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Cynthia's Seasonal Challenges
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OFFICIAL SPRING CHALLENGE - 2009
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Kristen
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Mar 18, 2009 07:48AM

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For Earth Day: Moon Called 10 points;
Military Book: From Baghdad with Love 10 points
Yey!
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Different people do it different ways, but if you're posting your goals and editing each time to strike something out, make sure you also do a new post with the task, book title, and your total points to make it easy for Cynthia to update the leaderboard.

10 pt. #6 - Wheel of Stars - Andre Norton
15pt. #10 - Harry Potter 3,4,5
Brings my total to 90 pts.

I also just finished Gathering Blue and Messenger by Lois Lowry for the read 2 YA task. I have always loved The Giver but had never read these companion books - I liked them, but not quite as much as The Giver. 25 points
I have a couple more tasks in the works
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8. Get To Know The Author
I read Never Let Me Go and an interview with Kazuo Ishiguro..."
Did you like this one? I got it awhile ago and have been itching to pick it up. Something keep stopping me though.

I think that was her name yes.
So far, and I'm almost finished, I'm in complete agreement with you. Alex seemed to think this was an unfair portrayal of high school and the kids in high school and I think it's right on point. It's not on point for every single kid in high school but it most definitely fits the description for some, if not a lot.
I think the book is an awesome one for younger teens, especially females. I keep all my signed books but even if this wasn't signed i'd be keeping it for my daughter anyway.
I'll let you know when I'm finished!

I will definitely let you know Ashley. I thought I was starting my first non challenge book the other day but now think I can fit it into the rhyming task so Twisted may end up being my first non challenge book.
I'm off to finish Speak now! I really appreciate the posts- I love hearing opinions!

Awesome! I'm glad to hear you are enjoying it! And, I am insanely jealous that you have a singned copy. Sigh. How did you manage that?! I am really interested in reading more by her, because I feel her writing is honest, and really gets a grasp on what's actually going on in the life of --.

Thanks!
~~Cyndee~~"
Cyndee, I expect it's a lot easier for Cynthia to know which book is being updated if you just post things as you finish, rather than the whole list each time, but be sure to indicate which task you read it for.
As for myself, a short sentence or two about the book and whether you liked it would be appreciated.


Just finished Sara's task, I read: "Prisoner of Tehran One Woman's Story of Survival Inside an Iranian Prison".
Absolutely fascinating book, a strong, courageous woman who never gave up hope and did all she could to keep her friends and family safe.
This brings my point total to 165.

Why not? This challenge makes me obsessive. Oooh.. to quote Wicker Park ( http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0324554/ ) Great movie - PG-13 - not actually a soft-porn like the cover would seem to indicate. Anyway, to quote Rose McGowan in that movie:
"[This challenge:] makes you do crazy things, insane things. Things in a million years you'd never see yourself do. But there you are doing them... can't help it." :)
Book in that movie: Twelfth Night. Fabulous movie and book.

Kritika's total points
125+10
135

Okay, now I feel bad. I have been re-posting my list each time I complete a book because I like to see my progress, and I like to look at other people's lists, especially when I am looking for ideas on how to fulfill specific tasks.
Cynthia, let me know how it is easier for you, and I will do it that way. I don't want to make extra work for anyone.
I also like to repost my list, so I also put the date on which I finished each book so that she knows which one is newly crossed off.
I guess you could also bold the most recent one so it is easy to find...

15 Point Tasks
4. Read a novel that takes place in a location you plan to visit during this challenge OR have visited previously during spring break (does not have to be overly specific i.e. if you are visiting Paris this spring (LUCKY YOU) you could read a book that takes place anywhere in France).
LoveHampton by Sherri Rifkin
Takes place in NYC and the Hamptons; I visited NYC on "spring break" a few years ago.
New Point Total: 35
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(Full challenge book list posted on Page 2, Post #75)

So, you can post a list at the beginning, and then post the books as you finish them, repost your list everytime with the new books noted, or not post a list, and just post the books as you finish them. It really just depends on your personal preferences.
Do what you like! Although, I do love it when people post what they thought of the books after they finish. Knowing what people think about books is one of my favorite ways to get new books to read! (Not that I actually need more, but I truly believe you can NEVER have too many books...!!!)


5 point challenge
1. Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner
2. The Naked Mole Rat Letters by Mary Amato
3. Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
4. The Wright 3 by Blue Baillet
5. Not sure yet
6. My Lady's Treasure by Catherine Kean
7. Artemis Fowl The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer
8.
9. May Bird and the Ever After Book One by Jodi Lynn Anderson or Bird by Rita Murphy
10. Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder
10 point challenge
1. Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs
2. Red Glass by Laura Resau
3. The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan (ARC copy)
4.
5. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
6. Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell
7. Wintersmith A Discworld Novel by Terry Pratchett
8. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
9. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
10. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
15 point task
1. Mudville by Kurtis Scaletta - Sagitarius
2. Home of the Brave by Katherine Alice Applegate
3. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
4.
5.
6. Tiger Moon by Antonia Michaelis translated from the German
7. True Blood by Patricia Waddell and The New Policeman by Kate Thompson
8. I'll pick later
9.
10.
25 points
1. Goddess of the Rose by P.C. Cast or and Raven by Allison van Diepen
2. Wagner by Michael Tanner
3. Must Love Black by Kelly McClymer and The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett
4. Good Omens The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett
5. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
6. The Decline and Fall of the House of Windsor by Donald Spoto
7. Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift (from Pagemaster)
8.
9.
110/550
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8. Get To Know The Author
I read Never Let Me Go and an interview with..."
I loved that book too. I'm looking forward to reading more of his work.

Sara, i do that all the time. I even made a topic about it on TNBBC because i do it in movie, pictures in magazines....

I think that's the best way to experience this book. I'm so glad that I didn't read the reviews on GR first. It was a fast read for me too. I started it in the morning and just had to finish it before I went to bed.

Grave Sight
When I took this book I thought it was one of the Sookie serie. After all the promoting of them by Lori I was so glad I was going to read one. How dissapointed I was when i found out it was of a different serie written by the same author. But I ended up really liking this book.
So this is for the G part.

FIONA (TITCH)- 210
LIZZI - 205
BEV - 190
SHARON - 190
SANDY - 175
LEORA - 165
MEGHAN - 165
PERS - 165
ASHLEY ID - 155
ROS - 150
EVA - 145
SUZIER - 140
KAREN - 135
KRITIKA - 135
LOUISE - 135
KRISTINA - 130
BONNIE - 125
RORA - 125
CASSIE - 120
JOSIE - 120
ALICE - 110
COURTNEY - 110
EL - 110
KRISTEN IL - 110
ANGELA - 100
ANN FROM SC - 100
BETH MN - 100
CAROL - 100
LIZ VEGAS - 100
CAIT - 95
SANDIE - 95
STEPHANIE - 95
SUSAN - 95
APRIL - 90
CYNTHIA - 90
JUDITH IA - 90
KRISTENR - 90
LYNLEE4 - 90
REBECCA - 90
RENFREW - 90
STEPH - 90
CATHEROO - 85
LINDSEY - 85
LIZ BRKLYN - 85
MARY BETH - 85
ROSEANN - 85
SARA - 85
VICTORIA - 85
ALISHA - 80
ANGIE - 80
BECKY - 80
LORI - 80
RORY - 80
BJ ROSE - 75
BRIDGIT - 75
FALLON - 75
JULIE UK - 75
KICKI - 75
JON - 70
KATE - 70
NATALIA - 70
KATHRYN - 65
TINA - 65
LAUREN - 60
RHIANNON - 60
JAMIE MN - 55
JENNY - 55
SUSANNA UK - 55
JOY - 50
KELLY - 50
MAGGIE - 50
NICOLE - 50
RYAN - 50
SERA - 50
ASHLEY AL - 45
ELIZ - 45
ELIZABETH AK - 45
ROBIN - 45
TRACY - 45
WV HEATHER - 45
BETH - 40
JENNIFER MD - 40
MANDAY - 40
CYNDEE - 40
CYNTHIA (SCM) - 40
MEL - 40
MELODY - 40
AMANDA - 35
JEGKA - 35
JEN - 35
LILY - 35
SHANNON - 35
ABBIE - 30
DONNA JO - 30
JESSICA - 30
JOANNA - 30
LIZ NY - 30
MEGAN - 30
DOROTHY - 25
ELIZABETH NC - 25
JAIME 26 - 25
JOANIE - 25
KRISTI - 25
LINDA - 25
MELISSA - 25
AMY - 20
ASHLEY UT - 20
JEANE - 20
POTJY - 20
VICKI - 20
CAITLIN - 15
HEATHER KS - 15
JULIE (ID)'S - 15
NICOLE CA - 15
TOBIE - 15
ALYSSA - 10
LISA CO - 15
RACHEL - 10
JAMIE 23 - 5
JAMIE WA - 5
JENNIFER - 5
JUDITH NY - 5
MICHELLE - 5
SHELBY - 5

Cynthia - can I change the road from the 5 pt. novel read on a mode of transportation to the 15.3 book (past TNBBC book)?
Also can i add "By George" by Wesley Stace as a 15 point..." - taken care of
Kathryn wrote: "Cynthia, I was also wondering if emails or IMs count for the epistolary task? I mean, a book like TTYL and the books in that series?" - Yes those are fine.
Shannon wrote: "Another task completed:
"Book from Big Reads list": The Wind in the Willows: 25 Points
TOTAL POINTS 40" I'm missing the 5 point task you completed so currently I have you at 35 points
Kristina wrote: "Cynthia, how do you figure out the statistics? I think they are pretty cool!" - I use an excel spreadsheet to keep track of what tasks people have completed
Linda wrote: "Cynthia wrote: "Rory wrote: "Another question about Darla's task...can we read a collection of poems if a poem was referenced in a movie?" That would fine with me
Ashley wrote: "Question- I wan..." No for Journey to the Center of the Earth as seen in the movie of the same name for Darla's task
It doesn't matter whether you repost your lists each time or just one book at a time - as long as I can tell from your post what tasks have been completed it's fine with me - and if I can't tell I let you know

5 Points
2. Letters from Yellowstone by Diane Smith
3. Luna by Julie Anne Peters
6. Michelle Obama: First Lady of Hope by Elizabeth Lightfoot
7. Night Chills by Dean Koontz
10. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
10 Points
1. A Swift Pure Cry by Sibohan Dowd
4. The Pact by Jodi Picoult
9. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
10. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
15 Points
3. Dracula by Bram Stoker
5. The Accordion Crimes by Annie Proulx
10. Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic and Sister, Shopaholic and Baby, all by Sophie Kinsella
25 Points
3. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult and The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
4. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
5. A Summer Long Remembered by Sharon Travers
7. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
8. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti
9. Windows into the Earth: The Geologic Story of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks by Robert B. Smith
Total Points Goal: 260

I just finished Sara's 25-point task (12-word title).
Skinny Bitch A No-Nonsense, Tough-Love Guide for Savvy Girls Who Want to Stop Eating Crap and Start Looking Fabulous
That brings my total to 110 points.
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This book was amazing! I've been researching and debating the vegetarian and vegan lifestyles a lot lately. This book has confirmed it for me! No more meat for this family!

I just finished Sara's 25-point task (12-word title).
[b:Skinny Bitch A No-Nonsense, Tough-Love Guide for Savvy Girls Who Want to Stop Eating Crap and Start Looking Fabulous|196613|S..."
Being vegetarian is GREAT - I love food and people think that we only eat lentils and tofu! I've been vegi for 15 years now and I felt so much healthier when I gave it up. Do it!

5 pts, #8-humorous - Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore (3/3)
10 pts, #4-bday author - The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (3/11)
25pts. #4 - Book on big reads - Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (3/10)
Total points to date: 40
If I have to start over from the day I posted to be in on the challenge, let me know and I'll go back to zero. Thanks!

Please forgive me if I've missed the answer to this question, but it looks like you've been answering questions and may have missed mine from yesterday regarding the major literary prize? I've waded through past posts, but haven't seen it anywhere (although it's definitely possible I've missed it!). The question was whether or not the Edgar would count as a "major literary prize". Thanks!!



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5 POINT TASK
#7 For Arbor Day – Do your part to save some trees by listening to an audio book
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (3/9/09 – 3/18/09)
This was a reread. Not the best audio book; prefer to read this one.
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Shelby's Goal: 150 Points (baby steps, right?)
Shelby's Books: "Out of the Silent Planet" (C. S. Lewis) -5 pts.
GO ME!!

Shelby's Goal: 150 Points (baby steps, right?)
Shelby's Books: "Out of the Silent Planet" (C. S. Lewis) -5 pts..."
p.s. That was for 5-pointer #1 (SciFi)

I read A Countess BELOW Stairs by Eva Ibbotson, and SO Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld.
I was not a fan of A Countess. I felt that it was poorly written, with unbelievable and unrealistic characters, very little plot, and a whole lot of unimportant information. It was (I think) over 300 pages, and the hero and heroine, who were supposed to be in love spent maybe 20 pages together... And the dialogue... Ugh! I don't usually read this type of novel, but every so often, I like to read a little light nothing... This makes me remember why I don't do it very often.
On the other hand, I Really liked So Yesterday. It was a fun, quick read, but I enjoyed myself. I really like the creative way Scott Westerfeld writes. Like, in this book there is a character names Futura Garamond- both of which are font types. The entire book is written in Garamond font, and the chapter titles are in Futura. He also adds interesting, seemingly unimportant facts into the story, that end up playing a role in where the story goes. The style of this one felt more like Peeps than any other, but was, at the same time, very original. I liked it!!
That gives me a total now of 155!

Rory

Thanks Pers and Cait- I haven't read any reviews for that I don't think. If I have it's been so long I don't remember.
Some books I will check through what people have thought and some I won't until after I'm finished with the book myself. No idea what my criteria is for it to be honest, I guess I just do whatever I feel like when I start the book.
Thanks for the answers!

I read A Countess BELOW Stairs by Eva Ibbotson, and SO Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld.
I was not a fan of A Countess. I felt that it was poorl..."
Ashley - what a great review for Westerfeld! I will be adding that to my list. Thanks for sharing.
Have you read Truesight? If you like Westerfeld, you'll probably like this book. I wasn't too thrilled with the second book in the series: The Seer. Let me know what you think if you decide to read them or have read them. Toodles...

Readers notice the font the text is printed in? That's important? That book would lose a lot in an audio book, I guess.
I'm more likely to pay attention to the author's writing style, his descriptive ability, and his exploration of characterization.

Elizabeth- As much as I would like to say I noticed the font on my own, the last page tells you. However, they do tell you in the story that both names are a font type (because the main character has an assortment of random facts stored away...). Reading that made me wonder about it, because that is how Westerfeld writes, with little things like that thrown in. It isn't something that would be taken away from the story if you didn't know, but it tells you just how much thought went into the story. It's kind of a neat thing. I liked it.
I definitely pay more attention to the actual writing, but it's fun to know they throw stuff like that in also.

Reading waaay too much Henry the VIIIth folks, sorry :)

5 points:
1. Solaris - Stanislaw Lem (Scifi novel)
8. Best Day of Someone Else's Life - Kerry Reichs (humorous novel)
15 points:
5. I Am Legend - Richard Matheson (book outside my normal genre - horror)
My point count is up to 35
Also, Cynthia, I was wondering if I could add the following to my to-read list:
3. For ANZAC Day – Read a book by an Australian author, set in Australia, OR about Australia. (10 points)
Fat Cats - Gideon Haigh (he's an English-born Australian journalist; born in London, raised in Australia)
Thanks a bunch!

2:84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (3/04/09)
4:From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris (3/10/09)
7: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (3/12/09)
10 POINTS
4:A Great and Terribly Beauty by Libba Bray (3/02/09)
6:Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (3/11/09)
10:All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris (3/03/09)
15 POINTS
6:The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (3/13/09)
8:City Dog by Alison Pace (3/01/09)
25 POINTS
1:The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (3/09/09) and Rebel Angels by Libba Bray (3/16/09)
8:Holes by Louis Sachar (3/17/09) and Life: An Autobiography as Told by Jack Gunthridge by Jack Gunthridge (3/18/09)
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Points: 100
Tasks Completed: 10/40
-Beth MN

Rory" You're Welcome
Bev wrote: "Hi Cynthia -
Please forgive me if I've missed the answer to this question, but it looks like you've been answering questions and may have missed mine from yesterday regarding the major literary pr..." Yes that's fine

LIZZI - 230
FIONA (TITCH)- 210
SANDY - 205
BEV - 190
MEGHAN - 190
SHARON - 190
BONNIE - 165
LEORA - 165
PERS - 165
ASHLEY ID - 155
ROS - 150
EVA - 145
SUZIER - 140
KAREN - 135
KRITIKA - 135
LOUISE - 135
KRISTINA - 130
BETH MN - 125
JOSIE - 125
RORA - 125
CASSIE - 120
ANGELA - 115
ALICE - 110
COURTNEY - 110
EL - 110
KRISTEN IL - 110
ANN FROM SC - 100
CAROL - 100
LIZ BRKLYN - 100
LIZ VEGAS - 100
CAIT - 95
SANDIE - 95
STEPHANIE - 95
SUSAN - 95
ALISHA - 90
APRIL - 90
CYNTHIA - 90
JUDITH IA - 90
KRISTENR - 90
LYNLEE4 - 90
REBECCA - 90
RENFREW - 90
STEPH - 90
CATHEROO - 85
LINDSEY - 85
MARY BETH - 85
ROSEANN - 85
SARA - 85
VICTORIA - 85
ANGIE - 80
BECKY - 80
LORI - 80
RORY - 80
BJ ROSE - 75
BRIDGIT - 75
FALLON - 75
JULIE UK - 75
KICKI - 75
JON - 70
KATE - 70
NATALIA - 70
KATHRYN - 65
TINA - 65
LAUREN - 60
RHIANNON - 60
JAMIE MN - 55
JENNY - 55
SUSANNA UK - 55
JOY - 50
KELLY - 50
MAGGIE - 50
NICOLE - 50
ROBIN - 50
RYAN - 50
SERA - 50
ASHLEY AL - 45
ELIZ - 45
ELIZABETH AK - 45
TRACY - 45
WV HEATHER - 45
BETH - 40
JENNIFER MD - 40
LINDA - 40
MANDAY - 40
CYNDEE - 40
CYNTHIA (SCM) - 40
MEL - 40
MELODY - 40
AMANDA - 35
JEGKA - 35
JEN - 35
LILY - 35
SAI - 35
SHANNON - 35
ABBIE - 30
DONNA JO - 30
JESSICA - 30
JOANNA - 30
LIZ NY - 30
MEGAN - 30
DOROTHY - 25
ELIZABETH NC - 25
JAIME 26 - 25
JOANIE - 25
ALYSSA - 25
KRISTI - 25
MELISSA - 25
AMY - 20
ASHLEY UT - 20
JEANE - 20
POTJY - 20
VICKI - 20
CAITLIN - 15
HEATHER KS - 15
JULIE (ID)'S - 15
NICOLE CA - 15
TOBIE - 15
LISA CO - 15
RACHEL - 10
JAMIE 23 - 5
JAMIE WA - 5
JENNIFER - 5
JUDITH NY - 5
MICHELLE - 5
SHELBY - 5
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