
I made a comment in a recent book review of mine that it would be cool to have a “Dewey Challenge” in honor of Dewey fromThe Hidden Side of a Leaf who recently passed away, where participants would read books that she reviewed. I know my wishlist has grown tremendously as a result of her and I’ve loved every book that I’ve read that she’s recommended. Dewey was such a prolific reader and her reviews were honest, intriguing, and beautifully written. What better way to celebrate her wonderful life than by having a year long challenge in her name!
When I commented about having the challenge, I didn’t think I’d actually do it :p But then Robin (that wonderful person!) emailed me and had already designed a button for it! And it’s quite beautiful. She’s offered to help in any way she can, and I just might take her up on that
The original plan was that Robin was going to look up all of her 2003-2005 reads and I was going to do her 2006-2008 reads. I started going through Dewey’s archives and realized that my list would be close to 700 books long and no one would read through all that! I also realized that I was really enjoying my time over at Dewey’s blog, searching through all of her old posts. It was like visiting with an old friend. So instead of me giving you a list of books, I say we all go visit her again and pick out books that sound interesting to us. There are two ways to join this challenge:
1. Pick one book from each of the 6 years that Dewey has archives of. You can access her archives by clicking on the archive link in the sidebar of her website. It’s a dropdown menu. For instance, you would read one book that she reviewed in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 for a total of six books.
2. The other option is to read 5 books that Dewey reviewed. These can be from any year and I’m guessing that each of us has at least 5 books on our TBR list because of Dewey!
And the rules:
1. Choose either option 1 or 2 from above.
2. Commit to read your books (either 5 or 6 depending on which option you choose) throughout 2009. The challenge will end on December 31, 2009 but we’ll go ahead and unofficially start it right away! We’ll officially start it on January 1st, 2009.
3. Check back to this page often as I’ll put up Mr. Linky’s for reviews and I’ll mention prize giveaways!
I’m hoping to do some prize giveaways that have a “Dewey Theme”. I have a couple of books in mind that she reviewed which I read and loved and of course there’s the ever so popular Chocolate Monkey that Dewey would give away! Anyone know where she got that from?
Finally, this is my first time EVER hosting a challenge and Robin’s as well, so please have patience with us, lol. If anyone would like to give me a nudge if I’m missing something or just totally screwing up, please do! It’ll be appreciated. And lastly, if anyone wants to donate prizes to the challenge, you’re more than welcomed to do that too! Don’t feel pressured to though, I’ll have some prizes of my own.
Lastly, have fun!! And enjoy spending time with the books that our wonderful friend recommended to us. Please comment below if you’d like to join and I’ll add your name to a list. Also, feel free to take a button that Robin designed! We’ll have different sizes posted soon!
To sign up, leave a comment either here or on my blog, Stuff as Dreams are Made on, and I’ll add you to the blogroll. This page will be the main page for the challenge, though I’m sure Robin and I will cross post on our blogs!





96 Comments
December 8, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Count me in. Will be adding books to post over next few days:
http://lyndasbookblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books-reading-challenge.html
December 8, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Count me in – what a great idea! I will participate with my blog http://thebookczar.blogspot.com – thanks for hosting this:)
December 8, 2008 at 5:13 pm
That’s awesome. I did think fleetingly about the idea because of the challenges in memory of Nattie (whom I didn’t know) so I’m glad someone took it upon themselves to create this challenge. My post about it is here: http://smsbookreviews.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books-reading-challenge.html
December 8, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Thanks you guys for hosting this great challenge. I’m so happy to join.
http://1330v.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books.html
December 8, 2008 at 6:11 pm
I left a comment on Chris’ blog, but I’ll leave one here: count me in. I’ve added a button on my sidebar, with my six choices from Dewey’s blog underneath. I think it’s a wonderful idea to honor her in this way.
December 8, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Count me in!
http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-challenge.html
December 9, 2008 at 12:18 am
Thank you for hosting this. Count me in. My post about the challenge, with my list of chosen books can be found here:
http://pageafterpage-kim.blogspot.com/2008/12/fitting-tribute.html
December 9, 2008 at 1:42 am
I am jumping aboard this one – the link is to my challenge blog – but I am books and Musings from downunder:
http://sally906.blogspot.com/
List of books will go up soon – am doing one from each year – total of six
December 9, 2008 at 4:25 am
Count me in as well. It is a lovely way to honor Dewey and I am heading straight to her blog to find books to read for this challenge. Thanks for doing all the hard work.
Louise
December 9, 2008 at 6:29 am
I haven’t put together a list yet, but I’m in. I hope a “pool” is okay…there are way too many Dewey-inspired books already on my shelves to narrow it down.
December 9, 2008 at 7:14 am
Yep, I’m with Debi…I don’t think I can decide on a list just yet. But I wanted to sign up anyway.
December 9, 2008 at 8:30 am
I’m in too.
http://khager.vox.com/library/post/book-challenges-aplenty.html
December 9, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Count me in, too. I’ll get my list up soon.
December 9, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I haven’t picked my option or my books yet, but here is my post.
http://kylees2009.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books-reading-challenge.html
December 9, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Please count me in.
My blog (and I) are located at: The Biblio Brat
December 9, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Hi!
I would love to join in on this challenge. I didn’t know Dewey as well as some of you. But I did visit her blog quite a bit. I have put the button on my sidebar and will be putting up my list of books this week. Thanks for having this challenge, it’s a great way to remember Dewey.
Sherrie
December 9, 2008 at 5:43 pm
I’ve put up my list.
December 9, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I’m in. I haven’t chosen my books yet, but my initial post is here.
December 9, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I’m in!! I’ll put a list in my sidebar and a post in the next few days! Great challenge ladies!!
http://kristinasfavorites.blogspot.com
December 10, 2008 at 6:28 am
I’ve got my post up, I ended up with quite a list of books I would like to check out, so my list is more of a pool to choose from. I hope that is okay.
My challenge post.
December 10, 2008 at 6:40 am
I’m in. It’ll take me awhile to choose my books, though.
Oh, and I know where she got the Chocolate Monkey …
December 10, 2008 at 8:07 am
I spent some time this morning on Dewey’s blog – and my post with book choices is located here. I noticed you put A Novel Challenge in the side bar…that is an information only blog about reading challenges…my main blog (which is where I’ll be posting reviews, etc…) is Caribousmom.
December 10, 2008 at 10:23 am
Great way to remember Dewey, count me in. My post is here.
December 10, 2008 at 12:45 pm
count me in! Here’s my (tentative) list:http://heatherlo.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/a-challenge-for-dewey-and-a-war-challenge/
I think this challenge is awesome, I’m so glad you decided to do it.
December 10, 2008 at 1:09 pm
This is a terrific idea. Here’s my entering post. It’s really nice to think we’ll still be reading her recommendations.
December 10, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Count me in. My list is posted.
December 10, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Perfect tribute _ I bet Dewey would get a kick out of it
I’ve done my list, I just haven’t posted it yet because my challenges post got so long! It must be like cats, or potato chips, you can’t have just one …
December 10, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Hi Chris,
Fantastic idea! I’ll definitely join, although it’ll be another week or so before I post about it.
Fizzy Thoughts
http://www.fizzybeverage.blogspot.com
December 10, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I have my list posted.
December 11, 2008 at 2:18 am
Please add me to this Challenge. I have been trying to stick to books that I own for 2009 challenges that I am getting into, but I adored Dewey and greatly miss her! So how could I not join in honor of her?! I have a list on my Challenge blog
http://readingderbychallenge.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-book-reading-challenge.html
my main blog is
http://www.readingderby.blogspot.com/
Thanks for having us look back through Dewey’s blog…it is like visiting an old friend!
December 11, 2008 at 5:18 am
I am in for this although I am into doing challenges for sometime now.
Here is my tentative list:
http://readingandmorereading.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-book-reading-challenge.html
December 11, 2008 at 6:56 am
I’m in! Here is my post.
shelcows AT gmail DOT com
December 11, 2008 at 8:44 am
I would love to enter this challenge. I will go for # 1
Thank-you for this wonderful tribute to Dewey
December 11, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I will join too. I’ll browse for a while and find some books. I don’t think it will be too hard to find 5 or 6 books.
December 11, 2008 at 7:55 pm
[...] love to honor Dewey by participating in this challenge. You can read more about the challenge here. I’m going with the option of reading 5 books that Dewey reviewed on her blog. As a bonus [...]
December 11, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I’m in.
http://1morechapter.com/2008/12/09/deweys-books/
December 11, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Thanks Girls. Awesome recommendations
http://test-veens.blogspot.com/2008/12/dewey-it-is-such-awesome-pile-of-books.html
Count me in!
December 12, 2008 at 2:23 am
I’ll do it!I’ll do it! definitely! but I won’t pick a list, I’ll just choose one by one, so I won’t get any anti-challenge feelings in the way:)
December 12, 2008 at 8:55 am
[...] I’ll choose and which books I’ll read (I’ll update this post when I do). The challenge runs (officially) January 1 to December 31, [...]
December 12, 2008 at 9:37 am
I’m doing option 2. I have a list of books I’d like to read, but will choose off of the list which ones I want to read depending on my mood.
December 12, 2008 at 12:49 pm
A great tribute, which will mean her site continues to be enjoyed – count me in!
http://www.farmlanebooks.co.uk/?p=194
December 12, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I am in for this one. Thanks for hosting and setting this challenge up.
http://jeanettesbooks.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books-challenge.html
December 12, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I was finally able to get set up for this one. I am ready to go.
Amy(The Sleepy Reader)
http://readingtoolate.net/?p=1311
December 12, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Thanks for hosting this challenge! My post: http://challenges.mawbooks.com/2009-challenges/deweys-books-reading-challenge/
December 13, 2008 at 11:31 am
I would love to do this challenge. My blog is http://jeskareads.blogspot.com – The Curious Reader. Thanks for the opportunity! Oh yeah, and I’m doing option number 1!
December 14, 2008 at 6:31 am
K I only found the 2008 list I’m not seeing where to find her others? Anyway this looks awesome. I will got for option #1 and then probably do more or turn it into a perpetual one for me personally. I didn’t know Dewey but will think of her as I read these as she looks like a woman after my own heart as far as the knitting books etc. What a neat memorial she will be in our thoughts for a long time to come as we share her reads. Have to go try to find her other years reads!
December 14, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I’m signing up for this one. Here’s a link to my post:
http://athomewithbooks.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books-reading-challenge.html
December 16, 2008 at 8:01 am
Very good idea–I’m in!
December 16, 2008 at 7:10 pm
[...] You’re already entered. If you know someone who hasn’t signed up yet, tell them to sign up by January 1st so that they can win a [...]
December 16, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Okay, I decided on my books, although I reserve the right to change my mind at any time.
http://fizzybeverage.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books-reading-challenge.html
December 17, 2008 at 1:04 am
Count me in and thanks to both Chris and Robin for hosting this challenge.
December 17, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Count me in!
December 17, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Count me in. And now, to choose the books…
December 18, 2008 at 5:25 am
Count me in, please. My list is here
December 18, 2008 at 7:16 am
I’m in, too. Will write my post soon!
December 18, 2008 at 8:23 am
Here’s my post!
http://lizzie-q-homemaker.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books.html
December 18, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I would like to try this one as well. No idea of what I will read until the holidays are over.
Lindy
December 20, 2008 at 8:48 am
I couldn’t pass up on this challenge so please count me in. Thank you for hosting!
December 22, 2008 at 4:01 am
I’d really like to do this – I’m thinking the 6 books option.
December 22, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I would like to do this. I will be doing option 2 and reading 5 books. Thanks for hosting this.
December 23, 2008 at 4:52 am
I’m in!
December 23, 2008 at 8:47 am
Hello,
Please sign me up for this challenge – My post and list of books is here: http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books-reading-challenge.html
December 24, 2008 at 11:27 am
We’ll be taking part as well. Thanks so much for hosting the challenge-it’s such a perfect way to honour Dewey.
http://readerrabbit.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books-reading-challenge.html
December 26, 2008 at 3:16 am
Right, I’ve decided to sign up for this one. Fantastic way to honour Dewey’s memory and her contribution to the community.
Will post my list later on!
December 26, 2008 at 9:48 pm
i’m in! i’ve posted a list of possibles here: http://books4alison.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books-reading-challenge.html
December 27, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I posted my list of possible reads on my blog here, but forgot to come back and leave a comment. Please count me in for the challenge!
December 27, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I’d like to join. My list is here – http://leafingthroughlife.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books-challenge.html
December 28, 2008 at 11:53 am
I’m in! Here’s where my list and progress will be
http://bookworm-jules.blogspot.com/2008/12/deweys-books-reading-challenge.html
Here’s where the reviews will be
http://juliebooks.blogspot.com/
December 28, 2008 at 7:53 pm
[...] over the recent Thanksgiving holiday, I will also be sponsoring a mini-challenge for Chris’s Dewey’s Books Reading Challenge that will occur on Saturday, January 17th called the Out of This World Mini-Challenge. It will be [...]
December 29, 2008 at 10:07 pm
I finally posted my list!
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/2008/12/deweys-books-challenge.html
December 31, 2008 at 7:13 am
Count me in! I posted my books today.
December 31, 2008 at 8:26 am
I’ve joined and posted here.
I haven’t chosen my books yet … hope to do that over the weekend.
Thanks to Robin and Chris for organizing this!
December 31, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I’m in! here’s my link: http://igireads.blogspot.com/2008/12/dewey-book-challenge.html
December 31, 2008 at 12:56 pm
This sounds great and I’m in!
My list is http://a-nut-in-a-nutshell.blogspot.com/2008/05/deweys-books-reading-challenge.html
December 31, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Count me in! This is the first Challenge I’ve committed to participating in, and I can’t think of a better one to start with. I’ll do Option 2. No need to enter me for the chocolate monkey, though … I don’t need the calories after all the holiday eating I’ve done.
December 31, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Count me in, please!!!! http://stitchesbythesea.blogspot.com/2008/12/not-about-knitting.html
December 31, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I would like to join. I have been going back through Dewey’s archives and making a list of books she reviewed that I have on my own TBR pile.
January 1, 2009 at 9:18 pm
I thought I’d signed up for this challenge but don’t see me on the blogroll or in the comments. Sigh – MAB (Middle-age Brain). Anyway, I’m in!
January 3, 2009 at 7:35 am
As always I’m a little late to the party but you can certainly count me in. Not sure which option I’ll use yet…but I know that I won’t be disappointed in any of the books that Dewey read and liked.
January 4, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Want to join…but her site isn’t working for me right now….
January 4, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Count me in this is my first challenge, I’m excited!!
January 4, 2009 at 11:55 pm
OK, I’m officially in at last with a reading list!
January 5, 2009 at 7:45 am
I’m finally getting around to officially signing up for this challenge. Find my list here.
January 6, 2009 at 11:35 am
I’ve joined. I think I forgot to officially tell you…
January 6, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I want to join – I’ve been trying to select titles and was trying to pick a theme. But now, her site is down, huh? That’s OK – this will encourage me to visit many more blogs anyway.
January 8, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Count me in. http://www.exitofhumanity.blogspot.com/ Sounds fun. Been reading perhaps too muck Post Apocalyptic, BTW
January 11, 2009 at 9:22 am
Does anyone have a link to a list of her books? The site has been down, and I had not made my list yet! Ach! Any help would be appreciated.
January 13, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I’m in and here’s the link to my post about the books I’ve chosen:
February 25, 2009 at 8:36 pm
[...] remember where I first heard about the book, but it could very well be from Dewey’s blog. There’s a challenge going on in the remembrance of Dewey, which I have not joined, but found myself have already read 2 books that I knew from Dewey for [...]
February 27, 2009 at 11:27 am
[...] of the 6 years that Dewey has archives of. I would encourage any avid reader to join us as well, here is the challenge site. Published [...]
February 27, 2009 at 11:30 am
Please count me in. I will update my blog each time I read a book for the challenge. Thank you so much for doing this!
February 27, 2009 at 11:31 am
Sorry, I didn’t include my post location:
http://playingmanyparts.wordpress.com/2009/02/27/a-new-book-challenge-deweys-books/
March 5, 2009 at 4:05 pm
[...] There are 2 options for Dewey’s Books Reading Challenge: [...]
March 10, 2009 at 7:54 pm
I haven’t said here, I’m officially joining the challenge!
http://www.meexia.com/bookie/2009/03/deweys-books-reading-challenge/
June 7, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Hi!
I have finished the reading challenge. You can see my wrap up of the challenge at my place, Just Books. Have a great day!
Sherrie
June 8, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Just got my first review posted.