2010 Chubby Chunkster Challenge

[Kasia]

Duration: now – January 1, 2011

This challenge has been hosted in the past by Dana, and then spread over the net in various forms, now we're bringing it to RRRC. So what is the Chubby Chunkster Challenge, you'd ask? It's about reading those damn fat ass books that you've been avoiding, because, let's face it, short books work best for all the challenges, don't they? Well not in this case. And here are the rules for the 2010 Chubby Chunkster Challenge:

1. Definition of a Chunkster:

- A chunkster is 450 pages or more of fiction or nonfiction. A chunkster should be a challenge.
- If you read large type books your book will need to be 525 pages or more... The average large type book is 10-15% longer or more so I think that was a fair estimate.

[NOTE: if you read e-books, check the hardcover/paperback page count here on GR, it will give you the idea if the book counts]


2. The Rules:

- No audio books. AUDIOBOOKS DO COUNT
- Re-reads are fine, as long as you don't skim or skip sections.
- Short Stories and Essay collections will not be counted.
- Books may crossover with other challenges.
- You can join in anytime, but you have till the end of the year to read it all.
- You don't need to list your books ahead of time.
- Once you pick a level, that's it...you're committed to that level!
- When you post your updates, put page count by each chunkster.
- If you completed a level before the end of the year and you want to sign up again, you're more than welcome to do so.

3. You must pick a level of participation:

- The Chubby Chunkster - this option is for the reader who has a couple of large tomes on their TBR list, but really doesn't want to commit to much more than that. 3 books is all you need to finish this challenge.
- Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? - this option is for the slightly heavier reader who wants to commit to 5 Chunksters over the remainder of the year.
- Mor-book-ly Obese - This is for the truly out of control chunkster. For this level of challenge you must commit to 8 chunksters OR three tomes of 800 pages or more. You know you want to.....go on and give in to your cravings.
- Too Big To Ignore Anymore - this option is for those chunksters on your TBR list (honor code folk, I don't have time to be the challenge police). You may select any number of books over 450 pages but you must LIST THEM ahead of time.

So anybody wants to join me on this one?

[Kasia]

I'm gonna go for the Mor-book-ly Obese myself and try to read 3 tomes of 800 pages or more. I hope I can do it....

[Ez]

I'll join you! I believe I'll also do the "Mor-book-ly Obese" category myself, but I'll be going for the 8 chunksters (450+ pages) instead of the 3 over 800.

I'll probably put together a list of the ones I aim to read for this just for my own records. I like lists for some reason. LOL.

[~Sara~]

I'm also going to do the Mor-Book-ly Obese. I'm not good at sticking to books I choose ahead of time, and my TBR is missing a lot of books I own but haven't gotten to adding. I'll commit to 8 chunksters but there will be at least 1 tome in there - The Mists of Avalon has been on my shelf for years!

I've got the first sitting here already. It's a library book on it's second or third renewal so I have to read it soon.

1- 537 pages

[Unapologetic_Bookaholic]

I can read chunksters but a lot of romances..just...aren't. So I'll have to see what I can commit to, but I'll join. Great challenge!

[Unapologetic_Bookaholic]

The Chubby Chunkster

1. Swan Song v Robert R. McCammon 956
2. Power Play v J.M. Snyder 580
3. Fortune v Erica Spindler 560

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Very cool challenge, Kasia! : )

[Dalene]

Love the challenge!!

Will join in and do the Mor-Book-ly Obese category of 3 over 800 pages. I want to read the next three installments of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.

1. Voyager 1072 pages
2. Drums of Autumn 1088 pages
3. The Fiery Cross 1456 pages

[Kasia]

Yz the Whyz wrote: "Very cool challenge, Kasia! : )"

I thought it was fun when I saw it, so I thought I'll bring it over here. And I've been meaning to go ahead to read those thick books that clog my shelve space, so...

[Kasia]

Dalene wrote: "I want to read the next three installments of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon."

Ah, the Outlander series, those are famously lengthy

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Fantastic challenge! I bow to your superior wit. I'm going to have to ask, "Do these books make my ass look big?" Of course the only proper answer is, "The books have nothing to do with it. Your ass makes your ass look big." I should easily be able to read five books over 450 pages this year. In fact I'm so confident, I'll switch to the Mor-Book-Ly Obese category now. Eight books here I come.

I can't choose a couple of the other categories as I don't keep books on my TBR shelf. I keep a TBR mountain in one room and foothills of the same in other rooms. But they are not listed. Also, I don't plan on what I'm going to read until I get past the first chapter, thus I'll post as I go.

[Jennefer]

Oh I am soooo in! I have a few biggies I have been planning to read this year. I think I want to do Too Big To Ignore Anymore. Can I include two books I am reading right now? Like I just started them yesterday? Also can I add additional books later?

[Kasia]

Sure, I have no problem with including what you're reading right now. Adding additional books for the Too Big To Ignore Anymore? That's a yes as well (as long as you don't substract from the list).

[Kasia]

Photojim wrote: "Fantastic challenge! I bow to your superior wit. I'm going to have to ask, "Do these books make my ass look big?" Of course the only proper answer is, "The books have nothing to do with it. You..."

Glad you like it Photojim! It's not my wit behind it, but I sure will pass on the info. And oh, you're hilarious as always mister; it is the books, not the ass that's the problem.

[ஐ Briansgirl (Book Queen)ஐ]

I'll sign up for Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? I was going to go for Chunky Chunkster, but since we have most of the year left, I'm sure I can work 5 chunky books in.

[Jennefer]

Kasia wrote: "Sure, I have no problem with including what you're reading right now. Adding additional books for the Too Big To Ignore Anymore? That's a yes as well (as long as you don't substract from the list)."


oh yay! I am going to start working on my list!

[Kasia]

~♥ Kat ♥~ wrote: "Here's My List: Some of them are just over 450 pgs so I guess that's ok "

Just over 450 is still over 450, so you're good!

[Erin]

Sounds like fun to me, and I do have a few longer books that I've been putting off. I think I'll go for the Chubby Chunkster level.

1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 853 pages
2. The War Of The Flowers by Tad Williams 832 pages
3. Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens 848 pages

[Katherine]

More-Bookly Obese here! Will post books soon.
Book 1: Lilith's Brood by Octavia E. Butler- 752
Book 2: Covet by J.R. Ward-474
Book 3: Memoirs of a Geisha byArthur Golden- 768
Book 4: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer- 498
Book 5: Earthly Joys by Philippa Gregory-528
Book 6: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon- 850
Book 7: The Bone Doll's Twin by Lynn Flewelling- 524
Book 8: The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown- 489

[image error]

[Ez]

My (tentative) list:

1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - 850
2. Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught - 736
3. The Alienist by Caleb Carr - 487
4. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl - 563
5. Ashes in the Wind by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss - 665
6. Covet by J.R. Ward - 474
7. The Bone Doll's Twin by Lynn Flewelling - 524
8. The Vampire Diaries - The Return: Nightfall by L.J. Smith - 586

[image error]

[Lindy-Lane]

Level: Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? (5 Chunkies)

5/5 DONE..Yahoo I finished a yearly challenge!
original post meassage #21.

Will post list as I read each book.

1. Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes (# of pages 456) FINISHED 4.11

2. House Rules by Jodi Picoult (# of pages 532) FINISHED 5.11

3. The Silver Rose by Susan Carroll (# of pages 515) FINISHED 6.12

4. The Eight by Katherine Neville (# of pages 598) FINISHED 7.31

5. The Faraday Girls by Monica McInerney(# of pages 549) FINISHED 11.27

[Jennefer]

Here we go!
1. Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught 736 pages
2. A Rose in Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss 567 pages
3. Pamela: Or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson 592 pages
4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë 576 pages
5. Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale 560 pages
6. Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey 1015 pages
7. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 853 pages
8. Emma by Jane Austen 512 pages
9. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons 656 pages



Eeek! I am kinda scared! :) There are a couple more I think I might read this year but I am to afraid to commit. I might add some more down the line. Most of these I was planning on reading this year anyway except Outlander and The Bronze Horseman. Had to add those in to push myself a bit!

[Judy]

I'll sign up for the Chubby Chunkster level. I'll post the books as I read them.

[Holly]

This sounds like fun! Put me down for the Mor-book-ly Obese. :)

[FlibBityFLooB]

Awww. *pout* why no audiobooks? *sniff*
I'm trying to get more exercise into my life, and audiobooks help me do that. Especially on the long books. I just listened to Acheron that way over the last several days walking to work. If you'd allow audiobooks, I'd love to participate. Otherwise, I'm afraid I can't commit the time. Sounded like fun, though! :)

[Nichole (DirrtyH)]

Alright, I'll commit to "Do These Books Make My Butt Look Big"
I could probably swing the next level, but I don't want to stress myself out. :)

1. Lover Revealed 5/5 - 455 pgs (ppbk)
2. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 5/15 - 644 pgs (ppbk)
3. The Girl Who Played with Fire 6/20 - 724 pgs (ppbk)
4.
5.

[Nisha]

I'm thinking I should try Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big?. Five chunksters doesn't sound too bad for the year

1)Kushiel's Justice
2)Kushiel's Mercy
3)Naamah's Kiss
4)The Dark Mirror
5)Graceling

2/5

[Regina]

I'll sign up for Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big?
I´ll post my list as I go...

[Rossy]

Fantastic challenge, Kasia!
I don't know if you're trying to help me or kill me with this challenge. I think i have a few books that qualify, i will post as i finish them:

Mor-book-ly Obese!

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

[Shannon]

I'm going to give it a try, I think. I'm going with the Too Big To Ignore Anymore level.
(Changed from the Mor-book-ly Obese 05/12)

Progress: 5/14

1.Heir to the Shadows by Anne Bishop (496 pages)
2.Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop (464 pages)
3.Noah by Jacquelyn Frank (471 pages)
4.Let the Right One In: A Novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist (472 pages)
5.Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon (722 pages)
6.Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon (526 pages)
7.Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward (534 pages) --Read 03/11
8.Lover Mine by J.R. Ward (544 pages) --Read 05/23
9.A Kiss of Shadows (Meredith Gentry, #1) by Laurell K. Hamilton (480 pages)
10.Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward (642 pages) --Read 04/11
11.The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide by J.R. Ward (478 pages) --Read 03/18
12.Chasing Midnight by Susan Krinard (488 pages) --Read 03/16
13.Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught (736 pages)
14.Come the Night by Susan Krinard (613 pages{Large Print Edition})

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Of course I did just read the BDB series. I think they all go over 450 pages. I could have done this last month.

[Barbara ★]

LEVEL: Mor-book-ly Obese (8 books over 450 pages)

1. Ship of Magic by Roibin Hobb (685 pages)
2. Covet by J.R. Ward (474 pages)
3. Silver's Bane by Anne Kelleher (458 pages)
4. A Madness of Angels: Or The Resurrection of Matthew Swift by Kate Griffin (613 pages)
5. Witches Incorporated by K.E. Mills (543 pages)
6. Guilty as Sin by Tami Hoag (606 pages)
7. Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey (901 pages)
8. The Well of Shades by Juliet Marillier (512 pages)
9. Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward (527 pages) 4/9
10. Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon (539 pages)
11. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare (541 pages) 3/6
12. Death du Jour by Kathy Reichs (451)3/8
13. The Chalice and the Blade by Glenna McReynolds (475) 3/19

READ:


TO READ:

[Charlotte (Buried in Books)]

2010 Chubby Chunkster Challenge

Yes, my butt is huge - thanks for reminding me, excuse me while I do the Truffle Shuffle

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough - 591 pages
The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice - 573 pages
The World According to Garp by John Irving - 570 pages
The Host by Stephenie Meyer - 617 pages
The War Of The Flowers by Tad Williams - 749 pages



I started The Host earlier in the year - I hope that's OK.

[Leah]

I think I'm gonna do Mor-book-ly Obese

FINISHED 5/1/2010

1. Lover Avenged by J. R. Ward (642 pages) 3/8/2010
2. The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide by J. R. Ward (478 pages) 3/12/2010
3. Lover Mine by J. R. Ward (544 pages) 5/1/2010
4. Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon (800 pages) 3/27/2010
5. Lover Enshrined by J. R. Ward (534 pages) 3/6/2010
6. Stray by Rachel Vincent (618 pages) 3/21/2010
7. Covet by J. R. Ward (474 pages) 3/25/2010
8. Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon (533 pages) 4/4/2010

[Julianna]

I was planning to do something similar as a personal challenge to myself, so this should give me extra incentive. Count me in at the Chubby Chunkster Level. I'll post as I go.

[Dee]

i'm going to go with Mor-book-ly Obese but maybe i should go with the To Big to Ignore Anymore since i've listed them all in advance

Books:
An Echo in the Bone - Diana Gabaldon - 832 pages
The Persimmon Tree - Bryce Courtenay - 704 pages
The Potato Factory - Bryce Courtenay - 832 pages
Tommo and Hawk - Bryce Courtenay - 675 pages
Solomon's Song - Bryce Courtenay - 673 pages
The Story of Danny Dunn - Bryce Courtenay - 610 pages
Stormfire - Christine Monson - 568 pages
Flowers from the Storm - Laura Kinsale - 560 pages
Devil's Pact - Samantha Cruise - 484 pages
Voyager -re-read/audiobook - Diana Gabaldon - 880 pages
Drums of Autumn - reread/ audiobook - Diana Gabaldon - 896 pages
The Fiery Cross - reread/ audiobook - Diana Gabaldon - 992 pages
A Breath of Snow and Ashes - reread/ audiobook - 992 pages

[Rossy]

Photojim wrote: "Of course I did just read the BDB series. I think they all go over 450 pages. I could have done this last month."

Hey Kasia, do re-reads count?

[Leah]

Rossy wrote: "Photojim wrote: "Of course I did just read the BDB series. I think they all go over 450 pages. I could have done this last month."

Hey Kasia, do re-reads count?"

Yeah, Kasia. Do they count? Because if they do then I wanna change atleast one of my books.

[Gaijinmama]

Yeah, Kasia, me three! Do rereads count?
I hope you'll allow re-reads to count, otherwise I'll have to stick to the Chubby Chunkster three book level.

[Sandra]

I'm in - just deciding on level and books. And yeah do re-reads count?

[Valorie]

What a fantastic challenge!! I've been wanting to finish the BDB books!! Thanks Kasia!

Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big?

1. Lover Revealed (455 Pgs)
2. Lover Unbound (502 Pgs)
3. Lover Enshrined (534 Pgs)
4. Lover Avenged (527 Pgs)
5. Covet (474 Pgs)

[Kara]

I'm in for The Chubby Chunkster. If I have time I'll go in for another round later.
I'll post my books as soon as I find some to read.

[Mojca]

Okey-dokey, I'm certainly in.

Level: Too Big To Ignore Anymore
Challenge Duration: March 6, 2010 - December 31, 2010

Book list (for now, will probably add later on):
*(the book count is that of the book edition I have (or will have))

Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward (464)
Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward (464)
Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward (480)
Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward (528)
Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward (560)
Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward (672)
Wild Fire by Christine Feehan (496)
Water Bound by Christine Feehan (480)
Demonkeepers by Jessica Andersen (480)
Sizzle and Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz (480)
The Third Circle by Amanda Quick (448) (does it count if it's two pages short of a chunkster?) Just heard it doesn't. Oh, well, I'm reading it anyway.
Running Hot by Jayne Ann Krentz (480)

[Chrizette]

I will also try this one :)

Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big?

1. The Time Travellers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (536 pages) 26.05.2010
2. Lover Avenged (BDB #7) by JR Ward (527 pages) 16.03.2010
3. Outlander (Outlander#1) by Diana Gabaldon (853 pages) 08.04.2010
4. Lover Mine (BDB#8) by JR Ward (544 pages) 27.04.2010
5.

[Anna]

do re-reads count?

might just do The Chubby Chunkster but will probs read more......

[Kasia]

OK, I hear you. How about this: a re-read is going to count, but only if you actually re-read it all (no skipping or skimming, I know I do that a lot myself when I reread, but if you can stay commited through the whole book - go for it).

[Annvelwis]

I love it!!!

I'll go for Mor-book-ly Obese :]

[image error]

1/8

1. Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught (736 pages)
2. Dziewczyna która igrała z ogniem (The Girl Who Played with Fire) by Stieg Larsson (704 pages)
3. Zamek z piasku, który runął (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest) by Stieg Larsson (800 pages)
4. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia 14-03 *** (563 pages)
5. Diuna (Dune) by Frank Herbert (672 pages)
6. Pan Lodowego Ogrodu by Jarosław Grzędowicz (504 pages)
7. Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers (712 pages)
8. Dracula by Bram Stoker (528 pages)
9. Storm Winds by Iris Johansen (560 pages)

[Kasia]

Two. Due to the popular request, I'm changing the audiobook rule. What the heck, go audiobooks.

[Mel W]

I'm in. Put me down for the Mor-book-ly Obese challenge. Will update as I read.

[Sandra]

OK. I've decided on the Mor-book-ly Obese challenge, as well.


1. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire636 pages
2. Under the Dome 877 pages
3. The Reincarnationist 455 pages
4. The Time Traveler's Wife 519 pages
5. Covet 482 pages
6. Cross Stitch 863 pages
7. Lover Revealed 455 pages
8. TBD