The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion

Congrats Beth!!

I think my husband may make me sit the winter challenge out... He's like, "When you're doing challenges, you don't do anything else!" I'd beg to differ, thank you very much... but if I DO participate, I won't be playing to finish.

If I could change anything for this challenge, I would have read that massive William McKinley book already... grrr... I have a feeling Pres. McKinley is going to be blocking my path to the finish line this time... which is SAD, because I have a task thought up and ready to go already! I only have 12 books left....

Congratulations Beth! We just reached the halfway point so have to wait until late March for ours.

As for the challenge, I am going to stick to the same philosophy: keep chipping away at the TBR pile and if it fits into a task, great. These challenges are good for getting me to read a book or two that I wouldn't otherwise read (Shutter Island is a good example) but I am going to read for pleasure for awhile and see how it goes.

Congratulations, Beth!

For the upcoming challenge, I'll read more leisurely and not so quickly since I'll be going back to school in January (Grad School/Education-Teacher-to-Be) and that will keep me very busy with reading/observing/projects. Maybe I'll get a few books in during December, but I'm not going to push myself so hard so I don't get burned out.

Beth(MN) wrote: "I have a 3-day old baby so my schedule doesn't exactly belong to me anymore. :)

So the thing I plan on doing differently this time around is splitting the tasks into 3 different groups (after c..."

Congratulations Beth! Nice to see you back so soon after the birth of your baby!!

Congratulations, Beth, on the new baby.

I think I am going to try to read only books that I've not read yet. There may be an exception or two to that, but I'll try.

@ Kari-

I'm in grad school full time right now, and you might be surprised at how many of the books you're forced to read for school somehow fit into challenges! You wouldn't think that would be the case, but I was able to fit about five required academic books into the fall challenge.

What to do different? Assuming that the goal is to accumulate the maximum number of points while reading interesting books, I'd do the following:

Make lots of lists! (even though that gets in the way of reading). Then, when it is time to start reading a new book, look at the lists of books necessary for the high-point (25 or 30 points) multi-book tasks, and pick a book from that group. Repeat until all the 25 and 30 point tasks are done. Then, look at the lists of the 15 point books, and pick the next read from those books. Repeat until the 15 point tasks are done. Then the 10 point, then the 5 point. Midway, when the 50 point task is announced, the books for that task goes to the top of the read-next list. After the 50 point task is done, return to the other tasks on the list.

The lists associated with each task will grow as the weeks go on, as people post what they read, and if it sounds good, it can be added to your list. This time around, there are a few tasks that require a little more research than has been the case in the past - specifically, 5.7, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 15.5, and 30.1. In my lists for those tasks, I include: date added, and the person whose list I used. For 25.7 (multi-tasking), I'm adding books as I realize that a book can be used for two or more tasks. When points are claimed for a task, stop adding books to that task's lists; towards the end of the three months, the number of tasks should be small (even if the TBR list is large). I'm looking forward to the scavanger-hunt aspect of finding interesting books that have specific random qualities (like 25.10).

Ryan wrote: "Congratulations Beth! We just reached the halfway point so have to wait until late March for ours.

As for the challenge, I am going to stick to the same philosophy: keep chipping away at the TB..."

Congratulations Ryan!

Nicole NC wrote: "Beth - I'm so impressed you're even online and functioning! Congrats!"

I like to sneak on when I have a chance. Plus, new challenge...how could I not?!? :)

It helps that she's a really good baby so far and only cries when she needs something. Except for some night owl tendencies that have the two us keeping the same hours as vampires, she nurses and sleeps like a champ which definitely makes my "new mom" job much easier.

I hadn't planned on being this close to finishing. But since I am I hope that I can finish. I don't think that I will be able to finish the next challenge with more tasks to do. I am also competitive and would hate to be this close and not finish but it won't ruin my life if I don't finish.

I also agree that it is the hunt for the books. I love to wander the stacks and look for books to fit.
Congrats to Beth and Ryan!!!

Deedee wrote: "What to do different? Assuming that the goal is to accumulate the maximum number of points while reading interesting books, I'd do the following:

Make lots of lists! (even though that gets in ..."

I love lists too! I just can ever seem to stick to the order I'm supposed to and have too many half-finished multi-book tasks.

I have really loved these challenges and am very happy to have completed the last two. I have been also doing several other reading challenges and belong to a couple of monthly book clubs. It has been a huge time commitment and I'm afraid that if I attempt the to finish the Winter Challenge I will be headed for serious reading burnout. I did plan to bow out completely, but some of the tasks are luring me in... That being said, I am just going to kick back and enjoy myself, read for fun, and not be so darned competitive. My new goal is NOT to finish (or even try) and be back in full force for the Spring Challenge!

Diane wrote: "I have really loved these challenges and am very happy to have completed the last two. I have been also doing several other reading challenges and belong to a couple of monthly book clubs. It has ..."

Here is to intentionally not trying to finish, Diane!!

As it turns out I have quite a few books that will work for the winter challenge lined up and waiting on my nightstand. I should probably start with some I want to get from the library first though-- in case I get snowed in later in the challenge. If the snow and ice come then I will be all set to hibernate with a good book.

L wrote: "As it turns out I have quite a few books that will work for the winter challenge lined up and waiting on my nightstand. I should probably start with some I want to get from the library first though..."

Perfect plan for BJ Rose's new task. :-)

Krista wrote: "L wrote: "As it turns out I have quite a few books that will work for the winter challenge lined up and waiting on my nightstand. I should probably start with some I want to get from the library fi..."

true Krista, that one's going to take lots of thought,and time in the library. Hope my two year old is patient that day.

Oh sorry strike that comment... I was thinking of a different one

I have been trying to decide whether or not participate in the challenge this time around, as it seems to suck up my life. Between trying to find books to fit the tasks, reading all the posts and being an internet hog, I find I don't do much else! Then by the last month, I am burnt out and don't even come close to finishing!

So I think I will just do the challenge for fun this time around-read books I own that fit the challenge and not worry about points or the number books I have read.

Beth(MN) wrote: "I have a 3-day old baby so my schedule doesn't exactly belong to me anymore. :)

So the thing I plan on doing differently this time around is splitting the tasks into 3 different groups (after c..."

Congratulations Beth!

I'm planning on doing the same thing as you. I'm going to do the task that involves the books I really want to read first, then I'll get to the others if I have time. I just like having the challenge to keep me motivated to read...I sometimes neglect my bookshelf for TV and video games, so this keeps me focused :)

If I knew what I wanted to read I probably never would have found Goodreads. I think the thing I might do differently is prepare less. This challenge’s tasks really intrigue me, so I’m not too worried about fitting books in. I’ll hunt down books as I need them. I’m hoping to get inspiration from the books that others are reading and complete tasks that fit my mood at the time. I will try to share my reviews about books more and not just report what I complete. The tasks that might slow me down are 10.1,Under the Big Top: I have circus "issues", and the 3 film tasks: I read way more than I watch movies.

I'm going to set a goal for myself... I never expected to finish the Fall Challenge, but I did think I would complete more than I actually did. The winter challenge will be difficult because I'm getting married on March 20th, but I'm going to at least beat my current score of 30 points! It helps that The Stupidest Angel is on the list - I LOVE Christopher Moore and have been wanting to read that book since I read LAMB. Its definitely first on my list to finish!! :)

Christy - A Dirty Job was also approved for the Dirty Job task. That's a 2nd Christopher Moore book for ya! I'll be reading 3 thus far. Fluke for Hawaii, Stupidest Angel for Group Read, Dirty Job (for a different task) and I might put Lamb somewhere. Possibly under Satirical :P

I'm trying not to do any re-reads which lets Christopher Moore out. I may break down and do a re-read just for the comfort factor. Luckily, I've never read The Princess Bride so I'll be okay on the group reads.

Donna Jo be sure you get the Princess Bride abridged version. The original Princess Bride will bore people to tears. It was meant to be a satirical book.

Vickie wrote: "Good heavens--the challenge is interesting to look at but I can't imagine giving up reading what I like or want to read to fit an artificial pattern. It's great to broaden one's horizons by using ..."

Vickie, i dont think most people read just to knock off a total. The majority of people use this to broaden their horizons and pick books that they think they will like within the task structure. I have never picked a book that i thought would be terrible just to get points, but i have picked books for certain tasks that I ended up hating. But thats just because I book that i thought sounded good ended up being something i didnt like. Either way, i would have never explored that genre or category without this challenge.

I certainly have chosen many bad books in my non-challenge reading that i didnt like too, so this doesnt strike me as a negative about this challenge. on the other hand, i have forced myself to read certain kinds of books that i never would otherwise as a resutl of this challenge, for example, poetry, and have absolutely loved it.

think i am starting to ramble now, so will shut up...

Vickie wrote: "Good heavens--the challenge is interesting to look at but I can't imagine giving up reading what I like or want to read to fit an artificial pattern. It's great to broaden one's horizons by using the challenge as a guide, perhaps, but so many people on this challenge seem to be so intense and don't seem to read for enjoyment or knowledge, just to "knock off" a point total."

I think there are some who do as you suggest, but not all of us are that way. Some of us use the challenge to branch out and read new things, and the amount of books read varies from reader to reader. Some of us are fast readers, despite what we read. Can't speak for other people here but I find I learn something from just about everything I read which is my goal with or without this challenge. Even with books I wind up disliking, I find something to learn from it, even if it's as simple as to say, "Well, this literary technique does not work...".

You should participate as much or as little as you want. I like to get as far as I can, but not to the extent where I don't retain what I read. If you participate then you can also throw a suggestion into the Suggestion Box thread if you have ideas on how you might improve the challenge, or things you might like to see change.

I think my name is down for the 30th anniversary edition, whatever that may be. (Maybe I'll have to watch the movie while I read to bridge the boring parts.)

Vickie wrote: "Good heavens--the challenge is interesting to look at but I can't imagine giving up reading what I like or want to read to fit an artificial pattern. It's great to broaden one's horizons by using ..."

One thing to notice about this group is that a lot of folks around here are list fanatics. I think this challenge fulfills the need so many of us have to cross things off (rather than knock things off). In addition to the natural edification of reading, earning points for having read certain books produces a sense of accomplishment, however artificial it may seem to you. Just go over to the plans thread for a hint at what I'm talking about. Posting your plan is not required (nor is having a plan), but soooo many of us do it anyway.

Every task is voluntary. There are some tasks that I haven't been as excited about, but am learning to enjoy. To me, it is not unlike a reading list for school. I feel like I'm still a fairly novice reader (though I've been doing it for 23 years!) in that I don't have a super well defined sense of what is good or what I will like. This challenge, I think, is helping me to clarify my stance on books.

I think if you gave it a shot, you might be amazed at the extent to which the tasks can be molded to your individual tastes and interests. For example, I own all but five of the books I have read or am planning to read for this challenge (with only one reread for the reread task).

That said, the challenge is not for everybody. I know a lot of people who would not be content sticking to a reading plan.

HAHAHAHAHA! I have just found out when we are breaking for Christmas! 24th of Dec until 4th of January is gonna be filled with nothing but reading... and maybe finishing off my last two assignments for Libray Services!

I am going to start earlier on the next challenge. I jumped in like less than a week ago.

I join the cranky in the challenge because I wish I was farther along and so hoped to finish all the tasks. But, I've had an enjoyable time for the most part reading such a variety of books. :D

Donna Jo wrote: "I think my name is down for the 30th anniversary edition, whatever that may be. (Maybe I'll have to watch the movie while I read to bridge the boring parts.)"

Don't worry; there are NO boring parts! It's hilarious! The 30th anniversary edition is the same as all the other ones, just with a prologue added and a little teaser for a faux-sequel (definitely worth getting that edition).

This used to come up a lot when I worked at a bookstore, but there is only actually one version of The Princess Bride. Goldman presents it as though he's abridging another author's work, however, it's entirely his own brilliant creation. I've read it a thousand times, but I'll probably be breaking my "no rereads" rule for this one!

That being said, I'm not going to skip around so much when trying to complete tasks. Now that I've realized there's no way I'll ever finish a challenge, I'm mainly just in it for the fun. That doesn't stop me being annoyed with myself for partially finishing 2 multiple book tasks in the fall challenge. Next time I'll finish one before jumping to the next!

i've decided to read the books i'm less interested in FIRST! get 'em over with! i'm not going to necessarily do anything different than that. just going to enjoy my reading time! :)

I'm going to plan my books more for this challenge- in the past few I've competed in I've found that I don't complete as many books because I don't have time to find ones that fit the challenges. Definitely time to plan this one!

Well, the fall challenge was a disaster for me. lol
So, I'm excited to redeem myself. I am actually not working now, so when I'm not looking for a job, I'll definitely be reading! So far, my list is looking great. I was able to fit in a lot of books that I own and really want to read.

Asho wrote: " @ Kari-

I'm in grad school full time right now, and you might be surprised at how many of the books you're forced to read for school somehow fit into challenges! You wouldn't think that would be the case, but I was able to fit about five required academic books into the fall challenge. "

That's pretty much what I'll try to do this challenge. Sort of. I'm starting college next year (joint honours in English and Comparative Lit.) and I'm trying to fill the holes in my knowledge of English/European classic-ish literature. I've attempted the challenge before but abandoned it once I was forced to read something I didn't really want to read or once school took over my life. But this time I'm really motivated and I have three weeks of winter holiday ahead of me and I'm going to be serious about it and really try to finish it, even if I don't.

My plan is to not get too worked up when Roseann finishes by Jan. 15th (seriously, I am in such awe, girl!) ; ).

In truth, these challenges are tough because I constantly feel like I'm not measuring up to myself! I finished the spring challenge, didn't even finish my own task in summer, and did decently but not great in fall. It's been hard to set goals when I know finishing is within my abilities, if not my priorities. I want to go after that prize, but the constraints of real life tend to sneak up on me. At some point, I have to accept that I don't have the solid 3 hours/day to read that I used to and figure out a plan that is less frustrating for me.

I think I'd like to concentrate more on one task or one book at a time. I always start out with about 3-4, ranging from "light" to "heavy" to try to balance things out and then don't feel as if I'm moving on very well.

I know what you all mean. My #1 goal this time around is NOT TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE READERBOARD!!! ;) I had such fun pushing myself to read new things last time, and I want to do that again ... but I also want to just *enjoy* some books at a slower pace, not to mention enjoy the holidays with my family.

I thought about sitting this challenge out, but I love the list making and crossing things off. I get so overwhelmed when I look at my TBR shelf and the tasks here help me focus in choosing what to read next. I try to fill each task with books I own and really want to read so it's not like I'm "sacrificing" when it comes to that.

The only thing I'm going to do differently is to start with the books I want to read the most rather than with those that will earn me the most points. If I get around to those at the end, fine. I'm not planning to actually complete the challenge so it's all about prioritizing for me this time around.

I have an 8 week old to take care of and I'm actually resigning my position at work on December 23rd to stay home with her. I do most of my reading while she eats which is 40-60 minutes every 2 hours right now. That's more time than I get while I'm working, but I don't want to get so caught up in the challenge that I stop being 100% devoted to watching her grow.

I have never done a challenge before. What I did for this challenge was I had about 27 or so borrowed/library books that I really wanted to get done, so I can read the 900+ books I own. (about 800+ is you count out the ones I have read, and not gotten rid of, couse if I were to never get rid of any of my books I would have well over 2,000) Anyway I looked through all the challenges and fit in the books I had borrowed, then I started to put in books that I own.

I am trying to fit in Holiday books - I love the season and normally read a lot of them during December. So where a seasonal book fits, that is my criteria for selecting.

Well I've been doing this challenge completely differently to how I wrote I would on this thread in November!! I'm really into it now! I'm going to lanzarote for christmas and then visitng friends and family all over the place over the new year and into the new year so i'm not sure how much reading i'll done from tomorrow but i've read a lot more than normaly at this point!

I've been reading a lot more quicker reads this challenge, although not on purpose! I haven't got any money at the moment and normally I buy every book I read but because of the lack of money I've been using the library. Because I like to own books I haven't got out books taht I would normally read because I know I would prefer to buy them and read them when I have the money. I normally tend to buy books which are on 3 for 2 offers in the shops and they are normally more popular books which have won awards etc. Because I've been getting books from teh library and books I wouldn't normally read tehy've generally been only about 200 or 300 pages and I've read them in a day rather than a week!! Different for me but am enjoying the light hearted reads for a bit of a change!

I 100% agree with people about the readerboard. NOT going to pay attention to that any more!
the other thing i'm going to do differently is instead of finding books to fit the challenges i'm going to find challenges that fit the books. I have waaaay too many books on my shelf that i haven't read and with such a short christmas break i'd rather just read as much as possible and fit them into categories after. :)

As many of you have said I'm just going to enjoy reading and not worry about the point score too much. For me the fun of this challenge is to broaden my reading. I do tend to get stuck in a rut but love to find new authors that I enjoy.

I only started this with the fall challenge and didn't get very far but did enjoy some books I wouldn't have chosen otherwise. I have already done the same with this challenge.