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Cynthia's Seasonal Challenges
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FALL CHALLENGE 2009 Suggestions & Announcement
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Jennifer
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Aug 09, 2009 08:26PM
Strange suggestions: Read a book suggested to you by a (relative) stranger. This could be a coworker you rarely talk to or someone you chat with on the commute to work. The point is just to step out of your literary genres of choice and try something new.
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Wow, there have been some great ideas. Here's what I've been thinking about for the Fall Challenge:(1) Halloween Theme:
I liked the ones people already suggested about reading a classic gothic novel (please choose this one!), a book about ghosts/witches/werewolves/etc, and a book by a dead author.
I also suggest a book where someone dies (to not spoil things for people, you can use a mystery novel, a well-known novel that has a major death [i.e., [book:Romeo and Juliet|18135]) or where death is revealed at the very beginning [[book:The Virgin Suicides|10956], The Lovely Bones, and The Blind Assassin).
Read a mystery/horror/thriller.
(2) Back to School:
I liked the suggestion about using a book from a high school reading list. I add to that the idea of reading a book from the AP Literature reading list (found here: http://www.thewritingtutor.biz/sugges...).
I also liked the idea of reading a book where the main character is a student.
Read a book related to a club activity you participated in during high school or college. For example, I was in French Club and Karate, so I could read a book set in France/about France/etc., or a book involving martial arts.
Someone suggested reading a book tied to your least favorite subject. How about reading a book tied into your favorite subject or even your major (if you didn't go to college, then about the major you would've chosen if you'd gone or about the major you WANT to do if you're still in high school).
Read a book by an author you had to read in high school but not the book that you had to read in high schoo. For example, if I had to read The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner in high school, I'd have to read a different Faulkner book for the challenge. Write a short blurb about your feelings about the author now after reading the book versus your feelings when you read him/her in high school.
(3)September Holidays
Liked the European Day of Languages, Labor Day (proleteriat worker-theme), etc.
World Tourism Day: Read a book set in/written by an author from/written about, etc. a city/state/country/etc. you have traveled to.
To add to the idea of reading a book turned into a TV series/made-for-TV movie, what about a book mentioned in a TV show? I know Lost and Gilmore Girls provide a lot of ideas for that, and there's probably more.
(4) October Holidays
I second Oktoberfest (German theme) LGBT Month (gay author/positive gay character), and World Space Day (sci fi/astronomy/etc. book).
For UN Day, a book set in a UN Nation other than your own.
(5) November Holidays
I really liked the idea about a book involving something you're thankful for (Thanksgiving). That's my favorite Thanksgiving theme idea so far.
(6) Clean Up Your TBR Shelf
I really love these sort of taks. Pick a book at random from your TBR list and read it. Pick the book that has been on your shelf the longest (either physical shelf or goodreads shelf). Read any two books from your TBR list.
(7) Finding Books Through Other People
Read a five-star book from any of your friends on GoodReads. Read any book from one of the Summer Challenge winner's shelf. Read a book that someone read for the Summer Challenge and gave five stars to (this might require a thread where people list their five-star reads from the Summer Challenge). Do the same thing, but Summer Challenge one-star reads. Read a book from Cynthia's TBR list and a book that she has already read (but you haven't). Read a book recommended by a family member or friend born in September/October/December.
(8) Other
I really, really liked the idea of reading a Booker Prize winner/current long-list nominee. I will be super jazzed if that one makes the list. I also liked the idea of a Pulitzer Prize winner from your birth decade, but how about any prize winner from your birth decade? Also liked the Banned Book idea.
Read a book by an author born in September/October/November.
Read a book written before the 20th century.
BJ Rose wrote: "Wendy wrote: "BJ Rose- how about a President born or died in Sept, Oct, or Nov? I loved that task. "IF I finish, Wendy - although with your cheerleading, I should be a shoo-in!
"How about making books about non-American presidents count too?
Sounds fair to me, Andreea.
Someone mentioned reading one of TNBBC Sept, Oct, or Nov book selections - How about expanding that to be read one of the monthly books and post a comment on the boards.
Boy these all look great! I was going to suggest November 11th, which is Rememberance Day or Vetran's Day (It's also my birthday, that's why I'm so into it), but I think it has been suggested a few times, so - Yay for a book about a veteran or about WWI. By the way - I'm in for the new group.
I am so excited for the fall challenge. Even though I won't get to enjoy it as much because of school I still look forward to adding books to my TBR shelf. So when I finally get another chance to simmer down they will be ready for me :).
H G Wells was born on September 21, so we could read a "Classic" sci-fi book, or any sci-fi book. Mario Puzo was born in October, so we could read a book about the mafia.
Picasso was born in October, and (my personal fave) Claude Monet was born in November, so we could read a fiction/non-fiction book about an artist or art.
Lastly, Sojourner Truth was born in November, so we could read a book about slavery or the civil rights movement.
I admit, I didn't read through all of the previous suggestions, so I apologize if any of these were already suggested.
Thanks for your efforts Cynthia.
Take care of your health: Read a fiction or non-fiction book about about a medical diagnosis or illness that either you, someone in your family, or a close friend has been diagnosed with....for example, high blood pressure, Alzheimer's, stroke, diabetes...etc.
Stephen King's birthday is September 21. read a SK book
I have a couple ideas, hopefully they haven't been repeated. Since the fall is all about learning for many, read a how-to book (anything from knitting a scarf to cooking a dish, or making an origami frog) then post a pic of your attempt. (This could be funny, if everyone elses first attempts at new things are anything like mine.)
For Halloween read a book whose main character is the same type as a costume you've worn yourself (since not everyone may celebrate Halloween, the costume does not necessarily have to have been from the one holiday, any costume you've ever worn could be used).
For the Day of the Dead read a book that takes place where/when one of your ancestors lived. For instance if one of your ancestors came over to America during the Irish potato famine, read a book about that era in Irish or American history. Fiction or Non-Fiction.
Lyn wrote: "Boy these all look great! I was going to suggest November 11th, which is Rememberance Day or Vetran's Day (It's also my birthday, that's why I'm so into it), but I think it has been suggested a fe..."My birthday too!!
Sarah PA wrote: "Lyn wrote: "Boy these all look great! I was going to suggest November 11th, which is Rememberance Day or Vetran's Day (It's also my birthday, that's why I'm so into it), but I think it has been su..."Cool, we'll have to cyber-celebrate together
Hey All - Great task ideas - as always !! I was thinking [S:]eptember [O:]ctober [N:]ovember. Read a book about a mother/son or father/son relationship.
Joy wrote: "Take care of your health: Read a fiction or non-fiction book about about a medical diagnosis or illness that either you, someone in your family, or a close friend has been diagnosed with....for ex..."Hi Joy - I just finished Still Alice by Lisa Genova last night. Very powerful book from the first person perspective of a woman diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. Emotional read - great task suggestion.
Hi Cynthia - I'll be sure to follow the Challenge to its new group site when opened. Also, I reallly like the suggestion that the "baby" points (5, 10, 15) categories maybe only have one book or a lesser total pages allowance. Just a thought...I've been reading daily (tail between my legs here) but this Summer's challenge kicked me in the butt !!! A
Inspired by current events:Health Care Reform is the hot topic these days - read a book about health/doctors/disease. Either fiction or non-fiction
Auto Industry bailouts -- Read a book about the car industry, racing or somehow realating to cars. Or has a car in the title. Fiction or non-fiction
I agree that the 5 and 10 should be kept to 1 book only and I like that 100 pages or more is a requirement. I do not think that 2 books is a lot for the 15 pointers. I really liked a lot of the tasks for that one (popularity, initials, and the opposites tasks) I think that some that had three books (like the 25 point tasks) is too many. Maybe not for the 30 point tasks, since it is worth more points. I think the people choosing the 25 should limit it to two books.
I think anything over 15 points should have a 200 page requirement and I really like some of the three book tasks.
Lori (BNPL) wrote: "I think anything over 15 points should have a 200 page requirement and I really like some of the three book tasks."I enjoy the multi-book tasks, too, and I agree that the higher the points awarded, the higher the page requirement (within reason, of course) or the more books/task are required.
The Summer challenge is my first challenge and I'm finding that the points I rack up are less important (although I love seeing Cynthia's Leader Board postings) than the enjoyment I get from completing the task with books that I really enjoy (or start out thinking that I'll really enjoy them). I'm absolutely amazed at the speed at which some people read. It's truly awesome. I used to think I read fairly fast. :)
Madeline wrote: "I have a couple ideas, hopefully they haven't been repeated. Since the fall is all about learning for many, read a how-to book (anything from knitting a scarf to cooking a dish, or making an o..."
I second the how-to book idea. What an awesome idea!
However, with the Day of Dead task idea that Madeline suggested, I would warn you that I, for one, don't know much about my family history. I know we are German with some Irish and a whole lot of mutt, but I haven't been able to trace back at all. In that case, would I read about some German incident? Or German immigrants? I could do that, probably.
Amanda R. in Louisville
Read a book written in the form of letters or correspondence.
Fall- Read a book with the word or a form of the word FALL in the title.
Read a book whose title begins with S, O, or N (for Sept., Oct., Nov.).Read 2 books by the same author (they can't be in the same series). Write a short review comparing the two.
Some suggestions I offered in the College Students challenge:Family Matters: In honor of Jaleel White's (Urkel!), star of the hit show Family Matters, birthday in November..read a book with one of the following in the title- mother, father, daughter, son, sister, brother, etc.
- Read a known classic and THEN read a book of Entertainment Weekly's List called "The New Classics:" The 100 Best Books of the Last 25 Years
(http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20207076... After reading both write a tiny review in our thread about whether or not you think the "new" classic has the ability to stand the test of time.
- Pick one of the following American literary movements from the PBS website and read 2 books from 2 different authors in this literary movement. (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americannovel/ti...) There will be a dropdown that says Literary Movements. There will be a blurb about each along with some important authors in each movement.
September 7th is Grandparents Day--Read a book where one of the main characters is over 65
(http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20207076...(http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20207076...
both page not found : (
Here's a few more:Read a book with an unlikeable character who may or may not find redemption before it ends.
Read a book where the main character time travels.
Read a historical fiction mystery or crime novel.
Pick your favorite historical figure and read a fiction or non-fiction book about that person.
Read a fiction book set in your country of natural origin or ethnicity OR
Read a book by an author in your country of natural origin or ethnicity.
Read a book that was on the NY Times Best Seller list the year that you graduated high school.
Read a fiction or non-fiction book about your favorite type of animal.
Kate wrote: "Read a complete trilogy."I love this one.
November 4 is Election DayRead one book written by someone on the far left and another book written by someone on the far right regarding the same subject.
The fall challenge is up in the new group - so no further suggestions are needed at this point - but thanks for all the great ideas!!!!!
Amanda wrote: However, with the Day of Dead task idea that Madeline suggested, I would warn you that I, for one, don't know much about my family history. I know we are German with some Irish and a whole lot of mutt, but I haven't been able to trace back at all. In that case, would I read about some German incident? Or German immigrants? I could do that, probably.You know that's a point I didn't consider. Its true not everyone knows where they come from. It's a good idea for that one to be a little broader! If its not too assuming all together. I think reading about a country you know your bloodline originated from at some point would work even if you don't know the specific time frame. After all if you immigrated from Germany then Germany's past is still part of your past. :)
One more suggestion! For Thanksgiving read a book that's about one of the U.S or Canada's Native tribes. Fiction or non-fiction.
Read a book written by an author with your first or last name-both if possible (not always as easy as it sounds, and it may take you out of your "comfort genre")!
Wow alot of great ideas. Can't wait to see what the final list will look like. I am looking forward to my first challenge.
It's probably been suggested, but Banned Books Week is September 26-October 3. I think that would be fun!http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy...
Library Card sign-up month:*title has library,book,read,reader in title Fiction or nonfiction
*set in a library (part or all of it)Fiction book
*main character works in a library or is some kind of librarian (public librarian, school, library of congress etc)Fiction or nonfiction
*history book about your local library, can be public library, school library, academic etc over 200 pages (non-fiction)
*book set in another country that has to do with bookmobiles (fiction or nonfiction)
ex. The Camel Bookmobile is set in Kenya and involves a roaming library
*read a book suggested by your librarian
*read a book about the Library of Congress
Can you tell I work in a library?LOL
Stephanie wrote: "Wow alot of great ideas. Can't wait to see what the final list will look like. I am looking forward to my first challenge."
The tasks for the 5, 10, and 15 pointers have been finalized & are posted in a separate group (see post one in this thread and post one in this thread).
Or go directly to the new Seasonal Reading Challenge Group
September 29th is St Micheal and all angels day. Read a book about an angel.
I new to this. How will I know what the challenge is? Do I need to read all the posts to find the challenge?
Marsha wrote: "I new to this. How will I know what the challenge is? Do I need to read all the posts to find the challenge?"Marsha, two posts above yours there is a link to the Seasonal Reading Challenge Group - that is where all the information for the upcoming challenge is. Check it out, it's fun!
Cait wrote: "Banned Books Week is the last week in September. Read one book from the Top 100 Challenged Books 1990-1999 list:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy......"
Heidi wrote: "Read a book with something to do with trees in the title, e.g. leaf, branch, twig, tree, or a type of tree
30th November is St Andrews Day - read a book set in Scotland or by a Scottish author
Re..."
I love the idea of re-reading a favorite children's book!
Teresa wrote: "Never did a challenge before so throwing some thoughts out there Teresa: I like #11...maybe we could post one of our favorite fall recipes as well!
Amber wrote: "Library Card sign-up month:*title has library,book,read,reader in title Fiction or nonfiction
*set in a library (part or all of it)Fiction book
*main character works in a library or is some kind o..."
Woo-hoo! Another librarian!
Any idea when you will post the Autumn Challenge?
The Fall Challenge has been posted. Because the challenge got so big Cynthia made it its own group.http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/2...
Erin wrote: "Here are is some info from Wikipedia on holidays and observances in September, October, and November. This in no means is a complete list, just some of the things I thought would make good ideas f..."For Veterans Day, read a book from at least three different wars (WWI, WWII, Civil War, Korean War, Viet Nam War, etc.).
See the link in Manday's post (Message #249). The Fall Challenge has begun and you'll find the details there. There's still plenty of time to jump in and join.
See you all there.
Maybe Cynthia should close this so that no one else can add anything to this thread...:P
Only Mod's can officially close a thread - I'm not a mod of this group so I can't actually close it.
The Next Best Book Club
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