I just can't pass this one up... The Classics Challenge 2008 is now open for sign ups and will begin on July 1 and will last through December 31, 2008. There are a few options to choose from, and the goal I've selected is to simply read five classics. Audiobooks are okay, and cross-posting is allowed. Here is my list:

• Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
• The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
• A Night to Remember by Walter Lord
• The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham

I am also planning on doing the "bonus round" where we will read a book that we consider to be a new classic. I'll be reading Atonement by Ian McEwan for the sixth bonus book.

Labels: Challenges, Classics, Lists

Because I've decided that I *heart* reading challenges, I'm going to sign up for yet another one: the easy and fun Chick Lit Challenge, hosted by Debi. I've got several chick lit books on my TBR shelves, and this will be perfect for some summertime reads. The challenge goes from June 1 - September 1. The goal is to read at least 3 chick lit books. So here's my list:


1. Angels by Marian Keyes
2. He Loves Lucy by Susan Donovan
3. P.S. I Love You by Cecilia Ahern

Labels: Challenges, Chick Lit

The goal of this challenge is to read 10 books in 10 months from the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die list. For you non-math people, 10 out of 1001 is approximately 1%, hence the title. The challenge will run from May 1, 2008 through February 28, 2009. Here's the link to the challenge page.

Thank you to 3M who is hosting this great challenge. I'm going to be so proud when I'm officially 1% Well-Read! Here's my list:

1. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
2. Atonement by Ian McEwan
3. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
4. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
5. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
6. Waterland by Graham Swift
7. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
8. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
9. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
10. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

And you know what's ultra-cool? I already own all of these! Nifty.

Labels: Challenges, Lists

Although my blog is still rather new, I'm to go ahead and commit myself to a reading challenge. Renay is so graciously and impressively hosting 342,745 Ways to Herd Cats. It's official start is tomorrow, and I'm terribly anal about things like this, so I absolutely had to get my lists ready tonight!

First, we're supposed to make a recommendation list of 10 of our favoritest books. Here's mine, in alphabetical order:

• Apathy and Other Small Victories by Paul Neilan
  If you have ever worked in a cubicle, and if you like quirky, dark humor, then this book should be on the top of your must-read list. It is the funniest book I have ever read, and it's on my keeper shelf.
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
  This book was popular a few years ago. I read it in 2005 and found it a fascinating, yet fictional, account of a young boy with autism.
• The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede
  In case you're feeling a little disappointed by mankind and its tendency to be mean, thoughtless, and even downright evil, find yourself a copy of this book and read it to restore your faith in goodness.
• Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray
  Light in spirit (and calories!), this novel is a quick, fun read with some truly delightful characters.
• Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman
  What?! You're an avid reader and you haven't read this yet? Shame...
• How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
  It hasn't sold, like, a billion copies for nothing. At the risk of sounding like a commercial, this stuff really works!
• Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
  A beautiful and colorful selection of short stories, written in a way that makes your senses feel as if they're part of the narrative
• Marrying Mozart by Stephanie Cowell
  If you're interested at all in the lives of composers, this is one you shouldn't miss.
• Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy & Anguish by Mark Levin
  Get some tissues (or maybe even a towel), read this book, and then go hug your pet.
• The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
  One of the best historical novels I've ever read. Great characters, strong storyline.

And now we're supposed to pick at least 3 books from other people's lists, to be read between May 1st and November 30th. I'm going to be adventurous and choose 5:

• Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster [recommended by Katherine]
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak [recommended by 3M] (finished 5/29/08)
• Atonement by Ian McEwan [recommended by Melody]
• March by Geraldine Brooks [recommended by Dewey]
• To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis [recommended by Melissa]

Check out the awesome master list and, if you're like me, add about a dozen books to your wish list! Oh, and don't dare forget to join the challenge.

Labels: Challenges, Lists