2012 A to Z Challenge

Lindsey over at Babies, Books and Signs (another great Mommy Reading Blogger that I love to read) is doing a challenge for 2012 called the A to Z Challenge

Here are the technical details from her blog:

This challenge will run from January 1st, 2012 until December 31st, 2012.
You can join anytime.
If you are blogger, leave the link to your actual post about this challenge.
If you are not a blogger, leave a link to where you will be keeping track of this challenge.


So there are two different ways you can set up your own A-Z challenge.

A - Make a list now of 26 books, picking one for each letter of the alphabet. For example: A - Atonement B- Black Beauty C - The Count of Monte Cristo D - Dances with Dragons etc.

OR

B - The lazy way (how I do it) : Make a list on your blog from A-Z. Throughout the year, as you go along, add the books you are reading to the list. Hope that by the end of the year you have read one book for each letter. Towards the end of the year, you can check and see which letters you are missing and find books to fit.

Each month, I will add another challenge to this main challenge. It might to read a book with both A and Z in the title or to read a book with 3 words that all start with the same letter. I might host a few random giveaways too for good measure.

So to join along....
1. Write a blog post about this challenge and whether you are going go with A or B.
2. Add the button to your blog.
3. Attach yourself to the linky.
4. Follow my blog so that you can see when I post the monthly challenge!

I, of course, will be going with option B.  In the long run, it seems the better way to go, since I have "Ooh shiny!" syndrome (too many books that catch my attention too quickly).  I'll start up a page with my list for the A to Z books.  Keep an eye out for a page later today (it will be at the top of the blog) that will link to my individual challenge pages.

Eclectic Reader Challenge, 2012

As readers of this blog know, I have very eclectic tastes when it comes to reading.  So this challenge seems tailor made for me.  Below are the rules, directly from the site:

The aim of The Eclectic Reader 2012 Challenge is to push you a little outside your comfort zone by reading up to 12 books during the year from 12 different genres.

JOIN IN:

• The challenge will run from January 1st to December 31st 201. Participants may join at any time up until December 1st 2012

• Create a blog post committing to your participation in this challenge.

* If you don’t have a blog you are still welcome to sign up. You can create a shelf for the challenge at Goodreads or LibraryThing or a similar site Just include your name and a link to your shelf.

• Post your name, blog name, and the direct link to your challenge post in the Linky using the link below

Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list…

• Select, read and review a book from each genre listed below during the year for a total of 12 books.

* You can choose your books as you go or create a list in advance. You may combine this challenge with others if you wish. * Where a book is identified by more than one genre eg historical romance, it may only count for either the historical fiction or romantic fiction genres – not both.

Genres

1. Literary Fiction
2. Crime/Mystery Fiction
3. Romantic Fiction
4. Historical Fiction
5. Young Adult
6. Fantasy
7. Science Fiction
8. Non Fiction
9. Horror
10. Thriller /Suspense
11. Classic
12. Your favourite genre

• Each time you read and review a book as part of this challenge, make sure you identify it by adding either a direct statement and /or the challenge image badge to the post.

• Share your review with other challenge participants by posting your name/blog name and title of the book with a direct link to your review in the Linky.

All participants that complete the challenge by December 31st 2012 will be eligible to win a book of their choice to the value of $15 from bookdepository.com (or paypal funds of  US$10) to be drawn via random.org Jan 1st 2013.



Needless to say, I'm in!

2012 New Book Challenge

Welcome to the 2012 New Book Challenge. This challenge is for those who love reading books right after they come out.

Who can join? Anyone.  If you have a blog, link to that.  If you have a Goodreads account, link to that.  Link to whatever location you'll be putting your reviews up on.

When will it run? From January 1, 2012 until December 31, 2012.  And you can sign up at any time.

How many books do I need to read? Well, it depends on which level you'd like to be.  Here are the levels:

• First Time Author - Read up to 3 new books in a year
• Follow up Success - Read up to 6 new books in a year
• Best Seller - Read up to 12 new books in a year
• Award Winner - Read over 12 new books in a year

This year, I'm aiming for Follow up Success.

What constitutes a new book? The book has to be released within the year 2012.

How will you know that I've been participating in this challenge? First, you need to add your name to the roster below.  Then, on the last day of each month (or as close to it as I can), I'll post an inlinkz to allow you to add your reviews.


Do I have to add each individual review to the link? Not unless you want to.  The other way to do it would be to have a monthly review page and have links on those pages to your reviews.  Then just link up your link page.

Can I ask you any questions that you didn't answer here? Sure!  I love questions and I'm kind of making this up as I go along.

So that's it.  Sign up below to participate!

2012 Children's Book Reading Challenge

Welcome to the 2012 Children's Book Reading Challenge.  This challenge is for those who want to enjoy more of the wonderful children's books.  It's perfect for those who read to children on a regular basis (parents, teachers, librarians) and want to get the word out about the books they've read.

Who can join? Anyone.  If you have a blog, link to that.  If you have a Goodreads account, link to that.  Link to whatever location you'll be putting your reviews up on.

When will it run? From January 1, 2012 until December 31, 2012.  And you can sign up at any time.

How many books do I need to read? Well, it depends on which level you'd like to be.  Since these are children's books which are, by nature, quick reads, the numbers may be a bit higher than you've seen in other challenges.  Here are the levels:

• Crawling - Read up to 10 children's books in a year
• Cruising - Read up to 20 children's books in a year
• Walking - Read up to 30 children's books in a year
• Running - Read over 30 children's books in a year

Since I have two little ones who love to read, I'm aiming for Running this year.

What constitutes a children's book? If you would find it in the juvenile or children's section of the library, it would count for this challenge.

How will you know that I've been participating in this challenge? First, you need to add your name to the roster below.  Then, on the last day of each month (or as close to it as I can), I'll post an inlinkz to allow you to add your reviews.

Do I have to add each individual review to the link? Not unless you want to.  The other way to do it would be to have a monthly review page and have links on those pages to your reviews.  Then just link up your link page.

Who's that cute kid in the button? That's my youngest son, Peter.  He was sitting in our local library reading one of the books he wanted to check out.  I thought it was the perfect pic to show this challenge.

Can I put what my kids/students/story time listeners thought of the book as well? Please do!  It'll be a great way to gauge how appealing it is for it's intended audience!

Can I ask you any questions that you didn't answer here? Sure!  I love questions and I'm kind of making this up as I go along.

So that's it.  Sign up below to participate!

Graphic Novel Challenge

Well, it looks like I don't need to host this one this year. Nicola from Back to Books is hosting over at Graphic Novel Challenge.  The goal is to read 12 graphic novels.  I somehow suspect I'll hit that goal early, but I'm going to enjoy doing it anyway. :)

So if you're interested in graphic novels, or want to read more of them, come on over and join the challenge.

I'll make a decision tomorrow on the other two challenges.  So keep your eyes on this space for more news.

TBR Pile Challenge from Roof Beam Reader

Because I'm glutton for punishment, I'm joining Roof Beam Reader's 2012 TBR Pile Challenge.  This is the only challenge in which I'm participating that requires you to name the books before hand.  Since I have a huge pile of books that have been purchased but not read, I've got plenty to choose from.
I think I've talked my husband into joining, which is a big deal since he never joins anything like this.  He may have his list and reviews here on Views from the Reader Side since he doesn't have a blog of his own.  So keep an eye out here for posts by Rich.  Those will be his reviews and his list.

The rules are pretty simple.  Choose 12 books that have been on your shelf for at least one year and that you have never read.  You may choose up to  2 alternate books in case some of the books end up on your slush pile.  Keep a master list of your books in a post on your blog and link your reviews to the titles on that list.  You don't have to read them in order.  But you do need to sign up here. 
I spent some time last night going through my books to figure out which 12 I'm going to read.  And here they are, including my two alternates.
Amber's Master List of 12 Books and 2 Alternates to Read in 2012

1. The Time Machine by HG Wells
2. Finis: A Book of Endings to Give People New Beginnings edited by Tomorrow the World Games
3. Maybe (Maybe Not) by Robert Fulghum
4. Magician: Apprentice by Raymond E Feist
5. Salt in your Sock: and Other Tried and True Home Remedies by Lillian Beard
6. Decalog edited by Mark Stammers
7. Lankhmar: Tales of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser by Fritz Leiber
8. Silverlock by John Myers Myers
9. The Collectors by David Baldacci
10. The Nine Tailors  by Dorothy L Sayers
11. Unicorn Variations by Roger Zelazny
12. Night by Elie Wiesel

    Alternates

1. The Eternal Champion by Michael Moorcock
2. The Dollhouse Murders by Thomas P Mauriello

The hardest part of this challenge is not starting on them until January!

Considering two challenges of my own

Seeing all these wonderful challenges that other book bloggers are starting or continuing or taking over has me thinking of three challenges that I may want to start for 2012 as well.  Honestly, at the moment the only thing stopping me is the inability to make pretty buttons to fit them.  I have very little talent when it comes to that kind of thing.  But this weekend or next, I may try my hand at one anyway.

The three challenge suggestions are these:

2012 Graphic Novel  Challenge - a challenge to read more of this far underrated medium.  There's a lot of great graphic novels out there (and some utter dreck) and it would be interesting to see what other graphic novels that people are reading for the challenge.

2012 New Book Challenge - I have a tendency to pull more older books from the shelves of my library than the new ones.  Then, years later, I end up "discovering" a book that friends have known about for years.  I want to change that.  So I'm thinking of starting up this challenge as well.

2012 Children's Book Challenge - There really are a lot of great children's books out there.  Those of us who are parents to children not yet old enough to read themselves have found a lot of them.  I think it would be a great challenge to see how many new books you can get your children to enjoy with you, as well as review.  It would be a perfect opportunity to tell your readers not just what you think of the books but what of your children do too.

The rules for all three challenges would be pretty similar to the other challenges I'm participating in, but that's something I'd write out when I do the sign up posts.

So this brings me to a few questions, oh gentle readers:

1. Do you know of any similar challenges happening in the book blogging world?  If so, point me in their direction because I'd hate to step on any toes
2. If not, would any of these challenges be of interest to you?  If so, which ones?
3. If I do it, I'll need some help with the buttons.  Can you give me a few suggestions on the best way to make them/free software to help, free graphics that will make it prettier?
4. Am I completely insane for wanting to host these challenges?

So that's it.  That's what's going through my mind.  I'm definitely interested in input from anyone who reads my blog, particularly those who are also participating in reading challenges.

What's in a Name 5 Challenge

This is one of the more interesting challenges I've come across in my search for being Challenge Mistress of 2012.  (Ok, maybe not but it's starting to feel that way with the sheer number of challenges I'm participating in. :))  I found this one through Teresa's Reading Corner who linked it up from Beth Fish Reads.  It's a 6 book challenge in which you try to read at least one book in each category.

Here's the information she lists on her blog regarding the challenge:


Here's How It Works
Between January 1 and December 31, 2012, read one book in each of the following categories:

1. A book with a topographical feature(land formation) in the title: Black Hills, Purgatory Ridge, Emily of Deep Valley
2. A book with something you'd see in the sky in the title: Moon Called, Seeing Stars, Cloud Atlas
3. A book with a creepy crawly in the title: Little Bee, Spider Bones, The Witches of Worm
4. A book with a type of house in the title: The Glass Castle, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Ape House
5. A book with something you'd carry in your pocket, purse, or backpack in the title: Sarah's Key, The Scarlet Letter, Devlin Diary
6. A book with something you'd find on a calendar in the title: Day of the Jackal, Elegy for April, Freaky Friday, Year of Magical Thinking

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. You'll be able to find these posts during the year by clicking on the button in the sidebar. (I'll create those links on January 1.)

Tip: If you're ever struggling to find a title to match a category, check out what other people have read so you can get ideas or be inspired. And remember to be creative.

This is going to be a lot of fun, so why not join me and the other participants in getting our minds working on titles that will fit the category.  You can sign up here.  Look forward to checking out your choices!

Audio Book Challenge

Audio books have been, on many occasions, my savior.  They are the only way I can take care of two things at once - working a dull, boring job and getting my reading in, cleaning my house and getting my reading in, driving 800 miles and getting my reading in.  I'm sure you notice the theme there?  So when I saw the 2012 Audio Book Challenge from Teresa's Reading Corner, I knew I had to join up.

Like the other challenges that I've joined for next year, this one runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.  There are four levels to the challenge:

• Flirting - Listen to 6 audio books
• Going Steady - Listen to 12 audio books
• Lover - Listen to 25 audio books
• Married - Listen to +++ books

I'm trying for Going Steady this year with hopes of working my way up to married.  It'll just depend on the books I'm able to get on audio.

Along with the challenge itself, she has a few other interesting things that she'll be doing in conjunction throughout the year.  She'll have monthly mini-challenges, getting to know audio book publishers and a "getting to know our participants" feature.  It looks like a great challenge to be involved in.  So come on over and join up with us.  I think it'll be a lot of fun.

Alex Awards Reading Challenge

I found this next challenge through Carrie at Stalking the Bookshelves.  It's being hosted by The Story Girl.  The idea is to read a certain number of Alex Award winners.  What are the Alex Awards?  I hadn't heard of them before either.  But The Story Girl put a nice description of them up on her challenge page.  Basically, these are books written for adults but that appeal to the YA market of ages 12 to 18.  Definitely books that are up my alley.  So I'm signing up.

Here are the rules, as posted by The Story Girl.  Look them over and then hop over here to sign up!

When does the challenge run? It runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. You have to start the book after January 1, 2012 for it to count.

What are the rules? It's pretty simple -- read Alex Awards winners! I will also count nominees. You can find lists here. There are four levels - 1-3 books, 4-6 books, 7-9 books, or 10+ books. You are not required to post reviews, but on January 1, 2012 I will put up a linky for participants to post their reviews.

Great! How do I sign up? Write an introductory post stating your desired level and link to it in the linky below. You can sign up at any time from now until the challenge ends, so feel free to join in midway through the year.


So here's my introductory post.  I'm going to try for the 4 to 6 level, but hopefully I'll fit more of them into my reading schedule.  Come along and have some fun with me in this challenge!

100+ Books in a Year Reading Challenge

This should be one of the easiest challenges for me to complete. This past year, I've gone over that half-again. So I'm looking forward to this challenge. Again it's sponsored by Book Chick City. Take a look below for the rules for the challenge.

Challenge Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012



• Rules: Read 100+ books in 2012 (any genre)



• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.



• You can join at anytime. All books read in 2012 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.



• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews.
  
  
• Audiobooks do not count, but all other formats are accepted.



• Only fiction, no non-fiction.



• This challenge can crossover to other challenges.



• You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog just FILL IN THIS FORM and I will add you to the list - just join the discussion in the comments section to let us know when you've read a book and what you thought of it! :)

And that's it.  A pretty easy challenge for those who are addicted to reading.  If you're interested in taking part along with me, come sign up at Book Chick City

Speculative Romance Reading Challenge

Challenges, challenges everywhere!  I may be a glutton for punishment, but considering how much reading I like to do, I suspect I won't have a problem with them.

Again, I have another challenge offered by Book Chick City.  This one involves speculative romance.  Below are the rules from the sign-up page.  Look them over and see if you want to join me in searching for one sexy demon.

Challenge Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012



• Rules: There are FOUR (4) LEVELS to choose from:
  - One Sexy Demon: Read 6 Speculative Romance novels in 2012
  - Two Sexy Werewolves: Read 12 Speculative Romance novels in 2012
  - Three Sexy Vampires: Read 18 Speculative Romance novels in 2012
  - Four Sexy Archangels: Read 24 Speculative Romance novels in 2012



• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.



• You can join at anytime. All books read in 2012 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.



• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews.



• Audiobooks do not count, but all other formats are accepted.



• Only fiction, no non-fiction.



• You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog just FILL IN THIS FORM and I will add you to the list - just join the discussion in the comments section to let us know when you've read a book and what you thought of it! :)
  
  
• GENRES:
  - Paranormal romance
  - Dark fantasy romance
  - Urban fantasy romance
  - Steampunk romance
  - Sci-fi romance
  - Apocalyptic romance
  
  If you can think of any other sub-genres let me know by leaving a comment and I will add to the list. I often get emailed asking if such and such a book is classed as romance - in my opinion as long as the main plot line is the romance element then you're good to go! Also remember, this is 'speculative' romance so no historical or contemporary allowed ;)

If you want to join me in this challenge, head over to Book Chick City to sign up!

Mystery and Suspense Reading Challenge

Here's my official declaration that I'll be participating in the Mystery & Suspense Reading Challenge, 2012.   Challenge Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012



• Rules: There are TWO LEVELS you can choose from:
  - Read TWELVE (12) mystery & suspense novels in 2012
  - Read TWENTY FOUR (24) mystery & suspense novels in 2012



• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.



• You can join at anytime. All books read in 2012 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.



• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews.



• Audiobooks do not count, but all other formats are accepted.



• This challenge can crossover to other challenges.



• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to add your reviews.



• You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog just FILL IN THIS FORM and I will add you to the list - just join the discussion in the comments section to let us know when you've read a book and what you thought of it! :)



• You can choose from the numerous sub-genres of mystery and suspense, from cosy mysteries such as Agatha Christie to the more hard-boiled kind like V I Warshawski by Sara Paretsky, or romantic suspense written by the likes of Linda Howard, forensic crime such as those written by Kathy Reichs and even paranormal/supernatural suspense such as Kelley Armstrong. I'm sure this challenge will have something for everyone! :)



• To help you figure out and decide, I have updated a sub-genre list - to view this list go HERE.

Since mysteries are some of my favorite books, I'm definitely up for this one!  Come join me in my quest to read 12 mystery and suspense novels in 2012!  You can sign up here.

Horror and Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge

I'm going challenge crazy for 2012.  Let's see how many of these challenges I can successfully complete.  This challenge is Book Chick City's Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge.  Take a gander at the rules and join up as well, if the mood takes you.


Challenge Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012


• There are two levels:
  - Read TWENTY FOUR (24) horror & urban fantasy novels in 2012
  - Read FORTY EIGHT (48) horror & urban fantasy novels in 2012


• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone!  The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.


• You can join the challenge at anytime. All books read in 2012 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.


• Audiobooks do not count, but all other formats are accepted.


• No non-fiction - only fiction.


• This challenge can crossover to other challenges.


• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to add your reviews.


• You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog just FILL IN THIS FORM and I will add you to the list - just join the discussion in the comments section to let us know when you've read a book and what you thought of it! :)

So come along and join!  You'll find the sign-up page here.

2012 eBook Challenge Log

(Note: I am backdating this post so it doesn't show up as a new pot when I write it.  This will be linked to from a separate page that will list my logs for all my challenges.)

Below are the books that I've read for the 2012 eBook Challenge.

My goal is to read at least 5 eBooks.

1. 
   

2012 A to Z Reading Challenge Log

(Note: I am backdating this post so it doesn't show up as a new pot when I write it. This will be linked to from a separate page that will list my logs for all my challenges.)

These are the books I'm reading for the 2012 A to Z Reading Challenge.

A.
B. 
C. 
D. 
E. 
F.
G. 
H. 
I. 
J. 
K.
L.
M.
N.
O.
P.
Q. A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands (completed 1/5/12)
R.
S.
T.
U.
V.
W.
X.
Y.
Z.

2012 Eclectic Reader Challenge Log

(Note: I am backdating this post so it doesn't show up as a new pot when I write it. This will be linked to from a separate page that will list my logs for all my challenges.)

These are the books that I'm reading for the 2012 Eclectic Reader Challenge.

1. Literary Fiction 
2. Crime/Mystery Fiction 
3. Romantic Fiction A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands (completed 1/5/12)
4. Historical Fiction 
5. Young Adult 
6. Fantasy 
7. Science Fiction 
8. Non-Fiction 
9. Horror 
10. Thriller/Suspense 
11. Classic 
12. Paranormal (Favorite Genre) 

2012 New Book Reading Challenge Log

(Note: I am backdating this post so it doesn't show up as a new pot when I write it. This will be linked to from a separate page that will list my logs for all my challenges.)

Here are the books I'm reading for the 2012 New Book Reading Challenge.

My goal is to read 12 new books.

1. 
   

2012 Children's Book Reading Challenge Log

(Note: I am backdating this post so it doesn't show up as a new pot when I write it. This will be linked to from a separate page that will list my logs for all my challenges.)

These are the books that I'm reading for the 2012 Children's Book Reading Challenge.

My goal is to read 30 books.

1. 

2012 Graphics Novel Reading Challenge Log

(Note: I am backdating this post so it doesn't show up as a new pot when I write it. This will be linked to from a separate page that will list my logs for all my challenges.)

These are the books that I'm reading for the 2012 Graphic Novels Reading Challenge.

My goal is to read 12 graphic novels.

1. Noble Causes: Extended Family #2 by Jay Faerber