Last year’s Essay Reading Challenge was a lot of fun – and several people have expressed interest in joining again for the New Year. I’m going to add an element that I think could make it even more interesting.
Here are the basics:
~ Join anytime, but don’t start reading until January 1, 2010. The challenge ends November 30, 2010.
~ If you read a book of essays, that book can also apply to any other challenges you are working on.
~ Choose a goal of reading 10, 20, or 30 essays, and then write a challenge post, linking back to this post. Feel free to copy and paste the above image into your challenge post.
~ Copy your challenge post’s link into Mr. Linky below.
~ You don’t have to list your essays ahead of time – just have fun reading throughout the year.
~ I will put up a page for the challenge in my left sidebar, and add a Mr. Linky for essay reviews and wrap-up posts as the year goes on.
~ Everyone who completes the challenge and writes at least one review will be eligible for the giveaway prize: A copy of Best American Essays 2010.
~ New for 2010: You can earn extra credit – and an extra entry in the giveaway – by writing an essay of your own and leaving the link at the challenge page.
~ I will put up a wrap-up and giveaway post sometime early in December – that’s why the challenge only runs through November.
I’m planning to post a list of ideas for essay reading sometime soon, and I’d love recommendations of essay collections. Please leave any questions, thoughts, and/or recommendations in the comments below.
Twitter: youvegottaread
says:
I have to make you laugh. I pulled up your post, thinking it said “Easy Reading Challenge” and I got all excited. An easy one! Yes! I am there! I’m such a boob sometimes (a boob that needs reading glasses I guess). The Graphic Novel Challenge is my official expanding of horizons (thanks for the head’s up BTW…I must have been whining alot because several people told me as soon as the challenge came up!). Maybe 2011 will be my year for Essays!
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..Monday Movie Meme – Good Vibrations =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Sandy – you crack me up! Glad you’re going to do the graphic novels challenge – I think you’ll be surprised how much you’ll end up liking them.
I’m super excited about doing this challenge again, Carrie, and I really like your extra credit idea (although who know if I’ll be brave enough to write my own essay!). I’ll link up once I’ve written my post about the challenge.
.-= avisannschild´s last blog ..Similar covers: Hands (part 1) =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Avis – I’m glad you’re going to join us again!
I’m in! Thanks for commenting on my blog with the link. I always check my email, so that is the best way to get in touch with me.
.-= Kailana´s last blog ..It’s me! =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Kailana – i’m so glad you’re joining us! (Do you prefer Kailana or Kelly?)
I love this challenge! I’m so happy you’re hosting it again next year. I’ll email you a list of recommended reads.
.-= Vasilly´s last blog ..Sunday Salon: A Year of Reading Deliberately =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Vasilly – I’m glad you’re joining again – and thanks for the awesome list of essay collections!
I think I’ll try this one again — and maybe this year I’ll finish it!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Bonnie – I’m glad you’re going to try again.
Pingback: 2010 Challenges « 1330v
Carrie, here’s the link to my blog post:
http://exlibris.typepad.com/ex_libris/2009/12/essay-challenge-2010.html
.-= Sharon (Ex Libris)´s last blog ..Essay Challenge 2010 =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Thanks, Sharon – I added it to Mr. Linky!
This will be posted on my dedicated challenge and project page shortly. Afterwards, it will then have its own page for me to post links to my reviews, as well as an essay I plan to write.
Such a great idea!! Thanks for sharing and promoting it!
.-= J.C.´s last blog ..Neither Snow nor Rain nor Heat nor Gloom of Night =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
J.C. – Glad you’ll be joining us!
Didn’t manage this in 2009, so trying again for 2010 ;0)
.-= lynda´s last blog ..Essay Reading Challenge =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Hi, Lynda – I’m glad you’re giving it another try!
This sounds so fun! Count me in. I will try to write up my challenge post soon for Mr. Linky.
.-= Sharla´s last blog ..Review: Seven by Jacqueline Leo =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Sharla – I’m glad you’re joining us.
Pingback: Mommy Brain » Bookish stuff
I have signed up to do twenty essays in one year. I will pick them as they come up rather than making a list in advance. I note with awe that you had read 30 essays by about February in 2009. Well, if I can make twenty in one whole year I will be chuffed. Looking forward to it. -JP
.-= John-Paul´s last blog ..Reading =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
JP – I’m glad you’re going to join us!
Pingback: Like a Hole in the Head » A Life In Books
Definitely up for some good essay-reading, and looking forward to this! I’m going to be bold, and aim for 20 essays.
.-= Jentastic´s last blog ..I do like a good challenge =-.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Jentastic – nice to meet you! I look forward to spending the year in essays with you.
Pingback: When Will These Challenge Posts End? | Bibliofreakblog
Pingback: It’s Time to Talk Reading Challenges « Fleur Fisher reads
Pingback: 1It’s Time to Talk Reading Challenges « Fleur Fisher reads
What a lovely way to learn! I’m up for this!
Pingback: Reading Challenges « min/min
I’m in…thanks for the encouragement! I’ll be aiming for 20 essays over the next 10.5 months. Great challenge!
Pingback: Challenges, Schmallenges… « My Eyes Are Burning
Pingback: Bluenose Vignettes » A Life In Books
Pingback: Under the Wire » A Life In Books