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The Lunatic Who Is Signing Up For Too Many Challenges! (Royal Reviews Sign Ups)

This is my first post regarding Challenges I will be joining in 2010.  I spent all last night working on compiling many of my lists (yes, I'm very anal!).  I have determined that I am joining over 30 challenges, which includes a few I had already signed up for that started in the fall and perpetual challenges (including my Michener Challenge).  I will be keeping track of all my challenges at my new challenge blog Challenges of The True Book Addict, where all my challenge buttons will be listed, but I will still post updates here.  One thing about all these challenges is that ALL books listed come from my own shelves...how cool is that?!

So...my first challenge sign up post is for the four challenges I'm joining over at Royal Reviews.


Historical Reading Challenge

Challenge Guidelines:


1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 Historical Fiction novels.
-- Fascinated – Read 6 Historical Fiction novels.
-- Addicted – Read 12 Historical Fiction novels.
-- Obsessed – Read 20 Historical Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to the post about the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.

I'm going for obsessed--20 Historical Fiction novels.  I have my list compiled, but will have to come back and fill it in later (getting ready for New Year's festivities!).

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1st in a Series Challenge

Challenge Guidelines:


1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious– Read 3 novels that are first in a series.
-- Fascinated – Read 6 novels that are first in a series.
-- Addicted – Read 12 novels that are first in a series.
-- Obsessed – Read 20 novels that are first in a series.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to the post about the 1st in a Series Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.

I'm aiming for Fascinated--6 novels that are first in a series.

1.  The Winter King--Bernard Cornwell
2.  The Mistress of the Art of Death--Ariana Franklin
3.  Outlander--Diana Gabaldon
4.  The Sword of Shannara--Terry Brooks
5.  Dead Until Dark--Charlaine Harris
6.  ???


2nd Reading Challenge

Challenge Guidelines:


1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 novels that are 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.
-- Fascinated – Read 6 that are 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.
-- Addicted – Read 12 novels that are 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.
-- Obsessed – Read 20 novels 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to the post about the 2nd Reading Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.

I'm doing the Curious Level (as of now)--Read 3 novels that are 2nd in a series etc.  This could change later!

1.  The Drawing of the Three--Stephen King
2.  Living Dead in Dallas--Charlaine Harris
3.  The Tale of the Body Thief--Anne Rice


Audio Book Challenge

Challenge Guidelines:


1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Listen to 3 Audio Books.
-- Fascinated – Listen to 6 Audio Books.
-- Addicted – Listen to 12 Audio Books.
-- Obsessed – Listen to 20 Audio Books.

3. Audio books only.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to the post about the Audio Book Reading Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can find join in and read your reviews and post.

I am starting with the Curious level--listen to 3 Audio Books (may add more later).

1.  Queen of the Damned--Anne Rice
2.  The Tale of the Body Thief--Anne Rice
3.  Menmoch the Devil--Anne Rice

If you would like to sign up for any of these challenges, click on the challenge title and it will take you to the sign up post for that challenge.

Happy (Challenge) Reading =O)

New Year Read-a-Thon


I'm planning on doing this, but not sure how much reading I'll get done.  Hopefully, Friday I'll have the entire afternoon and night since my dad is taking the boys overnight...WOOT!

I'll at least be able to get one book read! *fingers crossed*

Happy Reading!

The Tudor Book Challenge


Benedictionary is hosting The Tudor Book Challenge.

The Challenge:

From January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2010 The Tudor Book Challenge challenges you to read books about or inspired by the Tudor era of the English monarchy.

The Challenge Rules:

•You may read your books in any format – e-books, audio books, electronic reader books, and printed books are acceptable.
•You are welcome to use the books you read for the Tudor Book Challenge in other challenges (where applicable).
•Books can be fiction or non-fiction, but they must be about or inspired by Tudor England. If you do not know much about the Tudor dynasty, that’s okay. That’s part of what this challenge is about. If you’re lost, try the Tudor Book Resource for some Tudor book suggestions. You can find even more Tudor book suggestions here.
•You are not required to post a list of the books you intend to read. You may choose them as you go.
•Bloggers and non-bloggers alike are welcome to participate in the challenge. If you do not have a blog, you will need to review the books you’ve read on some book-related website: i.e. GoodReads, Amazon, Borders, etc. and send in the links (via comments) to be eligible for the prizes. I need to be able to verify that these books were read by you.

The Registration Rules:

All registrations must be received by midnight (EST) on December 31st, 2009 to be eligible for the prizes. If you do not register by the midnight deadline, you may still participate in the challenge but you will not be eligible for the prizes.

To keep things official and time-stamped, you will need to comment on this post if you wish to participate in the challenge. Please provide me with the following information:

YOUR NAME or ONLINE ALIAS

YOUR BLOG or BOOK SITE YOU’LL BE REVIEWING FROM – Remember, if you do not have a blog you will need to post reviews on GoodReads, Amazon, Borders, B&N, or some other site that allows for book reviews.

YOUR CHALLENGE LEVEL – This is very important, so please include it in your comment.

When the deadline has passed I will post the official roster of participants and their progress for everyone to follow. Participants, it will be up to you to keep us posted on the books you’ve completed and where you have reviewed them by commenting on the roster page.

The Challenge Levels:

(I have lowered the required books for each level at the urging of my better half. Feel free to change your selection before the deadline.)

King or Queen – You are the ruler of your dominion. You will read at least 11 Tudor-related books.

Nobleman or Noblewoman - You are honorable, indeed. You have earned your title by agreeing to read at least 9 Tudor-related books.

Courtier – You are a rising star in the royal court. You have decided to read at least 7 Tudor-related books.

Commoner – Your role in the kingdom is small but mighty. You are going to read at least 5 Tudor-related books.

The Loot:

Because I get them at a lovely discount, I will be providing the winners of the Tudor Book Challenge with three gift cards from Borders bookstore.

Here is how the loot will be distributed:

E-Award: All participants who complete the Tudor Book Challenge will receive a personalized award to display on their blog noting their achievement.

Royal Celebration: I am offering a $25 gift card from Borders in a raffle. To be eligible for the raffle, you must complete the challenge you registered for.

Kings and Queens: If you complete the challenge at this level your name will be entered into the raffle with six raffle tickets.

Noblemen and Noblewomen: If you complete the challenge at this level your name will be entered into the raffle with four raffle tickets.

Courtiers: If you complete the challenge at this level your name will be entered into the raffle with two raffle tickets.

Commoners: If you complete the challenge at this level your name will be entered into the raffle with one raffle ticket.

NOTE: Please choose your challenge level wisely. While reading beyond your challenge level is encouraged and wonderful, to keep things fair you will only be eligible to receive the number of raffle tickets associated with the level you registered at. You must read at least the number of books associated with the challenge level you registered at to be eligible for any raffle tickets.

King or Queen of the Tudor Book Challenge: A $25 gift card from Borders will go to the individual who reads and reviews the most Tudor-related books during the challenge (minimum 7).

Royal Proclamation: The person who writes the best review for a Tudor-related book will receive a $50 gift card from Borders.

I am doing the Noblewoman level--9 Tudor-related books.

I have my list compiled, but will come back and list them later.

1. Her Mother's Daughter--Julianne Lee
2. I, Elizabeth--Rosalind Miles
3. Innocent Traitor--Alison Weir
4. The Autobiography of Henry VIII--Margaret George
5. Rose Without a Thorn--Jean Plaidy
6. The Other Queen--Philippa Greogory
7. The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn--Robin Maxwell
8. Portrait of an Unknown Woman--Vanora Bennet
9. Wolf Hall--Hilary Mantel

Happy Reading =O)

Michelle

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Favorite Fiction Character--Eli


Favorite Fictional Character is a weekly event created by Ryan at Wordsmithonia.

I decided to write my FFC about a character from my favorite read of 2009, Let Me In (or Let the Right One In) by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

Eli moves in to the same apartment building as Oskar and soon the two strike up a friendship.  But Eli has a secret...she is a child vampire and this soon brings certain challenges to the friendship.  The reason I like Eli is because although she was turned against her will as a child centuries ago, she still has the compassion and capacity for love that a child possesses.  She befriends Oskar, a lonely child who is the victim of some serious bullying from his peers.  Her loyalty to, and protection of, Oskar is partially because she cares for him, but also, ultimately, to gain a companion to take care of her.  This could be interpreted as pure necessity on her part, but I chose to look deeper and saw the loneliness that Eli so fiercely tries to hide.  This novel is one of the best in the horror genre I have ever read and the character development, especially of Eli, is part of the reason that it is such a great book.


Eli in the motion picture, Let the Right One In


Movies of note I have seen lately...


Where the Wild Things Are

This was a wonderful movie and a beautiful homage to Maurice Sendak's classic book.  I took my boys, ages 8 and 7 (almost), and they loved it.  The story is expanded in the movie and Max is a child of divorce who is feeling neglected.  He has a sweet relationship with his mother, but doesn't understand when she is busy...like mothers are at times.  When he runs off and ends up "where the wild things are", he meets Carol and the other monsters and tells them he's a king.  I saw some definite parallels between Carol and Max, with Max being like the mom and Carol being like Max.  The soundtrack was also great.  I highly recommend this movie to parents and their kids alike.


Sherlock Holmes

What else can I say?  Robert Downey Jr.  I'm sorry, but anything this man stars in is destined to be a hit.  A stellar actor...I keep asking, "Why doesn't this man have an Oscar yet?"  Now I have always loved Sherlock Holmes.  Although I haven't read the books (yet), I have loved the TV versions from the BBC and the old Basil Rathbone versions...and even one that starred Matt Frewer as Holmes several years ago.  This new movie has all the wit and mystery of a classic Holmes tale, but with the pluck of Downey Jr. and the incomparable chemistry of Downey Jr. and Jude Law as partners and friends.  Guy Ritchie (LOVE HIM TOO!) has really outdone himself this time.  I am a big fan of his movies, especially Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, but I think this one will definitely be my most favorite...unless he comes out with something better! By the way the movie ended, there will definitely be a sequel.  I say bring it on!


The Box

My mom was the one that really wanted to see this...I was only mildly interested.  It was on at the $1.50 theater and we finally went to see it Saturday night.  I was pleasantly surprised.  Now this was not really a horror movie.  There is no blood and gore.  But it is genuinely creepy...maybe even downright disturbing.  And the premise really gets you thinking.  What would I do in this situation?  Would I be able to do what they did?  It really has frightening insight into human nature and I honestly hope that most people aren't really like this.  Because if they are, there doesn't seem to be much hope for our world.  I prefer to think that people are inherently good, but I could be wrong.  See this one if you like to be genuinely creeped out and you don't mind thinking about tough issues.  Despite the depth, I really liked it.

Happy Viewing =O)

AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!

The Bibliophilic Book Blog is hosting an awesome giveaway...your choice of an e-reader OR a $150 gift card to the bookstore of your choice! How great is that?!

Be sure to tell her The True Book Addict sent you and we will each get an extra 5 entries.

Giveaway ends March 1, 2010

Good luck!

Top Ten in 2009

Here is the top ten of books I read in 2009 (in order).  I am not including re-reads, because if I did, Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire and The Vampire Lestat would be at the top of the list! I'm a little disappointed in myself because I read way too few books this year.  One of my top goals for 2010 is to read A LOT more books...I'm hoping the various challenges I'm joining will help me out with this!

1. Let Me In (or Let the Right One In-British Translation)--John Ajvide Lindqvist

2. The Time Traveler's Wife--Audrey Niffenegger

3. The Host--Stephenie Meyer

4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince--J. K. Rowling

5. The Road--Cormac McCarthy

6. New Moon--Stephenie Meyer

7. The Looking Glass Wars Trilogy--Frank Beddor

8. The Christmas List--Richard Paul Evans

9. The Private Diary of Mr. Darcy--Maya Slater

10. 206 Bones--Kathy Reichs

So...what were your favorites?

Happy Reading =O)

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Reminder: The Michener Challenge


Just a reminder that my The Michener Challenge starts on Friday, January 1st.  You can read all about it and sign up at the dedicated blog here.  I have also created a couple of smaller buttons (right sidebar of dedicated blog) that you can use or feel free to use the button from this post or from the sign up post over at the blog. 

It's a perpetual challenge so not much pressure! Spread the word and hope to see you signed up!

Happy Reading =O)

Mailbox Monday


Mailbox Monday is a weekly event hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page.

Oh what a wonderful thing it is to receive books in the mail (or to buy them)!

Click the book title links for plot synopses.


Won:

The Hachette Big Holiday Prize Book Packs.  I won the Christmas pack from Dreadlock Girl during the Read. Read. Read-a-Thon. (Thanks again Bethany!)



Angels: A Pop-Up Book--Chuck Fischer



Miracles: A 52 Week Devotional--Karen Kingsbury



The Gift of an Ordinary Day: A Mother's Memoir--Katrina Kenison



The Paper Bag Christmas--Kevin Alan Milne



Christmas Memories: A Keepsake Book from the Heart of the Home--Susan Branch






In the mail (and bought):

From Paperback Swap:


I, Mona Lisa--Jeanne Kalogridis










From BOMC2 Book Club:


The Little Stranger--Sarah Waters












From The Mystery Guild Book Club:


Pirate Latitudes--Michael Crichton















What book love did your receive over the past week?

Happy Reading!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Under Construction?!

Please excuse the mess while I try to decide what background to use for my blog....a hard decision!

Opinions are welcome =o)


Friday, December 25, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS!



Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!

~Charles Dickens

May you and yours share the joys of Christmas.  Thank you to this wonderful community of book bloggers for making my Christmas a little brighter!

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Happy Holidays Book Blowout at Dark Faerie Tales!



Dark Faerie Tales is having a Happy Holidays Book Blowout Giveaway! There will be FOUR winners! Here are the books she is giving away:
# Death’s Mistress# Firespell# Bone Magic# Wicked Enchantment# Lips Touch# Inked# Ash# Rampant# Leviathan# The Maze Runner# Kitty’s House of Horrors# Deadtown# Spellbent# Bitter Night# Blood Cross# My Soul to Save# Darklight# Shades of Midnight# Beneath the Skin# Hallowed Circle# Bleeding Violet# Captivate# Fade Out# Finding the Lost# Boneshaker# Scorched# Tempted# Demon Bound# Confessions of a Demon# Tainted# Torn# The Seven Rays# Betrayals# Shadowland# The Tear Collector# The Everafter# Ruined# The Midnight Guardian

Click here to find out how to enter!

Good luck!


Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Favorite Fictional Character--from The Gift of the Magi

Favorite Fictional Character is the weekly brainchild of Ryan at Wordsmithonia.


My FFC this week is actually two characters...Jim and Della from O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi.  Jim's most prized possession is his inherited gold watch and Della's is her luxurious hair.  In this classic story about a young couple who do not have very much money at Christmas, Jim and Della illustrate the true meaning of Christmas...the spirit of giving...by giving up their most prized possessions for each other.  Jim plans to buy Della a set of pure tortoiseshell combs for her beautiful hair and so sells his prized watch to pay for them.  However, unbeknownst to him, Della has sold her treasured hair to pay for a fob chain for Jim's watch.  And so....

The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger.  They invented the art of giving Christmas presents.  Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication.  And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house.  But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest.  Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest.  Everywhere they are wisest.  They are the magi.

~O. Henry (1906)




Goodies from the Book Blogger Holiday Swap!


After finally getting batteries for my camera, I'm finally posting about my wonderful gifts from my secret Santa in the Book Blogger Holiday Swap!

These pics are still crappy though...I have the suckiest camera...LOL!

So...we have


My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon--Butcher, Armstrong, MacAlister, Liu, and more



Undead and Unwed--Mary Janice Davidson



A Jane Austen Journal...gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Can I just say that this is my favorite part of the gift!



A beautiful, handmade quilted bookmark made from colorful Christmas fabric and a Christmas card (and a great CD of specially selected songs she burned just for me)!


And who did all this wonderful Christmas gift bounty come from?  Shonda at TexasRed Books!
Thank you so much Shonda! I love everything...so very sweet of you! A Merry, Merry Christmas to you!!!