Get LOST in a Good Book!

One of the things I love about LOST is that it incorporates a history of literary love into the story. Books are in plentiful supply. Some characters have author names. Literary allusions are made in the titles of episodes. On top of that, and this is really important, there are no stereotypes as to who the bookish people are. In the character of Sawyer, we have a gorgeous conman who is a voracious reader. The beautiful doctor Juliet hosts a book club. The ringleader of the Others Ben has bookshelves full. And the books range from classics to Stephen King novels.

LOST intentionally promotes reading and books as being positive. Truthfully? That's incredibly rare in our society. Most of the time, people who love to read are portrayed as either being socially awkward know-it-alls or too brilliant to associate with commonfolk. It's just one more reason that I love LOST...it's delightful in and of itself and it tips its hat to the great stories of the past.

So for that reason, and because so many interesting books were on the list, I hosted the LOST books challenge last year. The challenge officially ends this Wednesday. I know one person finished it and another who at least worked on it, but I think most people gave up. I still like the idea of the LOST books challenge and so I'm going to try again. Here are the changes:

1) Round two of the LOST books challenge will launch this Wednesday January 21st and continue until the series finale in 2010. Participants can join at any time.

2) Once again, participants will be asked to choose at least five books off the list of books alluded to or mentioned on the show to complete by the time the series concludes in 2010. If participants did not complete the first challenge, they can use those same books again. Books can be crossed with any other challenge you like.

3) The LOST books challenge will have its own blog. Participants can cross post their reviews directly onto the blog. But to add to the fun, participants can post about anything related to LOST (except for spoilers)...recaps of the episodes, theories, etc. It will be sort of a fun place for book blogging Losties.

4) I promise to try to keep it fresh and interesting with mini-challenges and contests.

Please visit the dedicated challenge blog to sign-up and learn more.

I'm hoping for big participation. So...in honor of LOST coming back this week (yay!) and to drum up enthusiasm, anyone who signs up for the LOST books challenge by January 30th and posts about it on their blog will be eligible for a drawing to win season 3 of LOST on DVD.