(Image by the extraordinarily wonderful Abigail Larson, used with permission)
The beginning of my favorite time of year is just a few days away…Autumn (unofficially) begins.
I love the period of year from September through December. I was telling a dear friend the other day that something about the change of seasons, where the world goes to sleep and the beauty changes from bright and colorful to muted and subdued (yet no less beautiful) makes me feel closer to God.
Yes, just one more reason to conclude that I am one weird individual. I think that time of beautiful melancholy makes me more conscious of the precious gift of time and my senses are heightened.
Another reason I love this time of year is that my reading turns towards the mysterious, which is why 10 years ago (I can hear Jeremy Piven’s voice from Gross Pointe Blank screaming “10 years!!!!) I began what was then the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril, or R.I.P. Challenge.
While the years have changed it from “challenge” to “event”, the spirit of the thing remains. As I approached this season I had some commitments that I knew were going to make hosting a challenge, and the idea of doing something special for anniversary instantly brought to mind Andi and Heather, who have hosted Group Reads in conjunction with this event for the past few years.
I’ve known these women online for several years, and have done projects with them on both the Estella’s Revenge and The Estella Society sites. I asked them recently if they would take the hosting mantle this year, and to my utter delight they said “yes”.
So this year, R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril X will be hosted by The Estella Society, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I will be taking on the role of participant, something I’ve already begun as I started listening to the audio version of Louise Penny’s newest novel, The Nature of the Beast, yesterday.
Special thanks to Andi and Heather for their love of this event and their willingness to lead the community this year. And to Abigail Larson for the use of her fantastically perfect art.
Now head on over there and join me in making the 10th year the BEST EVER!
Thank you again for creating and hosting this event for the last decade! I’m glad you got The Estella Society to share in the hosting fun this year and hope you have a grand time just being a reader. 🙂
I am so excited about this challenge. It is my favorite every year and I’m so glad it is starting up. I’m sorry you are not hosting it this year but I’m glad you are participating. I will look forward to your reviews.
I’ve been stalking your blog for the last week…waiting for this. I was worried it wasn’t happening. So glad it is and I love The Estella Society, but will miss your excellent hosting too. 🙂
I’ve also been stalking, waiting, and hoping! I’ve only participated a few times, but have been planning for this year for months … so thank you for passing the torch rather than just not having it! Thanks, too, for your past efforts – enjoy just getting to participate this year. 🙂
Can’t wait to join in the fun. The Estella ladies will do an awesome job!
Thank you so much for allowing us to continue the challenge this year. It is such an honor! And thank you, as always, for creating this now beloved event.
Thanks for creating RIP! I look forward to it every year. I’m sure Estella Society is going to do a great job!
I’m sorry it’s not here, but I’ll be tuning in.
I finished Nature of the Beast (hardcopy) Thursday – see my current blog post – and liked it but won’t say more. Barbara is reading it now. I also finished Constellation Vol 3 a week or so ago, another book I know you’ll be reading, and the new Scalzi was good. Current reading? How about an oldie: The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Love that you’re including some other old-hand bloggers in the hosting this year, makes it feel even cooler! 🙂 I look forward to this all year!
Thanks for creating something that has become such a wonderful regular event for me! I hope you have fun as a participant this year!
Hi Carl
I’m sorry this isn’t at your place – but that’s just because I like stopping over here! But, thank you so much for keeping the event alive and I think it’s going to be awesome. I love RIP. Great artwork as well. Abigail Larson is so good.
Lynn 😀
Best to you!
Thanks Carl! Happy reading 🙂
Looking forward to this year’s event! Sorry to hear it’s not here, but real life always comes first. 🙂
Hey Carl — I’ve missed you! Now I know way, in part it’s because you’re not blogging as much.ni hope and pray life is treating you well. We need to catch up.
In the meantime, I’ve been thinking about Peril. Bummed that you’re not hosting but totally get way your not and understand, I’m glad it’s continuing though. I’m not going to participate as I always fail at these things over the last four years. But I have been thinking about a fun read for me and my older girls to read together…and probably with Grace (9) listening in. There is one author i keep thinking of but I can’t quite remember his name…I will. Besides him, do you have any suggestions? I just desire one book for us.
Hey Carl, any word on this year’s challenge? I headed over to Estella Society, but I didn’t see anything (unless I missed it).
Stay tuned!!!
Yes? Something?? I’ve been looking and haven’t seen a word.