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.