Classics Challenge FAQ

[Anne ✨]

Here are some commonly asked questions. If your question is not answered here, please post a comment below with your question and we'll happily answer it.

"INCLUDING BOOKS" QUESTIONS
How do I know if the book is considered a classic?
As a starting point, we'll refer to books on this website: https://thegreatestbooks.org/ . But if there's a book that is considered a classic in your country that's not on this list, that's totally fine!

Can I read a "modern classic"?
Not for this challenge - we're keeping the focus on books that have "stood the test of time", so books at least 50 years older (originally published 1969 and earlier)

Can I include the book(s) I read for other group activities, or another group's challenge?
Yes, of course! That's what makes joining multiple challenges fun!

Do books in different languages count?
Yes - books in all languages count. We have members from all over the world!

Do graphic novels, novellas, or comics count?
No - as this would be a 'retelling' of a classic. We're focusing on the original work with this challenge.

Do audiobooks count?
Yes - you can choose to listen to your classic. You can refer to the most popular edition (listed first in the editions) for a page count to use


"TRACKING BOOKS" QUESTIONS
Should I record my book when I start reading or when I finish it?
Up to You! Feel free to record your book anytime that is most convenient for you. You can list it when you start reading, and update pages read as you go, or wait until you're finished with it. The key is adding the final page count and 'DONE' once you're done with book, and adding the task number if it applies.

How do I record pages read for a book that I'd started BEFORE the contest began?
If you were part-way through a book before Jan 1st, just record the actual pages read from Jan 1st onwards. If you forgot to write down what page you were on, just estimate where you were.
FOR EXAMPLE: You are at page 100 (of a 355pg book) on Dec 31st, and you keep reading from Jan 1 onwards until the book is finished. You would record 255 pages (355 - 100 = 255 actual read after Jan 1)

Can I record a book I Abandoned/DNF?
You can earn the page points for the # of pages read, but would not put 'DONE' and so wouldn't earn the book point.

How do I indicate that I am finished or done with a book?
Add the word DONE in the appropriate column, and the book point generates automatically. Add the final page count, and the pages points calculate automatically.

How do I record my books all together on the spreadsheet?
You can record your book in the next empty row in the spreadsheet. The moderators will do periodic sorting to group the books by reader. If you try to insert a row, the new row will not have the calculations unless you copy them from the row above.

I don't understand how to claim the bonus points for reading BIG books (>500) and REALLY BIG books (>800)?
The bonus points will calculate automatically, based on the #pages in the pages read column. You will earn 2 points for any book over 500 pages. You will earn an additional 2 points will be earned on any books >800 pages for a total of 4 points. And then an additional 2 points for any books >1100 pages for a total of 6 points, because you deserve it ! :)

I don't understand how to claim the task points?
The task points will generate automatically, as long as you include the task number in column F for that book.

How many task points can I earn?
You can claim each task point only ONCE, so you can earn a total of 14 task points.

What if something gets messed up on the spreadsheet and my books are missing/not right?
Google stores automatic back-up copies. Post a message in the discussion thread if your info is missing or incorrect and we will pull the info from the most recent back-up.

I cannot access google spreadsheets, or I'm having trouble entering my reads?
No worries. If you're having any trouble with the spreadsheet, you can post your books read in a new topic thread, and a moderator or fellow member will happily add your book(s) to the spreadsheet for you. Don't hesitate to ask for help!

Do I have to add permalinks for the book and author?
You don't have to add the permalinks unless you want to, as Jazzy adds the links :)

[Tiina]

If I read a book more than once for this challenge, do I log it as two books or can I just add the pages to the first count?

[Anne ✨]

Mion wrote: "If I read a book more than once for this challenge, do I log it as two books or can I just add the pages to the first count?"

Great question! I think you'd log it twice so you'd get a book point for each time you read it :)

[Jazzy]

I wouldn't say graphic novels or comics count. You're reading a re-telling then and not the classic at all. There are other challenges for those things.
I would say if you DNF a book you can't say it was DONE but you could take the points for the pages read.

Here is the task list:

1 - A classic published before 1800
2 - A classic with a single-word title. (ie. Emma, Middlemarch, Kidnapped, etc.)
3 - A classic by an author you’ve never heard of before.
4 - A classic you can read in a day – under 200 pages
5 - A 19th century classic - published between 1800 and 1899.
6 - A translated classic - originally published in a language other than your native language.
7 - A children's classic.
8 - A banned or challenged classic.
9 - A classic that scares you. Is there a classic you've been putting off forever? Is it a really long or complex book that has intimidated you?
10 - A 20th century classic - published between 1900 and 1960
11 - A classic that has been made into a movie, television series/mini-series, or theatre production
12 - A classic published in the year one of your your parents or grandparents was born (pre-1960).
13 - A classic crime story (fiction or non-fiction).
14 - A classic travel or journey narrative (fiction or non-fiction.) (ie. Kon Tiki, Around the World in 80 Days, Travels with Charley, etc.)
15 - A classic with a colour in the title. (ie. The Woman in White; Anne of Green Gables; The Red and the Black.)
16 - Re-read a favourite classic. And tell us why you love it so much.

Of course nothing 'scares' me to read it, they're only books after all so for 9 you could read a horror, murder, or ghost story.

[Jazzy]

Also if you are reading a translation of a book, it would be nice to know who the translator is. :)

I remember years ago telling my father I was reading War and Peace, and he didn't even let me tell him how much I loved it before he told me I'd never finish it! But...of course I did finish it and am looking forward to re-reading it again soon. There is a man who has read more than 12 translations and has a very canny website. If only I could find it again :)

[Anne ✨]

Jazzy wrote: "I wouldn't say graphic novels or comics count. You're reading a re-telling then and not the classic at all. There are other challenges for those things.
I would say if you DNF a book you can't say..."

Thanks Jazzy, I've updated the FAQ in the spreadsheet and the thread above :)

[Tiina]

Fun question! For number 8 - A banned or challenged classic, is it acceptable if one were to read any classic book from that website because it's banned in this challenge? :D

[Jazzy]

Mion wrote: "Fun question! For number 8 - A banned or challenged classic, is it acceptable if one were to read any classic book from that website because it's banned in this challenge? :D"

ah ha ha ha ha!