Tuesday, July 1, 2008

What an Animal Reading Challenge

With a little nudge from this weeks Weekly Geeks, I've finally decided to take the plunge and host my first reading challenge -- What an Animal!

The rules are simple:
1. Read at least 6 books that have any of these requirements:
a. an animal in the title of the book
b. an animal on the cover of the book
c. an animal that plays a major role in the book
d. a main character that is or turns into an animal (define that however you'd like ;>)).

2. The animal can be any type of animal (real or fictitious)--dog, cat, monkey, wolf, snake, insect, hedgehog, aardvark...dragons, mermaids, centaurs, fairies, vampires...you get the idea...

3. Challenge runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. You can still sign up after July 1st as long as you can get 6 books read by June 30th ;>).
4. Books can be fiction or nonfiction.
5. You may make a list of books at the beginning of the challenge or just list them as you find them.
6. Books may be swapped out at anytime (assuming you made a list to begin with).
7. Crossover books with other challenges is permitted and encouraged.
8. You don't have to blog or write a review, but you can if you want to.
9. Sign up with Mr. Linky below. Please sign up with the specific post announcing the challenge if you are a blogger. If you do not blog, sign up with your name and leave the URL field blank. Thanks!
10. Have fun!!

80 comments:

Anonymous said...

This sounds like so much fun! I just created my list. :)

Jan in Edmonds said...

I thought this was worth checking my shelf for and so I did and together with some CDs and CTs on my list I came up with the following:

Eagle in the Egg - Oliver LaFarge
The Horse You Came in On - Martha Grimes
The Quotable Cat - compiled by C. E. Crimmins
The Stock Club - Iris Rainer Dart
The Maltese Falcon - Dashiell Hammett
Cat's Cradle - Kurt Vonnegut
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey

Thanks Kristi for such a fun challenge.

Kristi said...

Great lists, Jan and Heather! I loved One Flew Over the Cuckoo's nest, Jan. I hope you enjoy it, too. The Maltese Falcon and Cat's Cradle have been on my TBR list for forever, too, but I can't seem to get around to them. Sigh...

Thanks for joining the challenge. I can't wait to find out more about the books you read for it!

pussreboots said...

I've posted my list

Jen Forbus said...

I'm going to have to give my list a little thought. I'll definitely have Water for Elephants on it. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest wouldn't be fair to include because I use to teach it, so I've read it a million times. I'll have to come up with some different titles....hmmm....

Kristi said...

Ohh, Water for Elephants is a good one, Jen ;>). You can always add books as you go along, too, unless you just enjoy making lists as much as I do ;>).

Kara said...

Thanks for such a great challenge - my list is posted on Mr. Linky! I can't wait to get started.

Shonda said...

This challenge sounds like fun! I'm an animal lover, so I couldn't resist. Two books immediately came to mind from my TBR list, but I will add more as I go along.

Grilsgood said...

I think i undersand this. If it says cat dog, horse, I dont' need Pinto, the pony in the title.

I do not have a blog, use the one at novel challnge.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ANovelChallenge/files/

sfdavide said...

I am in for this. I have not thought about a list yet but will soon

Kristi said...

Welcome everyone! And for those of you without lists, don't worry -- you can always add them as you find them ;>)! Enjoy!

Lizzie said...

What a great challenge! This'll be my first "official" challenge outside of the Read-a-Thon. Thanks for hosting!

Wendy said...

I'm in - looks like fun!

Kathleen said...

Just to be sure, it has to be a specific animal right? For example my book: How Animals Think wouldn't qualify right? or would it because it's a non-fiction book about animals so you could say animals play the major role?

Kristi said...

Callista - your non-fiction book will work. The books *can* be about a specific animal, but they don't have to as long as the animal or animals play an important part in the book so any non-fiction book about animals should do that.

Ladytink_534 said...

Sounds great! I just finished my first one for the challenge: The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith (yes it was adapted by Disney into the 101 Dalmatians films).

Mary Beth said...

This sounds like so much fun. I finished Water for Elephants a few months ago - I would recommend it for everyone. I loved that book. I will have to see what books I have in the pile that have animals in the title/cover/etc. This is cool - thanks for hosting it:)

Helen/Spike and Drusilla OK Citizens said...

I love the idea of this challenge. The first book that pops to mind for me is Marley and Me and also The Catswold Portal both excellent books which unfortunately I have already read. I can't wait to figure out my list.

Kristi said...

I look forward to seeing your book lists, Mary Beth and Helen. I enjoyed all the animal pictures on both of your blogs ;>).

Teddy Rose said...

Thanks for hosting this wonderful challenge!

I decided to participate in memory of Robbie and am asking for support. Anyone who wishes can participate in showing their suppot by clicking and donating free pet food (no cost to you). Please see my blog for details.

I look forward to the challenge! BTW is a would a Gargoyle count for the challenge?

Jill said...

This sounds like a fun challenge, Kristi! Thanks for hosting!

=) Jill

Kate said...

Thanks for hosting this challenge! It definitely looks fun! I posted my list this morning on my blog (westenddesigns.blogspot.com/2008/07/another-challenge.html)
Going to start my first book today!

jlshall said...

What a great idea! Thanks for hosting this. And thanks for the adorable button!

Sharon said...

Hello! I love the idea of thei challenge! I started it on the first and then realized today that I never signed in on Mr. Linky. I am a teacher and have been catching up and trying to get a little ahead on my reading while I can. Thanks for hosting this challenge.
http://abookwormsjourney.blogspot.com/2008/07/what-animal-reading-challenge.html

Debi said...

Such a fun idea! Thanks for hosting!

Ruth said...

This looks like a great challenge. I've been reading so many good memoirs about people and animals lately that this is right up my alley. One really good book I'd highly recommend is My Seven Years in Captivity by Bill Seaton. It's a great collection of light-hearted reminiscences of his years as PR director at the San Diego Zoo.

Unknown said...

You can delete my name at #35 (Judy) as I forgot to add my blog's name (Intergalactic Bookworm). There is a series of books, besides other books I have in mind, that do not mention animal names in the title, but are about a British veternarian and his life. Can I use this series as part of my list? Thanks, Judy

Kristi said...

Ruth & Judy - books about people who work with animals definitely qualify for this challenge ;>). Have fun reading about the zoo's PR guy (I'm going to have to look into that one myself) and the veterinarian.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I'd love to join up on this challenge, Kristi. My first book is "Lord of the Fading Lands" by C.L. Wilson

Anonymous said...

My list can be found here at my blog: www.emeraldfiresromancespot.blogspot.com

krin said...

Finally posted my list!

Unknown said...

I am late entering this challenge but looking forward to it! My list includes:

1. Winter Study, by Nevada Barr (Anna Pigeon is taking part in a study of wolves)
2. Swine Not?, by Jimmy Buffett (cute pig on the cover, title reference)
3. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck (title reference, plus I can use this for another challenge I plan to participate in!)
4. Water for Elephants, by Sara Guren (title reference)
5. Swan Peak, by James Lee Burke (title reference)
6. Marley and Me, by John Grogan (Marley is a dog)

Kristi said...

Great list, Connie! I love the Nevada Barr series. Happy reading!

Anonymous said...

Oooh. I'll play. I'll hit six super quick though I'm sure.

Anya Padyam said...

Sounds like a great one and so much fun! I added my name, hope to be able to participate...

Angela said...

Now I have to make my list! I already read "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein, as told from the point of view of dog, Enzo. Fantastic read!

Randi said...

Hi Kristi,
Thank-you for hosting this challenge.
My list so far:
1.) Lion's Lady by Julie Garwood
2.) Rumble on the Bayou by Jana DeLeon (pic of alligator on cover)
3.) Take a Chance on Me by Susan Donovan (small pic of dog on spine and back cover)
4.) Bride of the Tige by Heather Graham Pozzessere
5.) Unlucky by Jana DeLeon (pic of black cat on cover)
6.) Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair (pic of cat on cover)
7.) Lover Enshrined by JR Ward (hero is a vampire)

Jan in Edmonds said...

Kristi -- How do I get the hot air balloon button for the Well Rounded challenge over to my site? Anything you can do to assist me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks soooo much!

Lynda said...

Thanks for hosting this.

My book choices are:
1.Bees at the bottom of the garden by Alan Campion
2. Sweetness & light : the mysterious history of the honey bee / Hattie Ellis
3. Gorilla, My Love by Toni Cade Bambara
4. Raven Black by Anne Cleeves
5. Snakes and earrings by Hitomi Kanehara
6. Dark Horse by Tami Hoag

my blog post is here:
http://lyndasbookblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/what-animal-reading-challenge.html

Lake Oz Fic Chick said...

Cool challenge! Thanks!

Teddy Rose said...

I finished 2 books for the challenge so far. I'm not sure if you wanted me to use Mr. Linky again to my review or just post links to my review here. Here sre the links.

The Gargoyle:
http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2008/08/gargoyle-by-andrew-davidson.html

Dear John:
http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2008/08/dear-john-by-norma-l-betz.html

pussreboots said...

My reviews so far:

El Tigre, Church of the Dog, and Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring.

Lynda said...

Finished the challenge yesterday.
I read:
1. Bees at the bottom of the garden 31/08/08
2. Sweetness & light : the mysterious history of the honey bee 14/9/08
3.Never Cry Wolf 6/8/08
4. Raven Black 20/8/08
5. Snakes and earrings 22/8/08
6. Dark Horse 16/9/08

More info at
http://lyndasbookblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-animal-challenge-completed.html
by clicking on labels

Anna said...

I'm just letting you know my link is changed. It's now: whatananimalhope.blogspot.com.

hope.

Teddy Rose said...

I finished my third book of the challenge and it's a good one. Here's the link to my review:

http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2008/10/art-of-racing-in-rain-by-garth-stein.html

Sandra said...

I've signed up, I really like this idea. Thank you.

SueFitz said...

sign me up - I'm pretty sure I can do this.

Jan in Edmonds said...

So far I've read and reviewed the following:

Cat's Cradle - Kurt Vonnegut
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey
Rascal - Sterling North
Shiloh - Phyllis Reynods Naylor

Check out my blog at
http://jottingsfromjan.blogspot.com

Desert Rose said...

I like this new idea for a challenge and would love to join.. I hope it's not too late :)

Kristi said...

As long as you can read 6 books by June 30, 2009, you're not too late at all, Desert Rose. And that is turning out to be really easy (at least for me). There are so many books that I enjoy that have some link to animals. Hope you enjoy the challenge!

Marina said...

Another latecomer, but this one looked like such fun, I have to give it a go. Looking forward to reading these!

Yvonne said...

I'm late in finding this one, but it's right up my ally. I'd love to be part of this!

Joanna B said...

I am so excited to have found you! I have had my own book challenge going in 2008 - my goal was to read 10,008 pages in 2008. I am happy to announce I have far surpassed my goal.

So I am looking forward to "what an animal."

Thanks for hosting.

jlshall said...

Finally finished reading my first book for the challenge, Wish You Were Here, the first book in the Mrs. Murphy mystery series by Rita Mae Brown. Mrs. Murphy is a cat, by the way. Here's the link to my review.

Sharon said...

Hi Kristi,
I've enjoyed this animal based reading challenge! Here are the books I've read this year for it:
1. Cat Pay The Devil by Shirley Rousseau Murphy review here
The main character is Joe Grey, a mystery solving cat.
2. The Cat Dancers by P.T. Deuterman review here
Cat in the title, mountain lions in the book
3. Swine Not? by Jimmy Buffett review here
A pig is the main character.
4. Spider Mountain by P.T. Deuterman review here
Spider in the title
5. Winter Study by Nevada Barr review here
Winter Study refers to an ongoing study of wolves, wolves are on the cover.
6. Moon Called by Particia Briggs review here
Do werewolves and a coyote shapeshifter count?
7. Cockatiels at Seven by Donna Andrews review here
The post for this challenge can be read here: http://abookwormsjourney.blogspot.com/2008/07/what-animal-reading-challenge.html
I look forward to more great books in 2009! thanks for hosting.
Sharon

jlshall said...

Read another book for the challenge:
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. Forgot to mention it in my last post.

Grilsgood said...

I have finsihed an dwanted to clean up old challneges so I can start on 2009

1. Anderson, Dan ose Red and the Bear Prince (Bear)
2. Galdone, Paqul King of the Cats (Cats)
3. Bullock, Kathleen She'll be Comng Round the Mountain (horses)
4. Ring of Truth Teresa Bateman (firefly)
5. The Three Goats Gruff Tim Arnold (goats)
6. The Mousehole Cat Andrea Barber (Mouse)
7. Hooks, William H. The Legend of the White doe (deer)

retroredux said...

Thanks for letting me join. I have posted on my blog:

http://retroreduxsreviews.blogspot.com

Sherrie said...

Hi!
I know it's kind of late, but hope I can join in on this challenge. I am sure I can get my 6 books done by June. Thanks!

Sherrie

Sandra said...

May we include birds?

Jan in Edmonds said...

Kristi -- I'm reporting that I've read 12 eligible books and have completed this challenge. While I only did 2 from the original ist, I kept coming up with books from the library that fit the category. To see the reviews, do to my blog - http://jottingsfromjan.blogspot.com

Thanks for hosting such a fun challenge Kristi.

aka Jan in Edmonds

Kristi said...

Sandra -- you can definitely include birds ;o)!

Jan -- congratulations on finishing the challenge! I kept changing my list, too ;o).

Unknown said...

Are you going to carry this challenge into 2009?

Judy/Intergalactic Bookworm

Kristi said...

Judy - Yes, the challenge will run into 2009. It ends June 30, 2009.

retroredux said...

Finished my 1st book for this challenge: The Lion's Lady by Julie Garwood. Review here: http://retroreduxsreviews.blogspot.com/2009/01/lions-lady-by-julie-garwood.html

Desert Rose said...

OK I finished reading the 6 books!! It was so much fun :)

This is my link

http://desertrosechallenges.blogspot.com/2008/11/what-animal-reading-challenge.html

Sandra said...

I've reviewed five books so far and read 7 others. It seems a lot of what I read have animals in them or animals on the covers.
My reviews:
http://freshinkbooks.blogspot.com/2008/09/story-of-edgar-sawtelle-by-david.html
http://freshinkbooks.blogspot.com/2008/11/guide-to-birds-of-east-africa-by.html
http://freshinkbooks.blogspot.com/2008/09/in-hovering-flight-by-joyce-hinnefeld.html
http://freshinkbooks.blogspot.com/2008/09/good-things-in-small-packages.html
http://freshinkbooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/brothers.html
Happy reading.

Jill said...

Hi, Kristi: I finished Florida Roadkill for this challenge. Here is my review:

http://mrstreme.livejournal.com/75607.html

Have a great day!
Jill

Jill said...

And I finished another animal book: Peace Like A River by Leif Enger (had horse on front cover)

http://mrstreme.livejournal.com/75982.html

Have a great day!

Yvonne said...

I just completed this challenge. My list is here...

http://socratesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2008/11/what-animal-reading-challenge.html

I hope we do this one again. It was fun.

Jill said...

I am so behind on my reviews! I finished another Tim Dorsey book, Hammerhead Ranch Motel, for this challenge.

http://mrstreme.livejournal.com/76715.html

Take care!
Jill

Jill said...

Another One - Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson. Loved it!

http://mrstreme.livejournal.com/77319.html

=) Jill

Jill said...

I read another book - The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney.

http://mrstreme.livejournal.com/78792.html

Take care!
Jill

retroredux said...

my 4th Animal book so far: this one had mythical animals in it (Vampires, Weretiger and a normal cat too:). All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris. My review:

http://retroreduxsreviews.blogspot.com/2009/05/all-together-dead-by-charlaine-harris.html

retroredux said...

I finished the challenge! Yay:)
My last 2 books for the challenge were two more mystical animal books in the Charlaine Harris Sookie Stackhouse series.

From Dead To Worse: http://retroreduxsreviews.blogspot.com/2009/05/from-dead-to-worse-by-charlaine-harris.html

Dead And Gone: http://retroreduxsreviews.blogspot.com/2009/05/dead-and-gone-by-charlaine-harris.html

Thanks for hosting-this was a fun challenge!

Unknown said...

I loved Wesley the Owl, Merle's Door, Lost and Found, Water for Elephants, Hannah's Dream, A Dog's Year, and I'm on the library waiting list for A Lion Named Christian as well as The Daily Coyote. I didn't even read about this challenge, but it looks like I've already participated! :)

Teddy Rose said...

I completed the challenge! Here is the link to my wrap-up post:

http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2009/05/challenge-completed-what-animal.html

Kristi, I hope you have plans to host the challenge again!! Please!!

Randi said...

Hi Kristi,
I finished the challenge. Please check out my wrap up (http://randiromancereader.blogspot.com/).

Thank-you for hosting this challenge!

jlshall said...

Finally got my wrap-up written and posted. This was such a great idea. Thanks so much for hosting!