Friday, December 5, 2014

Banned Books Challenge 2015: Sign-Ups


I wasn't sure if I would host again this year, but then I remembered that once I set everything up, it pretty much runs itself. So the Banned Books Challenge is back for its third year! Besides, I really want to join myself, so I hope there are at least a few other people out there who'd like to participate with me.

This is a very low pressure challenge -- the whole idea is to have fun and read some books that censors have tried to keep off the shelves. I feel there is tremendous value in reading even one banned book, so I'm starting the levels low to encourage more people to give it a try -- but if you're feeling daring, try for one of the higher levels!

DATES: January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015

RULES: Any book that has been banned or challenged counts. Books can be any format, any length, and can overlap with other challenges. Graphic novels, children's books, picture books are all fine -- any book that has been banned or challenged works for this challenge.

WHERE CAN I FIND BOOK SUGGESTIONS? There isn't one specific list to work from, but there are many different resources you can check out for ideas:
  • The ALA's lists of frequently challenged books. There are multiple lists split up by author, year, decade, and a separate list for classics, so there are a lot of options from all different genres.
  • GoodReads has several listopia lists on the subject -- this is particularly helpful for identifying books you already have on your shelves if you are a user of the site.
  • If you learn about a book getting challenged in the news, on a book blog, around the web, or wherever else you get your bookish news, it's fair game. One book that made headlines last year was The Miseducation of Cameron Post -- it doesn't need to make any of the big lists to count. And if you learn about a new incident, I'd love to hear about it!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Write a post identifying which level you are aiming to complete, linking to this sign-up post. If you don't have a blog, just leave a comment below stating what level you are trying for. Listing the books you'd like to read for the year is optional. If you do make a list, you are welcome to change it at any time.

For each book you read for the challenge, you can link-up your reviews here, so we can read them! Reviews can be as short or long as you like, even a one-liner is fine. If you don't have a blog, but post reviews on GoodReads or other similar site, you can link directly to your reviews there. If you don't post reviews, you can leave a comment on the Review Link-Up page telling us which books you completed.

A year-end wrap-up post is optional and you may link yours up in the review linky if you choose to write one.

LEVELS: Below are the levels you can choose from. Changing your mind is OK -- you can go up or down in level at any time. I said low-pressure, remember? I'm not the book police, I promise.

     Making Waves: 1-2 Challenged Books
     Trouble-Maker: 3-5 Challenged Books
     Rabble-Rouser: 6-9 Challenged Books
     Rebel: 10-14 Challenged Books
     Leader of a Revolution: 15+ Challenged Books

So link up below, grab a badge if you'd like, and get reading! (UPDATE: The Linky will remain open for sign-ups until Dec. 15, 2015.)


Posted by at
Labels: ,

81 comments:

  1. KayDecember 5, 2014 at 12:40 PM

    It's that time of year when I must decide what challenges to participate in next year. I have no idea yet what I'm going to do. Actually, I should probably go to my current challenges and update them. haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 5, 2014 at 12:48 PM

      The last two years, I went way overboard with the challenges. This year I'm planning to just pick a few to make it more manageable. Good luck figuring it out :)

      Delete
    2. KayDecember 12, 2014 at 3:27 PM

      I don't think I can picture you just picking a few. hehehe ;)

      Delete
    3. ChristineDecember 12, 2014 at 3:44 PM

      I know, right? I'm trying to be good though :)

      Delete
    4. KayDecember 12, 2014 at 5:37 PM

      So I'm working on my challenge list next year and I am totally doing your banned books one. :)

      Delete
    5. ChristineDecember 12, 2014 at 5:38 PM

      Yippee! So happy to hear that Kay :)

      Delete
    6. MarissaJune 7, 2015 at 2:10 AM

      I just found out about book challenges. I was always doing school reading lists but I didn't know that there were ones even after! Thank you for this idea!

      Delete
  2. Captivated ReaderDecember 5, 2014 at 3:31 PM

    Wow, you're super organized!! Love this post... I usually read a couple of banned books a year during Banned Books Week, so I'd like to participate in this challenge during 2015!! I'll aim for the Trouble-Maker Level.

    I make/write a post soon and link up then. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 5, 2014 at 3:36 PM

      Thanks! I started seeing other challenge info posts go up around the blogosphere and figured I might as well get myself organized before the last minute :) So glad you're joining up -- here's to a year of great reading in 2015!

      Delete
  3. CynthiaDecember 6, 2014 at 10:55 AM

    This sounds like such a fun challenge. I just started my blog so I am brand new. Going to try not to overdo it on the challenges so there isn't too much pressure. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 6, 2014 at 12:38 PM

      Happy to hear you want to join! I am a bit of a challenge junkie myself and went way overboard last year -- I think I'm going to stick to 5 or less challenges this year, but we'll see how that goes as all the fun ones start popping up! Good luck with your new blog -- the bookish corner of the internet is so much fun :)

      Delete
  4. AlysiaDecember 6, 2014 at 5:00 PM

    Yeah I am glad you are going to do this again and I am going to sign up again. Thanks for hosting it again. Yeah! I did better this year than I thought I would.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 6, 2014 at 10:17 PM

      I'm so glad there seems to be interest again & glad to have you on board again :) I did better than expected this year too after failing at a pretty low level the first year I hosted, lol. I think it helped that this past year I heard about a lot more banned books and tried some banned/challenged graphic novels which I hope to do again in 2015.

      Delete
  5. Lois TinúvielDecember 6, 2014 at 8:40 PM

    Do you allow re-reads? I'll do this regardless... I'm just trying to figure out how high I want sign up for. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 6, 2014 at 10:18 PM

      Absolutely! As long as the book is read in 2015, it can definitely be a re-read. Hope that helps :)

      Delete
  6. AnonymousDecember 7, 2014 at 11:17 AM

    This is such a great challenge idea! This is my first time doing the challenge, but I've signed up and I'm excited for 2015 to get here so we can start. :) I'm aiming for the Leader of a Revolution level.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 7, 2014 at 12:28 PM

      So excited to have someone aiming for the top level! I think maybe I could try for it myself this year depending on which books I plan to read -- I think I need to do a little more research though -- I have been meaning to read some of the children's books that have been challenged, just to see what all the fuss is about and those can be read quite quickly :)

      Delete
  7. eriharperDecember 7, 2014 at 5:22 PM

    This looks great! I would love to participate! :) I would love to be a rebel, and I was shocked at how many banned books there are! AHH! Crazy! This is my first time with the challenge, can't wait for 2015!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 8, 2014 at 10:02 AM

      It's CRAZY how many books have been challenged! There are so many to choose from which is I do love as a participant myself :)

      Delete
  8. Jamie GhioneDecember 7, 2014 at 8:45 PM

    Hi, I've never done this one, so I decided to try it. I'm choosing level 2, because I'm sure I can find more than just two such books. Maybe more if time allows.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 8, 2014 at 10:03 AM

      Sounds good to me! There are a heck of a lot of books to choose from -- fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it!

      Delete
  9. TiggerRDDecember 9, 2014 at 8:54 AM

    Joining in at the Making Waves level. Posted on my Pinterest board and will write reviews on my GoodReads account. Thanks for hosting the challenge!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Julie SDecember 9, 2014 at 6:30 PM

    This is a great challenge because banned or challenged books are usually the most awesome anyway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 9, 2014 at 6:39 PM

      They are, aren't they? Some really good books are on all those lists!

      Delete
  11. Kimberly @ Caffeinated ReviewerDecember 11, 2014 at 11:44 AM

    I will share on the Sunday Post Christine :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousDecember 15, 2014 at 7:34 AM

    All set for making waves! I already know what I am going to read for this challenge. Thank you Christine for this challenge :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 15, 2014 at 11:57 AM

      Thanks for joining! Have fun & happy reading :)

      Delete
  13. Katie QuinnDecember 18, 2014 at 9:22 AM

    Going for Leader of a Revolution! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. CynthiaDecember 18, 2014 at 9:26 AM

    I have signed up for Leader of a Revolution! What a fun challenge. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 21, 2014 at 3:13 PM

      It's so great how many people are going for the top level! Thanks for joining & happy reading :)

      Delete
  15. JanetDecember 22, 2014 at 3:42 PM

    Gee, Christine, I am only a Rebel. Can we change if we find we are ahead of the game? I am sure I will probably read quite a few more "controversial" books because people do worry about some strange things. LOL But here I am a rebel taking the safe route! Thanks again for all your efforts and challenges.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 22, 2014 at 9:34 PM

      Absolutely! You can go up or down in level any time -- some challenges only let you go up, but I believe in setting goals as well as reevaluating them and readjusting if needed. There ARE a lot of books that probably shouldn't be controversial but are which I think is half the fun of reading banned books! Thanks for joining and have fun with your reading :)

      Delete
  16. AngieDecember 31, 2014 at 9:30 AM

    I love banned books. I am so excited about this challenge

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousDecember 31, 2014 at 4:52 PM

    Just going to try for 1-2 for the first time around. :)

    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineDecember 31, 2014 at 6:10 PM

      Sounds good to me! Good luck and happy reading :)

      Delete
  18. CassandraDecember 31, 2014 at 9:04 PM

    I'm so sorry for the trouble, but I accidentally deleted my original challenge post (link #20). I've posted a link to the new post (link #26).

    - Cassandra @ Wickedly Delicious Tales

    ReplyDelete
  19. KayJanuary 1, 2015 at 3:53 PM

    I am officially signed up! :D

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownJanuary 2, 2015 at 5:03 PM

    Going for rebel. I'm excited!

    ReplyDelete
  21. RizaJanuary 2, 2015 at 9:38 PM

    Woohoo! I'm signing up at Making Waves level. :)

    ~ R of Coffee Stained Dreams >> http://rzzzp.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anja K.January 4, 2015 at 2:12 PM

    I'm really looking forward to this challenge - it should be great, and it's so good to stretch one's mind with "controversial" ideas from time to time. Thanks for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineJanuary 4, 2015 at 2:42 PM

      You're welcome! Crazy what can be considered controversial sometimes, but you are so right! I love reading banned/challenged books (obviously!)

      Delete
  23. LisaJanuary 4, 2015 at 5:42 PM

    I'm excited to branch out and include more banned books in my reading. I'm aiming low to start (1-2 books), but I'm hoping to exceed that amount! Thanks for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineJanuary 4, 2015 at 7:08 PM

      You're welcome & thanks for joining! I hope you surpass you goal as well :)

      Delete
  24. Jen at Introverted ReaderJanuary 5, 2015 at 9:04 PM

    Count me in again. Thanks, as always, for hosting!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineJanuary 14, 2015 at 9:43 AM

      Always love to see returning participants! Glad to have you back & happy reading :)

      Delete
  25. AshleyJanuary 6, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    Count me in, I'm going for Trouble Maker

    ReplyDelete
  26. alberta rossJanuary 7, 2015 at 10:10 AM

    I have posted on my reading blog , a general post with all the challenges I am going for this year-too many:) with links and numbers of books i want to read - I will be putting up pages for each one and entering my books as I read them - I got into a muddle last year with the challenges so am going for organized in 2015:) well i hope to, I know myself quite well

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineJanuary 14, 2015 at 9:44 AM

      I am trying to be more organized this year too! I got in way over my head last year and it was hard to keep up. I wish you luck on the challenge and on your organization goals. Happy reading :)

      Delete
  27. AnonymousJanuary 8, 2015 at 6:50 PM

    Love this challenge idea! Glad to take part :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineJanuary 14, 2015 at 9:42 AM

      Thanks for joining! I hope you enjoy your books :)

      Delete
  28. ladykhaliaJanuary 10, 2015 at 4:36 PM

    I found out about this endeavour from reading Bustle. There were more than five reading challenges posted. This one intrigued me just from the title. My goal is to be a Leader of a Revolution. This is a brilliant idea, thanks for posting it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineJanuary 14, 2015 at 9:40 AM

      Thanks for letting me know about Bustle! Quite excited to see so many people find the challenge from that post :) Thanks for joining & happy reading!

      Delete
  29. AlishaJanuary 10, 2015 at 6:59 PM

    I'm ready for this one! I'm excited!

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2015 at 5:14 PM

    I also found the reading challenges on Bustle, and this one interested me the most, and I also really like how you have it set up. :) I joined at the Rabble-Rouser level, but I may try to read more, depending on how it goes. I linked my blog here, and I'll be posting reviews on there also as I read. Thanks for hosting the challenge!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineJanuary 14, 2015 at 9:42 AM

      Always good to start with a realistic goal! I like to start lower too if I'm not sure how much I will be able to read. I hope you do get to up your level later on though :) Thanks for joining & happy reading :)

      Delete
  31. Ronyell (a.k.a. Rabbitearsblog)January 14, 2015 at 4:35 AM

    This challenge sounds pretty interesting. I'm joining in!

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownJanuary 14, 2015 at 9:19 AM

    I need to delete my original sign up post. The URL is wrong! Sorry!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineJanuary 14, 2015 at 9:38 AM

      No problem -- I will delete it from the linky. Thanks for joining!

      Delete
  33. DonnishaJanuary 19, 2015 at 8:31 PM

    I'm going for level trouble-maker

    ReplyDelete
  34. EmilyD1037February 8, 2015 at 9:29 PM

    Trouble-Maker: 3-5 Challenged Books

    Will keep track in Shelfari and Goodreads

    ReplyDelete
  35. AnonymousMay 27, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    Such a great idea! I'm going to try for Trouble Maker
    Rela

    ReplyDelete
  36. Calliope WoodsAugust 18, 2015 at 7:31 PM

    I've entered! I read a lot of graphics, and am in general a rabblerouser, so this shouldn't be hard.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineSeptember 5, 2015 at 10:05 PM

      Welcome! Graphic novels are great for this challenge :)

      Delete
  37. UnknownSeptember 14, 2015 at 6:43 PM

    I've entered! Will be my very first book challenge on my extremely new blog. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ChristineSeptember 17, 2015 at 9:15 PM

      Welcome! Have fun with the challenge and your new book blog!

      Delete
  38. AnonymousOctober 1, 2015 at 8:25 AM

    I've entered in the banned books week, but I've read throughout the year. :D It's a wonderful challenge.

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear what you think :)

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)