Reading challenges are initiatives that encourage a reader to stretch herself by selecting books beyond her comfort zone (whether through a subject, genre, or sheer volume), give an incentive to finally devote attention to books one always wanted to try or has long neglected, and promote networking between booklovers. A few even allow participants who have successfully achieved their commitment to enter into a prize drawing.
2011 is set to become a year in which I need to actively take measures to ensure my reading does not suffer inordinately. Therefore, while reading challenges seem a good support I am going to play it safe and sign up only for things I believe I can achieve with relative ease. Since I prefer to pick books according to mood or inspiration I also don’t wish to be tied to a pre-selected book list. The rules of all the challenges I have chosen appear flexible on this point.
Among challenges I considered but regrettably had to abstain from are the Gothic Reading Challenge, South Asian Author Challenge, British Books Challenge, Vintage Mystery Reading Challenge, and Global Reading Challenge. Although I will not participate in these, no doubt my reading tastes will lead me to some novels that would fit them.
For the five challenges I did choose I have set up a dedicated page, which can be accessed via the navigation bar. The sign-up notices contain links to the hosting blogs, and will eventually serve as a quick reference for locating those of my posts that are relevant to each challenge. Right now, I am listing titles I am considering for each challenge. These challenges are the Eastern European Reading Challenge, Foodie’s Reading Challenge, Historical Fiction Challenge, Nordic Challenge, and Romance Reading Challenge.
