Systematic Student + random

I haven't signed up for any of the many challenges floating around the blogging world, but I want to. So, I'm finding some now that look like fun, and I'm gonna do it!!

The Book Vixen is hosting some challenges on her blog for 2011 that I think sound like a lot of fun. So, my first two challenges are both found on her site.

First, is the OutDo Yourself Reading Challenge: The goal here is to read more books than you read this year. Right now my count is right about 225, and I know that will go up by the end of the year, I've still got a whole month and a half! I don't know what my life will be like next year, and how much reading I'll be able to get done, so I'm going for the Out of Breath level, and just hoping to get at least 6-10 more books read than this year. I'll update at the end of the year and let you know how I did!

The second challenge is the YA of the 80s and 90s Reading Challenge. The name pretty much says what this challenge is about — reading those YA published in the 80s and 90s. There's no numerical requirements or levels — just a pick your own/read at your own rate. So, I'm setting my own goal. I've decided that I want to read all the books I currently own that fit this requirement. And, I'm also going to try and read the rest of the Newbery Honor books I have left over from the 80s and 90s. I'll try to write up a list in the future that's a little more specific, but for now, this is fine.

I'm not completely sure how many books I own were published in the 80s/90s, but I want to keep this realistic. So, I'm going to try and read at least 15 books that fit by the end of the year. If I meet that goal, I'm going to buy myself a prize. If I double that, I think I'll just have to give one of you a prize. So, if you have any recommendations for me, let me know!

So, this is what I've got as far as challenges so far. I love challenges, so I'm sure I'll find more eventually, but for now, it's a start! What challenges are you participating in?