I hope you will join me 2012 for the Eclectic Reader Challenge!
The aim of The Eclectic Reader 2012 Challenge is to push you a little outside your comfort zone by reading up to 12 books during the year from 12 different genres.
Join in:
- The challenge will run from January 1st to December 31st 201. Participants may join at any time up until December 1st 2012
- Create a blog post committing to your participation in this challenge.
* If you don’t have a blog you are still welcome to sign up. You can create a shelf for the challenge at Goodreads or LibraryThing or a similar site Just include your name and a link to your shelf.
- Post your name, blog name, and the direct link to your challenge post in the Linky using the link below
Click here to enter your link to sign up for the challenge
- Select, read and review a book from each genre listed below during the year for a total of 12 books. A book may be in print, electronic or audio format.
* You can choose your books as you go or create a list in advance. You may combine this challenge with others if you wish.
* Where a book is identified by more than one genre eg historical romance, it may only count for either the historical fiction or romantic fiction genres – not both.
* You can read your chosen titles in any order, at any pace, just complete the challenge by December 21st 2012 to be eligible for the prize drawing.
Genres
- Literary Fiction
- Crime/Mystery Fiction
- Romantic Fiction
- Historical Fiction
- Young Adult
- Fantasy
- Science Fiction
- Non Fiction
- Horror
- Thriller /Suspense
- Classic
- Your favourite genre
- Each time you read and review a book as part of this challenge, make sure you identify it by adding either a direct statement and /or the challenge image badge to the post.
- Share your review with other challenge participants by posting your name/blog name and title of the book with a direct link to your review in the Linky.
Click here to enter your link to your reviews
Please take the time to visit a few links and leave a comment!
All participants that complete the challenge by December 31st 2012 will be eligible to win a book of their choice to the value of $15AUD from bookdepository.com or a $10US Amazon gift card or paypal funds of US$10 to be drawn via random.org Jan 2013.
Click here to enter your link when you have completed the challenge!
Please CONTACT ME if you have any questions, I hope you will play along!

Here are tentative titles for my own list
- Literary Fiction – The Little Shadows by Marina Endicott REVIEW
- Crime/Mystery A Killing in the Hills by Julia Keller REVIEW
- Romantic Fiction – Attachments by Rainbow Rowell REVIEW
- Historical Fiction – A Dissection of Murder by Felicity Young REVIEW
- Young Adult – Drive By by Jim Carrington REVIEW
- Fantasy – Two Weeks’ Notice by Rachel Caine REVIEW
- Science Fiction – Shine Light by Marianne de Pierres REVIEW
- Non Fiction BandAid For a Broken Leg by Damien Brown REVIEW
- Horror – The Radleys by Matt Haig REVIEW
- Thriller /Suspense – The Dispatcher by Ryan David Jahn REVIEW
- Classic-The Harp in the South by Ruth Park REVIEW
- Your favourite genre Monday and the Murdered Man by Andrew Kirschbaum REVIEW
DONE!
I feel like going outside my comfort zone, so I’m joining in…
Here’s my challenge post:
http://curlupandread.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/the-eclectic-reading-challenge-2012-dec-10/
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I guess I forgot to list the blog where I’ll be tracking these…it’s Curl up and Read.
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I’m in! Blog post to come on http://www.spinefacingout.blogspot.com
Cheers, The Very Casual Librarian xxx
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Here it is…http://spinefacingout.blogspot.com/2011/12/right-up-my-alley.html
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Yes, I really like this challenge. I’m in! Thx for the invitation
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Wonderful – don’t forget to enter your details into the challenge linky!
http://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=120527&type=basic
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Sounds fun!
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http://flyingdoll.net/2011/12/11/eclectic-reader-challenge-2012-bookd-out/
I’m giving the challenge a go! I read a heck of a lot, so I’m interested to see how quickly I can get through all the genres!
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I signed up, SR 🙂
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Yay Pam – glad you have signed up!
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Great idea. and blogpost posted
http://ninadangelo.blogspot.com/2011/12/eclectic-reader-challenge-2012.html
I think this is a great idea.
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Thanks Nina – glad to have you join me, I look forward to seeing what you read!
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I’m new to your blog, but I’ve joined the challenge too 🙂
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Great to have you!
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I’m looking foward to this challenge, it will be a good way to start the New Year 🙂
You can find my post here: http://beckysblogs.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/the-eclectic-reader-challenge-2012-im-in-whos-with-me/
Also I was wondering, what exactly counts as Literary Fiction?
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Actually its a pretty vague term but essentially it refers to ‘serious’ fiction. Goodreads has a literary shelf you can browse here http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/literary-fiction as does Amazon here http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Kindle-Store-Literary-Fiction/zgbs/digital-text/157053011
Hope that helps!
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Ahh right i see now. Thanks for the link 🙂
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Looks like a fun challenge!
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For Your Favorite Genre, can it be one of the other 11 or something totally different? For example, my favorite is science fiction, so I would be reading 2 books in that genre. Thanks.
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It’s whatever your favourite genre is , even if its listed already Dusky
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This is a great idea for a challenge! Thanks for hosting!
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I hope you enjoy the challenge Jen!
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I”m Shelleyrae 🙂 look forward to it
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Glad to have you Marce!
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I’m nervous about signing up for this – but I think I will. It will be interesting! Thanks 🙂
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No need to be nervous Cassie – have fun with it!
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Oooh! I love a good challenge. This will be like a online book club of sorts. Though I may need some good recommendations when it comes to Horror. I don’t know if I have read anything in that category ever.
http://andotheradventures.blogspot.com
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Glad to have you join us Colleen!
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I’m excited to join your 2012 reading challenge. It is definitely going to take me outside of my comfort zone, which is mostly mysteries, but I am up for the challenge. Just one question: Do we need to read the books in the order as you have listed them? Thanks!
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Hi Melissa,
Thanks for joining the challenge! To answer your question – you can read in whatever order you like.
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Awesome challenge! I’m all about it 🙂
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I swore I wasn’t going to do another one… but I’m in!
Lindsey from babiesbooksandsigns.com
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I’m in too!
Rachel
Rachel Loves To Read
http://rachellovestoread.blogspot.com/2011/12/eclectic-reader-challenge.html
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It’s so funny that I found your reading challenge because today I bought A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin and I was thinking this is soooo not my genre! lol Julie @ http://booksareportablemagic.blogspot.com/p/eclectic-reader-2012-challenge.html
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Hi, there! Do ebooks and audiobooks count?
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Hi Darlene – they certainly to do count!
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Thanks for hosting, Shelleyrae! Looks like it will be fun!
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I just joined this challenge, it looks like fun – yay! 🙂
Kristy @ Dreaming By Day
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I just joined your challenge. I also made an error. please delete me from the linky. sidne eclectic reading challenge. there are two.l the correct one is sidne’s eclectic reading challenge reviewz. thank you.
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All fixed! Welcome to the challenge
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This is a great idea. I’m always looking for encouragement to read new genres. This should be fun.
http://petedenton.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/the-eclectic-reader-challenge-2012/
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Thanks Pete!
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This is my kind of challenge….I love the variety!! Thanks for organizing!
http://readplaysleeprepeat.wordpress.com
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Thanks for joining me!
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Have entered, Although am wearing cast iron incontinence pants, to hide the fear
http://parrishlantern.blogspot.com/2011/12/well-hello-2-12-traditional-end-of-year.html
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You’ll be wearing big boy pants in no time Parrish 😉
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Love this! I’m so excited to join my very first reading challenge! 🙂 http://isitamazing.blogspot.com/2011/12/eclectic-reader-challenge-2012.html
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Great to have you join Alex
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I’m very excited about joining this challenge. I’m looking forward to reading books that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. Here’s my blog post – http://sloanhomeschool.blogspot.com/2011/12/eclectic-reader-challenge-2012.html
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Happy to have you!
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This is a great idea… I’m in!
Question: I’ve entered my blog info in the Linky Thingie… when I have review posts, do I enter them somewhere as well?
Anyway, I am happily looking forward to the beginning of the year so i can begin. :o)
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Hi Rob,
Thanks for joining . In the post above there is a link to a separate Linky for entering your reviews, enter the link to your review posts there 🙂
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Ah yes, I see it now. And here’s the link to my inaugural post:
The Eclectic Reader Challenge 2012
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I am all signed up!!! Most of my books have been chosen so am looking forward to breaking out of my mould!!!
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Glad to have you Michelle!
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That will be lots of fun,, I’m in!!
http://babblingaboutbooksandstuff.blogspot.com/p/reading-challenges-2012.html
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I love mixing up the genres. Thanks for hosting!
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Thank you for hosting this challenge! It will be fun to make sure I’m a well-rounded reader this year!
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Welcome to you all!
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I’ve signed up! Thanks for hosting this challenge Shelleyrae.
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Regrettably, I must asked to be removed from challenge. I don’t think I will be able to handle a few others I’ve joined. I took an even challenging new job after much pleading and salary blackmail. I will need six months just to pull the place to general standards before state inspection. I’m number 54, sidne,eclectic reviewz.. Hope to join in next year.
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Not a problem! Thanks for letting me know
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I signed up!
http://haveimaginationwillwrite.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-book-challenges.html
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This should help me find some new authors and types of reading.
I tend to love the Urban Fantasy and SciFi stuff, all with Happily Ever Afters of course.
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I have signed up since I am hosting a challenge that the genre changes every month I will be able to meet this challenge of 12 different genres!!!! Visit my blog at http://www.curlingupwithagoodbook.com to join my challenge that goes along with this one!!!!
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I’m definitely interested! I’m combining this challenge with the 2012 End of the World Challenge, and it’ll help me on my way to reach my reading goal on goodreads!
WordPress:
http://savethebookworms.wordpress.com
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6899197-jen-appell
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I am joining in.
http://eygamknihomoli.blogspot.com/2012/01/eclectic-reader-challenge-2012.html
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Hi shelleyrae, sorry about the multiples the linky thing kept saying there was a problem with the image, this ones a non-fiction entry.
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Easily fixed Parrish!
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I realized I forgot to enter the most important part of a link when I just joined. My link for books read will be
http://raesrumblings.blogspot.com/2012/01/eclectic-reader-challenge.html
I forgot the html on the sign in page and sent the wrong ending in an email. I have several of the books you list under Literary Fiction but have to figure which one I want to read again.
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All fixed Rachelle!
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added one for the classics, thanks
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What a great challenge! There are several genres I NEVER read (e.g. Horror), so this will be a fun adventure! 🙂 Thanks for hosting!
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I am joining in…what fun! http://benonsensical.com/blog/eclectic-reader-challenge-2012-3011
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Can you update my link — http://benonsensical.com/blog/2012-reading-challenge-3011 sorry.
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You are signed up on the linky Meg
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Have added a Historical Fiction to my list,
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What a great idea. I’m looking forward to reading some new (and scary!) novels.
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Glad to chance upon this challenge 🙂 Entered my first book… –Mirage
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I am doing too many other challenges to sign up for this one, but i do have a suggestion for you for the Science Fiction Catagory. The Starry Rift by James Tiptree. See my review. http://mdbrady.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/starry-rift-by-james-tiptree-jr/
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Thanks for your rec!
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I’m going to give this one a shot.
Thanks!
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This is a great idea so thank you for the suggestion – here’s how I plan to rise to the challenge: http://cathrecommends.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/the-eclectic-reader-challenge/
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I’m excited for this one!! I haven’t made my list yet, but I plan to read as much as I can!!
http://sinceyouaskedmyopinion.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/2012-reading-challenges/
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I think i dont’ know what literary fiction is or what kind of books it entails
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Hi Lindy
Actually literary fiction is a pretty vague term but essentially it refers to ‘serious’ fiction. Goodreads has a literary shelf you can browse here http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/literary-fiction as does Amazon here http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Kindle-Store-Literary-Fiction/zgbs/digital-text/157053011
Hope that helps!
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This Post is a short history & a E-book on early Japanese Sci fi
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Back in my comfort zone with this one.
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Thought this would be a good way to stop reading the same things over and over…I am so excited!
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can you define “literary fiction” please? 🙂
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Hi Jen,
Its a pretty vague term but essentially it refers to ‘serious’ fiction. Goodreads has a literary shelf you can browse here http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/literary-fiction as does Amazon here http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Kindle-Store-Literary-Fiction/zgbs/digital-text/157053011 for examples
Hope that helps!
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thanks!
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hi,i have just signed in this and its very nice and interesting.Thnks for it and it is my first chllenge or something new to explore as am a new blogger.Just wanted to ask whether canterville ghost can be entered the genre horror as it is a horror-comedy novel,it has both elements.
here is the link for my blog for this challenge.
http://bhavyasalujabookaholic.wordpress.com/
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I’m looking forward to getting stuck into this challenge, it’s my first book challenge!
Here is the link for my blog; http://feelingslightlybookish.blogspot.co.uk/
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I’ve uploaded all my choices for the challenge, just hoping they’re relevant to the genres though many are genre-combinations anyway 🙂
Link to my book choices; http://feelingslightlybookish.blogspot.co.uk/
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I’ve nearly finished this challenge. I’ve only got 3 books to read – Sci-Fi, Classic & Fantasy.
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Great Mish!
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Half way through the reading challenge now and completely loving it! :D:D
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This challenge looks fantastic for getting out of my reading comfort zone – I’ve signed up and my commitment post is here:
http://studentspyglass.com/2012/06/15/readingchallenges/
Thanks so much for hosting, I’m really looking forward to completing this challenge.
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I finished the Eclectic Reader Challenge this morning! Really pleased with myself and have really enjoyed being a part of this! 🙂 Thanks!
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Congrats Charlotte – I hope you join me again next year. Don’t forget to enter your name in the completed linky here http://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=145138&type=basic
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Very late in the piece but I am signing up today! First review is Canada by Richard Ford.
http://sueannm66.wordpress.com/2012/08/27/the-eclectic-reader-2012-challenge/
Still looking for Fantasy recommendations. Any ideas?
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game of thrones!
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Thanks again for hosting this challenge. I didn’t quite manage it in the end, but I widened my reading beyond measure! I really enjoyed reading the different genres and surprised myself by reading and enjoying books that I wouldn’t have gone near previously.
The 2013 genres are interesting so I might sign up again. Happy reading and have a Merry Christmas!
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Thanks for hosting, I really wanted to go outside of my genre but I couldn’t come up with a Fantasy or Science Fiction read, sigh.
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Made it! Complete and I still have 2 days to spare.
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Greetings, This is Cynthia at The Eclectic Reader books in Fort Collins, Coloraodo, USA. I’ve been The Eclectic Reader since 1994 as a home-based bookstore, then moved to a “brick and mortar” retail store again in 2011. I was going to run the exact same contest last year (my sister said not to) but will probably do it this year. It will be an in-store event and not on line. I meant to tell you last year that we were twins but never got around to it. Visit my website: eclecticreaderbooks.com Here’s to eclectic readers all over the world!
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Thanks for stopping by to say hi Cynthia 🙂
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