Literary Exploration discussion
Literary Exploration Challenge
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The Insane Challenge - 2014
Mod
Michael wrote: "I'm planning to do the insane challenge again in 2014"AGAIN? You're insane ;)
I may end up doing it to - but going to creep up on it with mini goals - easy then hard and if the mood is still with me - the insane :)
Mod
I will go for the insane challenge again in 2014. I will most likely make a list of books knowing that it will change over the year but I like having an idea about where I am going.
I'm committing! Even though I've not managed to complete the hard challenge for this year, I'm still going for it! :)
Right here is my list for next year. Some were really tough to choose education again travel and western. Action/adventure the tournament Matthew Reilly FINISHED
Auto/biography Abraham Lincoln: vampire hunter FINISHED
Chick lit Bridget jones 3 Helen fielding FINISHED
Children's diary of a wimpy kid Jeff Kinney FINISHED
Classics bleak house dickens FINSHED
Contemp/drama The Help Katheryn Stockett FINISHED
steampunk clockwork princess Cassandra Clare FINISHED
Dystopian/post insurgent Veronica Ruth FINISHED
Epic Clash Of Kings George Martin FINISHED
Erotica kresley cole kiss of a demon king FINISHED
Espionage lee child trip wire FINISHED
Fantasy ship of magic robin hobb FINISHED
Graphic walking dead vol 2 FINISHED
Gothic beautiful darkness kami Garcia FINISHED
Historical captive queen Alison weir FINISHED
Horror dean koontz Face of fear FINISHED
Humour terry prattchet the colour of magic FINISHED
Literary the remains of the day Ishiguro FINISHED
Magical Realism The Snow Child FINISHED
Mystery Patricia cornwell Scarpetta FINISHED
Non fiction The Ascent of Man FINISHED
Paranormal/ supernatural moon called Patricia Briggs FINISHED
Philosophical Sophie's world FINISHED
Poetry paradise lost FINISHED
Pulp sue grafton d is for deadbeat FINISHED
Romance shiver Maggie stiven FINISHED
Sci fi Enders game FINISHED
Self help/edu the secret rhonda byrne FINISHED
Short stories Citizen In Space FINISHED
Thriller Jo nesbo the redbreast FINISHED
Travel under the Tuscan sun FINISHED
True crime In Cold Blood FINISHED
Urban fantasy Bitten Kelley Armstrong FINISHED
Victorian Etiquette and Espionage Gail Carriger FINISHED
Western the red pony john Steinbeck FINISHED
Young adult Days of Blood and Starlight Lainey Taylor FINISHED
Yes, I'm up for the insane challenge again this year - love how it makes me vary my reading! I've picked a few books and will pick the rest as I go. Think I will also set myself a stretch challenge for a couple of other genres I think I need to hit!A) Easy Challenge - finished 31/12/2014 - whoops! I'll try harder in 2015!
1) Classics - Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence
2) Fantasy - A Dance with Dragons: Dreams and Dust by George R.R. Martin ***
3) Graphic Novel - The Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk by Greg Pak****
4) Historical Fiction - Falls the Shadow by Sharon Kay Penman
5) Horror - Coraline by Neil Gaiman
6) Literary Fiction - The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
7) Mystery - The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton****
8) Non-Fiction - Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall
9) Romance - Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor ****
10) Science Fiction - A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
11) Thriller - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn****
12) Young Adult - The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
B) Hard Challenge - finished 4 of 12
13) Action / Adventure - The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
14) Autobiography / Biography - Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg ***
15) Chick Lit - The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
16) Contemporary / Drama - The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
17) Humour -
18) Magical Realism -
19) Paranormal / Supernatural - Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
20) Philosophical -
21) Poetry -
22) Pulp - Hardboiled / Noir -
23) Cyberpunk / Steampunk - Mona Lisa Overdrive by William Gibson
24) Victorian -
C) Insane Challenge - finished 5 of 12
25) Children's - Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary****
26) Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic -
27) Epic - Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings by Abolqasem Ferdowsi****
28) Erotica - Tropic of Capricorn by Henry Miller ***
29) Espionage - A Murder of Quality: A George Smiley Novel by John le Carré
30) Gothic - Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
31) Self Help / Educational - Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It by Gary Taubes****
32) Short Stories -
33) Travel -
34) True Crime - Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
35) Urban Fantasy - The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness****
36) Western - All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
D) Personal Stretch Challenge
37) Translated Fiction - [piggy back off Magical Realism entry]
38) Australian / New Zealand - The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough [piggy back off Chick Lit entry]
39) Business / Career - Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg *** [piggy back off Autobioraphy entry]
40) Critically Acclaimed in 2013 - The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton [piggy back off Mystery entry]
Okay I am planning now, even though I am not yet finished w/2013...Crazy Book Lady lives!!!!
FictionComedic (Humor) � Comedy in a Minor Key - finished 6/17/14
Erotica � Les Liaisons Dangereuses (translated) - finished 7/28/14
Fantasy � The Shadow of the Wind (translated) - finished 4/14/14
- Contemporary � The Good Lord Bird - finished 7/22/14
- Urban � The Golem and the Jinni - finished 8/29/14
Historical � The Orphan Master's Son - finished 8/12/14
- Classics � The Stranger (translated) - finished 1/5/14
Horror � Vampires in the Lemon Grove: Stories - finished 2/19/14
Literary � The Woman Upstairs - finished 2/22/14
- Magical Realism � Chronicle of a Death Foretold (translated) - finished 9/6/14
Middle-Age (Children’s) � Slaughterhouse-Five - finished 7/31/14
Mystery � The Goldfinch - finished 5/28/14
- Noir/Hard-Boiled (Punk) The Man With the Golden Arm - finished 5/13/14
- Paranormal � The Puttermesser Papers - finished 5/21/14
*New Adult �The Death of Bees - finished 8/20/14
Romance � Mary and O'Neil: A Novel in Stories - finished 2/22/14
- *Contemporary � Americanah - finished 10/7/14
- Gothic � The Green Man - finished 6/27/14
- Victorian � The Children's Book - finished 9/1/14
Science � City of Bohane - finished 2/20/14
- Cyberpunk � The Windup Girl - finished 8/20/14
- Philosophical � The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner - finished 8/10/14
- Postapocalyptic/Dystopian � Waiting for the Barbarians - finished 6/30/14
Thriller � The Luminaries (834 pgs) - finished 8/28/14
- Espionage � Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief - finished 9/2/14
War/Military (Epic) � War and Peace (1392 pgs/translated) - finished 7/10/14
- Action/Adventure � De Niro's Game - finished 9/13/14
Western � Battleborn - finished 10/18/14
Women’s (Chick-Lit) � The Magician's Assistant - finished 8/15/14
Young Adult � Tell the Wolves I'm Home - finished 3/17/14
Non-Fiction
Memoir (Biography) � Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation - finished 1/4/14
Narrative (Non-Fiction) � Washington: A Life (928 pgs) - finished 11/1/14
True Crime � Thunderstruck - finished 10/5/14
Self-Help � Food Rules: An Eater's Manual - finished 9/7/14
Poetry � Of Mutability - finished 1/13/14
Travel � Shantaram (944pgs) - finished 8/22/14
Graphic - Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust - finished 4/20/14
Short Stories � The Stories of John Cheever (819 pgs) - finished 2/15/14
*Theater - Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen (translated) - finished 9/1/14
*Cookbook - A Flower for My Mother - finished 9/18/14
*personal challenge
Translated books: 6
Over 800 pages: 5
I'd appreciate any suggestions for the Western category - I don't like the look of any of the recommendations under the genre heading -they all look like romances/erotica of some description! I'm going to have enough trouble with those genres as it is!
Th Western I chose was John Steinbeck which is more if a contemp classic but still counts. I don't know if u can stomach him but I figured that was easiest
Leanne wrote: "I'd appreciate any suggestions for the Western category - I don't like the look of any of the recommendations under the genre heading -they all look like romances/erotica of some description! I'm g..."Maybe Elmore Leonard or Larry McMurtry. Even Cormac McCarthy.
I wish it were January already so I could get it started. This should be fun. I'm especially looking forward to the Western genre. I don't think I've ever read a western but know there are some classics out there.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I will get researching, I am a really slow reader so I want to make sure I'm at least a little prepared for this! :-)
I still have a load of gaps but here's a few of my chosen books so far:Action/Adventure - Around the World in Eighty Days - Jules Verne
Auto-Biography/Biography -
Chick-Lit
Childrens Book
Classics - Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
Contemporary/Drama
Cyberpunk/Steampunk - The Time Machine by H.G Wells
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic - World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War- Max Brooks
Epic - The Hobbit - Tolkien
Erotica - Knight & Day - Kitty French
Espionage -The Spy Who Came In from the Cold - John Le Carre
Fantasy - The Blade Itself - Joe Abercrombie
Graphic Novels - The Complete Maus- Art Spiegelman
Gothic - Something Wicked This Way Comes - Ray Bradbury
Historical Fiction - The White Queen - Phillipa Gregory
Horror - Let the Right One In - John Ajvide Lindqvist
Humour
Literary Fiction
Magical Realism
Mystery - And Then There Were None - Agatha Christie
Non Fiction - Orientalism - Edward Said
Paranormal/Supernatural
Philosophical
Poetry
Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir) - A Princess of Mars - Edgar Rice Burroughs
Romance
Science Fiction
Self Help/Educational
Short Stories - The Complete Works of H.P. Lovecraft
Thriller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Travel
True Crime
Urban Fantasy
Victorian - Bleak House by Charles Dickens - over 1000 pages!This is quite daunting for me!
Western - All the Pretty Horsesby Cormac McCarthy
Young Adult
This is my list of books for the 2014 challenge. There are still a lot of gaps but I will fill them as I find books and then they might change again.36/36 completed
� Action/Adventure: The Alchemyst by Michael Scott finished 7/11-14
� Auto-Biography/Biography: Himmelbegravelsen by Xinran finished 1/11-14
� Chick-Lit: What Stays in Vegas by Beth Labonte finished 2/16-14
� Childrens Book: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman finished 3/2-14
� Classics: John Macnab by John Buchan finished 1/13-14
� Contemporary/Drama: Speechless by Hannah Harrington finished 2/28-14
� Cyberpunk/Steampunk: A Clockwork Christmas by J.K. Coi finished 3/26-14
� Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic: Night of the Purple Moon by Scott Cramer finished 2/27-14
� Epic: Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher finished 12/20-14
� Erotica: Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec finished 3/8-14
� Espionage: Casino Royale by Ian Fleming finished 8/6-14
� Fantasy: Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch finished 3/31-14
� Graphic Novels: Becoming by Kelley Armstrong finished 2/15-14
� Gothic: Dracula by Bram Stoker finished 10/4-14
� Historical Fiction: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness finished 2/26-14
� Horror: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman finished 5/3-14
� Humour: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion finished 3/4-14
� Literary Fiction: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro finished 8/4-14
� Magical Realism: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey finished 7/12-14
� Mystery: Death du Jour by Kathy Reichs finished 3/31-14
� Non Fiction: Drifting Home: A Family's Voyage of Discovery Down the Wild Yukon River by Pierre Berton finished 6/22-14
� Paranormal/Supernatural: Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews finished 1/4-14
� Philosophical: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde finished 10/5-14
� Poetry: The Spell of the Yukon and Other Poems by Robert Service finished 7/4-14
� Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir): Skin Game by Jim Butcher finished 6/16-14
� Romance: A Little Christmas Magic by Sylvie Kurtz - finished 1/2-14
� Science Fiction: Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams - finished 3/7-14
� Self Help/Educational: Introvert by Anna Skyggebjerg - finished 11/22-14
� Short Stories: Steel and Other Stories by Richard Matheson - finished 2/7-14
� Thriller: Wild Justice by Kelley Armstrong - finished 6/16-14
� Travel: Hell of a Journey: On Foot Through the Scottish Highlands in Winter by Mike Cawthorne - finished 3/7-14
� True Crime: PARENTS WHO KILLED THEIR CHILDREN: FILICIDE by R.J. Parker - finished 10/30-14
� Urban Fantasy: Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch finished 2/14-14
� Victorian: Madman's Dance by Jana Oliver finished 11/18-14
� Western: All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy finished 9/9-14
� Young Adult: The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan finished 4/13-14
Insane Challenge FINISHED 12/18/14Action/Adventure Hard as You Can by Laura Kaye 8/6/14
Auto-Biography/Biography Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table 3/2/14
Chick-Lit A Week in Winter 2/1/14
Childrens Book ...And Now Miguel 2/21/14
Classics Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley and Me, Elizabeth 6/14/14
Contemporary/Drama Selling Scarlett 1/20/14
Cyberpunk/Steampunk Clockwork Princess 1/28/14
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic Insurgent 2/5/14
Epic Styxx 836 pages!!! 3/21/14
Erotica Sharing Hailey 2/11/14
Espionage From Russia With Love 2/24/14
Fantasy Dragon's Keep 3/16/14
Graphic Novels Blue Bloods: The Graphic Novel by Melissa de la Cruz 8/21/14
Gothic Her Dark Curiosity 3/13/14
Historical Fiction The Witch of Blackbird Pond 4/25/14
Horror We Have Always Lived in the Castle Shirley Jackson 9/25/14
Humour Innocent in Las Vegas 6/19/14
Literary Fiction The Last Enchantments 3/20/14
Magical Realism Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures 3/11/14
Mystery Every Last Secret: A Mystery 1/10/14
Non Fiction Pie Love 4/20/14
Paranormal/Supernatural Dark Wolf Rising 2/19/14
Philosophical Pandora's Box Alice Thompson 10/23/14
Poetry Where the Sidewalk Ends 3/29/14
Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir) The Cutie Donald E. Westlake 11/30/14
Romance The Devil Wears Tartan 1/31/14
Science Fiction Inside Out 3/24/14
Self Help/Educational God Wants You Happy: From Self-Help to God's Help Jonathan Morris 12/18/14
Short Stories Shards and Ashes 2/15/14
Thriller Elegy for April 3/29/14
Travel Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail 3/23/14
True Crime In the Still of the Night: The Strange Death of Ronda Reynolds and Her Mother's Unceasing Quest for the Truth Ann Rule 12/15/14
Urban Fantasy All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire 2/7/14
Victorian A Collection of Beatrix Potter Stories - The Original Classic Edition 12/18/14
Western And One Rode West 5/17/14
Young Adult The White Glove War 2/18/14
Bonus points points (can be exchanged for bragging rights) for Translated Fiction and books over 800 pages.
Michael wrote: "I was thinking about doing it twice, aiming for 72 books :P"You're beyond insane - you are dedicated :)
Jane wrote: "This is my list of books for the 2014 challenge. There are still a lot of gaps but I will fill them as I find books and then they might change again.my blog post
Action/Adventure
Auto-Biography/..."
Sky Burial: An Epic Love Story of Tibet by Xinran was an amazing book - read it a few years ago
Doing the Insane Challenge again this year. Seems like a good time to start working on my list.Action/Adventure - Call of the Wild*
Auto-Biography/Biography - wild swans*
Chick-Lit - The Help
Childrens Book - The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn*
Classics - Lord of the Flies*
Contemporary/Drama - The Goldfinch
Cyberpunk/Steampunk - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?*
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic - We*, Day of the Triffids*
Epic - the odyssey, paradise lost
Erotica - Story of the Eye*
Espionage - Live and Let Die
Fantasy - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass*
Graphic Novels - 100 Bullets, Vol. 1: First Shot, Last Call
Gothic - Wuthering Height*
Historical Fiction - Silas Marner*
Horror - The Picture of Dorian Gray*
Humour - A Confederacy of Dunces*
Literary Fiction - Mrs. Dalloway*
Magical Realism - Beloved*
Mystery - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time*
Non Fiction - Lying
Paranormal/Supernatural - Magic Bites
Philosophical - Life of Pi*
Poetry - Eugene Onegin*
Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir) - The Maltese Falcon*
Romance - Rebecca*
Science Fiction - The Dispossessed*
Self Help/Educational - Thinking, Fast and Slow
Short Stories - Labyrinths: Selected Stories and Other Writings*
Thriller - The Godfather*
Travel - Around the World in Eighty Days*
True Crime - Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Urban Fantasy - Discount Armageddon
Victorian - Journey to the center of the earth*
Western - Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West*
Young Adult - Catching Fire
On second thoughts I am going to back out and just do the easy challenge next year - I can always upgrade if I have time.
I am going to do the insane challenge. I totally flaked last year. The key for me will be to start right away. I kept putting it off and then I ran out of time.
I'm excited to try the insane challenge, but some of the genres took some real research since I'm not familiar with them. Here are my choices, subject to change of course.Action/Adventure-Master and Commander - Patrick O'Brian
Auto-Biography/Biography-Wait Til Next Year - Doris Kearns Goodwin
Chick-Lit-Bridget Jones Diary - Helen Fielding
Childrens Book-Charlotte's Web - E.B. White
Classics-Their Eyes Were Watching God - Zora Neale Hurston
Contemporary/Drama-Sycamore Row - John Grisham
Cyberpunk/Steampunk-Neverwhere - Neil Gaiman
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic-The Road - Cormac McCarthy
Epic-Fall of Giants - Ken Follett (985 pgs)
Erotica-Lolita - Vladimir Nabakov
Espionage-Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - John Le Carre
Fantasy- The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien
Graphic Novels-Watchman - Alan Moore
Gothic-Frankenstein - Mary Shelley
Historical Fiction-All Quiet on the Western Front - Erich Maria Remarque
Horror-NOS4A2 - Joe Hill
Humour-Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal - Christopher Moore
Literary Fiction-Wolf Hall - Hilary Mantel
Magical Realism-Death with Interruptions - Jose Saramago
Mystery-Shutter Island - Dennis Lehane
Non Fiction-One Summer: America, 1927 - Bill Bryson
Paranormal/Supernatural-The Magicians - Lev Grossman
Philosophical-The Stranger - Albert Camus
Poetry-Native Guard - Natasha Trethewey
Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir) The Postman Always Rings Twice - James M Cain
Romance-Rose Harbor in Bloom - Debbie Macomber
Science Fiction-Stranger in a Strange Land - Robert Heinlein
Self Help/Educational-Learn Me Gooder - John Pearson
Short Stories-Tenth of December - George Saunders
Thriller-Touch and Go - Lisa Gardner
Travel-One Way Ticket to Anywhere - Rich Ochoa
True Crime-Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - John Berendt
Urban Fantasy-The City of Bones - Cassandra Clare
Victorian-The Invisible Man - H.G. Wells
Western-All the Pretty Horses - Cormac McCarthy
Young Adult-The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky
Laurie wrote: "I'm excited to try the insane challenge, but some of the genres took some real research since I'm not familiar with them. Here are my choices, subject to change of course.Action/Adventure-Master..."
You are reading one of my favorites! Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil!! I am curious to find out if you willlike the book by Doris Kearns Goodwin. I always see her on Tv and wonder if her books are interesting!
Attempting to finish The Postman Always Rings Twice for this years list. I'm about half way through. It's definitely interesting XD
Going to attempt this, should be an interesting challenge although I have to say I'm not at all interested in Western but I'll give it a go. Apart from that though I am excited XDAuto-Biography/Biography Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain
Chick-Lit The Help OR The Time Traveler's Wife
Contemporary/Drama The Pact OR Salem Falls
Cyberpunk/Steampunk Leviathan
Epic A Game of Thrones
Espionage The Secret Adversary
Fantasy Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
Gothic The Picture of Dorian Gray
Historical Fiction Lady of the English
Horror I Am Legend
Literary Fiction The Casual Vacancy or The Cuckoo's Calling
Paranormal/Supernatural Vampire Academy
Philosophical Wherever You Go, There You Are
Poetry William Blake: Selected Poems
Thriller The Girl Who Played with Fire
Travel On the Road OR A Passage To India
True Crime In Cold Blood
Urban Fantasy City of Bones
Victorian The Moonstone
Western ugh do I have to okay fine The Sisters Brothers
So I will try again:
I'm in, I'll be choosing my books as I go along.Insane Challenge 2014
Action/Adventure - The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon - 4/14/2014 - 3 Stars
Auto-Biography/Biography - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - 9/28/2014 - 5 Stars
Chick-Lit - The Help - 2/28/2014 - 4 Stars
Childrens Book - The Graveyard Book - 1/15/2014 - 5 Stars
Classics - The Painted Bird - 4/21/2014 - 2 Stars
Contemporary/Drama - We Need to Talk About Kevin - 1/25/2014 - 4 Stars
Cyberpunk/Steam punk - Pump Six and Other Stories - 8/22/2014 - 4 Stars
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic - Notes from the Internet Apocalypse - 5/15/2014 - 2 Stars
Epic - Life of Pi - 9/6/2014 - 4 Stars
Erotica - When Pleasure Blooms - 6/17/2014 - 4 Stars
Espionage - The Gun Seller - DNF
Fantasy - The Eyes of the Dragon - 4/05/2014 - 5 Stars
Graphic Novels - Amphigorey - 1/14/2014 - 4 Stars
Gothic - The Quick: A Novel - 2/21/2014 - 2 Stars
Historical Fiction - My Enemy's Cradle - 2/03/2014 - 3 Stars
Horror - Doctor Sleep - 3/17/2014 - 3 Stars
Humour - Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened - 2/28/2014 - 3 Stars
Literary Fiction - Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress - 4/24/2014 - 5 Stars
Magical Realism - The Phantom Tollbooth - 6/25/2014 - 5 Stars
Mystery - The Last Child - 1/13/2014 - 5 Stars
Non Fiction - The Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe - 1/06/2014 - 2 Stars
Paranormal/Supernatural - Holy Ghosts: Or, How a (Not So) Good Catholic Boy Became a Believer in Things That Go Bump in the Night - 3/24/2014 - 3 Stars
Philosophical - The Art of War: The Essential Translation of the Classic Book of Life - 4/17/2014 - 2 Stars
Poetry - The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories - 1/14/2014 - 4 Stars
Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir) - Shovel Ready - 4/03/2014 - 3 Stars
Romance - The Phantom of the Opera - 7/09/2014 - 3 Stars
Science Fiction - Roadside Picnic / Tale of the Troika -1/29/2014 - 3 Stars
Self Help/Educational - Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking - 6/13/2014 - 4 Stars
Short Stories - The Charlotte Perkins Gilman Reader: The Yellow Wallpaper, and Other Fiction - 1/18/2014 - 3 Stars
Thriller - Help for the Haunted - 5/02/2014 - 4 Stars
Travel - Traveling While Married - 7/09/2014 - 4 Stars
True Crime - Sleepers - 7/04/2014 - 4 Stars
Urban Fantasy - A Circle of Cats - 10/3/2014 - 3 Stars
Victorian - The Picture of Dorian Gray - 5/20/2014 - 3 Stars
Western - Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On!: A Cowboy's Guide to Life - 6/28/2014 - 3 Stars
Young Adult - A Monster Calls - 4/16/2014 - 5 Stars
*Translated Fiction - The Angel Maker - 1/01/2014 - 3 stars
Leanne wrote: "I'd appreciate any suggestions for the Western category - I don't like the look of any of the recommendations under the genre heading -they all look like romances/erotica of some description! I'm g..."All The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy!
Penney wrote: "Leanne wrote: "I'd appreciate any suggestions for the Western category - I don't like the look of any of the recommendations under the genre heading -they all look like romances/erotica of some des..."I don't like most westerns (or romances) either, but try Lonesome Dove. It is awesome.
Laurie wrote: "Penney wrote: "Leanne wrote: "I'd appreciate any suggestions for the Western category - I don't like the look of any of the recommendations under the genre heading -they all look like romances/erot..."I'm planning on reading Battleborn byClaire Vaye Watkins as my western. Not a big fan of the genre, but this one won a few awards last year.
Hi
I'm in for the insane challenge
Making 2014 a book year.
A) Easy Challenge
1) Classics Fahrenheit 451 by ray Bradbury
2) Fantasy - Magician by Raymond E Feist
3) Graphic Novel - V for vendetta by Alan Moore
4) Historical Fiction the thirteenth tale by diane setterfield
5) Horror needful things by stephen king
6) Literary Fiction A reader’s book of days by Tom nissley
7) Mystery - The Mermaids Singing by val Mcdermid
8) Non-Fiction - Girl Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
9) Romance The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
10) Science Fiction - Lexicon by Max barry
11) Thriller - Inherit the Dead by 20 writers
12) Young Adult The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
B) Hard Challenge
13) Action / Adventure the Tournament by Matthew Reilly
14) Autobiography / Biography - I am Malala
15) Chick Lit - Watermelon by Marion Keyes
16) Contemporary / Drama Thirteen reasons why by jay asher
17) Humour the Rosie project by Graeme Simsion
18) Magical Realism The Ocean at the end of the lane by Neil gaiman
19) Paranormal / Supernatural City of Bones by Cassandra clare
20) Philosophical The fault in our stars by john green
21) Poetry Banjo Patterson treasury
22) Pulp - Hardboiled / Noir The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes
23) Cyberpunk / Steampunk Mindplayers by Pat cadigan
24) Victorian Alice in Wonderland by lewis Carrol
C) Insane Challenge
25) Children's The graveyard book by Neil Gaiman
26) Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic Divergent � Veronica Roth
27) Epic A game of Thrones by George r r martin
28) Erotica Affliction by laurel k hamilton
29) Espionage Killing floor by lee child
30) Gothic Beautiful creatures by kami Garcia
31) Self Help / Educational Three cups of deceit by Jon Krakauer
32) Short Stories Nothing o’clock doctor who by neil gaiman
33) Travel murder on the orient express by Agatha christie
34) True Crime murder in missisippi by Jon safran
35) Urban Fantasy The Bone Season by Samantha shannon
36) Western the sisters brothers by Patrick dewitt
D) Personal Stretch Challenge
37) Australian Army biography the CrossRoad by Mark Donalson V C
38) Australian Ned Kelly by Peter fitzsimons
39) Critically Acclaimed in 2013 The Prague cemetery by Umberto Eco
40) Translated fiction Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
I'm in for the insane challenge
Making 2014 a book year.
A) Easy Challenge
1) Classics Fahrenheit 451 by ray Bradbury
2) Fantasy - Magician by Raymond E Feist
3) Graphic Novel - V for vendetta by Alan Moore
4) Historical Fiction the thirteenth tale by diane setterfield
5) Horror needful things by stephen king
6) Literary Fiction A reader’s book of days by Tom nissley
7) Mystery - The Mermaids Singing by val Mcdermid
8) Non-Fiction - Girl Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
9) Romance The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
10) Science Fiction - Lexicon by Max barry
11) Thriller - Inherit the Dead by 20 writers
12) Young Adult The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
B) Hard Challenge
13) Action / Adventure the Tournament by Matthew Reilly
14) Autobiography / Biography - I am Malala
15) Chick Lit - Watermelon by Marion Keyes
16) Contemporary / Drama Thirteen reasons why by jay asher
17) Humour the Rosie project by Graeme Simsion
18) Magical Realism The Ocean at the end of the lane by Neil gaiman
19) Paranormal / Supernatural City of Bones by Cassandra clare
20) Philosophical The fault in our stars by john green
21) Poetry Banjo Patterson treasury
22) Pulp - Hardboiled / Noir The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes
23) Cyberpunk / Steampunk Mindplayers by Pat cadigan
24) Victorian Alice in Wonderland by lewis Carrol
C) Insane Challenge
25) Children's The graveyard book by Neil Gaiman
26) Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic Divergent � Veronica Roth
27) Epic A game of Thrones by George r r martin
28) Erotica Affliction by laurel k hamilton
29) Espionage Killing floor by lee child
30) Gothic Beautiful creatures by kami Garcia
31) Self Help / Educational Three cups of deceit by Jon Krakauer
32) Short Stories Nothing o’clock doctor who by neil gaiman
33) Travel murder on the orient express by Agatha christie
34) True Crime murder in missisippi by Jon safran
35) Urban Fantasy The Bone Season by Samantha shannon
36) Western the sisters brothers by Patrick dewitt
D) Personal Stretch Challenge
37) Australian Army biography the CrossRoad by Mark Donalson V C
38) Australian Ned Kelly by Peter fitzsimons
39) Critically Acclaimed in 2013 The Prague cemetery by Umberto Eco
40) Translated fiction Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
I signed up for the Easy challenge but I just know I'm going to upgrade to this one!
Penney wrote: "Yes, I'm up for the insane challenge again this year - love how it makes me vary my reading! I've picked a few books and will pick the rest as I go. Think I will also set myself a stretch challenge..."
I love your idea of a personal stretch challenge.
Added it to my list, so thanks
I love your idea of a personal stretch challenge.
Added it to my list, so thanks
My goal for this challenge upgrade was to start off January 1 with an upbeat read.First book read, philosophy, Peanuts Guide to Life by Charles M. Schulz.
As Bill Cosby says in the intro, 'small package, large sense of humor, and big ideas'.
Under People Skills, "If you can't beat 'em, cooperate 'em to death." :)
I've decided to join you all though haven't decided on the books yet. I am adding books as I go.
Insane Challenge 2014
1) Action/Adventure
2) Auto-Biography/Biography
3) Chick-Lit
4) Childrens Book
5) Classics
6) Contemporary/Drama
7) Cyberpunk/Steampunk
8) Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
9) Epic
10) Erotica
11) Espionage
12) Fantasy
13) Graphic Novels
14) Gothic
15) Historical Fiction -
16) Horror
17) Humour
18) Literary Fiction
19) Magical Realism
20) Mystery
21) Non Fiction
22) Paranormal/Supernatural
23) Philosophical
24) Poetry
25) Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir)
26) Romance
27) Science Fiction
28) Self Help/Educational
29) Short Stories
30) Thriller
31) Travel
32) True Crime
33) Urban Fantasy
34) Victorian
35) Western
36) Young Adult-
37) *Translated Fiction
Wow...I didn't even know that that many genres existed! *lol* I've got a l-o-n-g road ahead of me. All y'all are insane! (I mean that in the best possible way, of course.)
Love this. I've only just joined Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ and I'm going to give the Insane challenge a go. I started today with Innocence, written by Dean Koontz. Seems pretty good so far. Happy reading everyone :)
Mod
sure did, I really like his stuff
I'm in and I'm going for insane, but I'll choose my books while I go along.Action/Adventure La città delle tenebre
Auto-Biography/Biography Leonardo da Vinci: La vita del più grande genio di tutti i tempi
Chick-Lit Would-Be Witch
Childrens Book Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin
Classics Wuthering Heights
Contemporary/Drama Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
Cyberpunk/Steampunk Steam City Pirates
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic Divergent by Veronica Roth
Epic La paura del saggio by Patrick Rothfuss
Erotica That's What Brothers DoThat's What Brothers Do
Espionage Etiquette & Espionage
Fantasy Il principe dei fulmini
Graphic Novels Dart Fener e Figlio
Gothic Cruel Beauty
Historical Fiction Il dio sordo: Mia immortale amata
Horror Quando il diavolo mi ha preso per mano
Humour Il libro segreto del signore oscuro
Literary Fiction Il gioco dell'angelo
Magical Realism Il Circo della Notteby Erin Morgenstern
Mystery I Hunt KillersI Hunt Killers
Non Fiction Il matematico impertinente
Paranormal/Supernatural Obsidian
Philosophical The Book Thief
Poetry Accordi di parole by Tudor Arghezi
Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir) Battle Royale
Romance Heir to the Shadows
Science Fiction The Darkest Minds
Self Help/Educational To Ride a Silver Broomstick: New Generation Witchcraft
Short Stories Mary Mary Quite Contrary
Thriller L'ombra dei peccatoriL'ombra dei peccatori
Travel Anna and the French Kiss
True Crime The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry
Urban Fantasy Magic Rises
Victorian Great Expectations
Western The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Young Adult Per una volta nella vitaby Rainbow Rowell
I'm in for the Insane Challenge again this year. Looks like some good new genres. Good luck to everyone!2/36
Action/Adventure
Auto-Biography/Biography
Chick-Lit
Childrens Book
Classics
Contemporary/Drama
Cyberpunk/Steampunk
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Epic
Erotica
Espionage
Fantasy - Magician: Apprentice
Graphic Novels
Gothic
Historical Fiction
Horror
Humour
Literary Fiction
Magical Realism
Mystery
Non Fiction
Paranormal/Supernatural
Philosophical
Poetry
Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir) - The Hunter
Romance
Science Fiction
Self Help/Educational
Short Stories
Thriller
Travel
True Crime
Urban Fantasy
Victorian
Western
Young Adult
will add books as I read; Insane Challenge
Action/Adventure King Solomon's Mines
Auto-Biography/BiographyShe Left Me the Gun: My Mother's Life Before Me
Chick-LitThe Memory Book
Childrens Book The Hobbit
Classics A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Contemporary/Drama The Language of Dying
Cyberpunk/Steampunk The Executioner's Heart
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic The Circle
EpicLife and Fate
Erotica Story of O
Espionage The Bone Church: A Novel
Fantasy The Summoner
Graphic Novels Safe Area Goražde: The War in Eastern Bosnia, 1992-1995
Gothic Mathilda
Historical FictionHHhH
HorrorThe Demonologist
HumourCat Out of Hell
Literary FictionIbrahim and Reenie
Magical RealismKafka on the Shore
MysteryParis Requiem
Non FictionBattle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
Paranormal/Supernatural The Bone Season
Philosophical Sophie's World
Poetry The Nation's Favourite Love Poems
Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir)A Matter of Policy An Amy Brewster Mystery
Romance The Reluctant Bride
Science Fiction The Echo
Self Help/Educational Raising Pre-teens (52 Brilliant Ideas): Tips and Techniques for Making the Most of Your Child's Terrible Tweens
Short Stories The Story: Love, Loss & The Lives of Women: 100 Great Short Stories
ThrillerDeadline
Travel The Road To Timbuktu
True Crime Goodbye, Dearest Holly
Urban Fantasy Odin's Ravens
Victorian Under Two Flags
WesternRiders of the Purple Sage
Young Adult Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock
Of these...translated titles are
HHhH
Life and Fate
Sophie's World
Story of O
800+ pages
The Story: Love, Loss & The Lives of Women: 100 Great Short Stories
Life and Fate
Currently reading Benvenuto Cellini's Autobiography for Auto-biography/Biography.
Books Still TBR
Action/Adventure
Chick-Lit
Children's Book - Fox or Night Singing
Contemporary/Drama
Cyberpunk/Steampunk
Epic - The Iliad
Erotica -
Espionage
Fantasy - The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
Gothic - House of Leaves
Horror
Humour
Literary Fiction - Things Fall Apart
Magical Realism
Mystery
Non-Fiction Pol Pot: The History of a Nightmare (currently reading)
Paranormal/Supernatural
Poetry -The Golden Gate
Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir)
Romance
Science Fiction
Self Help/Educational
Thriller
Travel -
True Crime
Urban Fantasy
Victorian
Western
Masterlist of Books Read
*Note: Links lead to my review, not the book title.
1. The Shiralee by D'Arcy Niland Classics - 4 �
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Six Other Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- 2 � Short stories
3. The Dreaming Collection by Queenie Chan. 3 � Manga (Graphic Novel)
4. The Singer of All Songs 3 �Young Adult
5. Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic - The Republic of Trees 3.5 �)
6. Philosophical - The Book of Disquiet (no review, 5 �
7. Historical Fiction - Life: An Unexploded Diagram - 3 �
8. Autobiography/Biography - Buck: A Memoir - 4 �. Review to come.
Action/Adventure
Chick-Lit
Children's Book - Fox or Night Singing
Contemporary/Drama
Cyberpunk/Steampunk
Epic - The Iliad
Erotica -
Espionage
Fantasy - The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
Gothic - House of Leaves
Horror
Humour
Literary Fiction - Things Fall Apart
Magical Realism
Mystery
Non-Fiction Pol Pot: The History of a Nightmare (currently reading)
Paranormal/Supernatural
Poetry -The Golden Gate
Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir)
Romance
Science Fiction
Self Help/Educational
Thriller
Travel -
True Crime
Urban Fantasy
Victorian
Western
Masterlist of Books Read
*Note: Links lead to my review, not the book title.
1. The Shiralee by D'Arcy Niland Classics - 4 �
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Six Other Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- 2 � Short stories
3. The Dreaming Collection by Queenie Chan. 3 � Manga (Graphic Novel)
4. The Singer of All Songs 3 �Young Adult
5. Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic - The Republic of Trees 3.5 �)
6. Philosophical - The Book of Disquiet (no review, 5 �
7. Historical Fiction - Life: An Unexploded Diagram - 3 �
8. Autobiography/Biography - Buck: A Memoir - 4 �. Review to come.
Here is my list, I'm not going to count my rereads for this.Action/Adventure ~ Prince Caspian by C. S. Lewis
Auto-Biography/Biography ~ Persepolis: The Story of Childhood (Persepolis #1-2) by Marjane Satrap
Chick-Lit ~ The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Childrens Book ~ The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
Classics ~ Atonement by Ian McEwan
Contemporary ~ Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts
Cyberpunk/Steampunk~ Forgotten Girl: Season One - Episode 1(Steampunk OZ) by Steve DeWinter
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic ~ Crossed by Allie Condie
Epic ~ The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Erotica ~ Chains of Frost by T. A. Grey
Espionage ~ Night Fall (John Corey #3) by Nelson DeMille
Fantasy ~ An Apple For Creature by anthology
Graphic Novels ~ Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel (Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novels #1) by Eoin Colfer
Gothic ~ Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Graphic Novel by Seth Grahame-Smith
Historical Fiction ~ The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Horror ~ Doll Bones by Holly Black
Humour ~ Are You There Vodka? It's Me Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
Literary Fiction ~ Persuasion by Jane Austen
Magical Realism ~ The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Mystery ~ Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
Non Fiction ~ Things I Overheard While Talking To Myself by Alan Alda
Paranormal/Supernatural ~ The Red Sun Rise by Victoria Kinnard
Philosophical ~ The Giver by Lois Lowry
Poetry ~ The Death Sonnets by Justin Tate
Pulp � (Hard-Boiled or Noir)
Romance ~ My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding by Anthology
Science Fiction ~ The Last Battle by C. S. Lewis
Self Help/Educational ~ The Universe Doesn't Give A Flying Fuck About You by Johnny B. Truant
Short Stories ~ Home Improvement Undead Edition by Charlaine Harris
Thriller ~ Forever Odd by Dean Koontz
Travel ~ Uganda Be Kidding Me by Chelsea Handler
True Crime ~ Killer Files: Abduction and Murder in South Carolina by John Humphrey
Urban Fantasy ~ Strange Brew by Anthology
Victorian ~ Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Western ~ Spurs & Lace by Bonnie R. Paulson
Young Adult ~ The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis
I've read 3/36 books so far! The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini, Dark Echo by F.G. Cottam, and The Old English Baron by Clara Reeve.
Literary Exploration
Books mentioned in this topic
Hell Island (other topics)The Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk (other topics)
Gone Girl (other topics)
What Stays in Vegas (other topics)
The Graveyard Book (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Greg Pak (other topics)Gillian Flynn (other topics)
Jonathan Morris (other topics)
Ann Rule (other topics)
Donald E. Westlake (other topics)
More...
Insane Challenge
Action/Adventure
Auto-Biography/Biography
Chick-Lit
Childrens Book
Classics
Contemporary/Drama
Cyberpunk/Steampunk
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Epic
Erotica
Espionage
Fantasy
Graphic Novels
Gothic
Historical Fiction
Horror
Humour
Literary Fiction
Magical Realism
Mystery
Non Fiction
Paranormal/Supernatural
Philosophical
Poetry
Pulp â€� (Hard-BoiledÌý´Ç°ùÌýNoir)
Romance
Science Fiction
Self Help/Educational
Short Stories
Thriller
Travel
True Crime
Urban Fantasy
Victorian
Western
Young Adult
Bonus points points (can be exchanged for bragging rights) for Translated Fiction and books over 800 pages.