Celia Gurevitch Jewish Community Library

I signed up for a challenge at LibraryThing (book cataloging and social networking site), which I think many of you might enjoy to: I plan to read at least 9 books in each of 9 categories in 2009. The purpose is to have fun, track what I read and maybe extend the range of material I read. I will keep a log of my progress at my dedicated LibraryThing topic. The categories I set up for myself reflect my areas of interests:

I. Jewish fiction
II. Jewish non-fiction
III. Kabbalah
IV. Books from the list on the “1001 books to read before you die”
V. Hungarian fiction
VI. Sociology non-fiction
VII. Historical fiction
VIII. Science fiction
IX. Alternate history

I invite you to set up a similar challenge for yourself. I want to emphasize the “fun” element, so challenge yourself in whatever way that works for you. For example, I know somebody who plans to do 1-9-9 challenge; she may not have more time than to read one book in each category of her choice. Others allow overlaps, so a single book may show up in more than one category.

If you accept the challenge I would be happy to provide you with ideas of categories and then recommendations for books as well. Particularly if your categories relate to Judaism, Israel or topics we cover in our library. If you give permission I would also like to share your categories and selections on this blog. I can even give you access so you could manage your entries here, if you are inclined to share reviews of the books you read.

How about that? Do something beneficial for yourself in 2009 and join the 999 challenge.