Got a question about this year's contest or the rules?

If I start reading a book this weekend, but complete it on or after May 1st, can that be reviewed for the contest?

We prefer that you read and review books starting May 1st, but we can’t (and won’t) stop you from submitting a review on May 1st.

Thanks for the question, Colleen.

Marlo Young

Regarding (future) rules--

I would like to suggest, for next time, that graphic novels be limited to 5 titles per team entry or individual. As a comic reader myself, I know that regardless of context, content like in children's books (which are not allowed), is limited. It seems quantity is ruling out quality and the emphasis behind this whole contest is lost.
Just my opinion.
~Kim

I couldn't agree more!

agreed- I'm seeing a lot more of them this time around. I too enjoy graphic novels and I believe they have literary value but I'd hate to see this limited to who can read the most graphic novels.

Marge wrote: "I have written two reviews of two novels. One is a historical novel and the other an American classic. I am now reading a book about Edwards I, II and III of England. It doesn't seem fair that s..."

I agree that last year graphic novels became all the rage as people tried to up the number of books to compete for the "most read" prizes. There are other prizes to acknowledge great reviews and content.

I do, however, have to note that I've been reading quite a few graphic novels lately, not for the contest (in fact, likely supporting your point, I hadn't even considered using them for the contest, hmmm), and want to say that the content of some of these has as much literary/historical/political value as many things I've read that are more traditional books. Try Fun Home by Alison Bechdel or Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. I think Persepolis was every bit as good as, if not better than, Reading Lolita in Tehran. Fun Home, with allusions to authors ranging from Camus and Proust to Henry James and James Joyce (actually maybe that isn't so much of a range, but still), is a witty, insightful, literary, and beautifully drawn exploration of Bechdel's childhood, her relationship with her father (who might or might not have killed himself) and her own self-discovery and coming out as a lesbian. No, it's not like reading Winston Churchill's wartime correspondence. But for me, it's much, much better!

Thank you for sharing your comments on graphic novels and the Summer Reading Contest rules. You all raise some very good points.

We will continue to monitor and discuss the inclusion of graphic novels in the Summer Reading Contest to ensure fairness.

Having never read a graphic novel, I have looked up a couple to add to my reading list. I may get to them this summer, I may not. Reading is reading and if you're going to be snobby and start calling them "silly" simply because you feel your reading choices are more erudite than others, then I don't really think you're embracing the spirit of the contest, which I believe is to share a love of reading and expand our horizons in the types of books we choose to read.

For me personally, I like my summer reading to be more light and fun in comparison to my winter reading. It's probably a throw-back to my college days. This contest has changed my mind a little and I will read some classics, some non-fiction and now, some graphic novels. I'm not in this to win prizes - prizes are the bonus - I'm in this to find new books and enjoy myself.

I think to some people the impetus on this contest is about winning, I guess...With that in mind, I personally believe there is a big difference between a "graphic novel" and a comic book. Just because a Marvel superhero serial is compiled and bound, doesn't make it a graphic novel in theory, maybe in physical state. That's just my opinion.

I'm into this to create a theme around what I'm reading and reviewing to be fun and entertaining in what I write too. I just feel because of the nature of graphic novels, perhaps next time, multiple issues count as one, or limit the number, in the spirit of fairness.

My 2 cents: You will find some very passionate fans of graphic novels who will defend the medium, and I agree it has its merits.

From a technical, contest rules standpoint: If there is a "no graphic novel" rule because they are relatively quick and easy reads, then that opens up a large can of worms. Should there be a limit on how long a book should be? Right now, for example, every Dostoyevsky book is the same, whether it's 150 page Notes from Underground or 800 page Brothers Karamazov. Or what about difficulty level? A Thomas Pynchon novel is worth the same as a James Patterson, when there is a wide difference in time and effort to read them.

And then there are books of poetry, plays, etc. All which take varying times to read. The contest can't feasibly have an "effort level" rule built in.

If someone wants to bulk up their list by reading quick-to-read books, they will be able to. That's why most of the prizes center on quality of review, I believe.

I have to agree wholeheartedly with the open book policy. My favorite part of summer reading is reading people's reviews and finding new books to add to my reading list. It's easy to get into a rut (however literary) about the kinds of books I tend to read. When someone absolutely raves about something I generally wouldn't think to pick up, it's real incentive to try new genres!

Do we have to check out the books from the UCSD library? I am not in San Diego right now, so I'm getting my books from other places.

Claire wrote: "Do we have to check out the books from the UCSD library? I am not in San Diego right now, so I'm getting my books from other places."

Hi Claire,
You can get your copy of the book anywhere you like. The only stipulation is that UCSD libraries have to own a copy of the book you're reading.

Rachel