Graphic Novels Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Vasilly (from 1330v) is the newest host of the Graphic Novels Challenge. 

There are 3 levels to choose from, including:
1.  Beginner - 3 books
2.  Intermediate - 3-10 books
3.  Expert - 10+ books

I'm going for the Expert level, with a self-imposed limit of 20 graphic novels.  Wish me luck!

Titles will be stroked out as they are read or replaced as needed.
1.  Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur by Tony Lee; ill. by Sam Hart
2.  The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan; adapted by Robert Venditti; ill. by Attila Futaki and Jose Villarrubla
3.  The Mean Seasons by Bill Willingham; ill. by Mark Buckingham; Steve Leialoha, Tony Akins, and Jimmy Palmiotti
4.  Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer; adpt. by E.C. and Andrew Donkin; ill. by Giovanni Rigano and Paolo Lamanna
5.  Secrets, Monsters and Magic Mirrors: Stone Arch Fairy Tales, volume 2 ed. by Donald Lemke
6.  Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee; ill. by Sam Hart and Artur Fujita
7.  The Last Dragon by Jane Yolen; ill. by Rebecca Guay
8.  Hatter M. by Frank Beddor and Liz Cavalier; ill. by Ben Templesmith
9.  Mad With Wonder by Frank Beddor and Liz Cavalier; ill. by Sami Makkonen
10.  The Nature of Wonder by Frank Beddor and Liz Cavalier; ill. by Sami Makkonen
11.  Lost and Found by Shaun Tan
12.  Room and Boredom by Matthew Sturges and Bill Willingham; ill. by Luca Rossi w/short story ill. by Ross Campbell, Jill Thompson, Zachary Baldus, Steve Rolston, and Sean Murphy
13.  Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham; ill. by Lan Medina, Steve Leialoha and Craig Hamilton
14.  Animal Farm by Bill Willingham; ill. by Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha
15.  Storybook Love by Bill Willingham; ill. by Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, Lan Medina, Bryan Talbot, Linda Medley, and Craig Hamilton
16.  March of the Wooden Soldiers by Bill Willingham; ill. by Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, Craig Hamilton, and P. Craig Russell
17.  Homelands by Bill Willingham; ill. by Mark Buckingham, David Hahn and Steve Leialoha
18.  1001 Nights of Snowfall by Bill Willingham; ill. by Esao Andrews, John Bolton, Mark Buckingham, James Jean, Derek Kirk Kim, Tara McPherson, Jill Thompson, Charles Vess, and Michael W Kaluta 
19.  Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris
20.  Bookhunter by Jason Shiga

The Reichenbach Falls Challenge



16 June 2011 - 31 December 2011

 In honour of the new Sherlock Holmes movie due out in December (and since I've read bits and pieces, but not the entire works), I'm challenging myself with The Reichenbach Falls Challenge : to read all 60 of the published Sherlock Holmes stories (both novels and short stories) by Arthur Conan Doyle.  I'll be working from The Complete Sherlock Holmes, published in 1992 by Barnes and Noble Books - all 1,122 pages worth!  If I read any "bonus" stories (books by other authors featuring or referencing the Great Detective), they will also be counted, but not required of the challenge.

Note: w = indicates the story was also viewed, using the Granada 1980s television series (my favourite!).  In total, 41 adaptations were watched.

Though there is already a Sherlockian challenge (The Baker Street Challenge), it is limited in the number of books to be read (3, 4, 5 or 7).  If you want just a taste of Holmesian, check them out!

If you want to join me in this challenge, leave a comment - I would love the company! :)   

Titles will be stroked out as they are read.  Collections will be crossed out when all the stories contained within are read.
1.  A Study in Scarlet (1887) (13 December 2011)
2.  The Sign of Four (1890) (13 December 2011) w
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892)
3.  A Scandal in Bohemia (13 December 2011) w
4.  The Red-Headed League (13 December 2011) w
5.  A Case of Identity (16 December 2011)
6.  The Boscombe Valley Mystery (16 December 2011) w
7.  The Five Orange Pips (16 December 2011)
8.  The Man With the Twisted Lip (16 December 2011) w
9.  The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle (16 December 2011) w
10.  The Adventure of the Speckled Band (16 December 2011) w
11.  The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb (16 December 2011)
12.  The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor (16 December 2011) w
13.  The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet (16 December 2011)
14.  The Adventure of the Copper Beeches (16 December 2011) w
Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1894)
15.  Silver Blaze (17 December 2011) w
16.  The Yellow Face (17 December 2011)
17.  The Stock-Broker's Clerk (21 December 2011)
18.  The "Gloria Scott" (21 December 2011)
19.  The Musgrave Ritual (21 December 2011) w
20.  The Reigate Puzzle (21 December 2011)
21.  The Crooked Man (21 December 2011) w
22.  The Resident Patient (21 December 2011) w
23.  The Greek Interpreter (21 December 2011) w
24.  The Naval Treaty (21 December 2011) w
25.  The Final Problem (23 December 2011) w
The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1905)
26.  The Adventure of the Empty House (23 December 2011) w
27.  The Adventure of the Norwood Builder (25 December 2011) w
28.  The Adventure of the Dancing Men (25 December 2011) w
29.  The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist (25 December 2011) w
30.  The Adventure of the Priory School (25 December 2011) w
31.  The Adventure of Black Peter (25 December 2011)
32.  The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton (25 December 2011) w
33.  The Adventure of the Six Napoleons (26 December 2011) w
34.  The Adventure of the Three Students (26 December 2011)
35.  The Adventure of the Golden Pince-Nez (26 December 2011) w
36.  The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter (26 December 2011)
* I wish this story had been dramatized by Granada in the 1980s - it's one of my favourites!
37.  The Adventure of the Abbey Grange (26 December 2011) w
38.  The Adventure of the Second Stain (26 December 2011) w
39.  The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902) (30 December 2011) w
* I became bogged down reading "Hound"; it's not my favourite, despite being one of the most famous SH stories.
40.  The Valley of Fear (1915) (30 December 2011)
* I thought I had read, at one time or another, all of the SH stories, but apparently not!  How could I have missed this one?! 
His Last Bow (1917)
41.  The Adventure of Wisteria Lodge (31 December 2011) w
42.  The Adventure of the Cardboard Box (31 December 2011) w
43.  The Adventure of the Red Circle (31 December 2011) w
44.  The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans (31 December 2011) w
45.  The Adventure of the Dying Detective (31 December 2011) w
46.  The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax (31 December 2011) w
47.  The Adventure of the Devil's Foot (31 December 2011) w
48.  His Last Bow (31 December 2011)
The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes (1927)
49.  The Adventure of the Illustrious Client (31 December 2011) w
50.  The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier (31 December 2011)
51.  The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone (31 December 2011) w
52.  The Adventure of the Three Gables (31 December 2011) w
53.  The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire (31 December 2011) w
54.  The Adventure of the Three Garridebs (31 December 2011) w
55.  The Problem of Thor Bridge (31 December 2011) w
56.  The Adventure of the Creeping Man (31 December 2011) w
57.  The Adventure of the Lion's Mane (31 December 2011)
58.  The Adventure of the Veiled Lodger (31 December 2011)
59.  The Adventure of the Shoscombe Old Place (31 December 2011) w
* Not my favourite in either version, though the film adaptation is notable for the appearance of a very young Jude Law... (ahem, Doctor Watson ;)
60.  The Adventure of the Retired Colourman (31 December 2011)

Bonus Titles (books featuring/referencing The Great Detective by other authors)
Titles will be stroked out as they are read.
1.  Basil of Baker Street by Eve Titus; ill. by Paul Galdone
2.  The Case of the Gypsy Goodbye by Nancy Springer  (11 December 2011)
3.  The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer  (May 2011)

Reading Challenge Addict... Challenge!

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Cheryl (from CMash Loves to Read) and Gina (from Hott Books) have challenged the challengers...are you a Reading Challenge Addict!?

Like any good challenge, there are (4) levels:
1.  Easy as Pie - 1-5 challenges entered and completed
2.  On the Roof - 6-10 challenges entered and completed
3.  In Flight - 11-15 challenges entered and completed
4.  Out of This World - 16+ challenges entered and completed

I think I'm Out of This World ... ;)  (With 18 challenges for 2011, I think I'm tagging along with Doctor Who! ;)

Below is the list of my challenges for 2011, along with the number of books I'm suppose to be reading to fulfill each.  This list does not include challenges that last beyond 31 December 2011 nor does it include perpetual challenges, since they both go beyond the scope of the Reading Challenge Addict Challenge.  When completed (cough cough), the challenge will be crossed off.  Wish me luck!

Currently, I've completed 16 challenges!

1.  Books to Movie Challenge (2 books/2 films)
2.  Cozy Mystery Challenge (6 books)
3.  Jane Austen Challenge (4 books)
** Though I re-read two favourites, I still failed this challenge.
4.  Valley of the Kings Reading Challenge (6 books)
5.  Non-Fiction Challenge (9 books)
6.  Read to Me Picture Book Challenge (200 books)
7.  Dewey Decimal Challenge (4 books)
8.  Historical Fiction Reading Challenge (2 books)
9.  Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge (5 books)
10.  Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge (100 books)
11.  The Reichenbach Falls Challenge (60 stories)
12.  Fantasy Reading Challenge (3 books)
13.  100+ Reading Challenge (100 books)
14.  Graphic Novels Challenge (20 books)
15.  1st in a Series Challenge (6 books)
16.  2nds Challenge (6 books)
17.  Series Challenge (4 books)
18.  Manga Challenge (6 books)

Manga Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Rhinoa (of Rhinoa's Ramblings) is once again hosting the Manga Challenge.

The goal is simple - read at least 6 manga throughout the year.

I think I can do that! ;)  I want to catch-up on the Fullmetal Alchemist (written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa) series, though since I can't remember where I left off (may have been volume 20?), I may end up reading the whole series again!

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  King of Hell by Ra In-Soo and Kim Jae-Hwan (vol. 1)
2.  Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa (vol. 1)
3.  Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa (vol. 2)
4.  Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya (vol. 1)
5.  Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya (vol. 2)
6.  Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya (vol. 3)

Historical Fiction Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

The ladies of Historical Tapestry are the new hosts of the Historical Fiction Challenge, now into it's fourth year.

The goal, of course, is to read fiction set in the past.  It can be any kind of historical fiction, such as ya, fantasy, etc., but it has to be historical fiction.

There are 5 levels to choose from:
1.  Out of My Comfort Zone - 2 books
2.  Daring & Curious - 5 books
3.  Struggling the Addiction - 10 books
4.  Undoubtedly Obsessed - 15 books
5.  Severe Bookaholism - 20 books

I'm setting the bar low for this one - I'm going to go with the Out of My Comfort Zone level of 2 HF books.  I just don't read enough of this type...

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland
2.  Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer

Fantasy Reading Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Darlyn of Darlyn and Books is the new host of the Fantasy Reading Challenge, where the goal is to read fantasy fiction!

There are 4 levels to choose from, including:
1.  Curious - read 3 fantasy novels
2.  Fascinated - read 6 fantasy novels
3.  Addicted - read 12 fantasy novels
4.  Obsessed - read 20 fantasy novels

I was going to aim for Fascinated (6 books) - I regularly read a lot of fantasy, but I've recently slacked off (and been reading a lot more non-fiction and mystery) - so I think I'll only be attempting Curious (3 books).

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
2.  Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia by Brandon Sanderson
3.  Alcatraz Versus the Shattered Lens by Brandon Sanderson

Series Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Kathrin from Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic is hosting season 5 of the Series Challenge.

The goal is to read at least 3 books in a series in which you have already been reading.  With this challenge, you should finish up a series (for a series which has ended) or be up to date with a series (for one which is still ongoing). 

While there are a few series in which I've read and fell behind (I love series books - but I usually read someone intently for a year or more and then quit them for an equal amount of time, thus falling behind...), at the moment I have two series in which I'd like to get updated...

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
Natsuki Takaya's Fruits Basket manga series:
1.  Volume 20
2.  Volume 21
3.  Volume 22
4.  Volume 23
*I re-read the entire series up to this point, so I can finally finish it! Yay! ;)

2nds Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Katy from A Few More Pages is hosting the Seconds Challenge - this is your chance to read a second book from a newly discovered (or give an author a second chance) author.  It could also be the second in a series...

There are four levels to choose from, including:
1.  Just a Spoonful - read 3 books
2.  A Few More Bites - read 6 books
3.  A Full Plate - read 12 books
4.  All You Can Eat - read 20 books

While I'm going for the full plate with the sister challenge, I'm going to start off with only A Few More Bites for the second helping.  I'll probably read mostly "second in a series" books, but I might happen across a few "second-chances"...

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  Amulet: the Stonekeeper's Curse by Kazu Kibuishi
2.  Meet Me in Horrorwood by Geronimo Stilton
3.  Muddle Earth Too by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
4.  The Basilisk's Lair by R. L. LaFevers
5.  Searching For Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
6.  Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones by Brandon Sanderson

1st in a Series Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Katy from A Few More Pages is the host of First in a Series Challenge.

The challenge is exactly how it sounds - read titles that are first in a series. 

There are four levels of participation to choose from:
1.  Series Novice - 3 books
2.  Series Lover - 6 books
3.  Series Expert - 12 books
4.  Series Fanatic - 20 books

I think I'll aim for the Series Expert Series Lover level - I do tend to prefer series titles when reading fiction, so I'm quite content I'll be able to complete this challenge - though this means finding some new authors... :) 

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen (Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie/Royal Spyness Mystery)
2.  Flight of the Phoenix by R. L. LaFevers (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist)
3.  Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede (Enchanted Forest Chronicles)
4.  Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson (Alcatraz Smedley)
5.  Winner Takes All by Jacqueline Rayner (Ninth Doctor)
6.  Amulet: the stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet)

100+ Reading Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Amy from My Overstuffed Bookshelf is hosting the 100+ Reading Challenge - can you read 100 (or more!) books this year?

The exceptions are easier to list - short stories/chapters in the Bible.  Otherwise, if it has an ISBN, it counts.

I'm more than sure I can achieve this challenge, though you never know what crops up in life...

However, I have two personal exceptions to add. 

1.  Since I'm also participating in the Support Your Local Library Challenge (with a personal goal of 100 books), I'm planning (and hopefully it'll work out that way!) to complete that challenge before I begin this one - thus, I'll have 100 books read which are not on this list (since most - though not all - books I read are from the library). 

2.  The second exception is picture books - I'm taking part in the Read to Me Picture Book Challenge with an unlimited number of - you guessed it - picture books.  So any pictures books read this year will also not appear on this list. 

At the end of the year (when I find out my total!), I'm going to add the totals from both of those list, and thus I'll able to find out how many books I've actually read in 2011.  Wish me luck!

Titles will be added as they are read
1.  Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
2.  Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters
3.  Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling
4.  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
5.  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
6.  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling
7.  A Night in Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny
8.  Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
9. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
10.  Migrant Mother by Don Nardo
11.  Secrets, Monsters and Magic Mirrors: Stone Arch Fairy Tales, volume 2 ed. by Donald Lemke
12.  Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
13.  Searching For Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
14.  Writing the Paranormal Novel by Steven Piziks
15.  Peeps at Many Lands: Ancient Egypt by Rev. James Baikie
16.  Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
17.  The Last Dragon by Jane Yolen; ill. by Rebecca Guay
18.  Sorry I Pooped In Your Shoe (and Other Heartwarming Letters From Doggie) by Jeremy Geenberg
19.  First Draft in 30 Days by Karen S. Wiesner
20.  From First Draft to Finished Novel by Karen S. Wiesner
21.  Cat Versus Human by Yasmine Surovec
22.  Mousenet by Prudence Breitrose; ill. by Stephanie Yue
23.  Dream Lover by Adrienne Staff
24.  Death at Gallow's Green by Robin Paige
25.  Patrick Lose's whimsical cross-stitch by Patrick Lose
26.  Cross stitch collection: christmas stockings by Gillian Souter et al
27.  Ghost hunting by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson
28.  Cross stitch card collection: 101 original designs by Claire Crompton
29.  Storybook favorites in cross-stitch by Gillian Souter
30.  The haunted castle by Geronimo Stilton
31.  My missing monsters by Sean O'Reilly
32.  Case of the cryptic crinoline by Nancy Springer
33.  Simon's cat: beyond the fence by Simon Tofield
34.  Muddle Earth by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
35.  The thirteen ghosts by Geronimo Stilton
36.  Meet me in horrorwood by Geronimo Stilton
37.  Lost in spooky forest by Sean O'Reilly
38.  5 people who died during sex: and 100 other terribly tasteless lists by Karl Shaw
39.  The Ghost Files by Jeff Belanger
40.  Seeking spirits by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson
41.  How to hunt ghosts: a practical guide by Joshua P. Warren
42.  Binky under pressure by Ashly Spires
43.  Amulet: the stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
44.  Amulet: the stonekeeper's curse by Kazu Kibuishi
45.  Amulet: the cloud searcher's by Kazu Kibuishi
46.  Ghost hunters: a guide to investigating the paranormal by Yvette Fielding and Ciaran O'Keeffe
47.  Adele Welsby's cross stitch characters by Adele Welsby
48.  Joan Elliott's native american cross stitch by Joan Elliott
49.  An introduction to reiki: healing energy for mind, body and spirit by Mary Lambert
50.  Muddle earth too by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell
51.  Hand-stitched boxes: plastic canvas, cross stitch, embroidery and patchwork by Meg Evans
52.  Cute and cuddly cross stitch by Gillian Souter
53.  Cross Stitch Silhouettes by Adele Welsby
54.  Cross Stitch Sentiments and Sayings by Joan Elliott
55.  Magical Cross Stitch by Claire Crompton et al
56.  Oriental Cross Stitch by Debbie Minton
57.  Cross Stitch Antique Style Sampers by Jane Greenoff
58.  50 Nature Cross-Stitch Designs by Lynda Burgess
59.  The Art of Blackwork Embroidery by Rosemary Drysdale
60.  Cross-Stitch in Blue and White by Trice Boerens et al
61.  Scandinavian Cross Stitch Designs by Jana Hauschild Lindberg
62.  Cross Stitch Cards 100 by Joanne Sanderson
63.  120 Celebration Cross Stitch Cards by Gillian Souter
64.  55 Embroidery Projects in Minature by Meg Evans
65.  Splendid Samplers to Cross-Stitch by Chris Rankin
66.  Cross Stitch Cards and Keepsakes by Jo Verso
67.  A Cross Stitcher's Oriental Odyssey by Joan Elliott
68.  Blackwork by Brenda Day
69.  Crafting Cross Stitch Cards by Sue Cook
70.  Cross Stitch Angels by Sue Cook et al
71.  Mother and Baby Animals Cross Stitch by Pollyanna Pickering
72.  Cross Stitch Fairies by Claire Crompton et al
73.  Charted Folk Designs for Cross-Stitch Embroidery by Maria Foris
74.  Medieval Cross Stitch Samplers by Angela Wainwright
75.  Celtic Cross Stitch Samplers by Angela Wainwright
76.  Cathy Livingston's Cross Stitch Artistry by Cathy Livingston
77.  Bookhunter by Jason Shiga
78.  New Monster in School by Sean O'Reilly
79.  The Great Pretenders: the True Stories Behind Famous Historical Mysteries by Jan Bondeson
80.  Subversive Cross Stitch by Julie Jackson
81.  Frequently Asked Questions by Gene Ambaum; ill. by Bill Barnes
82.  Read Responsibly by Gene Ambaum; ill. by Bill Barnes
83.  All I Need to Know I Learned From My Cat by Suzy Becker
84.  Sharkpedia by Nancy Ellwood
85.  Amulet: The Last Council by Kazu Kibuishi
86.  84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
87.  Doctor Who: Winner Takes All by Jacqueline Rayner
88.  Dr. Fred and the Spanish Lady: Fighting the Killer Flu by Betty O'Keefe and Ian MacDonald
89.  Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie
90.  Book Club by Gene Ambaum; ill. by Bill Barnes
91.  Unshelved by Gene Ambaum; ill. by Bill Barnes
92.  Reader's Advistory by Gene Ambaum; ill. by Bill Barnes
93.  Library Mascot Cage Match by Gene Ambaum; ill. by Bill Barnes
94.  What Would Dewey Do? by Gene Ambaum; ill. by Bill Barnes
95.  Large Print by Gene Ambaum; ill. by Bill Barnes
96.  King of Hell by Ra In-Soo and Kim Jae-Hwan (vol. 1)
97.  Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa (vol. 1)
98.  Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya (vol. 1)
99.  Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya (vol. 2)
100.  Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya (vol. 3)

Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Jamie from The Book Junkie's Bookshelf has taken over the Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge this year.  And it's pretty self-explanatory: read books that you have checked out (not bought - though that would be supporting your library in another good way ;) from your local library branch.

There are four levels to choose from, including:
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

Easy-peasy!  I work in a library and the majority of the books I read are borrowed from said library system (whether on shelf or through interlibrary loan) - though I also have a bad addiction of buying books, but I'm getting better... ;)  Mega Size it is!  Number-wise, I think I'll be aiming for 100 (a nice round digit) library books.  On a side note, I won't be including children's picture books, even though I do read a lot of those...

Titles will be added as they are read.
1.  At Home: a Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson
2.  Managing a Genealogical Project by William Dollarhide
3.  Finishing School by Max Allen Collins
4.  Steamed by Katie McAlister
5.  Eco Books by Terry Taylor
6.  Between  Good and Evil by Roger Depue and Susan Schindehette
7.  Bad Kitty Gets a Bath by Nick Bruel
8.  Stories From the Vinyl Cafe by Stuart McLean
9.  How to Make Books by Esther K. Smith
10.  The Complete Book of Bookbinding by Joseph Cambras
11.  The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Mary Street
12.  The Professor's Daughter by Joann Sfar and Emmanuel Guibert (graphic novel)
13.  Excalibur: the Legend of King Arthur by Tony Lee; ill. by Sam Hart (graphic novel)
14.  The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan; adpt. by Robert Venditti; ill. by Attila Futaki and Jose Villarrubia (graphic novel)
15.  Till Death Do Us Bark by Kate Klise; ill. by M. Sarah Klise
16.  Flight of the Phoenix by R. L. LaFevers
17.  Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer; adpt. by E.C. and Andrew Donkin; ill. by Giovanni Rigano and Paolo Lamanna (graphic novel)
18.  Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos by R. L. LaFevers
19.  Basil of Baker Street by Eve Titus; ill. by Paul Galdone
20.  Cod by Mark Kurlansky
21.  The Basilisk's Lair by R. L. LaFevers
22.  The Wyverns' Treasure by R. L. LaFevers
23.  Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris by R. L. LaFevers
24.  Pride and Prejudice by Nancy Butler and illustrated by Hugo Petris (graphic novel)
25.  The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks
26.  The Demon of River Heights by Stefan Petrucha; ill. by Sho Murase (graphic novel)
27.  Writ in Stone by Stefan Petrucha; ill. by Sho Murase (graphic novel)
28.  The Haunted Dollhouse by Stefan Petrucha; ill. by Sho Murase (graphic novel)
29.  The Girl Who Wasn't There by Stefan Petrucha; ill. by Sho Murase (graphic novel)
30.  The Fake Heir by Stefan Petrucha; ill. by Sho Murase (graphic novel)
31.  Mr. Cheeters is Missing by Stefan Petrucha; ill. by Sho Murase (graphic novel)
32.  Nancy Drew: Vampire Slayer by Stefan Petrucha; ill. by Sarah Kinney and Sho Murase (graphic novel)
33.  Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson
34.  Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones by Brandon Sanderson
35.  Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland
36.  Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton
37.  Death at Bishop's Keep by Robin Paige
38.  The Ghost and Mrs. McClure by Alice Kimberly
39.  Killer Profile by Max Allan Collins
40.  Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia by Brandon Sanderson
41.  The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum
42.  Alcatraz Versus the Shattered Lens by Brandon Sanderson
43.  Shaking the family tree by Buzzy Jackson
44.  Bad Kitty Meets the Baby by Nick Bruel
45.  Casanova Was a Book Lover by John Maxwell Hamilton
46.  Double Crossing by Carolyn Keene
47.  Rob Scotton's Splat the Cat: Goodnight, Sleep Tight by Natalie Engel; ill. by Robert Eberz
48.  Bad Kitty Versus Uncle Murray: The Uproar at the Front Door by Nick Bruel
49.  A Crime for Christmas by Carolyn Keene
50.  Shock Waves by Carolyn Keene
51.  The Last Resort by Carolyn Keene
52.  Buried in Time by Carolyn Keene
53.  Best of Enemies by Carolyn Keene
54.  High Survival by Carolyn Keene
55.  Courting Disaster by Carolyn Keene
56.  North by Northwestern by Sig Hansen w/Mark Sundeen
57.  Tropic of Fear by Carolyn Keene
58.  A World Undone by G. J. Meyer
59.  The Paris Connection by Carolyn Keene
60.  New Year's Evil by Carolyn Keene
61.  Mystery Train by Carolyn Keene
62.  Tour of Danger by Carolyn Keene
63.  Hatter M. by Frank Beddor and Liz Cavalier; ill. by Ben Templesmith (graphic novel)
64.  Which Witch is Which? by Patricia Telesco
65.  The Well-Read Witch by Carl McColman
66.  Lost and Found by Shaun Tan (graphic novel/picture book)
67.  Room and Boredom by Matthew Sturges and Bill Willingham; ill. by Luca Rossi w/short story ill. by Ross Campbell, Jill Thompson, Zachary Baldus, Steve Rolston, and Sean Murphy (graphic novel)
68.  Mad With Wonder by Frank Beddor and Liz Cavalier; ill. by Sami Makkonen (graphic novel)
69.  River Monsters by Jeremy Wade
70.  Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee; ill. by Sam Hart and Artur Fujita (graphic novel)
71.  Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham; ill. by Lan Medina, Steve Leialoha and Craig Hamilton (graphic novel)
72.  Animal Farm by Bill Willingham; ill. by Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha (graphic novel)
73.  Storybook Love by Bill Willingham; ill. by Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, Lan Medina, Bryan Talbot, Linda Medley, and Craig Hamilton (graphic novel)
74.  March of the Wooden Soldiers by Bill Willingham; ill. by Mark Buckingham, Steve Leialoha, Craig Hamilton, and P. Craig Russell (graphic novel)
75.  Basking Sharks: The Slaughter of BC's Gentle Giants by Scott Wallace and Brian Gisborne
76.  The Mean Seasons by Bill Willingham; ill. by Mark Buckingham; Steve Leialoha, Tony Akins, and Jimmy Palmiotti (graphic novel)
77.  Homelands by Bill Willingham; ill. by Mark Buckingham, David Hahn and Steve Leialoha
78.  1001 Nights of Snowfall by Bill Willingham; ill. by Esao Andrews, John Bolton, Mark Buckingham, James Jean, Derek Kirk Kim, Tara McPherson, Jill Thompson, Charles Vess, and Michael W Kaluta (graphic novel)
79.  Death at Daisy's Folly by Robin Paige
80.  Stardust by Neil Gaiman
81.  Love Me If You Dare by Carly Phillips
82.  The Justice Way by Sharon Sala
83.  A Place to Call Home by Sharon Sala
84.  Kiss Me If You Can by Carly Phillips
85.  When You Dare by Lori Foster
86.  Cat Magic by Patricia Telesco
87.  Beyond Heaving Bosoms by Sarah Wendall and Candy Tan
88.  Much to be done: private life in Ontario from Victorian diaries by Frances Hoffman and Ryan Taylor
89.  Forensic science of CSI by Katherine Ramsland
90.  Social networking for genealogists by Drew Smith
91.  Book lust: recommended reading for every mood, moment and reason by Nancy Pearl
92.  More book lust: recommended reading for every mood, moment and reason by Nancy Pearl
93.  Happy birthday, bad kitty by Nick Bruel
94.  English garden embroidery by Stafford Whiteaker
95.  Stitch graffiti: unexpected cross-stitch by Heather Holland-Daly
96.  365 goddess: a daily guide to the magic and inspiration of the goddess by Patricia Telesco
97.  Kate Greenaway's cross-stitch designs by Julie Hasler
98.  Vampire academy: the graphic novel by Richelle Mead
99.  Victorian flowers by Jane Greenoff et al
100.  Elizabethan cross stitch by Barbara Hammet

Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Fatin from Romance Book Maven is hosting the 2nd annual Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge!

The goal is to read at least 10 contemporary romance novels - no "extra" elements, such as paranormal, time-travel, etc.

More romance - yay!  'Nuff said.  ;)

Edit to add, Oct/11:  Since this year has turned into a crappy romance reading year for me, I'm changing the level from the required 10 to 5.  Yes, it's suppose to be a challenge, but I do want to complete it...  

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  Love Me If You Dare by Carly Phillips
2.  Kiss Me If You Can by Carly Phillips
3.  When You Dare by Lori Foster
4.  Growing Attraction by Ellen James (10 December 2011)
5.  A Place to Call Home by Sharon Sala

Chunkster Challenge

1 February 2011 - 31 January 2012

Wendy from caribousmom (and A Novel Challenge) is once again hosting the Chunkster Challenge!

The goal is simple - to read adult (fiction or non-fiction) books of 450-plus pages.  Audio books and eBooks are not allowed; this challenge is to celebrate the book, especially the chunky ones!

There are four levels to choose from:
1.  The Chubby Chunkster - read 4 chunksters
2.  The Plump Primer - read 6 chunkster
3.  Do These Books Make My Butt Look Big?! - 2 books between 450-550 pages, 2 books between 551-750 pages, and 2 books at 751+ pages for a total of 6 chunksters
4.  Mor-book-ly Obsese - 8+ chunksters, of which 3 must be 750+ pages

I'm attempting the lowest level, The Chubby Chunkster (4 books), since I don't usually read big books.   

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (1122 pages) (31 December 2011)
2.   A World Undone by G. J. Meyer (709 pages) 
3.  The Justice Way by Sharon Sala (768 pages) 
4.  At Home by Bill Bryson (497 pages)

Dewey Decimal Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Jen at The Introverted Reader is hosting the Dewey Decimal Challenge.

The goal is simple - to read non-fiction.  Any kind of non-fiction, from history to poetry, from memoirs to science.

She has created four levels to choose from, including:
1.  Dilettante - read 1 non-fiction book
2.  Explorer - read 2 non-fiction books
3.  Seeker - read 3 non-fiction books
4.  Master - read 4 non-fiction books

I'm lovin' this challenge!  More non-fiction - yay!  I'm so a Master! ;)

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  Beyond Heaving Bosoms by Sarah Wendall and Candy Tan
2.  Shaking the Family Tree by Buzzy Jackson
3.  Casanova Was a Book Lover by John Maxwell Hamilton
4.  The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum

Read to Me Picture Book Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Danielle from There's a Book is hosting the Read to Me Picture Book Challenge with two different categories to choose from - one for those with children and one for those without. 

Since I'm in the "without" category, the following are my levels of participation to choose from:
1.  Board Book - 12 picture books
2.  Unjacketed - 36 picture books
3.  Jacketed - 72 picture books
4.  Early Reader - 120 picture books
5.  Chapter Reader - 200 picture books

I simply adore picture books!  I'm especially lucky that I get to do children's programming (I'm in the babies/ones programmes currently, though I've done all from 0-10) and they pay me to look at picture books! ;)  Of course, I have to be a Chapter Reader ...  

Titles will be added as they are read
1.  April and Esme, Tooth Fairies by Bob Graham
2.  Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney; ill. by Anita Jeram (re-read; programme book)
3.  Mommy, Carry Me Please! by Jane Cabrera (programme book)
4.  The Wild by Bob Graham
5.  No Matter What  by Debi Gliori
6.  Little by Little by Amber Stewart; ill. by Layn Marlow
7.  The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson; ill. by Marcellus Hall
8.  Where is Tippy Toes? by Betsy Lewin (programme book)
9.  Hip and Hop Don't Stop by Jef Czekaj
10.  Yoko's Show-and-Tell by Rosemary Wells
11.  Smooch Your Pooch by Teddy Slater; ill. by Arthur Howard
12.  Tell Me What We Did Today by Rick Kupchella; ill. by Warren Hanson
13.  Private I. Guana: The Case of the Missing Chameleon by Nina Laden
14.  Toot and Puddle: Charming Opal by Holly Hobbie
15.  Toot and Puddle: Top of the World by Holly Hobbie
16.  Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble by Judy Schachner
17.  Learning to Ski With Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen
18.  Goodnight Me by Andrew Daddo; ill. by Emma Quay
19.  Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Keller
20.  Romeow and Drooliet by Nina Laden
21.  Mrs. Gigglebelly is Coming For Tea by Donna Guthrie
22.  Lucky Leaf by Kevin O'Malley
23.  Where Are You Bear? by Frieda Wishinsky
24.  Waddles by David McPhail
25.  You're Finally Here by Melanie Watt
26.  Once Upon a Royal Superbaby by Kevin O'Malley; ill. by Kevin O'Malley, Carol Heyer, and Scott Goto
27.  Painter and Ugly by Robert J. Blake
28.  Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown
29.  Martha Doesn't Share by Samantha Brown; ill. by Bruce Whatley
30.  The Way of the Ninja by David Bruins; ill. by Hilary Leung
31.  Ruby and Bubbles by Rosie Winstead
32.  Tiny Little Fly by Michael Rosen; ill. by Kevin Waldron
33.  Cool Dog, School Dog by Deborah Heiligman; ill. by Tim Bowers
34.  The Night I Followed My Dog by Nina Laden
35.  What Shall We Do With the Boo-Hoo Baby? by Cressida Cowell; ill. by Ingrid Godon (programme book)
36.  One Pup's Up by Marsha Wilson Chall; ill. by Henry Cole (programme book)
37.  I Love My Daddy by Sebastian Braun (programme book)
38.  Wally and Mae by Christa Kemper; ill. by Frauke Weldin
39.  Naptime for Slippers by Andrew Clements; ill. by Janie Bynum
40.  A Wizard in Love by Mireille Levert; ill. by Marie Lafrance
41.  Brava Strega Nona! by Tomie dePaolo; popup art by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart
42.  When Pigasso met Mootisse by Nina Laden
43.  Spork by Kyo Maclear; ill. by Isabella Arsenault
44.  When the World Was Waiting For You by Gillian Shields; ill. by Anna Currey
45.  Splish Splash Splat! by Rob Scotton (programme book)
46.  The Boy Who Wouldn't Swim by Debra Lucke
47.  Rainy Days with Bear by Maureen Hill; ill. by Leanne Franson
48.  Treasure Map by Stuart J. Murphy; ill. by Tricia Tusa
49.  Some Dog! by Mary Casanova; ill. by Ard Hoyt
50.  One-Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova; ill. by Ard Hoyt
51.  Utterly Otterly Day by Mary Casanova; ill. by Ard Hoyt
52.  Gracie and Grandma Underwater by Iben Sandemose; trans. by Tonje Vetleseter
53.  And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell; ill. by Henry Cole
54.  The Very Noisy Night by Diana Hendry; ill. by Jane Chapman
55.  Ballroom Bonanza: A Hidden Pictures ABC Book by Nina Rycroft
56.  Fancy Nancy, Aspiring Artist by Jane O'Connor; ill. by Robin Preiss Glasser
57.  Wombat Goes Walkabout by Michael Morpurgo; ill. by Christian Birmingham
58.  Max by Bob Graham
59.  "Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate by Bob Graham
60.  "The Trouble With Dogs..." Said Dad by Bob Graham
61.  Birthday Zoo by Deborah Lee Rose; ill. by Lynn Munsinger
62.  Witches by Cheryl Christian
63.  I am Tama, Lucky Cat: a Japanese Legend by Wendy Henrichs; ill. by Yoshiko Jaeggi
64.  Chrissie's Shell by Brooke Keith; ill. by Mary Bausman
65.  Petunia Pepper's Picture Day by Cathy Breisacher; ill. by Christian Elden
66.  Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka; ill. by Chad Cameron
67.  Back-to-School Rules by Laurie Friedman; ill. by Teresa Murfin
68.  Tiger by Nick Butterworth
69.  Pirates Don't Take Baths by John Segal
70.  Cat, You Better Come Home by Garrison Keillor; ill. by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
71.  One Magical Day by Claire Freedman; ill. by Tina Macnaughton
72.  Penguin by Polly Dunbar
73.  What If? by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
74.  Ollie and Moon by Diane Kredensor; photos by Sandra Kress
75.   Rosie and Buttercup by Chieri Uegaki; ill. by Stephane Jorisch
76.  Little Boy by Alison McGhee; ill. by Peter H. Reynolds
77.  Posy by Linda Newbery; ill. by Catherine Rayner
78.  Splash! by Flora McDonnell (programme book)
79.  Someday by Alison McGhee; ill. by Peter H. Reynolds
80.  The Mermaid, the Prince, and the Happy Ever After by Timothy Knapman; ill. by Adria Meserve
81.  Stanley at Sea by Linda Bailey; ill. by Bill Slavin
82.  Pirate Girl by Cornelia Funke; ill. by Kerstin Meyer
83.  Mermaid Sister by Mary Ann Fraser
84.  Augustus and His Smile by Catherine Rayner
85.  Harris Finds His Feet by Catherine Rayner
86.  Big Cat Pepper by Elizabeth Partridge; ill. by Lauren Castillo
87.  Rosie's Roses by Pamela Duncan Edwards; ill. by Henry Cole
88.  Sylvia and Bird by Catharine Rayner
89.  Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters by Jane Yolan; ill. by Kelly Murphy
90.  The Magic Rabbit by Annette LeBlanc Cate
91.  Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Going to Sleep? by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson; ill. by Laura J. Bryant
92.  How Many Kisses Do You Want Tonight? by Varsha Bajaj; ill. by Ivan Bates
93.  Kitten's Summer by Eugenie Fernandes (programme book)
94.  Purple Little Bird by Greg Foley
95.  When the World is Ready For Bed by Gillian Shields; ill. by Anna Currey
96.  What Small Rabbit Heard by Sheryl Webster; ill. by Tim Warnes
97.  The Pirate and the Penguin by Patricia Storms
98.  Dogfish by Gillian Shields; ill. by Dan Taylor
99.  Have You Seen My Potty? by Mij Kelly
100.  How to Catch a Falling Star by Heidi Howarth; ill. by Daniel Howarth
101.  Even Monsters Need Haircuts by Matthew McElligott
102.  Diary of a Baby Wombat by Jackie French; ill. by Bruce Whatley
103.  One by Kathryn Otoshi
104.  Ocean Babies by Deborah Lee Rose; ill. by Hiroe Nakata
105.  ABC of Canada by Kim Bellefontaine; ill. by Per-Henrik Gürth
106.  Big Bad Wolves at School by Stephen Krensky
107.  Not a Buzz to be Found: Insects in Winter by Linda Glaser; ill. by Jaime Zollars
108.  Cave Baby by Julia Donaldson; ill. by Emily Gravett
109.  The Mice of Bistrot des Sept Freres by Marie LeTourneau
110.  Up and Away With Little Witch! by Lieve Baeten
111.  Animals in Fall by Martha E. H. Rustad; ill. by Amanda Enright
112.  Little Goblins Ten by Pamela Jane; ill. by Jane Manning
113.  Counting Kittens by David Plummer; ill. by John Archambault
114.  Pajama Pirates by Andrew Kramer; ill. by Leslie Lammle
115.  Leap Back Home to Me by Lauren Thompson; ill. by Matthew Cordell
116.  Chickens to the Rescue by John Himmelman
117.  Yellowbelly and Plum by Nathan Hale
118.  Wanda's First Day by Mark Sperring; ill. by Kate and Liz Pope
119.  One Hen by Kate Smith Milway; ill. by Eugenie Fernandes
120.  Who Wants a Dragon? by James Mayhew; ill. by Lindsey Gardiner
121.  Where Willy Went by Nicholas Allan
122.  Pick a Pup by Marsha Wilson Chall; ill. by Jed Henry
123.  Kitty Up! by Elizabeth Wojtusik; ill. by Sachiko Yoshikawa
124.  A Bedtime For Bear by Bonnie Becker; ill. by Kady MacDonald Denton
125.  Chester's Masterpiece by Melanie Watt
126.  The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen; ill. by Dan Hanna
127.  Let's Do Nothing! by Tony Fucile
128.  Fancy Nancy: Aspiring Artist by Jane O'Connor
129.  The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell
130.  Bear's Loose Tooth by Karma Wilson; ill. by Jane Chapman
131.  Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French; ill. by Bruce Whatley
132.  The Legend of Papa Noel by Terri Hoover Dunham
133.  Russell's Christmas Magic by Rob Scotton
134.  We're All In the Same Boat by Zachary R. Shapiro; ill. by Jack E. Davis
135.  Hide and Sheep by Andrea Beaty; ill. by Bill Mayer
136.  Before You Were Mine by Maribeth Boelts; ill. by David Walker
137.  Cloudette by Tom Lichtenheld
138.  King and King and Family by Linda de Haan; ill. by Stern Nijland
139.  Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes
140.  Cat Secrets by Jef Czekaj
141.  Say Hello to Zorro! by Carter Goodrich
142.  Big Bear Hug by Nicholas Oldland
143.  Here Comes the Big, Mean Dust Bunny! by Jan Thomas
144.  Blue Chameleon by Emily Gravett
145.  The Squeaky Door by Margaret Read MacDonald; ill. by Mary Newell DePalma
146.  Spells by Emily Gravett
147.  The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee
148.  King and King by Linda de Haan; ill. by Stern Nijland
149.  Velcome by Kevin O'Malley
150.  Who Said Coo? by Deborah Ruddell; ill. by Robin Luebs
151.  Little Hoot by Amy Krouse Rosenthal; ill. by Jen Corace
153.  Dream Big, Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi; ill. by Tim Bowers
154.  Three By the Sea by Mini Grey
155.  Fuddles by Frans Vischer
156.  I Must Have Bobo! by Eileen Rosenthal; ill. by Marc Rosenthal
157.  Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin; ill. by James Dean
158.  The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett (15 November 2011/Review)
159.  Pigs to the Rescue by John Himmelman (15 November 2011/Review)
160.  Do You Have a Cat? by Eileen Spinelli; ill. by Geraldo Valerio (15 November 2011/Review)
161.  A Book of Sleep by Il Sung Na (15 November 2011/Review)
162.  A Penguin Story by Antoinette Portis (15 November 2011/Review)
163.  Cows to the Rescue by John Himmelman (15 November 2011/Review)
164.  Wolf Won't Bite! by Emily Gravett (15 November 2011/Review)
165.  Dogs by Emily Gravett (15 November 2011/Review)
166.  I'm a Shark by Bob Shea (15 November 2011/Review)
167.  The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg (16 November 2011/Review)
168.  Won-Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw; ill. by Eugene Yelchin (16 November 2011/Review)
169.  Small Saul by Ashley Spires (18 November 2011)
170.  Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas (18 November 2011/Review)
171.  Petite Rouge by Mike Artell; ill. by Jim Harris (19 November 2011/Review)
172.  Story Country: Here We Come! by Derek Anderson (24 November 2011/Review)
173.  Boris and Bella by Carolyn Crimi; ill. by Gris Grimly (5 December 2011/Review)
174.  Again by Emily Gravett
175.  Cinderella Skeleton by Robert D. San souci; ill. by David Catrow
176.  Waiting for Winter by Sebastian Meschenmoser
177.  Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears by Emily Gravett
178.  Zoe and Beans: The Magic Hoop by Chloe and Mick Inkpen
179.  Zoe and Beans: Zoe's Christmas List by Chloe and Mick Inkpen
180.  If You Give a Dog a Donut by Laura Numeroff; ill. by Felicia Bond
181.  Meerkat Mail by Emily Gravett
182.  Woolbur by Leslie Helakoski; ill. by Lee Harper
183.  The Rabbit Problem by Emily Gravett
184.  Wolves by Emily Gravett
185.  Hilary Knight's Cinderella by Hilary Knight
186.  Katie Loves Kittens by John Himmelman
187.  There Are Cats in This Book by Viviane Schwarz
188.  Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett
189.  Giraffe and Bird by Rebecca Bender
190.  Mama Why? by Karma Wilson; ill. by Simon Mendez (5 November 2011)
191.  How do You Say Goodnight? by Raina Moore; ill. by Robin Luebs (5 November 2011)
192.  Babies on the Bus by Karen Katz (5 November 2011)
193.  The Very Itchy Bear by Nick Bland (5 November 2011)
194.  You Are My Miracle by Maryann Cusimano Love; ill. by Satomi Ichikawa (5 November 2011)
195.  What Am I? Christmas by Anne Margaret Lewis (5 November 2011)
196.  Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle (5 November 2011)
197.  The Busy Beaver by Nicholas Oldland (11 December 2011/Review)
198.  Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to Be Noticed by J. C. Phillipps (11 December 2011)
199.  Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to Nap by J. C. Phillips (11 December 2011)
200.  Making the Moose Out of Life (11 December 2011)

Non-Fiction Challenge

17 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

The Broke and the Bookish is hosting the Non-Fiction Challenge (which is kind of self-explanatory).

There are three levels to choose from, including:
1.  Master of Trivial Pursuit (1-3 books from different categories - see below)
2.  Apply For Who Wants To Be a Millionaire (4-6 books from different categories - see below)
3.  Future Jeopardy Champion (7-9 books from different categories - see below).

The categories to choose from include:
1.  Culture (different cultures, religions and/or foreign lands)
2.  Art (art-related - painters, musicians, architecture, photography, dance, literature, film, etc.)
3.  Food (food memoirs, industry, lifestyle)
4.  Medical (memoirs, illness/disease, etc.)
5.  Travel (travelogues, memoirs, guides, etc.)
6.  Memoir/Biography (self-explanatory)
7.  Money (finances, economics, history of money, financial improvements, etc.)
8.  Science/Nature (memoirs, history, etc.)
9.  History (events, biographies, etc.)

I love non-fiction!  So, of course, I'm going to be a Future Jeopardy Champion ;)  I do read a lot of nf, but it's usually from the history (which, mind you, covers a lot of these categories anyway) section, so I'll be broadening my scope with this challenge!

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  Forensic science of CSI by Katherine Ramsland (Science/Nature)
2.  At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson (History)
3.  The Ghost Map by Steve Johnson (Medical)
4.  84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (Biography/Memoir)
5.  Which Witch is Which? by Patricia Telesco (Culture)
6.  Cod by Mark Kurlansky (Money)
7.  River Monsters by Jeremy Wade (Travel) 
8.  Apples to Oysters by Margaret Webb (Food) (10 December 2011/Review)
9.  First Draft in 30 Days by Karen Wiesner (Art)

Valley of the Kings Challenge

1 January 2011 - 31 December 2011

Miss Eliza at Strange and Random Happenstance is hosting the Valley of the Kings Challenge.

The rules are simple - the books have to be about Egypt, though they don't necessarily need to be set in Egypt.  From Agatha Christie to Michelle Moran and everything in between...

There are five levels to choose from:
1.  Hawk Horizon (1-5 books)
2.  Ibis Incline (6-10 books)
3.  Jackal Jetty (11-15 books)
4.  Feline Flats (16-20 books)

While I don't normally count the subject of Egypt amongst my reading categories, I decided to give this challenge a go - and expand my horizons!  Therefore, Hawk Horizon (6 books) it is!

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters (re-read)
2.  The Professor's Daughter by Joann Sfar and Emmanuel Guibert (graphic novel) 
3.  Theodosia and the Serperts of Chaos by R. L. LaFevers
4.  Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble by Judy Schachner 
5.  Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris by R. L. LaFevers
6.  Peeps at Many Lands: Ancient Egypt by Rev. James Baikie

What An Animal Reading Challenge

1 March 2011 - 29 February 2012

Yvonne at Socrates' Book Review is once again hosting the What An Animal Reading Challenge (number 4).

The goal is to read 6 (at least) books - fiction or non-fiction - that have...
* an animal in the title; and/or
* an animal on the cover; and/or
* an animal in a major role; and/or
* a major character that shifts into an animal

The animal in question can be anything, including (in Yvonne's words) "dog, cat, monkey, wolf, snake, insect, hedgehog, aardvark...dragon, mermaid, centaur, vampire, werewolf...". 

What a list!  I'm sure I can find something that fits those guidelines! :)

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  Mousenet by Prudence Breitrose; ill. by Stephanie Yue (mice)
2.  The Haunted Castle by Geronimo Stilton (mice)
3.  The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks (vampire)
4.  Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton (sorceress, amongst others)
5.  Winner Takes All by Jacqueline Rayner (porcupines/aliens)
6.  Sharkpedia by Nancy Ellwood (sharks)

Cozy Mystery Challenge

1 April - 30 September, 2011

Kris from Not Enough Books is hosting the Cozy Mystery Challenge. 

The goal is to read (at least) 6 cozy mysteries within a 6-month period, with at least 2 books unique to this challenge (if you're overlapping books and challenges).

There are three participation levels, including:

1.  Only the required amount - 6 books
2.  I think I can do better - 7-10 books
3.  Feeling very ambitious - 11+ books

I'm up for the Only the required amount level (consisting of 6 books) - cozies are a big part of my reading, but maybe this will get me more into them!  I've been browsing Cozy-Mystery.com and picked the following (all first in a series) titles to try, with more than half - sensing a theme? :) - paranormal-ish.  It's been awhile since I read a cozy (my usual mystery choices are historicals or those liberally sprinkled with romance), so wish me luck!

Edit: Okay, so I should have been done this in September...December is now creeping up and I'm left one short!!  I'll have it done by the end of the year, though (hopefully! ;)

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  Death at Daisy's Folly by Robin Paige
2.  Death at Gallow's Green by Robin Paige
3.  Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard (10 December 2011)
4.  Death at Bishop's Keep by Robin Paige
5.  Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton
6.  The Ghost and Mrs. McClure by Alice Kimberly

Books to Movies Challenge

1 June - 31 December, 2011

 Two Bibliomaniacs are hosting the Books to Movies Challenge and I'm adding it to my list! 

It's pretty straight forward - read a book, watch the movie.

There are four levels, which include:

1.  Straight to Video - read 2 books and watch the film adaptations
2.  Limited Release - read 4 books and watch the film adaptations
3.  Blockbuster - read 6 books and watch the film adaptations
4.  Oscar Buzz - read 8 books and watch the film adaptations

I was going to attempt the Blockbuster level, but the year's running out and I haven't been reading anything even close to this category.  So I'm parring down to the Straight to Video (2 books/films) level...

Titles will be stroked out as they are read (or replaced as needed).
1.  84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (movie released 1987)
2.  Stardust by Neil Gaiman (movie released 2007)