It seems that Reading Challenges are going to be even more of a temptation for me than Knit-a-Longs. I just hope I do a little better at them.
Today, I stumbled on the Off the Shelf Challenge at Bookish Ardour, and it happens to fit perfectly with a personal goal of mine for 2011. I’ve already pulled out 12 unread non-fiction books from my shelves to read over the next year. So, why not add another three and go for the Trying level of the Challenge?
My list:
- Possessing Genius: The Bizarre Odyssey of Einstein’s Brain by Carolyn Abraham
- Crossword Obsession: The History And Lore of the World’s Most Popular Pastime by Coral Amende
- Crossing to Avalon: A Woman’s Midlife Quest for the Sacred Feminine by Jean Shinoda Bolen
- Brazen Femme: Queering Femininity edited by Anna Camilleri and Chloë T. Brushwood Rose
- Edison and the Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death by Mark Essig
- Life So Far by Betty Friedan
- Almost Heaven: Women on the Frontiers of Space by Bettyann Holtzmann Kevles
- Take This Bread: A Radical Conversion by Sara Miles
- Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked: Sex, Morality, and the Evolution of a Fairy Tale by Catherine Orenstein
- Wild Heart: A Life: Natalie Clifford Barney and the Decadence of Literary Paris by Suzanne Rodriguez
- We Look Like the Enemy: The Hidden Story of Israel’s Jews from Arab Lands by Rachel Shabi
- Why We Buy: The Science Of Shopping by Paco Underhill
- The Bradbury Chronicles: The Life of Ray Bradbury by Sam Weller
- The Pearly Gates of Cyberspace: A History of Space from Dante to the Internet by Margaret Wertheim
- A Crack in the Edge of the World by Simon Winchester
There’s no rule in the Challenge that it’s supposed to be non-fiction. It’s just that I have a lot of non-fiction that’s been hanging out on my shelves, unread. And I think this makes a good balance to the YA fiction I’ll be reading for the Debut Author Challenge.
The Red Riding Hood one looks especially interesting. I’m fascinated by the history of stories. 🙂 e
Gosh, what a list – looks like you’ll learn lots as well as having a fun time reading books staring at you from your shelves.
That’s a challenge I really need to do. I can’t fit my books into my TBR bookcase anymore.
Ooh, wow, there’s some really interesting titles there. I’m especially interested in the Red Riding Hood and Brazen Femme titles. Good luck with the challenge!
Lovely post and very, very ambitious goal for 2011!!
Hi Beth,
I would like to throw out a question. Somewhere I read a different term for “reluctant reader.” It was a more positive term. I can’t seem to remember it and am looking for any ideas.
Thanks ~ Lauri Chandler
Thanks for introducing me to the off-the-shelf challenge!
I am always looking for Guest Bloggers for My Word Playground (a knitting librarian would be fun), so please let me know if you are interested.
Have a great day!
Lynne Marie
http://www.HedgehogGoestoKindergarten.blogspot.com
http://www.mywordplayground.blogspot.com
I like the one about the Science of Shopping. I am half a scarf away from learning to knit this very week!
Lauri,
The positive term for “reluctant reader” was from Donalyn Miller in her book and blog The Book Whisperer, but I can’t remember it at the moment either and my copy is at school!
Thanks, Jim! I don’t have a copy with me, either, but I’m sure somebody can track one down.
I like the idea of challenging myself to read more non-fiction titles. I don’t know why I never pick them up. I think you’ve inspired me to create a goal for myself. Thanks!
I’m glad I could inspire you! I enjoy non-fiction, but I end up putting it aside to keep up (as best I can!) with the new kids’ books.
I am intrigued by the Red Riding Hood book and really must look it up; it is always interesting to me to read of stories that evolve to be relevant to the times…I had never thought of Red Riding Hood being such a story!
You know, Beth…I have a rather a log of writing books on my shelf. Some on the craft, some on the journey, some on inspiration. Have I read them all? No, no I have not. Glad I made a stop here. Okay, just one more reading challenge and then for sure I am done, lol. Thanks!
I’m more tempted to buy non-fiction, but I don’t read most non-fiction books as quickly as I would fiction, so mine definitely add up! I need to get reading, as my TBR shelf has no more room!
Great non-fiction list! I’m reading Edna St. Vincent Millay’s biography, and as a Canadian I’m just discovering her! So far, v. interesting book.
you have a great list! good luck to you.
Wow this looks like a great list! I would start with the Ray Bradbury one. I will be sure to come back here and check out your posts on these books!