The Game of Life Topples You or Your TBR Pile

[jaxnsmom]

It’s time for another Toppler, and the theme for this one is…The Game of Life!

If you haven’t played it before, the game involves going through the various stages of life, choosing between two paths, receiving opportunities, and suffering setbacks. There will be a life event with two reading tasks to choose from. Task One will be worth 5 points, and Task Two will be worth 3 points. Most of the events are from some version of the game, but some I have added to include some of life’s other milestones.

There are three teams competing for points. Teams will strategize how to get the most points – the all important planning and gophering that we all love. ☺
Team members can choose the same task, BUT if the same 5 point task is read again, the second reading will only count for 3 points. If every task is completed and a team is starting over, points will be reset to 5 and 3 points. Please let me know if this isn’t clear.
No one is required to read more than one book, so don’t let it keep you from participating if you’re afraid you won’t contribute enough! Even one book contributes points, and every point is appreciated!

This Toppler is one week long, and will begin on June 7th at noon EdT and end at noon EdT on the 14th.


A few rules:
1. Books must be started and finished in this time period to qualify.
2. You may read any format - paperback, hardcover, ebook, or audiobook. For the last two use the page numbers on the first edition that comes up on the GR page.
3. Each book must be at least 175 pages.
4. Toppler books can count toward the monthly challenge, the group theme read, and the yearly challenge if they qualify.
5. You may plan ahead and chose books for the challenge, but you are not restricted to those books. You may swap them out at will.

Remember, Topplers can get competitive, but in the end the goal is for everyone to have fun and read great books! And to do a lot of chatting about food, drinks, life, and even books. If you have any griping to do, write your post, think about it, and then post it if you still want to. But understand that I am human, and I make a lot of mistakes, but I have final say on disputes. Now get out there and start going nuts!

**LIFE EVENTS AND TASKS**

Childhood
5 – read a book where the main character is under 13 for at least 80% of the book
3 – read a YA book

Turn 16: Have a party and get your driver’s license
5 – read a book where a car or driving plays a noticeable part
3 – read a book with a big party that has an impact on the story

College: Were you studious, or did you major in partying?
5 – read a book with a student in an accredited college or university (can be a fake one)
3 – read a book with drinking in it, where it is a noticeable part

Graduation: Did you have a job, or fear for your future?
5 – read a book where someone is unemployed and it plays a noticeable part (not a mention of the character being unemployed in the past)
3 – read a dystopian/apocalyptic book

Get Married
5 – read a book where a wedding plays a noticeable part
3 – read a book where the main character is married for the whole book

Buy a House
5 – read a book where a good part (at least 25%) takes place in a residence (house, apartment, hotel, inn, cabin, etc)
3 – read a book with a single family house, condo or apartment building on the cover

Have a Baby
5 – read a book where a character gives birth, doesn't have to be the main character, but it must be described or talked about in some way.
3 – read a book where a main character has a child under 4

Your In-Laws Come to Visit for a Month
5 – read a book with some type of reunion of family members
3 – read a horror book

Get a Pet: What was your first pet?
5 – read a book with an exotic animal as part of the story (not a visit to the zoo, or a mention of a safari taken)
3 – read a book about a dog

Go on a Fabulous Vacation
5 – read a book that takes place in a foreign country you know little about
3 – read a book that takes place at the beach or the mountains (at least 75% of the book)

Lose Your Job
5 – read a book where the main character takes up a new occupation
3 – read a book with a color in the title (because you need to read What Color is Your Parachute?)

Get a Divorce
5 – read a book that takes place in a war/civil conflict
3 – read a romance

Win the Lottery
5 – read any book
3 – read any book

Get Remarried
5 – read a book where someone makes a fresh start
3 – read a fantasy

Retire
5 – read a book with a main character over 60
3 – read a book with a one word title

[jaxnsmom]

************TEAMS************

The trusty fruit machine has spoken, and here are the teams so far. More people will probably sign up (where are you Detroit sisters?), and they'll be added later.

Team A
Alexandra
Almeta
Anne - Booklady
Camilla
Connie
Delmy
Esther
Joe
Judy
Kat
Lanelle
Laura
Lisa
Marie
Theresa
Travis
Wanda

Team B
Ann
Beth
Casceil
Cherie
Debbie
Debra
Emily
Esta
Janice
jaxnsmom
LoriZ
Mariab
Marie Claude
Naomi
Pragya
Rusalka
Sam
Tory

Team C
Angie
Annette
Dawn
Elsbeth
Helen
Jkmays
June
Kirila
Lilisa
Lynn
Marnie
Melissa
Peggy
Roz
Sarah
Sarah Jigz
Tejas Janet

[jaxnsmom]

I'll try to post all questions here so they don't get overlooked in swarm of posts to come.

Just to clarify, if two or more team members choose the 5 pointer for college, only one will count as 5 points and the others will count 3?

Yes. This is to discourage team members from doing the same task until all tasks have been completed.

If two people read the 3-point book, does the second also count for less?
And does reading all categories before you can start over mean either reading the 5 OR 3 point book, or do both have to be read?

3 point books will stay 3 point books no matter how many times the same task is done.
Reading all categories means reading all tasks.

Can a book count for two tasks?**

No. A book cannot count for more than one task.

**What if two members of a team read the same book and that book could fit two different categories. Could it count then?

Yes, two people can read the same book and each one could count it for a different task.

In the 'Get Married' event, when you say read a book where a wedding plays a noticeable part, do you mean how much page time the actual wedding gets or how it impacts on the people involved? If I read a book where the main character gets forced into a marriage she didn't want and this impacts heavily on the rest of her life, would it count?

As long as the wedding takes place in the book, and it's impact is an observable part of the story, I would say it qualifies.

All tasks should have a noticeable impact on the book! I don't want there to be a brief mention of attending a wedding or party, a trip to the zoo, driving to someplace. That would be way too easy!

Can the same book be read by different members?

Yes. More than one person can read the same book

A book with main character under 13, does the main character have to be under 13 for the whole book?

I'm going to say at least 80% of the book.

Can one teammate do the 5 and 3 point task on the same Life Tile, or is it strictly one or the other until a new board?

One teammate can read books for both tasks.

If we manage to fill all the 5 points slots and the 3 point slots do we move straight onto the next reset.

Yes, all the 5 point and 3 point tasks have to be completed to be able to reset.

Can two team members read the same book for the same task - but in a different round?

Yes. But if the team doesn't make it to a second round, and this is a 5 point task, the second reading will only count for 3 points.

I'm not even sure how to word this question, so read this and see if it makes sense.

Unlike Bingo (where the first board had to be completed before starting a second), in this Toppler it won't matter when the books are completed. A second 5 point book can be read while still on the first board. At that point if the Toppler ended, it would only be worth 3 points. But if all tasks are completed, it could be used for the second board and then would become worth 5 points. Does that make sense?

It's very important to make sure all the 3 point tasks are completed! If one accidentally gets missed, then your team will be screwed for points.

I have a member who I have put down for a YA book in the first LIFE, can they be in the same task again for Life 2?"

Yes, as long as it's with a different book. There are no restrictions on how many tasks one person can complete, or on what those tasks are.

[jaxnsmom]

This is the first part. There are more tasks coming later tonight, but I wanted to let you start looking at some tasks to get ideas.

Sorry life got in the way. But as Rusalka reminded me, isn't that apt for this Toppler? LOL. Left my list at work, so had to rewrite/remember everything. Car troubles, and then talking to family after learning my dad was burgled yesterday. There's a glass room on the back of the house, and a pane was broken. He didn't realize anything was taken until today. Nothing was taken except cash he keeps in the back of a drawer in his bedroom. At the time, there was a little over $6000 in there, yes, $6000. Probably a bit of Depression Era mentality, but he's always kept a few thousand there for emergencies and whatnot. Needless to say, we're all upset that someone broke in, and that he was specifically targeted. Loose cash, cameras, computers, prescription drugs - all easy to take items - weren't touched, possibly to make it look like nothing had happened. Someone knew exactly what they wanted and where to go. They also knew Dad's schedule - he was picking up the grandkids, like every weekday afternoon. The only people other than family that we can think of that would have this information is the cleaning service. Of course, there's no reason for them to have been in the drawers, but human nature is to be curious. The cash is a big loss, but Dad's more concerned (we all are) that he didn't notice the broken glass. My neice Carolyn pointed it out. I hate to think that he'll possibly have to have an alarm system put in to feel safe.

[Janice, Moderator]

Wow! So sorry to hear about your father being burgled and money stolen. It does indeed sound like someone knew the money as there. What a shame!

Just to clarify, if two or more team members choose the 5 pointer for college, only one will count as 5 points and the others will count 3? Makes sense - keeps teams from reading all 5 point books.

[jaxnsmom]

Janice wrote: "Wow! So sorry to hear about your father being burgled and money stolen. It does indeed sound like someone knew the money as there. What a shame!

Just to clarify, if two or more team members choo..."

Yeah, it's a crazy world.

Right. And to encourage teams to read different tasks.

[jaxnsmom]

OK Everybody - the Toppler is posted. Please let me know of any errors, or if clarifications are needed.

[June]

I'm sorry your dad had to go through that. Having your house robbed is such a violation, I'm just glad your dad is safe. It will take some time to feel secure again, I think the safe will help some and an alarm system.

I hope the rest of your weekend looks up. You did an awesome job planning this toppler. Thank you.

[Janice, Moderator]

jaxnsmom wrote:

"Get Remarried
5 – read a book where someone makes a fresh start
3 – read a fantasy."

Yup - that's a fantasy all right, especially since our divorce application was rejected. The court didn't like our marriage certificate. It was green instead of brown. I kid you not!!!

[Marnie]

I'm sorry about your Dad! Hope the Karma train smacks those burglars in the head.

I just have to say equating Divorce with a war book cracked me up! Now to start gophering.

[June]

Wow Janice,

Does that mean they think you're not married? Sometimes courts just like to overcomplicate things.

[Peggy]

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. A burglary like this seems even more unsettling than a random one, as it might have been someone your dad knows and trusts.

I have questions about the rules as well:
If two people read the 3-point book, does the second also count for less?
And does reading all categories before you can start over mean either reading the 5 OR 3 point book, or do both have to be read?

[jaxnsmom]

Peggy wrote: "I have questions about the rules as well:
If two people read the 3-point book, does the second also count for less?
And does reading all categories before you can start over mean either reading the 5 OR 3 point book, or do both have to be read?"

3 point books will stay 3 point books no matter how many times the same task is done.
Reading all categories means reading all tasks.

[jaxnsmom]

Message 3 is now being used as a bulletin board for all questions and answers to be in one place. After I reply to a question, I will copy the question and answer to message 3. That way, if you aren't sure if a question has already been asked, you can look at message 3 first.

[jaxnsmom]

Janice wrote: "Yup - that's a fantasy all right, especially since our divorce application was rejected. The court didn't like our marriage certificate. It was green instead of brown. I kid you not!!!"

How crazy - are you going to go photocopy it on the proper brown paper? That's how we got a special parking pass for my nephew's college graduation. Someone with a pass made copies on orange paper for us :)

[Peggy]

Thanks! :)

[jaxnsmom]

Marnie wrote: "I'm sorry about your Dad! Hope the Karma train smacks those burglars in the head.

I just have to say equating Divorce with a war book cracked me up! Now to start gophering."

I had this picture in my head from the movie The War of the Roses, of Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas on the chandelier :)

[Lisa]

I am sorry to hear about your dad jmom! It is such a horrible thing to go through.

I have a couple of questions for you. Can a book count for two tasks? For instance, if you read a book for the college life event and there are college students and drinking in it, will it count for both 5 and 3 points?

In the 'Get Married' event, when you say read a book where a wedding plays a noticeable part, do you mean how much page time the actual wedding gets or how it impacts on the people involved? If I read a book where the main character gets forced into a marriage she didn't want and this impacts heavily on the rest of her life, would it count?

[Peggy]

Hm, along the same lines: can the same book be read by different members?

[Sarah]

Oooh! Toppler-tastic! Loving the idea of this one and now I need to go check what books I want to read on holiday that might fit in with this! Sorry to hear about the burglary J'mom!

[Laura]

Sorry to hear about your dad, but I'm glad no one was hurt.

Toppler looks great J'mom, thanks!

[Peggy]

Jmom, the book with main character under 13, does the main character have to be under 13 for the whole book? I'm considering Running with Scissors for this task.

[Rusalka, Moderator]

Oh wow Jmom. That's pretty awful. Thinking of you and your Dad and co. Hopefully the police have something they can go on from the links you just provided here. Give us a yell if you need anything :)

[Janice, Moderator]

June wrote: "Wow Janice,

Does that mean they think you're not married? Sometimes courts just like to overcomplicate things."

jaxnsmom wrote: "How crazy - are you going to go photocopy it on the proper brown paper?.."


When I phoned the court house to ask what they meant by "the marrage must be proven in solemn form", the clerk asked if we were married in Canada. *sigh* It says on the marriage cert that it was issued by the Province of Alberta. I had to pay $35 to order a new one. When it arrived and I took it to the courthouse, I had to sign an affidavit that the cert was indeed mine, and swear to it on the Bible! Red tape!

[Janice, Moderator]

jaxnsmom wrote: "Message 3 is now being used as a bulletin board for all questions and answers to be in one place. After I reply to a question, I will copy the question and answer to message 3. That way, if you a..."

What a great idea! I may have to incorporate that for the challenges.

[Jkmays]

J'smom, we already have a book that we might need a ruling on. Will you be having a separate thread for those, or how will it be handled?

[Mariab]

Oh! Very sorry to heard about your parents. A couple of years before, my parents suffered an robbery in their house too. Luckily for them the robbers had only 45 min. time to do the deed. Therefore they only stole jewelery (but I must say, it was the jewelery stock from 3 households they had precisely that weekend, and all the memory jewels from my entire family where gone).
In the end we were happy that no physical harm was inflicted to my parents

[June]

Jmom,
Can one teammate do the 5 and 3 point task on the same Life Tile, or is it strictly one or the other until a new board?

And Janice, I've thought for a long time they make it harder to get divorced than married. My parents divorce dragged and things just got overcomplicated.

[Mariab]

"...Your In-Laws Come to Visit for a Month
...
3 – read a horror book

Get a Divorce
5 – read a book that takes place in a war/civil conflict

Get Remarried
...
3 – read a fantasy"

LOL!!
Very, very funny.

[Janice, Moderator]

So true, Mariab. j'mom was feeling her oats when she came up with the categories. :)

[Sarah]

I have a question or more a clarification: If we manage to fill all the 5 points slots and the 3 point slots do we move straight onto the next reset.

Or if we have multiple people doing the original 5 points (which would then be 3 points) do we have to fill all those in before we can reset?

I hope that makes sense =/

[Almeta]

Hmm..I just assumed there are 30 tasks to be completed before moving to the next Game of Life, and that any of them could be read by any one. Never occurred to me that a team member may only do one of the two Tasks in a Life Event.

Excellent question!

[jaxnsmom]

Lisa - No. A book cannot count for more than one task.

In the 'Get Married' event, when you say read a book where a wedding plays a noticeable part, do you mean how much page time the actual wedding gets or how it impacts on the people involved? If I read a book where the main character gets forced into a marriage she didn't want and this impacts heavily on the rest of her life, would it count?

As long as the wedding takes place in the book, and it's impact is an observable part of the story, I would say it qualifies.

Peggy - Yes. More than one person can read the same book

Jmom, the book with main character under 13, does the main character have to be under 13 for the whole book? I'm considering Running with Scissors for this task.

I'm going to say at least 80% of the book.


Jkmays - J'smom, we already have a book that we might need a ruling on. Will you be having a separate thread for those, or how will it be handled?

Good question. Since there always seem to be a lot of books that people want rulings on, I think this deserves a thread of it's own. I'll set one up.

June -
Jmom,
Can one teammate do the 5 and 3 point task on the same Life Tile, or is it strictly one or the other until a new board?

One teammate can read books for both tasks.

Sarah - If we manage to fill all the 5 points slots and the 3 point slots do we move straight onto the next reset.

Yes, all the 5 point and 3 point tasks have to be completed to be able to reset.

[jaxnsmom]

Almeta - I moved your question to the new topic for rulings on books.

[jaxnsmom]

I made some adjustments to the tasks - clarifying noticeable impact qualifications.

All tasks should have a noticeable impact on the book! I don't want there to be a brief mention of attending a wedding or party, a trip to the zoo, driving to someplace. That would be way too easy! I can't keep a meanie reputation that way.

[Camilla]

Is that a self-portrait, jaxnsmom?

[jaxnsmom]

Yes! I am also known as Mrs. Puff, SpongeBob's driving teacher :)

[Lisa]

Has anyone read Thérèse Raquin? If so, does she get married during the book or is she already married when the book starts? I am trying to work out if it will count for the 'Get Married' task.

[Mariab]

I have a question: what about books that fit in two categories? Count they for both? (Do we get 2 time 5 or 3 points?)

[Theresa~OctoberLace]

Lisa wrote: "Has anyone read Thérèse Raquin? If so, does she get married during the book or is she already married when the book starts? I am trying to work out if it will count for the 'Get Marri..."

It's been a while, but if I recall correctly, she gets married during the book.

[Lisa]

Theresa~OctoberLace wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Has anyone read Thérèse Raquin? If so, does she get married during the book or is she already married when the book starts? I am trying to work out if it will count for t..."

Ooh, yay! Thanks Theresa! :)

[Theresa~OctoberLace]

Okay, I hope the Mods agree, but I double-checked. Thérèse Raquin starts with the couple married, but soon flashes back to explain her circumstances, including their wedding. I vote that it counts.

[jaxnsmom]

Mariab wrote: "I have a question: what about books that fit in two categories? Count they for both? (Do we get 2 time 5 or 3 points?)"

nope

[jaxnsmom]

Theresa~OctoberLace wrote: "Okay, I hope the Mods agree, but I double-checked. Thérèse Raquin starts with the couple married, but soon flashes back to explain her circumstances, including their wedding. I vote..."

ok

[Janice, Moderator]

jaxnsmom wrote: "Mariab wrote: "I have a question: what about books that fit in two categories? Count they for both? (Do we get 2 time 5 or 3 points?)"

nope"

What if two members of a team read the same book and that book could fit two different categories. Could it count then? I understand "nope" when one person reads and can't do both.

[Ava Catherine]

Lisa wrote: "Has anyone read Thérèse Raquin? If so, does she get married during the book or is she already married when the book starts? I am trying to work out if it will count for the 'Get Marri..."

If I remember correctly the groom's mother arranges the marriage between the two, so, yes, the marriage does occur during the book.

[jaxnsmom]

Janice wrote: "What if two members of a team read the same book and that book could fit two different categories. Could it count then? I understand "nope" when one person reads and can't do both."

Yes, two people can read the same book and each one could count it for a different task.

[Tejas Janet]

Can two team members read the same book for the same task - but in a different round? Thanks

[jaxnsmom]

Tejas Janet wrote: "Can two team members read the same book for the same task - but in a different round? Thanks"

Yes. But if the team doesn't make it to a second round, and this is a 5 point task, the second reading will only count for 3 points.

[Tejas Janet]

jaxnsmom wrote: "Tejas Janet wrote: "Can two team members read the same book for the same task - but in a different round? Thanks"

Yes. But if the team doesn't make it to a second round, and this is a 5 point tas..."

Makes sense - thanks - this is so much fun :)