Krista’s Comments (group member since Jul 24, 2010)

Krista’s comments from the Reading with Style group.

Melissa W wrote: "10.9 Alphabet Soup

Room by Emma Donoghue

+10 Task
+15 Combo (10.3 10.6, 10.7 and 20.3)

Task Total=25
Grand Total=95"

Hi Melissa: I changed one of the Combo Taks numbers from 10.3 to 10.6. It doesn't affect the score, just correctly reflects the Combo tasks.

In Msg 328 -- Rebekah wrote: "Krista, I just copied this from Wikipedia instead of trying to go through that whole big book which was an audiobook.

...He was touted as a possible opponent of Bill Clinton in the 1996 U.S. Presidential Election, possibly capitalizing on a split conservative vote in Iowa[23] and even leading New Hampshire polls for the GOP nomination,[24] but Powell declined, citing a lack of passion for politics.[25] Powell defeated Clinton 50-38 in a hypothetical match-up proposed to voters in the exit polls conducted on Election Day.[26] Despite not standing in the race, Powell won the New Hampshire Vice-Presidential primary on write-in votes.[27]
..."

Hi Rebekah: Thanks for providing a citation about Powell's career. However, it didn't prove that he was actually elected to anything. This citation says that he won a PRIMARY election in New Hampshire via write in votes. He did not campaign for the election, or move into the General Election. He was not elected to any office via the Primary win.

Sorry, this book is still disqualified for Task 10.4. It was a valiant effort though. : -)

Rebekah wrote: "Krista wrote: "In Msg 279 -- Rebekah wrote: "Task 20.3 Shortest Day/Month Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell by Karen DeYoung

+20 pts Task
+ 5 pts Combo (10.4 Will..."


Hmmmm -- I'm not sure that it fits for Task 10.4.

Task 10.4 requirements: "...read a non-fiction book about the private life of a monarch, elected official, or candidate."

I don't think that Colin Powell was any of the above. But tell me your thinking on this. Perhaps I'm missing something.

Thanks!

Melissa W wrote: "20.9 Best of 2010: The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
..."

Hey Melissa -- how did you like this book? I'm in the queue for it at the library now. It looked interesting to me. Thanks! -Krista

Alrighty -- all the posts have now been tallied! I've updated the Readerboard through this post.

Whew, it feels good to be caught up. I know I won't stay caught up for long, but I'm going to revel in the moment while I can. :-)

Happy New Year Everyone! Here's hoping 2011 turns out to be a banner year.

In Msg 283 -- Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I completed task 10.5 New Year's Resolution by reading "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.

Task Points: 10

Style: 30 (Oldies published 1813, Canon, Combo task 10.3 V Day, #35 on the Best Romances of the 20th Century list)

Total: 40
Grand Total: 130 ..."

Hi Jayme: You can't count Combo points with Task 10.3. Per the task instructions the books from list list have to be published in the 20th Century.

But this DOES count for Combo points with Task 10.6 (No "L")

Also your STARTING Grand Total before this book was added = 130.

-5 Combo Task 10.3
+5 Combo Task 10.6

Task Total = 40
Adjusted Grand Total = 170

In Msg 280 -- Rhea wrote: "Task 10.4 - The Private Lives of Public Figures: Autobiography by John Stuart Mill (Mill was a member of the English Parliment)

+10 Task
+10 Combo (20.3, one word title)...

+100 RwS Finish Points ..."

Hi Rhea: Congratulations on finishing all the RwS tasks. I think this is the earliest that anyone had completed all 20 tasks in the season. Good going!

-K

In Msg 279 -- Rebekah wrote: "Task 20.3 Shortest Day/Month Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell by Karen DeYoung

+20 pts Task
+ 5 pts Combo (10.4 Will & Kate ~ Secretary of State for George W Bush and Secretary of Defense for George H W Bush as well as having held appointed offices for Reagan and Clinton)
+ 5 Jumbo (640 pages)

30 pts Task Total
280 pts Grand Total ..."

Hi Rebekah:

Books with subtitles aren't allowed for Task 20.3 (One Word Title). Sorry, I can't include these points in your total. If you can find another spot to used the book, please post it in a new message.

Thanks! -Krista

In Msg 277 -- Rebekah wrote: "Task 10.6 No El Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever by Mem Fox

10 pts - Task Total
150 pts - Grand Total

--- 10
+240
----
250
Am I doing better? (smile) ..."

LOL --- Perfecto!

In Msg 274-- Rebekah wrote: "Krista wrote: "In Msg 240 -- ....
Well, Krista, I added it all up again from my spread sheet and got the same total as you. I know once in the last challenge, I started counting my last task total for my grand total! I caught myself doing it again this time Focus problems!
Thanks for keeping it all straight!
How do you like your new computer?
Best, Rebekah ..."

Hi Rebekah:
No worries! :-) I really like the SPEED of the new computer and the extra disk space. I'm having the get used to Windows 7 and the Microsoft Office 7 though so there is a bit of adjustment.

But did I tell you it really goes "Zoom, Zoom"?

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Krista wrote: "In Msg 258 -- Tammy wrote: "Task 15.3 Land and Sea

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

+15 Task
+10 Style
Task Total: 25
Grand Total: 150"

Hi Tammy:
What spec..."

Doh! You're absolutely right Elizabeth. I didn't notice the Task number. --- Tammy, please disregard my earlier blather. (In fact, I think I'll just delete my first post about this book. Let's see if I can make this message thread even harder to follow.)

I swear I haven't been hitting the champagne...yet! :-}

In Msg 240 -- Rebekah wrote: "Task 20.4 Detour to Sweden Hunger by Knut Hamsun(1920 - Norway)

+20 pts Task
+10 pts Combo (10.6 No El,20.3 Shortest Day/Month)
+10 pts Oldies (1890)

30 pts 40 pts Task Total
185 pts Grand Total ..."

Hi Rebekah: You were doing so GOOD with your math... :-)

Total points for this book as posted equals 40 not the 30 shown here.

+ 10 Canon (As pointed out in Liz M's msg #241)

Adjusted Grand Total = 205

I HAVE been reading while my computer was out. :-)

Starting point total = 10

Backpacking through Europe (BtE) Land & Sea Traveler
Task 15.1 - Norway Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson
+15 Task
Task Total = 15

Task 15.2 - Sweden Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lindqvist
+15 Task
+10 Style
Task Total = 25

RwS
Task 20.1 - Not a Creature was Stirring: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (I have to say, I didn't like this 3rd book in the Hunger Games series. I only gave it 1 star!)
+20 Task
+ 5 Combo (20.3, Shortest Day -- 1 Word Title)
+ 5 Series (#3 Hunger Games)
Task Total = 30

Task 20.3 - Shortest Day (1 Word Title): Room by Emma Donoghue
(And this is my favorite book so far this challenge. 5 stars.)
+20 Task
+20 Combo (10.6, 10.7, 10.9 E-R, 20.9)
Task Total = 40

Task 20.3 - Shortest Day: Tinkers by Paul Harding
+20 Task
(Drat I couldn't find any Style points!)
Task Total = 20

Task 20.4 - A Short Detour to Sweden: Kim by Rudyard Kipling Published 1901
+20 Task
+ 5 Combo (20.3, 1 Word Title)
+10 Canon
+10 Oldies
Task Total = 45

Task 20.7 Good-By and Good Riddance: 1500-1510 The Lady in the Tower by Alison Weir Book about the last few months of Anne Boleyn's life. Anne Boleyn born 1501.
+20 Task
+ 5 Combo (Task 10.4, Monarchy)
Task Total = 25

Total New Points Posted = 200
Grand Total = 210

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE EVERYONE!

In Msg 226 -- Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I am claiming points for task 20.2 "While Visions of Sugar Plums". I read "Feast For Crows" by George R.R. Martin. It was number 28 on the list.

Task Points: 20
Style: 15 (Series: Song of Ice and Fire #4, Jumbo 753pp)
Grand Total: 125 ..."

Hi Jayme: I think you missed claiming Combo points for Task 10.6, No "L".

Here's my scoring for this book. (If you could use this format going foward that will help me understand your point totals easier.)

+20 Task
+5 Combo Task 10.6, No "L"
+5 Series (#4 Songs of Fire and Ice)
+10 Jumbo - 753 pgs

Task Total = 40
Adjusted Grand Total = 130

In Msg 214 -- colleen wrote: "Backpacking through Europe: Land & Sea
Task 15.10 (10th Itinerary stop) Russia: Mother by Maxim Gorky
...

+100 Well Traveled Bonus ..."

Wowie! Congrats Colleen on completing your backpacking trip in less than a month. You must be a quick walker. :-)

Are you going to set out on a new trip?

Rebekah wrote: "Task 20.8 Time of Your Life The Time Machine by H.G. Wells ...

I thought if I made two seperate entries it might help my addition problem. (fingers crossed)
..."

Your addition is spot on. :-)

Rachelccameron wrote: "Krista wrote: "Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Thanks, Krista. My library has these. I did pick up a Calvino book yesterday, Numbers in the Dark: And Other Stories. If it doesn't go well . ...

I was looking at Herman Hesse for my German author... the books that we own of his are fairly short but I don't much about the content. "

Hi Rachelcameron: Thanks for the suggestions of Herman Hesse. I haven't read any of his books yet. I'm trying to read more contemporary books for the backpacking tasks. I hate to not be able to count the "Oldies" and/or "Canon" style points when they are earned. :-)

Karen GHHS wrote: "Cornelia Funke's books are all good. Her newest, Reckless, is on my list and is getting good reviews. My book for Germany is one I've wanted to read for a long time and it is quite good so far, The..."

Perfect! My library has Reckless in CD Audiobook format. I just put it on hold. I'll listen to it after I finish listening to The Trial - and after I finish reading Smilla's Sense of Snow for my Danish stop.

Thanks! I'm actaully exicted about moving on to Germany when I can now.

Someone posted that Hegi was approved as a German author, right? I think she lives in US now.

Liz, I looked at Austerlitz from your German backpacking stop. I may try W.G. Sebald's After Nature for Germany. It doesn't sound light, but it isn't long! And my library actually has a copy on hand.

I'm listening to Kafka's The Trial right now for the Jewish Literature task. I don't know how much more of this heavy stuff I can take. Especially since I just this minute finished Alison Weir's new book The Lady in the Tower. What a nice light read about the death of Anne Boleyn. (Not!)

Hey, isn't Cornelia Funke German? I haven't read the Inkheart books yet. Can any one give me a recommendation about the series?

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Thanks, Krista. My library has these. I did pick up a Calvino book yesterday, Numbers in the Dark: And Other Stories. If it doesn't go well . . ."

No problem. It's always nice to have options. I'm searching for a book by a German author that isn't too heavy. I'm not having much luck!