The Reading Challenge Group discussion

Hello :)

As my pile of books (not all yet added to Goodreads, shame one me) has gotten out of control, I have set myself the challenge to not buy any books in 2017 unless I can plough through my pile.
I have already sent a few off to the charity shop but the rest are my challenge!
So far, so good.
I really struggled after watching the Outlander series because I desperately wanted to buy the 3rd book so I could find out what happened next.
Fortunately, I've allowed a clause where I am allowed to be gifted a book on my birthday in July, so I will be choosing wisely.

However, my pile does not seem to be getting any smaller very quick so here I am!
Your support will be received gratefully :)

Ellie, we have a challenge just perfect for your goal of reading books you own, in the section of year- long challenges+other fun challenges too.

That's a difficult challenge, Ellie - it's such fun choosing new books! But if you have a pile of books, perhaps you could start the Rainbow challenge in April as you probably have lots of the colours. Good luck!

Thanks Rosemarie, I will take a look now,

Trisha, I know, arrrgghh! I will have a look at that also, thank you :)

OK had a good look around, these are the challenges I am doing:

Rainbow Challenge (Apr-Dec)
Fantasy Fair (Apr-Jun)
Buyer's Remorse; TBR Challenge 2017
Dust the Shelf (April-June)

Good luck with your challenges, Ellie. I'm also doing the first 2 of them. Fantasy is a challenge for me as it isn't the type of book I usually read.

Good luck to you too.
Ah I guess I picked it because I have a lot of fantasy on my shelf, hoping it will help me plow through.

Good luck Ellie

Well, I have to confess:
I have just finished a book that my grandad lent to me on the weekend, does this count as failing? I didn't BUY the book, it is second hand and it came highly recommended from my Grandad, I will be returning it to him...

Ellie, any book borrowed from a Grandad is not cheating on the challenge. As you said, you didn't buy it. What is the book he lent you? And did you enjoy it?

Phew...thanks!
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
This is the book, it's different from his usual types, from what I can tell, he normally reads crime/thrillers/action types so this was a refreshing change for him and it was for me too.
I think I had got a bit stuck in the fantasy world so it was nice to read a bit of 'real life' and has kindled an interest in Guernsey and Charles Lamb, who I will be researching shortly!
I did enjoy it, it only took me 2 days to read, which I know isn't quick by some standards but I am meant to be having a week off work to knuckle down with studying...not doing a good job!

I read the book a few years ago. It was an interesting and enjoyable way to learn about some little known World War 2 history.

Yes, I didn't know that Guernsey was occupied. It's horrific.

I'm pleased you found out about this, Ellie. The Channel Islands were all occupied, though I think islanders only remained on Jersey & Guernsey (the 2 largest islands). In Jersey the beautiful "Occupation Tapestry" is displayed in a museum - the panels were stitched by people from each of the 12 parishes to commemorate an anniversary of Liberation. Even now, there are signs of the war around the island. Years ago my friend's mum told me about her experiences living there during the Occupation. In a churchyard there are war graves - mainly British servicemen, but a few Americans too, & both countries' flags are flown. Amazing history, but so sad for everyone involved.
(I've visited there regularly for many years, though can never live there as I don't have the necessary status - their laws are very strict as the islands are small.)

Fascinating! I want to visit. So many places to visit, so little money.
Do you live there, or do you just have an interest?