The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
SUMMER CHALLENGE 2017
>
Summer Challenge 2017: Task Ideas
date
newest »
newest »
How exciting! Here are some ideas based on the bonus theme. 1. An obvious idea, but read a book set in a country that is / was home to one of the seven wonders.
2. In honour of the discovery of the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, read a book with MPG archaeology.
3. As several of the seven wonders were damaged or destroyed by natural disasters (earthquakes, lightning strikes), read a non-fiction book about a natural disaster.
4. Read a book set in the Medieval / Middle Ages era (5th to 15th centuries).
5. As the reason Stonehenge was built is still a mystery, read a book with MPG mystery.
6. In honour of the leaning Tower of Pisa, read a book with tower in the title, or with a tower on the cover.
1. June 14 is Flag Day. Read a book with a flag on the cover or the word "flag" intact in the title or author's name OR a theme of freedom. 2. Summer is a time for adventure and vacations. Read a book with a cover that suggests adventure/vacation or MPG travel or adventure OR with a location (proper name) in the title.
One of the following words in the title, subtitle, or series - Seven, Wonder(s), Medieval, World(s). The Great Wall of China - read a book 1) set in China, main character is Chinese, or by a Chinese author; 2) cover with an outdoor wall or steps or people walking on a man made surface.
Book set in medieval times (5th-15th century)
Some other ideas...June 20 is World Refugee Day. Read a book where a main character is a refugee.
July 2 is World UFO day. Read a book with an MPG of science fiction.
July 18 is Nelson Mandela Day. Read a book by a political figure who inspires you.
July 1 is Canada Day Read a book set in Canada
Read a book with a red and white cover
Read a book with a leaf on the cover
July 14th is Bastille Day. Read a book set in France orread a book involving a prison.
August 26th is Women's Equality Day in the United States commemorating passage of the 19 amendment granting women the right to vote. Read a book (either fiction or non-fiction) with a character who is a suffragist/suffragette (in any country).
The description of the Great Wall of China says many writers have likened this thing to a dragon. Read a book with a dragon in the story or on the cover.
The description of The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa say they were discovered when a donkey hauling a cart of stone fell in a hole. Read a book with a donkey, mule, horse or ox pulling a vehicle (cart, wagon, carriage...) on the cover.
One theory about Stonehenge is that it was built by the Druids as a place of worship. Read a book shelved as Druid (https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...) or pagan (https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/... or https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...)
Hagia Sophia: In some traditions, Sophia is the female embodiment of wisdom. Read a book by an author whose name includes Sophia.
June 19th is national martini day in the U.S. (Yes, we have a day for just about everything.) In the spirit of James Bond, read an espionage thriller. Read a book that takes place in England or is by an English author. Read a book whose initials can be found in SHAKEN NOT STIRRED.
July 17 (The third Monday) is Global Hug your Kid day. Read a book with main page genre children or a book that has children as characters
Bryony wrote: "How exciting! Here are some ideas based on the bonus theme. 1. An obvious idea, but read a book set in a country that is / was home to one of the seven wonders.
2. In honour of the discovery of..."
Love these ideas!
Julia wrote: "July 14th is Bastille Day. Read a book set in France orread a book involving a prison.
August 26th is Women's Equality Day in the United States commemorating passage of the 19 amendment granting ..."
Love these also!
I second almost all of these ideas as brilliant!Mine was similar to another...
Read a book with an adventure genre/subgenre
and/or
Read a book from one of these lists:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/5...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/5...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9...
(many others under adventure)
The Silk Road was an important route connecting Asia with the Mediterranean world, including North Africa and Europe. Trade on the Silk Road was a significant factor in the development of the great civilizations of China, India, Egypt, Persia, Arabia, and Rome.
Read a book set in the time or place of the Silk Road.
(places are very similar to these 'wonders') (could allow only overlap with Medieval times/dates)
Read a book with any of these spices in the title, on the cover, or featured significantly in the story:
cinnamon, cassia, cardamom, ginger, pepper, and turmeric
As we are entering summer read a book with words to do with summer in the title, eg beach, sun, sea, sand etc.Read a book to help you cool down, books with ice, cold, snow etc in the title.
Summer tends to be about travel so read a non fiction book about travel.
As no one had yet to confirm how Stonehenge was created read a book with 'mystery' as a genre, bonus points for a non fiction mystery
Bryony wrote: "How exciting! Here are some ideas based on the bonus theme. 1. An obvious idea, but read a book set in a country that is / was home to one of the seven wonders.
2. In honour of the discovery of..."
love the idea of natural disasters but please not Archeology and i feel like we have done a lot of tasks set in countries of the 7 wonders.
Katrina wrote: "As we are entering summer read a book with words to do with summer in the title, eg beach, sun, sea, sand etc.Read a book to help you cool down, books with ice, cold, snow etc in the title.
Summ..."
love the travel idea
there are some specific historical events in the mediaeval era 1. The Crusades - perhaps something with letters of CRUSADE in title or Authors name
or featuring Knights/ Armour in storyline or cover
2. The signing of the Magna Carter - took place at Runnymeade - runnymede was a meadow - so meadow on cover
only 3 clauses are still in law today with the main one being
"No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled. Nor will we proceed with force against him. Except by the lawful judgement of his equals or by the law of the land. To no one will we sell, to no one deny or delay right or justice."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19...
Maybe a book on Justice / legal setting
Many of the 7 Wonders of the Medieval World were constructed from stone, most obviously Stonehenge. Read a book with a stone or rock on the cover or in the title.
Since 7 is the theme of our challenge, read a book first published in a year that includes the integer 7.
In 2016, a research study was published that reported a significant number of high status women were cremated and interred at Stonehenge about 5,000 years ago. This is important because it is evidence of gender equality during this time period. Read a book written by a British woman.
BriKie wrote: "In 2016, a research study was published that reported a significant number of high status women were cremated and interred at Stonehenge about 5,000 years ago. This is important because it is evide..."That's such an interesting study, I'd never heard that before. I really like this idea.
It's summertime, the perfect time to hang out in your backyard hammock or to take a picnic at the local park. This is the season to relax, watch the birds, shoo away the bugs, and take your dogs for long evening walks. Read a book with a bird, a bug, or a dog on the cover.
One of the most interesting parts of human history (and present and future!) is the progression of technology. For example, the Romans were probably the first society to invent concrete, and their unique formula that included volcanic ash is likely why the the Colosseum still stands today. Read a book with the genre, technology.
Math and numbers are essential to the engineering and architectural principles of the seven Medieval wonders. Written language and words are what make it possible for us to read books about them today. Combine the two and read a book that has a number word in the title. Examples are One Plus One and Station Eleven.
I love the story of the donkey finding the Catacombs by accident. Relating to finding things by accident, read a book that another SRC member has mentioned in the 'best book you accidentally read' thread
Read a book with the MPG historical fiction. Summer is a major time for summer blockbusters at the movies. Read a book that was later turned into a film.
Meg wrote: "I love the story of the donkey finding the Catacombs by accident. Relating to finding things by accident, read a book that another SRC member has mentioned in the 'best book you accidentally read' ..."Love this idea!
maybe a better late than never category for reading any book from the group's bookshelf that we may have not gotten to.. over the years..
BriKie wrote: "In 2016, a research study was published that reported a significant number of high status women were cremated and interred at Stonehenge about 5,000 years ago. This is important because it is evide..."I didn't know that, very interesting
Summer is the time for ice cream, read a book with a popular flavour of ice cream in the title.Stonehenge is made of stone, read a book with a precious stone (e.g. Ruby, Sapphire) in the title.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa would've fallen over without a team working together. Read a book where teamwork plays a vital part.
The leaning tower of Pisa would've fallen over without a team working together. Read a book written by at least 2 authors.
"Summer loving, happened so fast..." Read a book with MPG romance.
The Coliseum was built in Ancient Rome. Read a book set in or about Ancient Rome.
The Hagia Sophia is now a Mosque. Read a book with a prominent Islamic main character OR by an Islamic author.
The Lost Porcelain Padoga has been lost to history. Read a book where grief plays a big part.
The Summer Holidays are a time where a lot of children are off school. Read a book where the main character is younger than eighteen.
The longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere is the 21st June. Read a book where all of the action happens in one day.
SthTx Dawn wrote: "maybe a better late than never category for reading any book from the group's bookshelf that we may have not gotten to.. over the years.."i like this
Both Canada and the USA celebrate their "independence" day in July. Based on those countries' flags: Read a book with Star, stripe or maple leaf on cover
-or Read a book with a red, white or blue cover
Summer is a season and also a girl's name. Read a book with a season (summer, spring, fall, autumn, winter) found intact in the title or the author's name. I associate summer with the beach (for those of you lucky enough to go), and the beach with lighthouses. Read a book with a lighthouse on the cover, in the title, or central to the storyline.
Summer in Spanish is "verano". Read a book by an author whose initials can be found in VERANO.
Mod
1. An obvious idea, but read a book set in a country that is / was home to one of the seven wonders.
2. In honour of t..."
MPG is shorthand for "main page genre"
When we travelled to Istanbul, we were lucky to be able to visit Haifa Sofia and (like many other places in Turkey) there were many stray cats who were allowed to sleep in the building. It was a lovely juxtaposition to be listening to an audio guide talking about the importance and history of certain piece of the building and watching a cat curl itself in a sleepy bundle. Read a book with a cat on the cover or with the word cat or kitten in the title. I think the Hagia Sofia has been both a church and a mosque at different points of time. Read a book about two cultures coming into contact with one another. I.e fiction or non fiction about a romance between two ppl from different cultures or refugee experience in new countries etc.
There is still continuing investigation about the construction and purpose on Stonehenge. Read a book that features an investigation of some sort.
Most people's momento of the Tower of Pisa is a photo of them pushing, holding up, kicking the tower. Read a book with a cover that features a photo quality picture of at least one person. A picture that could conceivably be put in a photo album and seem to belong.
The Tower of Pisa was built next to a stunning church and was not meant to be the main attraction. Read a book by an author with the initials in the phrase "ACCIDENTAL WONDER"
And finally, as an Australian I love the challenges that have a task which highlights the Southern Hemisphere season. So something about winter.
The Leaning Tower makes me think of the phrase "Lean in" from one of the best known business advice books for women. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead Read a book with mpg business or feminist
For me, the most "modern" modern wonders are science, specifically computer science. Advances in this field make the enormous progress we have made possible. My task idea is made on that:1) Read a book were computer science (in the realms of security, data science/analysis, artificial intelligence, etc.) plays a significant role
2) Read a book set in the time (historical, not fantasy) before computers were "personal".
I have a few ideas around the medieval time period (sorry they're very anglocentric) ... This was the time of monarchy, so read a book with a total title in the title (king queen prince princess Duke duchess Earl count etc)
Read a book with an author who shares a name with one of the ruling monarchs of England (eg Henry Elizabeth William Mary Richard Edward)
It was the time of the war of the roses and the ruling houses had roses as their symbols (eg the tudors symbol was a red and white rose). Read a book with rose in the title or on the cover
It was the time of knights. Read a book with the word knight or night in the title
The black death plague changed the world of the time. Read a book with a title written in black on the cover
Read a book set in the medieval period
One more... The medieval era overlaps with the dark ages... Read a book from this list of dark humor https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...
Mod
June 2 is national donut day. - read a book with baked desserts on the cover or about a baker.
June 3 is repeat day. - read a book with a repeat word or phrase in title
June 23. National pink day. - read a book with a pink cover.
July 2. World UFO day - read a space opera or MPG sci-fi book
July 10. Teddy bear picnic day. - read a book with author initials in teddy bear picnic
July 13. Embrace your geekiness day. - read a book with the words of title first letter spells geek.
August 6. Wiggle your toes day - read a book with bare toes on cover.
August 8. Sneak some zucchini onto your neighbors porch day. - read a book with a porch or veggies on cover.
August 30. Frankenstein day. - read a MPG horror.
I write a task every season, just in case... as usual, there's no way I'll finish with more than 20 tasks left :P Here's my draft for ideas:The Boy Who Lived
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer! Brew up a polyjuice potion and become a part of the wizarding world.
Option 1 - “Lacewing flies, leeches, fluxweed, and knotgrass,” she murmured, running her finger down the list of ingredients.
Read a book from the first five pages of the Popular Chemistry Books shelf (https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...) or on the Most Read This Week for Chemistry (https://www.goodreads.com/genres/most...)
Required: List the page number the book is found on for the popular chemistry books shelf OR the date on which the book was found on the most read this week page
Option 2 - Hermione opened Moste Potente Potions carefully, and the three of them bent over the damp-spotted pages. It was clear from a glance why it belonged in the Restricted Section.
Read a book from the Best Banned, Cesnsored and Challenged Books listopia (https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...)
Required: List the page number the book is found on
Option 3 - “Of course, it would be difficult. And dangerous, very dangerous. We’d be breaking about fifty school rules, I expect —”
Read a book with a synonym for “difficult” from the list provided (bold words only!) found intact in the title or subtitle http://writingexplained.org/synonyms-...
Required: State the word being used
Ex: Tall found in Fatally Flaky or Complex found in The Murder Complex
Option 4 - “It looks like the book says it should … once we’ve drunk it, we’ll have exactly an hour before we change back into ourselves.”
“Now what?” Ron whispered.
“We separate it into three glasses and add the hairs.”
Read a book with the phrase “Harry Potter” in the text.
Required: Provide the quote containing the words
Ex: Murder in the Secret Garden: Hem turned his cotton ball lamb into the three-headed dog from the first Harry Potter book.
Trish wrote: "Thought this might amuse people: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/new..."Very interesting ...
JennRenee wrote: "I love tasks withe strange holidays. June 2 is national donut day. - read a book with baked desserts on the cover or about a baker.
June 3 is repeat day. - read a book with a repeat word or phr..."
These are great!
Kait wrote: "I write a task every season, just in case... as usual, there's no way I'll finish with more than 20 tasks left :P Here's my draft for ideas:The Boy Who Lived
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's..."
I've never thought about writing a task before! That is a great idea. :)
The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Fatally Flaky (other topics)The Murder Complex (other topics)
Murder in the Secret Garden (other topics)
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead (other topics)
One Plus One (other topics)
More...
As in past challenges, some tasks may revolve around the seasonal theme of summer. Others may reflect the bonus theme. Other tasks may have nothing to do with either of these themes, they’re just fun ideas for unique reading challenges.
Feel free to post as many ideas as you can come up with. Don't worry about repeating what another player might have already suggested. The more ideas, the better!
The moderators will draw from these ideas as well as their own to create the 5, 10, and 15 point tasks. This thread will be open for ideas until May 17. Summer tasks will begin to be posted on May 20. We look forward to seeing what you come up with!