2011 FAIRY TALE CHALLENGE

FAILED!


2011 Fairy Tale Challenge hosted by Tif Talks Books.

*click the button to sign up

Details:

During Fairy Tale Fridays, we had the opportunity to read the short tales, explore the longer ones, and even watch a film or two; therefore, in this challenge, we will be exploring any or all of the above, depending upon the level you wish to participate in. Let's take a look at the levels . . .

Fairy (Level 1): Read 1 original tale. Read 1 modern tale. Watch 1 film. (Total of 3 selections.)
Dwarf (Level 2): Read/watch any combination of original tales, modern tales, or films, resulting in 6 total selections.
Royal Prince or Princess (Level 3): Read/watch any combination of original tales, modern tales, or films, resulting in 9 total selections.
Happily Ever After (Level 4): Read/watch any combination of original tales, modern tales, or films, resulting in 12 total selections.

Here are a few other thoughts to share that may or may not be important to you . . .

• The challenge will run from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011.
• Selections can include any age level or genre, from picture books and classics to young adult and even graphic novels. Creativity is completely acceptable here!
• You do not need to determine your list of fairy tales. Go with what moves you at the time!
• You need not have participated in Fairy Tale Fridays to participate in the 2011 Fairy Tale Challenge. It is open to everyone interested!
• A blog is not required, but it is encouraged. You are also welcome to keep track of your selections via Goodreads, LibraryThing, Shelfari, or simply the comments section.
• Reviews are not required, but are encouraged . . . I just really want to hear your thoughts and recommendations on what you read! That is just me being selfish!
• A Mr. Linky will be posted at the beginning of every month for you to share your selections if you do choose to review them. Comments are also fine for sharing as well. You will be able to refer to the direct links to these posts on the sidebar for easy reference.
• You can overlap your choices with other challenges.
• Prizes and guest posts will randomly appear in the monthly review posts to share some fairy tale love with participants.

I think I'm going to go with the Royal Prince or Princess (Level 3) since we can watch movies as part of the challenge.  My son wants me to watch Beauty and the Beast with him this week.  Also, I just got the awesome book, My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me, and I just can't wait to read it!

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MONTHLY MIX-UP MANIA READING CHALLENGE

UPDATED: April 30, 2011

Monthly Mix-Up Mania Reading Challenge hosted by Book Dragon's lair.

*click button to sign up

Details:

What: To read a book for each letter in the year. That's right, a title for the J in January and the A in January, etc.... 74 books total!

Start date: April 1, 2011, because we're fools to try this

End date: March 31, 2013, yes, two years, because well, we have other challenges to do ;)

Guidelines:

•only one letter per book
•books can be moved around if it fits better somewhere else after you've read it
•the letter doesn't have to be the first word, just the first letter of a word in the title (a, an, and the do not count)
•reviews aren't necessary but a quick "I read for letter... it was about... I did/not like it" would be nice.
•if you decide to join in, create a post on your blog telling others then come back and link up (to the actual post, not just your blog's home page)
•a blog is not necessary, just comment on that month's post at the Lair
•if you get stuck, an author's name will do in a pinch but try to have more titles than names
•the most important thing is to have fun!

I tried this challenge last year and failed, but I was really intrigued by it.  Now that Book Dragon has made it a two year challenge...well, how can I resist!

J Johnny One-Eye by Jerome Charyn
A Authenticity Accelerator
N What the Night Knows by Dean Koontz
U
A The Art of War by Angela Panayotopulos
R Queen by Right by Anne Easter Smith
Y Writing Your Way by Julie Smith


F The Flower Reader by Elizabeth Loupas
E The Egyptian by Layton Green
B The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
R The Reindeer Keeper by Barbara Briggs Ward
U
A The Turning of Anne Merrick by Christine Blevins
R Road to the West by Rosanne E. Lortz
Y

M The King's Mistress by Emma Campion
A The King's Agent by Donna Russo Morin
R  The Rebel Wife
C Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber
H The Hypnotist by M.J. Rose

A
P Promised Valley Rebellion by Ron Fritsch
R The Catcher in the Rye
I Invisible Sun by S.J. Davis
L The Nine Lives of Christmas by Sheila Roberts

M The Memoir of Marilyn Monroe by Sandi Gelles-Cole
A
Y

J Jane was Here by Sarah Kernochan 
U
N Night Walker by Lisa Kessler
E Eromenos by Melanie McDonald

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U
L The Quiet Little Woman by Louisa May Alcott
Y

A What Alice Knew by Paula Marantz Cohen
U
G A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
U
S  The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
T The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

S The Sister Queens by Sophie Perinot
E
P Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
T Thumbing Through Thoreau by Kenny Luck
E
M  The Time Machine
B Bag of Bones by Stephen King
E
R

O Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie
C The Commander and the Den Asaan Rautu by Michelle Franklin
T The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
O
B  Blood of Anteros by Georgia Cates
E
R

N The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
O
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M
B  The Book of Lost Fragrances
E
R

D The King's Daughter by Christie Dickason
E
C The Christmas Village by Melissa Ann Goodwin
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M At the Mercy of the Queen by Anne Clinard Barnhill
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R

A-Z MYSTERY AUTHOR CHALLENGE

FAILED!


A-Z Mystery Author Challenge hosted by Red Headed Book Child.

*click the button to sign up

Details:

•Challenge runs from January 1 - December 31, 2011. Sign up ends February 1, 2011.

•Read A-I, J-P or Q-Z. You choose. The letter group you choose must be the last name of the author. (i.e= S for John Sandford).

•Mystery genre can include Cozy, Suspense, Thriller, or Noir. All Adult novels please.

•Leave a comment if you would like to sign up. I am getting rid of Mr. Linky.

•Write a post about this challenge and which group/s you pick. You can list the authors you choose or do it as you go.

•When you post your reviews, mention this challenge and link back to this sign up post.

I think I'm going to do J-P...I like to start in the middle! If I can finish these, I may do another group.



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HISTORICAL FICTION CHALLENGE 2011

COMPLETED!
UPDATED: April 30, 2011


Historical Fiction Challenge 2011 hosted by Historical Tapestry.

*click the button to sign up

Details:

Each month, a new post dedicated to the HF Challenge will be created. To participate, you only have to follow the rules:

•everyone can participate, even those who don't have a blog (you can add your book title and thoughts in the comment section if you wish)

• add the link(s) of your review(s) including your name and book title to the Mister Linky we’ll be adding to our monthly post (please, do not add your blog link, but the correct address that will guide us directly to your review)

•any kind of historical fiction is accepted (HF fantasy, HF young adult,...)

•you can overlap this challenge with others kind of challenges

•During these following 12 months you can choose one of the different reading levels:

1.Severe Bookaholism: 20 books
2.Undoubtedly Obsessed: 15 books
3.Struggling the Addiction: 10 books
4.Daring & Curious: 5 books
5.Out of My Comfort Zone: 2 books

The challenge will run from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011.

I was going to do the top level, but to play it safe, I'll choose Undoubtedly Obsessed.  I read a lot of historical fiction so I may even exceed that level...we'll see.

1.  By Fire, By Water--Mitchell James Kaplan
2.  Mischief of the Mistletoe--Lauren Willig
3.  The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson by Jerome Charyn
4.  The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner
5.  The Raven Queen by Jules Watson
6.  The King's Mistress by Emma Campion
7.  The King's Daughter by Christie Dickason
8.  Promised Valley Rebellion by Ron Fritsch
9.  Queen By Right by Anne Easter Smith
10.  The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber
11.  Johnny One-Eye by Jerome Charyn
12.  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
13.  Road to the West by Rosanne E. Lortz
14.  Eromenos by Melanie McDonald
15.  Catherine by Sigrid Weidenweber

CHUNKSTER CHALLENGE 2011

COMPLETED! See full list below--click titles for reviews


Chunkster Challenge 2011 hosted by Wendy at its dedicated blog.

*click on the button to sign up

Details:

February 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012

Definition of a Chunkster:

•A chunkster is 450 pages or more of ADULT literature (fiction or nonfiction) ... A chunkster should be a challenge.

•If you read large type books your book will need to be 525 pages or more ... The average large type book is 10-15% longer or more so I think that was a fair estimate.

The Rules:

•No Audio books in the chunkster. It just doesn't seem right. Words on paper for this one folks. (**Please view THIS POST FOR EXCEPTIONS to this rule)

•No e-Books allowed - we are reading traditional, fat books for this challenge (please see this post to understand the rationale behind this rule; please see this post for exceptions to this rule)

•Short Stories and Essay collections will not be counted.

•Books may crossover with other challenges

•Anyone may join. If you don't have a blog, just leave me a comment on this post with your progress (and to let me know you are playing)

•You don't need to list your books ahead of time.

•Once you pick a level, that's it...you're committed to that level!

You must pick a level of participation:

1.The Chubby Chunkster - this option is for the reader who wants to dabble in large tomes, but really doesn't want to commit to much more than that. FOUR Chunksters is all you need to finish this challenge.

2.The Plump Primer - this option is for the slightly heavier reader who wants to commit to SIX Chunksters over the next twelve months.

3.Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? - this option is for the reader who can't resist bigger and bigger books and wants to commit to SIX Chunksters from the following categories: 2 books which are between 450 - 550 pages in length; 2 books which are 551 - 750 pages in length; 2 books which are GREATER than 750 pages in length (for ideas, please refer to the book suggestions page for some books which fit into these categories).

4.Mor-book-ly Obese - This is for the truly out of control chunkster. For this level of challenge you must commit to EIGHT or more Chunksters of which three tomes MUST be 750 pages or more. You know you want to.....go on and give in to your cravings.

Want Suggestions of what to read?

Check out the Chunky Book Suggestions page.

To review or not to review, that is the quesion...Reviews are not mandatory, but they are strongly encouraged. I will be putting up a Mr. Linky at the beginning of the challenge for links to your reviews. I will also be posting a Mr. Linky for wrap up posts at the end of the challenge.

I have a natural tendency to read chunksters.  It seems like most of my favorite books were all chunksters.  I didn't go for the top level though...maybe next year.  This year I chose the Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? level.

450-550 pages

1. The King's Daughter by Christie Dickason (468 pages)
2. Queen By Right by Anne Easter Smith (494 pages)

551-750 pages

1. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin (726 pages)
2. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (662 pages)

750+ pages

1. The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber (838 pages)
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (759 pages)

THE DEWEY DECIMAL CHALLENGE

COMPLETED! See full list below with review links


The Dewey Decimal Challenge hosted by The Introverted Reader.

*click the button to sign up

Details:

Read any non-fiction book(s), adult or young adult. That's it. You can choose anything. Poetry? Yes. 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 non-fiction book.
Explorer--Read 2
Seeker--Read 3
Master--Read 4

This challenge will last from January 1 to December 31, 2011. You can sign up anytime throughout the year.

I am not limiting the challenge to bloggers. You can also link to a review you wrote on another site, such as GoodReads or LibraryThing.

I have a lot of great non-fiction I've been wanting to get to so I'm going for the Master level.

1. Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff (review)
2. Authenticity Accelerator by Robert Rabbin (review)
3. Thumbing Through Thoreau by Kenny Luck (review)
4. The Women of the Cousins' War by Philippa Gregory (review)

PUBLIC DOMAIN E-BOOK CHALLENGE

FAILED!


Public Domain E-book Challenge hosted by Retroredux's Reviews.

*click the button to sign up

Details:

I received a Nook about 6 months ago and I love it. My favorite thing is discovering new (to me) book offerings under the various sites that promote their organization's scanning and saving of these otherwise vanishing books once they hit the "public domain". All of these books are FREE-a bonus to a thrifty reader.

A few sites with public domain books (there is lots of overlap between the sites):

Google Books-to find the public domain books, search for a book under any subject, after the items come up, click "full view" on the left hand side of the page (these are the free books).

The Internet Archive-Search under "Texts" header.

Manybooks.net-Very "newbie" ereader friendly.
Note: after so many downloads they do have a non offensive "if you'd like to help please donate" pop up-that is up to you. (I'm in no way affiliated with this site.)

Project Gutenberg-the site that started it all

Project Gutenberg Australia

http://www.classicreader.com/ site has almost 4000 public domain books that you can read on site-no downloading or ereader required:) (thanks Mommy Wants to Read)

The one problem I saw was that many or even most of these books-there is little to no information of what they are about, or even reviews to let others know what they are about. But, that's part of the fun!

I feel it behooves us as the reading community to help these volunteers "save" these books-simply by giving them "press". Read them, review them, and by doing so, get the word out to other readers about these undiscovered gems.

The Rules:

1-Pick a level of participation for the year:

"newbie"level-read and review 3 public domain books (non bloggers will just post reviews in the reviews comments page)

"advanced" level-read and review 6 public domain books (non bloggers will just post reviews in the reviews comments page)

That's about it-easy peasey:) You pick the book, genre, length, etc. Readers who don't own a e-reader are welcome as well (e-reader apps on phones, etc or just read on your PC). You can cross this over with other challenges as well.

I'm going to start out aiming for the "newbie" level.

1. Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell
2. The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe
3. History of letter-writing by William Roberts

VALLEY OF THE KINGS READING CHALLENGE 2011

FAILED!


Valley of the Kings Reading Challenge 2011 hosted by Strange and Random Happenstance

*click button to sign up

Details:

(1) Timeline: January 1st, 2011 to December 31st, 2011

(2) Post about this challenge on your blog stating that you are participating. That post is the link that you will include in the Mr. Linky below. The link should be the post link not just your blog link. But you don't have to have a blog to participate! You can be like a guest blogger here and I'll post your review.

(3) Grab the button and display it in the post (use grab code underneath the button) or on your sidebar so others can join in the fun.

(4) You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you are participating in.

(5) You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.

(6) Only print books and ebooks count (no audiobooks).

(7) The book doesn't HAVE to be set in Egypt, but has to be significantly about Egypt. For example, the 2nd and 3rd Theodosia books by R.L. LaFevers aren't set in Egypt, but they're all up in the artifacts and mummies.

(8) Choose from one of the five levels:

Hawk Horizon: 1-5 books.
Ibis Incline: 6-10 books.
Jackal Jetty: 11-15 books.
Feline Flats: 16-20 books.

(9) I will have a page dedicated to you, so you can link up your reviews!

(10) At the end of the year I will pick a participate to win a prize. Could be random, could be most books read, could be best review... we'll just have to see how I feel when the time comes.

I LOVE books about Egypt! When I saw this challenge, I knew I had to sign up! I'm going to do the modest thing again and start out at the Hawk Horizon.  May go up later.  I know I have three Michelle Moran books associated with the Egyptian culture that I've been itching to read.

1. Nefertiti by Michelle Moran
2. The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran
3. Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
4. Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff (completed)
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2011 FANTASY READING CHALLENGE

COMPLETED! See full list below with review links


2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge hosted by Darlyn & Books.

*click the button to sign up

Details:

A) The challenge is open to everyone. If you don't have a blog, it's okay, just leave your information in the comment.
B) There are four levels:

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

C) You don't have to list the books right away. It's your choice and you can always change whenever you feel want to.
D) The challenge runs from January 1 through December 31, 2011.
E) You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2011.
F) Starting on January 1st trough December 31st, 2011, you can start posting your review on my 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge Reviews Page. But of course it must be read on 2011 only and I don't mind if you re-read.
G) If you successfully finish the challenge, according to your selected levels, write a wrap up challenge post and leave the link at the 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge wrap up at my page. Noted: only if you finish the challenge. It will run through until December 31st, 2011.
H) And the fun part is that, on January 1st, 2012; 2 reviews from 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge Reviews Page and 1 lucky person from the wrap up challenge post will be randomly selected to win $10 to pick a Fantasy Fiction of their choice from the Book Depository. But the trick is, the choice of the book will come from any books from the books reviewed by other participants. So, you must always link your review and wrap up post at the page to be selected.
I) If you're a blogger, you must write up a sign-up post that includes the URL to this post so that others can join in (not your blog address). Feel free to use the button above. When you sign up in the Linky, put the direct link to your 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge post. Please put your name/nickname and blog on the subject e.g. Darlyn@Darlyn and Books.

This challenge fits in well with my perpetual challenge, the 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge.  I'm going to again start out modestly at the Fascinated level.

1. The Sword of Shannara--Terry Brooks (Review)
2. Blue by Lou Aronica (Review)
3. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin (Review)
4. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (Review)
5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (Review)
6. The Christmas Village by Melissa Ann Goodwin (Review)

2011 BOOK BLOGGER RECOMMENDATION CHALLENGE

FAILED!


2011 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge hosted by Reading with Tequila.

*click the button to sign up

Details:

The Levels:

Level I - Read 5 books from the 2010 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, 2011 to December 31, 2011. 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.

The entire 2010 Book Blogger Recommendation list will be listed in a page on this blog.

I'm going to start off right in the middle of the levels and go with Level III.

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2011 AUDIO BOOK CHALLENGE

FAILED!


UPDATED: April 30, 2011


2011 Audio Book Challenge hosted by Teresa's Reading Corner.

*click the button to sign up

Details:

January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011

I'm going to go ahead and continue with the same levels that were previously established:

Curious: 3 Audio Books
Fascinated: 6 Audio Books
Addicted: 12 Audio Books
Obsessed: 20 Audio Books

Choose your level of participation and add your name. Over the course of the year I'm going to try to put together some fun things. If you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know.

I love audio books! I'm going to start out modestly with the Fascinated level.

1. The Dinosaur Hunter--Homer Hickam
2. The King's Mistress--Emma Campion
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1001 BOOKS YOU MUST READ BEFORE YOU DIE CHALLENGE

FAILED!


1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die Challenge hosted by Pub Writes

*click button to sign up

Details:

The challenge is simple – read some books from the list! If you don’t own the actual book, you can find a simple list online. For the most basic, check out the Listology list. There are spreadsheets out there that you can look at too that are more complex.

Levels:

High School Diploma: 5 books from the list
Bachelor’s Degree: 6-10 books from the list
Master’s Degree: 11-15 books from the list:
PHd: 16+

Rules:

Challenge runs January 1 2011 – Decemeber 31 2011.

You don’t have to make a list beforehand.

You can use any version of the list, not just the current, since they update it every couple years.

I've wanted this book for a couple of years now and I finally broke down and ordered it. In addition to participating in this challenge, I am a member of the Goodreads book group as well. This month we're reading The Monk by Matthew Lewis. Click HERE to check out the group.  I'm starting out low with the High School Diploma level.

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OUTDO YOURSELF READING CHALLENGE 2011

COMPLETED! See full list below (sorry, no reviews linked..too many)


UPDATED: April 30, 2011


Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge 2011 hosted by The Book Vixen.

*click the button to sign up

Details:

•Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 (books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime. You can sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
•The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2011 than you did in 2010. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
•Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
•Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
•You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
•Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
•You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.

Levels:

Getting my heart rate up – Read 1–5 more books
Out of breath – Read 6–10 more books
Breaking a sweat – Read 11–15 more books
I’m on fire! – Read 16+ more books

I read 25 books in 2009 and 50 in 2010 so I definitely doubled my total...but I wanted to read 100+ so I'm going to choose the I'm on fire! level and try to get as close to 100 as I can 'Out of breath' level. I realized a couple of months ago that there was no possible way I was going to reach 100.

1. Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig 
2.  By Fire, By Water by Mitchell James Kaplan 
3.  Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff  
4.  The Dinosaur Hunter by Homer Hickam
5.  The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson by Jerome Charyn
6.  The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
7.  Blue by Lou Aronica
8.  The Raven Queen by Jules Watson
9.  The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner
10.  Across the Veil by Lisa Kessler
11.  My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares
12. What the Night Knows by Dean Koontz
13.  The King's Mistress by Emma Campion
14. The King's Daughter by Christie Dickason
15. BE: Embracing the Mystery by Shirlee Hall
16. Promised Valley Rebellion by Ron Fritsch
17. Queen By Right by Anne Easter Smith
18. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
19. The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber
20. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
21. Authenticity Accelerator by Robert Rabbin
22. Johnny One-Eye by Jerome Charyn
23. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
24. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
25. Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie
26. Thumbing Through Thoreau by Kenny Luck
27. The Egyptian by Layton Green
28. Night Walker by Lisa Kessler
29. Captivity by Deborah Noyes
30. Eromenos by Melanie McDonald
31. Danny Marble and the Application for Non-Scary Things by Jessica McHugh
32. The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
33. The Memoir of Marilyn Monroe by Sandi Gelles-Cole
34. Dust by Joan Frances Turner
35. The Christmas Village by Melissa Ann Goodwin
36. The Commander and Den Asaan Rautu by Michelle Franklin
37. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
38. Invisible Sun by S.J. Davis
39. Road to the West by Rosanne E. Lortz
40. The Reindeer Keeper by Barbara Briggs Ward
41. The Darkness by Crystal Connor
42. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
43. The Art of War by Angela Panayotopulos
44. Tick Tock by Dean Koontz
45. The Women of the Cousins' War by Philippa Gregory
46. The Nine Lives of Christmas by Sheila Roberts
47. Catherine by Sigrid Weidenweber
48. What Alice Knew by Paula Marantz Cohen
49. The Quiet Little Woman by Louisa May Alcott
50. Tumbleweed Christmas by Beverly McClure Stowe
51. The Hypnotist by M.J. Rose
52. Bag of Bones by Stephen King
53. Write Your Way by Julie Smith
54. Little Shepherd by Cherly Malandrinos
55. Jane was Here by Sarah Kernochan
56. The Gift by Cecelia Ahern
57. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
58. Wise Bear William by Arthur Wooten

GLBT CHALLENGE 2011

COMPLETED! See full list with review links below


GLBT Challenge 2011

Sign up and details at the dedicated blog.

January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011

Details:

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

The challenge runs year-round as usual, but instead of requiring a certain number of books, this year I'm handling this challenge in a more do-it-yourself sort of fashion. You set your own goal. It doesn't matter if that goal is 1 book, 10 books, a percentage of your books, or to read from various age groups/genres. Your goal is completely up to you. Design this the way you want. Make it work for you. The important thing here is simply to get us reading GLBT lit.

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 review linky. Those links help serve as a reference for others. They are also how I will track participants for the end of year prize drawing. For each book you review and link up, the greater your chance will be at winning. At the end of 2011, I will use random.org to select one participant - from the review linky - to win a book of their choice (up to $20) from the Book Depository.

My goal starting out is two books...may add more later.

1. Promised Valley Rebellion by Ron Fritsch (Review)
2. Eromenos by Melanie McDonald (Review)

HISTORICAL TOUR DE GENRE

COMPLETED! See full list below...click titles for reviews


Historical Tour de Genre hosted by Bitsy Bling Books

*click the button to sign up

January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011

Details/Goals:

• Since this is a tour, the idea is to read at least one book from each sub-category. Of course, you'll be the envy of all if you read more and can do multiple 'laps' around the track.
• 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, no bigger. The idea is to have fun. The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have, because let's face it -- your eyes would fall out of your head otherwise.
• You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.

Here are the required categories. You can sub 2 with alternatives if you prefer, but the total to finish a tour is 6 books from different sub-genres. I've also added links for book browsing and suggestions (visit the sign up post to access the links for ideas).

Historical Mystery/Whodunnit/Gas-Lit Century/Victorian
A novel of revelation, with action more mental than physical- like a puzzle. A significant event, usually a murder, has just occurred, and the protagonist's job is to discover who committed the crime, and why.

Other Suggestions: The Meaning of Night by Michael Cox, Maids of Misfortune by M. Louisa Locke, Bone Rattler by Eliot Pattison

Historical Horror
Its only true requirement is that it elicit an emotional reaction that includes some aspect of fear or dread.

Other Suggestions: Dracula (any version), The Cries of Vampire by Sean H. Robertson, West End Horror by Nicholas Meyer

Historical Romance or Regency
A novel that focuses on the relationship and romantic love between two people, and must have an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending. Regency: Regency England or European continent.

Other Suggestions: Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, Pink Carnation Series by Lauren Willig, Philippa Gregory

Historical Young Adult
Written for, published for, or marketed to adolescents and young adults, roughly ages 14 to 21 yrs.

Other Suggestions: Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen, Duchessina, Mary Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer

Historical Plantation
A settlement in a new country or region that includes an agricultural estate usually worked by resident labor. Depicts life on a plantation/setting.

Other suggestions: The Book of Night Women by Marlon James, Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn, The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks, The Farming of Bones by Edwidge Danticat

Historical Thriller
A story in which the audience is waiting for something significant to happen. The reader experiences a vicarious thrill by identifying with the hero and the danger he faces, becoming a participant in the chase. Usually depicts crime, mystery, or espionage in an atmosphere of excitement and suspense.

Other Suggestions: The Westminster Poisoner by Susanna Gregory, Bravo Jubilee by Charlie Owen, Pelegia and the Red Rooster by Boris Akunin

Alternative Sub-genres: Can sub twice for any of the above

Historical GLBT - Include social, romance or conflict w/Gay, Lesbain, Bisexual, Tran. characters

Historical Fantasy - Where magic/ phenomena is primary, alternative worlds, myths and legends

Historical Western - Set mostly in 19th c. American Old West or conflict between native/settler

Historical Paranormal - Include envents impossible to explain by known natural forces or by science

Historical True Crime - Examines an actual crime and details the actions of real people. May include examining political assassinations, well-known unsolved murders, or deaths of celebrities.

My list:

1. The Mischief of the Mistletoe--Lauren Willig (Regency)
2. A Game of Thrones--George R.R. Martin (Historical Fantasy)
3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Young Adult)
4. What Alice Knew by Paula Marantz Cohen (mystery) no review
5. Eromenos by Melanie McDonald (GLBT)
6. Invisible Sun by S.J. Davis (Horror)

HORROR AND URBAN FANTASY READING CHALLENGE 2011

FAILED!

UPDATED: April 30, 2011

Horror and Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge 2011  Hosted by Book Chick City

*click the button to sign up

Details:

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

• Rules: To read TWENTY FOUR (24) horror & urban fantasy novels in 2011 (24 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!)

• 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 anytime.

• At the beginning of Jan 2011, you will find a link to add your reviews.

I'm not a major fan of urban fantasy so I will probably focus more on horror...LOVE horror!

1.  What the Night Knows by Dean Koontz
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THE 2011 STEPHEN KING CHALLENGE/THE STEPHEN KING-RICHARD BACHMAN PERPETUAL CHALLENGE

FAILED THE 2011 SK READING CHALLENGE

THE PERPETUAL CHALLENGE IS STILL ONGOING, ALTHOUGH THE BLOG THAT WAS HOSTING DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ACTIVE ANY  LONGER.  I WILL STILL CONTINUE WITH THIS THOUGH.

I am signing up for The 2011 Stephen King Challenge hosted by Book Chick City and The Stephen King-Richard Bachman Perpetual Challenge hosted by Book Geek.  I decided to post them together.  I will put my updates for the 2011 challenge here and for the perpetual udates, I will have the reading list as a page at the top of the blog and I will strike through the titles I've read.

The 2011 Stephen King Challenge

Details:

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

• Rules - There are two levels: Read either SIX (6) or TWELVE (12) Stephen King novels in 2011 (6 is the minimum but you can read more than 12 if you wish!)

• 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 anytime between now and the later part of next year.

• At the beginning of Jan 2011, I will add a link so you can add your reviews.

• You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog just FILL 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 also follow each other's progress and chat about the SK books you read on twitter too - just use #SKChallenge

I'm going to aim for 6 SK books:

1. Under the Dome
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The Stephen King-Richard Bachman Challenge-Perpetual

Details:

The object of this perpetual challenge is to read EVERY SINGLE book by Stephen King or his pseudonym, Richard Bachman. A complete list can be found HERE. If you have trouble finding the limited edition books, that's okay.

ALSO: If you don't want to, you don't have to re-read the books you have already read.

ALSO ALSO: If you want to watch all the movies, too, go ahead. I won't stop you.

ALSO ALSO ALSO: Go ahead and review all of the books, too, if you want!

Go to this PAGE for updates.