Reading Challenges for 2012

It's kind of funny for me to be contemplating reading challenges. I should be challenging myself to post more consistently! I have tons of content and am falling behind. But this post is part of that content, so I guess it's o.k.

I joined three reading challenges this year. I'm taking another stab at the "What's in a Name" challenge, hosted by Beth Fish Reads. I did pretty good last year, but didn't end up with a book title that contained a gem or jewelry. This year I'll probably have 10 titles that fit it! Anyway, this year's challenge includes these requirements books with following in their titles:

• a topographical feature
• something you'd see in the sky
• a creepy crawly
• a type of house
• something you'd carry in your pocket, purse or backpack
• something you'd find on a calendar

I've already finished my requirement for something you'd see in the sky. Any thoughts on the other categories?

The second challenge is the Audiobook Challenge. I should easily accomplish the "married" status on this one, but for anyone who's needed a little nudging to get started with audiobooks, this might be the motivation you've been waiting for. Check it out.

And then since I'm hosting a challenge, I thought it a good idea to participate in it: Criminal Plots II. But I'm hearing people talk about their titles and I think everyone else is better prepared for my challenge than I am. The topics this year include:

• Book with a weapon in the title
• Book published at least 10 years ago
• Book written by an author from your state/providence
• Book written by an author using a pen name
• Crime novel whose protagonist is the opposite gender of the author
• Standalone novel written by an author who writes at least one series

I do have my choice for the author from Ohio. It just so happens I was pitched a great sounding  novel from a brand new-to-me author from Ohio. I'm excited about that one. If you haven't signed up to join us, I hope you'll take the plunge. Also, encourage a friend to join you, make it a friendly challenge! I would really like to encourage some folks who aren't typically crime readers to test the waters of the genre. And I love finding out what others are reading. I always discover some new authors/titles this way!

And a quick reminder that I'm recruiting bloggers to join the theme week in April. This year it's called HEROES AND VILLAINS. I'll be sending out the information sheet to interested bloggers soon, so if you think you might want to participate, please go here and fill out the form so I know to send you the info. We have a great time each year so if you haven't participated in the past, I hope you'll consider it this year. If you're not a blogger, there will be plenty of opportunity for you to participate during the theme week with great posts and contests. Plus we'll have the annual tournament as well and will need your votes!

For those of you in the cold parts of the world, stay warm. Those of you in the warm parts of the world...I'm jealous. And to everyone, Happy Reading!