T4MC Part 12

The Four Month Challenge Part 12
May 1, 2013 – August 30, 2013
Hosted by Book Drunkard

This will be my 12th attempt at this challenge and I still enjoy it every time.  I did fairly well in the 11th installment – 145 points, quite an acceptable accomplishment.

The goal is to read one book for each category below.  I will update my score as I go.

5 Point Challenges

Read the second book in a series – Complete – The Tudor Conspiracy by C.W. Gortner

Read a book with water on the cover

Read a book with a color in the title – Complete – The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Read  a book set in the 1900′s – Complete – The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan

Read a book whose author name begins with M (First or last) – Complete – Murder as a Fine Art by David Morrell

10 Point Challenges

Read a book published during your birth year

Read a book with a door, lock or key on the cover

Read a book with a flower/flowers on the cover – Complete – Roses by Leila Meacham

Read a book with something ‘hot’ in the title (sun, fire, heat, etc)

Read a book whose author name begins with J (first name only)

15 Point Challenges

Read a book currently on a bestseller list

Read a book that shows a woman from behind – Complete – The Secret History by Stephanie Thornton

Read a book with a moon or stars on the cover

Read a book with an adjective in the title – Complete – The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin

Read a book whose author name begins with J (last name only)

20 Point Challenges

Read any book in one weekend (Friday to Sunday) – Complete – Asenath by Anna Patricio

Read a book with a child on the cover

Read a book with over 400 pages – Complete -  Shadows and Strongholds by Elizabeth Chadwick (533 pgs)

Read a book with an animal on the cover – Complete – Valley of Horses by Jean M. Auel

Read a book whose author name begins with A (first or last) – Complete – The Little Bride by Anna Solomon

140 out of 250 Points

 

Copyright © 2013 by The Maiden’s Court

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T4MC Part 11

The Four Month Challenge Part 11
January 1, 2013 – April 30, 2013
Hosted by Book Drunkard

First Four Month Challenge of 2013!  Yay!!  I still love working on these challenges although I don’t typically have any hopes of actually finishing it.  The goal is to read one book per category below:

5 Point Challenges

Read a book with a famous painting on the cover

Read a book with a man and woman on the cover – Complete – The Ambassador’s Daughter by Pam Jenoff

Read a book by a new to you author – Complete – The Forgotten Queen by D.L. Bogdan

Read a book that you’ve read before

Read a book whose author name begins with J (First or last) – Complete – The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult

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10 Point Challenges

Read a book that’s a collection of short stories – Complete – Through a Dusty Window by Delancey Stewart

Read a book about family – Complete – Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

Read a book currently on the NYT Bestsellers list – Complete – Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

Read the first book in a series – Complete – Turncoat by Donna Thorland

Read a book whose author name starts with F (first or last) – Complete – Next to Love by Ellen Feldman

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15 Point Challenges

Read a bio/auto bio/memoir – Complete – Battleship by Dorothy Ours

Read a book with a first and last name in the title

Read a historical mystery – Complete – Lady of Ashes by Christine Trent

Read a book by a female author – Complete – Foul Play by Janet Evanovich

Read a book whose author name begins with M (first or last) – Complete – Fever by Mary Beth Keane

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20 Point Challenges

Read a cult classic (Helpful link)

Read a book no longer under copyright

Read a fantasy/scifi/steampunk – Complete – A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

Read a book you got for Christmas

Read a book whose author begins with A (first or last)

 

I will update as I go: 145 out of 250 points

 

Copyright © 2013 by The Maiden’s Court

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2012 Challenges Wrap-Up

Typically when I do a challenge wrap up it is a little sad because I don’t typically do tremendously well.  But this year I am very excited because I finished all but a couple – and those I didn’t expect to from the outset.  There was only one that I failed miserably at. 

First the good:

  European Reading Challenge 2012
  Hosted by Rose City Reader

My goal was to read 5 books set in 5 different European countries.  I finished this challenge very early in the year – 6/12/12.  A lot of the HF I read is set in Europe so this was pretty easy.  I read books set in the following countries: France, Greece, Italy, Scotland, and Spain.

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Truth in Fiction Challenge
Hosted by Fig and Thistle

My goal was to read 2 book related pairs (total of 4 books) one fiction and one non-fiction in each pair.  I just finished this challenge on 12/31/12.  My book pairs were as follows: Pair 1 Marie Therese – Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow by Juliet Grey and Marie Therese: Child of Terror by Susan Nagel and Pair 2 Abraham Lincoln – The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy L. O’Brien and Lincoln by David Herbert Donald.  This challenge was just as difficult as I expected it to be but I was glad for the challenge.

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Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2012
Hosted by Historical Tapestry

My goal was to read 20 historical fiction books of any sub genre.  I finished the challenge on 9/12/12.  Having read 33 HF books this year that was a goal I expected to have no problems achieving.  I will be participating in this challenge again next year.

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2012 Mammoth Book Challenge
Hosted by Darlene’s Book Nook

I really went small with this challenge, as anyone who knows me well will tell you I have an aversion to anything over 350 pages.  It’s not that I don’t like epic stories – I just feel the need to start a new book after that many pages and move on – even if I’m riveted.  I chose to read 2 books over 450 pages.  I completed the challenge by 9/28/12.  However I did substitute one physical book for an audiobook – which was allowed by the rules as long as the paper version was over 450 pages, which it was.

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Non-Fiction Non-Memoir 2012 Reading Challenge
Hosted by My Book Retreat

One of my goals this year was to read more non-fiction, particularly about Presidents and First Ladies – so this challenge made sense.  I chose to read 10 non-fiction books – which I really think was the perfect number as I wrapped up this challenge 11/22/12.  4 out of 10 were about Presidents – I missed the mark on First Ladies – they are a lot more difficult to find books on – especially audiobooks.  I was even able to count one of the books I had to read for my class toward this challenge – talk about killing two birds with one stone.  I would participate in this one again this year if it is offered.

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2012 Audio Book Challenge
Hosted by Theresa’s Reading Corner

Another thing you probably know about me by now is that I’m a fan of audiobooks – I use them to stay sane on my long drive to and from work each day – so this was another challenge that just made sense.  I chose the highest level of 25+ audiobooks.  I completed the challenge 10/23/12 with 26 audiobooks, but for the year I actually listened to 32 audiobooks.  I will be participating in this challenge again in 2013.

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Now for the bad (the challenges were great, however I didn’t finish them, but did as well as I could expect):

2012 ARC Reading Challenge
Hosted by So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

There was just no way I was going to finish this challenge – and I knew this going into it – I was hoping to use it as a way to kick my butt in gear and get to the backlogged pile of ARCs I had – which it did.  I managed to get through most of my ARCs from 2011 that I had left over (there are still 4, but they are short and I’m using January/February to get them caught up).  I even managed to put a dent in 2012 – however I went on an accepting spree – thanks to my Kindle and Netgalley which set me back some.  After doing this challenge for 2-3 years – I’m not participating in this one next year.  It is too hard for me to keep on top of with updating the ARCs I receive etc.  Good challenge – bad follow thru on my part.

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The 4 Month Challenge
Parts 8, 9, & 10
Hosted by Book Drunkard

I never anticipate actually finishing all 250 points worth of these challenges.  I typically manage somewhere in the range of 130-175 points.  But I love participating and finding how what I’m reading fits different criteria.  For Part 8 I finished at the end of April 2012 with 135 points.  Part 9 was my worst segment of the year, ending at the end of August 2012 with 130 points – however fairly consistent.  Part 10, ending at the end of December 2012 was the best by far with a total of 165 points.  I will be participating in 2013 – with a goal of beating 165 points.

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Now for the truly ugly (I failed miserably, although I had such high hopes)

Fairy Tales Retold
Hosted by Debz Bookshelf

Oh how I tried to do this one – I did.  I even made the first step very early in 2012 – but alas, that was the only step I made.  I went for the lowest level, which was 3 fairy tale retellings, knowing that I didn’t have a lot on my shelf but I was interested in reading some.  I managed to finish one – Half Upon a Time by James Riley – which I found hilarious and fun.  In truth, I think I forgot about this challenge after that until November and then I panicked and gave up on it.  I think if I had set my mind to finishing it, I could have found what I needed on audiobook if nothing else.  I was thinking I didn’t want to try this again in 2013 – I mean who wants to set themselves up for failure again – but now that I think about it, I just might to show that I can beat it!  We’ll see.

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So far for 2013 I only signed up for 6 (likely to increase to 8 or 9 by the end of the year to include the various segments of The Four Month Challenge and maybe something else that catches my eye).  However I’m not setting myself for too high of challenges, because I like to actually finish them.  Some are my favorite while some are new.  I’m tackling:

• 2013 E-book Challenge hosted by Workaday Reads with a  goal of 10 e-books
• 2013 Audio Book Challenge hosted by Theresa’s Reading Corner with a goal of 25+ audiobooks
• 2013 American Revolution Reading Challenge hosted by War Through the Generations with a goal of 3 books set during or surrounding the American Revolution
• 2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Historical Tapestry with a goal of 25 HF books
• 2013 Nicholas Sparks Reading Challenge hosted by The Book Vixen with a goal of 1-4 (aiming for 4) Nicholas Sparks books
• The Four Month Challenge Part 11 hosted by Book Drunkard

What challenges are you participating in this year (maybe I will find some new ones)?

 

Copyright © 2013 by The Maiden’s Court

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Truth in Fiction Challenge–Entry 2

Alright, talk about squeaking my final entry for the Truth in Fiction Challenge in just under the wire – challenge ends today.  I was in a race against time to get the second book in this pairing done – it was a 30+ hour audio book that I just seemed to not be making any progress in despite the hours of listening. 

Book Pair: The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy L. O’Brien (Fiction)
                  Lincoln by David Herbert Donald (Non-Fiction)

I have already officially reviewed The Lincoln Conspiracy (see review link above) and I will be reviewing Lincoln sometime in January.  See below for how I linked these two books together.

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When I picked up The Lincoln Conspiracy I expected it to be about Lincoln – however it was set after his death and focused on the events surrounding the assassination plot.  In Lincoln by David Herbert Donald, the life of the 16th President is told in detail – ending with his death.  There is a small section regarding the lead up to the assassination – however, Donald tries to keep the scope of the book limited to what Lincoln would know – and obviously he didn’t know about the assassination.  So what tied these two books together for me?  Mostly Mary Lincoln.

Let me explain.  In The Lincoln Conspiracy, Mary Lincoln has a small, but pivotal, role.  The majority of the characters refer to her in some manner as being crazy and over-emotional.  In one scene it is explained that she regularly consults with a medium to reach out to her deceased husband and child, Willie.  This is the way I have always seen her portrayed but knew that there are two sides to each story.  In Lincoln she is a much more fleshed out human being.  When they were younger and first married, Mary was very active in Abraham’s political affairs, and while she wasn’t the most well-liked person, she certainly wasn’t crazy.  We also learn about how hard the death of her young son hit her.  She spent over a year in mourning in the White House after his death.  Then while she is still fragile her husband is killed.  I think that would be enough to send anyone over the top – I do have to feel sorry for her.  While The Lincoln Conspiracy caricatured her, Lincoln made her a real woman.  However, it is interesting to note, that in Lincoln it also addressed her visits to mediums. 

The above is what immediately drew me to tie the two books together.  However there were other small things.  Of note:

• In passing, Donald discussed how Pinkerton was involved in keeping an eye on Lincoln at one point.  Pinkerton was a very important character in The Lincoln Conspiracy.
• Different characterizations of the War Secretary, Stanton.  Conspiracy draws him into the plot, while Lincoln makes him very supportive of Lincoln

While these two books seemingly cover different time periods there were elements that brought them together.  I found O’Brien’s characterizations of various characters different from how Donald portrayed them in his history.  I am intrigued to know more about them to see how others portray them as well. 

I would recommend both books to those who find Lincoln of interest – Conspiracy is more of an adventure novel while Lincoln is for those who have an interest in the President and can handle a long haul.

 

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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Nicholas Sparks 2013 Reading Challenge

Nicholas Sparks 2013 Reading Challenge
January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
Hosted by The Book Vixen

I have always enjoyed reading Nicholas Sparks’ books – however I haven’t had the chance to read too many of them and there are a bunch more I would like to read. 

The general rules are to read (or re-read) as many Nicholas Sparks books as you want and they can be in any format.  Mine will all be audio books.  You can get all of the details at The Book Vixen.

I plan to commit to the First Date level – reading 1-4 books. 

I will update this post as I go:

1. Safe Haven
2.
3.
4.

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

 

     

     2013 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
     January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
     Hosted by Historical Tapestry

 

 

 

Seeing as the majority of books I read and review are Historical Fiction this challenge just makes sense!  This will be the 2nd year that I participate in this challenge.

The general rules are to read Historical Fiction – any subgenre of HF will do as well.  You can read the full details at the Historical Tapestry site.

I’m going to commit to the highest level – Ancient History - 25+ Books.

I will update this post as I go:

1. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
2. Next to Love by Ellen Feldman
3. The Forgotten Queen by D.L. Bogdan
4. The Ambassador’s Daughter by Pam Jenoff
5. The Terror by Dan Simmons
6. Lady of Ashes by Christine Trent
7. Iscariot by Tosca Lee
8. Turncoat by Donna Thorland
9. Like Chaff in the Wind by Anna Belfrage
10. Through a Dusty Window by Delancey Stewart
11. Fever by Mary Beth Keane
12. City of Lights by Melika Lux
13. The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan
14. Murder as a Fine Art by David Morrell
15. Shadows and Strongholds by Elizabeth Chadwick
16. Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys
17. Roses by Leila Meacham
18. The Secret History by Stephanie Thornton
19. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
20. The Tudor Conspiracy by C.W. Gortner
21. City of Hope by Kate Kerrigan
22. Promise the Night by Michaela MacColl
23. Valley of the Horses by Jean M. Auel
24. Asenath by Anna Patricio
25. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
26. A Break with Charity by Ann Rinaldi

*Completed 8/14/13*

27. The Little Bride by Anna Solomon

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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War Through the Generations 2013 Reading Challenge

War Through the Generations: American Revolution
January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
Hosted by War Through the Generations

I haven’t read too many books set during wartime – however I have wanted to dip my toe in those waters and when I saw this challenge and that the focus this year was the American Revolution (my favorite time period) I decided this was the time to try.

Here are the general rules:

You can read fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, etc. with the American Revolution as the primary or secondary theme.

Books can take place before, during, or after the war, so long as the conflicts that led to the war or the war itself are important to the story.

Additionally, since there are so many great movies out there about the American Revolution, you can substitute or add a movie or two to your list this year and have it count toward your totals.

Full details can be found at the War Through the Generations site.

I’m going to go with the Dip Level: Read 1-3 books in any genre with the American Revolution as a primary or secondary theme.

I will update this post as I go.

1. Turncoat by Donna Thorland
2. The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin
3. Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys

As of 6/16/13 I have already read 3 books to complete the Dip Level.  As I know I have at least 1 more book to read about the American Revolution this year I’m going to increase my level to the Wade Level of 4-10 books.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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2013 Audio Book Challenge

2013 Audio Book Challenge
January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
Hosted by Teresa’s Reading Corner

 

It comes as no surprise that I typically love to listed to audio books.  With all of the driving I do to and from work and to visit my parents I have a lot of what would otherwise be wasted time.  Audio books are helping me to reduce that massive Mt. TBR that I have and also get to some books outside my reviewing genre.

 

I am again going to participate in the Audio Book Challenge hosted at Teresa’s Reading Corner.  The rules are simple, listen to audio books across any genre.  Full details can be found at Teresa’s Reading Corner.

 

I’m going to commit to the Married level – with 25+ audio books.

 

My progress will be documented below: 

 

1. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
2. Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
3. Foul Play by Janet Evanovich
4. The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
5. Hero at Large by Janet Evanovich
6. The Terror by Dan Simmons
7. Iscariot by Tosca Lee
8. Hour of Peril by Daniel Stashower
9. A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
10. Fever by Mary Beth Keane
11. Salt by Mark Kurlansky
12. The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan
13. The Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin
14. Roses by Leila Meacham
15. Valley of Horses by Jean M. Auel
16. Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
17. A Break with Charity by Ann Rinaldi
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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2013 Ebook Challenge

2013 Ebook Challenge
January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
Hosted by Workaday Reads

I’m not a huge Ebook reader – but this past year I did acquire a Kindle and I’m going to strive to use it a little more than I have.  I still love my paperback books, however I’m working on enjoying ebooks.

The general guidelines are to read Ebooks – any genre or length of book is acceptable – as long as it is an ebook.  You can read the full details of the giveaway at Workaday Reads. 

Because the rules state that you can go up levels but not down – and I’m going to start somewhat small and see what happens from there.  I’m going to start with the second level – CD – and commit to 10 ebooks.

I will update this post as I go:

1. The Forgotten Queen by D. L. Bogdan
2. Battleship by Dorothy Ours
3. City of Lights by Melika Lux
4. Murder as a Fine Art by David Morrell
5. Shadows and Strongholds by Elizabeth Chadwick
6. Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys
7. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
8.
9.
10.

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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Truth in Fiction Challenge – Entry 1

So I know that this is almost the end of the year and I am just getting around to actually participating in this challenge. This is my first entry in the Truth in Fiction Challenge (hosted by Fig & Thistle).

Book Pair:Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow by Juliet Grey (Fiction)
                 Marie Therese: Child of Terror by Susan Nagel (Non-Fiction)

So instead of doing a typical review of these two – because I already did that (linked above)– I wanted to offer come comparisons and what made me link these two books together.

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Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow focuses on the period of Marie Antoinette’s life surrounding the French Revolution. Her daughter, Marie Therese, plays a very, very small background role in this novel. I have had an interest in Marie Therese because in every novel I have read about her she is always a young girl living through the French Revolution and is frequently portrayed as sort of stuck up. I knew that there had to be more to this girl and when I stumbled across Marie Therese: Child of Terror I knew I had to read it.

The Marie Therese that is seen in Child of Terror is nothing like the Marie Therese seen in novels – and there wasn’t much of her in Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow to really pass a judgment on her character there. This Marie Therese grows into her own – a passionate woman who believes in France, forgives the people for the tragedy they caused her personally, and wants to do what is best for the France of the future. She did have her moments of quiet and brooding – however I would honestly expect that after all she went through.

At the same time, in the early portion of Child of Terror we see Marie Antoinette in the earlier years leading up to the Revolution – and she was portrayed in very much a similar light as in Days of Splendor – fun loving however not an airhead as portrayed in other novels.

I appreciated getting to know this young woman in her own right beyond as a background figure in her parent’s story.

 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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T4MC Part 10

The Four Month Challenge Part 10
September 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012
Hosted by Book Drunkard

The last installment of T4MC of 2012 – I’m a little late in getting this signed up – but I’m all in for sure! 
The goal is to read one book for each category and the categories are as follows:

5 Point Challenges
Read a book whose author begins with S – first or last - Complete - Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt
Read a book set during WWII - Complete - The Mine by John A. Heldt
Read a book with a fruit on the cover or in the title
Read an Indie
Read a book with a tree/trees on the cover or in the title - Complete - The Lady and the Poet by Maeve Haran

10 Point Challenges
Read a book whose author begins with O – first or last - Complete - Cascade by Maryanne O'Hara
Read a YA book whose author published their debut novel in 2012 (Helpful link)
Read a book set in Europe - Complete - The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields
Read a book with an embrace or kiss on the cover
Read a book with a light source on the cover (lamp, candle, torch, sun, etc.) - Complete - The Journey by John A. Heldt (sunrise)

15 Point Challenges
Read a book whose author begins with N – first or last - Complete - Marie Therese: The Child of Terror by Susan Nagel
Read something related to the circus (fiction or non-fiction)
Read a book set in the USA - Complete - The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Read a book by a ‘new to you’ author - Complete - The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy O'Brien
Read a book with a one word title that’s a proper noun - Complete - Jane by Robin Maxwell

20 Point Challenges
Read a book written in the 1990′s - Complete - Lincoln by David Herbert Donald (1996)
Read a book whose author begins with D – first or last - Complete - The Gilded Lily by Deborah Swift
Read a book set in Canada
Read a YA Historical (Helpful link)
Read a book published from September to December, 2012 - Complete - A Place Beyond Courage by Elizabeth Chadwick
 
I will update my points as I go.
165/250 points

**Closed out 12/31/12**
 

Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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The 4 Month Challenge: Part 9

The Four Month Challenge Part 9

May 1, 2012 - August 30, 2012

Hosted by Book Drunkard

I have been a fan of this challenge since Martina started hosting this 2 years ago now!  I love how there are so many different categories.  I have only completed the challenge once, the first one, but I still have fun doing it anyway.

The goal is to read one book for each category.

The categories are as follows:

5 Point Challenges

A book with a vehicle in the title (ship, train, car) - Complete - The Car Thief by Theodore Weesner

A book set in a small town

A book about a Southern Belle

A book with a one word title that is NOT a proper noun

A book whose author begins with M – first or last - Complete - The Girl in the Blue Beret by Bobbie Ann Mason.

10 Point Challenges

A book with a child/teenager as a main character - Complete - The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

A book published in the last ten years - Complete - A Little Bit Wicked by Kristin Chenoweth

A book described as the ‘perfect summer read’

A book about sports

A book whose author begins with J – first or last - Complete - Jefferson's War by Joseph Wheelan

15 Point Challenges

A borrowed book

A book on the top 100 for 2010 - use this list

A nonfiction book - Complete - Rothstein by David Pietrusza

A book set in a big city

A book whose author begins with A – first or last - Complete - Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

20 Point Challenges

A book that’s been adapted for television/movie screens - Complete - A Night to Remember by Walter Lord (movie from 1956 by same name)

A book with a birthstone, birth flower or zodiac sign in the title

A book with a person in old fashioned clothes on the cover - Complete - The Queen's Vow by C.W. Gortner

A book with 3 or more people on the cover

A book about a real person written in fiction form (non bio) - Complete - Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

I will update as I go.

130/250 points

Complete 9/12/12



Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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Challenges in Review 2011

I love signing up for reading challenges – it is a little bit of an obsession when the New Year starts coming around. This year I only signed up for 12 while last year I did 14 – so I reeled myself in a tiny bit. My philosophy regarding challenges is a little different that many people’s. I try to sign up for challenges that I know I will have a decent chance completing. I also don’t tailor my reading to meet the challenges – I just read and then try to see where it fits afterward!

So here is how I did in 2011-

Four Month Challenge Part 5 hosted by Martina at The Book Drunkard. I managed to complete 15 of the 20 challenges for a total of 190 out of 250 points. So this wasn’t that bad of an attempt. Certainly an improvement over Part 4 which was a real bust for me.

2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge hosted by The Book Junkie’s Bookshelf. I knew this one was going to be a stretch. I committed to the lowest level I could – The Mini (30 books). I came close. I read 25 audiobooks borrowed or downloaded from my library. I think one of them was a physical copy of a book. I’m still satisfied with my results on this one.

Historical Tour De Genre Reading Challenge hosted by Bitsy Bling Books. I figured that this was a shoe in for me – it’s historical fiction of all things! Well, it was a little more challenging – I probably could have done better if I was picking my own reading selections rather than reviewing. I completed 5 of the 6 subgenres of historical fiction – which made me recognize that there are more genres out there than I thought.

What’s in a Name 4 Challenge hosted by Beth Fish Reads. The challenges in this one are similar in style to those in the Four Month Challenges. I managed to finish 5 out of the 6 challenges.

Strong Heroine Reading Challenge hosted by The Book Junkie. Finally, one I have managed to complete! I read 12 novels featuring strong female leads. This is one category where historical fiction has really helped!

2011 ARC Reading Challenge hosted by So Many Precious Books, So Little Time. I read 33 ARCs which allowed me to complete the Platinum Level (30 books) the highest level – one of which I finished reviewing this week. I would call this a success!

Whisper Stories in My Ear Audiobook Challenge hosted by Bewitched Bookworms. I completed this one in no time. I only had to read 12 audiobooks and accomplished that with ease.

Chivalrous Deeds: Historical Fiction Challenge hosted by Bippity Boppity Book. Well there were not any specific levels to reach in this one, but I came out on top in this challenge in both numbers of deeds done (17) and number of courts visited (16), so I will call this a win.

Shakespeare Reading Challenge hosted by Shakespeare Reading Challenge 2011. I am trying to ease into Shakespeare and chose the lowest level of 4 plays. I only made it halfway through this one with 2 completed. My interest started waning after I didn’t enjoy the Tempest, but I’m sure I will read more in the future.

Sookie Stackhouse Reading Challenge hosted by Socrates Book Review. When this challenge started I hadn’t read any, so I knew I wasn’t going to finish all the books this year. I managed to complete 1 book. It’s at least a start.

Four Month Challenge Part 6 hosted by the Book Drunkard. I managed to finish 10 out of 20 challenges or 135 points out of 250. Not as good as the last go around.

Four Month Challenge Part 7 hosted by the Book Drunkard. I completed 11 out of 20 for 125 out of 250 points, so slightly better than the last round.

I managed to completely finish 4 out of 12, but I did pretty well on an additional 2. Well, for better luck in 2012 on challenges.





Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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The 4 Month Challenge Part 8

The Four Month Challenge Part 8

January 1, 2012 - April 30, 2012

Hosted by Book Drunkard

I have been a fan of this challenge since Martina started hosting this 2 years ago now!  I love how there are so many different categories.  I have only completed the challenge once, the first one, but I still have fun doing it anyway.

The goal is to read one book for each category.

The categories are:

5 Point Challenges
Read a book by an author who’s first or last name starts with J - Complete - His Excellency, George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis
Read a book set in ancient Rome
Read a book that is a retelling of a fairy tale - Complete - Half Upon a Time by James Riley
Read a book by an author writing under another name
Read a book you’ve been meaning to read for ages - Complete - Winter of the Red Snow by Kristiana Gregory

10 Point Challenges
Read a book by an author who’s first or last name starts with F - Complete - Rise of the West: 1819-1829 by Frederick Jackson Turner
Read a book with the word ‘love’ in the title - Complete - The House that I Loved by Tatiana de Rosnay
Read a book with a flower in the title or on the cover
Read a book with a book on the cover - Complete - Look to the East by Maureen Lang
Read a book set in the wild west

15 Point Challenges
Read a book by an author who’s first or last name starts with M - Complete - To Serve a King by Donna Russo Morin
Read a book set in ancient Egypt
Read a book about pirates or that is set on a boat
Read the 100th book on your shelf
Read a book you’ve read before - Complete - Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie by Kristiana Gregory

20 Point Challenges
Read a book by an author who’s first or last name starts with A
Read a Dystopian novel - Complete - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Read a book by an author with 12 letters in their name (Combined) - Complete - The Far Side of the Loch by Melissa Wiley
Read a book about a royal (fiction or non-fiction) - Complete - The Sister Queens by Sophie Perinot
Read a book with an animal in the title or on the cover

135 / 250 points total





Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court

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2012 Audio Book Challenge

2012 Audio Book Challenge

January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012

Hosted by Teresa’s Reading Corner

Audio books and me are like best friends (except when my Ipod refuses to cooperate!). So it was a given that I would be participating in an audiobook challenge. This challenge had previously been hosted by Alaine – Queen of Happy Endings.

The general goal is to read audio books – and the more the better.

I’m going to go for the Married – Read +++ Audiobooks. I’m guessing this level is anything more than 25 since the level just below it says to read 25 audiobooks.

I will show my progress below:

1. John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, A Private Life by Paul C. Nagel
2. Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
3. Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie by Kristiana Gregory
4. Winter of the Red Snow by Kristiana Gregory
5. Alcestis by Katherine Beutner
6. Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
7. Chronicles of Narnia: The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
8. I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly by Kristiana Gregory
9. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
10. The House I Loved by Tatiana de Rosnay
11. His Excellency, George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis
12. The Girl in the Blue Beret by Bobbie Ann Mason
13. Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
14. A Night to Remember by Walter Lord
15. The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
16. My Secret War by Mary Pope Osborn
17. A Little Bit Wicked by Kristin Chenoweth
18. Rothstein by David Pietrusza
19. Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
20. Jefferson's War by Joseph Wheelan
21. Don't Know Much About History by Kenneth Davis
22. The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields
23. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
24. The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne
25. The Beach House by James Patterson
26. Cascade by Maryanne O'Hara

Completed: 10/23/12





Copyright © 2011 by The Maiden’s Court

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Non Fiction (Non Memoir) 2012 Reading Challenge

Non Fiction (Non Memoir) 2012 Reading Challenge

January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012

Hosted by My Book Retreat

I thought this would be the perfect challenge for me this year as I recently set my own goal to read more non-fiction focusing on Presidents and First Ladies.

The general goal is to read books that are non-fiction and they cannot be memoirs. They can be from any genre and in print, audio, ebook etc.

I’m going to go for the Diploma – 10 Non Fiction Books. I think this should be do-able as I read 9 in 2011.

I will show my progress below:

1. John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, A Private Life by Paul C. Nagel
2. Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
3. His Excellency, George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis
4. Rise of the West: 1819-1829 by Frederick Jackson Turner
5. Rothstein by David Pietrusza
6. Jefferson's War by Joseph Wheelan
7. Don't Know Much About History by Kenneth Davis
8. The Royals by Leslie Carroll
9. The History of the World in 6 Glasses by Tom Standage
10. Marie Therese: Child of Terror by Susan Nagel

**Update** Completed 11/22/12





Copyright © 2011 by The Maiden’s Court

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2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

2012 Mammoth Book Challenge

January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012

Hosted by Darlene’s Book Nook

I am not the sort of person who loves to read long books – I typically avoid them! I do have a few on my shelf though to read and I loved that this challenge also includes a way to participate with audiobooks (which is how I read many of my mammoth reads).

The general goal is to read books that are longer than 450 pages. If you read audiobooks or large print books these can still count as long as the standard print version is more than 450 pages.

I’m going to go small on this one (since you can go up in level but not down and like I said I’m not a long book reader) and go with Level 1 – Read 2 Mammoth Sized Books.  Maybe I will increase my goal as the year progresses.

I will show my progress below:

1. Don't Know Much About History by Kenneth Davis
2. A Place Beyond Courage by Elizabeth Chadwick

Complete: 9/28/12





Copyright © 2011 by The Maiden’s Court

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Truth in Fiction Challenge 2012

Truth in Fiction Challenge 2012

January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012

Hosted by Fig and Thistle

Fig and Thistle is a new blog to me but I like the sound of this challenge – it will be truly challenging and that’s the fun of it! I encourage you to try this one too.

The general goal is to read book pairs – one fiction and one non-fiction about a related topic. An idea could be Dear Companion: The Inner Life of Martha Jefferson by Kelly Joyce Neff (Fiction) and The Women Jefferson Loved by Virginia Scharff (Non-Fiction). The challenge says to think outside the box. You should then create a post connecting the two books in some way.

I’m going to shoot for the Sophmore (2 Pairs). This could get interesting...

I will show my progress below:

Pair 1
a. Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow by Juliet Grey (Fiction - the life of Marie Antoinette)
b. Marie Therese: Child of Terror by Susan Nagel (Non-Fiction - the life of Marie Therese, child of Marie Antoinette)

Pair 2
a. The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy L. O'Brien (Fiction)
b. Lincoln by David Herbert Donald (Non-Fiction)

**Complete: 12/31/12**



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Historical Fiction Challenge 2012

Historical Fiction Challenge 2012

January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012

Hosted by Historical Tapestry

I didn’t participate in the Historical Fiction Challenge last year because it felt like a shoe in – but I missed participating in it, so I’m back in it for 2012!

The general goal is to read any sort of historical fiction – subgenres count too!

I’m going to shoot for the Severe Bookaholism (20 Books). I probably will easily meet this and exceed it.

I will show my progress below:

1. Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead
2. Look to the East by Maureen Lang
3. Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie by Kristiana Gregory
4. The Winter of Red Snow by Kristiana Gregory
5. Alcestis by Katherine Beutner
6. The Sister Queens by Sophie Perinot
7. The King's Agent by Donna Russo Morin
8. I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly by Kristiana Gregory
9. The House I Loved by Tatiana de Rosnay
10. The Far Side of the Loch (Martha Years Book 2) by Melissa Wiley
11. The Girl in the Blue Beret by Bobbie Ann Mason
12. Written in the Ashes by K. Hollan van Zandt
13. Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran
14. The Queen's Vow by C.W. Gortner
15. A Night to Remember by Walter Lord
16. My Secret War by Mary Pope Osborne
17. Her Highness, the Traitor by Susan Higginbotham
18. Ellis Island by Kate Kerrigan
19. The Ruins of Lace by Iris Anthony
20. The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields

Completed 9/12/12





Copyright © 2011 by The Maiden’s Court

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2012 ARC Reading Challenge

2012 ARC Reading Challenge

January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012

Hosted by So Many Precious Books, So Little Time 

The ARC Reading Challenge is a favorite of mine (although I am really bad with updating the challenge page regularly). This will be my third year participating in it.

The general goal is to read the books you receive from publishers for review – whether they are E-books, audiobooks, manuscripts, galleys, finished copies, etc – as long as you received it with the intention of a review.

I’m going to shoot for the Silver Level (24 ARCs). I probably will surpass this, I did in 2011 but I would like to keep my options open.

I will show my progress below:

Left Over from 2011:
1. To Serve a King by Donna Russo Morin
2. Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt
3. Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran
4. The Lady and the Poet by Maeve Haran
5. Ellis Island by Kate Kerrigan
6. The Summer Garden by Paullina Simons
7. Stealing Rembrants’ by Anthony M. Amore
8. Next to Love by Ellen Feldman
9. The Little Bride by Anna Solomon
10. Half Upon a Time by James Riley
11. Asenath by Anna Patricio
12. Guinevere, Legend in Autumn by Persia Wooley
13. Promise the Night by Michaela MacColl

For 2012:
14. The President Vol 1 - Radio Production
15. The Glass Harmonica by Dorothee Kocks
16. The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak
17. The King’s Design by Christine Trent
18. The Legacy of Eden by Nelle Davy
19. The Turning of Anne Merrick by Christine Blevins
20. The King’s Agent by Donna Russo Morin
21. Light on the Veranda by Ciji Ware
22. The Sister Queens by Sophie Perinot
23. The Golden Hour by Margaret Wurtele
24. The Queen's Vow by C. W. Gortner
25. The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau
26. Iago by David Snodin
27. Alcestis by Katherine Beutner
28. Abby Finds Her Calling by Naomi King
29. The White Pearl by Kate Furnival
30. Courtesan's Lover by Gabrielle Kimm
31. Her Highness, the Traitor by Susan Higginbotham
32. The House I Loved by Tatiana de Rosnay
33. Written in the Ashes by K. Hollan van Zandt
34. Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn
35. Shakespeare's Lady by Alexa Schnee
36. City of Darkness by Kim Wright
37. Sins of the Empress by Paula Paul
38. The Car Thief by Theodore Weesner
39. A Night to Remember by Walter Lord
40. Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
41. An American Family by Peter Lefcourt
42. Into the Valley of Death by A. L. Berridge
43. Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow by Juliet Grey
44. Four Sisters, All Queens by Sherry Jones
45. War Memorial by Elisabeth Grace Foley
46. The Sister and the Daughter by Ciel Dexter
47. By Royal Command by Laura Navarre
48. A Barcelona Heiress by Sergio Vila-Sanjuan
49. The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields
50. The Titanic Plan by Michael Bockman
51. The Kingmaker's Daughter by Philippa Gregory
52. The Second Empress by Michelle Moran
53. Twelve Rooms of the Nile by Enid Shomer
54. A Place Beyond Courage by Elizabeth Chadwick
55. Jane by Robin Maxwell
56. Becoming Clementine by Jenniver Niven
57. Sacred Treason by James Forrester
58. In Need of a Good Wife by Kelly O'Connor McNees
59. The Ruins of Lace by Iris Anthony
60. Cascade by Maryanne O'Hara
61. The Lincoln Conspiracy by Timothy J. O'Brien
62. Heretic: The Life and Death of Akhenaten by Brijit Reed
63. Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman
64. Royal Romances by Leslie Carroll
65. Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham
66. The Gilded Lily by Deborah Swift
67. The Last Summer by Judith Kinghorn
68. Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly
69. Aztec Revenge by Gary Jennings
70. Lincoln by David Herbert Donald
71. The Mine by John Heldt
72. The Journey by Jon Heldt
73. At Drake's Command by David Wesley Hill


**Closed Out: 12/31/12**





Copyright © 2011 by The Maiden’s Court

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