First off, there's officially just two months to complete the 2011 Eastern European Reading Challenge! How have you done so far? The original link is here: http://www.theblacksheepdances.com/p/scandinavian-challenge-participants.html. To recap, the goal was to read from 4-12 books from Eastern Europe in any genre. I haven't totally out all the reviews so far, but just in the last month Krista, a Russian historian (Leia1912), has kicked in six reviews, and I know Lisa and Daisy have at least that many submitted.
To date, we have 72 participants in 22 countries playing along. That ALMOST tops last year's 78 for the Scandinavian Challenge....
For 2012, BEA's main country of focus is Russia, so that should generate even more interest in Eastern European titles. However, in 2012, The Black Sheep Dances will be pushing literature from a different region: any suggestions? Stick with Eastern Europe? Focus solely on Russia? Move to Spain? Perhaps a South American reading challenge so we have an excuse to linger over Pablo Neruda? Suggestions, please, in the comment box for a geographical region to pursue. I wouldn't mind staying where we are....just add your two cents!----------------------------------------------------------------------
Next: Child Wonder is a new novel by Roy Jacobsen. Graywolf Press (graywolfpress.org) has generously given me an extra copy, so it's time for a new giveaway! I've read it already (I read the MacLehose UK version) but I haven't put the review up yet. It's a Norwegian translation that focuses on the relationship of a mother and son when significant changes enter their household.
This giveaway is for US only (sorry!) and ends Nov 15, 2011. A random winner will get the new paperback copy, but if you can't wait, it can be purchased at graywolfpress.org or any online retailer. To enter, be a blog follower and leave your name in a comment below with contact info.
