Cover to Cover Challenge discussion
How-Tos and Other Questions
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What counts as a book for a reading challenge?
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To me, a book has a cover and a back. I don't count anything under 150 pages as a book for this challenge. YA counts for me. But, this challenge is a personal challenge, so I would say you can use what you want for it as long as you feel comfortable counting it as a book. In other challenges there are guidelines and specifications, so you would have to use those. But here it's an open challenge, so set your own guidelines.
Thanks Lynn. Just curious, but how do you feel about novellas that have been pulled from an anthology and published as a stand alone? Like Dragonswan by Sherrilyn Kenyon?
Nairabell wrote: "Thanks Lynn. Just curious, but how do you feel about novellas that have been pulled from an anthology and published as a stand alone? Like Dragonswan by Sherrilyn Kenyon?"I wasn't familiar with the book, so I had to look it up. For me, personally, it would be too short, but then this is your challenge so you can pick what to read! (That's the benefit to this kind of challenge.) If it counts in your mind without you feeling guilty, then it counts. I think that when Crystal started this challenge the only rule was no children's books, and as far as I know that is still the only restriction.
Thanks Lynn! I had some family stuff last year that meant I didn't read for a couple of months, and being paranoid I was worried I wouldn't make 144 books this year. I think I'll count the shorts, but if I make 144 with time to spare I'll read full-length books to replace them (if that makes sense).
Dragonswan is one short I would count, because of the fullness of the story. But when I read it the 2nd time it was in an anthology, I counted the anthology in its entirety as just one book. Doesn't that help to muddy the waters, Nairabell? :)
Hi Nairabell, welcome to the challenge! :) Lynn gave you good advice - pretty much everything counts except for children's books, so you have free reign to set your own personal guidelines for yourself. Young adult definitely counts. The whole idea is to have fun, challenge yourself, and feel like you've accomplished something fantastic by the end of the year!! (even if you don't end up making the full 144)
I read graphic novels, some of which only take a very short time to finish. I will be counting them, as they are books. However, my other interests are non-fiction books, which can be very thick and definitely NOT light reading. I'll bet a lot of them are required reading for college classes! I'm really busy right now, so I won't have much new for the time being, but will definitely catch up after a few months.This is great for me, I love to read and the challenge will be good for me!
it think it was generally said that if it was intended/ or has been published on its own then if its then placed in an omnibus then its counted pr storyIf it was only written as part of a book of short stories then all of the stories as one.
Some are counting small books others are not. individual choice- I personally count it as long as I read the whole book.
It was decided YA ok but that childrens are not.
If you want to see the discussions re all this there has been earlier threads re this
That’s a great question, Nairabell! Personally, I think if a story feels complete—whether it's from an anthology, an online freebie, or a YA book—it can definitely count. Challenges should reflect your own reading journey.It reminds me of setting small, consistent spiritual goals too—like reading سورة الواقعة مكتوبة كاملة daily. Even one surah, read with sincerity, can have a powerful impact—just like each book or story you choose to include. visit hare:https://surah-al-waqiah.com/
Thanks for your help,
Nairabell