In January 2017, I committed to two reading challenges. One was through our local library and the other was through Modern Mrs. Darcy. I’m thrilled that I was able to complete both challenges. There are a few books that covered categories in both challenges, but otherwise, I tried to make sure there was a variety. I’m sharing the lists with the books below. I’ve also included my star rating after each book. These challenges help me realize that I do read a variety of books and some of the categories forced me to step out of my usual genres. I’m looking forward to 2018’s Reading Challenge.

Van Horne Library Reading Challenge
Read a book….

1. With a color in the title – BENEATH A SCARLET SKY 5 Stars

2. That has a war as a setting – THE ORPHAN’S TALE 5 Stars

3. A biography or autobiography – A MOTHER’S RECKONING 5 Stars
 4. That is a classic or National Book Award winner – DEATH OF A SALESMAN 4 Stars

5. That was written by an Iowan – IOWA STATE CYCLONES FOOTBALL A to Z 5 Stars

6. You haven’t read since you were in school – ANNE OF GREEN GABLES 5 Stars

7. Set somewhere you’d like to visit – I SEE YOU (London, England) 3 Stars

8. Under 150 pages – SHACKLES FROM THE DEEP 5 Stars

9.That was made into a movie – OF MICE AND MEN (and I watched the movie too) 5 Stars

10. About a culture you are unfamiliar with – THE SOUND OF GRAVEL (polygamy) 5 Stars

11. Published in 2017 – A BRIDGE ACROSS THE OCEAN 4 Stars

12. About books – MY LIFE WITH BOB 3 stars











Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge
Reading for Fun

1. a book you chose for the cover – THE GARDEN OF SMALL BEGINNINGS 4 stars

2. a book with a reputation for being un-put-down-able – THE BREAKDOWN 4 Stars

3. a book set somewhere you’ve never been but would like to visit  – BENEATH A SCARLET SKY (Milan, Italy) 5 Stars

4. a book you’ve already read – OF MICE AND MEN 5 Stars

5. a juicy memoir – LAB GIRL 4 Stars

6. a book about books or reading – MY LIFE WITH BOB 3 Stars

7. a book in a genre you usually avoid – OEDIPUS REX 3 Stars

8. a book you don’t want to admit you’re dying to read – THE LIFE CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP 3 Stars

9. a book in the backlist of a new favorite author – A MAN CALLED OVE 5 Stars

10. a book recommended by someone with great taste – THE ORPHAN’S TALE 5 Stars

11. a book you were excited to buy or borrow but haven’t read yet – THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE (I’ll be reading it next week)

12. a book about a topic or subject you already love – SISTERS FIRST 5 Stars


To check out the Modern Mrs. Darcy 2018 Reading Challenge, click HERE. I’ll be participating again this year! 





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