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Read-a-long #1- A Moveable Feast

2012-01-26T20:27:00.003-05:00

Throughout February we’ll be reading A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway for our Read-a-Long. It’s a book I have been meaning to read for a long time (and have kicked myself for not reading before going to Paris each time!). I plan to remedy this lack of reading and hope you’ll join me. Please note: at the bottom of the page, under “How it Works,” I’ve highlighted the new rules in purple… please take a moment to read them (even if you’ve done a Read-a-Long on Unputdownables before, as some are brand new).

What is A Moveable Feast about?

Published posthumously in 1964, A Moveable Feast remains one of Ernest Hemingway’s most beloved works. It is his classic memoir of Paris in the 1920s, filled with irreverent portraits of other expatriate luminaries such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein; tender memories of his first wife, Hadley; and insightful recollections of his own early experiments with his craft. It is a literary feast, brilliantly evoking the exuberant mood of Paris after World War I and the youthful spirit, unbridled creativity, and unquenchable enthusiasm that Hemingway himself epitomized.(description from goodreads.com)

***

The following is the reading and posting schedule for this read-a-long. Please note, we will be reading roughly 53 pages per week (about 8 pages a day). I have excluded the introduction (as it will be different with each edition), but have included the extra chapters at the end of the newer editions (The “Additional Paris Sketches”). If your copy does not include these sketches, your reading will end after chapter 19 (which will basically be after the second week of reading). Might I encourage you to pick up a version with the extra sketches so you can enjoy more of this book? (The edition I am reading is The Restored Edition by Scribner (a division of Simon & Schuster)… the cover image shown above in this post shows the cover of this edition. You can order it by clicking on the cover in right hand column of this blog under the title ”February Read-a-Long Selection.” You will be supporting Unputdownables by doing so as I make a small commission by referring you to Barnes and Noble through that link.

Schedule:

Beginning Friday, January 27th and ending Friday, February 24th.

READING SCHEDULE:

Week #/ dates :: Place in which to STOP

Print Readers:

Week One/ January 27- February 3 :: Chapter 9 (read )
Week Two/ February 4-10:: Chapter 17
Week Three/ February 11-17 :: “Ezra Pound and His Bel Esprit”
Week Four/ February 18- 24 :: (The End)

POSTING SCHEDULE:

Post #/ date post should be up on blog:

Start up Post/ Today!
Week One/ February 3rd Participated
Week Two/ February 10th
Week Three/ February 17th
Week Four/ February 24th (Final Review)

** Please don’t forget to come to this blog each Friday and share your thoughts in the comments section of the weekly Read-a-Long discussion (see below for more information).**

How it Works:

Each week, on Friday, share your thoughts about the previous week’s reading. If you are stuck on what to comment about, you can respond to my post or others’ comments. Regardless, you MUST check in each week (two weeks without a response and you will be taken off of the list — see below for details on why). You may have only one“off week” (which may not be the last week of reading for obvious reasons) and still be kept on the list, but you must let me know in the comment section by saying something like, “I’m catching up,” or “I’m still reading.” ***for all week’s discussions please refrain from posting ahead, even if you have read ahead, as to not spoil the book for others***

Agatha Christie Reference List

2012-01-13T20:59:00.000-05:00

Mysterious Affair at Styles (1920) READ
The Secret Adversary (1922)
Murder on the Links (1923)
Poirot Investigates (1924)
The Man in the Brown Suit (1924)
The Secret of Chimneys (1925)
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926)
The Big Four (1927)
The Mystery of the Blue Train (1928)
The Seven Dials Mystery (1929)
Partners in Crime (1929)
The Mysterious Mr. Quin (1930)
Murder at the Vicarage (1930)
The Sittaford Mystery (Murder at Hazelmoor) (1931)
The Peril At End House (1932)
The Tuesday Club Murders (1932)
13 At Dinner/ Lord Edgware Dies (1933)
The Hound Of Death (1933) C-
Murder On the Orient Express (1934) (downloaded audio on iTouch)
The Listerdale Mystery (1934)
Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? (1934)
Parker Pyne Investigates (1934)
Murder In Three Acts (1935)
Death In the Air (1935)
The ABC Murders (1935) READ
Murder In Mesopotamia (1936)
Cards On the Table (1935)
Dumb Witness or Poirot Loses a Client (1937)
Death On the Nile (1937)

Poirot

Stories

Miss Marple

Stories

Book Review or Bookish Thoughts...dilemma or not?

2012-01-01T10:31:00.001-05:00

As I sit here wondering in what direction I want to take my main blog, I have been reflecting on what I'm really looking for when I read a fellow book lover's reviews. I've come to the conclusion that I could really care less about the synopsis or having it rehashed within the review. What I'm looking for is how this book made an impact on that person. Would I feel the same way? Could I make a connection with one of the characters? Would this be a story that would haunt me for days? Would I be screaming at the top of my lungs for everyone to read it??? What I'm looking for is the word IMPACT. So I'm thinking that I'm going to veer away from 'reviews' and free flow my thoughts on the books that I read for 2012. What that means is I'm going to open a post up on Blogger before I open my book. When the mood strikes me to record I will do that using bullet points. I am sure I will find myself adding a lot of things that struck a chord with me as I'm reading. Then when I'm finished with the book, I can look over those points and hone them a bit, smooth out the rough edges and then hit that lovely button "publish post." To me this feels like freedom and goes along with my OLW Project that I'm venturing into this year- so I'm RENEWing the way I talk about books and renewing my love for reading and blogging. I don't want pressure...I don't want to feel like I have to impress anyone...I don't want to worry whether or not I've offended an author because I didn't like their book...I don't want to have constraints put on my joy of the written word. I want to be real, in the present, and authentic. I feel such optimism and excitement about this....so I'm off to open up my first post for The Lost Wife....and I welcome the changes with open arms!

March 2012

2011-12-30T19:33:00.000-05:00

Review Books:

Book of Fragrances tour book March 8th

Post: Author MJ Rose guest post

Read From My Shelves Challenge combined with 52 Books/52 Weeks

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell
Kira-Kira
Lace Reader
Mansfield Park

Read Fave Bloggers Fave:

Kaye- My Random Acts of Reading my choice- Lady Julia Series #1 (Kindle book)

February 2012

2011-12-30T19:02:00.002-05:00

Review Books:

What Happened to Hannah-TLC Tour Feb. 7th finished
The Baker's Daughter- TLC Tour Feb. 14th finished
Rogue Pirates Bride- Sourcebooks/NG/Kindle
Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel- Sourcebooks/NG/Kindle
Bridge of Scarlet Leaves- author request Feb. 20th

Read From My Shelves Challenge combined with 52 Books/52 Weeks

Firefly Lane
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Her Mother's Shadow
I am Number Four

Fave Readers Fave Books Challenge:

Wendy- Musings of a Bookish Kitty my choice- Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (own a copy)

Additional Books that I read this month:

Bossypants (Audio)
Explosive Eighteen (Audio)
A Moveable Feast
Still Life (from January's plan)

January 2012

2011-12-30T18:52:00.005-05:00

Review Books:

Secrets (Kindle/NetGalley for Sourcebooks) DNF
Irish Lady (Kindle/NG for Sourcebooks)- finished
The Night Sky (author request) review Jan. 18 with spotlight on Jan. 17th (finished)

Post: Best/Worst Author: Patrica Cornwell Jan. 25th to Alyce (finished)

Read From My Shelves Challenge combined with 52 Books/52 Weeks

A.B.C. Murders- finished
Backseat Saints- finished
Cottage By the Sea- finished
Diary of Mattie Spenser-finished
Emma-(audio) finished

Read Fave Bloggers Fave:

Margot- Joyfully Retired my choice - Still Life (copy on Kindle)
Kaye- Pudgy Penguin Perusal my choice- Cottage by the Sea (own copy)-finished

Additional Books that I read:

The Lost Wife
Books Can Be Deceiving
Smoking Seventeen (audio)
Unlikely Friendships

My game plan for 2012

2011-12-30T17:57:00.007-05:00

My Resolutions for 2012:

Start reading for me
Less tour books
More books from my shelf and to pick what I want to read
Have fun with the challenges I joined
Read more classics

Austen
Steinbeck
Hemingway

Use my library more
Read at least 2 books/month from NetGalley on my Kindle
Request less from NetGalley
Catalog my personal library
Shorter reviews
Accept 20 book review requests

The Night Sky (author)
Irish Lady (SB)
Secrets (SB)
What Happened to Hannah (TLC)
The Baker's Daughter (TLC)
Rogue Pirates Bride (SB)
Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel (SB)
Bridge of Scarlet Leaves (Author)
Book of Fragrances Tour
Song Remains the Same (publisher/tour)
Mariana (SB)
King's Agent (Historical Fiction Tour)
Mr. Darcy Forever (SB/NG)
The Lost Daughter (Penguin)
The Queen's Vow (Historical Fiction Tour)

2011 Stats

2011-12-30T13:11:00.046-05:00

Where the Books came from-
ARCS/Author/Publisher: 109
Books From My Shelves: 2 (I think)
Books from the Library: 9

Challenges Completed:
Harry Potter Re-Read- accomplished 1-3
2011 E-Book Challenge- read 6/6
2011 War Through the Generations- read 3/3
Historical Reading Challenge- 15/15
52 Books in 52 Weeks- 52/52
ARC Reading Challenge- 30/30
100+ Books Challenge- 120/100

Challenges that I didn't complete:
Being a Jane Austen Mytery- didn't read one.
Cruisin' the Cozies- 2/6
Take a Chance- failed miserably
Reading From My Own Shelves--sad, just sad.
2011 Support Your Local Library- 9/30

My resolutions for 2011: (reflections on how I did)

I will continue to stay true to who I am as a writer. I'm not a professional reviewer, nor do I claim to be one. Heck, I can't guarantee grammar, but I do my best to convey to my fellow readers the reasons why I liked or didn't like a particular book. I will never give away spoilers, never tell you too much, and most importantly I will never ever try to dissect a book!! That's not why I do my blog. I will continue to read and review for the pure love of reading and sharing with others my thoughts. I like to share why a book moved me to tears or to boredom. I hope that when you spend time reading my blog you've enjoyed what you've read and maybe left with a book suggestion. I did stay true to this one!
I've decided to accept review books from Sourcebooks, and the occasional request that intrigues me. I will no longer visit Shelf Awareness as it has become more of a hindrance to my goals of trying to read my own books. I need to get my ARC addiction under control!! I didn't visit Shelf Awareness very often but I said yes way too many times. My ARCs were out-of-control this year! I have a huge stack that I will read next year.
I will still accept tour books from TLC- I love this company and they always deliver stellar reads to my hands. I did get a bit carried away and have booked myself solid for January and February, but I have claimed March and April for myself and will work really hard to keep it that way! I accepted way too many TLC tours..23 to be exact. Almost 2/month...I wish they wouldn't have so many great books on tour!!
Signed up for less challenges but still just having fun with them. NO STRESS FOR 2011 !! Stress? I stressed out big time this year. Too many commitments..too many books that had to be read by a certain date!

Historical Fiction 2012

2011-12-15T19:56:00.002-05:00

Historical Fiction Challenge 2012

After 3 years organizing the Historical Fiction Challenge, the girls of The Royal Reviewsgracefully passed over this exciting event to our team at Historical Tapestry last year and we are very excited that the challenge is going to be returning in 2012! During 2011 there were hundreds of books read by the participants and we hope that we continue to create a wonderful place to share and discuss our favourite (and maybe not quite so 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:

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

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

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

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

Severe Bookaholism: 20 books
Undoubtedly Obsessed: 15 books- I'm sure I will beat this number!
Struggling the Addiction: 10 books
Daring & Curious: 5 books
Out of My Comfort Zone: 2 books

To join the challenge you only need to make a post about it, grab the button below if you like and leave your link in Mr Linky below. If you don't have a blog you can just leave a comment for this post saying that you are joining.

The challenge will run from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012.

2012 Short Story Reading Challenge

2011-12-15T19:34:00.000-05:00

I haven't read one book this year that is a collection of short stories although I have several on my bookshelf, so I have decided to challenge myself. I have looked for this challenge and even contacted the person who once hosted it several times without getting a response, so I have decided to go ahead and host it. I hope you will join me! You need to read only one book if you join at the first level, so why not try it?

Rules:

Challenge runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31st, 2012. You can join anytime.
Books from other challenges count as long as they are a collection of short stories.
Books can be children's, middle-grade, YA and adult fiction and non-fiction.
Write a post and link it below including the URL to that sign-up post.

Levels:

Tell me a Story: 1 to 3 books.
Stories Abound: 4 to 6 books.
Tales Galore: 7 to 9 books
Anthology Supreme: 10 to 12 books.

Linking your reviews is optional but I encourage it so that we can discover what collection of short story books you've read. Here is the Link Review Page. Not sure what to read? Here is a list from Goodreads of popular short stories books. Hope you join us!

***I'm going to sign up for Level 1- Tell Me a Story. I have a few short stories books on my shelves. This challenge will help my other challenges!! Yippee!!!

2012 52 Books in 52 Weeks

2011-12-13T19:30:00.003-05:00

Are you ready for another round of Reading 52 books in 52 Weeks? Whether you are just joining in or continuing on for another round, the rules are very simple. The goal is to read one book (at least) a week for 52 weeks. Make the year easy and casual or kick it up by exploring new to you authors and genres. Challenge yourself to read at least one classic a month or delve into that chunkster (more than 600 pages) you always wanted to tackle. The goal is to read 52 books. How you get there is up to you.

I have several mini challenges to make it fun:

12 in 2012: Read 12 books in 12 different categories

A to Z challenge: Read books alphabetically by title and/or author. (Hmmm...I will go for the A to Z Challenge)

Jane Austen: Read all things Jane Austen (This I will complete this year)

Mind Voyages: Explore the hugo and nebula winners, take side trips through the different decades reading the nominees.

Well Educated Mind: Explore the classics in five categories: Fiction, Autobiography, History/Politics, Drama and Poetry.

The mini challenges and weekly challenges are optional, Mix it up anyway you like.

The challenge will run from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012.
Our book weeks begin on Sunday.
Participants may join at any time.
All books are acceptable except children books.
All forms of books are acceptable including e-books, audio books, etc.
Re-reads are acceptable as long as they are read after January 1, 2012.
Books may overlap other challenges.
Create an entry post linking to this blog.
Sign up with Mr. Linky in the "I'm participating post" below this post.
You don't have a blog to participate. Post your weekly book in the comments section of each weekly post.
Mr. Linky will be added to the bottom of the weekly post for you to link to reviews of your most current reads.

This is an easy challenge for me and one that I will participate in again. I should be able to have some fun with the challenges too!!!

Listing my books so it will be easier for me to locate!! I always misplace the paper that I wrote on!!
First 26 weeks:

A.B.C. Murders- read
Backseat Saints- read
Cottage by the Sea- read
Diary of Mattie Spenser- read
Emma- listened on audio
Firefly Lane
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Her Mother's Shadow
I am Number Four
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell
Kira-Kira
Lace Reader
Mansfield Park
Northanger Abbey
Outlander
Persuasion
Q---need a title
Revolution
Safe From the Sea
True Colors
Until the Real Thing Comes Along
Vixen
Weight of Silence
X---need title
Z- need title

2nd part of the year:

Actor and the Housewife
Blessings of the Animals
Catching Fire
Divorced, Desperate, and Deceived
Eye Contact
Funerals are Fatal
Galway Bay
Hungry Ocean
Imperfect Birds
J--need a title
Kite Runner
Lumby on the Air
Mockingjay
Naming
Out
Peace Like a River
Q---need a title
Rebecca
Strangers at the Feast
Things That Keep Us Here
Unspoken
V--need title
White Tiger
X---need title
Y---need title
Z---need title

Reading My Favorite Blogger's Favorite Books of 2010 or 2011

2011-12-02T22:28:00.012-05:00

List of Bloggers Best Reads for 2010/2011

Jen-Devourer of Books my choice- Feed by Mira Grant
Stacy- Stacy's Bookblog my choice- The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
Matt- A Guy's Moleskine Journal my choice- East of Eden/Moveable Feast (Matt's 2011 list)
Austenesque Reviews my choice - Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy (I have a copy!)
Kaye- Pudgy Penguin Perusal my choice- Cottage by the Sea (own copy)
Margot- Joyfully Retired my choice - Still Life (copy on Kindle)***
Mary- Bookfan my choice- Safe From the Sea (copy on Kindle) (2011 List)
Diane- Bibliophile By the Sea my choice- Strangers at the Feast (own hardcover)
JoAnn- Lakeside Musing my choice- Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
Heather- Book Addiction my choice - Room
Dar- Peeking Between the Pages my choice- The Wishing Trees by John Shors
Wendy- Musings of a Bookish Kitty my choice- Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (own a copy) (Wendy's 2011 list)
Sheree- Eclectic Reader my choice- Night Huntress Book 1
Ryan- Wordsmithonia my choice- In the Woods/Rebecca (Ryan's 2011 list)
Nise- Under the Boardwalk my choice- Mississippi Jack Book 1
Kaye- My Random Acts of Reading my choice- Lady Julia Series #1 (Kindle book)
Lisa- Southern Girl Reads my choice- Iron House
Blodeuedd (Linda)-Book Girl of Mur-y Castell 2011 list my choice-Cold Magic
Mari- Bookworm with a View- Jerusalem Maiden (have on Kindle)
JoAnn- Lakeside Musing- my choice On Chesil Beach
Jill- Rhapsody in Books- my choice The Lost Wife
Kathy- BermudaOnion- my choice Wonderstruck
Jen- Jenny Loves to read- my choice Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Serena- Savvy Verse & Wit- my choice You Are My Only

Off the Shelf 2012

2011-11-27T21:14:00.003-05:00

This is the second year running for Off The Shelf!, with last year being an overwhelming success (over 300 participants), and we hope this year it does just as well! There are some differences this time, thanks to a new year, new place, and some experience. Have a read below, if you have any questions ask away, and the most important part of it is to have fun!

What It’s All About

Do you love books? Do you love them so much your to be read list seems to keep growing, and growing, and growing? Is space on your bookshelf taken up with unread books? Is your eBook library burgeoning with unread stories? We’ve been there at BA and we still are!

This challenge is to read those books you own a copy of, print, digital, and audio, you have been meaning to read, but never gotten to. If you don’t own enough books for the challenge you can read your TBR list instead. And no, you do not need to get rid of your books afterwards, that’s completely your choice, this challenge is only to read them.

The Deets

The Main Rule: Do not include books acquired during 2012, it defeats the purpose, read those books from before 2012 started!
Running Dates: 1st of January – 31st of December 2012
When Can I Sign Up: All the way up to the last two weeks of December!
Crossover Genres: Anything! The name of the game is to turn those unread books into read ones.
Mr Linky: To use the Mr Linky you’ll need to click on the graphic then enter your link. These will be updated and posted into this page every couple of weeks or so.
Further Details: Crossover challenges are fine, you can change levels at any time, this is eBook, short story, and graphic novel friendly, and you don’t need a blog to join in (read further for details).

The How To

Choose Your Level:These are listed further down and you can change levels at any time.

Challenge Badge
Grab The Badge: Place it somewhere on your blog, profile, or in a signature where possible and link back (main page or this page, it’s up to you).
Sign Up Post: Create a post on your blog, in a group, or on a forum (only if allowed) to let others see what you’re aiming for (a predefined list of books is optional).
Link Up: Grab the direct URL to your sign up post, not your blog, click the Mr Linky graphic and enter your link!
Blogless? Don’t worry, you can sign up with your social network profile (YouTube, Twitter, GoodReads, Shelfari included), just make sure you link to your review list, shelf, tweet, or category. If you don’t have any of those feel free to comment!

Afterwards

Your Reviews: Reviewing is optional! But if you do review we’d love for you to share them by submitting them on the Review Page (including social networks).
Finished: When you’re done it’s completion post time and you can share these on the Completion Post page!

Challenge Levels

Tempted– Choose 5 books to read
Trying – Choose 15 books to read
Making A Dint – Choose 30 books to read
On A Roll – Choose 50 books to read
Flying Off – Choose 75 books to read
Hoarder – Choose between 76-135 books to read
Buried – Choose between 136-200 books to read

*** 2012 will be a new direction for me and my blog. I've been spending a lot of time cataloging my personal library and Kindle books. I'm getting burned out of doing review books and feeling obligated to read/review a book by a certain time. This is the perfect challenge for me and probably the only one that I will do for 2012! Unless the books that I read can fulfill other fun challenges.

Extra Challenges

If you feel like that extra kick to your reading challenges here’s a couple you can choose from.

World: Choose a country as your theme, reading only books from that country or where it’s the setting. For how high you go you can choose more than one country;

Level Tempted and Trying: Choose one country
Level Making a Dint and On A Roll: Choose two countries
Level Flying Off to end of Hoarder: Choose three countries
Level Buried: Choose four countries.

Gender Battle: Read books only by female or male authors. Another alternative is to read equal amounts of both.

Harry Potter Re-Read Challenge

2011-07-03T19:42:00.002-04:00

Dar's Peeking Between the Pages

As you all know by now I'm making my own challenges this year - the first will be my Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling) Challenge. I've wanted to reread the books for ages and this is the year I'm going to do it. As I read them I'll add my links below. If anyone cares to join me, you're more than welcome - just let me know. This challenge will run from January 1 - December 31, 2011.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - finished July 1, 2011
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - finished July 1, 2011
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban- finished July 4, 2011
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Villette Read-a-long

2011-01-30T19:16:00.002-05:00

GAVE UP....COULDN'T GET INTO IT.
5/1/11

Beginning Tuesday, February 1st and ending Thursday, March 31st

Week #/ dates :: Chapters to Read
Week One/ February 1st-7th :: ch. 1-5 done
Week Two/ February 8th-14th :: ch. 6-11 done
Week Three/ February 15th-21st :: ch. 12-17
Week Four/ February 22nd-28th :: ch. 18-22
Week Five/ March 1st-March 7th :: ch. 23-27
Week Six/ March 8th-March 14th :: ch. 28-32
Week Seven/ March 15th-March 21st :: ch. 33-37
Week Eight/ March 22-March 28th :: ch. 38-42
Catch up days, and extra days to process book before final review :: March 29th-31st.

It looks like the Thursday discussion post dates are as follows: (from what I’ve deduced)

Week 1: February 10
Week 2: February 17
Week 3: February 24
Week 4: March 3
Week 5: March 10
Week 6: March 17
Week 7: March 24
Week 8: March 31

Dar's Donati Series Challenge

2011-01-06T18:04:00.000-05:00

Sara Donati's Wildnerness series is one I've wanted to read for ages and I fully intend to do it this year. I will add my links to my reviews as I finish the books. As always anyone is welcome to join me; just let me know.

Into the Wilderness
Dawn on a Distant Shore
Lake in the Clouds
Fire Along the Sky
Queen of Swords
The Endless Forest

Reading Resolutions

2011-01-01T21:25:00.001-05:00

My resolutions for 2011:

I will continue to stay true to who I am as a writer. I'm not a professional reviewer, nor do I claim to be one. Heck, I can't guarantee grammar, but I do my best to convey to my fellow readers the reasons why I liked or didn't like a particular book. I will never give away spoilers, never tell you too much, and most importantly I will never ever try to dissect a book!! That's not why I do my blog. I will continue to read and review for the pure love of reading and sharing with others my thoughts. I like to share why a book moved me to tears or to boredom. I hope that when you spend time reading my blog you've enjoyed what you've read and maybe left with a book suggestion.
I've decided to accept review books from Sourcebooks, and the occasional request that intrigues me. I will no longer visit Shelf Awareness as it has become more of a hindrance to my goals of trying to read my own books. I need to get my ARC addiction under control!!
I will still accept tour books from TLC- I love this company and they always deliver stellar reads to my hands. I did get a bit carried away and have booked myself solid for January and February, but I have claimed March and April for myself and will work really hard to keep it that way!
Signed up for less challenges but still just having fun with them. NO STRESS FOR 2011 !!

*** I failed so miserably at this challenge. Even though I quit visiting Shelf Awareness ARC's still found their way to my house whether or not I wanted them. I have to put those crazy things stop!! So I'm going to do this RR challenge again for 2012. Let's see if I stick to it! 11/27/11

So here are the details:

*As the name implies, the 2011 Reading Resolutions Challenge, is basically new year's resolutions for your 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.

*Create your personal reading resolutions for the upcoming year in a post and link to it in the comments. If you don't have a blog, that's cool too. Post your resolutions and updates in the comments of this post
Make sure to link back to this page so others can visit your pages and blogs.

*Get started on your resolutions! Each quarter, starting around April 1st, I'll have a post to check-in and see how everyone is doing. Kind of as a reminder to you to check your own progress.

*Challenge runs from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

Challenges for 2011

2010-12-29T20:52:00.013-05:00

Being a Jane Austen Mystery Challenge
Option chosen: Neophyte 1-4 books
1.
2.
3.
4.

2011 E-Book Challenge
Option chosen: Fascinated 6 e-books COMPLETED 7/3/11
1. What Would Jane Austen Do- 1/15/11
2. Miranda's Big Mistake- 4/23/11
3. The Apothecary's Daughter
4. Skyward
5. The Twisted Thread
6. The Midwife's Confession

2011 War Through the Generations- Civil War
Option chosen: Dip Level 1-3 books
1.The Union Quilters
2.
3.

Cruisin' the Cozies
Option Chosen: Snoop 1-6 books
1. Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Historical Reading Challenge
Option chosen: Obsessed 15 books
1- The Lotus Eaters (Vietnam War)
2- Mr. Darcy's Secret- Regency time period
3- Queen of Last Hopes (Queen of England)
4- When We Were Strangers (Immigration/Italy/America)
5- My Love, My Enemy
6 Fierce Eden
7- By fire, by Water
8- The Union Quilters
9- To Defy a King
10- Russian Winter
11- The Last Letter
12 Love on Assignment
13
14
15

Take a Chance Challenge
10 Challenges
1.
2
3. Blogger's Choice Challenge: Bookfan-Mary Saving CeeCee Honeycut1/23/11
4
5
6. Book Seer Pick: Case Histories by Kate Atkinson but I am substituting one I own- When Where There
    Be Good News
7
8
9
10

52 Books in 52 Weeks
1. The Lotus Eaters
2. Kiss At Your Own Risk
3. Little Princes
4. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt
5.Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough
6. Weird Sisters
7. Mr. Darcy's Secret
8. Fierce Eden
9. The Bird House
10. By Fire, By Water
11. The Union Quilters
12. To Defy a King
13. So Much For That
14. Tapestry of Love
15.
16.
17.

Gilmore Girl Challenge
1.

Reading From MY Own Shelves
Option 12 books
1.Saving CeeCee Honeycutt- 1/23/11
2 Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet- 4/23/11
3 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- 7/1/11
4 Harry Potter and the Secret Chamber- 7/1/11
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

ARC Reading Challenge
Option Chosen: Platinum 30 books- completed 7/3/11

1. Kiss at Your Own Risk
2. Little Princes
3. The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy
4. Drinking Close to Home
5. Queen of Last Hopes
6. The Weird Sisters
7. When We Were Strangers
8. Mr. Darcy's Secret
9. Fierce Eden
10. Staying at Daisy's
11. Merely Magic
12. It Happened One Bite
13. To Defy a King
14. My Jane Austen Summer
15. Lost & Found
16. Wickham's Diary
17. What Would Mr. Darcy Do?
18. Only Mr. Darcy Will Do
19. My Jane Austen Summer
20. Sing You Home
21. Faith
22. Awaken the Highland Warrior
23. The Last Letter
24. The Truth About Mr. Darcy
25. Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman
26. Wickedly Charming
27. Violets of March
28. The Girl Who Would Speak For the Dead
29. Wish You Were Here
30. Down From Cascom Mountain
COMPLETED CHALLENGE 7/3/2011

2011 Support Your Local Library
Option chosen: The Mini- 30 books
1. The Union Quilters
2. Choosing to See
3. The Judgment

100+ Books Challenge
1. The Lotus Eaters 1/1/2011
2.   Kiss at Your Own Risk 1/1/2011
3.   Little Princes 1/1/2011
4. Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy 1/8/11
5. Drinking Close to Home 1/9/11
6. What Would Jane Austen Do? 1/15/11
7. The Girl in the Green Raincoat 1/11/11
8.   Blood of My Brother 1/22/11
9. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt 1/23/11
10. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough 1/29/11
11. The Weird Sisters 2/3/11
12. When We Were Strangers
13. My Love, My Enemy
14. Mr. Darcy's Secret
15. The Devil's Star
16. Fierce Eden
17.Hush
18. The Bird House
19. The Weird Sisters
20. When We Were Strangers
21. My Love, My Enemy
22. Mr.Darcy's Secret
23. The Devil's Star
24. Fierce Eden
25. Hush
26. The Bird House
27. The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus
28. The Tapestry of Love
29. My Jane Austen Summer
30. Lost & Found
31. Wickham's Diary
32. What Would Mr. Darcy Do?
33. Only Mr. Darcy Will Do
34. Hunchback of Neiman Marcus
35. The Peach Keeper
36. Miss Hildreth Wore Brown
37. Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet
38. The Trouble with Mr. Darcy
39. Beautiful Disaster
40. Choosing to See
41. Miranda's Big Mistake
42. Sing You Home
43. The Judgment

Being a Jane Austen Mystery Challenge 2011

2010-12-29T20:33:00.000-05:00

We love a good mystery – and when that mystery is combined with our favorite author Jane Austen – all is right in our reading world. Happily since 1996 we have been spoiled beyond measure with author Stephanie Barron’s Being a Jane Austen Mystery series.
About every year or so a new novel has appeared and been promptly devoured. This last fall we had the honor of reading Jane and the Madness of Lord Byron, the tenth mystery in the series. It reminded us again what a great writer she is. “For fourteen years, and to much acclaim, she has channeled our Jane beyond her quiet family circle into sleuthing adventures with lords, ladies and murderers. Cleverly crafted, this historical detective series incorporates actual events from Jane Austen’s life with historical facts from her time all woven together into mysteries that of course, only our brilliant Jane can solve.”

Being a Jane Austen Mystery Reading Challenge 2011

We are very pleased to announce the Being a Jane Austen Mystery Reading Challenge 2011. If you have not discovered one of her wonderful mysteries, this is a great opportunity to join the challenge along with other Janeites, historical fiction and mystery lovers.

Novels in the Series

Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor (1996)
Jane and the Man of the Cloth (1997)
Jane and the Wandering Eye (1998)
Jane and the Genius of the Place (1999)
Jane and the Stillroom Maid (2000)
Jane and the Prisoner of the Wool House (2001)
Jane and the Ghosts of Netley (2003)
Jane and His Lordship’s Legacy (2005)
Jane and the Barque of Frailty (2006)
Jane and the Madness of Lord Byron (2010)
Jane and the Canterbury Tale (2011)

Challenge Details

Time-line: The Being a Jane Austen Mystery Challenge runs January 1, through December 31, 2011.
Levels of participation: Neophyte: 1 – 4 novels, Disciple 5 – 8 novels, Aficionada 9 – 11 novels.
Enrollment: Sign up’s are open until July 01, 2011. First, select your level of participation. Second, copy the Being a Jane Austen Mystery Reading Challenge graphic and include it in your blog post detailing the mysteries that you will read in 2011. Third, leave a comment linking back to your blog post in the comments of this announcement post. If you do not have a blog you can still participate. Just leave your commitment to the challenge in the comments below.
Check Back Monthly: The Being a Jane Austen Mystery Challenge 2011 officially begins on Wednesday, January 12, 2010 with my review of the first mystery in the series, Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor. Check back on the 2nd Wednesday of each month for my next review in the challenge.
Your Participation: Once the challenge starts you will see a tab included at the top of Austenprose called Reading Challenges. Click on the tab and select Being a Jane Austen Mystery Reading Challenge 2011. Leave a comment including the mystery that you finished and a link to your blog review. If you do not have a blog, just leave a comment about which book you finished with a brief reaction or remark. It’s that easy.

The Prizes

Oh, of course there are prizes! Author Stephanie Barron has very generously offered one signed hardcover or paperback copy of each of the novels that we will be reviewing each month here on Austenprose to be drawn from comments left with each post, and one signed paperback copy of each of the eleven novels in the series to one lucky Grand Prize Winner to be drawn from comments left at any and all of the reviews left on this blog or yours. Yes, that means that your readers who comment on your challenge reviews have a chance to win too. Winners will be announced monthly two weeks after the blog post, and Grand Prize winner will be announced on January 01, 2012. Shipment to US or Canadian address only.
Bonus Stuff: Yes, of course there is more to get happy about. Availability of each of the novels in the series is great. The books can be purchased or eBooks download at most online etailers and brick and mortar stores. Since the series is so popular, your local library should be a great resource too.
One of the delights of the series is the incredible historical detail that parallel Jane Austen’s life. To expand upon our reading journey in 2011, author Stephanie Barron will be blogging about researching and writing each of the novels as we progress through the series at her Stephanie Barron blog. What an incredible resource and motivation for your reading challenge!
So, make haste and join the challenge today. I am so looking forward to revisiting all the novels in the Being a Jane Austen Mystery series in 2011 and hope you can join in too.
Cheers,

Laurel Ann

I'm going to sign up as a neophyte and read 1-4 in 2011!

List of Bloggers Best Reads for 2010

2010-12-29T20:24:00.003-05:00

Ana- Things Mean a Lot
jen-Devourer of Books
Stacy- Stacy's Bookblog
Meg- Write Meg!
Matt- A Guy's Moleskine Journal
Austenesque Reviews
Kaye- Pudgy Penguin Perusal
Margot- Joyfully Retired
Ana- Things Mean a Lot
Mary- Bookfan
Diane- Bibliophile By the Sea
JoAnn- Lakeside Musing
Heather- Book Addiction
Dar- Peeking Between the Pages
Wendy- Musings of a Bookish Kitty
Sheree- Eclectic Reader
Ryan- Wordsmithonia
Wendy- Caribou's Mom
Nise- Under the Boardwalk
Kaye- My Random Acts of Reading

2011 E-Book Challenge

2010-12-29T16:33:00.003-05:00

Hosted by The Ladybug Reads. I got a kindle 12 months ago, made a slow start and over the year have fallen in love with it. I now have a humongous number of kindle books to read so I'm participating in the E-book challenge to hopefully get through lots of them in 2011 :)

Challenge Guidelines:

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

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

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 e-books.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 e-books. COMPLETED 7/3/11

-- Addicted – Read 12 e-books.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 e-books.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1, 2011 and lasts until December 31, 2011.

War Through the Generations 2011

2010-12-29T16:32:00.000-05:00

War Through the Generation‘s 2011 reading challenge will be the U.S. Civil War. The challenge will run from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011.
Rules:
This year you have options when reading your fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, etc. with the U.S. Civil War as the primary or secondary theme.
Books can take place before, during, or after the war. Books from other challenges count so long as they meet the above criteria.
Dip: Read 3-5 books in any genre with the U.S. Civil War as a primary or secondary theme.
Wade: Read 6-10 books in any genre with the U.S. Civil War as a primary or secondary theme.
Swim: Read 11 or more books in any genre with the U.S. Civil War as a primary or secondary theme.
Additionally, we’ve decided that since there are so many great movies out there about U.S. Civil War, that you can substitute or add a movie or two to your list this year and have it count toward your totals. We nabbed this idea from a few challenges in 2009, particularly The Everything Austen Challenge at Stephanies’s Written Word.
**Note**
*Participants anywhere in the world are eligible for most prizes in the post-challenge drawing!**
*Prize drawings will be for participants finishing the minimum 3-5 books.
*Participants can always read more than their initial goals, and even if you sign up for 11+, but read just 3-5, you officially completed the challenge and are eligible for prizes.
You can decide which books you’d like to read right away, or you can choose them during the course of the challenge. Check out the Recommended Reading: U.S. Civil War (page is coming soon) page for suggestions.
***Attention Participants***
We wanted to try something a little different this year, and we thought that it would be fun to do a group review here on War Through the Generations midway through the challenge. Book to be determined in the coming months.

How to sign up:
Leave a comment on this page with your reading goal. Please spread the word about the challenge on your blogs. Feel free to do a sign up post and leave a link to your post here.
Everyone who signs up will be listed on the U.S. Civil War Challenge Participants page.
Sign ups will be ongoing.
**Once you’ve signed up, please visit the Buttons page to snag some for your blog for use in your sign up post and book reviews! (New U.S. Civil War Challenge buttons forthcoming)**
Share your reviews with fellow participants:
If you have a blog and have reviewed a book you’re counting toward the challenge, please email the review links to warthroughgenerations AT gmail DOT com. We’d be happy to post the first paragraph (or the first few sentences, depending on paragraph length) and a link to your blog.
If you don’t have a blog but would like to share your thoughts on a book you’ve read for the challenge, please write up a review and email it to warthroughgenerations AT gmail DOT com. Please include the name you wish to be displayed as author of the review.
If you have any questions, please email us at warthroughgenerations AT gmail DOT com. We hope you will join us for a year filled with great books!
***Please follow War Through the Generations in your feed readers and on Twitter @wargenerations for updates, giveaways, and more***

I'm dipping my feet into the water with 3!

100+ Challenge

2010-12-26T21:20:00.004-05:00

*This challenge is usually hosted over at J. Kaye's Book Blog, but I haven't heard anything from her about hosting it.

As of today, I have read and reviewed 278 books for 2010. I have many more to post before the finish date of December 31, 2010. I know that I will be able to finish this challenge next year, but I am challenging you to beat your 2010 record this year! Can you read over 100 books this year?

DETAILS:

1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Posting on GoodReads or wherever you post your reviews is good enough.

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

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

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2011. Books started before the 1st do not count. You can join at anytime.

** Update 11/27/11
I have completed this challenge

Support Your Local Library 2011

2010-12-26T21:19:00.000-05:00

2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge

I participated in this challenge last year when it was hosted by J. Kayes book blog. But it seems that J. Kaye is no longer blogging and I really wanted to do this challenge again so I thought that I would try my hand at hosting it.

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Just create a post for the challenge and link to your challenge post in the linky below.

--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post.

2. There are four levels to this challenge...Pick your poison:

--The Mini – Check out and read 30 library books.
1.
2.
3.

--"Fun" Size – Check out and read 40 library books.

--Jumbo Size – Check out and read 50 library books.

--Mega Size – Check out and read 51+ library books.
(Aim high. As long as you read 30 by the end of 2011, you are a winner.)

Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2011

2010-12-26T21:16:00.003-05:00

I know I wasn't going to host another reading challenge, but I couldn't help myself :) I love cozy mysteries and I want to read more of them this year. To find out exactly what a cozy mystery is, check out Cozy-Mystery.com. This site is dedicated to cozy mysteries and does a great job of defining them as well as giving a list of cozy mysteries. This challenge is NOT restricted to what is on their list, it's just to be used as a guideline in case you need some hints on what to read.

So, here are the rules...

1. Choose the level you wish to participate:

Level 1 - Snoop - Read 1-6 books
Level 2 - Investigator - Reading 7-12 books
Level 3 - Super Sleuth - Read 13 or more books

2. The challenge runs from January 1, 2011 and ends December 31, 2011.

Snoop Level:
1- Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet
2- The Chocolate Castle Clue
3-
4-
5-
6-

3. You don't have to choose your books in advance. If you do, you can change your list at any time during the year. Books can overlap with other challenges.

4. Books can be in any format - paper, audio, ebooks...it all counts!

5. You don't have to post a review, but I'm sure others would love to know about the books you are reading and may even want to add it to their reading lists.

6. Take the button above, put it on your blog and post about the challenge. Then add your name to Mr. Linky below...Please use the link of challenge post, not the link to your home page.

ARC Reading Challenge 2011

2010-12-26T21:14:00.001-05:00

January 1-December 31, 2011

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 ARCS

Level Gold: Read 25 ARCS

Level Platinum: Read 30 or more ARCS

I'm signing up for the Platinum Level!!!
COMPLETED CHALLENGE 7/3/11

Historical Reading Challenge

2010-12-26T17:51:00.005-05:00

Historical Fiction Challenge 2011

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:

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

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

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

you can overlap this challenge with others kind of challenges

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

Severe Bookaholism: 20 books
Undoubtedly Obsessed: 15 books (This is my choice)
Struggling the Addiction: 10 books
Daring & Curious: 5 books
Out of My Comfort Zone: 2 books

The challenge will run from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011.
Completed 11/27/11

The Bungalow
Cross Currents
Motor City Shakedown
Midnight on Julia Street
Book of Lies
Whispers in the Sand
Violets of March
The Last Letter
The Apothecary's Daughter
Beyond All Measure
Russian Winter
To Defy a King
The Union Quilters
By Fire, By Water
Queen of Last Hopes
The Lotus Eaters

Take a Chance Challenge 3

2010-12-18T21:06:00.002-05:00

When I first saw this challenge last year or the year before that, it only ran for six months, I think. Regardless, I wasn't able to participate and I was kind of bummed. I like trying new things. So what do I see when I check my dashboard today, a post from Jenners announcing her Take a Chance Challenge 3 for 2011. And it runs the whole year. Woo-hoo! I'm in! So here are the rules from Jenners' blog:

Basic Information

•The concept of the challenge is to take chances with your reading by finding books to read in unusual or random ways. I’ve listed 10 different ways to find books below. Feel free to complete at many as you want. However, anyone completing all 10 challenges by December 31, 2011 will be entered in a prize drawing to win a book of their choice from Amazon.

•The challenge will run from January 1, 2011 until December 31, 2011.

•Crossover books from other challenges is fine. You can read books in any format.

•On January 1, 2011, I will post pages for each of the 10 challenges so you can link up your completed posts.

The 2011 Challenges

1: Staff Member’s Choice: Go to a bookstore or library that has a “Staff Picks” section. Read one of the picks from that section.

2: Loved One’s Choice: Ask a loved one to pick a book for you to read. (If you can convince them to buy it for you, that is even better!)

3: Blogger’s Choice: Find a “Best Books Read” post from a favorite blogger. Read a book from their list. Read Bonnie's favorite- Saving CeeCee Honeycutt in January 2011

4: Critic’s Choice: Find a “Best of the Year” list from a magazine, newspaper or professional critic. Read a book from their Top 10 list.

5: Blurb Book: Find a book that has a blurb on it from another author. Read a book by the author that wrote the blurb.

6: Book Seer Pick: Go to The Book Seer and follow the instructions there. Read a book from the list it generates for you.- Case Histories by Kate Atkinson ( I may own that one but I do have an Atkinson book and if it's not Case Histories I'll read that one instead.)

7: What Should I Read Next Pick : Go to What Should I Read Next and follow the instructions there. Read a book from the list it generates for you.

8: Which Book Pick: Go to Which Book and use the software to generate a list of books. Read a book from that list.

9: LibraryThing Pick: Go to LibraryThing’s Zeitgeist page. Look at the lists for 25 Most Reviewed Books or Top Books and pick a book you’ve never read. Read the book. (Yes … you can click on MORE if you have to.)

10: Pick A Method: Pick a method for finding a book from the choices listed below (used in previous versions of the challenge).

•Random Book Selection. Go to the library. Position yourself in a section such as Fiction, Non-Fiction, Mystery, Children (whatever section you want). Then write down random directions for yourself (for example, third row, second shelf, fifth book from right). Follow your directions and see what book you find. Check that book out of the library, read it and then write about it. (If you prefer, you can do the same at a bookstore and buy the book!)

•Public Spying. Find someone who is reading a book in public. Find out what book they are reading and then read the same book. Write about it.

•Random Bestseller. Go to Random.org and, using the True Random Number Generator, enter the number 1950 for the min. and 2010 for the max. and then hit generate. Then go to this site and find the year that Random.org generated for you and click on it. Then find the bestseller list for the week that would contain your birthday for that year. Choose one of the bestsellers from the list that comes up, read it and write about it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So dem's the rules and below, I'll keep a list of what I read and which number it corresponds to. Or maybe I'll link back the reviews to here....not sure yet. But whatever works best.

To join me in the fun, visit the sign-up page on Jenners blog here: Take a Chance Challenge 3

2011 Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks

2010-12-14T21:28:00.003-05:00

2011 52 Books in 52 Weeks Reading Challenge

Completed this challenge...easy for me! 11/27/11

As well as joining in on a few challenges in 2011, I'm going to continue to host 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.

1) Mind Voyages is a science fiction / fantasy challenge to explore the hugo and nebula winners, take side trips through the different decades reading the nominees, check out Philip K. Dick and Robert Heinlein. Also, Since I can't possibly imagine a reading challenge without exploring new releases that come out in 2011, we have the all inclusive Pluto challenge. Links to all the voyages are available on the Mind Voyages blog.

Moon Voyage : Read at least 6 winners on the Hugo Winners List

Sling shot back to Earth: Read at least 3 winners on the Nebula Winner's List

Venus Voyage: Philip K. Dick Quest - Read at least 2 of his books

Mercury Voyage:   Robert Heinlein Quest - Read at least 2 of his books

Mars Voyage:   Read at least 6 winners on the Hugo List and take a side trip through the 21st century and read at least 4 nominees.

Go into Warp Drive and visit the other planets

Jupiter Voyage:   Go side tripping 90's Style

Saturn: Go Side Tripping 80's Style

Uranus: Go Side Tripping 70's Style

Neptune Voyage: Go Side Tripping through the 50's and 60's

The I'm going to Pluto because Pluto is still a planet as far as I'm concerned Voyage:   Mix it up, choose the number of books you want to read from each voyage, include some new books you pick up along the way and enjoy the ride.

2) Read around the World: I probably did read around the world last year but didn't pay much attention. So this year I'm paying attention to setting. Keep track of where the story takes place and see how many places you end up.

3) Ireland Reading Challenge: or just stick with one country such as Ireland and read books set in Ireland, written by Irish Authors or with an Irish theme. Pick 2, 4, 6, or 12 books to read.

4) Jane Austen Mini Challenge: Read Jane Austen's books -Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion. All can be found online here.

5) Well Educated Mind Mini Challenge: The Well Educated Mind written by Susan Wise Bauer is a guide to reading the great works. Read 3 books from each category: Fiction, autobiography, history, drama and poetry.

6) New Author Mini Challenge: Read at least one new to you author per month.

7) Try a new genre challenge: Read at least one book in a genre you've never tried before.

8) E-Book reading challenge: read at least 3, 6, 9, or 12 e-books this year.

9) Chunkster Challenge: Chunksters are considered books that are over 500 pages in length. Read one chunkster a month.

10) Read 12 classics in 12 months

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.

The challenge will run from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.
Our book weeks will begin on Sunday.
Participants may join at any time.
All forms of books are acceptable including e-books, audio books, etc.
Re-reads are acceptable as long as they are read after January 1, 2011.
Books may overlap other challenges.
Create an entry post linking to the 52 Weeks blog.
Sign up with Mr. Linky in the "I'm participating post" post.
You don't have a blog to participate. Post your weekly book in the comments section.
Mr. Linky will be added to the bottom of the weekly post to link to reviews of most current reads.

I'll be changing the header and modifying the theme a bit over on the 52 weeks blog, so don't mind the dust for the next couple weeks. I'll also be posting Mr. Linky in the next couple days for participants to sign up.

War and Peace 365 Days Read Along

2010-12-13T19:50:00.000-05:00

Jillian at A Room of One’s Own is hosting a chapter-a-day readalong

(yes, there are 365 chapters) it seemed like one I could manage.

If this sounds like something you’d like to do,

click here to sign up. For more specifics of the readalong, click here.

Jillian’s Guidelines -

the readalong will last from January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011
there will be 6 discussion posts for this novel, one at the end of every second month
I plan to include a ‘participant list’ in each bi-monthly post, as well as in this initial sign-up
you can blog however you want, and of course write more or less than 6 posts, if you prefer
I may do more than 6 posts, but I’ll only list participants in the 6 scheduledposts
you can also follow along without reading War and Peace, and comment as you please
no one who joins is required to comment on the posts of participants, including mine; this is just a place to gather, no obligation required

Gilmore Girl Challenge 2011

2010-12-12T16:51:00.001-05:00

Here is my list to read next year:

Emma- will fulfill Reading My Own challenge too
Northanger Abbey- RMOB Challenge
Jane Eyre- RMOB Challenge too
Daisy Miller-RMOB Challenge too
My book choices:
Northanger Abbey
Emma
Jane Eyre- reading right now!
Anna Karenina
Alice's Adventure in Wonderland
Rebecca
The Great Gatsby
Daisy Miller
1984
House of Sand and Fog

2011 Reading from My Shelves Project

2010-12-12T16:13:00.004-05:00

Several bloggers have asked my to host this challenge once again, and although I was planning to back off on challenges, this was one I was very successful with, and it helped me to clean off (90) books from my TBR shelves as well.

Here are the details if you are interested:

Challenge runs from January 1 - December 31, 2011.
Read books from your own shelves, and then pass the books on to someone else: a friend, relative, the library, used book store, swap them, just as long as the book leaves your house once it has been read.
Decide on your goal (12 is the minimum - no maximum). Cross over books are allowed.
Grab the button and do a post about the challenge.
Keep a running list of the books you've read and passed on.
Leave a comment with a link to your post and you are entered (no Mr. Linky).

Have Fun and GOOD LUCK!

MY GOALS:

12 books - I failed this one miserably in 2010

September Books

2010-09-11T13:52:00.001-04:00

1. An Echo in the Bone
848 pages

2. Dracula in Love
400 pages

3. The Amish Cook
144 pages

4.Waking the Witch
309 pages

5.Vanishing and other Stories
320 pages

6. Hot House Flower
288 pages

7. For the King's Favor
560 pages

8. A Hope Undaunted
505 pages

Challenges to Myself

2010-08-21T11:44:00.010-04:00

Only going to do TLC and Winsome Tours
Accept books only from FSB and Sourcebooks or ones that I truly truly want to read.
NO GUILT FOR SAYING NO!

accepted review copy from FSB 8/21/10
YA book Shelf Awareness

Stop clicking on ARCs from Shelf Awareness
Really...really evaluate the requests from authors and publishers before I accept offer

turned down 4 requests for book review 8/21/10
turned down 4 requests 8/23/10
turned down 2 8/24/10
turned down 2 8/25/10
turned down 3 8/26/10
turned down 2 8/27/10
to date I've turned down numerous reviews...I'm very proud of myself!! edited 11/28/10

USE MY CALENDAR!
BE REALISTIC!
Read my own books
Start this in September 1 and stick to it for a full year ending December 31, 2011!!!
I'm almost caught up with my reviews for the year!!! edited 11/28/10

August 2010 Books

2010-08-09T18:21:00.003-04:00

1. To Conquer Mr. Darcy
2010
Genre: Romance/Fiction
Source: Sourcebooks
Pages: 416
Challenges: 100+
Rating: 4/5

2. Fallout
2010
Genre: YA
Source: ARC
Pages: 672
Challenges: 100+
Rating: 4/5

3. The Life You Imagined
2010
Women's Fiction
Source: Book Club/Publisher/ARC
Pages: 334
Challenges: 100+
Rating: 4/5

4. Dangerous Neighbors
2010
YA
Source: ARC/Winesome Comm.
Pages: 165
Challenges: 100+
Rating: 4/5

5. Holly's Inbox
2010
Women's Chick-Lit
Source: ARC/Sourcebooks
Pages: 552
Challenges: 100+
Rating: 4.5/5

6. Georgette Heyer's Regency World
2010
Resource Guide
Source: ARC/Sourcebooks
Pages: 416
Challenges: 100+
Rating: 4/5

7. The Miracle of Prato
2010
Historical Fiction
Source: TLC/Publisher
Pages: 384
Challenges: 100+
Rating: 4/5

8. The Lumby Lines
2007
Fiction
Source: FSB
Pages: 319
Challenges: 100+
Rating: 4/5

July Books

2010-07-01T21:58:00.006-04:00

1. Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper
2002
176 pages
Historical Fiction
Source: Library
100+/SYL
Rating: 4/5

2. Disrupting Grace
2010
240 pages
Self Help/Christian
Source: Book Blogging Friend- Lynne Moeller
RYO/100+
Rating: 5/5

3. After the Fall
2009
304 pages
Fiction
Source: ARC
100+
Rating: 3/5

4.The Space Between Us
2007
352 pages
Fiction
Source: Library
100+/SYL/
Rating:

5. The Clouds Roll Away
March 2010
336 pages
Fiction
Source: ARC
100+/
Rating: 3/5

6. When She Flew
November 2009
352 pages
Fiction
Source: PublisherARC
100+
Rating: 4/5

7. The Murderer's Daughters
January 2010
320 pages
Fiction
Source: Author-TLC Tour
100+
Rating: 5/5

8. Never Let You Go
2010
320 pages
Christian Fiction
Source: Publisher
100+
Rating: 3.5/5

9. Hidden Wives
2010
336 pages
Fiction
Source: TLC Tour/Publisher
100+/States
Rating: 4.5/5

10. Letter To My Daughter
2010
160 pages
Fiction
Source: ARC
100+
Rating: 3.5/5

11. Benny and Shrimp
2009
209 pages
Fiction
Source: ARC
100+
Rating: 3/5

12. Irish Country Girl
2010
320
Irish Fiction
Source: Review book/Publisher
100+
Rating: 4/5

13. A Note From an Old Acquaintance
2009
360 pages
Fiction
Source: Publisher/Author
100+
Rating: 2.5/5

14. Still Missing
2010
352 pages
Fiction
Source: Shelf Awareness
100+
Rating: 5/5

15. Broken
2010
448 pages
Fiction
Source: Library
100+/SYL
Rating: 4/5

16. The House Next Door
1978
352 pages
Horror/Suspense
Source: Library
100+
Rating: 4/5

17. Blind Hope
2010
208 pages
Christian Inspirational
Source: Publisher/Blog Tour
100+
Rating: 3/5

18. A Breath of Snow and Ashes
2006
992 pages
Historical Fiction
Source: My Shelves
100+/States?/RYOB
Rating: 5/5

June Books

2010-06-04T22:21:00.009-04:00

1. Every Secret Thing
2007 Bethany House
Gentle Read
400 pages
Source: library
100+/SYL/States
Rating:3/5

2. The Kind Diet
2009
Cookbook/way of life
308 pages
Source: Library
100+/SYL
Rating:

3. The One That I Want
2010
Women's Fiction
270 pages
100+/
Source: TLC book Tour
Rating: 4.5/5

4. Noah's Compass
2010
Fiction
288 pages
100+/SYL
Source: Library
Rating: 4/5

5. The Aloha Quilt
2010
Craft Fiction
336 pages
100+/SYL/States
Source: Library
Rating: 4/5

6. Glorious
2010
Historical Fiction/African American Fiction
235 pages
100+/Historical Fiction
Source: Author
Rating: 4.5/5

7. Louisa and the Missing Heiress
2004
Cozy Mystery
304 pages
100+/Cozy Mystery/RYOB
Source: My shelves 25 cent book from booksale
Rating: 3.5/5

8. Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart
2010
Women's Fiction
272 pages
100+/
Source: Publisher/ARC
Rating: 4/5

9. Watermark
2010
Historical Fiction
336 pages
100+/Historical Fiction
Source: Author
Rating: 4.5/5

10. Quaker Summer
2007
Gentle Read
320 pages
100+/SYL/States
Source: Library
Rating: 3.75/5

11. Guesthouse
March 2010
Fiction
218 pages
100+
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3.75/5

12. Becoming Jane Eyre
December 2009
Historical Fiction
256 pages
100+/HF/SYL
Source: Library
Rating: 3.75/5

13. Calamity Jack
2010
Graphic Novel
144 pages
100+/SYL/Graphic Novel
Source: Library
Rating: 3/5

14. Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English
2010
Fiction
256 pages
100+/
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5/5

15. Little Giant of Aberdeen County
2009
352 pages
Fiction
100+/States
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3.5/5

May Books

2010-05-02T20:14:00.008-04:00

1. On Folly Beach- Karen White
May 4, 2010
368 pages
Women's Fiction
100+/The Pub
Source: TLC Tour
Rating: 5/5

2. The Shepherd's Granddaughter
2008
222 pages
MG Fiction
Support Your Library/100+
Source: MS Library
Rating: 4/5

3. The Girls from Ames
2009
320 pages
Biography
100+/States
Source: TLC Book tour
Rating: 2/5

4. The Telling
2010
352 pages
Amish/Inspirational Fiction
100+/The Pub/Support Your library
Source: Library
Rating: 4/5

5.Indivisible
2010
320 pages
Christian Suspense Fiction
100+/The Pub
Source: Multnomah
Rating: 4/5

6. Get Lucky
2010
288 pages
Women's Fiction
100+/The Pub/Support Your Library/States?
Source: Library
Rating: 4/5

7. Black Water Rising
2009
448 pages
Mystery/Suspense
100+
Source: TLC Tour Book
Rating: 4/5

8. Just Jane
2007
364 pages
Historical Fiction
100+/Jane Austen
Source: Library
Rating: 4/5

9. Plain Paradise
2010
336 pages
Gentle Reads Fiction
100+/Support Your Library
Source: Library
Rating: 3/5

10. Life, In Spite of Me
2010
240 pages
Inspirational Biography
100+/Pub
Source: Multnomah Publishing
Rating: 3/5

11. A Complicated Kindness
2004
246 pages
Fiction
100+/SYL
Source: Library
Rating: 2/5

12. Crossing Oceans
2010
384 pages
Christian Fiction
100+/SYL
Source: Library
Rating: 4/5

13. Whiter Than Snow
2010
320 pages
Fiction
100+/States
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3.5/5

14. This One is Mine
2010
320 pages
Fiction
100+
Source: Publisher
Rating: 2.5/5

15. Heart of the Matter
2010
352 pages
Fiction
100+/SYL
Source: Library
Rating: 4/5

All Things Alcott Challenge 2010

2010-04-26T16:16:00.002-04:00

Hosted by Joyfully Retired- Margot

After reading The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O’Connor McNees, I have a strong desire for more of Louisa May Alcott.

I want to reread Little Women and Jo’s Boys. I’ve discovered her short stories and learned she has also written adult mysteries and thrillers, poetry, fairy tales, fantasy and even pulp fiction. And then there are the biographies of her, movies of her books. There is a documentary I want to see as well. I also saw that there is a new release coming entitled Little Women and the Werewolves. Ah, I’m not so sure about that one, but there seems to be a lot of interest in Louisa May Alcott lately.
Come and join me. I’m setting forth a challenge for myself and anyone else who would like to join in. It will be great fun to explore Louisa May’s world with others who call themselves fans and/or are interested in exploring her body of work.
If you accept this challenge, please follow these guidelines:

Between May 1^st and the end of the year (2010), choose one or more Alcott related things to do (see #2). In the spirit of Louisa May Alcott, each participant will set his/her own course in this challenge. You choose one or as many Alcott related items as you wish.
You will also determine the contents of your challenge. As long as it is Alcott related, you may choose books, audiobooks, DVDs, movies, TV shows, a play or live theater. Anything by or about Louisa May Alcott is the intention of the challenge.
It’s not necessary to compile a list at the beginning of the challenge. I’m hoping this will lead me to discover new items I haven’t even heard about.
It’s perfectly okay if this challenge overlaps with other challenges.

I'm going to try to read 4 things written by or about Alcott!!! Can't wait to get started on this one!

Louisa and the Missing Heiress- Anna McLean

FAILED CHALLENGE 12/12/10

Read, Remember, Recommend Fiction Challenge

2010-04-25T16:23:00.000-04:00


In celebration of the April 1st, 2010 release date of the Read, Remember, Recommend reading journal, Bibliobabe is hosting a new reading challenge.
Dates:
April 1st, 2010 to April 1st, 2011

Details:
Check out all the amazing books (thousands!) mentioned in Read, Remember, Recommend and plan your attack. Books do not need to be decided upon in advance. All books must be mentioned in the journal lists. Write a challenge sign-up post on your blog. In that post provide a link to the Read, Remember, Recommend Fiction Reading Challenge post. Please feel free to use the Read, Remember, Recommend Fiction Reading Challenge button in your post. If you do not have a blog, introduce yourself in a comment below. Add your name and the direct link to the sign-up post in the Mister Linky list below. Each time you read and review a book as part of this challenge, share this with other challenge participants by adding a direct link to your book review to the list in a comment at this post. If you do not have a blog, leave your review as a comment.
Rules:
Read as many books from the Read, Remember, Recommend reading journal as you can in one year. Books read before April 1st, 2010 do not count. Overlaps with other challenges (including the Read, Remember, Recommend Teen Reading Challenge) are acceptable – and encouraged! Rereading doesn’t count – have fun exploring new authors, awards and books! Audio, print, and e-books are all acceptable. Post your review or link to your review in a comment below. You can change your commitment level at anytime.
Levels:
Notable Newbie – 5 books Armchair Librarian – 10 books The Library of Congress Calls Me Daddy – 20 books A Book Intervention is Needed – 30 books I'm working on my list!!!!

April Books

2010-04-02T09:40:00.006-04:00

1. I, Alex Cross
Pub. 2009
Audio/Playaway
400 pages
Crime Fiction
Source: Library
SYL/100+/States
Date Finished: 4/1/10
Rating: 4/5

2. The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Purse
Pub. 2010
Mystery
364 pages
Source: Library
SYL/100+/Mystery/Pub
Date Finished: 4/2/10
Rating: 4/5

3. The Cougar Club
Pub. 2010
320 pages
Source: Author
100+/Pub
Date Finished: 4/4/10
Rating: 4/5

4. The Life O'Reilly
Pub. 2009
266 pages
Source: Author
100+
Date Finished: 4/4/10
Rating: 3.5/5

5. Forget Me Not
Published 2010
336 pages
Source: Publisher
100+/States/Pub
Date Finished: 4/7/10
Rating: 3.5/5

6. Sounds Like Crazy
Published 2009
384 pages
Source: TLC Tour
100+
Date Finished: 4/8/10
Rating: 4.5/5

7. Anthropology- Dan Rhodes
Pub. 2000
224 pages
Short Stories
Source: Library
100+/SYL
Date Finished: 4/9/10
Rating: 4/5

8. The Pull of the Moon- Elizabeth Berg
Published 2004
224 pages
Womens Fiction
Source: Library
100+/SYL
Date Finished: 4/9/10
Rating: 5/5

9. I am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Lives of Girls Around The World - Eve Ensler
Published 2010
176 pages
Non-fiction
Source: Library
100+/SYL
Date Finished: 4/9/10
Rating: 3/5

10. Cherries in Winter- Suzane Colon
2009
224 pages
Memoir
Source: Library
100+/SYL
Date Finished: 4/9/10
Rating: 4/5

11. The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
2008
374 pages
YA
Source: My Shelves
100+/My Shelves
Date Finished: 4/10/10
Rating: 5/5

12. I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This- Jacqueline Woodson
1995
128 pages
YA/MG
Source: My Shelves
100+/My Shelves/States?
Date Finished: 4/10/10
Rating: 4/5

13. Out of My Mind- Sharon Draper
2010
224 pages
MG
Source: Library
100+/SYL
Date Finished: 4/11/10
Rating: 5/5

14. South of Broad- Pat Conroy
2009
514 pages
Fiction
Source: TLC Tour Book
100+/States
Date Finished: 4/16/10
Rating: 5/5

15. The Sweet By and By - Todd Johnson
2009
320 pages
Fiction
Source: TLC Tour Book
100+/
Date Finished: 4/18/10
Rating; 4/5

16. The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott - Kelly O'Connor McNees
2010
352 pages
Semi-historical Fiction
Source: TLC Tour Book
100+/Historical Fiction/The Pub
Date Finished: 4/21/10
Rating: 5/5

17. The Bridegrooms- Allison Pittman
2010
Christian Historical Fiction
352 pages
Source: Multnomah Books
100+/Historical Fiction/The Pub
Date Finished: 4/24/10
Rating: 4/5

18. The Missing Ink ( A Tattoo Shop Mystery #1)- Karen E. Olson
2009
Mystery
320 pages
Source: Library
100+/SYL/States/Cozy Mystery
Date Finished: 4/25/10
Rating: 3.5/5

Spring Reading Thing Challenge 2010

2010-03-20T08:47:00.000-04:00

Essentially, Spring Reading Thing 2010 is a fun, low-pressure reading challenge open to anyone and everyone. It will take place March 20th-June 20th (which is, not-so-coincidentally, the spring of 2010).
To participate, here’s what you need to do:

Create a list of some books you’d like to read or finish this spring.

Feel free to set some additional reading goals (such as reading to your kids two hours per week, getting through your pile of magazines, etc.). This is completely optional.

Write a blog post including the list of books you want to read and any additional goals you’ve set, and get ready to post it on your blog on March 20th.

Visit my blog on March 20th to sign up. I’ll have a Mr. Linky set up that morning, so you can submit a link to your personal Spring Reading Thing post, and it will be added to the master list.

Read! Work on your goals throughout Spring 2010.

Report your results. Write another blog post in June to let everyone know how you did.

Have fun! Visit other participants to see what they’re reading. Write reviews if you’re so inclined. But most of all, enjoy your spring reading.

Lists of Books:

Emma
Persuasion
Northanger Abby
Jane Eyre
all of my Austen sequels
will update further!

Cozy Mystery Challenge 2010

2010-03-12T10:02:00.003-05:00

Kris at Not enough books is once again hosting the Cozy Mystery Challenge for 2010

1. The challenge runs April 1st, 2010 through September 30, 2010.

2. The goal is to read at least 6 cozy mysteries, one for each month. You can choose to read more, but you must read 6 in order to complete this challenge. You don't have to read 1 each month, you can read them whenever you like, you just have to read at least six.

3. While you can overlap with other challenges, please try to have at least 2 of the books only count towards this challenge.

4. Prizes you ask? Everyone loves a prize! Everyone who completes this challenge will get a bookmark made by yours truly (even if I don't mail them in a timely manner - I will mail them.)

5. Sign-up using the dedicated form. The form can be found in another post or here's a direct link. While it would be great if you signed up before April 1st, last year I had several people who wanted to join but didn't learn about the challenge until after it had started. Therefore you can sign up anytime between now and September 1st.

1. The Missing Ink
2. Louisa and the Missing Heiress
3. Death of a Glutton

March Books

2010-03-03T22:19:00.002-05:00

1. Mia the Magnificent
Published 2010
161 pages
YA
Source: Publisher
100+
Date Finished: 3/1/2010
Rating: 3.5/5

2. The Silent Governess
Published 2009
440 pages
Women's Fiction/Faith Based
Source: Library
SYL/100+
Date Finished: 3/5/10
Rating: 4/5

3. Raven Stole the Moon - Garth Steiin
Published 2010 reprint
445
Fiction
Source: Publisher
100+/States Challenge
Date Finished: 3/7/10
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

4. If You Follow Me - Malena Watrous
Published 2010
384 pages
Fiction
Source: TLC Tour
The Pub
Date Finished: 3/10/10
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

5. City of Refuge- Tom Piazza
Published 20098
320 pages
Fiction
Source: Library
Support Your Library/States/100+
Date Finished: 3/12/10
Rating: 4/5

6. Color of Heaven- Kim Dong Hwa
Published 2007
320 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: Library
Support Your Library/100+/Graphic Novel
Date Finished:3/14/10
Rating: 4/5

7. Color of Water- Kim Dong Hwa
Published 2009
320 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: library
SYL/100+/Graphic Novel
Date Finished: 3/14/10
Rating: 3/5

8. Winterguard 1152- Mouseguard David Petersen
Published 2008
192 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: library
SYL/100+/Graphic Novel
Date Finished: 3/14/10
Rating: 4/5

9. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation- Lauren Willig
Published 2005
388 pages
Historical Fiction
Source: Library
SYL/100+/Historical Fiction
Date Finished: 3/17/10
Rating: 4.5/5

10. The Choice - Suzanne Woods Fisher
Published 2010
320 pages
Christian/Amish Fiction
Source: Library
SYL/100+/Pub
Date Finished: 3/19/10
Rating: 3.5/5

11. The Storm in the Barn- Matt Phelan
Published 2009
208 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: Library
SYL/100+/Graphic Novel
Date Finished: 3/21/10
Rating: 4/5

12. Refresh Refresh - James Ponsoldt
Published 2009
144 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: libary
SYL/100+/Graphic Novel/States
Date Finished: 3/21/10
Rating: 3/5

13. Britten and Brulightly - Hannah Berry
Published 200
128 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: Library
SYL/100+/Graphic Novel
Date Finished: 3/21/10
Rating: 4/5

14. By the Time You Read This, I'll be Dead - Julie Anne Peters
Published 2010
244 pages
YA
Source: Library
SYL/100+/YA/States
Date Finished: 3/21/10
Rating: 4/5

15. The Lunatic, the Lover, and the Poet - Myrlin Hermes
Published 2010
384 pages
Fiction
Source: TLC Tour
100+/Pub
Date Finished: 3/25/10
Rating: 1/5

16. The Girl Who Chased the Moon - Sarah Addison Allen
Published 2010
269 pages
Fiction
Source: Library
100+/SYL/States/Pub
Date Finished: 3/27/10
Rating: 4.5/5

17. Love Comes Softly- Janette Oke
Published 1979
237 pages
Christian Fiction
Source: Library
100+/SYL/Historical Fiction
Date Finished: 3/27/10
Rating: 4/5

18. A Bride Most Begruding- Deeanne Gist
Published 2005
352 pages
Christian Fiction
Source: Library
100+/SYL/Historical Fiction
Date Finished: 3/28/10
Rating: 4.5/5

test post

2010-02-23T16:44:00.001-05:00

Let's see if this works!

2010 Reading Resolutions

2010-02-15T16:13:00.001-05:00

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.

The rules are simple:

*Create your personal reading resolutions for the upcoming year in a post and link to it at the bottom. If you don't have a blog, that's cool too. Post your resolutions and updates in the comments of this post.

*Make sure to link back to this page so others can visit your pages and blogs.

*Get started on your resolutions! Once every 2 months, starting on February 15th, I'll have a post to check-in and see how everyone is doing. Kind of as a reminder to you to check your own progress.

*Challenge runs from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010

** I will think about what I want to work on and come back to this post!

1. Stop accepting ARCs and work on the stack that I have. No more ARCs, but will do book tours.

2. Read at least 3 of my own books each month!

3. Try to keep library pile under 10 books

February Books

2010-02-03T20:34:00.000-05:00

Cry, The Beloved Country- Alan Paton
Published 2003 original copyright 1943
316 pages
Fiction
Source: My shelves
Random Reading Challenge/Reading from my own shelves/100+
Date Finished:
Rating:

1. A Dash of Death - Claudia Bishop
Published 1995
205 pages
Mystery
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library
Date Finished: 2/3/10

2. Far From You- Lisa Schroeder
Published 2009
355 pages
YA
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/YA
Date Finished: 2/3/10

3. Bone Volume 3: Eyes of the Storm - Jeff Smith
Published 2006
192 pages
YA/Graphic Novel
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/Graphic Novel
Date Finished: 2/4/10

4. Bone Volume 4: The Dragonslayer - Jeff Smith
Published 2006
168 pages
YA/Graphic Novel
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/Graphic Novel
Date Finished: 2/5/10

5. French Milk- Lucy Knisley
Published 2007
193 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/Graphic Novel
Date Finished: 2/4/10

6. The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam - Ann Marie Fleming
Published 2007
170 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/Graphic Novel
Date Finished: 2/6/10

7. Mouse Guard Fall 1152 - David Petersen
Published 2007
192 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/Graphic Novel
Date Finished: 2/7/10

8. The Color of Earth - Kim Dong Hwa
Published 2003
312 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/Graphic Novel
Date Finished: 2/7/10

9. Stitches - David Small
Published 2009
329 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/Graphic Novel
Date Finished: 2/7/10

10. Bone: Rock Jaw
Published 2007
116 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/Graphic Novel
Date Finished: 2/9/10

11. Tainted - Brooke Morgan
Published 2009
429 pages
Fiction- Suspense
Source: TLC Book Tour
100+
Date Finished: 2/9/10

12. Crossing Washington Square - Joanne Rendell
Published 2009
310 pages
Fiction- Women's Lit
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library
Date Finished: 2/10/10

13. Italian for Beginners- Kristen Harmel
Published 2009
346 pages
Fiction- Women's Lit
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library
Date Finished: 2/10/10

14. Secrets of Eden- Chris Bohjalian
Published 2010
400 pages
Fiction
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/Pub 2010
Date Finished: 2/13/10

15. Almost Perfect - Brian Katcher
Published 2009
360 pages
YA GLBT
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/GLBT/States
Date Finished: 2/14/10

16. Beautiful - Amy Reed
Published 2009
240 pages
YA Challenge
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/YA Challenge/States
Date Finished: 2/15/10

17. Nature of Jade- Deb Caletti
Published 2007
304 pages
YA
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library/YA Challenge
Date Finished: 2/17/10

18. Beautiful Creatures - Kami Garcia * Margaret Stohl
Published 2009
563 pages
YA
Source: Library
100+/Support your Library/YA Challenge/States

19. Rainwater - Sandra Brown
Published 2009
245 pages
Fiction
Source: Library
100+/SYL/States/Historical Fiction

20. Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater
Published 2009
392 pages
YA Fiction
Source: Library
100+/SYL/States/YA

21. The Power of Half - Kevin/Hannah Salwen
Published 2010
242 pages
Non-Fiction
Source: FSB Media
100+/States/The Pub

All About the Brontes 2010 Challenge

2010-01-31T19:20:00.005-05:00

Do you enjoy a good gothic novel? Do you wonder what it would have been like to be a part of a trio of three gifted sisters living a lonely existence in the moors? Then you will enjoy the All About the Brontes Challenge!

Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bronte were three very talented sisters who lived in England during the Victorian age.

Challenge Details

1. The All About the Brontes challenge will run from January 1st to June 30, 2010. You can post a review before this date if you wish.

2. You can read a book, watch a movie, listen to an audiobook, anything Bronte related that you would like. Reading, watching, or listening to a favorite Bronte related item again for the second, third, or more time is also allowed.

3. The goal will be to read, watch, listen, to 3 to 6 (or beyond) anything Bronte items.

4. Please sign-up by posting your blog entry on the number of items and what items you would like to do for this challenge below in Mr. Linky (Don't just post your blog's URL). Don't worry, you can do different things than you have listed. I myself am not always good at sticking to lists!

5. Please post your reviews here.

6. Enjoy!

What Bronte items can you read/watch/listen to? There are plenty! Here are a few suggestions.

The Original Works

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte*

Villette by Charlotte Bronte*

Shirley by Charlotte Bronte*

The Professor by Charlotte Bronte*

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte*

Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte*

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte*

Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell

Juvenilia by Charlotte Bronte

-The Secret

-Mina Laury

-Orgins of Angria

-Marian vs. Zenobia

-Mary

-Mina Laury

-Elizabeth

Biographical Works/Literary Criticism

The Life of Charlotte Bronte by Elizabeth Gaskell*

Charlotte Bronte: A Passionate Life by Lyndall Gordon*

The Art of the Brontes by Christine Alexander and Jane Sellars

Selected Letters of Charlotte Bronte edited by Margaret Smith
Charlotte Bronte: A Writer's Life by Rebecca Fraser

Charlotte Bronte: Unquiet Soul by Margot Peters

Bronte by Glyn Hughes

The Three Brontes by May Sinclair

The Brontes by Juliet Barker

The Brontes: A Beginner's Guide by Steve Eddy*

The Oxford Companion to the Brontes by Christine Alexander

The Bronte Myth by Lucasta Miller

In the Footsteps of the Brontes by Ellis Chadwick

Spin-offs/Modern Reworkings/Brontes as Fictional Characters/Etc.

Emma Brown: A Novel from the Unfinished Manuscript by Charlotte Bronte by Clare Boylan*

The Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fford*

Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman*

The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Bronte by Laura Joh Rowland*

The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte by Syrie James

Emily's Ghost: A Novel of the Bronte Sisters by Denise Giardina

Jane Eyre's Daughter by Elizabeth Newark

Jane Airhead by Kay Woodward

Jillian Dare by Melanie M. Jeschke

The Taste of Sorrow by Jude Morgan

The Heights by Brian James

Becoming Jane Eyre by Sheila Kohler

The Infernal World of Branwell Bronte by Daphne Du Maurier

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier (an original work inspired by Jane Eyre)*

Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier (an original work inspired by Wuthering Heights)*

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (definitely a gothic tale in the vein of Jane Eyre)*

The Brontes went to Woolworths by Rachel Ferguson

Coldwater by Mardi Mcconnochie*

Being Emily by Anne Donovan

The Crimes of Charlotte Bronte by James Tully*

Heathcliff: The Return to Wuthering Heights by Lin Haire-Sargeant

Thornfield Hall: Jane Eyre's Hidden Story by Emma Tennant

Return to Wuthering Heights by Anna L'Estrange*

Jenna Starborn by Sharon Shinn

Movies/Mini-series
Wuthering Heights (1939 - starring Laurence Oliver)*

Wuthering Heights (1970 - starring Timothy Dalton)

Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights (1992 - starring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes)*

Wuthering Heights (Masterpiece Theatre 1998)

Wuthering Heights (2003 for MTV)

Wuthering Heights (Masterpiece Theatre 2009)*

Jane Eyre (1934)

Jane Eyre (1944)*

Jane Eyre (BBC - 1970)

Jane Eyre (1983 miniseries starring Timothy Dalton)*

Jane Eyre (1996)*

Jane Eyre (1997 A&E movie)*

Jane Eyre (2007 Masterpiece Theatre)*

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1996 - Masterpiece Theatre starring Tara Fitzgerald and Toby Stephens)*

Villette (1970 BBC mini-series also adapted in 1999 as a BBC Radio production)

Rebecca (1940)*

Rebecca (2003 DVD - Masterpiece Theatre)*

Jamaica Inn (1939)*

Jamaica Inn (1983 TV Movie)

Devotion (1946 - highly fictionalized account of the Bronte sisters lives)

*Feel free to ask me questions. I have read or watched these items.

A couple of great blogs to check out for more information about the Brontes and related works are:

BronteBlog

Bronteana

The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre 2007 Masterpiece Theater 1/31/2010
Wuthering Heights 1992 version

Completed 6/19/2010

Read after completion:

Becoming Jane Eyre

Jane Austen Challenge 2010

2010-01-04T21:18:00.003-05:00

The Life (and Lies) of an Inanimate Flying Object
is hosting the Jane Austen Challenge 2010!

Here are the reading levels to help you choose:

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)

The challenge runs from Jan. 1, 2010, through Dec. 31, 2010. You can change your reading level during the challenge, any book format counts, and books can overlap with other challenges.

I'm going for the Fanatic because I have 4 of Austen's books to finish plus a whole slew of re-writes, prequels, sequels...you name it!!

COMPLETED CHALLENGE!!!

Just Jane
To Conquer Mr. Darcy
Mr. Darcy's Diary
Jane and the Damned
Pemberley Ranch
A Darcy Christmas

100 + Reading Challenge

2010-01-02T19:33:00.035-05:00

1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. 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. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

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

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

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

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge.

COMPLETED JUNE 16, 2010

La's Orchestra Saves the World
A Single Thread
One Day Way by Chantel Hobbs Non-fiction
Crossing Stones
Cry Beloved Country
Dream Life
Bone-The Great Cow Race
The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte
Simple Country Wisdom
The House on Tradd Street
The Four Seasons
Witch Way to Murder
Mrs. Malory Investigates
No Wind of Blame
Tea with Hezbollah
The Time of My Life
The Believers
Wondrous Strange
How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again
Taste for Murder
A Dash of Death
Far From You
The Dragonslayer
French Milk
Magical Life of Long Tack Sam
Mouseguard Fall 1152
The Color of Earth
Stitches
Rock Jaw- Bone
Crossing Washington Square
Tainted
Italian for Beginners
Secrets of Eden
Almost Perfect
Beautiful
The Nature of Jade
Beautiful Creatures
The Power of Half
Mia the Magnificent
Rainwater
The Silent Governess
Raven Stole The Moon
If You Follow Me
City of Refuge
Color of Water
Color of Heaven
Mouseguard: Winter 1152
The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
The Choice (Lancaster County Secrets #1)
The Storm in the Barn
Refresh, Refresh
Britten and Brulightly
By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead
The Lunatic, the Lover, and the Poet
The Girl Who Chased the Moon
Love Comes Softly
A Bride Most Begrudging
I, Alex Cross
The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Purse
The Cougar Club
The Life O'Reilly
Forget Me Not
Sounds Like Crazy
Anthropology
The Pull of the Moon
Cherries in Winter
The Hunger Games
I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This
I Am an Emotional Creature
Out of My Mind
Darklight
South of Broad
Sweet By and By
The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott
The Bridegrooms
The Missing Ink
Look Again
The Walk
On Folly Beach
Girls From Ames
The Telling
Indivisible
Get Lucky
The Shepherd's Granddaughter
Black Water Rising
Just Jane
Plain Paradise
Life, In Spite of Me
A Complicated Kindness
Crossing Oceans
Whiter Than Snow
This One is Mine
Heart of the Matter
Every Secret Thing
The Kind Diet
The One that I Want
Noah's Compass
The Aloha Quilt
Glorious
Louisa and the Missing Heiress
Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart
Watermark
Guesthouse
Quaker Summer
Becoming Jane Eyre
Calamity Jack
Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English
Little Giant of Aberdeen County
Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper
Disrupting Grace
After the Fall
Clouds Roll Away
The Murderer's Daughter
When She Flew
Never Let You Go
Hidden Wives
Space Between Us
Benny & Shrimp
Letters to my Daughter
An Irish Country Girl
A Note From an Old Acquaintance
The House Next Door
Blind Hope
Still Missing
Broken
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
To Conquer Mr. Darcy
Fallout
The Life You Imagined
Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City
Georgette Heyer's Regency World
Dangerous Neighbors
Miracle of Prato
The Lumby Lines
An Echo in the Bone
Dracula in Love
The Amish Cook
Waking the Witch
Hot House Flower
Vanishing and other stories

2010 States Challenge

2010-01-01T21:28:00.012-05:00

Hosted by Nise at Under the Boardwalk

This challenge is designed to read books that take place in one of the 50 States. I challenge myself to see how many books I read that take place in different States. Last year I read 45 missing Alaska, North Dakota, New Mexico, Ohio and Utah.

AL = ALABAMA Salting Roses

AK = ALASKA Raven Stole the Moon 3/7/10

AZ = ARIZONA

AR = ARKANSAS

CA = CALIFORNIA By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead

CO = COLORADO Whiter Than Snow

CT = CONNECTICUT- A Single Thread 1/2/2010

DE = DELAWARE Every Secret Thing June 2010

FL = FLORIDA Forget Me Not

GA = GEORGIA- The Power of Half

HI = HAWAII The Aloha Quilt

ID = IDAHO

IL = ILLINOIS- The Four Seasons by Mary Alice Munroe 1/16/2010

IN = INDIANA

IA = IOWA- Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard 1/17/2010

KS = KANSAS Storm in the Barn

KY = KENTUCKY

LA = LOUISIANA- City of Refuge by Tom Piazza 3/12/10

ME = MAINE

MD = MARYLAND Quaker Summer (June)

MA = MASSACHUSETTS- Tainted by Brooke Morgan

MI = MICHIGAN- Crossing Stones by Helen Frost 1/4/10

MN = MINNESOTA

MS = MISSISSIPPI

MO = MISSOURI - Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher

MT = MONTANA

NE = NEBRASKA

NV = NEVADA The Missing Ink

NH = NEW HAMPSHIRE

NJ = NEW JERSEY Cherries in Winter

NM = NEW MEXICO

NY = NEW YORK- Dream Life by Lauren Mechling

NC = NORTH CAROLINA The Girl Who Chased the Moon

ND = NORTH DAKOTA

OH = OHIO I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This

OK = OKLAHOMA

OR = OREGON Refresh, Refresh

PA = PENNSYLVANIA The Choice 3/19/10

RI = RHODE ISLAND

SC = SOUTH CAROLINA- House on Tradd Street by Karen White 1/14/10

SD = SOUTH DAKOTA

TN = TENNESSEE

TX = TEXAS- Rainwater

UT = UTAH- Hidden Wives 7/10

VT = VERMONT- Secrets of Eden 2/13/10

VA = VIRGINIA A Bride Most Begruding

WA = WASHINGTON- Beautiful 2/15/10

WV = WEST VIRGINIA

WI = WISCONSIN- Shiver

WY = WYOMING

Plus

DC = DISTRICT of COLUMBIA I, Alex Cross

The Pub 2010

2010-01-01T20:20:00.008-05:00

Thanks to those 2009 Pub challenge participants who made it a great success! I hope you’ll consider joining the 2010 Pub as well. For those who didn’t participate last year but want to read more 2010 releases, join us. New members are always welcome! The challenge lasts for all of 2010.
Here are the 2010 rules:

Read a minimum of 10 books first published in 2010. You don’t have to buy these. Library books, unabridged audios, or ARCs are all acceptable. To qualify as being first published in 2010, it must be the first time that the book is published in your own country. For example, if a book was published in Australia, England, or Canada in 2009, and then published in the USA in 2010, it counts (if you live in the USA). Newly published trade paperbacks and mass market paperbacks do not count if there has been a hardcover/trade published before 2010.
No children’s/YA titles allowed, since we’re at the ‘pub.’
At least 5 titles must be fiction.
Crossovers with other challenges are allowed.
You can add your titles as you go, and they may be changed at any time.
Sign up at the Pub Challenge site using Mr. Linky.
Have fun reading your 2010 books!

Tea With Hezbollah by Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis
Secrets of Eden - Chris Bohjalian
The Power of Half - Kevin/Hannah Salwen
If You Follow Me- Malena Watrous
The Lunatic, the Lover, and the Poet- Myrlin A. Hermes
The Girl Who Chased the Moon- Sarah Addison Allen
The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Purse- Alan Bradley
The Cougar Club- Susan McBride
Forget Me Not- Vicki Hinze
The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott
The Bridegrooms
On Folly Beach

COMPLETED 4/24/10

January 2010 Books

2010-01-01T19:37:00.000-05:00

These monthly posts will be a way for me to keep track of the type of books that I read, where I got them, what genre they may be, # of pages, and a final rating.

1. La's Orchestra Saves the World- Alexander McCall Smith
Published 2008
294 pages
Historical Fiction
Source: Library
Library Loot/Historical Fiction Challenge/Support Your Library Challenge
Date Finished: 1/2/10
Out of 5 stars: 4 stars

2. A Single Thread- Marie Bostwick
Published 2008
344 pages
Women's Fiction
Source: Library
Library Loot/Support Your Library Challenge/2010 States
Date Finished: 1/2/10
Rating: 4 stars

3. The One Day Way- Chantel Hobbs
Published 2009
211 pages
Non-Fiction/Wellness
Source: Publisher
Random House/Waterbrook Press
Date Finished: 1/3/10
Rating: 4 stars

4. Crossing Stones- Helen Frost
Published 2009
184 pages
Fiction- YA
Source: Library
Library Loot/State Challenge/Historical Fiction
Date Finished: 1/4/10
Rating: 5

5. Dream Life- Lauren Mechling
Published 2010
325 pages
YA Fiction
Source: Author
YA Challenge/Author
Date Finished: 1/6/10
Rating: 2 stars

6 Bone-The Great Cow Race- Jeff Smith
Published 2005
144 pages
Graphic Novel
Source: MS Library
Graphic Novel Challenge/School Library
Date Finished: 1/6/10
Rating: 4 stars

7. The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte- Syrie James
Published 2008
352 pages
Fiction
Source: Library
Support Your Library
Date Finished: 1/9/10
Rating: 5 stars

8. Country Living: Simple Country Wisdom by Susan Waggoner
Published 2009
224 pages
Non-Fiction
Source: Library
Support Your Library
Date Finished: 1/9/10
Rating: 3 stars

9. The House on Tradd Street by Karen White
Published 2008
352 pages
Fiction
Source: Library
Support Your Library/100+/States
Date Finished: 1/14/10
Rating: 4 stars

10. The Four Seasons by Mary Alice Munroe
Published 2001
408 pages
Fiction
Source: Library
Support Your Library/100+/States
Date Finished: 1/16/2010
Rating: 4 stars

11. Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard
Published 2005
304 pages
Paranormal/Mystery/Fiction
Source: Library
Support Your Library/100+/States
Date Finished: 1/17/2010
Rating: 4 stars

12. Mrs. Malory Investigates by Hazel Holt
Published 1991
224 pages
Mystery
Source: Library
Support Your Library/100+
Date Finished: 1/18/2010
Rating: 3 stars

13. No Wind of Blame by Georgette Heyer
Published 1939
400 pages
Mystery
Source: Library
Support Your Library/100+
Date Finished: 1/21/2010
Rating: 2 stars

14. Tea with Hezbollah by Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis
Published 2010
245 pages
Nonfiction
Source: Publisher
100+/ Pub 2010
Date Finished: 1/24/2010
Rating: 4 stars

15. Time of My Life- Patrick Swayze and Lisa Neimi
Published 2009
Audio Book
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library
Date Finished: 1/27/2010
Rating: 5 stars

16. The Believers - Zoe Heller
Published 2008
335 pages
Fiction
Source: TLC Book Tour
100+
Date Finished: 1/27/2010
Rating: 3 stars

17. Wondrous Strange- Lesley Livingston
Published 2009
336 pages
YA
Source: Online
100+/YA Challenge
Date Finished: 1/28/2010
Rating: 4 Stars

18. How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again
Published 2009
40 pages
Childrens
Source: MS Library
100+/
Rating: 4 stars

19. A Taste for Murder - Claudia Bishop
Published 1994
217 pages
Cozy Mystery
Source: Library
100+/Support Your Library Challenge
Rating: 4 stars

Graphic Novels Challenge

2009-12-13T19:17:00.000-05:00

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.

I'm going with Intermediate!! This should be fun!!!

Bone-The Great Cow Race read 1/6/09
Bone-Eyes of the Storm read 2/4/10
Bone-Dragonslayer read 2/5/10
French Milk read 2/4/10
The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam 2/6/10
The Color of Earth 2/7/10
Mouseguard Fall 1152 2/7/10
Stitches 2/7/10
Bone- Rock Jaw 2/9/10
Color of Heaven- 3/14/10
Color of Water- 3/14/10
Mouseguard: Winter 1152- 3/14/10

Random Reading Challenge- December Book

2009-12-06T12:57:00.000-05:00

A phenomenal West Coast bestseller, winner of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award, the PEN/Faulkner Award, and an Abby Award nominee, this enthralling novel is at once a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, the story of a doomed love affair, and a stirring meditation on place, prejudice, and justice. "Finely wrought, flawlessly written."--The New York Times Book Review

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2010

2009-12-05T19:08:00.006-05:00

To kick off our challenge week for 2010 we are starting with a favourite at Royal Reviews. If you've been participating in our Historical Fiction Challenge for the past 2 years then you'll notice we've made some changes. Firstly the challenge will go for the full year as opposed to 3 months that it ran for previously. Then we have different levels for participants. If you're like me you'll dive straight into the Obsessed but then I am a bit of a HF fan!

Challenge Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 Historical Fiction novels.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 Historical Fiction novels.

-- Addicted – Read 12 Historical Fiction novels.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 Historical Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Only books started on January 1st count towards this challenge.

La's Orchestra Saves the World- WWII book takes place in England 1/2/2010
Crossing Stones- WWI book takes place in Michigan 1/4/2010
Rainwater- Great Depression takes place in Texas
The Silent Governess- England during the 1800's 3/5/2010
The Secret History of the Pink Carnation- England/France 1803 3/17/2010
Love Comes Softly- set in 1800s frontier prairies of US 3/27/10
A Bride Most Begrudging- set in 1600s colonial Virginia 3/28/10
Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott- setting mid 1800's chronicles Alcott's life 4/21/10
The Bridegrooms- late 1800's/turn of the century/women's suffrage 4/24/10
Whiter Than Snow- 1920's mining town 5/2010
Glorious- Harlem Renassaince
Watermark- Middle Ages

COMPLETED 6/20/2010

Gilmore Girls Reading Challenge

2009-12-05T18:50:00.001-05:00

Gilmore Girls Reading Challenge

Books played a big part in the television show "The Gilmore Girls." Rory was an avid reader. When Rory and Lorelai were going to Europe, Rory wanted to bring 12 books. Mind you, she was carrying everything in a backpack. Recently, a friend sent me a link to an episode-by-episode listing of all of the books seen, read, or mentioned in the series and the idea for a challenge was born. Of course, I didn't really have any idea how many books that actually was.

The challenge will officially run from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010. You can begin reading now and anything that you're not more than half way through right now can be counted.
Crossover books from other challenges are allowed. A lot of the books on the list have also been made into movies and those will count as well.

There are three levels of participation:

Emily: Read 5 books from at least two different categories.
Lorelai: Read 10 books from at least three different categories.
Rory: Read 20 books from at least four different categories.

** Hosted by Lisa of Lit and Life

My book choices:

Northanger Abbey
Emma
Jane Eyre- reading right now!
Anna Karenina
Alice's Adventure in Wonderland
Rebecca
The Great Gatsby
Daisy Miller
1984
House of Sand and Fog

I have no idea if I will complete this or not but it will overlap with other challenges for 2010!!

Personal Challenge

2009-12-02T19:15:00.000-05:00

This challenge is for myself. I'm going to go back to my Library Loot posts of this year and list all of the books that I DIDN'T READ. My goal is to try to actually read a lot of these. I think I'll use this one to help do the Library Challenge for next year!!

Summerhill Secrets by Beverly Lewis
Best American Short Stories 2008 edited by Salman Rushdie
Story of Forgetting by Stefan Block
The Queen's Handmaiden by Jennifer Ashley
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle
The Zookeeper's Wife
Year of Fog
The Bright Forever
Mrs. Perfect
Ella Minnow Pea
The Year of Secret Assignments
Nation
The Help
Last Days of Summer
Maisie Dobbs
Blue Bloods
Vampire Academy
Out Stealing Horses
The Thirteenth Tale
What the Dead Know
The Collected Stories by Amy Hempel
Year of Wonders
Looking for Salvation at the Diary Queen
The Apothecary's Daughter
City of Glass
The Knife of Never Letting Go
The Stolen One
The Widow's Season
White Queen
True Story of Hansel and Gretel
Persian Pickle Club
What She Wants
The Forgotten Garden
The Tenderness of Wolves
The Lace Reader

I'll add to it as the year ends up...wish me luck!!!

Support Your Local Library Challenge

2009-11-22T18:17:00.021-05:00

J. Kaye's Book Blog is hosting this annual challenge that runs from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

There are four levels of participation to choose from:
The Mini –25 library books.
Just My Size – 50 library books.
Stepping It Up – 75 library books.
Super Size Me – 100 library books.

I love my library and that is where I get most of my books to I'm going for the Super Size Me!!

La's Orchestra Saves the World 1/2/2010
A Single Thread 1/2/2010
Crossing Stones 1/4/2010
Bone: The Great Cow Race 1/6/2010
The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte 1/9/2010
Country Living: Simple Country Wisdom 1/9/2010
The House on Tradd Street 1/14/2010
The Four Seasons 1/16/2010
Witch Way to Murder 1/17/2010
Mrs. Malory Investigates 1/18/2010
No Wind of Blame 1/21/2010
Time of My Life 1/27/2010
A Tastes for Murder 1/30/2010
A Dash of Death 2/3/2010
Far From You 2/3/2010
Bone-Eyes of the Storm 2/4/10
The Color of Earth 2/7/10
Mouseguard Fall 1152 2/7/10
Bone-Dragonslayer 2/5/10
French Milk 2/6/10
French Milk 2/4/10
Dragonslayer 2/5/10
The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam 2/6/10
Stitches 2/7/10
Bone-Rock Jaw 2/9/10
Crossing Washington Square 2/10/10
Italian for Beginners 2/10/10
Secrets of Eden 2/13/10
Almost Perfect 2/14/10
Beautiful 2/15/10
The Nature of Jade 2/17/10
Beautiful Creatures 2/21/10
Rainwater 2/22/10
Shiver 2/26/10
The Silent Governess 3/5/10
City of Refuge 3/12/10
Color of Water 3/14/10
Color of Heaven 3/14/10
Mouseguard Winter 1152 3/14/10
The Secret History of the Pink Carnation 3/17/2010
The Choice (Lancaster Secrets #1) 3/19/2010
Storm in the Barn
Britten and Brulightly
Refresh, Refresh
By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead
The Girl Who Chased the Moon
Loves Comes Softly
A Bride Most Begrudging
I, Alex Cross
The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Purse
Anthropology
The Pull of the Moon
I am an Emotional Creature
Out of My Mind
Cherries in Winter
Darklight
The Missing Ink
Look Again
The Walk
The Shepherd's Granddaughter
The Telling
Get Lucky
Just Jane
Plain Paradise
A Complicated Kindness
Crossing Oceans
Heart of the Matter
Every Secret Thing
The Kind Diet
Noah's Compass
The Aloha Quilt
Quaker Summer
Becoming Jane Eyre
Calamity Jack
Lydia Cassatt reads the Morning Paper
The House Next Door
Broken
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
Bite of the Mango

GLBT Challenge 2010

2009-11-19T15:35:00.002-05:00

Rules/Guidelines:

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

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

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

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

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

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

***** Taken directly from blog**********

1. Almost Perfect - Brian Katcher

FAILED CHALLENGE 12/12/10

Random Reading Challenge- November Book

2009-11-18T20:49:00.000-05:00

Egads...I'm a month behind on this challenge but I'm working on it!! Here is the pick generated by random.org for November.
Cry, the Beloved Country is a beautifully told and profoundly compassionate story of the Zulu pastor Stephen Kumalo and his son Absalom, set in the troubled and changing South Africa of the 1940s. The book is written with such keen empathy and understanding that to read it is to share fully in the gravity of the characters' situations. It both touches your heart deeply and inspires a renewed faith in the dignity of mankind. Cry, the Beloved Country is a classic tale, passionately African, timeless and universal, and beyond all, selfless.

Terry Pratchett 2010 Challenge

2009-11-15T19:10:00.000-05:00

I read about this on Kailana's blog and then hopped over to Marg's to sign up.

Why? Because for years I've been meaning to read one of his books and now I have 3 of them just waiting for me. Also, I have a whole year to do this....I should be able to complete this challenge as I'm only going to try for Guard of the City Watch.

Books that I've chosen for this challenge:

Wee Free Men
Hat Full of Sky
Wintersmith
Nation

Here are the details directly from Marg's blog- Readin g Adventures

The challenge will start from 1 December 2009 and run through to 30 November 2010. There are several different levels of participation for you to choose from:

1-3 books - Cashier at Ankh-Morpork Mint
4-5 books - Guard of the City Watch
6-8 books - Academic at the Unseen University
9-10 books - Member of Granny Weatherwax's Coven
10-12 books - Death's Apprentice

You can either be reading the books for the first time, rereading, or even watching the TV adaptations if you like! As long as everyone has fun I will be happy! Please also do not feel limited to only reading the Discworld books as any books by Terry Pratchett will count for this challenge.

For a full list of the Discworld books in publication order, check out this page on the author's website for his page at Fantastic Fiction. The number of books either written by Terry Pratchett or about his work is a bit mind boggling really.

Each month, I will put a Mr Linky up so that you can link your reviews or Pratchett posts if you want to do more general posts say on individual characters, places, events etc.

To sign up just leave a comment on this post with a link to your intro post if you do one. I look forward to seeing what people post about over the next 12 months.

2010 Reading From My Shelves Project

2009-11-07T21:13:00.006-05:00

grab the button
decide how many books you want to read from your shelves (minimum of 20 - no maximum)
find a new home for the books once you read them
post the titles and the authors of books you've read and passed on
project runs from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
use this link to post reviews

The Hunger Games
I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This
Louisa and the Missing Heiress
Disrupting Grace
A Breath of Snow and Ashes

I FAILED THIS CHALLENGE- WILL GIVE UP NOW! EDITED 11/28/10

Random Reading Challenge Book # 3

2009-11-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

Edited 12/27/09- FINISHED BOOK

A searing, postapocalyptic novel destined to become Cormac McCarthy's masterpiece.

A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food-and each other.

The Road is the profoundly moving story of a journey. It boldly imagines a future in which no hope remains, but in which the father and his son, "each the other's world entire," are sustained by love. Awesome in the totality of its vision, it is an unflinching meditation on the worst and the best that we are capable of: ultimate destructiveness, desperate tenacity, and the tenderness that keeps two people alive in the face of total devastation.

This novel was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the 2006 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction, and was chosen as an Oprah's Book Club selection.

Random Reading Challenge Book #2

2009-08-26T21:36:00.000-04:00

I went to random.org and it choose #12!! So for September I will be reading this one.

If Grace Is True: Why God Will Save Every Person

Why Everyone Will Be in Heaven

Two pastors present their controversial belief in eternal salvation for all through God's perfect grace. Long disturbed by the Church's struggle between offering both love and rejection, they discover what God wants from us and for us: grace for everyone.

EDITED November 14, 2009

I finally finished this one and I'm so glad that I read it. Very thought provoking and I have many scribbled notes and questions within the book. I do believe that Grace is for everyone!

Wuthering Heights Review

2009-08-26T21:35:00.000-04:00

Review: Wuthering Heights

Title and Author of book: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Fiction or non-fiction: Fiction
Genre: Classics
Where did I get the book: My bookshelf
Challenges that this fulfilled: Random Reading Challenge

My Thoughts:
Will you still love me if I tell you how I really felt about this book? I hope so. Please don't bear me any ill thoughts after I express myself. Instead leave a comment and try to convince me that this book really should be a classic must read, that this book really is worth the time I invested in reading it!!!

Here goes:

I detested Heathcliff. There was nothing romantic in him. Nothing. I thought he was heartless and cruel. Cathy to me was insipid. That girl had no backbone whatsoever. If she wanted to marry Heathcliff then she should have. What I hated the most was that both of them married other people only to make their lives miserable. BRATS!!! If I was Linton I would've tossed Heathcliff over the cliffs..(little side joke) and be done with his intrusions into his home and life. Maybe if he had done that then Cathy's tantrums and her willing death upon herself might not have happened. Don't even get me started on trying to figure out what Joseph was saying!!!! Gibberish to me....was it a foreign language that I didn't know about? The only parts that I DID like was that the story was narrated by Ellen. I enjoyed that part of it. I also happened to like that the two offspring Hareton and Little Cathy end up together....they were perfect for each other. But what I enjoyed the most????? the final sentence which brought this excruciating read to an end.

Random Reading Challenge August Book

2009-08-08T20:42:00.001-04:00

August Random Book is Wuthering Heights

The true Random Number generator gave me #8, I don't know how to add the frame to prove it!!! Oh well, can't wait to read this one!!!

Japanese Literature Challenge Update

2009-08-08T20:32:00.001-04:00

Edited 12/6/09 I found the book I'm going to read!! Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto! it's waiting for me at the library as we speak!!!!!! This is the one...yes, I'm positive of it!
With the publication of "Kitchen",the dazzling English-language debut that is still her best-loved book, the literary world realized that Yoshimoto was a young writer of enduring talent whose work has quickly earned a place among the best of contemporary Japanese literature. "Kitchen" is an enchantingly original book that juxtaposes two tales about mothers, love, tragedy, and the power of the kitchen and home in the lives of a pair of free-spirited young women in contemporary Japan. Mikage, the heroine, is an orphan raised by her grandmother, who has passed away. Grieving, Mikage is taken in by her friend Yoichi and his mother (who is really his cross-dressing father) Eriko. As the three of them form an improvised family that soon weathers its own tragic losses, Yoshimoto spins a lovely, evocative tale with the kitchen and the comforts of home at its heart.In a whimsical style that recalls the early Marguerite Duras, "Kitchen" and its companion story, "Moonlight Shadow," are elegant tales whose seeming simplicity is the ruse of a very special writer whose voice echoes in the mind and the soul.

I think I've decided between After Dark or Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Murakami. My library has it so it won't be a problem to get my hands on this one. I may still change my mind but for now this is what I'm going with.

In a Tokyo suburb a young man named Toru Okada searches for his wife's missing cat. Soon he finds himself looking for his wife as well in a netherworld that lies beneath the placid surface of Tokyo. As these searches intersect, Okada encounters a bizarre group of allies and antagonists: a psychic prostitute; a malevolent yet mediagenic politician; a cheerfully morbid sixteen-year-old-girl; and an aging war veteran who has been permanently changed by the hideous things he witnessed during Japan's forgotten campaign in Manchuria.

A short, sleek novel of encounters set in Tokyo during the witching hours between midnight and dawn, and every bit as gripping as Haruki Murakami’s masterworks The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and Kafka on the Shore.

At its center are two sisters—Eri, a fashion model slumbering her way into oblivion, and Mari, a young student soon led from solitary reading at an anonymous Denny’s toward people whose lives are radically alien to her own: a jazz trombonist who claims they’ve met before, a burly female “love hotel” manager and her maid staff, and a Chinese prostitute savagely brutalized by a businessman. These “night people” are haunted by secrets and needs that draw them together more powerfully than the differing circumstances that might keep them apart, and it soon becomes clear that Eri’s slumber—mysteriously tied to the businessman plagued by the mark of his crime—will either restore or annihilate her.