Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Summer Vacation Reading Challenge

I found this reading challenge via Jenners, who found it via Molly at My Cozy Book Nook. I thought it was a cute idea for a challenge. The goal is to "travel to a different locale that perhaps you would like to visit."

Dates: This challenge started last Friday, May 22, and will end on Labor Day, September 7, 2009.

Requirements: There are two levels of participation in this challenge:

Beach Bum: you will read 3 books during this time frame (a leisurely book-a-month); cross-over book selections from other challenges may count; and you do not have to list books in advance -- after all, summer vacation is a time for spontaneity.

Globe Trotter: you will commit to reading 6 pre-selected books during this time frame, but you may substitute up to 3 books due to changes in travel plans. Cross-overs for 5 out of the 6 books are allowed, but ideally one book will be read for this challenge alone.

I'm going to stick with the Globe Trotter level, and here's where I plan to visit:
  • The Big House, by George Howe Colt. I'm a New Englander who's never been to Cape Cod. Go figure. This is about a summer home on the Cape that's been in a family for centuries. This will be my one book read solely for this challenge.
  • The Power of One, by Bryce Courtenay. This is billed as "The Classic Novel of South Africa." Sister Kitten's been there, but not me.
  • In a Sunburned Country, by Bill Bryson. I've always dreamed of visiting Australia, and Bill Bryson is one of my favorite authors.
  • A Year in Provence, by Peter Mayle. This has been on my bookshelf for years, and I've dreamed of visiting Provence and its lavender fields some day...
  • Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, by Lisa See. I can't wait to visit China!
  • Bella Tuscany, by Frances Mayes. I read Under the Tuscan Sun a few years ago, and Tuscany's been lingering in my head ever since...

So that's probably going to be the last of my challenges this year! Wish me luck!

4 comments:

Jenners said...

Well I can't really be held responsible for this one ... though it seemed like you are trying to pin it on me too! Haha!

You have some GREAT choices. I love Bill Bryson and that one -- as with all of his travel books -- was great. And I'm going to get "Snow Flower and Secret Fan" as I've heard nothing but raves about it.

You'll be taking some lovely trips this summer! Enjoy!

Celia said...

Did you like Under the Tuscan Sun? I thought it was awful. I actually preferred the movie, if you can believe that. I am forcing myself to read Horse Soldiers next. Sigh.

Try Marlene DiBiasi.

Cammie said...

snow flower is one of my favorites. cant wait to hear your thoughts

Anonymous said...

Good luck! You can totally do it!!!