To those so kind enough to read my blog, I'm still here. I'm close to finishing my degree...finally. So, getting in some pleasure reading is tough most days. I am, however, going to continue the Quirky Brown Reading Challenge in 2012. Yay! I am all about POC literature in general but I really want to give readers a reason to seek out even more diversity in stories about people of African descent. I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and that you all are getting in lots of "un"required reading.  :)

If you feel so inclined, you are more than welcome to link to your reviews and thoughts on books appropriate to the Quirky Brown Reading Challenge.

Here's a reminder of details...
Quirky Brown is about challenging the overly subscribed to depictions of the so-called “Black experience”. I hope participants also discover some of our lesser known contributions to American literature. This challenge will run from January 2012 through December 2012. I'm supplying a list of authors and titles here but, these are merely suggestions. The only requirement is that they are Black authors depicting an offbeat Black experience. 

No need to sign up, just start adding links to your blog posts. :)

Here's where those participating in the Quirky Brown Reading Challenge can link to their reviews. You can still sign up and you do not have to have a book blog to participate. If you use any of the online cataloging sites such as LibraryThing or Goodreads, you can post reviews/thoughts there and grab the permalink to post here. 

I'm really looking forward to our summer discussion of Big Machine by Victor LaValle. Currently, I have it slated for Wednesday, June 15, 2011. So, be sure to purchase or check it out from your local library for the live June discussion here at BGBS. 

Let's get quirky!

  

This is one of the best things about book blogging: reading challenges. I think I've kept things under control this year with sign ups. And now, I may have spoken too soon. Without further ado, here's what I'll attempt to complete for 2011...

I'm super excited that S. Krishna brought this challenge back and looks to be a permanent fixture. I "discovered" Sri Lankan author, Romesh Gunesekera by participating in this challenge.This challenge focuses on Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. I'm at it again and plan to be a South Asian Explorer reading at least five books. The deets are here.

This one is my self-hosted challenge. Participants will read fiction by Black authors that's atypical of the Black experience usually portrayed in literature.
I will, of course, tackle the highest level of 5+ reads for this challenge. Check out the deets here and a growing book list here.

The GLBT challenge is back (thanks to Amanda and Jen) and I'm planning to read at least three books. I'm thinking I'll finally read some Jude Dibia this year for this one. The deets are here.

Reads4Pleasure is hosting her first reading challenge and it's a good one. I don't read a lot of chick lit anymore because it's been difficult finding good chick lit by Black authors. Well, she's got that covered and more of our sisters of color. Get the deets here. I'm going for the Novice level of 4 to 7 reads. 

Naturally, I'm participating in the POC Reading Challenge again. This is what BGBS is about. I'm participating at level five: 16 to 25 books. Here are the deets.

And last but not least, the Southeast Asia challenge is a last minute discovery. This challenge focuses on countries like China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Philippines among others. There's simply a minimum of three books required which I'm certain I'll read and then some. Get the deets here.