Clear Off Your Shelves Challenge

Thanks to Swapna at S. Krishna's Books for hosting this challenge which runs from October 1 - November 30, 2009. If you need something to help motivate you to read more of your own books, this might be the challenge for you??

• This challenge will work a little differently than other challenges. Instead of picking a set number of books to read during this time period, you will pick a percentage. This means that a certain percentage of the books you read during these two months will have to qualify for this challenge. For example, let’s say you pick 40% and you end up reading 10 books in October and November. 4 of those books would have to qualify for this challenge in order for you to complete it. I am setting a minimum percentage of 20%.
• As a result, there is no need to make a list of books prior to starting the challenge, though please feel free to do so if you want to! Your wrap-up post should have a list of the books you read for the challenge, though, so please do keep track of what you read!
• For more information on details, please go here.

Completed Books from my Shelves:

1. A Change in Altitude; Anita Shreve - disappointing
2. The Brutal Telling; Penny - recommended
3. What the Dead Know; Lippmann - recommended
4. Tortilla Flat; Steinbeck - recommended
5. Solace; Temes -  recommended
   
6. A Duty to the Dead; Martin - recommended 
7. Gift of the Sea; Lindbergh - recommended
8. Sworn to Silence; Castillo (audio) - recommended
9. Haunted Island; Nadler - ?? - okay   
10. The Recipe Club; Israel and Garfinkle - recommended
11. The Christmas Cookie Club; Pearlman - recommended  
12. The Haunting of Hill House; Shirley Jackson - recommended 
13. Picking Bones from Ash; Mockett - recommended 
14. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane; K. Howe - recommended
15. Away; Amy Bloom - (audio) - recommended
16. Her Fearful Symmetry; A. Niffenegger - recommended 
17. The Christmas Dog; Carlson - recommended
18. Await Your Reply; Chaon - recommended
19. The Christmas List; Evans - recommended
20. Wishin and Hopin: A Christmas Story; Lamb - recommended    
    

Fall Into Reading 2009 Challenge

Completed - 12/3/09

I had a lot of fun with this challenge in 2008, so I am so happy that Katrina is kind enough to host it again. The rules are simple, and I love it, since it helps me to read books from my shelf. I'm hoping to read (15) books for this challenge. Here's some basic info about the challenge:

• Fall Into Reading 2009 is a fun, low-pressure reading challenge open to anyone and everyone.
• It will take place September 22nd-December 20th (which, not surprisingly, is the fall of 2009).
• To participate, here’s what you need to do: Create a list of some books you’d like to read or finish this fall. This is the only real requirement for participating in the challenge.
• Write a blog post that includes the list of books you want to read (and any additional goals you’ve set), and get ready to post it on your blog on September 22nd.
  Visit Callapidder Days on September 22nd to sign up for the challenge.

This is my list:

1. Still Life; Louise Penny - recommended
   
2. A Brutal Telling; Louise Penney (review) - recommended
3. What the Dead Know; Laura Lippman - recommended
4. The Haunting of Hill House; Shirley Jackson - recommended
   
5. Tortilla Flat; John Steinbeck - recommended
   
6. Baking Cakes in Kigali; Gaile Parkin (review) - recommended
7. Picking Bones From Ash; Mockett - recommended
8. Her Fearful Symmetry; Niffennegger (review) - recommended
   
9. The Broken Window; Jeffery Deaver - recommended
10. Traveling With Pomegranates; Kidd Monk and Taylor - disappointed
    
11. Away; Amy Bloom - recommended
    
12. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane; Katherine Howe (review) - recommended
    
13. Half Broke Horses; Jeanette Walls (review) - highly recommended
    
14. A Change in Altitude; Anita Shreve (review) - disappointed
15. Wishin' and Hopin: A Christmas Story; Lamb (review) - recommended
    

R.I.P. IV

Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings is hosting this fun challenge again in 2009. It was so much fun last year, I MUST join again. See Full Details HERE.

• Mystery
• Suspense
• Thriller
• Dark Fantasy
• Gothic
• Horror
• Supernatural

There are two simple goals to the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril Challenge:
1. Have fun reading
2. Share that fun with others
There are multiple levels of participation that allow you to be a part of R.I.P. IV without adding the burden of another commitment to your already busy lives.
R.I.P. IV officially runs from September 1st through October 31st. But lets go ahead and break the rules. Lets start today!!!
My List -(completed - 10/21/09)

1. A Duty to the Dead;Todd - recommended
   
2. The Neighbor; Lisa Gardner - recommended
3. The Broken Window; Jeffery Deaver - recommended
4. The Brutal Telling; Louise Penny - recommended