In this post, I gave a list of things that I’d love to know about everyone’s Fall reading adventures:

• The best book you read this Fall
• The book you could have lived without
• Whether or not you read more than you would have without the challenge
• The best thing about joining in the challenge
• If you discovered (and enjoyed) a new book or author after reading someone else’s list
• Any other insights, enjoyments, thoughts, or impressions!

So I thought, in the interest of fairness, I’d share the same with you.

First of all, I read almost all the books I initially listed. We’re still in progress on the book of fairy tales, and I’m almost done with Espresso with Esther (Bible study book). But I read all the fiction – and 5 or 6 more! And I completed the non-fiction books too… well, except for the Nancy Drew book, which I talked about here.

Best book this Fall: Hmm… In non-fiction, I’d have to say The Most Important Place on Earth. There were so many great nuggets of parenting wisdom in this book. In fact, I have several post-it notes hanging in my kitchen with some of the concepts I want to be consciously incorporating into my parenting. Great book. As for fiction, the one I probably enjoyed the most was The Thirteenth Tale, which I actually added part-way through the challenge. It was a page-turner for me, a book I just couldn’t put down.

Book I could have lived without: I’d have to go back to the Nancy Drew book. I was disappointed, because I had really been looking forward to it. Oh well.

Did I read more than I would have without the challenge? Probably not when it comes to fiction. I’m sure I would have read just as much fiction, since I’m constantly working my way through a novel. But non-fiction? Most definitely. The challenge gave me exactly the motivation I needed to get through some books I’d been wanting to read but just “never got around to.”

Best thing about the challenge: Reading everyone’s lists. It was like browsing in a bookstore, only better… Maybe like browsing in a bookstore with a friend, enjoying all her personal recommendations!

Did I discover/enjoy a new author after reading someone’s list? I certainly discovered many books that I want to read now, and authors I want to explore further. I’d like to read some more by Elisabeth Elliot and Jodi Picoult. And after seeing how many of you enjoy Francine Rivers, I may have to give her a try as well (I think I read a few of hers many years ago, but nothing recently). Overall, I look forward to all the great reads I will continue to discover as a result of all those awesome lists!

Other thoughts/impressions:

- For the next challenge, I know I can make my fiction list longer, and I could probably make the non-fiction list a book or two longer, as well. The tricky part will be picking which books to include – there are so many to choose from!

- I also liked having read-aloud-with-the-kids goals – they really helped me make sure I wasn’t letting that family activity slide. I definitely plan to include read-alouds in the next challenge as well.

- I was really amazed — and thrilled — with how many people joined in! I shouldn’t have been so shocked because it’s obvious that most bloggers are avid readers. But I honestly didn’t expect the idea to take off like it did. It’s been great!