11 in 11 Reading Challenge

This is a pretty open challenge the only constraint is there have to be 11 categories and all the books have to be read in 2011. I came up with my own categories and will start off with three books per category. 

Books in purple are completed.  The italicized book titles are tbr.

1. Out with the fiction in with the non-fiction:

1. The History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage
   
2. Talk to the Hand by Lynne Truss
3. Bonk by Mary Roach
   
4. Stiff by Mary Roach
   
5. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
   

2. It's so nice to read you for the very first time (new to me authors):

1. Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt
   
2. Passion by Lisa Valdez
   
3. The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran
4. Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught
   
5. And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke
   

3. Newbies (Published in 2011):

1. The Lady Most Likely... by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway
   
2. Quicksilver by Amanda Quick
   
3. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
   
4. The Secret Mistress by Mary Balogh
   
5. The Many Sins of Lord Cameron by Jennifer Ashley
   

4. Pop, Pop, Pop Culture (non-fiction about pop culture):

1. Beyond Heaving Bosoms by Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan
2. Don't You Forget About Me -- Edited by Jaime Clarke (currently reading)
   
3. Pretty in Pink: The Golden Age of Teen Movies by Jonathan Bernstein
   
4. Finding Serenity
5. Slayer Slang
   

5. Oldies (Over 6 months on the TBR shelf):

1. Extreme Bachelor by Julia London
2. Trial By Fire by Jo Davis
3. As You Desire by Connie Brockway
   
4. The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason
   
5. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

6. Getting Back to the Classics: 

1. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupèry
   
2. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen 
3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
5. Devil's Cub by Georgetta Heyer
 

7. To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before (SciFi):

1. Games of Command by Linnea Sinclair 
2. Dirk Gentley's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams  
   
3. Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard
   
4. Enemy Games by Marcella Burnard
5. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
   

8. Annnnnticipation (new books from favorite authors):

1. Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips  
2. Breaking the Rules by Suzanne Brockmann
3. Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts
   
4. Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn
   
5. Marrying Daisy Bellamy by Susan Wiggs
   

9. They're Not Just for the Youngins (YA Fiction):

1. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
   
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
4. Americus by M. K. Reed
   
5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling
   

10. Tell Me a Little About Yourself (Memoirs & Biographies):

1. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell
2. Me Talk Pretty One Day by Davis Sedaris  
3. Bossypants by Tina Fey
   
4. Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster
   
5. Further Under the Duvet by Marian Keyes 

11. Vamps & Werewolves and Witches! Oh my! (Paranormal): 

1. Kitty & the Dead Man's Hand by Carrie Vaughn 
2. A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands
   
3. Soulless by Gail Carriger
4. Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh
5. Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh
   

The Highlander Reading Challenge

 

This challenge is hosted by Lori @ Escape Between the pages and is a challenge to read 20 sexy Highlander Novels for the year 2011. It doesn't matter if you cross read and review with another challenge, that will be left completely up to you. Cross-genres (ie: immortal highlander, time traveling, shapeshifting highlander, etc...) will also be allowed. The 20 books should be read between Jan 1, 2011 through Dec 31, 2011. 

I don't think I'll get to twenty, so instead I'm going to try one per month.  I'm on track so far! 

1. Ransom by Julie Garwood
2. The Secret by Julie Garwood
3. To Scotland, With Love by Karen Hawkins
4. Saving Grace by Julie Garwood
5. Sold to a Laird by Karen Ranney 

6. The Bride by Julie Garwood 

7. The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley
8. Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley

9. Some Like it Wicked by Teresa Medeiros 
10. The Many Sins of Lord Cameron by Jennifer Ashley

Other possible reads:

The Wedding by Julie Garwood

Shadow Music by Julie Garwood

Some LIke it Wild by Teresa Medeiros

Beware a Scot's Revenge by Sabrina Jeffries

To Catch a Highlander by Karen Hawkins 

Laird of the Mist by Paula Quinn

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

The Historical Romance Challenge

 

Here’s How it Works:

This challenge is hosted by Danielle @ Romance Book Junkies and is a challenge to read 12 historical romance books between Jan 1st through Dec 31st, 2011. There will be a monthly giveaway for all the participants. So one book a month.

I don't think this one will be much of a challenge, since I read so many historical romances.  :)

JANUARY - Ravished by Amanda Quick

FEBRUARY - Last Night's Scandal by Loretta Chase

MARCH - The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

APRIL - And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke

MAY - One Perfect Rose by Mary Jo Putney

JUNE -To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt

JULY - As You Desire by Connie Brockway

AUGUST - When Harry Met Molly by Kieran Kramer

SEPTEMBER - The Many Sins of Lord Cameron by Jennifer Ashley

OCTOBER - Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas

NOVEMBER - Surrender the Siren by Tessa Dare

DECEMBER - Anything for Love by Connie Brockway

Paranormal/Fastasy Romance Challenge

 

Here’s How it Works:

This challenge is hosted by Jamie @ Nitty Gritty – Romance and Erotica reviews and is a challenge to read 12 Paranormal/Fantasy Romances between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011

1. In Too Deep by Jayne Ann Krentz 
2. To Scotland, With Love by Karen Hawkins 
3. Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand by Carrie Vaughn

4. Quicksilver by Amanda Quick 
5. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
6. Steamed by Katie MacAlister
7. Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper
8. A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands
9. The Bloodstone Affair by Emma Wildes 
10. Key of Light by Nora Roberts
11. The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason

12. Key of Knowledge by Nora Roberts

13. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

Possible Reads:

I will read more, but I completed this challenge!  Yay!  The first one, I think. :)

Men in Uniform Challenge

Here’s How it Works:

This challenge is hosted by The Book Vixen and is a challenge to read as many novels you’d like that involve men in uniform between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. The goal is to read as many novels that involve men in inform as you’d like. It can be a policeman, firefighter, paramedic, Army, Navy, Marine Corp., etc. – As long as the leading man wears some sort of uniform, it counts
Levels:
Sergeant – Read 1–5 men in uniform novels
Lieutenant – Read 6–10 men in uniform novels
Captain – Read 11–15 men in uniform novels
Chief – Read 16+ men in uniform novels

I'm going to start with Segeant and may move up in rank as the year progresses. I made Sergeant, so now I'm going to try for Lieutenant.

1. Trial By Fire by Jo Davis (Firefighter) 

2. Breaking the Rules by Suzanne Brockmann (Navy SEALs) 

3. Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts (Firefighter) 
4. When Tony Met Adam (short story) by Suzanne Brockmann (Navy SEALs) 
5. Prince Joe by Suzanne Brockmann (Navy SEALs)
6. Forever Blue by Suzanne Brockmann (Navy SEALs)
7. Heat Wave by Richard Castle (Police Officer)
8. Frisco's Kid by Suzanne Brockmann (Navy SEALs)

Read the AAR 2010 Top 100 Books

This is a personal goal of mine.  Right now I'm focusing on the 2010 list.  My goal is to read, by the end of 2012, all the books on the list -- both the new books and the ones I've already read.

2010 Top 100 Romances Poll Results

Total Read so far: 74

  

Books I've Read So Far:

1. Lord of Scoundrels Loretta Chase Eur Hist 1995

2. Dreaming of You Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 1994

3. Devil In Winter Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2006

6. Flowers From The Storm Laura Kinsale Eur Hist 1992

7. Slightly Dangerous Mary Balogh Eur Hist 2004

8. The Viscount Who Loved Me Julia Quinn Eur Hist 2000
9. The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt Eur Hist 2006
10. The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie Jennifer Ashley Eur Hist 2009

11. Mr. Impossible Loretta Chase Eur Hist 2005

12. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton Julia Quinn Eur Hist 2002

14. Lord Perfect Loretta Chase Eur Hist 2006

15. It Had To Be You Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 1994

16. Bet Me Jennifer Crusie Contemporary 2004

17. The Duke and I Julia Quinn Eur Hist 2000
18. Not Quite a Husband Sherry Thomas Eur Hist 2009
19. The Bride Julie Garwood Medieval 1989

20. The Spymaster's Lady Joanna Bourne Eur Hist 2008
21. A Kingdom of Dreams Judith McNaught Medieval 1989

22. Heaven, Texas Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 1995

23. Mr. Perfect Linda Howard Contemporary 2000

24. Naked In Death J.D. Robb Futuristic 1995

25. Blue-Eyed Devil Lisa Kleypas Contemporary 2005

26. It Happened One Autumn Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2008

28. Nobody's Baby But Mine Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 1997

30. Suddenly You Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2001

32. A Summer To Remember Mary Balogh Eur Hist 2002

33. When He Was Wicked Julia Quinn Eur Hist 2004

34. Smooth Talking Stranger Lisa Kleypas Contemporary 2009

36. Welcome to Temptation Jennifer Crusie Contemporary 2000
39. Honor's Splendour Julie Garwood Medieval 1987

40. This Heart of Mine Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 2001

41. The Secret Pearl Mary Balogh Eur Hist 1991

42. Match Me If You Can Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 2005

43. Kiss An Angel Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 1996

46. Ravished Amanda Quick Eur Hist 1992

47. Dream Man Linda Howard Romantic Suspense 1995
48. As You Desire Connie Brockway Historical 1997

50. See Jane Score Rachel Gibson Contemporary 2003
51. Slave to Sensation Nalini Singh Paranormal 2006

52. Sugar Daddy Lisa Kleypas Women's Fiction 2007

53. Dream A Little Dream Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 1998

54. Then Came You Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 1993

55. After The Night Linda Howard Contemporary 1995

56. Lady Sophia's Lover Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2002
58. Devil's Bride by Stephanie Laurens Eur Hist 1998
59. Morning Glory by Lavryle Spencer Amer Hist 1990
61. The Secret by Julie Garwood Medieval 1992

62. Something Wonderful Judith McNaught Eur Hist 1988

63. The Proposition Judith Ivory Eur Hist 1999

64. Ransom Julie Garwood Medieval 1999

65. Passion Lisa Valdez Eur Hist 2005

66. The Last Hellion Loretta Chase Eur Hist 1998

67. Love in the Afternoon Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2010
68. To Beguile a Beast Elizabeth Hoyt Eur Hist 2009

69. Where Dreams Begin Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2000

73. Natural Born Charmer Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 2007

74. Sea Swept Nora Roberts Contemporary 1998

75. Seduce Me At Sunrise Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2008

78. More Than A Mistress Mary Balogh Eur Hist 2000

79. What Happens in London Julia Quinn Eur Hist 2009

80. Cry No More Linda Howard Rom Suspense 2003

81. Over the Edge Suzanne Brockmann Romantic Suspense 2001

82. Open Season Linda Howard Contemporary 2001
84. Saving Grace by Julie Garwood Historical 1992

85. Worth Any Price Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2003

86. My Dearest Enemy Connie Brockway Eur Hist 1998

87. Ain't She Sweet Susan Elizabeth Phillips Contemporary 2004

89. To Die For Linda Howard Contemporary 2005

90. All Through The Night Connie Brockway Eur Hist 1997

91. The Rake Mary Jo Putney Eur Hist 1998

92. The Leopard Prince Elizabeth Hoyt Eur Hist 2007

94. The Duke Of Shadows Meredith Duran Eur Hist 2008

98. Married by Morning Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2010
99. And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke Eur Hist 2007

100. Scandal in Spring Lisa Kleypas Eur Hist 2006

The 50 States Reading Challenge 2011

The United States is a union of 50 states so find at least one excellent book for each state of the union. The book should help us learn something ABOUT that state and not just be one written by somebody who lives there.

ALABAMA: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
ALASKA: She Went All the Way by Meggin Cabot (9/6/11)
ARIZONA: Infamous by Suzanne Brockmann
ARKANSAS:
CALIFORNIA: In Too Deep by Jayne Ann Krentz (READ 2/9/11)
COLORADO: Anything for Love by Connie Brockway (READ 12/1/11)
CONNECTICUT: Vision in White by Nora Roberts
DELAWARE:
FLORIDA: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
GEORGIA: Morning Glory by Lavryle Spencer (READ 4/18/11)
HAWAII: The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale
IDAHO: 
ILLINOIS: Something About You by Julie James
INDIANA: Paradise by Judith McNaught
IOWA: Heartbreaker by Julie Garwood
KANSAS: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
KENTUCKY: Neck and Neck by Elizabeth Bevarly
LOUISIANA: After the Night by Linda Howard (READ 3/22/11)
MAINE: Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins
MARYLAND:
MASSACHUSETTS: The Keepsake by Tess Gerritsen
MICHIGAN:
MINNESOTA: Son of the Morning by Linda Howard
MISSISSIPPI: Carnal Innocenc by Nora Roberts (READ 7/19/11)
MISSOURI:
MONTANA: Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts (READ 5/17/11)
NEBRASKA:
NEVADA: Breaking the Rules by Suzanne Brockmann (READ 4/12/11)
NEW HAMPSHIRE: The Next Best Thing by Kristan Higgins
NEW JERSEY:
NEW MEXICO: Always Time to Die by Elizabeth Lowell (reading now)
NEW YORK: Heat Wave by Richard Castle (READ 7/30/11)
NORTH CAROLINA: Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper (READ 6/28/11)
NORTH DAKOTA:
OHIO:
OKLAHOMA:
OREGON:
PENNSYLVANIA: Key of Light by Nora Roberts (READ 8/6/11)
RHODE ISLAND:
SOUTH CAROLINA: Forever Blue by Suzanne Brockmann (READ 7/25/11)
SOUTH DAKOTA:
TENNESSEE: Trial By Fire by Jo Davis (READ 3/26/11)
TEXAS: Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (READ 2/25/11)
UTAH:
VERMONT:
VIRGINIA: Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown & Sneakie Pie Brown (read 3/25/12)
WASHINGTON: True Love & Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson (READ 3/28/11)
WASHINGTON D.C. : Prince Joe by Suzanne Brockmann (READ 7/25/11)
WEST VIRGINIA:
WISCONSIN:
WYOMING: Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen (READ 10/5/11)

Readers of Romance Spring 2011 Challenge

Bugetta's Spring 2011 Challenge
1. Read a book that received a 2 or 1 Star rating from Shelfari, or a D or F review rating from allaboutromance.com

Trial By Fire by Jo Davis 3.5*

2. Read a book with Death, Deadly, Dead in the Title

Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand by Carrie Vaughn 5*

3. Read an author’s Debut Novel (1st book published)

Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran 5*

4. Choose a book where the Hero or Heroine has an unusual job

Cry No More by Linda Howard (finds missing people) 4.5*

5. Read a book that either has a flower or rain in the title or on the cover (for Spring)

One Perfect Rose by Mary Jo Putney 3.5*

6. Read a book set in your home state, province or county

Extreme Bachelor by Julia London (California)

7. Read a book set in New York, Paris or London

Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught 4*

8. Surprise Category – Close your eyes and pick a book off of your TBR Pile
Steamed by Katie MacAlister

9. Read a book with a “Love Triangle”

Passion by Lisa Valdez 4*

10. Read a book from your “TBR Pile” that you’ve put off because your hate the cover or title

Sold to a Laird by Karen Ranney

11. Read a book that features a Plus Sized Heroine

Suddenly You by Lisa K (re-read) 4.5*

12. Read a book involving a Motorcycle – either in title, cover or storyline
Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis (currently reading)

13. Read a book by either Eloisa James or Stephanie Laurens

Devil's Bride by Stephanie Laurens 3.5*

14. Reader’s Choice I

Ransom - Julie Garwood (re-read -- didn't realize until I started :-) ) 4.5*

15. Reader’s Choice II

Games of Command - Linnea Sinclair 5*

Reason for the Blog

So, I've decided to join some reading challenges this year, in an effort to get through my TBR pile (er...overflowing bookshelf plus bag of books) and help me to vary my reading list.
Here I go!