Summer Romance Reading Challenge

Timeline: 1st June 2011 ~ 30th Sept 2011. Only books started on June 1st count towards this challenge.

Details:

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

2. 4 months, 8 books - that's doable, right? Or if you want to push yourself further, double it to 16!!

3. Any book format counts except audiobooks.

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

6. If you decide to participate in this challenge with me, please use the link I have set up below with the button to post on your sidebar, this way others can find their way back to this post and join in the fun. Also, be sure to create a post telling others with a link back to this post so others can join in.

Romance Sub-Genres:

• Historical Romance

• Paranormal Romance

• Science Fiction Romance

• Contemporary Romance

• Romantic Suspense

• Western Romance

• Fantasy Romance

• GLBT Romance

Why not?  I like romance and was feeling a bit stale with my reading challenges.  This one is shorter and something I read, but don't really have another place to put it.  (yeah I know I have a Contemporary Romance challenge, but I only have one book left.  And that challenge is "Contemporary" with no paranormal elements).  I decided that I was going to try for 8 books in three genres. 24 books total!

Historical Romance:

1. The Lightkeeper's Ball - Colleen Coble

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Paranormal Romance:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Contemporary Romance

1. Lady X's Cowboy - zoe Archer

2. Greece - Melanie Panagiotopoulos

3. Passionate Pleasures - Beatrice Small

4. Forbidden Pleasures - Beatrice Small

5. Love Finds You in Holiday, FL - Sandra Bricker

6. Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas - Sandra Bricker

7. Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska - Loree Lough

8. Washington - Wanda Brunstetter and Lauraine Snelling

Wish me luck!  and join in the challenge!

Reading Challenge Finished!

Today I finished my first big reading challenge!  I feel like I have hit a milestone...  it's a great feeling of accomplishment.  You ask, what reading challenge?  Zombies, of course.  I didn't think it would take me long to read 10 zombie books, but I thought it would take longer than this.  I tried to pick up a mix of genres for my weekly reading.  Yet, I somehow always ended up with a zombie book in there.  So here's my list...  the first ten were my original picks way back in December.  As you can see, I picked up some others to ultimately finish the list.

1. The Undead World of Oz -- Ryan Thomas
2. Zombies for Zombies -- David Murphy (2/5/11)
3. Flip this Zombie -- Jesse Petersen (2/13/11)
4. Zombies vs. Unicorns - Larbalestier
5. The Forest of Hands and Teeth - Carrie Ryan (5/17/11)
6. The Dead-Tossed Waves - Carrie Ryan (5/23/11)
7. You are So Undead to Me - Stacey Jay
8. Undead Much - Stacey Jay
9. Zombie Blondes - Brian James
10. Generation Dead - Daniel Waters
11. A Zombie's History of the United States - Dr. Worm Miller (3/2/11)
12. Autumn - David Moody (3/6/11)
13. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After - Steven Hockensmith (4/10/11)
14. Autumn: The City - David Moody
15. Hungry for Your Love - Lori Perkins (4/21/11)
16. The Living Dead 2 - John Joseph Adams (5/9/11)
17. Once Bitten, Twice Dead - Bianca D'Arc (5/16/11)

I read some really good ones in there.  I think my favorite so far is Autumn by David Moody.  Very disturbing book, but not your typical zombie gore fest.  I still have the sequel Autumn: The City to read.  But I want to take a zombie break.

There's still a question hanging in the air: Should I increase this reading challenge to 20 books and keep going?  Or just keep it here and focus on the other challenges?  Keep in mind that I will still read zombie books throughout the rest of the year, I just won't have them count for a challenge!

1,000,000 Page Challenge

I'm stealing this idea from Gabriel over at Gabriel Reads who got it from Mad Scientist over at Steampunkery and Book Reviews.  I started keeping track of the books read with pages read in January 2011.  Within my month wrap-up I will include the pages read and ongoing total.

Goal: 1,000,000 pages

January 2011
Monthly Total:  3415 pages
Pages Remaining:  996,585 pages

February 2011
Monthly Total: 4591 pages
Pages Remaining:  991,994 pages

March 2011
Monthly Total: 6386 pages
Pages Remaining: 985,608 pages

April 2011
Monthly Total: 5101 pages Pages
Remaining: 980,507 pages

Decent start I would say!

The Centurions of 2011 Reading Challenge

Yesterday I was reading A Year of Reading (one of the many book blogs I follow) and found this great group on Facebook: The Centurions of 2011.  A goal of reading 111 books by January 2012 and a place to share those books and progress, I just had to join! I'll just add this goal to the 10+ reading challenges I have joined.  I think I'm a bit addicted to reading challenges and book groups.  I might need an intervention soon.  But it's a good addiction, right?  Right?  Right?  I take from the silence that's it a great addicition.  So, I'm gong to keep reading and try to get ahead on these challenges.

If you're like me and addicted to books, check out the group on Facebook.

2011 Vampires Reading Challenge

Last one, I promise (at least I think).  I've already read one vampire book and was just starting on another today, so I thought why not.  This one should be easy for me to master.  Here are the specifics from Parajunkee's View:

THE RULES:

1. Post about this challenge on your blog stating that you are participating. That post is the link that you will include in the Mr. Linky below. The link should be the post link not just your blog link.
2. Grab the button and display it in the post (use grab code underneath the button) or on your sidebar so others can join in the fun.
3. Challenge goes from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011
4. The challenge is to read 20 books that have a vampire as a MAIN character, either protag or antagonist
5. Post your reviews on the Review Post:http://www.parajunkee.com/2011/01/vampire-challenge-review-link-up.html

My tentative list:

1. A Girl's Guide to Vampires -- Katie MacAlister (1/12/11)
2. Bloodsucking Fiends -- Christopher Moore
3. You Suck -- Christopher Moore
4. TBD
5. TBD
6. TBD
7. TBD
8. TBD
9. TBD
10. TBD
11. TBD
12. TBD
13. TBD
14. TBD
15. TBD
16. TBD
17. TBD
18. TBD
19. TBD
20. TBD

2011 Outlander Series Reading Challenge

From The Lit Bitch:

Welcome to The Outlander Series Reading Challenge 2011! I know I am about two days late on this posting but let’s just say it took a fair amount of trial and error to figure out how to make a button and link everything back so my apologies for the late info and post!!

My sister and my mom have been reading the Outlander Series and raving about it for the last few months and I have yet to read the series! My biggest fear is that I will love it so much I will probably not do anything else once I start reading them–so I figured why not have some fun and involve others in my reading journey–and what better way than through a reading challenge. So here you have it, after some painstaking HTML research and a crash course in programming here you have it–the Outlander Series Reading Challenge 2011!

I had to, I just had to join one more reading challenge.  I read the first book in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series and have been meaning to read the rest.  I started Drums of Autumn a few months ago, but put it down, then lost it in the jumble, and have found it again, but should really start over.  So I am committing myself to reading the entire series this year.  A friend has joined me in the challenge on an unofficial basis.  Now to re-find all my books...

2011 Local Library Reading Challenge

This one's easy... Since I am fairly low on the socio-economic ladder at the moment, I get almost all my books from the library.  I found it at The Book Junkie's Bookshelf:

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. --"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.) 3. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Young Reader – basically any book counts just as long as it is checked out from the library. Books MUST be checked out like with a library card, books purchased at a library DO NOT count. 4. 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. 5. Crossovers from other reading challenges count. 6. Challenge begins January 1st 2011 and goes thru December 31 2011.

I'm going for Jumbo Size as a goal.  I'll be listing my choice as I go, although I already have one to start the challenge:

• The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble

2011 Page to Screen Reading Challenge

I love movies, so why not?  This challenge is taken from Reading Extensively:

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

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

Prizes:

• One participant will win their choice of book worth up to $15 from Amazon.com or The Book Depository (for international participants in countries that Book Depository ships to).

• Participants must reach reading level one (5 books) by December 31, 2011  to be entered in the drawing.

Rules:

• Read books that were made into movies or T.V. shows

• 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

• 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

I've decided to keep it simple and work on Level one with 5 books.  Here's my tentative list (with any crossovers):

1. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (Science Fiction; TwentyEleven: Back in the Day; A to Z: A)
2. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (Historical Fiction; TwentyEleven: Way Back When)
3. The Children of Men by P.D. James (Science Fiction)
4. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore (Steampunk)
5. The Prestige by Christopher Priest (Fantasy)

2011 Young Adult Reading Challenge

YA is a great genre: short, quick, but entertaining.  I thought I would start a new YA challenge for the year.  As a bonus, a lot of the books I am choosing can be cross listed for other reading challenges I've joined for the next year.

Found this great challenge at For the Love of YA:

Last year I participated in the Young Adult Challenge that J. Kaye's book blog was hosting.  But from what I can see J. Kaye isn't blogging anymore and I really wanted to do this challenge again.  So here it is...with a wonky button to start off with...but it's here.

Here are the rules:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.  Create a post about the challenge and link your challenge post up 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: --The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels. --The "Fun Size" YA Reading Challenge – Read 20 Young Adult novels. --The Jumbo Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 40 Young Adult novels. --The Mega size YA Reading Challenge – Read 50+ Young Adult novels. 3. Audio, eBooks, paper, re-reads all count. 4. 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. 5. The Challenge starts on January 1, 2011 and goes until December 31, 2011.

I decided not to overload myself and just shoot for the Mini YA Reading Challenge by reading 12 books.  Currently my choices for this challenge are (with any cross listing):

1. Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare (Steampunk)
2. Inkheart - Cornelia Funke (Fantasy; A to Z: F)
3. Archenemy - Frank Beddor (Fantasy; TwentyEleven: Mind the Gap)
4. The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan (TwentyEleven: Mind the Gap)
5. Blue Bloods - Melissa de la Cruz (A to Z: D)
6. Hush Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick (TwentyEleven: YA)
7. The Monsters of Templeton - Lauren Groff (TwentyEleven: YA)
8. Fallen - Lauren Kate (A to Z: K)
9. The Dark Divine - Bree Despain (Fantasy)
10. The Golden Compass - Phillip Pullman
11. Have Spacesuit Will Travel - Robert Heinlein (Science Fiction)
12. Artemis Fowl - Eoin Cowlfer

Happy reading!

2011 Steampunk Reading Challenge

Another challenge for 2011.  I've recently become aware of this huge great genre of steampunk.  Elements of action adventure, science fiction, fantasy, and romance?  I am so there.  And so I joined the Steampunk Challenge from

Book Soulmates.

According to the website:

ALL ABOARD!! FULL STEAMPUNK AHEAD! This year we thought we'd do something a little different. Seeing as Steampunk is pretty new to us we thought it'd be fun to challenge ourselves as well as you guys! I'm adding my GoodReads LIST of Steampunk books as a guide. There are close to 200 books!

There will be prizes throughout the year. The months of the prizes will be chosen at random - you know, to keep things interesting, hehe. The prizes won't just be books… they can be anything from Bookmarks, to Giftcards, and possibly, if we're feeling frisky, maybe even a book tote! Who knows what the year may bring!

Challenge Rules & Info:

• Challenge STARTS January 1, 2011 and ENDS December 31, 2011

• Sign up by filling your info in the Mr. Linky below {If you don't have a blog, you can use your FB, Goodreads, etc}

• Read at least 10 Steampunk books this year. Remember, the more the merrier!

• The books can be print, ebooks, and audio books.

• Reread books ARE allowed, BUT, the review must be rewritten. You cannot use old reviews.

• I'll have a post up each month with the Mr. Linky to have the reviews posted.

• Challenges are open to non-bloggers. A review must be written and posted on a literary site, such as GoodReads, Amazon, etc.

• Grab a button to show your Challenge spirit!

• Lastly, have fun reading!

And so I present my tentative list for the Steampunk Challenge (with crossovers from other challenges):

1. The Affinity Bridge -- George Mann
2. Boneshaker -- Cherie Priest
3. Clockwork Heart -- Dru Pagliassotti (A to Z: P)
4. Leviathan -- Scott Westerfeld
5. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen -- Alan Moore (Pages to Screen)
6. Souless -- Gail Carriger (A to Z: C)
7. Steampunk -- Ann VanderMeer (A to Z: V)
8. Whitechapel -- S.M. Peters
9. City of Golden Shadows -- Tad Williams
10. Idoru -- William Gibson
11. Clockwork Angel -- Cassandra Clare (YA)
12. Steamed -- Kate MacAlister (A to Z: M)

Like all my other reading challenges, I will write a review for each book I read.  Stay tuned for some great reads!

2011 A to Z Reading Challenge

Another Great Challenge.  This one from A to Z Challenge.

January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011.

How does this reading challenge work? Choose the option that works best for you...

Authors -- Read alphabetically by author. Commit to 26 books.

Titles -- Read alphabetically by title. Commit to 26 books.

Authors & Titles -- Commit to reading 52 books

How strict is the 26 or 52? I know it isn't always easy to find those difficult letters. The thought of finding the X's (for example) might scare folks away. It shouldn't! I'm a merciful host! (Ask anyone!)

If you want to give the X's a go... For authors, try to find an X in the first name, middle name, or last name. For titles, it doesn't have to be the starting word. Try to find an X somewhere in a title, and it'd count in my book.

Still can't find a book for the letter you need? I'll take your word for it. I've been there. I know. If your library doesn't see the need to order books just because it starts with an X, then I don't blame you for not wanting to special order a book that you may or may not enjoy. You gave it your best, don't feel bad. You can still make this challenge work for you.

I've decided to do this challenge with author last names.  Here are my tentative choices (with any cross listings):

A -- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galazy by Douglas Adams (Science Fiction; TwentyEleven: Back in the Day; Pages to Screen)

B -- The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury (Science Fiction)

C -- Souless by Gail Carriger (Steampunk)

D -- Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz (YA)

E -- The Girl with the Mermaid Hair by Ephron

F -- Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (Fantasy; YA)

G -- Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia (Fantasy)

H -- The First Princess of Wales by Kathleen Harper (Historical Fiction)

I -- Which Witch by Eva Ibboston

J -- We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (TwentyEleven: Slim Pickings)

K -- Fallen by Lauren Kate (YA)

L -- Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov (Amazon's Best of 2010: Customer Favorites)

M -- Steamed by Kate MacAlister (Steampunk)

N -- One Day by David Nicholls (Amazon's Best of 2010: Editor Picks)

O -- The Hand that First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell (Amazon's Best of 2010: Editor Picks)

P -- Clockwork Heart by Dru Pagliassotti (Steampunk)

Q -- Personal Reserach by Cari Quinn (Contemporary Romance)

R -- The Death and Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch (Amazon's Best of 2010: Customer Favorites)

S -- Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris (Amazon's Best of 2010: Customer Favorites)

T -- Shaken by Dee Tenorio (Contemporary Romance)

U -- Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger

V -- Steampunk by Ann VanderMeer (Steampunk)

W -- The White Mare by Jules Watson (Historical Fiction)

X -- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (TwentyEleven: Back in the Day)

Y -- Love Me If You Must by Nicole Young

Z -- Keeping Katherine by Susan Zimmerman

With every book read, I will definitely post reviews.

TwentyEleven Reading Challenge

From Bart's Bookshelf:

So, the challenge becomes TwentyEleven and therefore the requirement will be a total of  20 books from 11 categories, this means there will be a slight changes to the rules though.

Rather than read 2 books in every category, you will need to read a minimum of 1 and a max of 2 in each. (Essentially meaning you can choose two categories where you only need to read one book.)

I’ve also decided to mix the categories up a little bit this time around, keeping some of the popular ones and throwing a few new ones in there to keep it fresh.

As always though, the categories are intended to be loose guidelines only, if you decide it fits, then it fits! 

The only other things I think you need to know are:

• Each book can only qualify for one category.
• Crossovers with other challenges are allowed.
• Books read from 01/01/2011 to 31/12/2011 are eligible.

And the categories for TwentyEleven are:

1. To YA or not YA… Okay, this one works like this… Tend to read more Young Adult than Adult Fiction books then read one or two adult fiction titles, vice-versa if you don’t tend to read much Young Adult.
2. …With a Twist. This one focuses on sub-genres, read a lot of chick-lit, then try a paranormal romance! Fantasy? Why not give some Steampunk a go, like a bit of Space-Opera in your Sci-Fi then pick up a military Sci-fi book. Like your Contemporary Literature, give a Young Adult Contemporary a chance. Well hopefully you get the idea!
3. Hot off the Presses. Read a book published (in your country) in 2011? Then it counts for this category.
4. It Wasn’t Me! Books in this category, should be ones you’ve picked up purely on the recommendation of another blogger count for this category (any reviews you post should also link to the post that convinced you give the book ago).
5. Show it Who is Boss! Tackle that overflowing T.B.R. pile! Books for this category must be already residents of your bookshelves as of 1/12/10.
6. Bablefish. Read books that are translated from a language that is not your own.
7. Will-Power? What Will-Power? (aka: The Henry Ward Beecher Memorial.) Bought a book NEW during 2011? Then it counts for this category.
8. Mind the Gap. Need just one more book to compete that duology/trilogy/series then read it for this one! (Obviously as this is for that final book you need to complete it, then you can’t read two books from the same series! And it clearly can’t be your first or penultimate read!)
9. Back in the Day. Re-read an old favourite or two for this category.
10. Way Back When. Read books that were published before you were born for this one, whether that be the day before or 100 years prior!
11. Slim-Pickings Got a novella you want to read? Then this one is the one for you! Any books between 90-150 pages count.

From, January 1st, I’ll also have pages up for each of the categories so you can post your review links and check out what others are reading!

This took a lot of thinking and cross listing with other challenges, but here are my choices (with any cross listings for other challenges):

To YA or Not YA (I went with YA for this one)

1. The Monsters of Templeton - Lauren Groff (YA)
2. Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick (YA)

...With a Twist (I don't read much Science Fiction, so J recommended a couple)

1. Ringworld - Larry Niven (Science Fiction)
2. Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card (Science Fiction)

Hot Off the Presses

1. Flip This Zombie -- Jesse Petersen (Zombies)
2. Generation Dead - Daniel Waters (Zombies)

It Wasn't Me!

1. Evermore by Alyson Noel (review from The Infinite Shelf) (Fantasy)
2. Zombies vs. Unicorns edited by Justine Larbalestier (review from The Compulsive Reader) (Zombies)

Show it Who is Boss!

1. The Left Hand of Darkness - Ursula Le Guin (Science Fiction)
2. The Black Moth - Georgette Heyer (Georgette Heyer)

Bablefish

1. TBD

Will-Power? What Will-Power?

1. TBD
2. TBD

Mind the Gap

1. The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan (YA)
2. Archenemy - Frank Beddor (YA; Fantasy)

Back in the Day

1. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams (Science Fiction; A to Z: A; Pages to Screen)
2. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley

Way Back When

1. These Old Shades - Georgette Heyer (Georgette Heyer)
2. North and South - Elizabeth Gaskell (Historical Fiction; Pages to Screen)

Slim-Pickings

1. We Have Always Lived in the Castle - Shirley Jackson (A to Z: J)

Looking forward to crossing some of these off!

Amazon's Best of 2010 Reading Challenge

This seems like a great Challenge to encompass a lot of my reading. Some of my choices are cross listed with other reading challenges.  I think I can use this as a great wrap up for the previous year's publications. I found this particular challenge at Reading with Martinis:

Reading With Martinis is super excited to be hosting its first book challenge! Yesterday, Amazon.com released its list(s) of the best books published in 2010. I love lists and awards, so I am always thrilled when Amazon declares their “best of” books. Amazon breaks the list down into to categories: Editor Picks and Customer Favorites.

Rules of the Challenge

So, here’s how the challenge works. Pick 10 books from the Editor’s list and 10 books from the Customer Favorites list, and read all 20 books by November 30, 2011.

• The books from the two lists cannot overlap. It must be 20 unique books.
• Books you’ve already read cannot be counted.
• Books you read for this challenge can be included in your count for other challenges and vice versa, as long as the book(s) is(are) part of the 20 you have selected.
• You do not have to tell me which books you pick, but if you keep a list somewhere, I would love to drop by and see it!
• Please use Mr. Linky down at the bottom to let me know you are participating!
• Please use the image below to link back to this post, so that other readers can find their way here and join in the challenge.

My choices this year (with any cross listing):

Editor's List

1. Will Grayson, Will Grayson - John Green
2. Operation Mincemeat - Ben Macintyre
3. The Passage - Justin Cronin
4. The Hand that First Held Mine - Maggie O'Farrell (A to Z: O)
5. One Day - David Nicholls (A to Z: N)
6. The Devil and Sherlock Holmes - David Grann
7. Room - Emma Donoghue
8. Packing for Mars - Mary Roach
9. The Lost Hero - Rick Riordan
10. Stuff - Gail Steketee

Customers Favorites

1. Dead in the Family - Charlaine Harris
2. The Short Life of Bree Tanner - Stephenie Meyer
3. The Red Pyramid - Rick Riordan
4. Teach Like a Champion - Doug Lemov (A to Z: L)
5. Earth - Jon Stewart
6. The Happiness Project - Gretchen Rubin
7. Twilight: the Graphic Novel - Stephenie Meyer
8. The Death and Life of the Great American School System - Diane Ravitch (A to Z: R)
9. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk - David Sedaris (A to Z: S)
10. Heart of the Matter - Emily Giffin

January 2011 New Books Month Reading Challenge

From Book Geek: 

So, who all got new books and/or gift cards to book stores for Christmas (or the holiday you celebrate?) I myself got two $25 gift cards to Borders. And so that's the purpose of January New Books Month- to read those new books you received as gifts or buy with gift cards (don't worry, they also count if you buy them with cash or a credit card. I'm not too picky.) Only rules are... the books must be purchased or received in December 2010 or sometime during January 2011, and they do not count if you do not finish reading them on or by January 31st, 2011. There is no minimum of books you have to read- even just one is fine. And although you're welcome to, you do not have to review the books.

My choices for this month:

1. A Girl's Guide to Vampires - Katie MacAlister

2. TBD (I'm sure I'll uncover another once I clean my room)

2011 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Already love historical fiction, so why not?  I found this great challenge from Historical Tapestry:

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:

1. Severe Bookaholism: 20 books
2. Undoubtedly Obsessed: 15 books
3. Struggling the Addiction: 10 books
4. Daring & Curious: 5 books
5. Out of My Comfort Zone: 2 books

I have decided not to overdo the challenge and sign up for the "Struggling the Addiction" level of 10 books.  My choices are (with any cross listings):

1. Dragonwyck - Anya Seton
2. The Winthrop Woman - Anya Seton
3. Roses - Leila Meacham
4. City of Glory - Beverly Swerling
5. Bellfield Hall - Anna Dean
6. The Poison Maiden - Paul Doherty
7. The Six Wives of Henry VIII - Alison Weir
8. The First Princess of Wales - Karen Harper (A to Z: H)
9. North and South - Elizabeth Gaskell (TwentyEleven: Way Back When; Pages to Screen)
10. The White Mare - Jules Watson

As usual, reviews will follow each book read.  Looking forward to stepping into the past.

2011 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge

Lately I have found myself reading a lot of romance.  So I thought, why not join a reading challenge focused on romance.  I find this challenge interesting because it's supposed to be straight romance, no paranormal, no fantasy, etc.  This will make it much more difficult and hopefully give me some more authors and series to check out. The reading challenge can be found at Romance Book Maven.  Here's the introduction and guidelines:

Last year Pearl of Pearl’s World of Romance hosted the first Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge. With the new job she started recently, she decided not to host the challenge this year but I offered to host it in her place because this was one challenge I really enjoyed doing this year and I didn’t want to see it end already. Pearl had no problem with my suggestion so I’m pleased to say that CRRC2011 will still be around.

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

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

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

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

4. Feel free to grab the button below for the sidebar of your blog. It would be great if you would link it back to this post so others can find their way back to this post and join the challenge.

5. If you decide to join this challenge be sure to create a post telling others and feel free to add a link back to this post so others can join in the fun.

6. Add your name and post URL to Mr. Linky below.

Have fun & Happy Reading!!

My choices for the reading challenge (with any cross listings):

1. Impulsive - HelenKay Dimon
2. Seven Day Loan - Tiffany Reisz
3. Precious and Fragile Things - Megan Hart
4. The Icing on the Cake - Alison Kent
5. Inside Out - Lauren Dane
6. Holding Out for a Hero - HelenKay Dimon
7. Shaken - Dee Tenorio (A to Z: T)
8. Hard to Hold - Julie Leto
9. Personal Research - Cari Quinn (A to Z: Q)
10. Jinxed - Inez Kelley

Reviews will follow.  I may change some of these choices as the challenge begins.  Just wait and see.

2011 Georgette Heyer Reading Challenge

I cannot believe that I haven't read Georgette Heyer before now.  An early to mid twentieth century author writing historical fiction primarily set in the Regency era is right up my alley.  A Heyer reading challenge seemed perfect for what I already wanted to read this year. Thus the Georgette Heyer Reading Challenge 2011:

I've decided to host some of my own reading challenges for the 2011 year and the first challenge I've decided to host is a Georgette Heyer Reading Challenge. This is going to be a laid back challenge with not very many rules because it's just for fun. A while ago I set a goal for myself and that was to try and read all Georgette Heyer's Historical Fiction novels in two years. So I thought this challenge would motivate and help me complete my personal goal. So if you want to join in with me please feel free to do so! This challenge is open to EVERYONE you don't have to have a blog to participate. Have fun!

Rules:

• The book must be by Georgette Heyer obviously and it must be HF. It can't be one of her mystery novels.
• You must read at least 3 books and they can't be one's that you've already read because that sort of defeats the purpose.
• This is a year long challenge so you have until January 1st of 2012 to finish your personal goal.
• It's not mandatory to post a review but it would be nice so other people can read them but Non-bloggers please include your information in the comments below.
• When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to the post about the the Georgette Heyer Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.

Since I never read any Heyer before, I decided to start my challenge at the beginning of her bibliography.  I've also decided to challenge myself to reading 5 of her books this year.  My choices are (with any cross listings with other reading challenges):

1. The Black Moth (TwentyEleven: Show It Who Is Boss)
2. These Old Shades (TwentyEleven: Way Back When)
3. The Transformation of Philip Jettan aka Powder and Patch
4. The Great Roxhythe
5. Instead of the Thorn

I picked her first five books.  I will have to look them later and make sure they are part of her historical fiction.  If one is a mystery, I will replace it in the future so all are historical fiction.  After reading, I will post reviews of each book.  Anyone else want to join the challenge?

2011 Zombies Reading Challenge

I love zombies!  I absolutely adore anything zombie related.  So a zombie centered reading challenge is just about perfect for me. The challenge is being hosted at Book Soulmates:

Satisfy your undying hunger - for books! The new year is beginning and we know the majority of our close friends and family are going on a diet, I know I am {Vanessa}, so we need to find an outlet for our hunger. What better substitute than books! Let's devour ZOMBIE books! I only read one Zombie book this past year and I think it's time start piling up the bodies, er, I mean books! So start devouring!

Challenge Rules & Info:

• Challenge STARTS January 1, 2011 and ENDS December 31, 2011

• Sign up by filling your info in the Mr. Linky below {If you don't have a blog, you can use your FB, Goodreads, etc}

• Read at least 10 Zombie books this year. They don't have to be ALL about Zombies, just have Zombies in them. Remember, the more the merrier! Here's a LIST of zombie books that may help :)

• The books can be print, ebooks, and audio books.

• Reread books ARE allowed, BUT, the review must be rewritten. You cannot use old reviews.

• I'll have a post up each month with the Mr. Linky to have the reviews posted.

• Challenges are open to non-bloggers. A review must be written and posted on a literary site, such as GoodReads, Amazon, etc.

• Grab a button to show your Challenge spirit!

• Lastly, have fun reading!

My choices for the challenge (with any cross listings for other challenges):

1. The Undead World of Oz -- Ryan Thomas
2. Zombies for Zombies -- David Murphy
3. Flip this Zombie -- Jesse Petersen (TwentyEleven: Hot Off the Presses)
4. Zombies vs. Unicorns - Larbalestier (TwentyEleven: It Wasn't Me)
5. The Forest of Hands and Teeth - Carrie Ryan
6. The Dead-Tossed Waves - Carrie Ryan
7. You are So Undead to Me - Stacey Jay
8. Undead Much - Stacey Jay
9. Zombie Blondes - Brian James
10. Generation Dead - Daniel Waters (TwentyEleven: Hot Off the Presses)

Of course, I wil write reviews for all books read.  Try to keep up with me.

2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge

I tend to already lean towards Fantasy as a genre, so I thought this would be a perfect challenge for me to join.  Here's the introduction and guidelines from Darlyn and Books:

I love reading fantasy and this is actually a big opportunity for me to make myself read all fantasy books I've collected from buying and won from some giveaways.The Fantasy Reading Challenge was actually hosted at Royal Reviews and then at Queen of Happy Endings. When Alaine offered up bloggers for a new host blog for 2011, I'm so happy to volunteer.

A) The challenge is open to everyone. If you don't have a blog, it's okay, just leave your information in the comment.

B) There are four levels:

1. Curious – Read 3 Fantasy Fiction novels.

2. Fascinated – Read 6 Fantasy Fiction novels.

3. Addicted – Read 12 Fantasy Fiction novels.

4. Obsessed – Read 20 Fantasy Fiction novels.

C) You don't have to list the books right away. It's your choice and you can always change whenever you feel want to.

D) The challenge runs from January 1 through December 31, 2011.

E) You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2011.

F) Starting on January 1st trough December 31st, 2011, you can start posting your review on my 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge Reviews Page. But of course it must be read on 2011 only and I don't mind if you re-read.

G) If you successfully finish the challenge, according to your selected levels, write a wrap up challenge post and leave the link at the 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge wrap up at my page. Noted: only if you finish the challenge. It will run through until December 31st, 2011.

H) And the fun part is that, on January 1st, 2012; 2 reviews from 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge Reviews Page and 1 lucky person from the wrap up challenge post will be randomly selected to win $10 to pick a Fantasy Fiction of their choice from the Book Depository. But the trick is, the choice of the book will come from any books from the books reviewed by other participants. So, you must always link your review and wrap up post at the page to be selected.

I) If you're a blogger, you must write up a sign-up post that includes the URL to this post so that others can join in (not your blog address). Feel free to use the button above. When you sign up in the Linky, put the direct link to your 2011 Fantasy Reading Challenge post. Please put your name/nickname and blog on the subject e.g. Darlyn@Darlyn and Books.

Thanks and good luck!

My choices for the Fantasy Reading Challenge (with any cross listings):

1. The Dark Divine - Bree Despain (YA)
2. Beautiful Creatures - Kami Garcia (A to Z: G)
3. Evermore - Alyson Noel (TwentyEleven: It Wasn't Me)
4. Inkheart - Cornelia Funke (YA; A to Z: F)
5. The Prestige - Christopher Priest (Pages to Screen)
6. Archenemy - Frank Beddor (YA: TwentyEleven: Mind the Gap)

Look forward to some great reads and reviews.  Stay tuned!

2011 Sci Fi Reading Challenge

I've always read a bit of science fiction, but I thought I would really amp up my interest.  Encouraged by J, who loves science fiction, I have decided to participate in the Science Fiction Challenge II.

From the challenge website Stage and Canvas:

One of science fiction’s quirks is that it’s more encompassing than specified genres like mystery so not as clearly defined. That’s one reason why I like it, but also think it’s detrimental and confusing for some. It seems that what turns a lot of people off from the genre is the stigma that it’s all aliens, robots, outer space, scientific terminology, and Star Wars, but it’s so much more than that. In brief, it’s a vast literature of ideas and infinite possibilities that may include the past or future, a completely different timeline, utopias or dystopias, science and technology like time travel, or an invasion of body snatchers. There’s something for everyone, from alternate histories to classics like Frankenstein and H.G. Wells to contemporary literature like the Handmaid’s Tale and then some. I love the genre because of its wide study, commentary, and exploration of humanity and technology. From cyberpunks to super-humans and beyond, it spans tastes and is limited only by the imagination.

I decided to start a science fiction reading challenge for several reasons. Firstly, I acquired a few books and a pile of recommended reading at last year’s WorldCon and thought others might be interested in an open read along. Secondly, to scrape off some of the stigma mentioned above. Thirdly, people who generally don’t read sci-fi frequently ask where to start. Fourthly, although I enjoy reading fantasy I feel its growing popularity has pushed sci-fi to the sidelines. Lastly, I’ve discovered that challenges not only stimulate conversation among bibliophiles, but they’re fun as well. Anyway…

Guidelines:

1. Read 4 or 8 science fiction books (or audio books). Some suggestions are below. 2. The challenge runs from August 28, 2010 to August 8, 2011. You may join at any time. 3. Sign up using Mr. Linky below (please link directly to your post). If you don’t have a blog, just enter your name and leave the URL blank. 4. Each time you read a book, please link to your reviews. If you don’t do reviews, no biggie. 5. Overlaps with other challenges are fine. 6. Have fun.

My choices for the challenge (complete with any crossovers to other challenges):

1. The Left Hand of Darkness -- Ursula Le Guin (TwentyEleven: Show it Who is Boss)
2. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy -- Douglas Adams (TwentyEleven: Back in the Day; A to Z: A; Pages to Screen)
3. The Children of Men -- P.D. James (Pages to Screen)
4. Ringworld -- Larry Niven (TwentyEleven: With a Twist)
5. Snow Crash -- Neal Stephenson
6. Ender's Game -- Orson Card (TwentyEleven: With a Twist)
7. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress -- Robert Heinlein
8. The Puppet Masters -- Robert Heinlein
9. Have Spacesuit Will Travel -- Robert Heinlein (YA)
10. The Martian Chronicles -- Ray Bradbury (A to Z: B)

I know, more than the 4 or 8 for the challenge, but I couldn't pare down the list, so it is what it is.  I will write reviews after reading each book.  If you notice my other reading challenges, I have a few books that overlap, but this way I should hopefully read a lot of books and finish a lot of challenges.  Hopefully I finish this challenge before the end time...  I'll keep you posted.