Barbara's Challenges & Reading Lists discussion
2013 Archived Challenges
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2013 Crazy Connection Challenges
Winter Storm Names Challenge
Duration: December 20, 2012 – March 20, 2013
READ: 25/25
Athena - Dark Paradise - Tami Hoag 12/31/12
Brutus - The Wheat Field - Steve Thayer 12/27/12
Caesar - Sins of the Flesh - Eve Silver 1/9/13
Draco - Speaker for the Dead - Orson Scott Card 2/13/13
Euclid - Shadows in the Darkness - Elaine Cunningham 12/26/12
Freyr - Don't Kill The Messenger - Eileen Rendahl 3/12
Gandolf - Shutter Island - Dennis Lehane 2/19/13
Helen - Midnight Rain - Holly Lisle 1/17/13
Iago - The Dragon Who Loved Me - G.A. Aiken 3/6/13
Jove - Love in a Nutshell - Janet Evanovich 1/3/13
Khan - The Calling - Kelley Armstrong 1/11/13
Luna - The Siren Song - Anne Ursu 1/30/13
Magnus - Into the Dark - Gena Showalter 12/31/12
Nemo - The Taking - Erin McCarthy 3/18/13
Orko - Romeo, Romeo - Robin Kaye 2/26/13
Plato - Monkeewrench - P.J. Tracy 1/19/13
Rocky - Mum's the Word - Kate Collins 12/23/12
Saturn - The Accidental Tourist - Anne Tyler 12/21/12
Triton - Hot Ice - Nora Roberts 1/16/13
Ukko - The Fire Lord's Lover - Kathryne Kennedy 12/24/12
Virgil - The Convicts - Iain Lawrence 1/7/13
Walda - A Notorious Proposition - Adele Ashworth 12/21/12
Xerxes - Body of Sin - Eve Silver 1/9/13
Yogi - Legend of the Jade Dragon - Yasmine Galenorn 2/17/13
Zeus - Killer Instinct - Zoë Sharp 2/9/13
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Winter Scavenger HuntDURATION: December 20, 2012 – March 20, 2013
READ: 15/15
✔1 – The coldest temperature ever recorded in the USA was – 80°F. (or – 62.2°C.) in Prospect creek, Alaska on January 23, 1971. Read a book with a 1, 2, 3, or 8 in total number of pages
Mad Cow Nightmare - Nancy Wright (272 pages) 12/27/12
✔2 – A person who is objective and unemotional is said to possess cold logic. Read a book with a character who is a scientist or in law enforcement OR a book with some sort of artificial intelligence in the story OR a book with a machine on the cover.
The Wheat Field - Steve Thayer (m.c. is a cop) 12/27/12
✔3 – If you don’t like something, you can say that it leaves you cold. Read a book in which a character has to do something s/he doesn’t like to do OR a book with a cover that is predominantly black and white OR a book whose story makes you shiver.
The Accidental Tourist - Anne Tyler (everything the m.c. does is something he doesn't want to do) 12/21/12
✔4 – When you give someone the cold shoulder, you ignore them.
Read a book that is set in cold climate OR a book whose title begins with a letter in COLDSHOULDER
Shadows in the Darkness - Elaine Cunningham (S in coldShoulder) 12/26/12
✔5 – Someone who is left out in the cold is left out of whatever is going on. Read a book in which a character is ignored or left out OR a book that takes place in the winter months (December, January, February) OR a book with snow or ice on the cover.
Dark Paradise - Tami Hoag 12/31/12
✔6 – When you catch a cold or other sickness, your body temperature seldom registers its normal 98.6°F.
Read a book with a 6, 8 or 9 in the year in which it was originally published.
Wake Up Dead: A Thriller - Roger Smith (pub 2009) 12/22/12
✔7 – When you know your subject inside and out, folks might say you know the material cold. Read a book from one of your favorite series or by one of your favorite authors.
Dark Peril - Christine Feehan (favorite author) 12/29/12
✔8 – When you quit cold turkey, you stop all at once.
Read a book with bird on the cover OR a book in which a characters gives up a bad habit or changes direction in some way over the course of the story OR a book with food or drink on the cover or in its title.
Them Bones - Carolyn Haines (food & drink on cover) 12/30/12
✔9 – Murders are often committed in cold blood.
Read a book in which a murder or other crime is committed OR a book with a character who works in a medical field OR a book with a predominantly red cover.
In Harm's Way - Ridley Pearson (murder) 12/29/12
✔10 – During a fistfight, the loser is sometimes knocked out cold.
Read a book in which there is a major argument or fight of some sort between characters OR a book with stars on the cover OR a book in which the author’s first or last initial can be found in OUTCOLD.
Mum's the Word - Kate Collins (C in outCold) 12/23/12
✔11 – Cold comfort is not comforting at all.
Read a book in a genre you don’t usually read OR read what you consider to be a “comfort read.”
Into Thin Air:Mt. Everest Disaster - Jon Krakauer (non fiction) 1/13/13
✔12 – Warriors and soldiers often carry cold steel (knives, bayonets) to be used in combat.
Read a book in which a character is a veteran (any country, any era, any service) OR a book in which war is a major part of the plot OR a book with a weapon on the cover.
Deep Black: Death Wave - Stephen Coonts (hero ex-marine) 1/11/13
✔13 – When you ruin someone’s plans, you throw cold water on them.
Read a book with water on the cover OR a book with a surprise or twist in the plot.
Ship of Destiny - Robin Hobb (water on cover) 1/4/13
✔14 – Blue, green and purple are considered to be cold colors.
Read a book with a predominantly blue, green or purple cover.
Tempest Rising - Nicole Peeler (purple cover) 12/31/12
✔15 – When you return from exile or isolation, you have come in from the cold.
Read a book that you have “exiled” (abandoned or ignored) in the past OR read a book by an author who’s only written one book.
Absolutely, Positively - Heather Webber (I ignored this book since finishing book #2 in 2011) 2/5
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Winter Spell ChallengeDURATION: December 20, 2012 - March 20, 2013
READ: 18/18
S: The Wheat Field - Steve Thayer 12/27
L: Love in a Nutshell - Janet Evanovich 1/3/13
E: Shadows in the Darkness - Elaine Cunningham 12/26
D: Dark Paradise - Tami Hoag 12/31
D: Dark Peril - Christine Feehan 12/29
I: In Harm's Way - Ridley Pearson 12/29
N: Tempest Rising - Nicole Peeler 12/31
G: Q is for Quarry - Sue Grafton 1/24/13
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I: Into the Dark - Gena Showalter 12/31
C: Mum's the Word - Kate Collins 12/23
E: Blood Challenge - Eileen Wilks 1/6/13
F: The Fire Lord's Lover - Kathryne Kennedy 12/24
I: Into Thin Air:Mt. Everest Disaster - Jon Krakauer 1/13/13
S: Sins of the Flesh - Eve Silver 1/9/13
H: Them Bones - Carolyn Haines 12/30
I: The Convicts - Iain Lawrence 1/7/13
N: Mad Cow Nightmare - Nancy Wright 12/27
G: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet - Darynda Jones 2/2/13
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
January Spell Challenge
READ: 6/6
✔W: Leviathan - Scott Westerfield 1/18
✔E: Sins of the Flesh - Eve Silver 1/9
✔I: In Bed With A Stranger - Mary Wine 1/18
✔G: Q is for Quarry - Sue Grafton 1/24
✔H: Hot Ice - Nora Roberts 1/16
✔T: Taking a Shot - Jaci Burton 1/19
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
January Scavenger HuntREAD: 10/10
✔#1. Lose Weight and Get Fit: Q is for Quarry - Sue Grafton (m.c. jogs to stay in shape) 1/24
✔#2. Quit Smoking: Lucky's Lady - Tami Hoag (hero quits feeling sorry for himself) 1/29
✔#3. Learn Something New: Zugzwang - Ronan Bennett (new author) 1/31
✔#4. Eat Healthier and Diet: Ashes to Dust - Yrsa Sigurðardóttir (Y in HEALTHY) 1/22
✔#5. Get out of Debt and Save Money: Into Thin Air:Mt. Everest Disaster - Jon Krakauer (climb up Mt. Everest costs $65,000) 1/13
✔#6. Spend more time with family: A Night Like This - Julia Quinn (about the Smythe-Smith clan) 1/13
✔#7. Travel to New Places: A Trip to the Beach: Living on Island Time - Melinda Blanchard 1/29
✔#8. Be less Stressed: Hot Ice - Nora Roberts (fave author) 1/16
✔#9. Volunteer: Love in a Nutshell - Janet Evanovich (hero mentors struggling entrepreneurs) 1/3
✔#10. Drink Less The Calling - Kelley Armstrong (326 pages) 1/11
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Member of the Month - JANUARY6/6 TASKS
✔1. Barbara loves to read series books, especially paranormal, thriller and mysteries. Read the next book in a paranormal, thriller or mystery series that you’ve already started. If you haven’t started any series in these genres, read the first book in a series that sounds good to you!
Sins of the Flesh - Eve Silver (#3) 1/9
✔2. If she won the lottery, Barbara would pack up and move to Australia. What would you do if you won the lottery?
Magic Lessons - Justine Larbalestier (set in Australia) 1/24
✔3. Barbara’s favorite authors are Diana Gabaldon, Clive Cussler, Tami Hoag, Sherrilyn Kenyon and J.D. Robb. Read a book by one of these authors, or go to Literature Map and read a book by an author who is “close” to one of these authors.
Lucky's Lady - Tami Hoag 1/29
✔4. Her favorite movies are the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. What is your favorite movie – or movie series?
The Convicts - Iain Lawrence (pirates) 1/7
✔5. The most played song on Barbara’s iPod is Animal, by Neon Trees. Read a book whose title begins with a letter in NEONTREES (do not count “The”).
A Night Like This - Julia Quinn (starts with "N") 1/13
✔6. Since Barbara discovered used book stores, she rarely pays full price for a book. In honor of her bargain-hunting skills, read a book that you bought used or that you got for free.
Into Thin Air:Mt. Everest Disaster - Jon Krakauer (library) 1/13
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
February Spell Challenge
READ: 9/9
✔C: Can't Teach an Old Demon New Tricks - Cara Lockwood 2/14
✔L: Legend of the Jade Dragon - Yasmine Galenorn 2/17
✔O: On Call In Hell: A Doctor's Iraq War Story - Cdr. Richard Jadick 2/27
✔U: Unnatural - Michael Griffo 2/28
✔D: Creepers - David Morrell 2/24
✔N: Now or Never - Michele Bardsley 2/11
✔I: Immortal Rider - Larissa Ione 2/22
✔N: Biting Cold - Chloe Neill 4/23
✔E: The Cold Room - J.T. Ellison 2/20
9/9 COMPLETE on 4/23/13
February Scavenger HuntREAD: 7/7
✔1. Read a book that’s considered a classic OR a book with a 0, 1, 8 or 9 in the year it was originally published OR a book in which the “hero” (or heroine) is rejected.
Killer Instinct - Zoë Sharp (published 2001) 2/9
✔2. On an episode of The Simpsons, Bart designs crude insult remarks – like U Stink – for the candy hearts.
Read a book involving siblings OR a book that inspired or is based on a TV show OR a book in which two characters are constantly bickering.
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor - Lisa Kleypas (brothers) 2/1
✔3. In the MMORPG World of Warcraft, during the Love Is In The Air seasonal event, players can give Heart Candies to other characters/players in the game, with messages including “be mine!,” “I’ll follow you all around Azeroth,” and “I LOVE YOU!”
Read a book in which a character flirts with or follows another character OR a book with a heart or candy on the cover OR read a fantasy book.
Agatha Raisin and the Terrible Tourist - M.C. Beaton (heroine chases hero all the way to Cyprus) 2/5
✔4. Read a book with a 0, 1, 2 or 9 in total number of pages.
Legend of the Jade Dragon - Yasmine Galenorn (288 pages) 2/17
✔5. Read a book whose title contains one or more words that are abbreviated or shortened somehow (EXAMPLE: Lovin’, Mr., Won’t) OR a book with a two-word title OR a book whose title could be on a candy heart.
Can't Teach an Old Demon New Tricks - Cara Lockwood (can't=can not) 2/14
✔6. On an episode of Arrested Development, George Michael digs through a bowl of candy hearts looking for the one with the answer he wants.
Read a book where the story ends in the way the main character wants it to end (the girl gets the guy, the bad guy goes to jail, the team wins the game) OR a book with a happy ending.
The Cold Room - J.T. Ellison 2/20
✔7. Read a book whose cover is predominantly the color that corresponds with the number rolled: 2.
The Frog Prince - Jane Porter (mint green) 2/18
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
February Member of the Month - MELISSA5/5 Tasks
✔1) I think the most memorable line I've seen in a MoM Q&A session is THE DISHES MUST DIE!! Read a book whose author initials (first and last) can be found in the fun and now infamous phrase.
Shadow of Night - Deborah Harkness (D & H in dishes) 2/11
✔2) Melissa had some excellent choices for her 3 books to take to a deserted island. Which 3 books would you choose? The first three books in the Outlander series. Outlander, Voyager, Dragonfly in Amber
✔3) Melissa lives in New Mexico. Read a book that takes place in New Mexico or any of the southwest states. We'll go with the 'broad' definition of southwestern states which is as follows: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah.
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet - Darynda Jones (New Mexico) 2/2
✔4) Melissa told us that her mom collects cookbooks. Do you collect anything? If yes, tell us what.
I collect books! I have over 3500 DTBs in my one bedroom apartment.
✔5) Lie Down in Green Pastures was the last book that made Melissa cry. Read a book with a green cover (50% or more of the cover should be green).
Behemoth - Scott Westerfield 2/8
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
March Spell Challenge
READ: 5/5
✔P: In the Shadow of Gotham - Stefanie Pintoff 3/19
✔A: Antarctica - Kim Stanley Robinson 3/13
✔P: The Pleasure of Your Kiss - Teresa Medeiros 3/26
✔E: Don't Kill The Messenger - Eileen Rendahl 3/12
✔R: Superstition - Karen Robards 3/31
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
March Let's Go Fly A Kite Challenge READ: 6/6
✔1. The Miserable Mill - Lemony Snicket (added 3/1/13) 3/10
✔2. Goliath - Scott Westerfeld (dirigible) 3/5
✔3. The Eyre Affair - Jasper Fforde (affair rhymes with air) 3/9
✔4. Delusion in Death - J.D. Robb (m.c. Eve Dallas - "D" in Diamond) 3/6
✔5. The Forgotten - David Baldacci (blue/white cover) 3/14
✔6. Howl's Moving Castle - Diana Wynne Jones (char named Michael) 3/17
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
March Member of the Month - Sarah5/5 Tasks Completed
✔1. Sarah describes herself as Introverted, excitable, perfectionist: Read a book with a title or authors initials that starts with I, E, or P.
The Taking - Erin McCarthy 3/18
✔2. Sarah’s Favourite ice cream flavour is Cookies and Cream. She said “I just can’t quit it.” What is an ice cream flavour/dessert that you are addicted to?
I'm a junk food junkie and will eat any kind of pastry.
✔3.Sarah is from Arizona United States, and states that it is COLD there right now. Read a book that represents the weather where you currently live. If its snowing you could read a book with snow on the cover, or a white cover. If its hot, you could use a beach theme or yellow book cover. Whatever you can come up with just make sure to let us know how your book fits.
Antarctica - Kim Stanley Robinson (winter in NJ/snow on cover) 3/13
✔4.Sarah has been doing Crossfit for a year and a half and says she still can’t do a push-up or pull-up. What is one exercise/stretch/workout that you have difficulty with?
Does all of them count? I really hate to exercise as it takes away from reading. I am uncoordinated and can't really do any of them. Though I keep trying in the privacy of my apartment.
✔5. Sarah is 27 years old and has a weakness for Sonic’s grilled cheese Wacky Paks. =). Read a book with a 2 or 7 in the total number of pages.
In the Shadow of Gotham - Stefanie Pintoff (427 pages) 3/19
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Spring Spell Challenge
DURATION: March 20 - June 20, 2013
READ: 32/32
C: The Fifth Witness - Michael Connelly 3/22
L: Lethal Rider - Larissa Ione 3/22
E: Crocodile on the Sandbank - Elizabeth Peters 4/4
A: Warrior - Zoe Archer 4/11
N: The Next Always - Nora Roberts 4/9
B: Born to Bite - Lindsay Sands 4/13
E: The Curse of the Pharaohs - Elizabeth Peters 4/26
H: Dare to Die - Carolyn Hart 4/6
I: Rogue Rider - Larissa Ione 4/6
N: Biting Cold - Chloe Neill 4/23
D: Double Play - Jill Shalvis 3/20
T: Through Violet Eyes - Stephen Woodworth 3/20
H: Tiger's Quest - Colleen Houck 5/4
E: Shadows in the Starlight - Elaine Cunningham 4/2
C: Spare Change - Bette Lee Crosby 3/21
O: On Stranger Tides - Tim Powers 4/5
U: U is for Undertow - Sue Grafton 4/13
C: Calculated in Death - J.D. Robb 4/22
H: Unearthly - Cynthia Hand 4/4
C: Chopping Spree - Diane Mott Davidson 5/5
L: The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan 4/30
E: The Return of Black Douglas - Elaine Coffman 4/7
A: Angelopolis - Danielle Trussoni 4/18
N: No Mercy - Lori Armstrong 4/19
B: Frost Burned - Patricia Briggs 4/16
A: The Girl Who Disappeared Twice - Andrea Kane 5/2
T: The Ylem - Tatiana Vila 4/29
H: Pushing Up Daisies - Rosemary Harris 5/19
R: Bitten to Death - Jennifer Rardin 4/27
O: Odalisque - Fiona McIntosh 5/30
O: On Dublin Street - Samantha Young 6/14
M: Mrs. Pollifax and the Lion Killer - Dorothy Gilman 3/21
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Spring Cleaning Challenge DURATION: March 20 - June 20, 2013
READ: 16/16
✔1. Read three books that have been on your TBR list for more than a year.
1. Daughter of the Forest - Juliet Marillier (added 2/2009) 4/21
2. Bitten to Death - Jennifer Rardin (added 2/2009) 4/27
3. Born to Bite - Lindsay Sands (added 4/2011) 4/13
✔2. Read two books that you added to your TBR list based on a friend’s recommendation. These need to be from someone you know (real-life or online).
1. London Fields - Martin Amis 6/19 DNF
2. Hannah's Dream - Diane Hammond 6/15
✔3. Read three books from your TBR list that you need to help catch up in a series (or two). (the same series, or from different series).
1. Frost Burned - Patricia Briggs 4/16
2. A Feast for Crows - George R.R. Martin 6/13
3. The Guardian - Sherrilyn Kenyon 6/19
✔4. Read two books from the first page of your Goodreads TBR list (sorted in whatever method you choose). (Sorted shelf To-Read-2013, 206 books, 30 per page, date added)
1. Lion's Heat - Lora Leigh (#2 on page 1) 6/7
2. Rogue's Challenge - Jo Barrett (#5 on page 1) 4/29
✔5. Read two books from the last page of your Goodreads TBR list (sorted in the SAME method that you used for task #4). (Sorted shelf To-Read-2013, 206 books, 30 per page, date added)
1. Bookplate Special - Lorna Barrett (#15 on page 7) 5/4
2. On Stranger Tides - Tim Powers (#18 on page 7) 4/5
✔6. Read two books from your TBR list that are by authors you’ve never read before.
1. White Tiger - Kylie Chan 5/23
2. Devilish - Maureen Johnson 4/14
✔7. Read two books from your TBR list by your favorite author/s.
1. Lethal Rider - Larissa Ione 3/22
2. The Next Always - Nora Roberts 4/9
✔8. Go through your Goodreads TBR list and delete any books you’re no longer interested in reading. Let us know how many you deleted!
1. Forever Amber - Kathleen Winsor (no idea why I added this)
2. Making Money - Terry Pratchet (hated book 1 in series)
3. Black Wizards - Douglas Niles (part of Forgotten Realms series I won't read)
4. The Coral Kingdom - Douglas Niles (part of Forgotten Realms)
5. Darkwalker on Moonshae - Douglas Niles (part of Forgotten Realms)
6. Darkwell - Douglas Niles (part of Forgotten Realms)
7. The Druid Queen - Douglas Niles (part of Forgotten Realms)
8. Prophet of Moonshae - Douglas Niles (part of Forgotten Realms)
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
April Spell Challenge
READ: 8/8
✔A: Warrior - Zoe Archer 4/11
✔C: The Curse of the Pharaohs - Elizabeth Peters 4/26
✔I: Rogue Rider - Larissa Ione 4/6
✔D: Daughter of the Forest - Juliet Marillier 4/21
✔R: The Return of Black Douglas - Elaine Coffman 4/7
✔A: No Mercy - Lori Armstrong 4/19
✔I: Silent Blade - Ilona Andrews 4/8
✔N: The Next Always - Nora Roberts 4/9
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
April Scavenger Challenge - Let's Talk About the Weather!READ: 6/6
✔2. Read a book that takes place in a warm or tropical climate OR read a book with a body of water on the cover.
Dare to Die - Carolyn Hart (lake on cover) 4/6
✔3. Read a book with lots of drama OR a book depicting lightening on the cover OR a book whose author’s initials (first and last) can be found in THUNDERSTORM.
The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan (lightning on cover) 4/30
✔6. Read a book that takes place in the desert or other arid climate OR read a book with a tan or brown cover OR a book with any word in it’s title containing “OO.”
No Mercy - Lori Armstrong (tan cover/takes place in South Dakota) 4/19
✔7. Read a book depicting fire on the cover OR a book with fire in its title (may be part of a compound word) OR a book for which most of the plot revolves around a fire.
Branded by Fire - Nalini Singh (fire in title) 4/27
✔8. Read a book involving many plot twists OR a book that takes place in the Midwest OR a book with clouds (of any kind) on the cover.
A Storm of Swords - George R.R. Martin (many plot twists) 4/25
✔10. Read a book with ice on the cover OR a book with any circular object on the cover OR a book whose title or author name have “ICE” somewhere intact.
The Ylem - Tatiana Vila (circle on cover) 4/29
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
April Member of the Month - Jen 6/6 TASKS
✔1. Jen has lived her entire life in Pennsylvania. (Even though she didn’t say that in her answers, I know because she’s my kid! LOL)
Read a book set in Pennsylvania OR a book by an author from Pennsylvania OR a book in which the first letter of EVERY word in the title can be found in the word PENNSYLVANIA.
- Danielle Trussoni✔2. Her favorite place to read is curled up in her computer chair. Where is *your favorite place to read?
I love to snuggle up on the couch with my legs outstretched and my many cats lying on me.
✔3. Jen says that her favorite movie is the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Read book #1, #2 or #3 in a series. Bonus points if it’s a trilogy and/or a fantasy series :) Be sure to tell us where the book falls in the series.
- Nora Roberts (first in a trilogy) 4/9✔4. There aren’t any authors whose new releases jump to the top of Jen’s TBR list. Tell us which authors' new books DO push everything else farther down your list.
J.R. Ward is really the only author I would stop the presses for.
✔5. Jen loves dogs and the color purple.
Read a book with a dog on the cover or an important part of the story OR a book with a primarily purple cover.
- Andrea Kane (bloodhound plays an important role in recovering the missing child) 5/3✔6. Despite their popularity, Jen can’t stand the Twilight series.
Read a book that does NOT have a vampire in it!
- Maureen Johnson (demons) 4/14CHALLENGE COMPLETE
May Spell Challenge
READ: 11/11
✔F: Forever - Maggie Stiefvater 5/11
✔O: Odalisque - Fiona McIntosh 5/30
✔R: Reason to Breathe - Rebecca Donovan 5/5
✔W: When the Lion Feeds - Wilbur Smith 5/10
✔A: Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye - Victoria Laurie 5/24
✔R: The Rosary Girls - Richard Montanari 5/26
✔D: Deadly Fear - Cynthia Eden 5/29
✔P: Phoenix Rising - Philippa Ballantine 5/2
✔A: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency - Alexander McCall Smith 5/18
✔S: Sleeping Arrangements - Madeleine Wickham 5/29
✔S: Small as an Elephant - Jennifer Richard Jacobson 5/9
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
May Scavenger Challenge - The Kentucky DerbyREAD: 7/7
✔1) The Kentucky Derby, always run on the first Saturday in May, is described as the “Two Most Exciting Minutes in Sports.” Read a book that is second in a series OR a book with two main characters (i.e. twins, husband/wife, siblings) whose relationship is the focus of the book.
Tiger's Quest - Colleen Houck (The Tiger Saga #2) 5/4
✔2) The Kentucky Derby is also known as the “Run for the Roses.” The winning horse has a blanket of 554 roses placed upon it. Read a book with ROSE in the title OR an author or main character named Rose OR read a book with a 4 or a 5 in the publication date.
Florence of Arabia - Christopher Buckley (pub 2004) 5/15
✔3) John and Henry Churchill donated the land upon which Churchill Downs was built in Louisville, KY. The first race took place in 1875. Read a book with an author or main character named John or Henry OR read a book that takes place in the 1800’s OR read a book that takes place on or along a river.
When the Lion Feeds - Wilbur Smith (set in late 1800s) 5/10
✔4) Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home” has been played since 1924 by the University of Louisville Marching Band as the horses are paraded in front of the grand stand. Read a book that takes place in Kentucky OR a book that has a horse on the cover OR a book whose title contains any of the following words – MY, OLD, HOME, SUN, SHINES, BRIGHT, or SUMMER.
The Castings Trilogy - Pamela Freeman (horse on cover) 5/26
NOTE: I read the first book in the trilogy (459 pages). The other two will have to be read later.
✔5) Only 3 year old thoroughbred horses are permitted to run in the Kentucky Derby. The Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown and is the only leg that has run consecutively since 1875 (the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes are the second and third legs). Read a book that is third in a series OR a book which contains a “3” in the number of total pages.
Forever - Maggie Stiefvater (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) 5/11
✔6) Traditionally, the mint julep is served at the Derby. The drink consists of bourbon, mint, and simple syrup. Read a book with a green cover OR read a book that ‘refreshes’ you (i.e. happy ending, comfort read, new insights).
Crown of Crystal Flame - C.L. Wilson 5/17
✔7) Secretariat ran the fastest Derby at 1 minute, 59 seconds in 1973. His record stands to this day. Read a ‘fast’ book (action / adventure / suspense / thriller) OR a book in which a character ‘stands above the crowd’ or is the best in anything OR a book written in the 1970’s.
Tin Swift - Devon Monk (steampunk action thriller) 5/31
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
May Member of the Month - Camilla 5/5 Tasks Completed
✔#1. Camilla says the two most played songs on her IPOD are Eminem's "White Trash Party" or Phil Collins' "Groovy Kind of Love" Read a book starting with a letter found in “WHITE TRASH PARTY” AND author’s first OR last initial found in “GROOVY KIND OF LOVE”.
- Rebecca Donovan 5/5✔#2. If Camilla had $20 to spend on a book she would pick up Navigating Early(hardcover) What book would you buy?
I would head on over to the used book sale and load up with a bunch of paperbacks.
✔#3. If Camilla was to change her name, she would pick “Eowyn or Aurora”. Read a book where the NAME of the colour on the cover starts with a letter in EOWYN or AURORA. Look HERE for a list of crayola colour names/swatches (ex. White, Yellow, red, almond, orange, wild strawberry etc..) Make sure to tell us the colour and please post the bookcover. Please only use from the STANDARD COLOUR LIST. The Colour should be at least 50% of the cover.
- Wilbur Smith (orange) 5/10✔#4. The last book that made Camilla shed some tears was Never Let Me Go. What is the last book that made you reach for your Kleenex?
- Colleen Houck 5/4✔#5. One of Camilla’s favourite tv shows was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This show ran from 1997-2003. Read a book published between 1997-2003 OR read a book with a 1,9,7,2,0, 0r 3, in the total number of pages.
- Diane Mott Davidson (pub 2002) 5/5CHALLENGE COMPLETE
June Spell Challenge
READ: 11/11
13th = Lace
✔L: Lion in the Valley - Elizabeth Peters 6/11
✔A: Everneath - Brodi Ashton 6/18
✔C: Whiplash - Catherine Coulter 6/20
✔E: The Skull Mantra - Eliot Pattison 6/14
15th = Crystal
✔C: Demon Hunts - C.E. Murphy 6/28
✔R: Before I Wake - Rachel Vincent 6/9
✔Y: On Dublin Street - Samantha Young 6/14
✔S: Six Seconds - Rick Mofina 6/30
✔T: This Dark Endeavour - Kenneth Oppel 6/26
✔A: Everbound - Brodi Ashton 6/25
✔L: Magic's Child - Justine Larbalestier 6/28
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
June Scavenger HuntREAD: 7/7
✔1. 1st ANNIVERSARY
The modern gift is clocks: Lion's Heat - Lora Leigh ("L" in cLocks) 6/7
✔2. 5th ANNIVERSARY
The modern gift is silverware: Someone Like You - Roald Dahl (published 1953) 6/7
✔3. 10th ANNIVERSARY
The modern gift is diamond jewelry: A Feast for Crows - George R.R. Martin (1060 pages) 6/13
✔4. 25th ANNIVERSARY
The modern gift is silver: Shadow Woman - Linda Howard (Published 12/2012) 6/4
✔5. 30th ANNIVERSARY
The modern gift is diamond: The Rising - Kelley Armstrong (#3 in Darkness Rising series) 6/23
✔6. 35th ANNIVERSARY
The modern gift is jade: Lover At Last - J.R. Ward ("J" in Jade) 6/4
✔7. 50th ANNIVERSARY
The modern gift is gold: Dark Mirror - Mary Jo Putney (begins with D) 6/25
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
June Member of the Month - Joanne4/4 Tasks
1. Joanne told us she likes reading, sewing, running and eating (excellent choices!). Participate in one of her hobbies by reading a book about books OR a foodie fiction novel OR a book featuring any type of 'string craft' - i.e. sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, weaving.
I have nothing slated to read for this task so I'm skipping it.
✔2. Several books are on Joanne's nightstand, patiently waiting to be read. List 3-5 books that you plan to read after finishing your current book(s).
I currently have 3 books I'm reading subsequently so I'll list the next 5 books.
Dark Mirror - Mary Jo Putney
Demon Hunts - C.E. Murphy
Dragon Unmasked - Kathleen Nance
Magic's Child - Justine Larbalestier
Time Untime - Sherrilyn Kenyon
✔3. Read one of your choices listed in task #2.
Dark Mirror - Mary Jo Putney 6/25
✔4. Joanne is a big fan of tattoos. How about you? Do you like them? Do you have any? Do you ever want to get any?
I never liked individual tattoos but I find that I now like "sleeve" tattoos. I find it really neat the way they can find a design (or interconnected designs) that flow up the arm and spill over the shoulder down through the pec. I find these really sexy. And no, I personally don't have any tattoos nor do I want one.
✔5. Boyfriend Nick (of 9 years) and Maltese puppy Lucky keep Joanne company. Read a book featuring a Nick (Nicholas, Nichole, Nicky, etc. are okay) as author or main character OR read the 9th book in a series OR read any book with a dog as pet or character.
Everneath - Brodi Ashton (heroine is Nikki) 6/18
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Summer Spell Challenge
DURATION: June 20 - September 20
READ: 25/25
F: The Friday Society - Adrienne Kress 7/4
O: This Dark Endeavour - Kenneth Oppel 6/26
U: Under Your Spell - Lois Greiman 7/3
R: The Rising - Kelley Armstrong 6/23
S: M Is for Malice - Sue Grafton 6/24
C: Black Dawn - Rachel Caine 7/2
O: Delirium - Lauren Oliver 7/13
R: Six Seconds - Rick Mofina 6/29
E: The Deeds of the Disturber - Elizabeth Peters 7/25
A: Everbound - Brodi Ashton 6/25
N: Dragon Unmasked - Kathleen Nance 6/30
D: Dark Mirror - Mary Jo Putney 6/25
S: Shades of Midnight - Lara Adrian 7/17
E: Enchantment - Orson Scott Card 7/29
V: Valley of Dust - Karoleen Vry Brucks 6/29
E: The Snake, the Crocodile & the Dog - Elizabeth Peters 8/13
N: NOS4A2 - Joe Hill 7/18
Y: Briar Rose - Jane Yolen 7/6
E: Meet Me in Venice - Elizabeth Adler 7/4
A: The Immortal Fire - Anne Ursu 7/20
R: Fatal Voyage - Kathy Reichs 7/15
S: Scales And A Tail - Stormy Glenn 6/30
A: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - Seth Grahame-Smith 8/4
G: The Darkest Edge of Dawn - Kelly Gay 7/5
O: The Rook - Daniel O'Malley 7/24
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Summer Seasonal Challenge - 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg DURATION: June 20 - September 20
READ: 15/15
✔1. Briar Rose - Jane Yolen (historical fiction/holocaust) 7/6
✔2. Read a book in which every word in the title begins with letters in either ROBERTELEE or GEORGEGMEADE.
Over the Edge - Suzanne Brockmann (OTE in rObErTelee) 7/31
✔3. Read a book in which a war occurs OR a book over 500 pages long OR a non-fiction book of your choice dealing with any history topic, any military subject or anything related to any aspect of North America.
Dark Mirror - Mary Jo Putney (WWII) 6/25
✔4. Read a book in which a character’s religion/faith plays an important role OR a book set in a small town.
Six Seconds - Rick Mofina (antagonist is a religious fanatic) 6/29
✔5. Read a book in which a character’s actions are unexpected OR a book with a major twist in the plot.
The Rook - Daniel O'Malley (Major plot twist) 7/24
✔6. Read a book set in Maine or Pennsylvania OR a book in which a knife/sword fight occurs.
Clockwork Princess - Cassandra Clare (sword fight) 8/2
✔7. Read a book whose title contains at least one of these words: CEMETERY, HILL, DEVIL, DEN, WHEAT, FIELD, PEACH, ORCHARD, LITTLE, ROUND, TOP, BATTLE, CIVIL or WAR.
Little Shop of Homicide - Denise Swanson 10/22
✔8. Read a book in which a character is in grave danger OR a book with a tree/plant on the cover or in the title.
Demon Hunts - C.E. Murphy (trees on cover) 6/28
✔9. Read a book in which a main character works in a medical field OR a book with a mode of transportation on the cover or in its title.
Dragon Unmasked - Kathleen Nance (heroine is a doctor) 6/30
✔10. On the Confederate side were James Longstreet, Richard Ewell, Ambrose Hill, Henry Heth, John Bell Hood, J.E.B. Stuart, Edward Alexander, Lewis Armistead, Jubal Early, and James Pettigrew. Officers on the Federal side included John Buford, John Reynolds, Abner Doubleday, Winfield Hancock, Henry Hunt, Daniel Sickles, George Custer, Alexander Webb, and Frank Haskell. READ a book with a character or author who shares a first or last name with one of these men. (Names must match exactly and must be how the character is addressed throughout the book. If a character is named James but called Jim or Jimmy, that won't count.)
Meet Me in Venice - Elizabeth Adler (antihero is Bennett James) 7/4
✔11. Read book #5, 6 or 9 in a series OR an author’s 5th, 6th or 9th published book OR the 5th, 6th or 9th book YOU have read by the same author.
A Highlander's Homecoming - Melissa Mayhue (Daughters of the Glen #6) 7/10
✔12. Read a book with a 0, 2, 3 or 5 in its original publication date.
The Rising - Kelley Armstrong (published 2013) 6/23
✔13. Read a book with a main character under the age of 21 OR a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in JENNIEWADE.
This Dark Endeavour - Kenneth Oppel (hero 16) 6/26
✔14. Read a book with a 2 or 7 in its total number of pages OR a book of poetry OR a book that’s a "sleeper" – not on everyone’s "best books" list, but rising in popularity anyhow.
With Red Hands - Stephen Woodworth (307 pages) 7/9
✔15. Read the book The Killer Angels OR a book in which a character plays an unexpected role OR a book by one of your favorite authors.
A Cold-Blooded Business - Dana Stabenow (fave author) 7/8
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
July Spell Challenge
READ: 18/18
✔J: The Chocolate Frog Frame-Up - JoAnna Carl 7/27
✔A: Dawn in Eclipse Bay - Jayne Ann Krentz 7/3
✔M: The Map of Lost Memories - Kim Fay 7/30
✔O: The Rook - Daniel O'Malley 7/24
✔C: A Cold-Blooded Business - Dana Stabenow 7/8
✔H: A Highlander's Homecoming - Melissa Mayhue 7/10
✔A: The Immortal Fire - Anne Ursu 7/20
✔A: Black Friday - Alex Kava 7/27
✔L: Coyote's Mate - Lora Leigh 7/14
✔M: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey - Trenton Lee Stewart 7/26
✔O: Delirium - Lauren Oliver 7/13
✔N: NOS4A2 - Joe Hill 7/18
✔D: Hot Head - Damon Suede 7/11
✔F: The Friday Society - Adrienne Kress 7/4
✔U: Under Your Spell - Lois Greiman 7/3
✔D: The Deeds of the Disturber - Elizabeth Peters 7/25
✔G: The Darkest Edge of Dawn - Kelly Gay 7/5
✔E: Enchantment - Orson Scott Card 7/29
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
July Scavenger Challenge - Ice Cream READ: 7/7
✔1. We have Former President Ronald Regan to thank for declaring July the National Ice Cream Month in 1984. Read a book with a 1, 9, 8, or 4 in the total number of pages OR a book where the author or main character’s first or last initial is “R.”
A Highlander's Homecoming - Melissa Mayhue (384 pages) 7/10
✔2. It’s believed that China first made frozen flavored ices and that Marco Polo carried the concept to Italy, where in the 1500’s ice cream was developed. Read a book set in China or Italy OR read a book that involves travel OR a book whose title contains a word that starts with “M” and a word that starts with “P.”
Meet Me in Venice - Elizabeth Adler (set in China AND Italy) 7/4
✔3. The first ice cream parlor in the US is sometimes credited to Philadelphia and sometimes to New York City, but sources agree that the opening date occurred during the American Revolution. Read a book set in Philadelphia, NYC, or any other major US city OR read a book set during the late 1700’s OR read a book with a red, white, and/or blue cover.
With Red Hands - Stephen Woodworth (red/white cover) 7/9
✔4. Immigrants arriving on Ellis Island were given ice cream as part of their welcoming to America. Read a book that involves a main character leaving one country and going to another (could be immigration, could be travel) OR a book set in NYC OR a book whose cover shows any US landmark on its cover.
Hot Head - Damon Suede (set in NYC) 7/11
✔5. Charles E. Minches showed off his newly developed ice cream cone at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. Read a book that involves a fair / festival / circus OR read a book set in St. Louis OR read a book outside the country in which you currently live (remember to tell us where you live and the country in which your book is set).
Under Your Spell - Lois Greiman (set in england/I live US) 7/3
✔6. Not too long before the ice cream cone was unveiled, Alfred Cralle patented the ice cream scoop in 1897. Read a book with a circular object on the cover OR a book in which something is invented OR a book published in any year containing an 8, 9, or 7.
The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman (gold seal on cover) 7/26
✔7. Even with the almost overwhelming choices of ice cream types and flavors, according to a 2010 national survey, vanilla is still the hands-down favorite. Read a book with a white or cream-colored cover OR a any general fiction book.
Undercover - Lauren Dane (cream-colored cover) 7/7
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
July Member of the Month - Angie5/5 Tasks
✔1. Angie's favorite things about herself are her eyes and her honesty.
Read a book with a main character who is honest or a book with eyes on the cover.
Delirium - Lauren Oliver (eyes, well eye) 7/13
✔2. The first book Angie remembers reading was Dr. Suess' Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!. Which is the first book *you* remember reading?
I remember reading tons of books but the only thing that sticks is Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys. I know I read every single one of both series and loved them. Though I tried to read a Nancy Drew last year, I H.A.T.E.D. it and thought it was stupid and unrealistic but that's with a grown-up mind!
✔3. Angie mostly reads books of the Christian Contemporary Fiction or Romantic Suspense genre.
Read a book that is tagged "Christian"/"Contemporary Fiction"/"Romance"/"Suspense" on its main page.
Hot Head - Damon Suede (MM romance) 7/11
✔4. Angie shared with us a heartwarming story of a miracle involving her baby son, Jacob. Have you heard of or been witness to a miracle? If so, do share.
Nope, nothing sorry.
✔5. The book that last made Angie cry was The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Read a book with one of the following words: "Fault"/"Our"/"Star" in the title or read a book by an author/with a character named "John" or "Green" (common variations - Jon/Johnny/Greene - work, whereas Jonathan/Joanna/Greenberg etc, do not).
Last Man Standing - Cindy Gerard (m.c. is Joe Green) 8/5
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
August 2013 Spell Challenge
READ: 11/11
✔B: The Big Sleep - Raymond Chandler 8/16
✔E: The Seventh Sinner - Elizabeth Peters 8/28
✔S: The Sweetest Thing - Jill Shalvis 8/28
✔I: Taking Eve - Iris Johansen 8/10
✔D: Deep Six - Clive Cussler 8/23
✔E: The Snake, the Crocodile & the Dog - Elizabeth Peters 8/13
✔S: Scoundrel - Zoe Archer 8/18
✔A: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - Seth Grahame-Smith 8/4
✔F: Frog King, The: A Love Story - Adam Davies 8/11
✔A: The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf - Molly Harper8/3
✔N: Naked Edge - Pamela Clare 8/3
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
August 2013 Scavenger Challenge-Perfect Summer Day of Reading READ: 8/8
✔#1. Our perfect Summer day of reading is about to begin. What time does your day start at? Tell us the time and then read a book that has at least one of those numbers in the publication date. (5:30 am)
Clockwork Princess - Cassandra Clare (published 3/19/2013) 8/2
✔#2. Is your summer day of reading spent alone? Or is someone else joining you? Tell us your answer and then either read a stand alone book ( if you are spending the day alone) or #1, #2, #3 etc. in a series to represent how many people you are sharing this day with. (I read alone)
Chasing Fire - Nora Roberts (stand alone) 8/21
✔#3.Its finally time to read. Where is this going to take place? At the beach? Outside under a tree? In your air conditioned house? Tell us your answer then read a book to represent your choice. You can use the cover of a book, plot in the story, words in the title, or even spell it out.
✔U: Unspoken - Sarah Rees Brennan 8/8
✔N: Fruits Basket, Volume 01 - Natsuki Takaya 8/11
✔D: Barely Breathing - Rebecca Donovan 8/12
✔E: The Snake, the Crocodile & the Dog - Elizabeth Peters 8/13
✔R: The Big Sleep - Raymond Chandler 8/16
✔A: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - Seth Grahame-Smith 8/4
✔F: Frog King, The: A Love Story - Adam Davies 8/11
✔A: The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf - Molly Harper 8/3
✔N: Naked Edge - Pamela Clare 8/3
✔#4. On your perfect summer day of reading, what is the temperature inside or outside? Tell us your answer then read a book with one of those numbers in your total number of pages.
(I hate the heat so I'd prefer 65 degrees)
Unwanted - Kristina Ohlsson (357 pages) 8/21
✔#5. What are you reading on this perfect summer day? Read a book you would read if you had a whole day that was just dedicated to reading.
The Well of Shades - Juliet Marillier (621 pages) 8/7
✔#6. All this reading has made you hungry, time for a snack. What are you eating/drinking? Tell us your answer then read a book to represent your choice. You can use either the cover of the book, plot in the story, words in the title, or even spell it out. (I'm a junk food eater so pie would work.)
A Brisket, a Casket - Delia Rosen (pie/cookies on cover) 8/13
✔#7. If you are like me, you may not remember this perfect day without taking a photo. Read a book that has a photograph on the cover, no illustrations please.
The Last Boyfriend - Nora Roberts (photo in frame) 8/31
✔#8. Our perfect summer day of reading is done! Maybe if we are lucky we will be able to sneak at least one more of these days in this summer. =) Read a book where the first letter of EVERY word in the title can be found in PERFECTSUMMERDAY. The title of your book must be at least 2 words.
The Ugly Duchess - Eloisa James (perfecTsUmmerDay) 8/13
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
August Member of the Month - Sallie6/6 TASKS COMPLETE
✔1. Sallie is originally from Georgia but now lives in Illinois.
Read a book set in one of these two states or a state that borders one of them (Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota or Wisconsin).
A Brisket, a Casket - Delia Rosen (Tennessee) 8/11
✔2. She says that her reading tastes have changed since joining Goodreads. Have yours changed? What did you read “before” Goodreads? And what do you read now?
Before GRs I read mostly romances (contemporary and historical) and mystery. After GRs I read practically anything but the biggest surprise is fantasy which I wouldn't have touched before. I still don't read NF unless I absolutely have to (for a challenge) and biographies are completely out.
✔3. If she had to change her first name, Sallie would change it to J'vay Jeaniene, because that’s what her mother wanted to name her.
Read a book by an author who writes under at least two different names.
Chasing Fire - Nora Roberts (J.D. Robb) 8/21
✔4. She has two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Jezebelle (8) and Rastus (9), who are her babies. Corgis are known for their short legs, so read the shortest book on your TBR list that’s still over 150 pages.
Fruits Basket, Volume 01 - Natsuki Takaya (211 pages) 8/11
✔5. Sallie has an extensive collection of antique flamingos. What do you collect (besides books!)?
I purchased a bride and groom Pocket Dragon for my brother's wedding gift and fell in love with them. I collected almost all of them but when I got crazy involved in reading, I needed the space for bookshelves so I sold them. Right now I don't collect anything except cats. (I have 6!)
Winter Kiss - Deborah Cooke (dragon shifter) 8/14
✔6. Sallie describes herself as sassy, silly, and having a wicked sense of humor. Read a book with a sassy character OR a book that is shelved as “humor” on the main Goodreads page for that book.
Unspoken - Sarah Rees Brennan (m.c. is sassy indeed!) 8/8
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
September Spell Challenge
READ: 8/8
✔S: Scarlet Nights - Jude Deveraux 9/20
✔U: Unzipped - Lois Greiman 9/2
✔N: Aunt Dimity's Death - Nancy Atherton 9/8
✔C: The Crystal Cave - Mary Stewart 9/4
✔R: Rebel - Zoe Archer 9/8
✔I: Ink Flamingos - Karen Olson 9/17
✔S: The Sisters Brothers - Patrick deWitt 9/28
✔P: The Perfect Hope - Nora Roberts 9/21
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
September Scavenger Challenge - A is for AppleREAD: 7/7
✔1. Red and Golden Delicious apples are one of the most recognized types of apples in the US. Although their popularity has been declining. Though both varieties were discovered in the USA at the end of the 19th century, and both are sweet apples, they are from completely different botanical varieties. ►Read a book with a red or yellow cover (at least 50%) OR read a book whose title contains “RED” or “GOLD,” OR read a book whose author’s first and last initials are RG or GR. Remember to post the cover if using that option to fulfill the task. Note - if using 'red' or 'gold' in the title, the word does NOT have to stand alone. For example, you could use The Red Scarf, but The Redbreast or A Hundred Summers would also work.
Written in Red - Anne Bishop (red in title) 9/16
✔2. The Granny Smith apple is the most instantly recognized apple. The apple was originally exported from Australia and has a very sharp acidic taste. The Granny Smith apple is the apple used for the logo in the Beatles’ company “Apple Records.” ►Read a book that takes place in Australia OR a book with a green cover (at least 50%) OR read a book having a musical theme. Remember to post the cover if using that option to fulfill the task.
When Is A Pig A Hog?: A Guide To Confoundingly Related English Words - Bernice Randall (green cover) 9/6
✔3. Pink Lady® was one of the first apples to be marketed under a brand name rather than the name of the varietal. The Pink Lady® requires a very long growing period in a hot climate. It’s grown in South Africa, the southern USA, southern Europe, and Australia. ►Read a book that has anything to do with business and/or marketing (someone starting a business, running a business, etc.) OR a book with a pink cover OR a book that occurs in Africa or any of the southernmost American Southern states(Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana). Remember to post the cover if using that option to fulfill the task.
Damn Him to Hell - Jamie Quaid (pink cover) 9/28
✔4. According to Wikipedia, 69 million tons of apples were grown in 2010. China produced almost half of that total, followed by the US, Turkey, Italy, India, and Poland. ►Read a book whose setting is in China, Turkey, Italy, India, or Poland OR read a book whose setting is Washington State (in the US) OR a book with ‘69’ intact in the book’s number of pages (i.e. 269, 690). BTW, if NOS4A2 is on your TBR, it is 692 pages - just saying!
Red Phoenix - Kylie Chan (set in Hong Kong/China) 9/26
✔5. The proverb “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” derives from Wales during the 19th century; however, it was J.T. Stinson who popularized the slogan during the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. ►Read a book that involves the medical or any health field OR read a book whose author initials are any combination of J.T.S. (JT, TS, SJ) OR read a book containing any major regional, national, or worldwide event. Remember to tell us what the event is.
The Woman Who Swallowed a Toothbrush: And Other Weird Medical Case Histories - Rob Myers (true medical stories) 9/4
✔6. About 4.4 lbs. (2 kg.) of fresh apples are needed to produce 2.1 pints (1 litre) of apple cider. Apple cider has a short shelf life and is drunk during Autumn celebrations. It is the official drink of New Hampshire. ►Read a short book (between 150-200 pages) OR read a book that takes place in New Hampshire OR a book that takes place in the fall.
Dark Moon - Rebecca York (208 pages) 9/17
✔7. Write your own task! I covered only a very few apple varieties in this challenge. If you haven’t done so already, check out http://www.orangepippin.com/apples which is an awesome website with almost anything you could want to know about any type of apple grown. Pick your favorite apple, or an apple that sounds intriguing and write a task. Remember to tell us your task! For example, I’m choosing the “Irish Peach Apple” because it sounds intriguing. My task will be to read a book that takes place in Ireland or the United Kingdom.
Emissary - Fiona McIntosh (used McIntosh Apple) 9/11
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
September Member of the Month - Lori 6/6 TASKS COMPLETE
✔1. Lori lives in Wisconsin, and loves the change of seasons, but she could do without all the snow.
Read a book according to your least favorite season: a book with a pastel colored cover for spring, blue for summer, red/orange for fall, white for winter.
Rebel - Zoe Archer (I hate summer!) 9/8
✔2. One of Lori's favorite books is Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, and one of her favorite movies is the Liz Taylor version of the book.
Has there been any book that you've loved/liked that has been made into a movie that you also liked? If so, do share!
I'm not much for movies so I can't think of any right off the top of my head.
✔3. Lori cannot stand author Stephen King even though she's tried several times. Read a book whose title shares a word with one of Stephen King's books from this list of his works.
Dark Moon - Rebecca York (Dark Tower) 9/17
✔4. Among Lori's favorite authors are many cozy mystery authors, and she keeps finding more of them to read all the time.
In honor of this, start a new series! Read book #1 from a new series in your favorite genre. The book you read must be published after Jan 01, 2012.
Written in Red - Anne Bishop (The Others #1, pub 2013) 9/16
✔5. Lori would love to meet her paternal grandfather if she could, who died before she was born.
Who would you like to meet if you could, and why?
Rick Springfield because he was my teenage crush and I still love his music.
✔6. Lori once had a dog she called Poppy Seed after she read a book about a dog called Poppy Seed.
Read a book whose author's initials are in the word "POPPYSEED".
The Sisters Brothers - Patrick deWitt (P & D in PoppyseeD) 9/28
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Fall Spell Challenge
DURATION: September 21 - December 20
READ: 20/21
A: Temptation Rising - A.C. Arthur 10/31
D: Damn Him to Hell - Jamie Quaid 9/28
O: Once Upon a Tower - Eloisa James 10/8
P: The Perfect Hope - Nora Roberts 9/21
T: 12th of Never - James Patterson 9/26
A: White Heat - Cherry Adair 11/2
S: The Sisters Brothers - Patrick deWitt 9/28
H: Hunted - P.C. Cast 10/5
E: Death Magic - Eileen Wilks 9/30
L: Affliction - Laurell K. Hamilton 11/9
T: Ugly Beautiful - Seanpaul Thomas 10/1
E: Mortal Ties - Eileen Wilks 10/15
R: Bitter Blood - Rachel Caine 9/23
D: Blood Lies - Daniel Kalla 10/3
O: Such Wicked Intent - Kenneth Oppel 10/26
G: Sizzle - Julie Garwood 9/29
M: Spirit Dances - C.E. Murphy 9/29
O:
N: No Way Back - Andrew Gross 10/19
T: Guilty as Sin - Tami Hoag 10/13
H: Highlander's Curse - Melissa Mayhue 10/16
Fall Scavenger Challenge DURATION: September 21 - December 20
READ: 18/18
Choose one monthly celebration from the list above for EACH month, September through December. Let us know which celebration you've chosen, then read a book in which the first letter of EVERY WORD in the title appears in the name of that celebration. To use a letter more than once, it must appear in the phrase more than once. Book titles must be at least three words long!
✔1. September: Little League Month
A Hoe Lot of Trouble - Heather Webber (LiTtle leAgue mOntH) 10/30
✔2. October: Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
Aunt Dimity and the Duke - Nancy Atherton (ADopt A shelTer Dog) 10/6
✔3. November: Aviation History Month
Too Hot to Handle - Robin Kaye (aviaTion HisTory montH) 10/9
✔4. December: Write a Friend Month
The Far West - Patricia Wrede (Write a Friend monTh) 9/26
Choose one weekly celebration from the list above for October and one for November. Tell us which celebration you've chosen, then read a book by an author whose initials can be found in that week’s celebration. ALL INITIALS COUNT!! If the author’s middle name or initial is on the book, that letter must be in the name of the celebration.
✔5. October: The Bone Bed - Patricia Cornwell (Pastoral Care week) 10/28
✔6. November: Raven Calls - C.E. Murphy (CeMistry wEek) 10/6
✔7. September 26 is Johnny Appleseed Day. Read a book in which a character plants/maintains a garden, orchard, etc. OR read a retelling of a traditional folk tale or fairy tale OR read a book with a tree on the cover. Trees only, no other plants will be accepted! Be sure to post the book cover.
Once Upon a Tower - Eloisa James (Rapunzel fairytale) 10/8✔8. September 29 is Confucius Day. Go to Fortune Cookies , and click on one of the cookies to get your fortune. Tell us the fortune you got, then read a book that somehow relates to your fortune. Be sure to tell us the connection! My fortune: Romance comes into your life this year in a very unusual sort of way.
Healing the Highlander- Melissa Mayhue (time travel romance) 10/7✔9. October 2 is Name Your Car Day. Tell us what you call your car, then read a book whose title begins with the same letter as your car’s name. (Do not count A, An or The!) If you haven’t named your car, use the make of your car to complete this task (i.e., Honda, Mercedes, Pontiac).
Hearts of Smoke and Steam - Andrew Mayer (car not named but it's a Honda) 10/17✔10. October 7 is World Smile Day. Read a book that makes you smile – and tell us why!
Blood Rites - Jim Butcher (Harry Dresden is the funniest wizard. He just cracks me up.) 10/29✔11. October 16 is Dictionary Day. Read a book whose title includes at least 15 different letters of the alphabet.
My Life As a White Trash Zombie - Diana Rowland (MYLIFEASWHTRZOB=15) 12/6✔12. October 30 is Candy Corn Day. Read a book whose cover is orange, yellow, white and/or brown. NO OTHER COLORS except black! Be sure to post the book cover.
Eternally Yours - Cate Tiernan (yellow, black and splash of orange) 10/18✔13. November 2 is Book Lovers’ Day. Read a book that a fellow book lover has recommended to you. Tell us who recommended it and what you liked or didn’t like about the book.
The Terror - Dan Simmons 10/23(My father recommended this and told me how scary it was. Unfortunately I found it incredibly boring. Oh well no more recs from Dad.)
✔14. November 12 is Young Readers’ Day. Read a young adult novel or enough children’s chapter books (NO picture books!) to total a minimum of 250 pages. Tell us how many pages in each of the children’s books.
Fall of Night - Rachel Caine (young adult) 10/5✔15. November 29 is You’re Welcome Day (the day after US Thanksgiving). Read a book in which a holiday occurs OR a book with a main character whose first name begins with a letter in WELCOME (tell us the character’s name) OR a book with a wrapped gift on the cover. Be sure to post the book cover.
Secondhand Spirits - Juliet Blackwell (m.c. is Lily) 10/10✔16. December 7 is Letter Writing Day. Read a book by one of your favorite authors, then send him/her an email – or a handwritten letter! – telling him/her why you enjoy his/her books. Let us know if you get a response.
Gunmetal Magic - Ilona Andrews 10/25✔17. December 12 is Poinsettia Day. Read a book set in a tropical location (where poinsettias grow naturally) OR a book with a red and/or green cover, with only white and/or black as extra colors. Be sure to post the book cover.
R is for Ricochet - Sue Grafton (red cover with white) 10/4✔18. December 18 is Bake Cookies Day. Share your favorite cookie recipe with us, then read a book you consider a comfort read.
Cream Puff Murder - Joanne Fluke (m.c. has cookie shop) 11/29CHALLENGE COMPLETE
October Spell Challenge
READ: 6/6
✔P: The Hippopotamus Pool - Elizabeth Peters 10/17
✔I: What Doesn't Kill You - Iris Johansen 10/17
✔R: Raven Calls - C.E. Murphy 10/6
✔A: Aunt Dimity and the Duke - Nancy Atherton 10/6
✔T: Temptation Rising - A.C. Arthur 10/31
✔E: Eternally Yours - Cate Tiernan 10/18
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
October Scavenger ChallengeREAD: 8/8
✔1. Witch: Pointy hat, some warts to go, and green goo on your face! Don't forget your broom!
Read a book with a hat on the cover -or- read a book with a green cover (at least 50% of the cover must be green)!
A Hoe Lot of Trouble - Heather Webber (green cover) 10/30
✔2. Vampire: A black cape and some fangs, and maybe some glitter (when it's not sunny out)!
Read a book with the author's first or last initial in the word "DRACULA" -or- read a book with something sparkly on the cover.
Highlander's Curse - Melissa Mayhue (sparklies on cover) 10/16
✔3. Pirate: An eye patch, a couple of fake swords and some horrible deodorant, you're all set to pillage and plunder on the high seas!
Read a book with a water body on the cover -or- read a book with a sword fight in it.
The Terror - Dan Simmons (Arctic ocean on cover) 10/23
✔4. Batman character: Batman? Catwoman? Joker? Penguin? Riddler? Or god forbid - Robin? So many choices!
Read a book with the word "MAN" in the title (compound words that still mean Man are ok, like Batman or Fireman, but words like manner would not work) -or- read a book with someone who fights against evil.
Gunmetal Magic - Ilona Andrews (m.c. fights evil) 10/25
✔5. Zombie: White goo, fake blood and no expressions. And go hunting for BRAAAAINSSS!
Read a book with a white cover -or- read a book with a title that begins with a letter in "BRAINS".
No Way Back - Andrew Gross (N is in braiNs) 10/19
✔6. Vixen: Naughty, naughty! Something from a Victoria's Secret catalog wouldn't go amiss!
Read a book with the author's first and last initials in "VICTORIASSECRET" -or- read a book with an X in the title.
Fall of Night - Rachel Caine (R & C in viCtoRiasseCRet) 10/5
✔7. Princess: Wear a dress out of time and a tiara and wait for a knight in shining armor on a white horse!
Read a book with "Historical Fiction" on the main page -or- read a book with any of the following words in the title: King/Queen/Prince/Princess
Once Upon a Tower - Eloisa James (historical fiction) 10/8
✔8. Ghost: A black sheet with holes for eyes! Easy peasy!
Read a book with a plain cover (very small artwork is ok) -or- read a book with the word "EYE" in the title.
R is for Ricochet - Sue Grafton (plain cover) 10/4
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
October Member of the Month - Carol 5/5 TASKS COMPLETE
✔1. Carol’s kids describe her as persistent, optimistic, and creative. Read a book with the first word of the title starting with P, O, or C OR an authors first and last initial starting with these letters.
Once Upon a Tower - Eloisa James (starts with "O") 10/8
✔2. Over the last 15 years, Carol has had some major medical issues, including having thyroid cancer. She is now 5 years cancer free (Praise the Lord!). Read a book that has to do with the medical/health field. (character, plot, cover, or title). OR read a book that has a 5 in the total number of pages.
Blood Lies - Daniel Kalla (m.c. is an emergency room doctor) 10/3
✔3. Carol’s favourite movie is Phantom of the Opera. What is your favourite movie? Or a movie that you are you looking forward to?
I'm not much of a movie person but all time favorite series of movies is the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Johnny Depp played a super pirate!
✔4. Carol is a vegan. Read a book with a character that is a Vegan/vegetarian OR read a book with veggie/fruit/beans on the cover or in the title. If you use the cover option please remember to post the bookcover.
Split Second - Catherine Coulter (m.c. (Savich) is a vegetarian) 10/25
✔5. One of Carol’s goals is to write a biography on a 19th Century American Female. Tell us one of your current goals?
My current goal is to finish all the many challenges I've joined in 2013!
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
November Spell Challenge
READ: 5/5
HUNGARY: (Janos) Kadar, President of the Council of Ministers
✔K: Labyrinth - Kat Richardson 11/29
✔A: Stranger - Zoe Archer 11/24
✔D: Dead Beat - Jim Butcher 11/30
✔A: Affliction - Laurell K. Hamilton 11/9
✔R: Curfew - Phil Rickman 11/6
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
November Scavenger Challenge: The 50th Anniversary of the Kennedy AssassinationREAD: 7/7
✔1. Read a book which takes place in Texas OR has anything to do with politics OR read a book with an amount of pages which contain an intact “11,” “22,” “35,” or “63.”
Eternity Base - Bob Mayer (secret military base in Antarctica that almost starts WWIII) 11/21
✔2. Read a book which uses irony (explain the irony) OR read a book with “LOVE” in the title OR read a book whose main character’s first or last initial may be found in “NELLIE CONNALLY.”
Head Over Heels - Jill Shalvis (heroine is Chloe) 11/7
✔3. Read a book with a car on the cover OR a book with a “grass” green colored cover OR read a book whose publication date contains a “3.”
Affliction - Laurell K. Hamilton (published 2013) 11/9
✔4. Read a book that is set in a medical field OR read a young adult book OR read a book where someone dies young.
The Far West - Patricia Wrede 11/9
✔5. Read a book that takes place primarily in a school or on a campus OR read a book in which a character ‘gets away with something,’ OR read a book with a main character’s or author’s name of “Lee,” “Harvey,” or “Jack.”
Cream Puff Murder - Joanne Fluke (love interest gets away with an affair) 11/29
✔6. Read a book with a flag on its cover (remember to post the cover) OR a book in which a
funeral takes place OR any book that takes place in Washington, D.C.
Curfew - Phil Rickman 11/6
✔7. Read a book with any kind of flame on the cover OR read a book with a “3,” or a “4” in the page count OR read a book that has a scene in or at any national or international monument.
Whitechapel Gods - S.M. Peters 11/11
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
November Member of the Month - NayNay6/6 Tasks Completed
✔1. NayNay was reading Triangles by Ellen Hopkins when she answered the MoM questions.
Read a book with a geometric shape on the cover or in the title/subtitle of the book -or- read a book with a one word title.
Labyrinth - Kat Richardson 11/29✔2. NayNay cannot stand The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Which book or author can't you stand?
Danielle Steel! All her books use the exact same formula and are boring too boot!
✔3. NayNay would love to meet Henry VIII if she could. Read a book that either has a real royal person as a character (non-fiction about royalty would count, and bonus if it's Henry VIII) or read the 8th book of a series.
Mountain Echoes - C.E. Murphy (Walker Papers series) 11/18✔4. NayNay's favorite place to read is on the pool. Read a book with a body of water on the cover. (does frozen water count?)
Eternity Base - Bob Mayer 11/21✔5. If NayNay won the lottery, the first thing she would do is travel Europe. What would you do?
I would travel to Australia with the hopes of finding a job and staying forever!
✔6. NayNay has four cats, all of who have Disney related names. They're called Simba, Mushu, Meeko & Scar.
Read a book where the main character shares a first OR a last name with a disney animated character. (m.c. is Max Goff; disney character is Max Goof from Goof Troop)
Curfew - Phil Rickman 11/6CHALLENGE COMPLETE
December Spell Challenge
READ: 4/5
C: Grimm End - S.T. Cameron 12/9
L: Death Bringer - Derek Landy 12/12
A: The Line Between Here and Gone - Andrea Kane 12/6
R: With All My Soul - Rachel Vincent 12/4
A:
December Scavenger Challenge - The Nutcracker Ballet READ: 6/7
✔1. In 1891, world renowned choreographer, Marius Petipa commissioned Peter Tchaikovsky to compose the music for Alexandre Dumas’ adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” Hoffman's original work showed humanity's dark-sided nature and was definitely not appropriate for children.
☞ Read a book that is a darker version of a fairy tale -or- read a book with the author's first and last initials in the word "TCHAIKOVSKY".
Grimm End - S.T. Cameron (STC all in TChaikovSky) 12/9
✔2. The work is probably the most famous ballet in the world and is synonymous with the Christmas season. While there's no Santa, the story of The Nutcracker is set on Christmas Eve and its characters and settings embody the spirit of the season. Other accoutrements include a Christmas tree, a Christmas party, and of course, a wooden nutcracker.
☞ Read a book that has been on the NY Times Bestsellers List in 2013 (mention the week and the position of the book) -or- read a book with a christmas tree on the cover.
Thankless in Death - J.D Robb (October 6, 2013, #2) 12/12
✔3. The Nutcracker Ballet premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg on 18 December 1892. The audience (except for Czar Alexander III who loved it) and critics hated it during its first run.
☞ Read a book from an author you like which has a rating of 3.2 or below on Goodreads -or- read a book with one of the following numbers in its year of publishing - 1, 2, 8 or 9.
Breakup - Dana Stabenow (published 1997) 12/18
✔4. For The Nutcracker’s debut, students from the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg were cast as children. It was not a popular decision. In a 1919 production by choreographer Alexander Groshky, adults were given the roles of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince which the fans loved.
☞ Read a book with a child protagonist (aged 16 or less, bonus if you find them annoying) -or- read a book written by or has a main character with the (first or last) name Clara/Prince/Alexander/Alex.
Seaborne - Katherine Irons (not m.c. but prominent secondary character) 12/31
✔5. Tchaikovsky used the production of The Nutcracker to introduce a new instrument to audiences: the celesta. He had heard the instrument in France and wanted to be the first bring its distinctive and new sound to a production score. This cousin to the piano puts out a high octave sound where the hammer hits steel plates instead of strings.
☞ Read a book where a new concept or invention is introduced -or- read a book with music important to the plot.
Fifth Quarter - Tanya Huff (plot revolves around musical bards) 12/11
✔6. It was first performed in the United States in 1944 by the San Francisco Opera Ballet under the direction of William Christensen. A decade later, George Balanchine brought his interpretation of the production to the New York City Ballet.
☞ Read a book set either in California or New York -or- read a book first published between 1944 and 1954.
The Line Between Here and Gone - Andrea Kane (set in New York) 12/6
7. There are several television and film adaptations of the ballet. Film productions include Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (1986), The Nutcracker Prince (1990), Barbie in the Nutcracker (2001), and The Nutcracker in 3D (2010). There have also been versions featuring figure skating instead of dancing.
☞ Read a book that has been made into more than one movie (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows doesn't count!!) -or- read a book where the first letters of all words in the title appear in the word "FIGURESKATING". (Titles should be at least 3 words long, and A, An, The would all count).
December Member of the Month - Karla5/6 TASKS COMPLETE
✔1. When she answered our questions, the next book she planned to read was Just One Year by Gayle Forman.
✿Read the next book in any series that you have already started.
Death Bringer - Derek Landy (#6 in the series) 12/12
✔2. The last book that made Karla cry was Quad by C.G. Watson. She said "It has the most powerful last line I have read."
✿ Tell us the most powerful/moving line you remember reading in a book.
Unfortunately I forget what I've read almost immediately so I don't have any powerful lines to report.
✔3. Karla's favorite ice cream flavor is pistachio, and her favorite color is purple.
✿ Read a book whose cover is at least 50% light green or purple.
Seaborne - Katherine Irons (green cover) 12/31
✔4. Her favorite movie is Speed.
✿ Read a book with a one-word title.
Initiation - Ruth Kerce 12/5
✔5. She told us that her favorite thing about herself is that she doesn't let things that terrify keep her from doing what she wants to do.
✿ What is your favorite thing about yourself?
I have a very strong work ethic and give my all to the job.
6. If Karla had $20 to spend on a book today, she would go to a thrift shop and buy as many children's books as possible, to build up a library for when she gets her own class.
✿ Read a children's book (must be at least 150 pages long) or enough shorter children's books to equal (or exceed) 150 pages.
5/6 done
Fun with Dr. SeussDuration: September 1, 2012 - February 28, 2013
READ: 40/40
1. ✔Are You My Mother? 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Ice Cold - Tess Gerritsen (blue and red on cover) 10/6
2. ✔How the Grinch Stole Christmas 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Shadowfae - Erica Hayes (red cover) 11/3
3. ✔Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now! 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Now or Never - Michele Bardsley ("now" in title) 2/11
4. ✔The Cat in the Hat 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Would-Be Witch - Kimberly Frost (cat on cover) 11/2
5. ✔One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: 11th Hour - James Patterson (yellow cover) 10/29
6. ✔Go, Dog. Go! 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang - Katie MacAlister (convertible on cover) 9/4/12
7. ✔Fox in Socks: Dr. Seuss's Book of Tongue Tanglers 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Wild Highland Magic - Kendra Leigh Castle (animal on cover) 9/30
8. ✔The Foot Book 9/21
✔Grown-up Book: Into the Wild - Beth Ciotta (feet on cover) 10/13
9. ✔Daisy-Head Mayzie 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Chalice of Roses - anthology (flowers on the cover) 11/13
10. ✔On Beyond Zebra! 9/21
✔Grown-up Book: The Snow Child - Eowyn Ivey (the trees look zebra-like, also black/white on cover) 9/12
11. ✔Green Eggs and Ham 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Calamity Jayne - Kathleen Bacus (food on cover) 2/17/13
12. ✔And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Bookmarked For Death - Lorna Barrett (book on cover) 9/5/12
13. ✔Hop on Pop (Bright & Early Board Books 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: The Treacherous Teddy - John Lamb (bear on cover) 9/11
14. ✔If I Ran the Circus 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Charmed to Death - Shirley Damsgaard (star on cover) 10/28
15. ✔The Sneetches and Other Stories 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Highland Scoundrel - Monica McCarty (green cover) 10/15
16. ✔The Lorax 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: The Broken Kingdoms - N.K. Jemisin (tree on cover) 9/8/12
17. ✔Horton Hears a Who! 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: White Elephant Dead - Carolyn Hart (elephant in title) 2/3
18. ✔Oh, the Places You'll Go! 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Infamous - Sherrilyn Kenyon (circle on the cover)
19. ✔Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Endlessly - Kiersten White (clouds on cover) 10/14
20. ✔There's a Wocket in My Pocket! 9/22
✔Grown-up Book: Haunting Warrior - Erin Quinn (male on cover) 9/29
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Book-To-Movie ChallengeDuration: September 1, 2012 - March 30, 2013
READ: 20/20
✔1) From the magic/fantasy genre: Harry Potter
Tiger's Curse - Colleen Houck (young adult) 9/3
✔2) From the romance genre: Love Story
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake - Sarah MacLean (romance) 9/9
✔3) From the classics genre: To Kill a Mockingbird
The Accidental Tourist - Anne Tyler (won Pulitzer Prize) 12/21
✔4) From the coming of age genre: Holes
Wild Highland Magic - Kendra Leigh Castle (hero is cursed) 9/30
✔5) From the chick lit genre: The Devil Wears Prada
Third Grave Dead Ahead - Darynda Jones (shoes on cover) 9/26
✔6) From the thought-provoking genre: My Sister’s Keeper
Down the Darkest Road - Tami Hoag (mother of murder victim sacrifices her living daughter to investigate) 10/25
✔7) From the manga genre: Howl’s Moving Castle
Stormdancer - Jay Kristoff (set in Japan) 2/13
✔8) From the tween genre: A Wrinkle in Time
Good Omens - Neil Gaiman (wings on cover) 10/8
✔9) From the animal genre: Marley & Me
Would-Be Witch - Kimberly Frost (witch's familiar on cover) 11/2
✔10) From the history genre: The Killer Angels (became the movie Gettysburg)
Gone Tomorrow - Lee Child (veteran) 9/20
✔11) From the dystopia genre: The Hunger Games
Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury (hero fighting for survival) 10/10
✔12) From the contemporary fiction genre: Q&A (became the movie Slumdog Millionaire)
The Flame and the Shadow - Denise Rossetti (and in title) 9/23
✔13) From the memoir genre: Eat, Pray, Love
Cutting for Stone - Abraham Verghese (3 word title) 9/20
✔14) From the children’s genre: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Enchanted, Inc. - Shanna Swendson 11/13
✔15) From the horror genre: The Ring
The Funhouse - Dean Koontz (horror/scary) 11/17
✔16) From the thriller genre: The DaVinci Code
Into the Wild - Beth Ciotta (heroine follows cryptic codes in a diary to find treasure) 10/13
✔17) From the sports genre: The Blind Side
Hard To Handle - Lori Foster (hero is a professional fighter) 10/21
✔18) From the sci-fi genre: War of the Worlds
Haunting Warrior - Erin Quinn (set in Ireland) 9/29
✔19) From the western genre: Lonesome Dove
Wages of Sin - Jenna Maclaine (first in series) 10/4
✔20) This is a wild card, but it cannot be used until you have completed all of the other tasks!
The Andromeda Strain - Michael Crichton 2/28
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
The Envelope Please
Duration: January 21 - April 30, 2013
Level: Option B
READ: 25/25
✔1. Amour - Shadow of Night - Deborah Harkness (584 pages and set in England/France) 2/11
✔2. Argo - Agatha Raisin and the Terrible Tourist - M.C. Beaton (set in Middle East/Cyprus) 2/5
✔3. The Avengers - Immortal Rider - Larissa Ione (I in shIeld) 2/22
✔4. Beasts of the Southern Wild - Speaker for the Dead - Orson Scott Card (BEAsTSOfTHESoUTHERNWILd) 2/13
✔5. Brave - Stormdancer - Jay Kristoff (villain is an emperor) 2/13
✔6. Chasing Ice - A Trip to the Beach: Living on Island Time - Melinda Blanchard (non fiction & involved ferry/air plane) 1/29
✔7. Django Unchained - The Brass Bed - Jennifer Stevenson (2 word title) 2/3
✔8. Flight - Zugzwang - Ronan Bennett (hero is a suspect of murder investigation) 1/31
✔9. Frankenweenie - Romeo, Romeo - Robin Kaye (heroines giant dog snags the boyfriend as well as protecting heroine from bad guys) 2/26
✔10. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - Legend of the Jade Dragon - Yasmine Galenorn (dragon on cover) 2/17
✔11. The Impossible - In Golden Blood - Stephen Woodworth (set in Peru) 2/6
✔12. Les Miserables - Guilty Wives - James Patterson (heroine is in jail) 2/25
✔13. Life of Pi - Lucky's Lady - Tami Hoag (water on cover) 1/29
✔14. Lincoln - Behemoth - Scott Westerfield (sete during WWI) 2/8
✔15. The Master - Killer Instinct - Zoë Sharp (published 2001) 2/9
✔16. Para Norman - The Siren Song - Anne Ursu (paranormal) 1/30
✔17. The Pirates! Band of Misfits - The Andromeda Strain - Michael Crichton (m.c.'s are scientists) 2/28
✔18. Prometheus - Absolutely, Positively - Heather Webber (published 2011) 2/5
✔19. The Sessions - Toehold: A Novel - Stephen Foreman (heroine gets in a jam and asks for help) 2/8
✔20. Silver Linings Playbook - Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore - Robin Sloan (sILVErLININGS) 2/9
✔21. Skyfall - Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet - Darynda Jones (F in skyFall) 2/2
✔22. Snow White and the Huntsman - The Frog Prince - Jane Porter (fairy tale) 2/18
✔23. Ted - Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor - Lisa Kleypas 2/1
✔24. Wreck-It Ralph - White Elephant Dead - Carolyn Hart (H in ralpH) 2/3
✔25. Zero Dark Thirty - On Call In Hell: A Doctor's Iraq War Story - Cdr. Richard Jadick (mc is a military doctor) 2/27
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Anatomy 101Duration: November 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
READ: 16/16
Level 1: Such A Pretty Face
Face: Shadow Bound - Erin Kellison 11/1
Hair: Would-Be Witch - Kimberly Frost 11/2
Eyes: Chasing Midnight - Susan Krinard 11/24
Lips: Killer Instinct - Zoë Sharp 2/9
Neck: In Bed With A Stranger - Mary Wine 1/17
Level 2: The Body Human
Hands: Scrumptious - Amanda Usen 12/8
Midriff: The Chief - Monica McCarty 12/7
Back: Something About You - Julie James 11/17
Legs: A Notorious Proposition - Adele Ashworth 12/21
Feet: Good Girl Seeks Bad Rider - Vonna Harper 11/1
Level 3: It’s A Matter of Perspective (no titles)
From the back: Storm of Shadows - Christina Dodd 11/26
Halvesies: Slow Hands - Lauren Bach 11/7
Look Ma, no head! Captured by the Highlander - Julianne Maclean 12/15
The Body at Rest: Shadowfae - Erica Hayes 11/3
The Body in Motion: Enchanted, Inc. - Shanna Swendson (walking) 11/13
My, how unusual! – The Monster of Florence - Douglas Preston 1/18
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Barbara's Challenges & Reading Lists
Books mentioned in this topic
Born to Bite (other topics)When the Lion Feeds (other topics)
The Hobbit, or There and Back Again (other topics)
Enchantment (other topics)
The Return of Black Douglas (other topics)
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13x13 Challenge
A-Z Pet Challenge
All About You - The Sequel
Anatomy 101
Book Lottery - May
Book-To-Movie Challenge
Bookshelf Challenge
Canadian Fact & Fiction Challenge
Celebrating the Barcode Challenge
Connections Challenge
2013 Countdown
Crazy Number Series Challenge
A Cuppa Joe Challenge
Doorstopper Challenge
The Envelope Please
Fairy Tales Challenge
Favorite Movie Challenge
Finding Nemo Scavenger Hunt
Fun with Dr. Seuss
The Funny Pages Challenge - BLONDIE
The Funny Pages Challenge - HAGAR THE HORRIBLE
How Many Pages
If I Ran the Zoo Challenge
It's Elemental, My Dear!
I Want It All Challenge
Know Your Nightmares
The Language of Flowers Challenge - Part I
May the 4th Be With You Challenge
Monster Challenge
Monsters Inc. Challenge
MythBusters Challenge
Name Challenge
National Pi Day Challenge
The NEW Challenge
Non-Fiction Challenge
No Vowels Challenge
Off The Shelf Challenge
The Old Challenge
Perpetual Music Relay
Phase 10 Challenge
Pick A Theme Challenge
Rolling Stones Challenge
Shrink that TBR - 2012/2013
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Travel the United States
Thrillers, Chillers and Comedies - A Monster Movie Marathon
YA Addicts Challenge
Your Favorite Band Challenge
Zodiac Challenge