2013 Challenges

Another year, another bout of challenges... and I loooove challenges. This year I've chosen a bunch of new-to-me challenges, and I am super excited about them all.

Mini Challenges and Dares!

1 January to 1 April

The TBR Double Dog Dare at Ready When You Are, CB (sign up here)

This challenge is super brilliant, and may just be my favourite of the year. It's not a challenge, it's a dare: to read books only from our TBR piles until the beginning of April. Seeing as how I really, really need to deal with my mounting TBR pile, this dare is exactly what I need!

1. Last Chance by Sarah Dessen
2. Heist Society by Ally Carter 
3. Sweetly by Jackson Pearce 

Year-long Challenges

New Authors Challenge at Literary Escapism (sign up page)

The aim of this challenge is to read books by new-to-us authors. I've taken part in Literary Escapism's mini-challenges for this New Authors Challenge before, and found loads of great books from it. This year, I'm going all the way and will read 15 books - hopefully most from my TBR pile.

1. Sarah Dessen (Last Chance) 
2. Ally Carter (Heist Society) 
3. Saci Lloyd (Quantum Drop) 
4. Jackson Pearce (Sweetly)

The Feminist Reads Challenge at The Hiding Spot (sign up page)

This challenge encourages you to read books that can be considered "feminist" reads. How we define feminism is up to us, but Sara at The Hiding Spot gives us this great quote for inspiration:

"I myself have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat."- Rebecca West

I'm going for just 5 books, but I honestly think most of the books I read are feminist books so I will get more than that done.

1. Heist Society by Ally Carter - Girl decides to save her father by pulling off the greatest art heist ever. Can't get any more equal-opportunities than that!

Book to Movie Challenge at Doing Dewey (sign up here)

This is a double challenge: to review books and their movies. Since I've got quite a few I'd like to read before their films come out, this is the perfect challenge for me! I'm going for 3 books, "Movie Fan" level, and plan to tackle:

1. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
2. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
3. The Two Towers by JRR Tolkien - I'm half way through this and keep meaning to finish it. I plan to pair it up with a rewatch of the movie!

YA Contemporary Challenge at Katie's Book Blog (sign up here)

I've got quite a few YA Contemporary novels on my shelves that I've been meaning to get to. I'm going to be shooting for 5 books.

Not Just For Stormtroopers: The 2012 Science Fiction Challenge

I love science fiction in any and every form. I am one of those people who used to schedule their lives around Star Trek's airtime. I grew up on the Animorphs series and own all 55 books plus the extras. Give me aliens and give me glory.

That said, I don't actually read that much sci-fi! And ya know what? That kinda sucks. So I've signed up for the 2012 Sci-Fi Challenge over at Curiosity Killed the Bookworm. The challenge only requires you to read one sci-fi novel a month, but I am going to try to read 20 Science Fiction novels this year.

Oh, I should also mention that the challenge includes an optional monthly book club. I'll be taking part in these whenever I can!

So here's what I've read so far (I will keep track as I go along):

1. Doubleblind by Ann Aguirre
2. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
3. Killbox by Ann Aguirre
4. Aftermath by Ann Aguirre
5. Breathe by Sarah Crossan

The End is Year (The 2011 Challenge Wrap-up Post)

Another year, another bunch of not-so-completed challenges! 2011 will officially go down as the year that I didn't quite make it.

For starters, I only managed to read 63 books. That's eight less than last year! That just seems wrong... I feel like I should have either improved my "count" or at least stayed the same. While, yes, I know it is not about the numbers, I still feel like I missed out on a whole bunch of books this year because I just didn't have the time. This year? I will have to find the time.

In terms of challenges, I signed up to only four last year... and successfully completed one. For the second year running, I signed up for the Debut YA Author Challenge. I managed to read 9/12 debut novels - not bad! Unfortunately, quite a few of the debut books I read were duds. Not bad, per say, but not great. But, of course, some were fantastic - like Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor and Enclave by Ann Aguirre.

Then there was the A-Z Challenge, which I can't say I really participated in. Even though I updated the list with the books I'd read, I didn't go out of my way to read books that started with letters I hadn't read. I thought that the challenge might get me to read books I wouldn't have otherwise... but it didn't.

I also signed up for the Off the Shelf Challenge, in which I had to read 50 books I already owned. I didn't do too badly, reading 31 novels that had been on my shelves the year before. In fact, now that I think of that, I'm rather proud of my 31 books!

One challenge I did complete this year was the TBR Newbies Mini-Challenge. I have always enjoyed the New Author Mini Challenges held by Literary Escapism, and this one was no exception! The challenge got me to read books by Naomi Novik, Suzanne Collins and Alan Brennert - all of whom made my Top Ten list of the year. I think I might actually sign up for the New Authors challenge this year, seeing how well I've been doing with the mini-challenges...

And that's all for 2011. I'll be summing up my reading resolutions for 2012 sometime tomorrow... they should look something like this:

1. Read books.
2. Read good books.
3. Read excellent books.
4. DNF bad books.

New Author Mini-Challenge: TBR Newbies

I absolutely adore Jackie's mini-challenges over at Literary Escapism. Last year I completed, not one, but two of them. They actually make me read new authors, as opposed to just planning on reading new authors. The latest and greatest one that Jackie is hosting is the TBR Newbies challenge, focusing on reading those novels you bought, with the intention of trying a new author, but haven’t had the chance to yet.

I have a ton of books like that - in fact, I think I have such a large TBR stack because I never finish a book so end up buying debut novels or first in a series because I'm afraid to buy book 2 in a series I won't like!

This challenge is a wee-bit different to the usual mini-challenges. Instead of going over a single month, the challenge begins April 15th and ends May 31st. Not just that, the aim is to read six new authors and review them all!

Now, I have exams coming up in mid-June which will obviously have to come first. But I am really hoping that I can complete this challenge in my (limited) spare time.

Here's my planned TBR pile:

• Wicked Game by Jeri Smith Ready
• Moloka'i by Alan Brennert - Read and Reviewed!
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Read and Reviewed!
• Beauty by Robin McKinley - Read and Reviewed!
• Siren by Tricia Rayburn (2011 Debut Author)
• Across the Universe by Beth Revis (2011 Debut Author) - DNF

Unexpected additions:

• Temeraire by Naomi Novik - Read and Reviewed! (this one just made the cut, as I bought it the 12th!)
• Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch - Read and Reviewed!
• The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M. Liu - Read and Reviewed!

*stares at pile*  If you haven't signed up for one of these min-challenges before... well, I'd highly recommend them!  It's really great motivation to actually get some reading done!

01/06/2011 - Challenge complete!  I am rather stunned that I managed to get six new authors read for this challenge - especially considering how busy this past month has been.  My favourites of the lot: Temeraire by Naomi Novik and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

A-Z Reading Challenge

So, this is probably going to be my last 2011 challenge.  I didn't do such a great job with my challenges last year (I did rather terribly, actually), so this year I am going for a "less is more" approach.  But I wanted to join a challenge which would actually challenge me.  The Off the Shelf and 2012 Debut Author challenges both have me reading books I probably would have read anyways - but I thought that an A-Z challenge might get me to pick up books that would have stayed on the shelf.

Not to mention Book Junky is including a bunch of giveaways along with the challenge!  Always a good incentive.  The plan is to read 26 books in 2011 with titles that go through the alphabet.  You can sign up for the challenge here!

Obviously, there are quite a few gaps in this! I especially need something to fill V, X and Z - as all I have for V right now is Vanity Fair... which is a bit too much of a challenge for me!

So here's my planned A-Z list:

• A -  Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund
• B - Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin Mckinley
• C - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• D - Delirium by Lauren Oliver
• E - Enclave by Ann Aguirre
• F - Firmin: Adventures of a Metropolitan Lowlife by Sam Savage
• G - Green-Eyed Demon by Jaye Wells
• H - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• I - Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan
• J - 
• K -
• L - Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
• M - Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
• N - Night Shift by Lilith Saintcrow
• O - Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
• P - Pride by Rachel Vincent
• Q -
• R - Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
• S - Sea Change by Aimee Friedman
• T - Temeraire by Naomi Novik
• U -
• V -
• W - Wake by Lisa McMann
• X - 13 to Life by Shannon Delany (Ok, so X is 10 in roman numerals... plus 3 is 13. It counts, dammit.)
• Y -
• Z -

19/26 books read!

2011 Off the Shelf Challenge!

Ok, it has been said that I have a bit of a book-buying issue.  I buy lots and lots (although lately I have been a very good girl) and I don't read nearly enough!  So, the Off the Shelf challenge seems the perfect one for me!

This challenge is to read those books you own copies of, but have never got around to reading. I signed up for the On A Roll challenge level – which I have to read 50 books for!  Since I am hoping to read at least 75 this year, I feel like I should actually manage to meet this challenge... right?

The challenge lasts all of 2011, and you can sign up for it here!

1. Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott
2. My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent
3. Mercy by Rebecca Lim
4. Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan
5. Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill
6. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
7. Firmin: Adventures of a Metropolitan Lowlife by Sam Savage
8. Night Shift by Lilith Saintcrow
9. Sea Change by Aimee Friedman
10. Wake by Lisa McMann
11. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
12. Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
13. Beauty by Robin Mckinley
14. Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
15. The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M. Liu
16. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
17. Night Life by Caitlin Kittredge
18. Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
19. Pride by Rachel Vincent
20. The Touch of Twilight by Vicki Pettersson
21. Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
22. The Glass Demon by Helen Grant
23. Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
24. The Society of S by Susan Hubbard
25. Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine
26. Beastly by Alex Flinn
27. 13 to Life by Shannon Delany
28. The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller
29. Dark Goddess by Sarwat Chadda
30. Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris
31. Succubus Dreams by Richelle Mead

31/50 books read!

2011 Debut Author Challenge

Another year, another YA Debut Author Challenge. I didn't manage to complete the challenge last year, but really loved participating. I'm hoping that this year I will be more successful!

If you haven't heard of the Debut Author Challenge (??), it is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. The objective is to read at least 12 YA books from debut authors published in 2011. You can sign up for the challenge here, but make sure to read through the guidelines before you do!

So, let's see my (very) tentative list of my 2011 debut reads. First off, there are the books by the YA Rebels. I have been watching their channel on youtube for aaaages now and feel like I know them. So, these authors are getting top billing on my TBR list for 2011.

1. Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton - April 26th 2011 (US) - Read!
2. The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff - January 6th (UK) - Read!
3. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa - January 21st (UK)
4. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand - May 2nd 2011 (UK)
5. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini - June 3rd 2011 (UK)
6. Die for Me by Amy Plum - May 5th 2011 (UK)
7. Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton - June 9th 2011 (UK) - Read!
8. Divergent by Veronica Roth - May 3rd (UK)
9. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs - June 7th 2011 - Read!
10. Enclave by Ann Aguirre - April 12th 2011 (US) - Read and Reviewed!
11. My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent - January 6th 2011 (UK) - Read and Reviewed!
12. Siren by Tricia Rayburn - January 20th (UK) - Read and Reviewed!
13. The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney - January 20th (UK) - Read and Reviewed!
14. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor - September 29th 2011 (UK) - Read and Reviewed!
15. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab - August 2nd 2011 (US)
16. Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey - September 2011 (US)
17. A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford - February 22nd 2011 (US)
18. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White - January 6th 2011 (UK)
19. Possess by Gretchen McNeil - August 23rd 2011 (US)
20. The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton - September 27th 2011 (US)
21. Future Imperfect by K. Ryer Breese - April 26th 2011 (US)
22. The Rites and Wrongs of Janice Wills by Joanna Pearson - July 1st 2011 (US)
23. The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher - January 1st 2011 (US)
24. Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey - December 8th 2011 (US)
25. The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge - February 22nd 2011

9/12 books read!

Oh, what a challenge (The 2010 wrap-up post)

The challenges of 2010.  The suffering and guilt, the fantastic books and prizes - here's a wrap-up of the challenges I conquered, and the ones that nearly conquered me!

There was the 100+ Reading Challenge, over at (what once was) J.Kaye's Book Blog.  I managed to get 71 books read, which was a record for me but still didn't get me over the bar.  It was also the first year I participated in The Story Siren's Debut (YA) Author Challenge - for which I read and reviewed 9 out of 12 debut novels. Then there was J.Kaye's YA Reading Challenge, for which I read a grand total of 37 books.  Pretty impressive given the fact I'd set out to read only 25.

I also took part in two of Literary Escapism's New Author Mini-Challenges.  These were super fun, as they only lasted a month and I actually managed to complete them!  First there was The League of Reluctant Adults Mini-Challenge (where I discovered Jaye Wells and Richelle Mead), and then there was the Deadline Dames vs. Fangs Fur & Fey Mini-Challenge.

The award for most neglected challenge of 2010 goes to... the Finish that Series Challenge.  To be honest, I just forgot about this one once I'd signed up for it.  You didn't have to check in monthly, there were hardly any wrap-up posts, and well... I still managed to complete the Mercy Thompson series (although a new book has since been released!).

The only challenge I regret not completing was the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Readalong.  I managed to get half-way through Two Towers before I accidentally abandoned the books.  I truly do plan on finishing this series at some point in my life - just a shame I didn't manage to do it in 2010!

I also participated in two of Dewey's 24-hour Read-a-thons.  I didn't get too many books read, but they were great fun! I really look forward to the September 2011 Readathon.

Completed! New Author Mini-Challenge: Battle Royale

I have just signed up for the New Author Mini-Challenge: Deadline Dames vs. Fangs, Fur and Fey going on in coordination with the New Author Challenge over at Literary Escapism. Basically, we read/review up to 5 NEW authors in April from either one of these author blogs.

I really shouldn't be doing this - this is exam month and I have very little reading time... but I just couldn't help myself! I had such a good time with the League Mini-Challenge in February and I didn't want to miss out on the fun.

The selection of authors is a hell of a lot larger for this challenge - which makes it slightly less challenging, but equally as fun. As per my last mini-challenge, I already have a bunch of these authors on my TBR pile. This is going to be great incentive to get to them!

My Planned Reading List:

• Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk  (Deadline Dames)
• Strange Angels by Lilith St. Crow (Deadline Dames)
• The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (Fangs, Fur and  Fey)

Completed! The League of Reluctant Adults - A New Author Mini-Challenge

I've just signed up for the League Mini-Challenge for Febraury going on in coordination with the New Author Challenge (which I am not part of, but sounds brilliant) Basically, we read/review 3 to 5 League of Reluctant Adult authors in February and get entered for some great prizes.  Kinda awesome, right?

Since I have a few of these awesome authors on my TBR pile, this gives me a great incentive to actually read them!

The challenge runs Feb.1 to Feb. 28, and you can sign up for it here!

My planned reading list (these are the ones on my TBR Shelf!)

• Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells ♥
• Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland
• Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead ♥

ETA: My first completed challenge of 2010!  This one was so much fun, and I have added two new authors to my favourites list!  Literary Escapism is planning a similar challenge for April 2010, check out the details on her site.

2010 - 100+ Reading Challenge

 

I've done it again...!  This is my very last challenge for 2010 - cross my heart!  But unlike my other challenges, this one really will be a tough one to accomplish.  I have never broken the 50-book line in a year, so why am I joining a 100+ book challenge?  Partly because I am compulsive (and kinda insane) - but also because I really really need to clear out my TBR pile!  I have 150+ books waiting to be read - so even cutting down on my book buying addiction is not going to help.  I need to take action, rally the troops... so I joined a challenge?

Click here to sign up for J.Kaye's 100+ Reading Challenge - and visit the site to check out our reviews!

Read in 2010

1. The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson - 4 stars
2. The Espressologist by Kristina Springer - 4 stars
3. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr - 4 stars
4. Firespell by Chloe Neill - 4.5 stars
5. The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler - 4.5 stars
6. Fallen by Lauren Kate - 3.5 stars
7. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey - 3 stars
8. Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells - 5 stars
9. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - 5 stars
10. Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland - 2 stars
11. Untamed Heart by Ally Blue - 3 stars
12. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - 4.5 stars
13. Tempted by P.C. and Kristin Cast - 2 stars
14. Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs - 5 stars
15. Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder - 4.5 stars
16. A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary by Alain De Botton - 4 stars
17. Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward - 4 stars
18. Frostbite by Richelle Mead - 4.5 stars
19. Need by Carrie Jones - 4 stars
20. Claimed By Shadow by Karen Chance - 2.5 stars
21. Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead - 4 stars
22. Fade Out by Rachel Caine - 4 stars
23. Shiver by Maggie Steifvater - 5 stars
24. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien - 5 stars
25. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs - 4.5 stars
26. The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong - 5 stars
27. (novella) Bring the Heat by M.L. Rhodes - 4 stars
28. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore - 2 stars
29. The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells - 5 stars
30. Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow - 4 stars
31. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles - 4 stars
32. The Lunatic Cafe by Laurell K. Hamilton - 4 stars
33. Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk - 3.5 stars
34. Beating Heart by A. M. Jenkins - 3 stars
35. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan - 3.5 stars
36. Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder - 3.5 stars
37. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase - 4 stars
38. Ondine by Ebony McKenna - 4 stars
39. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead - 4.5 stars
40. The Line by Teri Hall - 2.5 stars
41. Shadow Marked by Anna J. Evans - 3 stars
42. Betrayals by Lili St. Crow - 3.5 stars
43. Graceling by Kristin Cashore - 4.5 stars
44. Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill - 4 stars
45. Seven Sorcerers by Caro King - 4.5 stars
46. Rogue by Rachel Vincent - 3 stars
47. (novella) Blood Soup by Kelly A. Harmon - 3.5 stars
48. Old Magic by Marianne Curley - 3 stars
49. Ill Wind by Rachel Caine - 4 stars
50. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner - 2 stars
51. Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles - 5 stars
52. Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr - 3 stars
53. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - 1.5 stars
54. Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan - 4 stars
55. Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine - 3.5 stars
56. Grimspace by Ann Aguirre - 5 stars
57. TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow - 3.5 stars
58. Jealousy by Lili St. Crow - 3.5 stars
59. Succubus Nights by Richelle Mead - 4 stars
60. The Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda - 3.5 stars
61. Linger by Maggie Steifvater - 5 stars
62. Captivate by Carrie Jones - 3 stars
63. Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs - 3 stars
64. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson - 3 stars
65. Stargazer by Claudia Gray - 3.5 stars
66. Dark Life by Kat Falls - 4.5 stars
67. Wanderlust by Ann Aguirre - 4.5 stars
68. Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs - 4 stars
69. Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs - 4 stars
70. A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin - 3.5 stars
71. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - 2.5 stars

2010 Finish that Series Challenge

I know I said I was going to stick to the challenges I had already signed up to - but this one just needed to be joined! Also, I am already in the middle of so many series, action really needed to be taken to move me along! So I have joined the Finish that Series challenge over at Royal Reviews.

This is an opportunity to finish all of those series that have been sitting on your book shelf looking at you. With this challenge you count series completed, not books read. The object of this challenge is to finish the series.

I am going to be conservative - and go for "Fascinated" and finish 3 series! I am not going to count trilogies (like the Study trilogy that I plan on finishing) and, since most of the series I am reading are ongoing, it is reasonable to assume that I will be "finishing" the unfinished!

Here is my list!

• Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs - COMPLETE!

1. Blood Bound - 5 stars!
2. Iron Kissed - 4.5 stars
3. Bone Crossed - 4 stars
4. Silver Borne - 4 stars

• Shifters/Werecats Series by Rachel Vincent

1. Rogue - 3 stars
2. Pride
3. Prey

• Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward

1. Lover Awakened - 4 stars
2. Lover Revealed
3. Lover Unbound
4. Lover Enshrined
5. Lover Avenged

I already own all these books - so finishing them will help clear out my TBR pile!

31/12/2010 - I only managed to complete one of these series!  Admittedly, hoping to finish the Ward series was somewhat optimistic...

TSS - 2010 Resolutions

It is the last Sunday of 2009 - and book blogs are a flutter with challenge posts and blogging resolutions.  I seem to have joined in the crowd - signing up to the Debut YA Author Challenge, the YA Challenge and the LOTR readalong.  I have previously failed miserably with reading challenges, but I hope that by limiting myself to challenges that include books I likely would have read anyhow, I might succeed this time!

Then there are the more general reading plans that have made it into posts.  I was inspired by Teresa's post on Shelf Love where she described her reading plans for 2010.  There are a lot of posts like these out there at the moment - Jenny over at Jenny loves to Read is even hosting a Reading Resolutions Challenge where you have back up to help you follow through with your resolutions.  Anyhow, it all got me thinking about my own reading patterns.

I don't want to make these "official" by joining a challenge, but here are a few of my hopes for the next year:

• Stop impulsive book buying!  I have mile long wishlists, but the often get laid by the way-side in favour of a bargain.  I find books that I really have no real desire to read, but buy them anyways because they are only 50p.  My shelves just can't take it anymore!  Just. Say. No.
• Read the books on my shelves!  I have some amazing books on my shelves that I desperately want to read... until I get distracted by something new and shiny.
• Not to let my reading slumps affect my book blog.  I occasionally get into a reading slump, where nothing I read is inspiring or entertaining.  It usually results in me not updating!
• Read The Lord of the Rings! I have conveniently joined a readalong for this particular wish.  I have never been able to make it past the first book of LOTR despite my love for the verse (and The Hobbit!).  This will be the year that I succeed!
• And, on a less literary note, give up paper cups!  I frequent a lot of coffee shops to read and snack - and I often get a to-go cup.  It is such a waste, and is so unnecessary!

As for the 2010 reading challenges - in search of challenges for myself, I stumbled on an awful lot of others that I could not commit to!  I thought I would share the list so that you could find your own!  These start Jan. 1st 2010 (except one) and there is still plenty of time to sign up!

• 100+ Reading Challenge
• 1st in a Series Challenge
• 2nd Reading Challenge
• A to Z Challenge
• Awesome Author Challenge
• Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge
• Clunkster Reading Challenge (starts Feb. 1, 2010)
• Debut Young Adult Author Challenge
• E-Book Reading Challenge
• Fantasy Reading Challenge
• Finish that Series Challenge
• Flashback Challenge
• GLBT Reading Challenge
• Global Reading Challenge
• Graphic Novels Challenge
• Historical Fiction Challenge 
• Read the Book, See the Movie Challenge
• Read Your Own Books Challenge
• Romance Reading Challenge
• Science Book Challenge
• Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge
• Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge
• Thriller and Suspense Challenge
• Twenty Ten Reading Challenge
• Typically British Reading Challenge
• World Religion Challenge
• Young Adult Reading Challenge

Author/Series Challenges:

• All About the Brontes
• "Anita Blake" Reading Challenge
• Beth Kephart Reading Challenge
• "Lord of the Rings" Readalong
• "Nancy Drew" Challenge
• Stephanie Plum Reading Challenge
• Terry Pratchett Reading Challenge

The 2010 Debut Author Challenge (YA)

Kristi over at The Story Siren is hosting an amazing challenge next year - the YA Debut Author Challenge.  It is going to be super interactive: with lots of reviews, competitions and discussions.  I was reluctant to join a challenge that would require me buying even MORE books to add to my groaning shelves, but this one just looks to fun to resist!

The objective is to read at least 12 YA books from debut authors published next year.  You can sign up for the challenge here, but make sure to read through the guidelines before you do!

Here is my read list, according to release dates!

• January 4th - Hearts at Stake aka My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey
• January 5th - Firespell by Chloe Neill 
• February 1st - Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
• February 4th - TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow
• March 4th - The Line by Teri Hall
• March 16th - The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
• April 5th - Ondine: The Summer of Shambles by Ebony McKenna (MG)
• May 1st - Dark Life by Kat Falls
• May 18th - Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson

I have also created a Debut Author tag over on LibraryThing for the books that I am definitely getting/have already bought! Since I use LibraryThing to rate my books and keep track of my reading - it is there that you will find all my ratings for the Debut Author Challenge.

As I am still considering which books I will be getting for this challenge, I have also made a Debut Author Shelf over on Goodreads for a bunch of authors that I am still considering on buying.  (These are just the ones that look great to me - there is a much bigger list already on GoodReads!)

31/12/2010 - Nine out or twelve debut novels read in 2010.  Not too bad, but I didn't meet the challenge - there's always next year!

Lord of the Rings Readalong

There are a lot of challenges starting up for 2010 - but this is the one I am most excited about!

Starting January 1, 2010, we’ll be reading one book from the series (including The Hobbit) each month with a goal of finishing all four books in April. We’ll be taking turns hosting the readalong, so you can follow our intrepid fellowship of readers around the blogosphere. Here’s where you’ll find us each month:

January: The Hobbit at A Striped Armchair

February: The Fellowship of the Ring at The Literary Omnivore

March: The Two Towers at Shelf Love

April: The Return of the King at Just Add Books

I have only read The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring - and that was years ago.  I had a lot of trouble getting into the rest of the books - despite a fierce desire to!  The films are some of my all-time favourite (I consider them "comfort films" as they never fail to cheer me up!) but the books have always seemed rather inpenetrable.  Hopefully this challenge will help me get through them!

Sign up over on Shelf Love to join in the action!

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

I have decided to join my first reading challenge in a looooong time - J. Kaye's 2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge.  I took up reading a lot more YA books this year and have every intention to read more!  For now I am going to stick to the "Just My Size YA Reading Challenge" which means reading 25 YA books next year.  Check out the link in the image to join yourself.

ETA:  Decided to up my reading plan to 25 books, as I am also taking part in the Debut YA Author Challenge. So along with those books (12), here is my preliminary list for 2010 YA Reading:

(Books in Bold have been read!)

1. Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
2. Betrayals by Lili St. Crow
3. Jealousy by Lili St. Crow
4. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
5. Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
6. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
7. Frostbitten by Richelle Mead
8. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
9. Need by Carrie Jones
10. Captivate by Carrie Jones
11. Shiver by Maggie Steifvater
12. Linger by Maggie Steifvater
13. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
14. Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles
15. Fade Out by Rachel Caine
16. Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine
17. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
18. The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
19. Tempted by P.C. and Kristin Cast
20. The Espressologist by Kristina Springer
21. Firespell by Chloe Neill - 2010 Debut Author!
22. Fallen by Lauren Kate
23. Hearts at Stake aka My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey  - 2010 Debut Author!
24. Beating Heart by A. M. Jenkins
25. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
26. Ondine by Ebony McKenna - 2010 Debut Author!
27. The Line by Teri Hall - 2010 Debut Author!
28. Old Magic by Marianne Curley
29. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
30. Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
31. TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow - 2010 Debut Author!
32. The Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
33. Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
34. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson - 2010 Debut Author!
35. Stargazer by Claudia Gray
36. Dark Life by Kat Falls - 2010 Debut Author!
37. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting - 2010 Debut Author!

31/12/2010 - Challenge complete!  I read 37 YA books this year, which even I am rather impressed by.  Some of them were beyond fantastic - others less so...