Challenge: 50 Books discussion

Well the new year is well under way and it seems we have a lot of new 2012 threads, many of which are from new group members. Yay!

How about we take a little time to get to know each other? What's you favourite book? Favourite author? Why are you taking the challenge? What else do you do in your spare time? Anything else to share?

I'll go first :)

What's you favourite book? Ready Player One

Favourite author? tough question! I'll say Jasper Fforde, but a lot of others are popping to mind (Sarah Waters, Gail Carriger, Alan Bradley...)

Why are you taking the challenge? I love your recommendations and comments on books - it really inspires my reading list. Also, I don't know many "real life" readers that share my reading interests, so having a large online reading community is great.

What else do you do in your spare time? I knit a lot

My top 3 books @ this time are;
1. The Shack by w. Young
2.I'm Nobody by Erma Steppe
3.Sarah's Key by ?
Also my top authors @ this time.

The author I really enjoy @ this time is, Pablo D'Stair.
I don't understand his work but I enjoy reading it & trying to learn from it. I hope to read one of his books soon.

I'm taking the challenge because I love reading esp. new authors & poetry & classics.
I like gardening, genealogy,reading & writing.
That's enough abt. me, who's next?

YAY! I love threads like this! Helps me keep faces straight. ;)

What's you favourite book? I have to pick just one?? Gosh, I don't know if I can! I love Lord of the Rings, and of those The Hobbit is my favorite, so I'll say that I suppose, but it makes me nervous....

Favourite author? Tolkien J. R. R. of course! But I love many others -
James Patterson
Nancy Pickard
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

Why are you taking the challenge? To motivate myself to read when I have the chance, and to purposefully make time for reading. It's my "me" time!

What else do you do in your spare time? Anything else to share? I'm a stay at home, homeschooling mom of 5 kids. The big boys are 12, 8 and 7, and the twins - another boy and my only girl - are 16 months. Christian for over 25 years, wife for 10. I'm a night owl, a scrapbooker, a musician, and I love making new friends - even if they have to live in my computer. ;)

Hi, my name is Edgar. First time doing this 50-book-or-more thread/challenge. Just as background: 22 yrs old/ mexican/ read mostly fiction and PSY non-fiction (my major, yay) and biographie/memoirs. I read in English, Spanish and French.

Ok, now for the questions...


What's you favourite book?
Hard one... I tend to say "Hopscotch" from Julio Cortázar. It's probably not my favorite per se, but it's definitely up there and it had a great impact on me and what I was reading so I'll stick with that for now.

Favourite author?
Right now? David Foster Wallace, I know it's kinda hype but I can honestly say that THAT has nothing to do with it. Actually, when I started reading him for the first time I didn't even knew who he was and only knew of him because his friendship with another American writer Jonathan Franzen.


Why are you taking the challenge?
Personally I love to read, but last year was such a bad year for me in that sense. This is gonna help me get in the right track. Besides, deadlines and challenges always pump me.


What else do you do in your spare time?
I like tu jog, it helps me stress out. Right now I'm usually at school so spare time = reading. I'm handling a couple of undergraduate research projects so that's that. Oh yeah, haven't done it in, at least, a couple of months but I like to brew my own beer and try different beers from all around the world.

Greeting to everyone from the Mexican-US border and
Happy readings.

Dalynn wrote: "YAY! I love threads like this! Helps me keep faces straight. ;)

What's you favourite book? I have to pick just one?? Gosh, I don't know if I can! I love Lord of the Rings, and of those [book:The ..."

Aren't Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins the authors of the Left Behind series? WOW, haven't remember them in a LONG time. I read the kids version when I was a youngster (five years ago, actually) and am looking forward for the "adult" version.

Favorite book? It's hard to pick just one. Favorite of 2011 was The Hangman's Daughter

Favorite author? I consistently enjoy Ann Patchett, John Irving, Chuck Palahnuik, Barbara Kingsolver. Reminds me I may need to reread some John Irving this year. It's been a while.

Why are you taking the challenge? I like seeing what others are reading and have gotten some great book recommendations from this group over the last two years. And...the competitive part of me really wants to hit that 50!

What else do you do in your free time? Spend as much time as possible with my kids (3 and 1 years old). Enjoy the outdoors, camping, hiking, swimming. Indoors, I knit and sew.

What's you favourite book? ohh, this is a hard one as I have many - my favorites last year included The Hunger Games Trilogy Boxset and The Millennium Trilogy

Favourite author? Lately, I have been throughly enjoying the writing of Louise Penny in her Inspector Gamache mystery series

Why are you taking the challenge? To read more books, so that I can eventually get to my long term goal of reading 100 books a year

What else do you do in your spare time? I enjoy going for walks in nature, listening to music, travelling with my hubbie and reading, of course

Edgar wrote: Aren't Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins the authors of the Left Behind series? WOW, haven't remember them in a LONG time. I read the kids version when I was a youngster (five years ago, actually) and am looking forward for the "adult" version.

Yes, that's them! I started reading the series when book 10 was about to be released. I read through book 9 and then book 10 was taking forever to be back in stock at the library... and in the meantime, I had a baby! That baby is going to turn 9 years old in a couple of months, and I've never finished the series!

So, I'm going to re-read books 1-9 and finish it out this year! Would you like to buddy read it with me? I'm hoping my husband will read them with me also, but you never know, and I'm reading them this year with or without him. LOL :)

You can add me as a friend! Look forward to getting to know you and read with you some if you'd like!

What’s your favourite book?
My all time favourite (since I first read it in 1986) is Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. I’ve read it at least five times (it’s an old friend that I enjoy visiting). By extention the the whole ender universe. Last year I read Ready Player One by Ernest Cline – definitely one that that I’ll re–read. Last week I devoured The Hunger Games Trilogy Boxset in a couple of days. I have a strong sci fi addiction.

Favourite author?
Orson Scott Card (think I’ve read most of his short stories and books), Cormac McCarthy, Stephen King (he can be a bit hit and miss), Barry Eisler, Lee Child, David Baldacci and recently I’ve discovered Robin Hobb (I shouldn’t have judged her books by the covers).

Why are you taking the challenge?
I can’t image my world without books – it would be a sad, dull place. I admire and am a bit envious of how authors are able to make their ideas into such believable worlds that I can inhabit briefly. I would have been one of the many purged if I had lived in Cambodia during Pol Pot’s reign.

What else do you do in your spare time?
My hubbie and I walk, we try to do a couple of half marathon’s a year. Love spin classes, they are a superb start to a day. My other favourite activity is travelling. Just got back from a week in Oz where I was visiting family; planning my next trip – maybe climbing Krakatau for hubbies 50th in May.

Hi! This is my 3rd year doing the challenge. I came somewhat close last year.

Favorite book?
It's so hard to pick just one. I've read the Dark Tower series about 3 times through total. I also really love Goodnight, Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian. And 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill

Favorite author?
Joe Hill, Wally Lamb, Stephen King. Too many to count, really.

Why are you taking the challenge?
It gets me reading more, and actually keeping track of what I'm reading. I also love that I get so many good suggestions from what everyone else is reading. My mini-goal for this year is to read the books that I already have on my shelf to cut down on the number of books that I buy each year.

What else do you do in your spare time?
I like live music, and go to a lot of concerts. I write music reviews. I also really love scuba diving and traveling.

I don't have a favorite author; I just read what I like! I read 50 books last year and I thought this group would give a way to keep track of them. I am a retired teacher so I have lots of spare time. I usually spend it reading.

Hi, my name is Erma & I am the author of..
I'm Nobody. I am new to the group.

My favorite book is Gone With The Wind. The movie was great but the book went beyond great.

I am taking the challenge to read different types of books, keep track of what I've read & to see if i can meet the challenge.

I enjoy reading, writing, walking, cooking, sewing..I enjoy most things. I enjoy my life.

Year three and still avatar free. Sigh... I really need to go over to my brothers' when there's no football to distract us, and have him walk me through it.

What's you favourite book? "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. Always worth the reread. And the most recent read that I recommend to everyone is "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" by Helen Simonson which I found satisfying in every possible way.

Favourite author? Yikes! Um... depends on the genre. Love love love Meljean Brook right now. And Alice Hoffman. And Joanna Bourne. And Nalini Singh. And Jasper Fforde. And Jim Butcher. And George R.R. Martin - when I'm not totally ranting about how long it takes him to finish a book. I can't read "A Dance with Dragons" until I at least scim the other books because it's been so freaking long I can barely remember what anyone was doing. See, see what he does to me?

Why are you taking the challenge? I like a challenge. I like seeing what the rest of you are reading and what you think of it, as opposed to professional reviewers & best seller lists. The chance for conversation with people who read because no one else in my life does.

What else do you do in your spare time? I quilt (which actually means I collect fabric). I'm president of my quilt guild (for two more months any way). I do yoga. I collect comics.

Donna wrote: "Majo petigrew's Last Stand..."

D'oh! This book has been delivered to me twice by the library, then not made it to the top of my tbr list for that 3 week period before it needs to go back. Guess I gotta get on the list again.

I bought a copy, even though I'd already read it, because I'm that sure that some snowy weekend I'm going to want to curl up with it & a cup of cocoa. If we ever get a another snowy weekend. I know it's been optioned for a movie, but I can't quite picture who I'd like to see in the role.

Hi! I'm Chris. (I'll pause while you all say, "Hi, Chris!) This is my third year doing the challenge. I started because while I've always been an avid reader, I wasn't finding enough time to read. The first year I was able to read more than 60 books and last year I did more than 90 (thanks to also joining the Seasonal Reading Challenge group, which is highly addictive).

I could never pick just one book as my favorite. I love the Harry Potter series and the Outlander series. Other favorites include Bel Canto, A Prayer for Owen Meany, Cutting for Stone, The Code of the Woosters, Unwind, and Anthony Adverse. A pretty eclectic lot.

In my spare time I knit, walk, play games on the computer and help my son's various sports teams. Sometimes I try to get a little work in just to pay the bills.

Hi I forgot to tell abt. my memior. The name of my book is; I'm Nobody.... My Mother Said It; I No Longer Believe It.
I'm Nobody offers a brutally honest glimpse into what it is like to grow up without a mother's love and how one woman reached from within and found the
courage to survive despite facing insurmountable odds.
The book also contains copies of legal docs. of conditions of Erma and her brothers and sister each time social services or the police intervened.
Page 153, legal doc. Living conditions noted by authorities; one room shack with extended small space abt 3 feet high. Chicken wire covered by some boards,appears to have been a chicken coop, looks like the 5 children slet in this space. No beds, sheets, blankets, or pillows.
Hope eveyone will read and post a review. Haven't got many reviews so far. Thanks for the help. Erma

Chris wrote: "Hi! I'm Chris. (I'll pause while you all say, "Hi, Chris!)"

Hi, Chris! :D

Hi, my name is Dawn. I came across this group by accident and I think it is a great idea. I am always interested in what people are reading, whether it is fiction, non fiction, romance, science fiction etc.

If I had to pick one Author who is my favorite it would be Vince Flynn. But I really am open to read most books if it is good.

Now all I need to know is how to set myself up in this group.

So happy reading to all and I will be checking to see what good books you all come up with.

And I'll join in on the fun now, too.

Hi, I'm Tiffany. *waves* This is my ... fourth (?!) year in the group, and I've done pretty well each year. I do the challenge every year to keep myself on track with my gigantic to-read list (even though I add WAY more than 50 books to the list every year, so I'm not really making any ground on it. Oh, well. It's fun :) ).

Favorite book -- Hmm.... I love Nancy Drew books (still), but as far as Literature ... hmmm... that's a tough one. I do love If On a Winter's Night a Traveler, so I'll pick that one, even though I've read a lot of good books that I'd love to read again (if I ever had time for re-reading). Favorite author -- Errmmm.... You and your tough questions! Can I say Carolyn Keene? :D (Can you tell I can never think of favorite author/book/movie/etc.?)

What else do I do in my spare time? I volunteer at a local historical association. That's been my big "hobby" for the past year.

What's you favourite book? The Book Thief is definitely in the top three along with A Fine Balance and The Josephine Bonaparte Collection: The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B., Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe, and The Last Great Dance on Earth.

Favourite author? I have to go back and forth between Steinbeck and Stegner. Two American greats.

Why are you taking the challenge? I took the challenge last year to see how many books I actually read. It was a push to 50, but I made it.

What else do you do in your spare time?
Long walks, a little photography, as much traveling as I can afford, cooking, gardening, watching one daughter play tennis and the other daughter play polo and of course reading!

Hellooooo!
I'm Sandy, I just joined this group last night so I figured I might as well jump right in!

What's my favorite book, hmmm, this is a tough tough question!
The Heretic's Daughter
11/22/63
The Stand
The Help
World Without End
Here Burns My Candle
I'll stop there but there are so so many!!

My favorite author, omgoodness, how do you choose??
Stephen King is one of my all time favorites, Ken Follett, Liz Curtis Higgs, oh there are just so many!

I'm taking this challenge because I love to read and always have, and just to give myself a goal to work toward.

In my spare time I play with my yorkies, occasionaly crochet, and once in awhile I even clean my house since the dish fairy and dust fairy refuse to show up anymore! Dang them anyway!!

Good luck everyone with your challenges!!

Three of your favourites are also on my favourite all time list. I have read The Pillars of the Earth and have been meaning to readWorld Without End - will have to make time to do so now!.

Also I've checked out The Heretic's Daughter and Here Burns My Candle and have put them on my to read list.

I love Goodreads for all the readers their their recommendations. The only shame is that there is just not enough hours in the day for all the books I long to read.

Hey everyone! This is also my first time doing a challenge like this and I am stoked! As far as myself I am a Marine Science teacher in South Florida! I am a nonfiction addict and that is about all that I read (Truth is stranger than fiction!).

As far as favorite book, I have to go with a three way tie: The Stand by Stephen King, Cod by Mark Kurlasky, and The Secret Lives of Lobsters by Trevor Corson.

Favorite author: Do not really have one, just enjoy reading anything, but if forced to choose one I would go with Mark Kurlansky.

I am taking the challenge in order to share opinions and thoughts on various books with others. I also love to read and am trying to model this behavior for my sons and students.

In my spare time I love to go to the beach, play with my sons, and go out to dinner with my wife!

Good luck to all!

My favorite book? Humm thats a hard one there are so many great books. I think I would have to say Between Shades of Gray, but I could just as easily say an of the Harry Potter books or Walk of the Spirits.

Favorite author? Richelle Mead. I have absolutely loved every book of hers that I have read so far, and I only have 2 1/2 left to read until I have to wait for more to come out! But I also love JK Rowling.

Why are you taking the challenge? I used to hate reading. Than one day in 6th grade I found a book I liked and fell in love. The summer before high school I started keeping track of the books I was reading to see how many I could read and thought it was fun to be able to tell people exactly how many books I read in a year.

What else do you do in your spare time? I am a senior in high school this year so I have a lot of homework and have to get ready for college. I am also on my school's bowling team, the season just ended and we got 6th in stare. I love to just spend time with family and friends.

Hi all... wow. 50 books. I tend to go through spats of heavy reading when I'm firing through 2/3 novels a week. Then I burn out. That said, it's what I do for a living... which is probably cheating! Usually, the 'hungry caterpillar' times coincide with me writing, or being ready to write. After that, I need a break. I've never actually counted the totals. (Last month I read 6 novels. Does non-fiction for research count?) By far the best of these was The Spy Who Came in From the Cold.



It's flawless.

I tend to enjoy shorter novels, as longer books need to be very very capable to hold my attention.

But then, I'm a writer of short novels... they are useful for getting your book count up though! (Not that I think my latest publication The Fart would really count, at only 750 words!)

Here's a link to the books, which are available on Kindle too. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have on them. All the best.

Lexi wrote: "Why are you taking the challenge? I used to hate reading. Than one day in 6th grade I found a book I liked and fell in love. The summer before high school I started keeping track of the books I was reading to see how many I could read and thought it was fun to be able to tell people exactly how many books I read in a year.

What else do you do in your spare time? I am a senior in high school this year so I have a lot of homework and have to get ready for college."

Lexi, out of curiosity, what book did you read in 6th grade that turned it around for you?

Good luck making it to 50 (or beyond) this year, especially still being in high school and applying for college! (And once you start college, you'll have even LESS time for reading-for-fun!)

The good news is that stuff you read because you have to still counts for the challenge :)

Hi!!
I'm new here :) My name is Erika.

**What's you favourite book?
I'm not sure i have a favorite book... i think maybe it could be the book i'm currently reading, because i've LOVED every single page i've read... I'm not kidding, so far it's so good!!! but i haven't finished it yet, so my opinion could really change by the end, so i guess it doesn't count. The book is Lord of The Silver Bow by David Gemmell is the first book of the Troy trilogy.

But i DO have a favorite series "Chaos Walking" by Patrick Ness, it's so awesome!!. but who knows at the pace things are going, probably it's gonna be taken down by the Troy trilogy by Gemmell ;)

**Favourite author?
I'm gonna go with Patrick Ness

**Why are you taking the challenge?
I didn't really use to read this much, but i did a challenge with my husband of reading 20 books in 6 months, and we both completed it, so now i want to see if i can get to 50 in a year

**What else do you do in your spare time?
I like to listen to music, play videogames, do homework, work out, watch videos, etc..

**Anything else to share?
I hope we all complete our goal of fifty books this year ;) let's keep motivated!!

Howdy! I'm Julie and apparently I got the memo late because I just realized there were Friday question threads :) Also, I am new this year to the challenge.

My Favorite Book- Yikes!!!! So hard to choose. Well, here are some of my top favorites- Northanger Abbey, A Very Long Engagement, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Into the Wild, Waiting, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Sister Carrie

My Favorite Author- Theodore Dreiser, Khaled Hosseini, Jon Krakauer, Ha Jin, Jane Austen, Paulo Coehlo, Chris Crutcher

Why am I taking this challenge? I thought it would be a good way to keep me accountable and try to keep me on track with finishing books on my "Currently Reading" shelf first. So far, it hasn't worked! So, I hope to just get some great recommendations from other readers :)

What do I do in my spare time? Spend time with my family + work out + create jewelry + grade essays + try new recipes + drink a lot of coffee + try new restaurants and shop local :)

Anything else? I am glad I found the questions thread! I hope I can meet my goal and work on finishing books before starting new ones!

Hey all. I'm Katelynn. I've been around since last year, but I was mostly lurking. I updated my own books read thread, and that was about it. This year, I'm going to try to be more sociable!

My Favourite Book:
Yikes. Tough call. Two books I read last year that have really stuck with me are The Book Thief and Feed. Total opposites, I know. But so, so good.

My Favourite Author:
Wow. I don't know if I even have an answer to this question. I'm pretty much up for anything. I'll give a book a shot if the cover and synopsis grab me.

Though, I do adore John Green for reasons that are not limited to his writing. Nerdfighters all the way!

Why am I taking the challenge:
I tried it last year and got SO close. 44/50! So I know it's possible. That was probably the most books I've read in a year... ever!

I sort of fell out of love with reading when I was in school, and only really got back into it after I graduated from university. Now, I can't get enough! Maybe I'm trying to make up for lost time!

In my spare time:
I read! Obviously. But I also love to play video games, watch movies, listen to music... all that good stuff. I'm also obviously on the internet a lot. Between Tumblr, Pinterest and Goodreads it's a miracle I ever get off the computer!

Anything else?
Looking forward to getting to chat with more people this year. Feel free to friend/follow me at will.

I am Courtney!

My Favourite Book:
That's like asking me who my favourite sibling is. Historically, Winter of Fire, Neverwhere, The Court of the Air and the Lord of the Rings. Recently, The Book Thief and The Name of the Wind.

My Favourite Author:
There are a few people I will read anything by. Usually I give anyone a chance. I'm never disappointed by Neil Gaiman, Stephan Hunt or Terry Pratchett. I'm adding Patrick Rothfuss to this list as well.

Why am I taking the challenge:
Kateylnn above started doing it and I thought it was a great idea. The motivation was a to-read list a mile deep, chronic (and medicated) anxiety due to stress and a massive distaste for reading once all my schooling was completed. Working towards a goal is opening up not only a large number of new books and authors, but it's also giving me a much needed stress free time where I can recuperate.

In my spare time:
I read, which makes sense. My spare time "hobbies" have become my full time job so I'm also taking/editing photos, designing stuff etc. I spend ridiculous amounts of time on Goodreads, Tumblr and StumbleUpon. It's a problem, but I'm not sorry. My other spare time is planning my wedding, but I'd rather be on Tumblr.

Anything else?
I'm looking forward to finding new books to read! Feel free to friend/follow.

Katelynn wrote: "I sort of fell out of love with reading when I was in school, and only really got back into it after I graduated from university."

Courtney wrote: "and a massive distaste for reading once all my schooling was completed.

I was the same way. I wonder how many people do that -- like to read before entering college, get sick of it while in college, and then have to find their way back. You just get bogged down with so much REQUIRED reading that when you have a few free moments (or finally graduate), you absolutely DO NOT want to read MORE, even if it's something fun to read.

But welcome back to the land of the reading, both of you :)

Tiffany wrote: "Lexi, out of curiosity, what book did you read in 6th grade that turned it around for you?"

Into the Wild by Erin Hunter

I was looking at books and found one about cats who talked and lived in the wild and thought it sounded good so my dad bought it for me. It took me about a month to read it, but as soon as I finished I asked my mom to get the next one. She was so happy that I wanted to read more that the next day she went out and bought me the whole series. From than on I have loved reading.

Hi fellow 50 book challengers. My name is Juli.

This is my third year doing the 50 book challenge and I'm looking forward to it. This year I've decided to take my time and enjoy the books rather than racing through as I've done in the past. So, I'm only letting myself have one audio and one paper or e-book at a time. That way I won't be racing through to get to the next book on my pile. (My "to read pile" exists here on Good Reads rather than having a stack of books on my shelf). So far, I'm really enjoying this slower pace.

On to the questions :)

What's you favourite book? the Bible is at the top of my list. Recently, I've become a fan of gentle mysteries (i.e., not too much gore or swearing) especially the Amelia Peabody mysteries. I also like the Father Tim books by Jan Karon.

Favourite author? I frequently return to Jan Karon and Janette Oke

Why are you taking the challenge? Being part of the challenge ensure I will actually take time to slow down and read.

What else do you do in your spare time? What is this spare time of which you speak? Lol! I recently gave up Facebook, which was using up too much of my spare time. I hope to get back to blogging on a regular basis. I also enjoy counted cross stitch.

Glad to be part of this challenge. Happy reading everyone :)

Faye wrote: "Well the new year is well under way and it seems we have a lot of new 2012 threads, many of which are from new group members. Yay!

How about we take a little time to get to know each other? What..."

Hi! I'm Elisabeth.
All time favorite: The Bible
Favorite current fiction book: The Journey to Aviad (a Christmas gift from my aunt).
Favorite current non fiction book: Not a Fan.

Favorite author: Depends on what I'm reading! Jane Austen, the Brontes, Tolkien and C.S. Lewis make it on my all time favorites list. Current authors: Francine Rivers, Janette Oke and Bodie Thoene. I love seeing Jan Karon on your list, Juli. I've been told I would enjoy Karon's novels, and they're waiting for me on my to-read list. Perhaps this means a few of them finally need to make their way to the top of my stack...

I'm taking on this challenge to read through books that have been on my list for a while

Spare time: when not at work or church, I love to cook and crochet. Also, I'm slowly getting back into my regular fitness regime, and am reading more for that as well.

Hi :) I'm Adrianna and this is my 2nd year taking this challenge.
Just a few of my favorite books (because I can't just name one!) are:

My favorite authors are Markus Zusak, Brom, Karen Miller, John Green & Diana Wynne Jones
I'm taking this challenge because I need and want to read more. I wanted an easier way of finding out which books I read in a year and how many ;)
In my spare time I teach myself Italian and how to play my violin. I love videogames and cleaning and cooking and so many other things that I need a to-do list for my hobbies.
I don't have anything else to share except I have only a few friends outside of my computer screen, and most of my friends in it are in Italy.

My name is Kathy and this is the 2nd year I've taken the challenge. I am a librarian by trade and am surrounded by a large research library so there are more books than I will ever be able to read in two lifetimes. That doesn't count the piles of books by the bed that I have bought through book sales and used book shops.

Ooh, I'm jealous that you work near so many books! :)