Reading Challenges for 2012

Before January comes to an end, I'm signing up for three reading challenges this year. Here they are:

2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Jan 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012

About the challenge:

Any genre, length or format of book counts, as long as it is a book that's been sitting on your shelf for some time now. Only books released in 2011 and earlier! NO ARCs and 2012 fresh-off-the-press releases allowed!

The level I'm going for: 11 - 20: A Friendly Hug

The Eclectic Reader 2012 Challenge

Jan 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012

About the challenge:

The aim of this challenge is to push the reader a little outside their comfort zone by reading up to 12 books during the year from 12 different genres.

Genres:
1. Literary Fiction
2. Crime/Mystery Fiction
3. Romantic Fiction
4. Historical Fiction
5. Young Adult
6. Fantasy
7. Science Fiction
8. Non Fiction
9. Horror
10. Thriller /Suspense
11. Classic
12. Your favourite genre

What's in a Name challenge

Jan 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012

About the challenge:

Between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2012, read one book in each of the following categories:
1. A book with a topographical feature (land formation) in the title: eg: Black Hills, Purgatory Ridge, Emily of Deep Valley
2. A book with something you'd see in the sky in the title: eg: Moon Called, Seeing Stars, Cloud Atlas
3. A book with a creepy crawly in the title: eg: Little Bee, Spider Bones, The Witches of Worm
4. A book with a type of house in the title: eg: The Glass Castle, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Ape House
5. A book with something you'd carry in your pocket, purse, or backpack in the title: eg: Sarah's Key, The Scarlet Letter, Devlin Diary
6. A book with a something you'd find on a calendar in the title: eg: Day of the Jackal, Elegy for April, Freaky Friday, Year of Magical Thinking

2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge 

Jan 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2012 

About the challenge:

The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2012 than you did in 2011.

The level I'm going for: I’m on fire! – Read 16+ more books

Charles Dickens Reading Challenge 2012

Jan 01, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012

About the challenge:

To read books by Charles Dickens throughout the year. I aim to read at least three of his books.

Friday Finds - Moments (Jan 27, 2012)

Friday Finds is hosted by Should Be Reading

What great books did you hear about or discover this past week?

I was at work when I noticed that my colleague owned a copy of the Paulo Coelho Moments 2012 Day Planner. I've never seen it before but seems that it was sold at the Borders bookstore.

What a pretty, eye-catching cover! I definitely would not mind looking at it every day. It looks like it has some Indian elements of decoration as well as an other-worldly feel to it.

Book description from Amazon:

Journey through the year with a selection of quotes from Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho has inspired millions with bestselling classics like The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage. Now, with this 2012 daily planner, the same wisdom that draws readers to his books can serve as a source of daily inspiration year round. Begin each day with an inspiring quote from some of Coelho’s most celebrated works as you plan your daily tasks, travels, and personal journeys.

Featuring:
• Vibrant color ilustrations by Colombian artist Catalina Estrada
• Weekly format with plenty of writing space
• Lightweight, easy to carry size (5-3/16 x 8)
• Yearly planner to help keep important dates at a glance

Would you like to get a copy of it? The year's still early. It's still January! :)

BTT: Writing Or Riveting? (Jan 26, 2012)

This week's Booking Through Thursday question:

What’s more important: Good writing? Or a good story?
(Of course, a book should have BOTH, but…)

My answer:

Hmm, tricky question. I do enjoy reading good writing and also a good story at the same time. I guess when reading a good story, one might tend to forget about the writing altogether. However, if the writing is really bad, the story would be spoilt for the reader. So, for me, good writing is important. :)

Teaser Tuesdays (Jan 17, 2012)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Current read: Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Page 95

I'm already making good progress with this party - in fact, I'm quite proud of myself, bearing in mind I'm not a professional party planner or anything. I've bought a special notebook, which I've disguised by writing High-heeled boots - possible options on the front.