Challenge Yourself…at Book Buzz
Book Buzz, Toronto Public Library's online book club, often has special events and contests. In 2014, we'll be offering our second annual, year-long reading challenge.
Participants are asked to read 8 books of their own choosing, 1 book from 8 different categories.
This year's categories are:
1. Read a book published in 2014.
2. Read a book published in 1914.
3. Read a book published in 1814.
4. Read a book that was a bestseller the year you were born.
5. Read a book about World War I.
6. Read a banned, challenged or censored book.
7. Read a book in translation.
8. Read a book and see the movie it inspired.
9. Read a book about music.
10. Read a book about science.
11. Read a book about politics.
12. Read a book inspired by another book.
13. Read a book that is over 500 pages in length.
14. Read a book that is less than 150 pages in length.
15. Read a YA book.
16. Read a book about writing/authorship.
17. Read a microhistory.
18. Read a book about work.
Participants can read whatever they like in the challenge as long as it fits into one of the categories. You can stick to your normal reading habits or get adventurous and try something outside of your comfort zone. Microhistories (category 17) are works of non-fiction, but all the other categories may be satisfied with fiction or non-fiction.
There is no referee enforcing rules and no one to pass judgement on your reading choices. The most important thing is to enjoy whatever you're reading in 2014.
Visit the Book Buzz Reading Challenge site to keep us posted about your progress. Share your reading experiences, find out what others have read and get recommendations.
Book prizes are awarded to those who complete the challenge. The challenge is open to all ages although the prizes are mostly adult-level books.
Get started by becoming a Book Buzz member. You're welcome to participate in all of our activities including our monthly book discussion.
One thought on “Challenge Yourself…at Book Buzz”
I’m halfway through the 2014 challenge. It’s been a cold winter in Toronto and I’m spending lots of time inside reading.
For #1, Read a book published in 2014, I read The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd (TPL eBook). A good read.
For #7, Read a book in translation, I read the English translation of Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck (TPL paperback and a selection of the EUNIC Book Club). This book is a look into the lives of the owners and occupants of a summer home in Germany. New characters are introduced in each of the 13 sections and each section covers a different time in German history; 1930s (and earlier) to the fall of the Berlin wall. I liked how the book was structured. The stories were intense, some were chilling. I will be seeking out more books by this author.
For #12, Read a book that is over 500 pages in length, I read The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (TPL eBook). A good read.
For #13. Read a book that is less than 150 pages in length, I read the English translation of Accabadora by Michela Murgia (TPL eBook and a selection of the EUNIC Book Club). This book, set in the 1950s, gives a perspective on an issue we are struggling with today. I won’t spoil the book for anyone by identifying the issue in this blog. I found it to be a worthwhile read. This book received six literary awards in Italy.