I am the child of immigrant parents and have a real interest in immigrant stories. The more I paid attention to it, the more I realized that there is a broad selection of immigration stories out there - from immigration generations ago to modern day immigration from and to new lands. So I decided to start a challenge which focused on immigrant stories . . . . announcing Immigrant Stories Challenge 2011!
The only requirement of books for this challenge is that it must have an immigrant story - this includes stories about immigrants, the immigrant experience, and children of immigrants (first generation). Remember - there are immigrants to and from all countries - the challenge is not limited to the American immigrant experience.
How many books do I need to read for the challenge?
There are 3 levels for the challenge:
Just off the boat: 1-3 books
This Land is My Land? : 4-6 books
Fully Assimilated: 6+ books
Include your level in your sign-up post but you can go up from your initial post if you find you are reading more immigrant stories
What types of books are eligible? Only fiction? How about audiobooks?
All types of books are eligible - fiction, non-fiction, short stories, audiobooks, e-books.
Other details?
Re-reads are acceptable as are cross-overs with other challenges
Any book suggestions?
You can find recommendations for books that cover the immigrant experience here - this is in no way comprehensive but will give you a start. I will keep the link updated with titles suggested by all the participants.
What are the dates for the challenge?
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011. You can sign up anytime but there will be a chance for a prize for everyone that is registered by Dec 31, 2010
How do I sign up?
Go here to sign-up and put one of the buttons below on your blog/in your sign-up post
I hope you will join me in reading immigrant stories in 2011!
And here I thought I was going to stand firm on my limit of challenges. But only having to read one book is very tempting and I love the idea. Definitely going to have to ponder this one!
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa - Hope you join in!
ReplyDeleteI read books of immigrants all the time, and love it. What a great idea!! I am going to give this a serious thought.
ReplyDeleteThese are some I have read: A Thousand Years of Good Prayers by YiYun Li,The Secret River by Kate Grenville (from London to Australia),Road from Damascus by Robin Yassin-Kassab, Digging to America by Anne Tyler, and some of Amy Tan's novels.
and that passport button is lovely!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea for a challenge! But I've challenged myself not to sign up for any challenges. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great challenge and it will give me a way to clear some of the books off my shelf, including Little Bee and Oscar Wao. Zeitoun by Dave Eggers is another terrific book to add to the list.
ReplyDeleteCount me in at the This Land is My Land level.
Here is the link to my first post- can't wait!
ReplyDeletehttp://bookchickdi.blogspot.com/2010/12/booksnyc-immigrant-challenge.html
@JoV - thanks for the suggestions - I have added them to the page of book recommendations for the challenge Hope you will join the challenge!
ReplyDelete@softdrink - I understand the challenge limit but feel free to follow the reviews etc from challenge participants
Diane - thanks for signing up so quickly - glad to have you on board!
Hi Colleen,
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for a reading challenge. I've posted and linked back to you. Have a great day!
Sherrie
Just Books
http://sherriesbooks.blogspot.com/2010/12/2011-reading-challenges.html
I am caving and joining this challenge (in about a week). Wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteI have a soft spot for immigrant stories (well, being immigrant myself, and my dad, and my granddad..) so with minimum 1 book requirement, sure I'll join. Why not?! :)
ReplyDeleteI second JoV for Amy Tan's books. I read all of them apart from the last and they're all great for the challenge. Also The Arrival by Shaun Tan, which I think is the ultimate perfect immigrant story!
while I am not signing up for this, I have a perfect recommendation for it: The Long Way Home by David Laskin.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great challenge! I'm not joining any more, but I love this focus. I also like that you've included fiction as well as nonfiction. I'm really looking forward to seeing what people read for this!
ReplyDeleteI kept thinking about this challenge, so I finally signed up! I think it's a great idea for a challenge. Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteI actually wrote about immigrant literature for my final project in my MA program. I'm always on the lookout for something new. I haven't done my challenge post yet, but I'm definitely signing on. I'll come back with a link later this week.
ReplyDeleteHi, Colleen.
ReplyDeleteWill there be a Mr. Linky for what people have read? I'd love to see what people read!
Hi Colleen, That is a great suggestion and I will get one set up! And thanks for your suggestions!
ReplyDeleteGreat! I just finished my first book for your challenge. The post is at http://colreads.blogspot.com/2011/01/audiobook-review-bitter-sweets.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting, Colleen.
As an immigrant, I read a lot of books written by immigrants or children of immigrants. I'll join your challenge!
ReplyDeleteHere's my first contribution to the Immigrant Stories Challenge: Dead Light District
ReplyDeleteMy first official book for this challenge is something that I know you read, too, Colleen!
ReplyDeleteDance Lessons by Aine Greaney
I never wrote a post about this challenge but I have been doing the reading for it. Broken Glass Park by Alina Bronsky, Sweetness in the Belly by Camilla Gibb, and Lovesong by Alex Miller are three that I have read this year and can recommend very highly. I have been too ill to write reviews. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSandra - thanks so much for stopping by and for participating in the challenge. I started Broken Glass Park too and think its great so far! Sorry you are not feeling well and hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteI am late to find this BUT...well... my entire blog (The Migrant Bookclub) is dedicated to a very similar challenge! I am so happy to find this. Bookmarking your blog to devour later!
ReplyDeleteHere is an absolute favourite of mine The Reverse Immigrant by Alfred Zappala
ReplyDeletehttp://anglersrest.blogspot.com/2011/08/reverse-immigrant-by-alfred-m-zappala.html