Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge discussion
Task Ideas/Resources/Discussions
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Read Harder Challenge Plans
2015 Read Harder Challenge24/24 tasks completed
A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25: The Weary Blues, 8 Jul
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65: The Children Act, 14 Feb
A collection of short stories: Dragons at Crumbling Castle, 25 May
A book published by an indie press: Alexandrian Summer, 4 June
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ: The Gallery, 21 May
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own: Seize the Day, 1 Jun
A book that takes place in Asia: The Adventures of Amir Hamza, 22 May
A book by an author from Africa: The Fishermen, 30 June
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.): Rabbit-Proof Fence, 20 June
A microhistory: Mad for God: Bartolome Sanchez, the Secret Messiah of Cardenete, 5 Jul
A YA novel: The Perks of Being a Wallflower, 15 Feb
A sci-fi novel: Fahrenheit 451, 18 Apr
A romance novel: Censoring an Iranian Love Story, 4 Feb
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade: Olive Kitteridge, 28 Apr
A book that is a retelling of a classic story: The Sword in the Stone, 3 Jul
An audiobook: A Primate's Memoir, 11 Apr
A collection of poetry: Three Chinese Poets, 12 Jun
A book that someone else has recommended to you: Dancing at the Rascal Fair, 30 May
A book that was originally published in another language: My Brilliant Friend, 27 Feb
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind: The Sculptor, 28 Mar
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure: Mr. Kiss and Tell, 23 Jan
A book published before 1850: Shahnameh, 19 Mar
A book published this year: Outline, 6 Mar
A self-improvement book: Walden, 12 Feb
1. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 – St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised By Wolves, Karen Russell IN PROGRESS2. A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65 – A Spool of Blue Thread, Anne Tyler DONE
3. A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people) - St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised By Wolves, Karen Russell IN PROGRESS
4. A book published by an indie press – Citizen: An American Lyric, Claudine Rankine TO READ
5. A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ – The Winter People, Jennifer McMahon TO READ
6. A book by a person whose gender is different from your own – The Book of Strange New Things, Michel Faber DONE
7. A book that takes place in Asia – Picking Bones from Ash, Marie Mutsuki Mockett TO READ
8. A book by an author from Africa – Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie TO READ
9. A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.) – The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie TO READ
10. A microhistory – When Books Went to War: The Stories that Helped Us Win World War II, Molly Guptill Manning IN PROGRESS
11. A YA novel- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie TO READ
12. A sci-fi novel – Ready Player One, Ernest Cline/The Martian, Andy Weir DONE
13. A romance novel - Mansfield Park, Jane Austen IN PROGRESS
14. A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade – The Luminaries, Eleanor Catton /The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt IN PROGRESS
15. A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.) Emma, Alexander McCall Smith TO READ
16. An audiobook - Ready Player One, Ernest Cline DONE
17. A collection of poetry – Citizen: An American Lyric, Claudine Rankine TO READ
18. A book that someone else has recommended to you – Everything I Never Told You, Celeste Ng DONE
19. A book that was originally published in another language – My Brilliant Friend, Elena Ferrante IN PROGRESS
20. A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind (Hi, have you met Panels?) - Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal, G. Willow Wilson TO READ
21. A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over) In the Unlikely Event, Judy Blume TO READ
22. A book published before 1850 – Mansfield Park, Jane Austen IN PROGRESS
23. A book published this year – The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins DONE
24. A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self- improvement”) - Rising Strong, Brene Brown – released 8/25/15 TO READ
Book Riot Challenge24/24 as of 06/10/15
1. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 (Popular by Maya Van Wagenen) She is currently 16.
2. A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65 (A Good Marriage by Stephen King)
3. A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people) (The Garden of Eden and Other Criminal Delights by Faye Kellerman)
4. A book published by an indie press (All Things Irish by Michael Loynd)
5. A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ (Over Our Dead Bodies: Undertakers Lift the Lid by K. McKenzie & T. Harra) Kenneth McKenzie is gay.
6. A book by a person whose gender is different from your own (Twenty-five Books That Shaped America by Thomas C. Foster)
7. A book that takes place in Asia (The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards) Parts of it take place in Asia.
8. A book by an author from Africa (Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi) The author was born in Nigeria.
9. A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.) (The Journey of Crazy Horse by Joseph M. Marshall III)
10. A microhistory (Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan)
11. A YA novel (Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George)
12. A sci-fi novel (Prudence by Gail Carriger)
13. A romance novel (X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts)
14. A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade (Alice Adams by Booth Tarkington) It won in 1922, but I don't usually read Pulitzer Prize winners so I'm modifying this task.
15. A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.) (Beastly by Alex Flinn) Retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
16. An audiobook (The First World War by John Keegan)
17. A collection of poetry (I Wrote This For You and Only You by pleasefindthis)
18. A book that someone else has recommended to you (Truth & Beauty by Ann Patchett)
19. A book that was originally published in another language (One Generation After by Elie Wiesel) This was originally published in French.
20. A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind (Hi, have you met Panels?) (Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley)
21. A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over) (The Cat Who Talked to Ghosts by Lilian Jackson Braun)
22. A book published before 1850 (A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare)
23. A book published this year (The Last American Vampire by Seth Grahame-Smith)
24. A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self-improvement”) (Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain)
Cindy wrote: "Book Riot Challenge24/24 as of 06/10/15
1. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 (Popular by Maya Van Wagenen) She is currently 16.
2. A book written by someone when they ..."
What a wonderful list of books. Congratulations on finishing.
This challenge is really helping me with my to-read books! I can't stop buying more and I ignore all the beautiful books I have. Most of these are books I found home, others I will borrow from my college's library. Only one book out of 24 I have to purchase. On to my plan:The Tiger's Wife 4*
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
Memories of My Melancholy Whores
The Aleph and Other Stories 5*
A book published by an indie press
Out Stealing Horses
Sexing the Cherry 4*
Consciousness: Confessions of a Romantic Reductionist 5*
A book that takes place in Asia
The White Steamship
A book by an author from Africa
Disgrace
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge
A microhistory
Science Of The Early American Indians
Through the Woods 3*
The Lathe of Heaven 4*
Anna Karenina 5* (or 6* really)
Just Kids 5*
A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.)
The Snow Child
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Other Stories 5*
A collection of poetry
The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge
A book that someone else has recommended to you
Hunger
Cosmic Banditos 5*
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind
Blue is the Warmest Color
Do Zombies Dream of Undead Sheep?: A Neuroscientific View of the Zombie Brain 5*
A book published before 1850
The Double and The Gambler
A book published this year
Get in Trouble? I'll save this one for last.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values I'm reaaally stretching self-improvement here. I think it does have a component of self improvement so I'll just leave it here. 4*
Additional tasks:
The Gaze or
An autobiography / Memoir.
Prozac Nation
A Book being made into a film. [without seeing the film first]
Madame Bovary
A classic I have not previously read.
Bleak House or Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West
A book by an author I discovered. [non-buzzy / not recommended]
The Seven Good Years: A Memoir
A book with a religious theme
Siddhartha
Patty wrote: "Cindy wrote: "Book Riot Challenge24/24 as of 06/10/15
1. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 (Popular by Maya Van Wagenen) She is currently 16.
2. A book written by some..."
Thanks Patty! :)
We are doing this task as a family. My husband and I are nearing completion. The bookshelves with book suggestions for various tasks have been very helpful and we likewise post our selections there. However, I'm having trouble coming up with books for certain categories for my children. I'd love to hear ideas if anyone has any. For my 14 year old son, I could use suggestions for these categories: LGBTQ, award winner, independent press, Asia, Africa, and retelling. For my 12 year old daughter, I would appreciate suggestions for these tasks: award winner, author under 25, independent press, Africa, LGBTQ.Thanks!
Pauline wrote: "We are doing this task as a family. My husband and I are nearing completion. The bookshelves with book suggestions for various tasks have been very helpful and we likewise post our selections the..."I think this is awesome that you are working through this with your whole family. I just read a blog post about LGBTQ literature for middle schoolers & younger teens that might help with that task http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2015/....
2015 Read Harder Challenge14/24 tasks completed
A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25
(Vivian Apple at the End of the World)
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage by Alice Munro - Finished 4/2015
A collection of short stories
One More Thing by BJ Novak - Finished 1/2015
A book published by an indie press
Blue Sun, Yellow Sky by Jamie Hoang - Finished 4/2015
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters - Finished 3/2015
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own
Funny Girl by Nick Hornby - Finished 5/2015
A book that takes place in Asia
Without You, There is No Us by Suki Kim - Finished 3/2015
A book by an author from Africa
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
A microhistory
The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of a Donner Party Bride by Daniel James Brown - Finished 3/2015
A YA novel
Wonder by P.J. Palacio - Finished 3/2015
A sci-fi novel
A romance novel
Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James. - Finished 6/2015
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
Redeployment by Phil Klay - Finished 5/2015
A book that is a retelling of a classic story
An audiobook
A collection of poetry
A book that someone else has recommended to you
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman - Finished 1/2015
A book that was originally published in another language
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida - Finished 6/2015
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure
(Bet Me)
A book published before 1850
(Frankenstein)
A book published this year
Missoula by Jon Krakauer
A self-improvement book
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
2015 Read Harder Challenge {completed}24/24 tasks completed
1. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25:
The Icarus Girl by Helen Oyeyemi
White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi
St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves by Karen Russell
Other Voices, Other Rooms by Truman Capote
Nightmares of the Future: An Anthology by Brian Kordek by Brian Kordek
2. A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65:
Stone Mattress: Nine Tales by Margaret Atwood
3. A collection of short stories:
St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves by Karen Russell
Stone Mattress: Nine Tales by Margaret Atwood
Diving Belles by Lucy Wood
Museum of the Weird by Amelia Gray
Nightmares of the Future: An Anthology by Brian Kordek by Brian Kordek
The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter
4. A book published by an indie press:
An Etiquette Guide to the End Times by Maia Sepp
Annabel Scheme by Robin Sloan
Nightmares of the Future: An Anthology by Brian Kordek by Brian Kordek
5. A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ:
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
Other Voices, Other Rooms by Truman Capote
The Fair Fight by Anna Freeman
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
6. A book by a person whose gender is different from your own:
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
...and many more.
7. A book that takes place in Asia:
Out by Natsuo Kirino
For All the Tea in China: Espionage, Empire and the Secret Formula for the World's Favourite Drink by Sarah Rose
8. A book by an author from Africa:
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
9. A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture:
The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera
10. A microhistory:
For All the Tea in China: Espionage, Empire and the Secret Formula for the World's Favourite Drink by Sarah Rose
11. A YA novel:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
12. A sci-fi novel:
The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
13. A romance novel:
Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
14. A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade:
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
15. A book that is a retelling of a classic story:
The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter
16. An audiobook:
Go the F--k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach, Samuel L. Jackson (Narrator)
17. A collection of poetry:
Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot
18. A book that someone else has recommended to you:
Cinnamon and Gunpowder by Eli Brown
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
In the Woods by Tana French
19. A book that was originally published in another language:
Rumo & His Miraculous Adventures by Walter Moers
The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Out by Natsuo Kirino
20. A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind:
Lumberjanes #1 by Noelle Stevenson
21. A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure:
A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott
22. A book published before 1850:
Lady Susan by Jane Austin
23. A book published this year:
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
The Fair Fight by Anna Freeman
24. A self-improvement book:
Self-help for Stoners, Stuff to Read When You're High by Robert Chazz Chute
These are the tasks I've completed so far:A book published by an indie press -- Sword
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ -- Afterworlds
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own -- The Bone Clocks (plus a lot more...)
A book that takes place in Asia -- Fire Horse Girl (plus a few more...)
A book by an author from Africa -- Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.) -- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian
A YA novel -- The Raven Boys (plus a lot more...)
A sci-fi novel -- Fortune’s Pawn (plus a lot more...)
A romance novel -- The Duchess War
A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.) -- A Court of Thorns and Roses
A book that someone else has recommended to you -- Handmaid’s Tale
A book published this year -- Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed: Sixteen Writers on Their Decision Not To Have Kids (plus a few more...)
An audiobook -- The Rosie Effect
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind (Hi, have you met Panels?) -- Ms. Marvel vol 1 (plus a lot more...)
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over) -- re-read Suddenly Royal
A microhistory -- Astoria
And I have books in my TBR for these three tasks:
A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 <-- I discovered that Snow Like Ashes qualifies here, and I already own it!
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade <-- All the Light We Cannot See is on my hold list at the library...
A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people) <-- I have several of these in-progress... but I think I'll try to read/finish Magic for Beginners because it came in one of my Indiespensible boxes this year...
A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self-improvement”) <-- Thinking Fast and Slow? or... Lean In?
A book published before 1850 <-- planning on reading Count of Monte Cristo
A book that was originally published in another language <-- planning on reading My Brilliant Friend
A collection of poetry <-- planning on reading The Essential Pablo Neruda...
Still need a book for these:
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65 <-- no idea...
So I just started this challenge a couple of weeks ago. I am trying to work it into an already long TBR list, so we will see how it goes. I will be deciding on the books as I go. Here are the first three books I've read so far.Task 18: A book that someone else has recommended to you – Austenland by Shannon Hale
Task 19: A Book That Was Originally Published in Another Language – A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Task 20: A Graphic Novel, Graphic Memoir, or Collection of Comics of Any Kind – Saga Vol. One Trade by Brian K Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Robin wrote: "Robin's 2015 Read Harder Challenge -Finished 6/30/15!Complete 24/24
1. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 [book:I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was ..."
Thanks for your post. I have had a hard time finding a book for task #9. Your selection looks great. I hope you don't mind if I borrow the idea.
Lessons learned for the next challenge-- make selections & stick to them! And be decisive about pushing through or giving up when a title threatens to stall my progress...FINISHED IN 2015 ( 16/24)
1. [X] A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25: Sleepwalking, by Meg Wolitzer
3. [X] A collection of short stories: You'll Enjoy It When You Get There: The Stories of Elizabeth Taylor
6. [X] A book by a person whose gender is different from your own: Time Cat, by Lloyd Alexander
7. [X] A book that takes place in Asia: Sword Art Online 5 - Phantom Bullet, by Reki Kawahara
9. [X] A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture: Dakota Warrior, by Gloria Mattioni
11. [X] A YA novel: Seraphina, by Rachel Hartman
12. [X] A sci-fi novel: The Just City, by Jo Walton
13. [X] A romance novel: Juliet, by Anne Fortier
15. [X] A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.): Red As Blood: Tales from the Sisters Grimmer, by Tanith Lee
18. [X] A book that someone else has recommended to you: Sycamore Row, by John Grisham
19. [X] A book that was originally published in another language: Sword Art Online Aincrad, Vol. 1, by Reki Kawahara
20. [X] A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind: Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal, by G. Willow Wilson
21. [X] A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure: The American Heiress, by Daisy Godwin
22. [X] A book published before 1850: The Bhagavad Gita
23. [X] A book published this year: The Philosopher Kings, by Jo Walton
24. [X] A self-improvement book: The Five Things We Cannot Change, by David Richo
CARRYING OVER TO 2016 (8/24)
2. [ ] A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65: Don't Wake Me at Doyles, by Maura Murphy
4. [ ] A book published by an indie press: The True History of the Elephant Man, by Michael Howell (started in 2015)
5. [ ] A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ: City Boy, by Edmund White
8. [ ] A book by an author from Africa: My Traitor's Heart, by Rian Malan
10. [ ] A microhistory: The Professor and the Madman, by Simon Winchester
14. [ ] A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade: The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt
16. [ ] An audiobook: The Odyssey, by Homer, read by Ian McKellen (started in 2015)
17. [ ] A collection of poetry: The Complete Poems, by Hart Crane (started in 2015)
Tina wrote: "Robin wrote: "Robin's 2015 Read Harder Challenge -Finished 6/30/15!Complete 24/24
1. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 [book:I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Educ..."
Of course it is great to borrow ideas from each other! I have a fondness for Malala because I've been following her story since she was shot and I've been so inspired by her. At the same time, I love how she was a typical young teenage girl interested in makeup and Justin Bieber!
I thought I had posted before but I can't find it. So...here is my list:15/24 tasks completed
A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
A collection of short stories Dangerous Women
A book published by an indie press
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own UnSouled
A book that takes place in Asia
A book by an author from Africa
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
A microhistory The Devil Is Here in These Hills: West Virginia's Coal Miners and Their Battle for Freedom
A YA novel Gone, Gone, Gone
A sci-fi novel Grasshopper Jungle
A romance novel Once and Again
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
A book that is a retelling of a classic story
An audiobook Ruin and Rising
A collection of poetry The Crossover
A book that someone else has recommended to you The Lies of Locke Lamora
A book that was originally published in another language
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind Saga, Volume 1 series
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure Witches of Bourbon Street
A book published before 1850 Wuthering Heights
A book published this year The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire
A self-improvement book
*Bold* = Finished[Finished 23/24 from Read Harder Challenge | 6/6 Finished for bonus tasks | 112 books total read for the year. I do count manga, graphic novels and audio books (not that I listen to them often)]
*1. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25.*
*2. A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65.*
*3. A collection of short stories [either by one person or an anthology by many people].*
*4. A book published by an indie press*
*5. A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ*
*6. A book by a person whose gender is different from your own.*
*7. A book that takes place in Asia.*
*8. A book by an author from Africa.*
*9. A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture.*
*10. A microhistory.*
*11. A young adult novel.*
*12. A sci-fi novel.*
*13. A romance novel.*
|
(Same novel, but these are the two names it is known as.)*14. A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize, or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade.*
*15. A book that is a retelling of a classic story.*
*16. An audiobook.*
*17. A collection of poetry.*
*18. A book that someone else recommended to you.*
*19. A book that was originally published in another language.*
*20. A graphic novel, a graphic memoir, or a collection of comics of any kind.*
*21. A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure.*
[A guilty pleasure because it is a novelization the TV show Charmed]
22. A book published before 1850.
*23. A book published in 2015.*
*24. A self-improvement book.*
++A few pages back, someone named Tim added some more tasks and I will add them as well for more fun. Thanks Tim!++
*25. A book by a local author.*
)*26. An autobiography / Memoir.*
*27. A Book being made into a film. [without seeing the film first]*
*28. A classic I have not previously read.*
*29. A book by an author I discovered. [non-buzzy / not recommended]*
{I did not "discover" this but I did find it and read it without ever hearing about it before and it does not have a lot of ratings.]*30. A book with a religious theme*
Jen's Read Harder ChallengeChallenge started: 08/08/15
Challenge completed:
Tasks completed: 3/24
Bonus Tasks Completed: 1/6
Title of planned book beneath each task, I'll add the date finished once each task is complete (:
1. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25
2. A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
3. A collection of short stories
Sleep Donation - Karen Russell
Date Started: 19/08/15
Date Completed: 19/08/15
5. A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
6. A book by a person whose gender is different from your own
7. A book that takes place in Asia
8. A book by an author from Africa
9. A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
One Summer: America, 1927 - Bill Bryson
Date started: 20/08/15
Date completed: 03/09/15
11. A YA novel
12. A sci-fi novel
13. A romance novel
Emma - Jane Austen
Date started: 29/08/15
Date completed:
14. A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
15. A book that is a retelling of a classic story
The Shepherd's Crown - Terry Pratchett
Date started: 27/08/15
Date completed: 30/08/15
17. A collection of poetry
18. A book that someone else has recommended to you
19. A book that was originally published in another language
20. A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind
21. A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure
22. A book published before 1850
23. A book published this year
A Portable Shelter - Kirsty Logan
Date started: 08/08/15
Date completed:
24. A self-improvement book
I've seen a few people mention additional tasks, they look really fun so I hope they don't mind me jumping on the bandwagon! Have slightly altered them to fit in with my own reading goals (:
Additional tasks:
25. A local author
Decided to focus on an author local to my birthplace, rather than my current location
Toilers of the sea: Victor Hugo
You're Never Weird on the Internet - Felicia Day
Date started: 18/08/15
Date completed: 18/08/15
27. A Book being made into a film. [without seeing the film first]
28. A classic I have not previously read.
Evelina - Frances Burney
Date started: 29/08/15
Date completed:
29. A new find
S. - J. J. Abrams & Doug Dorst
30. A book with a religious theme
2015 Read Harder Challenge24/24 tasks completed
6/6 bonus tasks completed
1. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25
Beasts of No Nation by Uzodinma Iweala
2. A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
3. A collection of short stories
The Moons of Jupiter by Alice Munro
4. A book published by an indie press
On Immunity by Eula Biss
5. A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
Marcel Proust by Edmund White
6. A book by a person whose gender is different from your own
Dead Wake by Erik Larson
7. A book that takes place in Asia
The Quiet American by Graham Greene
8. A book by an author from Africa
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
9. A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
Winter in the Blood by James Welch
10. A microhistory
Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell
11. A YA novel
The Subtle Knife by Phillip Pullman
12. A sci-fi novel
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin
13. A romance novel
The Widow's Guide to Sex and Dating by Carole Radziwell
14. A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
15. A book that is a retelling of a classic story
The Gap of Time by Jeanette Winterson
16. An audiobook
Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot
17. A collection of poetry
Woolgathering by Patti Smith
18. A book that someone else has recommended to you
The Death of Caesar by Barry Strauss
19. A book that was originally published in another language
An Invitation to a Beheading by Vladimir Nabokov
20. A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind
Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast
21. A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure
Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie
22. A book published before 1850
Persuasion by Jane Austen
23. A book published this year
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
24. A self-improvement book
How Proust Can Change Your Life by Alain de Botton
Bonus:
25. A local author
Finials by Marybeth Slonneger
26. An autobiography/memoir
M Train by Patti Smith
27. A book being made into a film.
The Price of Salt (Carol) by Patricia Highsmith
28. A classic I have not previously read.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
29. A new find.
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware
30. A book with a religious theme.
The Testament of Mary by Colm Toibin
Okay, just getting started on this in anticipation of the Philly Book Group meetup, and thought I'd put down the ones I'd inadvertently already covered. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
The Woman I Wanted To Be - Diane Von Furstenberg
A collection of short stories
Leaving the Sea - Ben Marcus
A book published by an indie press
Mayumi and the Sea of Happiness - Jennifer Tseng, Europa
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
Just put Eleanor & Park on hold at the library to fulfill this one, when I realized I already read The Paying Guests in March.
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own
Paper Towns - John Green
A book that takes place in Asia
China Rich Girlfriend - Kevin Kwan
A book by an author from Africa
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
A microhistory
A YA novel
To All The Boys I've Loved Before - Jenny Han
A sci-fi novel
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood (yes, I'm counting it as sci-fi, despite Atwood's protests.)
A romance novel
I Take You - Eliza Kennedy
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
A book that is a retelling of a classic story
An audiobook
Go Set a Watchman - Harper Lee
A collection of poetry
A book that someone else has recommended to you
A book that was originally published in another language
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure
The DUFF - Kody Keplinger
A book published before 1850
A book published this year
Primates of Park Avenue - Wednesday Martin
A self-improvement book
0/24A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people)
A book published by an indie press
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own
A book that takes place in Asia
A book by an author from Africa
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
A microhistory
A YA novel
A sci-fi novel
A romance novel
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.)
An audiobook
A collection of poetry
A book that someone else has recommended to you
A book that was originally published in another language
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind (Hi, have you met Panels?)
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over)
A book published before 1850
A book published this year
A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self-improvement”)
(14/24 so far)A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25: The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65: The Year of the Flood, Margaret Atwood
A collection of short stories: Smoke and Mirrors, Neil Gaiman
A book published by an indie press:
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ: The Best Boy Ever Made, Rachel Eliason
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own: Fortunately, the Milk, Neil Gaiman
A book that takes place in Asia:
A book by an author from Africa:
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.):
A microhistory:
A YA novel: Fangirl, Rainbow Rowell
A sci-fi novel: The Martian, Andy Weir
A romance novel:
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade:
A book that is a retelling of a classic story:
An audiobook:
A collection of poetry: Aimless Love, Billy Collins
A book that someone else has recommended to you: Midnight Riot, Ben Aaronovitch
A book that was originally published in another language:
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind: Fun Home, Allison Bechdel
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure: Mr. Kiss and Tell, Rob Thomas
A book published before 1850: The Two Gentlemen of Verona, William Shakespeare
A book published this year: The Master Magician, Charlie Holmberg
A self-improvement book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo
Level: Eye on Target - up to 36 monthsStart Date: 12/1/13
End Date: 12/31/16
Progress: 27/78
Love lives of
◈ The Twelve Towers
12 books that you've acquired most recently (from start date)
✔ 1. City of Glass
2. Grave Consequences
3. Chasing Justice
4. The Executive's Decision
5. Tales from the Loon Town Cafe
6. The Hidden Sun
7. Harmless
8. The Measure of Kate Galloway
9. Evolution
10. The Reluctant Bachelorette
11. Undertow
12. The White Aura
11 books that you never find time to get around to or that have been on your shelves the longest (pre-choose these)
1. Jane Eyre
2. Plum Spooky
3. The Host
4. The Art of Racing in the Rain
5. Wicked Lovely
6. I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell
7. The Picture of Dorian Grey
8. Chasing Justice
9. One Day
10. Virals
11. Collide
10 books you randomly select from your shelves (such as by using random.org -- as you go or pre-choose)
✔1. Life After Life
2. The Inconvenient Duchess
✔ 3. The Night Circus
✔ 4. Girls in White Dresses
5. Outlander (in progress)
6. The Map of Time
✔ 7. Champagne Kisses: A Timeless Love Story
8. Just a Little Crush
9. Love, Rosie
✔ 10. We were liars
✔ 11. Probability of love at first sight
9 sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs
✔ 1. City of Lost Souls
✔ 2. The City of Heavenly Fire
✔ 3. City of Lost Souls
✔ 4. City of Fallen Angels
5. Walking Disaster
✔ 6. Frostbite: Vampire Academy Book 2
✔ 7. Shadowkissed: Vampire Academy Book 3
✔ 8. Requiem by Lauren Oliver
✔ 9. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
8 novellas or short-stories - they can be part of anthologies, you don't have to read the whole book in this case.
✔ 1. Bossy pants
2. Letters to Elise
✔3. One More Thing - BJ Novak
✔ 4. A Christmas Carol
✔ 5. Free Four
6. The Transfer (library audiobook)
✔ 7. A Christmas Carol
✔ 8. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
7 books that everyone seems to have read but you
✔1. Paper Towns (audible, have)
2. The Iron King
3. Heirs & Spares
4. I Am Number Four
5. The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Library)
6. The Book Thief
7. Girl in the Steel Corset (Library)
6 anticipated releases (release dates after your start date)
1. What You Leave Behind
✔ 2. The One (Selection Series, May)
3. The Magicians
4. Apolonia (Jamie McGuire, June)
5. These Broken Stars
✔ 6. Queen of the Tearling (July 4)
5 books that were recommended to you via Goodreads
✔ 1. Eleanor & Park
✔ 2. Gone Girl
3. Into the Wild Nerd Yonder
4. Red Hill
5. Beautiful Disaster
4 books that you started but never finished
1. Map of the World
✔ 2. Vampire Academy
3. Spider Bones
4. Bite Me - A Love Story
3 books that you've already read before
1. Pride & Prejudice
2.
3.
2 books with covers that you don't think fit the storyline or that you don't like the covers of but everyone raves about the books
1. The Swan Thieves
2. Dark Places
1 book that intimidates you
1. The Historian or East of Eden
Jen wrote: "Level: Eye on Target - up to 36 monthsStart Date: 12/1/13
End Date: 12/31/16
Progress: 27/78
Love lives of
◈ The Twelve Towers
12 books that you've acquired most recently (from start date)
✔ 1..."
Wow! Where did you find that challenge? It doesn't look like the same Read Harder Challenge the rest of us are doing.
A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.)
A collection of poetry
8/24 completedWhite is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
(Planning on: High Crime Area : Tales of Darkness and Dread by Joyce Carol Oates)
A collection of short stories
(Planning on: Kisses from Hell by Francesca Lia Block, Kristin Cast, Richelle Mead, Alyson Noel and Kelley Armstrong)
A book published by an indie press
(Planning on: New Jersey Noir edited by Joyce Carol Oates)
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
(Planning on: More Fool Me by Stephen Fry)
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
A book that takes place in Asia
(Planning on: The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson)
A book by an author from Africa
(Planning on: The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma)
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
(Planning on: Crazy Brave by Joy Harjo)
A microhistory
(Planning on: Rain: A Natural and Cultural History by Cynthia Barnett )
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
(Planning on: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr)
A book that is a retelling of a classic story
(Planning on: Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding)
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
A collection of poetry
(Planning on: The Collected Poetry of Emily Dickinson)
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
A book that was originally published in another language
(Planning on: Cyrano de Bergerac or The Count of Monte Cristo)
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind
(Planning on: Watchmen by Alan Moore)
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure
(Planning on: How the White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back by Diana Rowland)
A book published before 1850
(Planning on: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
A self-improvement book
(Planning on: Getting Things Done by David Allen)
✔
Lisa's 2015 Book Riot Challenge Tracker:
✔
Completed: 21/24
A book written by someone (but not necessarily published) when they were under the age of 25
TBR: Lady Susan written between 1793-1795
✔A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
The Uncommon Reader Read March 2015
✔A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people)
The House on Mango Street Read May 2015
✔A book published by an indie press
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry Read April 2015
✔A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
The Art of Fielding Read June 2015
✔A book by a person whose gender is different from your own
Paper Towns July 2015
✔A book that takes place in Asia
Snowflower and the Secret Fan April 2015
A book by an author from Africa
TBR: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
✔A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
Euphoria July 2015
✔A microhistory
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail March 2015
✔A YA novel
Anne of Green Gables/Anne of Avonlea April 2015
✔A sci-fi novel
The Age of Miracles June 2015
✔A romance novel
The Winter Sea April 2015
✔A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
Bring Up the Bodies May 2015
✔A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.)
Emma: A Modern Retelling May 2015
✔An audiobook
Wolf Hall April 2015
✔A collection of poetry
House of Light May 2015
✔A book that someone else has recommended to you
A Room with a View August 2015
✔A book that was originally published in another language
Siddhartha May 2015
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind.
TBR Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened
✔A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over)
Her Royal Spyness May 2015
✔A book published before 1850
Jane Eyre January 2015
✔A book published this year
Go Set a Watchman Sep 2015
✔A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self-improvement”)
Full Catastrophe Living (Revised Edition): Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness March 2015
Completed: 21/24
A book written by someone (but not necessarily published) when they were under the age of 25
TBR: Lady Susan written between 1793-1795
✔A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
The Uncommon Reader Read March 2015
✔A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people)
The House on Mango Street Read May 2015
✔A book published by an indie press
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry Read April 2015
✔A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
The Art of Fielding Read June 2015
✔A book by a person whose gender is different from your own
Paper Towns July 2015
✔A book that takes place in Asia
Snowflower and the Secret Fan April 2015
A book by an author from Africa
TBR: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
✔A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
Euphoria July 2015
✔A microhistory
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail March 2015
✔A YA novel
Anne of Green Gables/Anne of Avonlea April 2015
✔A sci-fi novel
The Age of Miracles June 2015
✔A romance novel
The Winter Sea April 2015
✔A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
Bring Up the Bodies May 2015
✔A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.)
Emma: A Modern Retelling May 2015
✔An audiobook
Wolf Hall April 2015
✔A collection of poetry
House of Light May 2015
✔A book that someone else has recommended to you
A Room with a View August 2015
✔A book that was originally published in another language
Siddhartha May 2015
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind.
TBR Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened
✔A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over)
Her Royal Spyness May 2015
✔A book published before 1850
Jane Eyre January 2015
✔A book published this year
Go Set a Watchman Sep 2015
✔A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self-improvement”)
Full Catastrophe Living (Revised Edition): Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness March 2015
2015 Read Harder Challenge20/24 tasks completed
✓ A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 - The Outsiders
✓ A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65 - The War That Forged a Nation: Why the Civil War Still Matters
✓ A collection of short stories - American Indian Myths and Legends
✓ A book published by an indie press - The San Jose Earthquakes: A Seismic Soccer Legacy
✓ A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ - The Moon and Sixpence
✓ A book by a person whose gender is different from your own - Jake and the Other Girl
✓ A book that takes place in Asia - The Song of Igor's Campaign, An Epic of the Twelfth Century
A book by an author from Africa
✓ A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.) - The Heart of Everything That Is: The Untold Story of Red Cloud, An American Legend
✓ A microhistory - Trail of Tears
✓ A YA novel - Gathering Blue
A sci-fi novel
✓ A romance novel Kenilworth
✓ A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade The Road
A book that is a retelling of a classic story
An audiobook
✓ A collection of poetry - Writing for the King
✓ A book that someone else has recommended to you - Monument 14
✓ A book that was originally published in another language - A Very Long Engagement
✓ A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind - The Walking Dead, Vol. 05: The Best Defense
✓ A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure - 7 Days to Sunday
✓ A book published before 1850 - Henry V
✓A book published this year - Edge of Eternity
✓ A self-improvement book - Testament from Prison
Like myself, you are late to the challenge too? Good luck Richard and have fun! :)
A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 - The OutsidersA book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people)
A book published by an indie press
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own
A book that takes place in Asia
A book by an author from Africa
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
A microhistory- When Books Went to War: The Stories that Helped Us Win World War II
A YA novel
A sci-fi novel
A romance novel
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade - Missed the decade by two years, but always wanted to read this book. Middlesex
A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.)
An audiobook
A collection of poetry
A book that someone else has recommended to you
A book that was originally published in another language
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind (Hi, have you met Panels?)
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over)
A book published before 1850
A book published this year
A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self-improvement”)
and see the original post on Book Riot introducing the challenge here: http://bookriot.com/2014/12/15/book-r...
2015 Read Harder Challenge24/24 tasks completed DONE!
Since I have started late, it's Sept already, I am going to double up on some of these. I rarely read outside my genre, so this will help me get outside of it a bit. I'll never catch up to 24 books anyway!
A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25
Divergent
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
Stone Mattress: Nine Tales
A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people)
Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders
A book published by an indie press
Serenity Found: More Unauthorized Essays on Joss Whedon's Firefly Universe
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
Trans-Sister Radio
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own
The Testimony
A book that takes place in Asia
The Ghost Bride
A book by an author from Africa
Broken Monsters
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
A microhistory
Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void
A YA novel
The Giver
A sci-fi novel
Station Eleven
A romance novel
The Fault in Our Stars
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
A Visit from the Goon Squad
A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.)
Cinder
An audiobook
You're Never Weird on the Internet
A collection of poetry
Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty
A book that someone else has recommended to you
Steelheart recommended by my husband
A book that was originally published in another language
Roadside Picnic
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind (Hi, have you met Panels?)
Through the Woods
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over)
The Princess Bride
A book published before 1850
Frankenstein
A book published this year
Modern Romance
A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self-improvement”)
How to Be a Woman
Richard wrote: "2015 Read Harder Challenge18/24 tasks completed
✓ A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 - The Outsiders
✓ A book written by someone when they were over the ..."
I haven't run into a lot of folks who've read A Very Long Engagement! (it's been over a decade for me!) I remember really liking it.
-->A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
-->A collection of short stories
-->A book published by an indie press
-->A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
-->A book by a person whose gender is different from your ownA book that takes place in Asia
A book by an author from Africa
-->A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)A microhistory
-->A YA novel
A sci-fi novel
-->A romance novelA National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
-->A book that is a retelling of a classic story
-->An audiobookA collection of poetry
-->A book that someone else has recommended to youA book that was originally published in another language
-->A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind
-->A book that you would consider a guilty pleasureA book published before 1850
-->A book published this yearA self-improvement book
15/24 challenges completed
2015 Reading ChallengeA book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 Eragon
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people)
A book published by an indie press
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own
A book that takes place in Asia
A book by an author from Africa
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
A microhistory
A YA novel 13 Reasons Why
A sci-fi novel
A romance novel
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.)
An audiobook
A collection of poetry
A book that someone else has recommended to you
A book that was originally published in another language
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind (Hi, have you met Panels?)
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over)
A book published before 1850
A book published this year
A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self-improvement”)
Updated post 265Now 12/24
✓ A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25- Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis
✓ A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
- Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
✓ A collection of short stories
- One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories by BJ Novak
✓ A book published by an indie press
- Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir by Liz Prince
✓ A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
- Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour
✓ A book by a person whose gender is different from your own
- Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari
✓ A book that takes place in Asia
- Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
✓ A book by an author from Africa
- Purple Hibiscus Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
✓ A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture
- Coming of Age in Samoa by Margaret Mead
✓ A microhistory
- A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
✓ A YA novel
- Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein
✓ A sci-fi novel
- The Martian by Andy Weir
✓ A romance novel
- The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer
✓ A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
- Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
✓ A book that is a retelling of a classic story
- Baba Yaga's Assistant by Marika McCoola
✓ An audiobook
- Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson
✓ A collection of poetry
- The Ogre's Wife by Ron Koertge
✓ A book that someone else has recommended to you
- The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery
✓ A book that was originally published in another language
- The Summer Book
✓ A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind
- Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill (Vol 1-5)
✓ A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure
- Lady Maybe by Julie Klassen
✓ A book published before 1850
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
✓ A book published this year
- Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
✓ A self-improvement book
- The Art of Asking; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help by Amanda Palmer. (It improved me.)
DONE!
13/24 complete1. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
2. A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65: Carsick by John Waters
3. A collection of short stories: Single, Carefree, Mellow: Stories by Katherine Heiny
4. A book published by an indie press
5. A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ: Every Day by David Levithan
6. A book by a person whose gender is different from your own: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
7. A book that takes place in Asia: 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
8. A book by an author from Africa
9. A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture
10. A microhistory
11. A YA novel: Paper Towns by John Green
12. A sci-fi novel
13. A romance novel
14. A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade: A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
15. A book that is a retelling of a classic story
16. An audiobook: My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business by Dick Van Dyke
17. A collection of poetry
18. A book that someone else has recommended to you: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
19. A book that was originally published in another language
20. A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind): Watchmen by Alan Moore
21. A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure: Confessions of a Video Vixen by Karrine Steffans
22. A book published before 1850
23. A book published this year: Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
24. A self-improvement book
24/24 complete - yay!Topic 1 (A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25): White Teeth - finished! ⭐️⭐️
Topic 2 (A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65): Home - finished! ⭐️⭐️
Topic 3 (A collection of short stories): 13 Ghosts: Strange But True Ghost Stories - finished! ⭐️
Topic 4 (A book published by an indie press): Strings and Bones - finished! ⭐️
Topic 5 (A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ): Orlando - finished! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Topic 6 (A book by a person whose gender is different from your own): The Twits - finished! ⭐️⭐️
Topic 7 (A book that takes place in Asia): Memoirs of a Geisha - finished! ⭐️⭐️
Topic 8 (A book by an author from Africa): Things Fall Apart - finished! ⭐️⭐️
Topic 9 (A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture): Rabbit-Proof Fence: The True Story of One of the Greatest Escapes of All Time - finished! ⭐️⭐️
Topic 10 (A microhistory): The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - finished! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Topic 11 (A YA novel): Eleanor & Park - finished! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Topic 12 (A sci-fi novel): Slaughterhouse-Five - finished! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Topic 13 (A romance novel): Bloodsucking Fiends - finished! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Topic 14 (A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade): The Road - finished! ⭐️
Topic 15 (A book that is a retelling of a classic story): Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West - finished! ⭐️⭐️
Topic 16 (An audiobook): Yes Please - finished! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Topic 17 (A collection of poetry): Chasers of the Light: Poems from the Typewriter Series - finished! ⭐️⭐️
Topic 18 (A book that someone else has recommended to you): The Idiot - finished! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Topic 19 (A book that was originally published in another language): The Metamorphosis - finished! ⭐️⭐️
Topic 20 (A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind): Zen Pencils: Cartoon Quotes from Inspirational Folks - finished! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Topic 21 (A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure): Dead in the Family - finished! ⭐️⭐️
Topic 22 (A book published before 1850): Robinson Crusoe - finished! ⭐️
Topic 23 (A book published this year): Red Queen - finished! ⭐️⭐️
Topic 24 (A self-improvement book): This Book Will Make You Sleep - finished! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
updated post 265Now 13/24
22/24DONE A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25,
*It presents and old theme, but the world building was good. It had too much romance for my taste and I was able to predict the ending. It was a good read all the same.
DONE A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65,
*This book started off slow, but was worth it. I'm glad I stuck it out, but I'm not likely to recommend it.
DONE A collection of short stories,
*My favorite living author. I'll read anything he writes! I loved how all of the stories and poems followed a theme. Even the introduction was a good read.
DONE A book published by an indie press,
*Screen plays are difficult to read, but it was interesting. I then watch the episode as it was produced. They made a lot of changes from script to production, so it was interesting to compare.
DONE A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ,
*This book was recommended by several of my students. (I teach high school). Even though I was familiar with the plot, certain aspects surprised and wowed my. I enjoy most John Green books.
DONE A book by a person whose gender is different from your own,
*I have been following this series, since it came out. They are very guyish, but I like them. Plus I am always on the lookout for books I can recommend to students.
DONE A book that takes place in Asia,
*This book was very difficult to read. It was a real stretch for me. I am glad I stuck it out though, even if I despised the ending.
DONE A book by an author from Africa,
*It was cyber-punk, kind of dystopian. An unusual read for me, but that is part of the purpose of the challenge. I don't regret the choice, but it was strange.
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
TBR ??? Euphoria ??? *I am not really sure about this challenge
A microhistory
TBR ??? The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements??? *My first choice didn't pan out. I am hoping to like this one better.
DONE A YA novel,
*I like the premise of this book. Good is not pretty; it is what is in your heart. I also like that the heroic ending didn't involve being recused by a guy.
DONE A sci-fi novel,
*This is a sci-fi classic that I always intended to read but put off for various reasons. I was not what I expected (and certainly not like the movie). I like the journalistic aspect of it, but some of the philosophy sections droned on.
DONE A romance novel,
*I wanted to see what every one was talking about. Now I know.
DONE A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
*Although I appreciate the beauty of this novel, it did not appeal to me. I probably would not have read it if it weren't for the challenge.
DONE A book that is a retelling of a classic story,
*See previous comment regarding Neil Gaiman.
DONE An audiobook,
*This was a YA read I wanted to check out. I didn't enjoy only listen to a book. I prefer to read along, but you don't know until you try.
DONE A collection of poetry,
*I usually like Billy Collins, but this book was to mature (as in old) for me. Plus, I am not in the habit of reading quite so much poetry. I probably could have benefitted from the variety of an anthology.
DONE A book that someone else has recommended to you,
*My very awesome HS librarian told me to read this, so that I can have more realistic fiction in my life. I read mostly fantasy and sci-fi.
DONE A book that was originally published in another language,
*I read this in conjunction with a group read. It is children's fantasy classic that I wished I had read when I was younger.
DONE A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind,
*I don't generally enjoy graphic novels. The plot are too fast and dialog too thin. The story starts slow and the artwork was grotesque, but once I got through the prelude, the story got magical and good. Well worth sticking out.
DONE A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure,
*This book was very hated by some friend which turned me off from reading it. The main characters was too dependent, but I see why it is so well liked.
A book published before 1850
DONE
*I had a hard time with this challenge also. I have read most of the "classic" books that I intend to. A lot of my first choices were published later in the 1800s and 1900s. This was a classic Dickens I hadn't pick up. It was a heart-warming tale for a December read.
DONE A book published this year,
*Another sci-fi series I have been following, so obviously I got the latest installment as soon as it came out.
DONE A self-improvement book,
*When I think of self-improvement, I consider my religion. It seemed like great opportunity to improve an aspect of my daily life from one of the greatest Christians of all time.
updated post 265 - now 14/24(changed out a planned book as well)
1. A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 – Other voices, other rooms- Truman Capote : TBR2. A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65 – The Children Act- Ian McEwan TBR
3. A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people) - The O Henry Prize Stories 2014 edition - IN PROGRESS
4. A book published by an indie press – A Kind of Compass: Stories of Distance [ Tramp Press, Ireland]- TBR
5. A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ – The Hours- Michael Cunningham DONE
6. A book by a person whose gender is different from your own – History of the Rain- Niall Williams DONE
7. A book that takes place in Asia – In Praise of Hatred- Khaled Khalifa IN PROGRESS
8. A book by an author from Africa – Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie DONE
9. A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.) – The Lowland- Jhumpa Lahiri [?] TBR.
10. A microhistory – Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory-Caitlin Doughty TBR
11. A YA novel- A Monster Calls- Patrick Ness TBR
12. A sci-fi novel – We: Yevgeny Zamyatin TBR
13. A romance novel -The Lover's Dictionary- David Leviathan TBR
14. A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade – The Sea- John Banville [ Man Booker, 2005]- TBR
15. A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.)-The Sleeper and the Spindle- Neil Gaiman TBR
16. An audiobook - almost all of my reading this year [small child at home :) } -The Minaturist- Jessie Barton DONE
17. A collection of poetry-Staying Alive:Real Poems for Unreal Times, ed, Rick Astley DONE
18. A book that someone else has recommendended to you – The Hundred Year House- Rebecca Makaii TBR
19. A book that was originally published in another language – Letter from an unknown woman, and other stories- Stefan Zweig, trans. Anthea Bell [ original German title: Brief einer Unbekannten] IN PROGRESS
20. A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind -The Arrival- Shaun Tan TBR
21. A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over)-The First Bad Man- Miranda July IN PROGRESS
22. A book published before 1850 – Madame Bovary- Gustav Flaubert TBR
23. A book published this year – The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins DONE
24. A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self- improvement”)- - The Parent's Tao Te Ching-Ancient Advice for Modern Parents- William Martin TBR
FINISHED!! 24/24 tasks completed
A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25 - Three Early Stories - J.D. Salinger
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65 - A Spool of Blue Thread - Anne Tyler
A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people) - Bapo - Nicholas Jose
A book published by an indie press - Captives - Angela Meyer
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ - We the animals - Justin Torres
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own - Stoner - John Williams
A book that takes place in Asia - A fine balance - Rohinton Mistry
A book by an author from Africa - We should all be feminists - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.) - The day of the dog - Archie Weller
A microhistory - Straight: the surprisingly short history of heterosexuality - Hanne Blank
A YA novel - Revolver - Marcus Sedgwick
A sci-fi novel - Station Eleven - Emily St John Mandel
A romance novel - Soppy, Philippa Rice
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade - The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao - Junot Diaz
A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.) - Mothers Grimm - Danielle Wood
An audiobook - So you've been publicly shamed - Jon Ronson
A collection of poetry - A village life, Louise Gluck
A book that someone else has recommended to you - Annabel - Kathleen Winter
A book that was originally published in another language - The people in the photo - Helene Gestern
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind (Hi, have you met Panels?) - Days of the Bagnold Summer - Joff Winterhart
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (Read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over) - The silkworm - Robert Galbraith
A book published before 1850 - The three musketeers - Alexander Dumas
A book published this year - The first bad man - Miranda July
A self-improvement book (can be traditionally or non-traditionally considered “self-improvement”) - Simplicity made easy - Jennifer Kavanagh
1. Borrowed Finery: A Memoir2. Everything Is Illuminated
3.Tenth of December
4. A Narco History: How the United States and Mexico Jointly Created the "Mexican Drug War" (completed October)
5.Stone Butch Blues
6. Angry White Men: American Masculinity at the End of an Era (completed, March)
7. Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity (completed October)
8.GraceLand
9. The Hiawatha (completed, October)
10.The Great Arizona Orphan Abduction
11. Ready Player One (completed, August)
12.Jennifer Government(completed June)
13.Trust Me on This (completed, March)
14. not sure on this one. Too many candidates
15.The Flight of Gemma Hardy
16. Skippy Dies (completed, March?)
17.Middle Passages
18.Good Kings Bad Kings or Hannah Arendt and the Negro Question
19.Little Man, What Now? (completed, September)
20.Sex Criminals, Vol. 1: One Weird Trick (completed August)
21. The Snowman (January)
22.Moll Flanders or (reread) Pride and Prejudice
23. The First Bad Man
24. Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error
Book Riot wrote: "Lots of you have requested a place to post your personal reading plans for the challenge, so here's the place! Just keep track of which # comment FINISHED! I know December 30th is cutting it close but I did start late...I will start next years challenge on January 1st or 2nd.
My Read Harder Challenge books listed below. Not quite finished. I have to read Wild before the end of the year. Really made me try genres I don't usually read. Self improvement was a tough choice. Anxious to start on next years Read Harder!
#1-
#2-
#3-
#4
#5-
#6-The Good Luck of Right Now
#7-The Kite Runner
#8-
#9-
#10-
#11-
#12-
#13-
#14-
#15-
#16-
#17-
#18-
#19-
#20-Wormhole Saga by Daniel Lieske
#21-
#22-
#23-
#24-
I really enjoyed this challenge. Most of the books used were on my TBR or at least on my radar and this was a great way to direct my reading and help me decide what to read next. For some categories, I had multiple books that fit, but these are the ones I used on the list I sent to Book Riot.***********************************************************************************
A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25
Less Than Zero 3 stars
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65
Stone Mattress: Nine Tales 5 stars
A collection of short stories (either by one person or an anthology by many people)
Redeployment 4 stars
A book published by an indie press
When Bad Things Happen to Rich People 3 stars
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
Mislaid 3 stars
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own
The Maid's Version 4 stars
A book that takes place in Asia
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia 4 stars
A book by an author from Africa
Americanah 5 stars
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
Maria Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina 4 stars
A microhistory
Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania
4 stars
A YA novel
All the Bright Places 4 stars
A sci-fi novel
The Martian 4 stars
A romance novel
The Garden of Letters 2 stars
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade
All the Light We Cannot See 5 stars
A book that is a retelling of a classic story (fairytale, Shakespearian play, classic novel, etc.)
Boy, Snow, Bird 3 stars
An audiobook
On Immunity: An Inoculation 4 stars
A collection of poetry
Citizen: An American Lyric 4 stars
A book that someone else has recommended to you
Tolstoy and the Purple Chair: My Year of Magical Reading 4 stars
A book that was originally published in another language
A Man Called Ove 4 stars
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind
March: Book One 4 stars
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure
The Knockoff 5 stars
A book published before 1850
Persuasion 5 stars
A book published this year
Go Set a Watchman 3 stars
A self-improvement book
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up 2 stars
And it's a wrap! Can't to to play again in 2016!
Thanks, Book Riot, for giving me a challenge that went beyond "how many books can I read this year". (less)
updated post 265 18/24 currently - changed a couple of books out as well.
Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer (other topics)The Underground Railroad (other topics)
The Bear and the Nightingale (other topics)
Educated (other topics)
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Virginia Woolf (other topics)Michael Wolff (other topics)
Ernest Hemingway (other topics)
Stephanie Garber (other topics)
F. Scott Fitzgerald (other topics)
More...
13/24 tasks completed
A book written by someone when they were under the age of 25
A book written by someone when they were over the age of 65 - As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust (read 03-08)
A collection of short stories - Petits démons (read 04-14)
A book published by an indie press
A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ
A book by a person whose gender is different from your own - Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore (read 04-05)
A book that takes place in Asia - Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea (read 03-18)
A book by an author from Africa
A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture (Native Americans, Aboriginals, etc.)
A microhistory
A YA novel - The Giver (read 02-09)
A sci-fi novel - Station Eleven (read April)
A romance novel - As She Climbed across the Table (read in february)
A National Book Award, Man Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize winner from the last decade - The Sense of an Ending (read 05-07)
A book that is a retelling of a classic story
An audiobook - We Were Liars (read 03-19)
A collection of poetry
A book that someone else has recommended to you - Wolf in White Van (read 05-24)
A book that was originally published in another language - Soie (read 04-03)
A graphic novel, a graphic memoir or a collection of comics of any kind - Le point B (read 02-28)
A book that you would consider a guilty pleasure
A book published before 1850
A book published this year - Sabliers et engrenages (read 05-19)
A self-improvement book