid's Tale--Margaret Atwood
3. Restoration--Rose Tremain
4. The Name of the Rose--Umberto Eco
5. The Master of Hestviken--Sigrid Undset

Pages Read Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATED

This challenge is being hosted by Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic.

The rules are easy:

1) Pick a number of pages you'll be attempting to read in 2010. It doesn't matter whether your goal is 10,000 or 100,000. You can always up your number as we go along, so you don't need to go all up high with your page count.

2) Write a blog post about it in which you will keep track of your page count.

3) Comment here with your goal number and a link to your blog post (if you have a blog - otherwise, just leave a comment with your name and the goal number). I'll then add you to the list of participants below.

4) The challenge starts January 1, 2010 and ends December 31, 2010. Only pages read after the new year has begun count in for the challenge, but any and every page you read counts for this challenge. I don't care about re-reads, overlaps with other challenges, or e-books! Just count the pages you read, no matter what type of book you're reading :-) See, it's a really easy challenge!

5) As usual: Have fun!

I'm starting out with a goal of 30,000 pages.  I may increase that as the year goes along...we'll see!

Current total:  8537 pages

The Lovely Bones--Alice Sebold (328 pages)
Winter's End--Jean-Claude Mourlevat (415 pages)
Zodicat Speaks--Doctor Zodicat (51 pages)
The Aelf Club: Unity--Stuart Brooke Richardson (310 pages)
Shutter Island--Dennis Lehane (325 pages)
The Necessary Cat--Nicola Bayley (74 pages)
The Silent Governess--Julie Klassen (301 pages)
The Poetry of Cats (96 pages)
Fragile--Chris Katsaropoulos (212 pages)
Hush--Kate White (341 pages)
The Dark Divine--Bree Despain (372 pages)
Shadow Hills--Anastasia Hopcus (400 pages)
Anastasia's Secret--Susanne Dunlap (320 pages)
The Little Stranger--Sarah Waters (463 pages)
The Mark--Jen Nadol (228 pages)
Cardboard--Fiona Place (372 pages)
Live a Life You Love--Dr. Susan Biali (208 pages)
A Vintage Affair--Isabel Wolff (368 pages)
Eclipse--Stephenie Meyer (629 pages)
Angel Star--Jennifer Murgia (251 pages)
Virgin and the Crab--Robert Parry (480 pages)
The International Kittens of Mystery!--Chris Dolley (90 pages)
The Wives of Henry Oades--Johanna Moran (367 pages)
Sense and Sensibility--Jane Austen (367 pages)
The Lace Reader--Brunonia Barry (385 pages)
Arcadia Falls--Carol Goodman (384 pages)
Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show--Frank Delaney (400 pages)

100+ Reading Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATED

This challenge is being hosted by J. Kaye's Book Blog.

1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible.

3. 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.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Books started before the 1st do not count.

1.  The Lovely Bones--Alice Sebold  COMPLETED
2.  Winter's End--Jean-Claude Mourlevat  COMPLETED
3.  The Aelf Club-Unity--Stuart Brooke Richardson  COMPLETED
4.  Zodicat Speaks--Doctor Zodicat  COMPLETED
5.  Shutter Island--Dennis Lehane  COMPLETED
6.  The Necessary Cat--Nicola Bayley COMPLETED
7.  The Tale of the Body Thief--Anne Rice COMPLETED
8.  The Silent Governess--Julie Klassen COMPLETED
9.  The Poetry of Cats COMPLETED
10. Shadow Hills--Anastasia Hopcus COMPLETED
11. Hush--Kate White COMPLETED
12. Fragile--Chris Katsaropoulos COMPLETED
13. The Dark Divine--Bree Despain COMPLETED
14. The Hunger Games--Suzanne Collins COMPLETED
15. The Little Stranger--Sarah Waters COMPLETED
16. The Mark--Jen Nadol COMPLETED
17. Queen of the Damned--Anne Rice COMPLETED
18. Cardboard--Fiona Place COMPLETED
19. Live a Life You Love--Dr. Susan Biali COMPLETED
20. A Vintage Affair--Isabel Wolff COMPLETED
21. Eclipse--Stephenie Meyer COMPLETED
22. Angel Star--Jennifer Murgia COMPLETED
23. Virgin and the Crab--Robert Parry COMPLETED
24. International Kittens of Mystery!--Chris Dolley COMPLETED
25. The Wives of Henry Oades--Johanna Moran COMPLETED
26. Sense and Sensibility--Jane Austen COMPLETED
27. The Lace Reader--Brunonia Barry COMPLETED
28. Arcadia Falls--Carol Goodman COMPLETED
29. Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show--Frank Delaney COMPLETED
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New Authors Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATED

This challenge is being hosted by Literary Escapism.

The idea behind this is to find new authors that you’ve never tried before. They can be in your genre of choice or be brave and try something new. You never know what you’re going to like until you try it. If you’re looking for some suggestions, you can check out the Author page here at Literary Escapism or the 2009 Challenge page. With over 1000 reviews posted, I’m sure there will be something there for everyone.

Here are the guidelines:

1.The challenge will run from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010.

2.Since this is an author challenge, there is no restriction on choosing your novels. They can definitely be from other challenges. However, the authors must be new to you and, preferably from novels. Anthologies are a great way to try someone new, but only a third of your new authors can be from anthologies.

3.I want this to be an easy challenge, so you can pick to do either 15, 25 or 50 new authors. It all depends on how fast you read and how adventurous you want to be. For me, I’m trying another 50 new authors. If you reach your goal halfway through the year, don’t stop. Any new author you try can be added to Mr. Linky. We all want to know about your new experience.

4.After reading your new author, write your review and then come back here and add your link to Mr. Linky. Make sure you include your name and the author, but adding the title is completely up to you.

5.Bloggers or Non-Bloggers alike are welcome

Once you reach your goal, you don’t have to stop. Any new author you try, go ahead and head back here and add it to the list. Introduce us all to whoever you find. Afterall, there’s no reason to stop trying new authors, right?

I'm going to start out at 25 new authors:

1.  The Lovely Bones--Alice Sebold
2.  The Aelf Club: Unity--Stuart Brooke Richardson 
3.  The Silent Governess--Julie Klassen
4.  Shadow Hills--Anastasia Hopcus
5.  Hush--Kate White
6.  Fragile--Chris Katsaropoulos
7.  The Hunger Games--Suzanne Collins
8.  The Dark Divine--Bree Despain
9. The Little Stranger--Sarah Waters
10. The Mark--Jen Nadol
11. Live a Life You Love--Dr. Susan Biali, M.D.
12. Cardboard--Fiona Place
13. Anastasia's Secret--Susanne Dunlap
14. A Vintage Affair--Isabel Wolff
15. International Kittens of Mystery!--Chris Dolley
16. Angel Star--Jennifer Murgia
17. Virgin and the Crab--Robert Parry
18. The Lace Reader--Brunonia Barry
19. The Wives of Henry Oades--Johanna Moran
20. Arcadia Falls--Carol Goodman
21. Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show--Frank Delaney
24.
25.

2010 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE

This challenge is being hosted by Jennifer at Reading with Tequila. (For the complete list, click Jennifer's blog link)

Book bloggers are my favorite source of book recommendations. More than any other source, they consistently introduce me to books and authors that impact my life. Therefore, I have created the Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge.

The Levels:

Level I - Read 5 books from the 2009 Book Blogger Recommendation List
Level II - Read 10 books
Level III - Read 15 books
Level IV - Read 20 books
Level V - Read 20+ books

The Rules:

•Challenge will run January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. Participants can join anytime throughout the challenge.
•Create an intro post, linking back to this post.
•Sign up with the MckLinky below. Please link to your challenge intro post, not your blog home page.
•Chose your own books from the list. You can decide to read books only on the Top 25 list or from the entire recommendation list. You do not have to make a list of books before the challenge begins.
•All forms of books acceptable (audiobooks, eBooks, etc.)
•Rereads do not count towards the completion of the challenge. The challenge is about discovering books that are new to you.
•You don't need a blog to participate.
•Reviews, while always appreciated, are not mandatory.

I am going for the gusto and doing Level V--read 20+books and I'm choosing books from the full list of 234 books.
Update: going to have to drop down to Level I--5 books

1.  Hush, Hush--Becca Fitzpatrick
2.  Outlander--Diana Gabaldon
3.  Pride and Prejudice--Jane Austen
4.  A Wrinkle in Time--Madeleine L'Engle
5.  Eclipse--Stephenie Meyer COMPLETED
6.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows--J.K. Rowling

Countdown Challenge 2010

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE: FAILED challenge

Okay, I'm officially crazy....another challenge! I just couldn't resist.  I've been seeing this one around the book blogosphere and it's just so listy! It speaks to my inner organizational self (way inner...I'm talking buried deep inside the outer layers of procrastinator self!).



1.The goal of this challenge is to read the number of books first published in a given year that corresponds to the last digit of each year in the 2000s — 10 books from 2010, 9 books from 2009, 8 books from 2008, etc. The total number of books required, therefore, is 55.



2.This challenge lasts from 9/9/09 through 10/10/10.



3.Crossovers with other challenges are allowed and your lists may change at any time.



Click here to go to the site and sign up/link with Mr. Linky.





I'm not going to completely fill in the list now.  I'll have to come back to it.  And the 2010 books I know will be filled in mostly by ARCs!



MY LIST OF BOOKS--EITHER TO READ OR COMPLETED AFTER 9/9/09



2010

1. The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen--completed
2. Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus--completed
3. Hush by Kate White--completed
4. The Mark by Jen Nadol--completed
5. Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show by Frank Delaney
6. The Queen's Pawn by Christy English
7. Cardboard by Fiona Place--completed
8. Anastasia's Secret by Susanne Dunlap--completed
9. Live a Life You Love by Dr. Susan Biali--completed
10. A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff--completed

2009

1. 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs--completed
2. Arch Enemy by Frank Beddor--completed
3. The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans--completed
4. Matchless by Gregory Maguire--completed
5. Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
6. Virgin and the Crab by Robert Parry--completed
7. Drood by Dan Simmons
8. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
9. Her Mother's Daughter by Julianne Lee

2008

1. The Other Queen by Phillipa Gregory
2. The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins completed
4. ???
5. ???
6. ???
7. ???
8. ???

2007

1. Seeing Redd by Frank Beddor--completed
2. The Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
3. The Terror by Dan Simmons
4. New England White by Stephen L. Carter
5. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer--completed
6. ???
7. ???

2006

1. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer-completed
2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy-completed
3. Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir
4. Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Vanora Bennett
5. The Pale Blue Eye by Louis Bayard
6. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

2005

1. The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks
2. ???
3. ???
4. ???
5. ???

2004

1. Lucrezia Borgia by John Faunce
2. ???
3. ???
4. ???

2003

1. The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier
2. ???
3. ???

2002

1. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold--completed
2. The Passion of Artemesia by Susan Vreeland

2001

1. ???

Celebrate the Author Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE: FAILED challenge.

This challenge is being hosted by Becky at Becky's Book Reviews.

12 Books, 12 Months
January - December 2010

The Guidelines:

The challenge is designed to “celebrate” author birthdays. Choose one author for each month of the year. Read at least one book a month. 12 authors. 12 birthdays. If you like, you can read MORE than that. Read the books IN ANY ORDER YOU LIKE. As long as you've got one book representing an author birthday from each month of the year by the end, then you're good.

You can choose picture books, poetry books, early readers, chapter books, fiction for middle grades, fiction for teens, adult reads, nonfiction, whatever you want.

The challenge is designed to ‘celebrate’ the special bond–the connection–that occurs between the author AND the reader as well as the connection between readers. It is very easy to “bond” with other readers over certain works, certain authors, etc. 

No lists are necessary. You can make a list if you like. But you *don't* have to make a list and stick to it.

Sign up by leaving a comment over at the challenge post.

Becky has some links to sites that will help you find author birthdays (click on her blog title above to go to challenge post).

If you'd like other participants to keep track of your progress, then I'd suggest having one post on your blog where you keep an as-you-go list.

January birthday

Lewis Carroll--Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

February birthday

James A. Michener--???

March birthday

Christopher Rice--A Density of Souls

April birthday

Dan Simmons--The Terror

May birthday

Peter Carey--The History of the Kelly Gang

June birthday

Joyce Carol Oates--???

July birthday

Iris Murdoch--The Bell

August birthday

Iain Pears--The Instance of the Fingerpost

September birthday

Stephen King--Under the Dome

October birthday

Anne Rice--Angel Time

November birthday

Guy Gavriel Kay--A Song for Arbonne

December birthday

Shirley Jackson--The Haunting of Hill House

Read Your Name Challenge 2010

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE:  FAILED challenge.  Will only be able to get to one book for this one.

The Read Your Name Challenge is being hosted by Victoria at Phantom Inkheart.

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name.

The challenge guidelines:

1.  Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.) Such as my name: Victoria. the first book's title would start with the letter V, then the next book title begins with I, etc. Make sense? (I hope so!) :p

2.  Come back here every month if you wish, and leave your link in the Mr. Linky that will be up containing the link to your challenge page containing the books you've read or each review you've written for books that count for this challenge. (Crossovers with other challenges are okay.) I will make a new post for this during the first week of every month.

3.  The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2010, to Dec. 31st 2010. You may join at any time.

4.  Last but not least, be sure to sign up using Mister Linky Below! & Leave a comment with what name you're going to use, and the name itself of course! Oh, and don't forget to link back to the challenge from your blog to show you're participating! (If Mr. Linky does not appear to be working, then please just leave a comment with your info!)
 
Mansfield Park--Jane Austen
Innocent Traitor--Alison Weir
Cleopatra's Daughter--Michelle Moran
Hush, Hush--Becca Fitzpatrick
Ella Enchanted--Gail Carson Levine
Lucrezia Borgia--John Faunce$
Last of the Amazons--Steven Pressfield
Echos from the Macabre--Daphne Du Maurier
 

ARC Reading Challenge 2010

UPDATE: CHALLENGE COMPLETE!

This challenge is being hosted by Teddy Rose at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time.

From Teddy Rose:

I use the term "ARC" loosely,any book a publisher or author gives you with the expectation that you review it, counts for this challenge.

Please note that there are some changes, so please read the rules!

Here are the rules:

1. To sign up, leave a direct link to your blog post about this challenge that includes your list from rule #2, using Mr. Linky below. Please leave a comment as well.

2. List all of the ARC's that you have to read right now. Then throughout the year, you must continue updating that list as you receive more ARC's. (This is important). You should also strike out the ones that you finish.

3. The Levels

Level Bronze: .a. All of us who have or will have less than 12 ARC's must read all of the ARC's we have. Note, that if you have 11 ARC's and then receive a 12th one you will be bumped up to catagory b.

b. All of us who have or will have more than 12 ARC's must read and review 12.

Level Silver: Read 24 ARC's

Level Gold: Read 25 or more ARC's

4. You don't have to make a list of which ARC's you plan to read, but you can if you want.

If you choose a lower level, you can always change it to a higher level if you like. However, you cannot go from a higher level back down to a lower level.

5. Crossovers with other challenges are allowed and Audio-books are allowed as long as they are ARC's.

6. Read the books and review them on your blog. If you don't have a blog, you can post your review on sites like Powells, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.

7. Please subscribe to my blog, as I will be doing a monthly post with MR Linky. Please add your reviews for each month in MR Linky in the monthly post. For your Name, please use this format Name: (Your Name, Book Title and Author's Name) for example: (Teddy, Obsessive Reading by Helen Reader). Please be sure to use the direct link to your review, not just to your blog. Then please leave a comment.

8. Enjoy!

My List:

Bronze level, category b--read and review 12 ARCs:

1.  Winter's End--Jean-Claude Mourlevat 
2.  Fragile--Chris Katsaropoulos
3.  The Silent Governess--Kathleen Klassan
4.  The Aelf Club-Unity--Stuart Brooke Richardson
5.  Hush--Kate White
6.  Shadow Hills--Anastasia Hopcus
7.  The Mark--Jen Nadol
8.  Cardboard--Fiona Place
9.  Live a Life You Love--Dr. Susan Biali, M.D.
10. A Vintage Affair--Isabel Wolff
11. Virgin and The Crab--Robert Parry
12. Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show--Frank Delaney

Women Unbound Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE

WOMEN UNBOUND:  A Reading Challenge (sign up at the dedicated blog by kicking this title)

The challenge runs from November 2009-November 2010, but you may join in the fun whenever you wish! Participants are encouraged to read nonfiction and fiction books related to the rather broad idea of ‘women’s studies.’ The definition according to Merriam-Webster:

the multidisciplinary study of the social status and societal contributions of women and the relationship between power and gender.

For nonfiction, this would include books on feminism, history books focused on women, biographies of women, memoirs (or travelogues) by women, essays by women and cultural books focused on women (body image, motherhood, etc.). The topics I’ve listed aren’t mean to be exhaustive; if you come across a nonfiction book whose subject is female-related, it counts! Of course, if you’re not sure you can always ask about it in a comment. And if you need some ideas for specific books, check out the ‘Reading Lists’ page.

It’s trickier to say what is applicable as fiction. Obviously, any classic fiction written by a feminist is applicable. But where do we go from there? To speak generally, if the book takes a thoughtful look at the place of women in society, it will probably count. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to explain in your review why you chose this for the challenge and its connection to women’s studies. Once again, if you need some specific ideas, check out the ‘Reading Lists’ page.

One quick note about author gender. There isn’t a rule if a book’s written by a woman it counts and if by a man it doesn’t count. I firmly believe that men can be feminists and that not all women are feminists. As long as the book adheres to the definition of women’s studies I’ve shared above, it counts.

Interested in participating? Great! There are three levels you can choose as a reader:

Philogynist: read at least two books, including at least one nonfiction one.
Bluestocking: read at least five books, including at least two nonfiction ones.
Suffragette: read at least eight books, including at least three nonfiction ones.
 
WOMEN UNBOUND Start of Challenge Meme:
 
1. What does feminism mean to you? Does it have to do with the work sphere? The social sphere? How you dress? How you act?
 
I think feminism is a state of mind.  I was raised by parents that always told me that I could do or be whatever I wanted...no gender specifics or stereotyping.  I feel that feminism is displayed by a woman who is not afraid to be herself and who has a mind of her own. 
 
2. Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why or why not?
 
Yes...I believe that women are just as smart as men.  We can do anything a man can do.  I'm not in a profession that is traditionally male myself, but I feel I am a feminist in my beliefs and in my quest to teach my sons to respect women as equals, not as the weaker sex.
 
3. What do you consider the biggest obstacle women face in the world today? Has that obstacle changed over time, or does it basically remain the same?
 
I still think that we have a "glass ceiling" problem in this world.  I think it has gotten better in the last 20 years or so, but it's still a problem.  This problem is a direct result of some men believing that women are the weaker sex, that we cannot and will not be as ruthless as a man in business.  Also, that some men believe that women cannot and should not be promoted/make as much money as their male counterparts because, as mothers, we don't have the determination to put in the time and work required.  I disagree.
 
I am participating in this challenge at the Bluestocking Level:
Update: I have to move down to the Philogynist level...at least two books.
 
1.  Orlando--Virginia Woolf
2.  A Room of One's Own--Virginia Woolf (non-fiction)
3.  Arcadia Falls--Carol Goodman
4.  Where I've Been and Where I'm Going--Joyce Carol Oates (non-fiction)
 

The Colorful Reading Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE: Another challenge FAIL.  Have not read one book yet and can't do it before the end of the year. *sob*

This challenge is being hosted by Rebecca at Lost in Books. (click Rebecca's blog title for sign up)

Read 9 books with 9 different colors in the title.

Here's my list:

Silver  The Silver Chalice--Thomas B. Costain
Rose  Rose without a Thorn--Jean Plaidy
Violet  Violet Wings--Victoria Hanley
Crimson  The Crimson Petal and the White--Michel Faber
Blue  The Pale Blue Eye--Louis Bayard
White  New England White--Stephen L. Carter
Scarlet  Scarlet Women--J. D. Christilian
Black  Paint It Black--Janet Fitch
Green  Anne of Green Gables--Lucy Maud Montgomery

Monthly Mixer Mele

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE: Challenge FAIL.  Cannot finish by November 2.

This challenge is being hosted by Jen's Book Talk. (sign up by clicking the host blog title)

Challenge details:

All you have to do is read a book that begins with a letter of each month or read a book that begins with the authors name (first or last name, doesn’t matter).

There are 74 letters so you will have to have 74 different books to complete the challenge. Books can however be used to complete other challenges.

You don’t have to do the months in any kind of order, just fill in books as you go along until you have each letter a book by it.

Challenge begins November 1, 2009 and ends November 2, 2010 so you have a whole year to complete! Lets break out them books and get busy!

New Moon--Stephenie Meyer Completed
O
Virgin and the Crab--Robert Parry Completed
Eclipse--Stephenie Meyer Completed
Matchless--Gregory Maguire Completed
B
E
Random Magic--Sasha Soren Completed

D
E
Cardboard--Fiona Place Completed
E
M
B
E
R

J
Anastasia's Secret--Susanne Dunlap Completed
N
U
A Vintage Affair--Isabel Wolff  Completed
R
Y

Fragile--Chris Katsaropoulos Completed
E
B
R
U
Angel Star--Jennifer Murgia Completed
R
Y

M
A
R
C
Hush--Kate White Completed

A
P
R
I
Live the Life You Love--Dr. Susan Biali Completed

M
A
Y

J
U
N
E

J
U
L
Y

A
U
G
U
Shadow Hills--Anastasia Hopcus Completed
The Christmas List--Richard Paul Evans Completed

Shutter Island--Dennis Lehane Completed
E
P
The Lovely Bones--Alice Sebold Completed
E
M
B
E
R

O
C
The Silent Governess--Julie Klassen Completed
O
B
E
R

Books Won Reading Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE: another challenge FAIL! I cannot read 6 books for this one by the end of the year.  =O(

This challenge is hosted by So Many Precious Books, So Little Time. (click host title to sign up)

Challenge Details:

January 2 - December 31, 2010

This is a new challenge I have come up with to read and review some of the books I have won from other bloggers. The reason publishing companies supply books for book bloggers to give away is to get word out about the books and create buzz. I feel bad that I haven't read many of the book I have won and want to make an effort to read them in 2010.

If you would like to join me, here are the levels:

-Honorable Mention: Read 1-3 book you won.
-Bronze: Read 4-6 books you won.
-Silver: Read 7-9 Books you won.
-Gold: Read 10 or more books you won.

The Rules:

1. You must write a review for each book that you read for it to count. If you do not have a blog you can write your reviews on a place like Amazon, Powell's, Chapters, etc.

2.Crossovers with other challenges are okay.

3. Audiobooks count, as long as you won them. As do won e-books.

4. You can change up levels but cannot go back down a level.

5. Make a list of the books won that you plan to read for the challenge. You can always make changes to the list.

I'm starting off with the Bronze level:

1.  The Ride--Jane Kennedy Sutton
2.  Rebecca's Tale--Sally Beauman
3.  The Gift of an Ordinary Day--Katrina Kenison
4.  Soul Catcher--Leigh Bridger
5.  Julie and Julia
6.

Thriller & Suspense Reading Challenge 2010

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATED

This challenge is hosted by Book Chick City.

Thriller & Suspense Reading Challenge 2010






Timeline: 01 Jan 2010 - 31 Dec 2010

Rules: To read TWELVE (12) thrillers in 2010

My list so far:

1.  Circle of Souls--Preetham Grandhi
2.  The Lace Reader--Brunonia Barry
3.  Shutter Island--Dennis Lehane
4.  A Density of Souls--Christopher Rice
5.  The Little Stranger--Sarah Waters
6.  New England White--Stephen L. Carter
7.  The Lost Symbol--Dan Brown
8.  Winter's End--Jean-Claude Mourlevat
9.  Hush--Kate White
10. The Red Door--Charles Todd
11. Arcadia Falls--Carol Goodman
12. The Lucifer Code

For details and sign up, click on the button.

Horns and Halos Reading Challenge 2010

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE

This challenge is being hosted by Aimee at My Fluttering Heart. (click Aimee's blog title for sign up)

The Rules:

This challenge isn't about confining or boxing in its participants- it's about exploring Heaven and Hell and idea of Good versus Evil. So you can be creative. For example, if a book is set in Hell, but doesn't feature devils/demons, or it's set in The Fields of Elysium but no angels, you can still twist it to be on the list. Or if you're reading a book that features Greek gods, they could be classified as angels (or devils, if they're really mean). Oh, and fallen angels can be on whichever side you think best suits them.

You can include movies, poetry, artworks, graphic novels, picture books - any medium you want!

You can OF COURSE overlap with other challenges.

DO NOT START before January 1 2010. You can prepare, but don't start posting until then.

Rereads are optional.

You can choose to read as many or as little number of books for this challenge as you like, but once you commit to a number, you're committed to that number.

In your challenge post, please commit to the number of books you will read, and commit to a level (see below).

HOWEVER, if you find others to add to the list as time goes on, and you want to increase your number, then that's fine, but under NO CIRCUMSTANCES can you DECREASE your list!

So I would warn you perhaps to start off small if you're commitment-phobe.

The challenge will run from January 1 2010 until December 31 2010. But don't panic! You can join the challenge at any time.

The Levels:

Please choose your level in your introductory post.

The levels you can choose from are not about the number of books you read, but rather about you choosing the side of Good or Evil, and depending on whether the books you read will be entirely about devils, or angels, or a mixture.

There are 5 levels:

Inferno - Dirtily devilish (Books entirely about Hell/ devils)
Purgatory - More devilish than angelic (More books about Hell/devils than Heaven/angels)
Garden of Eden - Devilish and angelic in equal measure (50/50)
Paradiso - More angelic than devilish ( More books about Heaven/angels than hell/devils)
Celestial Heavens - Purely angelic (Books entirely about Heaven/ angels)

I've decided to do the Garden of Eden level, but I may add more later...maybe some movies?!
UPDATE:  CHANGING TO PARADISO LEVEL

Angel Time--Anne Rice (angel side)
OR
Hush, Hush--Becca Fitzpatrick (angel side)
OR
Angels--Chuck Fischer (angel side)
OR
Angel Star--Jennifer Murgia (angel side)

1st in a Series Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE

This challenge is hosted by Royal Reviews.

1st in a Series Challenge
 
Challenge Guidelines:
 
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
 
--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.
 
2. There are four levels:
 
-- Curious– Read 3 novels that are first in a series.
-- Fascinated – Read 6 novels that are first in a series.
-- Addicted – Read 12 novels that are first in a series.
-- Obsessed – Read 20 novels that are first in a series.
 
3. Any genre counts.
 
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. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.
 
6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to the post about the 1st in a Series Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.
 
I'm aiming for Fascinated--6 novels that are first in a series. Switching to the curious level--3 books
 
1. The Hunger Games--Suzanne Collins
2. Labyrinth--Kate Mosse
3.

The Tudor Book Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE

Benedictionary is hosting The Tudor Book Challenge.

The Challenge:

From January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2010 The Tudor Book Challenge challenges you to read books about or inspired by the Tudor era of the English monarchy.

The Challenge Rules:

•You may read your books in any format – e-books, audio books, electronic reader books, and printed books are acceptable.

•You are welcome to use the books you read for the Tudor Book Challenge in other challenges (where applicable).

•Books can be fiction or non-fiction, but they must be about or inspired by Tudor England. If you do not know much about the Tudor dynasty, that’s okay. That’s part of what this challenge is about. If you’re lost, try the Tudor Book Resource for some Tudor book suggestions. You can find even more Tudor book suggestions here.

•You are not required to post a list of the books you intend to read. You may choose them as you go.

•Bloggers and non-bloggers alike are welcome to participate in the challenge. If you do not have a blog, you will need to review the books you’ve read on some book-related website: i.e. GoodReads, Amazon, Borders, etc. and send in the links (via comments) to be eligible for the prizes. I need to be able to verify that these books were read by you.

The Challenge Levels:

King or Queen – You are the ruler of your dominion. You will read at least 11 Tudor-related books.

Nobleman or Noblewoman - You are honorable, indeed. You have earned your title by agreeing to read at least 9 Tudor-related books.

Courtier – You are a rising star in the royal court. You have decided to read at least 7 Tudor-related books.

Commoner – Your role in the kingdom is small but mighty. You are going to read at least 5 Tudor-related books.

I am doing the Noblewoman level--9 Tudor-related books.
UPDATE:  NOW TRYING TO AIM FOR KING OR QUEEN LEVEL--11 BOOKS!
Dropping down to commoner level

1.  The Other Queen--Philippa Greogory
2. Virgin and the Crab--Robert Parry Completed
3.
4.
5.

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATE

This challenge is hosted by Royal Reviews.

Historical Reading Challenge

Challenge Guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 Historical Fiction novels.
-- Fascinated – Read 6 Historical Fiction novels.
-- Addicted – Read 12 Historical Fiction novels.
-- Obsessed – Read 20 Historical Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

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. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to the post about the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.

I'm going for obsessed--20 Historical Fiction novels. Change--going to list as I go...a little over ambitious initially!

1. Virgin and the Crab--Robert Parry COMPLETED
2. The Wives of Henry Oades--Johanna Moran COMPLETED
3. Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show--Frank Delaney COMPLETED
4.

Year of the Historical Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

Year of the Historical challenge is hosted by Lurv A La Mode. (click challenge title to sign up)

Basic Rules/Guidelines:

• You may read any historical fiction book for this challenge: straight historical fiction set in the English Regency, or in Asia, or in Europe, or in Africa, or in Prehistoric times etc. You may read young adult, romances, historical paranormal romances (i.e. Kim Lenox’s Shadow Guard series), historical fantasy – as long as it takes place in a historical time that at least originated with a real historic time period or event (therefore YES, steampunk is an option!) and it is fiction, it is game. Please, no nonfiction, biographies, or the like.
• Please label your reviews in a way that associates them with this challenge. I’ll be using “YotH: (Book Title)” format for my review headers AND linking the original challenge notice/sign up post in each review so that interested readers can see why/what challenge it’s associated with.
• I will do a post every month during the last week – this is where you need to link, in the comments section, your monthly review. I will then edit into the body of the post links for everyone’s reviews.
• There is no limit to how many reviews you can do per month, but I am only requiring one review for a total of 12 books.

My list so far:

1.  The Silent Governess--Kathleen Klassan
2.  Labyrinth--Kate Mosse
3.  Anastasia's Secret--Susanne Dunlap
4. Virgin and the Crab--Robert Parry
5. Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show--Frank Delaney
6. The Wives of Henry Oades--Johanna Moran
7. The Queen's Pawn--Christy English
8. The Other Queen--Philippa Gregory
9.
10.
11.
12.

Hogwarts Reading Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

Hogwarts Reading Challenge 2010
March 8 2010 to December 13 2010

This challenge is being hosted by Bunnita at Worth Reading It?

In the Hogwarts Reading Challenge you are a student of the school. You will be sorted into houses. Each book you read must fit in to the subject of one the classes. You do not have to read books that fit all the subjects. Each book equals one point (toward the house cup).

You must read at least 5 books (audio books counts) before you are enter in to the drawing. At the end of the Challenge one person will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card and one house will win the House Cup (purely a pride thing).

Check back regularly as there will be Mini Challenges. The first Mini Challenge will start on April 2nd. Come back to see what the challenge will be and it's incentive.

To be eligible to win prizes you must have a blog and sign up using Mr. Linky. Then start a Hogwarts Reading Challenge post and link it back to this post.
****Update you can be eligible for prize if you become a member of I Love Reading Challenges on Shelfari and keep the list of the books you read for this challenge under the Hogwarts Challenge post there. You can also become a fan of the I Love Reading Challenges Facebook fan page and keep you list there as well.

I was sorted into

Every time I take an HP house quiz, I end up in Gryffindor! Must be meant to be!

Click here to check your individual points and your house points.

Reading a Harry Potter book earns you 25 house points.

Have any questions leave them in a comment and I will get back to you. Have fun, good luck and Happy Reading!
****you can also find this challenge at my group I Love Reading Challenge on Shelfari

The Houses
Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin

The Classes

Transfiguration - read any book that has trans or figure in its title, is about shape shifting, has a shape shifter in it, or is about anything having to do with changing one thing into another.
--Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer 7/9/10

Defense Against the Dark Arts - read any book that has defence(defense), dark and/or art(s) in its title, read any book that is about self defense, war, history of war/marital arts, murder mysteries.

Charms - read any book that has charm in its title, any book that deals with gives something or someone a new aspect (for example the nerdy guy become a handsome doctor)

Potions - read any book that has potion in its title, cookbooks count but you must cook at least one recipe out of the book

Astronomy - read any book that has astronomy in its title, books about planets, stars, etc, sci-fi

History of Magic - read any book that has history or magic in its title, books about magic, witches, etc

Herbology - read any book that has herb in its title, again cookbooks count and again you must cook at least one recipe out of the book

Arithmancy - read any book that has arithmancy in its title, any book with a number in its title, any book that deal with numbers or math

Ancient Runes - read any book that has ancient or runes in its title, books about historical places like the pyramids, Stonehenge, great wall of china, or any book about symbols

Divination - read any book that has divine in its title, any book about psychics or psychic abilities, tarot reading etc
--The Dark Divine by Bree Despain 4/11/10

Care of Magical Creatures - read any book that has magical or creatures in its title, about supernatural beings

Muggle Studies - nearly any book works here, what better why to understand Muggle than to read what they read
--Cardboard by Fiona Place 6/14/10


How to list your books and keep track of points:
When you copy this post onto your blog just list the book you read for the challenge under the subject to which it fits. Please include the name of the book/author and the the date you finished reading it

EX:
History of Magic - read any book that has history or magic in its title, books about magic, witches, etc

If you are reading along at the Shelfari I Love Reading Challenges group the challenge is already set up this way.

FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

GLBT Challenge 2010

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

UPDATED

The GLBT Challenge is being hosted by Amanda at The Zen Leaf.

Rules/Guidelines:

The basic idea of this challenge is to read books about GLBT topics and/or by GLBT authors.

The challenge runs year-round, and there will be three levels of participation:

• Lambda Level: Read 4 books.
• Pink Triangle Level: Read 8 books.
• Rainbow Level: Read 12 or more books.

You don't need to choose your books right away, and they can change at any time. Overlaps with other challenges are fine.

In January, I will put up a post for you to leave links to your reviews, if you like. Those links can help serve as a reference for others. That will also be how I track participants for prize drawings.

Prizes! There will be prizes, both for this main challenge and for various mini-challenges throughout the year. Keep an eye on the blog for details.

Sign up using Mr. Linky below (please link directly to your post about the challenge).

I'm starting at the Lambda Level:

1.  A Density of Souls--Christopher Rice
2.  Orlando--Virginia Woolf
3.  Middlesex--Jeffrey Eugenides
4.  The Little Stranger--Sarah Waters

A Buck A Book Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

Welcome to DelGal's “A-Buck-A-Book” Challenge.

Here's a great way to reward yourself for reading persistence and save money at the same time. Read as many books as you'd like, there is no minimum, and there is no maximum. BUT, here's the "catch", you MUST physically take a dollar and save it somewhere safe where it won't be spent, every time you complete a book. At the end of the year, your total money saved will be the total amount of books read, ideally the more book read, the more money saved.

Now, once Dec 31 comes, you're must spend this saved money on something fun just for yourself (no paying bills, no buying gifts for someone else!), to begin the next year... Maybe more books for the new year? A nice dinner out to celebrate reading? The possibilities are endless! Finally, once this challenge completes on Dec 31st, please let your blog fans, and fellow challenge participants, know what you decided to spend your money on by posting whatever it may be. If it's $5 or if it's $100, we want to know what you rewarded yourself with for a year of hard yet enjoyable fun reading!

In short - put aside a dollar for each book you read. Post in the comment section your progress if you don't have a blog, or a link to your blog. At the end of the year update us as to what you did with your saved money. That's it!

Books Read:  6
Dollars saved:  $6.00

Cat Book Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

This challenge is being hosted by Beth's Book Review Blog.

Of course, I had to do this one...I love, love, love cats!

Guidelines:

Jan 1 to Dec 31


Here are the guidelines:

-You can join anytime, but don't start reading your books before January 1, 2010.

-This challenge is for 2010 only. The last day to have all your books read is December 31, 2010.

-When you sign up with Mr. Linky below, use the direct link to the post where your challenge book list will be listed, not your blog homepage. If you don't have a blog, just leave the URL blank.

-The goal is to read 1 cat book per month for a total of 12 for the year. This can be any book with "cat" in the title or about cats.

-These can be audiobooks, children's books, non fiction, mysteries, whatever, as long as it's cat related.

Question: What if the cat is on the cover? No. Or if the cat is a character? Yes.

My list (so far):

1. The Cat's Whiskers--Beryl Reid
2. No One Noticed the Cat--Anne McCaffrey
3. Dewey
4. The Cat who Cried for Help: Attitudes, Emotions, and the Psychology of Cats--Dr. Nicholas Dodman
5. The Poetry of Cats
6. Cat Angels (poems)
7. What My Cat Has Taught Me About Life: Meditations for Cat Lovers--Niki Anderson
8. The Tiger on Your Couch: What the Big Cats Can Teach You about Living in harmony with your house cat--Bill Fleming and Judy Peterson-Fleming
9. Zodicat Speaks: Discover your cat's Astrological Signature--Doctor Zodicat
10. The Necessary Cat--Nicola Bayley
11. The International Cats of Mystery! --Chris Dolley
12.

Clover, Bee, and Reverie: A Poetry Challenge

ALL 2010 CHALLENGES ARE A FAIL DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS

Jason is hosting the Clover, Bee, and Reverie: A Poetry Challenge.

The purpose of this challenge is to encourage more people to read and enjoy books of poetry. This years challenge will go through 12/31/2010.

There are four levels of participation:

Couplet: Read 2 books of poetry
Limerick: Read 5 books of poetry, and finish at least one badge
Octave: Read 8 books of poetry, and finish at least two badges
Sonnet: Read 14 books of poetry, and finish two badges, and one expert badge

What is a badge? A badge just means you need to read two books of poetry that are connected in some way: same time period, some subject matter, same form, same author, etc. An expert badge means four books, same constraints. Some possible badges:

Light Verse or Humorous Verse
Folk Poetry/Folk Songs
Epic Poetry / Long Poetry
Translated Poetry
Beat Poetry
Modernists
Ancient Greece and Rome
Asian Poetry
Romantics
Victorian Poetry
19th Century American
Age of Reason
Parody
Contemporary Poetry
Elizabethan/Tudor
Metaphysical
Baroque
Narrative poetry
Elegy
Prose poetry
Post-modern
Drama
Lyric
Confessional
Political Poetry
Minority Poetry
Mystical

If you have another interest not listed here, let us know, we'll add it to the list.

Finally - the Free Verse Option. We know that some people want to read lots of poems from lots of different authors. Because of this, we've set up an equivalency: 20 individual poems = one book of poetry. So, if you WANTED to, for instance, for the couplet level, you could just read 40 individual poems, instead of two books of poems.

At this point, I'm going to start out at the Couplet level as I do not read much poetry.  If I make some discoveries, I may increase my participation.

1.  The Poetry of Cats--COMPLETED
2.  ???