Sunday, May 2, 2010

TSS: Summer Reading Challenges

Well, as many of you now know, my summer plans have radically changed, and while I am still somewhat depressed by this turn of events, I have chosen to view this minor setback as an opportunity to take a break and rejuvenate.  What better way to truly relax and enjoy the lazy, hazy days of summer than with a reading challenge or two.

I have purchased so many books lately (I blame all of you for this recent addiction) and there are some languishing on my shelves that I am very anxious to read.  So...I headed over to A Novel Challenge and discovered some new-to-me challenges that I can join which will push me take that next step and actually read them.

The first challenge that I am going to join is the TBR Lite challenge hosted by MizB.  I will strive for Option B which states that I will read 6 books in 12 months, and I am allowed to change my book list if I so desire.  For now my list of books will include:

  • In the Woods and/or The Likeness by Tana French
  • What the Dead Know by Laura Lipman
  • Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
  • Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
  • Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
  • The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

The second challenge that I want to join is Carl's Once Upon a Time Challenge.  I had so much with the RIP Challenge last fall and I know so many of you look forward to this annual spring challenge as well.  I have not been much of a fan of fantasy fiction in the past, but I am trying to expand my literary horizons and learn to appreciate this genre.  I will start out slow and only sign up for the Journey level of this challenge, which states that I will read just one fantasy novel between now and June 20.  The one book that I hope to read is:

  • The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly


Another challenge in which I want to take part is Margot's All Things Alcott Challenge.  I have wanted to re-read Little Women for quite some time (the last time I read this classic was when I was about 10 years old and I don't think I was quite old enough to truly enjoy it).  I also hope to find a copy available of The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott at my local library sometime this summer.

By reading Little Women I will also be helping my progress in two other challenges in which I signed up at the beginning of the year:  the Flashback Challenge and C. B. James's Read the Book, See the Movie Challenge.  I used to watch the Winona Rider version of Little Women when my girls were younger, but I would love to review the movie again after reading the book.

Of course, I am sure that I will also be inspired to read some newly released books as well, and if that happens, then I might also participate in Julie's 2010 EW Summer Book Challenge.  I will only need to read one book to be considered a Polliwog - and that sounds like a no-brainer to me.

The summer will also be spent trying to get the house in order, developing lesson plans for two new courses, and continuing with my writing endeavors....but those are the subjects for another post.  Today I will count down the days until the end of school (3 days of classes - 2 days of finals - and graduation on May 14) and then I will begin to relish in this new found freedom!


19 comments:

  1. I am playing catch up and just read about the change in your summer plans, Molly. I'm so sorry. I think you have the right attitude about it though. As disappointing as it is that you can't go, you can take full advantage of the opportunities that have now opened up to you.

    Good luck with the reading challenges! Your list for the TBR Lite challenge has me drooling a bit. I've read In the Woods but not the others on your list--but they're all books I do hope to read at some point.

    Take care, Molly. I hope you have a great week.

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  2. They all sound like fun. I hope you'll cave and join the EW Summer Books one!

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  3. I guess you did not get the message, you are not allowed to mention "challenges" near me. I have a problem...LOL

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  4. I have such high expectations for the summer too! I'm certain I won't read everything I want to. You have some great books on your lists...Fingersmith! Shadow of the Wind (which, by the way, is excellent on audio). Tana French! (The Likeness is a great audio too.) You are going to have a FUN summer!

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  5. Wonderful way to unfurl that silver lining! Now I don't NEED another challenge, since I haven't finished all of my current ones...but the All Things Alcott is something I'm itching to do.

    Especially since there have been so many new books coming out, like The Lost Summer...

    Yes, I'm definitely exploring this! Thanks for sharing.

    Have a great summer, too.

    Here's my Salon:

    http://laurel-rainsnowsaccidentallife.blogspot.com/2010/05/sunday-salon.html

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  6. I'm doing the All Things Alcott Challenge too - it should be fun. Good luck!

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  7. I hadn't read about your summer plans falling through until just now. I can understand why you would be so disappointed. Now though, like you said, you will be able to enjoy the lazy days of summer. And you'll be able to read your butt off!

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  8. Good luck with the challenges - you've got some great reading ahead!

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  9. Sounds like you have some great reading ahead of you. I can't wait to read your thoughts on The Book of Lost Things and Little Women. Have a great week!

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  10. I'm so happy to see that you are joining in on the Alcott Challenge. I'm looking forward to hearing about whatever you choose to read/watch/listen to. I value the insights you bring to us after reading a book.

    I'm also glad to see you are taking charge of your attitude about the summer. A summer spent reading all sorts of wonderful books is a luxury many people don't have. Enjoy and good luck on your challenges.

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  11. I admire the way you moved out of your disappointment and into a new set of challenges. Excellent. Very good way to bring happiness into your life.

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  12. Good luck with all the challenges! Sounds like you'll have a nice mix of reading material.

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  13. Well, for my sake, I'm kinda glad you're not going now because if you had been you wouldn't have discovered the Alcott Challenge. Which I really don't have time for with all of the other challenges I'm doing but which is totally one I must do!

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  14. I'm looking forward to reading CeeCee Honeycut and will enjoy reading your review on it as well!

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  15. My word but you sound busy. I'm sorry to hear that your summer plans fell through, but maybe next year, it will all work out. I'm a writer, too ... haven't tried very hard to publish anything yet, but when I complete my current WIP, I'm going to get serious about this little avocation of mine.

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  16. Good luck with the challenges! It looks like you have a lot of great books lined up.

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  17. yes yes yes to Fingersmith! It is SO AWESOME!

    And I have the Lippman and French books on my TBR too.

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  18. I was so sorry to hear of your change in plans, but you'll have fun reading for the challenges and hanging out with your online friends.

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  19. Sorry your plans won't be fulfilled but take a trip into your books.

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