I react like Pavlov’s dog whenever a stack of books is put in front of me, I just want to plow through. I love goals and lists, especially the crossing off part of lists. I already decided that as part of my New Year’s resolution I would spend the first third of the year reading an essay a day, the second third a short story a day, and the third trimester a poem a day. (For purposes of my New Year’s resolution, “a day” means a work day, Monday through Friday, and all holidays, such as my birthday, anniversary and vacations, are off.) So, I’ll sign up for the short story challenge and the essay challenge. Kyle saw the world citizen challenge and wanted to do it. Excited to be given the opportunity to do something different with my teenage 
son, I jumped at the chance and joined in. Then I realized I was reading a book right now (My Name is Red) that would qualify for the art history challenge, and that I received for Christmas several art history books, so I’m in for that one also. At which point I thought, I could join the RYOB Challenge because overlaps among challenges are allowed. I think I’m nuts and I’ve tried to talk myself out of it, but I’m going to go for it.
I’ll be keeping track of my challenges through the Kim’s Nightstand page, please follow along. Let me know if you’re joining any challenges and maybe I won’t feel quite so obsessive compulsive.
And check out our own Independent Bookstore Reader’s Challenge, we’d love to have you join!
Tags: art history, essay, reader's challenge, short story, world history, world politics
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