Entry: What’s in a Name 4

 Posted by on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 01:15 am  Reading Challenges
Jan 112011
 
What's in a Name 4 2011
What's in a Name 4 2011

What's in a Name 4 2011

From the challenge site:

Welcome to the fourth What’s in a Name Challenge! This challenge was originated by a young blogger named Annie, who hosted it for two years. When she decided to give up on being the host, I took over the challenge.

I credit this challenge with being one of the prime reasons for my becoming a blogger, so I am thrilled to be its new host.

Here’s How It Works

Between January 1 and December 31, 2011, read one book in each of the following categories:
1. A book with a number in the title: First to Die, Seven Up, Thirteen Reasons Why
2. A book with jewelry or a gem in the title: Diamond Ruby, Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Opal Deception
3. A book with a size in the title: Wide Sargasso Sea, Small Wars, Little Bee
4. A book with travel or movement in the title: Dead Witch Walking, Crawling with Zombies, Time Traveler’s Wife
5. A book with evil in the title: Bad Marie, Fallen, Wicked Lovely
6. A book with a life stage in the title: No Country for Old Men, Brideshead Revisited, Bog Child

The book titles are just suggestions, you can read whatever book you want to fit the category.

Other Things to Know
* Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
* Books may overlap other challenges.
* Books may not overlap categories; you need a different book for each category.
* Creativity for matching the categories is not only allowed but encouraged.
* You do not have to make a list of books before hand.
* You do not have to read through the categories in any particular order.

On January 1, I’ll publish 7 posts, each with a Mr. Linky (one for each category and one for your wrap-up post), on this blog so you’ll have a place post links to your reviews (bloggers) or leave comments (non-bloggers) as you finish up each category.

To join in, sign up with Mr. Linky below. If you aren’t a blogger, just add a comment. If Mr. Linky ever disappears, either try again later or click on “Email Me” in the side bar and send me your information, and I’ll add the link myself.

EDIT: To use Mr. Linky: put your name or your blog’s name in the top box and the URL (web address) of your blog in the bottom box. If you don’t have a blog, just mention your intent to join the challenge in the comments.

EDIT: It’s never too late to join!

I hope you like the categories! Have fun and good luck.

This challenge just looked fun and I couldn’t pass it up since it was only six books! :-D

Entry: The TwentyEleven Challenge

 Posted by on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 01:06 am  Reading Challenges
Jan 112011
 
The TwentyEleven Challenge
The TwentyEleven Challenge

The TwentyEleven Challenge

From the challenge site:

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! (aka Bad Bloggers*)
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).
* Bad Bloggers: Is hosted by Chris of Stuff as Dreams are Made on.
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.)
You know that quote I have in my blog-header… “Where is human nature so weak as in a bookstore?” Recognise yourself in it? Then this is the one for you! Bought a book NEW during 2011? Then it counts for this category. Second-hand books do not count for this one, but, for those on book-buying bans, books bought for you as gifts or won in a giveaway also count.
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!)
Because not everyone reads a series in order, this is for the last book you need to read, not necessarily the last book in the series…
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!

I loved it last year and I can’t wait to do it again this year! :-D

Entry: The Dystopia Challenge

 Posted by on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 12:57 am  Reading Challenges
Jan 112011
 
The Dystopia Challenge 2011
The Dystopia Challenge 2011

The Dystopia Challenge 2011

From the challenge site:

I was planning to do a Dystopia challenge and couldn’t find any that I actually liked online because it’s rare I come across someone else who likes or loves Dystopia such as I do, I wanted to join in on a challenge. So instead I’ve created my own!

The Dystopia Challenge starts one minute past midnight, 1st of January 2011 and end the 31st of December 2011 (if you find this challenge later you can still join in though as long as you finish before the end date) so make sure you decide on your books, what level of challenge, and let me know before then!

I have a list of Dystopian novels on my other blog to kick start or for ideas.

If you’d like to choose a reading challenge instead to what is set out below then don’t forget to check out some of the other challenges I’m hosting, otherwise read on.

How To Participate
1. Decide which challenge level you’ll be doing (further below) – post-apocalyptic is also allowed seeing as they cross over sometimes..
2. Grab the code for the badge down below and post it on a side bar or in a signature (if you want to participate, but aren’t blogging, don’t have a social network profile or aren’t on a forum – Submission For Non Bloggers).
3. Create your own post to let all your readers know you’re taking part in the challenge and at what level (if you’re really proficient you can list your books!). Make sure to link back to this page with either one of the buttons or a text link..
4. Use the link form below to enter into the challenge by sharing your challenge post url and your name (either your name, blog name, or both).Please don’t use the comment form to participate, only to comment on the challenge or something else..
5. Submit your reviews (if you choose to review them, but that is optional) on the review page.
6. When you’ve completed you’re challenge let us know on the completion post. If you’re using a tag or category I recommend sharing the link back to that so everyone can find them

Challenge Levels
1. Asocial– Choose 5 books to read
2. Contagion – Choose 15 books to read
3. Soldier – Choose 30 books to read
4. Drone – Choose 50 books to read
5. Conditioned – Choose 75 books to read

For extra hard challenges
1. Brainwashed – Choose 76-125 books to read
2. Totalitarian – Choose 126-200 books to read

I’m not sure how many book I have that fit the Dystopian genre, so I chose the “contagion” level. I’m fairly positive that I have enough. :-)

Entry: Take a Chance Challenge

 Posted by on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 12:45 am  Reading Challenges
Jan 112011
 
Take a Chance Challenge 2011
Take a Chance Challenge 2011

Take a Chance Challenge 2011

From the challenge site:

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.
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.
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.

Honestly, I just liked the randomness of this challenge. :-)

Entry: One, Two, Theme

 Posted by on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 12:26 am  Reading Challenges
Jan 112011
 
One, Two, Theme
One, Two, Theme

One, Two, Theme

From the challenge site:

Hi and welcome to the One Two Theme challenge, we hope you decide to join us!

The idea of the challenge is to read about specific topics that interest you, in various degrees of detail. For theme 1 you’ll read one book, for theme 2 you’ll read two books, for theme 3 you’ll read three books and so on. The only rules are these:

The Challenge will run throughout 2011, but feel free to already sign up.

1. You should have a minimum of 3 themes/3 levels, so a minimum of 6 books. You decide how many levels above that you want to go. Feel free to have more than one topic per level.

2. For themes that require more than one book (so all except the first one) you need to read at least one each of fiction and non-fiction.

You can combine this challenge with any others you’re participating in.

Theme #1: The Smithsonian

  • “The Lost World of James Smithson: Science, Revolution, and the Birth of the Smithsonian” by Heather Ewing (non-fiction)

Theme #1: Discovery

  • “1421: The Year China Discovered America” by Gavin Menzies (non-fiction)
  • “Triplet” by Timothy Zahn (fiction)

Theme #1: Mythology

  • “Classical Myth: Third Edition” by Barry B. Powell (non-fiction)
  • “Norse Myths and Classical Myths” by M. Dorothy Belgrave, Hilda Hart, Nathaniel Hawthorne (non-fiction)
  • “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan (fiction)