Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

I soo know where you are. That was me after wobble (I'm still cursing that challenge )
I have joined a bunch of challenges right now, but I'm only reading books I *want* to read. And I make sure to only sign up for a lot less books than what I'm actually capable to read. I want to enjoy challenges without a huge pressure to push out books.

Annika wrote: "I soo know where you are. That was me after wobble (I'm still cursing that challenge )
I have joined a bunch of challenges right now, but I'm only reading books I *want* to read. And I make sure to..."

Yeah, I read a LOT during WOBBLE, but I felt there were a lot of books that I really didn't enjoy which I read for wobble tasks, and would have DNFd if I hadn't felt pressed to finish them for the benefit of challenge goals. Similarly here, I'm hesitant to 'waste' pages I've already read by DNFing something, but it's not as bad since no specific task completions are expected of me.

Annika wrote: "Caly ☯ wrote: "Here is a question of the day:

Do you set any personal goals during Tower Teams?"

Nope, just read what I want and when I want and to have fun :)


Have you got any goals?"

Oh yeah I guess I should answer my own question LOL. Since this challenge is about pages more than books, I would like to see myself read at least 5000 pages which is around 2 books averaging 210 pages a week so that should be doable for me. 8-)

Annika wrote: "I soo know where you are. That was me after wobble (I'm still cursing that challenge )
I have joined a bunch of challenges right now, but I'm only reading books I *want* to read. And I make sure to..."

Yeah, I'm doing this "Star Wars Trivial Pursuit" challenge right now and the tasks are really hard to fill. I think I've read one or two out of ten or so that I've really wanted to read. We have 2 more weeks left I think. Then I have to finish out an Oregon Trail challenge which is close to being over and I'm DONE.

WOBBLE was actually pretty good to me I think. I was on a road trip half the time so I had a good amount of reading time and I didn't mind it at all. Or maybe I was on vacation so I just blocked everything else out, lol. Not sure which. ;)

Bethany wrote: "My goal for team towers is to finish as many of the series that I've started previously as possible. But... I keep getting distracted by shiny new books..."

I have the same problem, there are just soo many new and interesting books calling out to be read. So my overall goal might be that if (when) I start a new series, I need to finish it before moving on to something else. I need to get my 60-something series down to something more manageable. =P

Bethany wrote: "Annika wrote: "I soo know where you are. That was me after wobble (I'm still cursing that challenge )
I have joined a bunch of challenges right now, but I'm only reading books I *want* to read. And..."

Yeah, the pressure during wobble was insane! And as much as reading for tasks can be a lot of fun, they can also be a pain when you are forced to read horrible books.
And as far as waste pages read, I'd say, don't waste time reading something you hate. It's not worth it. Look at it this way, if you DNF something you hate - you SAVE yourself the pain of reading more pages that you know you're going to hate.

I was pretty lucky with Wobble, I think there were only 2 books I read that I did not enjoy. Fortunately the way we worked it when it came to challenges I was able to find a book I liked and wanted to read and found a place where it fit.

I had an awesome WOBBLE team and I actually ended up being pleasantly surprised by most of the books I read for odd challenges.

I liked Wobble because it did force me to read things I might not have read otherwise. Some of it, I ended up not liking. Some, though, I did. I found a few new authors that I really liked and have continued reading.

I like that challenges help me to find books I wouldn't normally pick or read. That's what helps me to keep reading consistantly. However, when I do challenge after challenge back to back with deadline after deadline without having a lot of flexibility (like now), I feel overwhelmed. Like now. Sorry for bitching about it. I know I did it to myself. It was an addiction. But the first step is admitting you have a problem.

Looking back at my Wobble shelf, I have a couple books on there that I gave low ratings to (2 or 3 stars...that's pretty bad for me) but nothing that I either wasn't already planning to read or that I was really reading against my will. I found and chose them for myself because I was interested in them....for a while at least. lol

Lindsay♫Sings wrote: "I like that challenges help me to find books I wouldn't normally pick or read. That's what helps me to keep reading consistantly. However, when I do challenge after challenge back to back with dead..."

I like that about challenges too, I like trying new genres/authors etc, but I guess I have to be in the mood for something new, :)
Don't worry about venting, we all need that at times and personally I don't mind. And honestly, from my point of view it's better to let people know when you are overwhelmed or have a lot going on, that way you don't have to stress about not reading as many books as you feel you *have to*. :)

Bethany wrote: "My goal for team towers is to finish as many of the series that I've started previously as possible. But... I keep getting distracted by shiny new books..."

*ahem*

You know, there is a team challenge starting in June in The Challenge Factory Group.
You read one series book / week. (Or two if you sign up for the super speedy game) It's a good way to knock a few series of your shelves.

You can read all about it here: Series Challenge

@Annika: I did the Super Series Challenge last time they held it (or maybe two times ago?) and I really enjoyed it. I'm one of those people who is so scattered in my series reading (probably like Bethany) that it almost wasn't helpful for me and I was just reading random series books....but I didn't mind it. It was still pretty fun. Some books in the challenge were helpful, but like I said, some I had to pick up were just a little random.

And thanks for understanding my ventage. Hopefully its mostly out of my system and I can move forward. Plus I feel that if anyone knows about committing to these Goodreads challenges and crazy books and what-not its all of you guys so I'm at least in good company. :)

I know what you mean, I've played it twice and the books you read are very scattered. But then again, you do make a Little dent in some of the series you have going. Every book helps and this is a nice little push to get on with some of them. And it's not a heavy challenge either. I like the one that have a limit on the number of books you can read, :)

I have done a loot of venting over challenges, so I totally understand the need to do so. So anytime you need it, feel free :)
I'm a selfconfessed challenge addict, to the Point I needed spreadsheets to keep track of them all....probably need some therapy for it =P
It all started with uno 3 (or so) years ago and I went from reading roughly 50 books / year to about 600 books / year. So I totally know where you are coming from.

Morning Ladies,

Venting is never a problem here. We all love to talk about books and it doesn't always have to be positively. 8-)

I am a team challenge addict myself. Personal challenges are not enough of a motivator for me. Wobble is part of the reason I was able to read 3x as many books last year as I had planned and definitely helped me discover that I like reading thrillers and suspense which I had not given much time to before. But I definitely don't want to be forced into reading something I would not enjoy (like a sappy romance LOL) just for a challenge points, life is way to short and this is all just a game.
Happy Reading all! (that is my motto)

If you are looking for some more suspense book, you should definitely check out Karen Rose, she's written some great books :)

Annika wrote: "If you are looking for some more suspense book, you should definitely check out Karen Rose, she's written some great books :)"

Thanks Annika!

Her books are on the longer side of things, but they are so worth it. They are incredibly detailed and just feels real. Like in reality leads don't always pan out and things aren't always what they seem.
Highly recommended! :)

Just a quick note for record keeping.

Could you post in this thread (and the message #) to let us know if you participate in the BoM discussion so we can make sure we add the points. Thanks!

Annika wrote: "Her books are on the longer side of things, but they are so worth it. They are incredibly detailed and just feels real. Like in reality leads don't always pan out and things aren't always what they..."

I second that. A friend recommended her books and I love them.

On the note of goals during Tower Teams....another goal I have is to read more of the books on my shelves and cut down the buying of new books. This also has become a recent problem of mine!! I blame #bookstagram!!!! As much as I love it, it has become a real, real problem! Too much money spent considering how slow I have been reading because I (am supposed to be) have been studying for my certification exam!

So: my real goal/personal challenge is to read personal books and library books ONLY and not buy more new books. I have PLENTY to choose from!! Challenges upon challenges worth....and I'm not even doing new challenges!! LOL :D

Hey
I think I will stop with the challenge so someone who has the time and the motivation to read can take my place because I my workscheduled takes a lot of my time and the rest of the day I spend with my roommates or chat with my boyfriend.
I really looked forward to this challenge because I wanted to read more again but the time isn't the right at the moment.

Lauriie wrote: "Hey
I think I will stop with the challenge so someone who has the time and the motivation to read can take my place because I my workscheduled takes a lot of my time and the rest of the day I spen..."

No worries Laurie. I'll ping the mods to fill in your spot.

Thanks Bethany

Lauriie wrote: "Thanks Bethany"

No problem! Life comes first. :)

Weekly 1000% Optional Tasks

Team-Building

Find something about another team member to send them a PM about. This could be anything from, "Hey, I was thinking of reading this book, but I saw you only gave it 2 stars. Can you tell me what you didn't like about it?" to, "I noticed you said you were in school. What degree are you going for?"

Reading Task

Look for a book that has something to do with stars or wars in some way. This could be something in the title, on the cover, in the book, about a movie star, etc. Once again, be creative!

Spoiler-Free Discussion Question of the Week

Let us know about any characters in your current books that you love, or love to hate. What aspects of their personality do you find compelling?

Bethany wrote: "
Weekly 1000% Optional Tasks

Spoiler-Free Discussion Question of the Week

Let us know about any characters in your current books that you love, or love to hate. What aspects of their personality do you find compelling? ."

I finished a book earlier today, Someone To Hear Me, and I just love reading about characters like Ares. People that have lived through horrible and difficult situations, in this case domestic abuse, and are getting their lives back together. Getting that second chance at life. They never give up fighting.
The same goes for MC's with various disabilities.
Done right these books are among the best ones I've read :)

Annika wrote: "Bethany wrote: "
Weekly 1000% Optional Tasks

Spoiler-Free Discussion Question of the Week

Let us know about any characters in your current books that you love, or love to hate. What aspects of t..."

I just read the description and that does sound like a pretty intense one! But when it has a good ending (which I assume it does? Not necessarily good as in "cured" but at least good as in content depending on the book/situation) that makes it all the better and more powerful!

Had a mini-revelation today surrounding how many things I do that I don't like doing or don't want to do because I think other people want me to do them even though it doesn't help or hurt them one way or another...

So the big news is I was like four days away from starting grad school to benefit a career I'm not even sure I want long-term and decided to withdrawal. It just didn't feel like the right thing to do.

The not-so-big news is I'm purging my TBR of all the books (especially series books) that I don't legitimately really want to read. I was keeping a lot on there because I *should* finish the series. And a lot of should is going out the window right now.


Anyway...

Not So Random Question of the Day
Are there any books that helped you make a big decision or change in your life?


This revelation I've had has been in the works, but re-read in The Tao of Pooh just solidified it for me. I feel like I can breathe again.

Lindsay♫Sings wrote: "Annika wrote: "Bethany wrote: "
Weekly 1000% Optional Tasks

Spoiler-Free Discussion Question of the Week

Let us know about any characters in your current books that you love, or love to hate. Wh..."

Written well, that kind of book is heartbreaking. You just want to sweep the characters up in a big hug :(
The ending was a good one - i.e. not a miracle cure in sight. The issues were still there, but more manageable.

That's another thing I really hate in books - the miracle cures, where everything is tied up in nice big bow at the end of the book. Life is messy and very rarely in neat bows, I want my books to show that. Let the characters stay damaged/blind/agoraphobic/PTSD and what not, but instead have them manage it instead. To accept and love themselves for who they are. Different isn't bad. If you spend an entire book trying to make people understand that people with different disabilities/diagnosis are people too, but then in the end invent some kind of miracle cure - then do you really think they are worth as much as everyone else to begin with? This just makes me mad.
(sorry for the rant)

Bethany wrote: "Had a mini-revelation today surrounding how many things I do that I don't like doing or don't want to do because I think other people want me to do them even though it doesn't help or hurt them one..."

As you can imagine coming out of the closet and living the life I was meant to live (including getting a divorce) was a pretty big life change for me. And the best thing I ever did since I waited (not because I wanted to) till I was 44 to do it. I would not say that any one book helped me make the actual decision but a book that really helped me get through it and know that I was making the Right decision was . All of Rita Mae Brown's lesbian novels are wonderful but this one hit the mark. I also grew up in the 60s and could do nothing to please my mother so I could totally relate to this book.

So Bethany I applaud your latest decision because life is way to short not to live it your way. 8-)

Changing your entire lives is incredibly brave! And I'm happy you were able to do that and live the life as you want it.

I read a lot of mm books, and one thing a lot of them have in common, is coming out, the fear of rejection, the reactions from family and so on. And every time it is heartbreaking. I mean no one should be afraid of who they are, who they love. After all it is your/their life. And I don't understand why everyone thinks they have the right to judge or interfere.
And whether that is about who you love, what you do or have/don't have, that's only up to you in the end.
...and that was another rant out of me... (sorry again)

...and that was another rant out of me... (sorry again) "

Don't be sorry! Rants are in my like top 10 favorite things. :P

Hmm, I haven't read any life changing books per se, but one that did open my eyes to a darker world was Malice.
I read it when I was around 12 and it made me realise that everyone does not grow up with great parents and that you might not have a safety net when you need it, that life can be brutal.
What got to me was the strength of the MC, she'd been sexually abused by her father for years, sent to prison for killing him, but came out stronger on the other side. Dedicated her life to helping women like her.
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't touch that book in a million years now, the writing isn't the best and most of the plot is utterly unbelievable and ridiculous. There are soo many better books out there on this subject. But this one has still stayed with me, it made an impact.

Bethany wrote: "...and that was another rant out of me... (sorry again) "

Don't be sorry! Rants are in my like top 10 favorite things. :P"

Good, then we'll get along splendidly ;)

Bethany wrote: "Had a mini-revelation today surrounding how many things I do that I don't like doing or don't want to do because I think other people want me to do them even though it doesn't help or hurt them one..."

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living pretty much defines how I live. I have my grandfather's copy from the 50s and one of it's anxiety quotes tattooed around my wrist.

Bethany wrote: "Had a mini-revelation today surrounding how many things I do that I don't like doing or don't want to do because I think other people want me to do them even though it doesn't help or hurt them one..."

Wow, you all are amazing. Talk about team-building.

I say good for you, Bethany. In life you absolutely have to make decisions for you, especially long-term ones. Especially expensive ones like grad school and career decisions. I work with a few college-age students and high schoolers and when we talk about figuring out college/career paths they like to bring up parents or friends or money or whatever other outside circumstances but ultimately its YOU who has to live with it and do that job day in and day out for the rest of your life. I'm sure you know all of this, you're an adult, but I'm just saying....good for you. I am pro-self care all the way.

That being said, I finished my second degree five months ago, I have yet to take my certification exam and begin applying for jobs (I was waiting for my contract to be up with my current/now last job to really begin buckling down on the studying and take the test and begin the application process) and am running on the fumes of my savings account, praying that I find a job before that runs out. Meanwhile I'm getting MARRIED in 16 months AND would like to move into a HOUSE before then?!?!?!?!?!? GAH! (talk about anxiety....yeah, I'm in denial) So. That's life for all of us thus far! We're awesome! Let's all read the Tao of Pooh again :D

Annika wrote: "Hmm, I haven't read any life changing books per se, but one that did open my eyes to a darker world was Malice.
I read it when I was around 12 and it made me realise that everyone do..."

YOU READ REALLY INTENSE BOOKS!!!!!






.......but I like it *wink* lol

I do...
They are some of my favourite books, they are usually really powerful reads.
(And I don't mean the ones where the author uses it as a cheap shot plot line as an attention grabber)

Don't get me wrong, after a book like that has gutted me, I need fluffy, suggary, angst free romances, sometimes by the dozens ;)

One that actually helped me was the Self help parody, The Life Changing magic of not giving a F***. You read it and it's funny, but then you start to think about it and you realize how much time and energy you put into caring about things that are so dumb or inconsequential or even things that we hate. It's pretty ridiculous how much time we dedicate to putting on a show for people we don't even really like. Why? If you don't like the person, why do you care what they think of you? It makes no sense, yet we do it. We keep caring.

I found it helped me to relax a little about things. I wasn't as concerned about things that didn't really require my concern.

Candace wrote: "One that actually helped me was the Self help parody, The Life Changing magic of not giving a F***. You read it and it's funny, but then you start to think about it and you realize how much time an..."

This is another one I really want to read!

I just finished Dark Matter and wow.. Don't know who else is planning to read it this month but I look forward to talking about it when we do.

I just picked it up from the library, but I am working on a few others at the moment. I hope to start on it soon though.

Is that a good wow or a bad wow? lol.

I finished Dark Matter yesterday. Personally, I really liked it.

I was surprised by how much I liked Dark Matter.

sort of has a star on the cover for this week's reading task.

Caly ☯ wrote: "I just finished Dark Matter and wow.. Don't know who else is planning to read it this month but I look forward to talking about it when we do."

I have it on hold! I hope to get it soon. I've heard a lot of great things about it.

Please welcome to the team:

• Jennifer
• Megan Harnett

Welcome Jennifer and Megan! Glad to have you here :)

Hi Megan and Jennifer!! :)

Hi an welcome!