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SPRING CHALLENGE 2017
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Spring Challenge 2017: Tasks
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10.1 - Catch Some Z's
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March 17, 2017 is World Sleep Day so catch some Z’s. Read a book with the letter Z in the title or subtitle.
10.2 - Initial Success
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CN tower: read a book with an author who uses exactly 2 initials instead of a first name as it appears on Goodreads, e.g. J.K. Rowling, H.G. Wells.
10.3 - Aim High
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The Empire State Building is 1,454 feet in height. Read a book that has at least 1,454 5-star ratings on Goodreads. On a book's main page immediately to the right of the star ratings, click on rating details to see the rating frequency chart. The number of ratings is the far right column with the heading "#".
10.4 - Partners in Crime
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Cagney & Lacey premiered 35 years ago on March 25, 1982. Read a book co-authored by two female authors. The co-authors must be evident on the Goodreads book record. Writing teams of two female authors who use a single author name may be used if it is evident on the author page or include a reference. Anthologies do NOT work unless each of the selections were written by 2 female authors.
ex. These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Author P.J. Tracy PJ Tracy is the pseudonym of mother-daughter writing duo P.J. and Traci Lambrecht.
Required: Include a reference if the Goodread's writing team's page does not identify the two female authors.
10.5 - And The Tony Goes To....
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The first Tony Awards were awarded 70 years ago on April 6, 1947 celebrating excellence in the theatre. Read a play.
10.6 - Penguin Places
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April 25 is World Penguin Day. Read a book set at least 50% in a country/territory from this list that is a home to penguins: Angola, Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, Mozambique, Namibia, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, South Georgia Island, South Sandwich Islands, Tristan da Cunha, Uruguay
10.7 - Mad For Plaid
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March is Mad for Plaid month. Plaid is a fabric woven with a crossed horizontal and vertical pattern in multiple colors. For this task it includes tartans, argyle, madras, gingham and checked patterns. Read a book with something plaid on the cover.
Required: Include the cover.
10.8 - Build A Bridge
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The Golden Gate Bridge opened to pedestrians on May 27, 1937. Read a book with the word "bridge" or "bridges" (no other variations) in its title/subtitle OR with a bridge on the cover. A bridge is a structure spanning and providing passage over a river, chasm, road, or the like.
Required: if the cover option is chosen, include the cover in your post.
10.9 - Star Wars Stars
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The Star Wars franchise began with the theatrical release of Star Wars (later Episode IV A New Hope) on May 25 1977. Read a book by an author who shares a name with one of these actors who appeared in the film: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, James Earl Jones. Names must match exactly but may appear in any position ( Julie James, Earl Lovelace) One qualifying author in a work by multiple contributors works.
10.10 -The 2017 Rooster
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Get your brackets ready for the 2017 Tournament of Books. Read a book from the Tournament of Books Longlist
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Help Thread
This is a 2 book task.
Book 1. All of the modern wonders of the world involve engineering. Read a book with the main page genre engineering or architecture. Genres may be stand alone or embedded.
AND
Book 2. Since “Channel" and "Tunnel” both have sequential Ns in the word, read a book with 2 n’s found sequentially in the title/subtitle/author’s name. Examples: Kristin Hannah, Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose by Flannery O'Connor.
15.2. May is for Art and Music!
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This is a 2 book task.
Book 1 – To celebrate Free Comic Book day on May 6, read a book with the main page genre graphic novels, sequential art, comics, etc.
AND
Book 2 – Celebrate Buy a Musical Instrument Day on May 22 – read a book with a musical instrument on the cover. This should be a commonly recognized musical instrument, not just any object that could theoretically be used to make noise.
REQUIRED: Include the cover.
15.3. National Library Week is April 9-15.
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OPTION 1:
Book 1 – read a book featuring a library or librarian. If the connection is not apparent in the Goodreads description, explain the connection in your post.
AND
Book 2 – read a book with its author's initials in NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK. All initials must be used. If there is more than one author, only one author's initials must be found in the target phrase.
OR
OPTION 2: – read one book that meets both criteria for option 1.
15.4. Laughing and Singing
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OPTION 1:
Book 1 – April is National Humor Month. Read a book with a main page genre of humor.
AND
Book 2 – April 11 is Barbershop Quartet Day. Read a book that is #4 in a series.
OR
OPTION 2: read one book that meets both criteria for option 1.
15.5. Girls Just Wanta Have Fun!
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March 3 is Girls Day in Japan. Read a book with the word “girl” found intact in the title/subtitle of the book.
15.6. I Get By with a Little Help From My Friends.
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May 21-27 is National New Friends Old Friends week. Read a book that a GR friend has rated 4 or 5 stars. REQUIRED: Give the name of the friend in your post.
15.7. It's Contagious!
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April 7 is World Health Day. Read a book from one of the following lists: Best Fiction Books About Diseases or Viruses or History of Disease
REQUIRED: In your post, specify the list you used and the page of the list on which your book appears.
15.8. How do I Get There?
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The first week in April is Read a Road Map Week. Read a book with a map on the cover. REQUIRED: Include the cover in your post.
15.9. They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha Ha!
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Extraterrestrial abductions day is March 20. Read a book with the main page genre Science Fiction. The genre may be standalone or embedded (i.e., Fantasy Science Fiction).
15.10. Spring Gardening
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Read a book whose author's initials can be found in GARDENING. All initials must be used. If a book has more than one author, only one author's initials must be found in the target word.
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20.1- Most Improved Player – Camilla’s Task: Finland 100 Years!
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In 2017 we Finns celebrate 100 years of independence. Starting in 1809 and up to independence, Finland formed an autonomous grand duchy in the Russian Empire. Before 1809, the area that is now Finland had been under Swedish rule since at least the 13th century. To honor the centenary I wanted to design a task with a Finland theme. If you are interested in knowing more about Finland and our celebration, take a look e.g. here: Finland 2017
Read one book from the following options.
Required: Identify the option.
Option 1. Read a book set in Finland or written by an author who was born or currently lives in Finland. You can use this Listopia list of Finnish Fiction for inspiration, but you are not required to choose a book from the list.
Required: If the country/author's birthplace or residence is not indicated on the Goodreads main page or author biography, include a reference link or quotation from the book to establish the country.
Option 2. Due to the geographical location of Finland we are able to experience distinctly different seasons: snow in the winter and sun – although not necessarily very warm temperatures – in the summer. Up towards the northern parts of Finland it’s even possible to enjoy the midnight sun during summer, which means that the sun doesn’t set at all for some weeks. In contrast, the dark winter nights offer opportunities to see the Arctic lights.
For this option, read a book with either snow or the sun on the cover. Note that sunlight is not enough, the sun itself needs to be visible. Also, there needs to be more snow than a few snowflakes.
Examples:
Required: Include the cover.
Option 3. Although probably the most important period in Finland’s history has been the last 100 years, much happened already prior to that, since the first people arrived in Finland approximately 8850 B.C. You don’t need to go back as far as that, but for this option, read a book FIRST published prior to 1917.
20.2 - Rookie At The Top - McCathy's Task: Lucky Charms
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I love cereal but I don't indulge in it very often. So when I found myself in the grocery store the other day and craving something sweet, I decided, hey why not! As you can guess, I went with a childhood favorite - Lucky Charms! It will be my inspiration for my first attempt at creating a challenge for SRC.
This is a one book task. Choose one of the following options.
No book with the main page genre Childrens or Kids may be used for this task.
Required: Identify the option.
Option 1 - There are 8 types of marshmallows that represent different lucky/magical charms that are now standard in the cereal: a) Hearts, b) Shooting Stars, c) Horseshoes, d) Clovers, e) Blue Moons, f) Rainbows, g) Balloons and h) Hourglass.
For this option read a book with one of these shapes in the title or subtitle. Singular or plural forms are acceptable, no other variations allowed. Please note: for Shooting Stars and Blue Moons, the title MUST include both words together, as in The Sound of Shooting Stars or Blue Moon Rising.
Option 2 - The mascot for Lucky Charms is Lucky the Leprechaun. Leprechauns are mythological creatures, sometimes called fairies, from Irish folklore.
For this option read a book with a main page genre of "Fairies", "Ireland", or "Irish Literature". The genre may be standalone or embedded.
20.3 - Best Review - Lauren Jodi's task: Hidden Figures
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The Academy Awards were televised last Sunday and aside from the Jimmy Kimmel / Matt Damon running gag, the flying sweets and the Best Picture debacle, it was a mostly uneventful evening. Interestingly enough, this year I had actually watched some of the nominated films, and was disappointed to see that my favorite, "Hidden Figures" was snubbed again and again. So, to compensate in some small way for this travesty, my task is dedicated to this amazing film.
Read ONE book from the following options.
REQUIRED: State the option you chose when posting.
Option 1: TRAILBLAZING WOMEN
The three brilliant women portrayed in the movie, Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, were all firsts. The first African American woman to desegregate the grad school at West Virginia University, the first African American supervisor at NACA, and NASA's first black female engineer.
In honor of these three trailblazing women, read a non-fiction book about a woman or group of women who were the first to achieve something significant in their field (think Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic East To The Dawn: The Life Of Amelia Earhart, or Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize Marie Curie: A Life),
OR
Read a novel with a heroine who is one of these kinds of scientists: Physician, Engineer, Mathematician, Physicist, Biologist, Chemist, Psychologist, Sociologist, Anthropologist, Forensic Scientist. No amateurs in any of these fields.
Required: If the achievement/heroine's profession is not evident in the book's title or description include a reference or quote from the book when you post.
Option 2: GO FLIGHT!
"Hidden Figures" depicts one of the most significant events in space exploration - the Mercury Project and the launch of astronaut, John Glenn, into orbit around the Earth.
Read a book from one of the following listopias (Be careful as it is possible that some of the books do not meet the SRC rules):
Space Race! Books
Space Exploration and Planet Colonization
Required: State which page of the list the book can be found on when you post.
Option 3: AND THE OSCAR GOES TO …
Over the years, numerous excellent books have been adapted for the big screen and nominated for Academy Awards. Unfortunately, I've not been able to find a comprehensive list of these books, so we will have to make do with one category only.
Read a book from the Wikipedia list of films nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Adapted Screenplay category. (Be careful as it is possible that some of the works listed do not meet the SRC requirements).
Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay
You may select a novel, a play, memoir, a book, etc. Nominees that say adapted from a/the Story, short story, article or comic strip do not work for this task.
Required: Give the title of the film and the name of the work that it was adapted from.
20.4 – Golden Oldies – Amy O's Task: April Showers?
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We’ve had some crazy weather this year in Washington DC. Windstorms, record high temperatures one day and freezing cold the next – who knows what this spring will be like? In recognition of the wild weather, I’m paying tribute to a traditional saying about spring weather – “April showers bring May flowers.”
Choose one option and read one book.
Required: Identify the option.
No book with the main page genre Childrens or Kids may be used for this task.
Option 1: Read a book whose author’s initials can be found in the phrase "APRIL SHOWERS". If the book has more than one author, only one author’s initials need to be used. Spaces determine names. All author initials must be included. Letters may only be used as often as they appear.
Option 2: Read a book with a picture of rain or an umbrella on the cover.
Required: Include the cover.
Option 3: After the rain comes rainbows, lovely symbols of hope for a better tomorrow. Two stories I can recall about the meaning or purpose of the rainbow come from Greek mythology and the Book of Genesis in the Torah and the Bible.
Read a book with one of the following main page genres: Ancient, Christian, Christianity, Inspirational, Judaica, Judaism, Mythology, Old Testament, Personal Development, Religion, Self-Help, Spirituality, Theology. The genres may be standalone or embedded.
20.5 - Bigger is Better - Pia's Task: It Was One of Those March Days...
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There are many celebrations around the world during the month of March. I have chosen just a few for this task.
This is a ONE book task. Please choose from the options below.
REQUIRED: Indicate in your post the option you chose
No book that has the genre childrens or kids may be used for this task.
Option 1.-
Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) was born on March 2, 1904.
I can still read "Green Eggs and Ham" and smile!
One of my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes is:
"So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed)..."
Read a book that has a word in the title or subtitle of at least 4 letters that matches any of the words in the quote above. Words must match exactly.
Option 2.- March 8 is International Women's Working Day.
According to the UN, "It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.
It was first celebrated in 1911. The campaign theme for this year is BE BOLD FOR CHANGE
Read a book written by a woman whose first and last name initials can be found in "BE BOLD FOR CHANGE".
Middle name initials may be ignored. Letters may only be used as often as they appear. Spaces determine names.
Option 3.- Holi is a Hindu festival that says goodbye to winter and welcomes in spring in a rainbow of colors. In India it’s predominantly celebrated in the north of the country, and is known as the Festival of Colors. On Holi’s final day, children and adults take to the streets throwing colorful powder over each other.
Read a book where ALL the letters in the word RAINBOW are found in any combination of the title, subtitle and/or author's first and last name.
Option 4.- I live in Mexico, and on March 21 we celebrate Benito Juárez's birthday who was president from 1858 to 1872. Coincidentally, it's the same day we celebrate the arrival of Spring, and it's always been a holiday.
For this task, read a book written by a Mexican author (by birth or residence).
Required: If the place of birth/residence is not evident on the GR author page, please provide a reference link.
Happy reading!
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20.6 – Seasoned Reader - Bookwrm526's Task: Batter Up!!
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Spring training is the official beginning of baseball season, and I LOVE baseball, not least because I can read while the game is on in the background.
This is a one book task. Choose one of the following options. REQUIRED: Specify which option you are using.
Option 1: Read a book (fiction or non-fiction) about baseball or featuring a baseball player as a main character.
REQUIRED: If the baseball connection is not clear on the Goodreads main page, include a reference link or quote from the book to show that it works.
Option 2: My favorite team is the Atlanta Braves. Read a book where at least 50% of the action takes place in Georgia.
Option 3: There are nine players on the field, and the game takes nine innings (usually). Read a book FIRST published in a year ending with the number 9.
20.7 Shorter is Sweeter - Amy FL's Task: Play Ball!
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I’m an avid sports fan and spring is when some of my favorite players/teams are either gearing up, entering playoffs, or participating in highly competitive tournaments.
Here are three options in honor of my serious addiction; please choose one of these and read ONE book.
Required: Indicate the option.
1. Baseball season is just around the corner but for those wanting to get an early start, there are spring training games to enjoy. They are divided between Arizona (cactus league) and Florida (grapefruit league). Since I live in Florida, please read a book written by a single author whose first and last name initials can be found in the phrase “GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE.” Letters can only be used as many times as they appear and middle initials may be ignored.
2. I love tennis and will be attending the Miami Open later this month. In May the French Open will be played in Paris (wish I was going there too!). Read a book that takes place in Florida or France. At least 50% of the book must be set in either of those locations.
Required: If the setting is not evident on the book's main page include a reference or quote from the book when you post.
3. Basketball season is heading into the playoffs and my favorite team, the Miami Heat, is trying to earn a spot. Read a book with a cover that shows a flame (bonfire, lit candle, etc.).
Required:If you choose this option you must show the cover when claiming points for this task.
20.8 - Nickels & Dimes - Coralie's Task: Over and Under
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I have only ever been to two of the modern wonders; the Golden Gate Bridge and the Channel Tunnel. One of them goes over water and the other goes under water.
Read a book that has either "under" or "over" intact in its title, subtitle or author's name. One qualifying author in a work by multiple contributors works.
ex. Under the Tuscan Sun, The Underground Railroad, author Anna Funder
20.9 - Chandni's Task: Welcome to My Wheelhouse
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I have over 3000 books on my Goodreads To-Read shelf. I know that's an unreasonable amount, but it's because every time I hear about a book that's in my wheelhouse, I have to add it to my TBR!
For this task, I thought I would introduce you all to my wheelhouse.
This is a ONE book task. Please choose from the options below.
REQUIRED: Indicate in your post the option you chose.
Option 1: I love books with complex characters, unreliable narrators, and plot twists. That's why psychological thrillers are my bread and butter.
Read a book from the first 5 pages of the Popular Psychological Thrillers shelf.
Required: State the page on which your selection was found.
Option 2: I've been obsessed with the psychology of cults, school shooters, murderers, and serial killers for a long time because I don't understand what drives people to do such terrible things. This is why I read true crime books to try and gain some sort of understanding.
For this option, read a book with True Crime as a main page genre. The genre may be stand alone or embedded.
Option 3: One of my favourite types of books are epistolary novels because I think it's scandalous to read other people's private letters, diaries, or e-mails, but there's something strangely exciting about doing it.
For this option, read an epistolary novel from one of these lists: Epistolary Fiction or Best Diary Novels
Required: Identify which list was used and what page your selection was found.
Option 4: Another type of book I'm guaranteed to read is any book that's a retelling. For this option, read a book from the following list:
The Best Fairytales and Retellings.
Required: Identify what page your book is on.
20.10 - Group Reads
Help Thread
Read ONE of the books selected as the Group Reads choices for the season:
Stand-alone Fantasy Novel: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Discussion Thread
LGBT Mystery: The Wonder
Discussion Thread
Nonfiction- The Unexplained: The Riddle of the Labyrinth: The Quest to Crack an Ancient Code
Discussion Thread
REQUIRED: You must participate in the book's discussion thread with at least one post about the contents of the book or your reaction to the book after you have read the book.
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25.1 - Diana K’s task - Spring Flowers
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I love spring. I love the warming temperatures and the lengthening days but most of all I love the seasonal parade of blooming ephemerals, flowering bulbs and blossoming trees. I’ve used that love of flowers to create this task.
This is a two-book task. Read one book from each of two different options.
No book with the genre "Childrens" or "Kids" on the book's Good Reads main page may be used for this task.
The combined page count for both books must be at least 500 pages.
REQUIRED: Identify which options you select when you post.
Option 1: Spring Bulbs
Read a book with one of these spring flowers found intact in the title/ subtitle: Bluebell, crocus, daffodil, hyacinth, iris, snowdrop.
Option 2: Tulip Mania.
Tulips originated in Turkey and were brought to Europe in the 16th century. When the bulbs made their way to Holland, growers found the bulbs grew well there and developed techniques to create new color patterns. Some bulbs became coveted and shot up in price as traders sold tulip futures but then the market collapsed and fortunes were lost. This period is known as Tulip Mania.
Read a book about the Tulip Mania or one of the two economic bubbles that followed it in Europe, the South Sea Bubble and the Mississippi Bubble.
Examples of books that fit:
Tulipomania: The Story of the World's Most Coveted Flower & the Extraordinary Passions It Aroused
Tulipmania: Money, Honor, and Knowledge in the Dutch Golden Age
Sea Change
The Mississippi Bubble
Extraordinary Popular Delusions & the Madness of Crowds
The Golden Tulip
The Black Tulip
Tulip Fever
Required:If the connection to the economic bubble is not clear from the title or description explain the connection in your post.
Option 3: The Netherlands
The Dutch survived the Tulip bubble and went on to be a major international supplier of bulbs and cut flowers.
Read a book set at least 75% in The Netherlands.
Option 4: Blooming Trees and International Friendship,
Many trees also put on a springtime show. I’m lucky to live close to Washington D.C. where the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin are the springtime star attracting more than 1.5 million visitors. The original trees were a gift from Tokyo’s mayor in 1912 in honor of the friendship between the two countries.
Read a book set at least 75% in Japan.
25.2 - Sandy's Task: Who Am I? Where Am I?
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This is a two book task.
No books with the main page genre Childrens or Kids may be used for the task. Your two books combined should have a total of at least 500 pages.
Book 1: Read a book with the name of a person in the title/subtitle that is the name of a character in the book. The name need not be complete (first and surname). An actual name must be used, not just a position or a title.
REQUIRED: If the relevance of the name is not clear from the Goodreads description, please explain its relevance in your post.
Examples: The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax, Victoria.
Won't work: What the Duke Desires, The Once and Future King
Book 2: Read a book with the name of a place in the title/subtitle where at least some of the plot of the book takes place in that specific named place. The place may be real or imaginary, but it must be a proper name, not just a description.
The place must be a geographical/political entity - a country, a state, a town, a county, etc. Street addresses, named houses, etc., will not work. For examples, see administrative districts
REQUIRED: If the relevance of the place name is not clear from the Goodreads description, please explain the connection.
Examples: The Masterharper of Pern, The Brooklyn Follies.
25.3 - Andy P.’s task: No More Wolves
Help Thread
I noticed as I finished the Winter Challenge that I had read three books that had the word “Wolf” in the title which seemed to me to be excessive so this task was designed to remedy that problem.
First however I want to set the ground rules:
This is a two book task and you should chose one book that satisfies the requirements for Book 1 and another that works for Book 2.
No book that has the genre Childrens or kids on its main page may be used for this task.
A combined page total for both books must exceed 500 pages (at least 501 pages).
Book 1.Read a book whose title does NOT contain any of the letters in the word WOLF. If the book has a subtitle none of the letters in WOLF may appear in the subtitle
HINT: Books with Title: A Novel will not work as OL are in WOLF.
Book 2. Spring is a time of rebirth. Conveniently REWOLF spelled backwards is FLOWER which is a sign of Spring so…
Read a book written by a single author whose initials can be found in the word FLOWER.
All of the author initials count so if an author uses two initials plus a last name all three initials must be found in the word FLOWER . Likewise for authors who use a first name, middle initial, and last name or a name with more than 3 name parts. Letters may only be used as often as they appear. Spaces determine names.
Mod
25.4 - Nick KY’s Task: Sydney Harbour
Help Thread
When I began the SRC in March of 2011, I was intending only to step my toe into the waters and test it out. Somehow, I got hooked, realizing that these challenges really pushed me beyond what I thought were my limits. That first season was a “Continents” challenge centered on Australia -- I like to go back there to dip my toes into the Australian waters again, if only in my mind.
I have never been to Australia, but a friend of mine is so proud that he visited a couple of years ago and climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge (something an adventurous tourist actually can do!). So, in honor of the Modern Wonder of Sydney Harbour (unfortunately not on the list, but still…), this is a two book challenge.
Please read a book from two different options below.
Required: Tell us which options you choose.
Option 1. Sydney Harbour. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House make for a great spectacle of human achievement, the magnificence of the Bridge and the distinctive seashell shape of the Opera house. Here’s a view of both
For this option, read a book with one of the following words in the title/subtitle: “Harbor” “Harbour” “Bridge” “Opera” or “Shell.” Plurals and possessives are the only variations allowed.
Option 2. Shrimp on the Barbie. Shamelessly stolen from a 5-point task in that first challenge (Spring 2011), for this option read a book of 100-150 pages in length.
*NOTE: ebooks without a print edition cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook, listen to an audiobook or read a Large Print edition use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition. See the rules for the complete method.
Option 3. Outback! – For this option read a book written by a single author whose first and last name initials can be found in OUTBACK. Letters may only be used as often as they appear. Spaces determine names.
Option 4. Not Dead Yet. – In 2016, a false report came out that the Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s greatest natural wonders, was dead. Not true. The reef is, however, very sick.
For this option read a book with the GR genre “Environment” “Ecology” “Health” “Nature” or “Biology” on its GR homepage.
Option 5 – A Hearty Handshake
To complete a mighty handful of options, read a book set at least 50% in Australia.
Required: If the setting is not obvious on the main book page provide a reference from an outside source.
25.5 - Brooke TX's Task: Here Comes the Bride!
Help Thread
This spring I've been a little distracted from the SRC - my baby sister is getting married next month, and things are getting a little crazy. On that note, I've decided to share the wedding madness with all of you!
This is a two book task. Pick ONE of the options below and read Book 1 and Book 2 from that option.
Required: Indicate the option.
Option A: Old & New
Book 1: My sister has decided that "old" refers to anything older than she is (for example, me). For this option read a book FIRST published before 1992 (the year she was born).
AND
Book 2: For something new, read a book FIRST published in 2017.
Option B: Borrowed & Blue
Book 1: For something that "borrows" its plot, read a book with "Retellings" as a main page genre.
AND
Book 2: For something blue, read a book from this list: Books With The Blues
Required: State the page where your book is found.
25.6 - Perletwo's task: A Stitch In Time Saves Nine
Help Thread
Spring always means resetting the clocks - again - for Daylight Savings Time.
This is a two-book task. Read one book for each option.
The total page count for the two books must be at least 500 pages.
1. Spring Forward: Read a book from the first 5 pages of Popular Futurism Books or Popular Near-Future Books
Required: State the list you used and the page where your book was found.
2. Fall Back: Read a book with a genre that contains "historical" or "history" intact on its main book page, e.g., Historical Romance, Microhistory, Military History. The genre can be stand-alone or embedded.
Mod
30.1 - Schatzie’s Task: passed to Sheila: In Honor of Earth Day - Two Halves of a Whole.
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This is a two book task. Read one book that satisfies the requirements for Book 1 and another that works for Book 2.
No book with the genre "Childrens" or "Kids" on the book's Good Reads main page may be used for this task.
Book 1: Spring in the northern hemisphere
Spring in the northern hemisphere is traditionally the months of March, April and May. Read a book with one of the words: Spring, March, April or May in the title. Subtitles are excluded. The word must match exactly but need not stand for the month.
For example Now May You Weep would work.
And
Book 2: Spring in the southern hemisphere
Since spring in the southern hemisphere is in the months of September, October and November, read a book that is designated in the GR series metadata as the 9th, 10th or 11th in a series.
For example: Chopping Spree by Diane Mott Davidson (A Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery #11)
30.2 - Ava Catherine’s Task-Modern and Contemporary Art
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This is a two book task.
No book with the main page genre Children or Kids may be used.
Being in the process of remodeling two houses, I have been thinking about art and architecture almost daily for the past few months. I have always been drawn to the Art Deco movement, which led to my appreciation of modern and contemporary art.
The Art Nouveau period ran from 1890-1914, and the Art Deco period was from 1910-1939. These periods are part of the modern art movement, which ran until the end of the 1960s. Contemporary art, growing out of modern art, began in 1970.
Book 1: Read a book FIRST published between 1890 and 1939 whose author’s first and last name initials can be found in ONE of theses words/phrases: "ART DECO" or "ART NOUVEAU" or "BAUHAUS".
Book 2: Read a book FIRST published between 1970 and the present whose author’s first and last name initials can be found in ONE of these phrases: "CONTEMPORARY ART" or "POST MODERN ART".
Middle name initials may be ignored. Letters may only be used as often as they appear. Spaces determine names. One qualifying author in a work by multiple contributors works.
This resource may help: Most Popular Books You may change the year using the selector on the upper right. These lists are only a guide to editions published that year, they may not be first published dates.
30.3 - MAZZA1's Task: It’s Elementary
Help Thread
One of my favourite TV programmes is "Pointless" a Quiz programme where the aim is to score the fewest points possible.
They have lots of questions set around the periodic table and my knowledge of Chemical Elements has grown accordingly.
Put on your Safety goggles and join me in the laboratory!
This is a 2 book task.
NO books with the genre childrens or kids on the main book page are allowed.
Book 1
Read a book which has the name of any element on the Periodic Table in its title, subtitle or series name.
The word must be Exact, NO alternatives.
Book 2
Using the atomic number of the element chosen for book 1 read a book that has the same number in a series. It must be identified as a book in a series in the Goodreads metadata (series #).
For Elements with atomic numbers above 12 all the digits can be added together to get a lower number. You may continue to add the digits until you get to a number below 12.
e.g. For my first book I choose Tungsten
Tungsten’s atomic number is 74, symbol W
For my second book, I could read Savannah Swingsaw (Mack Bolan the Executioner #74) or
adding 7 and 4 will get 11
so I could read Set in Darkness (Inspector Rebus #11)
My number is now below 12 and digits cannot be added together any more
or Plutonium, atomic number 94, symbol Pu
The Plutonium Blonde
and (94) 9+4= 13
Towers of Midnight (The Wheel of Time #13)
OR 9+4 = 13, 1+3 = 4
Inferno (Robert Langdon #4)
Required: When posting please identify the element, its symbol and atomic number and if you have added digits together to get your series read.
30.4 - Dlmrose's Task: Passed to Delicious Dee: A Pride of Lions or a School of Sharks?
Help Thread
I’ve always been intrigued by what different collectives of animals are called. Many of us have heard of a pride of lions; but what about a group of sharks or giraffes?
This is a TWO book task.
Books with the main page genre children or kids may NOT be used.
Book 1 Read a book with an animal from this list of Animal Groups on the cover.
Required: Include the cover and state the animal.
Book 2 Using the same animal as book 1, select an Animal Group word associated with that animal from the same list and read a book with that word in the title or subtitle. Plurals and Possessives are ok, no other variations.
Example:
A collective of Sharks is called a School
Miss Timmins' School for Girls
A collective of Hawks is called a Cast
Cast the Cards
30.5 - Jonquil’s task: There Is No Frigate Like A Book
Help Thread
This is a two book task.
Book 1: Read a book with a cover that shows the type of place where you like to read.
Read in the tub?
Have a hammock?
Frequent a diner?
On a plane?
At the office?
Book 2: Read a second book with a cover that shows a different reading spot or a variation on book 1's spot.
The cover should be detailed enough for us to recognize a place, not just an object. So a desk with a lamp and laptop will work, but just a laptop won’t work. If you read in the bathtub,
won’t work because we can’t really tell where these people are. Won't work:
Will work:
Required: Post the two covers. Explain the connection between the cover image and your reading spot.
Sample post:
Book 1 I read when we go camping in the National Park near my home
Book 2 My job requires lots of travel, so I read in hotel rooms
Mod
50.1 - Bryony's Task: Let's Start at the Very Beginning
Help Thread
This is my very first time participating in the SRC. I'm having a fantastic time choosing and reading books for the challenge and I'm very excited to have the chance to create this task.
When I received the invitation to create this task I thought it would be fun to theme the task around firsts, or beginnings. So, on that theme, and inspired by the song Do-Re-Mi from The Sound of Music, let's start at the very beginning...
For this task you need to read one book for each of options 1, 2, and 3 AND your books must total at least 1,000 pages.
No books with a main page genre children or kids are allowed for this task.
*NOTE: ebooks without a print edition cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook, listen to an audiobook or read a Large Print edition use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition. See the rules for the complete method.
1. Let's start at the very beginning...
The first Seasonal Reading Challenge in this stand-alone group took place in Fall 2009. For this task, read a book that fulfils the requirements of a 5 or 10 point task from that challenge.
Current SRC rule interpretations/updates:
>"in the title" includes the title and subtitle.
> For "word" tasks: Plurals and possessives work but no other variations.
> 5.7 requires "Include what you are most thankful for and explain the connection to the book".
> 5.9 A requires the genre Coming of Age on the main page.
> 10.3 Only the first option: Read A Book With The Word Bear Or Bears In The Title. may be used.
> 10.7 requires "Explain why the subject of your book is a hero/heroine."
> 10.8 To use the random word generator: on the upper-left, click on "word" for the required number of times to get a random word.
Required: State the task number and include the requirements of the task in your post. Cover tasks require that you include the cover.
2. It's a very good place to start...
Read a book that is a) set within 200 miles of the place you were born or b) written by a single author born within 200 miles of the place you were born. Set in means that at least 50% of the plot takes place in this location. The book's setting must be a real place found on a map. Alternate, dystopian or futuristic depictions of real places DO work.
This map tool may be helpful to determine geographic locations within a 200 mile radius.
Once you have determined the setting of your book or author's birthplace, use Calculate Distance to establish the distance from your birthplace to the predominate setting of your book.
Required: Identify if you are using the setting or author's birthplace. You do not have to identify your birthplace, but you must state the straight line distance in miles from your birthplace to the book's setting or author's birthplace. If the setting or author's birthplace is not evident in the GR record include a reference when you post.
3. When you read you begin with A, B, C, when you sing you begin with do, re, mi...
Choose one of the following options:
Required: Identify the option.
DO - a deer, a female deer
Read a book in which wild animals play a significant role (note: books about domesticated animals like cats or dogs won't work). The animals featured need to be "real life" animals, rather than fantasy or mythological animals. Shapeshifters in animal form are considered fantasy animals for this task. Extinct animals that are documented to have existed - eg dinosaurs, dodos, quaggas, etc - are okay.
Required: Explain the connection if it is not evident on the book's main page.
RE - a drop of golden sun
Read a book set at least 75% in a country that experiences the midnight sun: Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut only), Greenland, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Alaska (only) US.
MI - a name I call myself
Read an autobiography or memoir- a nonfiction account of the author's own life or experiences.
FA - a long long way to run
Read a book written by an author known primarily as a professional athlete or with a professional athlete or athletic team as a main character or subject.
SO - a needle pulling thread
Since "a stitch in time saves nine", read a historical fiction novel. For this task, to be deemed historical, a novel (a work of FICTION) must have been first published at least fifty years after the events described. The entirety of the book must take place in the historic time period without introductions, epilogues, time travel or other changes of era contemporary to the first publication date.
*Adapted from the Historical Novel Society definition.
Required: Identify the historical time setting if it is not evident on the book's main page.
LA - a note to follow SO
Read a book in which notes such as letters or diary entries make up at least 50% of the text. The letters or diary entries may be fictional (e.g. an epistolary novel) or non-fiction (e.g. published diaries or letters).
TI - a drink with jam and bread
Since tea was first cultivated in China, read a book set at least 75% in China or by an author who was born in China.
Required: Include a reference if the setting or author's birthplace is not evident on the Goodreads records.
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Blue Moon Rising (other topics)The Sound of Shooting Stars (other topics)
The Underground Railroad (other topics)
Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy (other topics)
East to the Dawn: The Life of Amelia Earhart (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Anna Funder (other topics)Diane Mott Davidson (other topics)
Flannery O'Connor (other topics)
Kristin Hannah (other topics)
H.G. Wells (other topics)
More...
5.1- Thoroughly Modern
Help Thread
Read a book written by an author whose first and last name initials can be found in MODERN. Letters may only be used as often as they appear. A last name is a name in the final position preceded by a space. One qualifying author in a work by multiple contributors works.
5.2 - Location, Location, Location
Help Thread
Read a book set at least 50% in a location of a modern wonder: England; France; Canada; New York, USA; California,USA; Brazil; Paraguay; Panama; Netherlands
Required: If the setting is not evident on the book's main page include a reference or quote from the book when you post.
5.3 - The 20th Century
Help Thread
The seven wonders of the modern world were all completed in the 20th century. Read a book that contains the number 2 or 0 in the series designation: #2, #10, #12, etc. It must be identified as a book in a series in the Goodreads metadata (series *0* or *2*). Prequels and fill-ins work, ex. 0.1, 0.2, 10.5
5.4 - Best Laid Plans
Help Thread
Didn't quite finish last time? Read a book that fits one of the Winter Challenge 5, 10 or 15 point tasks. You may not use Task 5.4 or 5.10. You may use a single book A or B option from a 15 point task.
Required: When you post, indicate which Winter 2016 task you are using, and include any information required by the task.
5.5 - March, April, May
Help Thread
Read a book with the number of pages as listed on Goodreads that includes the number 3, 4, or 5.
*NOTE: ebooks without a print edition cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook, listen to an audiobook or read a Large Print edition use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition. See the rules for the complete method.
5.6 - Lady Day
Help Thread
In Tudor times the new calendar year did not start on 1st January, it started on the 25th of March, Lady Day or the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Read a book written by an author named Mary or any of the related names found at Behind the Name - Mary such as Maria, Molly, Miriam, Mia, Polly. The name may be found in any name position. Name variations are limited to those found at the link- NO other variations. One qualifying author in a work by multiple contributors works.
5.7- Modern Classics
Help Thread
Read a book that has been shelved at least 10 times as “modern classic” from this list Popular Modern Classics
Required: State the page.
5.8 Under the Spring Moon
Help Thread
Native American tribes kept track of time by observing the lunar months. Read a book with a word in the title or subtitle from the names used by various tribes to describe the spring season’s moons: worm, sap, pink, sprouting, grass, seed, egg, fish, flower, corn, milk. Plurals, possessives, verb forms (sprout, flowering), hyphenated words and compound words that preserve the meaning of the word such as earthworm work.
5.9 - Whodunit?
Help Thread
March is Mystery Month. Read a book with a main page genre that includes "Mystery"
5.10- Your Own 8th Wonder
Help Thread
Read a book of your choice. Note: Books with the genre "children" or "kids" NOT found in AR Bookfinder MAY be used for this task. Required: If using this exemption, state that the book is not found in ARBookFinder.