2025 Reading Challenge discussion

THE NEW BEGINNINGS CHALLENGE
Duration: January 1 - January 31

Let's celebrate the new year with a challenge all about new beginnings!

1. Read a book by an author new to you

2. Read a book that was released in the last six months

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was)

6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite

7. Read a book nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards

8. “Beginnings” is a song by the group Chicago—read a book whose title shares a main word with the lyrics of the song (lyrics can be found here: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/chicago/...)

9. Read a book that is first in a series

10. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A

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Kelsi will be our leader for this challenge.

Goal: 3/9
(combined two categories)

1. Read a book by an author new to you
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

2. Read a book that was released in the last six months
The Raven Boys - Maggie Stiefvater

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read
The Help - Kathryn Stockett

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life
The Maze Runner - James Dashner

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was)
2012 - Husband and I got married in May and we just found out we're pregnant with our first baby!
Cinder - Marissa Meyer

6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite
Inkheart - Cornelia Funke
Haven't read it in a long time and I barely remember it!

7. Read a book nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards
Cinder and The Raven Boys were both nominated. =]

8. “Beginnings” is a song by the group Chicago—read a book whose title shares a main word with the lyrics of the song
Word: Never
Book: Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro

9. Read a book that is first in a series
Outlander - Diana Gabaldon

10. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A
The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas

You've got a ton of great books on that list, Alexandra! Cinder, Inkheart, The Help, The Book Thief are some of my favorite books!

I think I will go for 7!

Trevor wrote: "You've got a ton of great books on that list, Alexandra! Cinder, Inkheart, The Help, The Book Thief are some of my favorite books!"

Thank you! That makes me even more excited to read them all! =]

I'm gong for 5!

1. Read a book by an author new to you
Mr Penumbra's 24Hour Bookstore

2. Read a book that was released in the last six months
The Raven Boys

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was)
The Knife of Never Letting Go
published in 2008 - the year i moved house

6. Should an old acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite
Anne of Green Gables

I'm in and I will aim for 3 :)

I'll try for 5:

1. Read a book by an author new to you: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore - Robin Sloan

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read: Ragtime - E.L. Doctorow (non-fantastical historical fiction that takes place early 20th-century New York...not a time or place I normally read about, and if I read HF, it is usually historical fantasy)

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - F. Scott Fitzgerald

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was): The Alchemy of Stone - Ekaterina Sedia (2008 is the year I became chronically ill and was diagnosed with a major auto-immune disease, which has change my life in just about every way possible.)

7. Read a book nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards: Dispatch from the Future: Poems - Leigh Stein

I'll aim for 5!

1. Read a book by an author new to you.
The Stranger

2. Read a book that was released in the last six months.

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read.
Palmer-Hughes Accordion Course, Bk 1

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life.

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was).

6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite.

7. Read a book nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards.

8. “Beginnings” is a song by the group Chicago—read a book whose title shares a main word with the lyrics of the song.
The Bad Beginning

9. Read a book that is first in a series.
The Shadow of the Wind

10. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A.
Memoirs of a Geisha

I'm going for 4.


1. Read a book by an author new to you

The Irish Bride - Alexis Harrington

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life

The Gravedigger's Brawl Abigail Roux

8. “Beginnings” is a song by the group Chicago—read a book whose title shares a main word with the lyrics of the song
Word - Life

My Life As a White Trash Zombie Diana Rowland

9. Read a book that is first in a series

Shards of Honour Lois McMaster Bujold

Oh, this is a hard one to pick from! So many good ideas! I'm going to pick just two...I don't want to over-commit!

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read
I pick, "The Hobbit." A friend has been trying to convince me to read it and I've completely written it off as "not my thing." But, in the spirit of a challenge, I'll give it a whirl.

6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite
"A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." I've been thinking for a while that I'd like to re-read this, but I've been putting it off. It seems like when I re-read books from my childhood, they're nowhere as good as I remember and I'm left disappointed and disillusioned. I've been told that this one stands up over time, though. I'll give it a try!

Amanda wrote: "I'm going to pick just two...I don't want to over-commit!..."

I know what you mean! That's why I only take the books I know I'm already reading (for group reads and such) and see how they can be fit in to the tasks. The only one I added was the Goodreads nomination selection, because I don't read enough modern poetry, and my library has this title. :)

I'm in for 5

I'm in for 3!

Goal 0/3

1. Read a book by an author new to you

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
I'm taking the challenge of this big one--I have to read it for a couple of other book groups anyway. Never read anything by Tolstoy so it's time!

2. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite

The Giver by Lois Lowry

3. Read a book that is first in a series
The Maze Runner by James Dashner

I told myself that 2013 I would read books and then fit them into challenges, instead of reading books *for* challenges, if you know what I mean... Now I just want to go for them all!! haha, but I won't! I will go for 2 and maybe increase if I read a book that fits another category. :)

I'm going to go for two:

1. Read a book by an author new to you

Sister by Rosamund Lupton

2. Read a book by an author who's first or last name begins with A

Open by Andre Agassi


Do I get bonus points for both names starting with an "A"? ;) Also Sports Biography is a genre I never read!!

Tearsa wrote: "I'm in for 3!

Goal 0/3

1. Read a book by an author new to you

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
I'm taking the challenge of this big one--I have to read it for a couple of other book groups anyway. ..."

You're going to read other books in addition to Tolstoy, all in the same month?! I think you're my hero. (This is where you imagine me bowing in worship and admiration.)

4/5

1. Read a book by an author new to you


2. Read a book that was released in the last six months

Unexpected Christmas Hero DONE


4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life

Almost Home DONE

9. Read a book that is first in a series

Mr. Monk Series ( The first one ) DONE!

10. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A

Alan Gold! DONE!

Amanda wrote: "Tearsa wrote: "I'm in for 3!

Goal 0/3

1. Read a book by an author new to you

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
I'm taking the challenge of this big one--I have to read it for a couple of other book ..."

Haha yeah it's going to be a big challenge, but I'm determined!

THE NEW BEGINNINGS CHALLENGE
Duration: January 1/13 - January 31/13

10/10

1. Read a book by an author new to you.
To Have and To Hold (Bridal Veil Island Book #) by Tracie Peterson 01/01/13 ***

2. Read a book that was released in the last six months.
Godiva by Jenny Dare 01/03/13 ****

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read.
the Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller 01/08/13 **

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life.
Quinn's Undying Rose by Tina Folsom 01/04/13 ****

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was)
In 2010 I was over wieght causing health problems, started to walk and watch my eating habits...worked my way up to walking 10 miles a day, eating better, feeling better, going from a size 24 to a size 14.
Red Mandarin Dress by Qiu Xiaolong 01/09/13 ****

6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite.
The First Four Years by Laura Ingalls 01/10/13 *****

7. Read a book nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards.
Some Assembly Required by Anne Lamott 01/06/13 **

8. “Beginnings” is a song by the group Chicago—read a book whose title shares a main word with the lyrics of the song.
You Belong to Me by Karen Rose 01/03/13 *****

9. Read a book that is first in a series.
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr 01/05/13 ****

10. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A.
Lord of Vengeance by Lara Adrian 01/10/13 ****

Hm... nice one! :) I'll join later if my e-reader gets fixed...

I'm in. I can actually fulfill some of the above 10 already but that would be cheating. I'll see how I go beginning in January.

I'm going to go for 3 ... not sure which 3 yet :)

UPDATE
I've decided to go for six of the categories.

3/6
THE NEW BEGINNINGS CHALLENGE
Duration: January 1 - January 31

1. Read a book by an author new to you
Cocaine Blues...done 1/2/12

2. Read a book that was released in the last six months

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read.
The Widow of Larkspur Inn..done 1/3/12

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life.

5. Read a book that is first in a series.
Brownies and Broomsticks..1/5/12

6. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A

I'm going to go for three:
1. Read a book by an author new to you. The Revolution Was Televised
3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read. The Patriarch
6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite. The Hobbit

Going for three!

1. Read a book by an author new to you - C.S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read The Stand

6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite The Outsiders

Loving the enthusiasm for this challenge! Anyone want to try leading it? You'd be responsible for tracking the progress of the participants and encouraging them.

Not sure how many I'll get done, so I'll also put them all in for now, I reckon I'll get at least 5 down.

Kara, I can lead this if you would like!

Awesome. Thank you, Kelsi!

I think I can do at least 2 but will try for more if time permits. Can read alouds with my son count...like Little House or Boxcar Children? I love YA books are they acceptable due to length and difficulty level? I was Thinking of reading the first Chronicles of Narnia...somehow I have made it through 27.5 years of my life without picking up even one Narnia book...how sad of me. LOL

Audrey wrote: "I think I can do at least 2 but will try for more if time permits. Can read alouds with my son count...like Little House or Boxcar Children? I love YA books are they acceptable due to length and di..."

I say yes. I re-read the Little House books this summer and counted them towards my goal of 52, so I would think that read-alouds with your kids count, too!

Absolutely, Audrey! We don't limit the kinds of books you read. If you say it counts, then it counts. :)

We've had people read graphic novels, audiobooks...you name it, it counts!

I'll join-will post books as I come on them. Goal - 10

GINA'S THE NEW BEGINNINGS CHALLENGE
Duration: January 1 - January 31
10/10 CHALLENGE COMPLETE

Let's celebrate the new year with a challenge all about new beginnings!

1. Read a book by an author new to you
The Undiscovered Novelist by Sarah Bridgeton- FINISHED 1/1/13

2. Read a book that was released in the last six months.
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover- FINISHED 1/21/13 Published 12/12

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read.
Dracula by Bram Stoker- FINISHED 1/6/13 Classics genre

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life
Blood Line: An Anna Travis Novel by Lynda La Plante- FINISHED 1/14/13 Travis has been promoted in her job to Chief Inspector

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was)
Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson- FINISHED 1/11/13 I had my back surgery which gave me a new lease on life in 2011.

6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume- FINISHED 2/12/13

7. Read a book nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards
Life of Pi by Yann Martel- FINISHED 1/24/13

8. “Beginnings” is a song by the group Chicago—read a book whose title shares a main word with the lyrics of the song (lyrics can be found here: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/chicago/...)
When I'm with you, it doesn't matter where we are, or what we're doing

Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin- FINISHED 2/2/13

9. Read a book that is first in a series
Fruits Basket, Vol. 1 by Natsuki Takaya- FINISHED 1/7/13

10. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A
Desolation Road by Andrew E. Kaufman- FINISHED 1/25/13

I was really excited for this challenge, and I still am. I just can't decide what I want to read because I have so many books and I'm overwhelmed. haha, oh the problems of a bookworm.

I'm in. Not sure how many I'll get - I'll aim for 5 but probably get more.

THE NEW BEGINNINGS CHALLENGE
Duration: January 1 - January 31

Let's celebrate the new year with a challenge all about new beginnings!

1. Read a book by an author new to you

2. Read a book that was released in the last six months

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was)

6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite

7. Read a book nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards

8. “Beginnings” is a song by the group Chicago—read a book whose title shares a main word with the lyrics of the song (lyrics can be found here: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/chicago/...)

9. Read a book that is first in a series

10. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A

THE NEW BEGINNINGS CHALLENGE
Duration: January 1 - January 31

9/9

1. Read a book by an author new to you
The Writing Life by Annie Dillard - Finished 1/12/2013

2. Read a book that was released in the last six months
The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom - Finished 1/17/2013

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read
Phantoms on the Bookshelves by Jacques Bonnet - Finished 1/5/2013

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life
Watership Down by Richard Adams - Finished 1/5/2013

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was)
2009 - Got married, finished school, got my job
Lowboy: A Novel by John Wray - Finished 1/18/2013

6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite
Holes by Louis Sachar - Finished 1/1/2013

7. Read a book nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards
Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt - Finished 1/17/2013

9. Read a book that is first in a series
The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel - Finished 1/20/2013

10. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - Finished 1/15/2013

I'm going for 5 for this one and will keep track in my personal challenge but will update here when I complete a number.

THE NEW BEGINNINGS CHALLENGE
Duration: January 1 - January 31

Read :
Let's celebrate the new year with a challenge all
about new beginnings!
1. Read a book by an author new to you: arthur conan doyle
2. Read a book that was released in the last six
months
3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what
you normally read : Cut and Run :M/m genre
4. Read a book where the main character starts out
on a new part of his or her life
5. Read a book that was published the same year
you embarked on a new part of your life (state what
part that was): 2009 : when I started with my college life and professional courses :
6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old
childhood favorite: Eragon
7. Read a book nominated for the Goodreads
Choice Awards
8. “Beginnings” is a song by the group Chicago—
read a book whose title shares a main word with
the lyrics of the song (lyrics can be found here:
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/chicago/...)
9. Read a book that is first in a series : The perils of pleasure : Pennyroyal Green 1
10. Read a book by an author whose first or last
name starts with the letter A : Agatha Christie

Ok, I'm going to try this challenge.

1. New Author: Eva Ibbotson - Countess Below Stairs - completed

2. Last Six Months: Fobbit by David Abrams - completed

3. New Genre: Steampunk - Soulless by Gail Carriger - completed

4. New Path for Main Character: Iron House by John Hart - completed

5. Year w/ New Beginnings: 2007 (graduated from law school, passed bar, and began my career as a lawyer) - The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss - completed

6. Old Childhood Fav: Westing Game by Ellen Raskin - completed

7. Goodreads Choice Awards: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - completed

8. Beginnings: Silent - Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn - completed

9. First in Series: Truly Madly by Heather Webber - completed

10. A Author: David Abbott - The Upright Piano Player - completed

10/10 - CHALLENGE COMPLETED!!!!

1. Read a book by an author new to you:
Fahrenheit 451: Ray Bradbury

2. Read a book that was released in the last six months:
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore: Robin Sloan

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read:
Mystery- Murder on the Orient Express: Agatha Christie

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life:
Fellowship of the Ring (LotR #1): J.R.R. Tolkien

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was): Moved out and started living on my own (2012)- Gone Girl: Gillian Flynn

6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Roald Dahl

7. Read a book nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards:
The Long Earth: Terry Prachett/ Stephen Baxter

8. “Beginnings” is a song by the group Chicago—read a book whose title shares a main word with the lyrics of the song:
Beginning- The Bad Beginning: Lemony Snicket

9. Read a book that is first in a series:
The Eye of the World (Wheel of Time #1): Robert Jordan

10. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A:
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings: Maya Angelou

I am gonna try to do them all because it seems I am needing to read a few that will fit in anyhow so we'll see how it goes. :)

Completed: 2/10

1. Read a book by an author new to you

2. Read a book that was released in the last six months. Blood Winter (1/5/13) ****

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of her life. The Abduction of Mary Rose (1/2/13)***

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was)

6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite

7. Read a book nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards

8. “Beginnings” is a song by the group Chicago—read a book whose title shares a main word with the lyrics of the song (lyrics can be found here: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/chicago/...)

9. Read a book that is first in a series

10. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A

I completely misread the song challenge. Gotta fix mine XD

I'm in for 7. I'll keep track in my Member's Corner and report my progress to you here.

I'm in for 2. I'll keep track in my member's place also, but I'll pop back in when I have something to report.

Count me in as well I shoot for 4

I'm in for four :)
Completed: 4/4

1. Read a book by an author new to you. Carry the Oneby Carol Anshaw finished 01/10/13 3/5 Stars

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was).Streetsmart- year is 1999 - The year my son was born! finished 01/12/13 2/5 Stars

9. Read a book that is first in a series. One For The Money finished 01/14/13 4/5 Stars

10. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A. The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman finished 01/06/13 5/5 Stars

I shall try for all of these, not sure how many I will get though!

Georgina's New Beginnings challenge
1/1/13 - 31/1/13
3/10 Completed
Updated 16/1/13

1. Read a book by an author new to you

2. Read a book that was released in the last six months

3. Read a book in a genre that is outside of what you normally read

4. Read a book where the main character starts out on a new part of his or her life
Unwind by Neal Schusterman

5. Read a book that was published the same year you embarked on a new part of your life (state what part that was)

6. Should auld acquaintance be forgot: Read an old childhood favorite

7. Read a book nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards

8. “Beginnings” is a song by the group Chicago—read a book whose title shares a main word with the lyrics of the song (lyrics can be found here: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/chicago/...)

9. Read a book that is first in a series
Seeking The Dead by Kate Ellis

10. Read a book by an author whose first or last name starts with the letter A
Small Island by Andrea Levy

When doing this challenge if they find a book that fulfills the criteria of more than one instruction are they able to mention it beside more than one or do they need to have a different book each time?