OFFICIAL SPRING CHALLENGE - 2009 Showing 601-650 of 6,381

[Avory]

Jenny, I'm glad you found what you're looking for! Diverse tastes in books and a very, very long to-read list can apparently come in handy sometimes. I had Sara and though I was initially a little worried, I found two books that look interesting - the first book in the Wheel of Time series and the first Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants book. For those of you multi-genre readers like me, you could also just pick something you rarely read. I picked chick lit, which I read maybe once a year, so it seems plausible.

For the monarchy challenge, I noticed that a lot of the suggestions have been historical. I may be a big European history nerd, but more continent than UK... does anyone have any suggestions for a book about the modern monarchy? Or maybe there have been books written about the institution of the monarchy, as opposed to a particular monarch - that might be interesting for those of us who aren't big biography fans.

[Maggie]

2. EL’s TASK - Read a Non-Fiction book about OR by a noted diarist from This Listhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dia... who lived prior to the 1900’s.

El, I just want to make sure I'm clear on this task. Does the book we read have to be nonfiction even if it's by a person on the list? It doesn't have to be the actual diary though, right?

[Leora]

Here are my choices thus far:

5 point tasks:
1. King of Foxes-Raymond Feist
2. Letters of the Century 1900-1999
3. TBA
4. TBA
5. The Handmaid and the Carpenter-Elizabether Berg
6. Alicia: My Story, alicia Appleman-Jurman
7. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas-John Boyne
8. Little Earthquakes-Jennifer Meyer
9. The lions of Lucerne-Brad thor
10 TBA

10 Point Tasks:
1. TBA
2. TBA
3. Foreign Correspondence-Geraldine Brooks
4. TBA
5. TBA
6. TBA
7. Back on Blossom Street-debbie MaComber
8. Roll Me Over Raymond Gantter
9. TBA
10. TBA

15 Point Tasks:
1. Aries-TBA
2. Inerno-Dante
3. TBA
4. The Good Old Days-Germany
5. TBA
6. TBA
7. Elephant Run and Sniper One- by Roland Smith and Sgt. Dan Mills
8. Bridge of Sighs-Richard Russo (Needing some incentive to get through this one, started it awhile ago and just can't get into it. Am less than 50% through.
9. Dream When You're Feeing Blue-Elizabeth Berg
10. TBA

[SusannaW]

I'd really like to read Fuentes 'Aura' for the Mexican part of the challenge. But its only 96 pages. Is that too short for a 10 point challenge? I'm not planning to have any other short novels... (*sounds of pleading and general begging...*)

[Leora]

OK, I have some TBA's to fill in.

5 points:
3. The Professor and the Madman
10. The Art of Racing in the Rain Garth Stein

10 Points:
2. The Black Hand Chris Blatenford
9. Persuasion Jane Austin 1973-3
10. The Witch of Portobello-Paul Coelho

15 points:
1. Aries-Gods Behaving Badly
3. Guernsy Literary and Potato Peel Society
5. Something by Patrick White-not sure yet.
10. The Ladies of Longbourne, Mr. Darcy's Daughter and Netherfield Park Revisited

25 Points:
1. TBA
2. John Adams
3. Brideshead Revisted and The God of Small Things
4. Emma
5. TBA
6. TBA

[Becky]

Cynthia, I have another question for you.

For Karen's 25 point task, would To Reign in Hell be acceptable for the "R" book? I know that it's mentioned that books starting with 'A' and 'The' followed by an 'R' word are OK, but I just want to make sure that 'To' wouldn't be stretching it too much.

Thanks!

[Avory]

I ended up partially answering my own question for the monarchy challenge, so I thought y'all might be interested in some of these as well. I'll be reading one of these:

Royal Affairs A Lusty Romp Through the Extramarital Adventures That Rocked theBritish Monarchy
Nell Gwyn Mistress to a King
The Story of Britain From the Romans to the Present A Narrative History

I'm actually really tempted by the last one, but it's 800+ pages and it's hard to tell how much the monarchy is discussed. Might be better for a post-challenge read.

[Becky]

Goal: 305 Points / 28 books

5 POINT TASKS
1. Read a Science Fiction OR Fantasy Novel.
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood (Science fiction)

2. Read an epistolary novel...
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

4. Read or listen to a book while you are on a plane, on a train, or in a car...
Labyrinth by Kate Mosse (audiobook)

5. For Easter/Lent - Read a Christian Fiction novel...
Showdown by Ted Dekker

6. In Honor Of Women’s History Month…
- Read a novel with woman, women, lady, etc in the title.
Lady Susan, The Watsons, Sanditon by Jane Austen

7. For Arbor Day – Do your part to save some trees by reading a book and “recycling” it...
Vital Signs by Robin Cook

8. For April Fools Day read a humorous novel...
The Princess Bride by William Goldman

9. Read a book with a spring animal in the title...
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

10. Read a book with a type of tree or flower in the title...
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy

10 POINT TASKS
1. For St. Patrick’s Day – Read a book by an Irish author, set in Ireland, OR about Ireland.
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

4. Read a book by an author who was born in March, April, or May.
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (born: March 8, 1960)

5. March 24 is Harry Houdini’s Birthday – Read a book about magic, a magician etc.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susana Clarke

6. In honor of Earth Day (April 22), read a book with the word Earth, Moon, World, etc in the title.
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks

7. In Honor of Mother’s Day, read a book recommended by/given to you by your mother.
The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst

8. Read a book about a veteran OR someone serving in the military.
Othello by William Shakespeare

10. TNBBC member 5-Star rated book...
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (Thanks Heather from page 39!)

15 POINT TASKS
1. Read a book that corresponds to your astrological sign...
- LIBRA: Read a book about a lawyer, the law, a judge etc.
The Last Juror by John Grisham

2. April is National Poetry Month – Read a book of poetry OR about a famous poet.
Inferno by Dante Alighieri

3. Read a past OR present TNBBC group read that you haven’t read before.
Neverwhere: A Novel by Neil Gaiman

6. Read a book that was has been translated from its original language.
The Plague by Albert Camus

8. Get To Know The Author - Read a book by an author AND then either attend a reading by that author OR read/listen to an interview with that author.
Thinner by Stephen King

9. Read a book with a color in the title AND eat a meal that includes at least 2 foods of that color.
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
(Planned foods: Garlic and Feta cheese mashed potatoes and vanilla ice-cream)

25 POINT TASKS
1. Karen's Task: Read a book starting with "G" & a book starting with "R".
The Green Mile (Complete Serial Novel) by Stephen King & Roots by Alex Haley

4. Ros's Task: Read a book from the Big Reads List.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

5. Bonnie's Task: Read a book outside my normal genre.
Death Be Not Proud by John Gunther (Non-fictional memoir -- I normally read fiction: fantasy, horror, classics, etc.)

8. Cassie's Task: Read two YA novels.
Blue Is For Nightmares & White Is for Magic by Laurie Faria Stolarz


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[Lindsey]

Jenny, yep, L'Amant is The Lover. That book is translated from French.

So someone could conceivably read L'Amant/The Lover by Marguerite Duras for the translated book task.

And then watch the movie! It's REALLLLLY good!

[Sandy]

Cynthia,
For task 10 of 10 (date joined)will it be ok if I choose which member's book to read today, but by the time I actually read the book, the page has changed and that member is no longer on the same page as me?

Also, would you consider Melissa Marr's books magic? How about The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis?

I think this question was already asked but I couldn't find it on the forum-does Lightning count as a rain related word?

Final question: do you know any books with main characters whose name is Maria?

[Lindsey]

West Side Story has a Maria.

[Robin]

For 3. ANGELA’S TASK - Look for your first post in the Official Spring Challenge. Once you find it, look at the person below you and go to their profile and pick TWO books to read off of their shelves. If their profile is listed as private, go to the person below that person. -- Can it be a book on their TBR pile - or must they have read it?

[Robin]

Judith wrote: "I ended up partially answering my own question for

Judith - you are the person below me and I want to thank you for having such a great variety of books to choose from for my 25 point challenge!

[Charity]

Robin, Angela said they could be from any shelf.

Sandy, Maria is a central character in For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway. Cynthia should be able to give you more options.

[Angela]

Is this book acceptable for Jon's task: The Lady Elizabeth: A Novel by Alison Weir

[Sandy]

Thank you, Lindsey and Charity, for the suggestions.

[Jamie]

Jeane wrote: "Jamie wrote: "Cynthia - Persuasion would be acceptable as a book about sacrifice, right? Self-sacrific..."

YAY, Jeane! Persuasion is my favorite book ever - I hope you enjoy it! I'm glad I could fit it in because I'd love to re-read it.

[Becky]

Persuasion is a fantastic book. It has quite possibly the best love letter ever written in it! *swoon*

[Jamie]

I definitely agree, Becky!

[Lauren H.]

thanks for pointing me to the Hugo Award...I was coming up with nothing interesting, but I loved Ender's Game. It's been years so it's probably time for a re-read!

[Avory]

Hey Robin, happy to help! And it's a good thing you can use the TR shelf, haha; there's *much* more that I want to read than what I have already.

[Jon]

Ok im going to play at putting my cynthia hat on!

Judith - i found this at the library, possible scandle mongering but definately intruiging me War of the Windsors A Century of Unconstitutional Monarchy - so im reading that, you could read one of those numerous Diana conspiracy theories too if over 400p. Definatley doesnt need to be a biography, can be political too as long as revolves mainly around the monarchy or a member of the royal family

Fiona (tweety) - wow i have the best people picking my books! defiately read music and silence -it got me back into fiction after years of non, i loved it. I loved god of small things too,I read it for the winter challenge (and it has twins if anyones a gemini). I dont think it matters if the person hasnt read the book either, can be any shelf

Angela - no, it needs to be non fiction but so much good stuff on the same subject, trust me although might sound dry, the fact they are true and theres so much intrigue, plots and counter plots means biogs etc are just as gripping, the authors seem to get so much information on their subject from letters etc that they often read like a novel, with dialogue etc


Fiona (reading a book!) - subject sounds ok but looks like only 224 pages. I thought seeing as im only making you read 1 book id make you work a bit lol so set 400p min

[Angela]

How about this one Jon:
The Queen: A Biography of Elizabeth II by Ben Pimlott

[Ann from S.C.]

Cynthia, I am doing this task (love it!) But do I have to post what I am going to read? In the past 2 challenges I have just posted my books as I finish them. I hope this is ok because mine change daily.
Thanks for another wonderful fun challenge!!

[SusannaW]

This took me a lot longer than the Winter Challenge to find books I really wanted to read...

5 POINTS

1. SF OR Fantasy Novel The Amulet of Samarkand, Jonathan Stroud
2. Epistolary novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley
3. Spring Cleaning Pandora in the Congo, Albert Sanchez Pinol
4. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, TBD
5. For Easter/Lent A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
6. In Honor Of Women’s History Month, Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, Haruki Murakami
7. For Arbor Day TBD
8. For April Fools Day Porterhouse Blue, Tom Sharpe
9. Spring animals in the title The Wind-up Bird Chronicle, Haruki Murakami
10. April Showers Bring May Flowers

10 POINTS

1. For St. Patrick’s Day The Jewel of Seven Stars, Bram Stoker
2. For Cinco De Mayo
3. For ANZAC Day The Forgotten Garden, Kate Morton
4. Book by author born in March, April, or May Kane and Abel, Jeffrey Archer
5. Harry Houdini The Magician, W. Somerset Maugham
6. In honor of Earth Day A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini
7. In Honor of Mother’s Day Animal Farm, George Orwell
8. In Honor of Memorial and Armed
9. Read a book from the TNBBC Top Books list Dissolution, C.J. Sansom (16 from 1966)
10. Members of the TNBBC have great tastes The Shadow of The Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafon (Spain)


15 POINTS

1. Zodiac: The Trial, Franz Kafka (Libra)
2. National Poetry Month, Shakespeare’s Sonnets
3. Past OR present TNBBC group read that you haven’t read before, Blindness, José Saramago
4. Novel that takes place in a location you plan to visit during this challenge The Terracotta Dog, Andrea Camilleri
5. Book by an author who won a major literary prize in the year you were born The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood
6. Book that was has been translated Norwegian Wood, Haruki Murakami
7. Two books with rhyming titles TBD
8. Get To Know The Author TBD
9. Read a book with a color in the title AND eat a meal that includes at least 2 foods that are that color The Woman in White, Wilkie Collins
10. March, April, and May are the 3rd, 4th, and 5th months of the year Three Tales, Flaubert, The Sign of Four, Arthur Conan Doyle, + ?


25 Points

1. G&R The Golden Droplet, Michel Tournier, The Red Book, Meaghan Delahunt
2. TBD
3. From Cynthia’s list: Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte, Great Expectations, Charles Dickens (re-reads)
4. TBD
5. TBD
6. British monarchy, Isabella, She-Wolf of France, Queen of England, or Eleanor of Aquitaine: By the Wrath of God, Queen of England, Alison Weir.

[Jon]

Angela, that sounds perfect

[Angela]

Thanks Jon!

[Angela]

Cannot wait for Darla and Cassie's 25 pointers!! I wonder if anyone else is going to finish?? I know Sara only needed one more book...

[Ashley]

For the rhyming task, would Chair/Stairs work?
Thanks!

[Cynthia]

Ashley yes a collection of comics would be fine for the humor task. - it would need to be Chairs/Stairs to count

Susanna UK - if you don't use any other books that are less than 100 pages I'll accept that one

Sandy - the page your on for that shouldn't really change but it does have to be someone that you are on the same page as when you read the book (if that changes after you complete the task that's ok), Melissa Marr is fine for magic so is the magician's nephew, lightning is ok for the rain task

Ann from SC - yes people can either post their plans as they go or give big list or both

[Alyssa]

wow this is extensive! my goal this time around is to do better than the winter challenge since i kinda dropped the ball on that one :s

[Robin]

Judith wrote: "Hey Robin, happy to help! And it's a good thing you can use the TR shelf, haha; there's *much* more that I want to read than what I have already."

Well I like a lot of stuff from both what you read and what you have on the TBR - You are going to make it really easy on me ;-)

[Cynthia]

Maria - Lima Nights, The Bitter Taste of Time, Chasing Windmills, The End of Manners A Novel, Mozart's Sister A Novel, Rasputin's Daughter, The Almond Picker A Novel, Personality, Goodbye Tsugumi, What Are You Like? A Novel...

[Angie]

For Angela's task can we choose books from the person's TBR shelf or just books that they've read?

For the 25 point tasks do we have to complete all tasks or just a certain number?

[Lynlee4]

Maggie wrote: "2. EL’s TASK - Read a Non-Fiction book about OR by a noted diarist from This Listhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dia... who lived prior to the 1900’s.

El, I just want to make sure I'm clear o..."

I was wondering the same thing...hoping I can use
Crime and Punishment.

Does anyone know if The Devil and Miss Prym A Novel of Temptation was written in another language before English?

[Angela]

For my task you can use ANY book that is on that person's shelves. It does not matter if they read it or want to read it...

[Angela]

You can complete as many tasks as you want to from the 25 points. I am assuming this has not changed.

[Cynthia]

For El's task - the book has to be NON-FICTION.

Yes you can complete as many or as few of the 25 point tasks as you want.

[Becky]

Lynlee, I believe that The Devil and Miss Prym was written in Portuguese and then translated to English. Coelho is from Brazil. :)

[Becky]

Cynthia, sorry to be a pest, but is "To Reign in Hell" OK for the "R" part of Karen's task?

[Cynthia]

Sorry Becky - the word's A and The are generally ignored when alphabetizing things but TO is not so no

[Eva-Marie]

I have a question that may be rather silly but I've never really cared before, not enough to check anyway- how can I tell if I book I picked is translated? We're not just assuming right?

[Jon]

just a thought, but wanting to clarify just in case, if you make it at least 50% through a book your absolutely loathing could you ditch it and count it? optomistic arnt I! (i only had one where i was tempted last time though but stuck it out for the points)

[Eva-Marie]

Beth wrote: "For the diarist task, I'm going to try [b:A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard Based on her Diary 1785-1812|15594|A Midwife's Tale The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-181..."

Thanks Beth! :D I was wondering what I was going to do for this and I already have this one! Nice!

[Becky]

Cynthia wrote: "Sorry Becky - the word's A and The are generally ignored when alphabetizing things but TO is not so no"

Dang it.. I thought you'd say that! Ah well, on to plan B. ;)

[Angela]

I was also wondering about translated books... there is a book I really want to read and it was first released in Germany and is now available in the US in March. I wrote the author, but she has not responded.

[Lindsey]

What's the book? Sometimes it says it right on the book, it'll list the author and the translator. Or you could search the web.

[El]

Maggie wrote: "El, I just want to make sure I'm clear on this task. Does the book we read have to be nonfiction even if it's by a person on the list? It doesn't have to be the actual diary though, right?"

Cynthia already touched on it, but it either has to be a diary by one of the diarists in the link or a non-fiction book about the diarist. Crime and Punishment is fiction so therefore would not be appropriate for this task.

[Cynthia]

No - you have to finish the book for the points to count Jon.

Eva - If you want to read a book in English look for books written by authors from countries that speak other languages would be a place to start.

[Angela]

I just searched the web and discovered that it is not! Oh well...