2011 New Author Challenge

Hosted by: Literary Escapism
January 1 – December 31, 2011

I’ve been sticking with this challenge for a couple years now, and 2010 is the first time I over anticipated my goals and I don’t think I will complete the challenge.

That being said, I will move down to the 15 books mark for 2011 and hope for the best.

UPDATE: Changing to 30 books because I suddenly hit 15 and felt like I set my goal too low.

MY LIST:

1. Ian Fleming – Casino Royale
2. John Kralik – 365 Thank Yous
3. Neil Gaiman – The Graveyard Book
4. Stieg Larsson – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
5. Shannen Doherty – Badass
6. Ricky Martin – Me
7. Daniel Pink – Drive
8. Mark Haddon – The Curious Incident of Dog in the Nighttime
9. Richard Castle – Heat Wave
10. Portia de Rossi – Unbearable Lightness
11. Susan McBride – Cougar Club
12. Meg Mateo Ilasco – Creative Inc
13. Keith Richards – Life
14. Gary Vaynerchuk – Crush It!
15. Ben Winters – Sense & Sensibility & Sea Monsters
16. Jenny McCarthy – Love, Lust & Faking It
17. Graham Moore – The Sherlockian
18. Crockett Johnson – Adventures of Harold & the Purple Crayon
19. Robert Kirkman – Walking Dead: Days Gone Bye
20. Michael Cunningham – The Hours
21. Dashiell Hammett – The Maltese Falcon
22. Gretchen Rubin – The Happiness Project
23. Leah Dieterich – ThxThxThx: Thanks for Everything
24. Aaron Coleman – Winning With Money
25. Howard Schultz – Onward
26. Guy Kawasaki – Enchantment
27. Kathy Reichs – Deja Dead
28. Squire Rushnell – When God Winks on Love
29. Kathryn Stockett – The Help
30. Jon Gordon – The Seed

2011 Mystery & Suspense Challenge

Hosted by: Book Chick City
January 1 – December 31, 2011

I feel like I’ve particpated in this challenge before, but I can’t remember. Mysteries and thrillers are some of my ultimate favorites and most of my favorite authors write in this genre.

I’m already looking forward to starting my reading and catching up with some great new authors I’ve discovered recently.

The goal is to read 12 books (if not more). I’ll probably stick to the 12 for the time being.

MY LIST:

1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
2. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
3. Heat Wave by Richard Castle
4. Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb
5. Naked Heat by Richard Castle
6. Live to Tell by Lisa Gardner
7. Worst Case by James Patterson
8. Cross Fire by James Patterson
9. Postcard Killers by James Patterson
10. The Sherlockian by Graham Moore
11. Don’t Blink by James Patterson
12. The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen

2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge

Hosted by: Book Junkie’s Bookshelf
January 1 – December 31, 2011

I love my local library, and even more now that they opened a branch closer to my house. I loved this challenge last year and I know I will have fun again this year.

The Rules:

• 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 on Jamie’s blog.
• Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Young Reader – basically any book counts just as long as it is checked out from the library. Books MUST be checked out like with a library card, books purchased at a library DO NOT count.
• 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.
• Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

There are four levels to this challenge…Pick your poison:

1. The Mini – Check out and read 30 library books.
2. “Fun” Size – Check out and read 40 library books.
3. Jumbo Size – Check out and read 50 library books.
4. Mega Size – Check out and read 51+ library books.

I’m going with the smaller challenge, just because I really want to get through more books on my shelves than from outside, but I don’t think 30 will be  too much to handle.

MY LIST:

1. The Secret in the Old Attic by Carolyn Keene
2. The Clue in the Crumbling Wall by Carolyn Keene
3. The Mystery of the Tolling Bell by Carolyn Keene
4. Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
5. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
6. Badass by Shannen Doherty
7. Me by Ricky Martin
8. The Curious Incident of Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
9. Unbearable Lightness by Portia de Rossi
10. Clue in the Old Album by Carolyn Keene
11. From a Buick 8 by Stephen King
12. Life by Keith Richards
13. Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk
14. Postcard Killers by James Patterson
15. Love, Lust & Faking It by Jenny McCarthy
16. The Sherlockian by Jenny McCarthy
17. Don’t Blink by James Patterson
18. Pride & Prejudice & Zombies: Graphic Novel adapted by Tony Lee
19. Walking Dead: Days Gone Bye by Robert Kirkman
20. The Ghost of Blackwood Hall by Carolyn Keene
21. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
22. The Secret of the Wooden Lady by Carolyn Keene
23. The Mystery at the Ski Jump by Carolyn Keene
24. The Clue of the Velvet Mask by Carolyn Keene
25. Troublemaker 2 by Janet Evanovich
26. The Scarlet Slipper Mystery by Carolyn Keene
27. Toys by James Patterson
28. The Walking Dead: Volume 2 by Robert Kirkman
29. The Walking Dead: Volume 3 by Robert Kirkman
30. The Walking Dead: Volume 4 by Robert Kirkman

2011 100+ Reading Challenge

Hosted by: Amy at My Overstuffed Bookshelf
January 1 – December 31, 2011

I’ve participated in this challenge for many years and a still love it. I’m pushing 120 books this year and my goal will be to read at least one book more in 2011 than I did in 2010.

Rules:

• The goal is to read 100 or more books.
• Anyone can join.
• You don’t need a blog to participate. Posting on GoodReads or wherever you post your reviews is good enough.
• Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.
• What doesn’t count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible.
• 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.
• Crossovers from other reading challenges count.
• Books started before the January 1st do not count.
• You can join at anytime.

MY LIST:

1. The Clue in the Jewel Box by Carolyn Keene
2. Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
3. Rainwater by Sandra Brown
4. The Secret in the Old Attic by Carolyn Keene
5. 365 Thank Yous by John Kralik
6. The Clue in the Crumbling Wall by Carolyn Keene
7. The Mystery of the Tolling Bell by Carolyn Keene
8. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
9. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
10. Badass by Shannen Doherty
11. Me by Ricky Martin
12. Drive by Daniel Pink
13. Curious Incident of Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
14. Heat Wave by Richard Castle
15. Unbearable Lightness by Portia de Rossi
16. The Clue in the Old Album by Carolyn Keene
17. Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb
18. Naked Heat by Richard Castle
19. Cougar Club by Susan McBride
20. Creative Inc by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deabgdeelert Cho
21. Live to Tell by Lisa Gardner
22. Worst Case by James Patterson
23. From a Buick 8 by Stephen King
24. Cross Fire by James Patterson
25. Life by Keith Richards
26. Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk
27. Postcard Killers by James Patterson
28. Sense & Sensibility & Sea Monsters by Jane Austen & Ben Winters
29. Love, Lust & Faking It by Jenny McCarthy
30. The Sherlockian by Graham Moore
31. Don’t Blink by James Patterson
32. Adventures of Harold & the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
33. Pride & Prejudice & Zombies: Graphic Novel adapted by Tony Lee
34. Walking Dead: Days Gone Bye by Robert Kirkman
35. The Ghost of Blackwood Hall by Carolyn Keene
36. The Clue in the Leaning Chimney by Carolyn Keene
37. The Hours by Michael Cunningham
38. The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen
39. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
40. The Secret of the Wooden Lady by Carolyn Keene
41. The Mystery at the Ski Jump by Carolyn Keene
42. The Clue of the Velvet Mask by Carolyn Keene
43. Trouble Maker 2 by Janet Evanovich
44. Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb
45. 10th Anniversary by James Patterson
46. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
47. The Scarlet Slipper Mystery by Carolyn Keene
48. ThxThxThx by Leah Dieterich
49. Toys by James Patterson
50. Winning with Money by Aaron Coleman
51. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
52. The Clue of the Black Keys by Carolyn Keene
53. The Ringmaster’s Secret by Carolyn Keene
54. Onward by Howard Schultz
55. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
56. Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki
57. Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs
58. When God Winks on Love by Squire Rushnell
59. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
60. The Seed by Jon Gordon
61. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
62. Maximum Ride: School’s Out Forever by James Patterson
63. Four Past Midnight by Stephen King
64. The Present by Spencer Johnson
65. Midnight Club by James Patterson
66. Maximum Ride: Saving the World by James Patterson
67. Walking Dead: Volume 2 by Robert Kirkman
68. Walking Dead: Volume 3 by Robert Kirkman
69. Walking Dead: Volume 4 by Robert Kirkman
70. Walking Dead: Volume 5 by Robert Kirkman
71. Walking Dead: Volume 6 by Robert Kirkman
72. Walking Dead: Volume 7 by Robert Kirkman
73. Walking Dead: Volume 8 by Robert Kirkman
74. Walking Dead: Volume 9 by Robert Kirkman
75. Walking Dead: Volume 10 by Robert Kirkman
76. Walking Dead: Volume 11 by Robert Kirkman
77. Walking Dead: Volume 12 by Robert Kirkman
78. Walking Dead: Volume 13 by Robert Kirkman
79. All Together Now: Volume 1 by Alan Ball
80. The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
81. Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb
82. Unmarketing by Scott Stratten
83. The Sookie Stackhouse Companion by Charlaine Harris
84. Miles to Go by Richard Paul Evans
85. The Go-Giver by Bob Burg
86. Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb
87. How Full is Your Bucket by Tom Rath
88. The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews
89. Spook by Mary Roach
90. Stuff White People Like by Christian Lander
91. Walking Dead: Volume 14 by Robert Kirkman
92. Maximum Ride: The Final Warning by James Patterson
93. The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
94. The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
95. At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks
96. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
97. The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen
98. You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader by Mark Sanborn
99. Midnight in Death by J.D. Robb
100. The Zen of Social Media Marketing by Shama Hyder Kabani
101. 2001 A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
102. The Tangible Kingdom by Hugh Halter
103. Truly, Madly, Deadly by Becca Wilcott
104. Conspiracy in Death by J.D. Robb
105. Life of Pi by Jann Martel
106. Matchless by Gregory Maguire
107. Troublemaker Book 1 by Janet Evanovich
108. Twilight Graphic Novel Vol. 2 by Stephenie Meyer
109. Loyalty in Death by J.D. Robb
110. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
111. Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice

2011 A-Z Reading Challenge

Hosted by: Becky
January 1-December 31, 2011

I’ve participated in this challenge for a few years now, and even though I can’t ever seem to finish it, I still have so much fun. Maybe a goal this year would be to actually complete the challenge.

I will be doing the full challenge of reading both authors and titles committing to reading 52 books.

Authors:

A – Andrews, Andy
B – Brown, Sandra
C – Castle, Richard
D – Doherty, Shannen
E – Evanovich, Janet
F – Fleming, Ian
G – Gaimen, Neil
H – Haddon, Mark
I – Ilasco, Meg Mateo
J – Johnson, Crockett
K – Keene, Carolyn
L – Larsson, Stieg
M – Martin, Ricky
N
O
P – Pink, Daniel
Q
R – Robb, J.D.
S – Sparks, Nicholas
T
U – Guillebeau, Chris
V – Vaynerchuk, Gary
W – Winters, Ben
X
Y – Yann Martel
Z

Titles:

A – Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen
B – Badass by Shannen Doherty
C – Clue in the Jewel Box by Carolyn Keene
D – Drive by Daniel Pink
E – Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki
F – From a Buick 8 by Stephen King
G – Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
H – Heat Wave by Richard Castle
I – Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice
J
K
L – Live to Tell by Lisa Gardner
M – Mystery of the Tolling Bell by Carolyn Keene
N – Naked Heat by Richard Castle
O – Onward by Howard Schultz
P – Postcard Killers by James Patterson
Q
R – Rainwater by Sandra Brown
S – Secret in the Old Attic by Carolyn Keene
T – 10th Anniversary by James Patterson
U – Unbearable Lightness by Portia de Rossi
V – Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb
W – Worst Case by James Patterson
X
Y – You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader by Mark Sanborn
Z – Zen of Social Media Marketing by Shama Hyder Kabani