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Cynthia's Seasonal Challenges
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OFFICIAL SPRING CHALLENGE - 2009
I owe Sara SO BIG after this one! I didn't think I'd be able to use this book for this task (or for any task) because I don't eat a wide variety of foods. Especially black foods. But Sara came through with an awesome recipe for Taco Soup (that EVERYONE at my house tonight LOVED!) and I had black beans and black olives in it! THANKS SARA!!!![image error]
9. Read a book with a color in the title AND eat a meal that includes at least 2 foods that are that color (you don’t have to cook it yourself).
- I.E. if you read Stephen King’s The Green Mile (you could have a mixed green salad and pasta with pesto sauce; or a kiwi and a bowl of mint ice cream for dessert).
- Feel free to share recipes with the group if you do make something yummy for this task.
Cynthia- since you are allowing a cookbook for Bonnie's task I was wondering if you would allow The Encyclopedia of Counseling by Rosenthal for that genre I typically do not read task. I have been reading this book (which has over 600 pages for the past month because I am studying to take the National Counselors Exam next Saturday)... I promise that I am reading EVERY page because I HAVE to pass this test (the test was $295.00 and the book was recommended to me).
Just finished task 5-10, read 'The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. Fantastic read, especially for an animal lover!This brings my point total to 325.
Books I've read and the current one is striked:5pts:
4.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
6. Women's History Month: The Lady and the Cad--Tamela Hancock Murray
10pts:
1. St. Patrick's day: Maire Fires of Gleannmara Linda Windsor
3.Anzac Day: Faith in the Great Southland Mary Hawkins
4. Author who was born in May: A Family To Share-Arlene James
5. Magic: The Magician's Nephew C.S. Lewis
6. Earth Day: Moon Called-Patricia Briggs
7. Mother's Day: Killer Cargo-Dana Mentink My mom's name is Maria.
8. Memorial/Armed Forces day: Military Daddy-Patricia Davids
10. TNBBC Date Joined: Eclipse
15Pts:
1. Aries: The Greek's Bridal Purchase
2. Poetry: Where the Sidewalk Ends
3. TNBCC group read: Stardust
4. Read a book where you've visited or will vistit for Spring Break: Bayou Justice Robin Caroll
5. Literary prize award: Robin McKinley
6. Translated: The Fifth MountainPaulo Coelho
7. Rhyming Books: Bridal Veil Cathy Marie Hake and THE LONG TRAIL TO LOVE - H S #753 Pamela Griffin
8. Author interview: Operation Married by Christmas Debra Clopton
9. Color book title: Bluegrass Peril Virginia Smith
10. 3rd,4th and 5th book in series: The Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader-C.S. Lewis
25pts:
1. Karen's task: Glory Be! Ron Benrey
3. Angela's task: The Undomestic Goddess and Can You Keep a Secret? Sophie Kinsella
4. Ros' task: Anne of Green Gables
5. Bonnie's Task: Book outside your normal genre: Simple Genius-David Baldacci I chose to do crime/spy thriller
8. Cassie's task: Confessions of a Serial Kisser Wendelin Van Draanen and If We Kiss Rachel Vail
Total:
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Angela wrote: "Cynthia- since you are allowing a cookbook for Bonnie's task I was wondering if you would allow The Encyclopedia of Counseling by Rosenthal for that genre I typically do not read task. I have been ..."SURE - and goodluck
Hi - Just finished my last 25 pointer! 25.6 (Jon's Task) "A Brief History of British Kings and Queens" by Mike Ashley. This has a quick overview of every British monarch from 700BC to Present Day. It didnt go into much detail about each one, but mostly gave a quick overview so that you could find out which period you were most interested in and delve into that further. I discovered that I really would like to learn more about Victoria and the Stuarts. Total Points: 290
Just wanted to verify with you guys...Is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho translated from Spanish? If so, I'm going to change a couple things. Don't think it will change my point total though cuz it would still be a 15 pointer for me.
Joy wrote: "Just wanted to verify with you guys...Is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho translated from Spanish? If so, I'm going to change a couple things. Don't think it will change my point total though cuz ..."The author is Brazillian. I believe it was originally written in Portugese.
Ashley wrote: "Joy wrote: "Just wanted to verify with you guys...Is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho translated from Spanish? If so, I'm going to change a couple things. Don't think it will change my point total..."That works for me. Thanks Ashley!
for the task of reading a book by an author born in march, april, may..it can be non-fiction?
I have reread Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen for Darla's task. 25.7- Read a book you've either seen in a movie or heard referenced in a movie. It's referenced in The Jane Austen Book Club and in Bridget Jones' Diary I think!This brings my total to 230 pts.
Happy Easter everyone!
25Pt task #5. BONNIE’S TASK - Read a book outside your normal genre(s). Example: Bonnie usually reads YA, fantasy, nonfiction and classics so she'd have to read short stories, plays, mysteries, etc.I read:
Chasing Harry Winston - Lauren Weisberger which is a "chick lit". It drove me absolutely crazy. I wanted to smack these 3 females, especially one of them who was ridiculously selfish and obnoxious. Definately not gonna continue to read "chick lit" books. \\
New total: 205
7. For Arbor Day – Do your part to save some trees by…- Reading an e-book OR
- Listening to an audiobook OR
- By reading a book and “recycling” it - giving it away to someone else like a friend or through an online book swap/trading site or by donating it to a local library or charity.
Passion,Betrayal and Killer Highlights by Kyra Davis - give to a mystery book swap
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15 points4. 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).
The Welsh Girl
total 65 points
Finally finished The Shack for 5.5. 5 Points
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. Down the Rabbit Hole An Echo Falls Mystery
10.
Total: 35
10 Points
1.
2. Rain of Gold
3.
4. Until I Find You A Novel - John Irving (March 2nd)
5.
6. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things
7.
8. Outlander
9. The Eyre Affair
10. The Virgin Suicides
Total: 40 points
15 Points
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. The Witches of Eastwick - John Updike (National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction - 1981)
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. Three Cups of Tea One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time; The Rule of Four; Slaughterhouse-Five
Total: 120 Points
25 Points
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Total: 200 points
Grand Total
395 points, 27 Tasks
Jeane wrote: "for the task of reading a book by an author born in march, april, may..it can be non-fiction?"YES
10 POINTS1.
2. Feathered by Laura Kasischke
3. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
4. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
5. The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam by Ann Marie Fleming
6. Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George
7. Red Glass by Laura Resau
8. Soldier’s Heart: Reading Literature Through Peace and War at West Point by Elizabeth D. Samet
9. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
10. Indignation by Philip Roth
New total: 30
Finished another book :)Sara's Task: A book with twelve or more words in the title
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire.
Fabulous book, highly recommended!
Points total: 90 (not bad since I didn't start until April 1st)
Jon wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "15 Points1. Astro Sign—Leo (royalty): [b:The Queen's Fool A Novel|252499|The Queen's Fool A Novel|Philippa Gregory|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I......"
I am reading that one now.
Good Morning All - Last night I watched "Educating Rita" as part of Darla's Book and a Movie task. Julie Walters is just delightful and Michael Caine is, well, Michael Caine. There are dozens of books both shown and mentioned in the film if anyone is still on the hunt. I wrote down a few: Rubyfruit Jungle, Howards End, Of Human Bondage, Peer Gynt, and anything E.M.Forster.
Thanks Cynthia!! Since I have been spending so much time reading this (and not the books I want to read), I am glad you will count it.
Hayes 90 + 25 + 10 = 125
4. (25 points) ROS’ TASK - Read a book that’s on the big reads list. Little Women - Audio Book (#18 Big reads list)
10. (10 points) Members of the TNBBC have great tastes in books - Jayme’s list (Thank you Jayme!) A Wrinkle in Time
4. (25 points) ROS’ TASK - Read a book that’s on the big reads list. Little Women - Audio Book (#18 Big reads list)
10. (10 points) Members of the TNBBC have great tastes in books - Jayme’s list (Thank you Jayme!) A Wrinkle in Time
Cynthia wrote: "LEADERBOARDDONNA JO - 410
KRISTEN IL - 400
LIZZI - 400
MEGHAN - 395
Hi Cynthia! You've put me down as having 210 points but I've worked it out as 230 points. Have I miss counted or completed a task incorrectly? Hope you've having a good weekend!
Louise
Leora wrote: "Just finished task 5-10, read 'The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. Fantastic read, especially for an animal lover!This brings my point total to 325."
Leora, I read this book earlier this year, and I absolutley loved it. I said that I would never look at my dog the same way again :)
I have read a Fine Red Rain by Stuart Kaminski and The Church of the Dead Girls by Stephen Dobyns for 15 points #7. I have also read The Giant Bathroom Reader edited by Karl Shaw as my humorous novel for 5 point. I have read The Gift of the Magi and other stories by O. Henry. That was Bonnie's task as I usually don't read short stories but the book itself was very good except that he uses many long words that I had to look up. Otherwise I might read some more of his stories again.
I just finished The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman for the 25 points--read a book outside of your normal genre. This is a non-fiction book. I was originally going to use it for pulling a book off of Eva's shelf, but as I got into it, it was hard to read to start with because I am not used to the non-fiction style. I was looking for a chronological story--and this is not that. Once I got into the book, I enjoyed it. It is a wonderful story about World War II and the Polish resistance. If anyone has read this--especially Eva since this was on your shelf:)--I would recommend Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli. It is a fiction version of the same time period told from the point of view of a child that is living in the Ghetto. Not an easy read because of content, but a very well told story.And now I get to go back to Eva's shelves to find another book--what fun!
That puts me at 180 points.
(moving up on 200 which has been my goal--I may need to modify!)
Lindsey wrote: "25Pt task #5. BONNIE’S TASK - Read a book outside your normal genre(s). Example: Bonnie usually reads YA, fantasy, nonfiction and classics so she'd have to read short stories, plays, mysteries, etc..."That's so funny! I have this to-read because of a recommend from a chic-lit loving friend. It sounds like I won't like it either though from what you said- I have read a few though that weren't like that and that I liked!
Kristina-UK wrote: "Finished another book :)Sara's Task: A book with twelve or more words in the title
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire.
Fabulous book, highly recommend..."
You know you can count anything you've read since March 1st if you can fit it into a task right?
Elizabeth (NC) wrote: "I just finished The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman for the 25 points--read a book outside of your normal genre. This is a non-fiction book. I was originally going to use it for pulling a book o..."Thanks Elizabeth- I read a lot of books about that time period and the camps and ghettos. I've heard the name of the author before but never in referance to that and I haven't read anything. I'm going right now to check it out.
I've been kind of wanting to start Zookeeper's for awhile now and other books keep popping up. I think I thought it was fiction and that's why I never started it- I'm much more into non than fiction usually. I just heard about it and grabbed it when I saw it and then promptly forgot I owned it. LOL Thanks for telling us all!
10.5 Garden SpellsI'm not sure what I expected here, but this wasn't it. I think it was trying to be a romance novel with a twist. The author had the nucleus of a fine story then didn't do anything with it. My friend would call this a day book - something you can read in a day and move on.
Jeane wrote: "15 points(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).
The Welsh Girl
.."
Jeane, did you like this book? I read it (last year?) and remember it fondly.
Elizabeth, I really enjoyed the book. It was written so well and very interesting.
Amy wrote: "Good Morning All - Last night I watched "Educating Rita" as part of Darla's Book and a Movie task. Julie Walters is just delightful and Michael Caine is, well, Michael Caine. There are dozens of ..."Thanks, Amy. It's been a hundred years since I saw that movie, but at least I won't have to go watch something just so I can read. ;) Don't know if I will get to this task, but Howard's End is on my list, so there's hope!
So far I have read -
5pt tasks
2. Educating Esme Diary of a Teachers first year by Esme Raji Codell - 5pt. (epistolary)
10pt tasks
1. Hush an Irish princess' tale by Donna Jo Napoli - 10pts. (Ireland)
3. Does my head look big in this by Randa Abdel-Fatah 10pts. (Australia)
15 pt task
1. The Virginity Club by Kate Brian - 15 pts (Virgo the Virgin)
4. Darkly Dreaming Dexter - Jeff Lindsay - 15pts. (Miami is always my spring break destination!)
Grand total is 55 pts. Not bad for a newbie :)
5pt tasks
2. Educating Esme Diary of a Teachers first year by Esme Raji Codell - 5pt. (epistolary)
10pt tasks
1. Hush an Irish princess' tale by Donna Jo Napoli - 10pts. (Ireland)
3. Does my head look big in this by Randa Abdel-Fatah 10pts. (Australia)
15 pt task
1. The Virginity Club by Kate Brian - 15 pts (Virgo the Virgin)
4. Darkly Dreaming Dexter - Jeff Lindsay - 15pts. (Miami is always my spring break destination!)
Grand total is 55 pts. Not bad for a newbie :)
1. Read a Science Fiction OR Fantasy Novel. (Fantasy)For 5 points I read...Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper
4. Read a book by an author who was born in March, April, or May. (May 23)
For 10 points I read...The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
10. March, April, and May are the 3rd, 4th, and 5th months of the year
- Read the third, fourth and fifth books of one series
For 15 points I read...Greenwitch,The Grey King, and Silver On The Tree by Susan Cooper
(New total: 315 points)
The Dark is Rising series is one of my favorites of YA fantasy. It was nice to revisit it again. : )
♡ Eva ♡ wrote: "Elizabeth (NC) wrote: "I just finished The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman for the 25 points--read a book outside of your normal genre. This is a non-fiction book. I was originally going to use ..."Zookeeper's Wife was definitely non-fiction, but in some ways it reads like fiction. There was dialog in it, which is an element usaully absent from non-fiction, and I thought it moved along faster than many non-fiction books do. I really liked it, but there were some parts that were really tough to read.
Nicole wrote: "♡ Eva ♡ wrote: "Elizabeth (NC) wrote: "I just finished The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman for the 25 points--read a book outside of your normal genre. This is a non-fiction book. I was original..."I wonder where I got the idea that it was fiction. Maybe someone said something like you did, about it reading like non and I just took it from there. LOL That definitely moves it up a little bit on my to-read list in my head though! Thanks Nicole!
I was wondering, does Zombie and Key rhyme? I am really bad at this whole rhyming thing... Thanks!
5 POINT TASK COMPLETED:8. April Fool's Day: Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich
Points: 170/575
Tasks Completed: 13/40
For the spring-cleaning task, would it be okay to read a book that you've had at home (unread) for a long time instead than the first book I put on my TBR-list? I've had this certain book unread for several years now, while the first to put on here I've only had for a year or so.
♡ Eva ♡ wrote: "Kristina-UK wrote: "Finished another book :)Sara's Task: A book with twelve or more words in the title
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire.
Fabul..."
Yes I do Eva, but I've not done much reading this year until I found this challenge - shame on me!
I finished the starsign task for 15 points. I'm Capricorn, so had to read a book about art or an artist. I read Girl in Hyacinth Blue, an interesting read about an imaginary, lost Vermeer painting, told through a series of interlinking short stories.[image error]
Total points: 225
This just might be a dumb question.. but can I read non-fiction for the spring break/vacation task #15.4? I wanted to use Country Roads of New Mexico: Drives, Day Trips, and Weekend Excursions by Sally Moore. It's nonfiction... I am visiting New Mexico in the fall (my favorite place) so I was reading this anyway for my upcoming trip. Thanks!
Maliades wrote: "This just might be a dumb question.. but can I read non-fiction for the spring break/vacation task #15.4? I wanted to use Country Roads of New Mexico: Drives, Day Trips, and Weekend Excursions by S..."As far as I know you can use anything you want as long as it concerns the place you've been to/are going. The only thing is I *think* it has to be a plae you've been to/are going in the spring but I could be wrong and Cynthia will chime in when she sees this!
Kathryn wrote: "I was wondering, does Zombie and Key rhyme? I am really bad at this whole rhyming thing... Thanks!"*key* and *bie* rhyme! LOL Not sure if Cynthia would count it or not though but hey, you got that part of the rhyme right! :)
Now, I have a question too! Cynthia- would this book count for the sacrifice task? Alex the Life of a Child
It's by a father whose daughter died. I figured between the two of them you can't scarifice much more. I can tell from the description that there was a ton of sacrifices but I'm not sure how exact this one has to be. I'm going to read it now anyway so I figured I'd count it if I can!
5 POINTS1:Stolen by Kelley Armstrong (4/06/09)
2:84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (3/04/09)
4:From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris (3/10/09)
6:The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne (4/10/09)
7: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (3/12/09)
8:The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson (4/12/09) So funny!! This was my first book by this author but definitely won't be my last!
10 POINTS
3:Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody (3/20/09)
4:A Great and Terribly Beauty by Libba Bray (3/02/09)
6:Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (3/11/09)
7:The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo (4/12/09) My husband and I are expecting our first child later this fall and my mother-in-law gave me this book as a congratulatory gift--and this book was absolutely adorable. Definitely a keeper for future bedtime "chapter" stories when the little one is older.
10:All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris (3/03/09)
15 POINTS
3:The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (4/02/09)
4:Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore (3/30/09)
5:The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald (4/07/09)
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)
4:The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett (3/24/09)
5:The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (3/27/09)
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: 255
Tasks Completed: 20.5/40
-Beth MN
I just realized it was zombies.. Plural. I wanted to read lock and key by Sarah dessen as well as pride & prejudice & zombies...
10 Points6. In honor of Earth Day (April 22) read a book with the word Earth, Moon, Sun or one of the other planets.
The Incredible Origins of the Onyx Sun
Total = 165
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#3
The Wednesday Letters
I liked it. All 3 of the books I've read by thi..."
I almost read this for this challenge and ended up reading something else instead. I'll have to get to it soon!