Spring Reading Challenge 2009

My family would say that I need to sign up for another novel challenge about as badly as I need a shot in the head -- but I simply cannot pass this one up . For one reason, the button is just as cute as a...well....a button. The pastel colors just radiate spring and warmth and longer days and rejuvenation. The second reason is that I can actually use this challenge to read books that MUST read, and perhaps even a couple of books that I have wanted to read for other challenges, but have not yet had the opportunity to do so.

The rules of this challenge, sponsored by Katrina of Callapidder Days are simple, straightforward, and most of all, manageable. I have copied and pasted the directions here:

To participate, here’s what you need to do:

• Create a list of some books you’d like to read or finish this spring.
• Feel free to set some additional reading goals (such as reading to your kids two hours per week, getting through your pile of magazines, etc.). This is completely optional.
• Write a blog post including 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 March 20th.
• Visit this blog on March 20th to sign up. I’ll have a Mr. Linky set up that morning, so you can submit a link to your personal Spring Reading Thing post, and it will be added to the master list.
• Read! Work on your goals throughout Spring 2009.
• Report your results. Write another blog post in June to let everyone know how you did.
• Have fun! Visit other participants to see what they’re reading. Write reviews if you’re so inclined. But most of all, enjoy your spring reading.

I can do this --- I KNOW I can do this. Several of the books on my list will be required reading for my summer classes. A couple of the books will be required reading for the classes that I teach. I am going to try to set aside enough time to read at least 2 books for my own personal enjoyment. So, for now (although I do reserve the right to numerous changes at any time) my reading list includes:

• A Gathering of Old Men by Ernest J. Gaines
• In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O'Brien
• The Soul Thief by Charles Baxter
• Home by Marilynne Robinson
• What Narcissism Means to Me by Tony Hoagland
• Crafting a Life in Essay, Story, and Poem by Donald M. Murray
• You Must Revise your Life by William Stafford
• The Tempest by William Shakespeare
• The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare
• The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
• Maisie Dobb by Jacqueline Winspear
• The Love We Share Without Knowing by Christopher Barzok
• Murder in the Marais by Cara Black
• The London Scene by Virginia Woolf

The last book I just discovered today reading Fleur Fisher's blog. That is the problem I have with these challenges. I make a list of books that are currently on my shelves, and then you guys write a review about a new book and I feel that I absolutely must put your recommendation at the top of the list. I think I have added over 65 books to my list (not to my shelves, thank goodness -- we simply can't afford that right now) since I started blogging in December.

The other item that I am going to add to this Spring Challenge is the 24 hour read-a-thon. I was not a part of the blogging community with the previous events - but I can tell that I missed a lot of fun. I am very skeptical that I can actually read for 24 hours (first of all, I'm not sure the family nor the dogs would appreciate it -- and secondly, I am OLD -- I need my sleep) -- but I do want to be a part. If you have any suggestions for a novice "read-a-thoner" I would greatly appreciate it.

Finally, there are numerous other books that I would love to add to this list, but I know I will not have the time. However.....after July 29 I should have a good solid month of free time. Is anyone planning a Summer Reading Challenge 2009 that I can be a part of???