Monday, November 30, 2009

Welcome to the Challenge

The What's in a Name Challenge, hosted for its first two years by Annie, was the challenge that pushed me over the edge and got me into blogging. I've always had a soft spot for this one.

Annie, a young teenager, has decided to relinquish her hosting duties for this challenge. I just can't let it go. I hope people can find a place for this in their challenge schedules. There's a lot of room for flexibility and it's only six books!

Picking the categories was harder than I thought it would be. For inspiration I turned to Annie's challenge blog. Last summer, she asked participants to suggest categories, and people came up with some great ideas. I stole many of them.

So here's how it works: Between January 1 and December 31, 2010, read one book in each of the following categories:
  1. A book with a food in the title: Clockwork Orange, Grapes of Wrath, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
  2. A book with a body of water in the title: A River Runs through It, Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, The Lake House
  3. A book with a title (queen, president) in the title: The Murder of King Tut, The Count of Monte Cristo, Lady Susan
  4. A book with a plant in the title: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Wind in the Willows, The Name of the Rose
  5. A book with a place name (city, country) in the title: Out of Africa; London; Between, Georgia
  6. A book with a music term in the title: Song of Solomon, Ragtime, The Piano Teacher
The book titles are just suggestions, you can read whatever book you want to fit the category.

Other Things to Know
  • Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
  • Books may overlap other challenges.
  • Books may not overlap categories; you need a different book for each category.
  • Creativity for matching the categories is allowed.
  • You do not have to make a list of books before hand.
  • You do not have to read through the categories in any particular order.
  • There will be a single prize at the end of the challenge. Readers who complete the challenge and write up a wrap-up post (or wrap-up comment) are eligible. I'll figure out a way to make it international.
On January 1, I'll publish 7 posts, each with a Mr. Linky (one for each category and one for your wrap-up post), on this blog so you'll have a place post links to your reviews (bloggers) or leave comments (non-bloggers) as you finish up each category.

To join in, sign up with Mr. Linky below. If you aren't a blogger, just add a comment. EDIT: Apparently some people cannot see Mr. Linky. If you can't see the box for adding your link, either try again later or click on "Email Me" in the side bar with your information and I'll add the link myself.

I hope you like the categories! Have fun and good luck.

125 comments:

Kay said...

Yay!

I'm so glad the challenge still exists in 2010, as I've been seeing it now and then in the previous years and always wanted to be a part of it.

It looks like now I can, thank you so much :)

Janet said...

This is one of my favorite challenges too. Thanks for taking up the hosting. You've got great categories.

Kim said...

Hooray Beth! I too am a big fan of this challenge--having completing it the past 2 years. I am so glad to see you are going to take up the mantle.I will post about it later on my blog. I have to say, a couple of your categories will be a challenge for me, I think! ;)
*smiles*

AlleluiaLu said...

Thanks for taking over this challenge! It looks like a lot of fun. I like challenges with categories because it makes me read something I might not pick up otherwise.

And, I love, love, love the button! It's beautiful! Of course, I'm partial to pianos.

Suzanne said...

Sounds like an interesting challenge -- I probably have a few books on the to-read pile that would qualify.

Robin M said...

Just when I was deciding to limit signing up for more challenges. This looks so much fun, I can't resist.

Suzanne said...

Just a question on what kind of books would qualify; I'm currently reading Gourmet Rhapsody by Muriel Barbery - if I waited to read it until next year would it have counted as the food category?
I'm stretching, I know -- but it says creativity is allowed :-)

Beth F said...

Suzanne -- creativity is definitely allowed. Last year a category was "medical condition" -- I used Hunger Games. I'm not sure if Hunger is a medical condition, but I used it anyway.

Gourmet is a bit of an extra stretch, but the challenge is supposed to be fun, so use what you need to.

Anonymous said...

This sounds like great fun! And since I read so many books anyway...

Anonymous said...

This is the challenge that pushed me into blogging too. Thank you so much for taking it on. I'll be back with a post when I've perused my shelves.

Helen said...

This sounds like a fun challenge. I'm signing up. :)

Book Dragon said...

My medical term last year was death!

I'm glad it's being hosted again for 2010, even though I do not need another challenge.

I know I don't need a list right away but I was able to use two review books and a book from another challenge.

See you in January with my first book! ~crossing fingers~

Nely said...

I'm so glad that you've taken up the challenge. This was also one of the first challenges I ever did and I have a soft spot for it too. I'm actually looking forward to it.

♥Nely

Lizzy Siddal said...

Oh well done! This is a great challenge and I'm pleased to sign up for it once more.

Andrea said...

So for place name could I use the word "city" like City of Glass?

Daphne said...

I"m so glad you decided to keep this challenge going. I've been working on my list!

Veens said...

Hi Beth! Glad this challenge is up again! I have 1 more book to go for the last years challenge :D! but i m all in for this year as well!!

i can't see any Mr. Linky though!

Nise' said...

So glad you are taking over this challenge, it has been one of my favorites!

Is it my computer, I do not see a Mr. Linky icon to sign up?

twiga92 said...

Even though I failed at this challenge this year, I want to try again next year. I'll put up a post with my potential choices in the next couple of weeks.

Nosilas said...

So cool! I've been excited about joining this challenge in 2010 since I saw it in October. Yay, can't wait to get started!

Beth F said...

Andrea: yep City of of Glass could work.

Irish said...

I think I'm in again. We'll have to see how it goes...I tend to play things by ear so who knows if I will or won't but its all in fun. Yes?

Andrea said...

I don't see a Mr. Linky.
The link to my post is http://thelilbookworm.blogspot.com/2009/11/whats-in-name-challenge-3.html

Kals said...

This is too much fun for me to resist! I've joined the challenge too. Thanks for hosting =)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for running this challenge - I have seen it before and vowed to do it this year :)

Have my post up on my challenge blog aka Mr Linky. Have got books that fit the first three categories - so just need to find the rest :)

Dorte H said...

Thank you for hosting this one. It seems as if it should be simple enough to find criminal solutions.

Sherrie said...

Hi Beth,
I did this challenge this year and really liked picking out my books. I'll be joining you on this one. Have a great day!

Sherrie
Just Books

Cat said...

Sounds like a fun challenge...I look forward to participating.

Anonymous said...

Help me with the link to join the challenge.

Thanks,

princesalinda22@hotmail.com

Grilsgood said...

I like one in each category. This will again be fun

Yvonne said...

I am still trying to complete 2009's challenge. Am 1 book away, and that book is in my hands, just a matter of finishing it. I love this challenge; manageable and fun!

Sharon said...

I've sorted out my books for the challenge, looking forward to starting in January.

Anonymous said...

I will be entering into the challenge. I already have my books picked out! Now I just have to find them.

princsalinda22@hotmail.com

Julie P. said...

I'm in! This should be a fun one!

Veens said...

Hi Beth, I am in ! :) :)

Literate Housewife said...

I was able to find books already on my shelves for each category, so it works well with my goal of reading deliberately. I am in! BTW, while researching for this, I discovered nutmeg was a plant. I did not know that before. Most excellent! :)

I'll be writing up my signing up post this weekend.

distractedmusician said...

This sounds great! I'm going to search through my TBR pile for fitting titles.

Thanks!

Unknown said...

this sounds like fun! can't wait to get started!!! :)

Amused said...

I love how this forces me to be creative with my reading!

BooksPlease said...

Glad you're doing this! I've taken part in the other two challenges - this year I haven't quite finished it, but I really enjoy it.

Sharon said...

Thanks for doing this. I've done this challenge for the last two years and was going to miss it!

Sam Viner said...

So excited!
Is a beverage, like coffee or tea, too much of a stretch for the food category?

Beth F said...

Sam: a bit of a stretch perhaps, but I'm all for stretching the categories. Just have some fun.

Elizabeth said...

I'm in - have been looking forward to joining this one!

Agnes said...

Looking forward to this one - I plan to combine it with the Countdown Challenge as well.

Dorte H said...

I am going to participate in this one for the first time, and I am really looking forward to it.

If anyone needs inspiration, I have a long list of my readers´ suggestions here:
http://djskrimiblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/readers-suggest-whats-in-name.html

Momrempel said...

Looking forward to joining this challenge for the first time! Thanks for the opportunity

Anonymous said...

I'm excited to be joining in this challenge for 2010! My post can be found here which lists the books I plan to read. Thanks for hosting!

Terri said...

This was my favorite challenge last year. Glad to see it again, and the categories are great! Thanks Beth.

Anonymous said...

I only just started a blog for the books I read, so this will be my first challenge! I'm looking forward to it. :-)

K

Judy (Cover to Cover) said...

I'm relatively new to the world of book blogging and am very excited to join my first ever challenge. I have some of my books selected and will be reading from both my ereader and traditional forms. Thanks Beth :-)

Jeanne said...

Saw this on Irene's blog and am very excited about joining in. Have my books picked out.

Jenners said...

Just linked up ... this is fun one! Thanks for keeping it alive!

Kristi said...

I don't have a blog but I would love to participate. I'll just leave comments as I complete each category. Thanks for hosting the challenge.

Carrie said...

Looking forward to this challenge!

MJ said...

Will finish what I'm reading now, Snowflower and the Secret Fan, and then get busy choosing just the right book for this interesting challenge.
Glad I stumbled here.

Emily said...

I read about this challenge on Literate Housewife's blog, and it just sounded like so much fun I couldn't pass it up. I don't have a blog, though (maybe someday). Mind if I join you anyway?

Amanda (aka Tigermadstanley) said...

Wow! Sounds like a fab challenge and I'm in. I'm also going to set it for my son as part of our homeschool curriculum next year.

Blessings
Amanda
http://healthyfrugalhome.blogspot.com/2009/12/challenges-just-seem-to-be-calling-to.html

Sue said...

I had fun with this challenge last year and am so glad it's continuing. I have posted my list on my blog:
http://www.careyfamily.org/whats-in-a-name-3/

Melissa said...

I don't have a blog, but I would love to join in. This will be my first reading challenge. Maybe it will give me a push to start my own blog.

Jabbercookie said...

Hey, I accidentally put my name on Mr. Linky twice. Sorry about that!! ^.^

I'm a brand new blogger, and this is my first book challenge. I already know the first book I'm gonna read: The African Queen by C. S. Forrester. It's also a movie with Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.

I'm excited about this challenge. By providing categories, I think it'll be an effective way to find extracurricular novels that removes the the pressure of asking yourself "what the heck do I read next from the huge number TBR books on my bookshelf?" ^.^

Check out my blog at: http://gimmesomebooklearnin.blogspot.com/

Bridget said...

After reading about this on other blogs, I've decided I should give it a try! Thanks for hosting this.

Anonymous said...

This is great - thanks so much for hosting this - This is my first year participating in Reading Challenges and I'm looking forward to the extra challenge in this one!

Daniel said...

I'm not a regular blogger, but I'd like to join the challenge, and I might start a small blog for it. Great idea, thanks for hosting it!

Anonymous said...

I promised myself that I wouldn't join this challenge again. Not that it isn't a great challenge. I just overdid it in 2009. This will be the last challenge I agree to do for 2010. I have a limit of 10 challenges.

My Little Corner said...

I read about your book challenge from another blog. I am looking forward to this challenge as it will be my first. Great Categories!

Darlyn said...

i think i'm also gonna try this challenge..kind of excited!

Novroz said...

this sounds fun :)

I don't know if I can finish it or not...but I'd love to give it a try :)

I'll write an introduction for the challenge soon.

kreed said...

So glad you are going to host! I am a big fan of this challenge as Annie and her family are dear friends of ours! :)

jeannette said...

looking forward - looks like fun!

Tiina said...

This seems like a fun challenge. Count me in!

Greetings,
Tiina

gege said...

me! me! i want to join this! :)

LuAnn said...

This sounds like so much fun! I'm definitely going to give it a go!

LuAnn said...

Oh, good grief! I ended up with the wrong link at Mr. Linky. It should be:
http://lumorgan.blogspot.com/2009/12/whats-in-name-challenge.html
I don't know if you can change it or not?

Odessa said...

I've decided to go for this one as well as All About the Brontes, what the heck. I read enough anyway, this may help me find some interesting new titles.

Nicole, The Book Lover said...

Hello! I can't wait to begin this challenge, oh who am I kidding, Im not waiting! I have my first book in my hand ready to begin the minute I finish this post (lucky Aussies get a 12hr head start over you Americans!lol)
But I do have a quick question; challenge one is books with food in the title, well I actually have 2 books I am planning to read this year with food in the title ("The Grapes of Wrath" and "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society")should I post a link for both or just pick which book I preferred?
Thanks and Happy Reading!
http://bookywooks.blogspot.com/

Laurie said...

So sorry for the double sign up- I messed up my URL on the first one.

Andrea said...

I had fun doing this challenge last year, and can't wait to do this years!

Pixie said...

I just found this challenge. Can I still join? It looks like a lot of fun.

Cara said...

What news! Thanks a lot for hosting the challenge this year! The categories are great & I am already looking forward to choosing the books in the next few days...

Happy Reading!

retroredux said...

Thanks for hosting this Beth! It was so much fun last year.

Here's the link to my post about it

http://retroreduxsreviews.blogspot.com/2010/01/whats-in-name-challenge-3.html

Anonymous said...

Once again I’m aiming to do this with all-Australian titles. These are my choices:
Food: Pickle to Pie by Glenice Whitting
Body of water: either Searching for the Secret River by Kate Grenville or Ron McCoy’s Sea of Diamonds by Gregory Day
Title (queen, president): Nothing Like a Dame, the Life of Dame Phyllis Frost by Bernadette Clohesy
Plant: Tamarisk Row by Gerald Murnane
Place name (city, country): Out of Ireland by Christopher Koch
Music term: The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith by Thomas Keneally.
I'll be reviewing the books on my blog http://anzlitlovers.wordpress.com
Thanks for hosting, Beth!
Lisa Hill, ANZ LitLovers

Kelly said...

Looking forward to this challenge. Here is the link to my blog post for this challenge.

http://kellysreadingdaydreamsandnightmares.blogspot.com/2010/01/whats-in-name-3-challenge.html

Anonymous said...

I'm soooo looking forward to this. I completed it last year, and the categories are great again this year.

Christine said...

Thanks for hosting such a fun challenge, Beth! I just signed up.

Julie J. said...

I've joined the challenge! I said I wasn't going to join in anymore this year but I couldn't pass this one up! Check me out at My Own Little Corner of the World and view my sign up post!

Martha Eskuchen said...

Thanks for a fun challenge and for the welcome comment! I'm linked up now!

beastmomma said...

I am so excited for this challenge. Thank you for hosting so that it can continue.

Phyl said...

I don't often do that well on reading challenges, but I really like this one, so I'm giving it a try!

Katie said...

So glad to have found this challenge to join... it's much different than the others I've joined and I'm looking forward to it!

Katie said...

So glad to have found this challenge to join... it's much different than the others I've joined and I'm looking forward to it!

cessie said...

This challenge sounds different and fun to do so I signed up for it. Really looking forward to find books for this challenge!
Happy Reading!

Tracey said...

Yay! Thank you so much for being our new host. I love the categories.

Teddyree said...

I think I'll join this one, sounds like fun but a quick question.

A book with WATER in the title would that count for food. Pushing the boundaries too much??

eg Eternal on the Water

Lynn said...

I love these categories!

Teddyree said...

Post done and all signed up. Thanks!

Teddyree said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Count me in!

Zareth Lim said...

I haven't read much in a long while. This seems like a good way to dive back in.

Buried In Print said...

This is the first time I've heard of this challenge but I've had so much fun picking through my TBR list with these categories in mind. First up for me will be the book with a plant in the title: Jonah's Gourd Vine - Zora Neale Hurston (1934), which I'll be posting about here. Thanks!

Jody said...

This is a great challenge. Thanks for hosting.

Jabbercookie said...

Hi!

I'm listed as #108 - I've changed my blog name from Gimme Some Book Learnin to Old Fashioned Book Learnin'. Should I sign the list again to update it?

Thanks,
Kimberly M.S.
Old Fashioned Book Learnin'

Bibliobabe said...

I posted a page with ALL current reading challenges. Let me know if you want me to add any other information about yours. I hope it brings even more readers to The What's in a Name Challenge!
Reading Challenges.

Rachelle (Bibliobabe)

losseloth said...

Finally got around to signing up!
(I used my LibraryThing thread for my reads this year, hope that's ok)

Julie P said...

Great idea for a challenge--thanks!

Tea said...

I've grown weak again. I can't resist. It looks like to much fun. I'm in.

connolly-ahern said...

I know I'm starting late, but this challenge looks really fun!

connolly-ahern said...

I am joining late, but really looking forward to the challenge!

Anonymous said...

My mom and big sister are doing this challenge, so I am joining too. My name is Ellie and I am 9 years old. This challenge will help me get through my reading log at school!

Beth F said...

Ellie: Welcome to the challenge. I hope you, your sister and your mom have lots of fun finding your books and then reading them.

Anonymous said...

I did this challenge the first Annie hosted it and I had totally forgotten about it since. Today I heard about it and I thought, "Hey, why not give it a try?"
So my question is: is it OK to join in May? And if so, should I count books I read prior to signing up?

Masanobu

Beth F said...

Masanobu-tomoe: Sign up! As long as you read the book in 2010 you can count it for this challenge. I can't find an email address so I can't contact you directly.

Anonymous said...

It's fine, thank you!

Hailey said...

Just signed up based on a recommendation from a friend. Can't wait to get started!

Hailey A

Annika said...

Just signed up! Better late than never, or so does my mom say ;)
I hope there's no problem with reading the books in other languages, considering this is international. Is it okay if I read and review them in Spanish?

Enbrethiliel said...

+JMJ+

I'm even later than ChocolateMe, but at least I'm not over the year's halfway mark! (But just barely!)

This is a good challenge. I wish I had heard of it earlier!

CatMom said...

I'm just joining the challenge now!

Thanks!

Donna said...

I'm accepting the challenge too. I'm a late blogger (just started in April). But I can catch up.

Anonymous said...

Better to join late than never! I'm glad to see that the challenge is around again this year, and look forward to finding books for your categories.
~Rebecca

Kristi said...

I finally started my blog so that I can link reviews rather than post them in the comments. Thanks for hosting the challenge. These have been fun books to read.

kavyen said...

This is an interesting challenge. I only wish I had seen this earlier :( Well, better late than never!

Dara Young said...

I have completed the challenge ( I hope they all count LOL!) Here is a link: http://darayoungwrites.com/2010/10/05/reading-challenge-update/

Sharon said...

Finished! My list is here: http://abookwormsjourney.blogspot.com/2009/12/whats-in-name-challenge.html

Thanks again, this is always a fun challenge!

Wakela said...

I figured that since the year isn't quite over yet, between what I have already read and reviewed this year, plus the last 2 weeks, I should be able to get this done.

Grilsgood said...

no blog so posting ;here\

Food: Koontz, Dean Dark Rivers of the Heart as in Chicken Hearts
Water: Wiggs, Susan The Ocean Between Us
Title Roberts, Nora Playboy Prince
Plant Kehret, Peg Saving Lilly
Place Saul, John Black Creek Crossing
Music Proulx, Annie Accordian Crimes