I am happy to announce our very first DARK FICTION reading challenge.

I thought about the length of time needed to complete this challenge, and wasn't sure how long it should last, but I know that people want to read things other than only challenge books, and this gives them a little more freedom to do so. And ending it on December 1st gives everyone a month to catch up with whatever holiday-ish thing they have going (or not) and gives the winner the time to create the next challenge. I'm looking forward to lots of reading and hopefully, many interesting book discussions. It's the first time I've created a challenge, so feedback is welcome and encouraged, but please be gentle! :)

THE FACTS:
*Starts August 1st and ends December 1st…only books read within this time frame can be counted towards the challenge (started after August 1st)
*Books must be 150 pages at least AND can only be counted towards ONE task!
*The person with the most points or whomever finishes the challenge by Dec. 1st will be the winner and there will be a prize involved :) BONUS PRIZE: Winner will also have the choice of designing the next group challenge…Woo Hoo!
*When you finish a task, please post in here what book you read, the task #, and for how many points. To keep the posting from getting overly complicated and ridiculous, either post your tentative list and edit it as you go (crossing off completed tasks, etc.) or edit your original posting as you go. This means each participant will have ONE message post and they will update it as necessary.

***If you keep a running total at the bottom of your list, it will be much easier for me to keep track AND I will be eternally grateful. ***

I will go through weekly and update the scoreboard to encourage friendly competition! Enjoy the challenge and GOOD LUCK!

THE TASKS:
5 Points --
1. To commemorate Labor Day/the End of Another Summer…: Read a novel that is set during the summer.
2. September 22, 2009 is the Autumnal Equinox: Read a novel in which a weather word is in the title --examples: CLOUDS, STORM, RAIN, SUN, AIR, etc.
3. November 11, 2009 - In Honor Of Our Veterans and Soldiers and their Families: Read a novel where a soldier/veteran is the main character. (Plenty of dark themes abound here…)
4. December 21, 2009 is the Winter Solstice: Read a novel that takes place during the winter.
5. Read a book written within the past five years.
6. Read a book written more than fifty years ago.
7. Reread a book you haven’t read in more than 10 years or a book that you Cliff-noted (don‘t pretend you don‘t know what I mean, haha!).

10 Points --
1. Read an anthology/collection of short stories with DIFFERENT authors.
2. Read a book that has been made into a film and then compare film vs. book in a discussion thread.
3. Read a book from a “existential” author discussed in our group.
4. Making Friends: Pick another group member and choose a novel that they gave 5 stars.
5. BOOKS! THEY‘RE NOT JUST FOR DECORATION: Read a book that you’ve had for a long time and haven’t read yet.
6. Read a book from an author born in August, September, October, November or December (LOTS to choose from!).
7. Read a book from an author who was born or who DIED during your birthday month.
8. Read a book that you wouldn’t normally pick up. (i.e. haven’t loved the author in the past, unfamiliar genre, etc.).
9. ENJOY FALL!: Read an entire book outside in the fresh air.
10. THANKS TO GOODREADS FOR BRINGING US ALL TOGETHER: Read a book written by a GOODREADS author.

15 Points --
1. EEK!: Read a novel with zombies, monsters, or things that go bump in the night.
2. ZAP!: Read a novel with aliens, time travel or an alternate universe.
3. BOO!: Read a novel with fairies, witches, ghosts, some paranormal creature, etc.
4. MEH!: Read a novel where the main character is an addict or is in a similar dark place.

25 Points --
1. Read a complete graphic novel series (May or may not involve multiple volumes. If the series is not yet complete, read all available volumes, i.e. Sandman Volumes 1-10).
2. Read two books written by one of your favorite authors.
3. Read two books from your favorite subgenre.
4. Read a book that has been translated into English.
5. Read a book that you didn’t know existed until DARK FICTION began.
6. Read a volume of poetry (at least 150 pages) from a “dark” poet.

50 Points --
1. Read a “CLASSIC” novel from each of the following genres: HORROR, MYSTERY, FANTASY, SCIENCE FICTION, APOCALYPTIC/DYSTOPIA, and TRANSGRESSIVE.
2. In Honor of our friends in the Great White North, CELEBRATE BOXING DAY (December 26th)! Read a book and then donate it to someone less fortunate (i.e. the goodwill or library will count too, anywhere that takes donations…)
3. Read a book and then post a discussion thread where you list who you would cast in the film version and who would direct it.
4. And since I am creating this challenge and take all kinds of flack for my nearly-neverending TBR list, read a book NOT listed on my TO-READ list (as of August 1st). (Good luck with this!)

Total Points: /545
Tasks Completed: /31

*** Please feel free to post your tentative lists, as long as you start reading on or after August 1st...

My first challenge.

THE TASKS:
5 Points --
1. Set in the summer - STINGER by Robert McCammon
2. Weather in Title - MERCURY FALLS by Robert Kroese (Kindle)
3. Soldier/Veteran - LEATHER MAIDEN by Joe R. Lansdale (320 pages)
4. Set in Winter - HOUSE OF LEAVES by Mark Z. Danielewski (736 pages)
5. Written < 5 years - THE BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEAD by Kevin Brockmeister (2006) (252 pages)
6. Written > 50 years - HEART OF DARKNESS by Joseph Conrad (1903) (221 pages)
7. Reread - THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY by Oscar Wilde (224 pages)
Total points for section: 35

10 Points --
1. Anthology - NEW TALES OF THE CTHULHU MYTHOS edited by Ramsey Campbell (253 pages)
2. Book Into Film - FIGHT CLUB by Chuck Palahniuk (208 pages)
3. Existential Author - THE PLAGUE by Albert Camus (287 pages)
4. Member's 5 star - LIVING DEAD IN DALLAS by Charlaine Harris (Michelle's list) (292 pages)
5. Long TBR - CASTLEVIEW by Gene Wolfe (288 pages)
6. Author born 9-12 - FROM A BUICK 8 by Stephen King (487 pages)
7. Author born on birth month - AMERICAN GODS by Neil Gaiman (588 pages)
8. Wouldn’t normally read - THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins (Kindle)
9. Read outside - A SEPARATE PEACE by John Knowles
10. Goodread author - GRUNDISH AND ASKEW by Lance Carbuncle (304 pages)
Total points for section: 100

15 Points --
1. Zombies / Monsters - I AM LEGEND by Richard Matheson (170 pages)
2. Alien/Time Travel/Alt Universe - THE MAN WHO FOLDED HIMSELF by David Gerrold (148 pages)
3. Fairies/Witches/Ghosts - A FINE AND PRIVATE PLACE by Peter S. Beagle (256 pages)
4. Addict - DOWN AND OUT ON MURDER MILE by Tony O'Neill (455 pages)
Total points for section: 60

25 Points --
1. Graphic Novel - 30 DAYS OF NIGHT by Steve Niles & Ben Templesmith
2. Fav Author (2 books) - THE BOTTOMS (327 pages) and RUMBLE TUMBLE (242 pages) by Joe R. Lansdale
3. Fav Subgenre - SHUTTER ISLAND (369 pages) and MYSTIC RIVER (448 pages) by Dennis Lehane (Mystery)
4. Translated - SPUTNIK SWEETHEART by Haruki Murakami (210 pages)
5. New To Me - SLAUGHTER by Marcus F. Griffin (309 pages)
6. Dark Poetry - SHARP TEETH by Toby Barlow (Kindle)
Total points for section: 150

50 Points --
1. Classic:
---Horror - DRACULA by Bram Stoker (Kindle)
---Mystery - THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY by Patricia Highsmith (287 pages)
---Fantasy - ELRIC: THE STEALER OF SOULS by Michael Moorcock (Kindle)
---Science Fiction - FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley (Kindle)
---Apocalyptic/Dystopia - CHILDREN OF MEN by PD James (351 pages)
---Transgressive - AMERICAN PSYCHO by Bret Easton Ellis (399 pages)
2. Donating a Book - FLOW MY TEARS, THE POLICEMAN SAID by Phillip K. Dick (231 pages)
3. Discuss a Movies Cast - THE CANAL by Daniel Morris (210 pages)
CAST:
Director: Sam Raimi
Joe Lombardi: Al Pacino
Alan D'Angelo: Tom Cruise
Vincent: Ted Raimi
Womack: Alan Graf (it's a private joke)
Bleecker: Bruce Campbell
Susan D'Angelo: Naomi Watts
Rose Lombardi: Jane Alexander
Paul Zarella: Edward James Olmos
4. Not on Michelles TBR List - FUNLAND by Richard Layman (397 pages)
Total Point in section: 200

Total Points: 545/545
Tasks Completed: 31/31
Pages Read: 13314(does not include Kindle reads)

My first challenge too!

5 Points
1. Set in the Summer -
2. Weather in Title - Cape Storm by Rachel Caine (320 pages)
3. Soldier/Veteran - Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (324 pages)
4. Set in Winter - House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (736 pages)
5. Written < 5 years - Palimpsest by Catherynne M. Valente (384 pages)
6. Written > 50 years - The Scarlet Letter (192 pages) by Nathaniel Hawthorne
7. ReRead -
Total Points for section 25

10 Points
1. Anthology -
2. Book into Film - Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson (204 pages)
3. Existential Author - Notes From Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky (130 pages)
4. Member's 5 Star - Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (221 pages) Marvin's rating
5. Long TBR - The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie (288 pages)
6. Author born 09 - 12 - The Awakening and The Struggle (The Vampire Diaries #1 and #2) (492 pages) by L.J. Smith
7. Author Died on Bday -
8. Wouldn't Normally Read - No Exit and Three Other Plays by Jean-Paul Sartre (275 pages)
9. Read Outside - South of No North: Stories of the Buried Life by Charles Bukowski, (189 pages)
10. GoodReads author - The Forests of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (310 pages)
Total Points for section 80

15 Points
1. Zombies / Monsters - Pretty When She Dies: A Vampire Novel by Rhiannon Frater (384 pages)
2. Aliens / Time Travel / Alt Universe - The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. le Guin (176 pages)
3. Fairies / Witches / Ghosts - Tithe by Holly Black (331 page)
4. Addict - Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris (306 pages)
Total Points for section 60

25 Points
1. Graphic Novel - The Walking Dead, Books 1-4, 48 issues
2. Fav Author (2 books) - As The World Dies: Fighting to Survive (307 pages) and As The World Dies: Siege (398 pages) by Rhiannon Frater
3. Fav Subgenre (2 books) - Grave Surprise (295 pages) and An Ice Cold Grave (280 pages) by Charlaine Harris (urban fantasy)
4. Translated - Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski (320 pages)
5. New to Me - The Canal by Daniel Morris (212 pages)
6. Dark Poetry - Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow (320 pages)
Total Points for section 150

50 Points
1. Classic from Each Genre -
--- Horror: The Hill of Dreams by Arthur Machen (204 pages)
--- Mystery: The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare by G.K. Chesterton (224 pages)
--- Fantasy: At the Mountains of Madness (192 pages) by HP Lovecraft
--- Science Fiction: The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury (182 pages)
--- Apocalyptic / Dystopia: Neuromancer by William Gibson (271 pages)
--- Transgressive: American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis (416 pages)
2. Donate a Book - 13 Bullets by David Wellington (336 pages)
3. Discuss a Movies Cast - Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon (960 pages) cast of Swan Song here
4. Wasn't on Michelle's TBR list - Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause (288 pages)
Total Points for section 200

Tasks completed 27/31
Total Pages Read 10467
Total Points for Challenge 515/545

Instead of putting links to each book I just created a shelf with all of my books for this challenge. Dark Fiction Challenge Bookshelf

5 Points
1. Set in Summer - Already Dead by Charlie Huston 8/9 268 pages
2. Weather in Title - Cape Storm by Rachel Caine 8/15 320 pages
3. Soldier/Veteran - Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut 8/27 275 pages
4. Set in Winter - No Dominion by Charlie Huston 8/20 272 pages
5. Written < 5 Years - The City & The City by China Miéville 8/16 328 pages
6. Written > 50 Years - Earth Abides by George Stewart 8/11 386 pages
7. ReRead - Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Total Points for Section 30

10 Points
1. Anthology - The Living Dead Started but on hold
2. Book into Film - Children of Men by PD James 8/3 256 pages
3. Existential Author - The Double by Fyodor Dostoevsky
4. Member's 5 Star - Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill (Michelle's) 8/18 376 pages
5. Long TBR - Ironside by Holly Black 10/16 336 pages
6. Author Born 09-12 - As the World Dies by Rhiannon Frater (Dec 16) 10/19 288 pages
7. Author Born/Died on Bday - The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch - born April
8. Wouldn't Normally Read - Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith (I said I wasn't going to read this but it got picked for a group read - so I'll give it a go just because it will fit this category)
9. Read Outside -
10. GoodReads Author - The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss 10/30
Total Points for Section 50

15 Points
1. Zombies / Monsters - The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan 11/7 310 pages
2. Aliens / Time Travel / Alt Universe - Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead 8/27 352 pages
3. Fairies / Witches / Ghosts - The Dark Mirror by Juliet Marillier 9/29 592 pages
4. Addict - Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning 9/23 352 pages
Total Points for Section 60

25 Points
1. Graphic Novel - Nightmares & Fairy Tales by Serena Valentino 8/8 pages
2. Fav Author (2 books) - Good Omens by Neil Gaiman 10/7 412 pages
---- &Interworld by Neil Gaiman 8/31 240 pages
3. Fav Subgenre (2 books) - Half The Blood of Brooklyn by Charlie Huston (UF) 10/4 256 pages
---- &Blood & Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause (UF) 10/14 288 pages
4. Translated - The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowki
5. New To Me - The Somnambululist by Jonathan Barnes 8/25 384 pages
6. Dark Poetry -
Total Points for Section 100

50 Points
1. Classic from Each Genre
--- Horror: At the Mountains of Madness by HP Lovecraft 9/7
--- Mystery:The Man Who Was Thursday by GK Chesterton
--- Fantasy:The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman
--- Science Fiction:Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
--- Apocolyptic / Dystopia:The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
--- Transgressive:
2. Donate a Book: Salem's Lot by Stephen King 10/11
3. Discuss a Movies Cast - Pretty When She Dies by Rhiannon Frater 9/24 384 pages
"---- check out the cast in <a href=""http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/217017-pretty-when-she-dies-spoilers"">THIS THREAD</a>
"
4. Wasn't on Michelle's TBR list - A Darkness Forged by Chris Evans 10/14 416 pages
Total Points for Section 150


Total Points for Challenge 390
Tasks Completed: 22 / 31
Pages Read: 7914
Books Read: 25 / 38

Read - In Order
[Bookcover:The Forest of Hands and Teeth|3432478]

It's VERY possible to see LOTS of changes on this list, but this is what I've come up with so far. I'll cross them out as I finish...good luck everyone and hope you enjoy it!

THE TASKS:

5 Points --
1. MUCHO MOJO by Joe R. LansdaleIN PROGRESS
2. AN ICE COLD GRAVE by Charlaine HarrisAUDIO
3. SAVAGE SEASON by Joe R. Lansdale AUDIO
4. A WINTER HAUNTING by Dan Simmons303
5. THE LOST SYMBOL by Dan Brown (2009)509
6. THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES by Ray Bradbury (1950)IN PROGRESS
7. WUTHERING HEIGHTS by Emily BronteIN PROGRESS

TOTAL FOR SECTION: 20 points

10 Points --
1. THE LIVING DEAD Edited by John Joseph Adams487
2. THE BEACH by Alex Garland371
3. THE STRANGER by Albert Camus131
4. THE BOOK OF LOST THINGS by John Connolly (from Rob)339
5. HAUNTED by Chuck Palahniuk
6. PERDIDO STREET STATION by China Mieville (9-6-72)IN PROGRESS
7. MIDDLESEX by Jeffrey Eugenides (4-13-60) 8. THE SOMNAMBULIST by Jonathan Barnes353 I don’t normally read Victorian mysteries, especially if they involve an aspect of having to know about a particular author, philosopher or secret sect in play at the time, as its not time period I’m all that crazy about OR super interested in. That being said, this was a REALLY good book and MUCH darker than I suspected it would be. Funny too!
9. THE BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEAD by Kevin Brockmeier252
10. ANANSI BOYS by Neil Gaiman336

TOTAL FOR SECTION: 70 points

15 Points --
1. THE GATES by John Connolly(demons and monsters)320
2. VERONICA by Nicholas ChristopherIN PROGRESS
3. FAERIE TALE by Raymond E. Feist421
4. THE BELL JAR by Sylvia Plath

TOTAL FOR SECTION: 30 points

25 Points --
1. SLOTH by Gabriel Hernandez128
2. Stewart O'Nan-- A PRAYER FOR THE DYING208 and THE NIGHT COUNTRY229
3. (Horror): SLAUGHTER by Marcus F. Griffin312/SUMMER OF NIGHT by Dan Simmons556
4. PERFUME by Patrick Suskind
5. SMASHED, SQUASHED, SPLATTERED, CHEWED, CHUNKED AND SPEWED by Lance Carbuncle267
6. something by Bukowski!

TOTAL FOR SECTION: 100 points

50 Points --
1. Horror: SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES by Ray Bradbury
Mystery: THE KILLING MAN by Mickey Spillane228
Fantasy: THE NEVERENDING STORY by Michael Ende
Sci-Fi: FARENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury (AUDIO)IN PROGRESS
Apoc./Dystopia: A CLOCKWORK ORANGE by Anthony Burgess
Transgressive: LOLITA by Vladimir Nabokov
2. ???
3. GRAVE SURPRISE by Charlaine HarrisAUDIO An ensemble cast…haha! Oscars, anyone??
Harper Connelly: Selma Blair, Tolliver Lang: Eric Balfour, Dr. Clyde Nunley: Craig Sheffer, Tabitha Morgenstern: Elle Fanning, Joel Morgenstern: Tate Donovan, Diane Morgenstern: Neve Campbell, Rick Goldman: Hugh Jackman, Victor Morgenstern: Douglas Smith, Corbett Lacey: Aaron Eckhart, Art Barfield, Esq.: Richard Attenborough, Corinne: Annie Potts, Shellie Quail: Angela Bassett, Felicia Hart: Gina Holden, Blythe Benson: Gwyneth Paltrow, Xylda Bernardo: Dianne Wiest, Manfred Bernardo: Casey Affleck, Agent Seth Koenig: Guy Pearce , Detective Brittany Young: Hillary Swank, Ben Morgenstern: Harry Hamlin, Hannah/Judy Morgenstern: Helen Mirren, David Morgenstern: Bradley Cooper, Fred Hart: Ed Harris, Graveyard Ghost: John Hannah
4. PRETTY WHEN SHE DIES by Rhiannon Frater384

TOTAL FOR SECTION: 100 points

Total Points: 320 of 545
Tasks Completed: 19 of 31
Pages Read: 6134 & 3 Audiobooks

my oh my, my little brain aches from reading all these rules! i've got a busy fall, things are chill right now, but once september arrives, i'm back in way too busy mode.

i will try to participate, if i can figure out all the categories and whatnot. it looks like a nice challenge though!

No problem Phillip :) I just hope people can participate in the discussions. I think Michelle did an awesome job creating the challenge and it's interesting seeing what people choose to read :)

5 Points

1. Set in the Summer -
2. Weather in Title - Sunshine by Robin McKinley
3. Soldier/Veteran -
4. Set in Winter - Fire by Kristin Cashore
5. Written within last 5 years - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
6. Written more than 50 years - The Fellowship of the Ring--J.R.R. Tolkien
7. ReRead (more than 10 years) - The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald

Total Points for section: 15

10 Points

1. Anthology - Wolfsbane and Mistletoe edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner currently reading
2. Book into Film - The Return of the King by J.R.R Tolkien
3. Existential Author -
4. Member's 5 Star - The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly (Michelle's list)
5. Long TBR - The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
6. Author born Sept-Dec - Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safron Foer (8/13/1972)
7. Author Born/Died in Birthday Month - The Cider House Rules by John Irving (born in March)
8. Wouldn't Normally Read - A Good and Happy Child by Justin Evans
9. Read Outside - A Separate Peace by John Knowles
10. GoodReads author - Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Total Points for section: 50

15 Points
1. Zombies / Monsters - The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
2. Aliens / Time Travel / Alt Universe - The Host by Stephenie Meyer
3. Fairies / Witches / Ghosts - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (re-reading 1-7 this summer. Started #7 on Aug 1)--J.K. Rowling
4. Addict - Choke by Chuck Palahniuk

Total Points for section: 30

25 Points

1. Graphic Novel - Sandman Volumes 1-10 by Neil Gaiman
2. Fav Author (2 books) - Neverwhere and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
3. Fav Subgenre (2 books) -
4. Translated - Inkheart (Inheart #1) by Cornelia Funke (translated from German)
5. New to Me - Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (didn't know about this one until I was lurking my way around Michelle and Kathryn's tbr lists!)
6. Dark Poetry - The Collected Poems--Sylvia Plath

Total Points for section: 50

50 Points
1. Classic from Each Genre -
--- Horror: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
--- Mystery: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
--- Fantasy:
--- Science Fiction: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
--- Apocolyptic / Dystopia:
--- Transgressive: A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
2. Donate a Book - We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
3. Discuss a Movies Cast -
4. Wasn't on Michelle's TBR list - City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Total Points for section: 50


Total Points for Challenge: 195

Sorry, I'm a procrastinator...the first leader board totals are:
1. Marvin & Kathryn are tied with 105 points! NICE START!
2. Shanon 65
3. Michelle 60
4. Jillian 15
Good luck again everyone! Keep up the great work and feel free to start posts about your books, etc. Have fun!

Oh your Harper cast is too funny. I guess I don't pay attention to physical descriptions that well. I was picturing Harper with light hair and delicate features. Selma Blair could dye her hair and I guess she's petite :) I'm out of the loop. I don't recognize some of the names.

Points I've earned thus far...

Blue Moon - weather word - 5pts.
The Devouring - Winter Solstice - 5pts.
Wuthering Heights -Re-Read - 5pts.
Dates from Hell - Anthology - 10pts.
Dead Until Dark - Book another member gave five stars (Nina) - 10pts
Bitten and Stolen - two books written by a favorite author - 25pts.

total = 65

Heather's catching up!

Hey Jillian, what did you think of The Forest of Hands and Teeth? It's young adult, right, with zombies? Any good? It looks good.

Kathryn wrote: "Hey Jillian, what did you think of The Forest of Hands and Teeth? It's young adult, right, with zombies? Any good? It looks good. "

Yup, it is YA and zombies. I loved the concept, but wasn't crazy about the execution. She didn't do as much character development as I would have liked...and she left a lot of plots dangling. I think this is the first in a trilogy though...so I'll give the next one a try when it comes out.

It got really mixed reviews. Some people loved it; others felt like me. I read some of the 5 star reviews before I read that may have upped my expectations.

The new leaderboard is here. I'm really impressed. Everybody else is kicking my ass, well almost (sorry Jillian, I'm just teasing!)--Haha Here goes:

1. Kathryn 165 points! Wow, I knew you were gonna do well...
2. Marvin 120 points
3. Shanon 95 points
3. Heather and Michelle tied at 70 points
4. Jillian 30 points
Keep up the pace and the challenge will end early :)

Michelle wrote: "The new leaderboard is here. I'm really impressed. Everybody else is kicking my ass, well almost (sorry Jillian, I'm just teasing!)--Haha Here goes:

1. Kathryn 165 points! Wow, I knew you wer..."

No prob. We'll see who is laughing when I make my grand comeback (ha. ya right)

5 Points --
1. Read a novel that is set during the summer.
2. Blue Moon Alyson Noel ,
3. November 11, 2009 - In Honor Of Our Veterans and Soldiers and their Families: Read a novel where a soldier/veteran is the main character. (Plenty of dark themes abound here…)
4. The Devouring by Simon Holt
5. Read a book written within the past five years.
6. Read a book written more than fifty years ago.
7. Wuthering Heights

10 Points --
1. Dates from Hell,
2. Read a book that has been made into a film and then compare film vs. book in a discussion thread.
3. Read a book from a “existential” author discussed in our group.
4. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
5. Read a book that you’ve had for a long time and haven’t read yet. - The Abundance of Katherines by John Green
6. Blood Promise by Rachelle Mead
7. Read a book from an author who was born or who DIED during your birthday month.
8. Boyfriend List by E.Lockhart
9. Living Dead in Dallas by Harris
10. Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

15 Points --
1. EEK!: Read a novel with zombies, monsters, or things that go bump in the night. –Once Dead Twice Shy,
2. ZAP!: Read a novel with aliens, time travel or an alternate universe. - Fire
3. BOO!: Read a novel with fairies, witches, ghosts, some paranormal creature, etc. – Van Allen Legacy
4. MEH!: Read a novel where the main character is an addict or is in a similar dark place. - Burned by Ellen Hopkins

25 Points --
1. Read a complete graphic novel series (May or may not involve multiple volumes. If the series is not yet complete, read all available volumes, i.e. Sandman Volumes 1-10).
2. Bitten and Stolen by Kelley Armstrong
3. Club Dead and Dead to the World by Harris
4. Read a book that has been translated into English.
5. Read a book that you didn’t know existed until DARK FICTION began.
6. Read a volume of poetry (at least 150 pages) from a “dark” poet.- Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

50 Points --
1. Read a “CLASSIC” novel from each of the following genres: HORROR, MYSTERY, FANTASY, SCIENCE FICTION, APOCALYPTIC/DYSTOPIA, and TRANSGRESSIVE.
2. In Honor of our friends in the Great White North, CELEBRATE BOXING DAY (December 26th)! Read a book and then donate it to someone less fortunate (i.e. the goodwill or library will count too, anywhere that takes donations…)
3. Read a book and then post a discussion thread where you list who you would cast in the film version and who would direct it.
4. And since I am creating this challenge and take all kinds of flack for my nearly-neverending TBR list, read a book NOT listed on my TO-READ list (as of August 1st). (Good luck with this!)

Jillian wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Hey Jillian, what did you think of The Forest of Hands and Teeth? It's young adult, right, with zombies? Any good? It looks good. "

Yup, it is YA and zombies. I loved the concept..."

Thanks Jillian. I've heard that about the character development but I think I'll give the book a try soon.

I'll be checking that out from the library next time. Smiley has SOOOO much more stuff than here in Blythe, even new books...YAY!

I started fall semester last week. Thought it was going to be difficult, between life and taking care of my family, the local book club I'm involved with and the private tutoring I do on the side AND the workload from my classes. But my classes are REALLY light on the workload, and its proving to be my last easy semester of school -- lots of time for reading. I guess what I'm trying to say is, WATCH OUT! Haha, especially you Kathryn, now that you're going back to work. :)

I'm cramming books, who needs sleep. I wish I could just read fun books for this challenge but I'm reading textbooks and listening to audio course outlines more than anything.

Drum roll, please...the new updated leaderboard is as follows:
1. Kathryn - 200 points
2. Marvin - 165 points
3. Heather - 130 points
4. Shanon - 115 points
5. Michelle - 85 points
6. Jillian - 40 points


Keep up the pace! Well, some of us can slow down a little, eh emmm...

Somebody stop Kathryn! Give her more textbooks!;)

Hey, I'm tired of textbooks! And you're closest in points, so you try to stop me Marvin! Muwahaha! :)

My problem is that I read other books that don't work with this challenge...need to focus!!!

Focus ...?? What does that ...oooh look a cute ad with a frog!!

I need to quit messing around with the little point books and start on those bigger ones! I'm getting my ass kicked considering I've completed as many tasks as Kathryn. I'll catch you... better watch out :)

Michelle wrote: "My problem is that I read other books that don't work with this challenge...need to focus!!!"

I'm having the same problem! I have an internal debate with myself about whether a book is "Dark" or not after every one I finish. Not many books are fitting in :(

Haha...yeah, I checked out LOTS of library books and I'm trying to read them all before they are due. Gotta read those and if they fit, great. If they don't, I'm still going to read them. I think I'll earn points in spurts...

Yeah, there have been a few books that I wasn't sure whether or not to count. I figure if I feel comfortable talking about a book with the group, then it's all good.

And Shanon, it almost looks like you've been reading in order of the list. When I try to catch up with the smaller point challenges, you're going to eat away at the high point challenges.

That's true. The order that you tackle the list makes a BIG difference in the points at first.

Would SAVAGE SEASON count as "dark" Marvin??

So you found it. Let me guess...Smiley?

Yes, I would consider anything by Lansdale to be dark fiction. The following Hap and Leonard novels become even darker. If you are currently reading this novel and are wondering if it meets the definition of dark, you will have no doubt when you get to the ending.

Even though I love fantasy, I have never read the Lord of the Rings triology. I have it tentatively on my challenge list...would you guys classify it as "dark"? I'm just not sure.

I would say it's dark... the death, wars, personal doubt, sacrifice. I think it would fit in great with the challenge!

Nope, Audible...haha.

Hey Marvin. I don't know if you're just trying to read from books you already have but I have the following books if you want to borrow them:
AMERICAN GODS
WICKED
DUMA KEY
CHILDREN OF MEN.
Let me know.

I have Wicked but not the others. I would love to borrow them in the near future. Maybe by the next book club meeting when I can loan you Slaughter?

Shanon wrote: "I would say it's dark... the death, wars, personal doubt, sacrifice. I think it would fit in great with the challenge!"

Thanks Shanon! I'm really looking forward to reading them.

I'll round them up.

This is my List :)

5 Points
1. Set in the Summer -
2. Weather in Title - Sunshine by Robin McKinley
3. Soldier/Veteran -
4. Set in Winter -
5. Written within last 5 years -
6. Written more than 50 years - Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
7. ReRead (more than 10 years)-Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

Total Points for section: 5


.....................................................
10 Points
1. Anthology - Huntress by Christine Warren
2. Book into Film - Blood and Chocolate By Annette Curtis Klause
3. Existential Author -
4. Member's 5 Star -
5. Long TBR -
6. Author born Sept-Dec -
7. Author Born/Died in Birthday Month -
8. Wouldn't Normally Read -
9. Read Outside -
10. GoodReads author -

Total Points for section: 10

.....................................................
15 Points
1. Zombies/Monsters -
2. Aliens/Time Travel/Alt Universe - The Host by Stephenie Meyer
3. Fairies/Witches/Ghosts ect. -
4. Addicted Main Character-


Total Points for section:0
.....................................................
25 Points
1. Graphic Novel - Mercy Thompson: Homecoming by Patricia Briggs(i loved it i cant wait for more)
2. Favorite Author (2 books) -
Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and Unreturnable by MaryJanice Davidson
3. Favorite Sub-genre (2 books) -
4. Translated in to English-
5. DARK FICTION -
6. Dark Poetry -Enriched Classics: Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe by Edgar Allan Poe

Total Points for section: 50

.....................................................
50 Points
1. Classic from Each Genre -
--- Horror:
--- Mystery:
--- Fantasy: The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien
--- Science Fiction:
--- Apocolyptic /Dystopia:The Children of Men by P.D. James
--- Transgressive:
2. Donate a Book - Tess of the d'Urbervilles (Paperback) by Thomas Hardy(i gave it to a friend at work, i hope she likes it as much as i did)
3. Discuss a Movies Cast -
4. Wasn't on Michelle's TBR list - Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Total Points for section: 50



.....................................................
Total Points for Challenge: 115

i am a slow reader... but this is more for fun then anything so yeah for me lol... :)

Hey Stephanie, nice to see you jumping in!

So what did you think of the Mercy Thompson graphic novel? Any good?

i have it on order it should be here by next week.. then i will let u know. :) i cant wait.. and thank u for the welcome.. i had to jump in on :)

O, oops, sorry, I was rather tired last night. Let us know if it's any good because I love the books!

Welcome Stephanie...we need more people in this challenge. All gunning for Kathryn, for now. :)

Muwahaha! I'm gonna knock out the classics books worth 50 points by the end of the weekend!! My goal was to complete that part before starting work on Tuesday so that I would have a little lead since I probably wont be reading much at first after returning to work. But then I just know you guys are gonna have me eating dirt!

I have to find some classic books that go in this challenge.. hmmm i know i might have a few at home.. of i will just need to buy more.. heheh love buying books.. :)

umm i think i am doing the 50 Points 1. Classic from Each Genre wrong... what is considered a classic? does it need to be an older books or one that everyone loves? i just dont want to be doing this challenge wrong :) ..

Just something classic, as in:
1. considered a classic in its genre, of course a traditional classic (old) works EXAMPLE: WUTHERING HEIGHTS
2. something written by a classic author in their genre, whose work has influenced said genre EXAMPLE: A MYSTERY BY AGATHA CHRISTIE or A HORROR NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING, ETC. If authors have listed someone as an influence to them, or they were an early style setting author, like RAY BRADBURY...
3. Check out the classics lists in goodreads and see what you find. If you have something in mind and aren't sure if it works, ask and we'll see what everyone thinks. Good luck! Hope that helps.
Anybody else want to chime in here?

I was just going over your list Marvin and I cracked up! Can't wait to hear what you think of TWILIGHT!!