"Reading Challenges: a help or a hurt? Do you find that the reading challenges keep you organized and goal-oriented? Or, do you find that as you near the end of a challenge that you've failed because you fell short of your original goals? As a result of some reading challenges, I've picked up books that I would have otherwise never heard of or picked up; that, frankly, I have loved. Have you experienced the same with challenges? If so, which ones? Do you have favorite reading challenges?"A look at my left sidebar should answer that question! I do love reading challenges, but I’m careful not to over-commit. (At least, not too much). In the interests of keeping my TBR pile under some semblance of control I look for challenges that I can complete using books already to hand, which likely also helps keep the reading challenges under control. Sort of.
Reading challenges are a great incentive for me to organise my reading - I keep a computerised list of all current challenges in order of finishing date, with both the number and titles of remaining books and URLs of posted reviews (for the wrap-up post). If I’m not sure what to read next, I just check the list to see which challenge needs work. Not that that always works ... I do still sometimes end up with a bit of a mad rush in the final days (*cough* VictorianChallenge *cough*).
Since I fill challenges mostly with books I already own, I rarely discover new author as a result. The exception is the R.I.P. II Challenge from 2007, where I needed a trip to the library to make up the numbers and found The Shape-Changer's Wife by Sharon Shinn, which I adored.
And my favourite reading challenge has to be anything involving classics!
5 comments:
I admire those who can restrain themselves when it comes to challenges. I'm a junkie! Not that I actually finish every one I sign up for, but still. :-)
Lezlie
I'm uncontrollable when it comes to signing up to challenges :) but I'll have to admit that they made me push myself harder to read!!
I used to participate regularly at a forum that hosted a different theme challenge every month.
I haven't been able to keep up this year. I'm publishing two blogs regularly, run a library and a youth group. I hope to get back to challenges. I'm always reading new authors because I find many recommendations on blogs and I am a big library user.
I enjoy coming by here. One day, you'll visit me? :-)
I feel so free as I don't read for challenges any more. I read for my own pleasure and at my own pace!
WG: Reading Challenges
Lezlie: I admire those who can juggle more challenges than I would ever dream of signing up for! Or those who even try.
DeSeRt RoSe: I'm fine with the reading - mostly - but they certainly do push me to get the reviews written on time!
Color Online: A challenge a month? I'd never be able to keep up with that!
Gautami: I'd probably feel freer too . . . but I'd feel like I was missing out on all the fun!
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