The Empty Shelf Challenge!

Book Shelf

This is a photo of one of my bookshelves in my home office.

Why is it empty? Because I plan to fill it this year.

And I dare you to do the same.

Today, I’m launching the “Empty Shelf Challenge.”

Here’s how you play along.

Empty a shelf in your house somewhere. Every book you read from now until December 31, 2014 goes on the shelf. (Waiting until January 1st to do something awesome is stupid and fake.) At the end of the year, I guarantee you will have read more than you did in 2013. Best of all, you’re scientifically more likely to accomplish something when you have people working on it with you.

I even created a shared Pinterest board. Each time you add a book, if you’re on Pinterest, you can add the picture of the shelf filling up. (Leave your Pinterest name in the comments if you want me to add you to the board. Start by posting your empty bookshelf!)

If you’re a digital reader, take a screenshot of the cover and share that. Or if you’re a library person, take a shot of it on your shelf and then return. Any and all books count, not just non-fiction.

That’s it.

You ready? The hashtag will be #EmptyShelf.

It’s time for the empty shelf challenge!

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Comments

    • Johnny says

      If you check Amazon or other bookseller, it will show the thickness of the printed version of the book in its description. You can use this to determine how much of your shelf you’ve “read.”

      Reply

    • says

      I use GoodReads to keep track of all the books I read and you can set up custom bookshelves. I made a new one called emptyshelf and I’ll just add ebooks that I read to it. I can take a screenshot as it fills up.

      Reply

      • Darcyjo says

        That sounds good to me. I don’t keep every book I read–anything I won’t ever read again (and isn’t a reference book) gets listed at Paperbackswap.com to go to someone else to read.
        Besides, I have a constant flow of books coming in, and how else would I have anyplace to put them? :D

        Reply

      • says

        That is a brilliant idea!! I get most of my books from the library. And though my librarians love me, I think it might test their patience if I refused to return their books until December. :)

        Reply

    • Sue Anne says

      Melissa,

      What’s your pinterest name? I need to follow you & you need to follow me back so that I can add you to the board.

      Reply

    • Crystal says

      That was my thought! How on earth am I going to find an EMPTY shelf??!!
      (Maybe it can be a shelf in a cabinet. I gotta go move some cans around…)

      Reply

    • says

      Buy another shelf? Use the top of a shelf? I had to clear one off too; still not sure where everything I cleared off of it is going to go, but it’s a start!

      Reply

      • stephanie says

        I’m going to box up all of my books from one shelf. When it’s the end of 2014, it’ll be like Christmas again!

        Reply

    • says

      I’m just going to use a “shelf” on Goodreads. That’ll keep the library and eBooks together also, and it will satisfy my librarian OCD tendencies lol

      Reply

    • Rachel says

      I did that LAST year … and .. uh … they’re all still there! ‘Cause I found OTHERS to read in their place …. NEVER enough time.

      Reply

  12. says

    Excuse me while I go buy another bookshelf (I honestly don’t know how I’m going to clear off a shelf any other way…)

    Also, I’d love to join the Pinterest fun. I’m Dan Cooper on there; if you search by my email you should find me.

    Reply

  13. Jessie Cleveland says

    Ahh! Best idea ever- but what if I only go to the Nashville Public Library far more than I ever visit a Barnes & Noble??

    Reply

    • Sue Anne says

      Melissa,

      What’s your pinterest user name? Could you follow me — I’m Sue_Anne. I can add you to the board after you follow me.

      Sue Anne

      Reply

  21. Sharon says

    Pinterest name is Sharon455. I use the Kindle app on my iPad, so will be sending screenshots. Does the book I started last weekend count? :)

    Reply

  31. Athena Sparrow says

    This will challenge me to read more than just the books on my Kindle. Count me in! Athena Sparrow(athena612) on Pinterest!

    Reply

  33. Mandie says

    E-readers should create a “collection” of empty shelf, and put books there once they’ve been read, or as you read them. =] I’m in! #EmptyShelfEreaderEdition

    Reply

  35. Shonna Ryals says

    I love, love, love this idea!!! I plan on issuing this challenge to my students. Count me in! My Pinterest name is shonnaryals76.
    I use my Kindle for lots of my reading, but I’m going to clear a shelf and come up with a creative way for me to see the books I’ve read. Great challenge!

    Reply

    • Sue Anne says

      What is your pinterest name? There are several Rebecca Vance’s on Pinterest.

      If you follow me (Sue_Anne), I can add you to the board.

      Reply

  46. Kim Wilson says

    I read anywhere from 1 to 4 or 5 books in a two week period (length of a library check out). I am quickly running out of books that my local library has that I am interested in and have had to resort to Interlibrary loans.

    Reply

  58. Michelle says

    I love this idea but of course in true form I must adapt it and make it mine LOL. I, also, am an avid ereader as well as a paper book purchaser who has no room on a shelf. I did already resolve that this year I would make better use of my public library, so I am going to go with the pin idea and create a special board for cover pictures of the books I read this year. I expect it will be my largest board on pinterest. So now the question is do I pin my guilty pleasure books as well as the ones that make me seem intelligent and well read LOL

    Reply

  59. Kris10 says

    You can make more room by getting rid of one of the two copies of “Blue Like Jazz” on the shelf above it . . . or better yet, both of them. :P

    Reply

  61. Jonathan says

    Great idea … my only problem is that I come across a lot of great books and buy them at a pace that far exceeds the rate at which I find time to read them :/

    Reply

  67. Cheryl Russell says

    Ha! Great idea. This will motivate me to move books from my “waiting to be read” shelf/shelves to a new “read it!” shelf. Which also means I’ll be clearing out already full shelves…..that will need filled next year. win, win, win.
    pinterest name is cherylwriter

    Reply

  75. Angie says

    Great idea. Just cleaned off the shelf (in other words big pile of books on the floor now). my Pinterest username is angelfischwi.

    Reply

  82. says

    I love, love, love this idea! But all of my bookshelves are packed, stacked 2-deep! Maybe I should purge a few books first, but that’s like parting with a friend… or maybe I just need to buy another book shelf. :) Either way, it sounds fun! Thanks for the invite. Becky

    Reply

    • Jocelyn says

      I have friends who buy the under bed storage containers for their books. They also use books as furniture (stacked up with glad on top for a table etc) because they both read so much. And that’s with using the library as well!

      Reply

  85. Erika says

    I don’t buy books anymore — or I very rarely do. And, when I do buy a book, it’s because the library didn’t have it, so once I’m done, I donate it to the library so they can have it in their collection and someone else can read it. I rarely want to read a book more than once and when I do, I can go find it. I do have some I’ve kept over the years. Don’t get me wrong, our house is FULL of books – I just don’t need to keep on collecting and I like to spread the joy.

    Reply

  94. Teresa says

    Love this! I’m a Kindle reader, and each year I create a collection called ‘Read (Year). It will be fun to do this with a group. My Pinterest name is treesalyn.

    Reply

  97. Dan from Georgia says

    I am not much of a reader, nor am I on pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, or the like. However, I do like this idea and I just may have to join. I just won’t share my filling shelf socially.

    Reply

  106. Laura says

    I absolutely love the idea! My Pinterest name is txlaurabeth. Already love to read, looking forward to filling the shelf. :)

    Reply

  123. Nathan Carman says

    Hey Jon. Love this idea. I already have a general reading board on Pinterst, but have now created a new bookshelf challenge board for 2014. I look forward to filling it up.

    Pinterest user name is DIYTrying

    Reply

  132. Chelsea Roe says

    On another note, anyone else interested to learn someone color coordinated these book spines? ‘The Message’? Yea that’s in the white spine section…

    Reply

  134. Barbara says

    Great idea! I’m in! My pinterest username is BabsKaye. I am interested in what they thought of the books they read, too.

    Reply

  136. Rebekah Magers says

    Can’t wait. Good reason to buy another bookshelf. Have books piles on my floors! Pinterest name R Magers; please add me!

    Reply

  150. Casey says

    At the risk of being Captain Obvious is this to motivate us to read MORE or just to keep track of what we are reading. Because if I read more my husband might ship me off. LOl I do think this is a great idea!

    Reply

  152. says

    Love this idea and is something I would do, but we are living in a small house, & will be moving (we think) within 6-7 months.

    My wife would kill me if I cleared off a shelf of books only to refill it with new ones.

    Reply

  155. says

    My pinterest name is Jennifer Webb(jennybek). I’m going to create a collection and (hopefully) keep track of my audible/kindle books. I’ll post pics of any IRL books, too. I like this idea!

    Reply

  177. Kay says

    This could be feeding an addiction I already have. Nook, Kindle app on the I-phone, library card, and good old-fashioned books. And I just opened a gift card to McKay’s Book Store in Nashville!

    Pinterest: KYGirl Wildcat

    Reply

  179. Delia Coker says

    I’m so excited about this challenge! Don’t know how to post a picture to your Pinterest though.
    I’m deliacoker.

    Reply

  181. Susan says

    Great idea but disappointed that you didn’t suggest donating a bookshelf of books to your local library to be able to undertake this challenge. Just a thought…

    Reply

  183. Abbi Hart says

    Great idea! I’m not joining in since I read about 200 books a year so I’d need to get another whole shelf. And even if I could get another shelf I’m still faced with the problem of the fact that I like to have my books sorted on my shelves! So I’ll just say good luck to you all!

    Reply

  200. says

    An avid bibliophile being challenged to read more…this will be fun. I just cleaned off a few shelves of books to either donate to the church library or give to friends…And, my husband got me a Kindle for Christmas so I can finally join the ranks of the e-reading people.

    My pinterest name is Created for Home

    Reply

  210. says

    What a wonderful idea! Goodreads has a similar challenge. I read 24 of the 30 books (80%) toward my goal. I’d like to join your challenge in 2014! Merry Christmas!

    Reply

  216. Kat says

    Definitely taking this challenge! I already have about 30 books in my iPad, plus we have a library at work with plenty of great books. 2014 will be all about learning. Thanks for creating this #EmptyShelf challenge. My pinterest name is Kat_978.

    Reply

  232. Elaine Puckett says

    My Pinterest user name elaine7488 – LOVE this idea – creating a new “collection” on my Kindle right now titled “Empty Shelf.”
    Thanks, Jon, and MERRY CHRISTMAS :)

    Reply

  237. Rebecca says

    I’m in! My Pinterest name is Rebecca Sorrells. Question – I have several books that I have started. Do I need to start them again to count them?

    Reply

  247. Keely Prohaska says

    My Pinterest is Keely08 GREAT IDEA! I’m looking forward to seeing what others are reading. Mine will probably mostly be text books – but let’s hope I find time for some relaxed reading. Merry Christmas!

    Reply

  253. Hannah Swerens says

    Visual insentive is a wonderful thing! Great idea! I’m already trying to read a hundred stories in a year (fifty short stories, and fifty full length books), so this is great.

    My username is LeftyLizard.

    Reply

  267. Jeanne Greenfield says

    I’m in! I’m going to suggest my roommates join us too!. My Pinterest name is jeanneg4 … gotta go now and empty my bookshelf.

    Reply

  268. Heidi says

    I’m in although a little disappointed because I thought the challenge was to get rid of the Elf on the Shelf for 2014. Darn. Reading is great too though.

    Reply

  274. katie says

    I think this is a wonderful idea! I will have to motify it slightly and buy another book case for 2014, I read atleast a book every two days. My goal will be to fill my new book case.

    Reply

  289. Barb Yerian says

    I am excited for this challenge as I have some book that I own and want to read and others that I am waiting to purchase after reading those that I have.
    My Pinterest names is
    Paduch10

    Reply

  290. says

    My pinterest name is bungirlpin. Add me please!

    I think I’m going to have to figure out some kind of virtual shelf because I read both e-books and the regular kind… Anybody know of a good app/website/etc to keep track of both?

    Reply

  296. says

    LOVE this! I already have one book to add that I finished yesterday! My husband and I are going to do this. My pinterest name is Melinda Prince (Melindarprince) and my husband’s is K Michael Prince (karymprince).

    Reply

  297. says

    I’m amber_i_am on Pinterest. I’m going to use a Goodreads category as my “empty shelf” since I don’t have an empty shelf on any bookshelf in the house!

    Reply

  300. Christopher says

    I made a pinterest account just for this. My username is CoffeyCM1984. I have to find a clear spot on a shelve somewhere.

    Reply

  302. says

    Oy vey… I am the worst about actually reading, despite knowing what good things come from it. I have picked up much more since the start experiment though, and this sounds like a fun challenge! I’m in!

    I’m presuming picture books with the kids don’t count? I mean, for my shelf (though, oh! They should do it, too!)

    Pinterest: jenniferkaufman

    Reply

  309. Amber says

    I’m new to GoodReads and Pinterest, but I’ve been looking for a way to track my list of books to read so I’m giving this a try.

    My pinterest username is beerendsa.

    Reply

  323. says

    Do articles on Cracked.com count? :3

    No, but seriously, this is a pretty cool challenge. Trying to decide now if I’m going to get in on it. (I tend to get very excited about ideas like this, then realize I don’t have the time/interest/energy/focus for it, and abandoning it about a quarter of the way in.)

    Another alternative for Kindle readers: If you can find a cheap paperback version of what you’re reading at a used book store, you can put the physical one on the shelf while reading the electronic version. :)

    Reply

  348. Kirsten says

    Add me … !! My user name on Pinterest is kcoquinn01. I also use Goodreads.com to track all of my books on there (they have a yearly reading challenge) and I love that as well.

    Reply

  355. says

    I’d love to do this and I love Pinterest! My user name is LeslieZander. My 13 year old is a voracious reader so I will share her books as well. She will easily outread me! She does not have Pinterest.

    Reply

  358. Kara says

    I’m really excited about starting this! I would love to be added to the Pinterest board. My username is karawilliamson. Thanks!

    Reply

  370. says

    I think I’m going to need a lot more than one shelf! lol I do need to clean out my bookcase though, and I probably need to be more purposeful in what I read anyway. Not to mention, how cool to keep track of everything you read in a year!

    Reply

  378. Linda says

    Love this idea… My Pinterest account is lfrancia.. May have to use the good read shelf idea though because I do get a lot of books from the library and remade books occasionally

    Reply

  380. Dana says

    Well, seeing I refuse to get a Pinterest account (because I am too busy reading, writing, dreaming, and creating), I will not be participating in this as a “group project.” I already started something like this in July by listing all the books I read. Plus, I have never played well with others…I do not need others to challenged myself and to meet said challenge.

    But good idea for all the social media people out there.

    Reply

  383. BCM says

    Making this a bulletin board in my classroom for the second semester. Students will pin thumbnails of book covers on to the board as they finish reading them. Empty Shelf Bulletin Board!

    Reply

  390. says

    I’m in! Especially if I can put One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish on my shelf, along with every other book I’ll read my son. Might need two shelves…those cardboard books are awfully thick.

    Pinterest name: jmariebrondyke

    Reply

  393. says

    Love the idea, but I need to tweak it. I want to read the books I already own and EMPTY some shelves this year. I’ll collect them in one spot, (add my notes about kindle books) and donate them to charity next December.

    Reply

  395. Megan says

    I have SO many books we have shelves double booked…Can I use the top of my dresser? That’s where I was planning to keep my books I wanted to read this year. My Pinterest is meglettx.

    Reply

  396. says

    Jon, Don’t laugh, but we have a lot of books…but no bookshelf! I have them in bins, and in stacks everywhere. I keep asking BUT, long story (you need not know) we don’t have shelves, yet. SO, how about an alternative? Empty, crate, or stack? I know it’s not as nice to look at, LORD, I know. BUT, well…at least a girl can participate! Love your idea. And the getting more people involved thing- YES! So true. Thanks, Dawn

    Reply

  401. Bailey says

    I just joined Pinterest for this, my name is Bailey Crawly. I have one board called the Empty Shelf Challenge, and my current display pic is of Homer Simpson.
    I would love to get in on this challenge, but I don’t have any free shelves, so I will take pics of all the books I read and at the end line them up and see what I have.

    Reply

  406. Sheri says

    Love… Love… Love this idea.. I tell myself every year in going to read more. Great incentive. :)

    My Pinterest name is smayo70

    Sheri :D

    Reply

  413. says

    LOVE this idea!! And I’m glad you added the part about digital books. I read most books on my Kindle. My Pinterest username is megandryann.

    Reply

  428. Jim says

    Pinterest name is JokerJim… I’m using GoodReads to track my reading which will be both paper and ebooks. This is a great idea.

    Reply

  430. Cameka S. says

    I’ve become a “collector” of books over the years which is sad because i used to love to read. This is a welcomed challenge!
    My Interest name is: CShelbyLPC (I think, Lol).

    Reply

  431. says

    This sounds like a challenge I can actually commit to. I just graduated from college after working towards this goal for nearly 20 years. I am so looking forward to reading for pleasure again.
    My fifteen year old daughter wants to get in on it too! Excited for us to do this together!
    My Pinterest username name is sgcwarren and hers is girlnamedgrace.

    Reply

  440. Jen says

    I love this idea! I’m an English teacher — always looking for fun things to do with reading. Please add me to the Pinterest board; I’d love to participate! My username is jnlondon.

    Reply

  448. Leslie says

    I’ll do what I can, Mr. Acuff. I’ll pack more books away so I can join the reading party.
    Hopefully books that you’re already reading count.

    Reply

  449. Connie says

    I am Connielam1723 on Pinterest, I will probably do either a shelf on Goodreads or a new board on Pinterest. I am looking forward to this!

    Reply

  460. Katt Stephens says

    I’m in! My Pinterest name is katt17

    I’m mostly an E-Reader, so I’ll probably just do my own Pinterest board rather than a shelf. If anyone has any good ideas about how I could do a shelf-like challenge, I’m open to ideas!!

    Reply

  475. Wade Thompson says

    I was already planning on keeping a list of the books I read next year – an old and good habit I let die a few years ago. This might help.

    Reply

  477. Heather says

    I’m in! Another no bookshelf geek, but I will hit up the local flea market for one. Though I will likely add before that happens.

    heyraet on Pinterest.

    Reply

  489. says

    Yes, yes, yes to this idea! My Pinterest name is Glitzngrits. I’ll have to take a pic and upload it. I just finished a “spring cleaning” why wait till the spring and bring all that clutter into the new year?!?! I have a stack of books waiting to be read and an empty shelf waiting to be filled.

    Reply

  491. Amy smith says

    My name on Pinterest is amyjonessmith
    Love this challenge..already started my first book!
    I also use goodreads to track my reading and will use a screen shot of that :) or of my nook!

    Reply

  492. Cindy Malone says

    An awesome idea! I have “intentions” of being a prolific reader, but need some structure. This plan provides it!

    My Pinterest name is lifewriter.

    Reply

  496. Jessica says

    I think this is a great idea!! I love to read, but I let other things get in the way and I haven’t finished a book in a long time. Starting with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. :)

    Reply

  497. says

    I just finished “Start.” :) I bought it for my dad for Christmas, so I had to finish it quickly before we celebrate this weekend. I love this idea. Thanks for sharing!

    QUESTION: When are you going to write a book called “Finish.” I’m really good at starting…

    So along those lines, do we have to FINISH the books before we put them on our shelf? :)

    Reply

  498. says

    Just looking at that picture appalled me. I saw it on Pinterest and thought my heart was going to stop. So I came to this page and I’m now in love with the ‘empty shelf’. Following you on Pinterest, I’m http://www.pinterest.com/miscramblings

    Thank you for the motivation to play this game called life just a little better!

    Reply

  500. Elizabeth Vander Esch says

    Please add me to this challenge! My Pinterest name is eveapple, at least I think it is. I can never remember.

    Reply

  507. Nique says

    I’m in! My pinterest name is niqueslc . I don’t have an empty shelf… have to see if I can do something about that. :-)

    Reply

  509. says

    I disagree that waiting until January 1 is stupid and fake. It’s a ritual, and there is power in rituals. There’s something symbolic about starting fresh on the first day of a new year.

    That said, I’ll still take that dare. My Pinterest account is pinterest.com/kimtracyprince. I already finished two books since you posted this!

    Reply

  535. theresa jones says

    I just started following the board! Can you add me? What a great idea! tlj4361 on pinterest. I’m gone till after the 1st but will add a pic when I get back. Can we post titles and brief review so others might find new books? :-)

    Reply

  558. David Lerner says

    Pinterest name: davidlerner75

    Just joined today… for this… because of you. Well played, Jon Acuff. Well played… [slow clap]

    Reply

  577. christy parker says

    Not sure if you will see all of these, but if you get to my name I would love to be on the board! This is a great idea!!!

    I feel nerdy but I am not sure if my screen name is other then my actual name, which is Christy Parker.

    Thank you!

    Reply

  578. Rebecca says

    This sounds like fun. I have really slowed down my reading. I believe this will be a good jump start and provide continued motivation and inspiration. Thanks :)

    My Pinterest name is revkajewel

    Reply

  592. Kimberly says

    Kimberly Merrell-Pelletier My husband and I both are going to do this. We might even encourage our 3 children. We might have to resort to baskets or spaces… all of our shelves are taken.

    Reply

  594. Eileen Orona says

    Love this idea. If I can manage to place more than 1 book on my #emptyshelf, I’ll consider it a success! My Pinterest name is my5coronas

    Reply

  603. Heather says

    Excited about this challenge! I’ll actually be able to track my reading :) please add me- @heatherhilbert on Pinterest!

    Reply

  626. says

    Love this! I’ve just started (today) tracking my books on GoodReads for this purpose, but I’d love to be on the Pinterest board too. My username is jenochej!

    Reply

  653. Cheri says

    I don’t have a empty shelf, so I found a corner in my bedroom that’s clear to put books. Really excited for this challenge. crothenberg on Pinterest.

    Reply

    • Sue Anne says

      What’s your Pinterest user name? it didn’t find you under SpencerPittman.

      If you follow me (Sue_Anne), I can follow you back and add you to the board.

      Reply

  696. Angela Boone says

    Oh John, I applaud you for getting folks excited about reading and challenged to read! I won’t be taking part in that challenge because I fill up one of those shelves (figuratively) about every other week and I read almost everything from the library. I will really look forward to hearing how folks are progressing!

    Reply

  714. Amy says

    I’m ready for the challenge! I fell short of my personal goal of 25,000 pages read for 2013, but am ready to try again. Please add me to your Pinterest board: Amy Hinds

    Reply

  747. Larry Marshall says

    OK, I just cashed in my man card and joined Pinterest…because I want to do this challenge. I’m not 100% sure if you search for my name, but I think you search for “larzmarshall”. I’m not sure how to follow anyone, but I’ll figure it out…

    Oh, and in tribute to Jon, my Pinterest picture is a picture of Tom Brady crying.

    Reply

  760. Briittany Gulbrandson says

    I hope I’m not too late to sign up! I’ve already read my first book… My pinterest username is Brittany Gulbrandson.

    Reply

  767. Emily Jenkins says

    You followed my Pinterest page but it won’t let me add my photo to the board. Please add me to the board. :-) @emmmmygrace

    Reply

  768. Dave says

    I just reposted this challenge again on my FB page. I posted with a poll, What book do you think every HS student should read before they graduate? (Other than the Bible) I challenged my friends to make that book the first one they read (re-read) this year. My choice:”7 Habits of Highly Effective People” , “Total Money Make Over” a close second. (Anything by Jon Acuff fills out the top 10.) :)

    Reply

  780. Suellen Maia says

    I love this!!! But I can’t really leave an empty shelf because it is already filled with way too many books to read. My challenge is to finish reading those books before I buy some more. Great challenge though!

    Reply

  784. Andrea says

    Love this challenge! Just cleared off my shelf today. I just followed Sue_Anne. My Pinterest name is andreaborsvold. Add me please!

    Reply

  795. Ashley says

    I’m reading a novella that isn’t bound in the same way your average book is… in fact, it’s released to us four pages at a time over the course of 72 weeks (we’re FORCED to pace ourselves!) …anywho, It dawned on me that as of this week, I’m actually finished with it.

    72 weeks…. and it’s not even the longest time I’ve spent on a book!

    Reply

  800. Sarah says

    I would love to be added to the empty shelf challenge! My name on Pinterest is Sarah Bannister. There are quite a few, so it might be easier to search for ‘starbursts299′. Thanks!

    Reply

  811. Laura Myers says

    I’m on Pinterest….and would love to join your board on this challenge.
    My username is luvmyadopted1

    Please add me to your board. Thanks!
    Laura

    Reply

  828. Samantha Hulsman says

    LOVE this idea! Not only am I going to do it, but I’m challenging my personal children and classroom children as well! My Pinterest username is shulsman. Thanks so much!

    Reply

  830. says

    My problem isn’t not reading enough…it’s finding space for all the great books I buy, inherit, find and read (then can’t part with!) I do give a lot of books away, but I keep even more! But I want to play because it will be a great way to keep track of everything I read from now to the end of 2014! Guess this will mean a trip to IKEA for a new bookcase!! (NOT complaining!)

    Pinterest= http://www.pinterest.com/lindsay39/

    Reply

  876. says

    I’m hoping this challenge will help me CLEAN OFF my shelves – so many books, so little time! I have an embarrassing number of books in my house that I haven’t read. My goal is to clean off at least one of those shelves this year. Thanks for the challenge! My pinterest name is jbrooxd.

    Reply

  882. says

    Is it too late to be added? I was contemplating before making a final decision! I plan on reading anyways and this is a great way to be held accountable and SEE progress. Watching the board has been inspiring and motivating. Thanks Jon! You’ve also inspired me to open a community board for a project I’m working on this year to simplify. So thank you for that inspiration as well.

    My Pinterest name is: christinwrites

    Reply

  883. Diana Wille says

    Sounds like fun! Count me in! My Pinterest name is Diana Wille, and my user name is pasadenagal61. Please add me to your Pinterest board.

    Reply

  884. TJ says

    This is a great idea/challenge. In 2012 I read over 30 books because I set a goal of 3 books each month. This last year I didn’t set a goal for my reading and only read a handful of books. I’m looking forward to getting back into the habit of reading with this challenge.

    My Pinterest name is tjfruichantie.

    Reply

  888. says

    I’m in. I’m not on Pinterest but I did create an online empty shelf on my blog. Looking forward to more reading this year! Thanks for the challenge.

    Reply

  900. Kelly Tewson says

    my Pinterest name is ktewson. (thats what it looks like at least.) do I follow you or you follow me? Ha! I’m a real Pinterest winner. Jon Stolpe is my only “follower”! hahaha! Let’s give this a try! Thanks for the creative idea! kt

    Reply

  925. Becky says

    Love this idea! I was actually just commenting today that one thing I want to do for next year is read more books, so this is perfect. My pinterest name is sunnyb64.

    Reply

  926. Sari says

    On Pinterest at saricaudill. I’m in a temporary housing situation and don’t have a bookshelf. A Pinterest board will do!

    Reply

  929. Angela says

    Heyyyy! My Pinterest username is: five_svnths. I’m super pumped about this. I haven’t read for fun since before college.

    Reply

    • says

      Sorry, I know I’m late to the game. I just got my shelf emptied last week, and I’m hoping to have two books done this week. Can I still get added to the board? My user name is phillip320.

      Reply

  944. Scott McFaddin says

    Just setup my empty shelf and ready to go. Pinterest name is Scott McFaddin (scottmcfaddin). Can’t wait to fill her up!

    Reply

  953. Shannon says

    I’m in…just cleared off a shelf! Now to get reading as I have books piled on the floor! Pinterest name is AntShanny.

    Reply

  955. Ward says

    Add me please. Ward Hughey is the name on pinterest. I just made an account solely for the purpose of the challenge!

    Reply

  959. Betsy says

    Please add me to the board. My name is Betsy Pond and my Pinterest user name is bpondo. I just followed you Sue Anne :-) Thanks! Happy New Year!

    Reply

  970. Andrea Wright says

    My husband and I are taking on this challenge; my Pinterest name is andreaw365. Looking forward to the fun.

    Reply

  973. Angie says

    I just followed the Empty Shelf board on Pinterest. Can I be added? My Pinterest name is bernrome. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Stacy Dobernecker says

      My Pinterest name is MadameDobe or Stacy Dobernecker.

      I have no idea if this is where I should send this! Such a novice…

      I “met” you via twitter and my brain has just now stopped calling you “Jonah Cuff”. (Jonacuff…get it?)

      thanks for this challenge – I’m encouraging my whole family to participate.

      Reply

  996. Brenda says

    @brendaabell on pintetest. Love this challenge and fingers crossed I stick with it!!

    Sue Ann I started following you.

    Reply

  1006. Moana Leilua says

    I’d like to be added onto the Empty Shelf board please? My username on Pinterest is Faamoana Leilua. Cheers from New Zealand

    Reply

  1026. Ann S. says

    Please add me to the challenge. My pinterest user name is doozie21. We can’t seem to clear out a shelf (too many books and too little space), so for now we are using the mantle. My teenage son wants to join me and has already finished his first book.

    Reply

  1035. Sarah Berry says

    I don’t have room for an empty shelf, but I always have room for another board on Pinterest! My name is sarahberry33
    I’m excited to join the challenge!

    Reply

  1056. Jarrod Finn says

    Hey Jon! Love the idea and would love to be added to the board. My Pinterest username is mdivemory2012.

    Take care!

    Reply

  1063. Marsha Hartsell says

    Please add me to the empty bookshelft challenge. my name on Pinterest is Marsha Hartsell. My user name is mlah.

    Reply

  1069. Meagan McErlean says

    Thought I was apart of the board till I went to upload the books I’ve read so far. Could you please add “Meagan McErlean”?

    Reply

  1080. Hope leanna says

    hey just heard about this and would like to join! i know it is a little late but my name on pinterest is Hope Leanna! i have a tea cup pig as my profile pic! thank you so much!

    and my sister wants me to add her as well! her name is Nita Murray and her profile pic is sunflowers!

    Reply

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Trackbacks

  24. […] As you know, I’m a huge nerd and absolutely adore reading. The majority of my Christmas presents were books. While I definitely don’t have a problem reading, or getting books completed, I figured it would be fun to track the books I’m planning on reading in 2014. This idea is not original at all, Jon Acuff is the one that created the Empty Shelf Challenge. […]

    Reply

  44. […] A Good Book Can Rewire Your Brain “New research, carried out at Emory University in the US, found that reading a good book may cause heightened connectivity in the brain and neurological changes that persist in a similar way to muscle memory.” And if you need more motivation to get reading, why not try Jon Acuff’s Empty Shelf Challenge. […]

    Reply

  55. […] Empty a shelf in your house somewhere. Every book you read from now until December 31, 2014 goes on the shelf. (Waiting until January 1st to do something awesome is stupid and fake.) At the end of the year, I guarantee you will have read more than you did in 2013. Best of all, you’re scientifically more likely to accomplish something when you have people working on it with you. – Read more about the challenge. […]

    Reply

  66. […] Yearly thoughts from Ann Voskamp: The Most Important Skill that Your 2014 Really Needs A Grace Plan: A Doable Life-Change Plan for a New Year, A New You Monthly goals from Hayley Morgan, The Tiny Twig: January Goals! A contrasting post from Donald Miller: Don’t Share Your Resolutions! A reading challenge from Sarah Bessey “You Need To Read This!” Challenge A challenge from Jon Acuff The Empty Shelf Challenge! […]

    Reply

  70. […] When I saw this picture on Jon Acuff’s Pinterest, I thought it was about decluttering. I clicked because I am all about minimizing our stuff and thought, “Cool, a challenge to empty a shelf and get rid of stuff.” To my happy surprise, this was not a decluttering challenge, but a challenge to fill your mind. This challenge is about emptying off a shelf and filling it with books that you read this year. I don’t usually need any kind of challenge to get me to read, but I enjoy having a challenge that I feel like I can easily keep up with (I might be the kind of person who writes things I have already done on my To Do list just so I can check them off. Don’t judge). You can read about the challenge on Jon Acuff’s blog. […]

    Reply

  75. […] Jon Acuff (of Stuff Christians Like fame) put up a challenge on his regular blog back towards the end of December: Clear off a shelf and put everything you read in 2014 on that shelf, as a way to help you read more. And it’s true – I don’t know what is more motivating than seeing an empty shelf that I just want to fill! The original post can be found here. […]

    Reply

  109. […] Jon Acuff’s Empty Shelf Challenge for 2014 intrigued me, and although I’ve never struggled with making time for reading, I love participating in challenges. I am recording my personal reading list and our homeschool list on dedicated Pinterest boards. I add to them almost weekly, so feel free to follow my boards and read along! My “currently reading” Goodreads shelf is also featured in the margin of this blog. […]

    Reply

  116. […] On his blog, Acuff.me, New York Times Bestselling author Jon Acuff challenges his readership to take the Empty Shelf Challenge. First hearing the challenge’s title my mind slipped to my overstuffed pantry and then my overburdened closet. He wasn’t referring to either. He was referring to my undernourished bookshelf. The rules are simple. Painstakingly lifted from his site here. […]

    Reply

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