elegantlion Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 As an alternate for the book a week reading challenge I offer the 20/20/20 challenge. I've almost completed the 999 challenge and have no desire to stretch for 100 books in 2010. Instead I offer this: 1. Read 20 books (minimum 2 books each from 10 authors/categories) - for instance I want to read 2 books by Bradbury, 2 books by CS Lewis, 2 books about King Arthur, etc. 2. Read 20 books (10 books minimum from 2 additional categories) - This will allow us to dig deeper into two subjects. One of mine will be writing, the other probably books on classical education or civilizations. 3. Read 20 additional books in any category. - These can be added onto any category or a separate category. In total you will read 60 books in the 2010. I've been thinking about this and for me it addresses some issues I had with 999. - you can be more focused with your categories - I found a few focused interests last year and being able to dig deeper into a subject will allow me time to absorb the information. - This will allow me to add or not add the books I end up prereading for ds. While I do read many they aren't necessarily for my own self-ed, kwim. I was thinking we could change the 999 reading challenge to this if there was enough interest. Please post if you have any questions or comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 This sounds much more doable to me than the 999 challenge. I think I might actually be able to keep up with this one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 Yes, this sounds more doable than the 999 or the read a book a week challenges. I like the idea of delving more deeply into an author or subject. Bradbury and writing will also be on my list in 2010. So, yes, I like this one. Count me in. (Said with some anxiety.....) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacquelyn in NC Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 That sounds good to me, too. I like being able to split it into some shallow reading categories as well as doing some more in-depth study. BTW, even though they are not part of this board, my parents have both been doing the reading challenges with us the last two years. It's fun to hear what they've been studying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn in Mo Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 It sounds good, but I am still a huge fan of the Book-a-week challenge. It was an uncomplicated goal for me to strive for. Some weeks, I didn't get to read any, other weeks, I fit in 2 or 3. For a gal who spent the last few years feeling like there just wasn't any time for me to read (my favorite pastime) I am so thankful this challenge was issued. I needed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luanne Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 My daughter wants to do the 52 books in 52 weeks thing, but I think I will do this one instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpupg Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 1. Read 20 books (minimum 2 books each from 10 authors/categories)- for instance I want to read 2 books by Bradbury, 2 books by CS Lewis, 2 books about King Arthur, etc. 2. Read 20 books (10 books minimum from 2 additional categories) - This will allow us to dig deeper into two subjects. One of mine will be writing, the other probably books on classical education or civilizations. 3. Read 20 additional books in any category. - These can be added onto any category or a separate category. In total you will read 60 books in the 2010. It sounds good, but I am still a huge fan of the Book-a-week challenge. It was an uncomplicated goal for me to strive for. Hmmm both appealing ... I'm considering using the 20/20/20 guidelines, but backing out 8 books to make 52. Thanks for the ideas :) Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renai Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 (edited) Interesting. :lurk5: Do we choose our own categories? I didn't know about all those other challenges, so I don't know how you regularly do it. Edited December 11, 2009 by Renai added question Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swimmermom3 Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 Count me in, Paula. My reading has been so all over the board that I would relish some focus right now. Thank you for taking the time to pull the idea together. Social group? Place for discussion? One frustration I experience currently is desiring to discuss what I am reading and no one to discuss it with. The cat now knows more about some topics than is good for him.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 Count me in, Paula. My reading has been so all over the board that I would relish some focus right now. Thank you for taking the time to pull the idea together. Social group? Place for discussion? One frustration I experience currently is desiring to discuss what I am reading and no one to discuss it with. The cat now knows more about some topics than is good for him.:D :lol: My plants know a lot, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 11, 2009 Author Share Posted December 11, 2009 Interesting. :lurk5:Do we choose our own categories? I didn't know about all those other challenges, so I don't know how you regularly do it. Yes, you are free to categorize however you desire. I'm not super strict about sticking with mine anyway and may not decide them all at the first of the year. I need a more organic approach to my reading. If I chose them all up front I'll only rebel against myself and change them just because I can. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 11, 2009 Author Share Posted December 11, 2009 (edited) Count me in, Paula. My reading has been so all over the board that I would relish some focus right now. Thank you for taking the time to pull the idea together. Social group? Place for discussion? One frustration I experience currently is desiring to discuss what I am reading and no one to discuss it with. The cat now knows more about some topics than is good for him.:D I hear you on the discussion. We have the 999 social group, which I plan to modify, for at least one outlet on discussion. I need to dust off the social group first, it hasn't been used in a while (blush). Edited December 11, 2009 by elegantlion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 I'm in. But I will categorize *after* the fact next year. This year there were some things I thought I'd like to read but put aside because I'd not left myself a "miscellaneous" category. I hope 999 will be one thing I don't fail at this year.... so I will be reading quite a bit from now until the 11:59pm on the 31st! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 11, 2009 Author Share Posted December 11, 2009 I'm in. But I will categorize *after* the fact next year. This year there were some things I thought I'd like to read but put aside because I'd not left myself a "miscellaneous" category. I hope 999 will be one thing I don't fail at this year.... so I will be reading quite a bit from now until the 11:59pm on the 31st! You are so wise. My goal is to finish "The Odyssey" before the end of the year. 5 1/2 chapters to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 11, 2009 Author Share Posted December 11, 2009 A new social group that will host the 20/20/20 challenge as well as Robin's book-a-week program, with her gracious permission. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/group.php?groupid=106 Please feel free to join in, start a discussion about what you plan to read, what you've read, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AuntieM Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 I forgot to say what flashed through my mind when I first saw this thread title... "Twenty times twenty... Ack! FOUR HUNDRED?!!!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 11, 2009 Author Share Posted December 11, 2009 I forgot to say what flashed through my mind when I first saw this thread title... "Twenty times twenty... Ack! FOUR HUNDRED?!!!" I'm not that brave!:confused::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockermom Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 I'm not that brave!:confused::lol: I was more hopeful.. I thought, 20 divided by 20=1 divided by 20 = 1/20... woohoo! I can get by with 1/20 of a book this year!!! Grumble, mumble... count me in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alice Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 I'm in. I did the 999 challenge this year, although I won't have quite completed it. I've probably read the number of books, but I cheated at the end by just reading a lot of fiction. I liked being more intentional in my reading, although I also realized I need to leave room for rabbit trails during the year. I also liked that having the different categories forced me to expand my horizons a bit. I tend to read mostly fiction, but this year I discovered that I really enjoyed biography and I read more non-fiction that I enjoyed quite a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 I want in this year, but will have to make it work alongside my must read with or before my sophomore and middle schooler. As an alternate for the book a week reading challenge I offer the 20/20/20 challenge. I've almost completed the 999 challenge and have no desire to stretch for 100 books in 2010. Instead I offer this: 1. Read 20 books (minimum 2 books each from 10 authors/categories) - for instance I want to read 2 books by Bradbury, 2 books by CS Lewis, 2 books about King Arthur, etc. 2. Read 20 books (10 books minimum from 2 additional categories) - This will allow us to dig deeper into two subjects. One of mine will be writing, the other probably books on classical education or civilizations. 3. Read 20 additional books in any category. - These can be added onto any category or a separate category. In total you will read 60 books in the 2010. I've been thinking about this and for me it addresses some issues I had with 999. - you can be more focused with your categories - I found a few focused interests last year and being able to dig deeper into a subject will allow me time to absorb the information. - This will allow me to add or not add the books I end up prereading for ds. While I do read many they aren't necessarily for my own self-ed, kwim. I was thinking we could change the 999 reading challenge to this if there was enough interest. Please post if you have any questions or comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Okay, I'll do this too. I really like the idea of going deeper into a couple of areas. I'll spend my vacation in nowhere, FL (at my mil's) the week after Christmas planning my reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 I was more hopeful.. I thought, 20 divided by 20=1 divided by 20 = 1/20... woohoo! I can get by with 1/20 of a book this year!!! Grumble, mumble... count me in. :D Me too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 12, 2009 Author Share Posted December 12, 2009 I was more hopeful.. I thought, 20 divided by 20=1 divided by 20 = 1/20... woohoo! I can get by with 1/20 of a book this year!!! Grumble, mumble... count me in. :D Me too... Well maybe if your one book was Don Quixote or Moby Dick. :lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Well maybe if your one book was Don Quixote or Moby Dick. :lol::lol: I've already read both. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 12, 2009 Author Share Posted December 12, 2009 I've already read both. :lol: War and Peace? Le Morte d'Arthur? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Hey...Who are you laughing at! I'm stuck reading Don Quixote in teeny, tiny print and slowly loosing whats left of my eyesight. This book prolly (lol) will be the end of me, but I'm reading the big-old-tiny print-stinking-thing as an example to dd and ds. (I'm actually enjoying the story, it's the text size that's killing me.) Earlier this year, ds and I waded through the ever awful Moby Dick together. He btw...loved it.:tongue_smilie: Well maybe if your one book was Don Quixote or Moby Dick. :lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 12, 2009 Author Share Posted December 12, 2009 (edited) Hey...Who are you laughing at! I'm stuck reading Don Quixote in teeny, tiny print and slowly loosing whats left of my eyesight. This book prolly (lol) will be the end of me, but I'm reading the big-old-tiny print-stinking-thing as an example to dd and ds. (I'm actually enjoying the story, it's the text size that's killing me.) Earlier this year, ds and I waded through the ever awful Moby Dick together. He btw...loved it.:tongue_smilie: I own Don Quixote but haven't been brave enough to read it yet. I waffled back and forth on which edition based upon font size, so I know what you mean. Congrats to tackling it and Moby Dick (which will prolly (smile) be on my list in 2011). Edited December 12, 2009 by elegantlion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Thank you for understanding. Word to the wise...Be careful when suggesting your 12 yo pick the next book. I now know more about whaling than I'll ever need to know. I own Don Quixote but haven't been brave enough to read it yet. I waffled back and forth on which edition based upon font size, so I know what you mean. Congrats to tackling it and Moby Dick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Thank you for understanding. Word to the wise...Be careful when suggesting your 12 yo pick the next book. I now know more about whaling than I'll ever need to know. You and your 12 year old might enjoy 'In the Heart of the Sea' about the whale ship Essex. Non-fiction about the story that may have inspired Melville to write MD. Riveting story, well written. Some too 'real' situations. It will provoke discussions about survival ethics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 (edited) :001_huh: I'll check it out because he would probably love it... much to my chagrin. Library has it and it looks like something we can enjoy together. Thanks for the rec. You and your 12 year old might enjoy 'In the Heart of the Sea' about the whale ship Essex. Non-fiction about the story that may have inspired Melville to write MD. Riveting story, well written. Some too 'real' situations. It will provoke discussions about survival ethics. Edited December 12, 2009 by Tammyla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Well provided my world does not continue to implode this coming year I am in. I failed at teh 999 challenge, though I read a ton of books they were all in 1 category, all brain candy. I will think of categories after the new year when I have time to actually think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellifera Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 I'm in. I didn't finish the 9/9/9 challenge this year. Innocents Abroad did me in. It took me forever to finish that book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragons in the flower bed Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 I think I like this, but let me make sure I understand you correctly. We'd be reading - ten sets of two books - two sets of ten books - a set of twenty books with each set consisting of books that are alike by genre, author or subject? So, for example, I could do two CS Lewis, two JRR Tolkien, two Jane Austen, two Joseph Cambell, two Jeanne Bendick, two Larry Gonick, two Robin McKinley, two Richard Adams, two Isaac Asimov, two Robert Heinlein then ten Tom Robbins, ten Will Eisner then twenty theology books. Is that right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 12, 2009 Author Share Posted December 12, 2009 Well provided my world does not continue to implode this coming year I am in. I failed at teh 999 challenge, though I read a ton of books they were all in 1 category, all brain candy. I will think of categories after the new year when I have time to actually think. Most of my 999 ended up being "youth fiction". Welcome. I'm in. I didn't finish the 9/9/9 challenge this year. Innocents Abroad did me in. It took me forever to finish that book. I've been reading The Odyssey off and on for at least 6 months. Four more chapters and I'm done. Some books you just have to languish in for months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 12, 2009 Author Share Posted December 12, 2009 I think I like this, but let me make sure I understand you correctly. We'd be reading - ten sets of two books - two sets of ten books - a set of twenty books with each set consisting of books that are alike by genre, author or subject? So, for example, I could do two CS Lewis, two JRR Tolkien, two Jane Austen, two Joseph Cambell, two Jeanne Bendick, two Larry Gonick, two Robin McKinley, two Richard Adams, two Isaac Asimov, two Robert Heinlein then ten Tom Robbins, ten Will Eisner then twenty theology books. Is that right? Exactly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LunaLee Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Oh, I like this much better than the book a week, it was just too much pressure. Besides, I've already been doing something similar to this on my own, but it'd be nice to have some company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joannqn Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Ok, I'm interested but don't think I've ever read that many books in a year, let alone thought of doing it while taking care of a home, homeschooling, chasing a young preschooling, and caring for an infant. Is success possible? And about the rules... I understand the first set. I understand the second set. But does the last set all have to be in one category or is it just a set of 20 random books not necessarily related in any way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 12, 2009 Author Share Posted December 12, 2009 Ok, I'm interested but don't think I've ever read that many books in a year, let alone thought of doing it while taking care of a home, homeschooling, chasing a young preschooling, and caring for an infant. Is success possible? And about the rules... I understand the first set. I understand the second set. But does the last set all have to be in one category or is it just a set of 20 random books not necessarily related in any way? You are correct, the 3rd category can be totally random. As homeschoolers I think our categorized sometimes get melded together, it can be hard to predict where they will all fit, so adding random is good. As an example one of the authors I want to read this year is Douglas Adams. I'll probably read 4-5 books from him instead of just two, so I'll tag those additional ones on in that category. Clear as mud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luanne Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Aren't the last 20 books allowed to be from any category (not necessarily all from the same category)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragons in the flower bed Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 You are correct, the 3rd category can be totally random. As homeschoolers I think our categorized sometimes get melded together, it can be hard to predict where they will all fit, so adding random is good. As an example one of the authors I want to read this year is Douglas Adams. I'll probably read 4-5 books from him instead of just two, so I'll tag those additional ones on in that category. Clear as mud. Oh! I see. I am going to try to make my twenty match anyway, because I like to be tied to something for an unbearably long time. :D And I'm definitely in. My four-year-old heard us talking about this and asked if he could do a reading challenge too. I told him he could do 24 in 52 - learn to read 24 letters within 52 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 As an example one of the authors I want to read this year is Douglas Adams. I'll probably read 4-5 books from him instead of just two, so I'll tag those additional ones on in that category. Clear as mud. I LOVE "Last Chance to See!" So read that one :D Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 12, 2009 Author Share Posted December 12, 2009 Aren't the last 20 books allowed to be from any category (not necessarily all from the same category)? Yes! I'm not a real stickler for rules, I consider them more like guidelines anyway. Even the rules I make. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted December 12, 2009 Author Share Posted December 12, 2009 I LOVE "Last Chance to See!" So read that one :D Rosie Adding to my list, thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joannqn Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 So, what are the titles of 60 short (100 pages or less) books that, if I list them by title and/or author, sound like I'm super smart and amazing to be reading all those titles? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narrow Gate Academy Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 So, what are the titles of 60 short (100 pages or less) books that, if I list them by title and/or author, sound like I'm super smart and amazing to be reading all those titles? :iagree: It sounds like fun. I'm up for at least trying. Whether or not I reach 60 remains to be seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 Well, I just have to say, that I like these rules, and the strict flexibility within them.:D Yes! I'm not a real stickler for rules, I consider them more like guidelines anyway. Even the rules I make. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted December 19, 2009 Share Posted December 19, 2009 Okay, I'm in, but I'm going to be a bit flexible if that's okay. I'm thinking of the 20/20/20, but am allowing myself to include YA books, since I preread a lot for my dc for school and because some of them are rather fussy. I frequently read at least 2 titles by an author doing that and on my own. I fizzled on the 999 because it was too complicated to keep up as things changed over the year, although I easily read that many books. Also, I might hear of books I really want to read that I haven't heard of yet. Mainly, I just want to participate in a reading group and the other one that wasn't a program has fizzled. So, if I read a lot of books in my own type of reading program modified with this one, is that okay? I've been so busy lately that by the time I saw this there were already 5 pages of posts here and since I need to get to bed I didn't read them all tonight, but hope to over the holidays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 Mainly, I just want to participate in a reading group and the other one that wasn't a program has fizzled. So, if I read a lot of books in my own type of reading program modified with this one, is that okay? I hope so, b/c I've decided that it's 2010, after all, and I'm going to read 10/10/10. I hate to fail, lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 I'd like to participate, but I'd like a reading buddy- someone who will pick the books and tell me what they are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 I want in! I *need* in, I think - the last couple books I've actually finished are books I'd already read. The rest all fell by the wayside of Highly Uninteresting Books. I like Parrothead's idea. I'll be watching with interest the threads that include everyone else's choices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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