A couple more won't hurt

I've decided to join in on a couple more challenges. So far, I don't think I'm overcommited, but I didn't think so last year, either. But, I have fun just thinking about what I might read for the challenges. So, even if I don't finish them, that's O.K. I'm certainly not going to stress over it. So, I'm going to give these a try:

My Year of Reading Dangerously Challenge 2009

I participated in this one last year and was pretty successful, I think I read 9 or 10 out of the 12 selections for the year. Not bad. This year the requirement is also twelve books; however, they can be any books of your choosing. There isn't a specific list this year. It runs January 1 - December 31. Participants are encouraged to read books that have been challenged or banned, new to you genres, books that seem to inhabit a permanent space on your stacks, or authors you're afraid of. There is a list of books that the hosts are considering if you're interested. I haven't put together a full list, yet, but I think I'll include some science fiction (a genre I don't particularly care for), definitely some frequently banned/challenged books, and maybe a few authors/books I'm afraid of -- Ulysses by Joyce, Inferno by Dante, etc. Hopefully, I'll get a list together soon and post it in the sidebar.

The 2009 Pub Challenge

This is a no-brainer for me. The rules are simply read nine books that are first published in 2009. I normally read a great deal of new fiction every year. So, this shouldn't be a problem. At least five books have to be fiction (again, no problem here) and crossovers are allowed. No children's/YA books because in the words of the host, "we're at the pub." Check out the challenge blog for all the rules and to sign up.

The Year of Mini Challenges

This one is a little more challenging, but I really like the idea. There are twelve mini-challenges. Of course, they include reading (short stories, a play, nonfiction, a classic, etc.), but they also include other things like promoting literacy and going to a book event. I do have some books in mind for some of these. Once again, I'll be posting them in the sidebar soon. Check this one out because it really does look like fun.

O.K., finally there's the Modern Library's 100 Best Novels Challenge ( but this is a perpetual challenge, so no time pressure!)

The idea is to simply read the Modern Library's list of what they chose as the best 100 novels. There are a couple options available. I've been trying to do this for a while anyway. So, I thought I might as well join the challenge.

I had already signed up for the Read Your Name, What's in a Name 2009, and Chunkster 09. So that is six timed challenges and one perpetual challenge. I think that's doable.