Summer 2014 Reading Challenge

**Apologies for the two posts in one day thing. I didn’t know about this when I wrote the first one, and I really want to join in with this challenge**

As you may know (or some newer readers may not), I love to read. As a child, my mum would take us to the library every weekend to pick up books and I would have ready my pile before the day was out. Yes, I was that child who would rather be indoors reading that out with my friends (although I was still outside a lot because if the weather was even vaguely nicer, my mother would hound us out of the house. I was always allowed to read for a bit before going to sleep though, so I still got my book fix). So, when I read on Amanda’s blog, Rhyme and Ribbons, that she plans to take part in a reading challenge organised by another blogger this summer, I immediately wanted to join in too. Because all the book reading I’ve got going on for my 35 before 35 list clearly isn’t enough…

The challenge runs from 1 May 2014 until 31 August 2014, with only books read during that time being allowed to count. All the books have to be at least 200 pages long and there are 12 categories that need to be fulfilled to complete the challenge.

Here are the categories, and my book choices:

5 points: Freebie! Read any book that is at least 200 pages long.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, because it’s been on my list for way too long now!

10 points: Read a book that was written before you were born.
Flowers for Algernon by David Keyes (published 1966) if I can get it – I’m not finding it on Amazon Germany.  If not, I’ll go with Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin (published 1967).

10 points: Finish reading a book you couldn’t finish the first time around. (You must have at least 150 pages left in the book.)
The 131⁄2 Lives of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers. Jan and I started reading this book years ago but we never actually managed to finish. Time to try again! (The first one that came to mind was The Silmarillion, but I’m convinced it’s not even possible to finish that book!).

10 points: Read a book from the children’s section of a library or bookstore.
I read children’s books allll the time, well young adult literature anyway, which I assume is in the children’s section at the library? But here’s one from my Amazon wishlist: The Mysterious Woods of Whistle Root by Christopher Pennell. It claims to have 224 pages and be for ages 9-12, so it’s perfect for the challenge.

15 points: Read a book that is on The New York Times’ Best Sellers List.
Little Girl Lost by Brian McGilloway. I like a good crime novel and having lived in Northern Ireland as a child, I’m intrigued by the idea of a book that’s set there. (I just hope it will actually have 200 pages seeing as it doesn’t even seem to be available on Amazon Germany yet…)

15 points: Read a historical fiction book that does not take place in Europe.
Hmm, I’ll have to find one first!

 15 points: Read a book another blogger has read for the challenge. (That means you have to wait till the first check in in June to see what other people have read already.)
Ooh, I’m excited to see what others recommend!

20 points: Read a book with “son(s),” “daughter(s),” or “child(ren)” in the title.
The Murderer’s Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers has been on my list for ages! Perfect opportunity to finally read it.

 20 points: Read a book that will be/was adapted into a film in 2014.
Errm, I’m hopeless with films so first I’ll have to discover what’s even coming up this year!

25 points: Read a book by a blogger.
I can’t think of any! Suggestions?

 25 points: Read a biography, autobiography or memoir.
Captain James Cook by Richard Hough. And it’s non-fiction so I get to count it towards my 35 before 35, too!

30 points: Read a pair of books with antonyms in the title.
Oooh, this is hard! I’ll let you know when I think of something…

The challenge is being hosted by Megan at Semi-Charmed Kind of Life. I know it’s 1 May is tomorrow  (I only found out about this today!), but I’m sure there’s still time for you to join in if you’re quick! You can also follow along on Twitter via the hashtag #SCSBC14.

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