Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
      2011 Challenge Archive
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    2011 Goodreads Challenge 
    
  
   Jill wrote: "I am amazed at the amount of books everyone reads! It's inspiring!"
      Jill wrote: "I am amazed at the amount of books everyone reads! It's inspiring!"Speaking for myself, I don't have a life. LOL!
 I think I might have bit off more than I can chew.
      I think I might have bit off more than I can chew.I'm aiming for 400 this year. I read 363 last year, so I think I can do it. Just need to stay focused.
 Dina wrote: "Jill wrote: "I am amazed at the amount of books everyone reads! It's inspiring!"
      Dina wrote: "Jill wrote: "I am amazed at the amount of books everyone reads! It's inspiring!"Speaking for myself, I don't have a life. LOL!"
LOL, Dina! All my kids are grown and moved out, hubby works shifts, so other than the inconvenience of working full time (which I have to do to support my bookbuying habit), all I like to do is read.
 My goal for this year is 55o books. Like Library lass, my kids are gone so I have time to read 3-4 hours every night. I have already listened to two books and read 13 books.
      My goal for this year is 55o books. Like Library lass, my kids are gone so I have time to read 3-4 hours every night. I have already listened to two books and read 13 books.
     Oh my god, how can somebody possible read over 200 books a year??
      Oh my god, how can somebody possible read over 200 books a year?? My goal is 25 and I think thats tough!!
 Brigit - I live in a small town with not much to do, both of my girls are away at school and my husband is a hockey and opera lover so that is what he does at night. I rarely watch tv and I am a quick reader.
      Brigit - I live in a small town with not much to do, both of my girls are away at school and my husband is a hockey and opera lover so that is what he does at night. I rarely watch tv and I am a quick reader.
     Well most of what I read is under 400 pages so that's part of it-for me anyway. I just don't have the patience to read those long epic books anymore. I want to be entertained. It's really easy to read a short cozy or romance in an evening when you 1: have no boyfriend/husband and 2: have to stay at home with your kid, 3: don't watch a lot of TV. Probably half of what I read is in audiobook format. I listen to them in the car while running errands and going back and forth to work. I listen to them on my IPOD when I'm doing housework or walking the dogs. I got 2hrs worth of an audiobook in yesterday just running errands and shopping for a new washer/dryer.
      Well most of what I read is under 400 pages so that's part of it-for me anyway. I just don't have the patience to read those long epic books anymore. I want to be entertained. It's really easy to read a short cozy or romance in an evening when you 1: have no boyfriend/husband and 2: have to stay at home with your kid, 3: don't watch a lot of TV. Probably half of what I read is in audiobook format. I listen to them in the car while running errands and going back and forth to work. I listen to them on my IPOD when I'm doing housework or walking the dogs. I got 2hrs worth of an audiobook in yesterday just running errands and shopping for a new washer/dryer. My daughter is 13 now and so I read while she's doing homework, yapping on the phone, playing video games and basically being a teenage girl.
I also read on my lunchbreak and then my afternoon break. I'm also lucky to work for my mother in a pretty quiet office. So if it's slow and I'm doing something that requires little brain use (stuffing envelopes, shredding, filing etc...,) I can put my IPOD on and listen to an audiobook.
 I think about 15-20% of my books are audio but I don't always add them onto GR - I have been trying to be more conscientious on this though since I started the challenges.
      I think about 15-20% of my books are audio but I don't always add them onto GR - I have been trying to be more conscientious on this though since I started the challenges.I also don't have children and live in the country; no shopping to distract me - reading is a great downtime relaxer when I am not being bugged to mow the 2 acres of lawn!! Plus my drive to work (part-time) takes 6 hours (I stay overnight for a couple of nights) and then return - another 6 hours. VERY easy to listen to at least 2 audiobooks each week. ...But I am only targetting 100 books.
 Ok, now I understand.
      Ok, now I understand. I live in a big city, it just takes me 12 minutes by car to get to my office.
Plus I thought listening to a book isn´t reading. ;-)
Do you own all your books? You must have quite big libaries.
 Brigit - I have a kindle so I get some of my books there, I also get books from Paperback Swap, the library or used bookstore. When I am done, I trade the books in or donate them to my library for their book sale every summer. I am cutting back on getting books on kindle for now so I can read some of the books I already have and can get rid of them. I must have at least 300 books to get rid of.
      Brigit - I have a kindle so I get some of my books there, I also get books from Paperback Swap, the library or used bookstore. When I am done, I trade the books in or donate them to my library for their book sale every summer. I am cutting back on getting books on kindle for now so I can read some of the books I already have and can get rid of them. I must have at least 300 books to get rid of.
     Birgit wrote: "I live in a big city, it just takes me 12 minutes by car to get to my office. "
      Birgit wrote: "I live in a big city, it just takes me 12 minutes by car to get to my office. "Lucky you...I live in a big city too but it takes me around 50 minutes to get to work using public transportation (no way I could drive to work...too expensive.)
 I consider listening to an audiobook the same as reading. I actually pay attention to them. They aren't just droning on in the background. I'll go back and relisten to segments if I think I missed something. I turn it off if my mind keeps wandering and then backtrack when I go back to the book.
      I consider listening to an audiobook the same as reading. I actually pay attention to them. They aren't just droning on in the background. I'll go back and relisten to segments if I think I missed something. I turn it off if my mind keeps wandering and then backtrack when I go back to the book. I only have a 5m commute. But since I go home for lunch and usually run at least 1 errand after work, I end up getting about 30m at least each day just in the car.
 I have about 950 books here. For 2 yrs, I lived in an area where I had 5 cheap thrift stores and 4 libraries near me that were gold mines for cheap books. I would hit almost all of them at least once a week and my TBR trippled while I lived there.
      I have about 950 books here. For 2 yrs, I lived in an area where I had 5 cheap thrift stores and 4 libraries near me that were gold mines for cheap books. I would hit almost all of them at least once a week and my TBR trippled while I lived there. Now where I live, there's 1 convenient thrift store and it's prices are almost that of a UBS. So I don't go there that often. I'm also working now and so have less time to go book shopping. There's one UBS here but it's not very convenient to me.
So I imagine this will be the 1st year in several where my TBR will go down. I'll just be getting books from paperbackswap, bookmooch and the occassional new book.
 I set my goal for 52. Reality is, if I read half that many I will be satisfied as the quantity of reading that I have done in the past few years have been severely lacking. What I did manage to read was due to audiobooks while knitting.
      I set my goal for 52. Reality is, if I read half that many I will be satisfied as the quantity of reading that I have done in the past few years have been severely lacking. What I did manage to read was due to audiobooks while knitting.
     Birgit wrote: "Ok, now I understand.
      Birgit wrote: "Ok, now I understand. I live in a big city, it just takes me 12 minutes by car to get to my office.
Plus I thought listening to a book isn´t reading. ;-)
Do you own all your books? You must have..."
My library has a WMA audio download facility - they have a pretty good selection of audio books that I can download the listen to within a specified timeframe. (They have over 30 of the 'In Death' series by JD Robb to keep me going...) I do buy some audiobooks when I can't find them at my library - but I try to limit this. I have contemplated joining Audible but the DRM restrictions for Australia mean that a lot of the titles I want to listen aren't available to me. So I'd rather just manage as I am...
 I did 144 last year and I'm going for 150 this year.
      I did 144 last year and I'm going for 150 this year.I try to do the challenges but reading for me is a hobby and if I don't read what I want then it's not fun anymore.
 Birgit wrote: "Oh my god, how can somebody possible read over 200 books a year??
      Birgit wrote: "Oh my god, how can somebody possible read over 200 books a year?? My goal is 25 and I think thats tough!!"
I think 25 books it's as good as any other goal, if that's challenging for you then you should go for it!
Good luck with that, I hope all of those 25 books are great!
 Lili wrote: "I try to do the challenges but reading for me is a hobby and if I don't read what I want then it's not fun anymore."
      Lili wrote: "I try to do the challenges but reading for me is a hobby and if I don't read what I want then it's not fun anymore."Exactly!!! Well said Lili - I agree 100%
 Birgit wrote: "Oh my god, how can somebody possible read over 200 books a year??
      Birgit wrote: "Oh my god, how can somebody possible read over 200 books a year?? My goal is 25 and I think thats tough!!"
The last time Jim hosted the pick it for me challenge, he threatened to make those who read more than two of their picks get a life. Well unfortunately, I still don't have one so it makes it really easy to read 200+ books lol
 Lili wrote: "I did 144 last year and I'm going for 150 this year.
      Lili wrote: "I did 144 last year and I'm going for 150 this year.I try to do the challenges but reading for me is a hobby and if I don't read what I want then it's not fun anymore."
I agree....the challenges I didn't finish are the ones that I had to read a book that I just wasn't into. I can't make myself do it.
 Drq wrote: "The last time Jim hosted the pick it for me challenge, he threatened to make those who read more than two of their picks get a life. Well unfortunately, I still don't have one so it makes it really easy to read 200+ books lo..."
      Drq wrote: "The last time Jim hosted the pick it for me challenge, he threatened to make those who read more than two of their picks get a life. Well unfortunately, I still don't have one so it makes it really easy to read 200+ books lo..."Drq... that's sooo easy to fix, here's an idea: we should get dressed up and super pretty and go for a drink, we can talk about books BUT also something else: make up, shoes... whatever!
And we HAVE to check out the boys, that's a must!
We could go to Jim's bar!!
Buzz's Bar: Warm Beer, Cheap Booze, & Bad Food
LOL!!
 I'm trying for 130 books. I read 122 last year, so I'm going to try for more. I'll be getting rid of my cable this summer (as soon as Smallville's series finale is over LOL), so that'll make things easier I think. :-)
      I'm trying for 130 books. I read 122 last year, so I'm going to try for more. I'll be getting rid of my cable this summer (as soon as Smallville's series finale is over LOL), so that'll make things easier I think. :-)
     I do a lot of challenges but if I don't get one of the categories in, then no biggy. Also I don't do any that require me to list ahead of time the books I'm going to use. Then they become work for me. I like challenges where I can pretty much read what I want.
      I do a lot of challenges but if I don't get one of the categories in, then no biggy. Also I don't do any that require me to list ahead of time the books I'm going to use. Then they become work for me. I like challenges where I can pretty much read what I want.
     Mary wrote: "I do a lot of challenges but if I don't get one of the categories in, then no biggy. Also I don't do any that require me to list ahead of time the books I'm going to use. Then they become work fo..."
      Mary wrote: "I do a lot of challenges but if I don't get one of the categories in, then no biggy. Also I don't do any that require me to list ahead of time the books I'm going to use. Then they become work fo..."Me too. If the category is too restrictive, I'll pass on it... I don't want to spend money/time on a book I am not interested in...
 Last year I only read 337 books, which is way down for me. But I had some serious family problems and didn't get as much reading time in as normal. My Mum who is 83 fell and broke 2 ribs, winding up in hospital for a total of 1.5 months. Then I had to move her into an assisted living/nursing home facility, then my hubby got sick, also ending up in hospital and having to have 2 surgeries. So in November I got almost nothing at all read. I only finished 15 books that month. And since I've already read 18 books THIS month, well, you get the idea. :o)
      Last year I only read 337 books, which is way down for me. But I had some serious family problems and didn't get as much reading time in as normal. My Mum who is 83 fell and broke 2 ribs, winding up in hospital for a total of 1.5 months. Then I had to move her into an assisted living/nursing home facility, then my hubby got sick, also ending up in hospital and having to have 2 surgeries. So in November I got almost nothing at all read. I only finished 15 books that month. And since I've already read 18 books THIS month, well, you get the idea. :o)Still, I have people that I view as reading Gods and Goddesses. Those who have read 500, 600, 700 books in the year.
I do own a lot of books (11 7ft tall bookcases crammed full, another 2 bookcases that are 4 feet tall, and finally a floor-to-ceiling built-in in my bedroom that's 6 8ft wide by 8.5 ft tall) And when I say crammed, I do mean CRAMMED. No nice neat single layers like you see in libraries and bookstores. Nope, I have them 2 layers thick and going from the bottom of the shelf all the way to the top.
Plus I have a library close by AND a Nook from B&N with another 650 or so books on IT. Yes, I DO have an addiction, but it could be a WORSE addiction, right?
 WOW. Do any of you people work , go to gym or have kids? LOL Please don't take offense Im really just jealous. I wish I had your time to read. Last night i was dying to read so at 930 i got into bed and started and within 20 pages i had 3 interuptions and then i passed out.
      WOW. Do any of you people work , go to gym or have kids? LOL Please don't take offense Im really just jealous. I wish I had your time to read. Last night i was dying to read so at 930 i got into bed and started and within 20 pages i had 3 interuptions and then i passed out.
     I'm a single mother who works full time. But I only have 1 kid that's 13 now and pretty self-sufficient. I dont' go to the gym. Although I'm thinking about joining one. I also don't watch a lot of TV and use audiobooks. I usually get 1 whole audiobook in a week (2 if their short) just with work commute, errands and listening on my IPOD while I do housework. It takes me about 30min to get dressed and do my hair/makeup and I'll listen to an audiobook while doing that. There's only 4 shows that I watch religiously each week and once you TIVO and zip through commercials they aren't that long-especially when 2 are sitcoms.
      I'm a single mother who works full time. But I only have 1 kid that's 13 now and pretty self-sufficient. I dont' go to the gym. Although I'm thinking about joining one. I also don't watch a lot of TV and use audiobooks. I usually get 1 whole audiobook in a week (2 if their short) just with work commute, errands and listening on my IPOD while I do housework. It takes me about 30min to get dressed and do my hair/makeup and I'll listen to an audiobook while doing that. There's only 4 shows that I watch religiously each week and once you TIVO and zip through commercials they aren't that long-especially when 2 are sitcoms.
     If I ever start dating again, I'm sure I'll be reading a lot less. But right now it's just me and the kiddo every evening and weekend.
      If I ever start dating again, I'm sure I'll be reading a lot less. But right now it's just me and the kiddo every evening and weekend.
    
      I'm ridiculous. I wasn't sure how high to set the goal so I set mine for 100 and I've already read more than 20 books.
    
  
  
   Rena wrote: "I'm ridiculous. I wasn't sure how high to set the goal so I set mine for 100 and I've already read more than 20 books."
      Rena wrote: "I'm ridiculous. I wasn't sure how high to set the goal so I set mine for 100 and I've already read more than 20 books."Rena, you could always up the ante???
 My standard goal for any given year is 100. Though last year it was a little higher because I was 3 short in 2009. Already 4 books in.
      My standard goal for any given year is 100. Though last year it was a little higher because I was 3 short in 2009. Already 4 books in.
     I also set at 100, but I think I should lift as well. I find with all the challenges that I now participate in, I'm including novellas that would not have previously been part of my count. SO I either remove the novellas or lift my count... :)
      I also set at 100, but I think I should lift as well. I find with all the challenges that I now participate in, I'm including novellas that would not have previously been part of my count. SO I either remove the novellas or lift my count... :)
     Last year I tried for 200 and was close with 196, so this year I'm going for over 200. I'm also trying for a higher page count since many of the books in my TBR that I own are a lot shorter (like Agatha Christie).
      Last year I tried for 200 and was close with 196, so this year I'm going for over 200. I'm also trying for a higher page count since many of the books in my TBR that I own are a lot shorter (like Agatha Christie).
     I didn't keep track last year so I'll enjoy doing so this year & my goal for 2011 is 200 :D I wouldn't mind resetting it if I get past that though!
      I didn't keep track last year so I'll enjoy doing so this year & my goal for 2011 is 200 :D I wouldn't mind resetting it if I get past that though!
     First month just about down. If you are going for 200 you should be about 16-17 books. If you are going for 100 you should be about 8 or 9. With that in mind, how is everyone doing so far?
      First month just about down. If you are going for 200 you should be about 16-17 books. If you are going for 100 you should be about 8 or 9. With that in mind, how is everyone doing so far?
     My goal is 120, and so far I have 19 books done. However, I have a couple of novellas in the list, so that number is not really something to brag about. :)
      My goal is 120, and so far I have 19 books done. However, I have a couple of novellas in the list, so that number is not really something to brag about. :)
     I'm at 21 Allison. I'm ahead of pace so far. However, one of those was an e-book of less than 200 pages so I'm not counting that one. So really I'm at 20.
      I'm at 21 Allison. I'm ahead of pace so far. However, one of those was an e-book of less than 200 pages so I'm not counting that one. So really I'm at 20.
     My target is 100 and I'm at 9 books. So sailing true at the moment. I have removed the 'date read' on my novellas so that they don't count toward the total... (I still rated them.)
      My target is 100 and I'm at 9 books. So sailing true at the moment. I have removed the 'date read' on my novellas so that they don't count toward the total... (I still rated them.)
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![Macwolf01 [Elise] (macwolf01) | 1012 comments](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1277511172p1/2680059.jpg)


 
I'm aiming for 50 books this year. I'd love to read 100 but it's not realistic for me!