That Just Happened!

In in a world where there are millions of books, it can be difficult to decide what to read next.  How do you decide?  Do you take suggestions from friends, bookstore employees, newspaper reviews, or price of the book?  Since I do not prefer any one genre over the other (although there are some I tend to avoid) it can make choosing the next book to read very difficult.  Sometimes I go to the library and judge each book by its cover.  If I am in the mood for a non-thinker a chick-lit novel I pick out something with a light pink, blue or green cover. If it has shoes on it, even better.  If it is a mystery I look for the blackest cover with the reddest writing. You get the idea. Usually I only go to the bookstore when I have specific novels in mind and it is one I would like to add to my library. 

My home library used to sit on the floor in the second bedroom of our old apartment, which broke my heart. Piles and piles of books gathering dust and dog chews, but he only did that once twice.  After the freak out I had I am sure he will never do it again.  Now that we have moved, MPW installed bookshelves with glass doors and lights. In the bedroom no less!  A reader’s dream set-up I think.  What is important to note about my home library is that I have read each and every book on the shelf and there is everything from adult fiction to chick lit and a lot of the classics. Yes, that does mean I have read Anna Karenina and War and Peace.

I am at the point where I am really looking for a challenge. Something to keep on track as well as exposing me to quality literature. I have decided to read all of the Governor General Fiction Award winners from the beginning of the award (1936) to the present day. (Click here for the full list.)

The terms are as follows:

1. I am not reading them in order. Some of the books are hard to locate and I do not want it to slow me down.
2. There is no time limit. I want to read them at my own pace and not feel pressured to “get through it”.
3. I must read each book from beginning to end. Even if I do not like it. Just because they won the award does not mean they are going to be to my taste.
4. I will write a blurb about each book as I finish them.  Some may be whole reviews, some may be blurbs, but I’ll let you know of my progress.
5. I will read each book on the list starting today. If I have read it in the past I will read again with a mind toward this challenge.
6. I promise not to get exasperated at MPW when he asks why I am doing this, or why it is important to me (as a non-reader I doubt he’ll ever truly understand).

Please read along with me if you feel so inclined, or give me your thoughts if you have read any of them.  Happy Readings!