Barbara's Challenges & Reading Lists discussion
2018 Archived Challenges
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2018 Crazy Challenge Connection
Winter Scavenger - Northern Lights
Duration:December 21, 2017 - March 20, 2018
READ: 15/16
✔ 1. Collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere cause the bright dancing lights of the aurora.
Read a book with the sun or a sunny scene on its cover (remember to post the cover) OR read a book whose title starts with a letter in LIGHTS (exclude "a" "an" "the").
Lucifer - Ava Martell 1/8
✔ 2. In Roman myths, Aurora was the goddess of the dawn.
Read a book that takes place in ancient Rome or mentions a goddess of any kind (tell us her name) OR read a book with “NORTH” or “SOUTH” in its title (“Northern” or “Southern” will work as well.)
Something in the House - D.L. Lewis (Aprodite) 2/23
✔ 3. The vast majority of auroras occur in a band known as the Auroral Zone which is found between the latitudes of 66 to 69 degrees north.
Read a book whose author’s last initial is found in “ZONE” OR read a book with an intact number between 66 – 69 in its total page count (66, 67, 68, 69 – i.e. 268 works, 628 does not).
A Killing Frost - Hannah Alexander (368 pages) 12/27
✔ 4. Variations in color are due to the type of gas particles that are colliding.
Read a book with a brightly colored cover (must be at least 3 different colors) OR read a book with a “colorful” character; tell us about the character.
Murder on the Aloha Express - Sally J. Smith 1/11
✔ 5. Auroral activity is cyclic, peaking roughly every 11 years.
Read a book published in 2013 OR read a book with any nighttime word in its title (i.e. dusk, evening, night, midnight).
Charming - Elliott James (pub Sep 2013) 1/10
✔ 6. Jokulsartan Lagoon, Iceland
Read a book that takes place in Iceland OR read a book with a natural body of water on its cover (i.e. lake, ocean; not a swimming pool; remember to post the cover).
The White Mary - Kira Salak 1/18
✔ 7. Unstad, Lofoten, Norway
Read a book that features an official competition of some kind (tell us what) OR read a book with any type of surfing equipment on its cover (remember to post the cover).
Black Water Lilies - Michel Bussi 3/15
(International Young Painters Challenge/Competition)
✔ 8. Paatsjoki, Finnish Lapland
Read a book with a bridge on its cover (remember to post the cover) OR read a book whose setting is close to a border of some type - i.e. city, state, country (tell us where and tell us the close border).
Heir to the Shadows - Anne Bishop 1/29
(Saetan's house is set on the border of three realms)
✔ 9. Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Read a book that takes place in Alaska OR read a book that has any item indicating “hot” on its cover (i.e. a filled bath tub, a cup of coffee, etc.)
Cinnamon Roll Murder - Joanne Fluke (frosting is melting) 3/2
✔ 10. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Read a book that takes place in any type of campground or resort OR read a book that mentions hot tea at least once (tell us the context or include the sentence in which the hot tea is mentioned).
✔ 11. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Read a book with anywhere between 300-399 pages; tell us how many pages OR read a book with a sled on its cover (does not have to be a dogsled; post the cover).
Robot Academy - R.T.W. Lipkin (355 pages) 1/6
✔ 12. Yellowknife, Canada
Read a book that has at least one Native American character OR read a book with any type of single chair on its cover (the chair may be occupied or empty); remember to post the cover.
A Ghoul's Guide to Love and Murder - Victoria Laurie (hero is N.A.) 3/14
✔ 13. Tromsø, Norway
Read a book where most of the plot takes place on the water OR read a book with a nighttime scene on its cover; post the cover.
Passenger - Alexandra Bracken 3/29
14. Abisko, Sweden
Read a book that takes place in Sweden OR read a book in which a formal dinner is served; briefly tell us about the meal.
✔ 15. Muonio, Finnish Lapland
Read a book that takes place in a remote location (tell us where) OR read a book that is #25 on your TBR sorted any way you choose.
Where Monsters Dwell - Jørgen Brekke (Trondheim,Norway) 1/15
✔ 16. Southern Hemisphere
Read a book that takes place in the Southern hemisphere OR read a book with a character who is a scientist, doctor, pilot, or cook.
Hide Your Heart - Tracey Alvarez (New Zealand) 12/27
Winter Spell Challenge Duration: December 21, 2017 - March 20, 2018
READ: 36/36
AntarcticaA: A Killing Frost - Hannah Alexander 12/27
N: Night's Honor - Thea Harrison 1/2
T: Sick Fux - Tillie Cole 12/30
A: Lucifer - Ava Martell 1/8
R: Robot Academy - R.T.W. Lipkin 1/6
C: Casting Spells - Barbara Bretton 12/28
T: Terrier - Tamora Pierce 12/23
I: Into the Fire - Amanda Usen 12/28
C: The Chimera - S.H. Magillian 1/18
A: Almost Like Being in Love - Christina Dodd 12/31
New ZealandN: Not What You Seem - Lena Maye 12/21
E: Charming - Elliott James 1/10
W: Where Monsters Dwell - Jørgen Brekke 1/15
Z: The Zig Zag Girl - Elly Griffiths 12/25
E: Mind Magic - Eileen Wilks 1/23
A: At Wolf Ranch - Jennifer Ryan 1/6
L: Mister Hockey - Lia Riley 2/15
A: When Darkness Ends - Alexandra Ivy 1/13
N: Stars of Fortune - Nora Roberts 12/31
D: A Dangerous Reality - Layla Wolfe 1/4
Goddess of the DawnG: Dead Level - Sarah Graves 2/4
O: On Turpentine Lane - Elinor Lipman 1/20
D: Deadly Wipeout - Beth Prentice 2/19
D: A Darker Shade of Magic - V.E. Schwab 2/9
E: Deadly Sting - Jennifer Estep 2/5
S: Paris Match - Stuart Woods 2/19
S: Something in the House - D.L. Lewis 2/23
O: Ox-Tales: Earth - Mark Ellingham 2/27
F: Fish Stick Fridays - Rhys Ford 2/22
T: Blood on Silk - Marie Treanor 2/22
H: The Vampire King - Heather Killough-Walden 2/5
E: A Hopeless Romantic - Harriet Evans 2/26
D: Dragon Spawn - Eileen Wilks 2/27
A: Anansi Boys - Neil Gaiman 2/24
W: Wicked Abyss - Kresley Cole 2/8
N: Night Huntress - Yasmine Galenorn 2/20
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Birthstones, By the Month
Duration: December 1, 2017 - November 30, 2018
READ: 45/48
DECEMBER - Turquoise
◈ Read a book with a turquoise or light blue cover (post the cover).
Sick Fux - Tillie Cole 12/30
◈ Read a book with the letter X somewhere in the title or author's name.
The Four Sworn: Spring Equinox - Lenore Sagaskie 12/15
◈ Read a book with ROMANCE on the GR main genre page.
Hide Your Heart - Tracey Alvarez 12/27
◈ Read a book from your favorite genre (that relaxes you).
Everlasting Enchantment - Kathryne Kennedy 12/18
JANUARY - Garnet
◈ Read a book with a multi-colored cover
Murder on the Aloha Express - Sally J. Smith 1/11
◈ Read a book you consider to be scary.
The Chimera - S.H. Magillian 1/18
◈ Read a book with a main character who keeps physically fit.
Mind Magic - Eileen Wilks 1/23
◈ Read a book with TRAVEL on the GR main genre page.
The White Mary - Kira Salak 1/18
FEBRUARY - Amethyst
◈ Read a book with a purple cover, any shade (show us the cover).
Paris Match - Stuart Woods 2/19
◈ Read a book with a royal character OR with the words KING, QUEEN, PRINCE, or PRINCESS in the title
The Vampire King - Heather Killough-Walden 2/5
MARCH - Aquamarine/Bloodstone
◈ Read a book with a green, blue, or teal cover (show us the cover).
Penguins and Mortal Peril - Ruby Loren 3/24
◈ Read a young adult book.
Passenger - Alexandra Bracken 3/29
◈ Read a book with a husband and wife as the MAIN characters.
A Ghoul's Guide to Love and Murder - Victoria Laurie 3/14
◈ Read a book with the ocean or sea on the cover (not a swimming pool or brook--show us the cover).
Island of Glass - Nora Roberts 3/23
APRIL - Diamond
◈ Read a book with a circular or ring-shaped object on the cover (show us the cover).
Cruelty - Ellen Croshain 4/26
◈ Read a book with a one-word title.
Foundling - D.M. Cornish 4/5
◈ Read a book whose author's LAST initial is found in in DIAMOND.
Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover - Sarah MacLean 4/29
◈ Read a book with lightning or another storm-related item on the cover (show us the cover).
Millennium Crash - James Litherland 4/23
MAY - Emerald
◈ Read a book where someone predicts something (without giving anything away, tell us how).
Hold Back the Dark - Kay Hooper 5/9
(mc is psychic and predicts events that are going to happen)
◈ Read a book with bones or a graveyard on the cover (show us the cover).
An Occupied Grave - A.G. Barnett 5/22
◈ Read a book with a character who is considered beautiful.
Midnight's Kiss - Thea Harrison 5/4
◈ Read a book set in Zambia, Brazil, Colombia, or Afghanistan OR a book whose author's LAST name starts with Z, B, C, or A.
Lake Silence - Anne Bishop 5/1
JUNE - Pearl/Alexandrite/Moonstone
◈ Read a book set on an island OR on/near the ocean.
The Light Between Oceans - M.L. Stedman 6/30
◈ Read a book with a black, gray, brown, or cream cover (show us the cover).
Blood Wyne - Yasmine Galenorn 6/17
◈ Read a romance of any kind.
Thirty-Four and a Half Predicaments - Denise Grover Swank 6/11
◈ Read a book with a moon on the cover (show us the cover).
Burn Bright - Patricia Briggs 6/26
JULY - Ruby
◈ Read a book with a wealthy character OR a character who is intelligent/wise.
The Real Deal - Lucy Monroe (hero is billionaire) 7/20
◈ Read an erotica book or a book that inspires you to great passion (tell us how).
Asking For It - Kit Tunstall 7/9
◈ Read a book that is #2 in a series (tell us the series).
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage - Jennifer Ashley (MacKenzies & McBrides #2) 7/1
AUGUST - Peridot/Sardonyx
◈ Read a book with a light green or light yellow cover
The Fourth Bear - Jasper Fforde 8/4
◈ Read a book with two words in the title that start with the same letter.
Dark in Death - J.D. Robb 8/9
◈ Read a book with a strong and forceful character OR a book with gods/goddesses.
A Knight and White Satin - Jackie Ivie 8/17
◈ Read a book with a character who cries or a book that makes you cry.
Something About Witches - Joey W. Hill (hero cries) 8/26
SEPTEMBER - Sapphire
◈ Read a book with a deep blue cover (show us the cover).
Fortune's Pawn - Rachel Bach 9/24
◈ Read a book whose title starts with a letter in BLUE.
Before He Kills - Blake Pierce 9/11
◈ Read a book with something sparkly on the cover (show us the cover).
Black Market - Sheryl Steines 9/4
◈ Read a book with the word HEAVEN mentioned somewhere in the title or in the story (if in the text, provide the location).
Popped Off - Jeffrey Allen 9/21
(large enough for God to spot from heaven), p48
OCTOBER - Opal/Tourmaline
◈ Read a book with a mostly black cover (show us the cover).
Shattered Mirror - Iris Johansen 10/31
◈ Read a book that is a bestseller.
Stygian - Sherrilyn Kenyon
◈ Read a book with HORROR on the main GR page.
Suicide Forest - Jeremy Bates 10/13
◈ Read a book with a number in the title.
Five - Ursula Poznanski 10/8
NOVEMBER - Topaz/Citrine
◈ Read a book with a yellow or gold cover (show us the cover).
Trail of Lightning - Rebecca Roanhorse 11/28
◈ Read a book with PARANORMAL on the main GR genre page.
Dead End Dating - Kimberly Raye 11/10
◈ Read a book set in the 1800's.
Wicked Nights With a Lover - Sophie Jordan 11/16
◈ Read a book that didn't cost you anything (library book, ARC, gift, etc.)
The Running Dream - Wendelin Van Draanen 11/22
January 2018 Scavenger - The Seven Summits
READ: 6/7
✔️1. Aconcagua for South America (22,841)
🗻 Read a book set in South America (List of South American countries - tell us where) - or - read a book with "30" intact in the number of pages (tell us how many pages).
On Turpentine Lane - Elinor Lipman (305 pages) 1/20
✔️2. Denali (formerly McKinley) for North America (20,310)
🗻 Read a book in which there is some controversy or misdirection involved - or - read a book with a single mountain on the cover (show us the cover).
In the Shadow of the Gods - Rachel Dunne 1/13
✔️3. Kilimanjaro for Africa (19,341)
🗻 Read a book whose location starts with a letter in "Africa" - or - read a book with "Science" on the main genre page.
When Darkness Ends - Alexandra Ivy (Ireland) 1/13
✔️4. Elbrus for Europe (18,510)
🗻 Read a Series #1 book (tell us the series) - or - read a book set in Russia or Great Britain.
Charming - Elliott James (Pax Arcana #1) 1/10
✔️5. Vinson for Antarctica (16,067)
🗻 Read a book set in Antarctica - or - read a book by an author who has written at least 20 books (tell us how many) - or - read a book with some sort of political connection (tell us how it fits).
Hunt the Darkness - Alexandra Ivy (95 distinct works) 1/4
✔️6. Carstensz Pyramid (aka Puncak Jaya) for Australasia (16,024)
🗻 Read a book by an author whose first and last names begin with the same letter - or - read a book with a "5" in the publication YEAR (tell us the year).
Murder on the Aloha Express - Sally J. Smith 1/11
7. Everest for Asia (29,029)
🗻 Read a book whose title starts with "E" (disregard A, An, The) - or - read a book that is very well-known, meaning it's been on the NY Times Best Sellers List from any time period (tell us when).
January Spell Challenge READ: 8/10
✔A: At Wolf Ranch - Jennifer Ryan 1/6
N:
✔T: Night's Honor - Thea Harrison 1/2
✔A: Hunt the Darkness - Alexandra Ivy 1/4
✔R: Robot Academy - R.T.W. Lipkin 1/6
✔C: Charming - Elliott James 1/10
T:
✔I: In the Shadow of the Gods - Rachel Dunne 1/13
✔C: The Chimera - S.H. Magillian 1/18
✔A: Heir to the Shadows - Anne Bishop 1/29
From Sea to Shining Sea - AlabamaDuration: January 1 - February 28, 2018
READ: 10/10
✔ 1. Alabama is the 22nd state to be admitted to statehood on 19th December, 1819.
✒ Read a book whose page number has an intact 22 (tell us the page number) -or- read a book set in France or translated from the French -or- read a book whose title has a word denoting the people of a country (for example, American Fire, The Good German, The English Passenger all work, Canada or China Dolls won't).
What Hides Within - Jason Parent (322 pages) 2/12
✔ 2. Alabama is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west.
✒ Read a book with an X anywhere in its author's name (all names count) -or- read a book with a body of water occupying a large portion of the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book in which the main character vigorously defends something that they believe is right/their rights (tell us how the book fits).
Moonlight in the Morning - Jude DeverauX 2/21
✔ 3. The yellowhammer is the state bird. The state tree is the longleaf pine. The state flower was originally goldenrod
✒ Read a book whose title and/or author's name is written in yellow (no other printing counts, post the cover) -or- read a book in which an outsider is more beloved than someone who has been in the town for a long time -or- read a book featuring a southern belle.
Three Bags Full - Leonie Swann 2/10
✔ 4. Alabama seceded from the Union on Jan 11, 1861. After a few days as an independent republic, it joined the Confederate States of America
✒ Read a book in which segregation of any kind occurs -or- read a book in which someone undoes a good and just thing (tell us how your book fits) -or- read a book that occurs over a at least a seven year period.
The Sun Is Also a Star - Nicola Yoon (10 years) 2/23
✔ 5. African Americans continued to press in the 1950s and 1960s to end disenfranchisement and segregation in the state through the Civil Rights Movement, including legal challenges.
✒ Read a book with a court scene in it -or- read a book in which any of the civil rights events above are mentioned -or- read a book whose main character's initials are in "WESHALLOVERCOME".
16th Seduction - James Patterson (murder trial) 2/25
✔ 6. In September 1956, the National Geographical Society and Smithsonian Institution conducted a dig inside Jackson County's Russell Cave, now a National Monument.
✒ Read a book set during ancient times (BC preferred, but anything before 500 AD is fine) -or- read a book with a reptile of any kind on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book with any of the following words in the title: SAND, SEA, FOREST or TREE (plurals okay).
Dragon Spawn - Eileen Wilks (a dragon is a prehistoric reptile) 2/27
✔ 7. Visitors to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville often honor a “monkeynaut” by leaving bananas on her memorial.
✒ Read a book with a fruit on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book in which an animal is important to the plot (tell us which animal your book had) -or- read a book with an elderly protagonist.
Dead and Berried - Karen MacInerney (cranberries on cover) 2/26
✔ 8. The country's first 911 call was made on February 16, 1968, in Haleyville. Alabama
✒ Read a book with a first responder main character -or- read a book with the letters W A T E R appearing in the title, not necessarily in order -or- read a book in which someone rides a streetcar.
Heartwishes - Jude Deveraux 2/16
✔ 9. Alabama is home to a giant rooster made of car bumpers.
✒ Read a book with a search for a lost object in the plot -or- read a book whose cover you think is hideous (post the cover) -or- read a book featuring a prophet of some kind.
A Book That Ends With Me - H.C. Turk 2/23
✔ 10. In Alabama, it's illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle. It is illegal to wear a fake mustache that causes laughter in church (serious mustache is probably okay).
✒ Read a book in which a character sports a mustache -or- read a book with a bear in it -or- read a book with an orange cover or an orange on the cover (post the cover).
Night Huntress - Yasmine Galenorn 2/20
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
February 2018 Scavenger - Start Your Engines!
READ: 7/7
✔1. NASCAR – Read a book with a car (only a car will count, no trucks, buses, etc.) shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book originally published in February; tell us the year.
The Vampire King - Heather Killough-Walden (pub 2012) 2/5
✔2. The Great American Race - Read a book over 500 pages long; tell us how many pages OR a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in DAYTONA.
The Penguin Who Knew Too Much - Donna Andrews 2/15
✔3. First race in 1959 - Read a book that features a father and son OR a book by an author whose first or last name is Lee or Richard/s.
Wolves - C. Gockel (father and adopted son) 2/17
✔4. Daytona International Speedway - Read a book with an ocean shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book in which a character attends a sporting event of some kind; tell us the event (a kids' soccer game counts!).
Crush - Nicole Williams (professional football game) 2/3
✔5. Harley J. Earl Trophy - Read book #2 of a series; tell us the series name OR a book with a character who wins a competition of some kind; tell us the character and the competition (race, ball game, contest, etc.)
A Closed and Common Orbit - Becky Chambers (Wayfarers #2) 2/28
✔6. Seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion - Read a book with a 7 in its average GR rating (NOT the number of reviews!); tell us the rating (example: 3.72) OR a book whose main character's name starts with a letter in EARNHARDT; tell us the name.
The Wild Child - Mary Jo Putney (3.77) 2/17
✔7. Victories - Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title (ALL words count) can be found in the name of one of these four drivers (Richard Petty, Sterling Marlin, Bobby Allison, Trevor Bayne) two-word minimum (tell us the driver you used) OR a book with a main character who is over 50 years old or under 20 years old; tell us the character's name and age.
The Sun Is Also a Star - Nicola Yoon (Natasha 17) 2/23
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
February Spell Challenge READ: 8/8
Fred Lorenzen
L: The Gracekeepers - Kristy Logan 2/24
O: Ox-Tales: Earth - Mark Ellingham 2/27
R: Mister Hockey - Lia Riley 2/15
E: Dragon Spawn - Eileen Wilks 2/27
N: Night Huntress - Yasmine Galenorn 2/20
Z: Airwoman - Zara Quentin 2/1
E: Deadly Sting - Jennifer Estep 2/5
N: Crush - Nicole Williams 2/3
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
March 2018 Scavenger - ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL
READ: 6/7
☎ Read a book set in Scotland OR a book with an intact 18 or 12 in the total page count; tell us how many pages.
✔☎ Read book #2 from a series; tell us the series OR a book by an author who uses three names, not just initials (i.e., Joyce Carol Oates or Orson Scott Card); post a link to the author's GR page
Laced with Magic - Barbara Bretton (Sugar Maple #2) 3/20
✔☎ Read a book by an author with double Ls in his/her first or last name; post a link to the author's GR page OR a book featuring a child under 12 years old; tell us the age.
Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore - Matthew J. Sullivan 3/31
✔☎ Read a book in which a character takes over the family business; tell us the business OR a book whose title begins with O (disregard A, An and The).
Oasis - Randie Lipkin 3/2
✔☎ Read a book originally published in March of any year; tell us the year OR a book set in New York City or San Francisco; tell us which city
Etched in Bone - Anne Bishop (pub March 2017) 3/31
✔☎ Read a book set in Canadian summertime (June, July or August); tell us when OR a book with a telephone on the cover (NOT a cell phone, an "old-fashioned" phone); post the cover
NOTE: The book does not have to be set in Canada, just during the months when it's summer in Canada.
Baby, Don't Go - Susan Andersen 3/27
✔☎ Read a book that features an inventor or scientist; tell us the career OR readone of the books that falls in the first tenth of your TBR list, sorted in whatever method you choose. If you have 350 books on your TBR, you would read one of the first 35 books. Tell us the book's position on your list.
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld - Patricia A. McKillip (#41/6479) 3/3
March Spell Challenge READ: 8/8
✔S: Split - Swati Avasthi 3/24
✔C: Cinnamon Roll Murder - Joanne Fluke 3/2
✔O: Oasis - Randie Lipkin 3/2
✔T: The Trouble with Twelfth Grave - Darynda Jones 3/20
✔L: Love Without Blood - Raz Steel 3/10
✔A: Beauty's Beast - Amanda Ashley 3/10
✔N: Stardust - Neil Gaiman 3/22
✔D: Demon Mistress - Yasmine Galenorn 3/16
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
From Sea to Shining Sea - MaineDuration: March 1 - April 30, 2018
READ: 10/10
✔ 1. Read a book with a 2 and 0 in the year it was first published (tell us the year) -or- read a book whose title contains a major word greater than 4 letters with a single syllable -or- read a book written by two authors.
Jacq's Warlord - Delilah Devlin/Myla Jackson 4/3
✔ 2. Read a book set in a location east of you (the location has to be within half the global distance, tell us where the book is set and where you live) -or- read a book where an ambitious project fails -or- read a book with a French character in it.
Hunting Season - Shelly Laurenston 3/8
(set in New Jersey, I live in Ohio)
✔ 3. Read a book with either American or British characters are involved in a war (they don't have to be fighting each other) -or- read a book in which a character is resentful of someone else for a good reason -or- read a book with an intact 12 in the date it was first published (12 can be the date, month or the year, mention the full date).
Whom the Gods Love - M.M. Perry (pub Aug 13, 2012) 3/26
✔ 4. Read a book set in a beach town -or- read a book with a tree/s on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book whose series title begins with a letter in CRAGGY (ignore A, An and The).
Magic in the Blood - Devon Monk (Allie Beckstrom #2) 4/17
✔ 5. Read a book with a character with leadership qualities (tell us who) -or- read a book in which a cat plays an important role -or- read a book with a mostly dark blue cover (post the cover).
The Perfect Roommate - Minka Kent 4/9
✔ 6. Read a book with a sea creature, real or imaginary, on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book whose main protagonist is a teacher or professor -or- read a book with the word BERRY in its title or authors name (compound words are welcome, plurals are okay as well).
Penguins and Mortal Peril - Ruby Loren 3/24
✔ 7. Read a Stephen King book set in Maine -or- read a book whose main protagonist is an author -or- read a book with a sharp murderous implement on its cover (like an axe, knife, sword etc., not a needle.)
A Wild Fright in Deadwood - Ann Charles 3/12
✔ 8. Read a book with a door or lock on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book with a photograph or illustrations within its pages -or- read a book which mentions something that is no longer used or is out of fashion (tell us what).
Too Many Curses - A. Lee Martinez 4/9
✔ 9. Read a book set in a state with a national park -or- read a book with a paved road on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book in which all words in the title begin with a letter in CADILLAC (2 word minimum, A, An and The DO count).
Millennium Crash - James Litherland 4/23
✔ 10. Read a book in which the main protagonist flies in a plane -or- read a holiday book set over Christmas -or- read a book whose main character works in a diner, restaurant or bakery.
I Know a Secret - Tess Gerritsen 4/2
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Spring Scavenger - Umbrellas
Duration: March 21 - June 20, 2018
READ: 16/20
✔ 1. Scientists speculate that "sun protecting umbrellas" have been used since the dawn of human civilization. The first use of simply-made palm leaf parasols comes from three to four thousand year old Egypt and Assyria.
☂ Read a book that takes place in any ancient civilization (before 1200 AD; tell us when) or in modern day Assyria or Egypt OR read a book with a palm tree or palm fronds on its cover; remember to post the cover.
Ancient Spirits - Alice Duncan (Egypt) 5/14
✔ 2. As mentioned above, the umbrella's original purpose was to shade a person from the sun (umbra is Latin for "shade"), a function that is still reflected in the word "parasol," (derived from the French parare, "to shield" and sol, "sun") a smaller-sized umbrella used primarily by women.
☂ Read a book written by a female author OR read a book with a bright, sunny scene on its cover; post the cover.
Exclusively Yours - Shannon Stacey 5/17
✔ 3. During their first thousand years of life, parasols were viewed as a symbol of wealth and power. Many civilizations practiced a tradition of showcasing exotic and complexly made parasols of their rulers. From around 1000 BC to 400 AD, small and foldable parasols represented one of the fashion accessories of females in Greece and Rome.
☂ Read a book in any position from 400 - 1,000 (inclusive) on your TBR; tell us the position OR read a book with a wealthy female character (tell us who).
The Copenhagen Affair - Amulya Malladi (#697) 5/5
✔ 4. History accords two sources for what we consider a water-repelling umbrella. Some sources note that Roman women oiled their paper sunshades, intentionally creating umbrellas for use in the rain. Other sources report the first waterproofed umbrellas were created in ancient China, over 3,000 years ago.
☂ Read a book with a rainy or stormy scene on its cover (post the cover) OR read a book with an intact "20" in its total page count (tell us how many pages).
Holding - Graham Norton (320 pages) 5/26
✔ 5. Modern day widespread acceptance of umbrellas started to spread across Europe in the middle of the 18th century. Up until that point, umbrellas were viewed as a female fashion accessory. The first man who publicly carried an umbrella was Englishman Jonas Hanway. His influence finally introduced the umbrella to the male population of England, and soon after the entire world.
☂ Read a book that takes place in the 1700's OR read a book that takes place in England.
The Care and Taming of a Rogue - Suzanne Enoch 6/9
✔ 6. Jonas Hanway endured laughter and scorn, before he popularized the umbrella. The largest detractors were English coachmen who saw umbrellas as a threat since they derived a good portion of their income from gentlemen who took cabs in order to keep dry on rainy days. (In the late 1700s and early 1800s, another name for an umbrella was a "Hanway.")
☂ Read a book by an author whose last name ENDS in "Y" or read a book where a character is scorned or ridiculed for an idea (briefly tell us what).
The Girls of Mischief Bay - Susan Mallery 5/5
✔ 7. The umbrella eventually became so popular that by the mid-twentieth century, etiquette demanded that the uniform of the English gentleman include hat, gloves, and umbrella. European fashion demanded that umbrellas must be held in the middle of their shaft, with handle pointing toward the ground. English nobility preferred umbrellas made from blue or green silk.
☂ Read a book that is in the middle of a series (anything but first or last; tell us the book's position in the series) OR read a book with a blue and/or green cover; post the cover.
An Occupied Grave - A.G. Barnett 5/22
✔ 8. In nineteenth-century England, specially designed handles that concealed flasks for liquors, daggers and knives, small pads and pencils, or other items were in high demand by wealthy gentlemen.
☂ Read a book with any of the following items on its cover: liquor, dagger, knife, paper, or pencil; remember to post the cover OR read a book in which a character hides something significant (physical objects only; tell us what).
Cold Reign - Faith Hunter (knives) 5/8
✔ 9. Umbrellas can be used as offensive and defensive weapons. French President Nicolas Sarkozy was the first to start using a Kevlar coated umbrella as a part of his security measures. The shaft can effectively hide a secret blade or any substance. For example, Bulgarian president Georgi Markov was assassinated in 1978 by a KGB agent who carried deadly poison in his modified umbrella.
☂ Read a book involving a spy or secret agent of some type OR read a book whose location starts with a letter in WEAPON; tell us where.
Ready Player One - Ernest Cline (Ohio and Oklahoma) 5/29
10. One of the most important innovations for the umbrella came in the early 1850s, when Samuel Fox conceived the idea of using "U" shaped steel rods for the ribs and stretchers to make a lighter, stronger frame. Previously, English umbrellas had been made from either cane or whalebone; whalebone umbrellas especially were bulky and awkward.
☂ Read a book whose title starts with "U" (disregard a|an|the) OR read a book by an author whose first or last name is Samuel (reasonable variations accepted - i.e. Sam, Samantha, Samuels).
✔ 11. The first working "folding umbrella" was introduced in 1969 by Bradford Philips. Modern day umbrellas are made with fabrics (nylon, most commonly) that can withstand a drenching rain, dry quickly, fold easily. Umbrellas are coated with Teflon, which makes their canopy waterproof.
☂ Read a book by an author whose first or last name is Bradford or Philips (reasonable variations accepted - i.e. Brad, Bradley, Phillipa) OR read a book in which something is invented; tell us what.
The Sixth Day - Catherine Coulter (a new programming language) 6/7
✔ 12. Umbrellas continue to represent an important part of modern fashion. There are many types of umbrellas on the market - traditional, automatic, compact, bubble, storm and crutch umbrellas (they can serve as a walking stick or cane).
☂ Read a book in which a character uses a cane or walking stick OR read a book whose author's first and last initial may be found in one of the types of umbrellas (tell us which one).
Slippery Souls - Rachael Dixon (traditional) 4/7
13. Umbrellas found their way into many new areas of modern life, such as a decoration of many exotic cocktails and drinks. The famous hat that serves as a big parasol is the Mexican sombrero (which can be translated as "shade maker").
☂ Read a book with an alcoholic beverage on its cover; post the cover OR read a book that takes place in Mexico.
WHISKEY SOUR
14. The majority of modern umbrellas are made in China. One city in China (Shangyu) has over a thousand umbrella factories. Umbrellas are made by a hand-assembly process that, except for a few critical areas, can be done by semi-skilled workers.
☂ Read a book that takes place in China OR read a book with a character who is a blue-collar worker; tell us the occupation.
✔ 15. Slightly more than 33 million umbrellas are sold in the United States each year, for an annual market of 350 million dollars.
☂ Read a book whose author's name or any title word contain double L's (LL) OR read a book in which someone owns a successful business (tell us who).
Blackberry Pie Murder - Joanne Fluke (mc owns a bakery) 5/17
✔ 16. "Stick" umbrellas' shafts may be wood, steel, or aluminum. Fiberglass and other plastics are occasionally used; they are common in the larger golf umbrella. Wood from various types of ash trees, including Rowan wood from Asia, is among the popular choices for a sturdy wood shaft.
☂ Read a book in which a character plays golf (tell us who) OR read a book whose title begins with a letter in "ROWAN" (disregard a|an|the).
Owlflight - Mercedes Lackey 5/18
17. In assembling an umbrella, the ribs and stretchers are first. Ribs run underneath the top (or canopy) of the umbrella; stretchers connect the ribs with the shaft of the umbrella. The stretchers are connected to the shaft of the umbrella with a plastic or metal runner, the piece that moves along the shaft of the umbrella when it is opened or closed.
☂ Read a book whose title contains a noun that ends in "ER" or read a book whose cover shows an open umbrella (table umbrellas are fine); post the cover.
NEVERMOOR
✔ 18. There are two catch springs in the shaft of each umbrella; these are small pieces of metal that need to be pressed when the umbrella is slid up the shaft to open, and again when the umbrella is slid down the shaft for closing. Metal shafts are usually hollow, and the catch spring can be inserted, while a wood shaft requires that a space for the catch spring be hollowed out.
☂ Read a book with a 2 in the total number of pages; tell us how many pages OR read a book with any of the following words in its title: OPEN, CLOSE, PIN, SPRING, or HOLLOW.
Bird Box - Josh Malerman (262 pages) 4/10
✔ 19. The cover or canopy of the umbrella is hand sewn in individual panels to the ribs. Because each panel has to be shaped to the curve of the canopy, the cover cannot be cut in one piece. The typical rain umbrella has eight panels, although some umbrellas have only six panels (children's umbrellas and parasols) and some have as many as twelve panels. At one point, the number of panels in an umbrella may have been an indication of quality (or at least of the amount of attention the umbrella maker paid to his product).
☂ Read a book that is an even number in a series (tell us the series and the book's position) OR read a children's book (must still meet the 150 pp. minimum requirement).
The Spider - Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #10) 5/31
✔ 20. The umbrella handle is connected to the shaft at the end of the process, and can be wood, plastic, metal, or any combination of desired materials. Though handles can be screwed on, better-quality umbrellas use glue to secure the handle more tightly.
☂ Read a book that may be classified in at least two different genres; tell us the genres OR read a book in which a character 'handles' a situation in a quality manner (briefly tell us why).
Better Homes and Hauntings - Molly Harper (romance, mystery, fantasy) 5/19
Spring Spell Challenge Duration: March 21 - June 20, 2018
READ: 22/22
Rowan AshR: Island of Glass - Nora Roberts 3/23
O: Owlflight - Mercedes Lackey 5/18
W: Whom the Gods Love - M.M. Perry 3/26
A: Passenger - Alexandra Bracken 3/29
N: Stardust - Neil Gaiman 3/22
A: Baby, Don't Go - Susan Andersen 3/27
S: Split - Swati Avasthi 3/24
H: Phantom Evil - Heather Graham 4/28
Ribs & StretchersR: Simply Irresistible - Rachel Gibson 3/22
I: I Know a Secret - Tess Gerritsen 4/2
B: Bird Box - Josh Malerman 4/10
S: Slippery Souls - Rachael H. Dixon 4/7
S: Strange the Dreamer - Laini Taylor 4/15
T: The Trouble with Twelfth Grave - Darynda Jones 3/20
R: Penguins and Mortal Peril - Ruby Loren 3/24
E: Etched in Bone - Anne Bishop 3/31
T: Too Many Curses - A. Lee Martinez 4/9
C: The Drowning - Camilla Läckberg 4/7
H: Harvest Hunting - Yasmine Galenorn 5/25
E: Exclusively Yours - Shannon Stacey 5/17
R: Best Day Ever - Kaira Rouda 4/3
S: So I Married a Sorcerer - Kerrelyn Sparks 4/30
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
April 2018 Scavenger - Eggcentric Expressions
READ: 5/8
1. Read a book where one character encourages another character to do something; tell us the 'egger' and 'eggee' OR read a book whose primary setting is Norway.
✔2. Read a book in which a main character is bald OR read a book having anything to do with politics.
Slippery Souls - Rachael H. Dixon (hero is bald) 4/7
✔3. Read a book in which a character embarrasses themselves in front of others; briefly tell us about the incident OR read a book about a topic that might make news headlines; tell us the topic.
Blindfold Game - Dana Stabenow (terrorism) 4/21
✔4. Read a book whose main character is an older person (65+ years) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials may be found in "SUCK EGGS."
Dead Angler - Victoria Houston 4/12
5. Read a book whose cover shows a human face - the face must occupy at least half of the cover* OR read a book where a character is known for their sloppiness or messiness.
6. Read a book published originally in the 1990's (1990-1999); tell us when OR read a book where a character likes to walk or hike; tell us who.
✔7. Read a book with a basket on its cover; post the cover OR read a book in which a character gets involved in risky behavior; briefly tell us who and what.
Cruelty - Ellen Croshain 4/26
(heroine is involved in a conspiracy)
✔8. Read a book involving finances (be as creative as you want, just be sure to explain how your book fits) OR read a book with either a bird or a nest on its cover; post the cover.
Bird Box - Josh Malerman 4/10
April Spell Challenge - Eggcentric Expressions READ: 5/7
✔E: Cruelty - Ellen Croshain 4/26
✔G: I Know a Secret - Tess Gerritsen 4/2
✔G: Bone Magic - Yasmine Galenorn 4/28
✔H: Dead Angler - Victoria Houston 4/12
E:
A:
✔D: The Drowning - Camilla Läckberg 4/7
May Scavenger - National Beverage Day
READ: 6/7
✔1. TEA
Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. It is an aromatic beverage commonly prepared by pouring boiling water over the leaves of Camellia sinensis, and can be enjoyed hot or cold, and can bring different health benefits. Tea plants mostly grow in Asia, but tea is enjoyed in many countries around the world.
✠ Read a book with over 10,000 ratings on GR; tell us how many ratings OR a book whose title begins with T (disregard A, An and The)
The Traitor's Bride - Alix Nichols 5/26
✔2. COFFEE
Coffee is a brewed beverage made from roasted coffee beans, which are the seeds of the coffee plant. Coffee beans are produced in at least 70 countries around the world, and many people drink coffee several times a day. It is mostly enjoyed hot, but iced coffee is also very popular, especially in the summer.
✠ Read a book with a 7 in its original year of publication; tell us the year OR a book with an outdoor plant shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
Due or Die - Jenn McKinlay 5/21
3. BEER
Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in the world. It has probably been around since prehistoric times and is consumed in every country around the world. The added ingredients for beer are water, a starch source, hops, yeast and a clarifying agent.
✠ Read a book with double Es in its title OR a book set before 1000 BC
✔4. VODKA
Vodka is a very popular alcoholic beverage in Eastern Europe, but it is also the most popular white spirit in North America. Vodka can be enjoyed straight, or mixed with a variety of other beverages, and it can even come in different flavors, such as fruit flavors, dessert flavors or candy flavors.
✠ Read a book set in Eastern Europe (see note below) OR a book by an author who writes more than one series; tell us the series' names and post a link to the author's GR page
Rattling the Heat in Deadwood - Ann Charles 5/14
✔5. WINE
Wine is mostly made from fermented grapes, but can be made with other fruits. Wine lovers can enjoy red wine, white wine, or even non-alcoholic wine. While some bottles are sold for thousands of dollars, most wines are very affordable.
✠ Read a book whose title begins with a four-letter word OR a book that was expensive to obtain
City of Endless Night - Douglas Preston 5/6
✔6. SOFT DRINKS
Soft drinks and sodas are also popular, with 1.9 billion servings of Coca-Cola products alone sold every day. They are generally made with carbonated water, artificial flavors, and a sweetener although sugar substitutes are added to diet soft drinks.
✠ Read a book with an intact "19" in its total page count; tell us how many pages OR a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in SOFTDRINKS; post a link to the author's GR page
Sacred Cows - Karen E. Olson 5/23
✔7. ORANGE JUICE
Orange juice is the most popular of all fruit juices. Many people buy orange juice made from concentrate, but some prefer squeezing fresh oranges to make their own juice. Millions of gallons are consumed every year, and it is the world's number one source of Vitamin C.
✠ Read a book with fruit shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book with a primarily orange cover; post the cover
The Knife of Never Letting Go - Patrick Ness 5/20
May Spell Challenge - National Beverage DayREAD: 9/9
M: Midnight's Kiss - Thea Harrison 5/4
I: An Indomitable Beast - Alan Rabinowitz 5/31
L: Lake Silence - Anne Bishop 5/1
K: The Knife of Never Letting Go - Patrick Ness 5/20
Y: Harvest Hunting - Yasmine Galenorn 5/25
E: Exclusively Yours - Shannon Stacey 5/17
A: Angels Of Darkness - Andrews/Singh/Shinn/Brooks 5/29
S: Sacred Cows - Karen E. Olson 5/23
T: The Traitor's Bride - Alix Nichols 5/26
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
From Sea to Shining Sea - MissouriDuration: May 1 - June 30, 2018
READ: 10/10
✔️ 1. ✒ Read a book from a series that contains more than 20 books (tell us the series and the number of books) -or- read a book with a canoe or other water transportation on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book whose author's first or last name contains consecutive double consonants. (Like David BenioFF).
Exclusively Yours - ShaNNon Stacey 5/17
✔️ 2. ✒ Read a book with a skeptical protagonist -or- read a book where the plot involves proving something (a formula, a plan or a murder plot, anything works, tell us how it fits) -or- read a book whose author has a last name that starts with a Van.
Heart of Evil - Heather Graham (proving ghosts didn't kill, a human did) 5/21
✔️ 3. ✒ Read a book with a mostly white cover (post the cover) -or- read a book where the main protagonist works to help others -or- read a book which is guaranteed to put you to sleep.
The Knife of Never Letting Go - Patrick Ness 5/20
✔️ 4.✒ Read a book with a Hispanic character in it -or- read a book which involves a long journey the protagonist undertakes (this has to be physical, not metaphorical, tell us the source and destination) -or- read the second book in a trilogy.
Finnikin of the Rock - Melina Marchetta 6/7
(mc undertakes a journey across the continent to rescue his father from the mines)
✔️ 5. ✒ Read a book in which a white flag is raised during battle -or- read a book in which a fatal misunderstanding occurs -or- read a book where a main character has to go on the run for whatever reason.
Burn Bright - Patricia Briggs 6/26
✔️ 6. ✒ Read a graphic novel with a vigilante superhero (graphic novels have to be more than 300 pages combined) -or- read a book in which a street battle occurs -or- read a book whose author’s initials are in the word BALDKNOBBERS.
Lake Silence - Anne Bishop 5/1
✔️ 7. ✒ Read a book in which a beloved character is not what they seem -or- read a book in which the main character is betrayed by someone close to them -or- read a book whose plot comes from a myth, legend or fairy tale.
Ready Player One - Ernest Cline (view spoiler) 5/29
✔️ 8. ✒ Read a book that you have tried to read before but haven’t succeeded -or- read a book in which a wedding occurs -or- read a book which somehow relates to your favorite Disney movie. (Keep your choices to the main studio movies, animation or live action, but not Pixar, Marvel, Lucas Films, etc. Tell us which movie and how the book relates).
Royal Assassin - Robin Hobb 6/16
✔️ 9. ✒ Read a book in which someone is given poison -or- read a book in which too many things are happening to the detriment of the book -or- read a book in which someone cheats and gets found out.
Shadow's End - Thea Harrison 5/31
✔️ 10. ✒ Read a book with either an alcoholic beverage or elephant on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book whose the main protagonist is a single man between the ages 21 or 50 -or- read a book in which a scene in a bathtub occurs.
The Best of All Possible Worlds - Karen Lord 5/15
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
June Scavenger - Cole Porter
READ: 6/7
✔1. Sheryl Crow
♬ Read a book set in a country other than your own (tell us where it's set and where you live) - or - a book originally published in October (any year, but tell us which year).
Kin - Kealan Patrick Burke (pub October 25, 2011) 6/10
✔3. Ella Fitzgerald
♬ Read a book set in Paris - or - read a book with the letter Z somewhere in the title or author's name.
The Care and Taming of a Rogue - Suzanne Enoch 6/9
✔4. Nelson Eddy
♬ Read a book with a word in the title containing the letters "GHT" intact - or - read a book with an obvious night scene on the cover (show us the cover).
Burn Bright - Patricia Briggs 6/26
✔5. Ethel Mermen
♬ Read a book with some sort of punctuation in the title - or - read a book with an author whose LAST name begins with "DE."
Balanced on the Blade's Edge - Lindsay Buroker 6/24
✔8. Kevin Kline and John Barrowman
♬ Read a book with the word "AND" in the title - or - a book that is popular, meaning it has at least 50,000 ratings (tell us how many).
Agatha H and the Airship City - Phil Foglio 6/13
✔9. Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly
♬ Read a book set at least partially on a yacht or cruise ship - or - a book with a wealthy character.
Thirty-Four and a Half Predicaments - Denise Grover Swank (Hero is wealthy) 6/11
June Spell Challenge - Cole PorterREAD: 11/11
N: Not Quite a Husband - Sherry Thomas 6/20
I: The Invisible Library - Genevieve Cogman 6/6
G: Gossamer Wing - Delphine Dryden 6/23
H: Royal Assassin - Robin Hobb 6/16
T: Thirty-Four and a Half Predicaments - Denise Grover Swank 6/11
A: Agatha H and the Airship City - Phil & Kaja Foglio 6/13
N: Year One - Nora Roberts 6/16
D: The Drowning Girl - Caitlín R. Kiernan 6/9
D: The Darkest Promise - Gena Showalter 6/25
A: Fight Fire with Fire - Amy Fetzer 6/28
Y: Blood Wyne - Yasmine Galenorn 6/17
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
July Scavenger challenge : Seven Natural Wonders of the World
READ: 6/5
✔️GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA USA
☀ Read a book with a desert scene shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book with an intact "18" in its original year of publication; tell us the year
The Darkest Warrior - Gena Showalter (pub 2018) 7/7
✔️GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA
☀ Read a book set in Australia or by an Australian author OR book #3 or #6 from a series; tell us the series
Last Gasp - Karen Chester 7/15
✔️HARBOR OF RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
☀ Read a book with an intact "19" in its total page count; tell us how many pages OR a book with a large natural body of water shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
74 Seaside Avenue - Debbie Macomber 7/30
✔️MOUNT EVEREST, NEPAL
☀ Read a book that has been translated from one language to another; tell us both languages OR a book with a character who works as a tour guide; tell us who
Flying by the Seat of My Knickers - Eliza Watson (Caity) 7/18
✔️PARICUTIN VOLCANO, MEXICO
☀ Read a bookwith a character who earns his/her living as a scientist; tell us who and the career OR a book set in the 1940s or 50s; tell us when
Little Tiny Teeth - Aaron Elkins (botanist) 7/1
✔️VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBIA/ZIMBABWE
☀ Read a book whose title begins with Z (disregard A, An and The) OR a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in VICTORIAFALLS (2-word minimum)
Asking For It - Kit Tunstall 7/9
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
July Spell Challenge - Seven Natural Wonders of the WorldREAD: 9/9
✔A: Abducting Abby - S.E. Smith 7/2
✔U: Unlucky - Jana DeLeon 7/12
✔S: Sister - Rosamund Lupton 7/2
✔T: Sora's Quest - T.L. Shreffler 7/4
✔R: The Real Deal - Lucy Monroe 7/20
✔A: Asking For It - Kit Tunstall 7/9
✔L: Last Gasp - Karen Chester 7/15
✔I: The Ice Twins - S.K. Tremayne 7/27
✔A: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll 7/27
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
From Sea to Shining Sea - ArkansasDuration: July 1 - August 31, 2018
READ: 7/10
✔️ 1. ✒ Read a book that you added to the TBR in June (mention the date) -or- read a book whose author's first or last name starts with an AR -or- read a book whose title contains an adjective.
Bone Deep - Bonnie Dee (added June 2012) 8/24
✔️ 2. ✒ Read a book in which mining is referenced -or- read a book in which all words in the title begin with a letter in MAGNETCOVE (3 word minimum, A, An and The DO count) or read a book with a bowl shape on the cover (post the cover).
City of the Lost - Kelley Armstrong 8/30
3. ✒ Read a book with a diamond or star shape on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book set in either France or Spain (tell us where) -or- read a book in which the characters are seen to vote in an election to any kind of public office.
4. ✒ Read a book in which a dinosaur or other extinct animal is part of the plot (real animals only) -or- read a book whose title contains a day of the week -or- read a book in which an important discovery is made.
✔️ 5. ✒ Read a book in which a wild or fantastic creature hurts humans -or- read a book where someone stages an elaborate hoax (explain how the book fits) -or- read a monster book (greater than 600 pages, (tell us how many pages).
Earth to Hell - Kylie Chan (615 pages) 8/19
✔️ 6. ✒ Read an atmospheric mystery -or- read a book featuring multiple perspectives -or- read a book marked PARANORMAL or SUPERNATURAL on the GR main page.
Record of a Spaceborn Few - Becky Chambers 8/21
✔️ 7. ✒ Read a book in which a character travels to a different place for reasons of health (not to the hospital, but maybe to a spa city or somewhere warm) -or- read a book in which the main character gets a diamond ring during the course of the plot (as in, she gets engaged, or inherits it, whatever) -or- read a book in which a character serves in the military (any country, any era).
Total Surrender - Rebecca Zanetti 8/1
8. ✒ Read a book with a married couple who are both successful at the same career (varying degrees of success is fine) -or- read a legal thriller (bonus for Grisham) -or- read a book whose title has a word that is six letters or greater from this list of Johnny Cash's songs.
✔️ 9. ✒ Read a book whose author or main character shares a first or last name with one of the Little Rock Nine (Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Terrence Roberts, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Minnijean Brown, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Thelma Mothershead and Melba Patillo Beals) -or- read a book in which someone has to face a difficult situation all alone (tell us how the book fits) -or- read a book in which a team is assembled and trained to do a difficult job.
The Chase - Janet Evanovich 7/24
✔️ 10. ✒ Read a book in which someone mispronounces a word or a name -or- read a book in which a flood occurs or a dog barks at night (tell us which) -or- read a book in which a female character hits a man.
The Job - Janet Evanovich 8/30
August Scavenger challenge: E F P T O Z Eye Exam
READ: 7/7
✔ 1. Read a book with an 8 in the original year of publication (tell us the year) OR a book whose title is printed in distinctly different sized letters (post the cover)
Dark Tournament - Elisa S. Amore 8/8
✔ 2. Read a book set in the late 1800s (1860 or later; tell us when) OR a book with a Dutch character, by a Dutch author or set in the Netherlands (tell us which option fits your book).
The Duke Diaries - Sophia Nash 8/31
✔ 3. Read a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in MYOPIC (post a link to the author's GR page) OR a book with a character who "can't see the forest for the trees" (open to your interpretation, but you must explain how it fits)
Jinx - Meg Cabot 8/12
✔ 4. Read a book with the letters F-A-R in the title (do NOT have to be in order) OR a book with a person wearing glasses on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail; post the cover)
The Fourth Bear - Jasper Fforde 8/4
✔ 5. Read a book with a character in a medical profession (tell us the character and the career) OR a book where the first letter of every word in the title (ALL words count, 3-word minimum) can be found in ASTIGMATISM.
City of the Lost - Kelley Armstrong 8/30
✔ 6. Read a book with an intact 20 or 40 in the total number of pages OR a book in which a character undergoes some sort of medical test (tell us the character and the test).
Loco Motive - Mary Daheim (320 pages) 8/2
✔ 7. Read a book whose title begins with E (disregard A, An and The) OR a book with CHILDREN'S on its main GR page (must be over 150 pages; tell us how many pages).
Earth to Hell - Kylie Chan 8/19
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
August Spell challenge: E F P T O Z Eye ExamREAD: 6/6
✔M: Bleeding Heart - Martha Powers 8/14
✔Y: Shaded Vision - Yasmine Galenorn 8/11
✔O: The Otter of Death - Betty Webb 8/15
✔P: A Promise of Fire - Amanda Bouchet 8/3
✔I: A Knight and White Satin - Jackie Ivie 8/17
✔C: Jinx - Meg Cabot 8/12
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
September Scavenger Challenge - Moon Festival
READ: 3/7
1. Read a book that takes place in China OR read a book that centers around a festival, fair, or some kind of gala occasion; tell us the event.
✔2. Read a book whose title contains a verb that ends in “ing” OR read a book that focuses on families and family relationships.
Shadow Rising - Yasmine Galenorn 9/16
✔3. Read a book featuring a reunion of some kind; tell us what OR read a book with a character you would describe as a peacemaker or diplomat; tell us who.
Alien Proliferation - Gini Koch (Kitty) 9/29
4. Read a book with a lantern (of any type) on the cover; post the cover OR read a book in which an author’s first and last initial can be found in LANTERN.
5. Read a book involving religious or spiritual themes OR read a book where a family shares a significant meal together.
6. Read the 13th book in a series OR read a book with any Chinese symbol on its cover; post the cover.
✔7. Read a book with a full moon on its cover; post the cover OR read a book whose title contains one of the following words: PURE, FULL, HOLY, ROUND, UNITY, or FAMILY (reasonable variations are acceptable - i.e. purity, union).
Midnight Blue-Light Special - Seanan McGuire 9/10
September Spell challengeREAD: 5/6
F: Fortune's Pawn - Rachel Bach 9/24
A: Popped Off - Jeffrey Allen 9/21
M: Midnight Blue-Light Special - Seanan McGuire 9/10
I: Storm Cycle - Iris & Roy Johansen 9/24
L:
Y: Shadow Rising - Yasmine Galenorn 9/16
From Sea to Shining Sea - MichiganDuration: September 1 - October 31, 2018
READ: 10/10
✔️ 1. Read a book whose number of pages are between 260 – 269 (tell us the number of pages) -or- read a book set in a state bordering one of the Great Lakes (tell us where) -or- read a book with a title with a word ending with -ing.
The Queen of the Tearling - Erika Johansen 9/2
✔️ 2. Read a book with a wild animal on its cover or in its plot -or- read a book with a character you would describe as vicious and bloodthirsty (tell us who) -or- read a book whose series name starts with a letter in TOLEDO.
Shadow Rising - Yasmine Galenorn 9/16
✔️ 3. Read a book with a mostly red cover (post the cover) -or- read a book with a fruit in its title or author's name -or- read a book in which the main character moves to a different location (for the purpose of settling, not for travel).
Sacred Evil - Heather Graham 9/13
✔️4. Read a book whose plot deals with music in some way -or- read a book from the list Popular Beach Reads -or- read a book with a character you would call "salty". (tell us whom and why).
Shattered Mirror - Iris Johansen 10/31
(2 characters are music prodigies and are targets of a murderer)
✔️5. Read a book set in the 1600s -or- read a book in which a town comes together to do something (tell us how your book works) -or- read a book whose title or author's name contains a St., Ste., or Saint (no other variations!)
Pelican Point - Donna Kauffman 10/31
(town comes together to restore a lighthouse for the tricentennial)
✔️ 6. Read a book with a character who is a magician or illusionist -or- read a book whose title contains only words that begin with a letter in "THEGREATBLACKSTONE" (3 word minimum, A, An and The count) -or- read a book with a prone person on the cover (post the cover).
Alien Proliferation - Gini Koch 9/29
- Seanan McGuire (New York City) 9/10
✔️8. Read a book which contains a confrontation between a civilian and the police -or- read a book written by an African American author -or- read a book from an author with a quote in the first 10 pages of this list of Recently Added Quotes. Mention the quote!
The Devil in the White City - Erik Larson 10/27
✔️9. Read a book whose title has changed since original publication for whatever reason -or- read a book set around a university or school -or- read a banned book (here's a list for reference).
A Kiss Before Dying - Ira Levin 10/25
(most of the action takes place around the college the MCs are attending)
✔️ 10. Read a book in which the f-word is used frequently -or- read a bookin which a burglary takes place -or- read a book that has a topic or event that leaves you scowling.
Hot Ice - Cherry Adair 10/5
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
October Scavenger Challenge: Pizza Pie!
READ: 12/7
CRUST: Choose 1 Task
▼ Hand Tossed: Read a book with a hand (or hands) clearly shown on the cover; post the cover OR read a book whose author’s first and last initial are in HAND TOSSED.
No One Left to Tell - Karen Rose 10/20
SAUCE: Choose 1
▼ Garlic Butter: Read a book about a vampire OR read a book where the first letter of each title word may be found in GARLIC BUTTER (A/An/The DO count; 3 word minimum).
Magic Triumphs - Ilona Andrews 10/4
TOPPINGS: Choose 4 - 8
▼ Artichokes – Read a book that takes place in any European country; tell us where OR read a book whose author’s first and last initial may be found in ARTICHOKE.
The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye - David Lagercrantz (Sweden) 10/23
▼ Bacon – Read a book with any breakfast food item on its cover; post the cover OR read a book here a character is cured of something; tell us what
Cure for the Common Breakup - Beth Kendrick (broken heart) 10/24
▼ Green Pepper – Read a book with a green cover; post the cover OR read a book whose title or author’s name contains double consonants.
Midnight Burning - Karissa Laurel 10/21
▼ Ham – Read a book with a pink cover; post the cover OR read a book with a character who likes to “ham it up” on occasion; tell us who.
Hot Ice - Cherry Adair 10/5
▼ Jalapenos – Read a book that takes place in Mexico OR read a book with a “hot” character; tell us who.
Stygian - Sherrilyn Kenyon (Urian) 10/13
▼ Meatballs – Read a book with a plural word in its title OR read a book with any round object on its cover; post the cover.
Death of a Neighborhood Witch - Laura Levine (moon) 10/19
▼ Mozzarella Cheese – Read a book whose title contains TWO sets of double consonants OR read a book with a title that is two words (A/an/the DO count).
Under Oath - Margaret McLean 10/12
▼ Mushrooms – Read a book whose author’s first and last initial may be found in MUSHROOM OR read a book with a beige or brown cover; post the cover.
Heart of the Season - Julianna Douglas 10/5
▼ Parmesan Cheese – Read a book with a (physical) hard cover OR read a book with a pet whose name begins with a letter in PARMESAN; tell us the pet's name.
Five - Ursula Poznanski 10/8
▼ Sesame Seeds – Read a book that takes place in a tropical location; tell us where OR read a book whose cover shows several very small items (i.e. rain drops, stars, beads); post the cover.
Eyes of Fire - Heather Graham (Bermuda) 10/14
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
October Spell Challenge: Pizza Pie! READ: 5/5
Crust
✔C: Cure for the Common Breakup - Beth Kendrick 10/24
✔R: No One Left to Tell - Karen Rose 10/20
✔U: Under Oath - Margaret McLean 10/12
✔S: Stygian - Sherrilyn Kenyon 10/13
✔T: Time's Convert - Deborah Harkness 10/28
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
November 2018 Scavenger Challenge : Are You Hungry?
READ: 7/7
✔1. BACON
Bacon dates back at least 3,500 years. The Chinese were the first to cook salted pork bellies. The salt preserved the meat so it could be eaten all year.
✼ Read a book with an intact 00 in its total page count; tell us how many pages OR a book with the letters S-A-L-T in its title, not necessarily in that order or in the same word
Beautiful Sacrifice - Elizabeth Lowell (400 pages) 11/4
✔2. BAKING BROWNIES
While no one is sure how brownies were first created, the most popular theory seems to be that a woman, who did not have baking powder on hand, improvised and served these "flattened cakes" to her guests.
✼ Read a book with a baked dessert shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book with a common color name in its title.
Sprinkle with Murder - Jenn McKinlay 11/10
✔3. FRESH BAKED BREAD
Legend has it that whoever eats the last piece of bread from a loaf has to kiss the cook.
✼ Read a book with ROMANCE on its main GR page OR a book that is the last book you need to finish a challenge; tell us the challenge
Wicked Nights With a Lover - Sophie Jordan 11/16
✔4. GARLIC
Average consumption of garlic is believed to weigh in at around two pounds per person. That means eating roughly 302 cloves per person per year.
✼ Read book #2 from a series; tell us the series OR a book with a MAIN character whose FIRST name begins with G; tell us the name
Muse of Nightmares - Laini Taylor 11/22
✔5. GRILLED BURGERS
Many US cities claim to be the birthplace of this popular food, but it is widely believed that it was invented in 1900 in New Haven, Connecticut, by Louis Lassen whose café offered a ground beef sandwich to a worker.
✼ Read a book set in a location with "New" in its name; tell us where OR a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in GRILLEDBURGERS
Stone Spring - Stephen Baxter 11/12
✔6. PIZZA
The first pizza wasn’t made in Italy or the USA, but in ancient Greece. They baked large round breads that were flat and topped them with veggies, potatoes, spices and olive oil.
✼ Read a boowith a round object shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book with the name of a spice in its title
Dead End Dating - Kimberly Raye (moon) 11/10
✔7. POPCORN
Sugar shortages during WWII made candy hard to come by, catapulting popcorn consumption to three times its pre-war levels.
✼ Read a book set during World War II OR a book with a 3 in its average GR rating (NOT the number of ratings or reviews!); tell us the rating
The Bronze Horseman - Paullina Simons 11/2
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
November 2018 Spell Challenge: Smells That Make You HungryREAD: 6/7
C: Water and Fire - Demelza Carlton 11/19
H: The Hypnotist - Lars Kepler 11/9
I:
N: No One Heard Her Scream - Jordan Dane 11/14
E: Endless Knight - Kresley Cole 11/15
S: Sweet Home - Tillie Cole 11/18
E: The Evil Inside - Heather Graham 11/19
From Sea to Shining Sea - FloridaDuration: November 1 - December 31, 2018
READ: 10/10
✔️ 1. Read a book marked HOLIDAY on its GR main page -or- read a book whose title begins with a letter in EASTER (ignore A, An and The) -or- read a book with flower/s on the cover (post the cover).
The Nightingale Before Christmas - Donna Andrews 12/10
✔️ 2. Read a book set in Florida or Cuba -or- read a book with an older main character (retired or near retirement) -or- read book #3 or #4 of a series.
A Tiger's Bride - Eve Langlais 11/24
✔️ 3. Read a book with an alligator making an appearance in the plot -or- read a book about faith and religion -or- read a book set in a state that you have not visited.
My Bluegrass Baby - Molly Harper (Kentucky) 11/23
✔️4. Read a book with a ship or another water transport on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book that has the word GOLD intact in its title -or- read a book in which a legend of some kind is important to the plot.
My Last Continent - Midge Raymond 12/29
✔️ 5. Read a book in which some sort of terrible weather is important to the plot -or- read a beach read -or- read a book whose author or main character shares a name with one of the hurricanes to hit Florida since 2000 (no variations, let us know the year the hurricane hit).
Stone Spring - Stephen Baxter (ice age flooding) 11/12
✔️ 6. Read a book with any of the animals mentioned above on its cover (post the cover) -or- read a book with predominantly red cover -or- read a book with some kind of environmental issue that is important to the plot.
The Hypnotist - Lars Kepler 11/9
✔️ 7. Roll a six-sided dice and read a book for whichever park you land on:
3. Epcot: Read a book set somewhere other than the US.
Water and Fire - Demelza Carlton (Australia) 11/19
✔️ 8. Read a book set in near-space (within our solar system but not on earth) -or- read a book set during the years of the space race (for the purpose of this task: 1955-1975, tell us when it's set) -or- read a book in which the main character works for an organization with an abbreviated name (like NASA, FBI or KGB, tell us which).
The Evil Inside - Heather Graham (FBI) 11/19
✔️ 9. Read a book with a predominantly coral cover -or- read a book set on an island -or- read a book in which a character has a green thumb.
Immortal Nights - Lynsay Sands (Dominican Republic) 12/13
✔️ 10. Read a book with a badly written sex scene -or- read a book that you cannot put down -or- read a book with a "bad cat" or "bad dog".
Queen of the Darkness - Anne Bishop 12/8
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
December 2018 Scavenger Challenge: Santa Claus is Coming to Town
READ: 6/7
✔1. Read a book in which a character has a title (eg Burgermeister, Duke, King, Colonel; tell us the title) OR in which the MC is an orphan.
Queen of the Darkness - Anne Bishop 12/8
2. Read a book in which a character is an Elf (tell us the character) OR in which the title has rhyming words.
✔3. Read a book with a toy on the cover (post the cover) OR in which the author's initials can be found in SOMBERTOWN (first and last initials only).
Forgotten - Mariah Stewart 12/5
✔4. Read a book with a character named Jessica OR in which the first letter of the title can be found in the word STOCKING (ignore A, An and The).
Spider's Trap - Jennifer Estep 12/23
✔5. Read a book in which either the MC or the author has a name that starts with the same letter (eg Winter Warlock, Dannika Dark; tell us the name) OR in which there is a chimney on the cover (post the cover).
Wildcat - Cheryl Brooks (Sara Shield) 12/25
✔6. Read a book in which the title of the book ends in a letter in REINDEER OR in which a character in the book wears a beard (tell us the character).
The Rose Garden - Susanna Kearsley 12/8
✔7. Read a book in which Santa Claus is mentioned (quote passage and location) OR which has a white cover (post the cover).
The Nightingale Before Christmas - Donna Andrews 12/10
(Santa Claus, he said), p113
December 2018 Spell Challenge: Santa ClausREAD: 6/6
A: The Nightingale Before Christmas - Donna Andrews 12/10
S: Sour Apples - Sheila Connolly 12/29
Y: Autumn Whispers - Yasmine Galenorn 12/12
L: Lending a Paw - Laurie Cass 12/3
U: The Unseen - Heather Graham 12/21
M: My Last Continent - Midge Raymond 12/29
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Classic ToysDuration: September 1,2017 - February 28, 2018
READ: 25/25
✔1. BARBIE : Read a book with a woman's name in the title OR a book with a character who works in a fashion-related field; tell us the career
Dorothy Must Die - Danielle Paige 10/19
✔2. BARREL OF MONKEYS : Read a book with a "chain" of linked items on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}); post the cover OR a book with a plural noun in the title (monkeys, rivers, leaves, etc.)
The Persian Always Meows Twice - Eileen Watkins 10/26
✔3. COOTIE : Read a book from the Best Books of the 21st Century list OR a book with an insect of some sort in the title or on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}); post the cover
The Bedlam Stacks - Natasha Pulley 11/18
✔4. EASY BAKE OVEN : Read a book with a main character who earns his/her living as a baker (NOT a chef, cook, etc.) OR a book whose title begins with a letter in OVEN (disregard A, An and The)
Going, Going, Ganache - Jenn McKinlay (cupcake baker) 9/21
✔5. ERECTOR SET : Read a book with railroad tracks on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}); post the cover OR a book by an author who uses three names instead of just first and last names (i.e., Orson Scott Card, Joyce Carol Oates)
The Vampire King - Heather Killough-Walden 2/5
✔6. ETCH-A-SKETCH : Read a book with at least two words in the title that rhyme OR a book whose plot makes you want to shake the book and start over again; without giving away any spoilers, tell us why
The Chimera - S.H. Magillian 1/18
(a very sophomore effort from a debut author. I kept shaking my head thinking I'd missed something. Nope it was just that badly written.)
✔7. FRISBEE : Read a book whose title has changed since its original publication (tell us both titles) OR a book with a round object of some kind on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}); post the cover. Award seals do NOT count!
The Wrong Hostage - Elizabeth Lowell 10/12
✔8. HOT WHEELS : Read a book with CHILDRENS on its main GR page OR a book with a car or truck on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail); post the cover
Paris Match - Stuart Woods 2/19
✔9. HULA HOOPS : Read a book by an author whose name contains at least one set of consecutive double letters OR a book set in Hawaii
Ukulele Murder - Leslie Langtry 10/23
✔10. LEGOS : Read a book set in a Scandinavian country (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland) OR a book with 19 or 32, intact, in the total number of pages; tell us how many pages
The Wood Queen - Karen Mahoney (321 pages) 10/4
✔11. LINCOLN LOGS : Read a book written by the son or daughter of a celebrity known for something other than writing (tell us the celebrity) OR a book with a subtitle
The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black - E.B. Hudspeth 3/3
✔12. LITE BRITE : Read a book with an artificial light source on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail); post the cover OR a book with one of the above color names in the title (red, blue, orange, white, green, yellow, pink, purple)
Red 1-2-3 - John Katzenbach 12/9
✔13. MAGIC 8 BALL : Read a book whose title is a question OR a book with an 8 in the original year of publication; tell us the year
Casting Spells - Barbara Bretton (published Jan 2008) 12/28
✔14. MR. POTATO HEAD : Read a book with FAMILY on its main GR page OR a book with an honorific in the title (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.)
Mister Hockey - Lia Riley 2/15
✔15. PLAY DOH : Read a book by an author whose name includes the prefix Mc or Mac OR a book whose title contains the letters P, L, A and Y, in any order
Happy Hour at Casa Dracula - Marta Acosta 9/18
✔16. SEE & SAY : Read a book set in the 1960s OR a book by an author whose first and last names begin with the same letter
Highland Avenger - Hannah Howell 10/9
✔17. SILLY PUTTY : Read a book whose title contains only words that are no more than five letters long (two-word minimum) OR a book with CLASSIC on its main GR page
Bite My Fire - Mary Hughes 10/14
✔18. SIMON : Read book #5 or higher in a series OR a book with a character who is known for his/her excellent memory
White Trash Zombie Unchained - Diana Rowland (#6 in series) 10/7
✔19. SLINKY : Read a book with a staircase on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail); post the cover OR a book with a word ENDING in Y in the title
Out of the Easy - Ruta Sepetys 9/16
✔20. SOCK MONKEY : Read a book set in Canada or by a Canadian author OR a book set in the Victorian era (1837-1901)
Star of the Sea - Joseph O'Connor (1847) 10/17
✔21. SPIROGRAPH : Read a book with what you consider an artsy cover; post the cover OR a book whose title begins with SP (ALL WORDS COUNT!)
And I Darken - Kiersten White 10/30
✔22. TIDDLYWINKS : Read a book with an airborne object on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail {the small image that shows up in a post}); post the cover OR a book whose title or author's name contains a Q
Golden Age and Other Stories - Naomi Novik 10/9
✔23. TINKERTOYS : Read a book written by two or more authors OR a book with a number in the title (One, 19 work, Second does not)
Crimson Shore - Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child 9/19
✔24. TONKA TRUCKS : Read a book with a Native American character or by a Native American author OR a book originally published in 2001
The Six-Gun Tarot - R.S. Belcher 10/25
✔25. VIEW MASTER : Read a book with a character who is serving or who has served in the military (any branch, any country, any era) OR a book set during World War II
Blind Faith - Rebecca Zanetti (special ops) 10/16
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Knock on WoodDuration: October 1, 2017 - March 31, 2018
READ: 30/30
✔️ 1. BIRD FLYING INTO A HOUSE
* Read a book with a bird name in the title or author's name (ROBINson is ok) OR a book in which a character is looking for a specific person or thing; tell us who or what
Three Bags Full - Leonie Swann 2/10
✔️2. BREAKING A MIRROR
* Read a book with a 7 in the total page count; tell us how many pages OR a book whose title begins with a letter in MIRROR (ALL WORDS COUNT!)
Metro Girl - Janet Evanovich 10/3
✔️3. CARRYING A RABBIT’S FOOT
* Read a book with a character who has at least four children OR a book with double Os in the title
The Wood Queen - Karen Mahoney 10/4
✔️4. CROSS YOUR FINGERS
* Read a book with an X in the title or author's name; tell us the author OR a book with fingers or a hand that occupies at least 25% of the cover; post the cover
The Six-Gun Tarot - R.S. Belcher 10/25
✔️ 5. CUTTING THE WEDDING CAKE
* Read a book in which a wedding takes place OR a book with a cake on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail); post the cover
Simply Irresistible - Rachel Gibson 3/22
✔️6. DESTROYING A SPIDER WEB
* Read a book set before the year 1000 A.D.; tell us when OR a book in which a human birth occurs
A Ghoul's Guide to Love and Murder - Victoria Laurie 3/14
✔️7. DO NOT RETURN AN EMPTY FOOD CONTAINER
* Read a book with a character who prepares food for a living; tell us the career OR a book with a negative word in the title (no, never, not, etc.)
She'll Never Live - Hunter Morgan 10/14
✔️8. FINDING A FOUR-LEAF CLOVER
* Read book #4 from a series; tell us the series OR a book with a main character who works in a human health-related field; tell us the career
Red 1-2-3 - John Katzenbach (nurse) 12/9
✔️9. FINGERNAIL CLIPPINGS
* Read a book whose main character's first name begins with a letter in NAIL; tell us the name OR a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in EVILSPIRITS
Ukulele Murder - Leslie Langtry (Nani) 10/23
✔️10. GIVING A KNIFE AS A GIFT
* Read a book with an object on the cover that has a sharp blade of some kind (must be visible in the GR thumbnail); post the cover OR a book with two best friends as main characters; tell us who
Highland Avenger - Hannah Howell 10/9
✔️11. HANGING CLOTHES FROM A DOORKNOB
* Read a book with a character who works in a clothing-related career; tell us the career OR a book with a door with a doorknob on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail); post the cover
The Shop on Blossom Street - Debbie Macomber 2/18
✔️12. KILLING A SPIDER
* Read a book in which illness plays an important role in the story OR a book with a six-word title; ALL WORDS count
The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster - Scott Wilbanks 11/29
✔️13. KNOCKING ON WOOD
* Read a book with a repeated word in the title OR a book with an unusually arrogant character; tell us who
Ho-Ho-Homicide - Kaitlyn Dunnett 10/5
✔️14. LEAP YEAR
* Read a book whose title consists of words no more than four letters long; two-word minimum OR a book with a female main character who is the head of her household
Bite My Fire - Mary Hughes 10/14
✔️15. LUCKY THREE AT THE CARD TABLE
* Read a book with a number in the title (One or 16 works; second does not) OR a book with a table and chair/s on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail); post the cover
A Tale of Two Vampires - Katie MacAlister 11/16
✔️16. MOVING INTO A NEW HOME
* Read a book in which a character moves into a new home OR a book that was released less than six months before you read it; tell us the release date
Godsgrave - Jay Kristoff (pub Sept 5, 2017) 10/24
✔️17. LEAVING AN EGGSHELL UNBROKEN
* Read a book with a character who is a witch/wizard OR a book whose title contains at least one of every vowel (A, E, I, O and U)
Midnight's Captive - Donna Grant 10/12
✔️18. OPENING AN UMBRELLA INDOORS
* Read a book with the letters S-U-N in the title (not necessarily in that order) OR a book by an author whose last name begins with U
Into the Fire - Amanda Usen 12/28
✔️19. PICKING UP A PIN
* Read a book with a verb ending in ING in the title OR a book with MAGIC or MAGICAL REALISM on its main GR page
Burning The Map - Laura Caldwell 10/28
✔️20. SETTING A HAT ON THE BED
* Read a book with a hat on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail); post the cover; OR a book with at least one argumentative character; tell us who
Lady of Devices - Shelley Adina 11/23
✔️21. STEPPING ON A CRACK
* Read a book with a main character who is a mother OR a book with at least two rhyming words in the title
The Outcast Dead - Elly Griffiths 10/30
✔️22. THREE ON A MATCH
* Read a book with a character who is in the military (must be active duty!; any service, any country, any era) OR a book you added to your TBR on the 3rd of any month; tell us when you added it
Blind Faith - Rebecca Zanetti 10/16
✔️23. THROWING A COIN INTO A FOUNTAIN
* Read a book with TRAVEL on its main GR page OR a book set in a location that begins with a letter in COIN; tell us the location
The Persian Always Meows Twice - Eileen Watkins (New Jersey) 10/26
✔️24. THROWING SALT OVER THE LEFT SHOULDER
* Read a book in which a character has really bad luck; without giving away any spoilers, tell us how OR a book with one of these words in the title: LEFT, RIGHT, UP , DOWN
Heart of Venom - Jennifer Estep 3/8
(mc is an assassin; every time she turns around someone is trying to kill her)
✔️25. TOASTING WHEN DRINKING
* Read a book in which an intentional poisoning occurs OR a book with a beverage of some sort on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail); post the cover
Secrets in Death - J.D. Robb 11/3
✔️26. A TWO-DOLLAR BILL
* Read a book with a 2 in its average GR ratings on the day you finished reading it; tell us the rating OR a book that has been well-read: either a book that you have read at least three times before (tell us when) or a print book that has seen better days (dog-eared corners, etc.)
Echoes of Ice - Boone Brux (4.29) 11/26
✔️27. TYING OLD SHOES TO THE NEWLYWEDS’ CAR
* Read a book that was originally published more than 25 years ago; tell us the publication date OR a book with more than one unworn shoe or other footwear on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail); post the cover
Dorothy Must Die - Danielle Paige 10/19
✔️28. WALKING UNDER A LADDER
* Read a book with FAMILY on its main GR page OR a book in which a family is destroyed in some way; without giving away any spoilers, tell us how
Sick Fux - Tillie Cole (heroine's family is destroyed by a pedophile) 12/30
✔️29. WEARING AN ACORN
* Read a book with a main character who is over 65 years old; tell us the character's name OR a bookover 450 pages long; tell us how many pages
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet - Becky Chambers (518 pages) 11/25
✔️30. WHISTLING BRINGS MISFORTUNE
* Read a book in which EVERY WORD in the title begins with a letter in MISFORTUNE; 2-word minimum OR a book with a character who earns his/her living in the theater
Stars of Fortune - Nora Roberts 12/31
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
The Seven Seas ChallengeDuration: December 1, 2017- May 31, 2018
READ: 20/20
The origins of the phrase 'Seven Seas' - Read a book with the number 7 in the title (either numerical or written out) or which is the seventh in a series.
✔️Greek literature, the Seven Seas - Read a book with an MC whose name starts with a letter in SEA (tell us the character's name) or a book in which the title contains a directional word (ex east, north, up, left)
Sick Fux - Tillie Cole (Ellis) 12/30
✔️Seven Seas - Read a book with a body of water in the title (sea, ocean, lake etc) or with a body of water on the cover (must be visible in GR thumbnail; post the cover)
Penguins and Mortal Peril - Ruby Loren 3/24
♆ ☸ ♆ ☸ The Seven(teen) Seas ♆ ☸ ♆ ☸
✔️Aegean Sea- Read a book set in Greece or Turkey OR in which a birth takes place.
Stars of Fortune - Nora Roberts 12/31
✔️Adriatic Sea- Read a book set in Italy OR which contains a rare or threatened animal (including mythological creatures; tell us the animal).
The Chimera - S.H. Magillian (a phoenix) 1/18
✔️Mediterranean Sea- Read a bookin which all words of the title start with a letter in MEDITERRANEAN (2 word minimum, must include A, An and The, if present) OR which has a boat on the cover (any size boat; post the cover; must be visible in the GR thumbnail).
Demon Mistress - Yasmine Galenorn 3/16
✔️Black Sea- Read a book with a predominantly (50%) black cover (post the cover) OR a book in which a person owns a lot of gold (is rich; tell us who).
The Four Sworn: Spring Equinox - Lenore Sagaskie 12/15
✔️Red Sea- Read a book with a predominantly (50%) red cover (post the cover) OR one in which someone does a reconnaissance mission (tell us who).
Duck the Halls - Donna Andrews 12/25
✔️Caspian Sea- Read a book in which a character acts like a Neanderthal (tell us who) OR a book in which the author's initials can be found in CASPIAN (first and last names only).
Seduced By Your Spell - Lois Greiman (hero is a real tool) 1/20
✔️Persian Gulf- Read a book about a nomad (a person who wanders; tell us who) OR a book originally published on the 15th of any month (tell us the month and year)
I Know a Secret - Tess Gerritsen (pub Aug 15, 2017) 4/2
✔️North Sea- Read a book in which a battle or war takes place OR which takes place in Europe (tell us where).
Headstone - Ken Bruen (Ireland) 12/26
✔️Baltic Sea- Read a book that takes place in a Baltic country (The Balkans - second map; tell us where) OR which is about Vikings.
The Landing - Colin Taber 4/24
✔️Atlantic Ocean- Read a dystopian novel or one where an old world becomes a new world OR read a book with a page number including 1, 4, or 6. (tell us the number of pages)
The Girls of Mischief Bay - Susan Mallery (416 pages) 5/5
✔️Arabian Sea- Read a book in which a person is known by another name (nicknames count as long as it is not a surname; tell us both names) OR in which trade occurs (whether an actual trade or shopping).
My Lord Vampire - Alexandra Ivy 1/22
(view spoiler)
✔️Arctic Ocean- Read a book with a winter scene on the cover (post the cover) OR a small book (150-200 pages, tell us the number of pages).
In the Shadow of the Gods - Rachel Dunne 1/13
✔️Indian Ocean- Read a book with a circle on the cover (post the cover; award circles do not count) OR a book where something is completely enclosed (as by a wall, a moat, a fence etc; tell us what is enclosed).
The Dragon Caller - Pauline M. Ross 12/23
✔️Pacific Ocean Read a book set in Asia, Australia or the Americas (tell us the location) OR read a large book (at least 400 pages, tell us the number of pages).
Strange the Dreamer - Laini Taylor (536 pages) 4/15
✔️Caribbean Sea- Read a book that takes place on an island OR which includes water play (diving, snorkeling, jet skiiing, swimming etc; tell us the water play).
The White Mary - Kira Salak 1/18
✔️Gulf of Mexico- Read a book in which a natural disaster takes place (tell us the disaster) OR which includes an intact “10” in the number of pages (tell us the number of pages).
Death on Paradise Island - B.M. Allsopp (310 pages) 12/19
✔️Southern (Antarctic) Ocean Read a book about an explorer (tell us who) OR a book with an author whose first or last name starts with either J or C.
Malevolent - Jana DeLeon 12/16
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
The Solar System Part 2Duration: December 1, 2017 - March 31, 2018
READ: 16/16
✔️1. ☀Read a book where an actual giant makes an appearance OR read a weighty book (500+ pages; tell us how many) OR read a book with a goodreads rating that contains a "4" and a "6" (tell us the rating and the date this rating was posted).
Heart of Venom - Jennifer Estep 3/8
✔️2. ☀Read a dwarf-sized book (150 – 200pp; tell us how many) OR read a book with a main character described as exceptionally short OR read a book whose title starts with a letter found in DWARF (exclude a/an/the).
Murder on the Aloha Express - Sally J. Smith (190 pages) 1/11
✔️3. ☀Read a book whose cover shows someone wearing a belt; post the cover OR read any series book that lies between its start and finish (tell us the book's position in the series) OR read a book with any type of metal listed in the book’s title or the author’s name (i.e. Goldsmith, The Copper Bodega).
Night's Honor - Thea Harrison (#7 of 9 in series) 1/2
✔️4. ☀Read a book whose cover has a ring (a piece of jewelry) on it (post the cover; ring must be visible in the GR thumbnail) OR read a book in which an engagement occurs OR read a book whose author's first and last initials may be found in COSMIC DUST.
Vampires Dead Ahead - Cheyenne McCray 12/5
✔️5. ☀Read a book whose title and/or sub-title contain a comma OR read a book whose cover shows an icy scene; post the cover OR read a book whose main character’s first name starts with a letter in COMET (tell us the character's name).
In the Shadow of the Gods - Rachel Dunne 1/13
✔️6. ☀Read a book in which a large explosion occurs OR read a book with a bright cover; post the cover OR read a book in which a character or pet runs away from home.
The Naked Duke - Sally MacKenzie 12/16
✔️7. ☀Read a book with a comparative or superlative word in its title (this link might help List of Comparative & Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs OR read a book in which a main character “shines” for any reason (tell us how) OR read a book with an exceptionally shiny object on its cover (post the cover).
Everlasting Enchantment - Kathryne Kennedy (very shiny bracelet) 12/18
✔️8. ☀Read a book with stars or star-shaped objects on its cover; post the cover OR read a book in which a main character is a star of some kind (rock-star, movie-star) OR read a book that you would rate 5 stars.
Stars of Fortune - Nora Roberts 12/31
✔️9. ☀Read a book with a very black empty cover; post the cover OR read a book where someone or something simply disappears (tell us who/what) OR read a book whose title contains “POINT,” “NO,” or “RETURN” (minor variations acceptable - i.e. points, returned).
Mind Magic - Eileen Wilks (mc seems to disappear into thin air) 1/23
✔️10. ☀Read a book whose title begins with a “Y” or a “Z” (exclude a/an/the) OR read a book whose publication year contains a “3” (list the year) OR read a book whose cover shows any items “yoked together” (i.e. string of lights, harnessed animals); post the cover.
The Zig Zag Girl - Elly Griffiths 12/25
✔️11. ☀Read a book whose cover shows a large expanse of night sky; post the cover OR read a book whose title or author's name contains an intact double "LL" OR read a book whose location starts with a letter in CONSTELLATION (tell us where).
Headstone - Ken Bruen (Ireland) 12/26
✔️12. ☀Read a book whose title contains a collective noun (This list might help List of Collective Nouns) OR read the final book in a series or the last book written by an author who has died OR read a “remnant” book – a book you bought used or a book someone gave you.
The Dragon Caller - Pauline M. Ross (ARC) 12/23
✔️13. ☀ Read a book with a white cover (at least 75%; post the cover) OR read a book with a character who is completely degenerate; briefly tell us why OR read a book whose story contains dwarves or elves.
Deadly Sting - Jennifer Estep (heroine's BFFs are dwarves) 2/5
✔️14. ☀ Read a book with clouds on its cover; post the cover OR read a book with a character who may be described as a gas-bag OR read a book with a cluttered cover; post the cover.
Dead Dry - Sarah Andrews 12/13
✔️15. ☀ Read a book that takes place in a galaxy far, far away (anywhere but ours) OR read a book with a dark cover; post the cover OR read a book whose title contains an “X.”
Sick Fux - Tillie Cole 12/30
✔️16. ☀ Read a book which you would give a “glowing” recommendation (at least 4 stars) OR read a book with an arched item on the cover; post the cover OR read a book with character who loves chocolate.
Seven Stones to Stand or Fall - Diana Gabaldon 1/14
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
One Hit Wonders of the 2000sDuration: January 1 - June 30, 2018
READ: 22/22
✔️1. Who Let the Dogs Out by Baha Men
Read a book with a male character who is a "dog" (tell us how) OR a character that plays video games OR a book with a title that starts with a W - (disregard A, An The).
When Darkness Ends - Alexandra Ivy 1/13
✔️2. Stacy’s Mom by Fountains of Wayne
Read a book with a teenage character that has a "HOT" mom OR that features a scene with a towel wrapped around a person OR where a man walks out on his family.
Cold Reign - Faith Hunter 5/8
(gratefully wrapped myself in the oversized towel he tossed at me), p47
✔️3. Bad Day by Daniel Powter
Read a book with blue sky on the cover (please post the cover) OR where a character needs a vacation OR where a character has a BAD DAY.
The Girls of Mischief Bay - Susan Mallery 5/5
✔️4. Blue (Da Ba Dee) by Eiffel 65
Read a book with a blue cover (please post the cover) OR the word BLUE in the title OR with a sad, lonely character.
Blood on the Tracks - Barbara Nickless 4/21
(veteran with 3rd degree burns over most of body, he's now a loner because he horrifies people)
✔️5. Butterfly by Crazy Town
Read a book where a male character meets the "one" OR with a character who has piercings OR with the words BUTTERFLY, BUTTER or FLY in the title.
So I Married a Sorcerer - Kerrelyn Sparks 4/30
✔️6. Absolutely (Story of a Girl) by Nine Days
Read a book whose title starts with an A (disregard A, An The) OR with an unhappy character OR where a character wears the same clothing for at least 2 days in a row.
At Wolf Ranch - Jennifer Ryan 1/6
✔️7. Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!) by Blu Cantrell
Read a book where a character goes shopping OR gets cheated on OR gets revenge.
The Red Hunter - Lisa Unger 4/12
✔️8. I Try by Macy Gray
Read a book where a character has a break up OR where a character hides OR read an author's debut book.
Simply Irresistible - Rachel Gibson 3/22
✔️9. A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton
Read a book from your TBR that ends on with a 0 - (10, 200, 3000) (Tell us the number) OR with a character that is away from home OR with a character that is a grandfather.
Passenger - Alexandra Bracken 3/29
✔️10. Wonderful by Everclear
Read a book with a child character (under 12) that is significant to the story OR with a couple who fights OR with a HEA (Happily Ever After ending).
My Lord Vampire - Alexandra Ivy 1/22
✔️11. Uprising by Muse
Read a Dystopian/SciFi book OR a title that begins with a U - (disregard A, An The) OR with a character that has no idea what is happening.
Robot Academy - R.T.W. Lipkin 1/6
✔️12. All the Small Things by blink-182
Read a book with a MC who is a musician OR where a character receives a gift OR from this list 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.
I Know a Secret - Tess Gerritsen (mc gets a Christmas gift) 4/2
✔️13. Drive by Incubus
Read a book where a character has a fear (Tell us what it is) OR with a character whose name begins with a B OR where a character overcomes something bad.
Island of Glass - Nora Roberts (Bran) 3/23
✔️14. 1234 by Feist
Read a New Adult book OR a book with a number in the title OR a book set in Canada.
24690 - A.A. Dark 2/1
✔️15. Icky Thump by The White Stripes
Read a book with a ghost in the story OR a book set in Mexico OR where a character gets drunk.
A Ghoul's Guide to Love and Murder - Victoria Laurie 3/14
✔️16. Beverly Hills by Weezer
Read a book with a wealthy character OR the 5th book in a series OR a book where a regular person marries a celebrity (real or fictional).
Night Huntress - Yasmine Galenorn 2/20
✔️17. I Write Sins Not Tragedies by Panic! at the Disco
Read a book with a wedding scene OR where a planned wedding does not happen OR where characters take sides against each other for some reason. Tell us the reason.
Moonlight Warrior - Janet Chapman 4/16
✔️18. Second Chance by Shinedown
Read a book with an ordinal number in the title (first, second, third) OR where a character gets a second chance at something OR with a comet or a moon on the cover (please post the cover).
Moonlight in the Morning - Jude Deveraux 2/21
✔️19. 1985 by Bowling for Soup
Read a book with a character who's living in the past OR set in the 1980s OR with a MC or author whose first or last name begins with a D.
The Brush of Black Wings - Grace Draven 3/11
✔️20. Heaven by Los Lonely Boys
Read book with a character that speaks Spanish OR with a title that begins with a letter in HEAVEN - (disregard A, An The) OR a book with a religious character.
Etched in Bone - Anne Bishop 3/31
✔️21. Did My Time by Korn
Read a book with a character waiting for their break in life OR published in August (of any year) OR with a three word title (All words count).
Y is for Yesterday - Sue Grafton (pub August 2017) 4/22
✔️22. Hero (feat. Josey Scott) by Chad Kroeger
Read a book that has been made into a TV show/movie (Tell us the TV show/movie) OR with a character that is a hero OR was nominated for an award (Tell us the award).
Bird Box - Josh Malerman (Bram Stoker Award) 4/10
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Eat, Drink and Be Merry: Cocktails
Duration: November 1, 2017 - April 30, 2018
READ: 24/25
✔ 1) Bloody Mary
※ Read a book featuring a ‘fancy’ breakfast or brunch scene OR read a book with a MC named Mary (reasonable variations accepted) OR read a book with a tomato-red cover.
Best Day Ever - Kaira Rouda 4/3
✔ 2) Cosmopolitan
※ Read a book that takes place in NYC OR read a book that features a (real) celebrity OR read a book with a vivid pink cover (not pastel); remember to post the cover.
Millennium Crash - James Litherland 4/23
✔ 3) Daiquiri
※ Read any book by Ernest Hemingway OR read a book featuring family relationships OR read a book whose title or author’s last name start with Q.
Airwoman - Zara Quentin 2/1
✔ 4) French 75
※ Read a book with “Classic” on its main GoodReads page OR read a book that takes place in France (bonus for the Champagne region!) OR read a book with at least one bar scene.
Black Water Lilies - Michel Bussi 3/15
✔ 5) Gimlet
※ Read a book with a lime green cover (post the cover) OR a book that takes place at sea OR read a book with something that used to be prevalent but is virtually non-existent today (i.e. an illness, a species, a fad; tell us what).
Dead Level - Sarah Graves 2/4
✔ 6) Hurricane
※ Read a book that takes place in New Orleans OR read a book that takes place during prohibition (1920-1933) OR read a book in which a hurricane or tropical storm occurs.
Phantom Evil - Heather Graham 4/28
✔ 7) Irish Coffee
※ Read a book that takes place in Ireland OR a book that takes place in a coffee shop or patisserie OR read a book with a dessert on the cover; remember to post the cover.
Death of a Chocoholic - Lee Hollis 4/27
✔ 8) Lemon Drop
※ Read a book with a lemon yellow cover; post the cover OR read a juvenile / middle school book (must be at least 150 pages) OR read a book with a character you would describe as “sweet and sassy.”
The Memory of Blood - Christopher Fowler 1/30
✔ 9) Long Island Iced Tea
※ Read a book that takes place on Long Island or any island OR read a book in which the main character works in a bar or at an inn OR read book number 5 on your TBR.
Island of Glass - Nora Roberts 3/23
✔ 10) Mai Tai
※ Read a book that takes place in the South Pacific OR read a book with at least two rhyming words in its title OR read a book in which several items are required to produce a desired result (tell us the items and the result).
Just a Hint - Clint - Lori Foster 1/27
✔ 11) Manhattan
※ Read a book with a strong main character OR read a book in which a major party is held OR read a book that takes place in Manhattan (only! No other burroughs in NYC).
Heir to the Shadows - Anne Bishop 1/29
✔ 12) Margarita
※ Read a book with a three word title (A/An/The DO Count) OR read a book with a character named Rita (exact match) OR a book that takes place in Texas or Mexico.
The First Prophet - Kay Hooper 1/31
✔ 13) Martini
※ Read a book with “AND,” “OR,” “WET,” “DRY,” or “TWIST” in the title OR read one of Ian Fleming's James Bond books.
Dead and Berried - Karen MacInerney 2/26
✔ 14) Mint Julep
※ Read a book in which the letters J,U,L,E, and P are in the title (letters do not have to be sequential or in the same order) OR read a book that takes place in the South OR read a book in which some kind of race occurs (tell us which race).
Charming - Elliott James (Virginia) 1/10
✔ 15) Mojito
※ Read a book you find refreshing OR read a book that takes place in Cuba OR read a book with a character who enjoys their drinking and seems to do plenty of it.
Penguins and Mortal Peril - Ruby Loren 3/24
✔ 16) Old Fashioned
※ Read a book with a simply decorated cover OR read a book featuring an older protagonist (65 years or older) OR read a book whose author’s first and last initial can be found in OLD FASHIONED.
Split - Swati Avasthi 3/24
17) Planter’s Punch
※ Read a book that takes place during the summer OR read a book that takes place in the Caribbean OR read any book by Agatha Christie.
✔ 18) Ramos Gin Fizz
※ Read a book whose title starts with a letter in CITRUS (Exclude A/An/The) OR read a book with a ‘complex’ character OR read a book that leaves you feeling shaken (be as creative as you wish, but please explain your response).
The Trouble with Twelfth Grave - Darynda Jones 3/20
✔ 19) Sex on the Beach
※ Read a book that takes place on or near a beach OR read a book marked “Erotica” OR read a book with a title that makes you giggle (or at least smile).
Jacq's Warlord - Delilah Devlin 4/3
✔ 20) Sidecar
※ Read a book that takes place in the fall OR read a book with a fireplace on the cover; remember to post the cover OR read a book whose main character has a faithful sidekick.
Bone Magic - Yasmine Galenorn 4/28
✔ 21) Singapore Sling
※ Read a book with a long title (8+ words; may include the subtitle) OR read a book that takes place in Singapore or in Las Vegas OR read a book featuring a journalist.
The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black - E.B. Hudspeth 3/3
✔ 22) Tequila Sunrise
※ Read a book whose cover shows sunrise or sunset; remember to post the cover OR read thethird book in a series OR read a book where the first letter of each title word (include A/An/The; 3 word minimum) is in TEQUILA SUNRISE.
Crush - Nicole Williams (Crash #3) 2/3
✔ 23) Tom Collins
※ Read a book whose author’s first name is Tom (reasonable variations okay) or whose last name is Collins (exact match) OR read a book that takes place in London OR read a book with a “4” in its publication year.
The Wild Child - Mary Jo Putney 2/17
✔ 24) Whiskey Sour
※ Read a book with a cardinal number in its title (one, two, three – not first, second, third) OR read a book a piece of fruit mentioned in the title or on the cover (remember to post the cover if using that option) OR read a book with two complementary words in the title (i.e. sugar and spice, heart and soul).
Three Bags Full - Leonie Swann 2/10
✔ 25) White Russian
※ Read a book with a white cover (post the cover) OR read a book that takes place in Russia or has a Russian character OR read a book with a title word that is “BIG” or a synonym of big.
Relocating MIA - Rebecca Lerwill 3/4
Treasure Hunt- 2018 first quarterDuration: February 1 - May 31, 2018
99/100 FOUND
Airwoman - Zara Quentin 2/1Indigo - stars blinked in the indigo sky, p157
Dead Level - Sarah Graves 2/4Beaver - all the gunk that the beaver had dug up, p56
Virgins - waiter set down a virgin gin and lemon, p98
Walnut - or some walnuts to crack, p73
The Vampire King - Heather Killough-Walden 2/5Hidden - it was how he remained hidden, p6
Immortality - who could accompany us into immortality, p137
Intelligence - it was her intelligence that intrigued him the most, p8
Memory - her resistance to his memory wipe, p45
Milk - this got the milk in it already, p16
Deadly Sting - Jennifer Estep 2/5Daffodil - you look like a daffodil, p14
Diamond - price tag beside the diamond-crusted monstrosity, p1
Emerald - a vampire wearing an emerald choker, p74
Gold - a small gold nametag, p42
Haunted - wasn't the only one haunted by Salina's death, p76
Murder on the Rocks - Karen MacInerney 2/6 Aquamarine - painted white with Aquamarine trim, p68
Balance - I flailed to keep my balance p74
Bloomed - only one feeble pink rose bloomed, p38
Silver - brewed enough to fill the two silver pots, p15
Wicked Abyss - Kresley Cole 2/8Battle - read widely on the subjects of battle, survival and weapons, p16
Dizziness - as her new bout of dizziness faded, p42
Innocence - you weren't tempted to give him your innocence, p260
Poisons - some poisons could kill even an immortal, p30
Ring - he would give her a ring, p84
Tension - she recalled the grueling tension at court, p54
Wreaths - a wreath of gilded evergreen branches, p7
A Darker Shade of Magic - V.E. Schwab 2/9Charm - he more than made up for it in charm, p53
Knights - an then came the Knights, p169
Spirits - good spirits, maybe, p114
Three Bags Full - Leonie Swann 2/10Fairy - sometimes from a fairy tale, p18
Legend - legend said that these clouds were sheep, p16
Maple - maple ventured closer, p4
Sparrow - flocks of sparrows fluttered like leaves, p29
Wolf - what about the wolf, p13
What Hides Within - Jason Parent 2/12Expectant - at half-expectant coworkers, p30
Oak - towards the dead oak trees, p25
Promise - still a promise was a promise, p207
Weather - he dreamed of warmer weather, p202
Midnight's Promise - Donna Grant 2/13Ash - she watched them burn down to ash, p136
Calm - didn't just give her a measure of calm, p187
Happiness - one thing in his life that had given him happiness, p272
Lonely - they were two lonely people who became friends, p10
Rowan - the dense forest of rowan, birch, holly, p2
Wales - toured England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, p449
Mister Hockey - Lia Riley 2/15Humility - coach wasn't big on humility, p197
The Wild Child - Mary Jo Putney 2/17Cows - grazing cows and small shy, deer, p27
Daisy - she bent and plucked a daisy from the grass, p164
Modesty - risk offending his gentlemanly modesty, p164
Petals - shadows lengthened and petals drifted silently down, p220
Pine - sit down at a scrubbed pine table, p78
Saints - maybe saints and madmen were close kin, p60
Venture - my first venture into the fashionable would, p265
The Shop on Blossom Street - Debbie Macomber 2/18April - on the last Tuesday in April, p10
Eye - she had her eye on someone else, p61
Lime - a large ball of lime-green yarn, p32
May - infant born just two weeks earlier on May 27th, p109
Open - went from open weeping to ridiculous amusement, p275
Peace - she was determined to keep the peace ,p147
Weeping - Margaret was weeping, p275
Deadly Wipeout - Beth Prentice 2/19Hangovers - she looked after me when the hangover hit, loc7546
Night Huntress - Yasmine Galenorn 2/20Cedar - cedar and fir, p23
First - without talking to him first, p14
Garland - as a woven garland flamed in a wreath, p63
Hope - I could see the hope and disbelief, p271
Transformation - willed the Transformation to come on fast, p21
The Book of Swords - Anthology 2/21Amethyst - was a sort of Amethyst liquid, p443
Graves - as we stumble toward our respective graves, p379
Habits - indulging all the routine questionable habits, p303
Blood on Silk - Marie Treanor 2/22Shy - he took her hand with a shy smile, p6
Unrequited - she was still harboring a feeling for Richard, p7
Fish Stick Fridays - Rhys Ford 2/22Violet - spotted her blinding violet dress, p100
Something in the House - D.L. Lewis 2/23Chestnut - a tall thin chestnut emerged, p96
Respect - full of fear and devoid of respect, p108
Unlucky - might have caught him in the act if he was unlucky, p46
Anansi Boys - Neil Gaiman 2/24Chains - he was held up by chains made of bones, p241
The Gracekeepers - Kristy Logan 2/24Seeds - she dropped five sunflower seeds into his cage, p27
Thread of Death - Jennifer Estep 2/25Poplar - maple, poplar and sycamore trees, p18
Dead and Berried - Karen MacInerney 2/26Tournaments - I was about to begin a chess tournament, p54
Ox-Tales: Earth - Mark Ellingham 2/27 Epidemics - her president denying the epidemic, p180
Dragon Spawn - Eileen Wilks 2/27Bunch - your bunch is supposed to draw his attention, p247
A Closed and Common Orbit - Becky Chambers 2/28Snowy - opened onto a snowy forest, p199
Oasis - Randie Lipkin 3/2Sun - shaded her eyes from the sun, p69
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld - Patricia A. McKillip 3/3Falcon - the falcon gave hisn ame and yielded, p5
The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black - E.B. Hudspeth 3/3Lily of the valley - Lily of the valley, extremely poisonous, has many stories, p28
Relocating MIA - Rebecca Lerwill 3/4 Cypress - grew a five-foot-high cypress bush, p124
Heart of Venom - Jennifer Estep 3/8Bad - if things went bad, p316
Close - we must be getting close to the camp, p140
Plucking - with Sophia plucking and stripping down one daisy after another, p290
Love Without Blood - Raz Steel 3/10Single - a single mantra kept her focused, p22
McKnight in Shining Armor - Tami Hoag 3/17Attract - making sure not to attract the ghoul's attention, p57
February - January and February were virtually empty, p193
Stardust - Neil Gaiman 3/22Hawthorn - sitting glumly beside a hawthorn bush, p105
Hazelnut - a field mouse found a frozen hazelnut, p74
Otter - an otter splashed in the brook, p74
Island of Glass - Nora Roberts 3/23Nightingale - a lark and a nightingale as his gift, p44
Penguins and Mortal Peril - Ruby Loren 3/24Ornamental - balancing on an ornamental rock, p3
Strange the Dreamer - Laini Taylor 4/15Dreams - this is a day such as dreams are made of, p64
The Knight & the Seer - Ruth Ryan Langan 4/16March - he must not march against Fergus Logan, p59
Bird Box - Josh Malerman 4/10Purification - for farming and water purification, p255
Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover - Sarah MacLean 4/29Robin - in robin's egg blue, p96
**************
Warbler
Fashion Designers ChallengeDuration: March 1 - August 31, 2018
READ: 24/24
✔ 1. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel –
✠ Read a book that takes place during the Roaring 20’s OR read a book whose author’s or main character’s initials are C.C. (tell us the character’s name if using that option).
Stardust - Neil Gaiman (1922) 3/22
✔ 2. Christian Dior –
✠ Read a book by a “new to you” author OR read a book whose title contains the word “NEW” (exact match only - no compound words or other variations) OR read a book with a dress on its cover that was made with “yards and yards” of fabric; post the cover.
Relocating MIA - Rebecca Lerwill 3/4
✔ 3. Elsa Schiaparelli –
✠ Read a book with a shocking pink cover (post the cover) OR read a book featuring a painter OR read a book that takes place during the 1930’s.
Brush with Death - Karen MacInerney 3/6
✔ 4. Hubert De Givenchy –
✠ Read a book that was made into a movie OR read a book with a stunning red cover (post the cover) OR read a book whose main character’s first name starts with a letter in AUDREY (tell us the character’s name).
So I Married a Sorcerer - Kerrelyn Sparks (Rupert) 4/30
✔ 5. Cristobal Balenciaga –
✠ Read a book that involves royalty OR read a book that takes place in Paris OR read a book with a silhouette on its cover; post the cover.
The Goblin King - Shona Husk 1/11
✔ 6. Yves Saint Laurent –
✠ Read a book written by a non-Caucasian author (be sure to include a link to the author’s GR page) OR read a book where the first letter of each title word may be found in YVESSAINTLAURENT (A/an/the DO count; three word minimum).
The Sorcerer's Prize - Rose Andrews 6/2
✔ 7. Pierre Cardin –
✠ Read a book that involves space travel OR read a book by an author who has a “unisex” name – i.e. Pat, Chris, Terry, Sam, etc.
The Best of All Possible Worlds - Karen Lord 5/15
✔ 8. Laura Ashley –
✠ Read a book that takes place in Edwardian England (1901 - 1910) OR read a book with floral or paisley background on its cover; post the cover OR (for those of us with huge TBR’s) read any book on your TBR in place #4,000 or higher; tell us the position.
A Clockwork Fairytale - Helen Scott Taylor 5/24
✔ 9. Valentino –
✠ Read a book in which a wedding occurs OR read a book that takes place during the 1960’s OR read a book with a bow on its cover; post the cover (note – this is a bow tied from ribbon or string – not an archery bow or a stringed-instrument’s bow).
Bearly Departed - Meg Macy 5/28
✔ 10. Halston –
✠ Read a book that takes place during the 1970’s OR read a book with a woman’s hat on the cover (post the cover) OR read a book with an intact “54” in its page count; tell us how many pages.
The Girls of Mischief Bay - Susan Mallery 5/5
✔ 11. Diane Von Furstenburg –
✠ Read a book whose title (ignore a/an/the) starts with a “V” OR read a book whose setting is in Belgium OR read a book with a story that would make news headlines; briefly tell us why.
Blindfold Game - Dana Stabenow (terrorists/chemical warfare) 4/21
✔ 12. Ralph Lauren –
✠ Read a book that is on the Great American Novel list; tell us its position OR read a book featuring a character who is a cowboy, a sailor, or a biker OR read a book with a neck tie on its cover.
Passenger - Alexandra Bracken 3/29
✔13. Vivienne Westwood –
✠ Read a book with a character who grows up ‘on the wrong side of the tracks’ or who likes to push boundaries OR read a book with a mini skirt or a rocking horse on its cover.
Discount Armageddon - Seanan McGuire 5/10
✔ 14. Christian Lacroix –
✠ Read a book with a vampire as a main character OR read a book with a glamourous main character.
Love Without Blood - Raz Steel 3/10
✔ 15. Jean Paul Gautier –
✠ Read a book marked ‘erotica’ OR read a book with any kind of undergarment on its cover; post the cover OR read a book in which the Eiffel Tower is mentioned (please copy the sentence).
Jacq's Warlord - Delilah Devlin 4/3
✔ 16. Gianni Versace –
✠ Read a book in which a character leads a jet-setting, partying-type life OR read a book with a brightly colored cover (remember to post the cover) OR read a book in which a murder occurs.
Laced with Magic - Barbara Bretton 3/20
✔ 17. Giorgio Armani –
✠ Read a book that takes place in Italy or has an Italian character OR read a book by an author who publishes two (or more) series OR read a book that takes place in the medical field; tell us how.
Blood of the Earth - Faith Hunter (Soulwood / Jane Yellowrock) 4/19
✔ 18. Calvin Klein –
✠ Read a book featuring a ‘self-made’ wealthy business person OR read book #35 on your TBR (sorted however you would like) OR read a book in which a model makes an appearance (briefly tell us the circumstances).
Better Homes and Hauntings - Molly Harper 5/19
✔ 19. Miuccia Prada –
✠ Read a book that tickles your funny bone OR read a book published in 2011 or 2014 (tell us when) OR read a book in which a main character is usually referred to by his or her nickname (tell us the original name as well as the nickname.)
Too Many Curses - A. Lee Martinez 4/9
✔ 20. Karl Lagerfeld -
✠ Read a book that takes place in Germany OR read a book that takes place in the 1980’s OR read a book with a man wearing a suit on its cover; post the cover.
The Cajun Doctor - Sandra Hill 5/7
✔ 21. Stella McCartney –
✠ Read a book with an author or main character named Stella or Paul OR read a bookpublished in 2012.
Sea Glass Winter - JoAnn Ross (Dec 2012) 5/3
✔ 22. Marc Jacobs –
✠ Read a book that takes place in NYC OR read a book in which a character is fired from a job OR read a book that references pop culture – copy the sentence here.
City of Endless Night - Douglas Preston 5/6
✔ 23. Christopher Bailey –
✠ Read a book that takes place in England OR read a book involving a princess or queen OR read a book with a plaid item on its cover; remember to post the cover.
Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover - Sarah MacLean 4/29
✔ 24. Jenna Lyons –
✠ Read a book whose title contains opposite words OR read a book whose title starts with a letter in JCREW (ignore a/an/the).
Cruelty - Ellen Croshain 4/26
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Traveling with OPI Start Date: June 1, 2017
End Date: April 19, 2022
GERMANY COLLECTION
✔* Read a book originally published in October of any year (tell us the year)
Warm Bodies - Isaac Marion (Oct 28, 2010) 7/14/17
✔* Read a book with a number between one and nine in the title
Two Graves - Douglas Preston 6/24/17
✔* Read a book with a food item on the cover (post the cover)
A Catered St. Patrick's Day - Isis Crawford 7/14/17
✔* Read a book with a cover that is primarily red (post the cover)
Serpent's Kiss - Deborah Cooke 6/22/17
✔* Read a book by a new-to-you author whose first OR last initial can be found in BLUE
Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots - Luann McLane 7/13/17
✔German-icure by OPI ~ COMPLETE
G: Getting Lucky - Carolyn Brown 6/4/17
E: An English Bride In Scotland - Lynsay Sands 6/19/17
R: White Trash Zombie Unchained - Diana Rowland 10/7/17
M: Midnight's Seduction - Donna Grant 6/29/17
A: All That Bleeds - Kimberly Frost 6/15/17
N: Nevernight - Jay Kristoff 6/20/17
I: The Immortals - J.T. Ellison 6/19/17
C: The Chocolate Mouse Trap - JoAnna Carl 6/24/17
U: Ukulele Murder - Leslie Langtry 10/23/17
R: Secrets in Death - J.D. Robb 11/3/17
E: The Empire's Ghost - Isabelle Steiger 7/22/17
B: Bella at Midnight - Diane Stanley 6/22/17
Y: Concrete Savior - Yvonne Navarro 7/7/17
O: Our Husband - Stephanie Bond 7/19/17
P: Prime Cut - Diane Mott Davidson 7/4/17
I: Immortal Nights - Lynsay Sands 12/13/18
✔Danke-shiny Red ~ COMPLETE
D: Death Takes Priority - Jean Flowers 6/10/17
A: The Man Who Spoke Snakish - Andrus Kivirähk 7/17/17
N: No Man's Land - David Baldacci 7/9/17
K: The Beekeeper's Apprentice - Laurie R. King 7/18/17
E: Spider’s Revenge - Jennifer Estep 8/3/17
S: The Scent of Jasmine - Jude Devereau 6/11/17
H: Definitely Dead - Charlaine Harris 6/26/17
I: Bound By Darkness - Alexandra Ivy 8/11/17
N: The Perfect Liar - Brenda Novak 7/23/17
Y: Darkling - Yasmine Galenorn 7/11/17
R: How to Wash a Cat - Rebecca Hale 11/22/17
E: Eternal Hunger - Cameron Dean 8/3/17
D: Starting Now - Debbie Macomber 6/12/17
✔Deutsch You Want Me Baby? ~ COMPLETE
D: The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker - Leanna Renee Hieber 7/20/17
E: A Dying Fall - Elly Griffiths 8/6/17
U: Into the Fire - Amanda Usen 12/28/17
T: Lord's Fall - Thea Harrison 7/4/17
S: The Spy Who Wants Me - Lucy Monroe 7/5/17
C: Silent Auction - Jane Cleland 6/25/17
H: Hounding the Pavement - Judi McCoy 8/15/17
Y: Dragon Wytch - Yasmine Galenorn 12/3/17
O: The Oath of the Vayuputras - Amish Tripathi 8/22/17
U: The Red Hunter - Lisa Unger 4/12/18
W: Wait for Dark - Kay Hooper 10/31/17
A: Fireproof - Alex Kava 7/6/17
N: Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea - Sophia Nash 8/5/17
T: Hidden Embers - Tessa Adams 8/8/17
M: The Battle Sylph - L.J. McDonald 8/9/17
E: Where All the Dead Lie - J.T. Ellison 10/2/17
B: Lost Gods - Brom 7/1/17
A: Blood of the Dark Moon - Adrianne Brennan 8/13/17
B: Blue Labyrinth - Douglas Preston 8/14/17
Y: Demon Mistress - Yasmine Galenorn 3/16/18
✔Unfor-greta-bly Blue~ COMPLETE
U: Unlucky - Jana DeLeon 7/12/18
N: No Rest for the Dead - Andrew Gulli 11/20/17
F: Foul Play - Janet Evanovich 10/21/17
O: Star of the Sea - Joseph O'Connor 10/17/17
R: Red 1-2-3 - John Katzenbach 12/9/17
G: Slipknot - Linda Greenlaw 7/13/17
R: The Dragon Caller - Pauline M. Ross 12/23/17
E: So Close the Hand of Death - J.T. Ellison 8/29/17
T: Straight from the Heart - Tami Hoag 8/5/17
A: Sliding Home - Kate Angell 8/31/17
B: Bite My Fire - Mary Hughes 10/14/17
L: Lucky Catch - Deborah Coonts 7/8/17
Y: Y is for Yesterday - Sue Grafton 4/22/18
B: Fatal Fixer-Upper - Jennie Bentley 7/17/17
L: Lucky Break - Deborah Coonts 8/26/17
U: Unloved - Katy Regnery 9/3/18
E: Metro Girl - Janet Evanovich 10/3/17
✔Every Month is Oktoberfest~ COMPLETE
E: The Wrong Hostage - Elizabeth Lowell 10/12/17
V: White Colander Crime - Victoria Hamilton 7/15/17
E: The Persian Always Meows Twice - Eileen Watkins 10/26/17
R: Stars of Fortune - Nora Roberts 12/31/17
Y: Bone Magic - Yasmine Galenorn 4/28/18
M: Midnight's Warrior - Donna Grant 7/20/17
O: Strong, Sleek and Sinful - Lorie O'Clare 11/4/17
N: The Bedlam Stacks - Natasha Pulley 11/18/17
T: Kinked - Thea Harrison 11/13/17
H: How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days - Kerrelyn Sparks 8/28/17
I: Night Shift - N. Singh/Ilona Andrews/L. Shearin/M. Vane 8/12/17
S: Spider-Touched - Jory Strong 8/24/17
O: The Obsidian Chamber - Douglas Preston 11/5/17
K: Snipped in the Bud - Kate Collins 6/5/17
T: A Tale of Two Vampires - Katie MacAlister 11/16/17
O: Of Grave Concern - Max McCoy 12/4/17
B: Body Check - Deirdre Martin 11/20/17
E: Field of Graves - J.T. Ellison 11/17/17
R: Best Day Ever - Kaira Rouda 4/3/18
F: Forever... - Jude Deveraux 11/19/17
E: Death Echo - Elizabeth Lowell 11/25/17
S: She'll Never Live - Hunter Morgan 10/14/17
T: There and Now - Linda Lael Miller 12/15/18
Barbara's Challenges & Reading Lists
Books mentioned in this topic
The Unleashing (other topics)Bayon/Jean-Baptiste (other topics)
Talon/Xavier (other topics)
Fated (other topics)
Freshwater (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
S.H. Magillian (other topics)Alexandra Ivy (other topics)
Meg Cabot (other topics)
Rose Andrews (other topics)
Ann Charles (other topics)
More...
Monthly Challenges
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July
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October
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Seasonal Challenges
Autumn
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Miscellaneous Challenges
Amusement Parks
Bestseller Challenge
Birthstones, By the Month
Classic Toys
Eat, Drink and Be Merry: Cocktails
Fashion Designers Challenge
From Sea to Shining Sea - Alabama
From Sea to Shining Sea - Maine
From Sea to Shining Sea - Missouri
From Sea to Shining Sea - Arkansas
From Sea to Shining Sea - Michigan
From Sea to Shining Sea - Florida
Knock on Wood
The Largest, Tallest, Deepest, Heaviest ... and More
Mother Goose
OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!
One Hit Wonders of the 2000s
Remembering Them
The Seven Seas Challenge
The Solar System Part 2
Stephen King Villains
Traveling with OPI
Treasure Hunt- 2018 first quarter
Treasure Hunt- 2018 second quarter
Treasure Hunt- 2018 third quarter
Wolves and Penguins and Foxes, Oh My!
World's Smallest Countries