What's In A Name 3 Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2010

There is a new host for this challenge in 2010. Beth at Beth Fish Reads will be hosting What's In A Name 3 Challenge with a few changes. Here's how it works: Between January 1 and December 31, 2010, read one book in each of the following categories:

1. A book with a food in the title: Clockwork Orange, Grapes of Wrath, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
2. A book with a body of water in the title: A River Runs through It, Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, The Lake House
3. A book with a title (queen, president) in the title: The Murder of King Tut, The Count of Monte Cristo, Lady Susan
4. A book with a plant in the title: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Wind in the Willows, The Name of the Rose
5. A book with a place name (city, country) in the title: Out of Africa; London; Between, Georgia
6. A book with a music term in the title: Song of Solomon, Ragtime, The Piano Teacher

The book titles are just suggestions, you can read whatever book you want to fit the category.

Other Things to Know

• Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
• Books may overlap other challenges.
• Books may not overlap categories; you need a different book for each category.
• Creativity for matching the categories is allowed.
• You do not have to make a list of books before hand.
• You do not have to read through the categories in any particular order.
• There will be a single prize at the end of the challenge. Readers who complete the challenge and write up a wrap-up post (or wrap-up comment) are eligible. Beth says she'll figure out a way to make it international.

On January 1, Beth will publish 7 posts, each with a Mr. Linky (one for each category and one for your wrap-up post), on the dedicated blog for the challenge so you'll have a place post links to your reviews (bloggers) or leave comments (non-bloggers) as you finish up each category.

To learn more and sign up, visit the post about the challenge.

Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Jennifer of Reading With Tequila is hosting the 2010 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge.

Here's what Jennifer says:

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 Top 25

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling
2. City of Bones - Cassandra Clare
3. Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
4. The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
5. Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick
6. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
7. Graceling - Kristin Cashore
8. Outlander - Diana Gabaldon
9. Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien
10. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
11. The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
12. The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
13. Eragon - Christopher Paolini
14. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
15. A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L'Engle
16. The Host - Stephenie Meyer
17. The Thorn Birds - Colleen McCullough
18. Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
19. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - J.K. Rowling
20. Little Women - Louisa May Alcott
21. The Clan of the Cave Bear - Jean M. Auel
22. The Mists of Avalon - Marion Zimmer Bradley
23. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
24. 11 Minutes - Paulo Coelho
25. Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer

Click here to see the entire 2009 Book Blogger Recommendation List.

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:

• Participants can join anytime throughout the challenge.
  
• Create an intro post, linking back to the post about the challenge.
  
• Sign up with the Mr. Linky.
  
• 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.

To join, go to 2010 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge.

The Complete Booker 2010 Challenge

January 1 - December 21, 2010

There are some changes to this very popular perpetual challenge beginning in 2010. Laura writes:

The Complete Booker originated in August, 2007 to bring together book lovers and book bloggers interested in reading winners of The Man Booker Prize for Fiction. In 2008 we also began posting reviews of short- and long-listed nominees. The challenge blog is now approaching 300 posts, and well over 200 of these are reviews. If you're working towards reading the entire winners list, do you need a little motivation to continue? Have you thought about joining, but shied away from the commitment to read such a long list of books? There are many ways to approach the Booker Prize list, and The Complete Booker aims to please. So in 2010, there will be additional ways to participate.

For the 2010 Complete Booker Challenge, choose a participation level:

• Winners Circle: read at least 6 winners
• Contender: read at least 6 shortlisted nominees
• Longshot: read at least 6 longlisted nominees
• Booker Devotee: choose a year, and read all 6 shortlisted works from that year
• Booker Fanatic: choose a year, and read all 13 long- and shortlisted works from that year

Guidelines:

• Overlaps with other challenges are permitted.
• Book selections don't have to be posted right away, and lists may be changed at any time.
• Post reviews at the challenge blog by sending an email to the moderator

Please note, the perpetual challenge is still in effect!!

For more information and to sign up, visit the post about the challenge.

That's How I Blog: 20 Minute Book Club Challenge

December 29, 2009 - December 29, 2010

Nicole at Linus's Blanket is hosting the Twenty Minute Book Club Challenge. She writes:

The purpose of this challenge will be to read the books being discussed for the Twenty Minute Book Club portion of That’s How I Blog! It’s a great opportunity to share a reading list with your fellow readers. In addition to the show there will be a Google Wave for each book we discuss (no cliques here, contact me for wave participation) and twitter discussion with hashtag #20minbc.

Here you will find the most up-to date Reading List for That’s How I Blog!. Check back at the beginning of each month for 4-5 new additions to the list.

Participants may choose a participation level as follows:

• Aluminum Level – 4 Books (2010 Only, No Substitutions)
• Silver Level – 13 Books (May substitute 1 book from 2009)
• Gold Level – 26 Books (May substitute 4 books from 2009)
• Diamond Level – 39 Books (May substitute 7 books from 2009)
• Platinum Level – 52 Books (May substitute 10 books from 2009)

You might want to:

• Crossover with other challenges.
• Participate even if you don’t have a blog.
• Post reviews on your blog, or e-mail Nicole your thoughts on the book, or do neither.
• Re-read a book that you have read before.
• Call-in and participate in The Twenty Minute Book Club.
• E-mail Nicole or leave a comment saying you’d like to be a guest on the show, thereby contributing to the book list.

TO learn more and sign up, visit the post about the challenge.

Read-A-Long: Banging On the New Tin Drum - EVENT

Hosted by Lizzy's Literary Life

January 1 - March 30, 2010

Lizzy is hosting a read-a-long of The Tin Drum by Nobel Laureate Gunter Grass. She writes:

Günter Grass’s The Tin Drum , first published in 1959 was recently retranslated into English by Breon Mitchell. All the reviews I’ve read of this new translation are superlative. So that’s the version I’ll be reading this time around.

AND:

The Tin Drum is a seminal piece of European magic realism. Amazingly probably the only piece of magic realism I’ve ever got to grips with. Here’s the summary from fantasticfiction: Bitter and impassioned, it delivers a scathing dissection of the years from 1925 to 1955 through the eyes of Oskar Matzerath, the dwarf whose manic beating on the toy of his retarded childhood fantastically counterpoints the accumulating horrors of Germany and Poland under the Nazis.

It is an intense read and best taken slowly. So I’m proposing to read one part per month (around 200 pages) for three months. I’ll post my thoughts here on the final Sunday of each month starting January 2010. And I hope that whether you’re a fully fledged Germanophile, an award winner / Nobel laureate reading challenge participant or simply curious, you’ll read / discuss along with me.

Learn more by visiting the post about the Read-A-Long, or just drop by Lizzy's blog on the final Sunday of January to get started.

ARC Reading Challenge 2010

January 2 - December 30, 2010

Teddy of So Many Precious Books, So Little Time is hosting The ARC Reading Challenge again in 2010.

Here's how it works:

Last year we had a great turn out for this challenge and I have request to run it again for 2010. Since so many challenges start on January 1st and end on December 31st, I decided to change the date a little bit this year. However, if you post a review for January 1st, you are welcome to use it for this challenge.

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

The rules:

• To sign up, leave a direct link to your blog post about this challenge that includes your list from rule #2, using Mr. Linky at the post about the challenge. Please leave a comment as well.
  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.
• Pick a Level:
  

1. 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 a. b. All of us who have or will have more than 12 ARC's must read and review 12.
2. Level Silver: Read 24 ARC's
3. Level Gold: Read 25 or more ARC's

• You don't have to make a list of which ARC's you plan to read, but you can if you want.
• Crossovers with other challenges are allowed and Audio-books are allowed as long as they are ARC's.
• 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.
• Please subscribe to my Teddy's blog, as she 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.

To join, go to The ARC Reading Challenge

TAKE THE JOURNEY 2010 Reading Challenge

January 1, 2010 - December 15, 2010

Between the Pages is hosting the Take the Journey 2010 Reading Challenge

This is a very detailed challenge, here's how it works:

First, to join, you must join the group on book blogs, here.

During 2010 I will be hosting a reading challenge designed to broaden our literary horizons, move us out of our comfort zone, and help us discover new and uncharted worlds of fun and adventure.

“One change makes way for the next, giving us the opportunity to grow.” Vivian Buchen

Join me, and let’s make 2010 the year we and others celebrate the World of Books.
Challenge Guidelines: This challenge isn’t designed to be easy, so the weak-at-heart may want to exit by the side door. For those of you who are still here, let’s get started. A. Challenge ends on December 15, 2010. Your goal is to accumulate as many points as you can during 2010. Best of success to everyone. I can't wait to begin. All points must be accrued from Jan 1 - Dec 15, 2010.

1. Read 40 or more books by new authors you’ve never read before. (Each book read =4 points)
2. Read 20 or more books by some of your favorite authors. (Each book read = 2 points)
3. Read 3 or more new genres you’ve never tried before. (Each genre = 2 points)
4. Post 12 or more reviews at any site of your choice. (Each review posted = 3 points)
5. Give 1 or more books as gifts during the year. (Each book gift = 2 points)
6. Read 1 or more books to a child (Each book read = 3 points)
7. Read something to an older person, or anyone whose eyesight prevents them from reading for themselves. (Each reading session = 3 Points)
8. Share this reading challenge with a friend. (Each friend that joins the challenge = 3 points)
9. Attend a book event, such as a book signing, book fair, book reading, etc. (Each event = 5 points)

B. Additional Points
1. 30 Points – Become a follower of Between The Pages blog
2. 5 Points – For each month you post your point total updates in our Take The Journey group at Book Blogs.
3. 30 Points – For adding our Take The Journey badge to your blog or website. (email me at btlblog@lyndacoker.com for the html code)

If you do post the badge, please leave the URL in a comment at the group site. I'd like to reciprocate by adding your site to my blog roll or web links. Thank You

This challenge operates on the Honor System. Please remember that when posting your point updates.

Enjoy the challenge, and as you do, share some of the highlights at our group site. Let us know what you're reading, where you've posted your reviews so that we can read them, who you're reading too, and how this challenge has inspired or helped you.

All Challenge participants who post point updates on the group site will have their names added to one of our HONOR LISTS: The 100 Club, The 200 Club, The 300 Club, The 400 Club, or The 500 Club. So be sure to post those point updates during the year.

Small Rewards:
I'll be sending small gifts each month to some of those Challenge participants who post comments and point updates at the group site. These will be chosen randomly. If you want to be added to the Small Rewards list, please indicate that in a comment at the group site, and be sure to add your email to your comment. A form to help you keep your point totals is provided at the group site.

To find out more, go to or to join, go directly to the Take the Journey 2010 Reading Challenge group or visit the post about the challenge.

Genre Book Challenge 2010

January 1-December 31, 2010

2 Many Good Books, 2 Little Time is hosting the Genre Book Challenge.

There don't really seem to be any rules, but here is what she says:

First off, let me just say how weird it is to type 2010. It just looks and feels futuristic to me. Am I the only one? Anyway...drum roll please...I am hosting my own reading challenge!

I often get stuck in a rut of reading out of the same genre. Soooo....I started this challenge to encourage me to break out of the same ol' same ol'. Anyone care to join me?

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Action/Adventure
African American Literature
Autobiography/Biography
Christian Classics
Comedy/Comics
Court Room Drama/Lawyers
Detective/Spy
Family Drama
Fan Fiction (e.g. Star Trek)
Fantasy
Graphic Novels
Historical
Horror
Indigenous People
Local History
Literary
Medical/Forensic
Mystery
Picture Books
Poetry
Police
Romance
Romantic Comedy
Science
Science Fiction
Sports
Suspense
Thriller
War
Western

To join, go to: Genre Book Challenge

Erotica Romance Reading Challenge

January 1 -December 31, 2010

Last year J Kaye from J Kaye Book Blog hosted this challenge.  In 2010 Erotic Horizon is hosting the Erotica Romance Reading Challenge

Here's what it's about:

I have been asked if I would like to host this challenge this year and of course I jumped at the chance – because mainly I love erotica and secondly I am looking forward to meeting more bloggers this upcoming year.

From last years experience some bloggers had a problem with the more erotic button, so I have had two done – because with erotica it isn’t all about skin, it also about the words and alot of assumption.

In the right authors hands just the thought of and the build up can be more exciting than the act itself.

Looking forward to an exciting year reading Erotica with you guys. 

Rules: To read TEN(10) Erotica Romance in 2010

Details:

• 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 then you can change them, nothing is set in stone!

• The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• If you decide to participate in this challenge please use the links I have set up below with the buttons to post on your sidebar, this way others can find their way back to this post and join in the fun.

• If you decide to join this challenge be sure to create a post telling others, please make sure you add a link back to this post so others can join in. 

• If you decide to join and don’t have a blog and  would like to join – Please leave details in comment. 

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

• You must be 18 years or older to join.
  

Another post will be created at the beginning of the year for completed reviews to be posted.

To join, go to Erotica Romance Reading Challenge

Indi Authors Reading Challenge

January 1 -December 31, 2010

Erotic Horizon is hosting the Indi Authors Reading Challenge.

Here's what it is about:

During 2009 I found myself reading a whole lot more INDI (independent) authors across varied genre – and I was loving it. Not only for the quality of work that has been produced, but mostly by how creative some of these authors have been with their plot.

With that and a lot more reasons in mind, I have decided to host a reading challenge dedicated to highlighting the work of self published authors.

Rules: To read TWELVE (12) Self Published Authors in 2010

Details:

• You don't have to select your books/authors ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront then you can change them, nothing is set in stone!

• The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• If you decide to participate in this challenge please use the links I have set up below with the buttons to post on your sidebar, this way others can find their way back to this post and join in the fun.

• If you decide to join this challenge be sure to create a post telling others, please make sure you add a link back to this post so others can join in.

• If you decide to join and don’t have a blog and would like to join – Please leave details in comment.

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

• Another post will be created at the beginning of the year for completed reviews to be posted.

To join, go to Indi Authors Reading Challenge.

30 Books To Movies Challenge

January 1- December 31, 2010

Chase of  The Bibliophile's Lounge  is hosting his very first challenge,  30 Books To Movies Challenge

Here's what he says:

Goal: To read 30 books that have been adapted into movies and watch said movies

Details:

• You don't have to select your books ahead of time. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

• If you decide to join this challenge be sure to create a post telling others. Also, please make sure you add a link back to this post so others can join in.

• Non-bloggers may enter as well. If you have a blog, please post the review of BOTH the book and movie on your blog, detailing: 

a) Your honest opinions of the book and movie

b) Which one did you enjoy more (book or movie?)

c) What do you think is so good about the book for it to have been made into a movie 

Make sure you label the reviews with “30 Books To Movies” so it’ll be easier for me to link them.

• Series only count as one entry. For example, even though there are 7 Harry Potter books, altogether they only count as 1 of the 30 books because they belong to the same series.

To join, go to 30 Books To Movies Challenge

Reading through the Seasons 2010

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Gina of Book Dragon's Lair is hosting the Reading through the Seasons again in 2010.

Here's what Gina says:

Get ready to read through the seasons again! Last year was insane so I've made some changes. This year it is only four books, one for each season.

Rules:

• Four books, one for each season.

• Title must have a season, not holiday, winter, fall, autumn, spring, summer

• Leave a link to your post about the challenge & I'll add you to the participant list.

Everything else is fairly flexible. Reviews, lists, even a blog is not necessary and books may be used for other challenges. It would be nice if you posted a short summary about the books you read so we can add to our TBR piles/wish lists. 

To join, go to Reading through the Seasons

Blogger Uplugged

November 23 - December 31, 2009

Beth of Beth Fish Reads and Jen of Devourer of Books are hosting the Blogger Unplugged Challenge.

Here's how Beth explains it:

Well, you know the story: All ideas evolve from Twitter conversations! In this case, Jen of Devourer of Books and I were talking about how sometimes it's a good idea to step away from the computer and fully focus on our homes, families, and the upcoming holidays. We love blogging and being on Twitter and checking out Facebook because that's the only way we have of connecting with our blogging friends, some of whom we've met in real life at book events.

It's easy to get that feeling that you'll miss out on something--an event, a wave, a conversation--if you shut down your computer.

But the truth is, it's okay to walk away sometimes. And that's what Blogger Uplugged is all about. As Jen wrote in her post, we are not only giving you permission to unplug, we're challenging you to unplug for some time between now and the end of year.

What about the rules? Because we aren't big on rules, we didn't make any! Instead, we challenge you to pick a time or a schedule that suits you. Maybe you'll pick a weekend or Christmas Day. Or perhaps you like the idea of walking away from the computer from 5:00 to 8:00 each evening for a week. You pick the time, you make the commitment.

We are here to help you avoid blogger burnout. It's okay to preschedule posts, but don't beat yourself up, if you spend the day baking cookies instead of writing something for your blog. Just grab the button, and let your readers know that you might be absent for a few days in December. We promise, the world won't collapse, and we won't forget who you are.

My goal is to unplug on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve day for sure. I'm also going to spend most of Thanksgiving weekend reading as part of the Thankfully Reading Weekend event.

To join, go to Blogger Unplugged  at Beth's or to Blogger Unplugged at Jenn's.

The Outlander Reading Challenge

Nov. 17th, 2009 - Nov. 17th, 2010

I just found out about this challenge and it's not too late to join. JennJ is hosting The Outlander Reading Challenge.

Here's what she says:

Have you always wanted to read the Outlander series but because of one thing or another you just haven't yet? Or are you like me and just want to revisit one of your favorite series again? Well it's time to take that leap through the stones my friend into the wonderful, thrilling, and passionate world of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series!

And yes the books are much longer than most but trust me once you start them you won't be able to put them down and you will fly through them! But because they are so long this challenge is going to run for an entire year so there is plenty of time to do the challenge, and still read some other books in between as well!

The Rules:

(oh don't worry they are easy!)

1. Anytime between Nov. 17th, 2009, and Nov. 17th, 2010, read the entire Outlander series. ((You do not have to start on Nov. 17th you can start the challenge anytime in the course of the challenge you like there is not any right or wrong way to do it.)) Read Outlander through the latest book An Echo in the Bone. (Any format is acceptable - be it paperback, hardback, ebook format, or audio *the unabridged audio is best as you will miss a LOT of the stories if you get the abridged versions, but is not strictly required*.

**There is also a companion book to the series called The Outlandish Companion this is a fun and informative look at the series, but is NOT required to be read for this challenge. However if you would like to add it to your list feel more than free to do so. It is a lot of fun and there are a lot of things that Diana explains in it from her point of view think of it as a behind the scenes look at the series.**

To join, go to The Outlander Reading Challenge

Series Challenge Season 4

December 1, 2009 - November 30, 2010

Kathrin of Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic is hosting the Series Challenge Season 4.

Here's what Kathrin says:

The rules are easy:

1) Pick a couple series you already started and now want to finish (meaning, you'll be all up to date with the series when it ends).

2) Read at least 4 books, more are also okay, of course!

3) Crossovers with other challenges are always okay.

4) Post your review of the books on your blog or in the comment section, no matter how long. If you post the review on your blog, please post a link to the review in the comment section so that everyone else can check out your review.

5) Have fun!

To join, go to Series Challenge Season 4

Colorful Reading Challenge 2010

January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010

Rebecca of Lost in Books is hosting the Colorful Reading Challenge again in 2010.

Here's what she says:

At the request of some of the participants of this year's Colorful Reading Challenge, I am hosting it again for 2010.

UPDATE:
If you participated in 2009 or read the post before this update, the challenge had a requirement of 9 books with 9 different colors in the title, six required colors and three freebies. Well, I decided to let everyone explore the color selections a little more and change up the rules.

You still need to read 9 books with 9 different colors in the title, but this time you get to choose all 9 colors for your books! You may be wondering how many books are there really out there with colors in the title? You may be surprised. To help you out and inspire your reading list, I created a reading idea list for sixteen or so different colors. So be sure to click over if you aren't sure what you can read.

As always, there is no need to make a list of books if you'd rather play it by ear and if you do make a list you may change it at any time. The challenge runs from January 1- December 31, 2010. If you would like to participate, please sign up using the Mr. Linky below. I will try to put up another Mr. Linky to use for posting your reviews this year now that I know how to work it!

Click here if you'd like to see the titles and reviews by this year's participants.

The point is to challenge yourself but to also read some great books and have fun!

To join, go to Colorful Reading Challenge

Woolf in Winter

January 15 - February 26, 2010

Four book bloggers listed below have decided to read all four of Virgina Woolf's novels this winter.  They are calling it Woolf in Winter.

Here's what France of Nonsuch Book says:

Reading Virginia Woolf. In the heart of winter. With friends who are both coming to this modernist master for the first time and those who will be enjoying the consuming stream-of-consciousness prose as repeat readers. Four of us would love for you to join us as we spend January and February reading through four Woolf novels - Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, Orlando and The Waves. The hosting-posting schedule is as follows:

Sarah ~ Mrs Dalloway (Jan 15) 

"Heralded as Woolf's greatest work of fiction, "Mrs. Dalloway" is not only a thorough rendering of a vivid human life, it is the outline on paper of human consciousness. In this vivid portrait of a single day in a woman's life, Clarissa Dalloway readies her house for friends and neighbors as she is is flooded with remembrances of faraway times."

Emily ~ To the Lighthouse (Jan 29) 

"The most autobiographical of Virginia Woolf's novels. It is based on her own early experiences, and while it touches on childhood and children's perceptions and desires, it is at its most trenchant when exploring adult relationships, marriage and the changing class-structure in the period spanning the Great War."

Frances ~ Orlando (Feb 12) 

"Originally published in 1928, this classic story by Virginia Woolf was modelled on her friend Vita Sackville-West's personality. Orlando chooses her own sexual identity as she lives through three centuries as both a man and a woman."

Claire ~ The Waves (Feb 26)

"Conveys the rhythms of life in synchrony with the cycle of nature and the passage of time. This book presents a searching exploration of individual and collective identity, and the observations and emotions of life, from the simplicity and surging optimism of youth to the vacancy and despair of middle-age."

Please join us? For one or for all four novels makes no difference. Claire, Sarah, Emily and I would love to read with you, would love your insights for what promises to be some great conversation. Look out for posts from all in the next few days. And just say "yes."

To join, go to Woolf in Winter

A Request...or two

This time of year is very hectic for this blog - many challenges begin on January 1st, many end on December 31st...and then there are the huge amounts of challenges and events centered around the holidays. Don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining (I love the enthusiasm!!).

BUT....

Teddy and I find it a huge challenge to keep up with the volume of work on this blog at this time of the year. We want to get all your challenges and events posted in a timely manner (preferably BEFORE they start!)...and so I have two teeny requests.

1. Please try to alert us to your challenge or event as soon as you have a post about it posted...there is a place on this blog to give us a link to your challenge or event...and that is the best way to let us know what is happening! We try really hard to respond to these links within a week or less of receiving them.
   
2. Many readers are unaware of A Novel Challenge blog...and so we don't learn about their challenges unless we happen upon them through our feed readers...or someone let's us know by dropping us a link. If you know about a challenge which is NOT on this blog, please don't hesitate to let know ... even if you are not the person hosting it!

A HUGE thank you to all of the readers of A Novel Challenge blog...for your creativity in developing challenges and events, for your enthusiasm (and addiction) to reading challenges, and for your loyalty to this blog. It has been exciting for me to watch this realm of the book blogging community grow over the last couple of years!

2010 Reading Resolutions Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Jenny at Jenny Loves to Read is hosting her first reading challenge. The 2010 Reading Resolutions Challenge was born out of Jenny's desire for a plan with some defined goals for the new year. Jenny writes:

As the name implies, 2010 Reading Resolutions Challenge, it's basically new year's resolutions for my reading. They can be anything you would like to accomplish in the coming year in the realm of reading, book blogging, or perhaps personal growth.

Guidelines:

• Create your personal reading resolutions for the upcoming year in a post and link to it to the post about the challenge. If you don't have a blog, that's cool too. Post your resolutions and updates in the comments of the post about the challenge.
• Get started on your resolutions! Once every 2 months, starting on February 15th, Jenny will have a post to check-in and see how everyone is doing. Kind of as a reminder to you to check your own progress.
• There is no pressure or consequences with this challenge...Jenny views it as a personal growth sort of challenge.

Learn more by visiting the challenge post.

The John Cusack Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Care at Care's Online Book Club is hosting the John Cusack Reading Challenge. She explains:

I have had a crush on John Cusack since the movie Say Anything 1989. We are about the same age, so I have always assumed that he and I would have been friends if we had gone to the same high school. He’s that smart guy who doesn’t run for class officer but hangs at the fringes and knows everyone but you can’t tell what clique he belongs to. He’s too cool to be one of the popular kids. Too edgy to be in the smart college prep group. (I was a college prep geek. I think.)

So when she saw the seven books which influenced him on Oprah Magazine, the idea for a challenge was born.

Care is challenging you to join her in reading all seven books:Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail ‘72, by Hunter S. Thompson; To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee; Chronicles: Volume One, by Bob Dylan; The Great Thoughts, compiled by George Seldes; The Shock Doctrine, by Naomi Klein; Franny and Zooey, by J.D. Salinger; Tropic of Cancer, by Henry Miller; AND Rites of Spring, by Modris Eksteins.

Learn more and sign up by visiting the post about the challenge.

The Nancy Drew Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Deborah at Books, Movies and Chinese Food is hosting The Nancy Drew Challenge where participants are encouraged to read all 56 original Nancy Drew Mystery stories.

Here are the guidelines:

• Only the yellow hardback versions of the books count (check out the post about the challenge for more information on this)
• Audio and e-books are allowed
• Re-reads count and you can count ones you've read in the past
• Reviews are not required
• Crossovers are allowed
• You don't need a blog to participate

Learn more and sign up by visiting the post about the challenge.

A to Z Wednesdays - EVENT

Hosted by Reading At the Beach each Wednesday

Here's the rules:

Go to your stack of books and find one whose title starts with the letter of the week.
Then post:

1. a photo of the book
2. title and synopsis
3. link(amazon, barnes and noble etc.)
4. Return to post and leave your link in the comments.
5. If you've already reviewed this book you can add it also.
6. Be sure to visit other participants to see what book they have posted and leave them a comment.

To play along and get that week's letter...visit Reading At the Beach every Wednesday.

Series Palooza - EVENT

Hosted by Michelle at GalleySmith
December 14 - 20, 2009

Michelle writes:

One of my very favorite things about reading is reading books in a series. I adore getting to know characters and watching as they progress from point A to point Z over time. But, if you are anything like me, as much as you’d like to read all the books in a particular series you also run into other obligations or constraints.

So with that in mind, she is dedicating a week in December to read from those neglected series books. This is how Michelle describes Series Palooza:

For the week starting December 14 through December 20 I’ll be holding Seriespalooza, where participants will read only books in a series they are either currently reading or are wanting to start. It’s a relaxed affair where you can read at your leisure so there isn’t any pressure. It’s just a great excuse to dip into the pile of books you want to read instead of those you may have scheduled to read as a result of other obligations.

Learn more and sign up to participate by visiting the post about the event.

Moby Dick Mondays

Every Monday

Ti from Book Chatter has come up with a new weekly event, Moby Dick Mondays.

Here's what Ti says:

A few weeks back, I mentioned my hate/hate relationship with Moby Dick and how for some reason I feel compelled to read it, even though I have attempted to do so repeatedly and failed each time. You can read about it here.

Anyway…in an attempt to finally put the matter to rest, I will be reading four pages a day (beginning tonight) and then each Monday I will post my thoughts on what I’ve read. A few others have decided to brave it with me:

Jill/Softdrink over at Fizzy Thoughts
Jill over at RhapsodyinBooks
Claire over at kiss a cloud (she will be joining us in 2010)
…and one other blogger who shall remain nameless as she did not want to commit as of yet.

If you have a copy of Moby Dick lying around collecting dust, then dust it off and join us. My copy is the Borders Classic version with 602 pages but some of the others are even listening to it on audio so be flexible with it.

To join in, go to Moby Dick Mondays

Young Adult Reading Challenge

January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010

J. Kaye of J. Kaye's Books in starting a new challenge, the 2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge.

Here's what J.Kaye says:

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, paper 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.

To join, go to 2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

Weekly Book Talk

Every Thursday

J. Kaye of J. Kaye's Book Blog is hosting Thursday's Weekly Book Talk.

Here's what J.Kaye says:

This weekly event is an extension on the Monday Post, It’s Monday! What are you reading? Each week, I’ll discuss books that stand out as favorites, ones that are just okay, and the others I never talk about. The ones I couldn’t finish this last week and the reason why. 

So what about you? And favorite reads this week? What about books that didn’t make the cut? Or maybe you read a book that was good, but it didn’t live up to your expectations. Tell us about your delights as well as your duds!

To join in, go to Thursday's Weekly Book Talk

The Anita Blake Challenge 2010

January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010

Book Chick City has come up with a new challenge, The Anita Blake Challenge 2010

Here's what Book Chick says:

I have been thinking about hosting my own challege for a while now, but I didn't know what or to be honest how. But when J. Kaye (of J. Kaye's Book Blog) asked me to take over the Thriller & Suspense Challenge, I took it as a sign. So I decided on Anita Blake by Laurell K Hamilton as it was the first ever 'urban fantasy' type book I ever read and I just loved the character. If you haven't read Anita Blake before then this will be the perfect challenge for you. If you are like me and have read up to a certain point in the series but would like to re-read and catch up then join now!

 

Rules: The goal is to read or re-read the entire Anita Blake series in 2010. 
Details: 
• At present there are 17 books in the series (if you include Micah), with a planned novella, flirt and novel in 2010. I will be including these when they have been released. If you don't want to re-read the books you have already but would like to join in the challenge then start from where you left off. It's that easy! 
• If you decide to participate in this challenge please use the links I have set up below with the buttons to post on your sidebar, this way others can find their way back to this post and join in the fun. You can choose either button. 
• If you decide to join this challenge be sure to create a post telling others, please make sure you add a link back to this post so others can join in.
• You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year. 
• There will be a place for you to link your reviews, but this is optional. 

To join, go to The Anita Blake Challenge 2010

Thriller & Suspense Challenge 2010

January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010

Book Chick City is hosting the Thriller & Suspense Challenge 2010.  Last year, J. Kaye Book Blog hosted it.

The Details:

• 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 then you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• If you decide to participate in this challenge please use the links I have set up below with the buttons to post on your sidebar, this way others can find their way back to this post and join in the fun.

• If you decide to join this challenge be sure to create a post telling others, please make sure you add a link back to this post so others can join in.
• You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year. • There will be a place for you to link your reviews, but this is optional. 

Now, there are many different sub-genres of thriller, so don't go thinking that you don't actually read these kinds of books because I bet you read more than you think. As I mentioned above you can choose from the numerous sub-genres, from cosy mysteries such as Agatha Christie to the more hard-boiled kind like V I Warshawski by Sara Paretsky, or even supernatural/paranormal suspense written by the likes of Laurell K Hamilton (Anita Blake) and Kelley Armstrong. So, there you have it, this challenge will have something for everyone I'm sure! :)

To help you figure out and decide, J. Kaye has kindly given me the sub-genre list that she compiled when hosting the challenge. To view this list go HERE.

To join, go to Thriller & Suspense Challenge 2010