2010 Reading Challenges!

I was really thinking I wasn't going to participate in any reading challenges in 2011 since I was so bad at keeping up with challenges in 2010. But then I remember how much fun I actually had with my 2010 challenges :)

I'm going with estimates here since I was a real slacker BUT 2011 will be better - I swear ;)

2010 Debut Author Challenge
Hosted by: The Story Siren
Goal: as many as possible :)
END TOTAL:  33 Books!





Books Read:
1. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
2. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
3. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
4. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
5. The Line by Teri Hall
6. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
7. The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams by Rhonda Hayter
8. Island Sting by Bonnie J. Doerr
9. Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecourt White
10. Freaksville by Kitty Keswick
11. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
12. The Owl Keeper by Christine Brodien-Jones
13. Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu
14. Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
15. The Krybosian Stairpath by S.R.R. Colvin
16. Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia
17. The Reinvention of Edison Thomas by Jacqueline Houtman
18. The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride
19. Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey
20. Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien
21. Other by Karen Kincy
22. The Death (and Further Adventures) of Silas Winterbottom: The Body Thief by Stephen M. Giles
23. Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin
24. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
25. Hush by Eishes Chayill
26. Fledgling: Jason Steed by mark A. Cooper
27. The Absolute Vaule of -1 by Steve Brezenoff
28. 13 to Life by Shannon Delany
29. The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos
30. Awakened by Ednah Walters
31. The Mark by Jen Nadol
32. Past Midnight by Mara Purnhagen
33. Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler

Support Your Local Library Challenge
Hosted by: Home Girl's Book Blog
Goal: To check out 75 books from my local libraries
END TOTAL: about 35 books :(

Graphic Novels Reading Challenge
Hosted by: Graphic Novels Challenge
Goal: 10+ novels
END TOTAL:  14 BOOKS!




Books Read:
01. Stitches by David Small
02. Prince of Persia: The Graphic Novel by Jordan Mechner
03. Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer
04. The Merchant of Venice: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds
05. Serenity Vol 1: Those Left Behind by Joss Whedon and others
06. Serenity Vol 2: Better Days by Joss Whedon and others
07. The Drained Brains Caper by Trina Robbins
08. Return to Labyrinth Vol 1 by Jake T. Forbes
09. Return to Labyrinth Vol 2 by Jake T. Forbes
10. Return to Labyrinth Vol 3 by Jake T. Forbes
11. Return to Labyrinth Vol 4 by Jake T. Forbes
12. The Adventures of OOk and Gluk by Dave Pilkey and George Beard
13. The Good Neighbors by Holly Black
14. Twilight The Graphic Novel Vol 1 by Stephenie Meyer

Challenge Round Up!

Here is were I will update my 2011 reading challenges throughout the year

Last updated: 6.1.11

Debut Authors Reading Challenge
Hosted by The Story Siren
Goal: 40 books
Progress: 18/40
Books Read:
01. Human .4 by Mike A. Lancaster
02. XVI by Julia Karr
03. The Water Wars by Camerson Stracher
04. Clarity by Kim Harrington
05. Across the Universe by Beth Revis
06. The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner
07. Those That Wake by Jesse Karp
08. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
09. OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy
10. Divergent by Veronica Roth
11. Wildefire by Karsten Knight
12. Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
13. Bumped by Megan McCafferty
13. Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
14. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
15. Griffin Rising by Darby Karchut
16. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
17. The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch
18. Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars by Nick James
19. Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe
20. Fury by Elizabeth Miles
21. Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
22. Flyaway by Helen Landalf
23. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
24. Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel
25. Enclave by Ann Aguirre

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Audio Book Challenge
Hosted by Teresa's Reading Corner
Goal: 20 books
Progress: 7/20
Books Listened to:
01. Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
02. The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillio
03. The Ask the The Answer by Patrick Ness
04. The Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
05. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
06. The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
07. The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan
08. The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

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100 Books In A Year
Hosted by Book Chick City
Goal: 200 books
Progress: 85/200
Books Read

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Mystery + Suspense Challenge
Hosted by Book Chick City
Goal: 20 books
Progress: 0/20
Books Read:

Mystery + Suspense Challenge 2011

Mystery + Suspense Challenge 2011 is hosted by Book Chick City

Reasons for participating?
Really only one big one - I love adult mystery and suspense novels and I have sorely neglected them in 2010.
I already have a ton on my shelves that need reading but check out this list of possibilities from Book Chick City!

Head over to Book Chick City for all the details and to join yourself - just click the button above.

100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011

100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011 is being hosted by Book Chick City

I have 3 reasons for joining this one -
*I read over 100 books in 2010 but I wasn't very good in keeping up with exactly how many I had read at any given time - hoping this challenge will force me into noticing my benchmarks.
*I love Book Chick City
*I love the challenge button! Isn't it so cute!?

For all the details and to sign up for yourself click the button.

So, how many books do you think you can read in 2011?

2011 Audio Book Challenge

In 2010 I found myself listening to more audio books then in previous years combined. I plan on keeping up this trend in 2011 and what better way to motivate myself then an official challenge? :)

This year the 2011 Audio Book Challenge is being hosted by Teresa of Teresa's Reading Corner. Click the cute picture above to sign up for yourself!

There are 4 levels:

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

I'm going for Obsessed! What about you? Do you like audio books?

2011 Debut Authors Reading Challenge

2011 Debut Authors Reading Challenge hosted by The Story Siren

I absolutely love debut authors and what better way to show this love then by challenging myself to read as many YA and MG debut books as possible! 

If you would like to participate please see Kristi's post here

There are so many great books coming out in 2011. I know I'll get to at least 12 of them (minimum number to complete the challenge) but it's so hard to pick just 12 right now! 

I'll be using my Massive List of 2011 Debut Authors as my own personally guideline but be sure to check Kristi's guidelines for the challenge.

To start though here are some books I know I want to read!

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

Illegal by Bettina Restrepo

Memento Nora by Angie Smibert

Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris

Anna, Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Razorland by Ann Aguirre

The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisner

I really could go on and on! 

What 2011 Debut Book are you most looking forward to? Will you be participating in this year's challenge?

Clear Away The Clutter Read-A-Thon

One of the Challenges I'm um...challenging myself to this year is The Neverending Shelf's, Clear Away the Clutter Challenge.

As part of this challenge, this week - running from Monday April 5th to Sunday April 11th Kate is hosting a Clear Away the Clutter Read-A-Thon. Awesome I say!

Even if you aren't participating in the Challenge - this read-a-thon could be your chance togain some much needed space on those overflowing bookcases by tackling that massive TBR pile and get some serious reading done!

This is an all week event - complete with activities hosted by other bloggers, some wonderful posts by Kate and a chance to win some awesome prizes! Be sure to check The Neverending Shelf tomorrow (Monday) for a launch post with all the details.

Your very own WilowRaven (that's me :) will be hosting an event that I will post about on Tuesday - so stay tuned! I'm supper excited about it!

Please click the pics above for information about the Clutter Challenge as well as the Read-A-Thon.

Personally, I'm looking forward to a spectacular week! I might have to invent that time machine I've been thinking about to find a way to squeeze in the full time job, full time family and massive amounts of reading but hey, there isn't much I wouldn't do for a good book (or dozen!)

Hope to see you participating!

Happy Reading folks!

Clear Away The Clutter Challenge

Clear Away The Clutter Challenge is being hosted by the wonderful Kate at The Neverending Shelf

Click on the pic for more information and to join!

What a great idea!

Guidelines:

• The mini challenge begins March 1st and ends May 31st. You can join at anytime once the challenge as begun.

• Anyone is welcome to participate in the mini challenge.

• By the end of the challenge, you MUST get rid of all the titles that you do not absolutely love. You can hold a contest, donate, give to a friend, etc. Your ultimate goal here is to clean off your shelves.

• You do not have to have a blog to participate. If you are interested, please email Kate at neverendingshelf@gmail.com for more information.

• Please create a post for titles you plan to read. You can of course update and modify this list at any time.

• Once a novel is completed, let us know what you plan to do with it. You can put this information beside the title in your challenge list post. Right now, Kate is planning to host a large contest for all the novels that she reads and does not absolutely love at the end of the challenge.

• Crossover with other Challenges is welcome.  

Levels:
    * Packrat: Read and clean out 5 titles
    * Mini-packrat: Read and clean out 10 titles
    * Organizer: Read and clean out 15 titles
    * Cleaner: Read and clean out 20 titles

I'm going for the Mini-Packrat! (don't know if I can do it but I'm going to try!)

Like Kate, I think I'll have a massive contest for any books I decide not to keep - so stay tuned!

In no particular order:
*Gone by Michael Grant
*Thirteenth Child by Patricia Wrede
*Fade to Blue to Sean Beaudoin
*Demon Chick by Marilyn Kaye (read - will giveaway in a contest)
*Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin (read - need to keep this one!)
*The Devouring by Simon Holt (read - will giveaway in a contest)
*The Declaration by Gemma Malley
*Merdian by Amber Kizer (read - will giveaway in a contest)
*Switch by Carol Snow (read - will giveaway in contest and donate to my library since I somehow wound up with 2 copies)
*East by Edith Pattou

Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge 2010

I absolutely love my local library and this challenge is awesome!
Thanks to J. Kaye for starting this one.
Click on the pic to join us :)

Rules:

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

--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.

2. There are four levels:

--The Mini – Check out and read 25 library books.

--Just My Size – Check out and read 50 library books.

--Stepping It Up – Check out and read 75 library books.

--Super Size Me – Check out and read 100 library books.

(Aim high. As long as you read 25 by the end of 2010, you are a winner.)

3. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Young Reader – any book as long as it is checked out from the library count. Checked out like with a library card, not purchased at a library sale.

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 thru December, 2010.

****You do NOT need to review your books. That is optional.****

I'm aiming for the Stepping it Up level and I'll post my books here throughout the year.
Really glad audio books count as my library has an awesome online audio book collection!

Graphic Novels Reading Challenge 2010

Another challenge for 2010!

There are a bunch of Graphic Novels I have been meaning to read and this is a great way to help me stay organized :)

Here are the rules:

• The challenge starts on January 1st 2010 and ends on December 31st 2010
  
• You don't have to make a list beforehand (but you can, of course! Lists are great because they give ideas to people who aren't sure what to read. And if you do make one, don't feel forced to stick to it!)
• We simplified the levels of participation: you can be a Beginner (3 Comics or Graphic Novels), Intermediate (3-10) or an Expert (10+). You're more than free to adjust your level of participation after the challenge has begun.
• There will be mini-challenges! Look for a post with more info on that soon.
• Overlaps with other challenges are totally fine.

I'm aiming for Expert and I'll update this post throughout the year.
Check out this post for updates on what I have read!

2010 Challenges - A work in progress

2010 Debut Author Challenge
Hosted by: The Story Siren
Goal: as many as possible :)
Books Read:
1. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young

2. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

3. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey

4. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

5. The Line by Teri Hall

6. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
7. The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams by Rhonda Hayter
8. Island Sting by Bonnie J. Doerr

9. Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecourt White
10. Freaksville by Kitty Keswick
11. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
12. The Owl Keeper by Christine Brodien-Jones
13. Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu
14. Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
15. The Krybosian Stairpath by S.R.R. Colvin
16. Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia
17. The Reinvention of Edison Thomas by Jacqueline Houtman
18. The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride
19. Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey
20. Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien
21. Other by Karen Kincy
22. The Death (and Further Adventures) of Silas Winterbottom: The Body Thief by Stephen M. Giles

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Support Your Local Library Challenge
Hosted by: Home Girl's Book Blog
Goal: To check out 75 books from my local libraries
How I'm doing: so far -- 26 / 75

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Graphic Novels Reading Challenge
Hosted by: Graphic Novels Challenge
Goal: 10+ novels
Books Read:
01. Stitches by David Small

02. Prince of Persia: The Graphic Novel by Jordan Mechner

03. Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer

04. The Merchant of Venice: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

05. Serenity Vol 1: Those Left Behind by Joss Whedon and others
06. Serenity Vol 2: Better Days by Joss Whedon and others
07. The Drained Brains Caper by Trina Robbins
08. Return to Labyrinth Vol 1 by Jake T. Forbes
09. Return to Labyrinth Vol 2 by Jake T. Forbes
10. Return to Labyrinth Vol 3 by Jake T. Forbes
11. Return to Labyrinth Vol 4 by Jake T. Forbes

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Clear Away The Clutter Challenge - DONE!
Hosted by: The Neverending Shelf
Goal: by May 31st, read 10 books that have been on my TBR pile for a while (read 5!)
Books Read:

*Demon Chick by Marilyn Kaye

*Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

*The Devouring by Simon Holt

*Merdian by Amber Kizer

*Switch by Carol Snow

2010 Debut Author Challenge!

This wonderful Challenge is being hosted by The Story Siren
Information
Join us!

The objective of this challenge is to read a set number of Young Adult (YA) and Middle Grade (MG) books from debut authors published in 2010.
There are some rules and regulations that you can read all about in Kristi's information post (linked to above).

I'll update this post as I add, subtract, read and review my challenge books. Not sure how many I should start (or end!) with so to I'm listing as many books as I have info on and that appeal to me. This post will grow and flow over the next year and there will be a link to it on my sidebar - check back for updates as the year goes on!

Sites to help in the search of books:
2010 Book Odyssey / The Tenners 
Debut Author Info Post
AuthorsNow!
Class of 2K10

What books to I want to read? Um...all of them I think :) 

Check out this post for possibilities!

What Books Have I Read?

Check them out here!

Newberry Medal Winners Reading Challenge

The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association for the most distinguished American childcare's book published the previous year.
I ask - "How cool would it be to read ALL Newbery Winners?"
"Awesome" I say :)

I got this idea from Bri, over at Bri Meets Books.

I happen to love Newbery books and have been trying to read as many as possible.
My plans are to list, on this post, Newbery books as I read them. There is also a button/link on my sidebar linking back to this post because I plan to update my reading here. I also want to post some reviews of the books as I get them read. I'm not setting an end date for myself but I hope to be finished in the next year or so :0 There are ALOT of books. AND when I'm done with the winners - I'm going to move on to those that were given Honors (there are TONS of those!)

What do you guys think? Sounds like fun doesn't it? :)

Here is a link to the full list from the ALA: Medal Winners 1922-Present

Here is my list of books read so far - any links are for review posts

2009: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
2001: A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
2000: Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
1999: Holes by Louis Sachar
1997: The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
1994: The Giver by Lois Lowry
1986: Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patrica MacLachlan
1972: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
1968: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
1961: The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
1944: Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes