5....4.....3....2.....1

Wanted to stop by and wish everyone a very Happy New Year !!!!!!!  

Let the challenges begin!!!   Good luck all !!!!!!!

And an FYI... Bev wanted me, encouraged me, told me I had to stop by and wave every so often.  She can explain how this came to be.    Have fun!!

TBR Pile Challenges....the better to tempt you with

For those of you who have piles of TBR stacks all over the place (and what respectable book blogger doesn't?), there are a couple TBR-tackling challenges out there to keep you motivated to read from your own stacks.  And....if you're REALLY a Reading Challenge Addict you'll probably sign up for both.

First up:

From Patricia over at planetpooks, we have....

 

The Embarrassment of Riches TBR Reading Challenge

RULES: 

Sign ups allowed through January 8, though the challenge begins January 1. 

To be considered a TBR book, you must own it prior to Jan 1, 2013. The book can count toward other challenges, as well. It can be fiction or nonfiction, poetry or play, as long as it is a book. This is not a picky challenge–just about reading the riches we already own.
On the last day of each month I will post an entry where you can say how many TBRs you read that month, titles, and whether you liked them or not. Full-blown reviews not required. You can list them in comments or link back to your own blog or page where they are listed.
At the end of the year I will have pretty badges for all levels, and if I haven’t learned to create them by myself, hopefully somebody else will make them for me.

There are five levels of accomplishment (and a bonus challenge) in the Embarrassment of Riches TBR Reading Challenge.

Copper:  Read 6 TBR books between Jan 1 and Dec 31 2013.
Bronze: Read 12 TBR books between Jan 1 and Dec 31 2013.
Silver: Read 24 TBR books between Jan 1 and Dec 31 2013
Gold: Read 36 TBR books between Jan 1 and Dec 31 2013.
Platinum: Read 50 TBR books between Jan 1 and Dec 31 2013.

Bonus Challenge! The same levels are also available for digital samples. If you are like me, you also have a quizillion samples you’ve downloaded onto your e-reader. Culling through samples and deciding whether to keep reading or not is a separate challenge with all five levels and the same year-end prize–a special badge.

For more details and to join, hop on the link above. 


Also available for those with a quest to tackle mountains of TBR books, there is the Mount TBR Reading Challenge over at My Reader's Block:

Challenge Levels (I've adjusted the levels just slightly this year):

Pike's Peak: Read 12 books from your TBR pile/s
Mount Blanc: Read 24 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Vancouver: Read 36 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Ararat: Read 48 books from your TBR piles/s
Mt. Kilimanjaro: Read 60 books from your TBR pile/s
El Toro: Read 75 books from your TBR pile/s
Mt. Everest: Read 100 books from your TBR pile/s
Mount Olympus (Mars): Read 150+ books from your TBR pile/s

Some basic rules:
*Once you choose your challenge level, you are locked in for at least that many books. If you find that you're on a mountain-climbing roll and want to tackle a taller mountain, then you are certainly welcome to upgrade.

*Challenge runs from January 1 to December 31, 2013.

*You may sign up anytime from now until November 30th, 2013.

*Books must be owned by you prior to January 1, 2013. No ARCs (none), no library books. No rereads. [To clarify--based on a question raised last year--the intention is to reduce the stack of books that you have bought for yourself or received as presents {birthday, Christmas, "just because," etc.}. Audiobooks and E-books may count if they are yours and they are one of your primary sources of backlogged books.]

*You may count any "currently reading" book that you begin prior to January 1--provided that you had 50% or more of the book left to finish in 2013.  I will trust you all on that.

For full details and to join up, jump on the link above.

 

A New Queen in Town?

Pssst.  I think we may have a new Queen of the Challenges.  

Image Credit

Has anybody stopped by Kelly's over at Reading Daydreams and Nightmares?  Well, have you?  She has, I believe, 41 (maybe 42--I got dizzy counting so high) Challenges already on the books for 2013!  FORTY-ONE (or TWO)!!!!   Wow!  We're so glad you found us, Kelly.  You definitely need this support group.

Calling Intervention Crew 9.  We have a severe case over at Reading Daydreams and Nightmares.  Immediate assistance required!

Now...let's get ready to watch in 2013 and see how Kelly manages to tame all those Challenges and finish them off.  Good luck, Kelly!

How's the 2013 Challenge Sign-ups Going?

Image Credit

Hey there!  How are things going out there in the Challenge Addict world?  How many challenges have YOU signed up for?  I thought I'd cut back on challenges this year [I heard that snort...Was that you, Cheryl? or Gina?].  But....I've already got 17 on the books, including this one, and by December last year I had 18.  

Hmmmm.  Sounds like my addiction habit is just as bad as last year, doesn't it? 

Searching for Challenges

Cheryl and I want to know....Is it just us or does it seem like there are fewer challenges popping up out there?  Do you think challenge hosts are caught up in the holidays and just haven't gotten the posts up or....gasp....that there will be fewer ways to feed our addiction in 2013?

Specifically, we're on a hunt for a 100+ Reading Challenge for Cheryl.  She does one every year.  She says she plans on doing that until she gets it done.  We've got to find her one---'cause if one doesn't appear she's going to twist my arm into sponsoring another challenge with, as she puts it, "a real cute badge."  I've got plenty of sponsoring going on.  Really.  Three of my very own (Color Coded Reading, anyone?  How about Vintage Mysteries?  Or tackling those TBR mountain ranges you've got stacked everywhere?  I've got challenges to cover you for that...step into My Reader's Block parlor....)--plus shepherding the Challenge Addicts and trying to keep everyone hooked up with their favorite Reading Challenges (see, Cheryl, I'm working it for you).  If you come across a challenge that will help Cheryl (and me!) out...be sure to let us know!

Oh....and try and make sure it has "a real cute badge," okay?  

Found A New Challenge

Cheryl has been worrying.  She seems to think that A. I'm losing my Challenge mojo (I've only signed up for eleven challenges so far--including this one) and B. That this might be due in part to what seems to be a paltry offering of Reading Challenges so far.  

Well, I'm here to say that Cheryl need not worry.  [We don't want her wasting precious waving energy.]  Even though I have pledged to cut back on challenges in 2013, I just don't think I'm going to be able to resist the siren call (and there doesn't seem to be anybody available to tie me to the mast so I won't jump over board).  I'm sure that number will more than double by the time the new year gets going.

AND...I have found what seems to me to be a VERY cool and unique challenge.  So, here you go, Cheryl.  How's this one sound?

Anne from Creativity’s Corner and Kristilyn from Reading in Winter LOVE a good challenge. So they put their heads together and came up with something awesome for the new year and created the 2013 Book Bingo Reading Challenge!

Here's the basics of what we have to read:

• Reading the books in our TBR pile
• Re-reading some books
• Reading some new books
• Reading books that EVERYONE but us has read
• Reading books from series that we have started & have been neglecting

And a fancy, schmancy scoreboard to help us keep track of our reads:


And as they say, a challenge isn’t really a challenge unless there are some rules and guidelines:

1. Be awesome. If you’re not, this isn’t going to work.
2. The challenge runs from January 1 to December 31, 2013.
3. If you want to participate, you can join in any time of the year! Feel free to write up a blog post with the rules linking back to Kristilyn's and Anne’s blog in your sign-up post.
4. If you read one book for the “1 book” in any category, you can’t change it later on when you read another book to “2 books.” Once a square is crossed off, it’s crossed off for good! (Feel free to print off the scoreboard to keep track!)
5. Books read for one square are for that square ONLY and cannot be counted towards another category. This is all about reading ALL THE BOOKS.
6. The FREE SQUARE isn’t really a free square. In order to cross it off, you must read a book by either:
   1. Reading a book picked by another participant, or
   2. Reading a book in a genre picked by another participant.
7. You can start your board over again, but ONLY if you receive the stamp of awesome by completing a blackout. The “winners” of the challenge will be the ones who achieve the most winning combinations by the end of 2013.
8. You can feel free to post your reading list for each category, though it’s not a requirement.
9. Having a blog or writing reviews for books read is not required. So long as you want to have fun, you can participate!
10. This isn’t a race, but don’t be afraid to rub your reads in the other player’s face. This will be seen as encouragement. Feel free to use the hashtag #2013BookBingo on Twitter!

For a bit more info, hop on the challenge link above.

I'm in.  How about you? Will you participate in this challenge? Do you have what it takes to become a super reader?   I'm sure every one of us Challenge Addicts could take this on with one book tied behind our back.

A Very Special Announcement

We interrupt your regularly scheduled challenge reading to bring you this very special message:

Our fearless leaders, Cheryl (of CMash Loves to Read) and Gina (of Hott Books)--whose brainchild this marvelous self-affirming, addiction-aiding, challenge-loving, padded-wall section of the blogiverse is--have found themselves over-committed.  Not just with challenges, mind you; they have also taken up an alternate life as Virtual Blog Tour Hostesses over at Partners in Crime Tours.  Knowing how committed I am to Challenges....(Honestly, I have no idea what they're talking about.  I've only signed up for 37 challenges in 2012.  That's not much, is it???)....they have graciously asked if I would like to take over the maintenance of the Reading Challenge Addict Challenge and blog site.  With much fear and trembling, I have agreed to step in and try to keep this wonderful support group going.  

I know that I will not be able to fill their shoes--they have done such a terrific job egging us all on...er...supporting us and cheerleading and waving at us and waving new challenges under our noses. [Speaking of waving, Cheryl has promised to stop by and wave at us occasionally and Gina will be popping in every now and again as well.]  Let's have a huge round of applause and thanks for these two wonderful ladies.

And I ask for your patience as I get things together for another year of Challenge Addiction and Challenge fun.  Signup page for 2013 will be coming soon.  Stay tuned!  Thanks, Bev (My Reader's Block).




From Cheryl @ CMash Reads (formerly CMash Loves To Read):
awwwww....thank you for the kind words...........

However, I think you will all agree with me, who better to pass the torch to, but our resident Queen of Challenges....37 in 2012!  37?  Did I see 37?  37!!  WOW  37!!!  I would say that Bev is slightly addicted, major addicted, a little nutty, a master reader!!!!  My admiration, awe and respect to an amazing and wonderful person.  I know she will do a fantastic job leading and supporting our group.......

Since Bev mentioned one of our tour companies, I invite you to visit both sites, Partners In Crime Tours (www.partnersincrimetours.net) and Providence Book Promotions (www.providencebookpromotions.com).  If you like what you see and would like to join our group of hosts/reviewers, you can email me at CMash@partnersincrimetours.net or CMash@providencebookpromotions.com.

And as promised....................

Good Luck Everyone!!!!!

Another Read-A-Thon

Hi All!  

It's been a while since I checked in.  How is everyone?  How many challenges have you finished?  Me..just 5 and many, many to go.

If you are like me and need an incentive to kick it up a notch of reading time, I thought I would share about an upcoming Read-A-Thon.  I just signed up and plan on sitting outside (so I don't see and/or have my computer calling me), with my iced coffee, and maybe work on my tan!!  Mark your calendars now!!  Details you ask...here they are:

Michelle from The True Book Addict is hosting her seasonal read-a-thons and the summer one is running from July 16th through July 22nd.  Her read-a-thons a great because no pressure, no challenges and read as much as you want to.  Hoping you join me!!

From her Read-A-Thon Blog:

I'd like to welcome you to the new dedicated blog for my seasonal read-a-thons! The first official order of business here at Seasons of Reading is to announce sign-ups for the High Summer Read-a-Thon, coming your way Monday, July 16 through Sunday, July 22.   Times are central standard time so adjust your times accordingly.  I'll be hosting this read-a-thon (and all others in the future) at this blog from now on so be sure to follow (there is a multitude of ways in the right sidebar) so you can stay up do date on all the news.  Now, let's get down to brass tacks on the read-a-thon details:

• books read must be novels or novellas, adult or young adult are fine, but no children's books.  Of course, non-fiction is fine too.
• You DO NOT have to participate the entire week.  Join in when you can, start in the middle, end early...whatever works best for your schedule.
• I will not be hosting any mini-challenges during the read-a-thon.  Trying to keep it more about the reading here by eliminating time spent completing mini-challenges.
• There will be a participant giveaway at the end of the read-a-thon for those who sign in at the starting line and complete a wrap-up post.  Number of winners will be determined by the number of prize donations I receive.
• Other participants may host their own mini-challenges/giveaways, but participation in these is entirely optional.
• You do not have to have a blog to participate. You can sign-up, sign-in, and wrap-up...all from Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads. You can also do updates from those locations, if you do not have a blog.
• we will be on Twitter during the read-a-thon, tweeting under#HSreadathon  We had some nice little reading sprints last time on Twitter.  No prizes, just bragging rights.  Fun!

As usual, I'm putting the call out to any authors who would like to sponsor a giveaway or donate a prize to promote your book(s).  Also, any participants who want to host a mini-challenge or giveaway are more than welcome.  If you do opt to host something, make it as simple as possible so people can focus more on the reading.  You can contact me at truebookaddictATgmailDOTcom  Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

As with my previous read-a-thons, this will be a week of relaxed reading during which we can personally challenge ourselves and whittle away those ever looming TBR piles/shelves/libraries.  

She has set up a separate blog for her seasonal read-a-thons so visit and sign up here.

And now to my job description that the Boss Lady (Ms. Gina) dictates, makes me, tells me, asks that I do!

Announcement

Hi everyone!!!   waving......waving......waving.....

How are you doing?  How are those challenges going?  Have you finished any more?  lol...I bet our Challenge Queen Bev has finished a ton of them.......hmmmmm..........brb................need to find something..................hold on..............  don't go anywhere!!

PHEW....OK..I'm back.  Had a little problem with the charge cards.

Every now and then I get an idea.  It doesn't happen often so enjoy this one lol.  Matter of fact, I  probably used up my quota for the year with this one  lol!!!   OK...you ask....what's my idea?   Wellllllllll what do you think about this...At the end of the month, stop in and tell us how you are doing with your challenges, how many you finished and whoever has the most for the month, gets the honor to wear (drum roll please...................

THE OFFICIAL READING CHALLENGE ADDICT CHALLENGE CROWN

What do you think?  I hear some snickers....but I bet you wouldn't mind wearing those diamonds for a month  lol!!!   OK..What can I say....too much time on my hands?  Sorry been up since 4:30am...couldn't sleep lol.

Now for the reason I really stopped by, almost forgot, using all that grey matter for the tiara.  Next Saturday, April 21st is the  Dewey Memorial 24 hour Read-A-Thon.  This is the first time for me participating but I am signed up, making my list as to what snacks I need to sustain me, checking out the books, getting enough tooth picks to keep my eyes opened, etc etc.  The link for all the information, including criteria, cheerleaders, prizes, etc are here:  http://24hourreadathon.com/2012/03/27/mini-challenges-sign-up/.  Who's joining me?  I really hope some of you do so that in case someone sees me start to doze off, they can give me a good nudge lol.

Time to go blog hopping for Sunday Salon.  See you soon!!  

Oops...almost forgot...don't want the boss lady to be mad at me.  Gina runs a tight ship!!!

And The Race Is On...

We're rounding out the first quarter of the race and Bev @ MY READER'S BLOCK is in the lead!

Followed closely by: Susan @ AVID SERIES READER and Jane @ Jane's Book Blog.

It's a close race - but will someone come from behind to take it?

Definitely not our hosts... who are showing great deficiencies in this race... they're probably doped up on caffeine & sugar, better known to some as Dunkin' Donuts.

Mmm...

Of course, this means that even though the weather is AWESOME we are so not in our swimsuit season best (LOL!).

But that's ok.

We've got our mountainous TBR piles with lists to complete our challenges... I think.

No WAIT!!!!

I FINISHED A CHALLENGE!!! YIPPEEEE!!!!

Finally, ONE down! Hmmm, how about you?

We're now a quarter of the way through... have you finished anything, yet?

Or are you like us - just trying to hit them all?

50 States

I need HELP!!

How many of you are participating in the 50 States Reading Challenge with me??

I know that many of you are.

I also know that I'm having a TREMENDOUSLY terrible time finding books for different states. Well, I've come up with a solution - if you'll help me. I've embedded a twitter feed on this blog so that we can share those hard to fins states. Just Give us the book title and state and use the #50StatesC hashtag so we can all pass this challenge!!

Let's win this together!

Another Read-A-Thon

Hi  All....
It has been very quiet in here lately.  Guess everyone is busy reading and getting those challenges completed.  So how are you doing?  Complete any yet?  I wonder how our Queen Resident of Challenges, Bev, is doing?  For me...well...I did finish one challenge...YAY!!!  Easy Peasy...lol...only have 21 more to go!!!

Wanted to let you know that Michelle @ The True Book Addict is having another Read-A-Thon the week of April 23-30th.  And this one has a bit of a twist.  So for those who need a little boost in their reading, head on over and sign up.

And stop in now and then....it gets lonely waving to myself  (but Gina says that waving is in my job description).

Another Read-A-Thon

I know I am a tiny bit late and my boss, Gina, you know the one that tells me I have to wave.....waving.... waving...waving...is probably going to take this out of my paycheck this week for being late with this announcement BUT better late than never, I say.  Right?   Right?  Come on...help me out here....

Anyway ...I just found this out myself today via Michelle from The True Book Addict, who posted about it.  It starts today and runs until March 1st.  Here are the details for those who need some help with ALL of those challenges.

Hosted by Stephanie at Once Upon a Chapter

Details from Stephanie's blog:

Yes, I know...another read-a-thon. But, as I was getting ready to have another self-imposed read-a-thon anyway, this couldn't come at a better time. Stephanie at Once Upon a Chapter is hosting this one.  Here are the details from her blog:

*Will run from 2/24 (12:01 AM) to 3/1 (11:59 PM).

*If you are a blogger, please do a post announcing your participation. If you want to do all of your updating from one post, that is completely fine by me. (You can also grab the smaller button below.)

*I will be having mini-challenges throughout the week. Two for US residents and one for my international friends!

*I can’t stress this enough: HAVE FUN with the read-a-thon!


So run right on over there and sign up.   I did.      OK...got to go and start reading.   
But before I do...how is everyone?  Where are you all hiding?  Stop by and tell us what you have been up to,  your progress, what's new, just chit chat.  Lately I have been waving to myself and let me tell you, I look darn foolish, BUT, Gina keeps telling me that is part of my job description so ..........

Happy Valentine's Day

Hello my favorite addicts!!!  Just stopping by to wish everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day!!  I hope today you get lots of love, flowers, cards and most of all......BOOKS and CHOCOLATES.  OH YES  CHOCOLATES....lots of chocolates!!!  I don't know about you but....ssssshhhhhhh  books, challenges, chocolates and ice cream are my addictions.  And I heard a rumor some where that chocolates were non fattening on Valentine's Day...can't remember where I heard that from......ooops...I just remembered....it was me having a wishful thinking moment  lol

While I am here, just wondering, how is everyone doing on their challenges?  How many books did you read in January?  I read 5 books in January and 3 so far this month.  Not great but better than what I did last year.

Also, I hope you all don't mind if I tell you about another hat that I wear and that I would like to extend an invitation for you to join in case you are interested.  I am a partner, along with Molly from Review By Molly, in Partners In Crime Tours (www.partnersincrimetours.net).  We are a virtual PR company for authors of mystery, suspense and crime novels.  We are always looking for new bloggers that would like to become part of our group to host and review in our tours.  If interested, you can email me at CMash@Partnersincrimetours.net or fill out submission form on our site.  Would love to work with you.

Have a great day!!!  I'm off to read and eat some of those non fattening chocolates  lol.....

   waving.....waving.......waving...........

Feb 3rd- Feb 5th weekend Read-A-Thon

I apologize in advance if I offend anyone.  I am a Reader and a Challenge Addict!!!  I am not a sports person.

There is all this noise about some big sports game on this weekend, everybody getting excited about grown men getting into a circle and whisper what they are going to do with a ball, they try, it doesn't happen, they go back in a circle, whisper again, and on and on.  You get the picture?

Well in my house, I am banned from the family room, that's where the TV is, and am not allowed to talk, because when I do add my opinion, my family just shake their heads and ignore me.  

Well...I'll show them.  I am having my own party, in my own room and they are not welcomed, but you are.  I saw this on Lori's blog, Escape With Dollycas Into a Good Book.  It's a Read-A-Thon

The hosts for the wickedly wonderful weekend of reading are
Rebecca From Kindle Fire
and
April of My Shelf Confessions.

Here are some of the details if you want to join THIS party!!!

Since we had such a blast during the Wonderfully Wicked Read-A-Thon; after receiving such amazing feedback as we did, we decided to listen to what seemed to be all of the #WWReaders wishes and host #WWReadathon Vol. 2 — Wicked Winter Read-A-Thon!

Whether you are an old WWReader or a new one, you are extremely welcome to sign up an join in on the fun. Information and the sign up linky will be found below and I’m available for further questions via rebgeo@hotmail.com.

The Wicked Winter Read-A-Thon is a time when we all get together to dedicate the weekend of February 3-5 to as much reading as possible. You read as much as you can in order to get yourself a little further through that huge to-read pile! We know real life gets in the way and even if you can’t participate more than one day, you’re welcome to join in on the fun!

In the meanwhile, we will be hosting book-related challenges where you can win some awesome prizes and have a Twitter party at the hashtag #WWReadathon! You can posts updates on your blog, Twitter, Goodreads or Facebook — as long as the profile is public and we all can enjoy your reading progress!For this edition, we’ve also planned a chat surprise in order to include those who aren’t on Twitter in some chatting fun. But exactly what will happen is a surprise for now. 

Hope to see you there!!!

WOWSERS!

We have 100 followers!

We have 100 followers!


We have 100 followers!

 Are we all crazy?!

Why on earth would every single one of us need a community for an addition to challenges?!?

Well, I must say... THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

We enjoy your company, as well.

Happy Tuesday!

Announcement

Waving....Waving......Waving..... 

Sorry but if I don't wave my co host, partner, cohort, friend, business partner, BOSS, will fire me!!!  OK..now that is done, where was I.....oh yes....an announcement....

We are here because we signed up for many, many challenges.  Well, before Bev gets to you to sign up for more, I want to tell you about a Read-A-Thon that starts tomorrow.

Hosted by Michelle from The True Book Addict

It runs from January 23rd to January 29th.  Click on the above and it will take you right to the sign up page. Perfect intervention to help make a dent in all those challenges you signed up for.  And if you already signed up, like I did, Good Luck!!!

So I will be in hiding all week, hoping that RL does not interfere and that my family can't find me lol (shhhh..don't tell them where I am) and will be trying to read.

BTW.....January is almost over, how is everyone doing?  Making any progress?

Until we talk again...........................

Congratulations!!!!!!

I am so very excited for each and every one of you!

You have chosen to embrace yourself and start moving forward in your journey of completing what you start... well, all except Bev who still hasn't stopped starting...

So, get out your paper and start your checklist!




Or, have you found that you need some help?

If so, grab some some friends and get some help.

Or, maybe you're in a boat like I am...


where my friends are...

Bev, where I need to call an intervention

Or, Cheryl, who just smiles & waves....

And then there's me.. just lazing around reading...
Or, well, actually, lately I've been, um, well, playing solitare.

I know. I know.

But it is a point in my favor that I've not added any new challenges and am NO WHERE CLOSE to 31... Hint hint.

3........2........1 It's

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

And you know what that means.........

the 2012 Challenges have begun!!!!!!!!!

Get your books ready,  grab your favorite drink of choice,  get comfy and start reading!!!

Stop by often and let everyone know how you are doing,  the progress you are making, or if you need some cheering on if you get into one of those nasty little slumps or even finding out about any new challenges, that I am sure, that our resident Ms. Queen of Challenges, Bev will find for us.

Good Luck!!!!