3rd Quarter Challenge: I Spy Challenge

[Sharon]

This was fun last year ... I'll try for 6

[Natalie]

3/12

4. I spy things/people related to the hospital: doctors, nurses, patients, etc.
Read 7/31

[Erika]

1/7
I spy things related to sports

[Danielle]

Like to do this as well. And if I'm correct I can spy other things as well...

[mussolet]

I'm sorry everyone, GR screwed up my notifications. I hope you all still have a lot of fun spying and reading! :)

@Katrina, Sharon, Danielle, welcome to the challenge! Hope you have fun! Danielle, do you want to set yourself a goal?

@Erika, I only saw the shoe and thought you counted shopping as a sport. Well spotted though :).
@Natalie, great choice. I loved Soulless. Have fun with the rest of the series :).
@Megan, The Malice of Fortune sounds really interesting! Glad you enjoyed it.


Participants and Goals

Danielle - 1/4
Erika - 1/7
Gecko - /12
Heather - /12
Jessica - /10
Joni - /12
Karina - /10
Katrina - /8
Kelsi - /12
Lesley - /10
Lilac - /?
Mariko - /6
Megan - 9/12
Mim - /6
Natalie - 4/12
Nathaly - /5
Rachel - /6
Regan - /6
Sarah - /8
ScarlettMi - 1/5
Sharon - /6
Sibyl - /8
Silver - /12
Sonia - 1/?
Theresa - 3/12

[Danielle]

I'm going to try for 4.

7. I spy world leaders: Eye of the Red Tsar. The Red Tsar refers to Stalin who also plays a part in the book.

So that is 1/4. Still 3 to read.

[Theresa~OctoberLace]

I just joined this group and have selected my 12 books for this challenge. The chosen books are posted in the Members Corners discussion under Theresa's Corner 2013 . I'll post updates there as the books are read.

[mussolet]

@Danielle, I've updated your goal. I bet that was a difficult read.

@Theresa: WELCOME! I hope you enjoy the group in general and this challenge in particular. If you have any questions, feel free to ask :). Will you report back here once you've finished your challenge? By the way, that is quite a German focus in your list. I approve :).

[Theresa~OctoberLace]

Goal: Read 8. 8 of 8 read...CHALLENGE COMPLETED

1. I spy elements from the Periodic Table: Silver, Gold, Neon, etc. The Queen's Devotion: The Story of Queen Mary II I spy the gold crowns of William and Mary! 9/8/13

2. I spy celestial bodies: Planets, stars, galaxies, etc. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 8/24/13

3. I spy things related to sports: baseball, basketball, football, etc. A Separate Peace in which the students at a boy's are very involved in sports and create a game they call "Blitz Ball" 9/8/13

4. I spy things/people related to the hospital: doctors, nurses, patients, etc. Year of Wonders The heroine is a healer during the Plague in 1666. Just added to wish list

5. I spy magical beings: witches, wizards, elves, etc. The White Queen The Water Goddess Melusina is described as an ancestor who was a mermaid. Finished 7/5/13

6. I spy animals in the circus: monkeys, elephants, tigers, etc. The Shadowy Horses Horses in the title. Finished 8/13/13

7. I spy world leaders: Mandela, Gandhi, Dali Lama, etc. The White Princess Historical fiction focusing on Henry VII of England and his wife. Finished 9/6/13

8. I spy things from “down under”: Australia, Kangaroos, New Zealand, etc. The Forgotten Garden This story is set in Australia. Purchased

9. I spy a body of water: ocean, river, lake, etc. The Lady of the Rivers Rivers in the title. Finished 8/4/13

10. I spy a month of the year: January, February, March, etc. September Tango September in the title. Just added to wish list

11. I spy a day of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. Wednesday's Child Title includes Wednesday and looks interesting. Just added to wish list

12. I spy countries in Europe: Italy, Germany, France, etc. The Dark Monk Story set in the Bavarian Forest in Germany. Finished 7/29/13

[Theresa~OctoberLace]

SilverRaindrops wrote: @Theresa: WELCOME! I hope you enjoy the group in general and this challenge in particular. If you have any questions, feel free..."

I figured out how to copy a long post from one discussion to the other, so I can now update both here and in my Corner.

[Megan]

Completed #2 - Celestial bodies - The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. Story was entertaining but there were a few gaps in the narrative. It was almost as if the author was seeking to be coy in the narrative but it came off as either an incomplete thought or a mistake. There were a few things that were sensationalized beyond necessity as well. Overall, decent read. Will give this author another chance. 2.5 stars

7/12

[Sonia]

5. I spy magical brings angels in Angelopolis by Danielle Trussoni.

[Megan]

Completed #1 - Periodic Table - The Silver Boat by Luanne Rice. This book left me conflicted. I did not feel that the author was capable of fully expressing the narrative or her characters as she could have. However, the story was heartfelt and the characters had depth. Overall, not bad but not one of my favorites. 3 stars

8/12

[mussolet]

Theresa, Megan, Sonia - Good going! :).

@Megan, I like your rating system. Three stars is an okay story for me as well, it's not a bad rating.

@Sonia, I must have missed your first post, you weren't on my list before. Have you set yourself a goal?

[ScarlettMi]

SilverRaindrops wrote: "ScarlettMi wrote: "I'm going to try for five (5) for this challenge, I think.
(1/5)
9. I spy a body of water: ocean, river, lake, etc.
"

Scarle..."

I liked it quite a bit. Not as much as I liked "American Gods" but a really good read.

[Megan]

Completed #6 - Animals in Circus - Bears, Club Dead by Charlaine Harris. I really liked this book in the series. There was significant character development and I enjoyed the new characters and world elements that Harris introduced. Worth reading!

9/12

[Natalie]

I Spy Challenge
Duration: July 1, 2013 - September 30, 2013

Completed 4 out of 12

9. I spy a body of water: ocean, river, lake, etc.
Read 8/11

[mussolet]

Megan, Natalie - good going!
@Natalie, did you read it to find out how much the movie won't follow it this time?

Everyone else, don't panic, there's still more than a month left :).

[Traveling Bookie Monster]

I'm going to try for all of them, but this is what I've gotten so far.
#4: I Spy something related to Hospital: The Immortal Rules Main Character stayed in an old hospital. Finished 8/4
#5: I Spy Magical Beings:Uninvited Main Character has an issue with a vampire. Finished 8/5
#7: I spy something related to world leaders Groucho: The Life and Times of Julius Henry Marx There are mentions to Hitler, Stalin and McCarthy. Finished 7/25
#12: I spy something in Europe: Run Among Thorns Mostly takes place in Ireland and England. Finished 8/16
#3: I spy something related to sports. Alice played Croquet with the Queen. Finished 8/22
#2: I spy Celestial Bodies: We Have Always Lived in the Castle Main character repeadly speaks of living on the moon. Finished 8/22
#10: I spy a month of the year: Dead Ever AfterThe book takes place during the month of July. 8/26
#9: I spy a body of water: Betrayed 9/15 Main Character takes a ferry and also flies over the Hudson.
#1: I spy elements of the periodic table: Forever Charmed 9/10 F= Fluorine C= Carbon

[Megan]

Completed #4 - Hospital - What Happened to Sophie Wilder by Christopher Beha, wherein the title character cares for her dying father-in-law, in and out of hospitals. There was a kernel of a good idea in this novel, it just wasn't realized. The author seemed to be too concerned with impressing the reader, rather than developing the story or the characters. Not worth reading. 2 stars

10/12

[Theresa~OctoberLace]

I just edited my list (message #59) to show that I've now read 5 of 12.

[Erika]

3/7

2. I spy celestial bodies: Wedding Night
3. Sports related: Body Check
5. I spy magical beings:  Tempest Reborn

[Megan]

Completed #10 - Month of the Year - The Violets of March by Sarah Jio. Surprisingly good, touching book! The plot really sucked me in, and I finished the last half of the book in one sitting. Well-written with interesting characters. Definitely worth reading! 4.5 stars

11/12

[Theresa~OctoberLace]

Question...are we allowed to change the number of books we choose to read? I'm kind of over-committed and am having a hard time justifying reading a book (such as sports) just to put a checkmark on a list.

[mussolet]

Theresa, I am so sorry for getting back to you so late, I didn't get any notification for this.

You can change your goal anytime you want (up or down), just let me know about it. Look at the time you can spend and what you want to read. This is supposed to be a fun challenge - you shouldn't be forcing yourself to read things. I'm dropping two tasks myself, so you don't need to feel bad about it :).

@Megan, I'm glad you liked "Violets of March"; I've been eyeing it for quite some time now.

[mussolet]

7/12

2. I spy celestial bodies: "star" in Earth Star. Highly recommended!!
4. I spy things/people related to the hospital: "heart" in Inkheart :P.
5. I spy magical beings: A djinn on the cover of The Amulet of Samarkand.
6. I spy animals in the circus:
A donkey (IN A CIRCUS!) on the cover of Burning Bright.
7. I spy world leaders: Emperor Vespasian on the cover of Tribune of Rome.
10. I spy a month of the year: "August" in The Dry Grass of August
12. I spy countries in Europe: "England" in The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century

[mussolet]

Updating everyone! Keep reading and enjoy the lovely autumn light while doing so :).

Participants and Goals
Danielle - 1/4
Erika - 3/7
Gecko - /12
Heather - /12
Jessica - /10
Joni - 1/12
Karina - /10
Katrina - 9/8 WELL DONE on being an overachiever :)!
Kelsi - /12
Lesley - 3/10
Lilac - /?
Mariko - /6
Megan - 12/12 FULL MARKS for reaching your high goal! :)
Mim - /6
Natalie - 10/12
Nathaly - /5
Rachel - /6
Regann - 3/6
Sarah - /8
ScarlettMi - 5/5 CONGRATULATIONS for reaching your goal! :)
Sharon - /6
Sibyl - 8/8 CONGRATULATIONS and happy further reading!
Silver - 6/9
Sonia - 1/?
Stephany - 7/12
Theresa - 8/8 CONGRATULATIONS and happy further reading :)

[Theresa~OctoberLace]

@SilverRainsdrops. Thanks for getting back to me. Can you drop me back to a goal of 8?

[mussolet]

Theresa~OctoberLace wrote: "@SilverRainsdrops. Thanks for getting back to me. Can you drop me back to a goal of 8?"

Sure Theresa, no problem :).

[Katrina]

COMPLETED!! Over achieved a little!

I Spy Challenge
Duration: July 1, 2013 - September 30, 2013

9/8

1. I spy elements from the Periodic Table: iron in Wicked Lovely
2. I spy celestial bodies: moon in Deadly Little Lies

3. I spy things related to sports: football game in The Catcher in the Rye

4. I spy things/people related to the hospital: doctor in Tigerlily's Orchids

5. I spy magical beings: witch in The Fairest of Them All
6. I spy animals in the circus: loins in Death is a Lonely Business
7. I spy world leaders:
8. I spy things from “down under”:
9. I spy a body of water:
10. I spy a month of the year: August in The Promise of Stardust
11. I spy a day of the week: Tuesday in How it All Began
12. I spy countries in Europe: Belgium in Schroder

[mussolet]

WOOT! Well done, Katrina! Would you mind adding links or covers, so people could check your books out?

[Katrina]

SilverRaindrops wrote: "WOOT! Well done, Katrina! Would you mind adding links or covers, so people could check your books out?"

Done!!

[mussolet]

Katrina wrote: "SilverRaindrops wrote: "WOOT! Well done, Katrina! Would you mind adding links or covers, so people could check your books out?"

Done!!"

Thank you! :)

[Theresa~OctoberLace]

I just updated message #59 to include The White Princess by Philippa Gregory for #7 I Spy World Leaders. This historical novel focused on Henry VII and his wife Elizabeth. This puts me at 6 of 8.

[Theresa~OctoberLace]

I added 2 more today (message #59), so I've finished my 8 of 8.

[mussolet]

Theresa~OctoberLace wrote: "I added 2 more today (message #59), so I've finished my 8 of 8."

Congratulations Theresa!!! I hope you enjoyed this challenge :).
A Separate Peace is on my wishlist for next month, I hope I'll like it as well!

[Natalie]

SilverRaindrops wrote: "Megan, Natalie - good going!
@Natalie, did you read it to find out how much the movie won't follow it this time?

Everyone else, don't panic, there's still more than a month left :)."

Sorry I didn't see this till now. I actually saw the Lightning Thief movie before I read the book and was surprised how good the book was. I didn't like the second book as much because I felt it followed the Odysessy too closely. I haven't seen the new movie, but I still will at some point since I love Nathan Fillion and Anthony Stewart Head. I'll probably wait for it to be on TV or something though.

Also I finished:
1. I spy elements from the Periodic Table: Silver, Gold, Neon, etc.
Read 8/25

8. I spy things from “down under”: Australia, Kangaroos, New Zealand, etc.
Read 9/6

which brings me to 6/12. Also updated in post #9.

[mussolet]

Natalie, good idea. I won't watch it at the cinema either.
Also good going, you still have more than half a month left. You can do it! :).

[Megan]

Completed #8 - Down Under - The Secret River by Kate Grenville. I appreciated the history presented in this book. However, I felt that there was a big build-up without a big result. The book ended rather quietly. Written well. Worth reading but probably won't continue the series. 3 stars

12/12 - Challenge Completed!!!

[mussolet]

YAY Megan. Congratulations!!!

[Megan]

SilverRaindrops wrote: "YAY Megan. Congratulations!!!"

Thanks!

[Natalie]

Completed 9/12

7. I spy world leaders: Mandela, Gandhi, Dali Lama, etc.
Read 9/13

10. I spy a month of the year: January, February, March, etc.
Read 9/11

11. I spy a day of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc.
Read 9/12

[Natalie]

Would Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Vol. 5 count for

2. I spy celestial bodies: Planets, stars, galaxies, etc.

I read it for another challenge and am trying to cross count to save time. I was going to use but am now unsure if it counts. I may have overextended myself a bit this quarter...

[mussolet]

Natalie wrote: "Would Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Vol. 5 count for

2. I spy celestial bodies: Planets, stars, galaxies, etc.

I read it for another challenge and am trying to cross count to save time. I was goi..."

Natalie, that defininetly counts. Even with the original, not-bended rules :). Plus, Sailor Moon is cool, so you get bonus cookies for good choices :).
How was The Friday Society?

[Natalie]

Great that brings me to 10/12

2. I spy celestial bodies: Planets, stars, galaxies, etc.
Read 9/12

Friday Society was good, but it took a while to get going.

[mussolet]

I've updated you :).
I'm glad you liked it, because I've read reviews that said it was all over the place and didn't stand up to its potential.

[Natalie]

SilverRaindrops wrote: "I've updated you :).
I'm glad you liked it, because I've read reviews that said it was all over the place and didn't stand up to its potential."

I do think it could have been better. If she wrote another one though I would probably read it.

[SibylM]

Okay, I think I finished all eight of mine. Whew!

1. I spy elements from the Periodic Table: Silver, Gold, Neon, etc.
Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend
(element = tin)

4. I spy things/people related to the hospital: doctors, nurses, patients, etc.
Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance


5. I spy magical beings: witches, wizards, elves, etc.
The Diviners


6. I spy animals in the circus: monkeys, elephants, tigers, etc.
Tigerland


8. I spy things from "down under": Australia, Kangaroos, New Zealand, etc.
Tigers and Devils
(that's the Melbourne Cricket Grounds on the cover)

9. I spy a body of water: ocean, river, lake, etc.
Liberty's Exiles: How the Loss of America Made the British Empire. Maya Jasanoff


12. I spy countries in Europe: Italy, Germany, France, etc.
French Kids Eat Everything: How Our Family Moved to France, Cured Picky Eating, Banned Snacking, and Discovered 10 Simple Rules for Raising Happy, Healthy Eaters

[mussolet]

Well done Sibyl!
And what a catchy title for #12.
Also, yay for cricket. I love cricket :).

[Danielle]

8. I spy things from 'down under':
Dominion by C.J.Sansom - as Australia used to be a dominion.


12. I spy countries in Europe:
The unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. The story is set in England