JennH’s Comments (group member since Nov 17, 2023)

JennH’s comments from the 2025 Reading Challenge group.

TRACKING & DISCUSSION
2024 End of the Year Sprint: Individual Readathon
Duration: November 1 to November 4, 2024

Friday, Nov 1
Books Currently Reading:

Books Finished:

Pages Read: 72 pages
Hours Listened: 2.5 hours

Saturday, Nov 2
Books Currently Reading:

Books Finished:

Pages Read: 297 pages
Hours Listened: 4.5 hours

Sunday, Nov 3
Books Currently Reading:

Books Finished:

Pages Read: 99 pages
Hours Listened: 6.75 hours

Monday, Nov 4
Books Currently Reading:
Books Finished:

Pages Read: 205 pages
Hours Listened: 8 hours

Total Books Read:



Total Pages: 673 pages
Total Hours: 21.75 hours

Discussion Questions:

1. Tell us how your reading has been so far this year. What have your favorite books been? Which have you hated?
It's been a good reading year. I'm a few books from my goodreads goal. My favorites were re-reads: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Murder on the Orient Express. My favorite new reads were: Six of Crows, Before Your Memory Fades, and Every Heart a Doorway. My least favorite was Heart of Darkness.
2. Which book(s) are you most excited to read this weekend?
Death on the Nile and The Wild Robot
3. How have your yearly, monthly, and quarterly challenges been going? Which challenge are you *really* hoping to complete during this readathon?
I think I've been doing well on all my challenges. I have left the tough prompts for the end though. So I really don't think I'll be able complete any during this readathon.

I'd like to read 3 books for this challenge.

4/3

VOICES UNBOUND
Duration: November 1 - November 30, 2024

V - Varied Narrators: Read books with an unconventional narrator. This could be a first-person account from an unusual perspective, like a child, an animal, or an inanimate object.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown 11/3/24
O - Own Voices: Read books by a diverse or marginalized author whose main character shares that same trait with the author.
Green by Alex Gino 11/9/24
I - Intergenerational Voices: Read books that span multiple generations or perspectives.
C - Contemporary Voices: Read recent bestsellers or critically acclaimed books published in the last five years.
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black 11/25/24
E - Empowered Voices: Read books that feature characters who overcome significant challenges or find their voice in the face of adversity.
S - Sympathetic Voices: Read books that are geared towards human emotion and relationships.
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama 11/19/24

I'd like to go for 5 books.

5/5

RAISING OUR VOICES
Duration: November 1 - November 30, 2024

1. A book with a first-person narrator or a non-human narrator
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown 11/3/24

2. A book with a character who is a teacher or detective
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie 11/3/24

3. A book with a child narrator or an elderly narrator
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling 11/24/24

4. A book with multiple narrators or dual POVS

5. A book written in diary/letter/report format or a distinctive narrative style

6. A book with a character who is a librarian or a book about books
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama 11/19/24

7. A book with a character who is a poet or singer

8. A book with a silent protagonist or an activist

9. A book with a character who is a journalist or storyteller

10. A book with a character who is a writer or a strong female voice
Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne 11/10/24

Update to message #19

8/6

Challenge completed.

Update to message #16

3/3

Challenge completed.

Update to message #22

Progress: 26/32

Update to message #14

5/10 books read
1,576 pages read

Challenge not completed.

Poor planning on my part. While I did read 21 books this month, they were not in ascending page order, which is what messed me up. And I wanted to stick to the spirit of the challenge. Definitely was a challenging challenge.

This is a very interesting, and fascinating themed challenge! I think I'll go for 20.

BALANCING IT OUT
Duration: October 1 - December 31, 2024

29/20

Wood: Water nourishes Wood, the element of spring. It is associated with birth, growth, movement, wind, and the color green.
🌲 Read a book set in spring, about new birth (literally or figuratively), or involving wind or movement.
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama 11/19/24
🌲 Read a book with green on the cover or in the title.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown 11/3/24

Fire: Wood fuels fire, which is the element of heat, summer, nature at its peak, growth, passion and hate in human relationships, and the color red.
🔥 Read a book that takes place in summer, a romance, or a book that examines hate or prejudice.
Newt's Emerald by Garth Nix 11/12/24
🔥 Read a book with red on the cover or in the title.
Triple Cross by James Patterson 10/12/24


Earth: Fire creates Earth (Ash), which is connected to harvest time, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships and stability. It is represented by the color yellow, like the sun and ripened crops.
🌱 Read a book about cooking, or a book that features parent-child relationships.
C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton 10/13/24
🌱 Read a book with yellow on the cover or in the title.
The Vampire Knitting Club by Nancy Warren 12/17/24

Metal: Earth contains Metal, which is connected to autumn, gravity, minerals within the earth, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity, and magnetism. It has structure but can adapt new forms by melting.
🔧 Read a book where set in autumn, or where gravity, minerals, or heavenly bodies play an important role.
🔧 Read a book with white on the cover or in the title.
Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo 10/23/24


Water: Metal can carry Water, which is connected to Winter. It is the source of life, flowing, yielding but powerful, silent and still, It is connected to the colors blue and black.
🌊 Read a book set in winter, where water or ice play an important role, or a book set on water.
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher 10/4/24 - Water
🌊 Read a book with blue or black on the cover or in the title.
Death in D Minor by Alexia Gordon 10/8/24

Controlling Cycle: 🌲 → 🌱 → 🌊 → 🔥 → 🔧 → 🌲 → …

Wood: Metal penetrates Wood, which represents plants, trees, and basic bodily functions such as respiration, heartbeat, etc. It is associated with the East, the planet Jupiter, and symbolized by an Azure Dragon.
🌲 Read a book where the East is important in some way, including the planet Jupiter, or a book with dragons.
🌲 Read a book with plants or trees on the cover, or a book involving the heart or lungs.
The 20th Victim by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 10/19/24

Earth: Wood can break the Earth, which is connected to the change of seasons. It is said to be patient, reliable, logical and governed by duty to others. It is related to the taste of sweetness, the planet Saturn, and birds that prefer the comfort of the earth.
🌱 Read a book about change, about the rights or freedoms of others, or a book about sweets.
Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston 10/9/24
🌱 Read a book that features Saturn, birds, or the change of seasons.

Water: Earth absorbs Water, the fluid that maintains the health of every cell. Water is quiet, cold, and represents the resting time of winter. It is considered the most feminine of the elements and is very powerful, moving around obstacles in its path. It can nourish and cleanse, but at times can be very dangerous.
🌊 Read a medical book, or one with health advice, a book about feminism, or one that takes place in the North.
🌊 Read a book with water on the cover, or a book about some kind of catastrophe.
Closely Harbored Secrets by Bree Baker 10/6/24


Fire: Water quenches Fire, which is associated with the South, the planet Mars, and the sense of taste.
🔥 Read a book that includes the South or Southern Countries, or the planet Mars,
🔥 Read a book which includes the taste bitter, or about a character's bitterness.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach 11/27/24

Metal: Fire can melt Metal. Its color is white, and it is determined, forceful, unyielding, and reserved. It represents the West, the planet Venus, and is associated with the taste of spiciness.
🔧 Read a book involving the West, or where a character has persistence and determination to achieve a goal.
Basil and Oregano by Melissa Capriglione 10/23/24
🔧 Read a book where the planet Venus plays a role, or involving something spicy.

Birthday → Zodiac Sign → Element
Dec 6 to Jan 5 → 🐀 Rat 🐀 → Water 🌊
Jan 6 to Feb 3 → 🐂 Ox 🐂 → Earth 🌱
Feb 4 to Mar 5 → 🐅 Tiger 🐅 → Wood 🌲
Mar 6 to Apr 5 → 🐇 Rabbit 🐇 → Wood 🌲
The Searcher by Tana French 12/6/24
Apr 6 to May 5 → 🐉 Dragon 🐉 → Earth 🌱
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling 11/4/24
May 6 to June 5 → 🐍 Snake 🐍 → Fire 🔥
Bearing an Hourglass by Piers Anthony 10/7/24 - Snake
June 6 to July 5 → 🐎 Horse 🐎 → Fire 🔥
July 6 to Aug 5 → 🐏 Sheep 🐏 → Earth 🌱
Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay 12/13/24
Aug 6 to Sept 5 → 🐒 Monkey 🐒 → Metal 🔧
Sept 6 to Oct 5 → 🐓 Rooster 🐓 → Metal 🔧
Oct 6 to Nov 5 → 🐕 Dog 🐕 → Earth 🌱
Murder and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala 11/4/24
Nov 6 to Dec 5 → 🐖 Pig 🐖 → Water 🌊
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green 11/30/24

🌲 Wood 🌲
Season: Spring
Associated with: birth, growth, flexibility, movement and wind
Color: Green
Body: basic body functions (self-regulating, without conscious thought, e.g. respiration, heartbeat)
Direction: East
Planet: Jupiter
Taste: Sour
Symbol: Azure Dragon

🔥 Fire 🔥
Season: Summer
Associated with: heat, enthusiasm, warmth/passion in human relationships, hate
Under the Power by Lan Seshi 11/30/24
Color: Red
As Red as Blood by Salla Simukka 12/18/24
Body: functions with maximum activity (decline is inevitable, e.g. the heart, the circulation system)
Direction: South
Planet: Mars
Taste: Bitter
Symbol: Vermillion Bird

🌱 Earth 🌱
Season: Change of Seasons / Transformation
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka 12/15/24
Associated with: harvest time, abundance, nourishment, fertility, mother-child relationships, stability/reliability, logic, governed by duty to others
XOXO by Axie Oh 11/16/24
Color: Yellow
Body: digestive system, sense of taste
Direction: Center
Planet: Saturn
Taste: Sweet
Symbol: Yellow Dragon or birds that prefer the comfort of the earth

🔧 Metal 🔧
Season: Autumn
Associated with: Gravity, minerals, heavenly bodies, electrical conductivity and magnetism; has a structure but can adapt new forms by melting, reforming; determined, forceful, unyielding, self-reliant, reserved
Color: White
The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie 12/11/24
Body: Lungs, respiratory system, nose
Direction: West
Green by Alex Gino 11/9/24
Planet: Venus
Taste: Spicy
Symbol: White Tiger

🌊 Water 🌊
Season: Winter
Associated with: quiet, cold, the resting time of winter; source of life, silent and still, flexible, can nourish and cleanse, but also destroy
Color: Blue/Black
The Wicked King by Holly Black 10/15/24
Body: fluid that maintains the health of every cell (skeletal and excretory system, kidney and bodily fluids)
Direction: North
Planet: Mercury
Taste: Salty
Symbol: Black Tortoise and Deer
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk 10/3/24 - Deer

I'd like to go for 10 books.

FALL INTO BOOKS: AUTUMN READING PARTY
Duration: October 1 - December 31, 2024

8/10

Back to School: Read books set in a school or with an academic theme.
Basil and Oregano by Melissa Capriglione 10/23/24
Orchard Outing: Choose books set in an orchard or involving fruits and harvest.
Oktoberfest: Find books with a festive or cultural celebration.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach 11/27/24
It’s a Killer Thriller Night: Pick thrillers or mystery novels.
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk 10/3/24
Monster Mash: Select books featuring monsters or supernatural elements.
Bearing an Hourglass by Piers Anthony 10/7/24
Sweater Weather: Read cozy books set in fall or winter.
Criminal Crumbs by Jessica Beck 12/28/24
Woodland Wander: Choose books with a forest or nature setting.
Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo & Dani Pendergast 10/23/24
Enjoy the Golden Season: Find books that embrace autumn coziness.
Fall Foliage: Read books with a vivid autumn setting or cover.
Remembrance Day: Select books related to historical events or honoring memories.
Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston 10/9/24
Happy Thanksgiving: Choose books about gratitude or family gatherings.
Days Until Christmas: Pick books with a holiday theme or set during the festive season.
Closely Harbored Secrets by Bree Baker 10/6/24

Update to message #24

14/10

Challenge completed.

Update to message #34

15/10

Challenge completed.

I think I'll go for 6.

SUGAR RUSH
Duration: October 1 - October 31, 2024

8/6

1. M&M's: The idea for M&M's came from a candy (Smarties) soldiers were eating during the Spanish Civil War.
Read a book set in Spain or by a Spanish author, or read a book with a title that starts with an "M".

2. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: One of the most popular candies in the world, Reese's is available in many varieties.
Read a book that is a bestseller or read a book that is part of a series.
Closely Harbored Secrets by Bree Baker 10/6/24

3. Hershey Bar: The Hershey company made chocolate bars for the military.
Read a horror or dark tale, or a book involving war or a military member.

4. Snickers: Named after a horse. Sold under the name Marathon in the UK and Ireland.
Read a book with a horse on the cover or read a book about any type of running, whether it's a marathon or running from someone/something.
Triple Cross by James Patterson 10/12/24

5. Kit Kat: Kit was the name of the cat on Charmed. Kit Kats are especially popular in Japan.
Read a book featuring witches or a cat, or read a book set in Japan.
Bait and Witch by Angela M. Sanders 10/16/24

6. Twix: Commonly packaged with two bars.
Read a book by two authors or read a book featuring twins.
The Wicked King by Holly Black 10/15/24

7. Twizzlers: Neil Armstrong craved Twizzlers while on the moon.
Read a book with a twist or read a book featuring the moon.
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk 10/3/24

8. Skittles: Rainbow theme packaging. Invented in the UK.
Read a book with an LGBTQ+ character or author, or read a book set in the UK.
Death in D Minor by Alexia Gordon 10/8/24

9. 3 Musketeers: Named after the novel The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, originally with three flavors—chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.
Read a book with a number in the title or one featuring a sword.
The 20th Victim by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 10/19/24

10. Baby Ruth: Named after baseball legend Babe Ruth, this candy bar has appeared in many TV shows and movies.
Read a book about sports or one adapted into a TV show or movie.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie 10/22/24

This seems hard to me, so I'm going to go for 3.

SHADES OF ORANGE
Duration: October 1 - October 31, 2024

3/3

1. Closely Harbored Secrets by Bree Baker 10/6/24

2. Triple Cross by James Patterson 10/12/24

3. Halloween Party Murder by Leighann Dobbs 10/25/24

I plan on watching it again some time next week, too.

I'm not great at analyzing and answering questions but I'll give it a go. I do love getting other people's perspectives.

Here are my thoughts, which may be a bit jumbled. I felt like in a sense that the curse when it boils down to it was not totally a curse for Sophie. Because it allowed Sophie to come into herself and gave her an opportunity to escape the "trap" that was the hat shop.

I also really like the idea expressed above that the castle was a reflection of Howl. I'm not really good with this symbolic stuff but I can see it.

I am going for 5 books.

DISCOVERING THE SEVEN SUMMITS
Duration: September 1 - September 30, 2024

8/5

This challenge allows you to become a global mountaineer from the comfort of your favorite reading chair. No ice axe, crampons, or goggles are required! The mountains below come from the various Seven Summits lists, which beyond the first five, differ based on selected boundaries and definitions.

To join, post a message telling the challenge leader how many books you plan to read. If you are new to our group and/or our group challenges, you can learn more about how they work in this thread.

🏔️ 1. Mount Everest - 8,849 m (29,032 ft): Earth's highest mountain above sea level, Everest is set in the Himalayan mountain range, with the China-Nepal border running across its summit. It attracts many climbers, and has become a pollution hot-spot.
Read a book set where people cross borders (literally or figuratively), one that involves climbing or tourism, or about pollution.
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire 9/16/24

🍷 2. Aconcagua - 6,961 m (22,837 ft): This Andean mountain is located in the wine-making Mendoza Province of Argentina. It it has multiple glaciers, the longest of which is 10 km (6 mi) long.
Read a book set in South America, one that involves wine, or a book about climate.
Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen 9/20/24

🐻 3. Denali - 6,190 m (20,310 ft): This Alaskan mountain is the highest peak in North America. It has had a number of names from several languages, but in 2015, it officially went back to the name used by the local Koyukon people for centuries.
Read a book set in North America, about native people or culture, or involving some kind of name change.
The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis 9/3/24

🌋 4. Kilimanjaro - 5,895 m (19,341 ft): This dormant volcano in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world.
Read a book set in Africa, about doing something solo, or in which fire or a volcano play an important role.
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad 9/20/24

🐧 5. Mount Vinson - 4,892 m (16,050 ft) : The highest peak in Antarctica, Vinson was first climbed in 1966-1967. During the summer season, there are 24 hours of sunlight, and the average temperature is −30 °C (−20 °F).
Read a book set in the 1960's, one set where there's a midnight sun or polar night, or a book with animals from either pole.

🐴 6. Mount Elbrus - 5,642 m (18,510 ft): This dormant volcano in the Caucasus Mountain range has two main peaks. Elbrus is either in Europe or Asia, depending on the boundary definition. The Titan Prometheus was punished here after stealing fire from the Greek gods to give to man. Both the eastern and western summits have been climbed with teams of horses.
Read a book involving horses, mythology, or with two authors.
The 19th Christmas by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 9/19/24

⚪ 7. Mont Blanc - 4,806 m (15,766 ft): The 'white mountain' on the French-Italian border is the highest peak of the Alps. The peak was first climbed in 1786, marking the start of modern mountaineering, and the first Winter Olympics was held in neighboring Chamonix in 1924.
Read a book set in one of the eight Alpine countries, written between 1786 and 1924, or involving a sport played in the Winter Olympics.

💀 8. Mount Wilhelm - 4,509 m (14,793 ft):Based on current political boundaries, this is the tallest mountain in Oceania. A World War II bomber crashed into the mountain during a reconnaissance mission, and a number of climbers have perished during attempts to ascend Wilhelm.
Read a history or historical fiction book, one set in Oceania, or involving a death.
Honey Drop Dead by Laura Childs 9/15/24

🏃‍♂️ 9. Mount Kosciuszko - 2,228 m (7,310 ft): The shortest mountain on the list is the tallest on Australia's mainland. Its first recorded ascent was in 1840, but a cartographical error mislabeled it as Mount Townsend until 1940. This summit is the finish line for the 240 km (150 mi) Coast to Kosci ultramarathon.
Read a book set in Australia, about a runner, or involving a case of mistaken identity.
Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood 9/21/24

💰 10. Puncak Jaya - 4,884 m (16,024 ft): The world's 2nd largest gold mine is only 4 km (2.5 mi) from this peak, which is the highest island mountain in the world. Politically, this mountain lies in southeast Asia, but by biogeographical standards, it is part of the Australian continent and Oceania, leading to controversy among Seven Summits climbers.
Read a book set on an island, with gold in the cover or title, or involving a controversy.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 9/12/24


🗻 11. Mauna Kea - 4,207.3 m (13,803 ft): An inactive shield volcano on the island of Hawaii, the peaks are considered to be sacred in the Native Hawaiian religion. Despite this, 13 research telescopes have been built by 11 nations at this summit due to its elevation and environment. Livestock and game animals arrived with early European settlers, and have become feral, threatening native species on the island.
Read a book written by a Pacific Islander, involving astronomy or research, or some kind of ecological threat.

I am going for 10 books for now. I may end up having to increase my goal to hit the bonus challenge, though.

SURPASSING ONE'S LIMITS
Duration: September 1 - September 30, 2024

5/10

1 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 9/12/24 - 180 pages
2 milk and honey by Rupi Kaur 9/14/24 - 204 pages
3 Honey Drop Dead by Laura Childs 9/15/24 - 320 pages
4 The 19th Christmas by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 9/19/24 - 368 pages
5 Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019 by Ibram X. Kendi 9/22/24
6
7
8
9
10

Subtotal - 1,576 pages

My goal is Mount Vinson (4,892 meters/pages), the highest peak in Antarctica.

* Bonus Challenge: Accumulate a total page count to surpass the height of a chosen mountain.

Update to message #16.

7/4

Challenge completed.

This will be a re-read for me. And I'll definitely watch the movie again afterwards.

Thank you for all the help I got. Betty, thanks for all you did as team leader! I look forward to future readathons!