Happy Christmas Eve!!!

I just don’t have control!!  Can you guess?  YES!!!  I just signed up for another challenge.  This one looks like another fun one and figured, what’s one more?  Right?  Want to join me?  Here are the details:

Monthly Key Word Reading Challenge

For this challenge I have chosen ten key words associated with each month in 2013. Your task is to read one book each month whose title includes one or more of the key words for that month. For instance, in January I might read Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. The key words are listed below.GUIDELINES 

* The title you choose can be a variation on one of the key words. For example- your title could include the word ‘snowing’ or ‘snowflake’ even though the key word is ‘snow.’

*Key words can be tweaked. For example- You could read “Cinder” or “Ashes” for the key word ‘Fire’ and that would be just fine. If the key word is ‘family’ then your title could include the word ‘sister’ or ‘mother.’If the key word is ‘food’ then your title could include the word ‘cake.’

* Link up below to participate and add additional links any time you post about the challenge or post about a book you read for the challenge.

Monthly Key Words:

This reading challenge is hosted by Bookmark to Blog. For more information and to sign-up, please see this post

You can stop laughing now!!!!  LOL

OK…I know I said I was going to cut back this year on challenges BUT my willpower caved.  However, I’m not even close to how many I signed up for 2012.   My thinking is, and hoping you “buy” my rationale lol since I have justified it to myself.  Since I did complete some, there were others that I didn’t even make a dent so I have to keep trying, right?  Right?  Help me out here, please lol.

This one I didn’t complete in 2012 but enjoyed it.  Plus I asked Lori from Escape With Dollycas Into a Good Book, to host it since the blog that had hosted it is no longer.  Here are the rules, plus I just LOVE the button.

Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

I really enjoyed this challenge this year!
I see the blog that hosted it is no longer in the blogosphere so I have decided to host it myself.

Technical Stuff
This challenge will run from January 1st, 2012 until December 31st, 2013.
You can join anytime.

So there are two different ways you can set up your own A-Z challenge.

A – Make a list now of 26 books, picking one for each letter of the alphabet. For example: A – The Azalea Assault B- Blue Monday C – Crops and Robbers D – A Deadly Grind etc.

OR

B – How I plan to do it: Make a list on your blog from A-Z. Throughout the year, as you go along, add the books you are reading to the list. Hope that by the end of the year you have read one book for each letter. Towards the end of the year, you can check and see which letters you are missing and find books to fit.

Ready to join??

Bloggers grab the button and make a post about the challenge to encourage others to join! Use the post URL in the linky below.

Non-bloggers you can join too! Just keep track any way you wish and enter a link below if available or sign up in the comment section.

Follow Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book as there may be special announcements made about the challenge.

This next one I did complete but am going to give this one a little twist to it for 2013.  Since I joined this community 3+ years ago, 99% of the books I read are obtained from authors, publishers, publicists, agents, etc.   In 2013, not only will I keep track of the titles but give credit to those that have kindly and generously provided  me with the book.

Free Reads 2013

I so need this.  I have been, not only a reading slump, but just too busy to take the time to read, which I am missing.  I am hoping that participating in these Read-A Thons will turn things around for me and get me started for a productive and enjoyable year of reading!   Once the Read-A-Thon starts, I will be keeping a record of my progress on a sticky post that will go up on Jan 7th for bout of books.     Want to join me?   Details below:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through Sunday, January 13th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 6.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books 6.0 team

• Bout of Books is a week long read-a-thon, run from 12:01am on Monday, January 7th through 11:59pm Sunday, January 13th in whatever time zone you are in.
• Bout of Books is low pressure, meaning participants are only asked to push themselves to read more than they normally would during any given week. There is no competition between readers.
• How much time a reader wants, and can commit, to read, tweet, or network with fellow bloggers is left to individual preference. All challenges and giveaways are optional.

And I will also be signing up for:

Hosted by Michelle at Seasons Of Reading

It’s here! The official sign up for A Winter’s Respite Read-a-Thon! It’s just a month away on January 21 – 27! It will start at 12:00am Monday and end at 11:59pm on Sunday.  Times are central standard time so adjust your times accordingly.  Of course, like most read-a-thons, the books read must be novels or novellas, adult or young adult are fine, and you can read children’s books too (as long as you do read some novels too).  You DO NOT have to participate the entire week.  Join in when you can, start in the middle, end early…whatever works best for your schedule.  As long as you sign in at the sign-in post and do some kind of wrap up post, you’re in for the big giveaway at the end.  As with my previous read-a-thons, it will be a week of relaxed reading during which we can personally challenge ourselves and whittle away those ever looming TBR piles/shelves/libraries.  I hope you will join me! I will not be hosting any mini-challenges, as we learned from my last two read-a-thons, focusing on the reading rocks. However, if anyone else would like to host a mini-challenge, you are more than welcome. We will have a few scheduled Twitter chats again (and perhaps some more reading sprints). Our twitter hashtag is #WintersRespite

Sign up in the linky below. You do not have to do a post now, unless you want to help spread the word (hint, hint…) If you don’t have a blog, use Facebook, Twitter or Goodreads. Having a blog is not required. Be sure to grab the button at the top of this post. (Don’t forget that this is just the sign-up linky. There will be starting line sign-in and wrap-up linkies during the read-a-thon and doing both is required to be eligible for the giveaway).

shhhh…this is a very quiet post….especially since I said I was going to cut back this year, BUT, I just can’t resist.  I am signing up for just a couple few more.  I would try to sneek them in but I have to follow the rules and they say I have to post…so here goes.  

Since it is obvious, the problem that I have, it only makes sense that I sign up for this one:

Hosted by Bev at My Reader’s Block

Some of us have a bit of a problem.

Some of us have a huge problem.

Cheryl from CMash Loves to Read and Gina from Hott Books are two such people. And they are the founding mothers of the Reading Challenge Addict Blog.  Bev from My Reader’s Block is one with a HUGE problem and the current author and caretaker of the Blog.  We each can stand proudly and say,

I am a Reading Challenge Addict.

So we are challenging each of you who can also say that you also are a Reading Challenge Addict.
There will be random prizes and recognition for those who are meeting their own expectations by completing the challenges they’ve entered.

How addicted are you?  I don’t quite know yet what level I will sign up for until all of 2013 challenges have been posted.

• Easy as Pie: 1-5 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
• On the Roof: 6-10 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
• In Flight: 11-15 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
• Out of This World: 16+ Challenges (Entered & Completed)

Rules:

We’re not making this a difficult challenge, actually, it’s going to be very simple!

1. The newest edition of the challenge will begin on January 1 and end on December 31, 2013.
2. Write a starting post joining the challenge and outlining your challenges.
3. Track all of your challenge accomplishments – good & bad.
4. Stop by to join us in the mini-challenges, updates & extra giveaways throughout the year.
5. Comment like crazy and offer support for your fellow addicts.
6. Have FUN!

Easy, right? Who wants to be in on the fun? What else will be on offer? Random giveaways for participants to enter and unannounced special drawings for commenters on the site so be sure to leave your email address with your comment! Are you ready?

This reading challenge is hosted by Reading Challenge Addict. For more information and to sign-up, please see this post.

 The next one I failed miserably at in 2012, so until I get it right, will be signing up again.  Plus I really like the button.

Hosted by Bev at My Reader’s Block

This reading challenge is hosted by My Reader’s Block. For more information and to sign-up, please see this post.

Want to join me?  Just click on the link to sign up.  I am sure there will be a few more.

If you follow this blog, then you know I have a weakness for reading challenges.  I am trying my best to contain myself from signing up for as many as I did last year.  And so far I have been good, however, it is still early!!

Two challenges are being added today, which brings me up to 6 as of this moment.

One challenge is a new one for me so I have to give it a try.  Plus who doesn’t want to live in a mansion lol?

The other one that I am signing up for today is another fun favorite.  Even though I didn’t complete it for this year, it is still fun to see where I have travelled to with the books I read.

Here are the details in case you want to join me:

Oh….so many challenges being posted for 2013, however, I said that I would try to refrain from a lot of them, but it is so hard!!  Believe me,  my will power not to sign up for them is on shaky ground lol.  But there are some that I just can’t pass on.  And this is one of them!!

January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013

Welcome to the sixth What’s in a Name challenge This challenge was originated by a young blogger named Annie, who hosted it for two years. When she decided to give up on being the host, I took over the challenge.

I credit this challenge with being one of the prime reasons for my becoming a blogger, so I am thrilled to be its new host.

Here’s How It Works

Between January 1 and December 31, 2013, read one book in each of the following categories:

A book with up or down (or equivalent) in the title: Deep down True, The Girl Below, The Diva Digs up the Dirt
A book with something you’d find in your kitchen in the title: Loose Lips Sink Ships, The Knife of Never Letting Go, Breadcrumbs
A book with a party or celebration in the title: A Feast for Crows, A Wedding in Haiti, Cocktail Hour under the Tree of Forgetfulness
A book with fire (or equivalent) in the title: Burning for Revenge, Fireworks over Toccoa, Catching Fire
A book with an emotion in the title: Baltimore Blues, Say You’re Sorry, Dreams of Joy
A book with lost or found (or equivalent) in the title: The Book of Lost Fragrances, The World We Found, A Discovery of Witches
The book titles are just suggestions, you can read whatever book you want to fit the category.

Other Things to Know

Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
Books may overlap other challenges.
Books may not overlap categories; you need a different book for each category.
Creativity for matching the categories is not only allowed but encouraged.
You do not have to make a list of books before hand.
You do not have to read through the categories in any particular order.
On January 1, I’ll publish 7 posts, each with a Mr. Linky (one for each category and one for your wrap-up post), on this blog so you’ll have a place post links to your reviews (bloggers) or leave comments (non-bloggers) as you finish up each category. You’ll be able to find these posts during the year by clicking on the button in the sidebar. (I’ll create those links on January 1.)

Tip: If you’re ever struggling to find a title to match a category, check out what other people have read so you can get ideas or be inspired. And remember to be creative.

To join in, sign up with Mr. Linky below. If you aren’t a blogger, just add a comment. If Mr. Linky ever disappears, either try again later or click on the Email Icon in the side bar and send me your information, and I’ll add the link myself.

To use Mr. Linky: put your name or your blog’s name in the top box and the URL (web address) of your blog in the bottom box. If you don’t have a blog, use your tumblr account, your Facebook page or simply mention your intent to join the challenge in the comments.

Thanks to @Uniflame and @SuziQoregon for suggestions for, inspiration for, and confirmation of this year’s categories. Feel free to suggest ideas for 2014 in the comments.

It’s never too late to join!

I hope you like the categories! Have fun and good luck.

This reading challenge is hosted by Beth Fish Reads. For more information and to sign-up, please see this post.

Stay tuned to see if I can refrain lol.

If you have followed my blog over these past few years, then you know that I am addicted to Reading Challenges!!

Even though, for the past couple of months, I haven’t done much reading due to being busy with tours for Partners In Crime Tours and Providence Book Promotions, I did complete some of the many challenges that I signed on for in 2012.   I do miss my quality reading time and hope that I will get back into my routine soon.

I am going to try,  yes TRY, to only sign up for those challenges that I have participated in and completed in the past.  And a couple that I still haven’t completed but figure some day I will, like the 100+ book challenge.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been getting emails from A Novel Challenge, notifying me of Challenges that have been posted and I have decided on some that I will be signing up for.  There are others, that I’m hoping will be hosted again, and will add those to my list.  But for now, here are the ones I will be signing up for today.

What about you?  Are you a Reading Challenge addict?  Which ones do you plan to participate in for 2013?

As bloggers we are all on timetables to read books, get reviews posted, host giveaways, etc. But we also travel around to other blogs and see books we would just like to read because of their recommendation or the cover or title catches our interest. The Meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey “It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” adds more books to my Wish List and To-Be-Read pile every week.

This reading challenge is hosted by Escape with Dollycas Into A Good Book. For more information and to sign-up, please see this post.

The 2013 Ebook Challenge. Encouraging readers to expand past just physical books to embrace ebooks in all forms, whether on Kindle, Kobo, computer, or any other reader.

1. This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2013 – Dec 31, 2013.
2. Anyone can join, you don’t need to be a blogger. If you don’t have a blog, feel free to sign-up in the comments. You can post reviews to any book site (i.e. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Goodreads, etc.).
3. Any genre or length of book counts, as long as it is in ebook format.
4. You can plan your books in advance or as you read them.
5. When you sign up in the linky, put the direct link to your post about joining the E-Book Reading Challenge.
6. You can move up levels, but no moving down.
7. Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2013, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.

1. Floppy disk – 5 ebooks
2. CD – 10 ebooks
3. DVD – 25 ebooks
4. Memory stick – 50 ebooks
5. Hard drive – 75 ebooks
6. Server – 100 ebooks
7. Human brain – 150 ebooks

This reading challenge is hosted by Workaday Reads. For more information and to sign-up, please see this post.

 What’s your reading goal for 2013? If it’s to read more books, then this is the reading challenge for you! There have been almost 400 readers who wanted to outdo themselves so far. Are you up for the challenge?

Reading Challenge Details:

• Runs January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013 (books read prior to 1/1/2013 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime.Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
• The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2013 than you did in 2012. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. You can move up a level as often as you’d like but no moving down.
• Books can be any format (bound, ebook, audio).
• Novellas that are at least 100 pages in length, as well as full-length novels, will count for this reading challenge.
• Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
• Grab the reading challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

This reading challenge is hosted by The Book Vixen. For more information and to sign-up, please see this post.

DAILY POSTINGS BELOW.

This is a STICKY POST  Progress Report for Bout of Books Read-A-Thon.  

Hosted by bout of books

My Goals:
Complete current read, Far and Away by Meg Mitchell Moore
Start and finish 2 other books not chosen as of yet

Books To Read:
Far and Away by Meg Mitchell Moore
The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark
Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand

Updates:
Monday  5/14
Today’s topic/question:
“What do you like best about readathons? Do you have any readathon traditions or rituals? If this is your first readathon, what do you like so far? Discuss away!”
Read-A-Thons give me the incentive to read more and not spend as much time at the computer, especially during the day.
Number of pages I’ve read today:  74 (RL had other plans for me and it wasn’t reading.
Book:  So Far Away by Meg Mitchell Moore

Tuesday  5/15
Today’s Challenge:
Physical book or eBook?  Print
Paperback or Hardcover?  Paperback  (TPB)
Reality or Make-believe?  Fiction
Adult or Young-Adult?  Adult
Dog ears or Bookmarks?  Bookmark
Breaking the spine or Barely open the book?  Barely opening the book
Tea or Coffee?  Coffee (both hot (am) and Iced (pm)
Reading in bed or On the couch?  Both
Series or Standalone?  Stand alone
Original or TV Adaptation?  Original
Defy motion sickness or Audiobooks?  ?
Author crushes or Who-was-that-guy-again?  Author crushes
Interview or Guest post?  Interview
Number of pages I’ve read today:  89  (another not so good day of reading due to not feeling well)
Book:  Finished So Far Away by Meg Mitchell Moore
Next Book:  The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark

Wednesday  5/16
Number of pages I’ve read today:  68 (unfortunately I can’t put in the time to read as I had planned to due to RL..Maybe Thursday will be different)
Book:   The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark

Thursday  5/17
Number of pages I’ve read today:  129 (a little better..RL really interfered this week)
Book:  The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark

Friday  5/18
Number of pages I’ve read today:  154
Book:  Finished The Lost Years by May Higgins Clark
              Started Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand

Saturday  5/19
Number of pages I’ve read today:  94
Book:  Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand

5/20
Number of pages I’ve read today:  74
Book:  Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand

WRAP UP:
Total number of pages read during Read-A-Thon:  682
Books:
Finished: So Far Away by Meg Mitchell Moore (review written)
Finished: The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark (review written)
1/2 Done: Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand
I didn’t make my goals but came close.  I was hoping to put in more reading time and to finish 3 books this week, but only read 2 1/2.  As usual, RL had other plans for me.  But I enjoyed participating as it did give me the incentive to get away from the computer and pick up my book.  I want to thank Bout of Books for hosting and am looking forward to the next Read-A-Thon.