2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion

March #readwomen Challenge:
Duration: March 1, 2016 to March 31. 2016

In the spirit of last year's challenge:
"It’s a truth universally acknowledged, and confirmed by VIDA, that, though women read more books than men, and female authors are published in comparable numbers, they are more easily overlooked: a smaller presence in literary journals both as reviewers, and the reviewed, they also account for fewer literary translations."

For this challenge we would like you to explore women writers and pick books only written by women:

1. Re-read your favorite book.

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read.

3. Read a book written by an author under 30.

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures.

5. Read a book by an author that is not White.

6. Read a book of essays.

7. Read a comedy book.

8. Read a graphic novel written..

9. Read a book about women during war.

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue.

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book.

For this challenge, all the books must be written by women. Please pick the number of challenges you would like to participate in and let the challenge leader know.

This challenge was created based on an idea give to us from Caro. She will be leading this challenge. Thank you Caro.

Since I have already pledged 4 books by male authors for March I will read 1 book for this challenge in March.

I love this challenge! Since I'm planning to read I am Malala, put me down for 1.

I've been doing my own personal #readwomen challenge this year, and think that this would be a great motivator for me. Please put me down for six :)

COMPLETED 3/11/2016!!!

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read: The Lake House (Oh Kate Morton, how I love your writing.)

3. Read a book written by an author under 30: He's a Stud, She's a Slut, and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know (She is 37 now, but 29 at the time that she wrote this)

5. Read a book by an author that is not White: An Untamed State

6. Read a book of essays: Men Explain Things to Me

7. Read a comedy book: Uganda Be Kidding Me

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue: The Good Body -- Kind of stretching it, but there was a brief mention of LGBTQ lifestyle.

6/6

Great idea :) I'm going to aim for 6. I'd go for more, but I think I want to try and read solely books that are already on my TBR for this challenge (with the exception of a re-read for #1 perhaps!)

Completed: 6/6

✔ 1. Re-read your favorite book. Allegiant by Veronica Roth

✔ 2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read. - Dark Places by Gillian Flynn.

✔ 3. Read a book written by an author under 30. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab.

✔ 5. Read a book by an author that is not White. - Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

✔ 10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue. Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity by Julia Serano.

✔ 11. Read a Sci-fi/ fantasy book. - The Goddess Within by Iva Kenaz.


Rough plans:

Hello all!

I am really happy to lead this challenge for March. Here I will make the updates for everybody.

As always if you will update a previous post please put a comment saying which message number I have to check.

Participants:

Alison: 0/1
Andrew: 3/5
Anna: 0/3
Ariel: 0/4
Bella: 0/5
Blagica: 1/4
Bobbi: 2/1
Candiss: 2/3
Cynthia: 0/3
Delitealex: 0/5
Erika: 4/4
Emma: 1/3
Gretchen: 2/4
Jackie B. : 1/3
Jade: 2/3
Jenny: 2/3
Karin: 2/?
Katherine: 0/5
Kristie: 0/4
Latricia: 0/5
Maya: 2/3
Merja: 0/3
Nik: 0/11
Ornina: 0/3
René: 1/4
Renee: 0/7
Sabreen: 0/4
Sam F: 9/10
Sharon: 2/3
Susan msg.29: 1/4
Yenny
Renee: 0/7

***COMPLETED***

Megan: 4/3
Jessica: 6/6
Maria: 4/4
Yvonne: 6/6
Susan msg.37: 5/5
Cheri: 4/4
Linda: 3/3
Alex: 4/3
Charity: 3/2
Monique: 5/5
Rachel: 4/3
Geri: 2/1
Ultrajbk: 4/3
Kylie: 2/2
Sherry: 3/3
Stephanie: 2/2
Aurora: 5/5
Lindsay: 11/10
Katharine: 4/2
Eva: 4/4
Angelique: 3/3
Caro: 3/3
Cassandra: 4/4
Janet: 1/1
Christa: 11/11
Kelly: 6/6
Kadijah Michelle: 4/4
Melissa: 8/8
Cindy: 4/4
Nicole: 3/2
Rachel: 5/3
Janine: 5/5
Amanda: 2/2

Update till message 229

I think I can manage 3 books for this challenge, given what I already plan to read for the month. So sign me up for 3, please!

1. Adulthood is a Myth: A "Sarah's Scribbles" Collection - Sarah Andersen
Task: Read a graphic novel written by...
2. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing - Marie Kondō
Task: Read a book by an author that is not White.
3.

Read: 2/3

Potential reads:
- The Labyrinth - Catherynne M. Valente
Task: Read a book written by an author under 30.
- All the Birds in the Sky - Charlie Jane Anders
Read a sci-fi/fantasy book.
- In Other Worlds - Margaret Atwood
Task: Read a book of essays.
- The Kappa Child - Hiromi Goto
Read a book by an author that is not White.

I am in for 4 books for this challenge.

1.) Read a book about the Eastern cultures- The Strangler Vine by M.J. Carter- takes place in India during the early years of British occupancy (read 3/1-3/8)

Put me down for 3

I'm in for three! I haven't done a Read Women challenge before-- I'm super excited.

Update: 4/1/16: GUYS! I blew this out of the water! I haven't done that with a challenge in a long time. This was great and I am feeling amped to jump into April. Bring on the challenges.

5/3


2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo - Completed 3/22/16

5. Read a book by an author that is not White. The Color Purple by Alice Walker - Completed 3/5/16

9. Read a book about women during war. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai - Completed 3/17/2016

11. Read a sci-fi/fantasy book Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs - Completed 3/1/16

8. Read a graphic novel written… Fatherland by Nina Bunjevac - Completed 3/31/16

Put me down for 2.

3/2

1. Re-read your favorite book.

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read. The Secret History 3/8/16

3. Read a book written by an author under 30.

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures.

5. Read a book by an author that is not White.

6. Read a book of essays.

7. Read a comedy book.

8. Read a graphic novel written..

9. Read a book about women during war. Rose Under Fire 3/18/16

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue. Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us 3/23/16

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book.

Thanks Caro! I'm in for four!

1. Re-read your favorite book.

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read.


3. Read a book written by an author under 30.
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures.

5. Read a book by an author that is not White.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

6. Read a book of essays.
Reclaim Your Heart: Personal Insights on Breaking Free from Life's Shackles

7. Read a comedy book.

8. Read a graphic novel written.
Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened

9. Read a book about women during war.

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue.

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book.


4/4 Completed!!

I'll try for 2 this month. thanks!

I'm in for three. I'm listing five possible reads... not sure if I"ll get to them all!

Update Mar 7, 2016
(2/3)

1. Re-read your favorite book.
And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie

5. Read a book by an author that is not White.
Soldier With a Backpack: Living and Dying Simultaneously - read 3/5 Soldier With a Backpack: Living and Dying Simultaneously

7. Read a comedy book.
Life Without a Recipe

8. Read a graphic novel written..
Harley Quinn Vol 1: Hot in the City - read 3/9 Harley Quinn, Vol. 1: Hot in the City

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book.
The Steampunk Tarot: Wisdom from the Gods of the Machine

I'll try for at least 3
Progress: 5/3+
Read Women Challenge

1. Re-read your favorite book.

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read.

3. Read a book written by an author under 30.

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures. Radhika's Story: Surviving Human Trafficking

5. Read a book by an author that is not White. The Girl from the Well

6. Read a book of essays.

7. Read a comedy book. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

8. Read a graphic novel written..

9. Read a book about women during war. Between Shades of Gray

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue. - His Kidnapper's Shoes Although not the main focus in this book, there is a character who is bisexual and it does go into that a bit.

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book.

I'd like to join for 5 books:

1. Re-read your favorite book - Wildflower Hill

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read - Fire Touched

3. Read a book by an author that is not White - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

4. Read a book about women during war - The Nightingale

5. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book - His Majesty's Dragon

I'm in for all 10 may need suggestions though

Great idea for a challenge! I'll try for at least 4!
2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read. A Good Man Is Hard to Find And Other Stories by Flannery O'Connor
5. Read a book by an author that is not White.
A Mercy
3. Read a book written by an author under 30.
Burial Rites
7. Read a Comedy book
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

4/4

Hi Caro, can you put me down for 3, please?

Awesome Challenge...put me down for two (only because I will be trying to finish my box set quarterly challenge - which is all about female authors too so I don't feel particularly bad).

10. The Passion of the New Eve - Angela Carter
11. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms - N.K. Jemisin.

Sign me up for three please:

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures:I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

5. Read a book by an author that is not White: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

6. Read a book of essays: A Manual for Cleaning Women: Selected Stories

0/3

1. Re-read your favorite book.
Completed 3/7/2016 :: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone // J.K. Rowling

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read.
In the Unlikely Event // Judy Blume

3. Read a book written by an author under 30.

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures.

5. Read a book by an author that is not White.

6. Read a book of essays.
Completed 3/25/2016 :: Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song // Sara Bareilles

7. Read a comedy book.

8. Read a graphic novel written..

9. Read a book about women during war.
Completed 3/7/2016 :: The White Queen // Philippa Gregory

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue.

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book.
Completed 3/18/2016 :: Daja's Book // Tamora Pierce


1 :: :: 2 :: x :: 3 :: x :: 4 :: x :: 5 :: x :: 6 ::
:: 7 :: x :: 8 :: x :: 9 :: :: 10 :: x :: 11 :: ::

Hello all! Is great to see all of you interested in this challenge!!! So excited to lead... I already add all of you!

Blagica wrote: "I'm in for all 10 may need suggestions though"
Hello Blagica! Is amazing that you are planing to do the 10 of them!!! Please let me know in which ones you will need suggestions... I know some books for all of the points, just not time to read for all of them in just one month...

Count me in for 8! I already have these on other challenge lists...will be fun to focus on just women authors this month.

2. New to you book by author you've read--The Heart Goes Last
4. Eastern cultures--The Space Between Us
5. Not white--Breath, Eyes, Memory
6. Essays--We Should All Be Feminists
7. Comedy--Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
8. Graphic novel--Awkward
9. Women during war--The Nightingale
11. Sci-fi/fantasy--Kindred

COMPLETED!! 8/8

Melissa

I'll go for four!

Here's the plan:
2. New to you book by favorite author - Kushiel's Justice
3. Author under 30 - Four: A Divergent Story Collection
5. Non-white author - The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story
11. Fantasy - The Fairy Godmother

I'll start with one for now.

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures. - I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban √

1/1

Bonus:

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read. - Otherwise Unharmed √

5. Read a book by an author that is not White. - Binti √

I would like to try for 4. Thanks.

I will try for five.
1. COMEDY BOOK: The Funny Thing Is... by Ellen DeGeneres (3/5/16)
2. WARTIME: Zlata's Diary: A Child's Life in Wartime Sarajevo by Zlata Filipović (3/14/16)
3. NEW TO ME AUTHOR: There Are Jews in My House by Lara Vapnyar (3/27/16)

Another new-to-me author book: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (3/27/16)

I'm in for 4. :)

I'll attempt 6 of these and see how far I get.

6/6 CHALLENGE COMPLETED

For this challenge we would like you to explore women writers and pick books only written by women:

1. Re-read your favorite book.

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read.
Death of a Nightingale by Lene Kaaberbøl- 3/7/2016 - 3 Stars

3. Read a book written by an author under 30.
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie read 3/27/2016 3 Stars

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures.

5. Read a book by an author that is not White.
Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling 3/30/2016 3 Stars

6. Read a book of essays.

7. Read a comedy book.
Bossypants by Tina Fey - 3/2/2016 - 3 Stars

8. Read a graphic novel written..

9. Read a book about women during war.

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue.
All I Love and Know by Judith Frank 3/9/2016 - 4 Stars

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book.
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey 3/30/2916 2.5 Stars

completed: 4/7

For this challenge we would like you to explore women writers and pick books only written by women:

1. Re-read your favorite book. Dark Legend

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read. Valley of Silence

3. Read a book written by an author under 30. Burial Rites

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures.

5. Read a book by an author that is not White. Legend completed 3/28/16 - 4 stars

6. Read a book of essays.

7. Read a comedy book.

8. Read a graphic novel written..

9. Read a book about women during war. Our Mothers' War: American Women at Home and at the Front During World War II completed 3/6/16 -4 stars - not my normal type of book but I enjoyed it

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue. The Miseducation of Cameron Post completed 3/21/16 - 3 Stars

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book. The Oldest Soul - Animus completed 3/24/16 - 2 stars

I think that I could join this challenge by reading 3 books!


1. Re-read your favorite book.

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read.

3. Read a book written by an author under 30.

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures.

5. Read a book by an author that is not White.

6. Read a book of essays.

7. Read a comedy book.

8. Read a graphic novel written..

9. Read a book about women during war.

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue.

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book.

Sign me up for 2 thanks.

March #readwomen Challenge:
Duration: March 1, 2016 to March 31. 2016

In the spirit of last year's challenge:
"It’s a truth universally acknowledged, and confirmed by VIDA, that, though women read more books than men, and female authors are published in comparable numbers, they are more easily overlooked: a smaller presence in literary journals both as reviewers, and the reviewed, they also account for fewer literary translations."

For this challenge we would like you to explore women writers and pick books only written by women:

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures:
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang Completed 28/03/16 Rating 4 stars

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book:
The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge Completed 24/03/16 Rating 4 stars

2/2

Challenge completed

I'm going to try for 3 books.

1. Re-read your favorite book.

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read.

3. Read a book written by an author under 30.

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures.

5. Read a book by an author that is not White.

6. Read a book of essays.

7. Read a comedy book.

8. Read a graphic novel written..

9. Read a book about women during war.

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue.

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book. Born of Illusion 3/5/16

I'm in for 5 books for this challenge

March #readwomen Challenge:
Duration: March 1, 2016 to March 31. 2016

For this challenge we would like you to explore women writers and pick books only written by women:

1. Re-read your favorite book.

✓ 2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read. Where We Belong by Emily Giffin read 3/6/2016

3. Read a book written by an author under 30.

✓ 4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See read 3/10/2016

✓ 5. Read a book by an author that is not White. The Color Purple by Alice Walker read 3/4/2016

✓ 6. Read a book of essays. The Empathy Exams: Essays by Leslie Jamison read 3/8/2016

7. Read a comedy book.

✓ 8. Read a graphic novel written.. Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh read 3/5/2016

9. Read a book about women during war.

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue.

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book.

5/5
Challenge completed!

1/5
1. Re-read your favorite book.

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read.

3. Read a book written by an author under 30.

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures.

5. Read a book by an author that is not White.

6. Read a book of essays.

7. Read a comedy book.

8. Read a graphic novel written..

9. Read a book about women during war.
In The Blood Of The Greeks

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue.
Persistence: All Ways Butch and Femme currently reading

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book.
Reunion 3/2

#READWOMEN
Duration: March 1st - March 31st 2016

For this challenge we would like you to explore women writers and pick books only written by women:

1. Re-read your favorite book.
2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read. - Flawed by Cecelia Ahern ✔
3. Read a book written by an author under 30. - The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger ✔
4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures. - I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai ✔
5. Read a book by an author that is not White. - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou ✔
6. Read a book of essays.
7. Read a comedy book. - Yes Please by Amy Poehler ✔
8. Read a graphic novel.
9. Read a book about women during war.
10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue.
11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book. - Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo ✔

COMPLETE: 6/6

All updated till here. Since there are two Susan I decide to use the number of the first message to differentiate each of you.

I'd like to try for 10, please (only because I have no idea what to read for essays).

March: #Readwomen

"It’s a truth universally acknowledged, and confirmed by VIDA, that, though women read more books than men, and female authors are published in comparable numbers, they are more easily overlooked: a smaller presence in literary journals both as reviewers, and the reviewed, they also account for fewer literary translations."

For this challenge we would like you to explore women writers and pick books only written by women:

1. Re-read your favorite book.
Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read.
Hark! A Vagrant by Kate Beaton

3. Read a book written by an author under 30.
Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures.
When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka

5. Read a book by an author that is not White.
Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy an American Controversy by Annette Gordon-Reed

6. Read a book of essays.
The Penguin Book of Witches by Katherine Howe

7. Read a comedy book.
Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

8. Read a graphic novel written
Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 & 2 by Stephenie Meyer, Young Kim (Art/Adaptation)

9. Read a book about women during war.
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

10. Read a book about an LGBTQIA issue.
For Today I Am A Boy by Kim Fu

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book.
Have Mercy by Jaida Jones, Danielle Bennett

I'm in for 2!

I'll try 3.

A book new to you by an author previouslt read - A Tiny Bit Marvellous by Dawn French

Please put me down for 4! I loved the read women challenge last year, so I'm really glad to see this back. :) Thanks for suggesting it, Caro.

4/4 completed -- CHALLENGE FINISHED!

1) Task 2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read.
The Moor's Account by Laila Lalami (4 stars)
2) Task 4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang (4 stars)
3) Task 9. Read a book about women during war.
The Civil Wars of Julia Ward Howe by Elaine Showalter (5 stars)
4) Task 3. Read a book written by an author under 30.
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai (3 stars)

Is it possible to add another choice to this challenge -- to read a book by a woman author we've never read before? I have several of these on my TBR list that don't fit any of the categories above.

Sign me up for 5 please!

A book by an author that is not White - Americanah
A book of essays - The Unspeakable: And Other Subjects of Discussion
A Graphic Novel - Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal
A book about an LGBTQIA issue - The Argonauts
A sci-fi/ fantasy book - ?

I will try 4.

Definitely 2, hopefully a few more.

Completed: 5/2

1. Re-read your favorite book. one of my many "favorites"—Five Children and It by E. Nesbit finished 3/21/16 ★★★★★ (of course)

2. Read a book new to you by an author you have previously read. Why Mermaids Sing by C.S. Harris finished 3/17/16 ★★★★★

3. Read a book written by an author under 30.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer finished 3/28/16 ★★★★★

7. Read a comedy book. My Point... And I Do Have One by Ellen DeGeneres finished 3/24/16 ★★★★★

11. Read a sci-fi/fantasy book. His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik finished 3/20/16 ★★★

1: 2: 3: 7: 11.

I'm in for 4!

0/4

It turns out that most of the books I'm hoping to finish/read in March are by women, but I've only managed to fit a few into the categories.

3. Read a book written by an author under 30: A Darker Shade of Magic (to read)

4. Read a book about the Eastern Cultures: I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban (to read)

5. Read a book by an author that is not White: The Social Life of DNA: Race, Reparations, and Reconciliation After the Genome (currently reading)

11. Read a book sci-fi/ fantasy book: All the Birds in the Sky (currently reading)

Kristie wrote: "I'm in for 4!
"
I hadn't heard of The Social Life of DNA -- I see it's new! Thanks for posting, I'm adding it to my list.

Cheri wrote: I hadn't heard of The Social Life of DNA -- I see it's new! Thanks for posting, I'm adding it to my list."

It happens that I won it to review, but received it about a week after it was published. This challenge gives me some extra incentive to actually finish a book I own (I'm knee-deep in library books and ebooks) so I can write some sort of review!