Chunkster Challenge 2009

Okay! I've finally taken the plunge with the Chunkster Challenge 2009. I have been tempted for weeks with all the wonderful challenges out there, but I told myself that I wouldn't sign up for any. I'm so high-strung about reading and blogging normally that I didn't think my family deserved to have me stressing out even more trying to complete various challenges; however, I just couldn't resist this one. Not to mention that I am feelin' (a bit) chunky after the holidays.

One of the main reasons why I felt compelled to join this challenge is because I tend not to pick up the bigger books in my TBR pile. I participated in this same challenge last year, and I'm happy to say that it did encourage me to read some wonderful (albeit large) books!

Here are the rules (copied directly from the Feelin' Chunky page) for those of you who haven't signed up yet:

There have been a few changes to the rules so please read closely:

*A chunkster is 450 pages or more of ADULT literature (fiction or nonfiction) Don't complain folks, I read all thousands of pages of the Twilight series and they were good, but not a challenge. A chunkster should be a challenge.

*If you read large type books your book will need to be 525 pages or more I asked around and the average LT book is 10-15% longer or more so I think that was a fair estimate.

*No Audio books in the chunkster. It just doesn't seem right. Words on paper for this one folks.

* You may start any time after signing up. You must complete your reads before or on Nov 15th.

*Short Stories and Essay collections will not be counted.

*Books may crossover with other challenges (see option 4 for a collaborative effort with TBR challenge.)

*Only option 4 requires that you make a set list of books to complete the challenge.

Those are the basics. Here are your options:

*The Chubby Chunkster - this option is for the reader who has a large tome or two to read, but really doesn't want to commit to more than that. 2 books is all you need to finish this challenge.

*Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? - this option is for the slightly heavier reader who wants to commit to 3-5 Chunksters over the next ten months.

*Mor-book-ly Obese - This is for the truly out of control chunkster. For this level of challenge you must commit to 6 or more chunksters OR three tomes of 750 pages or more. You know you want to.....go on and give in to your cravings.

And lastly, in an intriguing collaboration with the wildly popular Miz B of the TBR Challenge we have:

*Too Big To Ignore Anymore - this option is for those chunksters on your TBR list. You may select any number of books over 450 pages but you must LIST THEM to complete the challenge and they must be on your TBR list as well (honor code folk, I don't have time to be the challenge police)

Although I'd like to sign up for the "Do These Books Make My Butt Look Big" version because it sounds do darn funny and I actually do say that about my pants/jeans all the time; I think I'll take the plunge and go for the "Mor-book-ly Obese" one. I might end up regretting that decision come November; but if I'm only doing one challenge, I think I should do it right -- right?

Sign ups end March 1st, so you still have a little time to think about it. Please join me!

I find it very ironic that I just completed a 500+ page book three days before signing up for this challenge. It doesn't count because the challenge officially starts after signing up!