2012 Reading Challenges
For this year’s reading challenge I thought we’d have a little fun with colors. Each month has been assigned a color (along with some common alternate words to add variety). You just have to find a book with that color in the title. That’s it! As you read, come post the title and author of the book for that month below. At the end of the year… anyone who has post EACH MONTH, and completed ALL COLORS, will receive a handmade (by me) bracelet with a bead for each color, and a book charm to finish it off. I’m working on a grand prize (one random winner, only) basket of lovely, color themed books as well, but that will be a WIP during the year. In order to qualify for the bracelet, or be entered into the grand prize drawing for the basket, you MUST post each month with your title/author. If you post any reviews about the books you’ve read for this challenge, please post the link in your comment and I’ll send it out on Books Make Me Happy Twitter and Facebook streams. *All books must be at least 200 pages, or the ebook equivalent.*
Colors for each month are:
- January – Red (burgundy, claret, crimson, fuschia, garnet, magenta, maroon, ruby, scarlet, rose, cherry)
- February – Purple (violet, lavendar, amethyst, lilac, plum, periwinkle)
- March – Aquamarine (teal, tourquoise)
- April – Clear (transparent, transluscent, crystal, diamond)
- May – Green (emerald, jade, malachite, lime, pine, sage)
- June – Black
- July – Pink (blush, carnation, mauve)
- August - Brown (chocolate, tan, bronze)
- September – Blue (cobalt, cerulean, navy, indigo, sapphire)
- October – White (snowy)
- November – Orange (peach, salmon, coral, tangerine, copper)
- December – Silver (sterling, platinum, chrome, gray)
If you think you’ll have trouble finding books with the correct colors… check places like GoodReads.com and Google Books. Just search for the color and see what pops up!! (If you find a book with a color-type word you want to use, but it’s not on the list, email me or @ me on twitter to check.) Hopefully this will encourage all of us to look outside of our “tried and true” and find some fantastic new books. I’ll be posting my book/author each month below, can’t wait to see what YOU all find!!
Good Luck, and Happy Reading!!!
~~~ My 2012 Rainbow Reading Challenge Books ~~~
*projected titles, subject to change… will cross them off as I actually read them*
- January – Red Hot Fury by Kasey MacKenzie
- February – Violet Eyes: A Retelling of the Princess and the Pea by Debbie Viguie
- March – The Fantasmagorical Feline Adventures of Little Miss Libby and the Mystery of the Rare Turquoise Blue Boston Trumpeter Swan by Diane Kelleher (YA)
- April – The Magic Crystal by L T Suzuki
- May – Green Eyed Envy by Kasey MacKenzie
- June – Black Hearted Betrayal by Kasey MacKenzie
- July – Pilgrims Don’t Wear Pink by Stephanie Kate Strohm (YA)
- August – Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
- September – Out In Blue by Sarah Gilman
- October – White Cat by Holly Black (YA)
- November – Copper Beach by Jayne Anne Krentz
- December – Salt and Silver by Anna Katherine
If you’d like to sign up via a linky tool… click the box below. Keep in mind, you still need to come here to post your read each month. 
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So… because I’m a glutton for punishment… and because my TBR shelf is likely to eat me soon if I don’t to something about it…
I’ve signed up for ANOTHER reading challenge!! I’m hoping this will provide a little motivation to dig in to my “To Be Read” list. My personal goal will be to read one book from my TBR shelf (not a new addition, but one that’s already there) each month. I’ll be listing the books I’ve read for this challenge below, and will link to any reviews that I do for the books included.
If you’re interested in joining this challenge (it’s from another site, this is NOT my challenge) you can click on the image and go to the host site, Reading With Martinis.
*This is my (projected) list of titles, I’ll cross them out as I read. May change titles along the way*
- January – Waltz This Way by Dakota Cassidy
- February –
- March –
- April –
- May –
- June –
- July –
- August –
- September –
- October –
- November –
- December –
Jan 02, 2012 @ 21:54:52
Low red Moon … Ivy Devlin
Jan 02, 2012 @ 21:57:06
Wow… it’s only the 2nd!! I haven’t heard of this (I don’t think), I’ll have to check it out. Was it any good??
Jan 07, 2012 @ 01:51:26
I am not finished yet, though close.Im bouncing between a couple books at the moment. It is decent I didnt realize at the time that it was a ya book. Intended to grab a different book with same title. Overall a good read though.
( I can read a book every day or so if given a few hours to myself lol) Teen girls parents killed she meets mystery were boy.Grandmas,(whom she lives with now,) life was mirror to hers when she was young( relationship wise) Murder, teen love, and romance. Typical fun YA book
Jan 06, 2012 @ 12:14:29
Reading First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost <3 Her!
Jan 06, 2012 @ 23:58:51
I’ve read that one already, you’re gonna love it
Lemme know when you’re done so it’ll count 
Jan 07, 2012 @ 01:52:08
Love that book, Well love the whole series
Enjoy1
Jan 06, 2012 @ 14:53:43
What a COOL challenge. I had to say that. I don’t have a book picked or read yet, but I had to say what a neat challenge this is!
Jan 06, 2012 @ 23:59:53
I’m glad you like it Angie!! You’ve still got some time to pick something out, no worries. Just don’t wait TOO long, lol
Good luck!
Jan 06, 2012 @ 18:08:52
Neat challenge! Do audiobooks count, as long as they are unabridged and the printed equivalent is minimum 200 pages?
Jan 07, 2012 @ 00:00:46
I don’t see why not. I’m not much of an audiobook person, so I didn’t even think of that, but yeah, they should be fine
I’m excited to see what you pick to “read”. 
Jan 07, 2012 @ 08:15:26
Thanks, Jennifer!
I have two books to suit this month’s RED choice: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce (paperback) and Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakely-Cartwright (audiobook). I am not sure that I’ll have the time to read the paperback, so I’m probably going to listen to this “gothic and frightening” retelling of Red Riding Hood!
Jan 07, 2012 @ 08:28:21
I didn’t see a sign-up linky for the challenge, so here is the link to mine: http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-rainbow-reading-challenge.html
Jan 11, 2012 @ 22:40:13
Ok… Darlene… I’ve added the linky
If you’d like to add your link there, it’s ready for you 
Jan 07, 2012 @ 20:24:33
Here’s my sign-up post: http://bookendcrossing.blogspot.com/2012/01/should-i-do-another-reading-challenge.html
This should be fun! Thanks for hosing!
Jan 07, 2012 @ 20:56:56
Jennifer, someone asked a question on my blog about the challenge. Does each book need to be read only in the appropriate month, or can we – let’s say – read a title with BLACK in it this month and credit it toward June?
Jan 10, 2012 @ 16:30:47
Yippy! Finished my January Red color book! I got my first color of the rainbow!
I just finished “Red Mojo Mama” by Kathy Lynn Hall.
Here’s my link to my review:
http://angiesangelsrkids-furkids.blogspot.com/2012/01/book-review-red-mojo-mama.html
Jan 11, 2012 @ 22:41:06
YAY!!! One book down
I’ll post the link to your review on the facebook and twitter 
Jan 12, 2012 @ 05:24:52
Will azure work under aquamarine level? I looked it up and cyan is a variation of turqouise and azure is a blue-cyan color. Just wanted to check. Thanks!
Jan 12, 2012 @ 12:06:24
I think it’s a stretch, but I know that’s gonna be a hard one to find. If you can’t find anything else closer to Aqua, then yeah, that’s fine
Jan 12, 2012 @ 15:56:36
I’m all signed up and linked in the linky! Love this challenge…thanks!
My January book is The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
And thanks, Jennifer, about the azure, but I found a nice turquoise book to fit.
Jan 13, 2012 @ 07:08:18
I want to join the Rainbow challenge. Sounds so pretty and happy.
Jan 15, 2012 @ 17:23:53
I just finished my first Rainbow book for the challenge. I have the review on two blogs. This won’t always happen. I hope this is the right place to put the link.
http://teaandinspiration.blogspot.com/2012/01/sound-of-red-returning-by-sue-duffy-1.html
Jan 23, 2012 @ 16:51:19
Nope… you’re in the right place!! Glad to have you
If you want to sign up in the linky, too… it may be easier to keep track of things 
Jan 15, 2012 @ 17:36:21
Am I in the wrong place?? Usually, I’m lost somewhere. lol.
Jan 22, 2012 @ 21:56:11
Here is my review for the January Task (Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright)
http://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.com/2012/01/audiobook-review-red-riding-hood-by.html
Jan 25, 2012 @ 11:44:16
My januray book is crimson moon by J.A. Sarre
Feb 29, 2012 @ 18:03:16
OOOHHH… I’ve been wanting to read her stuff!!! I’ll have to check out your review to see what you thought!!
Jan 26, 2012 @ 23:36:32
Red Handed- Gena Showalter…I did a review on it at goodreads.com under Mersadies Lawrence and at my blog on this chalenge’s page http://bookfanatic89.blogspot.com/p/rainbow-reading-challenge-2012.html
Mar 29, 2012 @ 14:16:55
I love Gena’s books… good choice
Jan 26, 2012 @ 23:38:11
Red Handed- Gena Showalter my review is here http://bookfanatic89.blogspot.com/p/rainbow-reading-challenge-2012.html and on goodreads at mersadies lawrence
Jan 29, 2012 @ 16:18:50
January- Red handed by gen showalter
here is the link for the review
http://bookfanatic89.blogspot.com/p/rainbow-reading-challenge-2012.html
Jan 31, 2012 @ 21:54:57
I moved my review for Red handed by Gena Showalter so here is the link sorry for the confusion, new to blogging and fixed my page http://bookfanatic89.blogspot.com/p/gena-showalter-reviews.html
Feb 04, 2012 @ 12:09:58
No problem, hun… glad you got it all sorted out
and I LOVE Gena 
Feb 01, 2012 @ 00:33:07
January – In Search of the Rose Notes by Emily Arsenault – http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/01/in-search-of-rose-notes-by-emily.html
Thanks!
Feb 04, 2012 @ 12:11:07
thanks for posting Kristi… I’m not familiar with that book… I’ll have to check out your review!
Feb 02, 2012 @ 21:16:43
I LOVE this idea – especially Pink July!
Feb 03, 2012 @ 15:58:46
My review for January task…The Scarlet Letter
http://thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-scarlet-letter-by-nathaniel.html
I finished it on January 31, but it took me a few days to post the review. Sorry!
My February book is The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Feb 04, 2012 @ 12:12:29
no problem Michelle… I just realized, looking through comments here, that I didn’t write MY January review yet!!!! I need to get on the ball, lol!!
Feb 04, 2012 @ 12:14:38
AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just realized I haven’t written my January review yet!!! My book was Red-Hot Fury by Kasey MacKenzie… I’ll edit this post with the review link tonight or tomorrow!!
Then… on to Purple!!!
Feb 05, 2012 @ 04:14:46
My January book is The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman. Here is a link to my review
http://books-movies-more.blogspot.com/2012/02/red-garden-by-alice-hoffman.html
Feb 05, 2012 @ 22:16:32
OOOHHH… I’ve wondered about that book… I’ll have to go check out your review!! Thanks for posting!
Feb 15, 2012 @ 19:00:45
Just finished my February book! I read The Color Purple. I have always wanted to read it, but never got to it, so using it for this challenge was perfect!
Here’s my link to my review: http://angiesangelsrkids-furkids.blogspot.com/2012/02/book-review-color-purple.html
Mar 29, 2012 @ 14:18:04
Lots of people reading The Color Purple… classic
Feb 25, 2012 @ 11:13:32
Just finished my Feruary book….Bleeding violet by Dia Reeves. I reviewed it at goodreads and here is the link to my blog http://bookfanatic89.blogspot.com/2012/02/bleeding-violet-review.html
Feb 29, 2012 @ 09:13:51
I have finished my purple book. I love these colors. It’s so much fun.
http://readwithtea.blogspot.com/2012/02/purple-hibiscus-by-chimamanda-ngozi.html
Feb 29, 2012 @ 18:04:48
I’m glad you’re having such a good time!!! It’s fun for me, too
Feb 29, 2012 @ 23:50:48
February – The Color Purple by Alice Walker – http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/02/color-purple-by-alice-walker-book.html
I am gonna have to do some looking for a book for March!
Feb 29, 2012 @ 23:52:14
haha… me too… the one I had picked out is apparently out of print, and the digital copies are crazy expensive. Back to the drawing board, lol
GOOD LUCK!!
Mar 02, 2012 @ 22:51:26
Here’s my review for my February book, The Color Purple: http://thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/2012/03/novel-glimpses-7-time-machine-color.html
My March book is The Turquoise by Anya Seton
Mar 14, 2012 @ 09:26:33
Red fire by Deirdre Knight. Wow, it’s nice to be back.
Mar 29, 2012 @ 14:19:49
I WAS MISSIN YOUUUUUUUUU *hugs*… nice book choice… can’t wait to see how you like it
Mar 23, 2012 @ 09:45:56
For March, I guess “Teal March,” I’ve read Teal’s Bargain by Roy Day on Kindle.
http://readwithtea.blogspot.com/2012/03/teals-bargain-by-royce-day.html
Mar 23, 2012 @ 11:12:26
For April, could I or we use “glass?” I have a mystery titled THE GLASS KEY BY DASHIELL HAMETT. May I use it for April?
teakettle58(at)yahoo(dot)com
Mar 29, 2012 @ 14:20:40
It’s a stretch… but if you can’t find anything else… glass is ok
Happy Reading 
Mar 28, 2012 @ 09:22:28
Got my March book review up on my blog now! I read Turquoise Girl by Aimee and David Thurlo. Pretty good book. I liked that it was a Navajo Mystery, it put a different twist on the whole book.
http://angiesangelsrkids-furkids.blogspot.com/2012/03/book-review-turquoise-girl.html
Yay, so far I have kept up and read what I was supposed to every month!
Mar 29, 2012 @ 14:21:45
Excellent!!! Glad you liked your March book! I can’t wait to see how many people make it to the end of the year and get their bracelets
Great job so far!
Mar 29, 2012 @ 11:08:19
Wow, I’ve finished my JANUARY selection – Crimson Mountain by Grace Livingston Hill. I’m behind, but I’ll catch up!
Mar 29, 2012 @ 14:22:29
Thanks for joining in!!! Good luck catching up… can’t wait to see what you pick each month!
Mar 29, 2012 @ 14:23:26
AAHHH… FINALLY found a replacement for my March title!!! I’ve got two days to read it, lol!!!
A Serpent In Turquoise, by Peggy Nicholson
Mar 31, 2012 @ 11:46:45
My March book was a serpent in turquoise by Peggy Nicholson and her is my review for it http://bookfanatic89.blogspot.com/2012/03/serpent-in-turquoise-review.html
Apr 07, 2012 @ 01:19:10
My March Book was Aquamarine by Carol Anshaw – http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2012/03/aquamarine-by-carol-anshaw-book-review.html
Apr 18, 2012 @ 15:38:22
My April book was Clear and Convincing Proof by Kate Wilhelm
http://angiesangelsrkids-furkids.blogspot.com/2012/04/book-review-clear-and-convincing-proof.html
Woot Woot, still on my roll of no month missed. LOL.
Apr 20, 2012 @ 14:32:21
Okay, here’s my February selection: The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig. Here’s a link to my review: http://bookendcrossing.blogspot.com/2012/04/orchid-affair-by-lauren-willig.html
Hmmm…March…I’m only one month behind now – until next week…oh well…
Apr 28, 2012 @ 23:34:59
My April book was Death by Diamonds by Annette Blair and here is the link to my review http://bookfanatic89.blogspot.com/2012/04/death-by-diamods-review.html
May 10, 2012 @ 07:48:49
I am just finishing April/crystal. Hope it’s alright if I’m a little behind. Starting “emerald” now.
http://readwithtea.blogspot.com/2012/05/interruption-gospel-according-to.html