Challenge | July Book Blowout
Have you acquired a nice pile of books to read this summer? Do you need some encouragement to get through the pile a bit quicker? Or just an excuse to sit out in the sunshine and escape with a good book?
If so you’re in the right place - this July I’m hosting my very first Book Blowout. The rules are simple - read as many books as you can between July 1 and 31 - and then by August 7 post a list of all of the books you read on your blog. Reviews are not required to take part.
How do I join in the fun?
- You can sign up any time between today and July 14 - just because I’m a bit slow to announce this!
- To join you need to post about the Book Blowout on your blog - and set yourself a target number of books you will try to read - go on challenge yourself! (Please note: If you do not have a blog I am perfectly happy for you to post your target in the comments below - and then the list of books in the wrap-up post in August)
- Use the Mr Linky below to link to that post so we can all see how many books you’re taking on in the Blowout
- Post a list of the books you managed to read by the deadline of August 7 to complete the challenge
What rules do I need to know?
- Only books read between July 1 and July 31 count towards the challenge
- You can include re-reads - as long as they are read within the month of July
- Books you abandon will only count as half a book
- If you read to your children you can include all books which have more than 100 pages
- You can include up to two graphic novels
- You can include up to two audio books - (if you have a visual impairment that prevents you from reading then you can use just audio books for the challenge)
- Books you read for other challenges are eligible - use this as an opportunity to catch up!
- If you start a book before July 1 and then finish it during the month of July then you can count is as half a book
I’ll try and keep things lively by posting some Book Blowout mini-challenges along the way so be sure to stop by throughout the month and see what’s happening (or better still subscribe to my site feed - it’s free and easy!)
As an added incentive I’ll put the names of all of the entrants who complete the challenge into the proverbial hat and one winner will receive an Amazon gift voucher to the value of $20 (£10).
So what are you waiting for? Blog your target and sign up with Mr Linky - and start planning what books you’ll read.
How many books will you read?
Oh and as for my target - I’m going for 9 - it may not sound a lot to some of you but my record so far is 8 and I have a big assignment due mid-month 
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Fan of the Twilight series? Check out these great Twilight related books and jewellery items
Related posts:
- The July Book Blowout comes to a close
- Book Blowout | Mini Challenge 3
- Book Blowout - final wrap up and winner announcement!
- Sunday Salon | Book Blowout | A where’s your book set meme
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Will you be doing this one in 2009? Please?
My daughter is getting married in July and I have two vacation trips to mess up my reading but I’ll be spending a lot of time in the car with nothing to do but read!
I was just thinking about this on the weekend and am currently intent on hosting the Second Annual Book Blowout - so stay tuned
Completed mine (sorry it’s late!)
I reached my goal of 10 yay! and these are the books I read:
The Well of Shades by Juliet Marillier
Vampire Interrupted by Lynsay Sands
Witch In The House by Jenna McKnight
Vampires Are Forever by Lynsay Sands
The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts
A Charmed Death by Madelyn Alt
Book Blowout - Mini Challenge
The Trouble With Magic by Madelyn Alt
Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey
Clares last blog post..Elizabeth, Captive Princess by Margaret Irwin
I missed one Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon so I actually read 11-that’s closer…
I am very disappointed that I didn’t reach my goal. I actually fell far short of it.
I have got to stop this disgusting habit I have of working 90+ hours a week!
July
1. Tailspin by Catherine Coulter
2. Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner
3. Tapestry by Lynn Kurland, Madeline Hunter, Sherrilyn Kenyon and
Karen Marie Moning
4. Secrets by Jude Deveraux
5. The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson and Michael
Ledwidge
6. The Story of the Wilders by William Anderson
7. Laura Wilder of Mansfield by William Anderson
8. A Wilder in the West by William Anderson
9. Laura’s Rose by William Anderson
10. The Little House Guidebook by William Anderson
Woo Hoo! I did it, I read 11. My goal was 9, but some of these were such quick reads, I flew through them. Some I just couldn’t put down.
I’m not including the first book I finished in July, cuz I started it in June.
1. A Wicked Gentleman by Jane Feather
2. Pearl Jinx by Sandra Hill
3. To Wed a Wicked Prince by Jane Feather
4. Men in Kilts by Katie MacAlister
5. A Springwater Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
6. Ain’t Myth Behaving by Katie MacAlister
7. The Girls Next Door by Trisha Alexander
8. Bitsy’s Bait and BBQ by Pamela Morsi
9. The Hart Brothers: Simon and Callaghan by Diana Palmer
10. Devil in a Kilt by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
11. The Love Potion by Sandra Hill
I reviewed all of these on my blog. Justyouraveragecarpoolqueen@blogspot.com
Yay!!
I finished! I barely got the last book in before the challenge was over! I posted my list of books on my blog. And I am so ready for the drawing! I really hope that I win!!
Merediths last blog post..July Book Blowout Results!
Since I dont’ have a blog anduse the site one, I won’t get this posted to it untilAug 5, as I am leaving for a long weekend, so here itis now
July
1 143 Heinrichs, Ann Georgia
2 144 Iles, Greg Footprints, of God, The
3 145 St. George, Judith Betsy Ross
4 146 Harness, Cheryl The Remarkable Thomas Jeffereson
5 147 Deveraux, Jude The Conquest
6 148 Fleming, Julia Spencer- I shall not want
7 149 Twain, Mark The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
8 150 Shannon, Dell Appearances of Death
9 151 Gerritsen, Tess The Surgeon
10 152 Harness, Cheryl The Remarkable Benjamin Franklin
11 153 Scottoline, Lisa Moment of Truth
12 154 Brennan, allison Speak No Evil
13 155 Miller, Linda Lael Knights
14 156 Anderson, Dan Rose Red and the Bear Prince
15 157 Shreve, Anita Light on Snow
16 158 Fleming, Julia Spencer- To Darkness and to Death
17 159 Hastings, selina Sir Gawain and the Loathly Lady
18 160 Galdone, Paqul King of the Cats
18 161 Stone, Jonathan The Cold Truth
19 162 Twain, Markk A Murder, a Mystery and A Marriage
21 163 Barclay, Linwood Stone Rain
22 164 Montenari, Richard The Skin Gods
23 165 Hodges, Margaret Merlin and the Making of the King
24 166 Lucas, Eileen Vincent Van Gogh
25 167 Souter, Gerry, Janice John Quincy Adams
26 168 Browne, Sylvia End of Days
27 169 Patterson, James Sail
28 170 Clark, Mary Jane Dancing inthe Dark
29 171 Donaldson, D. J. New Orleans Requim
30 172 Hodges, Margaret The Kitchen Knight
31 173 Isleib, Roberta Deadly Advice
We are leaving for vacation, so here’s my challenge update: My goal was 8 books, I have read 9 and will finish my 10th definately before 7/31!
1. Charming the Prince by Teresa Medeiros 4 stars
2. True Colors by Kristin Hannah 4.5 stars (this does not release until Feb 2009)
3. Maverick Wild by Stacey Kayne 4 stars
4. The Secret Swan by Shana Abe 4.5 Stars
5. Death Angel by Linday Howard 5 Stars
6. Twilight by Stephenie Meyers 5 stars
7. Delicious by Susan Mallery 4 stars
8. New Moon by Stephenie Meyers 5 Stars
9. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyers 5 stars
10. Can you keep a secret? by Sophie Kinsella (CURRENTLY READING)
Reading the Twilight Series, helped me towards my goal, I COULD NOT PUT DOWN.
Now if I could just win that Amazon.com gift certificate…..
I predicted I’d managge 13 and so far I have done 11 and a half, okay 2 have been Graphic novels and 2 have been incredibly short but I’m doing well, likely to exceed my target as there is a week to go and its the summer holidays. I’ve been rubbish at sticking to the list I set myself though. How’s everyone else doing?
katrinas last blog post..My Thoughts: The Secrets We Keep by Mary Alice Monroe
So far, I’m at 3 1/2 books.
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory (counts as 1/2, started in March)
The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk
I’m well on my way!
Angelas last blog post..Had to post..
Yep - start a book in July and don’t finish it before the clock strikes midnight on the 31st… half a book - just like half a pair of glass slippers…
Okay, so, books you start before July & finish in July are half a book - what about books you start in July but don’t finish before the challenge ends? Same thing?
Michelles last blog post..Japanese Literature Challenge
I am sooo glad that I keep track of what books I read in a spiral bound notebook and on a wishlist on amazon.com! Otherwise, there is no way I would know what books I have already read!
Merediths last blog post..Etsy!!
I’m glad I came across this and just in time……..whew!! I’d love to participate, too.
I’m in!
Nicoles last blog post..July Book Blowout
Since I don’t have a blog and am already in a challenge at another site, I’ll give my goal as 7 books. Is that a minimum of 100 pages per book?
I don’t know how well I’ll be able to do since I’m getting ready for another move.
I know I’m getting started a little late, but I really love this idea! Thanks so much for hosting.
JLS Halls last blog post..Not Another Challenge: July Book Blowout
I think I’ll give this a try. I’m heading off to Worldcon in August, and there are quite a few books I want to finish before then…
Jennifers last blog post..Who’s on First
Great idea! I keep adding books to my stack and I’m not getting through them. Time to go make my list….
Annies last blog post..READ and then BRAG: July Book Blowout
Wow - and still the entries keep coming in! I’m adding you all to my feed at http://www.Shyftr.com as you join so be sure to head over there and subscribe - Oh and don’t forget to count the books you already read since July 1 in your totals
MizB - I have removed your link
Sorry for the inconvenience, but could you please erase #73 from the Mr. Linky? I changed my blog, so I signed up again (#80) with my new blog link. My apologies for being difficult. LOL.
MizB
Thank you for the generous entry date! I made it…
Great challenge!
Here’s the post: http://cindyreadsromance.blogspot.com/2008/07/july-book-blowout-challenge.html
I plan on reading 8 books, It’s nice to see my other buddies from shelfari- Melanie, Randi, Heather, Nightengale!!!
Cindy Ws last blog post..July Book Blowout Challenge
Sounds like fun! I’m going to try to read eight as well!
I signed up! I really do need to get some serious reading done this month.
Brittanies last blog post..Book Blowout Challenge
Brittanies last blog post..Book Blowout Challenge
I posted about the challenge on my blog.
Micheles last blog post..July Book Blowout Challenge
This is a great challenge for me! I am needing a push to get more read this year and summer is a great time to do it. Thanks for the challenge!
Micheles last blog post..Numbers
i’m a bit slow getting signed up - but how can i resist?!
I am late, but I am in! Great fun and great looking buttons!!
*smiles*
Kim
Kims last blog post..Weekly Geeks #10-the magazine edition
I’m a bit of a slow reader, so my number won’t be that impressive, but I’m in!
JMs last blog post..Crash! by Marya Calvani - Book Review