Challenges and Booklists and Changes, Oh My!
Reading challenges were a large part of why I first decided to start a blog. Back then, they tended to run for a few months (there were some year-long challenges, but they weren’t the majority) and just have one ‘level’ of participation (except for Carl’s!); there also weren’t nearly as many of them. I really enjoyed them, and over the years I’ve joined all kinds of challenges, just for the fun of it. My favourite piece of HTML is the <strike> code, and I doubt I’m alone in that! ;) So imagine my surprise when I realised last week that, actually, I hadn’t been paying attention to my challenges since at least August. And that I wasn’t at all concerned about how far behind I was on some of them, or even overly excited that I had completed others. Hmmmm.
I started to think more about how I approach challenges: I almost never remember to add my links to the challenge website or check in to see what other challenge participants are up to. Instead, I make a big list on the topic when I join, pick books from that list, and try to remember to do a wrap-up post when the challenge ends. At the same time I was thinking about this, I was also in the middle of Nancy Pearl’s new Book Lust to Go, and dreaming over my own lists.
And then I decided that, rather than join challenges, I would just make book lists! That way, I wouldn’t be concerned about time, or numbers, or things like that. I could also incorporate the kinds of books I’d like to read more of without making official-sounding ‘goals.’ Instead, I’d just aim for certain ‘trends’ in my reading. ;) If a new challenge interested me, I’d make a list of books on the topic (giving credit for the idea of course) to refer back to. But I could also make lists on whatever happens to catch my fancy! I’ve been doing that on occasion over the years (and in fact, I’ve gathered all of the relevant posts under the category book lists if you’re curious), but now I’m going to do it more frequently. I’ve taken down my ‘Current Challenges’ page, and I’m now working on a ‘Book Lists’ page to replace it. (I’m also pondering what to do with all of my challenge categories.) Basically, I’m not so much changing my habits as recognising that they’ve changed themselves. I’m going to take the part of challenges I find most fun and do that all the time! :D
Why am I posting about this instead of just doing it? Becase I need your input! First, what’s the best format for the book lists? My standard approach is to include a link to the publisher’s page for each book and add a couple sentences either about why I chose it or what the book’s about or both. This takes more work, but I think that’s worth it for the ease of the list. But if you think a different format works better, please let me know. Secondly, are there any topics/themes you’d love to see a book list for? I’m taking requests to get the ball rolling!
And here’s to a 2011 full of lists and free of obligations. :D
P.S.: If you’re in the mood for a book list this weekend, try Buy Books for the Holidays, Five Books, or Flashlight Worthy.
A Striped Armchair 
I said similar things for 2010 — and then I still signed up for challenges. By May, though, I too had stopped noticing. I didn’t take down my page– it’s still there, just hidden. But I’ve been doing just this! I think two or three months is perfect for me. I did Victorian stuff for the summer months, and now I’m working on some African literature and books about Africa. I figure I’ll just keep plugging away until I get tired of the subject, then I’ll make a new themed list!
I’ve definitely noticed people moving away from “challenges” in the blogosphere lately.
I’ve been enjoying your themed months! Mine probably won’t be just one theme at a time, but there are things I want to explore more. :)
I think the move away from challenges might be the natural response to the over-explosion of them in the last couple of years. hehe
Haven’t thought through the format but I’d probably have a general explanation for the list and then add notes to any book titles that are iffy for the category:
YA Dystopian [add description here]
–Uglies
–My Space Trip (they have to go into space because of zombie virus on earth, so I’m counting it)
–Dead-Tossed Waves
You get the idea. Anyway, I’m thinking of stealing borrowing this idea — it’s wonderful. There are still a few challenges that I will signing up for (like my own!).
Steal/borrow away! :)
Great post! I recently decided to read more spontaneously, and at the same time decided to stop doing challenges. But I still have lists to keep track of. I replaced my “Challenges” page with a “Projects” page and added sub-pages for certain lists. If you visit my blog you’ll see the “Projects” tab at the top, and if you hover over that, you’ll see some sub-menus. Some of those choices are pages (like “The Booker Prize”), and others (like “1001”) just display an archive of that category. It’s not exactly where I want it yet … haven’t quite figured out how to make it work for me and my readers.
I’ll be interested to see what you come up with!
I’m always impressed with your projects Laura! And I’m off to reread the post you linked to: I’m subscribed to your blog, but I don’t always manage to comment on everything I’d like to. :)
Hi Eva,
I’m a longtime follower of your blog, though I don’t comment much and I don’t have a blog of my own. Your post asking about topics for booklists got me thinking…I work as an editor at a non-profit professional association that supports neurologists. We have a number of staff but no neurologists that actually work for the association. Much of the work that we do directly affects neurologists and the patients they care for, but many staff members don’t have direct experience with neurology or neurological illness. I have recently started a book club for staff members to become more familiar with these issues. I sold it to the leadership as a way for us to connect with the work we do on a deeper level. For example, when I’m editing, sometimes I get very focused on the nuts and bolts and forget that the publications are actually helping to assist doctors in providing care for patients. We recently had our first meeting, where we discussed “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” by Oliver Sacks. I am looking for other books (either fiction or nonfiction) that deal with neurological illness in some way. Some ideas that I’ve had so far: “Still Alice” by Alice Genova, “The Wilderness” by Samantha Harvey, but I’m not sure what else is out there.
The main neurological illnesses that we deal with are Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy, headache/migraine, dementia/Alzheimer’s, stroke, autism, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, essential tremor, etc.
If you’re interested, I would LOVE for you to do a book list on neurology-related books. Many of the staff I’m targeting are not big readers, so books should probably not be too technical. :)
Hi Laura!
Thanks for your comment. :) I can definitely put together a list of neurological books, although I’ve read more nonfiction than fiction on the subject. I have no background in the area, though, so I won’t be recommending technical books! ;)
I have always kept several reading lists on specific topics that I’m particularly interested in and am always on the lookout for. I’ve thought about posting them under a tab but so many people recommend books that are not adult literary fiction, which is what I’m looking for, so I’ve been reluctant. An upcoming post I’m working on will be novels with elephants ( I adore them and have read many non fiction books and watched all the documentaries), and I have lists like leprosy (had that list since I was a kid), Niagara Falls ( I live in the Niagara Peninsula), fiction written by doctors, doctors or psychiatrists as protagonists, Holocaust literature,the siege of Leningrad, pearl divers (very rare), orchards (particularly apple), dolls, etc. When I find a good novel that fits a category I am always delighted. Funny enough, they often fit right into one of the challenges I’m doing, but I’d read them even if they don’t.
I also have over a dozen award lists (under a tab “Book Awards”) and keep complete lists (or links to) longlisted as well as the shortlisted and winning novels. I can’t just buy any book I want so I keep on the watch for swapping opportunities or reduced books to find in these catageories. Having all my the lists handy and up to date in an online notebook makes it easy to refer to them quickly. I rely on LibraryThing and tags to find and record what I’ve found and read too.
I’d love to see your lists-whatever form they take, but this is what has worked for me.
Those lists sound quirky and lovely! :) My mom’s family lives just outside Buffalo, NY so I’ve visited Niagara Falls a few times: it’s a gorgeous area!
Are you reluctant to post the lists because people might suggest non-adult literary fic to you? You could always just close comments on them in that case, and at something at the top that they’re for reference. Just a thought!
I really need to look into participating more in LT/GoodReads/etc. to see if the organising bit works!
You are not the only one to abandon your challenges. Apart from the November Novella one which ties in nicely with NaNoWriMo, I have abandoned all others.
I have it in my head to concentrate each new month on a different topic rather than joining any challenges. I still plan to continue with my American Challenge though.
This was the sort of thing I was thinking about.
For example:
January – Susan Hill books
February – Persephone books
March – Books set in Alaska
April – Young Adult books.
May – Books from my shelves.
June – Victorian Gothic books
I just thought this way I would actually concentrate my reading on
the subjects that interest me.
That sounds like fun! I don’t think I could stick to just one theme every month, as I told Rebecca, but I do enjoy reading similar books back-to-back and want to do it more frequently in the future.
I do like the idea of more focused reading to avoid being distracted by books that sound good in the blogosphere but aren’t really me. :)
I love book lists! 2011 will be the first year I’ve participated in any formal challenge, so I’m really looking forward to it. I can see how you might burn out on that structure after a while though, and go back to good old fashioned lists :)
Have fun! As I said, I loved challenges for 3+ years, so I don’t want to discourage you at all! I didn’t so much burn out as lose interest, and I don’t see the point of forcing myself to continue. :)
You put into words what I’ve been thinking about for my own reading in 2011. Good luck as you put your plans into effect!
Thanks Alison! :)
I think quite a few people are abandoning their challenges, or at least signing up for less than they did last year. Right around this time of year, the challenges for the next year are posted and I start making lists of the challenges I want to join. Inevitably, I give up because I just do not have the time for such thematic, time-constrained reading.
But I am intrigued by your book lists. I just love look at lists!
Yep! And just to clarify: I don’t expect to read all of the books on the lists I make in any time of time constraint. Perhaps not ever! It’s just fun to have the reference for when I do feel like reading that kind of book. :)
I like the idea of explaining why you chose each book for the list. It’ll give a better idea of what they’re about for those of us who haven’t heard of them!
I really like this idea – I completely fail at challenges and sticking to lists, but I always like to see what other people come up with. It does give me ideas for my own reading even if I can never actually organise it.
I don’t plan for my lists to be things I have to follow rigorously! Just a more convenient way to sort my TBR wishlist, if that makes sense. :) I love reading other bloggers’ lists too!
Sounds like an excellent plan, Eva. I like the occasional challenge as a way of connecting with other participants (especially helpful if I don’t already know very much about the subject matter or genre), but I also like quite a bit of my reading to feel like I’m striking out on my own, doing my own exploration. Getting the balance right can be a challenge, but whatever the case I certainly look forward to your well-researched and fascinating book lists in future!
Thanks Emily! I enjoy how challenge blogs can become resources for subjects I have no background in too. :)
I know exactly how you feel. I have been making lists myself and I like it better than challenges, for now. However, I do like the kind of small type challenges that make you really connect with the participants. So I’m hoping to incorporate those into my reading next year.
That’s true! I think group read-a-longs have almost replaced challenges as far as making lots of connections go. But that might just be me! :)
What a great idea! Every once in a while, I want to write up a round-up of an extremely narrow subgenre–fantasy deconstruction, for instance.
Structure-wise, I’m imagining a short paragraph about what all the books in the list have in common and then just a list, but that’s just me. Good luck!
I’ve been having some of these kinds of thoughts too, and I really do like the idea you’ve mentioned of aiming for “trends”. And I’m overly aware that I’m not using that precious strike code as often on my personal reading project pages as I am using it on my challenge update pages. But what I’m struggling with is the idea of community that challenges do inspire: challenges do feel like they have more of a give-and-take quality, don’t they? more of a dialogue somehow? Oh, if only reading time unlimited, we wouldn’t have to ask ourselves these questions, would we?! ::lol:: I’m looking forward to hearing about your new year’s reading, whatever format that takes!
Heheh. I even struck out my own ::lol:: … clearly this whole New Year’s Reading Resolutions thing has become far too stressful!
Fixed it for you! :)
See: if I involved myself in the community aspects of challenges I would probably still do them. But I always forget about that bit of it, so it ends up being just me and my reading anyway. lol
I love the dialogue that comes from read-a-longs. :)
This is exciting and goes along with some ideas I’ve been tossing around. I did only a select handful of challenges this year and have loved the return of spontaneity to my reading choices. At this point my plan is to only do the What’s in a Name challenge in 2011 because it’s my all time favorite and by it’s nature allows for freedom in my choices. I always enjoyed putting together the list of possible books for the challenges much more than actually completing the challenges themselves.
I will also be ditching my ‘Reading Challenges’ link at the top of my blog. My initial hope is to replace that with Reviews by Author and Reviews by Title indexes, but that’s a project that my languish in the ‘in process’ stage for ages.
I’m thinking of setting up pages to keep track of books I purchase in 2011 and books I check out from the library (I’m also ditching the Support Your Local Library challenge next year). I’m not sure what else I might set up pages for, but I’ve got several ideas swirling around in my head. It’s good to see your ideas. I’ll definitely be looking forward to browsing your lists in whatever format you end up using.
What’s in a Name is definitely very free: I finished that one up w/o even trying! lol I love my review directory, but it was a pain to get it started to begin with.
I’m more about book lists than challenges too. I’m kind of terrible at finishing challenges :) I really love your format for your lists too, and I can’t wait to see more of them.
Thanks Amy!
I was tempted by all the challenges last year and even made a few lists, but I ended up not signing up or even publishing the lists! It just made me feel stressed to think about it. But I do enjoy looking at book lists and would like to figure out a way to incorporate some–and to use the very satisfying strike-through code!
My only definite goal was to read all the books I acquired in 2006 or earlier. Right now, I have four to go, so I think I’ll do that. Nest year, it’ll be everything I acquired in 2007. The rest of my goals are more trend-based, like opening myself up to more works in translation and books by people of color. I haven’t read a lot of books in those categories, but I have added a bunch more to my shelves and my TBR list, so it’s just a matter of time. I’ve toyed with a reading around the world project, with map. I think Lizzy’s Literary Life has something like that.
That’s funny Teresa! I hope you publish some lists in the future. :) I’m impressed at your own goals: I didn’t start acquiring TBR books until I began book blogging (so 2007), but I’d guess I have 150-200 unread books on my shelves now!
My unread pile hangs at around 200. I’d prefer it to be closed to 100, but that doesn’t seem possible.
I like this book lists scheme! I am always thinking I will invent a more organized way of deciding what to read, but so far I have not done so. I’m looking forward to seeing how you decide to organize things.
I’ll still be deciding based on whatever takes my fancy! But I’m hoping it will make it easier to find a book that fits my mood, if that makes sense. :)
I’ve abandoned challenges for readalongs. Of course, I still reserve the right to abandon those, too.
I love reading your lists, especially the couple of sentences you add…that’s the best part! How about a list of books on books?
I love the idea of readalongs, but then I always fail miserably! I think partly because w/ library books, I have to worry about when they’re due. But I find it difficult to sustain interest in a book while only reading it a little at a time…I’m not sure why. I might try some shorter read-a-longs next year!
Books on books will be a fun one! I’ve certainly read enough, and I’m curious about what else is out there. :)
I have trouble reading a little at a time too. That’s why I tend to like the “hey, a bunch of us are going to post about this book during this week” variety of readalong.
I love lists ,and challenges like you m aybe not so good on writing up and clicking back but love thinking of thematic books within a challenge ,all the best stu
Thematic reading seems to strongly appeal to a lot of people! :)
I always get super excited at challenges but forget about them until a month before they end and then have to decide if I want to squeeze all that reading into such a short time :D Book lists are really great and I’m excited to see what you come up with. I usually have word documents on my computer with bibliographies for several topics/ themes etc (I get weird obsessions and have to put the fruits of my research somehwere ;) ).
lol! I’ve been known to do the last-minute scramble myself. ;)
You should totally share your weird obsession lists on your blog!!!
Eva, I know it is time consuming, but I really love your annotated lists. It is something that I’ve considered doing. I keep track of books I want to read on Library Thing, but what I’ve noticed is I have forgotten what the book is about or why I chose it. Discipline in the beginning might mean I’m a little more productive in the end.
I’m glad that you love them: they are time-consuming, but I love making them so that’s ok. :) I just thought if people didn’t need/use the links, it would save time to not include them. hehe
I have no real system in place for keeping track of my larger, more amorphous ‘TBR one day’ list. I used to, but when my computer crashed I lost the file, and I haven’t been horribly interested in replacing it.
Eva- I love your lists. I was not planning on joining challenges in 2010 and then, of course, I signed up for 10 or so. It has worked out well this year but I am rethinking my plans for 2011. My library is creating a new electronic catalog that allows members the ability to create lists. I may use that system to make sense of the HUGE TBR list I have on Goodreads. As for challenges in 2011, I am thinking of limiting myself to O.U.A.T and R.I.P and leaving myself open to read-alongs. Thanks for your thoughtful and thought provoking post!
That’s wonderful you can create lists on your library’s site now! I’m leaving myself open to read-a-longs as well, although in general I’m not very good at participating in them. And I love the OUaT and RIP challenges: even if I don’t officially participate next year, I’ll enjoy seeing all of the participants’ posts! :D
Interesting post, Eva! I haven’t participated in any challenges till now – planning to participate in one challenge next year. I don’t like to have pressure, while I am reading. I have participated in one or two read-alongs and have enjoyed them. I think making booklists on themes is a wonderful idea. I have tried making booklists for fun – like for example, twentieth century Chinese literature (giving preference to the books which are less famous like ‘Fortress Beseiged’, ‘Nanjing 1937’, some of Lu Xun’s works etc.), reading-on-cities (for example, I have a history of Shanghai, a history of London, a collection of stories on Amsterdam, a memoir-and-history set in Cairo, a memoir of Bombay, essays on New York published in the New Yorker etc. in this list), Indian literature originally written in Indian languages but translated into English (for example works of V.S.Khandekar, Sunil Gangopadhyay, S.L.Bhyrappa, Premchand, Qurratulain Haider etc.), novels with a classical music background (for example. ‘An Equal Music’ by Vikram Seth, ‘The Unconsoled’ by Kazuo Ishiguro, ‘The Mozart Season’ by Virginia Euwer Wolff etc.). I don’t necessarily read all the books on a particular list though. I will have to plan for a themed reading month sometime.
Looking forward to reading your booklists :) I can’t wait to see them :)
Your book list themes all made me perk up Vishy! Now you’re going to have to do them so I can see what books you’re thinking of. :D I don’t read all of the books on my lists either; I just like being able to choose from the lists when I’m in the right mood!
Thanks for writing this post and thereby sparking some thoughtful discussion regarding lists and challenges. Since I’m wondering what kind of lists/challenges/whatnot I’d like to pursue in 2011 this was very helpful information !!
It’s that time of year, isn’t it?! I’m enjoying all of the perspectives in the comments too. :)
Oh, and I forgot to mention, thanks for posting the link to “Flashlight Worthy”. That is a REALLY cool site !!
Glad you enjoyed it! :)
I signed up for way more challenges this year than ever before- and after completing the first three find I’m dragging my feet on finishing the others. The lists sit on my wall unmarked or perused. I do have book lists galore, though! mine are organized by the subjects that interest me- gardening, nature, memoirs, fantasy, etc. but I think the idea of having even tighter themed subjects like you’re doing based on challenge lists. I admire that you’re jotting down things about the books, too- mostly I’m doing good if I even remember to add the titles to my list, much less write something about why I wanted to read it!
Well, these are the book lists I make! My more general TBR wishlist is all over the place and not organised at all. lol Need to work on that!
I like your booklist idea! It sounds like a good way to organize your reading that’ll work well for you.
I’ve only signed up for one challenge ever, and it runs this October til next. It’s a book a month, which is easier for me than the kind of challenge where you read x number of books on your own timeline. I’m not sure I could handle a different kind of challenge, or taking on many more! I’ve found I do enjoy readalongs, since it’s just a book at a time. For 2011, I’m setting up a reading project for myself rather than a challenge. That way, I think I’ll actually keep up with it–and I won’t be worried about all those other challenge-related activities you mention!
Enjoy the challenge you signed up for! :) As I’ve said up above, I wish I was better at read-a-longs. :)
Oooh, I like the idea of book lists :D I just love lists!! I haven’t been paying much mind to my challenges either :/ Mostly what I do now is join challenges and if I just happen to read a book that fits it, then I plug the book into the challenge category :p It’s sort of a fun fill in the blank activity…sort of like a scavenger hunt with books. But I LOVE your idea of book lists! And I am indeed a fan of the
tag :DBookish scavenger hunts sound like fun! :D
I pretty much gave up on all my reading challenges this year. I don’t think I am going to join any next year. Well, except for a couple…
Let me guess: RIP and OUaT? ;)
First- is it just the lighting in your new gravatar or did you change the color of your hair? Looks good :-)
Second- I like the way you are writing your blog now, sometimes just posts with quotes and photos. Very nice!
Third- I don’t really have any useful comments on book list set-ups. Though maybe, as people love your booklists so much, you should make a printer-friendly version available ;-) Not sure how to do that, though, so… again, not any help at all.
I dyed it red a couple of weeks ago! Although, I think my shampoo hates hair dye, because it’s already a bit lighter than it was. Have to get new shampoo!
I’m glad you like the pictures/quotes thing. I just started that, actually: I’ve been trying to figure out ways to make my blog prettier, hehe.
lol @ the printer-friendly idea! I don’t know how I would do that either! But it’s something to think about.
I enjoy challenges, but really don’t worry about them all that much. If I complete them, I’m happy and if I don’t, it doesn’t bother me. I love your idea of book lists – I think a few sentences telling why the book is on the list is definitely in order.
I love this idea and agree with the suggestions made in the comments. The only thing I would add is that on the book list, it would be great if you provided a link to the post in which you talk about the book after you read/review. Knowing how the book compared to your expectations would be interesting.
I love going through other people’s books lists and I love making lists of my own too. It’s very soothing:) I totally went overboard on challenges this year and I think I may have a few that I won’t complete. Can you tell that it’s still my first year and a half blogging? I love the idea of challenges but I think I’m going to have to limit myself next year as I miss reading on a whim and just picking up whatever book I see (which I still do, but I’m beginning to feel like I ‘need’ to finish certain books which diminishes the enjoyment a little.) So I’ll be watching your changes with interest!
Love this idea! Inside my head – ridiculously excited about Eva lists without you feeling a whole heap of pressure to finish a challenge. You’re putting a different kind of fun out into the blogosphere and that’s so awesome.
I love lists. Love reading others lists and love making my own. Sometimes I spend more time compiling a list than actually reading the books!
I decided last year to never mind with challenges as I don’t seem to enjoy them anymore. Especially since I mostly read review books now a days.
I changed all my challenge labels to a new label “past challenges”.