Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge discussion

Since the majority wants to use this group for the 2014 challenge, I'm setting it up. Here are the rules...

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


****AMENDED: LEVEL 3 - SUPER SLEUTH - READ 13-20 BOOKS

LEVEL 4 - Sleuth Extraordinaire - Read 20 or more

2. The challenge runs from January 1, 2014 and ends December 31, 2014.

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.

6. You can sign up here or on my blog. If you sign up here, just create a topic with your name on it and the level you will participate at.

Have fun!

Hello Yvonne! I have suggestions as a thrice returning enthusiast. :) I thought we might stretch the categories - maybe 13 as middle of the road. (Definitely stretch "What An Animal" past 6).

You very generously draw physical novels on your site, for the walk-in public. How about putting a few aside as prizes for our group participants, allowing mail-out (for these) to all countries? I drool over so many of your giveaways, close by here in Canada and used are just fine! :) xoxo, Carolyn.
(Likely, winners will reside in the USA but feels awesome for members to all get a name in the hat}.

The giveaways I host on my blog are sponsored by authors and/or publishers. They set the guidelines for where the books can be mailed to. In fact, they do the mailing themselves.

As for the categories...

Cozies - We have 3 levels...do you mean I should add more? Level 1 is for newbies who are just testing the cozy waters. Level 2 is in the middle and Level 3 is for 13 and more for faster readers.

What were you thinking as far as the levels go?

For the animal one...I probably should consider doing something similar with levels. I inherited the animal challenge a few years ago and sort of just kept the 6 going, but it was a 6 month challenge at that time. Now, it's 12 months and I should consider extending it.

My problem with extending levels is that I'm afraid if I don't give levels for newbies, it will scare them away.

I've noticed many heavy-hitters in the wonderful selection of reading events, that thoughtful souls like you put together for us. The pleasure, enrichment, and friendships that come out of them have my endless gratitude. :)

I like keeping all of your intro levels as they are. You're right about not scaring newbies, light readers, or folks dealing with a busy period.

How about stretching the end range of your middle levels to 13? Those aiming for 13 keep an outlet for that target. Your highest level could be 14 to 20 (for example), and/or you might even do a fourth level for crazy people. LOL

Overall genres so far, I have read 80 and I'm not at the top of "Mount TBR" / "Embarrassment Of Riches" / "Off The Shelf". Some are past 100 - unbelievable! It's fun to brainstorm about this well before 2014. :)

It's possible. I'll have to think about it. The good thing is on my last levels, I leave it at "or more" so there is the chance to go as far as anyone would like to go. LOL

Same for your "What An Animal". The first target remains at 6 but create two or three more. There is an abundance animal textbooks and literature, especially with inclusion of fictional critters.

I like the present description but would venture a little stricter. :) Animals can be referred in a title, or the book includes a critter, or covers show an animal somewhere on it.

* The cover option is only utilized if the animal is in the book. Several covers show critters for decoration; no such thing inside. This is how I've done it with you, otherwise it felt like cheating. hahaha It's like calling something a ghost story but there being no ghost - bumber.

Yvonne wrote: "It's possible. I'll have to think about it. The good thing is on my last levels, I leave it at "or more" so there is the chance to go as far as anyone would like to go. LOL"

I've just continued to do sets of 13 throughout the year :) It gives me a goal to shoot for when the end of the year approaches LOL

C. wrote: "Same for your "What An Animal". The first target remains at 6 but create two or three more. There is an abundance animal textbooks and literature, especially with inclusion of fictional critters...."

The problem with that is covers can be deceiving and a reader might have the intentions of reading a book with an animal only to get halfway through and find out there are no animals in it. I don't think they should be penalized for a publisher's misrepresentation.

Basically, I don't really want to make this too strict. This is for fun :) Maybe if I was giving out prizes I would, but I can't afford to do that :)

Barb wrote: "Yvonne wrote: "It's possible. I'll have to think about it. The good thing is on my last levels, I leave it at "or more" so there is the chance to go as far as anyone would like to go. LOL"

I've..."



Barb - That's a good idea about sets of 13. With my challenges, people can really go over the limit, if they choose to.

Understood on the animals - it's very nice and easy as is. I had thought maybe authors/publishers could donate to the groups. Then of course tell them you have nearby Canadian members, as well as international and would they include all? :)

There are tons of people doing sets of 13, which I view as a sign that we can reach higher. I'd be more inspired by higher choices rather than repeating the same. But you have my sign-up post and eagerness however we spin it. *Hugs and a good evening to all.*

How about if I add these levels.......

Cozies

Level 3 - Super Sleuth - Read 13-20

Level 4 - Sleuth Extraordinaire - Read 20 or more

For animals

Level 1 - Read at least 6

Level 2 - Read 7-12

Level 3 - Read 13 or more

21 or more & 13 or more? Awesome! :)

While I have you on the horn about Socrates blog events, I've had a question about "Finishing The Series". I don't get back to blogs often enough to see answers. As one not into libraries, e-versions, but who physically owns all that I read:

To complete a series, must it include up to the most recently released volume? Or as long as we own all but this year's release, is the goal to get it off existing shelves? I'm a rule-follower because I like to get the hostess's vision right!

The way I see it, it's about finishing the series up to whatever is existing on the shelves.

Although, if the last book is released towards the end of the year, I guess that can be up to the reader's choice since more often than not it's about finances and availability.

I meant my shelves. I think you mean what's available. I'd love the most recent Juliet Blackwell so I won't count her. Same with EJ Copperman and Miranda James: I've been unable to obtain this year's releases. Maybe for my birthday 3 weeks hence?

I live an hour from either city. One mystery store owner was inappropriate and so rude in February, I watch elsewhere. Shame to cut off a source but a @itch mustn't get our business!

I think I'm clear on your mission, to finish what's out there. I'll abide. I'm on the cusp on completing what I promised. I don't need to blow the top off every ranking. LOL!

I like the new categories for the Cozies - I read 15 this year without being in the challenge (not bragging - just sayin...) so I 'd like a bigger challenge. I think exytending the animal one is good too.

Kathryn wrote: "I like the new categories for the Cozies - I read 15 this year without being in the challenge (not bragging - just sayin...) so I 'd like a bigger challenge. I think exytending the animal one is g..."

Great! Have fun!

Thank about the new categories, I think I'll go with baby steps, and I'll increase it as I read.

Note: I believe Erika Chase's third novel is very recently available if out. I'm considering her series FINISHED. I could scarcely bear the "watch me go to work every day" style and won't pursue any further.

I'm thrilled to see excitement about the new level in our "Cozy" event and will certainly enjoy climbing up to that sum.