2010 Reading Challenges

As I was loitering around various blogs yesterday, I stumbled across a couple of reading challenges that caught my attention, so I'd like to share them. One I already signed up for, but I'm still debating whether or not I can meet the other one.

The big one is at J, Kaye's Book Blog: 100+ Reading Challenge For 2010. Here the goal is 100 books or more read in 2010, and this means you only count those you start reading from January 1, 2010 on. She has a Mr. Linky thing set up to link to all those who are  participating. At this moment, there are 236 signed up. Yeah--that's why I call this the big one. If this interests you, you can go to the link, read the details, and sign up. I'm not sure if I can manage two books a week every week. I like the idea, though, and I'm goimg to try it.

The challenge I already accepted, though, was at Writing For Christ. She considered that 100 is not a reasonable goal for many of us. Instead, this one basically invites us to set individual goals that are realistically attainable. I have put  a link in my sidebar for this one. The rules are simple:
~Only CHRISTIAN books count


~Only books started on January 1st count

~This is not a genre specific contest, read whatever genre you love!

~Every Friday on her blog, post how you are doing and she'll keep a running tally on a side bar

~Tell others on your blog about this- let's get the challenge out for others to know about! You might even win a book that you can read for this challenge!

Why even bother with committing to a challenge like these? I think most of us, if we are honest about it, need a little accountability and a little push to carry through with good intentions. Or to stretch a bit beyond the comfort zone. It also helps with organization (something I really need) and as a reminder. I have no idea how many books I read this past year; not that it really matters, but it would be interesting to know. I do know thatt there is still a huge TBR pile; well, SEVERAL piles. Then there are all those books on my wish list...

I'm going to further my challenge for myself by keeping a list here of what I read each month. There will be reviews for many of the books, but I make no promises about gettung them all in. I'll try.

Update on My SPRING READING THING 2009

A challenge has been raised at Callapillar days: The Spring Reading Thing 2009. I decided to take on this challenge, and with one month left, I'm giving an update on my progress. The Spring Reading Thing was slated for March-June 2009, and I know that there are at least 243 people signed up. If each of us just reads a small portion of what we have determined, it means a whole lot of reading is going on!

My progress in reading has been much better than my progress with the reviews on my blog, an inequity I hope to resolve this month. With a few additions from my original list, there are 20 books I planned to read and review this Spring. As of this morning, I have finished reading 16 of those and reviewed 7. In my own defense, I have had a lot of illness to contend with that messed with my computer and writing time. Four more reviews should be posted within the next week.

So here is my progress so far. By the way, I feel that I can recommend all of the books I've read so far, although not all of them will appeal to all audiences.

Have Read:
A Lever Long Enough by Amy Deardon {completed & reviewed}
Not Far From The Tree by Ruth Smith Meyer {completed}
Shadows On the River by Linda Hall {completed}
Save My Children by Emily Wierenga {completed & reviewed}
Mensa, Magic and Mayhem by Karina Fabian {completed & reviewed}
Forever Richard by Sue Dent {completed}
Eternity's Edge by Bryan Davis {completed}
Nightmare's Edge by Bryan Davis {completed}

Talking to the Dead by Bonnie Grove {completed}
The Ark, The Reed and the Firecloud by Jenny Cote {completed & reviewed}
Angel of Wrath by Bill Myers {completed}
The Light Across the River by Stephanie Reed {completed}
Mohammed's Moon by Keith Clemons {completed & reviewed}
By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson {completed}
The Blood of Lambs by Kamal Saleem {completed & reviewed}
The Calling by Joseph Israel {completed}
City of the Dead by T. L. Higley {completed & reviewed}

Still Planning to Read:

Brigid of Ireland by Cindy Thomson
Hannah Grace by Shalene McLaren
Beyond the Fifth Gate by Donna Sunblad
Blaggard's Moon by George Bryan Polivka


Check in at Callapillar Days to see the list of bloggers who are taking the challenge, then read some of their reviews. Should be a lot of good ideas in there for you and all the people you give gifts to!