Agnieszka’s Comments (group member since Feb 01, 2018)

Agnieszka’s comments from the Wanderlust Challenges group.

Jan wrote: "It sure does Agnieszka!"

YAY! Thank you.

Would this book work for the cliff on cover task?

I wasn't aware Catan's a German original. I love this game so much - as some other of his games.

International Table Games
Duration: 11/1/22 - 1/31/23
Completed: 0/12
100+ pages, re-reads are ok, re-post when finished


1. Mahjong (China)
♜ Read a book set in China or one that features an MC of Chinese descent (tell us who) OR read a book that has 1 AND 4 in its total page count (post page count).

2. Lotería (Mexico)
♜ Read a book set in Mexico or one that features an MC of Mexican descent OR read a book with a title that starts with a letter in TABLA (ignore A, An or The).

3. Ludo (India)
♜ Read a book set in India or one that features an MC of Indian descent OR read a book that takes place in the 19th century.

4. Five Hundred (Australia)
♜ Read a book set in Australia or the US (tell us where) OR read a book over 500 pages long (post page count).

5. Crokinole (Canada)
♜ Read a book set in Canada or one written by a Canadian author (include link to author page) OR read a book with a circular object on the cover (post cover).

6. XiangQi (China)
♜ Read a book set in Asia or in a Chinatown neighborhood outside of Asia OR read a book with an author whose first or last name includes an X or Q.

7. Go (Japan)
♜ Read a book set in Japan or one that features an MC of Japanese descent OR read a book that really challenged your brain (tell us why).

8. Catan (Germany)
♜ Read a book set in Europe (tell us where) OR read a book with a title that contains all the letters in CATAN (any order).

9. Afrikan Tähti (Finland)
♜ Read a book set in Finland or Africa (tell us which) OR read a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in STAR OF AFRICA.

10. Oware (Ghana)
♜ Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GHANA OR read a book that features children or teens in school (briefly share details).

11. Partner Dominoes (The Caribbean)
♜ Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a series book #2.

12. Estanciero (Argentina)
♜ Read a book that is set in South America (tell us where) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in ESTANCIERO (2 word minimum)
*

Just in case

Part 2

Thank you Jan, Patrizia and Meg for your great work and wonderful challenges (with so much great information). Happy group Anniversary!

Five Year Anniversary Challenge
Start Date: 11/1/22
Completed: 0/61+
100+ pages, re-reads are ok, re-post when finished


1. CAPITAL OF THE MONTH: Complete 6 Tasks - 1 for each capital below.

We have visited 60 different capital cities together!! This category also includes 9 Capital City Longitude/Latitude Fun Challenges. Let's pop into the 5th capital we've visited on each continent and complete a task for the 5th attraction.

⇨ North America: November 2019 - Panama's Capital: Panama City
5th Attraction: Biomuseo
✱ Read a book with a cover that is prominently red, blue and or yellow (post cover) OR
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in ISTHMUS (ignore A, An or The) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in BIOMUSEO.

⇨ Asia: December 2019 - Nepal's Capital: Kathmandu
5th Attraction: Garden of Dreams
✱ Read a book with a garden on the cover (post cover) OR
✱ Read a book with 6 found in the page count (share count) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in GARDEN OF DREAMS.

⇨ Oceania: January 2020 - Vanuatu's Capital: Port Vila
5th Attraction: Vila Markets
✱ Read a book with a fruit or vegetable on the cover (post cover) OR
✱ Read a book with a character that sells their wares for a living (tell us what) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in VILA MARKETS.

⇨ South America: February 2020 - Venezuela's Capital: Caracas
5th Attraction: Parque del Este
✱ Read a book that is part of a trilogy OR
✱ Read a book which is set on another planet OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in PARQUE DEL ESTE.

⇨ Africa: March 2020 - Mozambique's Capital: Maputo
5th Attraction: Mafalala Walking Tour
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in IVERCA OR
✱ Read a book that dealt with a social injustice (tell us what) OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in MAFALALA WALKING TOUR.

⇨ Europe: April 2020 - Switzerland's Capital: Bern
5th Attraction: Bernisches Historisches Museum
✱ Read a book that is the second in a series OR
✱ Read a historical fiction book, or a nonfiction book about history OR
✱ Read a book whose author’s first & last initial is found in BERNISCHES HISTORISCHES MUSEUM.


2. LANDMARKS OF THE WORLD: Complete 5 tasks - 1 for each challenge below.

In 16 different challenges, we have learned about 40 different landmarks. Let's revisit my 5 favorite challenges and complete the 5th task.

⇨ The Great Wall of China: September 2019
Seen from Space Myth: Read a book with the moon on its cover OR read a book that addresses a controversial topic (tell us what).

⇨ Landmark Museums: May 2020
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo, Egypt
✱ Read a book that takes place in Egypt OR
✱ Read a book tagged HISTORY or HISTORICAL on its GR Main Page OR
✱ Read a book with a MC whose first or last name starts with a letter in GEM.

⇨ Neuschwanstein Castle: November 2020
Fairy Tale King: Read a book tagged MYSTERY on it GR homepage OR read a book with a tragic or sad ending.

⇨ The Taj Mahall: March 2021
Exterior Colors: Read a book with an almost all white, pink or blue cover OR read a book that has a color in its title.

⇨ Unfinished Landmarks: May 2021
National Monument in Edinburgh, Scotland
✱ Read a book with a title that begins with a letter in FOLLY (ignore A, AN or THE) OR
✱ Read a book that takes place in the 19th century OR
✱ Read a book with a location found in the UK (tell us where).


3. EXPLORING CULTURES AND HOLIDAYS: Complete 5 tasks - one for each challenge below.

We have had 22 different culture challenges that have celebrated holidays, customs and cuisine. Let's revisit one from each year, completing the 5th task.

⇨ Doughnuts of the World: June 2018
Jalebi: Read a book that takes place in India or the Middle East OR read a book with a title that starts with a letter in JALEBI.

⇨ Let's Celebrate the Chinese New Year: February 2019
Reunion Dinner: Read a book that has a family gathering in the story (tell us what it was for) OR a book with prepared food on the cover (post cover).

⇨ Buon-Appetito: The Cuisine of Italy: May 2020
Rome - Carbonara: Read a series book #4 OR read a book in which the authors first AND last initial can be found in CARBONARA.

⇨ Gift Giving Traditions: November 2021
Japan: Read a book with a pastel-colored cover (post cover) OR read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in JAPAN (tell us where).

⇨ Celebrate Holi: The Festival of Colors: February 2022
Divine Love: Read a book tagged ROMANCE on its GR Homepage OR read a book whose author's initials can be found in FESTIVAL OF LOVE.


4. SEASONAL ADVENTURES: Complete 5 tasks - one from each challenge below.

Wanderlust visited 16 countries in our Seasonal Adventures. In 2020, our member Patrizia, took over the creating of these challenges, Let's complete the task from the
5th day of one adventure from each year.

⇨ Spring Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan: March 2018
Day Five (Kyoto & Surrounding Area): Read a book with a title that is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book where religion plays an important part.

⇨ Scotland: Summer Canal Adventure: June 2019
Day Five (Falkirk): Read a book that was atmospheric OR read one of the longest books on your TBR (tell us how many pages).

⇨ Remembering Syria: September 2020
Day Five (Hama and Ebla): Read a book in which a character digs for some reason (plant a flower, hide a treasure, discover a person's hidden past, etc. - tell us why) OR read a book that has been translated from its original language.

⇨ Safari Adventure in Botswana: March 2021
Day Five (Kasane): Read a book with a cruise or travel by boat in it OR read a book where all the letters of the word HIPPO are found in the title (in any order).

⇨ Morocco's Imperial Cities & More: March 2022
Day Five (Fès): Read a book set in an university, college or school OR read a book with a female MC whose name begins with a letter found in FATIMA.


5. SEASONAL ADVENTURE - CLIMBING MACHU PICHU: Complete 5 tasks.
One of our adventures was an interesting game that taught us all about this famous landmark and the people who built it. Let's complete the 5th task for each colored box.

⇨ TAN (PERU & AREA): Read a book that takes place in a capital city. Tell us where.
⇨ GOLD (INCA FUN FACTS): Read a book that is between 200 and 300 pages long. Tell us the page number.
⇨ BROWN (INTERESTING TIDBITS): Read a series book #5 OR a book with a TBR number that is between 150 and 159 (share #).
⇨ LIGHT GREEN (GETTING THERE): Read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR homepage OR read a book you felt accurately portrayed the culture of a country different from your own.
⇨ DARK GREEN (ARRIVAL): Read a series book #3 OR a book with 3 in the page count (share count).

6. SEASONAL WORD SEARCH: Find 5 words in text.

Each of our Seasonal Adventures included a word search. Your task is to find the chosen words below within the text of a book. Multiple words can be found in one book. Please share text, along with title & author info.
⇨ Waltz (Austria 2018)
⇨ Pyramid (Egypt 2019)
⇨ Pope (Italy 2020)
⇨ Beaver (Western Canada 2021)
⇨ Fjord (Norway Word Search 2022)

7. DISCOVERY CHALLENGES: Read 5 books.

Our Discovery Challenges are designed to expand your horizons by asking you to read books from different countries. So, your task for this challenge is to read five books from five different countries of your choice.
⇨ Country 1:
⇨ Country 2:
⇨ Country 3:
⇨ Country 4:
⇨ Country 5:
*

I'm in!

In Search of King Arthur
Start Date: 10/1/22
Completed: 7/16
100+ pages, re-reads are ok, re-post when finished

✔ 1. The Ancient English Chronicles
Read a book with a page count that includes one of the following numbers: 9, 7, 1, 3. Dead in the Water book 3 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 4* 10/1 - 192 pages

✔ 2. Geoffrey of Monmouth
Read a book that has been translated from its original language. Preisgeld=Back Spin by Harlan Coben 3* 11/5 - German translation of the English original

✔ 3. Chrétien de Troyes
Read a book set in France. A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of WWII’s Most Dangerous Spy, Virginia Hall by Sonia Purnell 2* 11/13 - set mainly in southern & central France

✔ 4. Thomas Malory
Read a book with books on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that begins with a letter in MALORY. Die Melodie der Bienen=The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin 4* 10/19 - M-title (die is one of German articles)

✔ 5. King Arthur in Later Literature
Read a book tagged FANTASY or HISTORICAL on its GR homepages. The Fairest Beauty book 3 in Fairy Tale Romance Collection by Melanie Dickerson 2.5* 11/12 - MPGs: Fantasy and Historical

✔ 6. King Arthur, a Historical Figure?
Read a book that features an invasion, battle, or war. Der Insider=Fade Away by Harlan Coben 5* 10/12 - several basketball teams battling in the play-offs & MC fighting several groups to find out what happened to a famous player who dissapeared without trace two weeks before the start of the story

✔ 7. The Places of King Arthur: Tintagel
Read a book with a castle-like building or statue on the cover OR read a book where a birth takes place. Für Schottland und die Liebe: Die MacGregors - Wie alles begann=Rebellion by Nora Roberts 4* 11/15 - castle-like building & seval births - one animal

✔ 8. The Places of King Arthur: Camelot
Read a book set in a place whose name begins with a letter in CAMELOT OR read a book set in a fictional city or village. The Mammoth Murders by Iris Chacon 4* 10/14 - set mainly in Minokee & Live Oak, the first is fictional

✔ 9. The Places of King Arthur: Glastonbury
Read a book where a church, cemetery or religious community is important to the plot (OR read a book where a fire occurs). Play With Fire book 5 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 2.5* 10/15 - a previous fire is the reason for this book about a Christian religious community

✔ 10. Arthurian Imagery: The Round Table
Read a book with all the letters of TABLE found in the title. Mister Black by P.T. Michelle 5* 11/6 - misTEr BLAck

✔ 11. Arthurian Imagery: The Sword in the Stone
Read a book with the word SWORD found in the text OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in EXCALIBUR. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 4* 10/31 - A surfboard. A sword. There were medals. (p. 74) & MC: Avery 'Ave' Kylie Grambs

✔ 12. Arthurian Imagery: The Holy Grail
Read a book with the word BLOOD in the title. A Cold Blooded Business book 4 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 4.5* 10/4

✔ 13. The Companions of King Arthur: Merlin
Read a book with a controversial character. A New Prospect by Wayne Zurl 3* 10/9 - MC goes several times against the orders of the mayor and his friends because it's the right thing to do; he's aware it's causing resentment and confronts everyone who's an issue with this situation

✔ 14. The Companions of King Arthur: Lancelot
Read a book with a title that begins with a letter in LANCELOT. Carrots by Colleen Helme 3* 10/2 - C-title

✔ 15. The Companions of King Arthur: Galahad
Read a book where a character searches for something. 84, Charing Cross Road: Eine Freundschaft in Briefen=84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff 5* 10/14 - author/MC searches for affordable books difficult to find in the US via a book store in UK

✔ 16. Tristan and Isolde
Read a book set in a Celtic country or region (Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Ireland or Brittany). The 39 Cupcakes by Zara Keane 5* 10/22 - set in Ireland
*

Oh Canada! Of course I'm in :-D

Iconic Trail: The Bruce Trail
Duration: 10/1/22 - 1/31/23
Completed: 30/11+
100+ pages, re-reads are ok, re-post when finished


1. Start: Queenston
✔ Read the first book in a series Mister Black by P.T. Michelle 5* 11/6 - In the Shadows #1
✔ Read a book set during a war A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of WWII’s Most Dangerous Spy, Virginia Hall by Sonia Purnell 2* 11/13 - WWII
✔ Read a book with more than 12,000 ratings in its GR homepage Preisgeld=Back Spin by Harlan Coben 3* 11/5 - 28,800 (as of 12/1/22)

2. First Club: Niagara
✔ Read a book with a boat on the cover Dead in the Water book 3 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 4* 10/1 - a bit broken, still a boat :-D
✔ Read a book where the MC drinks a glass of wine Damaged Shadows by Kathleen Brooks 5* 10/25 - Olivia opened the windows, turned on the music, and changed for the engagement party. Granger would pick her up in an hour. She poured herself a glass of wine and headed to the end of the dock. (p. 268)
✔ Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in QUEENSTON HEIGHTS PARK. A New Prospect by Wayne Zurl 3* 10/9 - queenstoN PArk

3. Second Club: Iroquoia
✔ Read a book with a Native American character A Cold Blooded Business book 4 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 4.5* 10/4 - MC (and most of the characters)
✔ Read a book that features a waterfall Die Melodie der Bienen=The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin 4* 10/19 - people leaning out the window to snap a photo of the 611-foot waterfall. (p. 19 in the edition The Music of Bees)
✔ Read a book with 7 or 6 in the total page count The 39 Cupcakes by Zara Keane 5* 10/22 - 364 pages

4. Third Club: Toronto
✔ Read a book set in a city 84, Charing Cross Road: Eine Freundschaft in Briefen=84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff 5* 10/14 - NYC & London
✔ Read a book where the MC takes a walk The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson 4* 12/28
✔ Read a book whose author's initials can be found in SILVER CREEK. The Mammoth Murders by Iris Chacon 4* 10/14 - sIlver Creek

5. Fourth Club: Caledon Hills
✔ Read a book with a bird on the cover Swamp Sweets by Jana Deleon 4* 11/8
✔ Read a book that takes place primarily in autumn Pumpkin Spice Sacrifice book 3 in Murder in the Mix Boxed Set by Addison Moore 3* 11/18 - November
✔ Read a book with a title that begins with a letter in CALEDON HILLS. Carrots by Colleen Helme 3* 10/2


6. Fifth Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
📌 Read a book tagged TRAVEL on its GR homepage Miss Bensons Reise=Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce ?* ?/?
✔ Read a book set in Canada Four Seasons by Melanie Jackson 2* 12/3 - McIntyre's Gulch (fict.), Manitoba
✔ Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in MONO CLIFFS. Der Insider=Fade Away by Harlan Coben 5* 10/12 - Myron Bolitar

7. Sixth Club: Blue Mountains
✔ Read a book set in the mountains Für Schottland und die Liebe: Die MacGregors - Wie alles begann=Rebellion by Nora Roberts 4* 11/15 - Scottish Highlands
📌 Read a book with the word SKI found in the text Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts ?* 12/? - He watched her come, his partner, his mentor, his friend. Quick strides in sturdy boots, dark jacket zipped against the wind, dark ski cap over the short, careless do she called mom/cop hair. (p. 196) (or #9.1 - 466 pages)
✔ Read a book whose author's initials can be found in GEORGIAN BAY. Vom Schicksal besiegelt: Die MacGregors - Wie alles begann=In from the Cold by Nora Roberts 3* 11/15 - geoRgiaN

8. Seventh Club: Beaver Valley
✔ Read a book with apples on the cover Cutie Pies and Deadly Lies book 1 in Murder in the Mix Boxed Set by Addison Moore 3.5* 11/16
✔ Read a book in which the MC has a dog Killing Grounds book 8 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 3.5* 11/28 - Mutt is a husky-wolf-hybrid
✔ Read a book with a title that begins with a letter in BEAVER VALLEY. Breakup book 7 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 5* 11/26

9. Eighth Club: Sydenham
📌 Read a long book (more than 400 pages)
Das Beste, was Izzy Poole passieren konnte=Perfect Little World by Kevin Wilson ?* 12/? - 416 pages
Bieguni=Flights by Olga Tokarczuk ?* 12/? - 456? pages & Flights by Olga Tokarczuk ?* 12/? - 424 pages
The Truth Teller by Angela Elwell Hunt ?* 12/? - 424 pages
Lot 202 (Flight 202) by Remigiusz Mróz ?* 12/? - 512 pages
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey 5*? 12/? - 428 pages
Sanctuary Forever by Lisa Phillips ?* 12/? - 410 pages
Renegades: Born in the USA - Träume ▪ Mythen ▪ Musik - Besonders hochwertige Ausstattung mit exklusiven Fotos aus den Privatarchiven der Autoren=Renegades: Born in the USA by Barack Obama & Bruce Springsteen ?* 1/? - 542 pages
Miss Gladys und ihr Astronaut=Calling Major Tom by David M. Barnett ?* ?/? - 416 pages
Eine kurze Geschichte des menschlichen Körpers=The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson ?* ?/? - 672 pages
✔ Read a book with all the letters of FERN found in the title Frightfully Fortune by Jana Deleon 4* 10/23 - FoRtuNE
✔ Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in BAYVIEW ESCARPMENT NATURE RESERVE Blood Will Tell book 6 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 4.5* 11/24 - BayvieW escarpmenT

10. Ninth Club: Peninsula
✔ Read a series book #2 Goody Two Shoes by Janet Elizabeth Henderson 3* 10/30 - Invertary #2
✔ Read a book set in a park or a reserve Play With Fire book 5 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 2.5* 10/15 - a national Park in Alaska only called the Park
✔ Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in PENINSULA. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 4* 10/31/22 (384) The Inheritance Games #1 - Hawthorne House, Texas; New Castle, Connecticut; Avery Grambs

11. Finish: Tobermory
✔ Read the last book in a series Prey by Lisa Phillips book 5 in Pursued 4* 11/30 - Denver FBI #2 two novels and a novella
✔ Read a book with a tourism theme The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler 3* 10/20
✔ Read a book with a badge on the cover or in the text Bobbing for Bodies book 2 in Murder in the Mix Boxed Set by Addison Moore 3* 11/17 - Seeing my little sister in that ring was the most frightening and yet empowering thing I have ever witnessed. Suffice it to say, Madge the Badge put on one heck of a show. (p. 182 - chapter 2)
*

YAY the next state's finally there! :-D

Fifty Nifty US States: Georgia
Duration: 10/1/22 - 12/31/22
Completed: 9/10
100+ pages, re-reads are ok, re-post when finished


✔ 1. Number: 4th State to Join the Union
Read a series book #4 OR read a book with a page count that includes 4. The 39 Cupcakes by Zara Keane 5* 10/22 - Movie Club Mysteries #4 & 364 pages

✔ 2. State Animal (Mammal): White-Tailed Deer
Read a book with a title that starts with the letter W or D (ignore A, An or The).
Dead in the Water book 3 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 4* 10/1

✔ 3. State Bird: Brown Thrasher
Read a book with a predominantly BROWN cover 84, Charing Cross Road: Eine Freundschaft in Briefen=84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff 5* 10/14

✔ 4. State Flower: Cherokee Rose
Read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in ROSE. Damaged Shadows by Kathleen Brooks 5* 10/25 - Olivia Townsend

✔ 5. State Tree: Live Oak
Read a book by an author whose first and last initial can be found in LIVE OAK. On Her Father's Grave by Kendra Elliot 3* 2/4 - livE oaK

✔ 6. Official State Nickname: The Peach State
Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in THE PEACH STATE. The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler 3* 10/20 - sTATe

✔ 7. Popular Attraction: Savannah Historic District
Read a book tagged HISTORICAL on its GR Homepage OR read a book with a three word title. Adela's Prairie Suitor by Elaine Manders 3* 10/30 - HF with a three word title :-D

✔ 8. Must Try Food: Pimento Cheese
Read a book where the MC makes or eats a cheese sandwich The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson 4* 12/28 - Betty had grilled cheese sandwiches cooking on one burner, (p. 39)

✔ 9. Weird Fact: Home to the Word's Largest Drive-In Restaurant
Read a book with a car on the cover. A New Prospect by Wayne Zurl 3* 10/9

10. Optional Bonus Task
* Read a book that takes place in Georgia
The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena B. Miller ?* ?/?
In For a Penny by Kelsey Browning & Nancy Naigle ?* ?/?
Secrets Among the Cedars by Sherri Wilson Johnson ?* ?/?
Georgia on Her Mind by Rachel Hauck ?* ?/?
The David Years by Lillian Duncan ?* ?/?
Traces by Denise Weimer ?* ?/?
See Bride Run! by Charlotte Hughes ?* ?/?
Insel der Sehnsucht=Sanctuary by Nora Roberts ?* ?/?
Whiskey For Breakfast by Liliana Hart ?* ?/?
*

Once again I'm late updating, but finished the challenge (for a change :-D) on time - last book read on 7/9

Landmarks of the World: Landmark Bridges
Duration: 5/1/22 - 7/31/22
Completed: 10/10


Oceania
✔ 1. Sydney Harbour Bridge (Sydney, Australia)
Read a book with the word FIREWORKS found in its text Soldiers of Fortune by Jana Deleon 5* 6/19 - I looked up to see the first of the fireworks explode across the night sky. (p. 50)

Europe
✔ 2. Rialto Bridge (Venice, Italy)
Read a book tagged ROMANCE on its GR Homepage. No Weddings by Kat Bastion & Stone Bastion 5* 5/4

✔ 3. Tower Bridge (London, England)
Read a book that takes place in London, England. Worth A Shot by Kate Johnson 5* 7/9

✔ 4. Millau Viaduct (Tran Valley, France)
Read a series book #8 Fading Shadows by Kathleen Brooks 5* 5/8 - Shadows Landing #8

South America
✔ 5. Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge (Brasília, Brazil)
Read a book that was originally published between 2000 and 2002 Interlude in Death book 1 in Three in Death by J.D. Robb 4.5* 6/11/22 (140) In Death #12.5 - orig. published 2001

North America
✔ 6. Golden Gate Bridge (California, USA)
Read a book with a cover that is predominantly red The Blood of Christ: Finding the Power of God to Overcome Sin by Andrew Murray 5* 6/11

Asia
✔ 7. Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge (Akashi Strait, Japan)
Read a book with 25,000 plus ratings on its GR Homepage Born in Death by J.D. Robb 5* 6/5 - 26,847 (as of 6/9/22)

✔ 8. Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge (Sanjian County, China)
Read a book that has a small village setting. Henry by Sydney Paige McCutcheon 3* 5/3 - Astoria, Oregon

✔ 9. Si-o-se Pol Bridge (Isfahan, Iran)
Read a book with two 3's in the page count. Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb 5* 6/23 - 353 pages

Africa
✔ 10. Mohammed VI Bridge (Rabat, Morocco)
Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in LED & read a book tagged CONTEMPORARY on its GR Homepage. Sign Off by Patricia McLinn 4* 5/1 - Elizabeth 'E. M.' Danniher & MPG: Contemporary
*

Patrizia wrote: "Agnieszka, I'm self taught in english. I took a one-year course at university, then I started reading books in English because the ones I liked were never translated into Italian. At first I read a..."

That sounds amazing! You're so talented.

I had a few years English in school but that didn't help much when I started to read in English (which is by now more than 90 percent of my reading). As you I started to read in English because the German translator announced they won't continue translating my favorite series and realised in that process that books in English are so much cheaper - plus if you're patient enough can get a lot of what you want read on sale (I managed to collect that way several series by now, some of them even completely free).

If they are well crafted I like short stories very much and am curious how the author managed that area. I finished this month with all the novels.
I plan to start the short stories next month. I'm am not sure yet if I'll read them all before I start re-reading the series or combine reading the short stuff and re-reading the novels in their chronological order.

Jan wrote: "Thanks for joining Agnieszka & Kylie!

Any order Agnieszka :)"

Thanks!

Brenda wrote: "I just looked and I have had book #1 on my kindle since 2012!!!"

I suppose that was in the period they offered it for free? I had it several years myself before I read it as well.

Patrizia wrote: "The first 3 volumes of the Kate Shugak series came out in Italian and I liked them. I'm pondering whether to take them back to refresh my memory and then continue the series in English ..."

I'm so happy you got the boxes and - if you're not native speaker as I am - I'd think it would be easier to re-read the first 3 in English to get used to the language since you know the plot already.
Alaskan English appears to be a blend of British/Canadian? English and local/native(?) influences. By now I need only a few chapters to get into the language but in the beginning it was really hard to understand and I had to look up a lot of words in the Kindle dictionary. The many typos don't make life easier as well.

The first box has an 'introduction' to the books and those include some spoilers (regarding the book and series) just you're aware before you start.

Jan wrote: "Would it be bad to start reading later in the series?? Would I feel lost??"

You'll be lost for sure. There are at least two pivotal books after #1 - books #6 & 9 - and you'll get MAJOR spoilers if you plan to read them later on.

BTW: Forgot to mention there are a bunch of short stories. You don't have to read them in their order but should read the prequel before #17 in series as it mentions Kate's solution to the problem.
The Collected Short Stories includes all of the author's short stories (all series) and it's cheaper to buy this than the single books (even if you are interested only in Kate Shugak or Liam Campell series only) at least that's true for Germany.


I'm so sorry you can't get the boxes that's really a bummer. In such a case I'd contact the publisher and ask if they plan to re-publish it or if they know of any way you can get them in the US.

I'm in!

The Cuisine of Sri Lanka
Duration: 9/1/22 - 11/30/22
Completed: 18/10+
100+ pages, re-reads are ok, re-post when finished


1. Fish Ambul Thiyal
✔ Read a book with a fish or fruit on the cover Cutie Pies and Deadly Lies book 1 in Murder in the Mix Boxed Set by Addison Moore 3.5* 11/16 - apples
✔ Read a book that starts with a letter in RICE. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 4* 10/31

2. Kottu Roti
✔ Read a book where the MC eats something purchased outdoors Frightfully Fortune by Jana Deleon 4* 10/23 - corn dogs & Frito pies
✔ Read a book with a plot that features music Die Melodie der Bienen=The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin 4* 10/19 - one of the MCs' absolute pitch is vital to the plot & he's entire life's centered around music until an accident landed him in a wheelchair

3. Lamprais
✔ Read a series book #2 A Fatal Thaw book 2 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 4* 9/28 - Kate Shugak #2
✔ Read a book with a "closed" compound word in the title Knockout by Mia Gold 3* 9/10

4. Hoppers or Appa
✔📌 Read a book with a breakfast food on the cover The 39 Cupcakes by Zara Keane 5* 10/22 - cupcakes
📌Read a book by an author who has a double PP in their first or last name.
A Forever Kind of Love: A Pride & Prejudice Novella by Christie Capps ?* ?/?
Death of a Crafty Knitter by Angela Pepper book 8 in Sassy Sleuths Detective Mysteries: 13 Cozy Mystery Novels ?* ?/?

5. Kukul mas Curry
✔ Read a book that has a family home/household setting The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson 4* 11/28
✔ Read a book that was completely satisfying, earning a 5 star rating from you. 84, Charing Cross Road: Eine Freundschaft in Briefen=84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff 5* 10/14

6. Polos
✔ Read a book whose MC has a first name that starts with a letter in POLOS A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett 5* 9/30 - Sara Crewe
✔ Read a book that mentions a list of three or more spices in the text. Pumpkin Spice Sacrifice book 3 in Murder in the Mix Boxed Set by Addison Moore 3* 11/18 - Soon enough, the entire banquet room holds the scents of pumpkin spice, nutmeg, cloves, and a whole lot of cinnamon as the blooming crowd indulges in (p. 339)

7. Gotu kola Sambol
📌Read a book that takes place in Asia Das Geheimnis der Eulerschen Formel=The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yōko Ogawa 5*? 12/? - Hiroshima
✔ Read a book with a character who is a vegetarian. Dead in the Water book 3 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 4* 10/1 - Andy, MC's stateroom roomie

8. Wambatu Moju
✔ Read a "bite-sized" book Vom Schicksal besiegelt: Die MacGregors - Wie alles begann=In from the Cold by Nora Roberts 3* 11/15 - 136 pages
✔ Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in WOMBATU MOJU. The Mammoth Murders by Iris Chacon 4* 10/14

9. Kiribath
✔ Read a debut book by a new author A New Prospect by Wayne Zurl 3* 10/9
✔ Read a book that features a "new beginning" The Dessert Corpse by Tracey Quinn 3* 9/8 - female MC left recently the army and bought a dinner; male MC moved from Chicago 500 miles south to a very small town

10. Wood Apple
✔ Read a book that you have been avoiding for some reason Carrots by Colleen Helme 3* 10/2 - because of the paranormal elements
✔ Read a book whose author's initials can be found in WOOD APPLE. Prey by Lisa Phillips book 5 in Pursued 4* 11/30
*

I'm in.
Do we have to complete the tasks in order?

The Pearl of the Indian Ocean: Sri Lanka
Duration: 9/1/22 - 11/30/22
Level: Explorer (15+/20 tasks)
Completed: 37/15+
100+ pages, re-reads are ok, re-post when finished


Day 1: Colombo
✔ Read a book where a market is visited or a trade takes place Breakup book 7 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 5* 11/26 - barter trade: a brand new truck for giving the grand tour of the area to the truck owner's parents
✔ Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SRI JAYAWARDENAPURA KOTTE Dead in the Water book 3 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 4* 10/1 - srI jayaWarDenapura koTte

✔ Read a book featuring a museum Play With Fire book 5 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 2.5* 10/15 - UAF museum; UAF stands here for University of Alaska in Fairbanks
✔ Read a book set between 1638 and 1948. Für Schottland und die Liebe: Die MacGregors - Wie alles begann=Rebellion by Nora Roberts 4* 11/15 - 1735 (prologue) & 1745

Day 2: The Southern Coast and Galle
✔ Read a book with a beach or sand on the cover The 39 Cupcakes by Zara Keane 5* 10/22
📌Read a book originally published in 2004.

✔ Read a book with the word SUN, MOON or STAR in its title Hunter's Moon book 9 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 3.5* 12/8
✔ Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in GALLE. The Merchant's Daughter book 2 in Fairy Tale Romance Collection by Melanie Dickerson 4.5* 9/17 - Annabel Chapman

Day 3: Yala National Park
✔ Read a book with 5 in the total page count Mister Black by P.T. Michelle 5* 11/6 - 154 pages
✔ Read a book with a feline featured in the story Cutie Pies and Deadly Lies book 1 in Murder in the Mix Boxed Set by Addison Moore 3.5* 11/16 - MC has a cat and sees the ghost of her landlady's cat

✔ Read a book set in a National Park A Cold Day for Murder book 1 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 4* 9/5 - Alaska, in the story it's only named 'the Park' but also that it became a national park
✔ Read a book with a tag on its GR Homepage that is related to nature Die Melodie der Bienen=The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin 4* 10/19 - Environment > Nature & Animals (Bees)

Day 4: Ella
✔ Read a book whose author's initials can be found in HILL COUNTRY W głębi lasu=The Woods by Harlan Coben 3* 9/5
✔ Read a book where a character takes a train journey. Adela's Prairie Suitor by Elaine Manders 3* 10/30 - both MCs travel by train

✔ Read a book where the MC has a cup of tea Killing Grounds book 8 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 3.5* 11/28 - Kate finished her tea and let them laugh. (p. 1745 - chapter 11)
✔ Read a book with a green cover The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson 4* 11/28 in case you agree with TinEye it's grey and not green, here's an alt. cover Der Wald ruft (The Wood Calls) by Moritz Matthies 3* 12/7

Day 5: Kandy
✔ Read a book set in a capital city Mgła (Fog) by Marcin Ciszewski 2* 11/21 - set in Warszawa (Warsaw, Poland)
📌Read a book whose MC is a member of royalty. The King and the Kindergarten Teacher by Shanae Johnson ?* 12/?

✔ Read a book originally published in July or August The Dessert Corpse by Tracey Quinn 3* 9/8 - published 8/1/2018
📌Read a book tagged RELIGION in its GR Homepage.
Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth behind the Birth of Christ by Timothy J. Keller ?* 12/?
Meditation is NOT a Dirty Word! by Lillian Duncan ?* 1/?

Day 6: Pinnawela and Polonnaruwa
✔ Read a book with the word ELEPHANT found in the text Bobbing for Bodies book 2 in Murder in the Mix Boxed Set by Addison Moore 3* 11/17 - I don’t see why we should ignore the redheaded elephant at the pumpkin patch. (p. 223 - chapter 7)
✔ Read a book with an orphan in the story A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett 5* 9/30 - MC

✔ Read a series book #2 Upał (Heat) by Marcin Ciszewski 3* 9/23 - Jakub Tyszkiewicz #2
✔ Read a book where a song or singer is mentioned A Fatal Thaw book 2 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 4* 9/28 - She stooped to pick up a cassette she’d missed before, and slid Beethoven’s Greatest Hits between k.d. lang and Jake and Elwood Blues. (p. 256 - chapterb3)

Day 7: Sigiriya
✔ Read a book with a staircase or door on the cover The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 4* 10/31
✔ Read a book with all the letters of ROCK found in the title Vom Schicksal besiegelt: Die MacGregors - Wie alles begann=In from the Cold by Nora Roberts 3* 11/15 - schiCKsal macgRegOrs

✔ Read a book with a female MC Swamp Sweets by Jana Deleon 4* 11/8 - Fortune Redding
✔ Read a book whose author's initials can be found in SIGIRIYA. A Father for Christmas by Rachelle Ayala book 6 in Festive Christmas Nights 3* 11/22 - sigiRiyA

Day 8: Anuradhapura
✔ Read a book set in the 19th century The Lawman by Lily Graison 2* 10/31 - set in 1869
✔ Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in ANURADHAPURA A New Prospect by Wayne Zurl 3* 10/9 ANuradhaPura

✔ Read a book in which archaeology is important to the plot A Cold Blooded Business book 4 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 4.5* 10/4
✔ Read a series book #3. Advanced Physical Chemistry book 3 in Chemistry Lessons Box Set: Books 1-3 by Susannah Nix 3* 9/5 - Chemistry Lessons #3

Day 9: Dambulla
✔ Read a book with a title that begins with a letter in CRICKET Rebel Without a Claus by Zara Keane 4* 11/9
✔ Read a book with a title that begins with a letter in CRICKET OR where a competition takes place Knockout by Mia Gold 3* 9/10 - K-title & the book starts with the MC's last professional boxing match

✔ Read a book with a statue on the cover Blood Will Tell book 6 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 4.5* 11/24 - the totem pole is a kind of statue
✔ Read a book with 1, 5 or 3 in the total page count What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe 3* 9/9 - 321 pages

Day 10: Extension to the Maldives
✔ Read a book with an island setting The Unrelenting Tide by Lynnette Bonner book 3 in Pursued 3.5* 9/14 - San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest
✔ Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in CORAL. Damaged Shadows by Kathleen Brooks 5* 10/25 - Olivia Townsend

✔ Read a book with a boat on the cover Killing Grounds book 8 in The Kate Shugak Investigations: Books 1-9 by Dana Stabenow 3.5* 11/28
✔ Read a book where a character's actions show respect for another person. Forever Protected by Kathleen Brooks 4* 9/26 - despite the fact Parker had to arrest Tilly, he made sure her modesty was ensured (at that point she took a bath), supported her and made everything possible to find out who's the actual perp, backed off from a possible relationship but made clear as soon as the issue with the conflict of interest is resolved he'll be interested in one, loved her more for her personality and brain than the way she looked (though he liked that too)
*

Jan wrote: "Agnieszka - I was originally thinking the "final" book of a series but I'll accept the last published book in the series. Sometime, you never know if that "next" book is really going to be publishe..."

Thank you.
I'll use it for now though I have another one that's a 'real' last in series I planned for the next three month and will most likely reaplace it later on.

This series is really great and I can recommend it very much. The MC starts off very abrasive but she's mellowing out a little bit in the course of the series and grows on you very fast. And Mutt (her half-huskie, half-wolf companion) is the best. I'd like to have my own Mutt *grins*
I wanted to offer you my library access information so you can read them, unfortunatelly the series was so popular they used up all the licences :-(
After reading book 1 in series I got myself the two book sets (which made around 3.50€/book - the first set is 9 books and ends in such a 'nasty' way you just have to continue immediatelly though don't get all the answers you're aching for, the second book set is 11 books - costs the same, at least in Germany, and again ends in a way that leaves you hanging so badly you need #21 urgently, and this time the story continues seamlessly) and am so happy I made this risky investment.

BTW:
1) the most fun book in series is #7 (Breakup) and I'm reading it each time I want laugh tears :-D
2) I wouldn't recommend to read any blurbs after book 9 if you didn't finish the previous books in series - there're some very steep developments and the blurbs can contain spoilers.
3) #19 in series is also #5 in the Liam Cambell series - in case you'd rather know it before you get that far.
I started the first in the Liam Cambell series but didn't like it at all (I think I didn't even finish it), and decided to live with all the expected blanc spaces (which I usually wouldn't accept).
It appears to be a pivotal book in the cross-over series, not so much for Kate's series.

Jan, for the second task of 11. Finish: Bluff
✱ Read the last book in a series
would you accept the last available book in series if the next one's publication is planned after the end of this challenge? Or are you looking for completed series for this task?

I wanted to use No Fixed Line Kate Shugak (#22) #23 is planned for April 2023

Jan wrote: "Congrats on your finish Agnieszka! The next state challenge is slated for October :)"

I know still way too long *grins*
Though it should give me a chance updating some more challenges.