Introducing Ficciones

Welcome to Ficciones, a reading challenge dedicated to reading books by Argentinian authors. There has been a lot of focus lately on Argentinian literature. Of the 22 writers on Granta's Best of Young Spanish-Language Novelists, 8 are from Argentina -- more than any other country. Last year, Argentina was the Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair. And starting in April, Buenos Aires will begin its reign as the World Book Capital 2011. Never has there been a better opportunity to become familiar with the literature coming out of this amazing country!

The rules of the reading challenge are simple: 

• All you have to do to participate is to read at least one book by an author from Argentina (either born in Argentina or has spent a significant part of his or her career living in the country).
• The challenge is meant to focus on reading literature in translation. Thus, books originally written in English do not qualify for this challenge. You should either be reading the books in translation or, if you are fluent in Spanish, you may read them in the original.
• Fiction, nonfiction or any other genre count. (If you choose to read short stories or poems, then a collection counts as 1 book.)
• Re-reads are perfectly acceptable, as are books in alternate formats (e-books, audio books etc).
• Crossovers with other reading challenges are encouraged!
• The challenge begins on February 15, 2011 and will end on February 14, 2012. However, you can join at anytime. You can also change your level of participation at any time. (See descriptions of participation levels below.)
• There is no requirement to list your books in advance, but please consider doing so; it will be helpful for others who are considering joining the challenge, but are unsure which books to read.
• A list of suggested books is included under the "Reading List" tab.
• You do not have to have a blog to participate.
• You do not have to post reviews of the books you choose to read, but they are strongly encouraged as a way of building community around the reading of Argentinian literature. Those who choose to share their reviews, may post them under the "Reviews" tab.

Levels of participation:

Tourist: read at least 1 book

Student: read at least 3 books

Expat: read at least 5 books

Porteño/a: read at least 6 books, 1 or more of which must be read in Spanish

To sign up:
Choose your level of participation and then sign up using the Mr. Linky below. If you have a blog, include a link to your blog post about the challenge -- please DO NOT link to your blog's home page.

If you have any problems signing up or any other questions, you can contact me at: jen [at] jenandthepen [dot] com.