The constant reading overachiever that I am, means that I read way, way more than I was willing to blog about. While I did complete the reading challenges I had set up for myself (ahead of schedule, I might add), I did read less books than I did in previous years. And this is reading books beyond the ones in my challenge, 12 outside of my self imposed challenges. I read a total of 95 books. I believe my numbers for the previous two year was 101.
I started off with the 52 book challenge with a friend. We agreed to continue the different genre books and supplementing that with banned books, Pulitzer/Booker prize nominated books, name books and number books. The most challenging part of the challenge (pun intended!) were the prize books. They were not the usual easy reads. While I may not ever read a Pulitzer or Booker prize again, I am proud to have read some. I'm going to be bold and say it was the prize books that slowed down my reading. They required a little bit more thinking than my usual books.
I will admit that I am a bit burned out by the challenges. I think I am going to take a break from such specific reading challenges. But as always, I look forward to another great year of reading!
2010 Genre Challenge
* Biography/Memoir - A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Future by Michael J Fox 2010
* Biography/Memoir - My Fair Lazy by Jen Lancaster 2010
* Chick Lit - Big Boned by Meg Cabot
* Chick Lit - She Went All the Way by Meg Cabot
* Classic - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
* Classic - Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
* General Fiction - Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich
* General Fiction - Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell
* Historical Fiction - Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin 2010
* Historical Fiction - Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon
* Horror - Lisey's Story by Stephen King
* Horror - The Passage by Justin Cronin 2010
* Humor/Comedy - Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
* Humor/Comedy - Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster
* Mystery/Thriller - Blood Game by Iris Johansen
* Mystery/Thriller - Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke
* Nonfiction - Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster
* Nonfiction - Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster
* Romance - Full Blast by Janet Evanovich
* Romance - The Grand Finale by Janet Evanovich
* SciFi/Fantasy - Stork Naked by Piers Anthony
* SciFi/Fantasy - Jumper Cable by Piers Anthony
* Young Adult - Princess In Love by Meg Cabot
* Young Adult - Princess in Waiting by Meg Cabot
2010 Banned Books Challenge
* 1 The Giver by Lois Lowry
* 2 The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
* 3 Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
* 4 The Witches by Roald Dahl
* 5 Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
* 6 Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
* 7 Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
2010 Booker/Pulitizer Prize Challenge
* 1 - Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler
* 2 - What Was She Thinking by Zoe Heller
* 3 - Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
* 4 - Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
* 5 - The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
* 6 - The Clothes on Their Back by Linda Grant
* 7 - The Accidental by Ali Smith
2010 Read Your Doppleganger Challenge
* 1 - Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson
* 2 - Things I Want My Daughter to Know by Elizabeth Noble
* 3 - Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie
* 4 - Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner 2010
* 5 - Sprinkle with Murder by Jenn McKinlay 2010
* 6 - Strange Bedpersons by Jennifer Crusie
* 7 - Crazy for you by Jennifer Crusie
2010 Number Challenge
* 1 - The 9th Judgment by James Patterson
* 2 - Eight Days to Live by Iris Johansen
* 3 - Sizzlin' Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
* 4 - Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
* 5 - One Day by David Nicholls
* 6 - Size 14 isn't Fat Either by Meg Cabot
* 7 - The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
2010 Published Challenge
* 1 - Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke
* 2 - Mistress of the Game by Tilly Bagshawe
* 3 - Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
* 4 - Oolong Dead by Laura Childs
* 5 - Plum Pudding Murder by Joanne Fluke
* 6 - Swimsuit by James Patterson
* 7 - The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
* 8 - The Teaberry Strangler by Laura Childs
* 9 - The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
* 10 - Vixen by Jill Larkin
2010 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge
1. Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
3. In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner
4. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
5. Teen Idol by Meg Cabot
6. Shadowland by Meg Cabot
7. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
8. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
9. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
10. Unwed and Undead by Mary Janice Davidson
2010 TBR Challenge
1 - The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
2 - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
3 - Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
4 - The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
5 - The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
6 - Her Fearful Symmetry by Audry Niffenegger
7 - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby
8 - Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult
9 - The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
10 - Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian
11 - The Broken Window by Jeffrey Deaver
12 - Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
Misc Book List
* Dashing through the Snow by Mary Higgins Clark & Carolyn Higgins Clark
* Death Swatch by Laura Childs
* Eggs Benedict Arnold by Laura Childs
* Eggs in Purgatory by Laura Childs
* Fatally Flaky by Diane Mott Davidson
* Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell - reread
* Look Again by Lisa Scottoline
* Motif for Murder by Laura Childs
* Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich
* Quickie by James Patterson
* Santa Cruise by Mary Higgins Clark & Carol Higgins Clark
* Turn Up the Heat by Jessica Conant-Park & Susan Conant
Friday, December 31, 2010
2011 Page to Screen Reading Challenge
I found another fun reading challenge. Yes, I know I should stop but this seems like a fun and easy one. Read books that have been made into television shows or movies. Okay, I know normally I am not a fan of movies based on books but I think I can make an exception for a reading challenge, especially in 2011. I'll have a newborn and I can watch the movies and shows during the late night feedings!
Here's my tentative list:
P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern 2007
Shopgirl by Steve Martin 2005
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson 2007
About a Boy by Nick Hornby 2003
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine 2004
Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum 2002
Bourne Supremacy by Robert Ludlum 2004
Bourne Ultimatum by Robert Ludlum 2007
Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi 2008
Last Song by Nicholas Sparks 2010
Anyway, the 2011 Page to Screen Reading Challenge is from Reading Extensively.
Rules:
* Read books that were made into movies or T.V. shows
* Books must be read between January 1-December 31, 2011
* Rereads count!
* You can also watch the movies/T.V. shows as part of the challenge but it is not a requirement
* If you watch T.V. shows, you should watch 2 hours of the show to be equal to one movie
* Books that are currently being made into movies also count as long as the movie will be released sometime in 2011
* Make a post about the challenge using my challenge logo and link your post below to sign up
* As stated above, reviews of the books/movies you watch/read are not required but they count as extra prize entries!
* Make a wrap up post at the end of the challenge and link it to my wrap up post
Reading Levels:
* Level one-Read 5 books that were made into movies/T.V. shows
* Level two-Read 10 books that were made into movies/T.V. shows
* Level three-Read 15 books that were made into movies/T.V. shows
* Level four-Read 20 books that were made into movies/T.V. shows
Reading and Watching Levels:
* Level one-Read 5 books made into movies/T.V. shows and watch the movies/shows
* Level two-Read 10 books made into movies/T.V. shows and watch the movies/shows
* Level three-Read 15 books made into movies/T.V. shows and watch the movies/shows
* Level four-Read 20 books made into movies/T.V. shows and watch the movies/shows
And to sweeten the pot, there is even a prize!
Prizes:
* One participant will win their choice of book worth up to $15 from Amazon.com or The Book Depository (for international participants in countries that Book Depository ships to).
* Participants must reach reading level one (5 books) by December 31, 2011 to be entered in the drawing.
* Reviews are not required but each review you post will give you an extra entry. So be sure to check back each month to link your reviews!
Here's my tentative list:
P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern 2007
Shopgirl by Steve Martin 2005
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson 2007
About a Boy by Nick Hornby 2003
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine 2004
Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum 2002
Bourne Supremacy by Robert Ludlum 2004
Bourne Ultimatum by Robert Ludlum 2007
Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi 2008
Last Song by Nicholas Sparks 2010
Anyway, the 2011 Page to Screen Reading Challenge is from Reading Extensively.
Rules:
* Read books that were made into movies or T.V. shows
* Books must be read between January 1-December 31, 2011
* Rereads count!
* You can also watch the movies/T.V. shows as part of the challenge but it is not a requirement
* If you watch T.V. shows, you should watch 2 hours of the show to be equal to one movie
* Books that are currently being made into movies also count as long as the movie will be released sometime in 2011
* Make a post about the challenge using my challenge logo and link your post below to sign up
* As stated above, reviews of the books/movies you watch/read are not required but they count as extra prize entries!
* Make a wrap up post at the end of the challenge and link it to my wrap up post
Reading Levels:
* Level one-Read 5 books that were made into movies/T.V. shows
* Level two-Read 10 books that were made into movies/T.V. shows
* Level three-Read 15 books that were made into movies/T.V. shows
* Level four-Read 20 books that were made into movies/T.V. shows
Reading and Watching Levels:
* Level one-Read 5 books made into movies/T.V. shows and watch the movies/shows
* Level two-Read 10 books made into movies/T.V. shows and watch the movies/shows
* Level three-Read 15 books made into movies/T.V. shows and watch the movies/shows
* Level four-Read 20 books made into movies/T.V. shows and watch the movies/shows
And to sweeten the pot, there is even a prize!
Prizes:
* One participant will win their choice of book worth up to $15 from Amazon.com or The Book Depository (for international participants in countries that Book Depository ships to).
* Participants must reach reading level one (5 books) by December 31, 2011 to be entered in the drawing.
* Reviews are not required but each review you post will give you an extra entry. So be sure to check back each month to link your reviews!
2011 TBR Challenge
Loved this challenge for 2010! Of course I will participate again for 2011. I even got my friend to join in, too.
So again from MizB's Reading Challenges, we have the 2011 Original TBR.
For this challenge you should…
** Pick 12 books – one for each month of the year - that you’ve been wanting to read (that have been on your “To Be Read” list) for 6 months or longer, but haven’t gotten around to.
** OPTIONAL: Create a list of 12 “Alternates” (books you could substitute for your challenge books, given that a particular one doesn’t grab you at the time)
** Then, starting January 1, read one of these books from your list each month, ending December 31. )
(for more information, please read the challenge FAQs)
NOTE: To sign up, there is a MR.LINKY at the end of the FAQ’s, below!
By the end of the year you should’ve knocked 12 books off of your TBR list! (of course, if you’re anything like me, you’ll have added *at LEAST* 12 more to the ever-growing pile by then! LOL).
The good news is, though, that you’ll be making some progress! ;o)
Additional rules/guidelines for this challenge:
* the challenge is to read 12 TBR books in 12 months — you can read those all in one month if you want, or one a month, or however you wanna do it.
* you should have a list posted somewhere for others to see
* you CANNOT change your list after January 1st, of the current year!!!
* you can create an Alternates list of MAXIMUM 12 books, if you want, in order to have options to choose from (you can read these in place of books on your original list).
* audiobooks and e-books ARE allowed
* re-reads are NOT allowed, as they aren’t TRUE “TBRs”
* you CAN overlap with other challenges
* OPTIONAL: you can join the Yahoo! Group created for participants of the TBR Challenge, if you want to have a place to keep your list, or just to share with others about how you’re doing!
Here's my TBR list:
1 The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larrson
2 The Help by Katheryn Stockett
3 The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
4 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
5 Nefertiti by Michelle Moran
6 House Rules by Jodi Picoult
7 Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
8 In the Woods by Tana French
9 The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
10 Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian
11 Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
12 Wicked by Gregory MacGuire
And here's my alternative list:
1 Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
2 Cloud Pavilion by Laura Joh Rowland
3 Katherine by Anya Seton
4 Red Tent by Anita Diamant
5 Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos
6 She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb
7 Beaches by Iris Rainier Dart
8 Willow by Julia Hoban
9 The Nanny Diaries by Emma Laughlin and Nicola Kraus - using for another challenge
10 Wake by Lisa McMann
11 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
12 The Stand by Stephen King
Books in boldface have been read
So again from MizB's Reading Challenges, we have the 2011 Original TBR.
For this challenge you should…
** Pick 12 books – one for each month of the year - that you’ve been wanting to read (that have been on your “To Be Read” list) for 6 months or longer, but haven’t gotten around to.
** OPTIONAL: Create a list of 12 “Alternates” (books you could substitute for your challenge books, given that a particular one doesn’t grab you at the time)
** Then, starting January 1, read one of these books from your list each month, ending December 31. )
(for more information, please read the challenge FAQs)
NOTE: To sign up, there is a MR.LINKY at the end of the FAQ’s, below!
By the end of the year you should’ve knocked 12 books off of your TBR list! (of course, if you’re anything like me, you’ll have added *at LEAST* 12 more to the ever-growing pile by then! LOL).
The good news is, though, that you’ll be making some progress! ;o)
Additional rules/guidelines for this challenge:
* the challenge is to read 12 TBR books in 12 months — you can read those all in one month if you want, or one a month, or however you wanna do it.
* you should have a list posted somewhere for others to see
* you CANNOT change your list after January 1st, of the current year!!!
* you can create an Alternates list of MAXIMUM 12 books, if you want, in order to have options to choose from (you can read these in place of books on your original list).
* audiobooks and e-books ARE allowed
* re-reads are NOT allowed, as they aren’t TRUE “TBRs”
* you CAN overlap with other challenges
* OPTIONAL: you can join the Yahoo! Group created for participants of the TBR Challenge, if you want to have a place to keep your list, or just to share with others about how you’re doing!
Here's my TBR list:
1 The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larrson
2 The Help by Katheryn Stockett
3 The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
4 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
5 Nefertiti by Michelle Moran
6 House Rules by Jodi Picoult
7 Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
8 In the Woods by Tana French
9 The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
10 Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian
11 Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
12 Wicked by Gregory MacGuire
And here's my alternative list:
1 Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
2 Cloud Pavilion by Laura Joh Rowland
3 Katherine by Anya Seton
4 Red Tent by Anita Diamant
5 Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos
6 She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb
7 Beaches by Iris Rainier Dart
8 Willow by Julia Hoban
9 The Nanny Diaries by Emma Laughlin and Nicola Kraus - using for another challenge
10 Wake by Lisa McMann
11 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
12 The Stand by Stephen King
Books in boldface have been read
Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2011!
Just found a great new reading challenge on Book Chick City. It's a Mystery & Suspense Challenge. Totally right up my alley! It will actually be necessary to read all those mysteries that I love. Like I really need an excuse!
The rules are:
* Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011
* Rules: To read TWELVE (12) mystery & suspense novels in 2011 (12 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!)
* You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.
* You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.
* At the beginning of Jan 2011, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews. There will be a monthly prize too courtesy of the lovely Simon & Schuster - you must be signed up to the challenge and add the link to your review to be entered into the monthly prize draw.
And as an added bonus, publisher Simon & Schuster UK has been kind enough to offer all participants of this challenge a free ARC of The Survivor by Sean Slater. How cool is that!
The rules are:
* Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011
* Rules: To read TWELVE (12) mystery & suspense novels in 2011 (12 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!)
* You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.
* You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.
* At the beginning of Jan 2011, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews. There will be a monthly prize too courtesy of the lovely Simon & Schuster - you must be signed up to the challenge and add the link to your review to be entered into the monthly prize draw.
And as an added bonus, publisher Simon & Schuster UK has been kind enough to offer all participants of this challenge a free ARC of The Survivor by Sean Slater. How cool is that!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!!!
Woohoo! I finished all my challenges as of yesterday, Christmas Eve!
I really didn't think I could do it. It was getting really difficult towards the end. Especially with the Pulitzer and Booker Prize challenge that I left until the end. Those were really tough reads. There was one books that I really did not enjoy, so I really skimmed at least half the book. Then I'll have to admit that I might have cheated with the banned books. There were a few that were children's books: Alice in Wonderland, Bridge to Terabithia and Witches.
However, I persevered and actually finished a week ahead of schedule. I am so proud of myself!
I really didn't think I could do it. It was getting really difficult towards the end. Especially with the Pulitzer and Booker Prize challenge that I left until the end. Those were really tough reads. There was one books that I really did not enjoy, so I really skimmed at least half the book. Then I'll have to admit that I might have cheated with the banned books. There were a few that were children's books: Alice in Wonderland, Bridge to Terabithia and Witches.
However, I persevered and actually finished a week ahead of schedule. I am so proud of myself!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
2010 Book Reviews
So far I am on book 91. I'm thinking by year end I will have possibly read 2-3 more books. Maybe.
14/91 book reviews. That's about 15%. Less when I have my final total of books read. Not good at all. Obviously I am not meant to review books. I am horrible at it. I would just rather read. I have read some good books. I should just review the standouts. Maybe I'll try next year. It is too late for that this year.
ETA: Oops! Just checked and my first few posts of 2010 were actually about my reading challenges. So that is actually 3 less book reviews than I thought I had done. 11/91 book reviews is absolutely terrible! That's 12%! I could attempt to go back and do some book reviews for the books that I remember. Some do stand out more than others. I could try. Somehow I doubt I will, but I could try.
14/91 book reviews. That's about 15%. Less when I have my final total of books read. Not good at all. Obviously I am not meant to review books. I am horrible at it. I would just rather read. I have read some good books. I should just review the standouts. Maybe I'll try next year. It is too late for that this year.
ETA: Oops! Just checked and my first few posts of 2010 were actually about my reading challenges. So that is actually 3 less book reviews than I thought I had done. 11/91 book reviews is absolutely terrible! That's 12%! I could attempt to go back and do some book reviews for the books that I remember. Some do stand out more than others. I could try. Somehow I doubt I will, but I could try.
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