Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Birth Year Reading Challenge 2017


Hear ye, hear ye, the Birth Year Reading Challenge returns from its hiatus, ready to rock your reading world in 2017!

What makes this challenge different from the others out there? In a word: PRIZES! Here at the Hotchpot Cafe, everybody wins.

Special thanks to Steven Depolo for permission to use his photo (again)!

BIRTH YEAR READING CHALLENGE

What books were published the year you were born? This challenge encourages you to find out, and then read some of them. You might even draw some conclusions about what was going on in the literary world that year.

Wikipedia and GoodReads.com have lists of books by year published. Literary prize lists are a great source, and Googling “best books of ______” will also give you interesting results. (Feel free to comment and suggest other sources!)

Ready to join? Leave a comment and/or a link to your post, with your reading list. I promise no snarky comments will be made about your age.

RULES

1. Join anytime before March 1, 2017. The challenge ends at midnight EST on December 31, 2017.

2. If you're a prior participant in the BYRC and have already mined out the books from your birth year, you may substitute the birth year of a close family member as your year of choice. One year per participant per challenge, please. 

3. Books may come from your TBR pile or list, but they don’t have to.

4. Overlaps with other challenges are allowed and encouraged.

5. Change your book list at any time.

6. Reviews and reactions are encouraged, but you don’t need to have a blog to participate.

7. All genres and formats are eligible. If it’s a book, it counts. But for the book to count toward the Grand Prize and the Barnburner Prize, it must be 100 or more pages long.

8. One candle is awarded for each qualifying book you read. There is no limit on how few or how many candles you can earn.

9. Candles will be tracked at a “headquarters page” in the sidebar.

10. After you sign up, tell your friends! A sign-up post on your own blog would be very nice. Feel free to borrow the button for display on your blog, also.

PRIZES

When you meet your reading goal, you can select a book from my library–most likely an ex-library hardcover or a gently used trade paperback (a list will be provided)–and I’ll mail it to you. But keep reading because . . .

GRAND PRIZE

On January 1, 2018, the three readers who’ve earned the most candles will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 gift card from Amazon. You can be the kid in the candy store, and I can be the parent who foots the bill!

BARNBURNER PRIZE

The reader with the most candles on January 1, 2018, will receive a special customized prize package tailored to their reading interests.    

Are you in? Welcome! Please sign up by leaving a message in the comments, with your reading list or link.
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54 comments:

  1. Debbie RodgersJanuary 4, 2017 at 1:18 PM

    I can't do a sign-up post, Jane, but I will join in to read at least one book - and I'll blog about that one (or more) later in the year. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.January 4, 2017 at 1:21 PM

      That's awesome, Debbie! Welcome! Feel free to just use the comments if it's easier for you.

      Delete
  2. Debbie RodgersJanuary 4, 2017 at 1:21 PM

    May I use my husband's birth year? I've mined my own fairly well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.January 4, 2017 at 1:26 PM

      Yes, if you need to, go ahead. I think I'll amend the rules to allow that--good idea!

      Delete
  3. NanJanuary 4, 2017 at 3:51 PM

    Thanks for letting me know about this! I am in!! I'll do a post soon about it. This is really fun, and I know from listing the publication dates of my books that I have rarely, if ever, read a book published in my birth year. Maybe they weren't publishing books that long ago hahahaha!

    ReplyDelete
  4. NanJanuary 4, 2017 at 8:02 PM

    Here's my sign up post. Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  5. NanJanuary 4, 2017 at 8:13 PM

    http://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2017/01/birth-year-reading-challenge-2017.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.January 5, 2017 at 10:23 AM

      Yay! So glad you are in, Nan, and thanks for the gracious sign-up post. Also glad you found some books published in your year (wink, wink)! Three is a nice number.

      Delete
  6. Bev HankinsJanuary 4, 2017 at 8:43 PM

    Yay! I've been waiting for this to go live. I'll be back with a sign-up post soon!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bev HankinsJanuary 4, 2017 at 9:12 PM

    And...Here we go. My Sign-Up

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.January 5, 2017 at 10:35 AM

      Welcome, Bev! And what a varied list you've assembled--you were born in a great year! Thanks for the nice post, too; it's an honor that the BYRC was one of your first challenges.

      Delete
  8. BeckyJanuary 4, 2017 at 9:38 PM

    Definitely want to join will post about it this weekend. Will be back with sign up post!

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    Replies
    1. J.G.January 5, 2017 at 10:35 AM

      Excellent! Looking forward to seeing what you pick out!

      Delete
  9. RebeccaJanuary 4, 2017 at 9:56 PM

    Sounds interesting I'll join.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.January 5, 2017 at 10:39 AM

      Hi, Rebecca! I'm looking forward to seeing what you pick out.

      Delete
  10. UnknownJanuary 4, 2017 at 10:12 PM

    I'd like to join as well

    ReplyDelete
  11. TinaJanuary 5, 2017 at 4:50 AM

    Hello, I came to this blog and reading challenge via Letters from a Hill Farm. I'd like to join the challenge but am unclear on how to do that exactly. Just the comment suffices? Do I need to tell you my goal (5 from my birth year)? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.January 5, 2017 at 10:42 AM

      Hi, Tina, and welcome! You can make a post about your list if you have a blog (like Nan did), or just leave a comment here, listing the books from your birth year that you're planning to read. Either way works!

      Delete
    2. TinaJanuary 6, 2017 at 1:54 PM

      I don't have a blog, so here goes my list:
      Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
      Quiet American by Graham Greene
      Village School by Miss Read
      Village Diary by Miss Read
      Death in Berlin by M M Kaye
      Onions in the Stew by Betty MacDonald
      Less Than Angels by Barbara Pym

      Delete
    3. J.G.January 7, 2017 at 12:02 PM

      Looks like some good reading ahead, Tina! I've included you on the progress page now. Please comment as needed to report your reading progress. And welcome!

      Delete
  12. neerJanuary 5, 2017 at 1:00 PM

    Hi

    Thanks for letting me know of this. Like Bev, I too have waited for it to comeback. Now, I don't remember whether I read books from my birth-year for this challenge or not, so can I just choose a family member's birth-year?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.January 5, 2017 at 7:59 PM

      So glad you're back, Neer! Yes, go ahead and choose another birth year if you need to (see Rule 2).

      Delete
    2. neerJanuary 12, 2017 at 12:29 PM

      Celebrating the birth year of my adorable aunt. Here's the sign-up post:
      http://inkquilletc.blogspot.in/2017/01/reading-challenge-birth-year-2017.html

      Thanks once again for making this active again. Excited about the books.

      Delete
  13. Book DragonJanuary 5, 2017 at 4:57 PM

    I'm willing to try this one again! Here's my post

    ReplyDelete
  14. BeckyJanuary 6, 2017 at 7:30 PM

    My sign up post.

    ReplyDelete
  15. BeckyJanuary 6, 2017 at 7:51 PM

    I had a quick question regarding the counting of books aka the 'candles.' I read that books have to be 100 pages to count for the grandprize or the barnburner. So does that mean if I list any picture books I'd automatically be discounted? Or just have a candle (or two) subtracted but still be eligible? I doubt this will be an actual issue. Just curious! I wanted to read the Caldecott Honor/Winner of 1979 which were published in 1978.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.January 7, 2017 at 12:14 PM

      Hi, Becky - I linked your post on the progress page, so you're all set.
      To answer your question about picture books: those candles will count toward your personal prize, but not toward the Grand or Barnburner prizes (although you're still eligible for those).
      I've amended the rules to make that more clear (I hope). Let me know if you have other questions, and thanks for joining the BYRC!

      Delete
  16. UnknownJanuary 7, 2017 at 11:20 PM

    I don't have a blog, but here's my list (books are from 1996):
    The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
    Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood
    Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
    Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
    Drown by Junot Diaz
    Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
    Airframe by Michael Crichton

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.January 8, 2017 at 12:12 PM

      Welcome, Sahar! Great titles here! I've included you in the progress page and I hope you'll share your reactions in the comments there as you finish your books. Thanks for joining the BYRC!

      Delete
  17. UnknownJanuary 8, 2017 at 7:20 PM

    Hi I'll be doing this challenge this year. I hAve already started with listening to 'The Never-ending Story' which was published in 1979

    ReplyDelete
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    1. J.G.January 12, 2017 at 2:23 PM

      Hi, Pamela! Glad you're doing the challenge! Please let me know when you post your reading list (if you have a blog) or share your list in the comments. I bet 1979 was a great reading year.

      Delete
  18. BeccaJanuary 11, 2017 at 7:45 PM

    My sign up post is here
    http://completepoppycock.blogspot.com/2017/01/birth-year-reading-challenge.html

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.January 12, 2017 at 2:23 PM

      Hi, Becca - Got it! Thanks for joining and I hope you enjoy the books you've chosen. What a variety you have!

      Delete
  19. Sarah durhamJanuary 13, 2017 at 1:18 AM

    Here's my sign up post, now to go find books from '84

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.January 17, 2017 at 11:33 PM

      Welcome, Sarah! I've added your name. Just let me know when you choose your books, either in a blog post (if you have one) or in the comments. Good luck with your search through 1984!

      Delete
  20. SejalJanuary 25, 2017 at 6:27 AM

    Here's a sign up post by a 13 year old teenager

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.February 1, 2017 at 1:24 AM

      Welcome, Sejal! I've added you to the list. Let me know when you've chosen your books, okay?

      Delete
  21. James LeahJanuary 28, 2017 at 8:06 PM

    Hi, I love this challenge idea so much! I've been looking through the 'books published in 1990' list on Wiki and it's really interesting to see what's on there.

    Anyway, my sign up post is here (:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.February 1, 2017 at 1:26 AM

      Hi, James! Glad you like this challenge - and I'm sure you will, with the variety of books on your list! You're all signed up.

      Delete
  22. BarbaraJanuary 30, 2017 at 5:45 AM

    Hello three, I would like to join in but as my blog is about children’s books, I’m going to stick with those I hope that is OK. This is my first post http://marchhousebookscom.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/birth-year-reading-challenge-2017-part.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.February 1, 2017 at 1:33 AM

      Thanks for joining in, Barbara! I've added you to the list of participants.

      Just to clarify: you won't be eligible for the Grand Prize or the Barnburner Prize because your chosen books are so short, but they'll still qualify for a regular prize - and you'll have fun along the way, I hope!

      Delete
    2. J.G.February 1, 2017 at 1:37 AM

      P.S. Alternatively, set me straight if any of them are 100 pages or more! I realize I don't actually know their length - oops, spoke too soon. :-)

      Delete
    3. BarbaraFebruary 1, 2017 at 7:47 AM

      Hello J.G, I'm pretty sure lots of them are more than 100 pages - well the three I already have certainly are, but I can’t say about the others until I find them. I don’t mind at all about the prizes I just wanted to join in because it looks like a lot of fun. Besides I’m bending the rules, so I really don’t expect to win anything I’m just happy you are willing to accept my submission. It could take me months (years!) to find all the books on my list but as and when I do I will do an update post. Thanks again for the challenge; you have given me lots to think about. Barbara.

      Delete
    4. J.G.February 1, 2017 at 8:00 AM

      Okay, I'll be tracking everything you read and report, and please let me know which books are 100 pages or more. I'm glad you're flexible, because the mail point is to enjoy the search and visit an earlier time!

      Delete
  23. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2017 at 3:15 PM

    Hm! Other than having a 100-page rule, this theme is easier than I thought. A prize choice automatically for meeting our goal? Well, I want to be fair and not just blaze through the two I mentioned at my blog. I'll trust I can find a third in our wonderful home library but hope to read many more.

    I hope I have tempted you to "Gentle Spectrums" as well as "Ethereal 2017" with the colours you are already doing. :-) It makes sense to record them where I have prizes too! While I find that third book, here is my post! Yours sincerely, Carolyn. https://cmriedel.wordpress.com/2017/02/10/carolyns-birth-year-reading/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.February 15, 2017 at 2:50 PM

      Welcome, Carolyn! Three is a nice easy number and we are all about "do-able" with this challenge. I'm so happy you've decided to join in!

      Looking forward to hearing your answer about challenge overlaps with Gentle Spectrums, in another comment I've made. :-)

      Delete
  24. Bev HankinsFebruary 10, 2017 at 10:03 PM

    First Candle! Spice Island Mystery by Betty Cavanna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.February 15, 2017 at 2:32 PM

      Yay! You're on your way with your first candle shining brightly.

      Delete
  25. AFaccipoFebruary 26, 2017 at 10:07 AM

    I would like to join! Birth year:1991

    Would you like us to add books as we go? or do you prefer a list of books we plan to read ahead of time? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.February 26, 2017 at 12:39 PM

      Hi, Andrea! Welcome to the BYRC! Most people pick a list to start with, but you can add books as you go if you prefer that method.

      I myself prefer having a goal to aim for, but I understand some people like keeping things flexible. Just let me know what you decide so I can note it appropriately, okay?

      Delete
  26. AFaccipoFebruary 26, 2017 at 1:59 PM

    Thanks! I think I will just add as I go then. Look forward to reading with everyone!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.G.March 30, 2017 at 9:36 AM

      It's working nicely for you so far . . . :-)

      Delete

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