Rebecca’s Comments (group member since Nov 01, 2011)

Rebecca’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

So I don't know if it will count, but I finished my 5/20 book after they threw the cheese. But I get it if it has to be starting 5/21. I will have a book finished today.

Read a book with a body of water on the cover
Would work?

Also I somehow have only now discovered you can search books with their locations tagged on goodreads here, which might be helpful:

https://www.goodreads.com/places/

Also I searched my TBR and The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club works for AZTEC. I will put it on hold at the library, but letting the group know if anyone would be interesting in reading.

Welcome Lindsay!!!

I loved Project Hail Mary!!!

I've heard amazing things about - The Lion Women of Tehran. I have it on hold, but won't put it on the sheet until I see if the library comes through.

Question about - Read a book set in your home state/country

Can we just use country if we are in the US?

Okay that’s good to know… I wasn’t sure. I am going to then just put books on that I know I will be finishing soon. We can always hold off finishing a book until it’s ready to be needed if necessary because they just need to be started after the beginning of the challenge.

I’m ready!

Okay I have a question that has been bouncing around in my brain.

For tower teams, we can read the books at any time during the challenge? We just have to follow the order of the mini challenges to claim points?

Example:

If I read a book in France, but it's not needed yet, can we bank it for a future mini? Or do we have to read books fresh once the tasks become available?

Does that make any sense? I'm trying to organize the timing of my TBR.

MN Lisa wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "Yay! Also...do we know where the Sizzling Summer Sensations list is?"

I'm not sure what this is. Did I miss it somewhere?"

It's task 10 on Mini 2

Yay! Also...do we know where the Sizzling Summer Sensations list is?

Hi team! Is it okay if we start planning a bit on the sheet? I will be away this weekend, but will be reading Saturday and Sunday so I want to at least get my first book on there for a mini. Also my brain loves to plan in advance haha.

Hi everyone, I'm Rebecca from rainy NY.

I have played tower teams a few time and I love it! Especially the mini challenges. I'm kind of in a reading rut so I'm hoping the travel theme will re-energize my TBR.

Hmmm favorite place I've traveled was probably Paris with my hubby right after we got married (pre-pandemic, pre-kids) it was fabulous and freeing.

I don't have one bucket list item, I just would love to visit more countries. I love both relaxing beach vacations and city adventures.

Sorry I don't know what I said my shelf would be, but it's here

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

christene_littlelibrary wrote: "Hi everyone, I'm Christene just started playing this month and I forgot to introduce myself. Btw, I'm 29 years old from Philippines and work in hospital as an Occupational Therapists. I'm excited t..."

Welcome!!!!!

HOORAY!

Thaddeus vs. Gravity - 5/6/25
In the snowbound hills of the Novel Kingdom, Thaddeus the Slightly Less Mad spent his days inventing ways to cross snow without walking—a pointless chore inflicted by gravity, in his opinion. First came the Icebound Chariot, which hurled its rider downhill at “terminal enthusiasm.” Next were the Fence-Feet, inspired by fence planks and the idea that “snow isn’t slippery enough,” gliding their users straight into trees. Finally, Thaddeus unveiled the Snow Surfer that combined speed, balance, and confusion about where to sit.

When asked why he created such bone-breaking contraptions, Thaddeus replied, “One day we’ll need to flee downhill from dragons.” The townsfolk let him be, watching from a safe distance as Thaddeus hurtled past, laughing manically and bouncing like a badly thrown sack of potatoes. In the end, his inventions didn’t quite replace walking, but they did provide endless winter entertainment, and the hill where he tested them was later named Bonebreak Bluff in his honor.

To honor Thaddeus' bold inventions and questionable survival instincts read 6 books:

• The Icebound Chariot Ride – Read a book that kicks off with an action-packed scene (e.g., a fight, a chase, a heated argument, etc.).
The Beasts We Bury 1/30/25

• The Fence-Feet Experiment – Read a book featuring a character who invents something or solves a practical problem. Be sure to note what they invented or solved!
Of Jade and Dragons - flying machines 7/3/2024

• The Snow Surfer Wipeout – Read a book with a setting in the mountains, or a snow-covered landscape.
Where the Bones Lie 4/1/25

• Bonebreak Bluff – Read a book where somebody is injured due to a fall.
Life Hacks for a Little Alien 3/26/25

• The Final Glide – Read a book where the protagonist escapes danger or disaster in a thrilling or unexpected way. Take note of how they managed to escape!
How to Have a Killer Time in D.C. - car almost drives off dock into ocean 4/30/25

• Fleeing Dragons – Read a book about dragons. (has to be a major theme, not only a short appearance)
Fourth Wing duplicated, 5/25/23

Complete all six tasks to earn 5 XP, 3 Minor Heal Potions, and the prestigious title of Honorary Mad Scientist of the Novel Kingdom.

The Trials of a Royal Godparent - 5/6/25
Huzzah! Queen Skye has given birth to a beautiful baby princess, and in a twist of royal fate (or perhaps an error in the guest list), you have been chosen as the royal godparent. But there's one small catch: before you're officially knighted into this role, you must pass the "Godparent's Reading Trials" to prove your worthiness. After all, a proper godparent must be well-read and ready to inspire the princess with tales of adventure and wisdom!

Your Tasks:
1. Read a book where the protagonist has a unique and memorable name. Make a note of why it stands out—it might make the princess’ nickname list!
Glint -Auren 2/4/2022

2. Read a book with one of these words in the title: child, baby, prince or princess. Every princess needs companions for tea parties and hide-and-seek.
Text Me Baby One More Time - duplicated, read 2/10/29

3. Read a book with characters navigating social rules or (royal) protocols. Jot down one rule for the princess—like how not to cause an uproar during a state banquet.
Gild 2/4/2022

4. Read a book featuring a magical, mythical, or wise mentor figure. Let’s face it—you’re going to need tips.
The Ruined 12/5/2023

5. Read a book with a gift on the cover—wrapping paper, bow and all. Find inspiration for the perfect naming ceremony present.
3/24

6. Read a fairy tale or a fairy tale retelling. Queen Skye insists that all proper godparents believe in happy endings.
Scarred 5/19/2022

Complete all six tasks to earn the title of Super Duper Godparent, along with 6 XP, 3 Major Heal Potions, and the everlasting gratitude of the Novel Kingdom!

Spell Update Starting 5/4/25
Fire spells
Inferno
Inferno is a devastating fire spell that unleashes the relentless fury of flame. By weaving together the smoldering strength of an Ember Shard, the volatile ignition of Phoenix Feathers, and the sheer destructive force of a cloud of burning splinters, the caster summons a towering blaze that engulfs all in its path, reducing even the strongest defenses to nothing but ash.
Fire magic like Inferno proves especially potent against earth-based creatures, honoring the ancient truth that not even stone or soil can endure the ravages of fire.

Fred the Magician, feeling both daring and (he hopes) fireproof, has lined up three clay golems for you to practice on. If your flames succeed in reducing them to mere piles of scorched pottery, Fred will declare you a true master of Inferno—assuming he doesn’t sprint off to fetch a bucket of water first.

Inferno – Base Attack 15.
Casting Materials: 1 Ember Shard, 1 Tree Branch, 3 Phoenix Feathers.

• Clay Golem – The unyielding test target, but not fireproof. (Population: 3)
Attack 0, HP 15.
Reward: 2 experience.

5/6/25 - practice 1
Hero casts Inferno to burn clay golem
Reward: 2 experience.
Casting Materials: 1 Ember Shard, 1 Tree Branch, 3 Phoenix Feathers.

5/6/25 - practice 2
Hero casts Inferno to burn clay golem
Reward: 2 experience.
Casting Materials: 1 Ember Shard, 1 Tree Branch, 3 Phoenix Feathers.

5/6/25 - practice 3
Hero casts Inferno to burn clay golem
Reward: 2 experience.
Casting Materials: 1 Ember Shard, 1 Tree Branch, 3 Phoenix Feathers.

Read to use!

Where Roses Bloom (4/12/25) - completed 5/6/25
As winter retreats, grumbling about the unfairness of spring, the Novel Kingdom stirs to life. Flowers cautiously bloom, trees compete to out-bud one another, and the air hums with the chaotic sounds of villagers battling stubborn roots and misplaced trowels. Your garden, however, waits in silence—an empty patch of potential. To turn it into a summer paradise, you must embark on a quest of digging, planting, and muttering colorful phrases at unyielding soil. In the Novel Kingdom, even gardening demands the resolve of a true hero.

!!! Only fresh books qualify for this quest!!! (i.e., books read after the quest was published)!!!

Complete a series of tasks to ensure your garden thrives.
• Rid Your Garden of Weeds - Read a book with a blade on the cover or the word "blade" found in the title.
Thankless in Death 4/22/25 - blade pg 171

• Gather Your Tools - Read two books with garden tools on the cover or mentioned in the text. (And no tricks! It has to be an actual tool, not a charming “rake” wooing duchesses or a “spade” in a royal card game.)
A Spirited Blend 4/21/25 - shears
Parents Weekend 5/1 - shovel

• Get the Seeds - Obtain 3 Rose Bush Seeds (by defeating The Rose Thorne)
DONE

• Plant Your Flowers - Read three books with flowers on the cover or in the title.
Broken Souls and Bones 4/30/25
All We Lost Was Everything 5/2/25
Dream On, Ramona Riley 5/2/25


• Water Your Flowers - Read a book with water on the cover.
4/23/25

Reward: 5 XP + 1 Rose Bush (The Rose Bush will produce 3 Roses each month, beginning the month after you've completed the quest.)

Note: Inspired by The Spring Has Sprung by Abbie and Natasha. Thank you, ladies, for this wonderful idea.

5/6/25 - sword update

100 - Eternity in Death 105 - 3/23/2022
200 - Service Model 376 - 5/30/2024
300 - The Other Mrs. 368 - 2/16/2020
400 - Good Night, Irene 407 - 6/1/2023
500 - Harrow the Ninth 512 - 11/1/2020
600 - The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay 638 - 10/25/2016
700 - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (734) 8/15/15 (duplicated)
800 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (870) 1/20/16 duplicated)
900 - The Mirror & the Light (913) 8/27/2021 (duplicated)
1000 - Kate (594) 9/10/2021 duplicated + Heartless Hunter (406) 4/3/2024 = 1000
1100 - A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (637) duplicated 11/11/2022 + All the Ways We Said Goodbye (464) 1/18/2020 = 1101 (used 1 book glue)
1200 - A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (637) 11/11/2022 + Kate (594) 9/10/2021 (used 1 book glue)
1300 - The Client (483) 11/10/2021 + Long Bright River (482) 2/24/2020 + The Turn of the Key (337) 8/9/2019 (used 2 book gue)
1400 - Mirrored Heavens (597) 5/8/2024 + You, Again (448) 9/8/2023 + The Block Party (384) 7/5/2023 (used 2 book glue)
1500 - The Beggar King (514) 10/17/2022 + A ​Sky Beyond the Storm (516) 2/10/2021 + The Redbreast] (519) 11/22/2021 (used 2 book gue)
1600 - The Fragile Threads of Power 648 + Mirrored Heavens (597) 5/8/2024 duplicated + Get a Life, Chloe Brown (384) 2/10/2020 (used 1 book glue) (used 2 book glue)

Used: 5 duplication potions, 10 book glue

Obtained level 16 sword (5/6/25)

Sword Upgrade - 9/5/15 - LEVEL 17

100-Mislaid in Parts Half-Known 160 1/3/2025
200-Deadly Drafts 228 6/24/2025
300-Bayou Book Thief 304 1/17/2025
400-Harlem Rhapsody 400 2/26/2025
500-Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil 560 6/16/2025
600-Oathbound 656 3/10/2025
700-Bayou Book Thief 304 1/17/2025 glued to Harlem Rhapsody 400 2/26/2025
800-The Merciless Ones 432 2/12/2025 glued to Finding Home 408 2/22/2025
900-Artificial Condition 160 1/30/2025 glued to Make a Killing: A Billie Levine Mystery 386 6/5/2025 glued to Fourteen Days 363 2/19/2025
1000-Mislaid in Parts Half-Known 160 1/3/2025 glued to The Merciless Ones 432 2/12/2025 glued to Finding Home 408 2/22/2025
1100-Stiletto 583 8/1/2025 glued to Artificial Condition 160 1/30/2025 glued to Fourteen Days 363 2/19/2025
1200-Oathbound 656 3/10/2025 glued to Holy Terrors 560 4/9/2025
1300-The Roommate Mistake 444 2/9/2025 glued to First-Time Caller 448 2/13/2025 glued to The Hallow Hunt 413 4/3/2025
1400-Deadly Drafts 228 6/24/2025 glued to The House of Eve 384 6/18/2025 glued to The House of Eve 384 6/18/2025 glued to Zomromcom 411 7/29/2025
1500-The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club 4325/29/2025 glued to The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club 432 5/29/2025 glued to A Killing Cold 304 1/31/2025 glued to Make a Killing: A Billie Levine Mystery 386 6/5/2025
1600-The Roommate Mistake 444 2/9/2025 glued to First-Time Caller 448 2/13/2025 glued to The Hallow Hunt 413 4/3/2025 glued to A Killing Cold 304 1/31/2025
1700-Stiletto 583 8/1/2025 glued to Holy Terrors 560 4/9/2025 glued to Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil 560 6/16/2025