I started reading book blogs at least two years before I started writing this one. All this time, I've been intrigued by the reading challenges other bloggers undertook. As interesting as these various challenges seemed, I've always stayed on the sidelines, with my only goal being to read 100 books every year. Until now.
Challenges are a good way to stay motivated and to create mini-goals throughout the year. Whether commiting to reading certain types of books or particular authors, challenges help set the pace and keep things interesting. Since I haven't met my goal of 100 books for several years, I am signing up for three challenges in an effort to improve my results this year:
The Off the Shelf Challenge
Hosted by Bookish Ardour. this challenge is the perfect opportunity to read some of the books that have been sitting on the shelf far too long. There are 7 levels of participation, from tempted (5 books) to buried (136-200 books). All books read for the challenge must be published in 2012 or before, be from my own collection, and be read during this calendar year.My challenge: 30 books--Level 3, Making a dint
Ireland Reading Challenge
Hosted by Books and Movies, this challenge will ensure that I get a healthy dose of Celtic culture this year by reading books written by Irish authors (such as the forthcoming Maeve Binchy novel), books set in Ireland (like several Nora Roberts and Carla Neggers novels already on my shelves), or about Irish people or Irish history. There are 4 levels of participation, from Shamrock (4 books) to Ceilidh (10+ books). My challenge: 6 books--Level 2, Luck o' the Irish
British Books Challenge
Hosted by Feeling Fictional, this challenge requires reading 12 books during 2013 penned by British authors, or one each month.My challenge: 12 books
That makes a total of 48 books, nearly half the number to meet my overall goal.
How about you? Are you challenging yourself to read more in 2013?
Catherine
Follow me on Twitter: @bookclubreader
Reading Challenges 2013 was originally published by Catherine for bookclublibrarian.com. This post cannot be republished without express written consent.
These all look like fun challenges! I joined a different challenge similar to Off the Shelf because I have so many I already own that I haven't read yet. I see you have Ireland and British challenges, have you seen the Scotland challenge? I have a soft spot for all things Scottish, but not enough books to join this year. Anyway, Good Luck with your goals!
ReplyDeleteChristine--I didn't know about the Scotland Challenge until you mentioned it, so thanks! This is another challenge I will join--I love Alexander McCall Smith and am behind in one of his series. (Today I also learned about the Series Catch Up Challenge, which I also plan to join.)
ReplyDeleteThings are falling nicely into place for me to catch up on my reading backlog in 2013 with these challenge incentives!
Good luck with your reading challenge(s)!
You had commented on my WOW about that series challenge, so I just couldn't resist checking out the others ones you've joined! I have quite a few bookmarked for next year because I think I've already out-done myself for 2013, but given your other choices, I thought you might like that Scotland one! I've had my eye on some of Alexander McCall Smith's books, but they haven't made it to the top of the pile yet -- too many books & too little time, so maybe next year for me :) But his books are also series, so I think you just might have a little overlap here. Happy reading!
DeleteWelcome to the British Books Challenge! I hope you enjoy taking part and find some fabulous new authors :o)
ReplyDelete