2011 Audio Book Challenge

You won't believe this but I've signed up for ANOTHER challenge. Before anyone gets up at arms, wait until you hear about it first. It is an AUDIOBOOK challenge. That makes a difference, doesn't it?

Teresa's Reading Corner is hosting the 2011 Audio Book Challenge.

The 2011 Audio Book Challenge will run from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.

I'm going to go ahead and continue with the same levels that were previously established:

Curious: 3 Audio Books
Fascinated: 6 Audio Books
Addicted: 12 Audio Books
Obsessed: 20 Audio Books

Choose your level of participation and add your name. Over the course of the year I'm going to try to put together some fun things. If you have any suggestions, feel free to let me know.

Right now, I'm going to lowball it because I don't know how much audiobook time I'm really going to get. Audiobooks might be the only reading I get this year or maybe I won't even have time at all. It remains to be seen once the baby arrives in the next week or so. So for now I will shoot for the Fascinated level. I already have 2 audiobooks borrowed from the library, so I have a headstart. I hope that these will not be the only audiobooks that I get to this year! I know listening to the audiobooks should be easy. I agree. It's the getting to the library to get more audiobooks that will be the hard part. But like I've already mentioned, at least I have 2 audiobooks from the library, so I've got a decent headstart!

1 - Something borrowed by Emily Giffin
2 - Something blue by Emily Giffin
3 - Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
4 - Baby Proof by Emily Giffin
5 - Room by Emma Donoghue
6 - Now You See Her - listening

Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2011

Oh boy! Just browsing what kind of reading challenges are out there and this one just popped out at me. I know I really don't need any more reading challenges, but how can I refuse a cozy!

Okay, this isn't really going to be a challenge because cozies are my go to books. Given a choice, I would probably read a cozy over any other book. So this should be an easy, fun challenge.

Socrates' Book Reviews is hosting Cruisin' through the Cozies Reading Challenge 2011. This challenge is definitely calling my name!

Here is what Socrates' Book Reviews says about the challenge:

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.

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.

Have fun!

NOTE: If you don't have a blog and want to participate, that's fine. You don't have to have a blog, just post in the comments section as you finish books.

I am going to aim high and shoot for Level 3 - Super Sleuth, and read 13 or more.

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!

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

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!

2010 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge

Reading with Tequila has a great challenge that I want to try to. I know I'll be reading some great books! I am shooting for Level II, subject to change if I'm feeling ambitious.

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

Level I met! Yay! I have a feeling that I might not get to Level II.

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

Level II! Success! Yay!

Book bloggers are my favorite source of book recommendations. More than any other source, they consistently introduce me to books and authors that impact my life. Therefore, I have created the Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge.

The Top 25

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

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

The Levels:
Level I - Read 5 books from the 2009 Book Blogger Recommendation List
Level II - Read 10 books
Level III - Read 15 books
Level IV - Read 20 books
Level V - Read 20+ books

The Rules:

• Challenge will run January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. Participants can join anytime throughout the challenge.
  
• Create an intro post, linking back to this post.
  
• Sign up with the MckLinky below. Please link to your challenge intro post, not your blog home page.
  
• Chose your own books from the list. You can decide to read books only on the Top 25 list or from the entire recommendation list. You do not have to make a list of books before the challenge begins.
  
• All forms of books acceptable (audiobooks, eBooks, etc.)
• Rereads do not count towards the completion of the challenge. The challenge is about discovering books that are new to you.
• You don't need a blog to participate.
• Reviews, while always appreciated, are not mandatory.
  

2010 TBR Challenge

I've decided to tackle the 2010 TBR Challenge from MizB's Reading Challenges.



Here are the rules:

** 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. )

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!

**************************************

Okay, I didn't strictly adhere to the rules because I only found out about this challenge 2 days ago and only decided to join last night! But I have created my list and promise not to change it after I post it today.

TBR List

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 Girl Who Played With Fire by Steig Larrson - will read

6 - The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

7 - Her Fearful Symmetry by Audry Niffenegger

8 - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby

9 - Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult

10 - Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

11 - The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

12 - The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Alternate List

1 - The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

2 - The Kite Runner by Khaled Hossein

3 - The 8th Confession by James Patterson

4 - Katherine by Anya Seton

5 - Life of Pi by Yann Martel

6 - She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb

7 - The Stand by Stephen King

8 - A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

9 - Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian

10 - The Broken Window by Jeffrey Deaver

11 - Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich

12 - Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

ETA - Titles in Boldface have been read.