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

JennH’s comments from the 2025 Reading Challenge group.

Excited about my first readathon with the group.

DAILY TRACKING AND DISCUSSION
2024 Black/Women’s History Months: Individual Readathon
Duration: February 29 to March 3, 2024

Prompts:
1. Anything on your TBR
Heartstopper: Volume Five by Alice Oseman 3/3/24
2. Read a book written by a Black author
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns 3/2/24
3. Read a book written by a woman
Dead Man's Folly by Agatha Christie 3/1/24
4. Read a book with Black characters
5. Read a book with women characters
15th Affair by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 3/3/24
6. Bonus! Read a book written by a Black woman

February 29
Dead Man's Folly by Agatha Christie - 135 pages
March 1
Dead Man's Folly by Agatha Christie - 66 pages
15th Affair by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro - 29 pages
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns - 2 hours
March 2
15th Affair by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro - 150 pages
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns - 5 hours
Rebound by Kwame Alexander - 1 hour
March 3
15th Affair by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro - 201 pages
Heartstopper: Volume Five by Alice Oseman - 336 pages
Rebound by Kwame Alexander - 2 hours 25 minutes

Update to message #14

9/9

Challenge completed.

EASY AS 1-2-3
Duration: March 1 - March 31, 2024

I'll go for 5.

5/5

1 Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns 3/2/24
2 15th Affair by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 3/3/24
3 Heartstopper: Volume Five by Alice Oseman 3/3/24
4 The One by Kiera Cass 3/27/24
5 Three Blind Mice and Other Stories by Agatha Christie 3/31/24

I'll go with 5.

5/5

WE'VE GOT YOUR NUMBER
Duration: March 1 - March 31, 2024

1. One's number is up: one is going to die, or can no longer continue a job or activity.
Read a book where someone dies or loses their position.
Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee 3/11/24

2. Numbers racket: an illegal pick-3 lottery usually played in poor or working-class neighborhoods.
Read a book set in a poor community, or with a three-word title.
Terns of Endearment by Donna Andrews 3/7/24

3. Opening number: the first song and/or dance routine in a musical production.
Read a book with a musician or actor, or a book that inspired a stage, film, or television musical.
Terns of Endearment by Donna Andrews 3/7/24

4. Safety in numbers: humans and animals are thought to be more safe in a group than as an individual.
Read a book about a group of people working toward a common goal, or with an animal group name in the title (murder, school, gang, etc.).

5. Little black number: first used in the 19th century, this phrase refers to a LBD (little black dress).
Read a book set in or published in the 19th century, or with a dress on the cover.

6. Crunch the numbers: computer and electronics slang, meaning to calculate or analyze large amounts of numerical data for financial purposes.
Read a book about someone in STEM, or with a slang word or phrase in the title

7. By the numbers: precise or planned, this phrase dates to a training book from the American Revolution.
Read a book set in or published in the 18th century, or a book involving strict precision/planning.

8. Do a number on: to injure, embarrass, or harm someone or something, or to trick someone into believing something that is not true.
Read a book about someone who harms or is harmed by another, or about a trickster or con artist.

9. Odd number: considered lucky in Russia.
Read a book about someone who is lucky, with an odd number in the title, or an odd numbered book from a series.
15th Affair by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 3/3/24

10. Even number: considered unlucky in Russia.
Read a book about someone who is unlucky, with an even number in the title, or an even numbered book from a series.
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns 3/2/24

Update to message #17

6/6

Challenge completed

Update to message # 39

7/22

Update to msg #17: 6/50

Who 0, What 1, When 0, Where 0, How 2, Why 2, Bonus 1

Update to message #53

8/60

Update to message #12

12/40

Update to message #15.

10/26

Update to message #20.

6/25

I'll shoot for 6.

LITERARY DRAGONS
February 1-February 29, 2024

6/6

1. Saphira (Eragon) - Her name derives from the word 'sapphire', which is a deep blue colour. She was discovered in the mountains. Read a book with mountains on the cover or read a book with a blue color on the cover.
Postcards from the Dead by Laura Childs 2/14/24


2. Norberta (Harry Potter) - Previously named Norbert, she is a Norwegian Ridgeback dragon that Hagrid acquired as an egg. It was later discovered Norbert was female and renamed Norberta. Read a book that is set in Norway or a book by a transgender author.
Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood 2/11/24

3. Ramoth (Dragonriders of Pern) - Ramoth is a queen dragon who establishes a telepathic bond with Lessa. Read a book with a queen in it or a book with paranormal elements.

4. Smaug (The Hobbit) - A greedy and wicked golden-red dragon who slaughtered Thrór's dwarf clan along with the town of Dale and took the dwarves' treasure. Read a book that features a wicked character or a book that features any type of treasure.
Who Is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews 2/3/24

5. Toothless Daydream (How to Train Your Dragon) - A very small, young, bright green toothless dragon. He pretends to be a violent species called the Toothless Daydream, distant relations of the Monstrous Nightmare. Read a coming-of-age book or read a book where the main character disguises themselves as someone else.
The Thief by Fuminori Nakamura 2/1/24

6. Mushu (Mulan) - Fa Mulan's closest companion throughout the Mulan series and comic relief. He is a disgraced former family guardian who is demoted to the role of awakening the spirits of the ancestors and family guardians for failing to protect a family member. Read a book that features close friends or a book with spirits/ghosts in it.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling 2/18/24

7. Drogon (A Song of Fire and Ice) - A black-red dragon, hatched by Daenerys Targaryen. The largest and most vicious of her three dragons. Read a book with more than 400 pages or read a book with a dragon(s) in it.


8. Draco (Drahonheart [movie]) - The last remaining dragon. Voiced by Sean Connery. Read a book that is the last in a series or read a book where the author's name (or main character) starts with "S" or "C".
Cake and Punishment by Maymee Bell 2/5/24 - Sophia Cummings

DRAGON SPELLS
Duration: February 1 - February 29, 2024

9/9

T - The Thief by Fuminori Nakamura 2/1/24
E -Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson 2/24/24
M - Cake and Punishment by Maymee Bell 2/5/24
E - The Dupin Stories by Edgar Allan Poe 2/25/24
R - One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle 2/6/24
A - Who Is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews 2/3/24
I - Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell 2/23/24
R - The Lost Hero: The Graphic Novel by Robert Venditti 2/19/24
E - The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder 2/28/24

Update to message #31

10/10

Challenge completed!

Update to message #29

5/5

Challenge completed.

Please sign me up for 10 books.

WINTER WORDS
Duration: January 1 - March 31, 2024

6/10

1 Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay 1/5/23
2 Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian 1/10/24
3 Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood

4 Wrapped Up in You by Talia Hibbert 2/13/24 - set at Christmas
5 Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns 3/2/24 - set in winter
6 Three Blind Mice and Other Stories by Agatha Christie 3/31/24 - set in winter

I'd like to go for 10 books.

WINTER TOURIST SEASON
Duration: January 1 - March 31, 2024

10/10

1. Hell, Norway -- 1899 (-14.8F / -26.0C)
This village is named for the Old Norse word hellir, which means overhang or cliff cave. It is home to Stone Age rock carvings and an annual Blues in Hell music festival.
Read a book that involves music, is set in Norway, or has a mountain or cave on the cover.
The Burial Hour by Jeffery Deaver 1/28/24

2. Naryn, Kyrgyzstan -- 2023 (-17.3F / -27.4C)
Named for the river Naryn, one branch the Great Silk Road went through here from ancient times through the Middle Ages. Visitors might enjoy the nearby Salkyn-Tor Nature Park or Son-Kol Lake.
Read a book set in the Middle Ages, featuring road travel, or set near a river, park, or lake.
The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren 2/12/24

3. Erzurum, Türkiye -- 2009 (-32.8F / -36C)
This city near the Black Sea is home to the Erzurum Citadel, Twin Minaret Madrasa, and Çobandede Bridge, all built in the 11th-13th centuries. The country’s top ski resorts are on Palandöken Mountain which can potentially operate from November to June.
Read a book that involves twins, is set near a ski resort, or has a bridge on the cover.
Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews 2/10/24

4. Anchorage, Alaska, United States -- 1947 (-38F / -38.9)
This city offers glacier viewing by boat or air, an abundance of wildlife including beluga whales, moose, and bears, and a museum featuring art of the native peoples.
Read a book with boat or air travel, about a large mammal, or written by an indigenous author.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry 1/8/24

5. Fraser, Colorado, United States -- 1962 (-43F / -41.7C)
Situated in the Rocky Mountains near the Continental Divide, this town offers dog sledding, tubing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. It sits at an elevation of 8,574 feet.
Read a book featuring winter sports, a division of any type, or published in 1962.

6. Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States -- 1912 (-43F / -41.7C)
Visitors enjoy fishing, biking, hiking, camping, canoeing, skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, and almost any winter activity. History buffs can visit forts, learn about the area’s military history, America’s westward expansion, and the local First Nations people.
Read a historical or western book, a book with a horse on the cover, or a book about indigenous peoples.

7. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia -- 1957 (-47F / -43.9)
This city has stunning Buddhist temples, a statue of Genghis Khan, and the Zaisan Hill Memorial, honoring fallen WWII Mongol and Russian allied soldiers. The museum features artifacts from the steppe nomads, the military, and Mongolian jewelry.
Read a book set during World War II, a book about a nomadic culture, or a book with a Buddhist character or author.

8. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada -- 1879 (-54F / -47.8C)
Winnipeg hosts the Festival du Voyageur, named for the French fur traders who settled here. There are activities in both French and English, with music, food, and incredible ice and snow sculptures.
Read a book with any furry animal on the cover, a book originally written in French, or a book about a traveler.
The Rose Society by Marie Lu 1/21/24


9. International Falls, Minnesota, United States -- 1909 (-55F / -48.3)
"The Icebox of the Nation" directly borders Canada. Residents enjoy a wacky winter festival called Icebox Days, which involves games, races, and midnight skiing. They also have frozen turkey bowling and the Freeze Your Gizzard 5K and 10K race.
Read a book set along a border, about a runner, or with a bird in the title or cover art.

10. Utqiaġvik, Alaska, United States -- 1923 (-56F / -48.9C)
This city is the northernmost city in the United States. Since it’s above the Arctic Circle, the sun never drops below the horizon for 65 days in the summer, and doesn’t rise for 65 days in the winter. You can explore Iñupiat or Birnirk culture, and the famous whalebone arch known as the "Gateway to the Arctic."
Read a book about whales, a book where the weather has a major impact on the story, or a book set where the “midnight sun” or “polar night” phenomena occur (north of the Arctic Circle or south of the Antarctic Circle).
Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood 2/11/24

11. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada -- 1947 (-60F / -51.1C)
This city is 250 miles south of the Arctic Circle, with lots of First Nations history to explore and incredible Northern Lights displays. It was a huge town during the gold rush, and still has gold and diamond mines. It hosts the annual Snowking Festival, a month long arts celebration held in a snow castle with ice windows.
Read a book set in a castle, with gold or diamonds on the cover, or with a compass direction in the title.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling 2/18/24

12. Dudinka, Russia -- 1947 (-60F / -51.1C)
This very remote port city became an official settlement in 1667. Its major industry is shipping the nickel which is mined nearby. When the river freezes over in the winter, there's an annual ice breakup that requires deliberately flooding the port..
Read a set in Russia, with money in the title or cover art, or a book where flooding occurs.

13. Astana, Kazakhstan -- 1893 (-60.9F / -51.6C)
Astana has been known in the past as Akmolinsk, Tselinograd, Akmola, and Nur-sultan. You can visit the Palace of Peace, which is a pyramid-shaped palace that houses a university, an opera house, a spiritual center, and more.
Read a book about someone with a name change, a book about spirituality, or with a palace or pyramid on the cover.
Hickory Dickory Dock by Agatha Christie 1/27/24

14. Coral Harbour, Nunavut, Canada -– 1975 (-63F / -52.8C)
This small Inuit community is on Southampton Island. The Sallirmiut people lived here from 500 BCE until the winter of 1902 when they were wiped out by typhus that arrived with a Scottish whaling vessel. There's a lot to do outdoors – hiking in the summer and ice fishing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling in winter.
Read a book where an illness impacts a population, a book by a Canadian author, or a book set on an island.

15. Golmud, Qinghai, China -- 2023 (-63.4F / -53C)
This split city has two parts that don't touch and is at the start of the Qinghai-Tibet railroad. This “Sky Road’ is the highest railway in the world, and offers beautiful views of Gobi Desert, Kunlun Mountains, Tuotuo River, Tsonag Lake and Qiangtang Grassland.
Read a book with two or 2 in the title, featuring a train ride, or with a landscape on the cover.
Just One Day by Gayle Forman 1/28/24

16. Harbin, China –- 2023 (-63.4F / -53C)
This city has buildings from the Byzantine, Russian, and Baroque architectural styles. It is home to the International Ice and Snow Festival, with ice buildings up to 164 feet (50 meters) high, which are lit up in beautiful colors at night, and snow sculptures longer than two football fields.
Read a book that involves art or architecture, with an icy or snowy cover, or set in China.
Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian 1/10/24


17. Fairbanks, Alaska, United States -- 1934 (-66F / -54.4C)
Located in a valley in the interior of the state, Fairbanks is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. You can enjoy the Aurora Borealis from here, and in the summer, the sky stays light for almost 24 hours a day. It has commemorations of Alaska's Native history, hiking and skiing trails, it’s also not far to the North Pole.
Read a book set at a school, a book about polar explorers, or a book with the sun on the cover.

18. Snag, Yukon, Canada -- 1947 (-81F / -62.8C)
The little village of Snag came about during the Klondike Gold Rush and consists of about 8-10 native families. When the record above was set, it is reported that a weather observer’s breath “fell to the ground in a white powder.”
Read a book set in a small village or town, with a cover that shows falling precipitation, or set during a gold rush.

19. Yakutsk, Russia -– 2023 (-83.9F / -64.4C)
Vendors who sell frozen fish here just lay them down outside, and they freeze instantly. They make accommodations here for the cold, like carpet on stairs to prevent slipping, insulating above ground gas pipes, and building houses on stilts so that they don't melt the permafrost.
Read a book translated from Russian, with a fish on the cover, or involving special accommodations or modifications.

20. Oymyakon, Sakha Republic, Russia -– 1924 (-96.2F / -71.2C)
This village in Eastern Siberia is the coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth. Many cars are kept running all the time so that the engines don't freeze. There is an annual "Pole of Cold Festival" here which celebrates the ethnic Yakut and Evenk cultures with dog sledding, reindeer races, and ice fishing.
Read a book with a car on the cover, a book about any ethnic culture/group, or with a cold word in the title (frozen, frigid, etc.)

I'm in for 5 books

THE FATES
Duration: January 1 - January 31, 2024

5/5

1. The Fates are three sister goddesses who were believed to assign each mortal their destiny, lifespan, and time of death.
Read a book about sisters or a deity, or written by an author whose religion, faith or spirituality is different than your own.

2. The Fates are said to be the offspring of either Nyx (Night) alone, or of Zeus and Themis (Law and Justice).
Read a book with a night scene on the cover, or read a police procedural or legal thriller.
NYPD Red 4 by James Patterson 1/10/24

3. Clotho, the spinner, spins a golden thread that represents an individual's life.
Read a book with something gold on the cover, or a textile product on the cover.

4. Lachesis, the measurer or allotter of time, determines the length of a human's thread of life.
Read a book with a timepiece on the cover, a unit of measure in the title, or a parallel/alternate timeline.

5. Atropos, the unbending or inflexible one, chooses how and when a person dies, and cuts the thread at the end of their life.
Read a book with shears or a blade on the cover, or a book that includes a death.
Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay 1/5/24

6. In visual arts, the Fates are often depicted as young and beautiful, sometimes working on a tapestry.
Read a book about a visual artist, or with a piece of art or an attractive young woman on the cover.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell 1/15/24


7. In literature, the Fates are frequently depicted as older women who write down the fates of humans.
Read a book about a writer, an elderly protagonist, or where the characters age over the years.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry 1/8/24

8. According to this mythology, humans do indeed have free will, but the Fates know the choices and actions that each person will take.
Read a memoir or autobiography, or a book where the characters' decisions significantly impact their lives.

9. In Greek, the Fates are referred to as Moirai (plural of Moira), meaning fate, portion or share.
Read a book with a character or author named Moira, or whose author name and/or title contain the letters M-O-I-R-A-I.
Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian 1/10/23

I'll sign up for 10 books.

MARATHON CHALLENGE
Duration: January 1 - January 31, 2024

10/10

1 The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories by Agatha Christie 1/4/24
2 Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay 1/5/24
3 People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry 1/8/24
4 NYPD Red 4 by James Patterson 1/10/24
5 Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian 1/10/24
6 The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell 1/15/24
7 Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano 1/16/24
8 The Rose Society by Marie Lu1/21/24
9 Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet by Crystal S. Chan 1/22/24
10 Jade War by Fonda Lee 1/23/24

Update for message #13

7/5

Challenge completed!