I’ve been meaning to join the Chunkster Reading Challenge ever since my book blogger friend Jo blogged about it, and because I’ve just started a real chunkster of a book (Roberto Bolaño’s 2666, in case you’re wondering), I’ve decided to formally join the challenge.
I’m an escapist reader by nature so I like thick, meaty reads, which is perfect for joining the Chunkster Reading Challenge, a challenge for “readers who like their books fat and chunky.” The challenge defines a chunkster as “450 pages or more of ADULT literature (fiction or nonfiction).”
Here are the rules of the challenge:
- No Audio books in the chunkster. It just doesn’t seem right. Words on paper for this one folks.
- No e-Books allowed – we are reading traditional, fat books for this challenge.
- Short Stories and Essay collections will not be counted.
- Books may crossover with other challenges
- Anyone may join. If you don’t have a blog, just leave a comment on the challenge post over at the Chunkster site with your progress
- You don’t need to list your books ahead of time.
- Once you pick a level, that’s it…you’re committed to that level!
The challenge levels are (I love this part):
- The Chubby Chunkster – this option is for the reader who has a couple of large tomes on their TBR list, but really doesn’t want to commit to much more than that. 3 books is all you need to finish this challenge.
- Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? – this option is for the slightly heavier reader who wants to commit to 4 Chunksters over the next twelve months.
- Mor-book-ly Obese – This is for the truly out of control chunkster. For this level of challenge you must commit to 6 or more chunksters OR three tomes of 750 pages or more. You know you want to…..go on and give in to your cravings.
I think I’ll go for Mor-book-ly Obese; 2666 is at 898 pages, that would mean I would need 2 more books 750 pages or more, or 4 more chunksters (right?). I hope I’m not pinning my hopes too high, but that shouldn’t be too hard over the next eight months (ulp!)… The books are no problem; I’ve got dozens of chunksters waiting to be read. Having enough time to read will be the real challenge.
I’ll be posting my reviews here so we can all keep track of my progress.
Wish me luck, everyone!
Hey, I’m glad you joined, Blooey! I’ve been interested in 2666 ever since I saw its cover on Peter’s sidebar. I’m glad you’re reading the book ’cause I’m hoping for your review on it. If it’s good, I’ll probably order this from Manila.
Good luck for the Chunkster Challenge. I guess I need some too as I do need a good kick to start. He, he. Lots of time still …..right?
Am 38 pages in, Jo… Hahaha, I have the hardcover so it’s taking me longer because I can’t lug it around all the time! :)
Good luck to us! :)
why am i not surprised you chose Mor-book-ly Obese ? =D
Mich! Hahaha! You know it wouldn’t be a challenge for me otherwise.
I miss you! See you at the May discussion, hopefully?
quite a challenge there blooey
Wish me luck Ella!
I joined too! But I’m only going for 4 books because I found out that two of my 2010 reads were disqualified – David Copperfield because I read it in early Jan, before the challenge’s official start date, and The Stories of John Cheever, because they’re short stories. I need something to force me to finally finish Middlemarch as I’ve started it three times in six years. Good luck to you too!
Yay, glad you’ve joined too, Iya. I think I have a couple books from before the start date that qualify too, but I don’t want to look back, hahaha.
Good luck to us! :)
i believe that you can do it blooey
Thanks Ella :)
talagang dibdiban na ito blooey
Of course! Hehe. Lately I have very little time to read, though…
Here are a few chunkster suggestions:
The 13 and a half lives of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers 700+ pages and a few by the Queen of Chunksters, my friend Mary Gentle: Golden Witchbreed (498pp), 1610 (594pp), Ilario (663pp), Ancient Light (732pp), White Crow (847pp),Orthe (986pp), Ash (1112pp). Ash is my favourite although one needs a crane to pick it up.
Then there is Peter beresford Ellis’ Celtic Tales (612pp), William Horwood’s Duncton Tales (454pp), and Irina Ratuschinskaya’s The Odessans at a mere 410pp.
Looking at my bookshelf there is an unnatural preponderance of chunky books! That list could keep you occupied for a year I should imagine!
Thanks for the suggestions Gill! I do have a lot of chunksters in my TBR, but I like to space them out with thinner books for variety. About six months to go for the Chunkster Challenge!