Reading challenges to tempt you, part V: Geographical challenges

Travelogues are my very favourite genre, but I also like to read other genres, both fiction and non-fiction, that feature locations that are well described and important for the story. If I know the location I can picture it in my mind. If not, I can imagine it and dream of visiting it some day (or make plans to avoid it all cost).

Here are some challenges dedicated to countries, areas and continents around the world, starting small and ending big. I found so many challenges with this one theme that I decided to dedicate a special post to them.

As before, you can click on either the link or the badge to be taken to the sign-up page.

First up is the Ireland Reading Challenge, hosted by Carrie of Books and Movies.

This challenge runs from January 1 to November 30, 2012. I did not see a deadline for signing up.

There are 4 levels. Crossovers and re-reads are allowed.

The challenge is to read "Any book written by an Irish author, set in Ireland, or involving Irish history or Irish characters, ... – fiction, non-fiction, poetry, audiobooks, children’s books – all of these apply."

Reviews are not required, but there is incentive to do so: A prize. There is a further twist that offers an increased chance to win the prize - check the host blog for more information. 25 people have signed up so far.

The Library of Clean Reads is hosting the I Love Italy reading challenge.

This is a year-long challenge and can be joined at any time.

Books must be "set in Italy, written by an Italian author or about Italy or an Italian person".

There are 4 levels. Reviewing is not required but is encouraged.

9 people have signed up so far.

Tasha of Book Obsessed is running The 50 States Reading Challenge.

This is a big challenge: To read books set in all 50 of the United States, although it doesn't say whether you must read one book for each state or if you can read books that cover several states.

It lasts all year and I didn't see a deadline for joining, although you would have to be a pretty prolific reader if you join any later than, say, August.

Crossovers are allowed, you need not have a blog to enter, and reviewing is encouraged. There are 27 participants already.


The following challenge is about a region close to my heart:

Swapna Krishna of S. Krishna's Books is hosting a South Asian Challenge. 

 This is a year long challenge, and I did not see a deadline for sighing up. 

The aim is to read books (the number is up to you), relating to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and/or the Maldives.

To qualify, a book must either be written by a South Asian author or be about South Asia or South Asians (i.e. "the subject matter focuses on the region, peoples, or cultures in some way").

You need not have a blog and reviewing is not mandatory, but is welcomed. Crossovers are allowed. 32 people have signed up already.

 Rose City Reader is hosting a European Reading Challenge.

In her words: "The idea is to read books by European authors or books set in European countries (no matter where the author comes from). The books can be anything – novels, short stories, memoirs, travel guides, cookbooks, biography, poetry, or any other genre. You can participate at different levels, but each book must be by a different author and set in a different country – it's supposed to be a tour."

The challenge runs between  January 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013. I did not see a deadline for signing up.

There are 5 levels, 3 alternative variations, and 4 prizes. Reviewing is not mandatory, but you can only win prizes if you review and post links to those reviews (one review equals one ticket for the prize drawing). Go to the sign-up post to read the complete rules. 39 participants have signed up so far.

Last but not least:

Kerrie of Mysteries in Paradise is taking over from Dorte and hosting the third Global Reading challenge this year.

The challenge runs throughout 2012 and you can sign up at any time.

There are three levels, and the challenge is to read fiction from or about countries on the continents of Africa, Asia, Australasia/Oceania, Europe, North America, South America, and a seventh continent that can be either Antarctica or, in Kerrie's words: "eg the sea, the space, a supernatural/paranormal world, history, the future – you name it". 19 participants have already signed up.