Every Month is a Holiday - 2010

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Kim is hosting the Every Month is A Holiday Challenge again for 2010. Participants read a book a month relating to one of the themes, special days or holidays.

• books may overlap with other challenges
• you may list the books you read and where your reading wishes take you

Kim has lots of great links to give you ideas for your reading.

To learn more or sign up, visit the challenge blog.

Fangtastic Fiction Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Catherine from On the Nightstand is hosting the Fangtastic Fiction Challenge. She writes:

Despite what some might think, there is more to vampire fiction than Dracula, Interview With The Vampire and Twilight, and so, with a little help from Pam @ Bookalicio.us, I am hosting a vampire reading challenge!

The base challenge here (“Newly Turned”) is to read four books, one from each of the four categories below: classic, horror, romance and young adult. If a book can fit into two categories (or more), simply pick one category and then read another.

Once you have completed that, you can go wild with what books you read for your challenge list, so long as they have vampires in some form as a prominent part. For every additional four books you read, you go up a level. Where the base challenge is the equivalent of the first stages of a vampire, think of each four books as a century added onto their existence.

How old can you go?

First Blood

This is the category for vampire tales that were written prior to 1900. Examples of such books would be:

• Dracula – Bram Stoker
• Carmilla – Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

Things That Go Bite In The Night

This is the category for works firmly entrenched in the horror genre. Examples of such books would be:

• Salem’s Lot – Steven King
• Let The Right One In – John Ajvide Lindqvist

Kiss Of The Vampire

This is the category for all books that have romance as one of its main genres/focusses. Examples of such books would be:

• Dead Until Dark (etc) – Charlaine Harris
• Jessica’s Guide To Dating On The Dark Side – Beth Fantaskey

High School Is Hell

This is the category for all vampire books that fit in the young adult category. Examples of such books would be:

• The Vampire Diaries – L.J. Smith
• The Morganville Vampires – Rachel Caine

There is also a bonus challenge/activity that involves watching vampire related stuff on large and small screen (visit the post about the challenge to learn more).
There will most likely be mini-challenge throughout the year.

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

New Year Read-a-Thon

Hosted by Kristen at Bookworming in the 21st Century

Happy New Year everyone!! Kristen at Bookworming in the 21st Century is hosting a New Year Read-a-thon. She writes:

Now, what is the Read-a-thon all about? Promoting reading in the new year - 2010!

Starts: 5 pm on Thursday, December 31st
Ends: 10 pm on Sunday, January 3rd

You can read as little or as much as you want! Also, I'm planning on having a smaller event called Reading Into the New Year - where us bookworms can read as it turns midnight!

And:

I'll also be posting a New Years Resolution post towards the end of December, so if you're thinking about posting your Resolutions on your blog you can link them up there!

And:

Also, one random participant will win a book or two from my pile of books to giveaway. (Yes, we all need extra incentive!)

Want to join? It's not too late!! Visit this post on Kristen's blog.

Short Story Reading Challenge 2010

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Kate from Kate's Book Blog is reviving the Short Story Reading Challenge for 2010. She writes:

I hosted the initial incarnation of the Short Story Reading Challenge in 2008 and was thrilled at the number of readers that I encountered through it who proved to be already devotees of or who were willing to embrace the short story form. I took a year off from challenges this past year, but after several expressions of interest in another round, I'm feeling enthusiastic about a revival of the Short Story Reading Challenge for 2010.

There are several options for participation:

Options 1 & 2: If you're short on time, you can simply commit to reading ten short stories by ten different authors over the course of 2010. If you're relatively new to reading short stories, any ten will do. If you’ve already got a lot of short stories under your belt, make it ten short stories by ten writers whose work you have not yet read.

Options 3 & 4: If you've got a bit more time to devote to this endeavor, you can commit to reading between five and ten short story collections over the course of 2010. Again, if you're a short story novice, the world is your oyster as far as selection is concerned. But if you're a seasoned short story reader, you'll want to choose collections by writers whose short stories you have not yet encountered.

Option 5: This is the custom option under the rubric of which you can tailor your reading list to best meet your personal reading aspirations. You might wish to craft a list that focuses on a particular place, or era, or genre. Or you might wish to include reading about short stories as well as of short stories, for example, such works as Frank O'Connor's The Lonely Voice: A Study of the Short Story. It's entirely up to you.

The blog dedicated to this challenge can be found here. On it, participants can post reading lists, recommendations, and reviews of specific short stories and short story collections, as well as ruminations on and links related to the short story form more generally.

Want more information or interested in joining? Visit the post about the challenge on Kate's blog and leave her a comment.

Manga Challenge 2010

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Rhinoa of Rhinoa's Ramblings is hosting the Manga Challenge again in 2010.   Here's what Rhinoa says:

The Manga Challenge will be running again in 2010 but this time from it's own dedicated blog. You can join throughout the year (there is no cut off time to sign up) and it ends on 31st December 2010. The goal is to read a minimum of 6 mangas. There will be the odd prize throughout the year and bonus points if you manage to watch at least one anime film or 3 episodes of a series.

To join, go to Manga Challenge.

Jane Austen Reading Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Haley of The Life (and Lies) of an Inanimate Flying Object is hosting the Jane Austen Reading Challenge.
Here's what she says:

I have never read Jane Austen. I’m dead serious. I don’t think that’s very good of me, do you? I figured the best (and most fun way) to get myself to read them would be to do a challenge. So here you go.

Rules:

--Anyone can participate. Bloggers: leave a link to your challenge in the comments. Non-bloggers, leave your name (and e-mail if you like)

--Levels:

**Newbie 2 books by J. Austen, 2 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)

**Lover 4 books by J. Austen, 4 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)

** Fanatic 6+ books by J. Austen, 5+ re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)

--Challenge books can overlap with other challenges.

--Any format counts: bound book, e-book (check online for free downloads of J.A’s copyright-free books), audio book, or any other thing you can think of.

--You can change which level you read!

To join, go to Jane Austen Reading Challenge.

Memorable Memoir Reading Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Melissa of The Betty and Boo Chronicles is hosting the Memorable Memoir Reading Challenge.  Here's what she says:

I know, I know ... you've already joined too many (me too!), you've just signed up for your very last challenge, but I would love for you to join one more. This one.
Memoirs, letters, diaries, and autobiographies count as reads for this challenge. (Basically, if you think it is the stuff of memoir, it counts.)

 Overlaps with other challenges are allowed. Audiobooks and e-books are also allowed.

 Participants are encouraged to read at least 4 memoirs/diaries/letters/autobiography books in 2010. Of course, more are fine!

 You're not required to make a list, but if you'd like to do so, I'd love your ideas and suggestions! 

To join, go to Memorable Memoir Reading Challenge.

Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge 2010

January 1 - December 31, 2010

 

Book Chick City is hosting the Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge.  Here's what she says:

The Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge can include young adult as well as adult books. There are many genres and sub-genres under the umbrella of 'speculative fiction' and I have listed them below. Enjoy, have fun and hopefully you will discover a new genre or author along the way.

Details:

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

2. There are four levels:

• Inquisitive – Read 3 Speculative Fiction novels.

• Enthusiastic – Read 6 Speculative Fiction novels.

• Addicted – Read 12 Speculative Fiction novels.

• Obsessed – Read 24 Speculative Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

4. 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! 

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

 

To join, go to Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge.

AUSSIE AUTHOR CHALLENGE

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Booklover Book Reviews is hosting the Aussie Author Challenge.  Here's what she says:

There are just so many talented and prolific Australian Authors who've reached international acclaim. Even I as a born and bred Aussie, simply have not read enough of them - through this challenge I seek to right that wrong! :)

2 challenge levels - TOURIST and FAIR DINKUM!

TOURIST - Read and review 3 books by 3 different Australian authors
FAIR DINKUM - Read and review 8 books by Australian authors (a minimum of 5 different Australian authors)

RULES:
1. Write a challenge sign-up post on your blog. In that post provide a link to this original post acknowledging Booklover Book Reviews and put this Challenge Button on your sidebar, linking the button to my challenge post.
2. Add your name and the direct link to your AUSSIE AUTHOR CHALLENGE sign-up post in the Mister Linky list below.
3. Decide which Aussie authors you will read in 2010, although you can change your book titles or challenge level at anytime!

Each week or two for the next few months I'll do an AUSSIE AUTHOR IN FOCUS post, providing information about these and other popular Australian authors, the books and series they've written and links to their homepages and book summaries.
 

To join, go to Aussie Author Challenge.

Sci Fi Experience 2010

January 1 - February 28, 2010

Carl of Stainless Steel Droppings is hosting the Sci Fi Experience 2010.  Here's what he says:

“Science Fiction as a genre and the art of reading have been inextricably linked together as far back as my earliest solo reading memories. It is a bond that the passage of time and my own growth as a reader has not severed. In fact it is quite the opposite. As my length of days stretch out before me I find the ties to my own past growing ever more strong and ever more important.”
~Carl V. Anderson

Perhaps it is the acme of narcissism to quote oneself, but as I reviewed last year’s Sci Fi ExperienceSci Fi Experience, it seemed appropriate to dust it off and roll it out again. The passion that birthed these words two years ago has not diminished with time. That star continues to burn quite brightly. announcement, and perused this quote I had made during the inaugural

As the snow gently falls this Christmas morning and the temperatures steadily descend, the glow of a passion for winter reading of science fiction keeps me warm. It is that warmth that I hope to share with all who would join me this January and February. Not for another challenge, no…for an experience.

Pilfering from my self again:

“More than any other genre of fiction, science fiction reading is to me an experience– not only does it transport me to another time and place in the future but it also transports me to my past and as such creates an aura of reading that is wonderful to experience but difficult to describe. I can only hope that you fellow readers are nodding your heads in agreement right now, recalling similar experiences that you have with various novels and/or genres of fiction.”

The Sci Fi Experience 2010 will take place from January 1st, 2010 through February 28th, 2010. During this time I will be following what is my natural inclination during these winter months, and that is to fully embrace science fiction, in my reading, film/tv watching, and game playing. Two years ago I decided to share this winter reading predilection with all of you wonderful readers in the hopes that perhaps others would join me in experiencing the unique joy that comes with entertaining science fiction stories. There is no official sign up, no call to read a certain number of books, no pressure to challenge yourself in any way. Nothing about this two month period of science fiction celebration should cause anyone to feel obligated to participate. I host two other very involved challenges throughout the year and the last thing I want to do is start a new year adding stress to your busy lives, or my own.

This is simply a time to experience how exhilarating science fiction can be.

To join, go to Sci Fi Experience 2010.

Winter Words Reading Challenge

December 21, 2009 - March 19, 2010

Tarissa of In the Bookcase is hosting the Winter Words Reading Challenge.  Here's what she says:

How many books do you want to read this Winter? It's time to start planning.
December 21 is the first day of Winter, and March 19 is the last day of the season...and this is the duration time of the reading challenge I'm hosting.

Here's how this challenge works:
Select your number of books you want to read below, and choose one of the corresponding words (I have set the minimum amount of books at 3).

3. ice,   ski
4. snow,   sled
5. frost,   slick
6. winter,   icicle,   flurry
7. mittens,   snowman
8. slippery,   ice skate
9. snowflake

The word you pick above is an acronym & the books that you read during this challenge will have to coordinate with the letters in the acronym.
You can use either of the following ways to select your books:
(1) A word in the title of your books must start with a letter from your chosen word.
or... (2) The author's first or last name has to begin with 1 of the letters in your acronym.

Try to find a fitting book for every letter in your acronym. For example, if you want to read 3 books & pick the word ICE, this could be your book list:

 I ::: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - by Laura Numeroff
 C ::: The Secret of the Old Clock - by Carolyn Keene
    E ::: Eight Cousins - by Louisa May Alcott

{The above are just sample titles, but it should give you an idea of what to do. Remember, you can choose ANY books you want. Maybe it's already one that you had on your reading-soon list, and fits in with this challenge. It's your decision of what you what to read!}

This challenge is for all ages of children, teens, & adults. Anyone is welcome to participate, and I hope YOU will!

To Join, go to Winter Words Reading Challenge.

Typically British Reading Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Book Chick City is hosting the Typically British Reading Challenge.  Here's what she says:

I have seen a few challenges that are limited to reading authors from a particular country (Canada/Australia) etc but none for just Britain, so I thought I would host one myself. I hope you enjoy the challenge and discover lots of new British authors along the way.

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

2. There are four levels:

 • "Put The Kettle On" – Read 2 Typically British novels.

 • "Gordon Bennett" – Read 4 Typically British novels.

 • "Bob's Your Uncle" – Read 6 Typically British novels.

 • "Cream Crackered" – Read 8 Typically British novels.

3. Any book format counts. Must be fiction not non-fiction.

4. 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! 

5. The books you choose can crossover into other challenges.

To join, go to  Typically British Reading Challenge.

A Tournament of Reading

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Meghan from Medieval Bookworm is hosting A Tournament of Reading to read more medieval. Here's what she says:

This challenge is designed to get us all reading a little more medieval literature in 2010.  The challenge will run from January 1st to December 31st, 2010, and will be hosted right here at Medieval Bookworm.  Challenge genres include history, medieval literature, and historical fiction.  Medieval, for simplicity of definition, will be from 500-1500, and literature from all over the world is welcome, not just western Europe.  There are 3 levels:

• Peasant – Read 3 medieval books of any kind.
• Lord – Read 6 medieval books, at least one of each kind.
• King – Read 9 medieval books, at least two of each kind.

You’re not required to make a list or stick to one, but it would be fun if you did!  A recommendations post will also be up today, to help you make choices.

To join, go to A Tournament of Reading.

Neil Gaiman Reading Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Marny is hosting the Neil Gaiman Reading Challenge. Here's what she says:

Welcome to the Neil Gaiman Reading Challenge. Here are the rules:

1. Read five books (includes Graphic Novels) by Neil Gaiman between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010

2. Overlaps with other challenges are allowed

3. Ebooks and audiobooks are allowed, too

6. You don't have to have a reading list ready to participate in the challenge but please let me know which level you're doing

7. Sign up using the Simply Linked widget on the left. If you don't have a blog, leave a comment.

There will be a prize at the end of the challenge. If you complete the challenge and write a wrap-up post (or wrap-up comment), you're eligible.

To join, go to Neil Gaiman Reading Challenge.

American Civil War Reading Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Marny is hosting the American Civil War Reading Challenge. Here's what she says:

Welcome to the American Civil War Reading Challenge. Here are the rules:

1. Read books about the Civil War, either fiction or non-fiction

2. There are four levels of participation

- Private: Read three books
- Sergeant: Read six books
- Lieutenant: Read nine books
- General: Read twelve books

3. Read the books between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010

4. Overlaps with other challenges are allowed

5. Ebooks and audiobooks are okay, too

6. You don't have to have a reading list ready to participate in the challenge but please let me know which level you're doing

There will be a prize at the end of the challenge. If you complete the challenge and write a wrap-up post (or wrap-up comment), you're eligible.

To join, go to American Civil War Reading Challenge.

Children's Classics Mystery Challenge

January 1 - June,  2010

Five Minutes for Books is hosting the Children's Classics Mystery Challenge.  Here's what they say:

I'm so hyped about this particular challenge that I can barely type! Who didn't love Nancy Drew, the Dana Girls, the Hardy Boys, Trixie Belden, or Encyclopedia Brown growing up!?! And who wouldn't love a chance to revisit these gems? And who wouldn't love an excuse to bring their children in on the fun and introduce them to the beautiful world of children's mystery stories where there is always a mystery to solve and yet nothing gory ever happens?!

For the next six months, from January to June 2010, we're going to substitute our regular Children's Classics carnival (which typically takes place on the second Tuesday of the month) and replace it with a Children's Classics Mystery Challenge. What all does this entail?

Really, you are welcome to participate as much or as little as you like. The plan is to Make-Your-Own plan. Would you like to reread those Nancy Drew books you've had lying around? Trixie? Or mix and match! The choice is yours. All that we ask is that you write up an initial post saying that you and/or your children are going to be participating in this challenge and link back to this introductory post.

Then, on the second Tuesday of each month we will have a post wherein you can link up any and all reviews you have written in the previous month. For example, on January 12 you can link up your introductory post or any reviews you've completed, so feel free to start reading now. Books, movies, audio, and even video game (oh yes!) reviews may be included and are most welcome.

Why are we doing this? For a variety of reasons. First and foremost, quite frankly, I just want to visit with some old chums of mine. Secondly, this we feel this is a great way to involve our children in our reading habits and, just perhaps, introduce them to the company we kept when we were younger. Which series qualifies as a classic? Let's say anything that came into being before 1980. Maybe you know of a series that we don't, but these are some of my favorites from my younger days:

Nancy Drew, the Dana Girls (also attributed to Carolyn Keene), the Hardy Boys, Trixie Belden, Cherry Ames and the Boxcar Children. I might have to pick up an Encyclopedia Brown (which my husband read but I did not) to see what those are about. Are there others I've missed?

The point is - have fun. Find your inner child in these stories and remember what birthed your love of mystery stories today. Perhaps you even have some of these characters to thank for your present addiction to the written word. Let's celebrate, remember and have fellowship with them again. I think it's about time.

By devoting the 2nd Tuesday to the challenge, we are hoping to build a community of children's mystery lovers, or provide another source of reviews for those of you looking for books for your children.

This is a fairly low-key challenge, but it's always good to set a goal. We are even trying to dig up prizes, so be sure that you look for our monthly posts on the 2nd Tuesday.

I'm excited about this challenge and I hope you will choose to join in on the fun at a pace that suits you. Leave a comment if this sounds exciting to you. If you want to write up an introductory post with your goals, feel free to link it up here or on January 12th, or any 2nd Tuesday throughout the challenge.

To join, go to Children's Classics Mystery Challenge.

Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge, Round 2

 January 1 - January 31, 2010

Carrie of Reading to Know is hosting the Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge again in 2010.  Here's what she says:

Last year I hosted the first L.M. Montgomery Reading Challenge during the month of January and I can hardly believe that it's time to announce Round 2. I'll be hosting it again this coming January and the rules will be the same as last year (which means, essentially, that there are no rules).

I like keeping it simple because everyone's schedules are so varied and some people might be interested in just picking up one book by Montgomery and others are interested in reading through a series. Last year, several of you made friends with Anne Shirley (my favorite female character of all times). Others of you read the Emily books and some of Montgomery's short stories. For my part, I spent the better part of the Challenge last year learning about Montgomery herself. This year I'm looking forward to reacquainting myself with Montgomery's characters.

Here are the "Rules":

1. Pick the Montgomery book (or books!) that you most want to read and then read them during the first few weeks of January. I'll have a Mr. Linky up on January 1st through January 8th for you to link up to if you plan on participating in this challenge. All you need to have prepared on January 1st (or shortly thereafter) is a blog post pointing people back to the Mr. Linky post and challenge. In other words, create a blog post saying, "I'm in!" and link it up here. If you'd like to say which books of Montgomery's you plan on reading during the challenge, do so then! There are a great many to choose from.

2. Come back on Sunday, January 31, 2009 and link up however many Montgomery related reviews/posts you like.

3. Visit around and get to know the other people who are participating in the challenge and read about what books they've involved themselves with. Be friendly! =)

To join, go to Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge.

Books Won Reading Challenge

Books Won Reading Challenge

January 2 - December 31, 2010

Teddy of So Many Precious Books, So Little Time is hosting the Books Won Reading Challenge.  Here's what she says:

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.

Note: I'm not very good at making buttons, so if you would like to contribute a button, I would be very grateful.

To join, go to Books Won Reading Challenge.

Canada Reads 2010 Challenge

Now, December, 2009 - March 12, 2010

Roughing It In the Books is hosting the Canada Reads 2010 Challenge.  Here's what they say:

So here’s the challenge: read all five Canada Reads 2010 books by March 6th, 2010 so we can discuss them before the debates rage from March 8-12, 2010. Every participant picks who they think will win by midnight March 6th. On March 7th we will post the list of predictions and then from the 8th to 12th we will listen to the debates. March 12th we will pick the winners. This year we are changing up how you can win and will have three categories and three random draws.

1. Those who read all five books, participated in the discussion AND guessed the correct winner get thrown into all three draws giving them a chance to win three times (unless of course only one person guesses the correct winner and then they win by default).
2. Those who read all five books, participated in the discussion but didn’t guess the correct winner get thrown into two draws giving them a chance to win twice.
3. Those who didn’t manage to finish all five books but stuck around and participated in the fun get thrown into one draw giving them a chance to win once.

Make sense? Last year Mclelland & Stewart donated some lovely re-released copies of Wild Geese by Martha Ostenso as prizes. I’ll see if I can get them to donate some more NCL-inspired prizes this year.

Every Monday (starting Dec. 7th) Alexis or I will post a CRC update to let you know where we are at and to allow you to play along in the comments - letting us know how much further ahead of me you are (Alexis is a speed reader so just try and catch up to her). When we are both done reading one of the books we will post a review (two reviews, one post) and if you want to discuss your views on the book before March 6th, 2010 you can do so in the comments section of that post - this way we don’t ruin anything for anyone who hasn’t read that particular book yet (unless of course they choose to read the comments).

The Books:

Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald, defended by Perdita Felicien

The Jade Peony by Wayson Choy, defended by Samantha Nutt

Generation X by Douglas Coupland, defended by Roland Pemberton

Good to a Fault by Marina Endicott, defended by Simi Sara

Nikolski by Nicholas Dickner, defended by Michel Vézina

To join, go to Canada Reads 2010 Challenge.

Winter Reading Series - EVENT

An Annual event hosted by Mari at Bookworm with a View and Lisa at Books on the Brain

Lisa from Books on the Brain writes:

Ah, winter. For me it is the most perfect time of year for reading. Something about cold weather and short days makes me all snugglish, and then add to that a warm mug of something yummy, a fuzzy sweater, a cozy chair. What else completes that idyllic mental picture better than a book, right?

Based on the success of the Summer Reading Series, Lisa and Mari have decided to host a Winter Reading Series. They have selected Keeping the Feast by Paula Butturini as their first book. They had 20 copies to send out to readers...but those 20 copies have all been claimed by now.

Don't worry, though, you can still participate because they are going to do more of these...to keep updated, subscribe to Mari's blog or Lisa's blog and watch for announcements on this fun event.

2nd Edition of Bloggiesta - EVENT

Hosted by Natasha at Maw Books

January 8-10, 2010

Natasha at Mawbooks is once again hosting the popular Bloggiesta - an event designed to help bloggers...

...cross those nagging items off of your to-do list and improve your blog while in the good company of other awesome bloggers doing the same thing. Break out the nachos, enchiladas, drinks, mariachi music and whack a pinata or two!

Natasha describes Bloggiesta as a blogging marathon and lists some ideas of what bloggers can do over the three day event:

• Write reviews.
• Write backup posts for a rainy day.
• Write that great post idea from three months back.
• Work on series posts.
• Write guest posts.
• Put out invitations for guest posts.
• Conduct and edit author interviews.
• Create template posts for your future reads (ie: title, images, linking, tags, etc,) so you can open up, write review and post without being bogged down with technicalities
• Clean up your tags, archives, books reviewed list, etc.
• Create a text file (or Google Doc) of cheat sheets (html codes, post url’s, etc)
• Improve your blog template, clean up sidebars, add a favicon, install those plugins that you’ve been meaning to do.
• Add or edit your about me page, review policy, disclosure policy, privacy policy, create landing pages (for example – an about me for Twitter readers page) or any other pages you might have.
• Any bloggy type housekeeping that you’ve been neglecting.
• Clean up and update your challenge lists. Link up your posts with hosts.
• Make sure all of your social network profiles are up to date. Brand yourself through those profiles with color scheme, images, etc.
• Go get a gravatar.
• Visit the Blogging Tips group on the Book Blogs Ning and find ways to improve your blog.
• Work on any specialized projects that you may have going.
• Clean out and organize your feed reader and blog subscriptions.
• Create an elevator pitch.
• Make business cards.
• Find a blogging buddy.
• The sky’s the limit!

Some more information you might need:

1. The date is Friday, January 8th, Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th. You can really start whenever you want within that time but official hours are 8am to 8am (wherever you are). That is a total of 76 hours, of which you should aim high for a total of 18-24 hours spent on the challenge. The hours spent on the challenge do NOT need to be in a row. Use the entire 76 hour time frame and see what you can do with it. (Natasha says aim for 24 hours but really if you can only do six, twelve or eighteen that’s fine too. I just like to have something to aim for.)
2. It’s your call as to how much you want to put into it. But you have to put something into it or it’s not a challenge. So stay up all night or sleep and take care of kids when you need to.
3. When you start the challenge, go to Mawbooks and to the “starting line” post and link to your specific post about beginning the challenge which is posted on your blog.
   
4. How many updates (if any) you want to do is up to you. Make it work for you. There will be bloggers hosting mini-challenges as well. These are great to learn new information. To get an idea of the mini-challenges last time, check out the list.
5. If you are on Twitter, use the hashtag #bloggiesta to join the chatter.
6. Your final summary post needs to be posted no later than Monday, January 11th. Come back to the finish line and link to your specific summary post. Your summary should include the number of hours spent on the challenge, what you accomplished, links to mini-challenge hosts if you completed them and any other experiences you’d like to add.

Need more information or want to sign up? Visit the post about the event on Mawbooks.

Show Me Saturday - EVENT

Hosted every Saturday at That's A Novel Idea

Visit That's A Novel Idea every Saturday to participate in her weekly event Show Me Saturday. The rules:

Each Saturday You will post the answer to these questions. The number indicates the number of answers you will provide.

1 Book you read and/or reviewed this week
2 Words that describe the book
3 Settings where it took place or characters you met
4 Things you liked and/or disliked about it
5 Stars or less for your rating?

2010 Black Classics Reading Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Lhea from The Black Bookshelf is hosting the Black Classics Reading Challenge. She writes:

2010 will be the first year for The Black Classics Challenge. The purpose of this reading challenge is to encourage people of all ages to read great, pre-modern literature that is not regularly promoted in the Western canon.

Most of the authors that I recommend will be of African decent, but readers are encouraged to read classic non-western authors of other ethnicities.

Challenge Rules:

1. The book must have been originally published prior to the Harlem Renaissance (1920).
2. The author of the book, regardless country of birth, may be of African decent.
3. The book may be fiction or nonfiction, poetry or prose.

Challenge Levels of Participation:

1. Curious -- I commit to 3 books
2. Experienced -- I commit to 7 books (may include 1 anthology)
3. Enthusiast -- I commit to 15 Books (may include 2 anthologies)

Lhea has a nice list of reading selections posted...to learn more and to sign up, visit the dedicated blog.

Global Reading Challenge 2010

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Dorte and Kerrie are hosting the 2010 Global Reading Challenge to read books from around the world. There are three different levels of participation from which to choose:

1. The Easy Challenge
Read one novel from each of these continents in the course of 2010:

• Africa
• Asia
• Australasia
• Europe
• North America (incl Central America)
• South America

From your own continent: try to find a country, state or author that is new to you.

2. The Medium Challenge
Read two novels from each of these continents in the course of 2010:

• Africa
• Asia
• Australasia
• Europe
• North America (incl Central America)
• South America

Try to find novels from twelve different countries or states.

3. The Expert Challenge
Read two novels from each of these continents in the course of 2010:

• Africa
• Asia
• Australasia
• Europe
• North America (incl Central America)
• South America
• Add two novels which are set in Antarctica.

Select novels from fourteen different countries or states.

To learn more or join the challenge, visit the post about the challenge on the dedicated blog.

The Essay Reading Challenge 2010

January 1 - November, 30, 2010

Carrie of Books and Movies is hosting the Essay Reading Challenge again in 2010.  Here's what she says:

Last year’s Essay Reading Challenge was a lot of fun – and several people have expressed interest in joining again for the New Year. I’m going to add an element that I think could make it even more interesting.

Here are the basics:

~ Join anytime, but don’t start reading until January 1, 2010.
~ If you read a book of essays, that book can also apply to any other challenges you are working on.
~ Choose a goal of reading 10, 20, or 30 essays, and then write a challenge post, linking back to this post. Feel free to copy and paste the above image into your challenge post.
~ Copy your challenge post’s link into Mr. Linky below.
~ You don’t have to list your essays ahead of time – just have fun reading throughout the year.
~ I will put up a page for the challenge in my left sidebar, and add a Mr. Linky for essay reviews and wrap-up posts as the year goes on.

~ Everyone who completes the challenge and writes at least one review will be eligible for the giveaway prize: A copy of Best American Essays 2010.

~ New for 2010: You can earn extra credit – and an extra entry in the giveaway – by writing an essay of your own and leaving the link at the challenge page.

~ I will put up a wrap-up and giveaway post sometime early in December – that’s why the challenge only runs through November.

I’m planning to post a list of ideas for essay reading sometime soon, and I’d love recommendations of essay collections.

To join, go to Essay Reading Challenge.

Reading for a Cure

January 1 - December 31, 2010

I am hosting a year long challenge to make your reading count for something special in 2010. Reading for A Cure is all about raising awareness and money to find a cure for childhood cancer. My heart has been touched specifically by two children whose progress I have been following: Andrew and Kate. I’ve spent several months learning more about childhood cancer and the work towards a cure. What I have learned has made me want to do something significant to help.

There are four levels of participation...and there will be giveaways and more throughout the year.

Please go to Caribousmom and read more about the challenge on the introductory post...this is also where you can join.

Buy One Book and Read It 2010

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Amy of My Friend Amy is hosting the Buy One Book and Read It Challenge in 2010.  Here's what she says:

Buy One Book and Read It was started when I realized over 50% of Americans had not read a single book in a year. This is the most disturbing news possible to a book lover like myself, so I wanted to encourage an easy fun way to make sure people read a book in a year!

And it's back! With options!

This year there are three levels of participation:

Level One!
Buy one book and read it before December 31st, 2010.

Level Two!
Buy six books and read them before December 31st, 2010.

Level Three
Buy 12 books and read them before December 31st, 2010.

Options:
To add a little twist to this year's challenge you are encouraged to choose one of the following options to add to your level.
Indie Option--Make sure the book or books you buy are purchased at an independent bookstore.
Book Blogger Option--Buy only books you learn about on book blogs.

To join, go to Buy One Book and Read It Challenge.

The Beth Kephart Reading Challenge 2010

January 1 - June 30, 2010

Amy of My Friend Amy is hosting The Beth Kephart Reading Challenge.  Here's what she says:

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Beth Kephart. Beth Kephart the person, Beth Kephart the blogger, and Beth Kephart the author.

I want to read her entire backlist and I know many of you want to read it, or part of it, as well. I decided to host this challenge, the first one being six months long to move us in that direction.

Here are the specifics of the challenge:

Levels:
Beth Kephart Newbie -- Read one book out of any category. This level is not eligible for the prize.
YA Fan--Read all the books categorized as YA. This level is eligible for the prize.
Memoir Fan--Read all the books categorized as memoir. This level is eligible for the prize.
Mix'n'match--Read any 4 books off the list. This level is eligible for the prize.
Entire Backlist -- Read the entire backlist. Definitely eligible for the prize.

The prize is an ARC of Dangerous Neighbors not due out until the fall!

In order to be eligible for the prize, you must complete the level you choose and link all of your reviews in the review linky that will go up on January 1st.

List of Beth Kephart's Books:

A Slant of Sun: One Child's Courage, W.W. Norton, 1998 (Memoir)

Into the Tangle of Friendship: A Memoir of the Things that Matter, Houghton Mifflin, 2000 (Memoir)

Still Love in Strange Places: A Memoir, W.W. Norton, 2002 (Memoir)

Seeing Past Z: Nurturing the Imagination in a Fast-Forward World, W.W. Norton, 2004 (Memoir)

Ghosts in the Garden: Endings, Beginnings, and the Unearthing of Self, New World Library, 2005 (Memoir)

Flow: The Life and Times of Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River, Temple University Press, 2007 (History)

House of Dance, Laura Geringer Books: HarperTeen, May 2008 (YA)

Undercover, Laura Geringer Books: HarperTeen, 2007 (YA)

Zenobia: The Curious Book of Business, Berrett-Kohler, January 2008 (YA)

"The Longest Distance," in No Such Thing as The Real World, HarperTeen, May 2009 (YA--short story)

Nothing But Ghosts, Laura Geringer Books: HarperTeen June 2009 (YA)

The Heart is Not a Size, HarperTeen, forthcoming, February 2010 (YA)

Dangerous Neighbors, Egmont, Fall 2010

Sounds great huh? Please help me spread the word about one of my favorite authors and join me in this challenge. I'll be reading the entire backlist.

To Join, go to The Beth Kephart Reading Challenge.

Graphic Novel Challenge 2010

January 1 - December 31, 2010

Nymeth from things mean a lot  and. Chris at Stuff as Dreams are Made On are hosting the Graphic Novel Challenge for 2010.  Here's what they say: 

Hello everyone - Nymeth from things mean a lot here. Chris at Stuff as Dreams are Made On and I spoke to Laza recently - she did an excellent job with the challenge as you all know, but she's been busy and hasn't been able to blog much lately, so Chris and I will be hosting the challenge in 2010. This means a lot to the both of us - not only because we love Graphic Novels, but also because the challenge was started by a friend we dearly miss, Dewey.

So - rules and guidelines:

• The challenge starts on January 1st 2010 and ends on December 31st (but we don't mind you starting early.)
• You don't have to make a list beforehand (but you can, of course! Lists are great because they give ideas to people who aren't sure what to read. And if you do make one, don't feel forced to stick to it!)
• We simplified the levels of participation: you can be a Beginner (3 Comics or Graphic Novels), Intermediate (3-10) or an Expert (10+). You're more than free to adjust your level of participation after the challenge has begun.
• There will be mini-challenges! Look for a post with more info on that soon.
• Overlaps with other challenges are totally fine.

To join, go to Graphic Novel Challenge.