The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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FALL CHALLENGE 2009
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FALL CHALLENGE 2009 COMPLETED TASKS
I haven't posted this book yet, because I haven't finished the entire task, but I haven't seen anyone list it before, and I think it would fit several tasks AND I know there are a lot of Anne fans out there.Before Green Gablesis a prequel to the LM Montgomery series. It is written by a YA author from Canada, in conjunction with the Montgomery estate. Usually, I'm not a big prequel/sequel fan, but this one is little better than most, particularly the first half, although some of things Anne is able to do are almost unbelieveable, even for a very intelligent child - like walk AND talk at about 8 months of age. I give it 4 stars.
Task 20.2
a) Damsel Under Stress by Shanna Swendson
b) The Embers by Hyatt Bass
c) Forever by Judy Blume
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a) Damsel Under Stress by Shanna Swendson
b) The Embers by Hyatt Bass
c) Forever by Judy Blume
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Cynthia wrote: "Cindy wrote: "Oops, missed a couple:15.10 Teacher: When Calls the Heart
5.8 Two Heads Are Better Than One: Rowed Trip by Colin Angus and Julie Angus
Total Points: 1..."
Oops, sorry! I read an OR instead of an AND. Ignore that one and I'll claim it again as soon as I read a "student" book.
For task 10.7, I read Who Can Save Us Now? edited by Owen King. I liked this collection of super-hero short fiction, even if it was rather depressing at times.Total Points: 70
Amanda R. in Louisville
Yay for Gutenberg.orgI estimated the pages from pdf, not counting the last part that has all the license/copyright info for the project.
10 points
10.5. Oktoberfest Is A Sixteen-Day Festival Held Each Year In Munich, Germany During Late September (And Running To Early October). - Read A Book Written By A German Author, Set In Germany, Or A Non-Fictional Book About Germany. (*To Enhance Your Reading You May Choose To Eat Some German Food Or Drink A German Beer But It's Not Required).
*Does having cheese and sauerkraut pierogies count?
The Project Gutenberg EBook of Grimms' Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm, Translator: Edgar Taylor and Marian Edwardes -- 235 pp (PDF) (10.6.09)
Total Points: 200
Total Books: 21 (includes 1 for all the kids' books)
Total Tasks Completed: 17
Total Pages Read: 2,863 (not including kids' books)
Total Hours listened: 32.75 (approx.)
Kari wrote: "*Does having cheese and sauerkraut pierogies count?"Lol, well sauerkraut is German, so I think that counts! :) And kudos on eating sauerkraut. Ick!
El wrote: "Kari wrote: "*Does having cheese and sauerkraut pierogies count?"Lol, well sauerkraut is German, so I think that counts! :) And kudos on eating sauerkraut. Ick!"
Loved sauerkraut when I was younger, but now I don't eat quite as much, but perhaps it's because I'm part-German that I can stand it :)
Starting my task list tonight and checking on my September books since I am a newbie! 
For 25.9 (Self-help), I read:The Road Less Traveled A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values, and Spiritual Growth by M. Scott Peck - For those of us who were raised by Oprah there is nothing really life-changing in this book, though I can see how it would have been revolutionary for its time. I do like how Peck integrates psychology and spirituality.
and
Liliane Resurrection of the Daughter by Ntozake Shange - There was a whole lot of signifyin' in this book, but it just confused me.
Total Points: 230
5 POINT TASK8. Let's Find Out If Two Heads Really Better Than One - Read A Book That Has More Than One Author.
Jacob's Hands A Fable, Aldous Huxley and Christopher Isherwood.
Cindy wrote: "I haven't posted this book yet, because I haven't finished the entire task, but I haven't seen anyone list it before, and I think it would fit several tasks AND I know there are a lot of Anne fans ..."My mother claimed that I was walking at 6 months; my daughter was walking at 8 months. Still, neither of us was saying more than the basic "Mommy, Daddy" that early.
15.6 Become a Member of the Drama Clubread the play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and watched the movie version with Dustin Hoffman (1985)
Total points: 295
Stephanie wrote: "Starting my task list tonight and checking on my September books since I am a newbie! "Welcome, Stephanie. Hope you find enough books read last month to cover a third of the tasks. If not, read what you can.
Kari ♪ wrote: "Yay for Gutenberg.orgI estimated the pages from pdf, not counting the last part that has all the license/copyright info for the project.
10 points
10.5. Oktoberfest Is A Sixteen-Day Festiva..."
Thanks for the link to gutenberg! Can't wait to use it!!
I finished Wendy's task, 25.3Read The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
Sara wrote: "Its been a while, but I finished some more tasks.5.3 Sea Travel - Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson
5.6 Terrifying Titles - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J.K. Rowling
15.3 Addition - 11 ..."
Hi Sara: How did you like Sunshine by Robin McKinley? I'm in the queue for it at the library. Is it worth the wait? Thanks!
Sara☺ wrote: "Kari ♪ wrote: "Yay for Gutenberg.orgI estimated the pages from pdf, not counting the last part that has all the license/copyright info for the project.
10 points
10.5. Oktoberfest Is A Sixteen-D..."
You're welcome. Some good stuff there! Some files are also mp3 but look to be in sections. Still, very nice for free.
For Task 10.7 I read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon and for JulieKS's Task (20.1), I read Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.Books Read: 24
Tasks Completed: 18
Total Points: 270
Total Pages: 8148
Mod
The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K.Lee and
The Student Conductor by Robert Ford
Two strong debut novels
+15
total 470
Stephanie wrote: "Starting my task list tonight and checking on my September books since I am a newbie! "
Welcome Stephanie! Good to have you join us. It's a FUN group. -Krista
Newly Completed Task: Wow, I FINALLY get to post some more points. I’ve been working on multiple book challenges, and I’ve been buried in the 1,200 page epic ‘The Fiery Cross’ by Diana Gabaldon. I almost have that one finished. Hurrah! But right now I’m claiming points for Cait’s task. What a fun idea Cait.
25.8 – CAIT'S TASK - Nouns
1) With The Name Of A Person In The Title: Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea
I only gave this one star. I didn’t find it very humorous. And some of the stories just made me say “Ewwww”. I actually like Chelsea Handler’s comedy show, but the book was pretty lacking in my opinion.
2) With The Name Of A Place In The Title: Daughter of Venice
An interesting historical fiction look at what life was like in 16th century Venice. It’s a YA book, but I found that it held my attention. Now I’m passing it on to my 12 year-old niece. I’m giving it 3 stars.
3) With A Thing/Object In The Title: Dead as a Doornail
The books in the Sookie Stackhouse series just keep getting better and better. I gave this one 4 stars. I started out on the fence about this series, but I’m glad I hung in there and kept reading the series (thanks to encouragement from fellow members of this group...). The character development is better in each book, and I care more about what happens to the characters in each book.
Total Points: 145
Tasks in Process: 5
Completed Tasks: 8/45
Books Read for Completed Tasks: 11/61
Pages Read for Completed Tasks: 3,290
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25.5 The Fortune Teller's Daughter A Novelnew total is 385
All I WILL SAY is if I wasn't stuck waiting for my delivery this book would NEVER of been read nor finished.
Finished:25.1 Rhyme time
Fiction
Stars in Their Courses by Gilbert Morris. This is part of the Appomatox Saga, none of which I've read. The book takes place during 1963 and involved a company of actors who are spies for the North, so it's a quick read that would also work for the 10.9 task.Poetry
Nine Horses Poems by Billy Collins. I like a lot of his imagery of everyday things and events. 
I have completed th music appreciation task (#15.6) by reading Pop Gun War by Farel Dalrymple and then listening to FutureSex/LoveSounds (Justin Timberlake CD).
Task 15.7 I listened to People's History of the United States 1492 to Present while walking to work each morning and Slam and then watched (live) my neighbor kids having their skateboarding championships. (I swear they're going to break arms, legs, everything - 911 on speed dial!)Task 25.8 Person:
Place:
Thing:
40 Points and Counting. Whoo hooo! Been a Slow Fall....
Finished 20.3 (Group Read). I read Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane and really enjoyed it.Total points: 70 (wow...I'd better get a move on!)
Alright, I am going to take my first crack at posting some tasks I think I have already accomplished. I followed the rules and went back to check out my September books. 5pts #4 - Darkly Dreaming Dexter Listened on audio - Dexter was adopted as a young boy
5pts #7 - Freedom from Fibromyalgia The 5-Week Program Proven to Conquer Pain I am thankful for my health. I was diagnosed with fibro in June and it has wreaked havoc on my life. I finally have it under control for the most part. I am very thankful for this!
5pts #9 - About a Boy Marcus, the 12 yr old main character is not only trying to find himself, but also a father-figure.
15pts # 1 - Falling Under and Angels Fall participles! (Angels Fall was an audiobook) I didn't like either book!
25 pts #7
one word - Shane
two words - Tortilla Flat
three words - The Sand Castle (audio)
Starting total = 55
10.2. On October 31st, 1993, River Phoenix Dies From A Drug Overdose - In Memory Of This Actor Who Died Before His Time; Read A Novel With A Character Who Suffers From An Addiction Or A Non-Fiction Book About Addiction (Such As A Memoir Of A Recovering Addict).
The Seven-percent Solution Being a Reprint from the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, MD by Nicholas Meyer
Stephanie wrote: "Alright, I am going to take my first crack at posting some tasks I think I have already accomplished. I followed the rules and went back to check out my September books. 5pts #4 - [book:Darkly Dr..."
WhooHoo, you're on the board!
5 points- Children are our futureUnderstanding Children's Drawings
how exciting! a school book was good for something other than school! :P
New total: 15 points
Stephanie wrote: "Alright, I am going to take my first crack at posting some tasks I think I have already accomplished. I followed the rules and went back to check out my September books. 5pts #4 - [book:Darkly Dr..."
Yay! A very good start by the looks of it :)
Knocked off another one today - finished 10.6 (Native American) with Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which was really wonderful. A great YA story that handles themes of belonging better than a lot of adult fiction I've read.Current Total: 180 points
Realized a book I just finished meets another task. 10pts #1 The Haunting of Hill House I just made it with its publication year being 1959!
That takes me up to 65 pts!
I completed 25.9 by reading The Curse of the Good Girl Raising Authentic Girls with Courage and Confidence and The Last Bridge A Novel. I enjoyed both books! The Last Bridge was a very emotional story of a woman's return from the brink of self-destruction because of some very painful childhood memories. I thought it was very powerful.My total points: 155
20.3 Group Read - Julie and Julia My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell. Total Points: 570/690
Books Read: 52 (+ 8 Berenstain Bears books)
Tasks Completed: 38/45
Tasks in Progress: 2
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25.6 Nothing to Lose:FDR’s Inner Circle and the Hundred Days That Created Modern America by Adam Cohen (352 pages)This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War by Drew Gilpin Faust(346 pages)
FDR- Accomplishment was appointment of Frances Perkins as Secretary of Labor
Scandal –Failed to get involved in WWII in time to save the Jews even though he was aware of the genocide.
Lincoln- Accomplishment Freed the slaves, allowed Blacks in the military.
Scandal-Spent millions digging up the corpses of the soldiers for reburial.
25 points
total 470
15 POINT TASK6. Creative Minds (The Arts):
• Learn Your Art History - Read A Book (Fictional Or Non-Fiction) About An Artist Or Art History AND Either Go To A Museum To View Art Or Create Art (Paint/Sculpt/Crafts/Photography Etc.).
To Myself Notes on Life, Art and Artists, Odilon Redon.
This past weekend my boyfriend and I went to the Frick to check out their latest exhibit. I actually also dabble in mosaics and watercolor, so I guess technically I covered both options.
On a roll today. Busy day of reading.20 points
20.1. MOST IMPROVED PLAYER – JULIE KS - I Am Very Faithful In My Christian Beliefs. Read A Christian Fiction Book. The Book Has To Demonstrate The Importance Of Living A Faith Centered Life. Some Good Authors Are Neta Jackson, Karen Kingsbury, And Jeanette Oakes.
Read House by Frank E. Peretti -- 372 pp (10.6.09)
Total Points: 220
Total Books: 22 (includes 1 for all the kids' books)
Total Tasks Completed: 18
Total Pages Read: 3,235 (not including kids' books)
Total Hours listened: 32.75 (approx.)
Stephanie wrote: "Alright, I am going to take my first crack at posting some tasks I think I have already accomplished. I followed the rules and went back to check out my September books. 5pts #4 - Darkly Dr..."</i><B>Welcome Stephanie - About a boy is not a coming of age story I'm afraid so it doesn't work for that task.</b>
<i>Jen wrote: "Task 15.7 I listened to [book:People's History of the United States 1492 to Present while walking to work each morning and Slam and then watched (live) my neighbor kids havin..."For 15.7 you only had to do either or so I would suggest moving Slam to your one word book title for 25.7.
Gina wrote: "Task 5.6: Don't Hex With Texas-by Shanna Swendson
"Hex isn't an adjective so can't be used for this task.
Kari ♪ wrote: "El wrote: "Kari wrote: "*Does having cheese and sauerkraut pierogies count?"
Lol, well sauerkraut is German, so I think that counts! :) And kudos on eating sauerkraut. Ick!"
Loved sauerkra..."I'm part German too and I hate it too...even though I love just cooked cabbage with vinegar on it - I think it's the fact that it's pickled that makes it disgusting (again I like cucumber pickles but other foods pickled are just gross for the most part).
Hah! I knew I had read a book about students in September, but couldn't remember what it was. Now I've actually completed the task!15.10 Teacher: When Calls the Heart
Student: Encore
Total points: 120
Cindy in Canada
Finished 10.7 An (Auto)Biography Of Your Personal Hero/Heroine- Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit A Son Remembers by Sean Hepburn Ferrer
Total Points: 45
15.4 - I read Great Ship Of Knowledgeand watched several episodes of History Channel's The UniverseTotal Points: 65
Finished10.1 (published between 1936-1959) I read East of Eden by John Steinbeck which was published in 1952
20 point (Juliie's task) I read The Storekeeper's Daughter by Wanda Brunstetter. I thought that if anyone lives a faith driven life it would be Amish.
Tasks done so far:10.3 THE FOURTH BEAR - JASPER FFORDE
10.8: ANGELS AND DEMONS - DAN BROWN (word is recommendation)
20.2 AMERICAN WIFE - CURTIS SITTENFELD, BIG OVER EASY (the) - JASPER FFORDE, CASE HISTORIES - KATE ATKINSON
25.4: THE DA VINCI CODE - DAN BROWN
New Total: 65/640
Cindy wrote: "I haven't posted this book yet, because I haven't finished the entire task, but I haven't seen anyone list it before, and I think it would fit several tasks AND I know there are a lot of Anne fans ..."I thought it was pretty good, but I've realized just how much it pales in comparison to the originals since I've started re-reading them this fall. It's really funny how much backstory Montgomery provides in the first book...almost like she was planning on writing the prequel herself someday. Personally, the prequel that I'd like to see...Marilla's early years. Finding more out about young Matthew as well as Marilla's relationship with Mr. Blythe...that would be fun.
Oh, and I discovered this book the other day: Looking for Anne of Green Gables The Story of L. M. Montgomery and Her Literary Classic. I'll probably try and fit it into the next challenge.
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Neil Gaiman (other topics)
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Despite it's content, this memoir is a warm look at the Wallses family. The father's alcohol addiction played havoc throughout the years and yet he came across as a loving father (in his own way)....just one who had larger demons to fight, which left him with little time for his family.
His worst moment, in my eyes, was when he stole his kids' piggy bank.