Book Blogger Scavenger Hunt

Monthly Event starting on January 11, 2011

Reading With Tequila is hosting a Book Blogger Scavenger Hunt.  She writes:

The Book Blogger Scavenger Hunt is Reading with Tequila's year long contest for 2011. This contest will be based on the 2010 Book Blogger Recommendation List. The list was compiled from the data acquired through a survey of 54 book bloggers favorite books in November of 2010.

Each month I will post the name and description of a book that was recommended by only one book blogger during that survey. Throughout the month, participants will leave links in the comments section of that post of reviews they've found of that month's book. It can be your own review, it can be a friend's review, or it can be a review you found through Googling (as long as it's posted on a book blog). You'll be learning more about the book, finding new to you bloggers and gaining points towards the grand prize!

Another way to gain points is to visit and comment on the links others have left. After you visit and comment, come back to that month's contest post and leave me a comment telling me which links you've visited. Once the next month's book is posted, the previous month's post is closed to new comments.

Points:
Review links: 5 points
Comments: 1 point

A review can only be posted once, so if someone posts the same review link before you, only they get the points. Even if they linked to your review. Participants will only get a point for one comment left on each review.

Prizes:
The person with the highest total points at the end of 2011 will get a $40 credit to the Book Depository. Chose as many books as you want, totaling $40 or less and I'll order them for you. The person with the 2nd highest total points will receive 3 books of their choosing from the Prize Bin (which will be updated many times between now and then).

Some Rules:
We want to find new bloggers, not harass them with spam. Please try to leave meaningful comments about their review. "I was here" or anything else that you wouldn't want to receive as a comment should not be left.

This contest is international and anyone, book blogger or not, is welcome to join. You do not have to be participating in the 2011 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge to play.

The first Book Blogger Scavenger Hunt post will be up January 11, 2011. Hope to see you there.

To participate, see the origional post with rules, here.  Then go to Reading With Tequila on January 11, 2011.

Reviews & Blogging 101 Series

Weekly Event on Wednesdays starting on January 5, 2011

Starting on January 5, 2011, Simply Stacie and Survey Junkie are hosting a Review and Blogging 101 Series.  They write:

You will get those burning questions about reviews answered from top review bloggers around the blogosphere. Each week will will ask our panel of bloggers a different question regarding reviews/giveaways. It should be very informative and interesting! Some of the types of questions you can expect are where do you find review products and how do you handle a negative review.

We hope you will join us and be ready to learn!

To participate in this weekly event, go to Simply Stacie or Survey Junkie on Wednesdays.

NaJuReMoNoMo Challenge

January 1-January 31, 2011

Yellojkt is once again hosting the NaJuReMoNoMo Challenge.  He writes:

It's hard to believe it has been five years since the first ever National Just Read More Novels Month (or NaJuReMoNoMo for the abbrevophillic) and it has grown bigger every year. Celebrated every January, it is devoted to the appreciation of fiction. Just in case you are new to it or need a refresher, here is this year's version of the official rules:

1. Must Be A Novel. Works of fiction only, please. Memoirs, non-fiction, how-to books, and Doonesbury collections, no matter how thick, don't count, no matter how obviously fictional.
2. Memoirs Aren't Novels. No matter how made up the story, anything ostensibly true isn't a novel. This used to be known as The James Frey Rule, but is now called the Decision Point.
3. Start and Finish in January. I guess if you got some cool books for Christmas, Hanukkah or some other gift-giving event and jumped the gun, you can't be blamed. But I only count books I start and finish within the 31 day window.
4. Re-reading Doesn't Count. Try something new. Read something by your favorite author or try an entirely new author. This is a great chance to cut down on the height of the nightstand stack.
5. Have Fun. Nobody is grading you or paying you or judging you. Read what you like and like what you read.

Last year we started the Facebook group, which anyone can join. It has several dozen members and it just keep growing.

This year NaJuReMoNoMo is expanding to Twitter. Anytime you finish a novel, just tweet about it with the hashtag #NaJuReMoNoMo.Someone will be curious enough to try to figure it out.

To join, go to NaJuReMoNoMo Challenge.

Shifter Challenge

January 1-December 31, 2011

Parajunkee's View is hosting the Shifter Challenge.  She writes:

The challenge is to read 20 books that have a SHIFTER as a main character, either protag or antagonist.

FAQs

Q:  Can I read more than 20?
A: You can read as many as you want.

Q: Do I have to have a blog?
A: No, you don't have to. If you would like to sign up using an online profile go ahead and do that, just post in the comments section the books you've read.

Q: Do I have to know what books I'm going to read ahead of time?
A: No you do not. Pick them as you go, or have them all mapped out, it is up to you.

Q: Do I have to stick to a particular genre?
A: Nope, as long as it has a SHIFTER as a main character.

Q: If the book is about vampires, but their is a werebat or werecat in it does that count?
A: The shifter needs to be a main character. If there is a slight reference to a shifter in the novel that doesn't count.

 Q: Does it matter what kind of shifter they character is, do WereSnakes count?
A: Any shifter you want, all cool. Now lets get this straight, for definitive purposes, we are defining a shifter as a human that changes into an animal, or an animal that turns into a human. Hence shifter = shifts from one form to the other. The other form being animal.

Q: Can I join up whenever I feel like it?
A: If you thought you could do it, you could join up in December 2011...no restrictions

Q: Will their be monetary compensation for those that complete the challenge.
A: Nope, just the undeniable glory of having completed a vampiric milestone.

To join, go to the Shifter Challenge.

Vampire Challenge

January 1-December 31, 2011

ParaJunkee's View is hosting the Vampire Challenge.  She writes:

The challenge is to read 20 books that have a vampire as a main character, either protag or antagonist.

FAQs

Q:  Can I read more than 20?
A: You can read as many as you want.

Q: Do I have to have a blog?
A: No, you don't have to. If you would like to sign up using an online profile go ahead and do that, just post in the comments section the books you've read.

Q: Do I have to know what books I'm going to read ahead of time?
A: No you do not. Pick them as you go, or have them all mapped out, it is up to you.

Q: Do I have to stick to a particular genre?
A: Nope, as long as it has a vampire as a main character.

Q: If the book is about werewolves, but their is a vampire in it does that count?
A: The vampire needs to be a main character. If there is a slight reference to a vampire in the novel that doesn't count.

Q: Can I join up whenever I feel like it?
A: If you thought you could do it, you could join up in December 2011...no restrictions

Q: Will their be monetary compensation for those that complete the challenge.
A: Nope, just the undeniable glory of having completed a vampiric milestone.

To join, go to Vampire Challenge

Gender Identity & Expression Challenge

January 1-December 31, 2011

Sally of Bibrary Bookslut is hosting the Gender Identity & Expression Challenge.  She writes:

To make it easy, and to encourage as many readers/bloggers as possible to participate, there will be 2 levels to the challenge:

BLUE LEVEL: Read one (1) book that deals positively with gender identity and expression.
PINK LEVEL: Read one (1) book from ANY five (5) of the categories listed below that deals positively with gender identity and expression:
Biography/Memoir
Genre Fiction (Sci-fi, Fantasy, or Horror)
Young Adult (YA) Fiction
Romance
Erotica
Non-fiction
Anime/Manga

The definition of "Gender Identity & Expression" is intentionally a broad one. It can include MtF or FtM transsexuals; transvestites or cross-dressers; intersex or hermaphrodites; futanari or newhalf (crude terms, but common in erotica/manga); alternative gender models (including third genders and neuter genders); ambiguity or androgyny; or just gender role reveral. There are really no limits here, other than that there be something positive in how the subject is dealt with.

To join, go to the Gender Identity & Expression Challenge.

Page to Screen Reading Challenge

January 1-December 31, 2011

Christina of Reading Extensively is hosting the Page to Screen Reading Challenge.  She writes:

After all the fun I had with participating in reading challenges, I have decided to host my own for 2011! I love watching movies that are based on books and I've even decided to read books after seeing movie trailers that looked promising like The Lord of the Rings and Atonement.

I decided to hold The Page to Screen Reading Challenge to encourage people to read books and watch movies that are based on books.  

Prizes:

• One participant will win their choice of book worth up to $15 from Amazon.com or The Book Depository (for international participants in countries that Book Depository ships to). 
• Participants must reach reading level one (5 books) by December 31, 2011  to be entered in the drawing.

Rules:

• Read books that were made into movies or T.V. shows
• Rereads count!
• You can also watch the movies/T.V. shows as part of the challenge but it is not a requirement
• If you watch T.V. shows, you should watch 2 hours of the show to be equal to one movie
• Books that are currently being made into movies also count as long as the movie will be released sometime in 2011

 To join, go to  the Page to Screen Reading Challenge.

2011 Chunkster Challenge

February 1, 2011 - January 31, 2012

It's time to sign up for the 2011 Chunkster Challenge hosted over on its own dedicated blog. The guidelines have changed slightly - but it is still all about reading the fat books. 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.

Learn more and sign up, by visiting the sign up page on the dedicated blog.

"Whisper Stories in My Ear" 2011 Audiobook Challenge

January 1-December 31, 2011

Bewiched Bookworms are hosting the "Whisper Stories in My Ear" 2011 Audiobook Challenge.  They write:

Truly, we are really really excited about this challenge.

We're pretty sure that there a times during the day where you can't read, where you can't hold an actual book in your hands, am we right?

This might be when driving.... or when working out....  or when doing housework as boring as cleaning/laundry etc... or when having a walk alone outside....or even during work?  (It's okay, we won't tell! *wink*)

Of course we are all avid readers and would love to have time to read even more.

Why not listening to the book instead of reading it?  Simple and oh so easy!

Here is the basic information:

• Should you choose to participate in this challenge, your goal is to read at least twelve (12) audiobooks (no matter the length). Twelve is the minimum to be entered in the Grand Prize at the end of the Year.

• Of course anyone can join. You just have to live on the planet earth, (meaning, this is an international challenge and contest) and you need to have either a blog where you can post your Reviews, or you need publish your review anywhere else, goodreads, LibaryThing, amazon, Barnes & Nobles, audible, etc etc etc...

• Important: When you post your Review you have to say that you listened to the audiobook version of the book, who was the narrator, the length of time the audiobook ran and your separate rating/impression for the audiobook (how you liked the narration of the story beyond what you thought of the story itself). This can be at the end of your regular review, just like this example here. 

• You can pick the audiobooks as you go (no need to decide right now), but if you have already an idea what you're planning to listen we would absolutely love to know!

To join, go to "Whisper Stories in My Ear" 2011 Audiobook Challenge.

I Heart Indie Books Reading Challenge

January 1-December 31, 2011

Indie Paranormal Book Reviews is hosting the I Heart Indie Books Reading Challenge.  She writes:

I'm kicking off the New Year with an I Heart Indie Books Reading Challenge. This is an easy low-key challenge to help introduce new readers to indie books and encourage current indie readers to find some new favorites.

» All genres welcome
» Runs the entire year
» Jump in at any time
» Must be self-published titles or small indie press
» Authors are welcome and encouraged to participate in the challenge because you're a reader too!

The challenge goals for the year are:

Level 1

• 1-6 books - Bronze
• 7-12 books - Silver
• 13-18 books - Gold
• 19-24 books - Platinum
• 25-30 books - Diamond

Level 2

• 31-36 books - Bronze Elite
• 37-42 books - Silver Elite
• 43-48 books - Gold Elite
• 49-54 books - Platinum Elite
• 55+ books - Diamond Elite

There are two levels so you can choose the one that fits your reading style and speed.  This challenge can easily overlap other challenges you are doing.

Need more of a challenge?  Try these OPTIONAL add-ons that can be applied at any level:
 - Only count unique authors (in other words an author can only be counted once even if you read more than one of their books)
-  Do not overlap with any other challenges
-  Do a modified A-Z on author names - each last name must begin with a different letter of the alphabet


To join, go to the I Heart Indie Books Reading Challenge.

Romance Reading Challenge

January 1-December 31, 2011

Naida of Bookworm is hosting the Romance Reading Challenge.  She Writes:

I'm happy to say that my Romance Reading Challenge is going into it's 4th year! Wow! Thank you all who have joined in the past. I hope you will sign up again this year. If this is your first time joining us, welcome! So, without further ado, here are the rules:

1. "Romance" isn't limited to steamy Harlequin novels. There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.

Here are a few suggestions:
-anything written by Jane Austen: classics/regency romance
-Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell: historical romance
-Nicholas Sparks books: contemporary romance *have box of tissues handy*
-Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding: contemporary romance/humor
-Gena Showalter's books: contemporary romance/paranormal
-The Twilight series By Stephenie Meyer: YA Romance/paranormal
-Benny & Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti: contemporary romance
-The Princess Bride by William Goldman: fantasy/romance/humor
-Frederica by Georgette Heyer: regency romance
-Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: time travel romance
-The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss: historical romance
-Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë: gothic romance/classics

Need more suggestions? Visit Best Romance Novels Today, Best Romance Stories and Romance Novels on Wikipedia.

2. Choose at least 5 novels to read. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine.

3. Read them at your own pace in 2011 then post the link to your review(s).

To join, go to  Romance Reading Challenge.

Chinese Literature Challenge

February 3, 2011-January 23, 2012

Chinoiseriesis hosting the Chinese Literature Challenge.  She writes:

I have been wanting to read more Chinese literature for some time now, but you know how it goes... life gets in the way, so many books to read, etc. So I came up with the idea of a read-along, hoping you (yes, you!) would join me in this endeavor :)

Why should I join?
More and more Chinese books are translated into English (and other languages) and wouldn't it be nifty to read more about the mysterious Far East? But seriously, it's always nice to read something new. Also, did I mention there will be prizes?

What is the duration of the challenge?
The challenge will start and end on Chinese New Year, which means it will run from February 3rd 2011 to January 23rd 2012. You can however join in anytime.

What do you mean by Chinese literature?
Books either written by a Chinese author or books about China (incl. Hongkong and Macau) or Taiwan.

What are the requirements for participating in this challenge?
You have to read at least one book and write a review about it. If you don't have a blog, it's also fine to post your review on Goodreads or Librarything.

There are four levels of participation (no need to set one beforehand):
Merchant: 1-3 books
Artisan: 4-6 books
Farmer: 7-9 books
Scholar: 10+ books

What kind of books can I read?
Any genre, in any format (audiobook/e-book/paper) in any language. Also, re-reads are allowed.

Do you have a list of books I can choose from?
I have listed a few books here. Feel free to contact me if you have suggestions for this list or if you need more suggestions from me.

Can I combine with other challenges?
Sure! You could, for example, combine this challenge with the East and Southeast Asia challenge hosted by VioletCrush. But anything goes.

To join, go to the Chinese Literature Challenge. 

Wordsworth Classics Reading Challenge

January 1-December 23, 2011

Lynossa  of Deranged Book Lovers is hosting the Wordsworth Classics Reading Challenge.  She writes:

I'm challenging myself to read more classic novels throughout year 2011. There are plenty great classic novels and it's always interesting to read how people back in the oldies lived their lives and of course all the adventures!

By the end of year I will hold a giveaway special for those who participate in this challenge. The giveaway will be classic books worth $15 from Book Depository or Amazon.com, you can pick the titles yourself.

If you want to join in, here are the rules:

• You can read any classic novels which are included in list of Wordsworth Classics. You don't need to read wordsworth edition, you can pick any publisher releases as long as those releases are unabridged.

• It’s okay to re-read. You can put the book you’ve read in the past in your list as long as you’re going to read it again in 2011. Set your target and list the book you want to read along with the challenge button in your blog and fill the form. Don't forget to put the link in Mr. Linky! This way I can keep track of your progress and add you as candidate for the giveaway.

• You don't have to review those books but if you want you can link them so I can read it ^^. I will provide a follow-up blog post for that and you can link your reviews or anything related to this challenge.

To join, go to Wordsworth Classics Reading Challenge.

Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge 2011

January 1-December 31, 2011

Fatin of Romance Book Maven is once again hosting the Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge.  She writes:

Last year Pearl of Pearl’s World of Romance hosted the first Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge. With the new job she started recently, she decided not to host the challenge this year but I offered to host it in her place because this was one challenge I really enjoyed doing this year and I didn’t want to see it end already.

I’m basically copying what Pearl had for the challenge last year because I’m not changing anything of the challenge. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it, you know?

Details –
1. By contemporary romance I mean straight contemporary, so without paranormal, fantasy or time-travel elements. Sexy, steamy contemporaries are eligible and so are category romances. (i.e. Harlequin Blaze, Harlequin Presents, Harlequin Super Romances, Silhoutte Desires, etc.)

2. Read at least 10 contemporaries between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011

3. You don’t have to pre-select your books, you can just add them as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed. Nothing is set in stone! Also, the books you choose can crossover into or from other challenges you are participating in.

To join, go to Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge.

Eastern European Reading Challenge

January 1-December 31, 2011

Amy of The Black Sheep Dances is hosting the Eastern European Reading Challenge in 2011.  She writes:

After last year's successful Scandinavian Reading Challenge, The Black Sheep Dances is excited to begin a new challenge.  The 2011 Eastern European Reading Challenge.

Please consider choosing unfamiliar titles, especially those that are translated works, to help support those organizations that are working to unearth the 'buried' treasure of Eastern European and Russian literature.

Regions:  Choose titles about or by an author from any of the following regions:  Croatia, Ukraine, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Hungary, Belarus, Estonia, Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, Czech Rep., Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Romania, Moldova, and Kosovo.

Titles:  Can be any genre:  crime, poetry, literary fiction, history, historical fiction, memoirs, etc.

Levels: 

tourist:  4 books over the 12 months

ambassador:  8 books over 12 months

scholar:  12 books over 12 months

To join, go to the Eastern European Reading Challenge.

Books Won Challenge 2011

January 1-December 31, 2011

Teddy of So Many Precious Books, So Little Time is hosting the Books Won Challenge for a second year.  She writes:

I created this challenge last year to challenge myself and others that have won books, to read and review some of them.  The reason publishing companies supply books for book bloggers to give away is to get word out about the books and create buzz.  I didn't do very well with this challenge in 2010, I only read one won book.  However, 2011 is a New Year and a fresh start.  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 2011.

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 and ebooks count, as long as you won them. 

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

     5. You don't have to make a list ahead of time for this challenge but you can if you want to.

To join, go to  Books Won Challenge.

ARC Reading Challenge 2011

January 1-December 31, 2011

 

Teddy of So Many Precious Books, So Little Time is once again hosting the ARC Reading Challenge.  She writes:

 

I hope all of you ARC Readers will join me again in 2011 for the ARC Reading Challenge.  I welcome old and new participants.  I don't know about you, but my ARC pile is way too big.  That is why I am making one big change to this challenge.  For 2011 you don't have to list all of the ARCs that you have.  That's right, no more "wall of shame."  LOL!  Although you can list them if you want to.  

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

The Levels

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

b. All of us who have or will have 12 or more than 12 ARCS  must read and review at least 12.

Level Silver: Read 24 ARC's

Level Gold: Read 25 

Level Platinum: Read

Rules:

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

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

• Crossovers with other challenges are allowed and Audio-books and ebooks 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. 

•  HAVE FUN!

To join, go to the ARC Reading Challenge.

 

Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge 2011

January 1-December 31, 2011

Tanabata from In the Spring it is the Dawn is hosting the Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge.  She writes:

I'd been playing with the idea for a while of possibly hosting a Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge next year. Then when I mentioned it on Twitter a couple of weeks or so ago, quite a few people expressed interest, so here we are. The goal of the challenge is simply to encourage you to discover, or re-discover, the unique story-telling of Haruki Murakami. It's a really flexible challenge and all you have to do to participate is read at least one book by Haruki Murakami in 2011. (If you're planning on reading 1Q84 when the English translation comes out next fall, that's enough to complete the challenge!). However, there are several levels of participation to choose from, for those that want to immerse themselves more in Murakami's surreal worlds.
Levels of participation:
Hajime - Read one book
Sheep Man - Read 3 books
Toru - Read 5 books
Nakata - Read 7 books
Sumire - Read 10+ books
Super-frog - Read everything Murakami has written! (that is available in English, or your preferred language) For a list of the books available in English, visit the Books Page.

Things to keep in mind:
*The goal is simply to read something/ANYthing by Haruki Murakami.
*Whether you're a complete newbie, or already a huge Murakami fan, everyone is welcome to join in.
*You can join in anytime.
*There is no need to list your books in advance, and even if you do, you can change them any time.
*You can also change your level of participation at any time because sometimes life just gets in the way.
*You don't have to have a blog to participate. You can also share your thoughts on Goodreads, LibraryThing, etc.
*Crossovers with other challenges are allowed. (Don't forget that anything you read for this challenge also counts for Bellezza's Japanese Literature Challenge).
*Books should be read between January 1st and December 31st, 2011.
(However, I welcome you to submit reviews to any of Murakami's books or stories that you have read and reviewed previously. More on the 'Submit a review' page.)
*Books can be in any format: paper, ebooks, audio.
*Rereads are allowed, and encouraged.
*There will be quarterly prizes (details to be decided).
*And most importantly, have fun!

To join, go to Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge.

Historical Fiction Challenge 2011

January 1-December 31, 2011

The women over at Historical Tapestry are hosting the Historical Fiction Challenge.  They write:

After 3 years organizing the Historical Fiction Challenge, the girls of The Royal Reviews gracefully passed over this exciting event to our team at Historical Tapestry. We will do our best to continue doing a great job and create a wonderful place to share and discuss our favourite (and less favourite) historical fiction books for the next year.

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

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

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

Celebrate the Author Challenge!

January 1-December 31, 2011

Becky over at  Becky's Book Reviews has hosted the Celebrate the Authors Challenge  in the past. She has decided not to host this one in 2011, and has passed it on to Lu's Raves and Rants.  Lu writes:

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

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

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

Author birthdays by date (pdf),author birthdays by name (pdf), kidsreads.com, teenreads.com, author birthday directory, etc.

Or conduct google searches of your own. (Hint: typing the authors name, a “+” and the word ‘birthday’, tends to work if you assume that wikipedia gets such things right.)

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

To join, go to  Celebrate the Authors Challenge.

A-Z Mystery Author Challenge

January 1-December 31, 2011

Michelle at Red Headed Book Child is hosting her very first Challenge, the A-Z Mystery Author Challenge.  She writes:

This challenge came out of one of my shifts at the library. I was shelving in the mystery section and I discovered an amazing amount of authors who I have never read and have never heard of. I knew there are many mystery authors out there having come from book retail but the library seemed to have more of a variety vs. the bestsellers. I liked that!

Mysteries being one of my favorite genres I am confident I will enjoy this challenge. I thought it would help to do it in an A-Z format. Keep it simple and organized!My goal for this challenge is to simply discover new mystery authors, whether they are suspense, cozy, noir, or thriller. I am going to try to use the last name of the author in my A-Z but if I have to, I may use the first name as well.

To complete the challenge, I would read 26 books, one for each letter of the alphabet. That would be TOP but I would be happy if I read 12, one for every month. I am working on a prize for anyone who completes the challenge. It will either be a new mystery book to giveaway OR a favorite of mine!

 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.
• 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. 

To join, go to A-Z Mystery Author Challenge.

Maisie Dobbs Read-Along!

January - May, 2011

Jennifer over at Book Club Girl is hosting a Maisie Dobbs Read-a-Long. She writes:

It's true, I am mad for Maisie! I read the first book in Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series last month and now I have set myself the challenge of reading through the entire series in time for the paperback release of The Mapping of Love and Death in February and the release of the newest Maisie Dobbs mystery, A Lesson in Secrets, in March. But rather than calling it a challenge (because honestly, who can even think about a challenge right now?) I'm inviting everyone to join my Maisie Dobbs Read-Along and join me to read one, two, or if you want, all of her books!

I'll be posting questions for each book according to the schedule below and encourage new and old fans to join in the conversation. We'll invite Jacqueline herself to join us on Book Club Girl on Air in April to talk all things Maisie and we'll have contests and prizes along the way (check out the one just for signing up below!)

For those who haven't yet met Maisie, you're in for a treat. Winspear has created an amazing character in Maisie Dobbs, who is a female investigator living and working in London in the 1920s and 30s, and whose stories and cases find their roots in World War I. Visit Jacqueline Winspear's website for more on the world of Maisie Dobbs and for a cast of continuing characters.

 Here's the schedule of when I'll post questions to discuss for each of the books. January 14th - Maisie Dobbs January 31st - Birds of a Feather February 14th - Pardonable Lies 
February 22nd - Paperback edition of The Mapping of Love and Death goes on saleFebruary 28th - Messenger of TruthMarch 14th - An Incomplete Revenge March 22nd - Hardcover of A Lesson in Secrets goes on sale
March 28th- Among the MadApril 11th- The Mapping of Love and Death April 25th - A Lesson in Secrets 

To join, go to Maisie Dobbs Read-a-Long.

The 2011 3 R's Challenge (Read, Review, Recognize)

January 1 - December 31, 2011

The Three R's is a collaboration from Cheryl (CMash Loves to Read), Julie (Reading with Restraint), and Gina(Hott Books). The challenge is being hosted on its own dedicated blog. They write:

It all started because Cheryl wanted to remember the bloggers who write the reviews that begin our journey to a new book, new series, or new author. Every day each of us reads the reviews of others shaping our TBR lists. Then we occasionally remember to note them in our post but, more often than not, we completely forget about the reviews that brought us to the wonderful book we've just read.

So this challenge is for them!

We'd like to link our reviews that mention the blogger that suggested the book we've read and are now reviewing.

How thankful are you?

• 1-6 Books (~1 review every 2 months)
• 7-12 Books (~1 review every month)
• 13-24 Books (~ 2 reviews every month)

Rules:

1. Write a starting post stating how thankful you plan to be in the upcoming year and link it to the linky on the starting post.
2. Read a book recommended to you by another blogger. (This book can be a crossover from another challenge.)
3. Review the book & Recognize the blogger who recommended it to you.
4. Recommend the Book in our the Recommend linky (on the dedicated blog) by linking your review post naming the blogger who recommended the book to you.

There will also be quarterly giveaways for participants to enter and unannounced special drawings for commenters on the site.

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

2011 Fearless Poetry Reading Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2011

Serena at Savvy Verse and Wit is hosting the 2011 Fearless Poetry Reading Challenge. She writes:

I’ve given this a lot of thought since the BBAW awards. I’m going to host my very first poetry reading challenge.

I’ve been a participant in a few poetry reading challenges, but it always seems as though the participants are people who already read poetry and like it.

So I’m challenging every reader and all your friends to join the year-long 2011 Fearless Poetry Reading Challenge!

The challenge is to read just 1 book of poetry, whether its contemporary or classic doesn’t matter, as long as you read one. You can even wait until midway through the challenge and join the read-a-long of a poetry book that Serena will be selecting.

Rules:
1. 2011 Fearless Poetry Reading Challenge will run from Jan. 1, 2011, through Dec. 31, 2011.
2. Read 1+ books during the year and post a review.
3. Leave a link to your review in the Mr. Linky (on Serena's blog)
Learn more and sign up by visiting the post about the challenge.

2011 Kiwi YA Challenge

January 1 - December 31, 2011

Maree is hosting the Kiwi YA Challenge on its own dedicated blog. She writes:

I haven't read much Aussie YA, but I have read a fair amount of KIWI YA, and it's awesome.

And so, here we are, with the first ever (I think) "official" year-long Kiwi YA Challenge.

There are four levels to choose from:

1. Level 1: Read three YA novels during the course of 2011 by Kiwi authors
2. Level 2: Read six YA novels during the course of 2011 by Kiwi authors
3. Level 3: Read nine YA novels during the course of 2011 by Kiwi authors
4. Level 4: Read twelve YA novels during the course of 2011 by Kiwi authors

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

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks

January 1 - December 31, 2011

Robin is once again hosting the Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge on its own dedicated blog. She writes:

This past year has been awesome and I've had lots of fun. 2011 is almost upon us and time to start thinking about new goals. Are you ready for another year and challenging yourself to read 52 books in 52 weeks. I am going to spice it up a bit this year and blend in several mini challenges, including the Mind Voyages challenge I created in 2010. I worked rather hard to create the Mind Voyages blog and don't want to see it go to waste. So the blog will remain up so folks can refer to the links for their voyages. All the mini challenges are optional and offered to help you meet the 52 books goal.

See the post about the challenge for more information about mini-challenges.

Robin writes:

A new year, a fresh slate. Time to discover some new friends and rediscover some old friends. Make the challenge as easy and casual as you want or spice it up and challenge yourself. Explore a bit, but most of all have fun. The rules are very simple and the goal is to read one book (at least) a week for 52 weeks.

Basic Guidelines:

1. Our book weeks will begin on Sunday.
2. Participants may join at any time.
3. All forms of books are acceptable including e-books, audio books, etc.
4. Re-reads are acceptable as long as they are read after January 1, 2011.
5. Books may overlap other challenges.
6. You don't have a blog to participate.

Visit the post about the challenge for more information. Sign ups are here.

Nautical Fiction Reading Challenge

January 1 -December 31, 2011

Audra from Unabridged Chick is hosting the Nautical Fiction Reading Challenge.  She writes:

The criteria is pretty easy: if the book involves a boat, or sailing, or sailors, or Navy life -- it counts!  Once a month, I'll offer a post so folks can share reviews of their nautical-related reading.
 

Books for other challenges can apply to this one, and you don't have to pick your books ahead of time (but feel free to share your suggestions!).

Levels
Dinghy: up to 5 books
Sloop: up to 10 books
Schooner: up to 15 books
Frigate: more than 20 books

To join, go to the Nautical Fiction Reading Challenge.

2011 Sexy Reading Challenge

January 1-December 31, 2011

Brazen Broads are hosting the Sexy Reading Challenge.  They write:

Okay, we Broads have decided to offer a reading challenge for the next year-the 2011 Sexy Reading Challenge! Any book with sexy romance or erotica qualifies, so that means regency, Steampunk, paranormal (vamps, weres, shapeshifters), even sci-fi, if it's sexy. The goal is to read 12 books in 2011 that qualify. 

Each time we see a review, you'll be entered to win a prize that we'll randomly select at the end of the year from everyone who read all 12 books. It's that easy!

We hope you'll sign up for the 2011 Sexy Reading Challenge!  It's a chance to find some new authors and sub-genres of romance and erotica, and maybe revisit some of your favorite authors for a second or third time. 


To join, go to Sexy Reading Challenge. 

2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge

January 1-December 31, 2011

Darlyn & Books is hosting the Fantasy Reading Challenge.  She writes:

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:

1. Curious – Read 3 Fantasy Fiction novels.
2. Fascinated – Read 6 Fantasy Fiction novels.
3. Addicted – Read 12 Fantasy Fiction novels.
4. 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, write up a sign-up post that includes the URL to this post so that others can join in. 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.

Thanks and good luck!

To join, go to Fantasy Reading Challenge.

The Book Masochism Challenge 2011

January 1-December 31, 2011

Susie of Useless Beauty is hosting The Book Masochism Challenge.  She writes:

What would a person with a very mixed view of the world of literature (me) undertake to do in 2011? They would undertake the Book Masochism Challenge (I have just made that up, to reflect my mixed views on reading and the possible biting off more than can chew-ness of it all. Oh yes. Read on). And that is what I am going to do!

The Guardian published this list ages ago of the 100 best books . Lists of best books are difficult, aren’t they, and obviously probably the only person in the world who believes this is actually a list of the best 100 books is the person who made the list, but, this is the thing. I have read 27 of the books on that list (I have just counted), and apart from Jude The Obscure which is rubbish, they were all definitely worth reading. Definitely. So I feel there is a good chance the others might be good as well. And I am going to find out! And at the very least I think this list will introduce me to a couple of books I wouldn’t otherwise have read.

I am not going to read all the ones I haven’t read, because 73 is quite a lot. I am going to aim for 30, and see how I get on (some of the books on the list are quite long, {cough} Clarissa {cough}). I will make a page and list my progress on it and update you occasionally, perhaps once a month. Another bonus is that these are exactly the kind of books you would find in the library, or in the 50p bin at Oxfam, so I am not anticipating having to spend lots of money. Partner is excited because he thinks this means I will read Moby Dick, which is his favourite book Evah and we will be able to, I don’t know, form some kind of very small and exclusive Moby Dick admiration society. I have seen the length of Moby Dick and I don’t know how you could possibly talk about chasing a whale for that long. I may start with something shorter.

(I don’t expect anyone to join me in the Book Masochism Challenge, because that’s quite a lot of very long books and you all have busy lives. But if anyone does want to, you’re obviously more than welcome and I would add a Mr Linky to my monthly updates so we could encourage each other. You don’t have to go for 30, obviously, you could just set your own number. If I get to 30, though, I shall Buy Myself A Treat!).

 

To join, go to The Book Masochism Challenge.