Well, 2012 has come to an end. Where did the time go? What can we look forward to next year? No one can answer that for sure, but I hope everyone has a great new year. It's a hour and half still until we ring in the new year here on the West Coast.
What do you plan on doing next year? Again, it's hard to tell, but I sure hope for some things (too many to mention!) to be different this year. I really don't believe in making resolutions. Those who do, do you ever keep them, or even remember what they were after a while?
I need to change my blog template. Been so busy with other things that something like this is one of the last things on my mind. But I will get it done. And tomorrow I will get my Christmas stuff put away till next year. I will have had it up for all this month as my fiber-optic tree and lights went up on December 1.
Be safe tonight and have a happy new year. Here's to 2013!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Color Coded Challenge 2013
OK, just one more reading challenge for next year, at least for now. I've been debating whether to join this one. Well, I decided to do it. This one is hosted by Bev at My Reader's Block. To sign up, visit this link. Below are the details copied from the blog:
Last year I had several folks either discover this reading challenge late in the game or who enjoyed it so much that they asked me to host again. Just this week I've had requests from the color fans asking for another round. So, for your challenge reading pleasure, I will once again host The Color Coded Reading Challenge beginning January 2013. Since this is my third year in, I've loosened the categories up a bit--I will now accept any shade of the required colors.
Here are the rules:
*Read nine books in the following categories.
1. A book with "Blue" or any shade of Blue (Turquoise, Aquamarine, Navy, etc) in the title.
2. A book with "Red" or any shade of Red (Scarlet, Crimson, Burgandy, etc) in the title.
3. A book with "Yellow" or any shade of Yellow (Gold, Lemon, Maize, etc.)in the title.
4. A book with "Green" or any shade of Green (Emerald, Lime, Jade, etc) in the title.
5. A book with "Brown" or any shade of Brown (Tan, Chocolate, Beige, etc) in the title.
6. A book with "Black" or any shade of Black (Jet, Ebony, Charcoal, etc) in the title.
7. A book with "White" or any shade of White (Ivory, Eggshell, Cream, etc) in the title.
8. A book with any other color in the title (Purple, Orange, Silver, Pink, Magneta, etc.).
9. A book with a word that implies color (Rainbow, Polka-dot, Plaid, Paisley, Stripe, etc.).
* Any book read from January 1 through December 31, 2013 will count.
*Crossovers with other challenges are fine.
*Everyone who completes all nine categories will be entered in a year-end drawing for a book-related prize package.
*Please post about the challenge on your blog. Sign ups accepted until Nov 30, 2013.
*Please sign up using the Linky below. Give your name & blog (Example: Bev @ My Reader's Block) and use a direct link to your challenge post as your url. Please don't connect to just your home page. Links to a list on GoodReads or other social media sites are also acceptable.
*No blog or GoodReads site? That's okay. Post a comment here to announce your entry into the challenge and when you have completed the challenge just post a comment at the review site with a list of your books.
Foodies Read 2013 Challenge
OK, so I'm signing up for another challenge. This one is the Foodies Read Challenge, hosted by Foodies Read blog. I plan to read some culinary mysteries for this (will also read those for the Cruising thru the Cozies challenge), since books can cross over between challenges. I've gotten into reading these books recently and will go with the Sous Chef level, though I have a feeling I may go over that many books. Below are the details of the challenge, copied from the Foodies Read blog:
Foodies Read 2013 Challenge: Sign Up Here
Margot @ Joyfully Retired has decided that she no longer wants to continue with the Foodies Read challenge. She offered me the chance to start hosting the challenge, which I am thrilled to do.
Many of us who love to eat also love to read. But we go beyond that. We love to read about food. If that is you, then you are invite to join us in the Foodies Read Challenge for 2013. This is the second year in which we’ll indulge ourselves with good food writing.
If you are new to a food/reading challenge, you may be wondering – what is a “food book”? A food book is a book which is centered around food and/or drinks. That could be a cookbook, a food biography or memoir, a non-fiction book focused around a specific food, wine, chef or restaurant. Also allowed is a fictional story in which food plays a major role.
Here’s how the challenge works:
1. Decide how many food books you want to read in 2013. Pick one of the reading levels below. Remember, this is a challenge, so try pushing yourself.
Levels:
Short-Order Cook: 1 to 3 books
Pastry Chef: 4 to 8 books
Sous-Chef: 9 to 13 books
Chef de Cuisine: 14 to 18
Cordon-Bleu Chef: More than 19
2. Grab the challenge button and write a post on your blog so we can spread the word. No blog? That’s okay. Sign up in the comments section.
3. After you read each book for the challenge, come back here and tell us about it. Click on the correct category for your book (on the menu bar) and post the link to your review. We’ll use the same categories as last year: Cookbooks, Memoirs/Biographies, Fiction, and Nonfiction. I’ll also include a page where you link up your Challenge Wrap-Up post.
Guidelines:
The challenge runs from January 1 through December 31, 2013.
You don’t need a pre-selected list of books.
It’s okay to cross over with other challenges.
Any book format is allowed (print, audio, ebook)
Quiz: How Did Your Year Rate?
| You Had a Fantastic Year! |
 Overall, you're living a much better life than you were twelve months ago. And nothing is a better mark of a good year. Here's to hoping next year is even better! |
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Romance Reading Challenge 2013
I've joined yet another reading challenge for 2013. I chose this one because romance is one of my favorite reading genres. I plan to try different kinds, including modern, historical, supernatural, and even gay romances. This challenge is hosted by The Book worm. To sign up, visit this link.
Below are the details copied from the Bookworm's blog:
I started the Romance Reading Challenge in 2008 and I always enjoy hosting it.
I want to say a big "thank you!" to all who join, it's a nice thing to see this challenge generate interest and inspire people to read a little romance.
Without further ado, here are the rules:
1. The challenge runs from January 1st, 2013 through December 31st, 2013.
2. "Romance" isn't limited to steamy Harlequin novels. There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.
3. Choose at least 5 novels to read. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine.
All kinds of books count, ebooks and audiobooks too.
If you are looking for suggested reading see Best Romance Novels Today or Romance Novels on Wiki or check out Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Jane Austen, Nicholas Sparks and Nora Roberts, to name a few.
4. Read your book selections at your own pace in 2012 then post the link to your review(s). You don't need to have a blog, posting your reviews on Goodreads and LibraryThing counts as well. If you do have a blog and are joining us, please consider linking back to this post either with text or with one of the buttons provided below to help spread the word.
I hope you will join us! Happy reading :)
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This year, I am hosting two giveaways for those who participate. One winner will be announced on February 14th, Valentines Day. The other winner will be announced on June 1st.
The giveaway prize is:
A $15.00 U.S. Amazon Gift E-Card or a $15.00 U.S. Barnes & Noble Gift E-Card.
To enter to win:
1. Sign up for the Romance Reading Challenge 2013.
2. You have to have a minimum of one book read and reviewed for the challenge. Everyone who joins the RRC this year and has at least one book read and reviewed for the challenge will be eligible to win a gift card. Each book read and reviewed for the RRC gives you one entry. So the more books you read and review, the more times your name will go in the draw. I'll use Mr. Linky to keep track of books reviewed so make sure to link your reviews there.
3. Leave me a comment on this post with your valid email addy. Let me know which gift e-card you prefer.
4. I will announce the winning name at my blog on the two dates I mentioned. I will also notify the winner via email. If I don't hear back from you within 48 hours, the first runner up will be chosen.
Good luck and happy reading! Contest is open worldwide.
Below are the details copied from the Bookworm's blog:
Don't go far off, not even for a day, because --because -- I don't know how to say it: a day is longand I will be waiting for you, as in an empty stationwhen the trains are parked off somewhere else, asleep.Don't leave me, even for an hour, becausethen the little drops of anguish will all run together,the smoke that roams looking for a home will driftinto me, choking my lost heart.-Pablo Neruda
I started the Romance Reading Challenge in 2008 and I always enjoy hosting it.
I want to say a big "thank you!" to all who join, it's a nice thing to see this challenge generate interest and inspire people to read a little romance.
Without further ado, here are the rules:
1. The challenge runs from January 1st, 2013 through December 31st, 2013.
2. "Romance" isn't limited to steamy Harlequin novels. There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.
3. Choose at least 5 novels to read. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine.
All kinds of books count, ebooks and audiobooks too.
If you are looking for suggested reading see Best Romance Novels Today or Romance Novels on Wiki or check out Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Jane Austen, Nicholas Sparks and Nora Roberts, to name a few.
4. Read your book selections at your own pace in 2012 then post the link to your review(s). You don't need to have a blog, posting your reviews on Goodreads and LibraryThing counts as well. If you do have a blog and are joining us, please consider linking back to this post either with text or with one of the buttons provided below to help spread the word.
I hope you will join us! Happy reading :)
---------------------------------------------
This year, I am hosting two giveaways for those who participate. One winner will be announced on February 14th, Valentines Day. The other winner will be announced on June 1st.
The giveaway prize is:
A $15.00 U.S. Amazon Gift E-Card or a $15.00 U.S. Barnes & Noble Gift E-Card.
To enter to win:
1. Sign up for the Romance Reading Challenge 2013.
2. You have to have a minimum of one book read and reviewed for the challenge. Everyone who joins the RRC this year and has at least one book read and reviewed for the challenge will be eligible to win a gift card. Each book read and reviewed for the RRC gives you one entry. So the more books you read and review, the more times your name will go in the draw. I'll use Mr. Linky to keep track of books reviewed so make sure to link your reviews there.
3. Leave me a comment on this post with your valid email addy. Let me know which gift e-card you prefer.
4. I will announce the winning name at my blog on the two dates I mentioned. I will also notify the winner via email. If I don't hear back from you within 48 hours, the first runner up will be chosen.
Good luck and happy reading! Contest is open worldwide.
Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2013
This challenge is hosted by Socrates Book Reviews. To sign up, visit this link. I've been reading a lot of cozies lately and this is perfect for me. I'm going for Level 3.
__________________________________________________
The details, copied from the blog:
Welcome to the third annual Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge! I'm still loving the cozies and this is one of the few challenges I plan to continue hosting.
To find out exactly what a cozy mystery is, check out Cozy-Mystery.com. This site is dedicated to cozy mysteries and does a great job of defining them as well as giving a list of cozy mysteries. This challenge is NOT restricted to what is on their list, it's just to be used as a guideline in case you need some hints on what to read.
So, here are the rules...
1. Choose the level you wish to participate:
Level 1 - Snoop - Read at least 6 books
Level 2 - Investigator - Read 7-12 books
Level 3 - Super Sleuth - Read 13 or more books
2. The challenge runs from January 1, 2013 and ends December 31, 2013.
3. You don't have to choose your books in advance. If you do, you can change your list at any time during the year. Books can overlap with other challenges.
4. Books can be in any format - paper, audio, ebooks...it all counts!
5. You don't have to post a review, but I'm sure others would love to know about the books you are reading and may even want to add it to their reading lists.
NOTE: If you don't have a blog and want to participate, that's fine. You don't have to have a blog, just post in the comments section as you finish books. If you belong to a site like Goodreads and review the books there, that's fine too. Just leave us the link.
6. Take the button above, put it on your blog and post about the challenge. Then add your name to Mr. Linky below. Just click here. Please use the link of your challenge post, not the link to your home page.
7. I'm going to have one link for signing up, one link for completed reviews and one link for your wrap up posts. I won't be having a monthly link, just one for all reviews read for this challenge.
I'm not going to be using the Cruisin' thru the Cozies blog I started last year. I'm going to keep it simple with everything at this blog. Too many blogs was getting confusing :)
Have fun!
EDITED 12/11/13************ WRAP-UP
"Goldy Bear" books 1 -17 by Diane Mott Davidson
Classified as Murder by Miranda James
Nine Lives Last Forever by Rebecca M. Hale
Hallowed Bones by Carolyn Haines
Family Skeletons by Rett MacPherson
50% Off Murder by Josie Belle
Wreck the Halls by Sarah Graves
From Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
Strawberry Shortcake Murder
Apple Turnover Murder
Key Lime Pie Murder
Plum Pudding Murder
Peach Cobbler Murder
Red Velvet Cupcake Murder
Cinnamon Roll Murder
To find out exactly what a cozy mystery is, check out Cozy-Mystery.com. This site is dedicated to cozy mysteries and does a great job of defining them as well as giving a list of cozy mysteries. This challenge is NOT restricted to what is on their list, it's just to be used as a guideline in case you need some hints on what to read.
So, here are the rules...
1. Choose the level you wish to participate:
Level 1 - Snoop - Read at least 6 books
Level 2 - Investigator - Read 7-12 books
Level 3 - Super Sleuth - Read 13 or more books
2. The challenge runs from January 1, 2013 and ends December 31, 2013.
3. You don't have to choose your books in advance. If you do, you can change your list at any time during the year. Books can overlap with other challenges.
4. Books can be in any format - paper, audio, ebooks...it all counts!
5. You don't have to post a review, but I'm sure others would love to know about the books you are reading and may even want to add it to their reading lists.
NOTE: If you don't have a blog and want to participate, that's fine. You don't have to have a blog, just post in the comments section as you finish books. If you belong to a site like Goodreads and review the books there, that's fine too. Just leave us the link.
6. Take the button above, put it on your blog and post about the challenge. Then add your name to Mr. Linky below. Just click here. Please use the link of your challenge post, not the link to your home page.
7. I'm going to have one link for signing up, one link for completed reviews and one link for your wrap up posts. I won't be having a monthly link, just one for all reviews read for this challenge.
I'm not going to be using the Cruisin' thru the Cozies blog I started last year. I'm going to keep it simple with everything at this blog. Too many blogs was getting confusing :)
Have fun!
EDITED 12/11/13************ WRAP-UP
"Goldy Bear" books 1 -17 by Diane Mott Davidson
Classified as Murder by Miranda James
Nine Lives Last Forever by Rebecca M. Hale
Hallowed Bones by Carolyn Haines
Family Skeletons by Rett MacPherson
50% Off Murder by Josie Belle
Wreck the Halls by Sarah Graves
From Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
Strawberry Shortcake Murder
Apple Turnover Murder
Key Lime Pie Murder
Plum Pudding Murder
Peach Cobbler Murder
Red Velvet Cupcake Murder
Cinnamon Roll Murder
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Library Books Reading Challenge 2013
hosted by Gina at Book Dragon's Lair
Sign- up here
Our love of reading can be expensive! Not only are we purchasing books but we also need space to keep them. I've started using the library (again) but couldn't find a challenge to help me. Here it is. There are a number of levels, for those who don't have a library card yet to those that live there. Enjoy!
Requirements:
- choose a level - you may move up as needed, just not down.
- check books out of the library
- books may overlap with other challenges
- any format allowed (print, ebook, audio)
- reviews are not necessary but a list of books read is.
- a blog is not necessary, just comment that you want to join in
Levels:
- board book - 3
- picture book - 6
- early reader - 9
- chapter book - 12
- middle grades - 18
- Young adult - 24
- adult - 36
- just insert IV - 50
I will likely aim for 36, but I may go up later. I get most of my books from the library.
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