In 2012 I will be participating in the Mixing It Up Challenge. You, too, could participate in this challenge and expand your reading repertoire. Just go here for more information and to sign up.
In an effort to round out my reading this year, I’m vowing to read one book from at least 13 of the 16 listed categories. Although I’m tempted to go for the All the Trimmings and a Cherry on Top participation level, I’m keeping it real and admitting that between my two book clubs, I may be over-committing. So, I’ll be a Two-Tier Cake-r this year. Confused yet? Read this blog for more information on the challenge.
Without further ado, the categories, and my brainstorming:
CLASSICS
Considering some Willa Cather, but considering going back to some of those should-have-read-in-high-school novels, such as Scarlet Letter or Three Musketeers.
BIOGRAPHY
I absolutely love reading biographies, but to be honest, don’t have any on my “to-read” list. However, I know that Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff has been getting a lot of attention recently, so I may have to check it out.
COOKERY, FOOD AND WINE
The author of this challenge suggested a book on wine for this category. If I can pair this with some real-life research, I’m down!
HISTORY
On tap for my July book club meeting is Unbroken by Lauren Hillenbrand, a WWII story named by TIME magazine as “the best nonfiction book of the year”. We also have Franklin and Eleanor by Hazel Rowley and Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure by Matthew Algeo coming up in February and April.
MODERN FICTION
And this is the category where I’ll fit in my recent addiction: Meg Cabot’s Queen of Babble series.
GRAPHIC NOVELS AND MANGA
This genre will (would) be entirely new for me, and quite a stretch out of my comfort zone. May be one of the 1-3 genres I skip. We’ll see…
CRIME AND MYSTERY
Paying homage to my mother, I will probably zip through an Agatha Christie or two in 2012, but I also plan to enjoy a few more of the Stephanie Plum series. In addition, Hardball, by Sara Paretsky, is on my book club’s list for March.
HORROR
I can honestly say I’ve never read a horror novel, but on my to-read list for quite some time has been Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood.
ROMANCE
The latest Nicholas Sparks? Yes, please.
SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY
Ugh. This is my general reaction to science fiction and fantasy. If I re-read the Harry Potter series, does that count? (Maybe I’ll sign up for the Harry Potter Reading Challenge.)
TRAVEL
B gifted me with travel guides on London and Paris in preparation for our 2013 European vacation, so you can bet I’ll be scouring these in 2012.
POETRY AND DRAMA
I always enjoy poetry more than I think I will. Since I honestly never think to sit down and read it, I will appreciate taking the time to do so this year. I’m thinking some springtime reading…
JOURNALISM AND HUMOUR
This genre will take some research for me. It’s another one that I’m not too familiar with. Maybe I’ll check out one of those Chelsea Handler books that always look like they’ll annoy me… or maybe I’ll delve deeper and read a journalist’s collected works. Hmm….
SCIENCE AND NATURAL HISTORY
After reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks this year, I’m honestly not sure I can put myself through another work in this genre so soon…
CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG ADULT
In my profession, this one should not be a problem!
I’ll keep you updated on my favorites of 2012.
SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PHILOSOPHY
I gave B a copy of Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar by Thomas Cathcart this Christmas. The subtitle, Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes, sounds like it’s right up my alley.
Not sure this challenge is for you, but interested in learning about some others? Check out this blog, one of my favorite literature-based reads, for some more ideas.
Completed Reads
CLASSICS
The Great Gatsby by F. Scot Fitzgerald
BIOGRAPHY
Half-Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
COOKERY, FOOD AND WINE
Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell
HISTORY
Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip by Matthew Algeo
MODERN FICTION
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
GRAPHIC NOVELS AND MANGA
Homecoming by Meg Cabot
CRIME AND MYSTERY
The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
HORROR
ROMANCE
The Villa by Nora Roberts
SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
TRAVEL
POETRY AND DRAMA
JOURNALISM AND HUMOUR
Drop Dead Healthy by A. J. Jacobs
SCIENCE AND NATURAL HISTORY
CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG ADULT
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
SOCIAL SCIENCES AND PHILOSOPHY
Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived by Rob Bell