July 2017 - Odd Holidays

[Krysta]

July 2017 Monthly Challenge – Odd Holidays
Duration: July 1st, 2017 – June 31st, 2017

Most everyone knows that the United States of America celebrates Independence day on the 4th of July with fireworks, BBQs, and summer shenanigans, but what about the lesser known holidays in July?
Below are 16 holidays you may have never known about. Read up on them, then pick some books to celebrate!

Information taken from MentalFloss.com.

Challenge Rules:
→ When you sign up for the challenge, please post some kind of a place saver so that I can link you up under the participants. Once you have decided on your books, just edit that post so that the link under the Participants List will go to your list!

→ When you finish reading a book, please edit your post and add the date completed.

→ You may only use each book once in the challenge, but feel free to use the same titles in other challenges!

→ When you complete the challenge, please copy and paste your entire, completed list as a brand new message to make it easier for everyone to see what you've read, and to have your name marked as complete/finished/done/however you want to show you read them all!.

→ If you decide that you've bitten off more than you can chew, feel free to let me know you'd like to downgrade, or even back out of the challenge. Please do not delete the post. It will mess up the links to other participants' postings if you do.

Difficulty Levels
Easy: 3 Tasks
Medium: 6 Tasks
Hard: 9 Tasks
Bibliophile: 12+ Tasks


Holidays!
July 1: National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day
In 1984, Ronald Reagan deemed July “National Ice Cream Month,” and the third Sunday of this month “National Ice Cream Day.” As great as the treat itself is, we’re big fans of those unusual flavor combinations that make you question the limitations of culinary science and marvel at their possibilities! Ben and Jerry might have the offbeat flavor market cornered for now, but to be safe you should probably head for your local ice creamery to “test” their strongest contenders.
♦ Read the third book in a series -or- Read a book where the author's first and last initials are the same, such as Ronald Regan

July 2: World UFO Day
Keep your eyes on the sky at night on this day, because they are out there. According to the World UFO Day website, the celebration of all things unidentified, object, and airborne started officially in 2001. That said, most UFOlogoists believe the existence of intelligent beings from outer space dates much further back. If you’re feeling extra conspiratorial, holiday organizers implore you to use this day to “encourage governments to declassify their knowledge about sightings throughout the history.”
♦ Read something published in 2001 -or- Read a science fiction novel

July 4: Sidewalk Egg Frying Day
We’ve all heard the phrase “so hot outside you could fry an egg,” but today is the day we put that expression to the test. Though the origins of this climate-specific holiday are unknown, we imagine heat-inclined states were the earliest adopters. Oatman, Arizona has upped the ante with an annual solar-frying contest. Since you need daylight for this activity, it doesn't need to be mutually exclusive with Fourth of July fireworks! Everyone wins.
♦ Get steamy and read something hot, hot, hot! -or- Read something that has double letters in the title, like in "EGG"

July 6: International Kissing Day
Pucker up for some summer love! Formerly known as National Kissing Day in the United Kingdom, this holiday was invented to remind us all of the simple pleasure a sweet kiss can bring. It is also cited as a direct cause for National Mono Day.
♦ Read a Paranormal Romance (but not erotica) -or- Read a book that starts with a letter found in "KISSING"

July 8: International Town Criers Day
Hear ye, hear ye! Before there was Twitter, CNN, or even a newspaper, every respectable town had a town crier who kept the good public abreast of all relevant comings and goings. Today, you have full permission to shout your appreciation from the rooftops—it’s how they wanted it.
♦ Read a popular book, or one that has had its fair share of time in the spotlight -or- Read a book that someone recommended to you

July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic Day
In the early 20th century, John Walter Bratton composed an instrumental song entitled “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic.” In the late 1980s, collectible items dealer Royal Selangor decided to turn that into a national holiday. He also had the idea to conveniently release toy boxes and collectible items in conjunction with said event. Regardless of capitalist motives, the day became a national holiday and remains popular throughout Europe, as far away as Australia, and among many reputable stuffed bear circles.
♦ Read a book featuring shifters (bonus if they can shift to a bear!) -or- Read a book that begins with a letter found in "TEDDY BEAR"

7. July 11: Slurpee Day
In observance of the the eponymous date 7/11, the store will dole out free Slurpees. Freeloaders mark your calendars now, and be sure to set aside an extra 20 minutes of recovery time from the subsequent brain freeze.
♦ Read a book you got for free (library, borrowed from a friend, ARC, etc.) -or- Read a book with a number in the title (ex: NOS4A2, The 5th Wave, 100 Hours, etc.)

July 11: World Population Day
In honor of the holiday this year, the United Nations Population Fund continues advocating its Universal Access to Reproductive Health initiative. After you’ve recovered from your aforementioned brain freeze, take one more moment to reflect on being a part of such a big whole.
♦ Read a book that takes place in a country other than your own -or- Read a big book (over 300 pages)

July 13: National French Fries Day
Or National Freedom Fries Day, depending on your politics. We can’t make any promises, but last year some McDonald’s restaurants gave away their signature deep-fried potato sticks in honor of this special day. Free or not, on this day treat yourself to a full basket of guilt-free, Frenched, and fried goodness!
♦ Read a book with any kind of food on the title -or- Read a title written by an author who's first and last initials can be found in "FRENCH FRIES"

July 14: National Nude Day
The day the Tobias Fünkes of the world fear most. Originating in New Zealand, this non-public holiday encourages everyone to publicly celebrate their all-natural form. Note: please be sure to familiarize yourself with current local legislation concerning public nudity, lest you find yourself observing “international delinquent day.”
♦ Embrace the nudity and read a book that shows some skin on the cover -or- Read a book that starts with a letter found in "NUDE"

July 14: Bastille Day
Storm your local Bastille in honor of France’s 1789 victory. More than 50 U.S. cities host celebrations, so you have no excuse to not indulge in delicious French foods and more fireworks. If your city happens to have loose public nudity laws, you can celebrate the birth of French democracy in your birthday suit!
♦ Read a book that's page number ends in 1,7,8, or 9 -or- Read a dystopian novel

July 17: Yellow Pig Day
The figment of two mathematicians’ imaginations in the 1960s, the 17-eyelashed yellow pig was born from an intense study of the fascinating properties of the number 17. Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics has kept the yellow flame alive every year, with Yellow Pig Math Days and even a special conference held in 2006 (the 34th, or 17x2, summer of the program).
♦ Read a book published in 2017 -or- Read a book with "17" intact in the page number

July 19: National Flitch Day
A 15th century relic, a “flitch” referred to an amount of bacon offered to married couples by local monks who could prove a year’s worth of matrimonial bliss to a jury of their single peers. Thought to have originated in Dunmore, England, the modern-day flitch ceremony now takes place once every four years, but is still very much all about the bacon.
♦ Read a book that starts with a letter in "FLITCH" -or- Read a book that features a wedding or married couple

July 22: Doonerism Spay
The birthday of Reverend William Archibald Spooner in 1844 London also marks the celebration of the famous slip of the tongue named after him. A spoonerism was originally the accidental switch of consonants or vowels, but has also since become a popular wordplay game.
♦ Read a book with a more upbeat/playful tone (nothing dark or broody!) -or- Read something from an author who's first or last initial can be found in "SPOONERISM"

July 26: National Talk in an Elevator Day
We all do it. We look at our phone, at our feet, or at the fresh coffee stain on our shirts. Anything to avoid even making eye contact with our fellow elevator riders. Not today. Not on the last Friday in July. Throw out the social compact, and strike up a conversation with the nearest stranger while in a small space for a short period of time.
♦ Read a book you picked up because of recommendation -or- Read a book with a face on the cover

July 29: National Lasagna Day
Catch up on some Garfield comics, head to an Italian restaurant, or grab some ricotta, pasta and Bolognese and whip one up yourself—there are many ways to honor National Lasagna Day. The only wrong way is to not honor it at all.
♦ Read a book with a red, white, or green cover to honor Italy for their delicious lasagna -or- Read a book where the main character's initial can be found in "LASAGNA"


If you have any suggestions for this challenge, or future challenges, please let me know! I would be happy to hear your recommendations!

Happy Reading!

[Krysta]

Participants:
(In Alphabetical Order)

Alicia Finished!
Amyiw
Bobbie
J.C. Finished!
Jen Finished!
Jennifer
~JustMel~ Finished!
Krysta Finished!
Natalie Finished!
Randi Finished!
Robin
Sian
Vannessa

[Krysta]

I'm going to start things off with easy. Hopefully I'll upgrade!

July 2017 Monthly Challenge – Odd Holidays
Duration: July 1st, 2017 – June 31st, 2017

3/3 Finished

July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic Day
Read a book featuring shifters
Bullet 7/17/17

July 11: World Population Day
Read a big book (over 300 pages)
The Darkest Part of the Forest (336 pages) 8/15/17

July 14: National Nude Day
Embrace the nudity and read a book that shows some skin on the cover -or- Read a book that starts with a letter found in "NUDE"
Desire Unchained 7/28/17
This both has a shirtless guy on the cover and starts with a D!

[Sian]

im in for easy will think and look in my TBR list to see if i can find 3 may upgrade later tho

[Randi]

ODD HOLIDAYS

July 1 - 31, 2017

Going for more:

Hard 9/9 Tasks COMPLETED

Medium 6/6 Tasks COMPLETED






Holidays!
July 1: National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day
In 1984, Ronald Reagan deemed July “National Ice Cream Month,” and the third Sunday of this month “National Ice Cream Day.”
♦ Read the third book in a series -or- Read a book where the author's first and last initials are the same, such as Ronald Regan

July 2: World UFO Day
♦ Read something science fiction The Starlight Rite/Cherise Sinclair 7-12-17

July 4: Sidewalk Egg Frying Day;
♦ read something hot, hot, hot! Tease/Penny Wylder 7-17-17

July 6: International Kissing Day;, letter found in "KISSING"No Safe House/Linwood barclay 7-13-17

July 8: International Town Criers Day;
♦ Read a popular book, or one that has had its fair share of time in the spotlight -or- Read a book that someone recommended to you

July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic Day;
♦ Read a book beginning with a letter found in "TEDDY BEAR" Apprentice in Death/JD Robb 7-21-17

7. July 11: Slurpee Day;
♦ Read a book you got for free (library) Gone for Good/Harlan Coben 7-3-17

July 11: World Population Day;
♦ takes place in a country other than your own Until Death We Do Part/Sherrilyn Kenyon 7-25-17

July 13: National French Fries Day;
♦ Read a book with any kind of food on the title -or- Read a title written by an author who's first and last initials can be found in "FRENCH FRIES"

July 14: National Nude Day;
♦ skin on the cover Lucifer/DB Reynolds 7-9-17

July 14: Bastille Day;
♦ Read a book that's page number ends in 1,7,8, or 9 -or- Read a dystopian novel

July 17: Yellow Pig Day;
♦ book published in 2017 Echoes in Death/JD Robb 7-24-17 PUBLISHED Feb 7, 2017

July 19: National Flitch Day
♦ Read a book that starts with a letter in "FLITCH" -or- Read a book that features a wedding or married couple

July 22: Doonerism Spay;
♦ Read a book with a more upbeat/playful tone (nothing dark or broody!) -or- Read something from an author who's first or last initial can be found in "SPOONERISM"

July 26: National Talk in an Elevator Day;
♦ Read a book you picked up because of recommendation -or- Read a book with a face on the cover

July 29: National Lasagna Day
♦ red & white cover No Time for Goodbye/Linwood Barclay 7-7-17

[Vannessa]

This sounds like lots of fun! Going for Hard level at the minute, but might change depending on time. Will fill in as I go.

July 2017 Monthly Challenge – Odd Holidays
Duration: July 1st, 2017 – July 31st, 2017

Difficulty Level: Hard: 9 Tasks- 0/9

Holidays!

July 1: National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day
In 1984, Ronald Reagan deemed July “National Ice Cream Month,” and the third Sunday of this month “National Ice Cream Day.”
♦ Read the third book in a series -or- Read a book where the author's first and last initials are the same, such as Ronald Reagan
Lie Down with DogsFINISHED July 3rd

July 2: World UFO Day
♦ Read something published in 2001 -or- Read a science fiction novel

July 4: Sidewalk Egg Frying Day;
♦ Get steamy and read something hot, hot, hot! -or- Read something that has double letters in the title, like in "EGG"

July 6: International Kissing Day;
♦ Read a Paranormal Romance (but not erotica) -or- Read a book that starts with a letter found in "KISSING"

July 8: International Town Criers Day;
♦ Read a popular book, or one that has had its fair share of time in the spotlight -or- Read a book that someone recommended to you Phantom Kiss FINISHED July 25th

July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic Day;
♦ Read a book featuring shifters (bonus if they can shift to a bear!) -or- Read a book that begins with a letter found in "TEDDY BEAR"

7. July 11: Slurpee Day;
♦ Read a book you got for free (library, borrowed from a friend, ARC, etc.) -or- Read a book with a number in the title (ex: NOS4A2, The 5th Wave, 100 Hours, etc.) Star Witch (Got as an ARC) FINISHED July 9th

July 11: World Population Day;
♦ Read a book that takes place in a country other than your own -or- Read a big book (over 300 pages) Would-Be Witch FINISHED July 15th

July 13: National French Fries Day;
♦ Read a book with any kind of food in the title -or- Read a title written by an author who's first and last initials can be found in "FRENCH FRIES"

July 14: National Nude Day;
♦ Embrace the nudity and read a book that shows some skin on the cover -or- Read a book that starts with a letter found in "NUDE"

July 14: Bastille Day;
♦ Read a book whose page number ends in 1,7,8, or 9 -or- Read a dystopian novel

July 17: Yellow Pig Day;
♦ Read a book published in 2017 -or- Read a book with "17" intact in the page number

July 19: National Flitch Day
♦ Read a book that starts with a letter in "FLITCH" -or- Read a book that features a wedding or married couple Blade Bound FINISHED July 28th

July 22: Doonerism Spay;
♦ Read a book with a more upbeat/playful tone (nothing dark or broody!) -or- Read something from an author who's first or last initial can be found in "SPOONERISM" Kill Game: An Urban Fantasy Thriller FINISHED July 24th

July 26: National Talk in an Elevator Day;
♦ Read a book you picked up because of recommendation -or- Read a book with a face on the cover

July 29: National Lasagna Day
♦ Read a book with a red, white, or green cover to honor Italy for their delicious lasagna -or- Read a book where the main character's initial can be found in "LASAGNA"

READ 6/9

[Robin]

ODD HOLIDAYS

Difficulty Levels
Easy: 3 Tasks
Medium: 6 Tasks
Hard: 9 Tasks
Bibliophile: 12+ Tasks


July 1: National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day
♦ Read the third book in a series -or- Read a book where the author's first and last initials are the same, such as Ronald Regan Rainbow Rowell, Carry On, good, but still going to wait for Simon - 07.09.17

July 2: World UFO Day
♦ Read something published in 2001 -or- Read a science fiction novel: Storm Front, reviewed (sort of) 🌟🌟🌟, 07.06.17

July 4: Sidewalk Egg Frying Day
♦ Get steamy and read something hot, hot, hot! -or- Read something that has double letters in the title, like in "EGG"

July 6: International Kissing Day
♦ Read a Paranormal Romance (but not erotica) -or- Read a book that starts with a letter found in "KISSING"

July 8: International Town Criers Day
♦ Read a popular book, or one that has had its fair share of time in the spotlight -or- Read a book that someone recommended to you

July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic Day
♦ Read a book featuring shifters (bonus if they can shift to a bear!) -or- Read a book that begins with a letter found in "TEDDY BEAR"

7. July 11: Slurpee Day
♦ Read a book you got for free (library, borrowed from a friend, ARC, etc.) -or- Read a book with a number in the title (ex: NOS4A2, The 5th Wave, 100 Hours, etc.)

July 11: World Population Day
♦ Read a book that takes place in a country other than your own -or- Read a big book (over 300 pages)

July 13: National French Fries Day
♦ Read a book with any kind of food on the title -or- Read a title written by an author who's first and last initials can be found in "FRENCH FRIES"

July 14: National Nude Day
♦ Embrace the nudity and read a book that shows some skin on the cover -or- Read a book that starts with a letter found in "NUDE"

July 14: Bastille Day
♦ Read a book that's page number ends in 1,7,8, or 9 -or- Read a dystopian novel

July 17: Yellow Pig Day
♦ Read a book published in 2017 -or- Read a book with "17" intact in the page number

July 19: National Flitch Day
♦ Read a book that starts with a letter in "FLITCH" -or- Read a book that features a wedding or married couple, The Convenient Marriage, Georgette Heyer 1/?, 07.02.17

July 22: Doonerism Spay
♦ Read a book with a more upbeat/playful tone (nothing dark or broody!) -or- Read something from an author who's first or last initial can be found in "SPOONERISM"

July 26: National Talk in an Elevator Day
♦ Read a book you picked up because of recommendation -or- Read a book with a face on the cover

July 29: National Lasagna Day
♦ Read a book with a red, white, or green cover to honor Italy for their delicious lasagna -or- Read a book where the main character's initial can be found in "LASAGNA"

Completed: 3/?

THE WALL:
, , 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 14, 17, , 22, 26, 29

[Jen]

This does sound fun! I'm not sure how successful I'll be at it, though, since today is July 1 and I'm already feeling overwhelmed by all I have to read. So count me in for Easy (3), but I'll hope to reach Bibliophile (12+)! :-)

July 2017 Monthly Challenge – Odd Holidays
Duration: July 1st, 2017 – July 31st, 2017

Difficulty Level: Easy: 3 Tasks Bibliophile: 12+ Tasks
Completed 16 of 16 tasks on July 24, 2017!

Holidays!

July 1: National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day
♦ Read the third book in a series
Venom (Elemental Assassin #3) by Jennifer Estep. Read 07/09/2017. ★★★★ My review.

July 2: World UFO Day
♦ or- Read a science fiction novel
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (read by Simon Vance). Read 07/23/2017. No rating or review, yet.

July 4: Sidewalk Egg Frying Day;
♦ or- Read something that has double letters in the title, like in "EGG"
River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey (TEETH). Read 07/08/2017. ★★★★ My review.

July 6: International Kissing Day;
♦ or- Read a book that starts with a letter found in "KISSING"
Karen Memory by Elizabeth Bear. Finished 07/22/2017. ★★★★ My review.

July 8: International Town Criers Day;
♦ Read a popular book
Come Sundown by Nora Roberts. Finished 07/04/2017. ★★★★★ My review.
(There are always LOTS of holds on new Nora Roberts books at my library.)

July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic Day;
♦ Read a book featuring shifters (bonus if they can shift to a bear!) -or- Read a book that begins with a letter found in "TEDDY BEAR"
Bear Necessities by Dana Marie Bell! ("Bunny," the male MC, is a Bear shifter!) Read 07/24/2017. ★★★★ My review.

7. July 11: Slurpee Day;
♦ Read a book you got for free (library)
Bane and Shadow by Jon Skovron. Finished 07/07/2017. ★★★★ My review.

July 11: World Population Day;
♦ Read a book that takes place in a country other than your own -or- Read a big book (over 300 pages)
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (it's 1,318 pages long and set in Japan). Finished 07/20/2017. ★★★ My review.

July 13: National French Fries Day;
♦ Read a book with any kind of food on the title (on the cover)
Pride's Spell by Matt Wallace. Read 07/22/2017. ★★★★★ My review.

July 14: National Nude Day;
♦ Embrace the nudity and read a book that shows some skin on the cover
Saga, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan. Read 07/23/2017. ★★★★ My review.

July 14: Bastille Day:
♦ Read a book that's page number ends in 1,7,8, or 9
Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer (278 pages). Read 07/02/2017. ★★★½ My review.

July 17: Yellow Pig Day;
♦ Read a book published in 2017
Souljacker by Yasmine Galenorn (pub. Mar.2017). Read 07/05/2017. ★★★★ My review.

July 19: National Flitch Day
♦ Read a book that starts with a letter in "FLITCH"
I Was a Fat Drunk Catholic School Insomniac by Jamie Iredell. Read 07/13/2017. ★★ My review.

July 22: Doonerism Spay;
♦ Read a book with a more upbeat/playful tone (nothing dark or broody!) -or- Read something from an author who's first or last initial can be found in "SPOONERISM"
Lustlocked by Matt Wallace. (This is book two in a super fun UF series, though this one made me cry in the end...) Read 07/14/2017. ★★★★★ My review.

July 26: National Talk in an Elevator Day:
♦ Read a book you picked up because of recommendation
Envy of Angels by Matt Wallace. (I was recommended this series by Joel Cunningham in a Barnes and Noble SciFi and Fantasy YouTube post a few months ago. Someone who replied to my comment on this post recommended this particular book.) :-) Read 07/01/2017. ★★★★★ My review.

July 29: National Lasagna Day
♦ Read a book with a red, white, or green cover to honor Italy for their delicious lasagna -or- Read a book where the main character's initial can be found in "LASAGNA"
Tangled Threads by Jennifer Estep (cover is +50% red; book stars Gin Blanco). Read 07/10/2017. ★★★★★ My review.

Completed 16/16!!!

[Alicia]

Going for broke! Bibliophile: 12+ Tasks

16/16

All finished 19 July

✔ 1. Third book in a series: Magic Nights 7/7 (4 stars)
✔ 2. Science fiction novel: Qualify 19/7 (4 stars)
✔ 3. Double letters in title: The Ripple Effect 11/7 (3 stars)
✔ 4. Starts with a letter found in KISSING: Shadow World: The Complete Trilogy 8/7 (3 stars)
✔ 5. Recommended to you: King Hall 12/7 (4 stars)
✔ 6. Begins with a letter found in TEDDY BEAR: The Renfield Syndrome 10/7 (4 stars)
✔ 7. Library book: The Stars Never Rise 4/7 (4 stars)
✔ 8. Set in different country: Rival Magic 7/7 (2 stars)
✔ 9. Author initials found in FRENCH FRIES: Magic Games by Ella Summers 6/7 (4 stars)
✔ 10. Starts with a letter found in NUDE: Defender 16/7 (5 stars)
✔ 11. Page number ends in 8: Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between 7/7 (4 stars)
✔ 12. Published in 2017: Hunted 17/7 (3 stars)
✔ 13. Starts with a letter in FLITCH: The Flame Never Dies 5/7 (4 stars)
✔ 14. Authors initials found in SPOONERISM: Mercenary Magic by Ella Summers 5/7 (3 stars)
✔ 15. Face on the cover: King Cave 12/7 (5 stars)
✔ 16. Main character's initial can be found in LASAGNA: Twisted: The Girl Who Uncovered Rumplestilskin's Name 3/7 (3 stars)

Finished:

[~JustMel~]

I'm gonna go hard so I don't have to go home lol

July 1: National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day
Dragon's Lover Boxed Set

✔️ July 2: World UFO Day
Thrust into the Alien's Arms 7.3.17

✔️ July 4: Sidewalk Egg Frying Day
Chasing Rabbits 7.24.17

✔️ July 6: International Kissing Day
Sleeping Dragon 7.27.17

✔️ July 8: International Town Criers Day
Zoo 2 7.30.17

✔️ July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic Day
Unbearable Arms 7.2.17

✔️ 7. July 11: Slurpee Day
Sold To The Berserkers 7.12.17

✔️ July 11: World Population Day
Dragon Hunter Boxed Set (Takes place in London AND is 354 pgs.) 7.6.17

✔️ July 13: National French Fries Day
A Muffin Top Christmas 7.14.17

✔️ July 14: National Nude Day
Marcus 7.09.17

✔️ July 14: Bastille Day
Royal Mistake 7.25.17

✔️ July 17: Yellow Pig Day
Dear Neighbor 7.20.17

✔️ July 19: National Flitch Day
Caught By the Dragon 7.27.17

✔️ July 22: Doonerism Spay
A Bear Victory 7.26.17

July 26: National Talk in an Elevator Day
Soul Breather

✔️ July 29: National Lasagna Day
Big Bad Vamp 7.12.17
(One of the main character's names is Liam.)

[Jennifer]

I'm in for 3. May change later but I'm going to give it a shot.

0/3

[Bobbie]

I'm also going for 3. Let's see how the month progresses, I may move up to 6.

Holidays!
July 1: National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day
In 1984, Ronald Reagan deemed July “National Ice Cream Month,” and the third Sunday of this month “National Ice Cream Day.” As great as the treat itself is, we’re big fans of those unusual flavor combinations that make you question the limitations of culinary science and marvel at their possibilities! Ben and Jerry might have the offbeat flavor market cornered for now, but to be safe you should probably head for your local ice creamery to “test” their strongest contenders.
♦ Read the third book in a series -or- Read a book where the author's first and last initials are the same, such as Ronald Regan

July 2: World UFO Day
Keep your eyes on the sky at night on this day, because they are out there. According to the World UFO Day website, the celebration of all things unidentified, object, and airborne started officially in 2001. That said, most UFOlogoists believe the existence of intelligent beings from outer space dates much further back. If you’re feeling extra conspiratorial, holiday organizers implore you to use this day to “encourage governments to declassify their knowledge about sightings throughout the history.”
♦ Read something published in 2001 -or- Read a science fiction novel

July 4: Sidewalk Egg Frying Day
We’ve all heard the phrase “so hot outside you could fry an egg,” but today is the day we put that expression to the test. Though the origins of this climate-specific holiday are unknown, we imagine heat-inclined states were the earliest adopters. Oatman, Arizona has upped the ante with an annual solar-frying contest. Since you need daylight for this activity, it doesn't need to be mutually exclusive with Fourth of July fireworks! Everyone wins.
♦ Get steamy and read something hot, hot, hot! -or- Read something that has double letters in the title, like in "EGG"

July 6: International Kissing Day
Pucker up for some summer love! Formerly known as National Kissing Day in the United Kingdom, this holiday was invented to remind us all of the simple pleasure a sweet kiss can bring. It is also cited as a direct cause for National Mono Day.
♦ Read a Paranormal Romance (but not erotica) -or- Read a book that starts with a letter found in "KISSING"

July 8: International Town Criers Day
Hear ye, hear ye! Before there was Twitter, CNN, or even a newspaper, every respectable town had a town crier who kept the good public abreast of all relevant comings and goings. Today, you have full permission to shout your appreciation from the rooftops—it’s how they wanted it.
♦ Read a popular book, or one that has had its fair share of time in the spotlight -or- Read a book that someone recommended to you

July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic Day
In the early 20th century, John Walter Bratton composed an instrumental song entitled “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic.” In the late 1980s, collectible items dealer Royal Selangor decided to turn that into a national holiday. He also had the idea to conveniently release toy boxes and collectible items in conjunction with said event. Regardless of capitalist motives, the day became a national holiday and remains popular throughout Europe, as far away as Australia, and among many reputable stuffed bear circles.
♦ Read a book featuring shifters (bonus if they can shift to a bear!) -or- Read a book that begins with a letter found in "TEDDY BEAR"

7. July 11: Slurpee Day
In observance of the the eponymous date 7/11, the store will dole out free Slurpees. Freeloaders mark your calendars now, and be sure to set aside an extra 20 minutes of recovery time from the subsequent brain freeze.
♦ Read a book you got for free (library, borrowed from a friend, ARC, etc.) -or- Read a book with a number in the title (ex: NOS4A2, The 5th Wave, 100 Hours, etc.)

July 11: World Population Day
In honor of the holiday this year, the United Nations Population Fund continues advocating its Universal Access to Reproductive Health initiative. After you’ve recovered from your aforementioned brain freeze, take one more moment to reflect on being a part of such a big whole.
♦ Read a book that takes place in a country other than your own -or- Read a big book (over 300 pages)

July 13: National French Fries Day
Or National Freedom Fries Day, depending on your politics. We can’t make any promises, but last year some McDonald’s restaurants gave away their signature deep-fried potato sticks in honor of this special day. Free or not, on this day treat yourself to a full basket of guilt-free, Frenched, and fried goodness!
♦ Read a book with any kind of food on the title -or- Read a title written by an author who's first and last initials can be found in "FRENCH FRIES"

July 14: National Nude Day
The day the Tobias Fünkes of the world fear most. Originating in New Zealand, this non-public holiday encourages everyone to publicly celebrate their all-natural form. Note: please be sure to familiarize yourself with current local legislation concerning public nudity, lest you find yourself observing “international delinquent day.”
♦ Embrace the nudity and read a book that shows some skin on the cover -or- Read a book that starts with a letter found in "NUDE"

July 14: Bastille Day
Storm your local Bastille in honor of France’s 1789 victory. More than 50 U.S. cities host celebrations, so you have no excuse to not indulge in delicious French foods and more fireworks. If your city happens to have loose public nudity laws, you can celebrate the birth of French democracy in your birthday suit!
♦ Read a book that's page number ends in 1,7,8, or 9 -or- Read a dystopian novel

July 17: Yellow Pig Day
The figment of two mathematicians’ imaginations in the 1960s, the 17-eyelashed yellow pig was born from an intense study of the fascinating properties of the number 17. Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics has kept the yellow flame alive every year, with Yellow Pig Math Days and even a special conference held in 2006 (the 34th, or 17x2, summer of the program).
♦ Read a book published in 2017 -or- Read a book with "17" intact in the page number

July 19: National Flitch Day
A 15th century relic, a “flitch” referred to an amount of bacon offered to married couples by local monks who could prove a year’s worth of matrimonial bliss to a jury of their single peers. Thought to have originated in Dunmore, England, the modern-day flitch ceremony now takes place once every four years, but is still very much all about the bacon.
♦ Read a book that starts with a letter in "FLITCH" -or- Read a book that features a wedding or married couple

July 22: Doonerism Spay
The birthday of Reverend William Archibald Spooner in 1844 London also marks the celebration of the famous slip of the tongue named after him. A spoonerism was originally the accidental switch of consonants or vowels, but has also since become a popular wordplay game.
♦ Read a book with a more upbeat/playful tone (nothing dark or broody!) -or- Read something from an author who's first or last initial can be found in "SPOONERISM"

July 26: National Talk in an Elevator Day
We all do it. We look at our phone, at our feet, or at the fresh coffee stain on our shirts. Anything to avoid even making eye contact with our fellow elevator riders. Not today. Not on the last Friday in July. Throw out the social compact, and strike up a conversation with the nearest stranger while in a small space for a short period of time.
♦ Read a book you picked up because of recommendation -or- Read a book with a face on the cover

July 29: National Lasagna Day
Catch up on some Garfield comics, head to an Italian restaurant, or grab some ricotta, pasta and Bolognese and whip one up yourself—there are many ways to honor National Lasagna Day. The only wrong way is to not honor it at all.
♦ Read a book with a red, white, or green cover to honor Italy for their delicious lasagna -or- Read a book where the main character's initial can be found in "LASAGNA"

[Natalie]

I would like to participate, will post my books later today.

MEDIUM TASK - 6/6 COMPLETED

1. Unleashed by Sarah Humphreys - COMPLETED 07/31

2. Bear with Me by Sydney Addae - COMPLETED 07/25

3. Vampire University by VJ Erickson - COMPLETED 07/18

4. Feverborn by Karen Marie Moning - COMPLETED 07/07

5. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa - COMPLETED 07/21

6. Darkness Raging by Yasmine Galenorn - COMPLETED 07/14

[Amyiw]

I'm going to join this time.
Hard to Bibliophile
3/9 books read
✔ July 1: National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day
♦ Read the third book in a series -Shadow Walker, #3 of Stormwalker series

July 2: World UFO Day
Keep your eyes on the sky at night on this day, because they are out there. According to the World UFO Day website, the celebration of all things unidentified, object, and airborne started officially in 2001. That said, most UFOlogoists believe the existence of intelligent beings from outer space dates much further back. If you’re feeling extra conspiratorial, holiday organizers implore you to use this day to “encourage governments to declassify their knowledge about sightings throughout the history.”
♦ Read something published in 2001 -or- Read a science fiction novel

✔ July 4: Sidewalk Egg Frying Day
♦ Get steamy and read something hot, hot, hot! -Blaze by Suzanne Wright Blazing hot demons with Hell fire to boot.

✔ July 6: International Kissing Day
♦ Read a Paranormal Romance (but not erotica) - Juneau to Kenai: An Imp World Novella.


✔ July 8: International Town Criers Day
♦ Read a popular book, Tricked by Kevin Hearne

✔ July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic Day
♦ Read a book featuring shifters (bonus if they can shift to a bear!)
Bonus- bear shifter Silver Silence by Nalini Singh

7. July 11: Slurpee Day
In observance of the the eponymous date 7/11, the store will dole out free Slurpees. Freeloaders mark your calendars now, and be sure to set aside an extra 20 minutes of recovery time from the subsequent brain freeze.
♦ Read a book you got for free (library, borrowed from a friend, ARC, etc.) -or- Read a book with a number in the title (ex: NOS4A2, The 5th Wave, 100 Hours, etc.)


✔ July 11: World Population Day
♦ Read a book that takes place in a country other than your own -or- Read a big book (over 300 pages) Ashes 354pages

July 13: National French Fries Day
Or National Freedom Fries Day, depending on your politics. We can’t make any promises, but last year some McDonald’s restaurants gave away their signature deep-fried potato sticks in honor of this special day. Free or not, on this day treat yourself to a full basket of guilt-free, Frenched, and fried goodness!
♦ Read a book with any kind of food on the title -or- Read a title written by an author who's first and last initials can be found in "FRENCH FRIES"

✔ July 14:♦ National Nude Day
I'm counting
because it starts with him locked out nude on the street trying to not show his parts to the paparazzi.


July 14: Bastille Day
Storm your local Bastille in honor of France’s 1789 victory. More than 50 U.S. cities host celebrations, so you have no excuse to not indulge in delicious French foods and more fireworks. If your city happens to have loose public nudity laws, you can celebrate the birth of French democracy in your birthday suit!
♦ Read a book that's page number ends in 1,7,8, or 9 -or- Read a dystopian novel

✔ July 17: Yellow Pig Day
♦ Read a book published in 2017 -Stay

July 19: National Flitch Day
A 15th century relic, a “flitch” referred to an amount of bacon offered to married couples by local monks who could prove a year’s worth of matrimonial bliss to a jury of their single peers. Thought to have originated in Dunmore, England, the modern-day flitch ceremony now takes place once every four years, but is still very much all about the bacon.
♦ Read a book that starts with a letter in "FLITCH" -or- Read a book that features a wedding or married couple

✔ July 22: Doonerism Spay
♦ Read a book with a more upbeat/playful tone -or- author 1st & Last initial in "SPOONERISM"
Nalini Singh- Secrets at Midnight, or Wild Embrace and Invitation. Since they are all novella, much more upbeat.

✔ July 26: National Talk in an Elevator Day
♦ Read a book you picked up because of recommendation -or- Read a book with a face on the cover
Blade Song

July 29: National Lasagna Day
Catch up on some Garfield comics, head to an Italian restaurant, or grab some ricotta, pasta and Bolognese and whip one up yourself—there are many ways to honor National Lasagna Day. The only wrong way is to not honor it at all.
♦ Read a book with a red, white, or green cover to honor Italy for their delicious lasagna

READ

[Krysta]

So happy to see so many participants!
The list should be updated. Let me know if your link doesn't work!

[Jen]

Krysta, when you said. . .
"July 13: National French Fries Day;
♦ Read a book with any kind of food on the title" . . .

Do you mean we need read a book with a food IN the title or ON the cover? ???

[Krysta]

Jen wrote: "Krysta, when you said. . .
"July 13: National French Fries Day;
♦ Read a book with any kind of food on the title" . . .

Do you mean we need read a book with a food IN the title or ON the cover? ???"

Haha... um, well since I wrote that weird, go with either!

[Jen]

Krysta wrote: "Jen wrote: "♦ Read a book with any kind of food on the title" . . .

Do you mean we need read a book with a food IN the title or ON the cover? ???"

Haha... um, well since I wrote that weird, go with either! "

Hooray! Thanks! I might switch my books around then. has food on the cover, so if I don't read a book with a food in the title, I'll use it for that one and then I have another book I can use for the "read a book that was recommended to you" one. :-)

[Jen]

Also, I've managed to read for ten of the tasks so far, and we're not even halfway through July, yet! So I would officially like to raise my goal to reaching the highest level, Bibliophile: 12+ Tasks. :-)

[Randi]

I completed my Medium Task assignment, so I will also keep going,

[Krysta]

Jen wrote: "Also, I've managed to read for ten of the tasks so far, and we're not even halfway through July, yet! So I would officially like to raise my goal to reaching the highest level, Bibliophile: 12+ Tas..."

Look at you go!!!

[Krysta]

Randi wrote: "I completed my Medium Task assignment, so I will also keep going,"

Woo!
Love to see people surpass their goals!

[Jen]

Thanks, Krysta! I'm reading a real monster of a book right now, though, so my progress has slowed down considerably. I'm hoping to finish 1Q84 (1300+ pages!) tomorrow! :-)

[Jen]

As of yesterday, I reached the highest level! I've read 15 books so far and I should be able to read a book for all 16 tasks! (I just need to read Bear Necessities and that'll be 16! :-)

[Jen]

I read 16 books! One for each task! I'm so happy at becoming an official Bibliophile. :-)

Also, for the July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic Day holiday, I read a book that features Bear shifters. Do I win a prize? :-)

[Krysta]

Jen wrote: "I read 16 books! One for each task! I'm so happy at becoming an official Bibliophile. :-)

Also, for the July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic Day holiday, I read a book that features Bear shifters. Do I win ..."

Impressive!!!!! That's fantastic!
I wish I had a prize for you!

[Jen]

Thank you, Krysta! This was a fun challenge. :-)