Barbara's Challenges & Reading Lists discussion
2017 Archived Challenges
>
2017 Crazy Challenge Connection
date
newest »
newest »
From Sea to Shining Sea - Indiana Duration: July 1 - August 31, 2017
READ: 9/10
✔1. ✒ Read a book between 190-199 pages (tell us how many pages) -or- read a book whose author's first and last initials are in the word HOOSIER -or- read a book whose main character feels that they are unsophisticated or bumpkin-like compared to someone else.
Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots - Luann McLane 7/13
(m.c. white-trash, redneck, love interest is a slick Hollywood producer)
✔2. ✒ Read a book with a stone or rock on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book with 0 and 4 in the original publication year -or- read a book with any of the following words in the title: "BED", "STATE", "GREAT", "LAKE" or "RIVER" (no variations).
Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire - Kerrelyn Sparks (2014) 8/22
✔3. ✒ Read a book with a mostly pink cover (post the cover) -or- read a book with an author who has a flower name -or- read a book which has a ride on a river as part of the plot.
Lost Gods - Brom (the River Styx in the Underworld) 7/1
4. ✒ Read a book that has something to do with the Underground Railroad -or- read a book set in Canada or written by a Canadian author -or- read a book in which a real life person is a character.
✔5. ✒ Read a book whose main character shares a name with one of Steve McQueen's film roles -or- read a book in which a grandparent and grandchild relationship is important -or- read a book that relates to a random Garfield comic of your choice.
The Passage - Justin Cronin 8/8
(using Le Mans-Michael Delaney, 1971 = Michael)
✔6. ✒ Read a book set over Christmas -or- read a children's book (which is still over 150 pages) -or- read a book in which the main character volunteers for something.
Gingerbread Cookie Murder - Joann Fluke 7/6
✔7. ✒ Read a book greater than 500 pages -or- read a book with a car on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book about baseball.
The Oath of the Vayuputras - Amish Tripathi (653 pages) 8/22
✔8. ✒ Read a book whose main character is a woman who owns a business -or- read a book with either a circle or artificial lights on the cover (post the cover) -or read a book that you find creepy.
Prime Cut - Diane Mott Davidson (catering business) 7/4
✔9. ✒ Read a book with aliens in it -or- read a book with the genre Steampunk in the main GR page -or- read a book whose title starts with one of the letter in UFO (ignore A, An and The).
Our Husband - Stephanie Bond 7/19
✔10. ✒ Read a book with a chair/couch and a window on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book with a kiss in the plot (bonus for mustache involved) -or- read a book in which a character is a bartender.
Fatal Fixer-Upper - Jennie Bentley 7/17
Niagara Falls
Duration: June 1 - November 30, 2017
READ: 25/25
✔1. Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls – American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Canadian (Horseshoe) Falls – that straddle the international border between Canada and the United States; more specifically, between the province of Ontario and the state of New York.
* Read a book in which significant events take place in more than one country (tell us the countries) OR book #3 from a series (tell us the series)
Two Graves - Douglas Preston (USA,Mexico,Brazil) 6/24
✔2. The word Niagara comes from the word "onguiaahra" which means "a thundering noise". The Falls make a tremendous sound as the water goes over and lands at the bottom.
* Read a book with a foreign word in the title OR a book whose title begins with N (A, An and The DO count!)
Nevernight - Jay Kristoff 6/20
✔3. The Bridal Veil Falls is named for its appearance. It is located next to the American Falls, separated by a small piece of land called Luna Island.
* Read a book which is set on an island OR a book whose title contains a word with consecutive double letters
Melting into You - Tracey Alvarez 6/30
✔4. According to the USGS (United States Geological Survey) of Niagara Falls, it appears that almost 1/3 of the Canadian Falls lies within US Territory.
* Read a book in which there is a dispute over possession of something significant (without giving away spoilers, tell us what) OR a book with a character who works for an agency known by an acronym (FBI, ATF, etc.; tell us the agency)
The Immortals - J.T. Ellison (heroines BF works for FBI) 6/19
✔5. The Falls were formed when melting continental glaciers up to two miles thick formed massive fresh-water lakes. One of the lakes, Lake Erie, ran downhill toward another, Lake Ontario. As the ice retreated northward, its meltwaters began to flow down through what became Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, down to the St. Lawrence River, and, finally, down to the sea.
* Read a book set in a city/town located on a river OR a book with ice featured prominently on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}; post the cover)
The Empire's Ghost - Isabelle Steiger 7/22
✔6. There were originally 5 spillways from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Eventually these were reduced to one, the original Niagara Falls. From here the Falls began its steady erosion through the bedrock. The path that it left is known today as the Niagara Gorge, a deeply-cut and very scenic river path.
* Read a book with a 5 in the original year of publication (tell us the year) OR a book whose cover shows only nature – no roads, buildings, people (post the cover)
White Colander Crime - Victoria Hamilton (pub Nov 2015) 7/15
✔7. One fifth of all the fresh water in the world lies in the four Upper Great Lakes – Michigan, Huron, Superior and Erie. All the outflow empties into the Niagara River and eventually cascades over the Falls. At the bottom of the Falls, the water travels 15 miles over many gorges until it reaches the fifth Great Lake – Ontario.
* Read a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in the name of one of these lakes (tell us the lake) OR a book with an intact "15" in its ISBN number (NOT the ISBN 13)
Bad Monkey - Carl Hiaasen (C&H in miCHigan) 6/30
✔8. It is estimated that 12,000 years ago when the Falls were formed, the edge of the Falls was as much as seven miles further down river than it is today. Until the 1950s, when the flow of water began to be controlled, the brink of the Falls moved backward an estimated three feet every year because of erosion. Niagara Falls' current erosion rate is approximately 1 foot per year and could possibly be reduced to 1 foot per 10 years due to flow control and diversion for hydro-power generation.
* Read a book with 00 in its total page count (1004, 300, etc.; tell us how many pages) OR a book by an author who has released at least one book every year for the past ten years, from 2006 till 2016 (post a link to the author's "more books" page)
Spider’s Revenge - Jennifer Estep (400 pages) 8/3
✔9. The Niagara River flows at approximately 35 miles/hour (56.3 kilometers/hour). The river below Niagara Falls averages 170 feet deep. The mighty river plunges over a cliff of dolostone and shale. Niagara Falls is the second largest falls on the globe next to Victoria Falls in southern Africa.
* Read a book with a waterfall on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}; post the cover) OR a book with FALL in the title or the series name ("Falls," "falling" and compound words are OK)
Lord's Fall - Thea Harrison 7/4
✔10. Niagara Falls' vertical height is over 176 feet in some sections. During periods of peak flow in the summer and fall, more than 700,000 gallons of water per second pour over Niagara Falls. The water falls at 32 feet per second over the Falls, hitting the base of the Falls with 280 tons of force at the American and Bridal Veil Falls and 2,509 tons of force at the Horseshoe Falls.
* Read a book set in either the summer or fall (June/ July/ August or September/ October/ November; tell us which season) OR a book with a very tall building on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}; post the cover)
Silent Auction - Jane Cleland (set in autumn) 6/25
✔11. There are four islands of significance in the Niagara Falls area: Luna, Goat, Green and Three Sisters Islands. Luna Island separates Bridal Veil and American Falls. Goat Island was named because a herd of goats froze to death there in the winter of 1780. Green Island was named for Andrew Green, the first president of the commission at the State Reservation of Niagara, and Three Sisters Island was named for the three daughters of a prominent local citizen and hotelman.
* Read a book set in a location named for an unusual event (tell us the event and the location) OR a book whose title contains words that are no more than five letters long (2-word minimum)
One Last Look - Linda Lael Miller 6/28
✔12. The first person to see and describe Niagara Falls in depth was Father Louis Hennepin, a French priest, in December 1678. The Niagara USA region soon became a French stronghold, as they built forts at the mouth of the Niagara River, which is now Old Fort Niagara.
* Read a book with a character who is a clergy member OR a book originally published in December of any year (tell us the year)
Lost Gods - Brom 7/1
✔13. One of the oldest surviving US flags is permanently displayed at Old Fort Niagara. It was captured by the British during the War of 1812. The historic village of Lewiston was the site of the first battle of the War of 1812 and the last stop for slaves escaping to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
* Read a book with WAR on its main GR page OR a book in which the Underground Railroad plays an important role.
Blind Faith - Rebecca Zanetti 10/16
✔14. Niagara Falls was the birthplace of commercial hydro-electric power. In the city of Niagara Falls, Nikola Tesla developed the alternating current system, which allowed for the transmission of power generated along the Niagara River to homes and businesses. In 1895, one of the world's first commercial hydropower plants was constructed.
* Read a book whose main character is owns his/her own business (tell us the business) OR a book in which something is invented/developed (tell us what)
Snipped in the Bud - Kate Collins (owns a flower shop) 6/5
✔15. Fifty to seventy-five percent of the water flowing along the Niagara River is diverted from going over the Falls in order to drive large hydro-electric turbines that produce electricity. Power generation facilities here supply more than one-quarter of all power used in New York State and Ontario.
* Read a book set in New York (state) or Canada OR a book that falls in the third quarter of your TBR list, sorted in whatever way you choose (divide your list into quarters, choose any book between the halfway point and the three-quarters point)
Secrets in Death - J.D. Robb 11/3
continued✔16. The wonder of the Falls has intrigued many and has prompted many people to attempt to “conquer” the falls in various contraptions from wooden barrels to rubber balls. Daredevils who go over the Falls usually hit the bottom of the river before popping back to the surface.
* Read a book with ACTION or ADVENTURE on its main GR page OR a book with a character who could be called a daredevil
The Oath of the Vayuputras - Amish Tripathi 8/22
✔ 17. On October 24, 1901, a 63-year-old schoolteacher named Annie Edson Taylor from Bay City, Michigan, became the first person to take the plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel and survive. Since her feat, many stunt artists have challenged the mighty Falls, usually in home-made barrel-like contraptions. More recently, a couple of foolhardy individuals have attempted to survive a plunge over Niagara Falls in a kayak and a jetski. They both perished.
* Read a book with a character who is a teacher OR a book with a watercraft of some sort on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}; post the cover)
Getting Lucky - Carolyn Brown 6/4
✔18. Fish travel over Niagara Falls and most of them survive because of their ability to flow with the water and fall into the pool at the base of the Falls. Although they may be a bit shocked, fish can survive the Falls much better than any human.
* Read a book with a character who goes with the flow (tell us how) OR a book with a shocking twist in the story
Ash and Quill - Rachel Caine 7/26
✔19. Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the US, established in 1885 as the Niagara Reservation, the first of several such reservations that eventually became the cornerstones to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Park stretches over 400 acres, with close to 140 acres of that under water.
* Read a book with the letters NFSP in the title, in any order OR a book with an underwater scene prominent on the cover (post the cover)
The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker - Leanna Renee Hieber 7/20
✔20. The tremendous volume of water never stops flowing, so despite myths to the contrary, Niagara Falls does not freeze in the winter. However, the falling water and mist create ice formations along the banks of the Falls and river. This can result in mounds of ice as thick as fifty feet.
* Read a book in which popular opinion is proven to be wrong (without giving away spoilers, tell us how) OR a book with a stack of at least three items on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}; post the cover)
The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafón 8/18
(very popular book. I found it extremely boring and barely finished it.)
✔21. If the winter is cold for a long enough period of time, the ice will completely stretch across the river and form what is known as the "ice bridge". This ice bridge can extend for several miles downriver until it reaches the area known as the lower rapids.
* Read a book with a bridge on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}; post the cover) OR a book set in winter (December/ January/ February)
Spider-Touched - Jory Strong 8/24
✔22. That said, the flow of water was stopped completely over both falls on March 29th 1848 due to an ice jam in the upper river for several hours. This is the only known time to have occurred. The Falls did not actually freeze over, but the flow was stopped to the point where people actually walked out and recovered artifacts from the riverbed.
* Read a book in which a headline-worthy event happens (tell us the event) OR a book that shows people walking in the snow/ice on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}; post the cover)
Havoc - Jack DuBrul (terrorist attack) 6/8
✔23. In 1969, an earthen dam was built across the head of the American Rapids, dewatering the American Falls. For six months, geologists and engineers studied the rock face and the effects of erosion. It was determined that it would be too costly to remove rock at the base of the American Falls, and that nature should take its course.
* Read a book with a main character who is a scientist OR a book that was expensive to acquire
The Spy Who Wants Me - Lucy Monroe 7/5
✔24. An "Old Scow" (a steel barge) remains stranded a few hundred meters above the Falls and has been marooned there since August 6, 1918 when a near tragedy was averted by three men who opened the dumping hatches of the barge to let water in and thus ground the out-of control boat.
* Read a book with OLD (in order) in the author's name (compound words OK) OR a book in which a character narrowly escapes a life-threatening situation
Death Takes Priority - Jean Flowers 6/10
(someone tries to kill m.c. more than once)
✔25. Points of interest include Queen Victoria Park, adjacent to the Canadian Falls and principal site of the annual Winter Festival of Lights; the historical museum at Lundy's Lane, site of a brutal battle between American and British forces in 1814; The Maid of the Mist; Skylon Tower and Pavilion, containing a revolving restaurant and an observation deck overlooking the falls; and The Cave of the Winds attraction, which is torn down every year and re-built.
* Read a book with a manmade light source on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}; post the cover) OR a bookwith at least two significant words in the title that begin with the same letter (words that would generally be capitalized)
Definitely Dead - Charlaine Harris 6/26
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
From Sea to Shining Sea - Mississippi Duration: September 1 - October 31, 2017
READ: 8/10
✔️1. ✒ Read a book that contains three sets of consecutive letters in its title and/or author's name -or- read a book written by an author from America's Deep South (tell us where the author is from) -or- read a book whose number of pages contains an intact 20 (tell us the number of pages; 208 would work, 280 would not).
Shoots to Kill - Kate Collins 9/7
✔️2. ✒ Read a book whose main character is poor -or- read a book that deals with climate change, change in ecology or its repercussions (tell us how the book fits, natural disasters or climatic apocalypse books are fine) -or- read a book in which religion plays an important role.
The Six-Gun Tarot - R.S. Belcher 10/25
✔️3. ✒ Read a book with a character you consider embodies valor -or- read a book with an off-white (magnolia) colored cover (post the cover, the color should be at least 50% of the cover) -or- read a book first published in 2003.
Highland Avenger - Hannah Howell 10/9
✔️4. ✒ Read a book in which a letter or an envelope is on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book with one of the following words in the title/subtitle: HAT, PINE, CLEAN, HEART, BREATHE (compound words are fine) -or- read a book in which shoes are significant to the plot.
Wait for Dark - Kay Hooper 10/31
✔️5. ✒ Read a book set in West Africa (tell us where) -or- read a book where a good-intentioned plan faces opposition or falls flat -or- read a book in which a character owns or lives in a plantation.
The Wood Queen - Karen Mahoney 10/4
✔️6. ✒ Read a book in which conflicting versions of events are related -or- read a book in which a character works at a hospital or is a medical professional -or- read a book with a gabled house on the cover (post the cover).
Midnight's Captive - Donna Grant 10/12
7. ✒ Read a book in which an animal is cruelly treated -or- read a book with an author or character named Teddy or any other name that Teddy could derive from in it (Thaddeus, Ted, Theodora all work, tell us the name of the character) -or- read a book that somehow fits a cartoon found in the Clifford Berryman On-Line Archive (tell us the cartoon and how your book fits).
✔️8. ✒ Read a book with a Kermit green cover (post the cover) -or- read a book whose title contains a word that can be formed from the letters of DARTHVADER (word should be 3 letters or more, The does NOT count) -or- read a book which mentions Medgar Evers.
Where All the Dead Lie - J.T. Ellison (DEAD) 10/2
9. ✒ Read a book set in a capital city of any American state (name the state) -or- read a book about dance or sport -or- read a book considered Americana (for help, use the genre page Americana. The book may be found in either Most Read this Week or Popular Americana Books, tell us where you found it).
✔️10. ✒ Read a book in which a main character is a single parent -or- read a book with a gun on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book in which a lying cheat gets what they deserve (tell us how the book fits).
Blind Faith - Rebecca Zanetti 10/16
Happy 150th Birthday Canada!!Duration: July 1 - September 30, 2017
READ: 11/13
✔1. Read a book added to your to read shelf in July of any year (tell us when added) OR read a book with either “18” or “67” in the total number of pages (tell us how many).
Ash and Quill - Rachel Caine (added July 25, 2016) 7/26
✔2. Read a book with a red & white cover OR with a leaf on the cover. Blood of the Dark Moon - Adrianne Brennan 8/13
✔3. Read a book with a “1” and “3” in publication year OR an author’s 13th book written.
Cowboy Town - Kasey Millstead (pub July 2013) 8/25
✔4. Read a book where the main character speaks more than one language OR the cover appears to be split in two.
Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire - Kerrelyn Sparks (English/Chinese) 8/22
✔5. Read a big book - over 500 pages OR with a long title - over 7 words
The Oath of the Vayuputras - Amish Tripathi (653 pages) 8/22
✔6. Read a book where a character plays a sport, need not be professionally (tell us which sport) OR exercises (tell us how)
Sliding Home - Kate Angell (professional baseball player) 8/31
✔7. In addition to our great athletes, we’ve got some pretty smart people too. Did you know Canadians invented the following: telephone; light bulb; electric oven; sonar; alkaline battery; insulin; the pacemaker; Wonderbra; the zipper; snowmobile; electric wheelchair; and instant mashed potatoes? Read a book with any of the inventions listed above, or found on the wikipedia list, on the cover (tell us what the invention is) OR with a character who invents or creates something new (tell us what)
The End Game - Catherine Coulter (villain invents a powerful coin bomb) 9/14
✔8. Read a book thattakes place on farm OR has farm produce on the cover
Dairy Queen - Catherine Murdock 9/20
✔9. Read a book that takes place at a lake, along a river or seaside (tell us where) OR has water scene on cover (show us the cover)
Crimson Shore - Douglas Preston (takes place along coast of Massachusetts) 9/19
✔10. Many Canadians will argue that our people are said to be our greatest resource. Did you know Jim Carey, Michael J. Fox, Ryan Gosling, Michael Buble, Celine Dion, and William Shattner are all Canadian? That’s just a few of the many Canadians who have become famous on the big screen or music stage. Shania Twain, Matthew Perry
Find a well-known Canadian actor or musician and read a book by an author with the same first or last name. Tell us the name of the Canadian you’ve chosen.
By a Thread - Jennifer Estep (Jennifer Tilley, actress) 9/11
✔11. Read a book where the main character goes on a trip OR with a mode of transportation on the cover (show us the cover)
Blue Labyrinth - Douglas Preston (from NY to California) 8/14
12. Read a book by a Canadian author - Kelley Armstrong, Tanya Huff
13. Read a book that takes place in Canada, tell us where.
From Sea to Shining Sea - Illinois Duration: November 1 - December 31, 2017
READ: 8/10
✔️1. Read a book whose plot involves slavery and/or abolition -or- read a book set in France or whose author is French -or- read a book in which a character is known for speaking plainly.
The Four Sworn: Spring Equinox - Lenore Sagaskie 12/15
✔️2. Read a book with a large body of water on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book set during Halloween or Thanksgiving (let us know which) -or- read a book in which a character rescues or adopts a dog or cat.
Malevolent - Jana DeLeon 12/16
✔️3. Read a book in which the title is not horizontal (post the cover) -or- read a book in which someone sneaks something important right under people's noses (tell us how the book fits) -or- read a book in which the words State or Nation are in the title, subtitle or series title. Plurals are fine.
The Zig Zag Girl - Elly Griffiths 12/25
✔️4. Read a book which you would either give a double thumbs up or would write a scathing review (tell us which, and if the scathing review, do share!) -or- pick one of the actors mentioned above, and read a book whose main character is similar to one of the characters they played* (tell us how) -or- read a book which has a significant word from the title song of Popeye the Sailor Man in it (plural and singular variations are accepted, ignore the bad spelling).
Malevolent - Jana DeLeon 12/16
(truly excellent psychological thriller)
✔️5. Read a book in which fire is prominently featured on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book in which a character is falsely blamed by the public even when no evidence is found against them -or- read a book set in a farm or a household that has a cow.
Almost Like Being in Love - Christina Dodd (on a ranch actually) 12/31
✔️6. Read a book whose cover is 75% green in color (post the cover) -or- read a book in which a man-made structure is on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book marked Holiday on the GR main page.
Duck the Halls - Donna Andrews 12/25
✔️7. Read a book in which a character lives/works in a skyscraper -or- read a book first published in between 1973 and 2014 (let us know when) -or- read a book in which something new is invented or built.
The Naked Duke - Sally MacKenzie (published 2005) 12/16
8. Read a book set during the American years of the WWII (1941-1945) -or- read a book whose main character is a scientist -or- read a book set in the aftermath of a nuclear war.
9. Read a superhero book (graphic novels may be combined, but must be more than 300 pages!) -or- read a book marked FOOD in the GR main page -or- read a book where characters speak with dated terms (classics are good for this, let us know the dated words).
✔️10. Read a book which has a character you wish would end up with pee-in-mouth -or- read a book with a dog on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book whose author or character has a name that you can't pronounce for whatever reason (let us know why).
Dreadmarrow Thief - Marjory Kaptanoglu 12/9
Dollars and SenseDuration: November 1, 2016 - October 31, 2017
READ: 19/25
✔1 – Read a book originally published in the year you joined Goodreads.
2009
The Edge of the World - Kevin Anderson (pub 2009) 1/13
✔2 – Add the numbers in the average cost of a new house; keep adding until you get down to just one single digit.
Read a book with this number in the total number of reviews on Goodreads. Tell us how many reviews.
2009 / 232,880 = 23 = 5
The Bird Eater - Ania Ahlborn (598 reviews as of 3/2/17) 2/13
✔3 – Add the numbers in the average yearly wages; keep adding until you get down to just one single digit.
Read a series book that matches that number. Tell us the series position.
2009 / 39,423 = 21 = 3
The Kingdom of Gods - N.K. Jemisin (Inheritance #3) 11/16
✔4 – Add the numbers in the cost of a gallon of gas; keep adding until you get down to just one single digit.
Read a book by an author whose LAST name starts with the same letter as that number.
2009 / 2.51 = 8 = E
Rogue with a Brogue - Suzanne Enoch 11/17
✔5 – Add the numbers in the cost of a gallon of milk; keep adding until you get down to just one single digit.
Read a book with that number in the original year of publication. Tell us the publication year.
2009 / 2.69 = 17 = 8
The Fire Kimono - Laura Joh Rowland (pub 2008) 11/14
✔6 – Add the numbers in the average cost of a frozen pizza; keep adding until you get down to just one single digit.
Read a book with that number in its average rating on Goodreads. Tell us the rating.
2009 / 2.49 = 15 = 6
The Down Home Zombie Blues - Linnea Sinclair (rating 3.60) 11/5
✔7 – Multiply all three numbers in the cost of a pound of bacon, then divide by three. If you get an uneven number, round up to the next closest whole number.
Read a book with that number in its total number of pages. Tell us how many pages.
2009 / 3.19 = 27 / 3 = 9
Floating Staircase - Ronald Malfi (492 pages) 11/3
✔8 – Subtract the number to the left of the decimal point in the price of a 5-lb. bag of sugar from the number to the right of the decimal point. If necessary, add these numbers together to get a "reasonable" number.
Read a book by an author with that number of letters in his/her name (first name OR last name OR first, middle and last combined)
2009 / 2.78 - 2 = 76 = 13
Normal - Graeme Cameron (6 + 7 = 13) 12/18
✔9 – Add the numbers in the cost of a dozen eggs; keep adding until you get down to a one-digit number. Set your TBR to display 30 books per page, sorted in whatever way you choose.
Read a book from the page number that corresponds to the number you generated.
2009 / 1.34 = 8
Hangman - Michael Slade 12/9
10 – Add the numbers in the cost of a box of Cornflakes; keep adding until you get down to a one- or two-digit number. Sort your TBR list by date added, newest to oldest.
Read the book on your TBR list that matches that number.
2009 / 2.68 = 16 = 7 (can use 16 or 7)
Wife by Wednesday - Catherine Bybee (#16)
✔11 – Add the numbers in the cost of a loaf of bread; keep adding until you get down to a one-digit number.
Read a book from your TBR list, sorted in any way you’d like, with that number in the first place of its position on your list. Tell us the book's position on your list.
2009 / 1.77 = 15 = 6
Blood of the Dark Moon - Adrianne Brennan (#61 random sort) 8/13
✔12 – Multiply the two largest numbers in the price of a pound of ground beef, then divide by the remaining number. If necessary, round up to the next highest number.
Read a book whose title begins with the same letter as that number; disregard A, An and The.
2009 / 3.99 / 9*9= 81/3 = 27 = Twenty Seven = T
Thirteen - Kelley Armstrong 11/10
13 – Remove the decimal point from the price of a pound of potatoes. Sort your TBR list by author, Z-A.
Read the book in this number’s position on your TBR list.
2009 / 0.55 = 55
The Calling - Inger Ash Wolfe (#55)
✔14 – Remove the decimal point from the price of a 12-pack water. Sort your TBR list by title, whichever way you choose.
Read the book on your TBR list that matches that number.
2009 / 1.94 = 194
Afterlight - Elle Jasper (#194) 9/6
15 – Add the numbers in the cost of a can of chicken soup. Sort your TBR list by date added, oldest to newest.
Read the book on your TBR list that matches that number.
2009 / 1.95 = 15
Seduced By Your Spell - Lois Greiman (#15)
✔16 – Add the numbers in the cost of a 5-lb. bag of flour; keep adding until you get down to a one-digit number. Sort your TBR list by average rating, highest to lowest.
Read the book on your TBR list that matches that number.
2009 / 2.06 = 8
Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots - Luann McLane (#8) 7/13
✔17 – Remove the decimal point from the price of Folgers coffee. Sort your TBR list by date published, whichever way you choose.
Read the book on your TBR list that matches that number.
2009 / 7.98 = 798
Fruitcake - R.J. Kaiser (#798) 5/4
✔18 – Add the numbers in the cost of Tide soap powder; keep adding until you get down to a number no greater than 12.
Read a book originally published in the month that corresponds to that number, with 1 = January, 2 = February, 3 = March, etc. Tell us the original publication date.
2009 / 6.98 = 23 = 5 = May
Skin Game - Jim Butcher (pub May 2014) 12/8
✔19 – Add together the two numbers to the left of the decimal point in the cost of a KW hour of electricity. Add together the two numbers to the right of the decimal point. Subtract the smaller of these two numbers from the larger. If necessary, add these numbers together to get a "reasonable" number.
Read a book with that number of words in the title.
2009 / 11.76 = 1+1 = 2 and 7+6 = 13 // 13-2 = 11 = 1+1 = 2
The Dreaming: A Novel of Australia - Barbara Wood 11/5
✔20 – Add together the numbers in the price of a movie ticket, until you get a one- or two-digit number.
Read a book from your TBR list with that number in the last two digits (or the last digit if you have a one-digit number) in its position on your TBR list, sorted in whichever way you choose. Tell us the book's position on your list.
Ex: If your number is 12, you may read book #12, #112, #2012, etc..
2009 / 7.18 = 16 = 7
Dragon of the Island - Mary Gillgannon (#1017) 4/1
21 – Add the numbers in the cost of a US postage stamp; keep adding until you get down to just one single digit. Sort your TBR list by author, A-Z.
Read the book on your TBR list that matches that number.
2009 / 0.42 = 6
The Spirit Thief - Rachel Aaron (#6)
22 – Add together the numbers to the left of the decimal point in the price of an ounce of gold; add together the numbers to the right of the decimal point. Subtract the smaller of these numbers from the larger number. Sort your TBR list by title, A-Z.
Read the book that falls into the position corresponding to the number you reached.
2009 / 953.00 / 17 and 0 = 17-0 = 17
The 37th Hour - Jodi Compton (#17)
✔23 – Multiply the total number of books on your TBR list by the number to the right of the decimal point in the unemployment figure for your year (INCLUDE the decimal point!); divide by the number to the left of the decimal point. If you get an uneven number, drop the numbers after the decimal point. Add the numbers together until you get down to a one-digit number.
Read a book with that number in its ISBN number (NOT the ISBN 13 number). You can find this number in most Goodreads records. Tell us the ISBN number.
2009 / 8.6% / 5964 * 0.6 = 3578.4/8 = 447.3 = 4+4+7= 15 = 1+5 = 6
Rogues - George R.R. Martin et al (0345537262) 11/13
24 – Multiply the total number of books on your TBR list by the number to the right of the decimal point in the inflation rate for your year (INCLUDE the decimal point!); subtract the number to the left of the decimal point. Round up to the next whole number. Sort your TBR by Random.
Read the book on your TBR list that matches that number.
2009 / 5964 * 0.4 = 2385.6 - 0 = 2385.6 = 2386
Deerskin - Robin McKinley (#2386)
✔25 – Add the numbers in the cost of college tuition; keep adding until you get down to just one single digit.
Read a book by an author whose FIRST name starts with the same letter as that number.
2009 / 6585.00 = 6+5+8+5 = 24 = 2+4 = 6 = Six
Wolf with Benefits - Shelly Laurenston 11/7
LeftoversDuration: August 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018
READ: 24/24
✔1. TULIPS - Read a book over 500 pages - or - for those who have long TBRs, read book #3000 in your list - or - read a book whose author’s LAST name begins with a letter in “TULIP.”
Blue Labyrinth - Douglas Preston 8/14
✔2. TULIPS - Read a book that takes place during the 1800’s OR read a book that takes place in Massachusetts - or - read a book with a character named Richard (reasonable variations okay).
The Girl with Ghost Eyes - M.H. Boroson (1898) 8/18
✔3. WIMBLEDON - Read a book whose author's first AND last initials can be found in WIMBLEDON - or - read a book that you consider to be inexpensive (from the library, ARC, etc.)
Hour of the Rat - Lisa Brackmann 9/18
✔4. TARHEELS - Read a book with a pitch black cover (show the cover) - or - read a book with a battle fought in the plot - or - read a book with a smartypants character.
Bound By Darkness - Alexandra Ivy (battle between good/bad vampires) 8/11
✔5. HENRY EVERY "LONG BEN" - Read a book with a very wealthy character - or - read a book where someone is missing - or - read a book with a gold OR silver object somewhere on the cover (show us the cover).
Secrets in Death - J.D. Robb 11/3
✔6. GONDOLA - Read a book whose title begins with a letter in GONDOLA (disregard A, An and The) - or - read a book with a door on the cover; must be visible on the GR thumbnail. Post the cover.
Lucky Break - Deborah Coonts 8/26
✔7 & 8. COACH – Read TWO books that have something in common – by the same author, a common (major) word in the title, published in the same year, etc. Be sure to tell us the connection - or - read one book that takes place over the course of just ONE day AND read one book in which a main character is a passenger in some kind of vehicle; tell us the circumstances.
@ Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire - Kerrelyn Sparks 8/22
@ How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days - Kerrelyn Sparks 8/28
✔9. ARISAIG LIGHTHOUSE - Read a book with fire in the title or on the cover (post the cover) - or - read a book set in a location that begins with a letter in ARISAIG.
Death by the Dozen - Jenn McKinlay (Arizona) 8/27
✔10. POINTE- A-LA-RENOMMEE LIGHTHOUSE - Read a book with the letters O-L-D in the title, not necessarily in order - or - read a book by an author that has taken over a series previously written by a different author.
So Close the Hand of Death - J.T. Ellison 8/29
✔11. POINT BETSIE LIGHTHOUSE - Read a book in which a character volunteers his/her time on a regular basis - or - read a book with scenery that is photo-worthy on the cover (post the cover and tell us why you like it).
Stars of Fortune - Nora Roberts (makes me think about vacations) 12/31
✔12. HEATHER - Read a book that takes place in any European country - or - read a book that takes place in winter - or - read a book showing greenery without any flowers (show us the cover).
The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafón (Spain) 8/18
✔13. TITANIC - Read the third book in a series - or - read a book with a character who is poor (has little money).
Eternal Hunger - Cameron Dean 8/3
✔14. TITANIC - Read a book that has been made into a movie - or - read a book originally published in 1985 - or - read a book set in Canada.
Blood Pact - Tanya Huff 12/14
✔15. OPAL - Read a book with a character who shows one face to the public but has a hidden personality inside - or - read a book with a rainbow on the cover (show us the cover).
Wait for Dark - Kay Hooper (villain) 10/31
✔16. PADPARADSCHA - Read a book with a sunset (or sunrise) on the cover (show us the cover) - or - read a book where the first letter of each word in the title can be found in PADPARADSCHA (two-word minimum including A, An, The).
The Obsidian Chamber - Douglas Preston 11/5
✔17. BURMESE RUBY - Read a book that fills you with passion for whatever reason (make you angry, is a subject you feel strongly about, is a steamy erotic book, etc.) - or - read a book with a bold red cover.
Blood of the Dark Moon - Adrianne Brennan 8/13
✔18. RAILROAD - Read a book with at least two methods of transportation incorporated in the story (car or truck, boat or ship, train, bicycle); tell us the methods - or - read a book with a rectangular object on the cover; must be visible in the GR thumbnail; post the cover.
Burning The Map - Laura Caldwell (plane, train, taxi) 10/28
✔19. THE WEDDING KISS - Read a book where a wedding is a significant part of the story - or - read a book that makes you cry.
The Oath of the Vayuputras - Amish Tripathi 8/22
✔20. SPILT MILK - Read a book with a day of the week in the title OR a book with a 7 in the total number of pages; tell us how many pages.
The Passage - Justin Cronin (766 pages) 8/8
✔21. MERMAIDS - Read a book with any type of musical instrument on its cover OR read a book featuring three (and only 3) sisters - or - read a book of poetry (may be less than 150 pages, but may not be used in other challenges stipulating 150 pages).
Ukulele Murder - Leslie Langtry 10/23
✔22. CURING CRAMPS - Read a book with a character who is a shoe addict; tell us who - or - read a book with bones clearly shown on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail); post the cover.
Body Check - Deirdre Martin 11/20
(heroine is very proud of her legs and wears very high heels all the time)
✔23. BREAKOUT - Read a book with a brick structure of some kind of the cover; post the cover - or - read a book in which a game is played that requires a ball (tell us the game) - or - read a book in which a physical object is destroyed.
Sliding Home - Kate Angell (baseball) 8/31
✔24. PLAINS BISON - Read a book with a Native American character - or - read a book with a "0" in the total number of pages (tell us how many) - or - read a book set in the American West (for this challenge, use Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada).
Hidden Embers - Tessa Adams (New Mexico) 8/8
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Barbara's Challenges & Reading Lists
Books mentioned in this topic
White Trash Zombie Unchained (other topics)Pirates! (other topics)
Evil Harvest (other topics)
Empire of Storms (other topics)
Going, Going, Ganache (other topics)
More...
Duration: May 1 - October 31, 2017
24/24 Completed
✔ 1. Captain Hook | Peter Pan:
Read a book about pirates OR read a book with a character or by an author named Peter (reasonable variations okay – i.e. Pete, Pieter) OR read a book whose title contains “NEVER” or “LAND” (compound words okay).
Never Look Back - Linda Lael Miller 5/30
✔ 2. Cruella de Vil | 100 Dalmatians:
Read a book with a black and white only cover (title and/or author name may be in a different color; post the cover) OR read a book in which a dog plays a significant role OR read a book in which a character treats others cruelly.
Midnight Rainbow - Linda Howard 5/13
(anti-hero treats heroine very cruelly in the jungle)
✔ 3. Si and Am | Lady and the Tramp:
Read a book marked Romance on its main GoodReads page OR read a book in which a main character has a cat as a pet (bonus for a Siamese!) OR read a book where the first letter of each title word may be found in “LADYANDTHE TRAMP” (all words count {include a/an/the}; 3 word minimum).
Barely a Lady - Eileen Dreyer 5/13
✔ 4. Claude Frollo | The Hunchback of Notre Dame:
Read a book with a character who is some type of religious official OR read a book in which a character has some kind of physical defect OR read a book whose location (as specific or generic as you like, just remember to tell us the location) starts with a letter found in “ESMERALDA.”
The Preacher - Camilla Läckberg (Sweden) 5/31
✔ 5. Edgar Balthazar | The Aristocats:
Read a book that takes place in Paris OR read a book in which a cat plays a significant role OR read a book whose author’s first and last initials may be found in ARISTOCAT.
Lions, Tigers, and Sexy Bears Oh My! - Candace Havens (hero is a tiger shifter, also has a lion shifter) 6/17
✔ 6. Gaston | Beauty and the Beast:
Read a book that is a retelling of a fairy tale OR read a book that takes place in France OR read a book with a conceited and/or boorish character.
Bella at Midnight - Diane Stanley )Cinderella) 6/22
✔ 7. Hades | Hercules:
Read a book that takes place in ancient Greece OR read a book in which a potion of some kind plays a significant role OR read a book in which a great physical fight takes.
Archangel's Heart - Nalini Singh 6/17
(epic sword and knife fight between angels and vampires)
✔ 8. Jafar | Aladdin:
Read a book that takes place in Arabia (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen) OR read a book with a bird on the cover OR read a book marked “magic” or “magical realism” on its main GoodReads page.
Flora Segunda - Ysabeau S. Wilce 5/8
✔ 9. Kaa and Shere Khan | The Jungle Book:
Read a book where the main character is a young boy (<= 14 years) OR read a book that takes place in a jungle or rainforest OR read a book that shows fire on its cover or contains “FIRE” in its title (compound words are acceptable).
Blue Flame - Jill Shalvis 6/15
✔ 10. Lady Tremaine, Anastasia & Drizella | Cinderella:
Read a book with a woman’s shoe featured on its cover OR read a book in which the main character has domestic help of any kind OR read a book in which a child does not live with his or her biological parents.
One Last Look - Linda Lael Miller (housekeeper) 6/28
✔ 11. Madam Medusa | The Rescuers:
Read a book that takes place in Louisiana OR read a book in which a character has two (or more) similar pets (i.e. 2 dogs, 2 horses – tell us what) OR read a book in which a jewel plays a significant role.
Definitely Dead - Charlaine Harris 6/26
✔ 12. Maleficent | Sleeping Beauty:
Read a book in which the main character is regarded as beautiful OR read a book with at least one spectacular kissing scene OR read book #16 on your TBR (sorted any way you choose).
Night Unbound - Dianne Duvall 5/20
✔ 13. Mother Gothel | Tangled:
Read a book with a royal character OR read a book in which a kidnapping takes place OR read a book with a flower (or flowers) on its cover.
Two Graves - Douglas Preston (m.c.'s sister is kidnapped) 6/24
✔ 14. Prince Hans | Frozen:
Read the 13th book in a series OR read a book in which a character is trying to enable a huge deception OR read a book with ice on its cover.
The Undomestic Goddess - Sophie Kinsella (m.c. is masquerading as a housekeeper) 6/3
✔ 15. Prince John | Robin Hood:
Read a book featuring a king (king only!) OR read a book with any type of anthropomorphic character (ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human) OR read a book that takes place in 15th century England.
The Order of Odd-Fish - James Kennedy (talking cockroaches) 6/5
✔ 16. Evil Queen | Snow White & The Seven Dwarves:
Read the seventh book in a series OR read a book with an apple on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail; post the cover) OR read a book with a vain and resentful character.
The Valcourt Heiress - Catherine Coulter (Medieval Song #7) 6/18
✔ 17. Queen of Hearts | Alice in Wonderland:
Read a book with a playing card on its cover OR read a book in which a party is held (tell us what kind) OR read a book with a character named Alice (alternate spellings okay, but not variations).
Down the Rabbit Hole - J.D. Robb (Alice Kemp) 6/10
✔ 18. Governor Ratcliffe | Pocahontas:
Read a book with at least one Native American character OR read a book that takes place in colonial America (1600-1799) OR read a book in which something significant is being sought (tell us what).
Silence Fallen - Patricia Briggs (heroine is Native American) 5/1
✔ 19. Scar | The Lion King:
Read a book that takes place in Africa OR read a book where a main character has a laid-back “Hakuna Matata” attitude OR read a book in which someone close to the main character betrays him/her.
Cold Vengeance - Douglas Preston (brother-in-law betrays hero) 5/22
✔ 20. Shan Yu | Mulan:
Read a book that takes place in China OR read a book with a character who is a cold-blooded killer OR read a book with a predominantly orange cover.
Bad Monkey - Carl Hiaasen 6/30
✔ 21. Sid Philips | Toy Story:
Read a book where a character enjoys harming or torturing others OR read a book with “ZERO” in its title OR read a book with a match, matchbook, or magnifying glass on the cover.
Nevernight - Jay Kristoff 6/20
✔ 22. Stromboli | Pinocchio:
Read a book that has a wooden object or string on its cover OR read a book in which a character is constantly getting into trouble or lies a lot OR read a book in which a stage performance of some kind takes place.
The Perfect Liar - Brenda Novak 7/23
✔ 23. Sykes | Oliver & Company:
Read a book that takes place in New York City OR read any book by Charles Dickens OR read a book in which a car crash occurs.
A Catered St. Patrick's Day - Isis Crawford 7/14
✔ 24. Ursula | The Little Mermaid:
Read a book with a purple cover OR read a book in which either a mermaid or a prince are a main character OR read a book where almost all of the setting takes place on the water or under the water.
Devoured by Darkness - Alexandra Ivy 7/24
CHALLENGE COMPLETE