If you’re already struggling with your New Year’s Resolution, or if you couldn’t think of anything you wanted to commit to, here’s a way to pass the time: a book challenge.Book challenges seem to be quite the rage among readers of book-related blogs and Web sites. You can join a formal one or create one of your own. There are three variables to consider when making your selection: time frame, genre, and number.
1. Time Frame
How long will the book challenge last? A month? A season? A year? And how well does that fit into your lifestyle and responsibilities?
2. Genre
This can be a known literary genre or a specific category. For instance, you could read books that have been adapted into films, or books from the New York Times Bestseller list, or books written in the 1920s. As far as genres go, all apply: bodice-rippers, Christian mysteries, paranormal thrillers, YA, etc., etc. My only caution here is that if you intend to boast about your participation in the challenge, choose a genre you will be proud to crow about.
3. Number
How many of these books will you try to read within the allotted time frame? It shouldn’t be too easy for you or it wouldn’t be called a challenge.
A book challenge isn’t right for everyone. But it can be a useful motivator in some situations. In fact, I’m going to encourage my father into one. His health has considerably reduced his usual activities and goals. Making a competition/game out of reading the books that line his walls could give him a focus for what he calls his “low-energy days.”
If you want to be part of a group effort book challenge, you may find some like-minded people on these sites:
LibraryThing
100 Book Challenge 2010
Booking Mama
The Memorable Memoir Challenge
J. Kaye’s Book Blog
The 2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge
[Please ignore the color variation in the list. I'm experiencing some technical difficulties with the posting.]
Whether you join a challenge or not, let me know what you’re reading (or listening to—audiobooks count, too). I’d like to create a list of what Lullers are reading.
Make 2010 memorable—one book at a time.
[Portrait of Emile Zola by Edouard Manet]
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