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!