The Savvy Reader thesavvyreader.ca

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cory Beatty, The Savvy Reader. The Savvy Reader said: Reading is not a competitive sport, here's why we're doing the #50BookPledge: http://ow.ly/3zqNO [...]

Finished Book 2 of the year for me. Hand Me Down World by Lloyd Jones was all right. No Mr. Pip but a solid 7 out of 10. Onto The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman.

So looking forward to a year of focussed reading! I have even managed to get my kids involved! I will be posting our progress and reviews of the books I have read on my blog http://kidlit2011.blogspot.com/. I am currently reading book #3 The Tiger’s Egg by Jon Berkeley. My 15 year old is reading The Maestro by Tim Wynne-Jones and my 13 year old is reading Gilda Joyce The Ladies of the Lake by Jennifer Allison. My 11 year old is deciding what to read next and y six year old is reading a 10 book Planet Earth phonics series as books #3 and 4.

Please sign me up for the challenge!

Maria Elena
Twitter: @imjustmea

Books 2 & 3 – The Hunger Games series

Cool Water and The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo series next up on the list…along with a couple non-fiction…

I’d love to join in. To date, since the beginning of January, I’ve read three novels including Zapped by Carol Higgins Clark, My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult and Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks. I am currently reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Please sign me up!

I love to read! So far this year I’ve read The Alchemyst by Michael Scott, and am currently reading The Magician by Michael Scott and Stormcycle by Iris and Roy Johannson (one paperback and one ebook).

Thanks!

Sign me up!

I am definitely joining this pledge! Almost made 50 last year, so this will be the year I hit it!
Although, I just finished “The Help” and it was such a beautiful book that I am reluctant to pick anything else up. My thoughts are lingering over the book, replaying it scene by scene. An incredible book!

I am happy to take this pledge. I have read 2 books so far, and I am halfway through my third. Completed to date are: Bird Cloud, by Annie Proulx; and The Lucky Ones, by Rachel Cusk. Currently underway is War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. 2011 is stacking up to be the year of the chunksters, so I am not sure if I will hit 50 books or not, but it sure will be fun trying! Good reading to everyone. :D

I saw your #50BookPledge on Twitter. Is it something for anyone who would like to jump in, or is it a private group thing? I def don’t want to invite myself. :^) Please let me know, as I am completely in if it is an open thing! I am on twitter as @SuO515 Thanks!

Hi Sue — Yes, anyone can definitely jump in! We would love to have you on the team. Welcome to the #50BookPledge! – Shannon

50 books???? Can hardly wait to read them all… just finished Skippy Dies and I am now reading Left Neglected. Tons of books on my list and hope to get to a new one by the end of the week. Please post your favs, love to hear what other people are reading …Happy Reading everyone!

@amandapanda2005 is taking the pledge!!

Welcome to the team Amanda! – Shannon

just finished HItch 22

Add me to the list! I’ve got a pile of books on my nightstand and I keep adding to it! I’ve already read 4 books this year and this is motivation to keep up the pace. I tend to go in waves where I’ll read a few books, then stop for awhile. No stopping this year!

Hi. Don’t twitter but would like to join the list as I’m already off to a good start. Add me please.
Cheers.
MarionG

Hi,
I too don’t twitter but I do read. My January reads are Secrets to the Grave, and Wicked appetite. Currently I am reading Cease to Blush. The one that doesn’t count would be Special Topics in Calamity Physics.

Did I need to say “sign me up”? Please, sign me up.

I’m looking forward to the #50 Book Pledge.

@momwithmigraine

definitely signing up for this challenge and have a few books already under my belt for 2011 so at least I’m at a good start!

Please add me to the list :-)

Cheers,

Jayda

I have a head start. I have read 6 books this month:
Room
The Sentamentalist
Let the Great World Spin
Far to Go
Before I Wake
Incendies

Ok I am signing up, but I am probably one of those ppl that 50 is a little out of reach for, but I will try.

http://www.twitter.com/knitwitshair

I am…..

@kymberley76

I’ve got a little headstart with 5 read and 2 in progress. I can also be found at @iMoniB

[...] Why 50 books? Why the emphasis on quantity? Here’s Cory’s response. [...]

sign me up!

Sign me up!

This is a great idea. Please sign me up. ? Do self help,religious and non-fiction count?

Sign me up! I am on book #4…yay!

I would love to sign up …. I thought I already did ….lol …. oh well, I shall try again!! : )

Wow — so many new people to add to the team! Thanks for the response all Mich, Shannon, Beth Ann, Marlena, Monshinique, Kym I’m adding you all to the list right now :) Hope your #50BookPledge is going well!

And Beth Ann we definitely count all genres!

Love this…reading The Invisible Bridge.
Please add me to the list! Will pass on.

I already requested to be added but was left off the list. I’m about to start book 7. This week I read some scary Guy de Maupassant and a book in the ‘new mythology’ series called “The Helmet of Horror”. I really need a light fluffy read now, or at least something that doesn’t make my head go boom. Any ideas?

Sorry Jul, you’re on there now! Book 7?! That’s awesome.

Something lighter? I read Arranged by Catherine McKenzie after Franzen’s Corrections because I wanted a fun and smart love story type of book. – Shannon

I am starting this a little bit late, but looking forward to the adventure. (Not really a challenge as I love to read!) I am also taking my children on this journey too!

Hi Heidi! Welcome to team, it should be a great adventure. How exciting that your children are participating too! What a great way to get the whole family on board with a project. Hope you guys are all enjoying reading this year. Let us know if you read anything really amazing, we’re always love recommendations, for any age group! — Shannon

Please sign me up to read 50 books this year.
Thanks.
Bev

You’re in Bev! How are you doing so far? — Shannon

Well I am on book number 6 – this doesn’t seem to bad when the weather is cold and just right for reading – hmmmmm summer could be a problem but we will keep trying.

Please sign me up I am eager to get started reading again even though I am a mother of 3 children under 5 years of age……I vow to find the time to start reading again and to find the time to try to read 50 books by the end of the year AND TO HAVE FUN DOING IT!!!!!!!!

yeah count me in too, I love to read but never thought of counting how many books I read in a year, I bet it is not enough! Never enough time to read all the books I want. I have a pile by my bed. I have read 4 thus far this year. Freedom being the best so far, but The Room and The Sentimentalist rank way up there too.

Please sign me up for the pledge I have always been an avid reader never thought to see how much I read in a year. I am very curious to see how much I actually read.

Welcome to the team Linda, Susan & Jennifer! — Shannon

I hope this isn’t too late to start.

Sign me up!

I just found out about the 50 Book Pledge and would like to participate. I’ve already read 8.
Committed
How to Lose Friends and Alienate People
An Apple A Day
The Memory Keepers Daughter
The Stone Diaries
The China Study
The End of Overeating
Whitewash: The Disturbing Truth About Cow’s Milk and Your Health

I’m currently reading ‘The Gargoyle’.
Thanks! :)

Ooops! Forgot to include my twitter info. It’s @TanyaPantsFace. Thanks!

I’d like to take the 50 book pledge, but don’t twitter. Can i include the books i’ve read so far this yr or do we start fresh as of this day?

Of course Laurie! Start from January 1st :) And be sure to let us know if you have any suggestions!

I just found out about the 50 Book Pledge and would like to participate. I had actually started counting books starting on January 1st because I was inspired by a friend who read 100 books last year. I just finished number 23 last night.

1. Room – Emma Donoghue
2. The Love of a Good Woman : Stories – Alice Munro
3. Fables Deluxe Edition Vol 2 – Bill Willingham
4. Her Fearful Symmetry – Audrey Niffenegger
5. The Sentimentalists – Johanna Skibsrud
6. The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger
7. American Vampire – Scott Snyder and Stephen King
8. Darkly Dreaming Dexter – Jeff Lindsay
9. House Rules – Jodi Picoult
10. Dearly Devoted Dexter – Jeff Lindsay
11. The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
12. The Little Stranger – Sarah Waters
13. The Walking Dead- Volume 13 – Robert Kirkman
14. A Spot of Bother – Mark Haddon
15. No Country for Old Men – Cormac McCarthy
16. Still Alice – Lisa Genova
17. Sarah’s Key -Tatiana De Rosnay
18. Full Dark, No Stars – Stephen King
19. The Best Laid Plans – Terry Fallis
20. Dexter in the Dark – Jeff Lindsay
21. The Outlander – Gil Adamson
22. A Dirty Job – Christopher Moore
23. The Flying Troutmans – Miriam Toews

Wow, wow, wow what a list Heather! Any recommendations? What have you loved so far? (And what did you think of Room??? It’s an in-house favourite!)

My favorite reads so far are The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews and Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger. I’ve read other books by both authors in the past and they didn’t let me down.

Room really hit home for me. A friend of the family was actually abducted and held against her will in New Brunswick last year, and I kept thinking of her when I was reading the book. It is a sensitive subject but was handled with exceptional care by the author. I only wish I was able to read more about the family when they were outside of Room.

Wow, gosh Heather Room must have been a very emotional read for you. I also keep finding myself wondering about Jack’s future, how he will grow up, etc.

(PS. Time Traveler’s Wife is one of my favourite, favourite books! I liked Her Fearful Symmetry too!) – Shannon

Please sign me up :3

Please sign me up for this challenge. My daughter and I started keeping track at the beginning of March. I just finished Ted Dekker’s Thr3e which I really enjoyed. It was a real page turner with several good twists. That was my 4th book of the month. I just started Agent X by Noah Boyd, which I won in the Harper Collins Facebook contest.

Me too!
presently reading The Angel’s game – Carlos Ruiz Zafon
So far this year I’ve read…
The book thief – Marcus Zusak
The glass castle – Jeanette Walls
The story of stuff – Annie Leonard
The gargoyle – Andrew Davidson
Iron orchid – Stuart Woods
Witch – Barbara Michaels
Charlemange pursuit – Steve Berry
Bloodletting and miraculous cures – Vincent Lam
Spartan gold – Clive Cussler
Bones to ashes – Kathy Reichs
Girl in translation – Jean Kwok
Still Missing – Chevy Stevens
Hades factor – Robert Ludlum

Sign me up, and my 2 kids, Sara and Carey. I’ll post our list of books so far once we organize it back to Jan 1.

I’d love to start this but I can’t find the list of books anywhere? Please sign me up and let me know where I can get the list of books!

Thanks!

I’m in. I’m on my 13th book of 2011 and was aiming for 30, but why not 50. Go big or go home. It’s given me a chance to pick up a few books that have been sitting on my shelves for some time.
Ann
Twitter: @humpguinnacho

signed up, but name does not appear?

Added you Lisa! Sorry for the delay :)

Welcome to the team Ann :) Best of luck!

Hi Jackie! There’s no set list of books you have to read for the pledge, we just want you to make reading a priority so you can basically read whatever you want :) Welcome to the team! Amazon has some great deals and suggestions here: http://ow.ly/4mlLL

Welcome Deelia, Sara & Carey! Excited to have you on the team!

sing m…can’t remember all I have read this year but 3 stand outs would be..The Art of Racing in the Rain and The Lake of Dreads and Left Neglected.

This is a great idea. I am currently running 2 book clubs and am about to start a third – I love reading. I have never counted books though. What a neat idea. I am going to start now!

Have 16 books completed and justed started the hyped YA dystopian WITHER

I’m reading a couple of older novels by Shusaku Endo, Silence and The Samuraii. Historical, literary fiction, if you liked Shogun you may like these books written by a Japanese Catholic likened to Graham Green. If you didn’t like James Clavell’s take on cultural clashes the individual’s struggles with himself could stand as a corrective. Please sign me up for the challenge. Enjoy!

I take the pledge, bury me me in book binding. I need a rest from Wireless.

I’m almost finished my 31st book since January – Jodi Picoult’s Sing Me Home. It’s very good but some of her others have had more impact. My favorites so far this year in no particular order The Death Instinct by Jed Rubenfeld; Freedom by Jonathan Franzen;How to be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway; Lit by Mary Karr; To the End of the Land by David Grossman; Midnight at the Dragon Cafe by Judy Fond Bates which is the Toronto Library read book; and the False Friend by Myla Goldberg. for sheer escapism anything by JD Robb. I also decided to keep a book journal otherwise I wouldn’t have this list to post at all.

On book #7 – Secret Daughter. Apparently I need to step it a bit!

@Shannon – As long as you are enjoying reading and taking time to read, we don’t mind if you don’t reach 50! (Some of us may have trouble too, but hey, it’s a fun goal!)

@Karen — A book journal is a great idea! Plus, that is a very impressive list, and 31 books?! Amazing!

I shall join! Um I’ve read a few but can’t remember them all. So far: I am number four, and Heroes: Saving Charlie, Pretty Little Lairs Wicked, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The lightning Thief. There are more but I just can’t remember.

Twitter: @summer_copygirl
Please sign me up for the 50 book pledge! :) Now ive to look back and recall what i’v read since january… I wish I had seen this sooner. Now i’m all inspired to tell my friends.
1. The Art of Racing in the Rain – Garth Stein
2-4. Millenium Series – Stieg Larsson
5-9. Percy Jackson Series – (Rick Riordan. I’m reading the 5th book now.)
10. Mutual Funds for Dummies – Eric Tyson
11. The Curious incident of the dog in the night time – Mark Haddon
12. She’s come Undone – Wally Lamb
13. The Undomestic Goddess – Sophie Kinsella
13. Something Borrowed – Emily Giffin

i loved The art of racing in the rain. Stein Garth is AWESOME. And the Kiterunner is a brilliant book.

Next on the list: either Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, or Little Bee by Chris Cleave! :) Happy reading to all!

1. Broken
2. Book 3 of a Wedding series
3. Book 4 of a Wedding Series
4. a war diary
5 sequel to the war diary

me and my mom are keeping track on the fridge how many books we have read we started on March 1st :)

Haven’t signed up but am tweeting my books with the #50BookPledge hashtag. Catch me on Twitter @Kim_in_Dixie!

Sign me up I have been following along on Twitter love it!!
@boomda181

Please sign me up i would love to read 50 or more books in the next year you can also follow me on twitter at @thehuntingmommy

I just learned about this — a little behind on the times. I am totally on board! I am going to count the books I already read…and also, I have some subpledges: try to read out of my genre and from different time periods. Thank you for initiating this!

My year so far:
1. Coffee, Tea, or Murder by Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain
2. Death in Disguise by Caroline Graham
3. Siix Geese A-Slaying by Donna Andrews
4. The Anodyne Necklace by Martha Grimes
5. A Deadly Judgement by Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain
6. Provence – to Die for by Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain
7. The Lavender by Butterfly Murders Sharon Duncan
8. Death of a Hollow Man by Caroline Graham
9. The Midnight show Murders by Al Roker
10. Blood Orange Brewing by Laura Childs
11. Leftover Dead by Jimmie Ruth Evans
12. A Moment on the Edge by Elizabeth George
13. A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd
14. Murder most Medieval by Martin H. Greenberg
15. The Mamur Zapt and the Men Behind by Michael Pearce
16. The Ice House by Minette Walters
17. The Barefoot Serpent by Scott Morse
18. The Murder Room Michael Capuzzo
19. Stay Tuned for Murder Mary Kennedy
20. Pasta Imperfect Maddy Hunter
21. Much Ado About Murder Anne Perry

@Buterflychick28

I posted a message awhile back to join but it seems to have gotten lost so just posting again.
I’m a little behind as I started late but here’s my list so far

The Golden Compass
The Amber Spyglass
The Subtle Knife
Room (awesome book)
Afterlives of the Rich and Famous
The Chrysalids
A Very Special Delivery
Psychic Healing

And am currently reading Vampire Diaries The Return Vol 2: Shadow Souls

i want to join shellyearnhardt

Have started book 6 now, The Land of Painted Caves. Agent X was really good. My daughter (Becky) will be starting book 8 today. I think it is going to take me a while to get to book 7, this book is a slow read for me, but I am enjoying it.

I’ll have you know I joined Twitter just so I could do this challenge! LOL

Sign me up please!

I don’t expect to get to 50 but I sure am gonna give it a try. Too bad children’s books don’t count as I read to my 4 year old every night! LOL

Let’s see, so far this year I have managed to finish Stephen King’s “The Dome”. Excellent book, not his usual weirdness but still pretty scary.

I got half way through Dan Brown’s “Deception Point”, now I just have to finish it.

I also read Lisa Genova’s “Left Neglected” and I liked it better than “Still Alice”, which I read last year.

I’ve decided to join the 50 Book pledge with my two daughters, Gracie who is 7 1/2 and already loving her chapter books and Megan who is 6 and just learning to read. Some of the books we will read together (we really love Magic Tree House) and some separately. I have just finished “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett and it is one of my favourites so far this year. Some of my other reads this year are listed below:
1. Secret Daughter – Shilipi Somaya Gowda (great book)
2,3,4 &5. The 4 Twilight Books – Stephanie Meyer (couldn’t put them down, my house, husband and kids suffered for the week and a half… Ha!
6. The Passage – Justin Cronin (amazing Book, couldn’t put it down, can’t wait to read more)
7. Water for elephants – Sara Gruen (enjoyed it, loved the ending)
8. A bend in the road – Nicholas Sparks (pretty good)
9. Squirrel seeks chipmunk – David Sedaris (cute)
10. The Forgotten garden – Kate Morton (fantastic Book)
11. A Place called freedom – Ken Follett (another amazing book!!)
I’m half way through “The Book of Negros” Lawrence Hill and it is tragic and amazing, love it so far…
As for my daughter, Gracie she is hooked on Geronimo Stilton books, and is reading Ramona and Beezus right now and loving it. We read Magic Tree House together and Megan is practicing with the beginning readers but already reading well and enjoying it! Thanks for the challenge and getting us involved.
My next book will be “Room” by Emma Donoghue…

[...] I can get everyone who signed up here to respond??? This is going to be quite the [...]

Finally finished Land of Painted Caves. I was actually a little disappointed with it, but that may just be because I had been looking forward to it for so many years. Have also finished book 7, Aunt Dimity: Vampire Hunter. Really enjoyed that one.

I am already at 62 books, but only have the pace of last years, now have a third kid under 5. You can see my list here. I am aiming for 160 by ened of year.

Steven
Book Reviews And More
@SRMcEvoy

[...] Reader’s 50 Book Pledge is one New Year’s Resolution I knew I would have no trouble keeping. (My poor gym membership [...]

I’m signing up late … signing up, just the same!

My 2011 year so far:
God’s Love Letters to You A 40-Day Devotional Experience By Larry CrabbKnock ‘em Dead: Secrets and Strategies for Success In An Uncertain World by Martin YateStrike It Rich with Pocket Change By Ken Potter and Dr. Brian AllenBetter by Mistake: The Unexpected Benefits of Being Wrong by Alina TugendInside-Out Healing: Transforming Your Life Through the Power of Presence by Richard MossRun Like a Girl: How Strong Women Make Happy Lives by Mina SamuelsBalance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life Achieving Optimal Health and Wellness through Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, and Western Science by Claudia WelchThe 10-Pound Shred-From Flab to Fit in 4 Weeks By Tommy EuropeHow to Write a Book Proposal 4th Edition By Michael LarsenThe Available Parent: Radical Optimism for Raising Teens and Tweens by John DuffyBeggar’s Feast by Randy BoyagodaThe Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World Over 600 Secrets of theMagicKingdom, Epcot, Disney’sHollywoodStudios, and Animal Kingdom By Susaan VenessTeen Cuisine by Matthew LocricchioDIY Cocktails: A Simple Guide to Creating Your Own Signature Drinks by Marcia Simmons and Jonas HalpernHome-Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living – Cook it, Clean it, Fix it, Wash it  by Heather SolosScribbling Women True Tales from Astonishing Lives, by Marthe JocelynMidnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss by Cheryl SimoneThe Longevity Project: Surprising Discoveries for Health and Long Life from the Landmark Eight-Decade Study by Howard S. FriedmanMoney & Marriage: A Complete Guide for Engaged or Newly Married Couples,by Matt BellGod’s Wisdom for Mothers By Jack CountrymanThe Serotonin Power Diet: Eat Carbs–Nature’s Own Appetite Suppressant–to Stop Emotional Overeating and Halt Antidepressant-Associated Weight Gain by Judith J. Wurtman, PhD, and Nina Frusztajer, MDAmazing Crayon Drawing With Lee Hammond: Create Lifelike Portraits, Pets, Landscapes and More by Lee HammondAn Apple a Day: Old-Fashioned Proverbs –Timeless Words to Live By by Caroline TaggartMom Inc. – Raising Your Family and Your Business Without Losing Your Mind or Your Shirt, by Amy Ballon, Danielle Botterell, Rebecca ReuberRock Bottom by Erin BrockovichSlippery Willie’s Stupid Ugly Shoes by Larry PetersonYoga Studio by Rain MitchellONE OF OUR THURSDAYS IS MISSING – A THURSDAY NEXT NOVEL, by Jasper FfordeATTACHMENTS – A NOVEL, by Rainbow RowellThe Life Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World   by Shaunti Feldhahn (Author), Robert Lewis (Author)How to Shop for Free – Shopping Secrets for Smart Women Who Love to Get Something for Nothing by Kathy Spencer, Samantha RoseNaked Fitness: The Proven 28 Day Weight Loss Program for a Slimmer, Fitter, Pain Free Body by Andrea MetcalfPrevent a Second Heart Attack: 8 Foods, 8 Weeks to Reversing Heart Disease by Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., R.D.An Unlikely Blessing (Forever Hilltop) by Judy BaerRhymes With Cupid, by Anna HumphreyGOD’S WORD for Girls101 Places Not to See Before You Die By Catherine PriceThe Jesus Inquest The Case For and Against the Resurrection of the Christ By Charles FosterNever Too Late Take Control Of Your Retirement and Your Future, by Gail Vaz-OxladeSpilling the Beans on the Cat’s Pajamas: Popular Expressions-What They Mean and How We Got Them by Judy ParkinsonAppetite for Reduction 125 Fast & Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes Isa Chandra Moskowitz with Matthew RuscignoThe Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible, NKJV Inspirational Applications for Living Your Faith By Max LucadoTastefully Small Savory Bites: Easy, Sophisticated Hors d’Oeuvres for Every Occasion by Kim Hendrickson

Wow! That’s an amazing list!

[...] took the #50BookPledge for the first time last year, vowing to make reading a priority in 2011. Here, Cory explains why. Basically, we pledged to read 50 books in 2011, or roughly a book a week. Now, 50 really was just [...]

[...] – Completed WordPress’ 2011 Weekly Photo Challenge – Completed HCC/Savvy Reader’s 50 Book Pledge – Reached 100 blog followers! – Reached 100 Facebook page [...]

[...] week I learned about something called The 50 Book Pledge. The idea comes from the site, The Savvy Reader, and I think it’s a great one. What does the [...]

I’m in! @bopeeplady.

I’ll do this. I’m already at book 17-18.
Mad Scientist @MadSteampunkery