The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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WINTER CHALLENGE 2013
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Winter Challenge 2013: Completed Tasks (Do Not Delete Posts)

1B. The Pawn: The General and the Elephant Clock of Al-Jazari by Sarah Black
- features a former military character, General John Mitchel. (244 pages/paperback)
50.1 - Pamela Su's task: Variety is the Spice of Life
1. Miss Scarlet: Second Chances by T.A. Webb
- is listed as Erotica on the main page.
3. Mrs. White: Achilles and the Houseboy by Gillibran Brown
- features Gillibran, a houseboy. He is paid wages for performing household duties which includes cooking and cleaning.
6. Professor Plum: My Roommate's a Jock? Well, Crap! by Wade Kelly
- where the protagonist, Cole Reid, is a physics geek, has a collection of humorous t-shirts with physics-related sayings, and is described as a social recluse with an obsessive-compulsive behavior.
*** Sarah Black is a Goodreads Author ***
*** T.A. Webb is a Goodreads Author ***
*** Wade Kelly is a Goodreads Author ***
Points this Post: 70
Goodreads Author(s): 3
TOTAL
Total Points to Date: 835
Total Tasks Completed: 48
Total Goodreads Authors: 56

Task 5.1 In The Kitchen
The New Whole Grain Cookbook: Terrific Recipes Using Farro, Quinoa, Brown Rice, Barley, and Many Other Delicious and Nutritious Grains
Points this post:5
Total points:120
Tasks completed:10
Books read:10
Goodreads Authors:2
Big books:500+(1)750+(0)1000+(0)

I chose Options 1 and 2.
Option 1: Read a book by a Goodreads Author whom you have never read before.
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
This Goodreads author is new-to-me.
Option 2: Read a book that is no more than 6 months old by first publication.
The Salinger Contract by Adam Langer
First published September 17, 2013. I read it in January 2014.
Task total=25
Grand total=430
First, I am moving the book Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll Life that I used for 5.7 - no replacement at this time.
5.4 -- In the Conservatory
I read
- lots of plant life on the cover.
25.3 - Sandy's Task: Settlers of Catan
I rolled a 5 and a 6.
For my first book, nonfiction about music/musician, I read Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll Life - autobiography of Graham Nash, 360 pages.
For my second book, initials in SettlersofCatan, I read Native Tongue by Suzette Haden Elgin. Author initials "SE," disregarding middle name. 327 pages.
25.9 - Alison's Task: All Things New
For my first book, I chose option 2 and read Sand Omnibus. First published in January 2014, read in January 2014.
For my second book, I chose option 4, and read Critical Mass, the most recent book by a favorite author.
Points this post: 55 new, subtract 5 - net 50.
Total points: 715
5.4 -- In the Conservatory
I read

25.3 - Sandy's Task: Settlers of Catan
I rolled a 5 and a 6.
For my first book, nonfiction about music/musician, I read Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll Life - autobiography of Graham Nash, 360 pages.
For my second book, initials in SettlersofCatan, I read Native Tongue by Suzette Haden Elgin. Author initials "SE," disregarding middle name. 327 pages.
25.9 - Alison's Task: All Things New
For my first book, I chose option 2 and read Sand Omnibus. First published in January 2014, read in January 2014.
For my second book, I chose option 4, and read Critical Mass, the most recent book by a favorite author.
Points this post: 55 new, subtract 5 - net 50.
Total points: 715

Option 2: No Rest for the Dead by Andrew Gulli ; Tess Gerritsen; Kathy Reichs etc (collaboration of 27 authors)
Tess Gerritsen is a Goodreads Author
Points this post: 20
Total points: 325
Tasks completed: 15
Books read: 21
Goodreads Author: 17
Big Book Tickets: 500 (2); 750 (2); 1000(0)

I read a book that works for option 3: Eleanor & Park There are a total of 3 e's in the title and the author's name: Rainbow Rowell. (option 3)
Rainbow Rowell is a ************Goodreads author*************
Points: 180
books read: 16
tasks completed: 14
GR authors: 8
Big books: 1(500) 1(750+)
pages read:6214

25.11 - Lois's Task: Showtime for Dogs
Option 3 - The Snowflake Inn - Samantha Chase (GR Author) - ebook only approved line 1411 of the spreadsheet; I have 3 canine fur-babies at home, one of which is Samantha - although she is more likely to answer to princess...lol
Option 4 -

Points this Post: 25
Total Points: 625
Goodreads Authors: 31

Book 1: Miss Scarlet | Erotic Romance on main page | Bared to You |
Sylvia Day | 338 Pages | ★★★★★ | GR Author
Book 2: Reverend or Mr. Green | Green Cover |A Chance for Charity |
S.L. Baum | 260 Pages | ★★★ | GR Author
Book 3: Professor Plum Featuring a nerd | The Theory of Attraction|
Delphine Dryden| Line 1413 on SRC E-Book Verification | 121 Pages | ★★★
| GR Author

Total Points this Task: 50
Total Overall Points: 115
Goodreads Author Points This Task: 3
Goodreads Author Points Total: 7
BigBook Ticket Totals: 500+(1)

1. Miss Scarlet: Erotica
Free Falling by S.E. Jakes ***GRA***
approved for length SRC ebook verification line 505
2. Colonel Mustard: Science Fiction and Military
Turbulence by Lyn Gala ***GRA***
approved for length SRC ebook verification line 1501
6. Professor Plum: geek, genius per GR plot description
Lessons in Love by Charlie Cochrane ***GRA***
Books 2 and 6 genre approved in task thread
Points this post: 50
Total Points: 890 + 50 = 940
GRA: 50 + 3 = 53

30.7 - Delicious Dee's Task: Swim, Bike, Run
I rolled a 2 and a 6
Option 2:Swim - lake on cover

AND
Option 6: Romance genre

Total Points = 865

5.9 - In the Cellar
Black Diamond by Martin Walker is set in France, the top country for wine consumption.
This post: 5 points
Total to date: 435 points

5.8 -- In the Study
Read a book that features a writer
Exiles by James Joyce
30.6 - Kate S's Task: Beginnings and Endings
Option 1: Best Lines
Book A: Read a book from the list of 100 best beginnings
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Book B: Read a book from the list of 100 best last lines
The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
Points this post: 35
Total Points: 525
Tasks Completed: 29
Books Read: 37
GR Authors: 3
Big Book Tickets: 500(), 750(), 1000()

Eternal Hunter by Cynthia Eden (GR Author)

Task #10.6 - SWLAT
Full Throttle by Erin McCarthy (GR Author)
"Humor" as a genre on main page - verified here
Task #15.8 - No Time to Waste
The Rent-A-Groom by Jennifer Blake (GR Author)
(ebook only, approved line 1396 of the spreadsheet)
Task #15.10 – Celebrate!
Mistress to Her Husband by Penny Jordan
Task #20.5 - Bigger is Better - Shawn H's Task: Out With The Old And In With The New!
Option D
Real by Katy Evans (GR Author)
new series to me
Task #30.7 - Delicious Dee's Task: Swim, Bike, Run
Dice rolled: 2 & 6
Option 2 - Swim
Finding Perfect by Susan Mallery (GR Author)
body of water that is big enough to swim in on the cover

Option 6
Unattainable by Madeline Sheehan
Read a book that has ROMANCE as a listed genre on the main
(ebook only, approved line 1509 of the spreadsheet)
Points this Post: 100
Totals:
Total Points: 510
Total Goodreads Authors: 26
Total Tasks Completed: 31
Total Books Read: 38

5.6 -- In the Billiards Room
Angel Diary, Vol. 05 by Kara Fifth in the series
5.7 -- In the Hall
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne John has 4 letters
Points this task: 10
Total: 360
GR authors: 14
Books read:27
Tasks Done: 21

Task 25.10 - Nutcracker Tradition
I did options 1 and 3.
For option 1, I read a book with a 1, 2, and 8 in the page numbers (128 pages):
Zits 01: Zits by Jerry Scott
For option 3, I read a book shelved as "Childrens":
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Points this task: 25
Total points: 400
Tasks completed: 27
Books read: 33
Pages read: 8138
Goodreads author: 21
Big books: 500+ (1); 750+ (0); 1000+ (0)

15.2 - The Old and the New
Book A - Old favorite

Book B - New to me

Points This Post: 15
Total Points: 730

A Christmas Memory, One Christmas, & The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote
"holiday" genre on main page
15.8 No Time to Waste
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
One of the 10 shortest books on TBR at 235 pages.
30.7 Delicious Dee's Task: Swim, Bike, Run
I rolled numbers 4 & 6
#4- Book Smart: Your Essential Reading List for Becoming a Literary Genius in 365 Days by Jane Mallison
I would like to improve my readers advisory skills as part of my job as a librarian.
#6- First Love by James Patterson*GRA
(romance)
Points this post: 55
Total poinst: 185
Tasks completed: 11
Books read: 12
Goodreads Authors: 4

Book A: From Caroline's read list, rated 5 stars
Long Time Gone by S.E. Jakes ***GRA***
Book B: #12 on Pamela Su's "See what other books you have in common", rated 5 stars
What Can Be by Mary Calmes ***GRA***
approved for length SRC ebook verification line 1561
Points this post: 30
Total Points: 940 + 30 = 970
GRA: 53 + 2 = 55

20.10 - Group Reads
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
& my discussion comment!
Rainbow Rowell is a Goodreads author.
this post: 20 points
total to date: 45 points

25.11 - Lois's Task: Showtime for Dogs
Option 2 - Cover is predominantly blue or green

Option 3 - author's name matches with popular dog's name
Already Dead by Charlie Huston
Charlie is #3 on popular male dog names.
30.2 - Ty's Task: Absolute Zero
Option A - genre is both science fiction and fantasy
The Map of the Sky by Félix J. Palma
At 594 pages, this qualifies as a big book!
Option B for Fahrenheit - 0 plus 4,5,6,7, or 9 with no repeats
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
590 pages, which is also enough to qualify for a big book!
Points this post: 55
Total points: 230
Books read: 16
Big Books: 3-0-0 (3)

5.1 In the Kitchen
Read a cookbook or a nonfiction book about food or food preparation.
The Nasty Bits: Collected Varietal Cuts, Usable Trim, Scraps, and Bones by Anthony Bourdain
20.1 Check...And Mate!
1. The Pawn.
A. Read a book with a prominent Military or ex-miltary character.
Strength of the Wolf by Kendall McKenna
Paperback version has 365 pages.
Kendall McKenna is GR author.
20.7 Is There a Conspiracy To Be Found Here?
Option 2. Read a book that has the genre alternative history or science fiction on the book's main page genre list.
Alpha Trine by Lexi Ander
Lexi Ander is GR author.
Points this post: 45
Total points: 235
GR author tickets: 17

5.9 In the Cellar
Book set in Italy
The Ides of April
5.10 In the Lounge
‘book club’ as a genre
Blindness
15.7 Professor Plum? Miss Scarlet?
Colour in author’s name – white
The Burnt Ones by Patrick White
25.7 Don’t Be Clueless
Clue 3 Where did it happen?
Book set on the island of Java
The Black Lake
Clue 5 Why did it happen?
Book with ‘life’ in title
Scenes from Village Life
30.7 Swim, Bike, Run
I rolled 1 and 4.
Option 1 – author’s initials in TRIATHLON
The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - And Why by Amanda Ripley
Option 4 Run – I want to improve my fitness so I read
The First 20 Minutes: Surprising Science Reveals How We Can: Exercise Better, Train Smarter, Live Longer
This post 80 points
Total to date 440 points

Task 5.10 In The Lounge
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
(Has 'book club' listed as a genre)
Points for this task: 5
Points total: 45
Books read: 6
Tasks complete: 5

task 20.9 love of christmas films!
*selected opt #3: genre of christmas on gr page
Twas the Bite Before Christmas by Lee Charles Kelley
*pages 366
Points this post: 20
Total points: 300
Goodreads Authors: 9
Big Books: 500+(1) 750+(0) 1000+(0)
Tasks Completed: 20

task 25.10 nutcracker tradition!
*selected opt #1: book whose page count contains two of the #'s 1,8,9,2
A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas
*pages 213
*this is a GRA
selected opt #5: book cover with people "dressed up"

*this is a GRA
Points this post: 25
Total points: 325
Goodreads Authors: 11
Big Books: 500+(1) 750+(0) 1000+(0)
Tasks Completed: 21

Option 1) December 1 – Woody Allen: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
Hannah is the author's last name; (394 pages > 250 min)
30.3 - Sassafrass's Task: Readers Also Enjoyed
Book A: People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Book B: The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson
found on Readers Also Enjoyed list on 12/18/13 and it's still there
Points this post: 50
Season Total: 310


10.2 - Sochi Sidekicks
There's a flame on the cover - a lit candle on the table.

Points This Post: 10
Total Points: 740

20.10 - Group Reads
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Post #9 in discussion
Gaiman is a GRA
Points this post= 20
Challenge total= 70
Dlmrose
10.9 - White Sale!
The Burgermeister's Daughter: Scandal in a Sixteenth-Century German Town by Steven E. Ozment
The frame/background is white
25.3 - Sandy's Task: Settlers of Catan
I rolled double 6's
Initials SO
Emily, Alone by Stewart O'Nan, 255 pg
Initials AT
Searching for Caleb by Anne Tyler, 328 pg
30.5 Susan A's Task: I Love My TBR
Using my own bookshelf
option 2, I rolled a 3, cover in 3rd column
The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley
option 4, oldest on TBR, added Oct 8, 2009
Show No Fear by Perri O'Shaughnessy
total = 835
10.9 - White Sale!

The frame/background is white
25.3 - Sandy's Task: Settlers of Catan
I rolled double 6's
Initials SO
Emily, Alone by Stewart O'Nan, 255 pg
Initials AT
Searching for Caleb by Anne Tyler, 328 pg
30.5 Susan A's Task: I Love My TBR
Using my own bookshelf
option 2, I rolled a 3, cover in 3rd column
The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley
option 4, oldest on TBR, added Oct 8, 2009
Show No Fear by Perri O'Shaughnessy
total = 835

Curse of the Thirteenth Fey: The True Tale of Sleeping Beauty by Jane Yolen January 27
Points This Post: 5
Total Points: 310
Total Tasks Completed: 17
Total Books Read: 23
Total Goodreads Authors: 11
Total Big Books: 500+ (1), 750+ (0), 1000+ (0)

20.9 Michael’s Films
Option 4.A. Read a book that has been made into a film. I read Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis. IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1210166/?... 317 pages
30.4 DlmRose's Beyond Comparison
For Book A, read a book from the comparison list that the SRC member has read and rated that you have on your To-read shelf. From SRC member Dugger
https://www.goodreads.com/user/compar... I chose to read The Bookman's Wake by John Dunning.
For Book B, scroll down to "See what other books you have in common". This feature suggests up to 20 of the member's books that do not appear on your shelves.
You do not need to use the same member for Book A and B. I chose SRC Member Andre for Book B. https://www.goodreads.com/user/compar... I read The Pagan Lord by Bernard Cornwell.
Points This Post: 50
Total Points So Far: 750
Big Books 500+ (2)

Read two books:
Book 1 – read a book by an author who’s an “old favorite” of yours.
Love and Mr. Lewisham (1900) by H.G. Wells (Paperback, 229 pages)
Book 2 – read a book by an author who is new to you.
Evening Is the Whole Day (2008) by Preeta Samarasan(Goodreads Author) (Hardcover, 340 pages)
**** Goodreads Author **** Preeta Samarasan
310 + 15 = 325
Tasks Completed: 19
Points for this post: 15
Points thus far: 310 + 15 = 325
Books read: 25
Pages read: 7,497
Read but not claimed: 4
Goodreads Authors: 9
Big Books:
(0) 500+
(0) 750+
(0) 1,000+

True Crime:
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson
+15 Points
20.1. Most Improved Player – Anne (Booklady)’s Task: Check…And Mate!
2. The knight (♘ ♞)
B. Since the Knight moves 2 and 1 space combination, read #1 or #2 in a series: (Book 2, The Raven Cycle) 439 pages:
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
+20 Points
Points this Post: 35
Grand Total: 515

The Disappearing SPOON: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements by Sam Kean
Challenge Total = 65 points
Big Book = 1 ticket
Goodreads Author = 3 tickets

Task 20.1 - Chess
Option 1 - Pawn: Book with prominent military/ex-military character
Fiancé by Friday by Catherine Bybee
Catherine Bybee is a *Goodreads Author*
Points this task: 20
Total points: 150
Total Tasks: 9
Goodreads Authors: 7
Big Books: 3

Task # Task 25.2 Bamaace83's Task: Christmas Memories!
Option 1.Read a book with one of these exact words found in the title, subtitle or author's name: Joseph, Mary, Jesus
Stillwatch by Mary Higgins Clark (368 p.) Author's first name is Mary]
Option 2. "We wish you a merry Christmas." Read a book with a word of at least 3 letters found in this song in the title or subtitle.
The Physics of Christmas: From the Aerodynamics of Reindeer to the Thermodynamics of Turkey by Roger Highfield (303 p.) Matching word is Christmas
Points this post: 25
Total points: 710

25.10 - Stacie MI’s Task: Nutcracker Tradition
Option #1: Read a book whose page number contains two of the following numbers: 1, 8, 9, 2.
I read The Ocean at the End of the Lane by GRA Neil Gaiman.
Page count :181 pages
Option #3: Read a book with the genre “Children” on its main GR page.
I read The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket
Points claimed for this post: 25
Total Points: 195
Tasks Completed so far: 10
Books Read for this challenge so far: 13
GR Authors: 4
Big Book Tickets:500(2), 750(0), 1000(0)

Task #
25.11 - Lois's Task: Showtime for Dogs
1. In Obedience, dogs are trained to respond to a number of verbal commands, some of which are Heel, Sit, Stay, Down, and Come. Nose Down, Eyes Up by Merrill Markoe. Command (in honor of Yuki, a special dog) is Down
4. Read a book with a dog on the cover.

Option 4 cover is approved here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Points this post: 25
Total points: 735

25.10 - Stacie MI’s Task: Nutcracker Tradition
I chose Options 1 and 3.
Option 1-Read a book whose page number contains two of the following numbers: 1, 8, 9, 2.
Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent by Enuma Okoro
This book has 128 pages (Contains three on the necessary numbers)
Option 3-Read a book with the genre “Children” on its main GR page.
The Dolls' House by Rumer Godden
Points:430/1035
Tasks: 28/59
GR Authors: 12
Big Books:(2)500 pages; ()750 + pages

I chose Option 5. For this option you can choose any book that has been added to your TBR list since December 2012.
I read Queen Isabella: Treachery, Adultery, and Murder in Medieval England, completed on 1/29/14
Required: Please post the date the book was added to your TBR list. Added to my TBR on 1/21/14
Points this post: 20
Total points: 100
Tasks this post: 1
Total tasks: 5
Goodreads authors this post: 0
Total Goodreads authors: 1

Task#10.3 Read a book featuring vampires
Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts Vampires appears on the main page genres and is identified in the GR's description.
Points this post:10
Total point:65
Total GRA 2

30.1 Riddle Me This
*rolled 2, 4
2 - (more than 50,000 ratings
Allegiant by Veronica Roth
4 - (letters ARGH in title)
The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg
Veronica Roth is a GRA
This Task: 25
# tasks complete: 21
GRA: 20
Total: 420

10.2 Sochi Sidekicks

Points this Task: 10
Total Points: 125
Task Completed: 9
Goodreads Authors: 8

30.4 - Dlmrose's Task: Beyond Comparison
Book A - I used Ms Anderson who gave The Miseducation of Cameron Post - Emily M. Danforth (GR Author) 5 stars and it was on my to-read-2014 shelf (prioritized books by intention to read)
Book B - I used Judy and The Lady Most Willing...: A Novel in Three Parts - Julia Quinn (GR Author) - is one of the books that showed in the "other books you have in common" area
Points this Post: 30
Total Points: 655
Goodreads Authors: 33

Option 2: Stolen Seduction by Elisabeth Naughton (Goodreads author)
Book meets requirements for both A & B options
15.5 - Mysteries Can Be Real.
The Daughters of Juarez: A True Story of Serial Murder South of the Border by Teresa Rodriguez
"True Crime" is listed on main book page
15.7 - Professor Plum? Miss Scarlet?
Murder on the Ballarat Train by Kerry Greenwood
"Green" is found in the author's last name
15.8 - No Time to Waste.
Off With Their Heads by Mainak Dhar (Goodreads author)
One of the 10 shortest books on my TBR
20.4 - Author! Author! - Lorna's Task: Ode to Joy
Option 3: Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley (Goodreads author)
BIG BOOK TICKET 528 pgs
Total of 3 E's in author and title combined
20.6 Seasoned Reader - Susan's Task: I Love To Plan
Summer task 10.9 Add it Up: Because Your Vampire Said So by Michele Bardsley (Goodreads author) 292 pgs
I was 41 when I completed this book. 4+1=5, five words in the title
Total Points This Post: 100
Total Tasks This Post: 6
Goodreads Authors This Post: 4
Grand Total Points: 530/1035
Total Books Read: 34
Tasks Completed: 26/58
Total Goodreads Authors: 21
Big Book Tickets This Post: 1
Total Big Book Tickets: 4

D. THE MUSIC: O Come All Ye Faithful
His Faithful Squire by K.D. Sarge ***GRA***
350 pages
E. THE GIFTS: choice
Sex & Sourdough by A.J. Thomas ***GRA***
266 pages
total pages = 350 + 266 = 616
Points this post: 25
Total Points: 970 + 25 = 995
GRA: 55 + 2 = 57

25.10 Nutcracker Tradition
Option 2 Book by an author whose initials can be found in TCHAIKOVSKY
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
Option 3 Book with genre ‘children’
The Book of Dragons
This post 25 points
Total to date 465 points

A Family and a Fortune by Ivy Compton-Burnett
a famiLy and a fortUnE ivy Compton-burnett
Points this post = 10
Total points = 365
Big Book tickets = 6
Goodreads Authors = 5

15.8 - No Time to Waste
Uncharted - SRC Ebook Verification line #1512
15.10 - Celebrate!
Hot on Her Heels
20.1 - Most Improved Player - Check...and Mate!
Big Sky Country
Option: 2B Pgs: 384
Points this Post: 50
Total Points: 350
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Books mentioned in this topic
Divergent (other topics)A Royal Pain (other topics)
Fangirl (other topics)
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (other topics)
Claimed! (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Rainbow Rowell (other topics)Catherynne M. Valente (other topics)
Veronica Roth (other topics)
Rhys Bowen (other topics)
Eowyn Ivey (other topics)
More...
20.2 - Rookie at the Top - Tea's Task: Mystery Sub-genres
Book with a mystery sub-genre by a new author to me
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
Ian Flemming is new to me
Points this post: 20
Total Points: 490
Tasks Completed: 27
Books Read: 34
GR Authors: 3
Big Book Tickets: 500(), 750(), 1000()