Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2013 Update

2013 Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict.

Friday 11/22: I finished my first Christmas book today Yule be Mine by Charlene Teglia, I might read one more this month but most of my Christmas reading will be in December.

Monday 12/23: Since my last update I have read another 4 Christmas books and watched 1 Christmas film.
Books I have read :
Winter Warmers by Carole Matthews
While Snowbound by Anna J. McIntyre
Wish Upon A Star by Trisha Ashley 
Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan

The film I watched was A Christmas Carol (Patrick Stewart) which is one of my favourite Christmas films. 

November 2013 Update

My November reading started very slow, one of the reasons could be all the reading in October. But luckily it picked up again thanks to (again) Tower Teams Challenge. I have read 17 books in November.

I have been working hard in November both to finish some more of my 2013 challenges and also to post all the missing finished posts and I am very close to having caught up. 

List of books:

1. How (Not) to Kiss a Gargoyle by Elizabeth A. Reeves
2. Vampires: The Recent Undead by Paula Guran (Editor)
3. Leopard Moon by Jeanette Battista
4. The Moon Of Gomrath by Alan Garner
5. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
6. Elidor by Alan Garner
7. Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews
8. Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake 
9. Burning Chrome by William Gibson 
10. Playing for Time by Barbara Bretton
11. The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
12. Yule Be Mine by Charlene Teglia
13. The Colorado Kid by Stephen King 
14. Ønskebarnet by Eddie Thomas Petersen 
15. Buried Child by Sam Shepard 
16. Åndeløs by Cliff McNish
17. Steam & Sorcery by Cindy Spencer Pape
    

Steam & Sorcery by Cindy Spencer

Sir Merrick Hadrian hunts monsters, both human and supernatural. A Knight of the Order of the Round Table, his use of magick and the technologies of steam power have made him both respected and feared. But his considerable skills are useless in the face of his greatest challenge, guardianship of five unusual children. At a loss, Merrick enlists the aid of a governess.
Miss Caroline Bristol is reluctant to work for a bachelor, but she needs a position, and these former street children touch her heart. While she tends to break any mechanical device she touches, it never occurs to her that she might be something more than human. All she knows is that Merrick is the most dangerously attractive man she's ever met—and out of reach for a mere governess.
When conspiracy threatens to blur the distinction between humans and monsters, Caroline and Merrick must join forces, and the fate of humanity hinges upon their combined skills of steam and sorcery. From Goodreads.


This was okay but I am not sure I will read any more in this series. It also seems that the series continues with different main characters and has people from this book just as side characters. The children in this story are very likeable.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (vampires and others)
Get Steampunk’d 2013

Crazy Challenge Connection RaT #18 Update

Crazy Challenge Connection RaT #18 hosted by Crazy Challenge Connection on Goodreads.

Wednesday 11/27:
Currently Reading: Unfortunately I didn't get around to do any reading today.
Books Finished Today: 0
Total # of Books Finished: 0

Thursday 11/28:
Currently Reading: I really meant to read a lot today but instead I ended up driving around doing different errands.
Books Finished Today: 0
Total # of Books Finished: 0

Friday 11/29:
Currently Reading:Nothing but I did manage to finish an audible today towards my steampunk challenge
Books Finished Today: Steam & Sorcery by Cindy Spencer Pape
Total # of Books Finished: 1

Saturdayday 11/30:
Currently Reading: Nothing as I left for a family gathering at 7.30 am and returned at 10pm
Books Finished Today: 0
Total # of Books Finished: 1

Sunday 12/1:
Currently Reading: The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
Books Finished Today: 0
Total # of Books Finished: 1

Monday 12/2:
Currently Reading: At least I finished another book today
Books Finished Today: The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
Total # of Books Finished: 2

Tuesday 12/3:

Books Finished Today: Winter Warmers by Carole Matthews and While Snowbound by Anna J. McIntyre
Total # of Books Finished: 4

Thankfully Reading Weekend 2013 Start

Thankfully Reading Weekend hosted by Jenn at Jenn's Bookshelves.

This is my third year taking part in this challenge. My goal will not be very high this year as I have plans for two of the four days.

My goal will be to read 2 books during this weekend.

The two books I hope to read are The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks and Tethers by Jack Croxall.

Even though I have other plans for some of the weekend I am happy to be able to take part in this challenge again. Thank you for hosting Jenn.

2013 A-Z Reading Challenge Finished

2013 A-Z Reading Challenge hosted by Escape With Dollycas.

Details
This challenge will run from January 1st, 2012 until December 31st, 2013.
You can join anytime.
Crossovers to other challenges are allowed and encouraged!
It’s an alphabet challenge!!! The challenge is to read one book starting with every letter of the alphabet.
So there are two different ways you can set up your own A-Z Reading Challenge.
A - How I plan to do it: Make a list on your blog from A-Z. Throughout the year, as you go along, add the books you are reading to the list.  Towards the end of the year, you can check and see which letters you are missing and find books to fit.
OR
B - Make a list now of 26 books, picking one for each letter of the alphabet. For example: A – The Azalea Assault B- Blue Monday C – Crops and Robbers D – A Deadly Grind etc. 
Books can be read in any order and all formats – print – e-book – audio – are acceptable for this challenge!

I have completed this challenge and read the 29 letters of the alphabet
 
HERE are all the Posts for this challenge. 

List of books:

A: Always the Designer, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker
B: Bell Jar, The by Sylvia Plath
C: Cross My Heart by Abigail Strom
D: De Novo Syndrome by Jim Buckner, David Mark Brown
E: Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stace
F:  Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder
G: Ghost Brigades, The by John Scalzi
H: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
I:  Iron Daughter, The by Julie Kagawa
J:  Just Doll by Janice Daugharty
K: A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines
L:  Legend of the White Dragon: Legends by Melanie Nilles
M: Moon dance by J.R. Rain
N: Nomadic Witch, A by Debora Geary
O: Old Before My Time: Hayley Okines' Life with Progeria by Hayley , Kerry Okines
P: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Q: Queen Of Sorcery by David Eddings
R: Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
S: Sterling by Dannika Dark
T: To Have and To Code by Debora Geary
U: Unwind by Neal Shusterman
V:  Vampire Moon by J.R. Rain
W: Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang
X: XBestia by Melissa Conway
Y: Yule Be Mine by Charlene Teglia
Z: Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi
Æ: Æsel by Kristna Stoltz
Ø: Ønskebarnet by Eddie Thomas Petersen
Å: Åndeløs by Cliff McNish 

Åndeløs by Cliff McNish

Spøgelser findes ikke.
Vil du forblive i troen?
Så hold dig langt væk fra denne bog!
Efter sin fars pludselige død, har Jack ikke bare fået astma, han har også udviklet en evne til at fornemme de døde. Hans mor er bekymret. I håb om, at lidt luftforandring vil gøre ham godt, har hun købt et gammel hus på landet.
Men allerede den første nat bliver han vækket, da en fremmeddame svæver over hans seng. Det er spøgelsesmoren, som stadig plages af sorg over sin datters død to hundrede år forinden. Fuld af medfølelse sætter Jack sig for at optrevle hendes tragiske historie - men er hun virkelig så kærlig, som hun giver sig ud for at være? Hvorfor vil hun så gerne lege hans mor? Og hvem er de fire forpinte spøgelsesbørn, der gemmer sig i kælderen? From back of book.
Jack is used to danger. His asthma has nearly killed him for more than once. But his new home has a danger he's never known before - the spirits of the dead. They can't breathe. But in Jack's house they can. Chase. Hide. Scream. Only Jack can see them. Only he can hear them. And only he can learn their secrets in time to save his mother and himself. From Goodreads.

I was surprised how much I liked this ghost story. Boy tells mum he can see ghosts, mum doesn't believe and everything goes bad from there. I kept turning the pages to see what happened next.  An easy read but it is still quite dark.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (ghosts)
2013 A-Z Reading Challenge

Crazy Challenge Connection RaT #18, November 27 - December 3 Start

Crazy Challenge Connection RaT #18 hosted by Crazy Challenge Connection on Goodreads.

Yep, it's that time of the month again! Our next Read-a-thon will begin at 12:01am Wednesday, November 27, and continue until midnight on Tuesday, Decemberber 3, a total of seven days. (Use your local time for start/end times.) We're hoping that this will help you finish your November reading lists/challenges and get a head start on next month's reading!

Note: Yes, we know that (US) Thanksgiving is right smack in the middle of this RaT, but we're hoping that the holiday might give some of you a little *more time to read than usual. For those who are going to be busy with family most of the weekend, we've extended the RaT from our usual 5-6 days to 7 full days this time!

Again, our goals for this RaT will be to:
(1) complete any challenges ending in November that you haven't finished yet and start on December's challenges (when appropriate) and/or
(2) work on that pile of library books that's waiting for your attention and/or
(3) read anything you want to read, just because!

If none of these goals fit your reading plan, then create your own goal and let us know what you plan to accomplish :) As you read, be sure to check in here and let us know what you've read, how it fits your goals, how you rate the book, and anything else you want to tell us about it!

My goal for this CCC RaT #18 will be to hopefully finish at least 4 books towards finishing some of my yearly challenges.

For Nicholas Sparks:
The Lucky One
Safe Haven

For Steampunk:
Tethers by Jack Croxall
A Clockwork Christmas by J.K. Coi and more (audio)

For Paranormal:
Red Shift by Alan Garner

for Stuck in a Rut:
Unwholly by Neal Shusterman
Maid for the Billionaire by Ruth Cardello 

The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon November 22 - 24 Finished

The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict.

To kick off my annual Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge this year, I've decided to have a weekend read-a-thon!
Details:

• Read-a-Thon dates: Friday, November 22 at 12:00am CST until Sunday, November 24 at 11:59pm CST (adjust your time zone accordingly)
• You do not have to be signed up for the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge to participate (but I sure would love for you to join us!)
• I am not requiring that you read Christmas/holiday books during the read-a-thon, but I hope you will pick up one holiday tale, even if it's just to read some children's books with your kids or some holiday short stories
• to check in on Twitter, we'll use hashtag #CSreadathon
• as usual, you do not have to have a blog to participate...feel free to link up and check in from Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

My goal was to read 3 books of my list for this Read-a-Thon.

I achieved my goal and read a play as well. A good start to the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge which continues to the 6th of January.

List of books:

1. Yule be Mine by Charlene Teglia
2. The Colorado Kid by Stephen King
3. Ønskebarnet by Eddie Thomas Petersen
4. Buried Child by Sam Shepard 

The posts for this challenge are HERE.

2013 Literary Exploration Reading Challenge Finished

2013 Literary Exploration Reading Challenge hosted by the Literary Exploration Group on Goodreads.

It’s real simple; below you will see an easy (12 books), hard (24 books) or insane (36 books) challenge. Each genre links to the Goodreads genre page if you need some suggestions on what to read. We want you to have some fun and explore; hopefully you might find a new genre that peaks your interest. To sign up either join the Literary Exploration book club on Goodreads and talk about your progress with others involved or for the bloggers out there, if you want to add it as part of your blogging experience simply let us know with a link (to your Literary Exploration Challenge page) in the comments below so our readers can see how you are going.

I have now completed the insane level of this challenge, to read a book from 36 different genres. It has not been easy but it has been interesting. 

I will take part again in 2014

THIS is where all posts for this challenge is.

My bookshelf on Goodreads for this challenge.
  
List of books:

1. Adventure: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
2. Auto-Biography/Biography: Old Before My Time: Hayley Okines' Life with Progeria by Hayley Okines, Kerry Okines, Alison Stokes
3. Chick-Lit: Chocolate Shoes and Wedding Blues by Trisha Ashley
4. Childrens Book: The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne
5. Classics: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
6. Cyberpunk: Burning Crome by William Gibson
7. Drama: Buried Child by Sam Shepard 
8. Dystopian: Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
9. Educational: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
10. Erotica: My Familiar Stranger by Victoria Danann     
11. Espionage: Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett
12. Fantasy: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
13. Graphic Novels: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
14. Gothic: Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake
15. Hard-Boiled: The Colorado Kid by Stephen King
16. Historical Fiction: Sharpe's Prey by Bernard Cornwell
17. Horror: Manhattan Grimoire by Sandy DeLuca
18. Humour: WLT: A Radio Romance by Garrison Keillor
19. Literary Fiction: Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
20. Magical Realism: Skellig by David Almond
21. Mystery: Dogs Don't Lie by Clea Simon
22. Noir: The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
23. Non Fiction: Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang
24. Paranormal: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
25. Philosophical: Life of Pi by Yann Martel
26. Poetry: When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne
27. Post-Apocalyptic: The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
28. Romance: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
29. Science Fiction: The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi
30. Steampunk: Lady of Devices by Shelley Adina
31. Supernatural: Moon dance by J.R. Rain
32. Thriller: American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
33. True Crime: Worm: The First Digital World War by Mark Bowden
34. Urban Fantasy: Sterling by Dannika Dark
35. Victorian: Her Own Devices by Shelley Adina
36. Young Adult: The Scourge by A.G. Henley

Tower Teams Read 2013 Finished

Tower Teams Read 2013 hosted by Nothing But Reading Challenges.

~Tower Teams~
                                                            First to Read 2,013 Books

Goal: The first team to reach 2013 books read, wins! Then the team challenge starts over again.
When: Starts January 1, 2013 and goes until the first team reaches 2,013 books read.
How: We will take all the people who sign up and divide them equally into groups, taking into account the number of books they read in 2012, but otherwise we will be using a "ramdomizer" to assign. When you go to the sign-up thread, PLEASE INDICATE the NUMBER of BOOKS you read in 2012. (Just to even out the teams. Thanks!)
◈ Books must be >170 pages. I found several items on the Internet that say
    200 location numbers on a Kindle are equivalent to 10 - 11 pages. When NO
    hardback or paperback editions are available for reverence, covert with the
    lower number.
◈ Audio books are allowed. (For page numbers, audiobooks should be compared
    to the paper edition.)
◈ No graphic novels. (Sorry.)
◈ Any genre counts.
◈ "Re-reads" will be allowed, if it has been a year since you have read the book.
    This includes listening to the audio version, if you've already read the book.
◈ When a team reaches 2,013, we will change the end date of the challenge. The first
    team to post - regardless of the other team eventually posting more books - wins.
    We'll check to see who places. ...

The second part of this challenge officially finished the 17th of November when one team made it to 1350 books. I think my team did really well as we got 3rd place.

Tower Teams Read ended up being in two parts as first round finished in April.
All in all I read 165 books over 160 pages for this challenge.
As a group we will continue at least for a while to see when we get to the 1350 books, as of 17th of November we had read 1017.

THIS is the bookshelf for the first part of the challenge.
And HERE is the bookshelf for the second part. (the bookshelf for the second part will have books from after the17th of November)

THIS is all my posts for this challenge.

My list of books for both parts of this challenge:

1. The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi
2. Moon dance by J.R. Rain
3. Sterling by Dannika Dark
4. A Nomadic Witch by Debora Geary
5. Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang 
6. To Have and To Code by Debora Geary
7. De Novo Syndrome by Jim Buckner, David Mark Brown 
8. The Scourge by A.G. Henley
9. The Dog Stars by Peter Heller 
10. Dogs Don't Lie by Clea Simon 
11. Legend of the White Dragon: Legends by Melanie Nilles 
12. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
13. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath 
14. My Familiar Stranger by Victoria Danann
15. Shadowmagic by John Lenahan 
16. Deadly Legacy by Alison Bruce
17. Vampire Moon by J.R. Rain 
18. Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stace
19. A Different Witch by Debora Geary
20. Twist by Dannika Dark 
21. Cross My Heart by Abigail Strom
22. Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder 
23. Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder
24. Become by Ali Cross
25. Always the Designer, Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker
26. Old Before My Time: Hayley Okines' Life with Progeria by Hayley Okines, Kerry Okines, Alison Stokes  
27. Winging It! by Shel Delisle
28. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen 
29. Skellig by David Almond
30. The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa  
31. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
32. Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
33. The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
34. Witches on Parole by Debora Geary
35. Witches under Way by Debora Geary
36. Witches in Flight by Debora Geary
37. American Vampire by J.R. Rain 
38. Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder  
39. Worm: The First Digital World War by Mark Bowden 
40. Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong
41. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks 
42. Stained by Ella James 
43. Lady of Devices by Shelley Adina
44. Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs 
45. Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper 

1. A Celtic Witch by Debora Geary 
2. Wise Follies by Grace Wynne-Jones 
3. Wait For Me by Elisabeth Naughton 
4. Goddess Legacy by M.W. Muse 
5. Amy's Story by D'Elen McClain
6. Manhattan Grimoire by Sandy DeLuca
7. Hollowland by Amanda Hocking
8. Marked by Kim Richardson
9. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis  
10. Endlessly by Kiersten White
11. Every Witch Way But Wicked
12. The Hunt by Joseph Williams
13. Virtual Evil by Jana Oliver
14. WLT: A Radio Romance by Garrison Keillor 
15. Queen Of Sorcery by David Eddings 
16. Magician's Gambit by David Eddings 
17. Castle of Wizardry by David Eddings 
18. The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury 
19. Enchanters' End Game by David Eddings 
20. Just Doll by Janice Daugharty
21. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
22. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
23. The Last Colony by John Scalzi
24. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
25. Frostbitten by Kelley Armstrong
26. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
27. Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi
28. Sharpe's Prey by Bernard Cornwell
29. Merrick by Anne Rice
30. Guards! Guards!: by Terry Pratchett
31. The Light Within Me by Carly Fall
32. All Summer Long by Susan Mallery
33. Zombacter: Center City Contagion by Sean Bingham  
34. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch  
35. Waking Up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly  
36. Alone by Robert J. Crane
37. Chocolate Shoes And Wedding Blues by Trisha Ashley
38. Alice in Zombieland by Nickolas Cook
39. World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks
40. The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine
41. The Case of the Flashing Fashion Queen by Norah Wilson
42. Origins by Kristen Middleton
43. Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
44. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 
45. Her Own Devices by Shelley Adina 
46. The Long Midnight Of Barney Thomson by Douglas Lindsay
47. Amethyst by Heather Bowhay
48. A Lost Witch by Debora Geary
49. To Kill a Warlock by H.P. Mallory
50. Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb
51. Moon Child by J.R. Rain
52. Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
53. Daughter of Dragons by Kathleen H. Nelson 
54. A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines
55. Witch Way Bends by Olivia Hardin 
56. Cursed by Casey Odell
57. Frey by Melissa Wright 
58. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
59. Déjà Dead by Kathy Reichs
60. Magnificent Devices by Shelley Adina
61. Drowning Mermaids by Nadia Scrieva 
62. Eternal Vows by Chrissy Peebles 
63. Between the Land and the Sea by Derrolyn Anderson 
64. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach
65. The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa 
66. Fins by Ashley L. Knight 
67. I Bring the Fire: Part I Wolves by C. Gockel
68. Life of Pi by Yann Martel 
69. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
70. Dorothy: The Darker Side of Oz by Scott Stanford
71. Watership Down by Richard Adams 
72. Fathom by Ashley L. Knight
73. Everblue by Brenda Pandos
74. The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
75. The Weirdstone Of Brisingamen by Alan Garner
76. One Glass Is Never Enough by Jane Wenham-Jones
77. The Owl Service by Alan Garner
78. Bitten Shame by Olivia Hardin
79. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
80. Shifty Business by Olivia Hardin
81. Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
82. Vegan, Virgin, Valentine by Carolyn Mackler
83. Firelight by Sophie Jordan
84. Æsel by Kristna Stoltz
85. Necrophobia by Jack Hamlyn 
86. Dreams Underfoot: The Newford Collection by Charles de Lint
87. Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey  
88. The Dragon Reborn by Kathleen H. Nelson 
89. The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan 
90. Dollhouse by Anya Allyn
91. The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice
92. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan 
93. DRT by Eric Thomas
94. Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory 
95. The Witching Hour by Anne Rice 
96. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan 
97. An Imperfect Witch by Debora Geary 
98. WitchLove by Emma Mills
99. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
100. How (Not) to Kiss a Toad by Elizabeth A. Reeves
101. XBestia by Melissa Conway
102. Good Husband Material by Trisha Ashley
103. Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett 
104. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi 
105. Wyrd Girl by Jon Jacks 
106. How (Not) to Kiss a Prince by Elizabeth A. Reeves
107. How (Not) to Kiss a Beast by Elizabeth A. Reeves
108. How (Not) to Kiss a Ghost by Elizabeth A. Reeves 
109. The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
110. The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan  
111. How (Not) to Kiss a Gargoyle by Elizabeth A. Reeves
112. Vampires: The Recent Undead by Paula Guran (Editor)
113. Leopard Moon by Jeanette Battista
114. The Moon Of Gomrath by Alan Garner
115. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
116. Elidor by Alan Garner
117. Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews
118. Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake 
119. Burning Chrome by William Gibson 
120. Playing for Time by Barbara Bretton

2013 Audio Book Challenge Finished

2013 Audio Book Challenge hosted by Teresa's Reading Corner.

Welcome to the Original Audio Book Challenge. This challenge is for Audio Book lovers as well as those who are brand new to them.
There are five levels to the challenge

•     Flirting-Listen to 6 Audio Books
•     Going Steady- Listen to 12 Audio Books
•     Lover- Listen to 25 Audio Books
•     Married-Listen to more than 25 Audio Books
•     You Define the Relationship- Create your own challenge (choose your own name and level    starting as low or going as high as you’d like)

This is a fairly laid back challenge and I want it to be as enjoyable as possible. 

•     Audio Books can be any genre
•    You can cross challenges
•     You don’t have to be a blogger to participate. You can tell us about what you are listening to in the comments of the monthly link up.

Official Challenge dates: 1/1/2013-12/31/2013

My goal for this challenge was Flirting-Listen to 6 audio books. At one point I didn't actually think I would make it. I finished my first audio book in June! But I am getting use to it and have also found out how much the narrator means for a successful listening experience.

I reached my goal of 6 books the 14th of November when I finished The Moon Of Gomrath by Alan Garner. Since then I have heard one more and I think I might at least hear one more before the year ends.

This challenge has been very good for me, I will still rather read a book but I now appreciate listening to books when I can't sit still and read.

If this audio challenge returns in 2014 I will take part again and maybe try to aim for the next level.

List of Audio books:

1. The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine
2. Déjà Dead by Kathy Reichs 
3. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach
4. Dreams Underfoot: The Newford Collection by Charles de Lint
5. Vampires: The Recent Undead by Paula Guran (Editor) 
6. The Moon Of Gomrath by Alan Garner
7. Elidor by Alan Garner 

 THIS is where all the post for this challenge can be found.

Buried Child by Sam Shepard

A newly revised edition of an American classic, Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer Prize—winning Buried Child is as fierce and unforgettable as it was when it was first produced more than twenty-five years ago.
A scene of madness greets Vince and his girlfriend as they arrive at the squalid farmhouse of Vince’s hard-drinking grandparents, who seem to have no idea who he is. Nor does his father, Tilden, a hulking former All-American footballer, or his uncle, who has lost one of his legs to a chain saw. Only the memory of an unwanted child, buried in an undisclosed location, can hope to deliver this family. From Goodreads.

This is one weird and absurd play. I am not sure how much I liked it but I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next and that is what got it 3 Polar Bears instead of just 2. This play has not made me want to read more by Sam Shepard.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
2013 Ebook Challenge
2013 Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon
2013 Literary Exploration Reading Challenge
A Book A Day Keeps the Boredom at Bay Reading Challenge
Setting Alphabet Reading Challenge

The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon November 22 - 24 Update

The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict.

Friday 11/22:
Books Finished Today: Yule be Mine by Charlene Teglia
Total # of Books Finished: 1

Saturday 11/23:
Currently Reading: Ønskebarnet by Eddie Thomas Petersen
Books Finished Today:The Colorado Kid by Stephen King
Total # of Books Finished: 2

Sunday 11/24:
Books Finished Today: Ønskebarnet by Eddie Thomas Petersen, Buried Child by Sam Shepard
Total # of Books Finished: 4

Ønskebarnet by Eddie Thomas Petersen

Da Mikkel må aflyse skiferien med vennerne og i stedet rejse til Skagen for at ordne sin fasters begravelse, bliver det en konfrontation med en ukendt kultur i en januarmørk og bundfrossen provinsby, som intet har til fælles med hans forventninger til det populære turistmål.
Han føler sig både ensom og isoleret i de kolde omgivelser, indtil det langsomt begynder at gå op for ham, at problemerne ikke blot er, at han er en fremmed. Det handler også om en historie. som alle i byen tilsyneladende kender, men ikke vil fortælle. En historie, som vedrører den afdøde faster.
For hvad har den facinerende unge pige, han mødte i toget på vej herop, med fasteren at gøre? Hvorfor har Mikkel en fornemmelse af, at nogen følger efter ham. Og hvorfor bliver de lokale ved med at tale om et forsvundet maleri, som har tilhørt den afdøde? From the back of the book.




This is meant to be a psychological thriller. But to me a book about several dysfunctional families, a few deaths and a lot of crazy people does not make a thriller.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
2013 Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon
2013 A-Z Reading Challenge
Setting Alphabet Reading Challenge

The Colorado Kid by Stephen King

On an island off the coast of Maine, a man is found dead. There's no identification on the body. Only the dogged work of a pair of local newspapermen and a graduate student in forensics turns up any clues.
But that's just the beginning of the mystery. Because the more they learn about the man and the baffling circumstances of his death, the less they understand. Was it an impossible crime? Or something stranger still...?
No one but Stephen King could tell this story about the darkness at the heart of the unknown and our compulsion to investigate the unexplained. With echoes of Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon and the work of Graham Greene, one of the world's great storytellers presents a surprising tale that explores the nature of mystery itself... From Goodreads.





I enjoyed this more than expected, an unsolved mystery discussed years later. I really liked the twist at the end of the story. The characters of the two journalists Dave and Vince are brilliant.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
2013 Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon
2013 Literary Exploration Reading Challenge

Yule Be Mine by Charlene Teglia

Bah, humbug! Jordan Christian has had it with holiday hoopla. The usual three-ring family circus and the unwanted sympathy for her single status lead to even more unwanted would-be suitors as her relatives can't seem to stop fixing her up with Mr. Never In A Million Years. This year, the wily bachelorette will outwit her overly interested family. With the aid of a singles' ad, Jordan plans to snare a stand-in man. In return, she'll stand by her man to fend off his relatives. For once, the holiday season will be a time of peace on earth and good will towards man. Especially the man who will save her sanity! Jordan knows he's got to be out there, and he needs her help as badly as she needs his. Luke Foster is dreading another Christmas in Vermont. The annual clan gathering overflows with bothersome questions. Like, "When are you going to settle down?" When he sees Jordan's ad, he thinks it's a lifeline. She'll fend off his family, and he'll shield her from hers. It's the perfect solution. Until Jordan and Luke meet and find more than they were bargaining for.  From Goodreads.

Usually I just like romance books but this became enjoyable because of all the humour in it. I was giggling away several times in this book. A quick, fun read.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
2013 Ebook Challenge
2013 A-Z Reading Challenge
2013 Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2013

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?
They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus. From Goodreads.






This series is really good. I liked The Mark of Athena slightly better than this one but it still scores a high 4 Polar bears. I like how each of the demigods in turn shows their strong sides and also how nobody can be the sole hero of a quest, they only succeed by working together. It feels like a long time to October 2014 when the last book is scheduled to be published.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge
Serious Readers 2013
2013 Sequel Reading Challenge
2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge (mythological beings) 

Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2013

2013 Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict.

Details and sign up:

• challenge will run from Friday, November 22, 2013 through Monday, January 6, 2014 (Twelfth Night or Epiphany).
• cross over with other challenges is totally permitted AND encouraged!
• These must be Christmas novels, books about Christmas lore, a book of Christmas short stories or poems, books about Christmas crafts, and for the first time...a children's Christmas books level!
• Levels:

            --Candy Cane:  read 1 book
            --Mistletoe:  read 2-4 books
            --Christmas Tree:  read 5 or 6 books (this is the fanatic level...LOL!)
          Additional levels:
            --Fa La La La Films:  watch a bunch or a few Christmas movies...it's up to you!
            --Visions of Sugar Plums:  read books with your children this season and share what you read
          *the additional levels are optional, you still must complete one of the main reading levels above

• New this year! It's the Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon to kick us off the weekend of Friday, November 22 through Sunday, November 24! Details and sign-up for the read-a-thon are over at my read-a-thon blog, Seasons of Reading, HERE.
• the most important rule?  Have fun!!!

This is my third time taking part in this Christmas Challenge. When I took part the first time in 2011 it was one of the first reading challenges  that I ever took part in.

As usual I will  do the Christmas Tree level: Read 5 or 6 books and the additional level of Fa La La La Films:  watch a bunch or a few Christmas movies.

I have a very long list of books of which a lot are free books and some are quite short. I will not read them all but I like to have a choice. I haven't decided on the films yet.

List of books:

1. Yule be Mine by Charlene Teglia 
2. Unexpected gifts by Elena Aitken 
3. Wish Upon A Star by Trisha Ashley 
4. Stories for Christmas by various 
5. All I Want For Christmas is You by Lisa Mondello
6. Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan 
7. While Snowbound by Anna J. McIntyre 
8. The Santa Shop by Tim Greaton 
9. Claus: Legend of the Fat Manby Tony Bertauski 
10. A Vision of Sugarplums by Jennifer Blake 
11. Fairytale of New York by Miranda Dickinson 
12. Tinseltown by Victoria Fox 
13. Coming Home for Christmas by Jenny Hale 
14. A Cowboy for Christmas by Kristen James  
15. Winter Warmers by Carole Matthews 
16. Last Christmas by Julia Williams 
17. saving christmas by Clare Revell 
18. Six Geese A- Laying by Sophie Kinsella 
19. A Little Christmas Magic by Sylvia Kurtz 
20. Let it Snow by various by Red Tash and others
21. Perfect by Autumn Jordon

The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon November 22 - 24 Sign Up

The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict.

To kick off my annual Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge this year, I've decided to have a weekend read-a-thon!
Details:

• Read-a-Thon dates: Friday, November 22 at 12:00am CST until Sunday, November 24 at 11:59pm CST (adjust your time zone accordingly)
• You do not have to be signed up for the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge to participate (but I sure would love for you to join us!)
• I am not requiring that you read Christmas/holiday books during the read-a-thon, but I hope you will pick up one holiday tale, even if it's just to read some children's books with your kids or some holiday short stories
• to check in on Twitter, we'll use hashtag #CSreadathon
• as usual, you do not have to have a blog to participate...feel free to link up and check in from Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

I am  going to take part as a kick off to the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge. I wasn't going to read any Christmas books before 1st of December but now I will read one during this Read-a-Thon.

My goal will be to read at least 3 books during this Read-a-Thon but I will make a list of 5 books to chose from.

1. Yule Be Mine by Charlene Teglia
2. Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
3. The Colorado Kid by Stephen King
4. Åndeløs by Cliff McNish
5. Ønskebarnet by Eddie Thomas Petersen

Apart from Magic Strikes these are all books I need to read to finish some of my 2013 Challenges.