2025 Reading Challenge discussion
ARCHIVE: Monthly Challenges
>
February Challenge: Times Gone By
Megan wrote: "I'll go for 4!3. The Red Tent
6. The Hangman's Daughter
8. Slaughterhouse-Five sort of counts, right?
9. TBD
0/4"
I freaking loved The Red Tent! Anita Diamant is so talented. I really hope you like it.
As far as Slaughterhouse Five goes, I think it is a valid choice. Game of Thrones isn't strictly medieval but because the society is based off of medieval society it sorta counts. This would fall into that same gray area. It really depends on how strict you want to be. It's your challenge, really, so however you want to interpret the categories, go for it.
As long as you are enjoying reading, that is the ultimate goal.
I'm in for 5. 0 out of 5 completed
1. Read a book that takes place at beginning of the world.
about 4.500,000,000 years ago.
2. Read a book that takes place during the time of the dinosaurs.
about 250,000,000 to 65,000,000 years ago.
3. Read a book that takes place during the time after homo sapiens existed but B.C.E. (Before Common Era).
about 1,500,000 years ago to 0 A.D.
4. Read a book that takes place between supposed time of Jesus (start of Christianity) and the supposed time of Muhammad (start of Islam). This does not have to be religious, just in that time era.
about 0 A.D. to 700 A.D.
5. Read a book that takes place during the Dark or Middle Ages.
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. This book takes place in 1327
6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. This book takes place in 1789
7. Read any book that takes place in the Far East before Communism.
up to about 1950 A.D.
8. Read a book that takes place during the times of the World Wars.
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. This book takes place in 1920.
9. Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century.
1945 to 2000
Number 2:3. Read a book that takes place during the time after homo sapiens existed but B.C.E. (Before Common Era).
A Midsummer Night's Dream
2/3
Updated message 5. 2/59. Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century. - The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath which takes place in the 1950s.
Stephanie (R-A) wrote: "Congratulations on finishing your challenge goal! How did you like the book?"Thanks, Stephanie. A lot of people in the group are really enjoying reading this one. Unfortunately, I cannot count myself among them.
Nik wrote: "Stephanie (R-A) wrote: "Congratulations on finishing your challenge goal! How did you like the book?"Thanks, Stephanie. A lot of people in the group are really enjoying reading this one. Unfortun..."
Sorry you didn't enjoy it. I am glad to have another opinion on it. You are the second person I've come across that says it is a little "meh" for lack of a better word. Thanks for the input, it helps me to temper my own expectations. :)
Ok I have finished my first book - The Witches - Salem 1692. Not as exciting as it sounds...nor as exciting as some of the books others are reading or planning to read this month.1/3.
Kiwi wrote: "Yvonne wrote: "Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith - 1953 Soviet Union..."I really liked that book, did you like it Yvonne?"
I thought it was really good and kept me on edge waiting to see what would happen next.
I had read his other book, The Farm and I saw everyone was praising Child 44 so I put it on my list to read. I'm glad I did.
Sign me up for two bookRead a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world.
about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D.
The Witches: Salem, 1692
9. Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century.
1945 to 2000
The Kite Runner
Gabriella wrote: "6. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd2/4"
Congratulations on knocking two books out in such quick succession. I am super impressed. Something about February is causing my reading rate to slow considerably. You are way motivating me right now. Have fun reading your next two.
Updated message 5. 3/58. Read a book that takes place during the times of the World Wars. - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen which takes place in America during the Great Depression and prohibition, between the two world wars.
I'm pleased with my progress on this challenge already this month and am feeling weirdly keen on historical fiction, which is very unusual for me.
Janine wrote: "Updated message 5. 3/58. Read a book that takes place during the times of the World Wars. - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen which takes place in America during the G..."
You are doing awesome on your challenge. Tomorrow I will probably start my first challenge book for this. I have been reading other books for other challenges instead, but you are putting me to shame. :)
Water for Elephants has been on my to read list for a while. Did you like it? I couldn't make myself watch the movie simply based on who they cast in it, but I've heard good things about the book.
Janine wrote: "Updated message 5. 3/58. Read a book that takes place during the times of the World Wars. - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen which takes place in America during the G..."
I really really liked this book. Are you enjoying it?
I really enjoyed Water for Elephants. I haven't seen the film so can't compare it to that, but it was a fascinating, engrossing read for me. Lots of really interesting snippets about the times and circus life. I did write a review here if you want to see what more I thought, Stephanie. (minimal spoilers about a few of the characters' personalities so perhaps not for those who haven't read it and like to go into a book 'pure'!)Stephanie (R-A) - I'd definitely suggest you give it a go. It zoomed by for me, a very pleasant read! Also, I've managed to combine challenges for 2 of the books I've read so far for this challenge - I picked them both from the past group reads list for the Quarterly challenge! That being said, my reading rate has picked up in February for some reason. I think we all go through peaks and troughs.
Janine wrote: "I really enjoyed Water for Elephants. I haven't seen the film so can't compare it to that, but it was a fascinating, engrossing read for me. Lots of really interesting snippets about the times and ..."I will definitely put it up higher on my book priority list then. I just doubt everything Robert Pattinson does by nature, which is probably unfair for the book, but there it is. :)
I'm going to try for 3? Maybe? Sorry I'm a bit late to the challenge.1/3
9. Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century.
1945 to 2000
A Red Herring Without Mustard 2/8/16
Nicole wrote: "I'm going to try for 3? Maybe? Sorry I'm a bit late to the challenge.1/3
9. Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century.
1945 to 2000
[book:A Red Herrin..."
No problems! The challenge is pretty much open until March comes. Welcome!
I have not been here in a long time! I was part of the 2015 challenge but was not able to finish. So, I am back...yeah!!I will be doing 4 :)
> 6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world - about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D. A Soldier's Secret: The Incredible True Story of Sarah Edmonds, Civil War Hero
> 7. Read any book that takes place in the Far East before Communism - up to about 1950 A.D. Between Shades of Gray
> 8. Read a book that takes place during the times of the World Wars - 1914 to 1945
> 9. Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century - 1945 to 2000
2/4
Leah wrote: "I have not been here in a long time! I was part of the 2015 challenge but was not able to finish. So, I am back...yeah!!I will be doing 4 :)
> 6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colo..."
Welcome back! We are happy to have you!
Just completed #8 (World Wars) - Hollow City by Ransom Riggs. I really enjoyed the progression of this book! The author fleshed out more of the history of peculiardom. Even though it's classified as YA, it does not dumb down tough topics, like evil and death. And the pictures are fantastic! Definitely worth reading! 4 stars1/3
Megan wrote: "Just completed #8 (World Wars) - Hollow City by Ransom Riggs. I really enjoyed the progression of this book! The author fleshed out more of the history of peculiardom. Even though i..."I love this series so much. I cannot tell you how happy I am to hear that you liked it. If you liked Hollow City, just wait until you read Library of Souls. I could not put it down. Really exciting stuff. Happy reading :)
Update: 2/3 Task 9 - Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century.
1945 to 2000
China in Ten Words by Yu Hua (5 stars)
This books focuses primarily on the author's experiences growing up in the Cultural Revolution (1960s-70s).
7. Read any book that takes place in the Far East before Communism.up to about 1950 A.D.
Euphoria – New Guinea 1930s
Quite an interesting story of three English anthropologists working in Papua new Guinea, and it'is (loosely) based on a true story. It is also a love triangle and very well written.
I’m also reading another historical fiction book: Black Ships, unfortunately it belongs to a category that I’ve already covered (#3) oh well :-)
Progress 4/5
Kiwi wrote: "7. Read any book that takes place in the Far East before Communism.up to about 1950 A.D.
Euphoria – New Guinea 1930s
Quite an interesting story of three English anthropologists wo..."
I have wanted to read "Black Ships" for a while. I might have to break down and buy it...what do you think, is it worth buying?
Stephanie, to be honest, I'm a bit disappointed with this novel. From the glowing reviews, I was hoping for something better. The main issue I have is that the stories have been changed. I can see that the author wanted to put her own interpretation on ancient myths but I can't help but feel that they are not right.
On the positive side the writing is good and the descriptions of the exotic locations are evocative.
I'm about half way through, I might still change my mind :)
Having finished my goal of one book for this challenge, I thought I would see if maybe I could read more. After about 20-30 minutes of research, I'm a bit irked.1. Read a book that takes place at beginning of the world.
about 4.500,000,000 years ago.
I feel like this is maybe a bit much. And given the number of people who set their goals for later in the list, I feel like maybe I'm not the only one. It took me ages to figure out that 500 million years ago was known as the Devonian Period. I had to find this out, because "books set 500 million years ago" got me nowhere. Unfortunately for me, it appears that "Devonian" is a bit too academic, because I can find only anthropological texts and other non-fiction books, most of which have little to no information on goodreads, and no ratings.
So, fellow challengers, I ask you: how are you going about finding books for these challenges? Are you just sticking to the eras that you find interesting?
I'm a fiction reader, and fairly frequently a completist. It's gnawing at me that I can't find something to read for the first task on the list. If you've any suggestions for me, I'd be most grateful. =)
Stephanie (R-A) wrote: ""Game of Thrones" is an awesome book, but it is so long. I think you were smart to go for 2 :) Good luck! I hope you enjoy your books! "Thank you! I just finished GoT tonight, definitely right about it being long lol. I kinda didn't want it to end though. I kept reading a couple hundred pages and then stopping to read something else, finish that, then go back. Way too many good books to get to in such a short month (ah!) haha.
Nik wrote: "Having finished my goal of one book for this challenge, I thought I would see if maybe I could read more. After about 20-30 minutes of research, I'm a bit irked.1. Read a book that takes place at..."
I had a similar issue. The only one I could find that was rated well on Goodreads was a science book called "The Story of Earth: The First 4.5 Billion Years from Stardust to Living Planet" by Robert M. Hazen. It was rated 4 stars.
If you are looking for a fiction based book for that you are probably going to have to look at books that have a more religious slant- Adam and Eve and the garden of Eden. "Eve: A Novel" by Elissa Elliot would be a good choice based on the Amazon Reviews, but there are lots that are about that "event."
Even if you find a time travel book that spends a little bit of time at the creation of the earth, we would probably count it because it is such a hard category.
Sorry I can't be of more help. Good luck! If you find something definitely let us know.
Nik wrote: "Having finished my goal of one book for this challenge, I thought I would see if maybe I could read more. After about 20-30 minutes of research, I'm a bit irked.1. Read a book that takes place at..."
I also had a similar issue. Just to help with your research, it's not 500 million years ago, but 4.5 billion. The age scientists think the earth is, so you're basically just looking at creation. I wonder if you'd enjoy a compilation of creation myths or anything? Something like In the Beginning: Creation Stories from Around the World or Native American Creation Myths. Having looked at a few previews on Amazon, after an introduction they tend to have very short forewords followed by each myth/story told in narrative fiction style. It is tough, though! I'm on track to complete my 5 for this challenge in a day or two, but the earliest challenge I'm currently reading is #3 (BCE). I may try and fill a few more of the challenges, but #1 is definitely the hardest.
Talking of which, I've updated message 5. I've now read 4/5
7. Read any book that takes place in the Far East before Communism. - Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale by David Kudler. A YA adventure story set in 16th century Japan.
I agree, I pretty much given up on finding books for #1 and 2.IMO, #3 and #6 offer a lot of options and they could have been divided further. #3 for instance covers Egypt, Greece and the Roman period, plenty of books (fiction and non) on those topics.
I have also discovered that another one of the books I have planned for this month falls between the cracks (Belle), it set in 1910.
Nik, I tend to be a completist too, but I like to think about challenges such as this ones as suggestions and inspiration, it's the reading that counts, the satisfaction of ticking all the items on the list is a bonus when it happens.
Kiwi wrote: "I have also discovered that another one of the books I have planned for this month falls between the cracks (Belle), it set in 1910."I had the exact same! Read a book set in Edwardian Britain, so sometime between 1901-1910. I considered fudging it and counting it for #6, but I have two other books I'm planning to read this month that fit with #6 so I just let it go. I'm quite relaxed as far as challenges go and am just enjoying using this one for suggestions and inspirations, like you said.
Thank you, everyone, for your sympathy and kind suggestions. I was feeling like kind of a jerkface for complaining; it's reassuring that some of you feel similarly—you're just way more gracious about it. =PJanine wrote: "Just to help with your research, it's not 500 million years ago, but 4.5 billion. The age scientists think the earth is, so you're basically just looking at creation."
Oh, dear, how mortifying. Thank you for the gentle correction, Janine, and also for the book suggestions! =)
Kiwi wrote: "Nik, I tend to be a completist too, but I like to think about challenges such as this ones as suggestions and inspiration, it's the reading that counts, the satisfaction of ticking all the items on the list is a bonus when it happens."
This is great advice. I'm quite literal and it makes me feel a bit twitchy, but I shall endeavour to loosen up about the whole thing. =)
/NN
Nik, you're certainly not alone, I feel strongly about my personal reading challenges and I feel totally committed to finishing those. For other challenges especially group challenges, like this one, I feel more relaxed about ;-)
Good luck and happy reading!
Updated message 5. I've made my goal! 5/53. Read a book that takes place during the time after homo sapiens existed but B.C.E. - The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. An unusual retelling of the events surrounding The Odyssey from Penelope's point of view.
I don't think I'll be able to resist reading at least one more for this challenge though... which is amusing, because I originally thought I was stretching it by going for 5!
Congratulations on reaching your goal Janine !
Janine wrote: "Updated message 5. I've made my goal! 5/53. Read a book that takes place during the time after homo sapiens existed but B.C.E. - The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. An u..."
Congratulations! That is so awesome!
5. Read a book that takes place during the Dark or Middle Ages.about 700 A.D. to 1500 A.D. The Sunne in Splendor
6. 6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world.
about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D. In the Heart of the Sea
9. After You Jojo Moyes
Updated #22. 9. Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century. 1945 to 2000 - Child 44 ✔
1/2 Complete
Just completed #9 (cold war-2000) - The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma. Overall, I appreciated the world the author brought to light. The story itself is incredibly sad. However, I did have issues with the writing style - the author would routinely go back and forth between past and present with very little warning. Worth reading for those interested in Nigerian literature. 3 stars2/3
I've finished my first book of 2 :-)- 9. Read a book takes place during the time of the Cold War until the turn of the century
- I chose Fatherland by Robert Harris.
It's set in an alternate, of a Hitler dominated Europe during a cold war between Europe and America.
I finally finished my first book of 5! I read The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy which takes place just after WWII and is based on an actual crime committed. It was a pretty edge of your seat mystery and I highly recommend it. New Total: 1/5
Ok, I am now, 2/3 having just completed Ivanhoe. Who doesn't love a good medieval romp? It was good to see that while Scott valued beauty in women (both the female leads were of course very attractive in their own way...intelligence, strength of character, kindness and generosity were also seen as virtues). Rebecca is a wonderful character, and definitely one of the most developed in the story...in fact the book could easily have been called after her, rather than Ivanhoe, such was her role and influence on the story.
2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption (other topics)Library of Souls (other topics)
Library of Souls (other topics)
Belle (other topics)
Gold A Pictorial History of The Australian Goldrush (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Laura Hillenbrand (other topics)Caleb Carr (other topics)
Caleb Carr (other topics)
Stephen King (other topics)
Umberto Eco (other topics)
More...
6. Read a book that takes place during rise of colonization around the world. (about 1500 A.D. to 1900 A.D.) The Witches: Salem, 1692 (★★)
/NN"
Congratulations on finishing your challenge goal! How did you like the book? It is on my list to read this month as well.