May 2016 - Challenge We Need! - Election Results (reporting thread)

[Rusalka, Moderator]

After the conversations over the past couple of months, I thought this is in the Challenge We Need. Australia has an election probably in July, and I have my State election in October. The States have the election in November, not to mention the focus on the Primaries and Conventions before hand. The UK have the EU referendum in June. Plus at least 35 other general or presidential elections around the world.

Point is, we can't escape politicians.

So if we can't escape them, we shall read about them. The challenge this month, is to read a book with a politician as a character. This can be a fiction book, or a non fiction book.

Important thing to note, it's not a book about politics. It's about a politician. So for example, Animal Farm would NOT count. As although the book is obviously about politics, the animals are not politicians. Where as House of Cards would count, as although the characters are fictional, there are many politicians as characters. As would The Downing Street Years as there are many characters again who are politicians.

General Rules:
1. The book may be in any format - paperback, ebook, audiobook.
2. The book may be in any genre.
3. The book may NOT be combined with the Year Long Geocaching Challenge.
4. The book must be read between May 1 - 31 2016 (based on your own time zone).
5. The challenge is for one book. You may read more books if you chose.
6. The book must be 175 pages or more determined by the issue you read. If reading eBook or audiobook page numbers will be determined by the issue that comes up first on a Goodreads search.

Scoring

Politics
Determined by the main political character or the most major character:
2 pts - Character had different political leanings to yourself
1 pt - Character had the same political leanings to yourself
(P.S. not whether you like them)

Genre:
5 pts - Non Fiction (except Biography and Autobiography)
4 pts - Biography or Autobiography
3 pts - Romance
2 pts - Science Fiction
1 pt - Thriller

Cover
5 pts - Has a mayflower on it (the flower or I will also count the boat)
4 pts - Has a bull on it
3 pts - is 70% yellow
2 pts - Has the author's name in black
1 pt - Has a flag on it

Author
5 pts - Is born in a country besides the US, UK, Canada, or Australia.
4 pts - Is a journalist or a historian
3 pts - Is a woman
2 pts - Has published more than 5 books
1 pt - Is the subject/main character of the book

Pages
4 pts - 500+pp
3 pts - 400-499pp
2 pts - 300-399pp
1 pt - 200-299pp

Bonus Points
2 pts - If someone rides a bicycle/pushbike for National Bike Month
2 pts - If there is a sex scene of some sort (can be solo or with company) for National Masturbation Month (United States, so it's not my fault)
2 pts - A character is from South East Asia or has South East Asian heritage for South Asian Heritage Month. If you need some geography tips on this one, please ask but map should be in spoiler
(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]

Clarifications:
The level of the politician's involvement in the story or the book is as much as you would like, but I want them to be a character, not a mention.

Eg. Then we sent the memo to the Foreign Minister/Secretary of State and went on with our lives never to mention them in this book again - not good enough for this challenge.
Eg. Then we had an interview with the mayor and here is what was said - that will count.
Eg. The prime minister is the main character in this book. - that will count.

Message 63 also attempts to explain challenge again.

[Ava Catherine]

Lady Bird and Lyndon: The Hidden Story of a Marriage That Made a President by Betty Caroli

Politics: LBJ and Ladybird were Democrats
2 pts: character had different political leaning to yourself

Genre:
4 pts: biography

Cover:
2pts: author's name in black

Author:
4 pts: is a historian
3 pts: is a woman
2 pts: has published more than 5 books

Pages:
3 pts: 480 pages

Bonus:
2 pts. sex scene in book (actually several since Ladybird's father and LBJ were both ladies' men)
LBJ was manic depressive. He was constantly caught with women. Although he flaunted his trysts, Ladybird never acknowledged his infidelity.

Total:22

[Lara]

I read Fatal Frenzy by Marie Force

Scoring

Politics
1 pt - Character had the same political leanings to yourself

Genre:
3 pts - Romance

Cover
0 pts

Author
3 pts - Is a woman
2 pts - Has published more than 5 books

Pages
1 pt - 200-299pp

Bonus Points
2 pts - If there is a sex scene of some sort

TOTAL: 12

[siriusedward]

I read by Jayne Ann Krentz

Character has same political leaning to. Yourself - 1 point
70% yellow on cover - 3 pts
Author is a woman - 3 pts
More than 5 books published- 2 pts
Sex scene- 2 pts
Romance - 3 pts
300-399 p - 2 pts

Total points - 16

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Good work guys!

[Beth]

by Joseph J. Ellis

Really hard to say which the main character is in this one. I'm going with Jefferson
2 pts - Character had different political leanings to yourself
5 pts - Non Fiction (except Biography and Autobiography)
2 pts - Has the author's name in black
4 pts - Is a journalist or a historian
2 pts - Has published more than 5 books
1 pt - 200-299pp

16

Great Book. Definitely makes me want to read more by Ellis!

[siriusedward]

Rusalka wrote: "Good work guys!"

:)

[Trudy]

For this challenge, I read Eight Million Gods and Demons by Hiroko Sherwin.

The setting for the novel is Japan, from the Meiji era to WWII. The main character is Taku, a politician who has been elected to the Japanese Diet. The story follows Taku's political and personal life, including his ailing wife, the beautiful ex-geisha he forms a second family with, and their children, spouses, and grandchildren. Infused with Japanese culture, themes include love, betrayal and reconciliation; conflicting loyalties; forbidden love; Japan's involvement in WWII; and PTSD.

Politics
1 pt - Character had the same political leanings to yourself

Genre
0 pts

Cover
0 pts

Author
5 pts - Is born in a country besides the US, UK, Canada, or Australia (born in Nagoya, Japan)
4 pts - Is a journalist or a historian (was special correspondent for Japanese newspaper Yomuiri USA)
3 pts - Is a woman

Pages
2 pts - 300-399pp (326 pp)

Bonus Points
2 pts - If there is a sex scene of some sort

Total 17 points

[Lanelle]

I did a re-read of All Night Long, by one of my favorite authors, Jayne Ann Krentz. The politician in the story is Senator Webb.

Politics
2 pts - Character had different political leanings to yourself

Genre
3 pts - Romance

Cover
0 pts

Author
3 pts - Is a woman
2 pts - Has published more than 5 books

Pages
3 pts - 400-499pp (416 pages)

Bonus Points
2 pts - If there is a sex scene of some sort

Total Points : 15

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Some really diverse and interesting looking books being read for this one!

[Lynn]

Book read: Always

Politics
1 pt - Character had the same political leanings to yourself

Genre:
3 pts - Romance

Cover
2 pts - Has the author's name in black

Author
3 pts - Is a woman
2 pts - Has published more than 5 books

Pages
1 pt - 200-299pp

Bonus Points
2 pts - If there is a sex scene of some sort (can be solo or with company) for National Masturbation Month (United States, so it's not my fault)

Total Points: 14

[Sam F]

Book read: - My Name Is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira

Politics
Determined by the main political character or the most major character:
2 pts - Character had different political leanings to yourself


Genre:

3 pts - Romance


Cover

2 pts - Has the author's name in black
1 pt - Has a flag on it

Author

3 pts - Is a woman

Pages

2 pts - 364 pgs

Bonus Points

2 pts - If there is a sex scene of some sort (can be solo or with company) for National Masturbation Month (United States, so it's not my fault)

Total: 15 points

[Kristie, Moderator]

Book Read: A Drink Before the War

Politics: 2
2 pts - Character had different political leanings to yourself

Genre: 1
1 pt - Thriller

Cover: 0

Author: 2
2 pts - Has published more than 5 books

Pages: 2
2 pts - 300-399pp

Bonus Points: 0

Total Points: 7

[Lori Z]

I read "The President Has Been Shot!": The Assassination of John F. Kennedy for this challenge.

Points:

Politics - 2 pts Character had different political leanings to yourself

Genre - 5 pts Non Fiction (except Biography and Autobiography)

Cover - 0 pts

Author - 2 pts - Has published more than 5 books

Pages - 1 pt - 200-299pp (274 pp)

Total points - 10

[Casceil]

I read Mr. Churchill's Secretary. It's a very good book and I enjoyed it very much. The politician in the book is Winston Churchill. The main character takes dictation from him, including some of his most famous speeches. (Sometimes she sheds tears while typing.)

Points:
Political leanings: 1 pt. (I've always admired Churchill.)
Genre: 1 pt. (marketing materials describe it as a thriller; I'm not sure I would.
Cover: no points
Author: 3pts (a woman) + 2 points (has published more than 5 books)
Pages: 2 points for 384 pages.
Bonus points: 2 points for bicycles. London in WWII--many bicycles.

Total: 11 points

[Janice, Moderator]

I finished reading The Dead Zone for this challenge.

Points:
2 pts - political leanings. Character had his own agenda separate from the party he represented.

2 pts - genre. Science Fiction

2 pts - cover. Author's name in black.

2 pts - author. Has published a lot more than 5 books.

3 pts - pages. 402

Bonus:
2 pts - several sex scenes.
2 pts - Ngo Phat, Vietnamese groundsman who interacted with the main character in several chapters.

Total points: 15

[Debra]

11/22/63 about a man who goes back in time to prevent the assassination of JFK.

Politics
1 pt - Character had the same political leanings to yourself

Genre:
2 pts - Science Fiction

Cover
2 pts - Has the author's name in black

Author
2 pts - Has published more than 5 books


Pages
4 pts - 500+pp

Bonus Points
2 pts - If there is a sex scene of some sort (can be solo or with company) for National Masturbation Month (United States, so it's not my fault)

13 points

[Marcus]

finished: Prince of Thorns

Politics: Monarchy, 2pts
Genre: fantasy, 0pts
Cover: black name, 2pts
Author: 0pts
Pages: 2pts

Total: 6pts

[Heather]

I have finished my selected book. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

If you like American history is any way, shape, or form, please go pick this up and read it! Its a massive undertaking at 800 pages, but it is WORTH it. I knew Abraham Lincoln was a great president, but I never knew what a great MAN he was. I can't say enough about this book, I will be buying myself a hardback copy to add to my library.

Scoring

Politics
1 pt - Character had the same political leanings to yourself

Genre:
4 pts - Biography or Autobiography

Cover
0

Author
4 pts - Is a journalist or a historian
3 pts - Is a woman
2 pts - Has published more than 5 books

Pages
4 pts - 500+pp

Total: 18 Points

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Marcus wrote: "finished: Prince of Thorns

Politics: Monarchy, 2pts
Genre: fantasy, 0pts
Cover: black name, 2pts
Author: 0pts
Pages: 2pts

Total: 6pts"

Just checking Marcus, from your politics answer, that the there was a character who was a politician, not an inherited title? Happy if you are (you having read the book and all), just double checking.

[Jkmays]

My book is
Capitol Men The Epic Story of Reconstruction Through the Lives of the First Black Congressmen by Philip Dray by Philip Dray

Politics
Determined by the main political character or the most major character: (the whole book is political characters so I can't even pick the main one, but I am sure I agreed with at least one of them haha)
1 pt - Character had the same political leanings to yourself
(P.S. not whether you like them)

Genre:
5 pts - Non Fiction (except Biography and Autobiography)


Author
4 pts - Is a journalist or a historian
2 pts - Has published more than 5 books


Pages
3 pts - 400-499pp

TOtal points 15

reply | edit | delete | flag *

[Jess]

I read Alice & Edith: A Biographical Novel of the Two Wives of Theodore Roosevelt by Dorothy Clarke Wilson

Politics - 2

Genre - 7 (biography + romance)

Cover - 2 (name in black)

Author - 9 (historian, female, published more than 5 books)

Pages - 2 (393)

Bonus - 2 (bicycle)

[Naomi]

I read The Plot Against America by Philip Roth.

Politics - 2 pts - different leanings than Facist leadership of USA

Genre: 4 pts - autobiography
2 pts - science fiction

Cover: 0 pts

author: 2pts more than 5 books published
1 pt main character in story

Pages 2 pts - 391

Bonus 2pts - masturbation scene in cellar by Philip's cousin Alvin

15 points total

[Sandra, Moderator]

I read Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter for this challenge, and rated it 4 stars.

Politics: 2 pts - Character had different political leanings to yourself (Since there are more than one politician in the book, I'm considering Joe Sr. Kennedy, since it's the one with more presence in the story)

Genre: 4 pts - Biography or Autobiography

Author:
4 pts - Is historian
3 pts - Is a woman

Pages: 2 pts - 300-399pp

Bonus Points: 2 pts - If someone rides a bicycle/pushbike for National Bike Month -> Rosemary's difficulties to ride a bike are discussed, and the book also has a beautiful photo of Rosemary in a tricycle.

Total: 17 points

[Sarah]

I can't believe I managed to read Grave Witch in just 3 days!

Politics:
2 pts - Character had different political leanings to yourself
Difficult one to call this. No policies mentioned as such but he was Governor of the Humans First party. In our reality we only have humans but in theirs there are witches, fae and humans. He believed that humans were above all other races and if i was in their reality and I'd have wanted equal rights for all.

Author
3 pts - Is a woman
2 pts - Has published more than 5 books

Pages
2 pts - 300-399pp

Bonus Points
2 pts - If there is a sex scene of some sort (can be solo or with company) for National Masturbation Month (United States, so it's not my fault)

Total = 11 pts

[jaxnsmom]

I read All the President's Menus

Politics
Determined by the main political character or the most major character:
2 pts - Character had different political leanings to yourself
1 pt - Character had the same political leanings to yourself
There are two politicians with about equal presence. The politics of the US president aren't ever stated. The other politician is a visiting presidential candidate from another country, and her views are given. If I can go with her, I would add 1 point. I don't really think it'll make much difference, but felt like blathering :)

Author
3 pts - Is a woman
2 pts - Has published more than 5 books

Pages
1 pt - 200-299pp

Total points: 6

[Annerlee]

Book: Where Did all the Jews Go
Main political character is Goering

☑ 2 pts - Character had different political leanings to yourself
☑ 5 pts - Non Fiction (except Biography and Autobiography)
☑4 pts - Is a journalist or a historian

Bonus Points
☑ 2 pts - A character is from South East Asia or has South East Asian heritage for South Asian Heritage Month. Characters from Japan and Phillipines

Review here
Also posted in the challenge thread (page 3)

[Deborah]

Number Ten

Main character a thinly disguised Tony B. Liar - New Labour.

* 2 pts - Character had different political leanings to yourself (believe me - they differ! and I am NOT right wing)
* 3 pts - Is a woman
* 2 pts - Has published more than 5 books
* 2 pts - 300-399pp
*2 pts - If there is a sex scene of some sort (can be solo or with company) for National Masturbation Month (United States, so it's not my fault) (a very dodgy relationship with toilet paper and a new enthusiasm for cross-dressing)

Total: 11 points

I don't recommend the book - a friend recommended it to me and I now have serious reservations about her taste in books! It was probably more funny at the time but ceased being relevant almost immediately. Author clearly not a Cherie Blair fan. Prob a disaffected Labourite, I'd say. Their name was Legion.

[Lilisa]

I read Indian Summer: The Secret History of the End of an Empire. Discussed in message 137 of Challenge a thread. I identified the political character as Jawaharlal Nehru.

Politics
1 pt - similar political leanings

Genre
5 pts - non fiction
2 pts - author's name in black
3 pts - is a woman

Pages
3 pts - 400-499 pp

Bonus Points
2 pts - a character from SE Asia/SE Asian heritage. Several SE Asian characters!

Total : 16 pts

[Rusalka, Moderator]

I read The Marmalade Files. A very thiny veiled fiction take of Australian politics around 2011. You can tell who everyone is even though their gender/names have been changed. But fun if you live in Canberra, or know about Australian politics. Not sure if it will translate to others though.

Politics
2 pts - Character had different political leanings to yourself

Genre:
1 pt - Thriller

Cover
1 pt - Has a flag on it

Author
4 pts - Is a journalist or a historian

Pages
2 pts - 300-399pp

Bonus Points
2 pts - If someone rides a bicycle/pushbike for National Bike Month
2 pts - If there is a sex scene of some sort (can be solo or with company) for National Masturbation Month (United States, so it's not my fault)

Total - 14 points

[Tasha]

I read America's First Daughter in which Thomas Jefferson, 3rd president, played a significant role in the story.

Politics:
2 pts: although I think I would agree with many of his ideas, the fact that he kept slaves/servants, I'd have to go with 'different political leadings to myself'.

Author: (2 authors but I assume I go with the first listed on the book, Stephanie Dray)
3 pts: Author is a woman
2 pts: Author has published more than 5 books

Pages:
4 pts: 500+ pages

Total pts : 11 points

[Poongothai]

I read by Nora Roberts in which the main character is a US senator.

Politics
1 pt - Character had the same political leanings to yourself

Genre:
3 pts - Romance

Cover

Author
3 pts - Is a woman
2 pts - Has published more than 5 books

Pages : 320
2 pts - 300-399pp

Bonus Points
2 pts - If there is a sex scene of some sort (can be solo or with company) for National Masturbation Month

Total : 13

[Tejas Janet]

I read Miral, which tells the story of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict from pre-Israel 1947 partition mandate through the turmoil of many decades up thru the 1994 Oslo accords. No politician plays a major role, but there are at least 2 that appear as definite characters - the Governor of Jerusalem and the Secretary of the PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine).

Scoring:
2 pts - Politics - confusing to score because character went from different political leanings thru most of the book to same political leanings as myself at end
0 pts - Genre - tho there is much nonfiction info, it is historical fiction
0 pts- Cover
5 pts - Author born in Israel
4 pts - Author is a journalist
3 pts - Author is a woman
0 pts - Has published not published more than 5 books (tho she has published 5 books per Goodreads)
2 pts - book is over 300 pages but less than 399 pp
2 bonus pts - quite a few sex scenes; pretty tame but kind of hot (i like using my imagination)

Total = 18 pts

[Almeta]

Death of a TartKate Grilley Borden
with Mayor Peggy Jean Turner.

Pretty pitiful on the scoring!

Politics
1 pt - Character had the same political leanings to yourself

Author
3 pts - Is a woman

Pages
1 pt - 200-299pp

Bonus Points
2 pts - Chuck and Tom chased the girls home on their bicycles.

7 Total Points

An easy cozy mystery read. I will continue the series when in the mood for a "book lite"!

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Badges up now.

Please note that these are the special Adultry Bible edition of Badges. I mistyped the Group name, didn't save the photoshop file, and posted it to every single wall before I noticed it.

So special-edition-Rus-is-in-the-middle-of-a-Toppler-and-doing-this-quick-before-people-yell badges... /facepalm

Let me know if I missed you and I'll give you a dodgy badge too.

[Sandra, Moderator]

Hahaha, Great badge, Rusalka. Thank you!

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Maybe you can sell it for thousands of dollars in a couple of years.

[Kristie, Moderator]

Lol, that's great! :)

[Lanelle]

Rusalka wrote: "Maybe you can sell it for thousands of dollars in a couple of years."

That's exactly what I was thinking! Badge collectors will be fighting over it :)

[Rusalka, Moderator]

OH GOD. I SPELT IT ALL WRONG

I'm reposting them all. Do not do this in the middle of the toppler while watching a Q and A show with the PM on at the same time.

Urgh

[Lanelle]

I rather like my dodgy badge, Rusalka.

[Annerlee]

Rusalka wrote: "OH GOD. I SPELT IT ALL WRONG

I'm reposting them all. Do not do this in the middle of the toppler while watching a Q and A show with the PM on at the same time.

Urgh"

I like the dodgy badge - adds a human element to dry politics!! You can leave mine as it is if you like...

: )

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Too late. You have your dodgy badge there as a spoiler to laugh at me whenever you want, and to sell to collectors. But it would drive my slight OCD tendencies crazy if I left it that bad.

Think of it like a politician who makes a completely false statement on the public record, but then pretends it doesn't exist, although the evidence is in front of everyone.

[Janice, Moderator]

Hahahaha! Best way to start the day is with a chuckle. :)

[Cherie]

Now, I am really crushed that I did not finish this challenge!

[Sandra, Moderator]

Lol Cherie!

[Deborah]

hahahahaha!