The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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WINTER CHALLENGE 2017
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Completed Tasks: PLEASE DO NOT DELETE ANY POST IN THIS THREAD

Task # 15.9 - Let's Party!
Read a book from this list of books written by, about or influenced by drinking: Drunken Masters
# 43 on list Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp
Points this post: 15
Total points: 420

Option 1, a book with a title in which the same consonant appears exactly three times: The Dry Grass of August by Anna Jean Mayhew
The consonant is "S" in Grass and August
Points this post: 20
Total points: 420

Task # 30.11 Andy P's Task: Is There a Pattern Here?
Book 1. Read a book by a single author in which the letters of the author's first, middle, or last name consists of alternating vowels and consonants. Beau Death by Peter Lovesey Author's first and last name alternate consonant then vowel (416 p.)
Book 2. Read a book in which the title contains a word of 5 or more letters of alternating vowels and consonants
So Cold the River by Michael Koryta The word River alternates consonant, vowel
(530 p.
page count 416 +530=946>500 p. minimum
Points this post : 30
Total points: 450

Option 3: For this option, read a book whose page numbers include a 1, 9, 7, or 3.
Cherry Cheesecake Murder
Points This Task: 20
Total Points: 635
Total Tasks: 26
Golden Oldies: 1
Big Books: 1

20.8 - Nickels & Dimes - Shiraloo's Task: Coins for Christmas
read ONE book that meets BOTH the following criteria:
The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden
(1) The book must have 32, 24, or 41 intact somewhere in the page numbers.
419 pages
(2) The book must have on its cover an item that reflects the categories chosen this year. Extravagant - jewelry, a crown, or a stack of money
There is a crown on the cover - the girl is wearing a crown.


Task 20.9 - Bringing Pets and People Together
Option Four - Book with main page genre Fantasy
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
At 676 pages, good for *1 Big Book Ticket*
Points this Post: 20
Total Points: 280
Total Tasks: 17
Golden Oldies: 1
Big Books: 6
Total Books: 19

Option 4: Circus
Alastair Reynolds' (AR in ACROBAT) Terminal World (audiobook).
Big Book: Terminal World is 560 pages (MMPB). Claiming 1 Big Book ticket.

Task 10.8 - Here Kitty Kitty
Gingerbread Cookie Murder - Cookie is on list, read 12/29
Task 25.1 - Dakimel’s Task – Hurricane Recovery
1: The Winter People written by Jennifer McMahon, JM found in Just One More, read 1/18
3: Hercule Poirot's Christmas I listened to the audio version, the MMPB version Hercule Poirot's Christmas is 167 pages - read 12/16
HErcuLe POIrot's christmAs - initially published in 1938, claiming one GO ticket
Task 30.6 - TessaVanessa's Task: 25 Years and Counting
Option 2: Enchanted Glass by Diana Wynne Jones, the author has 103 distinct works, read 12/4
Option 3: Strawberry Shortcake Murder read 1/20, title has 25 letters
Points this post: 65
Total points: 440
Books read: 35
Tasks completed: 29
BB tickets: 1
GO tickets: 4

30.2 Mazza1's Task
Read a book by an author who has published at least 26 book-length books.
Goodreads credits Agatha Christie with 1,946 distinct works; the Fantastic Fiction site credits her with 255 books; and the task writer uses her as an example of a prolific writer.
A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie
288 pages
Book 2.
Read a stand-alone book by the same author or. . .
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
264 pages
Points this post: 30
Total points to date: 350

Completed Tasks
30.11 Andy P's Task: Is There a Pattern Here?
★Book #1: Author's first name (Sarah) has alternating consonants and vowels.
Kindle edition I read: Silent Child by Sarah A. Denzil
Paperback edition: Silent Child 416 pp
★Book #2: Three word title that has one word at least five characters long and has alternating consonants and vowels. Word is Roses
Kindle edition I read: Roses are Dead
Paperback edition: Roses are Dead
**POINT SUMMARY**
Previous Points Earned: 205
Points Earned this Post: 30
Total Points To Date: 235

5.3 - Banished!
Stars of Fortune - Nora Roberts (3 word title) 12/31
*****************************************
5.9 - Get It Done
Where Monsters Dwell - Jørgen Brekke (added Oct 30, 2013) 1/15
****************************************
5.10 - Born Free
Mind Game - Iris Johansen (choice) 12/11
*****************************************
10.9 - Good Dog!
Of Grave Concern - Max McCoy (title starts with O) 12/4
*****************************************
10.10 - Goin' on a Safari
The White Mary - Kira Salak (MPG travel) 1/18
******************************************
20.1 - Most Improved Player - Maddie O's Task: A Year of Improvements
Option 2: On Turpentine Lane - Elinor Lipman (set 100% in Massachusetts) 1/20
******************************************
20.9 - Moderators' Pet - Morgan Faeriesfolly's Task: Bringing Pets and People Together
Option 4: Dreadmarrow Thief - Marjory Kaptanoglu (MPG fantasy) 12/9
****************************************
30.6 - TessaVanessa's Task: 25 Years and Counting
Option 1: Silver Silence - Nalini Singh (N & S in SWEET SIXTEEN) 12/13
Option 2: Blood Pact - Tanya Huff (136 distinct works) 12/14
Totals for Challenge
Points this Post: 105
Total Points: 250

5.3 Banished!
Title is 3 words
The Rooster Bar by John Grisham
Task points: 5
Challenge points: 170

20.7 - Shorter is Sweeter - Barbara ★'s Task: Animal Lover's Unite
Option 3: Read a book from this list: Best Books for an African Safari.
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Found on page 1 #3 on list.
The Poisonwood Bible is a Big Book (546 pgs) . Claiming 1 BB Ticket.
Points this Post: 20
Total Points: 145
Big Book Tickets: 4

5.1 - Lassie Come Home
Read a book with one of the words from Lassie's film titles in the book's title or subtitle.
I read:

5.8 - Animals Around Us
Read a book with a main page genre Animals. The genre may be stand-alone or embedded.
I read:

10.1 - What a Zoo
Read a book with the letters Z-O-O in the title/subtitle and/or author's name.
I read:

10.8 - Here Kitty Kitty
Read a book with one of the top 100 cat names in the title/subtitle or author's name. Possessives will work, but no other variations.
I read:

REQUIRED: Specify the name you used when you post.
{#57 - Lilly}
15.2 - February is for Romance
Book 1:
Read a book with a main page genre of Romance. Any variation will work (i.e., Historical Romance).
I read:

Book 2:
Read a book with a ring (a piece of jewelry worn on the finger) on the cover. NOTE: The ring need not be shown on a finger.
I read:

REQUIRED: Include the cover in your post.
{see above}
Points this post: 45
Total points: 180
Books posted: 18
Tasks complete: 17
Pages this post: 1,959
Total pages as of this post: 5,693
Golden Oldies: 0; Total = 0
Big Book: 0; Total = 1

Who's Up For a Challenge
Year One by Nora Roberts
I found this on the Apocalyse Whenever list
Points 10
Total points 85

Please can i remove The Evacuee Christmas from task 25.3 option C in post 1106 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
and replace it with House of Leaves same option where the word being used from the poem is HOUSE
this will not alter my current points total

so above altered task will now read
Task 25.3 Bluemoon's Task: SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
OPTION B - THE ELVES
Read a book written by a single author whose initials can be found in ELVES.
Anatomy of a Scandal Sarah Vaughan
S and V in ELVES
OPTION C - THE POEM
Read a book that contains a word of at least four letters in its title (not subtitle) that is found in the first stanza of the poem as listed below. Words must match exactly.
House of Leaves word used is HOUSE
Current points total 770

Task 30.5 - Word Play on a Few of My Favourite Things
option 1
book 1 - read a book with a 4 letter palindrome in the author name
Ice by Anna Kavan
word: ANNA
book 2 - read a book with the name of an animal in the title
Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas
animal: TERN (approved in helpthread)
(note: I had previously claimed this book, msg 1254, but changed it)
Season title = 560

Option 2: Read a book by an author that has 25 or more distinct works credited to them on Goodreads.
Required: Post the number of works they have written.
Goodreads states: “2,569 distinct works” by Isaac Asimov. I did not confirm the 2,569 number but I did confirm > 25 distinct works.
Murder at the ABA (1976) by Isaac Asimov (Mass Market Paperback, 230 pages)
Option 4: Read a book that was first published 25+ years ago. Since this challenge begins in 2017, it would mean any book published in 1992 or before.
Doctor Who and the Tenth Planet (Doctor Who Library (Target) #62) (1976) by Gerry Davis (Paperback, 192 pages)
130 + 30 = 160
Tasks Completed: 08
Points for this post: 30
Points thus far: 130 + 30 = 160
Books read: 11
Pages read: 3,066
Read but not claimed: 06
Goodreads Authors: 06
Golden Oldies: 00
Big Books:
(0) 500+
(0) 750+
(0) 1,000+

Book 1: The Blithedale Romance (204 pages)
Claiming Golden Oldie ticket - published 1852
Book 2: Mort (316 pages)
The word is "mort" - The blithedale ROMance
Total pages = 520
Points this post = 30
Total points = 245
Big Book tickets = 2
Golden Oldies = 4

Option 2
Task: Read a book by an author that has 25 or more distinct works credited to them on Goodreads
Book/author: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Date Read: 1/20/18
Required info: She has published 30 distinct works so far (including companion books and graphic novels)
Option 4
Task: Read a book that was first published 25+ years ago
Book/author: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Date Read: 12/19/17
Points this post: 30
Total points: 65
Books read: 5

All Creatures Great and Small - #26 on the list
I read the kindle edition. The most popular mass market paperback edition has 437 pages.
Points this post: 15
Total points: 335

REPOSTING WITH NEW BOOK FOR OPTION 2
Task 30.6 - TessaVanessa's Task: 25 Years and Counting
Option 2: The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer read 1/12, author has 57 distinct works
Option 3: Strawberry Shortcake Murder read 1/20, title has 25 letters
Points this post: 30
Total points: 440
Books read: 35
Tasks completed: 29
BB tickets: 1
GO tickets: 4
Dlmrose
25.1 - Dakimel’s Task – Hurricane Recovery
Option 1, initials JS in JuSt: The Vanishing Season by Joanna Schaffhausen
Option 3, OPHELIA: The Company of Strangers by Robert Wilson
OP in cOmPany, HE in tHE, LI in wILson, A in strAngers
25.6 - Perletwo's Task: Winnie the Pooh Day
Option 1, initials RW in acRe Wood: The Blind Man of Seville by Robert Wilson
Option 3, pig on cover
Duck Season: Eating, Drinking, and Other Misadventures in Gascony--France's Last Best Place by David McAninch
2 pigs to the left of "David"
30.6 - TessaVanessa's Task: 25 Years and Counting
Option 2, author with 25+ works: The Bomb Maker by Thomas Perry, 34 on author page, 30 on works page
Option 4, published before 1992: Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell first published 1991
total = 835
25.1 - Dakimel’s Task – Hurricane Recovery
Option 1, initials JS in JuSt: The Vanishing Season by Joanna Schaffhausen
Option 3, OPHELIA: The Company of Strangers by Robert Wilson
OP in cOmPany, HE in tHE, LI in wILson, A in strAngers
25.6 - Perletwo's Task: Winnie the Pooh Day
Option 1, initials RW in acRe Wood: The Blind Man of Seville by Robert Wilson
Option 3, pig on cover

2 pigs to the left of "David"
30.6 - TessaVanessa's Task: 25 Years and Counting
Option 2, author with 25+ works: The Bomb Maker by Thomas Perry, 34 on author page, 30 on works page
Option 4, published before 1992: Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell first published 1991
total = 835

REPOSTING WITH NEW BOOK FOR OPTION 2
Task 30.6 - TessaVanessa's Task: 25 Years and Counting
Option 2: Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke read 1/12, author has over 25 distinct works (50) according to Goodreads
Option 3: Strawberry Shortcake Murder read 1/20, title has 25 letters
Points this post: 30
Total points: 440
Books read: 35
Tasks completed: 29
BB tickets: 1
GO tickets: 4

Task 5.10 Read a book of your choice.
The Great Passage
Task 10.5 Best Books - Read one of the Best Books of the Month for December, January, or February of any year.
Swimming Lessons On list for February 2017
Task 20.5 - Bigger is Better - DebraJean's Task: LET IT SNOW!
Option 1. Read a book with the word WINTER or SNOW in the title or subtitle.
The Winter Queen
Points this post: 35
Total points: 330
-

5.10 - Born Free
Read a book of your choice.

10.2 - No, It's a Three-Ring Circus
Read a book found on the Circus/Carnival Books list. Found on page 1:

15.7 - Groundhog Day
Read a book whose title contains a word of at least 3 letters that can be made from the letters in GROUNDHOG DAY. With "AND" in the title:

15.10. Trash to Treasure.
Read a book that your friend gave only 1 or 2 stars. Rated 2 stars on Sandy's read list, this book is new to me:

Points
This Post: 45
Total Points: 610
Completed Tasks: 38
Books Read: 55

Option 1: Read a book with a title/subtitle where the same consonant appears EXACTLY three times
My Secret Sister
S appears three times in the title.
20.7 - Shorter is Sweeter - Barbara ★'s Task: Animal Lover's Unite
Option 3: a book from the list:Best Books for an African Safari.
I listened to an audio book, Cutting for Stonethe most popular Mass market paperback is Vrata suza
This is on page One of the list in slot #15
**Claiming BB ticket as MMPP is 554 pages**
Total New points: 40
Total Challenge points: 220
BB: 3
GO:1

15.4
Book 1 - read a book whose author's initials are found in the name of one of these animals. All initials must be found in the animal name.
Sarah Maas: Chinese Giant Salamander
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Book 2 - read a book with a title of at least two words in which the initial letter of each word of the title can be found in the name of a different animal from the list.
The Smoke Thief: Leatherback Sea Turtle
The Smoke Thief by Shana Abe
Current Post Points: 15
Cumulative Total Points: 195

Option 2: Read a book FIRST published in February of any year or FIRST published in year 2018.
Raspberry Danish Murder
Points This Task: 20
Total Points: 655
Total Tasks: 27
Golden Oldies: 1
Big Books: 1

A Bollywood Affair
Title has exactly 3 words
20.7 - Shorter is Sweeter - Barbara ★'s Task: Animal Lovers Unite
Uncommon Type: Some Stories by Tom Hanks
Option 4
Author's initials in TEACHER
Total points: 90

25.2 - Anne (Booklady)'s task: Big Cats - Option 3: For this option read a book with a Night Scene on its Cover. REQUIRED: Include the cover in your post.

Option 4: For this option read a book on Best Banned, Censored, and Challenged Books REQUIRED: Please state on what page of the list your book can be found.
The Boyfriend List: 15 Guys, 11 Shrink Appointments, 4 Ceramic Frogs and Me, Ruby Oliver - page 3
Please Choose 2 different Options and Read 2 books with a total of at least 550 pages
book 1 top pb ed 480 pgs + book 2 top mmp ed 227 pgs = 707 pgs
Points this task: 25
Total points: 800
Golden Oldies ticket requests: 4
Big Book ticket requests: 2
Books read: 58
Tasks completed: 39

10.4 - It's a Llama, Mama
Read a book with a non-human mammal on the cover.

Points this post = 10
Points to date = 780

5.2 - Go Wild
Read a book set at least 50% in ONE of the zoo locations: Austria; Canada; England; Germany; Scotland; Singapore; South Africa; Switzerland; or in the USA: California, Nebraska, New York, Washington DC.
Murder in the Tenderloin by M.L. Hamilton 314 pages
The book takes place almost entirely in San Francisco, California. California is one of the listed zoo locations.
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5.3 - Banished!
Read a book with a title (subtitles should be ignored) that is exactly 3 words.
The Great Shadow by Arthur Conan Doyle 112 pages
The Great Shadow has exactly 3 words in the title.
I am claiming a GOLDEN OLDIE for this book, first published November 17th 1892
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5.10 - Born Free
Read a book of your choice.
Murder in Chinatown by M.L. Hamilton 302 pages
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10.1 - What a Zoo
Read a book with the letters Z-O-O in the title/subtitle and/or author's name.
Book of the Night by Oliver Potzsch kindle I read
Book of the Night 303 pages (Top paperback, no MMPB)
Z appears in the author name, 2 Os appear in the title.
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20.3 - Best Review - Ed's Task: Titles and Suffixes
Read a book in which a title or suffix is used in either the Title, Sub-Title or Author's name as presented on Good Reads.
Queen Margot or Marguerite de Valois by Alexandre Dumas 542 pages
The word QUEEN is used as a title in the book's title.
I am claiming a GOLDEN OLDIE for this book, first published 1845
I am claiming a BIG BOOK for this book, with 542 pages
-------------------------------------
20.5 - Bigger is Better - DebraJean's Task: LET IT SNOW!
OPTION 3: Read a book whose page numbers include a 1, 9, 7, or 3.
Harbingers by F. Paul Wilson 429 pages
The page numbers for this book includes a 9.
Points this post: 65
Total Points: 240
Tasks Completed: 15
Books Read: 19
Big Book Tickets: 2
Golden Oldie Tickets: 5

First I would like to replace 10.1 What a Zoo. Originally, I had Hunting Party by Elizabeth Moon. Take that one away and replace it with Almost Ashore by Gerald Vizenor:
Z in viZenor
O in almOst
O in ashOre
There is no change in score for this substitution.
Then I would like to add:
30.2 Mazza1's Prolific Pensmiths
Book # 1. I read Hunting Party by Elizabeth Moon, listed as 106 distinct works. 364 pp
Book # 2. I read Joyland by Stephen King, listed as 824 distinct works. 283 pp
Points This Post: 30
Total Points So Far: 505

option A - Read a book that has Magic or Magical as a main page genre.
Forest of Ruin
option C - Read a book that contains a word of at least four letters in its title (not subtitle) that is found in the first stanza of the poem as listed below.
The Elephant Keepers' Children
POINTS
This post - 25
Total - 125

15.8 - World Animal Day - Read a book from this list: Best Animal Rights Books
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
Book found on page 1 of the list.
This post:
Points - 15
Total:
Points - 285

20.9 - Moderators' Pet - Morgan Faeriesfolly's Task: Bringing Pets and People Together:
Option 1: Read a book from this list: Great Books with Black Covers: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.
Page: 1.
Points this post: 20
Total points: 175
Golden Oldies this post: 0
Total Golden Oldies: 0
Big Book Tickets this post: 0
Total Big Book Tickets:
BBooks - 500+: 0
BBooks - 750+: 0
BBooks - 1000+: 0

REQUIRED: 500+ pages: 188 + 323 = 511 pg
Option 1: Title word with exactly 9 different letters: A L C H E M I S T
The Alchemist
I listened to the audio / MMP: L'alchimiste - 188 pg
Option 2: Book by a single author with exactly 9 letters in name
David Dyer / The Midnight Watch - 323 pg
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This Post: 25 points
Total points to date: 200 points
Golden Oldies (pub 1950 or earlier): 1
Big Books Read: () 500 pg / (0) 750 pg / () 1000 pg
Total Big Book TICKETS:

10.7 - What's Your Favorite Hobby?
The Bake-Off by Beth Kendrick
Baking is my hobby.
Points this post: 10
Golden Oldies this post: 0
Big Books this post: 0
Total points: 330
Total Golden Oldies: 1
Total Big Books: 0

30.3 Ava Catherine's Task
Option 2. Schnauzer
Read a book whose author's first and last name initials can be found in the word Schnauzer. One qualifying author in a work by multiple contributors works.
The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son On Life, Love, and Loss by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt
320 pages
Option 3. Work
Read a book with the main page genre Mystery.
The Tightrope Walker by Dorothy Gilman
223 pages
320 + 223 > 500
Points this post: 30
Total points to date: 380

15.3 - Hot or Cold?
Option 2 - Read one book whose title/subtitle contains both words from an opposite word pair on the list.
For Better, For Worse Better / Worse on list
Points this post = 15
Points to date = 795

Task # Task 30.2 - Mazza1's Task: Prolific Pensmiths
Book one
Read a book by any author who has published MORE than 25 books
The Waters of Eternal Youth by Donna Leon This is # 25 in a series (so far) of 27
Book Two
Read a book by a different author who has written more than 25 books This should be a stand alone
Cujo by Stephen King This is a stand alone and King has written more than 25 books
Points this post: 30
Total points: 480

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
This is a new author for me.
Total Points = 15

Read a book that fits one of the Fall 2017 5, 10 or 15 point tasks. You may use a single book A or B option from tasks 15.1-15.4.
Used Task 15.1-Read a book by an Author whose initials can be found in one of the listed Volcanoes:
Six of Crows
Author: Leigh Bardugo-Volcano: Elbrus (initials LB)
Points this task 5
Total points 160

30.1 – Schatzie’s Task: Animal Crackers
4) Push and Shove by C.L. Stone
CS in STOCKING
5) The Dark Days Club
DARK: When their inside me where its dark
Points this post:30
Total Points:270
Books read:21
Tasks Done:16

Task 20.2 - Rookie at the Top - Anja's Task: RARE18 London
Opt. 3 Read a book with a winter scene on cover

Task 20.6 - Seasoned Rader - Lagullande's Task: IT’S BEHIND YOU! Opt 1 Read a book with a title/subtitle where the same consonant appears EXACTLY three times
Summer Melody 3 Ms
Points this post: 40
Total points: 370

25.7 My Second Favorite Pasttime
Book 1: Title/subtitle contains a word with exactly 9 different letters
Agnostic: A Spirited Manifesto by Lesley Hazelton
MANIFESTO has 9 letters, all different
Book 2: Author's name contains exactly 9 different letters
Death at Victoria Dock by Kerry Greenwood
The author's name with duplicates taken out is KERY GNWOD, or exactly 9 different letters
30.9 Obsession
One book option
Option 3: From list of Best TV Shows Based on Books #8 on list
Option 6: One of the Outlander books - #7
An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon
I listened to the audio version of this book (yes, all 42 hours of it). The mass market paperback has 1149 pages, which not only surpasses the 500 page requirement but earns me three big book tickets please.
30.10 By the Numbers
Book 1: Book of your choice
A Christmas Grace by Anne Perry (210 pages)
Book 2: Page count that is divisible by each of the digits found in the page count of Book 1
The Next Always by Nora Roberts (324 pages)
324/2=167 324/1=324 210+324=534
Points for this post: 25 + 30 + 30 = 85
Total points: 85 + 120 = 205
Tasks completed: 9
Books read: 12
Golden Oldies: 0
Big Books: 4

TessaVanessa's Task: 25 Years and Counting
Option 2: author with 25 or more distinct works
Thank You, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse
*The author has 733 distinct works listed in GR. Some may be translations but there are at least 25.
**Requesting 1 GO ticket - first published in 1933.
Option 4: first published in 1992 or before
Ubik
*First published in 1969
Points this post: 30
GO this post: 1
Total GO: 2
Total BB: 2
Total points: 205
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30.11 Is there a pattern here?
Book 1 - alternate vowels & consonants in one of the author's names:
Souls Journey by Peter Richelieu (Peter)
Book 2 - alternate vowels & consonants in one of the title's words:
The Last Runaway (runaway)
Points this post = 30
Total points = 30