Pat of Here, There and Everywhere (2nd Edition) writes about another reading challenge by Stainless Steel Droppings. A great site with a very gothic feel to it, it hosts the annual R.I.P. Challenge which leads readers to discover new books in the gothic, horror, mystery, thriller, suspense, and dark fantasy genres.
This year, between March 21 to June 20, the site poses the Once Upon A Time IV reading challenge. To get into the spirit, the “challengee” must settle on a book or books on any or all four categories : fantasy, folklore, mythology, fairy tale.
As with the other challenges of the site, Once Upon A Time IV strives to be flexible. From allowing just a one-book read for the entire period to demanding a tackling of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” in addition to four books, the challenge permits readers to choose just how much pressure they would like to take on.
My option of choice, Quest the First, challenges me to read a total of five books in any of the four genres mentioned.
I’ve chosen my five to be :
Genre : Fantasy
Review : Anansi Boys — Neil Gaiman 
Genre : Mythology
Review : Last of the Amazons — Steven Pressfield
Genre : Fairy Tale
Review : Mortal Love — Elizabeth Hand
Genre : Fantasy
Review : Hush Hush—Becca Fitzpatrick
Genre : Fantasy
Review : The Secret Ingredient — Jane Heller
A red check mark indicates that the book has been read. You may find the links to my reviews just below each one.
I’m looking forward to an escapist summer. Hope I get a vacation to go with my books.
Jo's BookShelf 
March 22, 2010 at 5:06 pm
welcome to Once Upon a Time!! I found Carl the first year he did this and was overwhelmed at all the reviews (an all the additions I put on my wish list!!) since then I have joined each year.. a “commit” small..the journey.. but have always read several books before its over.. I hope you enjoy Once Upon a Time as much as I do!
March 22, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Hi Pat! Fantasy is one of my favorite genres; so I was happy to find out about this challenge from your site. I guess I’ll be another annual follower. 🙂
March 23, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Jo, would you believe that I haven’t participated in any challenge? I’m kinda wary about joining challenges since my reading preferences vary constantly. Hehe.
March 23, 2010 at 1:35 pm
I have sort of the same habit, Peter. But I found out last year that if I committed to one, I stick to my reading list like glue. Just so I don’t fail, so to speak and because I posted the list for all the world to see. Ha, Ha!
Challenges though help me reduce my to-be-reads a lot since I always make a list based on what I have on hand. Without a posted list, I tend to ignore what I have and go in search for more books.
In other words, I join challenges to discipline myself–self-imposed book camp.
April 13, 2010 at 3:38 pm
[…] my choices for the Once Upon A Time IV and Spring Reading Thing 2010 challenge lists, Hush, Hush just fit the […]