January 1 – December 31, 2012

I am not only co-hosting this challenge – I’m joining it! Sign ups may be found on this post.

Last year I did not reach my goal for this challenge, so I’ve chosen a different level this year:

The Plump Primer level challenges the reader to read SIX chunksters. As I read them, I’ll be listing them below with links to reviews.

1. The Street Sweeper by Elliot Perlman (624 pages) – COMPLETED January 8, 2012; rated 5/5; read my review.

Although a perpetual challenge, The Notable Books Challenge asks that participants set yearly goals. This year I hope to read at least 12 books from the lists.

Visit the dedicated blog to see reviews of Notable Books or to join the challenge.

Here is what I read in 2012:

1. Swamplandia! by Karen Russell (2011 NYT Most Notable) – Completed January 23, 2012; rated 3.5/5; read my review.

Here are some of the books I either own, or would like to read in 2012:

• Bound, by Antonya Nelson (from 2010 NYT Most Notable)
• Foreign Bodies, by Cynthia Ozick (from 2010 NYT Most Notable)
• How to Read the Air, by Dinaw Mengestu (from 2010 NYT Most Notable)
• The Invisible Bridge, by Julie Orringer (from 2010 NYT Most Notable)
• Matterhorn, by Karl Marlantes (from 2011 ALA Notable AND 2010 NYT Most Notable)
• Sourland: Stories, by Joyce Carol Oates (from 2010 NYT Most Notable)
• The Surrendered, by Chang-rae Lee (from 2011 ALA Notable AND 2010 NYT Most Notable)
• The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, by David Mitchell (from 2011 ALA Notable AND 2010 NYT Most Notable)
• Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff (from 2010 NYT Most Notable)
• The Wave, by Susan Casey (from 2010 NYT Most Notable)
• Homer and Langley, by E.L. Doctorow (from 2010 Tournament of Books)
• The Book Of Night Women, by Marion James (from 2010 Tournament of Books)
• Under the Dome, by Stephen King (from 2010 Tournament of Books)
• The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver (from 2009 NYT Most Notable, AND 2010 Tournament of Books)
• Miles From Nowhere, by Nami Mun (from 2010 Tournament of Books)
• Burnt Shadows, by Kamila Shamsie (from 2010 Tournament of Books)
• Woodsburner, by John Pipkin (from Christian Science Monitor Best Books 2009)
• The Thing Around Your Neck, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (from Christian Science Monitor Best Books 2009)
• The Lost City of Z, by David Grann (from 2009 NYT Most Notable, 2009 PW Best Books, 2010 ALA Notable, AND Christian Science Monitor Best Books 2009)
• The Hakawati, by Rabih Alameddine (from 2009 ALA Notable Books)
• American Rust, by Philipp Meyer (from 2009 NYT Most Notable)
• A Mercy, by Toni Morrison (from 2010 ALA Notable, AND 2008 NYT Most Notable)
• Heyday, by Kurt Anderson (from Christian Science Monitor Bests – 2007)
• The Septembers of Shiraz, by Dalia Sofer (from 2007 Christian Science Monitor Best Books AND NYT Most Notable-2007)
• The Plague of Doves, by Louise Erdrich (from 2009 ALA Notable Books AND 2008 PW Best Books)
• The Likeness, by Tana French (from 2008 PW Best Books)
• Day, by A.L. Kennedy (from 2008 PW Best Books)
• The Boat, by Nam Le (from 2008 PW Best Books and 2008 NYT Most Notable)
• Away, by Amy Bloom (from 2008 ALA Notable Books)
• The Whistling Season, by Ivan Doig (from 2007 ALA Notable Books)
• The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (2007 NYT Most Notable)
• The Art of Fielding by by Chad Harbach (2011 NYT Most Notable)
• The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka (2011 NYT Most Notable)
• 11/22/63, by Stephen King (2011 NYT Most Notable)
• The Sense of An Ending by Julian Barnes (2011 NYT Most Notable)
• A Train in Winter: An Extraordinary Story of Women, Friendship, and Resistance in Occupied France, by Caroline Moorehead (2011 NYT Most Notable)
• Great House by Nicole Krauss (2010 NYT Most Notable)
• Every Man Dies Alone, By Hans Fallada; translated by Michael Hoffman (2009 NYT Most Notable)
• The Other by David Gutterson (2008 NYT Most Notable)
• There But For The by Ali Smith (2011 PW Best Books)

Although a perpetual challenge, The Notable Books Challenge asks that participants set yearly goals. This year I attempted to read 15 books from the lists. I fell short, but I am still happy with what I accomplished.

Books Read:

1. The Three Weismanns of Westport by Cathleen Shine (from 2010 NYT Most Notable) – COMPLETED January 28, 2011; rated 4.5/5; read my review.
2. Shadow Tag, by Louise Erdrich (from 2010 NYT Most Notable) – COMPLETED February 23, 2011; rated 5/5; read my review.
3. Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, by Tom Franklin (from 2011 ALA Notable) – COMPLETED March 2, 2011;  rated 4.5/5; read my review.
4. That Old Cape Magic, by Richard Russo (from 2010 Tournament of Books) – COMPLETED April 1, 2011; rated 4.5/5; read my review.
5. Unbound, by Laura Hillenbrand (from 2010 PW Best Books) – COMPLETED June 6, 2011; rated 5/5; read my review.
6. The Long Song, by Andrea Levy (from 2010 NYT Most Notable) – COMPLETED July 31, 2011; rated 5/5; read my review.
7. The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Euginides (from 2011 PW Best Books) – COMPLETED November 26, 2011; rated 5/5; read my review.
8. State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (from 2011 PW Best Books) – COMPLETED October 16, 2011; rated 4/5; read my review.
9. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (from 2011 PW Best Books) – COMPLETED December 13, 2011; rated 4.5/5; read my review.
10. The Tiger’s Wife by Tea Obreht (from 2011 PW Best Books) – COMPLETED July 8, 2011; rated 5/5; read my review.
11. The Convert by Deborah Baker (from 2011 PW Best Books) – COMPLETED May 17, 2011; rated 3.5/5; read my review.
12. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (from 2010 PW Best Books) – COMPLETED May 6, 2011; rated 5/5; read my review.

Visit the dedicated blog to see reviews of Notable Books or to join the challenge.

February 1, 2011 – January 31, 2012

I joined this challenge in 2011 at the Does the Book Make My Butt Look Big level (read six chunksters in 12 months as follows: 2 books which are between 450 – 550 pages in length; 2 books which are 551 – 750 pages in length; 2 books which are GREATER than 750 pages in length).

The 2012 Challenge began on January 1st this year…and because I think it is unlikely that I will complete the 2011 challenge, I’m throwing in the towel on that one, and starting fresh for 2012.

Here is what I read in 2011:

(2) Books between 450-550 pages:

1. Sing You Home, by Jodi Picoult – COMPLETED March 5, 2011; rated 4/5; read my review (480 pages)
2. The Raising, by Laura Kasischke – COMPLETED April 9, 2011; rated 4/5; read my review (461 pages)

(2) Books between 551-750 pages:

1. Anthropology of an American Girl by Hilary Thayer Hamann – COMPLETED June 30, 2011, rated 2.5/5; read my review (597 pages)

(2) Books greater than 750 pages:

1. Steinbeck: A Life in Letters edited by  Elaine Steinbeck and Robert Wallsten- COMPLETED August 16, 2011; rated 5/5; read my review (898 pages)

January 1 – December 31, 2012

2012 will be here before we know it – and The Chunkster Challenge is back. This year Vasilly from 1330V has joined me in hosting this popular challenge…and we’ve made a couple of changes (including moving the start date up to January 1st) which you can read about on the sign up post. We have also decided to spruce up the blog and make it more whimsical, so I hope you’ll check out our new look too.

The other exciting news is that we are planning on hosting the first ever Chunky Book Club. It will have its own page on the Chunkster Blog and participants do not have to join the challenge, although they are welcome to do both, of course! We currently have a poll going to choose the four books we will be reading and discussing in 2012…that poll will be open through January 10th with the results and schedule being announced on the blog on January 11th.

There may be more changes happening over there, and we hope to have some fun commentary and highlight some chunky books throughout the year…so I hope you’ll subscribe to the blog and keep up to date as we go forward.

I am still working on the 2011 challenge – and have two more books to read before the end of January. I’ll be signing up for the 2012 Challenge once I figure out the level I hope to do.

What about you? Are you planning to read some chunky books in 2012? Why not join us either in the Chunkster Challenge or the Chunky Book Club (or both) – we’d love to have you there!!!

This recap is long overdue.

Last year I sponsored the Reading for a Cure project whose goal was to bring about awareness of pediatric cancer and also to raise funds to find a cure for this devastating disease. It ran an entire year from January 1 – December 31, 2010. You can read more about the project here.

I wanted to take a moment to thank the individuals who joined in the project, who made donations to help find a cure for childhood cancers, who wrote about or mentioned the project on their blogs, and who found it in their hearts to become part of an effort to make a difference in children’s lives. I also want to thank the many publishers and publicists and authors who donated books for giveaways in support of this project; and a special thanks to the folks at The Pediatric Cancer Foundation who worked with me to set up a button on their site and provided me the encouragement to go forward.

As with all things, the cooperation of many results in successful endeavors.

Reading for a Cure raised $1,073.00 for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, an organization which is working towards finding a cure for childhood cancers. There may also have been people who donated to other organizations for this cause, but did not notify me. Over the course of the year, Caribousmom enjoyed an average of 3800 visitors a week – enough that I hope awareness was exponentially raised about the need for further research to find a cure for pediatric cancers.

Although Reading for a Cure is now officially over, the needs of children with cancer continues. Just this past week I learned that Kate (a child profiled here on Caribousmom in 2010) has had a recurrence of her brain cancer. Kate underwent an aggressive course of treatment last year, but it has not cured her cancer. Her family is faced with difficult decisions and heartbreaking days as they move forward. Kate needs a cure as do thousands of other kids. Please don’t forget about them. Keep them in your prayers, and find it in your hearts to continue supporting research projects through organizations like The Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

My apologies for the late posting of this contest…but with no further ado, I want to announce the winners of the signed editions of Grace by Melinda Marchiano. Winners must contact me within FIVE days by email (I’ll be emailing those whose email address I have, or leaving a comment on a blog post for those whose email address I do not have) with their snail mail address and how they would like their book inscribed (for example, if you are giving the book away to someone and want THEIR name inscribed, you must let us know!). The author will be signing the books and mailing them out to the winners.

Congratulations to:

• Frances Hunter of Frances Hunter’s American Heroes Blog

• Annette of Annette All Booked Up

• Lexi of The Amazing Adulthood of Lexi

• Diana Craig (comment #1 from the giveaway post)

• Tina of Tina Says

A special thank you to Melinda Marchiano and her mom Lee…as well as those who have committed to making a difference in childrens’ lives in 2010.

I have been terribly remiss in posting regular updates on this project, in large part because I am traveling my own personal journey through cancer with my sister, Paula, who was recently diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. The other day I was ruminating on the irony that when I decided to dedicate a year to raising money and awareness for childhood cancer, I had no idea that cancer would be impacting my own family in 2010. This twist of fate has made me even more passionate in bringing awareness about pediatric cancer to all of you.

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month…and I urge you to learn more about the devastating impact of cancer on children and the incredible need for research and funding to find a cure for this disease. I am pleased to be giving away five, signed copies of Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery, by Melinda Marchiano – check out this post to learn more about how you can enter to win a copy of Melinda’s touching memoir.

So, how are we doing with Reading for a Cure?

• Number of Participants (including one time donors and sponsors): 20
• Money Raised so far for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation: $602.70
• Number of books donated to support the project: 18

I know of at least one participant who donated to an organization other than The Pediatric Cancer Foundation, but I don’t have the amount donated to add to the total above. IF you have made a donation (in relation to THIS project) to ANY organization which supports finding a cure for pediatric cancer, I would love it if you would email me privately with the amount you donated so that I can add it to our totals.

One of the things I cannot measure is how much awareness is being raised about this very important subject…but I want to take a minute to thank each and every person who has posted about this project or about the subject of pediatric cancer on their blog – raising awareness is extremely important in finding a cure for this disease.

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery, by Melinda Marchiano
289 pages
ISBN 978-0984271207
Happy Quail; 2 edition (October 1, 2010)

Recently I read Melinda Marchiano’s moving memoir about her triumph over Hodgkin Lymphoma (read my review), and I am thrilled to announce that Melinda and her publisher have generously offered to give away five, SIGNED copies of the book here on Caribousmom, and there will be NO geographical restrictions.

As part of Reading for a Cure and in celebration of Pediatric Cancer Awareness month (which is September), there are special ways you can increase your chances of winning a signed copy of this inspirational book (outlined below). But first, let me give you some information about the book and author…

About the Book

Product Description:

Childhood cancer survivor Melinda Marchiano eloquently and humorously describes her journey through illness and recovery. Her story starts as she begins to feel ill, and we follow each step of her physical downfall as she struggles to continue to dance ballet, her greatest passion. At 14 years old, Melinda shares not only the events of her illness, but her thoughts, deep feelings and growing spirituality through operations, chemotherapy, radiation, drug reactions, an eating disorder and more. Your heart will be filled with the same grace Melinda cherished through her illness and your life will never be the same.

The book includes many photos…my favorites were those of Melinda and the therapy dogs, and also Melinda with her beloved lab Larry who brought her immeasurable comfort during the long months of treatment.

About the Author

Melinda Marchiano lives in the rolling, oak-studded hills of the Central Coast of California. Homeschooled up until high school, Melinda had the freedom to write and to create from a young age. Now in high school, she is academically at the top of her class. Melinda dances six days a week and performs with the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo and San Luis Jazz.  As a childhood cancer survivor, Melinda gives thanks for her life by speaking and fundraising for organizations such as the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, the Children’s Miracle Network, and American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Watch this beautiful video of Melinda:

Dance was one of the things that kept Melinda going through treatment – despite fatigue and low blood counts, Melinda never stopped dancing:

Learn more about his funny, sensitive, and very talented author and her work by visiting the author’s website.

How to Win a Signed Copy of GRACE:

This giveaway is open to EVERYONE (regardless of where you live) from September 25th through October 3rd at 5:00 pm EST

• Because this giveaway, in large part, is meant to support Reading for a Cure (a project which aims to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research and a cure), anyone who has supported this project so far this year will automatically be entered in the giveaway with FIVE chances to win one of the books (if you do NOT want to be entered, please notify me either by email or by leaving me a comment).

For everyone else:

• Leave me a comment (no later than 5:00 pm EST on October 3rd) telling me you would like to be entered for ONE chance to win.

To earn FIVE chances, do ONE of the following (must be completed by 5:00 pm EST on October 3rd):

• Join Reading for a Cure by visiting this page on my blog and follow the instructions to join, then come back here and tell me you’ve joined.

OR

• Make a one-time donation to The Pediatric Cancer Foundation by visiting their donation page and using the Reading for Cure button to donate (donations can be of ANY amount – all donations are appreciated no matter the size); then come back here and tell me you did this.

OR

• Make a donation to ANY organization which supports finding a cure for childhood cancer – then come back here and tell me you did this

OR

• Post something on your blog about pediatric cancer awareness – in your post, give a link to my project Reading for a Cure and this giveaway. Then come back here and provide me a link to your post in the comments.

Thank you for helping to support children like Melinda Marchiano who are facing the daunting journey through cancer!

Well, I failed miserably in my own hosted challenge – but many of you completed this challenge with flying colors!

There were 109 participants and 160 linked reviews for your random reads. I’m going to leave the review and wrap up links open for another week for those of you who haven’t had a chance to post your links yet.

AND, I am planning to do a book giveaway to those who completed the challenge. To enter the book giveaway, either leave a link to your wrap up post here, OR leave me a comment on this post to let me know you completed the challenge (please don’t do both because it will just confuse me!). I’ll draw a winner for the book on August 16th.

I bet you want to know what book I’m giving away, don’t you? Okay…I’ll tell you this – there will be TWO books and the winner can pick one. They are:

• One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakarumi (an unread Advance Readers Edition)
• Summer at Tiffany: A Memoir, by Marjorie Hart (a brand new trade paperback)

Which one would YOU like to win? Oh, and giveaway is open worldwide as long as you completed the challenge!