The Barrow-Downs Reading Challenge

[JennyHallu]

I am aware that all of us lead busy lives, and sometimes it's hard to find the time to read that we used to enjoy. I know that since I got married, I have hardly read for myself at all, and when I do, I have a bad habit of reading only light fiction. Therefore, I would like to invite you to join me in a challenge: to read, in a year, 40 books, in a variety of categories. If you are game, put the following form in a post, and edit it as you complete a book. Keep any comments or discussion on what you have read separate from your actual record of the Challenge. As for definition of Classics...use your own discretion.

Guidelines (or Rules, for those who Thrive On Them)

1. Only two (2) books by any given author are permitted. Fiction series count as a single book.
2. You should be reading this for the first time. Re-reads don't count!
3. These must be actual books, not websites, pamphlets, etc.
4. Textbooks or classroom books count only if they are read in their entirety.
5. "Recommended by Others" books may be recommended by friends, teachers, published book reviews, etc.
6. "Trade Books" are books in your profession/field. Parenting, etc., books count in this category.
7. "Religion/Philosophy" books should explore multiple theologies and/or viewpoints, rather than focusing in a single direction.
8. If you never finish the book, it doesn't count!
9. Feel free to modify categories to suit the challenges you need to make for yourself.
10. These are minimum requirements only. Voracious readers are encouraged in their voracity.

FICTION
CLASSICS
1.
2.
3.
RECOMMENDED BY OTHERS
4.
5.
CHILDREN'S NOVEL
6.
7.
MY CHOICE
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

NONFICTION
TRADE BOOKS
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
MEMOIR/BIOGRAPHY
18.
19.
POLITICAL
20.
21.
HISTORICAL
22.
23.
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
24.
25.
SOCIAL SCIENCES
26.
27.
RELIGION/PHILOSOPHY
28.
29.
30.
ARTS
31.
32.
MY CHOICE
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.

POETRY
39.
40.

[JennyHallu]

FICTION
CLASSICS
1.
2.
3.
RECOMMENDED BY OTHERS
4.
5.
CHILDREN'S NOVEL
6.
7.
MY CHOICE
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

NONFICTION
TRADE BOOKS
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
MEMOIR/BIOGRAPHY
18.
19.
POLITICAL
20.
21.
HISTORICAL
22.
23.
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
24.
25.
SOCIAL SCIENCES
26.
27.
RELIGION/PHILOSOPHY
28.
29.
30.
ARTS
31.
32.
MY CHOICE
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.

POETRY
39.
40.

[Mithalwen]

What do you mean by trade books?


This looks like good motivation for reading all the books I have bought and not read. But I have to say that the fiction/non fiction ratio is a bit harsh. And by poetry do you mean anthologies or that I finaly have to slog through the RIng and the Book or the Prelude... and no drama/ short stories?

[JennyHallu]

"Trade Books" are books in your profession/field. Parenting, etc., books count in this category.

I suppose these are books meant to help you improve at fulfilling your personal responsibilities, whether at work or home. I might fill this requirement with books on using Microsoft Office, or with books on marriage or financial planning. I haven't decided.

I thought of poetry as meaning anthologies...books of poetry.

And the fiction/non-fiction ratio IS harsh, but this is supposed to be a challenge, and I don't think I'm alone in admitting it is very difficult for me to work up the courage to read non-fiction.

Also, remember these are only minimum requirements. If you complete the fiction requirements and continue to read fiction books, keep listing them! Just don't forget you've committed to non-fiction also.

I'm probably going to start my non-fiction with a volume on the Vietnam war my husband owns...

EDIT: In my understanding, drama and short stories are counted under fiction, whether as classics, recommended, or personal choice. But, whatever book you list must have been read cover to cover: you cannot list short stories from an anthology individually, read them all!

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by JennyHallu

I suppose these are books meant to help you improve at fulfilling your personal responsibilities, whether at work or home. I might fill this requirement with books on using Microsoft Office, or with books on marriage or financial planning. I haven't decided.

I thought of poetry as meaning anthologies...books of poetry.

And the fiction/non-fiction ratio IS harsh, but this is supposed to be a challenge, and I don't think I'm alone in admitting it is very difficult for me to work up the courage to read non-fiction.

Also, remember these are only minimum requirements. If you complete the fiction requirements and continue to read fiction books, keep listing them! Just don't forget you've committed to non-fiction also.

I'm probably going to start my non-fiction with a volume on the Vietnam war my husband owns...

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeek - that may well cure my insomnia

And most of the non-fiction I read well I am sure the library will report me since I only seem to get stuff out on murder and forensic science and that will sound even worse if I claim it is research.....

[JennyHallu]

In my case, this is meant to challenge me to expand what I ordinarily read. Left to my own devices, I would read little but spy and light fantasy novels. (Odd mix, huh?) I'm hoping this public challenge, and the joy of company, will help kick-start me towards better reading habits.