This year heralds a truly challenging challenge! The Century of Books, started and hosted by Simon at Stuck in a Book, is running again for 2014. The goal is to read one book for every year of the 20th century, in as much time as (and in whatever order) you choose: Simon tries to do it in a year (and has before) and also chooses to review each one. I'm going to be doing that as well -- they count once they are reviewed!
I really wanted to challenge myself to read 100 books for this challenge all in this year, but it's just not going to be feasible, considering the other non-blogging reading commitments I have for next year. So, in order to enjoy my century of books I will be taking the 2 year option and splitting my titles over 2014-2015.
My own criteria are that they will all be books by women, and they will be ones that have been on my shelves for some time. The only exception will be for some of the really early years, the 1900's -- some of those may be ones I download from Open Library -- for most choices, however, I will be reading off my shelves (yes, I have a extensive collection of unread books).
Since I'm using my TBR piles for this challenge, it rather takes the place of the TBR Twenty challenge that I've undertaken for the previous few years. Thus I will be limiting myself to just this challenge this year, with a couple of exceptions:
1. I'm still reading along for the Canadian Book Challenge, which runs July 1- July 1 and is a very manageable 13 titles.
2. I might still participate in some short term challenges like Carl's autumnal RIP challenge, I'll see when we get there!
3. I'm still thinking about the Postal Reading Challenge, and may be hosting it again in 2014 if people are interested...
And because the Century of Books will create such a massive list, I'll be keeping track of it on a new static page, adding reviews as I get to them.
I do love it when people put twists on this challenge, and making it all female authors is a great idea. I can't wait to start again (although still have a way to go with Reading Presently before the end of 2013!)
ReplyDeleteI've been going through my shelves in anticipation, and I've discovered that the vast majority of books I have that match the century happen to be by women. My preferences are becoming obvious... ;)
DeleteThat's an awesome challenge. I like the women authors twist. Good luck! I hope it's a fun year of reading for you.
ReplyDeleteI think it will be great fun, and great incentive to read some of those books that keep getting pushed back by the arrival of the latest thing...
Deletehm. I have no what your postal challenge even is. I have to check that out! (I am a bad blog reader...) And, of course you have to do R.I.P. I am writing a note to pester you if you don't because it is fun. :) Good luck to you, though! I have an extensive TBR pile, too, but I ultimately SUCK at reading challenges.
ReplyDeleteMe again! How did I miss your challenge! I love the idea of it and hope you do host it again. Otherwise, I am looking for recommendations from the old posts. :)
DeleteHaha, okay then, I'll post about it soon. It's definitely a "you" kind of challenge.
DeleteI've nearly finished a two year century and I found that timescale worked well. hopefully it will for you too. It was a rather daunting proposition, but it lead me to some wonderful books.
ReplyDeleteI'll be looking at your list to see which you've really enjoyed -- I have many duplicates among the years so there will be some choice among my reads, too.
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