2025 Reading Challenge discussion
ARCHIVE: Quarterly Challenges
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3rd Quarter - Wonders of the World
I would like to try for 4 books for this challenge.1.) Read a book that takes place in the United States
-American Gods
I'm in but unknown amount of books. Let's start with 6 books (2 per month) for now. I may raise it as time goes by.
Just completed #18 (USA) - It's Bigger Than Hip Hop: The Rise of the Post-Hip-Hop Generation by M.K. Asante Jr. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though it is so packed with insights and content, I had to take it slow. My one critique was that the author seemed to write the book for young adults at points, then switched to writing for an older audience. I think it's admirable to try and write for all generations, but the language used did not necessarily lend itself to that. Overall, excellent read and definitely a must for anyone truly engaged in the world! 4.5 stars3/10
Just completed #7 (suffers great loss) - The Sound of Glass by Karen White. This was a good read! Interesting, flawed characters, and the story did not feel contrived as some women's lit can be. My only complaint was that it was a touch slow at the start. Definitely worth reading! 4 stars4/10
Update Message 39:1/6
16: Germany - Managing Previously Unmanaged Collections: A Practical Guide for Museums
16. Peter: The Untold True Story - double hit on this one. Set in Germany for half the book, and inspired by Peter Pan.21. Swarm - a number of characters on a decline, particularly my beloved Thibault.
3/6
I would like to go for three if I may (although, having completed the task I may attempt more).5/3 COMPLETED:
3. Quarantine by Jim Crace (Middle East) ✔
4. Death in Venice by Thomas Mann (Italy) ✔
12. Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes (France) ✔
18. Xingu by Edith Wharton (USA) ✔
19. Dracula by Bram Stoker (England) ✔
Welcome to the challenge everyone! I'm so glad you're all joining us :) I've updated the list and you should all be on it now, but please do let me know if I've missed anyone!
Best of luck to all newcomers! And great job to all of you that have made progress so far.
I look forward to seeing everyone's progress this month and finding out what you'll be reading :)
Updated message 152/6
✔3. Get lost roaming around the ruins in Petra by reading a book that takes place in the Middle East or where the characters do a lot of moving around. Redeployment
Update: 1/4Option 16) Bask in the luxury of the Neuschwanstein Castle by reading a book that takes place in Germany or a book inspired by a fairy tale.
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (4 stars) (based on Little Red Riding Hood)
Congratulations Cheri, on finishing your first task of the challenge! Way to go Amanda on your progress :) And congratulations Lindsay, on completing your challenge this month!
I hope you all enjoyed the books :)
Happy Thursday!
Update to post 34:4/6 complete
15. Moai statues - The Not-Quite States of America: Dispatches from the Territories and Other Far-Flung Outposts of the USA on July 11
20. Sydney Opera House - The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag on July 15
Hello, my name is Malola.I want to try out the challenge though I'm a bit late... =P
I want to try the whole bunch, but I don't know which books are which...
Sign me up for the whole 21, please. :)
Just completed #10 (several periods in history) - Max Perkins: Editor of Genius by A. Scott Berg. I always appreciate books that teach me something or reveal a world heretofore unknown. That's how I feel about this book - it was packed with realizations about the editor behind genius authors. The overall book could have used some of its own editing, and while I appreciate the author using primary source material as much as possible, it definitely bogged down the book in places. Overall, worth reading! 4 stars5/10
Update: 4/618. Statue of Liberty: a book that takes place in the U.S.A or about immigration. - The Diviners
Great job on your progress, Chrissy, Megan, Mie and Janine :) I hope you're enjoying the challenge and getting through some decent books :) I've updated the list, please let me know if I've missed anybody!
Malola wrote: "Hello, my name is Malola.I want to try out the challenge though I'm a bit late... =P
I want to try the whole bunch, but I don't know which books are which...
Sign me up for the whole 21, please. :)"
Welcome Malola!
That is quite the goal and you've got plenty of time to catch up :)
Best of luck. Looking forward to seeing what you'll be reading.
Update: 2/4Option 3) Get lost roaming around the ruins in Petra by reading a book that takes place in the Middle East or where the characters do a lot of moving around.
An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine
The book takes place in Beirut.
Update: Message 392/6
3. Get lost roaming around the ruins in Petra by reading a book that takes place in the Middle East or where the characters do a lot of moving around: In the Land of Invisible Women: A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom
1. 2. Take a walk along the Great Wall of China by reading a book that takes place in China or where someone takes are really long walk.
3.
4. Imagine yourself viewing a show from the great Colosseum in Rome by reading a book that takes place in Italy or about a great battle or warrior.
5. Be dazzled by the mythological statues of Chichen Itza by reading a book that takes place in Mexico/Central America or about mythological creatures.
6. Take in the sun as you climb the mountains to visit the palace of MachuPicchu by reading a book about Peru/South America or about an emperor.
7.
8.
9. Explore The Acropolis of Athens for the Parthenon by reading a book that takes place in Greece or about the gods.
10.
11. Take your time exploring the largest temple in the world at ANgkor Wat by reading a book about Cambodia/far east Asia or about colonialism.
12. Fall in love with the lights of the Eiffel Tower by reading a book that takes place in France or that took place during the industrial revolution.
13.
14. Search for the waterfall located inside the Buddhist temple of Kiyomizu-dera by reading a book that takes place in Japan or about a great love story.
15.
16. Basque in the luxury of the Neuschwanstein Castle by reading a book that takes place in Germany or a book inspired by a fairy tale.
17. View many of Moscow’s important historical sights in the Red Square by reading a book that takes place in Russia or about life under communism.
18. Say hello to the welcoming lady of the Statue of Liberty by reading a book that takes place in the U.S.A or about immigration.
19. Ponder who placed all those giant rocks in Stonehenge by reading a book that takes place in England/United Kingdom or about the outer space.
20. Travel down under to enjoy the many performances of the Sydney Opera House by reading a book that takes place in Australia or about performing in a show.
21. Remember that sometimes wonders due cease by visiting the remains of Timbuktu by reading a that takes place in Western Africa or about a character on a decline.
Updated OM 38 with:- Get lost roaming around the ruins in Petra by reading a book that takes place in the Middle East or in which the characters do a lot of moving around. Feversong (2017.07.21, ★★★★★).
[1/1]
Just completed #2 (really long walk) - Glory over Everything: Beyond The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom. While this book was interesting, it did not have the emotional impact and resonance of The Kitchen House. The main character did not seem developed, and the pacing of the plot was odd with little effect on the story. Good writing and a good story, but my expectations were high after her previous novel. Worth reading. 3.5 stars6/10
Update msg 20: 6/9✅ 3. Middle East - Appointment with Death ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ 12. France - Nobody's Boy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hope it's not too late to join this challenge)))
✅ 1. Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare a book that takes place in the ancient world 07/29/2017 ★★☆☆☆
✅ 2. Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick a book where someone takes are really long walk 07/22/2017 ★★★★☆
✅ 3. Dune by Frank Herbert a book where the characters do a lot of moving around 07/23/2017 ★★★★★
✅ 4. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert a book that takes place in Italy 08/12/2017 ★★★★☆
5. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare a book about mythological creatures
✅ 6. The Pearl by John Steinbeck a book about Peru/South America 08/05/2017 ★★☆☆☆
✅ 7. Loneliness on the Net by Janusz Leon Wiśniewski a book about a suffering a great loss 07/23/2017 ★★★★★
8. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes a book about a scientific achievement
9. Preludes & Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman a book about the gods
✅ 10. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón a book that takes place in Spain/Northern Africa 09/29/2017 ★★★★☆
11. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne a book about colonialism.
12. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah a book that takes place in France
✅ 13. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens a book about religion 07/27/2017 ★★★☆☆
✅ 14. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami a book that takes place in Japan 09/30/2017 ★☆☆☆☆
15. The Tempest by William Shakespeare a book that takes place on an Island
✅ 16. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne a book that takes place in Germany 08/14/2017 ★★★★☆
✅ 17. Chuck and Geck by Arkadi Gaidar a book that takes place in Russia or about life under communism 07/21/2017 ★★☆☆☆
✅ 18. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini a book about immigration 09/09/2017 ★★☆☆☆
✅ 19. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen a book that takes place in England/United Kingdom 08/21/2017 ★☆☆☆☆
✅ 20. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey a book about performing in a show 09/20/2017 ★★★☆☆
21. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling a book about a character on a decline
14/21
✅ 1. Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare a book that takes place in the ancient world 07/29/2017 ★★☆☆☆
✅ 2. Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick a book where someone takes are really long walk 07/22/2017 ★★★★☆
✅ 3. Dune by Frank Herbert a book where the characters do a lot of moving around 07/23/2017 ★★★★★
✅ 4. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert a book that takes place in Italy 08/12/2017 ★★★★☆
5. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare a book about mythological creatures
✅ 6. The Pearl by John Steinbeck a book about Peru/South America 08/05/2017 ★★☆☆☆
✅ 7. Loneliness on the Net by Janusz Leon Wiśniewski a book about a suffering a great loss 07/23/2017 ★★★★★
8. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes a book about a scientific achievement
9. Preludes & Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman a book about the gods
✅ 10. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón a book that takes place in Spain/Northern Africa 09/29/2017 ★★★★☆
11. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne a book about colonialism.
12. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah a book that takes place in France
✅ 13. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens a book about religion 07/27/2017 ★★★☆☆
✅ 14. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami a book that takes place in Japan 09/30/2017 ★☆☆☆☆
15. The Tempest by William Shakespeare a book that takes place on an Island
✅ 16. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne a book that takes place in Germany 08/14/2017 ★★★★☆
✅ 17. Chuck and Geck by Arkadi Gaidar a book that takes place in Russia or about life under communism 07/21/2017 ★★☆☆☆
✅ 18. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini a book about immigration 09/09/2017 ★★☆☆☆
✅ 19. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen a book that takes place in England/United Kingdom 08/21/2017 ★☆☆☆☆
✅ 20. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey a book about performing in a show 09/20/2017 ★★★☆☆
21. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling a book about a character on a decline
14/21
Update: Message 393/6
18. Say hello to the welcoming lady of the Statue of Liberty by reading a book that takes place in the U.S.A or about immigration: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory
I'm a little bit away from things that have appeared, but I'll write down with 15 to see if I'm motivated and I'll get to it again.In July and law
1. (Matched #1) by Ally Condie 16-07
2. Crossed (Matched, #2) Condie, Ally, Jul 18, 2017
3.
I finished the 5th and 6th for this list (post 34), and am raising my goal to 12 books.6/12 complete
9. The gods - The Magician King
14. A great love story - Outlander
Update!Progress: 4/9
1) The Knife of Never Letting Go (#11 - Colonialism)
2) Cross Kill (#18 - USA)
3) Chase (#3 - A Lot of Moving Around)
4) Scarlet (#12 - France)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Update: 6/6. I'd like to up my goal to 8, putting me at 6/8.13. Hagia Sophia: a book that takes place in Turkey/Persia or about religion. - The Sin Eater’s Daughter
19. Stonehenge: a book that takes place in England/United Kingdom or about the outer space. - All of the Above
Update: 3/41. Travel to the only remaining wonder of the ancient world, the Pyramids at Giza by reading a book that takes place in Egypt or the ancient world.
The Mummies of Ürümchi by Elizabeth Wayland Barber (5 stars) - This book takes place in ancient Central Asia.
Updated OM 38 with:Be amazed at the global engineering that went into the design of Christ the Redeemer by reading a book that takes place in Brazil or about a scientific achievement. Ready Player One (2017.07.28, ★★★★★).
[5/1]
Just completed #17 (life under communism) - The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See. I really enjoyed this book! Do not rely entirely on the description, as I found it a bit misleading when I began. The book is much more complex and focuses almost entirely on the mother character. The entrance of her daughter is cleverly woven in through secondary documents. I know very little about ethnic minorities in China and even less about tea, but the book explains things very well. Definitely worth reading! 4.5 stars7/10
Update to message #81.
✅ 1. Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare a book that takes place in the ancient world 07/29/2017 ★★☆☆☆
6/21
✅ 1. Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare a book that takes place in the ancient world 07/29/2017 ★★☆☆☆
6/21
Update!Progress: 5/9
1) The Knife of Never Letting Go (#11 - Colonialism)
2) Cross Kill (#18 - USA)
3) Chase (#3 - A Lot of Moving Around)
4) Scarlet (#12 - France)
5) The 5th Wave (#2 - Long Walk)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Just completed #13 (religion) - The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story by Diane Ackerman. The subject of this book was absolutely fascinating! She was an interesting mix of modern and traditional. I was surprised when I realized it was a work of nonfiction! I appreciated the author relying on source materials but not directly quoting them all the time - it kept the story flowing. However, she did double back quite a bit, which led to a slightly disjointed story. There were also areas that she apparently found fascinating (like bugs) that detracted from the overall book. A bit of editing would have helped. However, overall, really good! Definitely worth reading! 4 stars8/10
Update: 7/812. Eiffel Tower: a book that takes place in France or that took place during the industrial revolution. - Code Name Verity
Update: 4/4 - Challenge complete!!Option 8) Be amazed at the global engineering that went into the design of Christ the Redeemer by reading a book that takes place in Brazil or about a scientific achievement.
American Eclipse: A Nation's Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World by David Baron (3 stars)
(about the scientific discoveries around the 1878 solar eclipse)
updated message 153/6
✔2. Take a walk along the Great Wall of China by reading a book that takes place in China or where someone takes are really long walk. The Last One
updated message 154/6
✔7. Stand under the white marble domes of the Taj Mahal by reading a book that takes place in India or about a suffering a great loss. At the Edge of the Universe
Just completed #5 (mythological creatures) - Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. This book was good but not great. While I found this book more enjoyable than Gaiman's more recent books, it still had some sensational, gratuitous elements that I found distasteful. The story was interesting, and I did like that he challenged preconceived notions. Worth reading. 3.5 stars9/10
2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Nightingale (other topics)The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (other topics)
Lost in Babylon (other topics)
The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act (other topics)
The Wishsong of Shannara (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Kristin Hannah (other topics)Haruki Murakami (other topics)
Carlos Ruiz Zafón (other topics)
Ken Kesey (other topics)
Robert Louis Stevenson (other topics)
More...
2/4
1. Be amazed at the global engineering that went into the design of Christ the Redeemer by reading a book that takes place in Brazil or about a scientific achievement. State of Wonder
2. Ponder who placed all those giant rocks in Stonehenge by reading a book that takes place in England/United Kingdom or about the outer space.Into the Water
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