Follow Darlene's book nook Follow Darlene's Book Nook Follow Darlene's book nookFollow Darlene's book nookFollow Darlene's book nookFollow Darlene's book nookFollow Darlene's book nookFollow Darlene's book nookFollow Darlene's book nookFollow Darlene's book nookFollow Darlene's book nook

OPEN GIVEAWAYS

None at this time. Check back soon!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

2014 Young Adult Audiobook Challenge


http://bookandlatte.com/ya-audiobook-challenge

This challenge is being hosted by A Book and a Latte.

Here are the details copied from Kimberly's blog:
2014 Young Adult Audiobook Challenge


The Goal:


Choose a level below that will challenge you, and listen to and review the amount of audiobooks required for that level. To complete this challenge, you must listen and review a minimum of 12 audiobooks (released any year) of the YA (or MG) genre in 2014.

Easy Listening
Listen to and review 12 audiobooks.
Rock’n Out
Listen to and review 24 audiobooks.
Head Bang’n
 Listen to 36+ audiobooks, and review at least 24 of them.
Mosh Pit
Listen to 48+ audiobooks, and review at least 36 of them.


Why should I join this challenge?


Because audiobooks rock! Listening to a book while doing chores or mundane tasks somehow makes them easier or at least not so bad, and they make hours in the car fly by… If you haven’t given audiobooks a try, use this challenge as motivation to do so!


What audiobooks count towards the YAAC?


Any young adult (or MG) audiobook! It doesn’t matter what year it was published.


What are the requirements?

  • Listen to and review at least 12 YA audiobooks (Easy Listening level) in between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014
  • Reviews should include the length of the audiobook, name of narrator(s), and include your opinion of the narrator(s)/production as well as the novel.
  • Review the audiobooks on either your blog, Goodreads, Amazon, or Audible, and then link them up here.
  • There will be a linky open here each month to link up your reviews.
  • Declare yourself a challenge participant (blog post/facebook/twitter) and sign up in the linky below!
  • HAVE FUN :)

Prizes:

There will be at least one giveaway at the end of the year, and each linked review counts as an entry! There’s potential for more giveaways through-out the year, and instructions will be posted with any additional giveaways.
If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I am aiming for EASY LISTENING (listen to and review 12 YA audiobooks).

 I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews:
  1.             

2014 YA Mythology Challenge


http://www.abouttoread.com/2014-ya-mythology-challenge/

This challenge is being hosted by Tiffany at For Those About to Read.

Here are the details copied from Tiffany's blog:
2014 YA Mythology Challenge

The challenge is to read 10 YA or Middle grade novels that incorporate any type of Mythology in the story line (Greek, Egyptian, Norse, etc.).

Every month, check back here for a wrap up post to link up your reviews. Reviews count as entries for the monthly prize pack.
  • The challenge will run from January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014.
  • You can join anytime by adding your name to the linky list below
  • Books must be read in 2013
  • If you are a blogger or YouTuber, please write a sign-up post or record a video that links back to this challenge page (Please use the image above in the post).
  • If you are not a blogger, just leave a link to your account on Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, LibrayThing, etc.

Not sure what to read? Check out the YA Mythology Challenge Goodreads List!
If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews (here are some books from my TBR pile that I might read for the challenge): 
  1. Of Triton by Anna Banks (The Syrena Legacy, Book #2)
  2. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter (Goddess Test, Book #1)
  3. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (Starcrossed, Book #1)
  4. Wildefire by Karsten Knight (Wildefire, Book #1)
  5. Abandon by Meg Cabot (Abandon Trilogy, Book #1)
  6. Need by Carrie Jones (Need, Book #1)
  7. Captivate by Carrie Jones (Need, Book #2)
  8. Entice by Carrie Jones (Need, Book #3)
  9. Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs (Medusa Girls, Book #1)
  10. Siren by Tricia Rayburn (Siren, Book #1)
  11. Envy by Elizabeth Miles (The Fury Trilogy, Book #2)
  12. Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Covenant, Book #1)
  13. Nobody's Princess by Esther M. Friesner (Nobody's Princess, Book #1)
  14. Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer
  15. Every Last Kiss by Courtney Cole

Monday, January 27, 2014

A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon: Starting Line #WintersRespite



The A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon has begun!
 

I'm Reading:
by Jenny McCarthy

I loved Jenny's Belly Laughs, which I read many years ago when I was pregnant. I need something light-hearted and funny to read, and I thought that this one would fit the bill!


Shade's Children
by Garth Nix
[on my iPod]

Reading Aloud to My Kids:

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
(Harry Potter, Book #4)

by J.K. Rowling



I have been on a reading hiatus since August 2013, and I am still trying to find the time to squeeze a little bit in. I am not aiming to finish any of these but, instead, try to get a little bit of "me" time in each day. I hate doing daily updates, so I'll just do a wrap-up post at the end of the week to show my final tallies.

Thanks again to my favourite read-a-thon host, Michelle!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Shifter Challenge 2014

http://www.parajunkee.com/2013/12/21/shifter-challenge-2014/

This challenge is being hosted by Rachel @ Parajunkee!!

Here are the details copied from Rachel's blog:
Shifter Challenge 2014



THE RULES:
  1. The Shifter Challenge runs from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014
  2. The challenge is to read 10 books that have a SHIFTER as a main, or supporting character
  3. Books can be in any format and should be at least 100 pages. Short stories do not count. You can also post about rereads.
  4. Post about this challenge on your blog stating that you are participating or create a shelf via Goodreads, Booklikes etc. That post or shelf is the link that you will include in the link-up below. The link should be the post link not just your direct blog link. Please be courteous and include a link back to this post.
  5. Post your reviews on the Review Post: Click here to log your reviews!

If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews:
  1.  

Vampire Challenge 2014

http://www.parajunkee.com/2013/12/21/vampire-challenge-2014/

This challenge is being hosted by Rachel @ Parajunkee!!

Here are the details copied from Rachel's blog:
Vampire Challenge 2014



THE RULES:
  1. The Vampire Challenge runs from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014
  2. The challenge is to read 10 books that have a VAMPIRE as a main, or supporting character
  3. Books can be in any format and should be at least 100 pages. Short stories do not count. You can also post about rereads.
  4. Post about this challenge on your blog stating that you are participating or create a shelf via Goodreads, Booklikes etc. That post or shelf is the link that you will include in the link-up below. The link should be the post link not just your direct blog link. Please be courteous and include a link back to this post.
  5. Post your reviews on the Review Post: Click here to log your reviews!

If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews:
  1. The Farm by Emily McKay (The Farm, Book #1)           

Zombies Reading Challenge 2014

http://isitamazing.blogspot.ca/2014/01/zombie-reading-challenge.html

This challenge is being hosted by Alex @ Is It Amazing?!!

Here are the details copied from Alex's blog:
Zombies Reading Challenge 2014



This is a non-demanding challenge for those who love the undead or for those who want to see what all the fuss is about.

There are four different levels you can join at:
  • Infected: Read 1-3 books
  • Walker: Read 4-6 books
  • Zed: Read 7-10 books
  • Dead Head: Read 11-15 books

The Rules:

  • This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2014- Dec 30, 2014
  • You may join at anytime. Just make sure you follow the guidelines for joining!
  • The books must be largely zombie related- a character can't make a joke about zombies and it count. However, if the character is joking about zombies while battling zombies in real life, it definitely counts.
  • The book must be at least 100 pages.
  • At least half of the books must be new reads- if you sign up to read 10 books, only 5 can be rereads. How relaxed is that?!
  • Crossovers to other challenges are both accepted and encouraged.
  • Any crossovers with other genres are accepted and encouraged. There are zombie romance books- Warm Bodies anyone?-, zombie action books, zombie mysteries, etc.
  • You do not need a blog to join in on the fun. Simply comment on this post what level you want to join in and make a list on Goodreads or somewhere else online.
  • There is no need to post a review for each book you read. Reviews are encouraged to share awesome zombie reads but sometimes there simply isn't time.
  • After you complete each book, come back here and enter the link to your review or the book's Goodread's page on each month's Linky. Make sure to check out other's reads to find some more zombie reads.

If you're looking for zombie recommendations, try looking at the Goodread's list below:

Zombie Romance

Best Zombie Books

Are You Ready for the Zombie Attack?

Awesome Zombie Books fo Girls/Women

note: I did not develop these lists so I cannot verify the quality of any books listed

If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I am aiming for INFECTED (read 1-3 zombie books).

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews:
  1.  

2014 Out of This World Challenge

http://topchochanbooks.blogspot.ca/2014/01/out-of-this-world-challenge-2014.html

This challenge is being hosted by Nina @ Bla bla bla books!!

Here are the details copied from Nina's blog:
2014 Out of This World Challenge



I love geography-based challenges. You know, the ones that make you feel like you are visiting all those wonderful places. But I always see the restriction: only real countries/states/places count. That sounds so unfair! What for all the wonderful places that are out of this world and time!

So here comes this challenge.

  • the goal is to visit via books as many places out of this world as possible! Out of this world can include other planets and stars (including the Moon!), completely different worlds (like Middle Earth), paralel worlds, dream worlds, distant future and distant past (I am talking dinos here. Not the 80's), heaven and hell... and so on.
  • It can be just a visit to this place. It counts even if only part of the book is set there. 
  • all books finished in 2014 count. It's okay if you started the book before January the 1st.
  • No need to review, just if you feel like it. In the end just a list of the books read and the places visited is all you need.
  • no need to have a blog. You can link to any public profile, or keep track in the comments
  • any lenght, any format, any genre
  • You can pick one of the levels (and you can move up or down) or you can set your own goal
Levels
  1. Few steps away - 5 places to visit
  2. Over the rainbow - 10 places
  3. Where no man has been before - 15 places
  4. Above and beyond - 25 places
  5. Out of this world - 40 places

If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I am aiming for FEW STEPS AWAY (5 places to visit).

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews:
  1.  

Diversity on the Shelf 2014 Challenge

http://littlepocketbooks.blogspot.ca/2013/12/diversity-on-shelf-2014.html

This challenge is being hosted by Alysia @ My Little Pocketbooks!!

Here are the details copied from Alysia's blog:
Diversity on the Shelf 2014 Challenge



Welcome to the 1st year of the Diversity on the Shelf reading challenge. The aim of Diversity on the Shelf 2014 Challenge is add diversity to you bookshelf by reading books by authors of color and/or about a main character of color.

Challenge Details

1. Any book (by any author) with a main character that is a person of color qualifies for this reading challenge, as well as any book written by an author of color. The goal is to encourage readers have a more diverse reading experience and to support diversity in the publishing industry by reading and reviewing books by or about person of color.

2. The challenge will run from January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014 (books read prior to 1/1/2014 do not count towards the challenge). You can join anytime before 12/1/2014. Sign up at My Little Pocketbooks

3. Books can be any format (print, ebook, audio).

4. Novellas, Short story collections, Poetry, Graphic novels/manga, Children Books, and all genres are allowed.

5. Books can be of any publication date.

6. You can choose your books as you go or create a list in advance. Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.

Join the Challenge To join the challenge, grab the Diversity on the Shelf 2014 Challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too.

You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads, LibraryThing, BookLikes, Libib, etc., just as long as you have a dedicated shelf for the Diversity on the Shelf 2014 Challenge and your profile is not private. The point of linking up is to have a place where people can see what you’re reading.


Pick a Level Choose how many diversity centered books you would like to add to your “read” shelf in 2014:

1st Shelf: Read 1-6 books
2nd Shelf: Read 7 -12 books
3rd Shelf: Read 13 - 18 books
4th Shelf: Read 19 -24 books
5th Shelf: Read 25+ books Once you pick a level you can go higher and read more books but you cannot go down a level.


  • If you'd like to participate in the Diversity on the Shelf 2014 Reading Challenge, please sign up, and if you have a blog please spread the word by grabbing the button and post about your participation.
  • If you need some ideas for what to read go to the original POC Reading Challenge blog.
  • There will be giveaways along the way, theme reads and a giveaway at the end for the participants who participate each month and completes the challenge.

If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I am aiming for 1ST SHELF (read 1-6 books by authors of color and/or about a main character of color).

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews:
  1.  

2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge

http://www.phantasmicreads.com/2013/11/2014-review-pile-reading-challenge-sign-ups.html

This challenge is being hosted by Rachel @ Fiktshun and Reanna @ Phantasmic Reads!!

Here are the details copied from Reanna's blog:
2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge



Reading Challenge Details:


  • The 2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge runs from January 1st until December 31st, 2014
  • Sign-ups will remain open until December 31st, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific
  • Grab one of the buttons to show off your participation! Parajunkee did a great job with them!
  • You DO NOT have to have a blog to join this challenge. You just need to have some books received for review and a place online to review them
  • Create a sign-up post announcing your intention to participate and link up below. If you do not have a blog, you can link up to your Goodreads profile that shows your 2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge shelf
  • Please link back to the hosts in your sign-up posts
  • This challenge is to help clear up books you’ve received for review. Any format, or any length, as long as you received the book specifically for review, is allowed.
  • There will be a kick-off post on January 1, 2014 at both Fiktshun and Phantasmic Reads where you’ll be able to leave your links for any January reviews. (No 2013 reviews) At the beginning of every month, starting in February, these posts will alternate between both blogs. (See schedule below)
  • If you forgot to leave your review link in the challenge month in which you reviewed the book or the linky list closed before you had a chance to leave it, you can leave it in a future month. (No duplicates.)
  • There will also be monthly giveaways – make sure you check in each month!
  • Use the hashtag #RPRC2014 to share your progress and connect with other participants on Twitter


We’ve broken the challenge down into levels. You can move up, but cannot move down. Let everyone know in your signup post what you’re aiming for
  • 1-10: Apprentice
  • 11-20: Journeyman
  • 21-30: Master
  • 31-40: Grand Master
  • 40+: Adept


The monthly RPRC schedule:

  • January 1 – Kick-off at Fiktshun and Phantasmic Reads – January Reviews
  • February 1 - Fiktshun – February Reviews
  • March 1 – Phantasmic Reads – March Reviews
  • April 1 – Fiktshun – April Reviews
  • May 1 – Phantasmic Reads – May Reviews
  • June 1 – Fiktshun – June Reviews
  • July 1 – Phantasmic Reads – July Reviews
  • August 1 – Fiktshun – August Reviews
  • September 1 – Phantasmic Reads – September Reviews
  • October 1 – Fiktshun – October Reviews
  • November 1 – Phantasmic Reads – November Reviews
  • December 1 – Fiktshun – December Reviews
  • January 1, 2015 – Wrap-up at Fiktshun and Phantasmic Reads + Giveaway

If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I am aiming for APPRENTICE (read 1-10 books).

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews:
  1.  

2014 Read Your Freebies! Reading Challenge

http://www.thebookvixen.com/2013/12/2014-read-your-freebies-reading.html

This challenge is being hosted by Brianna at The Book Vixen!

Here are the details copied from Brianna's blog:
2014 Read Your Freebies! Reading Challenge



Reading Challenge Details:


  • Runs January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014 (books read prior to 1/1/2014 do not count towards the challenge). You can join anytime before 9/30/2014. Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
  • The goal is to read at least twelve (12) free ebooks. While twelve is the minimum, there is no maximum limit. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. You can move up a level as often as you’d like but no moving down.
  • This reading challenge is for LEGALLY obtained FREE ebooks. We do not condone ebook piracy. These can be books offered through bigger sites, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or smaller sites, such as Smashwords and All Romance Ebooks. Ebooks offered through author or publisher websites are acceptable as well, provided they are available free to everyone at the time of download.
  • Any ebook format will work for this challenge (azw, EPUB, iBooks, mobi, PDF, etc.). You DO NOT need to have an ereader to participate in this challenge. You can read ebooks using Amazon’s Free Kindle Reading Apps, which you can download for your iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, Blackberry and more. Free audiobooks also count towards this challenge provided they are free to the public. They can't be free as a condition of signing up for a service and they can't be provided by the publisher for review.
  • Only ebooks and audiobooks that were available free, in a legal manner, to the public will count towards this challenge. eARCs, library books, ebooks free through Amazon Prime, and/or books won or gifted are not eligible for this challenge.
  • Books can be any genre (fiction, nonfiction, romance, fantasy, mystery, thriller, horror, etc.).
  • Crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed, however, re-reads are not eligible for this challenge. The goal is to read the freebies you’ve legally acquired so that they are off your TBR pile.
  • To join this challenge, grab the 2014 Read Your Freebies! Reading Challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads, LibraryThing, BookLikes, Libib, etc., so as long as you have a dedicated shelf for the 2014 Read Your Freebies! Reading Challenge and your profile is not private. The point of linking up is to have a place where people can see what you’re reading.

I have decided to forgo the review link-up for 2014. If you plan to review the books you read for this challenge, link them up in your 2014 Read Your Freebies! Reading Challenge post.


Levels:

Coupon Clipper: read 12 books
Penny Pincher: read 24 books
Buying in Bulk: read 36 books
Super Saver: read 50 books
Extreme Couponer: read 100+ books



Want to know where to start looking for those freebies?

If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I am aiming for COUPON CLIPPER (read 12 freebies).

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews (and list some of the Kindle Freebies on my TBR list):
  1. Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs (Sweet Venom Series, Book 1)
  2. Her Dark Angel by Felicity Heaton (Her Angel Romance Series, Book 1)
  3. Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory (The Jodie Wilkins Series, Book 1)
  4. Jenny Pox by J.L. Bryan (The Paranormals, Book 1)
  5. Once Bitten by Trina M. Lee (Alexa O’Brien Huntress, Book 1)
  6. To Kill A Warlock by H.P. Mallory (The Dulcie O’Neil Series, Book 1)
  7. Thirst by Claire Farrell (Ava Delaney, Book 1)
  8. Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter by Nikki Jefford
  9. Hollowland by Amanda Hocking (The Hollows, Book 1)
  10. The Soulkeepers by G.P. Ching (The Soulkeepers Series, Book 1)
  11. Drip Drop Teardrop by Samantha Young
  12. Smokeless Fire by Samantha Young (Fire Spirits, Book 1)
  13. Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace (Vampire Born Trilogy, Book 1)
  14. The Fallen Star by Jessica Sorensen (Fallen Star Series, Book 1)
  15. Witchblood by Emma Mills (Witchblood Series)
  16. Sojourner by Maria Rachel Hooley (Sojourner Series, Book 1)
  17. Rippler by Cidney Swanson (The Ripple Trilogy, Book 1)
  18. Blood Reaction by D.L. Atha
  19. The Pearl Savage by Tamara Rose Blodgett (Savage Series, Book 1)
  20. Earth by Shauna Granger (Elemental Series, Book 1)
  21. L.A. Gothic – In the Dark of Light by Vivien Levigne
  22. The Accidental Exorcist by Joshua Graham
  23. Darkhouse by Karina Halle (Experiment in Terror, Book 1)
  24. Afraid – A Novel of Terror by J.A. Konrath
  25. Children of the Fog by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
  26. Haunted by Willow Cross
  27. The Deepest Cut by J.A. Templeton (A MacKinnon Curse, Book 1)
  28. Origins by Steven Tandberg (The Infusion Series)

Anne & Kristilyn’s 2014 Book Bingo Reading Challenge

http://readinginwinter.com/2013/12/16/challenge-anne-kristilyns-2014-book-bingo-reading-challenge/

This challenge is being hosted by Kristilyn at Reading in Winter and Anne at Creativity’s Corner!

Here are the details copied from Kristilyn's blog:
Anne & Kristilyn's 2014 Book Bingo Reading Challenge


  1. Be awesome. If you’re not, this isn’t going to work.
  2. The challenge runs from January 1 to December 31, 2014.
  3. If you want to participate, you can join in any time of the year! Feel free to write up a blog post with the rules linking back to my and Anne’s blog in your sign-up post. You can add your post to the Linky at the end of this post!
  4. If you read one book for the “1 book” in any category, you can’t change it later on when you read another book to “2 books.” Once a square is crossed off, it’s crossed off for good! (Feel free to print off the scoreboard to keep track!)
  5. Books read for one square are for that square ONLY and cannot be counted towards another category. This is all about reading ALL THE BOOKS.
  6. The FREE SQUARES are a little different this year — now you can use those squares to read ANY book you like of any genre! Woo!
  7. You can start your board over again, but ONLY if you receive the stamp of awesome by completing a blackout. The “winners” of the challenge will be the ones who achieve the most winning combinations by the end of 2014.
  8. You can feel free to post your reading list for each category, though it’s not a requirement.
  9. Having a blog or writing reviews for books read is not required. So long as you want to have fun, you can participate!
  10. Every 3 months I will post an update here and all participants can link to their own updates. An update post will go up April 1st, July 1st, October 1st, and December 31st.
  11. This isn’t a race, but don’t be afraid to rub your reads in the other player’s face. This will be seen as encouragement. Feel free to use the hashtag #BookBingo2014 on Twitter!
While you can definitely “win” by the boring ol’ vertical or horizontal (or diagonal!) lines, the best ways to win are as follows:
BINGO Wins 2014-01
Like it says in the guidelines, the ONLY way to start a new board is to become the SUPER READER! The goal is to read ALL THE BOOKS! To be a winner (thus, to become the awesomest reader around), you’ll want to accomplish as many wins as possible!

If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

Here is the Bingo Card:


I am aiming to complete a line.

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews (and keep track of some books on my TBR pile that would fit):

  1. MIX IT UP - NON-FICTION: The Separation Guide by David R. Greig 
  2. GENRES - FREE SQUARE (NON-FICTION): You'll Get Through This by Max Lucado 
  3. MIX IT UP - FREE SQUARE (DYSTOPIA): The Farm by Emily McKay (The Farm, Book #1)
  4. MIX IT UP - CLASSIC: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson 
  5.  

Monday, January 20, 2014

Lucky No. 14 Reading Challenge

http://perpuskecil.wordpress.com/2013/11/12/lucky-no-14-reading-challenge/

This challenge is being hosted by Astrid at Books To Share!

Here are the details copied from Astrid's blog:
Lucky No. 14 Reading Challenge


Period of the Challenge: January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014

This challenge will require you to read 14 books (or more) from 14 categories below. You can combine the books you read with other challenges, but can not use the same book for different categories in this challenge.

Try to match the categories from your TBR piles But if you don’t have any suitable books in your TBR – and want to find an excuse to buy a book for this challenge, that’s totally fine too!

Here are the 14 categories:

1. Visit The Country: Read a book that has setting in a country that you really want to visit in real life. Make sure the setting has a big role in the book and it can make you know a little bit more about your dream destination.

2. Cover Lust: Pick a book from your shelf that you bought because you fell in love with the cover. Is the content as good as the cover?

3. Blame it on Bloggers: Read a book because you’ve read the sparkling reviews from other bloggers. Don’t forget to mention the blogger’s names too!

4. Bargain All The Way: Ever buying a book because it’s so cheap you don’t really care about the content? Now it’s time to open the book and find out whether it’s really worth your cents.

5. (Not So) Fresh From the Oven: Do you remember you bought/got a new released book last year but never had a chance to read it? Dig it from your pile and bring back the 2013.

6. First Letter’s Rule: Read a book which title begins with the same letter as your name (for me, Astrid means A, and I can read anything that started with the letter A). Remember: Articles like “a”, “an” or “the” doesn’t count

7. Once Upon a Time: Choose a book that’s been published for the first time before you were born (not necessarily has to be a classic book, just something a little bit older than you is okay. You can read the most recent edition if you want to)

8. Chunky Brick: Take a deep breath, and read a book that has more than 500 pages. Yep, the one that you’ve always been afraid of!

9. Favorite Author: You like their books, but there are too many titles. This is your chance, choose a book that’s been written by your fave author but you haven’t got time to read it before.

10. It’s Been There Forever: Pick up a book that has been there on your shelf for more than a year, clean up the dust and start to read it now

11. Movies vs Books: You’ve seen the movie adaptation (or planned to see it soon) but never had time to read the book. It’s time to read it now, so you can compare the book vs the movie.

12. Freebies Time: What’s the LAST free book you’ve got? Whether it’s from giveaway, a birthday gift or a surprise from someone special, don’t hold back any longer. Open the book and start reading it now

13. Not My Cup of Tea: Reach out to a genre that you’ve never tried (or probably just disliked) before. Whether it’s a romance, horror or non fiction, maybe you will find a hidden gem!

14. Walking Down The Memory Lane: Ever had a book that you loved so much as a kid? Or a book that you wish you could read when you were just a child? Grab it now and prepare for a wonderful journey to the past Comic books or graphic novels are allowed!

RULES:

1. To complete the challenge, you have to read at least one book for each category, or total of 14 books during the challenge period. You can set your own pace and do not need to follow the categories in particular order. You can also read more than one book for each category. You have to write your reviews in your blog/FB note/Goodreads page/tumblr/etc.

2. Please write a master post about this challenge in your blog/Goodreads/FB notes/etc, and submit your link below for signing up. You can use this master post to sort down the book(s) that you’ll read for each category, and edit them later if necessary. The sign-up linky will be opened from November 12, 2013 throughout the year until December 1, 2014.

3. There are also linkies for each category of the challenge. Please submit your link of review posts for each category in their respective linkies. These linkies will be opened in January 1, 2014 until December 31, 2014.

4. At the end of the challenge, write down a wrap-up post and submit the link in the linky too. The linky for wrap-up posts will be opened until January 10, 2015 to give you more time for wrapping things up. It’s okay if you don’t finish the challenge but you are not eligible to be selected as the winner.

5. After the wrap up post linky is closed, I will pick two lucky winners who had completed the challenge for winning great bookish prizes (including book vouchers, novels, and other exclusive bookish gimmicks/goodies ) The prizes will be revealed soon, so please stay tuned. You must have delivery address in Indonesia to be eligible for the two grand prizes.

6. If you are an international participant who doesn’t have Indonesian mailing address, don’t worry, I’ll also choose two winners, each winner can pick any book from The Book Depository for maximum of $ 10.

7. I’ll try to write a round-up post every month and pick some of the most interesting reviews. And who knows? Probably there will be some surprise gifts and giveaways throughout the year

Now, let’s start this wonderful 2014 and get ready to tackle some great books! ps: If you have any questions, please shout it out in the comment below. Reviews/questions/comments can be in English or Bahasa Indonesia

If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews (and keep track of some books on my TBR pile that would fit):


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2014 Monthly Motif Challenge

http://bookmark2blog.blogspot.ca/2013/11/2014-monthly-motif-reading-challenge.html

This challenge is being hosted by Kimberly Lynne at Bookmark To Blog!

Here are the details copied from Kimberly Lynne's blog:
2014 Monthly Motif Challenge



Welcome to the 2014 Monthly Motif Reading Challenge! For this challenge, each month is assigned a certain motif or theme. Your task is to read one book per month that fits in with the motif for that particular month.

This challenge is just for fun so please don't worry if you have to skip a month or if you have to read your books out of order! If you don't have anywhere to link your reviews- don't worry about it. Just come back and comment telling us what you read and if you liked it! Just have fun with it!


MONTHLY MOTIFS:

Jan- Around the World

Choose a book to read that takes place in a country different than the one you live in or choose a book written by an author that is from a country different than your own.


Feb- Award Winner

Read a book that has won recognition or a literary award. Here's a list of literary awards to help you get started on your search: Literary Awards.


Mar- Fairy tales or Fairy Creatures

Read a fairy tale retelling or a book with fey/fairies in it.


Apr- Short & Sweet

Read a collection of short stories or anthologies.


May- Mystery, Murder, & Mayhem

Read a murder/mystery book, a book in which someone dies of mysterious causes, or a book in which a mystery must be solved.


June- A Long Journey

Read a book in which the character(s) take a trip, go on a quest, or find themselves on a journey toward something, etc.


July- Assassins, Warriors, & Rebels

Read a book in which the main character is one of these things or fights against one of these things.


Aug- Alternate Reality

Read a book that's set in the future, on another planet, in another dimension, or in an unknown world. A Dystopian book will count this month as well.


Sep- Book to Movie

Read a book that has a movie based off of it. For an extra challenge, see the movie as well.


Oct- The Witching Hour

There's been a lot of zombies lately, but this year include a 'witchy' book in your scary reads- a book about a witch or a book that has witches in it.


Nov- An Oldie but a Goodie

Pick a book published before 2000 that you've always wanted to read, but just never got to. Or pick a book set in the past (before 2000).


Dec- That's a Wrap

Finish a series you've been meaning to finish or read the next book in a series you started but never finished.


Have fun!!! (For an extra challenge, try pairing this with the Monthly Key Word Reading Challenge.)

If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews (and keep track of some books on my TBR pile that would fit):


  1. Jan- Around the World [an author from a country different from my own]: You'll Get Through This by Max Lucado 
  2. Feb- Award Winner: The Farm by Emily McKay (The Farm, Book #1) 
  3. Sep- Book to Movie: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson 

2014 Monthly Key Word Challenge

http://bookmark2blog.blogspot.ca/2013/11/2014-monthly-key-word-reading-challenge.html

This challenge is being hosted by Kimberly Lynne at Bookmark To Blog!

Here are the details copied from Kimberly Lynne's blog:
2014 Monthly Key Word Challenge



Reading Challenge Details:

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Monthly Key Word Reading Challenge! For this challenge I have chosen six key words associated with each month in 2014. Your task is to read one book each month whose title includes one or more of the key words for that month.

* The title you choose can be a variation on one of the key words. For example- your title could include the word 'snowing' or 'snowflake' even though the key word is 'snow.'

* Key words can be tweaked. For example- You could read "Cinder" or "Ashes" for the key word 'Fire' and that would be just fine. If the key word is 'family' then your title could include the word 'sister' or 'mother.'If the key word is 'food' then your title could include the word 'cake.'

* Link up below to participate and add additional links any time you post about the challenge or post about a book you read for the challenge.

This challenge is just for fun so please don't worry if you have to skip a month or if you have to read your books out of order! Just have fun with it!
* Each month, by the 1st, I will post a new linky for you to add a link to your monthly read. This can be a link to your Goodreads review, your blog post about the book, etc. Your monthly link should say your blog name and the month. (Example: Bookmark To Blog January)


MONTHLY KEY WORDS:

JAN- Angel, Secret, Clock, Black, Day, Wild

FEB- Her, Life, Night, Red, Dark, Island

MAR- Forever, Inside, Storm, Sky, Flower, Stay

APR- Star, Light, Never, Princess, Break, Clear

MAY- Dawn, Death, End, Lost, Beautiful, And

JUN- Color, Beyond, Found, Place, Grave, Road

JUL- Crash, Ship, Prince, Whisper, Sun, Of

AUG- Forgotten, Down, True, Run, Danger, Me

SEP- Number, Take, Shadow, Ice, Who, After

OCT- Ocean, Blood, Still, Out, The, Fate

NOV- Into, Sound, Blue, House, My, Last

DEC- Kiss, Fire, Ruin, White, Promise, Infinity

Have fun!!! (For an extra challenge try pairing this with the 2014 Monthly Motif Reading Challenge)

If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews (and keep track of some books on my TBR pile that would fit):
  1. OCTOBER: The Separation Guide by David R. Greig 
  2. NOVEMBER: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson 
  3. JANUARY: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, Black by Ted Dekker, Black City by Elizabeth Richards
  4. FEBRUARY: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce, Red by Ted Dekker, Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin, Shutter Island
  5. MARCH: Fins are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs, Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter by Nikki Jefford, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
  6. APRIL: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, The Fallen Star by Jessica Sorensen (Fallen Star Series, Book 1), Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood, Nobody’s Princess by Esther M. Friesner, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
  7. MAY: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin, Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia,
  8. JUNE: First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones, Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers
  9. JULY:
  10. AUGUST: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
  11. SEPTEMBER: My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent, Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, 77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz
  12. NOVEMBER: Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz, Coyote Blue by Christopher Moore, My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent, My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent
  13. DECEMBER: Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory (The Jodie Wilkins Series, Book 1), Smokeless Fire by Samantha Young (Fire Spirits, Book 1), White by Ted Dekker

2014 Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge


This challenge is being hosted by Brianna at The Book Vixen!

Here are the details copied from Brianna's blog:
2014 Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge



Reading Challenge Details:

  • Runs January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014 (books read prior to 1/1/2014 do not count towards the challenge). You can join anytime before 9/30/2014. Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
  • The goal is to read as many Nicholas Sparks novels as you’d like. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. You can move up a level as often as you’d like but no moving down.
  • Books can be any format (print, ebook, audio).
  • Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
  • To join the challenge, grab the 2014 Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads, LibraryThing, BookLikes, Libib, etc., so as long as you have a dedicated shelf for the 2014 Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge and your profile is not private. The point of linking up is to have a place where people can see what you’re reading.

I have decided to forgo the review link-up for 2014. If you plan to review the books you read for this challenge, link them up in your 2014 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge post.


Levels:

First Date – Read 1–4 Nicholas Sparks novels
Going Steady – Read 5–8 Nicholas Sparks novels
Engaged – Read 9–12 Nicholas Sparks novels
Married – Read 13–16 Nicholas Sparks novels

If you would like to join me in the challenge, click on the challenge badge at the beginning of this post.

I have never read a novel by Nicholas Sparks <gasp!> Shocking, I know! I'm signing up for "FIRST DATE" LEVEL (read 1-4 Nicholas Sparks novels).

I will keep track of my progress below and link up my reviews:
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