12 Months of Halloween Reading Challenge

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

We liked the read-a-thon's event #2 so much that we decided to upgrade it to a full-fledged challenge. We reason Halloween themes can be read year long, whenever a NBRC member gets the urge, not just one month out of the year. Enjoy!


Duration: One year from start

Levels:

Zombie Herder ► 2 to 5 books
Mummy Unraveller ► 6 to 10 books
Vampire Slayer ► 11 to 15 books
Werewolf Hunter ► 16 to 20 books
Monster Collector ► 21+ books

Rules & How to:

►Read as many books as you like that matched the themes listed below
► For spell-it-outs: use the first letter in the book's title (if the book starts with 'the', 'a', 'an', etc, you may use the first letter in the second word of the title), the first letter of an author's first or last name, or the first letter of a character's first, last or nick name.
► When choosing books to fit a theme, it all depends on the reader's interpretation - it can be book concept, settings, cover or title.

Theme #1:Classic Horror
Read classic horror books like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or Bran Stoker’s Dracula. Or, you can choose the modern revamp of old classics like Pride, Prejudice and zombies. Or books that are based on Classic Horror books like Alice in Zombieland.


Theme #2:Masters of Horror and Fantastic
Read a book from a master of horror and Fantastic like Stephen King or Dean Koontz, or if you prefer a more lighter approach, like Neil Gaiman or Terry Pratcher.


Theme #3:Samhain
Read a book that focus on Celtic/Gaelic traditions like Beltane, Samhain or other rituals, or somehow fit the meaning of Samhain (see spoiler for info)
(view spoiler)[
Samhain is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year. Most commonly it is held on 31 October – 1 November, or halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice.

It was the time when cattle were brought back down from the summer pastures and when livestock were slaughtered for the winter. In much of the Gaelic world, bonfires were lit and there were rituals involving them. People and their livestock would often walk between two bonfires as a cleansing ritual, and the bones of slaughtered livestock were cast into its flames.

Samhain (like Beltane) was seen as a time when the "door" to the Otherworld opened enough for the souls of the dead, and other beings, to come into our world.
Feasts were had, at which the souls of dead kin were beckoned to attend and a place set at the table for them. It has thus been likened to a festival of the dead.
(hide spoiler)]
People also took steps to protect themselves from harmful spirits, which is thought to have led to the custom of guising. Divination was also done at Samhain.
Example:


Theme #4:Trick or Treat
Let your inner child on the loose in a trick or treat spell-it-out challenge. Suggestions: the perfect costume, the sweets, the pranks, the kind neighbor, the scary one. Surprise us.
Example:
T - Tangled Threads
W - Wallbanger
I - Ilona Andrews - Magic Burns
Z - Zeke from The Immortal Rules
Z - Zevin, Gabrielle - All These Things I've Done
L - The Last Olympian
E - Etiquette & Espionage
R - Robert Galbraith - The Cuckoo's Calling
S - Sarah Dresden - Just Listen

Theme #5:Face your Fears
Read books about things that scary you - urban legends, ghost stories, spiders, spider webs, murders, even elevators or planes, is all about your fears.




Theme #6:Hallow Places
For this option, is all about the setting - Cemeteries, dark forest, haunted house, the asylum, Dracula's Castle

Theme #7:Halloween Party – a Spell-it-Out challenge
Use your imagination to create the perfect party item: the beverages, the food, the decorations, the theme, the music
Example:
P - Prodigy
O - The Ocean at the End of the Lane
T - Tolliver from Grave Sight
I - Ilona Andrews - Magic Strikes
O - The Orphan Master's Son
N - Neil Gaiman - The Graveyard Book

Theme #8:Supernatural Creatures
The title is self explanatory, read a book that has witches, warlocks, vampires, werewolves, zombie, ghosts, spirits, poltergeist, anything counts.

Theme #9:Halloween Cover Hunt
Read books with covers matching Halloween colors - black, orange, red - or Halloween themes - pumpkins, skulls, etc.

Theme #10:Special Abilities
Read books with characters with special abilities - fire power, magical powers, sensing the dead, premonitions, etc.

PARTICIPANTS
Amanda post #14
AndaM post #10 --> Completed
Anima post #8
Anna post #32
April post #28
Ashley post #129
Ashley Maries post #12
Athina post #102
Barb post #18
Brenda post #97
Catherine post #31
Celeste post #136
Dani post #52
Danielle post#15
Danielle Cause I'm the Book Bosspost #17
Deedee post #7
Eni post#30
Evil Twin One (Ange)post#6
Ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) AKA Muffin Extraordinaire post #125
Jamie post #104
Jennifer post #5
Jennifer post #123
Jessica post #135
Joanne♥~Bookworm Extraordinaire post #114
Juana "Darkness" post #111
Kristie post #139
Mave post #101
Morgan post #128
Paige post #124
Pigletto post #94
Ruth post #35
Sonia post#4
Suzanne post #25
Tanya post #117
Tina post#16
Tricia post #126

[Steven]

*tagged* I think I'll end up participating in this :)

[Michael]

im ready to roll here in Zimbabwe we cant get all the books so we rely on Ebook thus downloading.6:30 i begin

[Sonia]

Sonia's spot

Start date:02/10/2013
Level: Monster Collector ► 21+ books

books TBD

[Jenn]

Start date: 10/2/2013
Monster Collector Level

Theme 1 Classic Horror


Theme 2 Masters of Horror and Fantastic


Theme 3 - Samhain

Theme 4: Spell It Out
R
E
D
V
I I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell 10/20/13
N No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving The Suicide Of A Loved One 10/8/13
E
S -Candy Cane Murder Main character Hannah Swenson 10/2/13

Theme 5 - Face Your Fears
1. Elegy ghosts 10/10/13


Theme 6 - Hallow places



Theme 7 Halloween Party
P Peach Cobbler Murder 10/5/13
U
M
P Plum Pudding Murder 10/19/16
K Key Lime Pie Murder 10/13/13
I
N
A A Slice of Murder 10/21/13
L Love Is Hell 10/11/13
E

Theme 8 Supernatural Creatures

Theme 9 Halloween Coverhunt
1. Magnolias, Moonlight, and Murder 10/4/13
2. Good Ghouls Do 10/4/13

Theme 10 Special Abilities
1. Kiss of Frost 10/8/13

[Deedee]

Looks like fun!

Start date: 10/2/2013
Monster Collector Level

Theme 1 Classic Horror


Theme 2 Masters of Horror and Fantastic
Horror Classic from the 1950s:
I Am Legend (1954) by Richard Matheson (07/15/14)


Theme 3 – Samhain
like Beltane: The Hungry Moon (1986) by Ramsey Campbell (10/31/13)

Theme 4: Spell It Out
V: (Voices) Voices (Reykjavík Murder Mystery #5) (2002) by Arnaldur Indriðason; translated by Bernard Scudder (10/25/13)
A: (Ayelet) Murder Plays House (A Mommy-Track Mystery #5) (2004) by Ayelet Waldman (11/08/13)
M: (McLynn) Wagons West: The Epic Story of America's Overland Trails (2002) by Frank McLynn (10/10/13)
P: (Philipp) The Son (2013) by Philipp Meyer (10/08/13)
I: (Indriðason) The Draining Lake (Reykjavík Murder Mystery #6) by Arnaldur Indriðason (translated from Icelandic by Bernard Scudder) (11/29/13)
R: (Robertson) Instruments of Darkness (Crowther and Westerman #1) (2009) by Imogen Robertson (12/25/13)
E: (Evelyn) Men at Arms (Sword of Honour #1) (1952) by Evelyn Waugh (12/12/13)


Theme 5 - Face Your Fears



Theme 6 - Hallow places
Setting included an insane asylum in London and Dracula’s castle in Transylvania: Renfield (2006) by Barbara Hambly (12/31/13)


Theme 7 Halloween Party
C: (Caro) A Dangerous Affair (Liberty Lane #2) (2008) by Caro Peacock (11/16/13)
A: (All) All Set About With Fever Trees and Other Stories by Pam Durban (10/13/13)
U:(Unfamiliar) Unfamiliar Fishes (2011) by Sarah Vowell (01/15/14)
L: (Lake) Green (Green Universe #1) (2009) by Jay Lake (10/23/13)
D: (Daisy) Starry Nights (2013) by Daisy Whitney (10/14/13)
R: (Rachel) Lady of the Snakes (2008) by Rachel Pastan (12/30/13)
O: (Ore) Time's Child (2007) by Rebecca Ore (10/16/13)
N: (Nash) Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll Life (2013) by Graham Nash (10/07/13)

Theme 8 Supernatural Creatures
The Space Between (2011) by Brenna Yovanoff (YA) (06/18/14)
Ghosts:
Haunted (Harrison Investigation #1) (2003) by Heather Graham (11/24/13)
Ghost:
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (Dirk Gently #1) (1987) by Douglas Adams (02/04/14)
Ghost:
In the Shadow of Blackbirds (2013) by Cat Winters (05/07/14)
Vampire:
Gideon Smith and the Mechanical Girl (Gideon Smith #1) (2013) by David Barnett (03/08/14)
Werewolves:
Lycanthia: or The Children of Wolves (1981) by Tanith Lee (05/27/14)
Werewolves, and a Vampire:
Moon Called (Mercy Thompson #1) (2006) by Patricia Briggs (06/30/14)
Zombies:
Deader Still (Simon Canderous #2) by Anton Strout (03/13/14)

Theme 9 Halloween Coverhunt

Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna #1) (2011) by Kendare Blake (01/14/14)
Cover is black & white with red highlights; center figure is a young woman with red stains (presumably blood) at the bottom of her slip/nightgown.

Theme 10 Special Abilities
Special Ability: main character of this book: objects in his dreams become REAL
The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2) (2013) by Maggie Stiefvater (12/07/13)

Special Ability: Hero is a wizard (albeit, a wizard of limited abilities); other magicians are also in the novel
With A Single Spell (Ethshar #2) (1987) by Lawrence Watt-Evans (12/16/13)

[Anima]

I'm in, I love the idea of having Halloween all year long.

Starts 10/02/13
Duration: one year
Level: Monster Collector 21+ books
Completed: 22/21+


Theme #1:Classic Horror


Theme #2:Masters of Horror and Fantastic

1. Doctor Sleep ✔ 10/16/13 ****
2. 11/22/63 ✔ 10/19/13 *****


Theme #3:Samhain


Theme #4:Trick or Treat - a Spell-it-Out challenge


Theme #5:Face your Fears

1. Unwind(dying) ✔ 11/05/13 ****
2. UnWholly (dying) ✔ 11/08/13 ****
3. UnSouled(dying) ✔ 11/09/13 ****



Theme #6:Hallow Places

1. The Graveyard Book ✔ 10/11/13 ****

Theme #7:Halloween Party – a Spell-it-Out challenge

S
P
O
O
K
Y

C
O
O
K
Y

Theme #8:Supernatural Creatures

1. The Twelve ✔ 10/07/13 ****
2. Daughter of Smoke & Bone ✔ 10/13/13 ***
3. The Walking Dead, Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye✔ 10/15/13 *****
4. Etiquette & Espionage ✔ 10/27/13 ***
5. Fuse ✔ 10/21/13 ****
6. The House of Hades ✔ 11/20/13 ****

Theme #9:Halloween Cover Hunt


Theme #10:Special Abilities

1. Magic Burns ✔ 10/10/13 ****
2. Storm Front ✔ 10/25/13 *****
3. Grave Sight ✔ 10/09/13 ****
4. Fool Moon ✔ 11/01/13 *****
5. Grave Surprise ✔ 10/29/13 **
6. Grave Peril ✔ 12/29/13 *****
7. Summer Knight ✔ 12/30/13 *****
8. Magic Strikes ✔ 11/11/13 ****
9. Death Masks ✔ 12/31/13 *****
10. Magic Bleeds✔ 12/09/13 ****

[Sonia]

Cool!

Welcome to the challenge Steven, Michael, Jennifer, Evil Twin, Deedee and Anima!

[AndaM]

Reading Challenges > 12 Months of Halloween Reading Challenge

Duration: 10/01/13 - 09/30/14
Level: Monster Collector- 21+ Books

Theme #1:Classic Horror
Read classic horror books like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or Bran Stoker’s Dracula. Or, you can choose the modern revamp of old classics like Pride, Prejudice and zombies. Or books that are based on Classic Horror books like Alice in Zombieland.

Theme #2:Masters of Horror and Fantastic
Read a book from a master of horror and Fantastic like Stephen King or Dean Koontz, or if you prefer a more lighter approach, like Neil Gaiman or Terry Pratcher.

Theme #3:Samhain
Read a book that focus on Celtic/Gaelic traditions like Beltane, Samhain or other rituals, or somehow fit the meaning of Samhain

Theme #4:Trick or Treat (Costume)
V
A
M
P
I
R
E

Theme #5:Face your Fears
Read books about things that scary you - urban legends, ghost stories, spiders, spider webs, murders, even elevators or planes, is all about your fears.

Theme #6:Hallow Places
For this option, is all about the setting - Cemeteries, dark forest, haunted house, the asylum, Dracula's Castle

Theme #7:Halloween Party – (Decoration)
S:
P:
I:
D:
E:
R:

W:
E:
B:
S:

Theme #8:Supernatural Creatures

Theme #9:Halloween Cover Hunt
Read books with covers matching Halloween colors - black, orange, red - or Halloween themes - pumpkins, skulls, etc.

Theme #10:Special Abilities

[Sonia]

Welcome to the challenge AndaM

[Ashley Marie]

Gotta catch 'em all, right?


Level: Monster Collector (21+)
Duration: 10/1/13 - 9/30/14
Completed 45/45

Theme #1:Classic Horror
(Tweaked to include gothic classics - horror is scary :) )
✔1. The Master and Margarita (10/30) ****
✔2. The Woman in White (9/30) ****
✔3. Jamaica Inn (10/20) ***



Theme #2:Masters of Horror and Fantastic
✔1. Storm Front (11/6) ****
✔2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (10/15) *****
✔3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (3/3) *****



Theme #3:Samhain/Divination
✔1. The Dream Thieves (11/2) ****
✔2. Endless Knight (10/13) ***
✔3. The Night Circus (11/4) ****



Theme #4:Trick or Treat
✔A Agatha Christie|Murder on the Links (11/12) ***
✔L Margo Lanagan|The Brides of Rollrock Island (10/7) ****
✔L The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul (6/2) ****
✔H The Hum and the Shiver (10/12) ****
✔A Agatha Christie|Murder at the Vicarage (5/28) ****
✔L Marie Lu|Champion (8/18) ***
✔L Laura Lam|Pantomime (9/5) ****
✔O Origin (1/5) ***
✔W F. Paul Wilson|The Tomb (Adversary Cycle, #2) (8/6) ****
✔S Small Favor (3/14) *****
✔E Elizabeth Wein|Rose Under Fire (10/5) *****
✔V Catherynne M. Valente|The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (5/5) ***
✔E E. Lockhart|The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks (2/23) *****



Theme #5:Face your Fears
✔1. Déjà Dead (11/18) ***
✔2. Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital (8/30) ****
✔3. Proven Guilty (2/10) *****



Theme #6:Hallow Places
✔1. The Graveyard Book (11/20) *****
✔2. Dead Sky Morning (9/7) ****
✔3. Red Fox (6/13) ****



Theme #7:Halloween Party
✔P The Princess Bride (12/31) ***
✔U Untold (11/19) *****
✔M My Sister Lives On The Mantelpiece (2/12) *****
✔P R.J. Palacio|Wonder (10/12) *****
✔K Kinslayer (11/11) ****
✔I Indexing (4/4) ****
✔N Never Fall Down (11/13) *****
✔G The Golem and the Jinni (3/13) ****



Theme #8:Supernatural Creatures
✔1. Fool Moon (12/13) ****
✔2. World After (12/14) ***
✔3. White Night (3/7) *****



Theme #9:Halloween Cover Hunt
✔1. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (10/21) ***
✔2. Grave Peril (12/23) ****
✔3. Death Masks (1/10) *****



Theme #10:Special Abilities
✔1. Warbound (10/11) *****
✔2. Broken Homes (3/9) ****
✔3. Steelheart (12/28) ****

[Sonia]

Right Ashley, like collecting Pokemon :)

Welcome!

[Amanda]

How could I possibly pass this one by?
Monster Collector ► 21+ books
Start Date: October 1, 2013

Theme #1:Classic Horror
1.
2.


Theme #2:Masters of Horror and Fantastic
1. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
2. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
3. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
4. A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
5.


Theme #3:Samhain
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.


Theme #4:Trick or Treat
R:
E:
E:
S:
E:
S:


Theme #5:Face your Fears
1.
2.
3.


Theme #6:Hallow Places
1. Ashes to Ashes by Karina Halle
2.
3.
4.


Theme #7:Halloween Party – a Spell-it-Out challenge
P:
O:
T:
I:
O:
N:


Theme #8:Supernatural Creatures
1. The Lady is a Vamp by Lynsay Sands
2. My Life as a White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland


Theme #9:Halloween Cover Hunt
1. Hot Head by Damon Suede
2.


Theme #10:Special Abilities
1. Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon
2. Sabriel by Garth Nix

[Danielle]

Start date: 10/2/2013
Monster Collector

Theme #1:Classic Horror
1.Frankenstein
2.Wuthering Bites
3.Dracula
4.Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Theme #2:Masters of Horror and Fantastic
1. Interview with the Vampire
2.Carrie
3.'Salem's Lot
4.From the Corner of His Eye
5.What the Night Knows

Theme #3:Samhain
1. Any Witch Way
2.

Theme #4:Trick or Treat
A: Amped
L:LZR-1143: Infection
I:Infected
C:Contagious
E: The Eternals


Theme #5:Face your Fears
1. Room
2. Spiders


Theme #6:Hallow Places
1. The Grave Winner
2.Getting A Life, Even If You're Dead


Theme #7:Halloween Party – a Spell-it-Out challenge
F: Flesh and Blood
O: The Oasis of Filth
G:Gone Girl



Theme #8:Supernatural Creatures
1. Eve's Return
2.Dust

Theme #9:Halloween Cover Hunt
1.
2.


Theme #10:Special Abilities
1.Witch & Wizard
2. Scary Mary

[Tina]

I'm in!!!
12 Months of Halloween Reading Challenge
October 2, 2013 ~ October 1, 2014
Monster Collector ► 21+ books
Read 30

Theme #1:Classic Horror


Theme #2:Masters of Horror and Fantastic


Theme #3:Samhain

Theme #4:Trick or Treat
B:Beautiful Pain
O:Once Bitten
T:Trina M. Lee The Wicked Kiss
T:This Beautiful Stranger
L:Lover Eternal
E:Emme Rollins Meeting Trouble

C:Covet
A:Arabella Quinn Wicked
P:Protected
S:Jill Shalvis Head Over Heels

Theme #5:Face your Fears

Theme #6:Hallow Places


Theme #7:Halloween Party – a Spell-it-Out challenge
C:Cascades of Moonlight: The Parker Harris Series
A:Amy McClung Dreams, Spells, and Moonlit Tales
U:Unbound
L:Love in the Cards
D:Dark Lover
R:Emme Rollins Dear Rockstar
O:Only Vampires Cry Blood
N:Nothing to Tell

Theme #8:Supernatural Creatures


Theme #9:Halloween Cover Hunt


Theme #10:Special Abilities

[Danielle Book Boss]

October 2 2013 - September 30, 2014



Theme 4: Candy

S Sinclair, Cherise Club Shadowlands 1/11 2 stars
K Kenya Wright Fire Baptized 4 stars 3/20
I Ilona Andrews Magic Strikes 11/14 5 stars
T Thalassa, Laura The Unearthly 10/24 4 stars
T The Claiming of Zoe 11/11 2 stars
L Laini Taylor Daughter of Smoke & Bone 3/10 5 stars
E Ewan: main character In Bed with a Highlander 12/9 3.5 stars
S Singh, Nalini Archangel's Legion 11/11 4 stars



Theme 7: Party Decoration

G Gunmetal Magic 2/17 4 stars
H Harper, Molly A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses 12/6 3.5 stars
O October Daye - main character Rosemary and Rue 1/18 2 stars
S Suzanne Wright Feral Sins 1/31 5 stars
T main character: Chloe Todd MacRieve 1/4 4.5 stars



Theme 9: Cover Hunt (Red, Black, Orange, Pumpkin, Cat, Bat)

1. Pretty When She Dies 11/28 4 stars
2. Beautiful Bastard 2/6 5 stars
3. Wickedest Witch 2/27 3 stars
4. God Save the Queen 4/26 4 stars
5. Pride Mates 4 stars

[Barb]

I'm in, but I'm only going to attempt a few categories.

12 MONTHS OF HALLOWEEN, 10/1 - 9/30/14
PROGRESS: 80/80ish

THEME #4: TRICK OR TREAT SPELL-IT-OUT
COSTUME: CHARLIE BROWN'S GHOST - COMPLETED 10/22
✓ C - Crazy in Paradise, by Deborah Brown, finished 10/15
✓ H - author Carolyn G. Hart - Death on Demand (Death on Demand #1), finished 10/6
✓ A - As I Close My Eyes (Breaking Fate #1), by Sarah DiCello, finished 10/5
✓ R - A Reliable Wife, by Robert Goolrick, finished 10/18
✓ L - Life's a Beach Then You Die, by Falafel Jones, finished 10/7
✓ I - If You Can't Stand the Heat (Poppy Markham #1), by Robin Allen, finished 10/11
✓ E - Edited for Death (Amy Hobbes #1), by Michele Drier, finished 10/11

✓ B - Bring on the Blessings, by Beverly Jenkins, finished 10/5
✓ R - author Rick Dewhurst - The Good Book Club (Jane Sunday #1), finished 10/2
✓ O - Oolong Dead (Tea Shop #10), by Laura Childs, finished 10/6
✓ W - The Whole Enchilada (Goldy Schulz #17), by Diane Mott Davidson, finished 10/4
✓ N - author Nancy Jill Thames - Murder In Half Moon Bay (Jillian Bradley #1), finished 10/17
✓ S - State of the Onion (White House Chef #1), by Julie Hyzy, finished 10/3

✓ G - author John Grisham - The Litigators
✓ H - The Hour of Peril: The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln Before the Civil War, by Daniel Stashower, finished 10/8
✓ O - The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, finished 10/22
✓ S - Stargazey Point, by Shelley Nobel, finished 10/4
✓ T - Truly, Madly (Lucy Valentine #1), by Heather Webber, finished 10/7

         

       


TREAT: REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS - COMPLETED 3/22
✓ R - Rigged For Murder (Windjammer #1), by Jennifer LeClair, finished 10/21
✓ E - author J.T. Ellison & Catherine Coulter - The Final Cut (A Brit in the FBI #1), finished 10/29
✓ E - author Elizabeth J Duncan - A Killer's Christmas in Wales (Penny Brannigan #3), finished 12/14
✓ S - author Daniel Suarez - Daemon (Daemon #1), finished 10/4
✓ E - character Edward - The Trinity Six, by Charles Cummings, finished 12/15
✓ S - author Shirley Rousseau Murphy - Cat on the Edge (Joe Grey #1), finished 10/12

✓ P - author Kin Platt - The Screwball King Murder, finished 10/8
✓ E - author Edie Claire - Never Neck at Niagara (Leigh Koslow #3.5), finished 12/25
✓ A - author Meredith Allard - Her Dear and Loving Husband (Loving Husband #1), finished 10/12
✓ N - A Novel Way to Die (Black Cat Bookshop #2), by Ali Brandon, finished 10/19
✓ U - Unlucky, by Jana DeLeon, finished 11/4
✓ T - author Maggie Toussaint - In for a Penny (Cleopatra Jones #1), finished 10/12

✓ B - author Bonnie S. Calhoun - Cooking the Books (Sloane Templeton #1), finished 10/28
✓ U - Under Construction (Cartel #1), by Summer Ellis, finished 11/19
✓ T - author Nancy Thayer - A Nantucket Christmas, finished 11/17
✓ T - author John Tayman - The Colony: The Harrowing True Story of the Exiles of Molokai, finished 12/10
✓ E - author Emilie Richards - Let There Be Suspects ((Ministry is Murder #2), finished 1/12
✓ R - The Right Wrong Number, by Barbara Delinsky, finished 10/29

✓ C - Christmas Carol Murder (Lucy Stone #20), by Leslie Meier, finished 10/15
✓ U - Uggie: My Story, by Uggie, finished 3/22
✓ P - author Paige Shelton - If Fried Chicken Could Fly (Country Cooking School #1), finished 11/17
✓ S - Stranded (Ivy Malone #4), by Lorena McCourtney, finished 10/16

         

         

 


THEME #7: HALLOWEEN PARTY SPELL-IT-OUT
THEME: HAUNTED HOUSE - COMPLETED 3/3
✓ H - Halfway, by Stephanie Void, finished 11/10
✓ A - author Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot #10), finished 10/14
✓ U - Unbound (Booklover’s #2), by Julie Kaewert, finished 12/10
✓ N - No Game for a Dame (Maggie Sullivan #1), by M. Ruth Myers, finished 10/25
✓ T - Till the Cows Come Home (Stella Crown #1), by Judy Clemens, finished 11/26
✓ E - author Eoin Colfer - Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl #1), finished 10/26
✓ D - The Dead Man's Knock (Dr. Gideon Fell #19), by John Dickson Carr, finished 10/8

✓ H - The Highly Effective Detective (Highly Effective Detective #1), by Rick Yancey, finished 11/11
✓ O - One Imperfect Christmas, by Myra Johnson, finished 12/17
✓ U - Unexpected Secret Agents, by Theresa E. Moore, finished 3/3
✓ S - Starry Night, by Debbie Macomber, finished 11/9
✓ E - Effected Intent, by Alan Ross, finished 11/22

         

 


SONG: MONSTER MASH - COMPLETED 12/16
✓ M - author Marcia Muller & Bill Pronzini - The Bughouse Affair (Carpenter & Quincannon #1), finished 10/30
✓ O - character Old Hermit Qiangba - Sky Burial: An Epic Love Story of Tibet, by Xinran, finished 12/16
✓ N - author Nageeba Davis - Artful Dodger (Maggie Kean Mis-Adventure #1), finished 11/7
✓ S - character Sam - Acapella Blues, by Robert Bucchianeri, finished 11/15
✓ T - Thistle and Twigg (Thistle & Twigg #1), by Mary Saums, finished 11/21
✓ E - author Emilie Richards - Blessed Is The Busybody (Ministry is Murder #1), finished 11/15
✓ R - author Ron Irwin - Flat Water Tuesday, finished 11/5

✓ M - author Brad Meltzer - The Zero Game, finished 11/20
✓ A - author Alice Kimberly - The Ghost and Mrs. McClure (Haunted Bookshop #1), finished 10/24
✓ S - author S.J. Parris - Heresy (Giordano Bruno #1), finished 12/6
✓ H - Her Fearful Symmetry, by Audrey Niffenegger, finished 11/13

          


DRINKS: HOT APPLE CIDER - COMPLETED 12/31/13
✓ H - author Jack Higgins - Thunder Point (Sean Dillon #2), finished 11/26
✓ O - character Logan O'Donnell - Candlelight Christmas (Lakeshore Chronicles #10), by Susan Wiggs, finished 12/19
✓ T - author Adriana Trigiani - The Supreme Macaroni Company (Valentine #3), finished 12/12

✓ A - author Amy Sue Nathan - The Glass Wives, finished 11/9
✓ P - author Peter Mayle - The Vintage Caper (Sam Levitt #1), finished 11/19
✓ P - character Precious Ramotswe - The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon (No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency #14), by Alexander McCall Smith, finished 11/27
✓ L - author Laura Childs - Gilt Trip (Scrapbooking Mystery #11), finished 11/2
✓ E - character Elizabeth - Thursdays at Eight, by Debbie Macomber, finished 12/26

✓ C - Cleopatra's Daughter, by Michelle Moran, finished 11/23
✓ I - Infinite Sacrifice (Infinite #1), by L.E. Waters, finished 10/31/13
✓ D - Defending Jacob, by William Landay, finished 11/1
✓ E - Emily's Gold, by Randy Talley, finished 12/31
✓ R - author Nora Roberts - The Next Always (Inn Boonsboro #1), finished 11/8

         

  


THEME #9:HALLOWEEN COVER HUNT
Read books with covers matching Halloween colors (black, orange, red) or Halloween themes (pumpkins, skulls, etc.)
I'll see how many of these I can find in the next year :)

1. Flesh of the God (Lieutenant Bak #7), by Lauren Haney, finished 10/9


2. Water (Akasha #1), by Terra Harmony, finished 10/10


3. The Sudoku Murder (Katie McDonald #1), by Shelley Freydont, finished 10/30


4. Alone (D.D. Warren #1), by Lisa Gardner, finished 10/31


5. Shift (ChronoShift #1), by Zack Mason, finished 11/29



***** CHALLENGE COMPLETE 3/22 *****

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Theme 5, for me: Clowns and overdue library fees, in addition to some other stuff. Hm if I do the overdue library fees as a real theme, I could read some cozies that take place in a library, hehe. Of course, libraries don't scare me so those may not fit but we'll see!

Halloween is my favorite so I'm definitely in. All categories! I'll get my specifics together later.

[Ashley Marie]

ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "Theme 5, for me: Clowns and overdue library fees, in addition to some other stuff. Hm if I do the overdue library fees as a real theme, I could read some cozies that take place in a library, hehe. ..."

I giggled pretty hard at clowns and library fees, tbh, Muffin.

I recently discovered a new fear thanks to one of my tbr books: that I'll be injured in a natural disaster but survive, only to be murdered by my doctor.

[Steven]

Which book is that Ashley Marie? OMG! Scary!

[Ashley Marie]

Steven wrote: "Which book is that Ashley Marie? OMG! Scary!"

Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital

[Steven]

Oh wow, even worse... real life events. *shudders*

[Lisa Kay]

Ashley Marie wrote: "Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital"

Let me know what you think of it, Ash. I talked with some traveling nurses who worked at that hospital and knew some of the people involved - and talked with them after the event.

[Suzanne]

Nothing but Reading Challenges
12 Months of Halloween Reading Challenge
Duration: 10/3/2013 - 9/30/2014

Progress: 49 out of 49 Monster Collector ► 21+ books

Theme #1: Classic Horror
Read classic horror books like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or Bran Stoker’s Dracula. Or, you can choose the modern revamp of old classics like Pride, Prejudice and zombies. Or books that are based on Classic Horror books like Alice in Zombieland:
Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter - ** - 12/22/2013



Theme #2: Masters of Horror and Fantastic
Read a book from a master of horror and Fantastic like Stephen King or Dean Koontz, or if you prefer a more lighter approach, like Neil Gaiman or Terry Pratchett.
The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett - **** - 5/1/2014



Theme #3: Samhain
Read a book that focus on Celtic/Gaelic traditions like Beltane, Samhain or other rituals, or somehow fit the meaning of Samhain. People also took steps to protect themselves from harmful spirits, which is thought to have led to the custom of guising. Divination was also done at Samhain.
Dark Witch by Nora Roberts - *** - 3/9/2014



Theme #4: Trick or Treat
Let your inner child on the loose in a trick or treat spell-it-out challenge. Suggestions: the perfect costume, the sweets, the pranks, the kind neighbor, the scary one. Surprise us.

I Love Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins
R: Rush by Maya Banks - *** - 10/3/2013
E: Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger - ***** - 11/16/2013
E: E. Lockhart; The Boyfriend List: 15 Guys, 11 Shrink Appointments, 4 Ceramic Frogs and Me, Ruby Oliver - *** - 11/7/2013
S: Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow - **** - 10/21/2013
E: Susan Ee; Angelfall - ***** - 11/13/2013
S: Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout - *** - 10/29/2013

P: Patrick Rothfuss; The Wise Man's Fear - *** - 11/5/2013
E: Eloisa James; When Beauty Tamed the Beast - *** - 1/9/2014
A: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein - ***** - 10/31/2013
N: Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich - ***** - 10/15/2013
U: The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison - ***** - 4/10/2014
T: Tessa Dare; Once Upon a Winter's Eve - ***** - 10/25/2013

B: Maya Banks; Fever - **** - 12/9/2013
U: Ursula K. Le Guin; Gifts - *** - 8/19/2014 - 274 Pages
T: Taming Natasha by Nora Roberts - **** - 11/29/2013
T: Tara Sivec; Futures and Frosting - ***** - 12/4/2013
E: Ever After by Kim Harrison - ***** - 2/18/2014
R: Molly Ringwald; Getting the Pretty Back: Friendship, Family, and Finding the Perfect Lipstick - **** - 11/14/2013

P: Patricia Briggs; Frost Burned - ***** - 11/14/2013
U: The Ugly Duchess by Eloisa James - **** - 9/23/2014
M: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale - ***** - 11/11/2013
P: Party Crashers by Stephanie Bond - **** - 12/29/2013
K: Stacey Kade; The Ghost and the Goth - ***** - 11/23/2013
I: Isaac Asimov; Prelude to Foundation - *** - 11/12/2013
N: Chloe Neill; Some Girls Bite - **** - 12/25/2013
S: Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham - ***** - 11/3/2013



Theme #5: Face your Fears
Read books about things that scary you - urban legends, ghost stories, spiders, spider webs, murders, even elevators or planes, is all about your fears:
Kidnappings: Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones - ***** - 10/14/2013


Theme #6: Hallow Places
For this option, is all about the setting - Cemeteries, dark forest, haunted house, the asylum, Dracula's Castle:
Grave Peril by Jim Butcher - ***** - 10/28/2013


Theme #7: Halloween Party – a Spell-it-Out challenge
Use your imagination to create the perfect party item: the beverages, the food, the decorations, the theme, the music
I Like Creepy Cocktails
C: The Coolest Race on Earth: Mud, Madmen, Glaciers, and Grannies at the Antarctica Marathon by John Hanc - ***** - 10/24/2013
R: Rachel Cohn; Dash & Lily's Book of Dares - ***** - 11/1/2013
E: Eloisa James; Winning the Wallflower - ***** - 2/26/2014
E: Erin McCarthy; Flat-Out Sexy - **** - 3/24/2014
P: Susan Elizabeth Phillips; Nobody's Baby But Mine - ***** - 1/8/2014
Y: Yasmine Galenorn; Demon Mistress - ***** - 10/30/2013

C: Charlaine Harris; Dead Reckoning - **** - 11/21/2013
O: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean - ***** - 10/26/2013
C: C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton - **** - 12/10/2013
K: Kristen Ashley; Rock Chick - ***** - 10/20/2013
T: Carolyn Turgeon; Mermaid: A Twist on the Classic Tale - *** - 12/18/2013
A: Avenger's Angel by Heather Killough-Walden - *** - 1/22/2014
I: Inkheart by Cornelia Funke - **** - 12/17/2013
L: Lisa Jackson; Gypsy Wind - ** - 11/8/2013
S: JC Stand; The Geisha and the Giant Octopus - * -11/14/2013



Theme #8: Supernatural Creatures
The title is self explanatory, read a book that has witches, warlocks, vampires, werewolves, zombie, ghosts, spirits, poltergeist, anything counts:
Face the Fire by Nora Roberts - *** - 10/8/2013


Theme #9: Halloween Cover Hunt
Read books with covers matching Halloween colors - black, orange, red - or Halloween themes - pumpkins, skulls, etc.:
Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur - *** - 10/11/2013


Theme #10: Special Abilities
Read books with characters with special abilities - fire power, magical powers, sensing the dead, premonitions, etc.
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones - ***** - 10/6/2013

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Ashley Marie wrote: "ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "Theme 5, for me: Clowns and overdue library fees, in addition to some other stuff. Hm if I do the overdue library fees as a real theme, I could read some cozies tha..."

Egads, that is a scary thought, AM!! I could hear the voice-over as I read that, haha. "She survived the worst natural disaster ever... only to be MURDERED by the one she thought she could trust -- her doctor!" DUN DUN DUN!

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Steven wrote: "Oh wow, even worse... real life events. *shudders*"

Right?! Ugh! Now I can't stop shuddering, LOL! It's even creepier when you find out that it was a true story. Yikes. I did not know that part when I made my silly voice-over post above. Eep.

eta: I just read the synopsis. I vaguely remember hearing something about that in the news at some point in time. Well, I added it to my TBR, especially since there's a giveaway for the book right now. Sounds intriguing.

[April]

Nothing but Reading Challenges
12 Months of Halloween Reading Challenge
Duration: 10/3/2013 - 9/30/2014

Progress: Monster Collector ► 21+ books

Theme #2: Masters of Horror and Fantastic

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Theme #4: Trick or Treat

Costumes: Mother (Athena) and Daughter (Medusa) Duo
*Actually happening this year*

A- Antony and Cleopatra 10/20/13
T- Townsend, Sue The Queen and I 12/30/13
H- Harris, Robert Pompeii 11/6/13
E- Emerald Green 11/26/13
N- The Ninth Daughter 12/6/13
A- Aslan, Reza Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth 12/30/13

M- Meltzer, Brad The Fifth Assassin 11/13/13
E- Ernest Cline Ready Player One 12/12/13
D- Divergent 12/26/13
U- Untold Story 1/5/14
S- Sapphire Blue 11/23/13
A- Alice Ozma The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared 1/20/14

Theme #7: Halloween Party – a Spell-it-Out challenge
Must have a Scary Movie

S- Sandra Gulland The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B. 12/1/13
C- Cinder 12/27/13
A-
R- Ruled Britannia 10/28/13
Y- Year of Wonders 12/3/13

M- Mary Renault The King Must Die 11/22/13
O- Octavia E. Butler Kindred 10/18/13
V- Valley of the Dolls 1/13/14
I- Iwasaki, Mineko Geisha, a Life 12/9/13
E- East of Eden 12/25/13

Theme #8: Supernatural Creatures

The Witch's Daughter 10/4/13- a Witch! Burn her!
The House of Hades 10/10/13- Demigods fighting Monsters and Titans
White Rose 11/17/13- Another witch!
Dark Lycan 1/16/14- Vampires and Lycans, yummy!
Shiver 2/4/14- Werewolves, not as exciting as it sounds

Theme #10: Special Abilities
Seduction 11/1/13- Can remember her own and other people's past lives through sense of smell
Reflections in the Nile 11/11/13- Main character can time travel and live life in new time

[Eni]

HELLS YEAH I'M IN! =D
BEST. CHALLENGE. EVAAAA!




sorry super excited =x

[Eni]

Nothing but Reading Challenges
12 Months of Halloween Reading Challenge
Start Date: 10/4/2013
Finish Date: 01/26/2014

Level:Monster Collector ► 21+ books
Read: 23/21+

Theme #2:Masters of Horror and Fantastic

1. Carrie
2. Misery


Theme #5:Face your Fears

1. Spider's Bite
2. The Shining
3. Coraline
4. The Troop


Theme #7:Halloween Party

J - Jeff Kinney - Diary of a Wimpy Kid
E - Emma Corrigan (main char) - Can You Keep a Secret?
L - Lisa Tuttle - The Silver Bough
L - Laini Taylor - Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Y -

B - The Book of Lost Things
R -
A - Abby (main char) - Colony East
I -
N - Nan (Mira's bff) - UnEnchanted


Theme #8:Supernatural Creatures

1. Blood Bound
2. White Trash Zombie Apocalypse
3. Midnight Blue-Light Special
4. Deadline
5. Cry Wolf
6. Blood Rights


Theme #10:Special Abilities

1. The Battle of the Labyrinth
2. The Last Olympian
3. Magic to the Bone
4. Hounded

[Catherine]

I'll give it go :)

Theme 1 Classic Horror


Theme 2 Masters of Horror and Fantastic


Theme 3 - Samhain

Juliet Immortal..Stacey Jay(Juliet is a soul that passes between bodies...following Romeo's soul)(read)


Theme 4: Spell It Out
T. Tasha Alexander..A Poisoned Season(book 2)(read)
R. Rick Riordan..The House of Hades(book 4)
I.
C. Country Loving..Cathy Woodman(book 7)
K.

T. Tasha Alexander..A Fatal Waltz(book 3)
R.
E.
A.
T. Tears of Pearl..Tasha Alexander(book 4)


Theme 5 - Face Your Fears



Theme 6 - Hallow places



Theme 7 Halloween Party
J.
A.
C.
K.
O'.
L.
A.
N.
T.
E.
R.
N.



Theme 8 Supernatural Creatures

Theme 9 Halloween Coverhunt

Theme 10 Special Abilities

[Anna]

Definitely in on this one.

Start Date 10/3/2013

[Ashley Marie]

Lisa Kay wrote: "Ashley Marie wrote: "Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital"

Let me know what you think of it, Ash. I talked with some traveling nurses who worked at that hospital and ..."

Oh that's so interesting, LK! I actually won a copy in a Goodreads Giveaway, but it's messed up enough for me to be interested regardless. I'll definitely give you an update!

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

I have a new(ish) fear: Being seen as a witness to a crime, specifically murder. I had a dream last night that I witnessed a group of guys murder someone in a pumpkin patch in a park. I was with 3 other people and we all hopped into our car to get away before we were seen. I was so worried that the murderers would know who we were and where we lived. We called the police from a safe place to alert them of the crime. Then I woke up. Ugh, don't like dreams like that.

Fires scare me... dying in a fire.. house catching fire. I used to dream about that a lot but it's been a long time. I know dreams aren't usually literal so it probably meant something else was bothering me at the time but still.

Having my house broken into is a fear. I dream a LOT that the front door didn't lock or will not shut completely and of course that night, someone breaks down the door to get in and rob us.

My son going missing is a huge fear. I mean, I don't obsess over it or anything but it's always there in the back of my mind, especially if he's late coming home from school. I'm so neurotic, I always think the worst case scenario before I am able to think rationally. At least I'm able to make myself rational after my minor flip-outs, heh. On his first day of Kindergarten, the teacher 'lost' him and woo, did I panic. We'd gone to the school to pick him up and he wasn't at the pick-up door. He'd slipped onto a bus while his teacher was helping the bus kids find their buses. The school was really good about making sure their kindergarteners and first graders were not let go with anyone but a parent/approved adult so I wasn't worried about him being taken or anything, it was more about him being on a bus and getting lost because the driver didn't even know he'd gotten on. Thankfully, the buses had not taken off when we realized he was missing!

Good thing I read a lot of mysteries. I've got some of my fears covered in those.

[Ruth]

Looks like fun!!

Starts 10/03/13
Duration: one year
Level: Monster Collector 21+ books
Completed: 22/21+

Theme #1:Classic Horror
Read classic horror books like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or Bran Stoker’s Dracula. Or, you can choose the modern revamp of old classics like Pride, Prejudice and zombies. Or books that are based on Classic Horror books like Alice in Zombieland.


Theme #2:Masters of Horror and Fantastic
Read a book from a master of horror and Fantastic like Stephen King or Dean Koontz, or if you prefer a more lighter approach, like Neil Gaiman or Terry Pratcher.
1. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman...October 19, 2013
2. Coraline by Neil Gaiman...October 24, 2013
3. The Shiningby Stephen King...November 2, 2013
4. Joyland by Stephen King...November 17, 2013
Theme #3:Samhain
Read a book that focus on Celtic/Gaelic traditions like Beltane, Samhain or other rituals, or somehow fit the meaning of Samhain (see spoiler for info)
(view spoiler)
People also took steps to protect themselves from harmful spirits, which is thought to have led to the custom of guising. Divination was also done at Samhain.
Example:
The Mists of Avalon (Avalon, #1) Beltane Samhain

Theme #4:Trick or Treat Done
Let your inner child on the loose in a trick or treat spell-it-out challenge. Suggestions: the perfect costume, the sweets, the pranks, the kind neighbor, the scary one.
Witch
W. Whiskey Rebellion by Liliana Hart...October 9, 2013
I. Ink Red Dead by Joanna Campbell Slan...October 9, 2012
T. The Tender Mercy of Roses by Anna Michaels...October 8, 2013
C. Carved In Stone by Donna McDonald...October 11, 2013
H. The Honeymoon Cottage by Barbara Cool Lee...October 4, 2013

Theme #5:Face your Fears
Read books about things that scary you - urban legends, ghost stories, spiders, spider webs, murders, even elevators or planes, is all about your fears.
1. The Next Always by Nora Roberts...October 20, 2013..Deserted old hotel with a ghost
2. Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgens Clark...October 30, 2013..Children being abducted
3. Zoo by James Patterson....December 6, 2013 Animals overtaking the world

Theme #6:Hallow Places
For this option, is all about the setting - Cemeteries, dark forest, haunted house, the asylum, Dracula's Castle
1. Where I End and You Begin by Andra Brynn...October 13, 2013..Much of it takes place in deserted buildings..school, hospital, factory
2. Speaking from Among the Bones by Alan Bradly...November 13, 2013 Much of it takes place in a cemetery and hidden passages in an old church

Theme #7:Halloween Party – a Spell-it-Out challenge
Use your imagination to create the perfect party item: the beverages, the food, the decorations, the theme, the music.
Haunted House...
H. The Husband's Secret by Liane Morarity...October 12, 2013.
A. Ally Condie...Reached ...December 26, 2013
U. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce...December 1, 2013
N. No Cooperation from the Cat: A Mystery by Marian Babson...October 6, 2013
T. Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt...November 29, 2013
E. The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe...November 7, 2013
D. Dobson, Melanie...Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa..October 26, 2013
H. Hound Dog Trueby Linda Urban...October 23, 2013
O. One Small Thing by Jessica Barksdale Inclan...December 7, 2013
U
S. Sweethearts by Sara Zarr...October 25, 2013
E. Etiquette & Espionageby Gail Carriger... November 23, 2013

Theme #8 supernatural Creatures
1. The Walking Dead, Vol. 4: The Heart's Desire by Robert Kirkman...November 16, 2013 Zombies


Theme #9:Halloween Cover Hunt
Read books with covers matching Halloween colors - black, orange, red - or Halloween themes - pumpkins, skulls, etc.

Theme #10:Special Abilities
Read books with characters with special abilities - fire power, magical powers, sensing the dead, premonitions, etc.
1. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier...December 10, 2013 Main character can see and talk to ghosts

[Ashley Marie]

ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "I have a new(ish) fear: Being seen as a witness to a crime, specifically murder. I had a dream last night that I witnessed a group of guys murder someone in a pumpkin patch in a park. I was with 3 ..."

Don't feel bad, I'm equally as neurotic. At least we can be crazy together :)

I'm afraid of pretty much everything, so I wasn't that worried about finding books to fill that category!

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Ashley Marie wrote: "I'm afraid of pretty much everything, so I wasn't worried about finding books to fill that category!"

Yeah, thrillers probably cover many of my "realistic" fears. I started to think about fears on a wider scale than just 'things that go bump in the night' and realized yep, I could open almost any book on my shelf and it will likely fit that category, heh. I'm having fun coming up with options for that one. I have not found a book about overdue library fines yet, though, hehe. Yes, I'm very neurotic about those. I check my library account a few times a week when I know books are coming due and I make sure to return the books in person (rather than the drop box) if I'm at the due date. It's amusing to me how anal I am about avoiding fines, hehe.

Other than clowns, I can't think of anything 'creepy/fantastical' that I'm really 'afraid' of. Well, bugs of any sort creep me out...creepy crawly things. *shudder* I'm not sure I'll go out of my way to read abut those or clowns, though, not even for a challenge, LOL!

[Ashley Marie]

ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "Ashley Marie wrote: "I'm afraid of pretty much everything, so I wasn't worried about finding books to fill that category!"

Yeah, thrillers probably cover many of my "realistic" fears. I started to..."

I'm terrified of spiders (and strongly dislike clowns), which probably cover my irrational fears (although I think I'm afraid of some rational things to an irrational degree!). I was once home alone and a spider dive bombed me. I panicked so badly that I ended up in the ER after spraying MYSELF with raid.

[Sonia]

You can use "circus" - is where clowns live right?

[Ashley Marie]

ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "Steven wrote: "Oh wow, even worse... real life events. *shudders*"

Right?! Ugh! Now I can't stop shuddering, LOL! It's even creepier when you find out that it was a true story. Yikes. I did not k..."

I won it in a giveaway and had no idea that anything like what it's about had happened! I can't wait to be horrified reading it :)

[April]

I have a "strong dislike" of spiders. When I was 12 there was a spider in the bathroom. I was going to take a shower so I calmly went to my room to slip on shoes and came back and stomped on the spider. Little did I know that it was carrying its babies. Just like a cartoon, baby spiders leap out and start running around the bathroom. I'm now screaming and stomping all over the floor. Spiders, no. White-tiled bathrooms also are a little unnerving to me too.

[Steven]

I am extremely coulrophobic! *shudders*

[Ashley Marie]

April wrote: "I have a "strong dislike" of spiders. When I was 12 there was a spider in the bathroom. I was going to take a shower so I calmly went to my room to slip on shoes and came back and stomped on the sp..."

I'm pretty sure you just described the worst thing I can imagine. *shudders*

[Sonia]

Well, clowns are scary.

However being stuck does it for me. Closed spaces, feeling trap, movements restraining. Anything on the likes.

See the movies where the heroes sometimes crawl into the ventilation tunnels? uh-uh.. not for this girl. No way. Too little air. Riding elevator is something I force myself to do it... and I hate them.

all little bugs and crawlies creep me out too. Specially grasshoppers... those little buggers can make me cross to the other side of the street on sight. Even the little ones. I know work on a neighborhood full of trees and grass... really tall grass... I'm not looking forward to spring. Specially because some of my coworkers know about this little perk and they behave like teenagers!

[Ashley Marie]

Steven wrote: "I am extremely coulrophobic! *shudders*"

Steven and Muffin - have you ever seen the study they did in Britain about how horrified children are by clowns? They studied the impact of clown visits on kids in the hospital, and found that the vast majority hated them.

[Sonia]

Ashley Marie wrote: "Steven wrote: "I am extremely coulrophobic! *shudders*"

Steven and Muffin - have you ever seen the study they did in Britain about how horrified children are by clowns? They studied the impact of..."

What I hate the most on Christmas time? The circus! Not one, or two, but all over the city. My dad used to get tickets for it, and since my little sister adores it, guess who had to take her? *shudders at memories*

Portuguese clowns are not funny.

[Ashley Marie]

Sonia wrote: "Ashley Marie wrote: "Steven wrote: "I am extremely coulrophobic! *shudders*"

Steven and Muffin - have you ever seen the study they did in Britain about how horrified children are by clowns? They ..."

No clowns are funny. That sounds like cruel and unusual punishment to me, Sonia!

[Jenn]

April wrote: "I have a "strong dislike" of spiders. When I was 12 there was a spider in the bathroom. I was going to take a shower so I calmly went to my room to slip on shoes and came back and stomped on the sp..."

Eww wolf spider. They're one of the creepier ugly spiders as is...but the fact that there are hundreds of babies riding on its back is horrifying.

[Sonia]

Ashley Marie wrote: "Sonia wrote: "Ashley Marie wrote: "Steven wrote: "I am extremely coulrophobic! *shudders*"

Steven and Muffin - have you ever seen the study they did in Britain about how horrified children are by ..."

It wasn't. But my parents had to work and I was on winter break so... I didn't mind the acrobats and trapezists, but clowns... and the animals that looked dirty and made the whole tent smell... not so much.

[Ashley Marie]

Sonia wrote: "Ashley Marie wrote: "Sonia wrote: "Ashley Marie wrote: "Steven wrote: "I am extremely coulrophobic! *shudders*"

Steven and Muffin - have you ever seen the study they did in Britain about how horri..."

The circus has honestly just always made me sad. When I was little I wanted to rescue all of the animals and have them come live happily in my backyard. My parents had to explain to me that the elephants wouldn't fit.

[Eni]

Sonia wrote: "Ashley Marie wrote: "Steven wrote: "I am extremely coulrophobic! *shudders*"

Steven and Muffin - have you ever seen the study they did in Britain about how horrified children are by clowns? They ..."

i thought they were funny :(