Monday 28 December 2015

2016 European Reading challenge

Ok, well I ummed and ahhed about this as I did say to myself that I would do hardly any challenges in 2016. *But* this one really appeals so I'm ashamed to say that I didn't um or ah very long when I saw it on Bev at My Reader's Block's blog. The challenge is the 2016 European Reading challenge.


The challenge is being hosted by Rose City Reader and the sign-up page is here.


THE GIST: The idea is to read books by European authors or books set in European countries (no matter where the author comes from). The books can be anything – novels, short stories, memoirs, travel guides, cookbooks, biography, poetry, or any other genre. You can participate at different levels, but each book must be by a different author and set in a different country – it's supposed to be a tour. (Go to sign-up page for notes about the UK.)

WHAT COUNTS AS "EUROPE"?: For now, we will stick with the same list of 50 sovereign states that fall (at least partially) within the geographic territory of the continent of Europe and/or enjoy membership in international European organizations such as the Council of Europe. This list includes the obvious (the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy), the really huge Russia, the tiny Vatican City, and the mixed bag of Baltic, Balkan, and former Soviet states.

THE LIST: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.

LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION

FIVE STAR (DELUXE ENTOURAGE): Read at least five books by different European authors or books set in different European countries.

FOUR STAR (HONEYMOONER): Read four qualifying books.

THREE STAR (BUSINESS TRAVELER): Read three qualifying books.

TWO STAR (ADVENTURER): Read two qualifying books.

ONE STAR (PENSIONE WEEKENDER): Read just one qualifying book.

Rules are on the official sign-up page.


I shall try for the FIVE STAR (DELUXE ENTOURAGE) category which is the five book option. I have 'loads' of books I can read for the challenge but won't list them at the moment... they will most likely be mainly non-fiction though and I'll be looking to get some books off the tbr pile. Looking forward to making a start on this one.

~~~oOo~~~

6 comments:

BooksPlease said...

I could probably attempt this challenge too - but I'm still trying to control my urge to join more challenges. So I've signed up to Mount TBR, What's in a Name and Read Scotland. And taking part in the Virginia Wool-readalong and The Classics Club, cos I like the Spins. I think that should do me ... but you never know ...

Anyway, good luck with this one!

DesLily said...

so.. this is how your "new years resolution" of not joining many challenges is going eh?!.. and to think 2016 hasn't even begun yet!! LOL LOL.. I don't "join" things much, even things I know I would like.. this would be hard..98% of my mysteries are all in London! I only remember 2 old reads in Cornwall lol

Enjoy this Cath.. I know you will!

Kay said...

Five books sounds like it's a worthy goal. And at least you have a wide assortment of places. I'll look forward to hearing about what you've read for this challenge. Me, I'm just going to try to read from my own shelves - again. LOL

Gilion at Rose City Reader said...

I'm so pleased that you are joining us! Happy reading!

Nan said...

If you've never read any of the Mrs Pollifax series by Dorothy Gilman, many of them are set in Europe. Wonderful books.

Cath said...

Margaret: I've signed up for three too, Mount TBR, the Vintage Cover Scavenger and this European one. That's two more than I planned but what the heck. I think all three will be fun especially if I can get a good lot of books off the tbr pile.

Pat: Yep... my new year's resolution is broken even before the new year is here. LOL! Lost cause...

Kay: Five books is very achievable I think. Yes, heaps of places to 'visit' and as I love armchair travelling this should suit me down to the ground.

Gilion: Thank you! I'm so looking forward to it.

Nan: I've heard of the series (probably on your blog) but never seen any of them around. I'll investigate the library catalogue.