Feb 2014 - FINISH LINE (aka reporting thread)

[Janice, Moderator]

When you finish your book, please tell us what country you represented, which sport you participated in.

List the book you read and score it according to the rules and scoring detailed here.

[Janice, Moderator]

Here is a sample, thanks to Will:

Flames Across the Border: 1813-1814 by Pierre Berton which is about the war of 1812:

I chose Canada and the sport, Ice Hockey.

10pts - author and setting is Canada.
5pts - many villages.
4pts - Lakes, all they do is die and march around various lakes.
4pts - Male author
4pts - first name Pierre.
4pts - Informational (non-fiction)
3pts - takes place in three (or more) countries, namely Canada, the US, England (and France, and various islands, etc)
5pts - cold. Lots of terribly cold times.

Total - 39 points

[Sarah]

Love the title of the reporting thread Janice!

[Travis]

I am representing Vietnam and Ice Hockey

I finished Red Flags by Juris Jurjevics

5 pts for a village
5 pts for 308 pgs
3 pts for 1960's
4 pts for male author

17 pts

[Anna]

The Pianist by Władysław Szpilman

Country: Poland
Sport: Ice Hockey

10 points- author is Polish and setting is in Poland
3 Points - Year setting is between 1900 and 2000. (1939-1945)
4 Points - Male author
3 Points - Memoir
5 Points - Poetry is included in the story.
Paul Celan's
He who counted our hours
caun on.
What is he caunting, tell me?
He caunts and counts...
4 Points - Informational (aka non-fiction)
5 Points - Cold - set in Winter (some chapters)
4 Points - Shakespeare is mentioned. Ch.9 [...]took a small Oxford edition of Shakespeare out of his pocket[...]

Total: 38

[Esther]

*** forget this one!!! I have a better one!***
I read Hexed

Country: USA
Sport: Biathlon

10 points if book is set in the country you represent AND the author is born there.
5 Points - Length is between 300-400 pages long (based on a goodread search as I read the ebook).
4 Points - A Lake is in the story. (town lake)
4 Points - Male author
4 Points - Shakespeare is mentioned.

total: 27 points

[Amanda]

I chose Russia and the sport Figure Skating. My book was My Sergei: A Love Story by Ekaterina Gordeeva about her husband and their life and career in pairs skating.

10 pts. The book was set in Russia and Katia was born there.
5 pts. Figure skating is an Olympic sport.
5 pts. Olympic theme.
5 pts. There were several villages in the story including the Olympic village.
5 pts. 300+ pages
4 pts. Orange on cover
3 pts. Lady on cover
3 pts. Set between 1900-2000
5 pts. Title began with "M"
3 pts. Memoir
3 pts. Pink on cover (The edition I have had orange cover with pink picture in the middle.)
5 pts. Poetry (Book begins with poem by Anna Akhmatova: Я улыбаться перестала...)
4 pts. Informational
3 pts. International (Russia, United States, several other countries)
5 pts. Very cold. Set in freezing ice rinks in multiple wintry places.
4 pts. A couple lakes are mentioned, Lake Placid repeatedly.
Grand and final total:
72 Points!

[Beth]

First, thanks for getting Regeneration by Pat Barker off my TBR. FABULOUS!

I represented the UK in Ice Hockey (although there are poets in this war novel, so I could be perverse and make my event figure skating instead)

10 points if book is set in the country you represent AND the author is born there.
3 Points - Year setting is between 1900 and 2000.
5 Points - Poetry is included in the story.
4 Points - Author's first name starts with "P".
5 Points - Series title is same as book title

27 (although I may have missed points for a lake or Shakespeare--if I have time I will go back and check when I am in a bookstore--I did it on audio, which makes checking harder)

[Lynn]

Amanda - 67 points! Wow!
I'm now not even gonna try and get as many points as possible, just find the first book that fits and that will do lol

[Amanda]

I honestly wasn't trying to get tons of points, it just happened to work out that way. Wasn't expecting it at all!

[Janice, Moderator]

I think 67 points is the highest score we've ever seen! Good job Amanda. How was the book?

[Janice, Moderator]

Points tracked to here.

[Amanda]

Janice wrote: "I think 67 points is the highest score we've ever seen! Good job Amanda. How was the book?"

Overall, the book was good, Gordeeva's not a writer and there were a few phrases she used repeatedly which made the book a little clunky at times and the ending was sad, but it was a light, entertaining read. I never got bored with it. Her descriptions of her and Sergei's relationships with their coaches and trainers and the Russian sports officials were very interesting. It's a good behind-the-scenes look at the sport of figure skating, growing up in the Soviet Union, and the Olympics.

[Amanda]

Anna wrote: "The Pianist by Władysław Szpilman

Country: Poland
Sport: Ice Hockey

10 points- author is Polish and setting is in Poland
3 Points - ..."

What did you think of the book, Anna? I saw the movie a few years ago, and have had the book on my TBR for a long time.

[Janice, Moderator]

Amanda wrote: "Overall, the book was good, Gordeeva's not a writer and there were a few phrases she used repeatedly which made the book a little clunky at times and the ending was sad, but it was a light, entertaining read...."

I'm tempted to read it. They were one of my favourite pairs and was shocked when he died. I saw her perform solo in Edmonton a couple of years later.

[Lynn]

Stupid moment, ignore me!

Just realised that this book doesn't count because it was part of my chunkster challenge.

[Amanda]

Lynn wrote: "

10 points if book is set in the country you represent AND the author is born there - Ireland

O:
5 Points - Olympic village: If there is a village in your story

..."

I think you have 29 points, actually.

[Amanda]

Lynn wrote: "

10 points if book is set in the country you represent AND the author is born there - Ireland

O:
5 Points - Olympic village: If there is a village in your story

..."

I think you have 29 points, actually.

[Amanda]

Janice wrote: "Amanda wrote: "Overall, the book was good, Gordeeva's not a writer and there were a few phrases she used repeatedly which made the book a little clunky at times and the ending was sad, but it was a..."

That's neat that you were able to see her skate. They were one of my favorite pairs to watch too. Is figure skating popular in Canada? We have quite a few good skaters who train in the Detroit area--and Sergei and Katia's choreographer Marina Zueva coaches many of them, but I've rarely ever seen or heard any advertisements about them performing in the area. It's a bit sad really, because there's some very good talent, but the audience seems to be really small.

[Janice, Moderator]

Lynn wrote: "

10 points if book is set in the country you represent AND the author is born there - Ireland

O:
5 Points - Olympic village: If there is a village in your story

..."

Which sport did you choose?

[Janice, Moderator]

Amanda wrote: "That's neat that you were able to see her skate. They were one of my favorite pairs to watch too. Is figure skating popular in Canada?..."

Yes, it's quite popular. We have several active clubs in this region. Our local club has several skaters going to Fairbanks next month for the Arctic Winter Games.

[Anna]

Amanda wrote: "Anna wrote: "The Pianist by Władysław Szpilman

What did you think of the book, Anna? I saw the movie a few years ago, and have had the book on my TBR for a long time. "

If you liked the movie you're going to like the book.

[Lynn]

Amanda and Janice - Oh my, that really wasn't very good reporting was it! lol

Going back to fix now :)

[Debra]

Janice wrote: "When you finish your book, please tell us what country you represented, which sport you participated in.

List the book you read and score it according to the rules and scoring detailed here. "

Your link isn't working Janice. I click and nothing happens.

[Debra]

2. Biathlon - Being a superb shot with a rifle is mandatory in this sport. The book you choose will have some kind of weaponry in it. There is one restriction in this category. The theme of the book may not be about war.

There are many weapons in this book and my favorite is Atticus the Druid's sword, Fragarach. His mate has a sword, too, but I can't remember her name. All the Gods and Goddesses have their own weapons, too. Lots of adventure before getting to the finish line!

I'm representing the USA, and some parts of this book are set in the USA. (There is a lot of racing through Europe and fighting there, but since the Druids can shift planes, they end up in the hide-out in Colorado, especially towards the end.)


Scoring: (Count all qualifiers that apply)

10 points if book is set in the country you represent AND the author is born there.
5 Points - There were many small villages when the Druids were in Europe.
4 Points - Orange on the cover
5 Points - Length is between 300-400 pages long. 384 pages
4 Points - A Lake is in the story. There is an island in the middle of a lake where people/gods/goddesses can be trapped in slow time.
4 Points - Male author
5 Points - Poetry is included in the story.
3 Points - International - set in 3 or more countries.
4 Points - Main character is non-human
4 Points - Shakespeare is mentioned.
3 Points - Science Fiction genre.

47 total points

[Debra]

Amanda! What an amazing total!

[Amanda]

You have a pretty awesome score yourself, Debra! What did you think of the book you read? Was it good?

[Peggy]

I read If I Stay, representing the US in figure skating.

10 points if book is set in the country you represent AND the author is born there.


L:
4 Points - A Lake is in the story. (Main character talks about a past holiday to Crater Lake)


Y:
5 Points - Young Adult genre.
3 Points - Year setting is between 1900 and 2000.

P:
5 Points - Poetry is included in the story. (I need ruling on this one: there's a man who plays in a band and writes lyrics. However, his lyrics are referred to as him writing poetry, and one whole poem is included in the book)
3 Points - Pink on the cover.

C:
5 Points - Cold - set in Winter
3 Points - Calligraphy - Title or author's name is written in script on the cover.

S:
5 Points - Series title is same as book title (eg The Shining, The Shining 1)

Total: 43 points. Not bad!

[Debra]

Amanda wrote: "You have a pretty awesome score yourself, Debra! What did you think of the book you read? Was it good?"

I'm thoroughly enjoying this Iron Druid Chronicles series, Amanda.

[Marie (UK)]

i have read Portrait of a Landscape by Daniel D Watkins

review I would be really interested in what others think but this was a bit of a non book for me. A cynical piece of writing where all the characters were for one reason or another washed up. There was no real plot.
The blurb suggests the novel is about escape i think it is more about dissatisfaction, and because of that I, as the reader, come away dissatisfied.

Points not that many but i am new to this
British Figure skating
10 points for set in GB and author from GB
5 for village briefly mentioned page 172
4 points for a male author
5 poetry chapter 29 baudelaire
5 for initials in author's name
3 points for international ? USA GB and Paris briefly mentioned
5 points for cold set in winter
4 points for shakespeare page 146 "yes Shakespeare's family life was falling apart

so 41 if all allowed

[Janice, Moderator]

Lynn wrote: "Amanda and Janice - Oh my, that really wasn't very good reporting was it! lol

Going back to fix now :)"

Bummer! Back to the drawing board. At least it's earlier enough in the month not to affect you adversely!

[Janice, Moderator]

Debra wrote: "Your link isn't working Janice. I click and nothing happens. ."

Fixed! Thanks for pointing that out.

[Janice, Moderator]

Debra wrote: "2. Biathlon - Being a superb shot with a rifle is mandatory in this sport. The book you choose will have some kind of weaponry in it. There is one restriction in this category. The theme of the boo..."

Which book of the series did you read?

[Janice, Moderator]

Peggy wrote: "I read If I Stay, representing the US in figure skating. ..."

Your poetry points count.

[Janice, Moderator]

Marie wrote: "i have read Portrait of a Landscape by Daniel D Watkins

review I would be really interested in what others think but this was a bit of a non book for me. A cynical piece of writing where all the ..."

Was the book set in the three different countries, or were they just mentioned? If the latter, the points won't count.

[Janice, Moderator]

I read:

Cocaine Blues for Australia and Biathlon.

Scoring:

10 - Set in Australia and author born there.
3 points - Lady on the cover
3 points - Set in the 1920's
5 points - Poetry. Each chapter started with poetry
4 points - yeah for Shakespeare

Total points: 25

[Janice, Moderator]

Tracked to here except for Debra and Marie - awaiting responses to questions.

[Marie (UK)]

The book was mainly set in US and GB but the ex wife went to paris and one chapter followed what was happening with her and the son. I am Not sure how this works

[Janice, Moderator]

Marie wrote: "The book was mainly set in US and GB but the ex wife went to paris and one chapter followed what was happening with her and the son. I am Not sure how this works"

I'll accept that as being partially set in France. 41 points!!

[Marie (UK)]

Janice wrote: "Marie wrote: "The book was mainly set in US and GB but the ex wife went to paris and one chapter followed what was happening with her and the son. I am Not sure how this works"

I'll accept that a..."

thanks i have so enjoyed doing this not bothered that my score will be right in the middle

[Janice, Moderator]

Enjoyment is the main goal. :)

[Marnie]

I read Hounded byKevin Hearne
I represented Biathlon for USA- plenty of weapons including a sword called Fragarach

10- author was born in USA
4- orange on cover
5- 304 pages
4- male author
4- main character is non human ( a Druid)
4- Shakespeare is mentioned

Total 31points

[Sarah]

I read Hounded. . I represented USA in the Biathlon event - there were swords and spears galore! This book would also have allowed me to represent Alpine Skiing as there were mountains plus Curling as there were lots of rocks and rubies mentioned.

10 points if book is set in USA which I am representing AND the author was born there.

O: 4 Points - Orange on the cover
L: 5 Points - Length is between 300-400 pages long (304 pages)
Y: 0 Points
M: 4 Points - Male author
P: 0 Points
I: 0 Points
C: 4 Points - Main character is non-human (A Druid)
S: 4 Points - Shakespeare is mentioned; 3 Points - SciFi
Total: 34 Points

[Marnie]

Looking at Sarah's score - I guess our book is fantasy and not science fiction- I have a hard time telling them apart... I will edit my score- not that it matters since Amanda ran away with the Gold this round. Great job Amanda!

[Sarah]

Marnie wrote: "Looking at Sarah's score - I guess our book is fantasy and not science fiction- I have a hard time telling them apart... I will edit my score- not that it matters since Amanda ran away with the Gol..."

Maybe we need Janice's verdict as Debra also counted her Iron Druid Chronicles read as SciFi.

[Alexandra]

I chose The Bodies Left Behind. Country: USA
Sport: Biathlon

O: 4 points - Orange writing on the cover
L: 9 points - Length is between 300 and 400 pages
(368 pages) and there is a lake
(Lake Mondac)
Y: 0 points
M: 4 points - Male author
P: 0 points
I: 0 points
C: 5 points - It´s cold in the story
S: 0 points

Total: 22 points

[Lynn]

Book:

Country - USA
Sport - Curling (main male character was a musician)

10 points: if book is set in the country you represent AND the author is born there.

O: 0 points

L:
5 Points - Length is between 300-400 pages long (based on the edition you read or as per rule #6).
3 Points - A Lady is on the cover. (Count only once.)

Y:
5 Points - Young Adult genre.

M: 0 points

P: 0 points

I: 0 points

C:
3 Points - Calligraphy - Title or author's name is written in script on the cover.

S: 0 points

Total - 26 points

[Janice, Moderator]

Sarah wrote: "Marnie wrote: "Looking at Sarah's score - I guess our book is fantasy and not science fiction- I have a hard time telling them apart... I will edit my score- not that it matters since Amanda ran aw..."

Fantasy is considered a sub-genre of Sci-Fi. Let me know if you are adjusting your scores.

[Janice, Moderator]

Tracked to here - except for Debra!

Debra... where are you? Which book in the series did you read? I think it's Hexed, but I'm not sure. If it is, you scored 47 pts and Esther scored it 27 pts. I'm confused.

[Sarah]

Janice wrote: "Fantasy is considered a sub-genre of Sci-Fi. Let me know if you are adjusting your scores. "

Interesting! Thanks Janice! Could I add 3 points to my score then?! I will go edit my post too.