2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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4th Quarter Challenge: The First World War
I've completed another 2 books which brings my total to 9/12.I read books for #1 and #7 and have updated message 27.
You are almost there, Megan and Erika. Also updated Amanda.
Just finished #7 (animal important - cat Ping Pong is part of murder plot) - To Live & Die in Dixie by Mary Kay Andrews. Another fun, early Andrews' book! 3.5 stars8/8 - challenge completed!!!
2. Before World War II began in 1939, World War I was called the Great War, the World War, or the War to End all Wars. 135 countries took part in World War I, and more than 15 000 000 people died in the war. Read a story set in at least two countries. 
The Spirit Well*** It was challenging trying to figure out where and when each of these characters were. The following is the countries this book takes place in. England, United States, Scotland, France, Italy, Spain, Slovakia, Egypt, and Syria.
4/7 Complete
I've completed my 6 and updated message 33!Progress: 6/6 Completed
2.Great War Read a story set in at least two countries.
All the Light We Cannot See set mainly in France and Germany, but also many other countries during WWII ★★★★☆ completed 10/193.July Crisis of 1914Read a book in which an important person is killed OR read a crime novel.
The Silkworm ★★★★☆ completed 10/266. tanks, aero planes, and submarines or underwater boats (U-boats)
Read either a book where something new is introduced OR read a book about technology or science.
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers ★★★☆☆ completed 10/69. Life in the trenches
Read a novel in which the main protagonist is in fear for his life or health.
Cinder ★★★★☆ completed 10/1410. 60 million European soldiers
Read a book where one of the characters is mad or traumatized.
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness ★★☆☆☆ completed 10/13 11. The "Lost Generation"
Read a book by an author who served in the Great War OR read a novel set in the Great War.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald ★★★★☆ completed 10/4
9. Life in the trenches was far from glamorous. In fact, trenches were dirty, smelly, and riddled with disease. For soldiers, life in the trenches meant living in fear: in fear of diseases and, of course, the constant fear of enemy attack. The open space between two sets of opposing trenches became known as No Man’s Land because no soldier wanted to traverse the distance for fear of attack. The climate in France and Belgium was quite wet, so No Man’s Land soon became a mud bath. It was so thick that soldiers could disappear into it never to be seen again. The British and French actually recruited manpower from China to dig the trenches. Read a novel in which the main protagonist is in fear for his life or health. 
Christine*** To say Dennis Guilder feared for his life is an understatement.
5/7 Complete
Emmy wrote: "I'm going to try for 6. Thanks!Progress: 6/6 Completed
2.Great War Read a story set in at least two countries.
[book:All the Light We Cannot See|1..."Congrats Emmy on completing your challenge
Chris wrote: "9. Life in the trenches was far from glamorous. In fact, trenches were dirty, smelly, and riddled with disease. For soldiers, life in the trenches meant living in fear: in fear of diseases and, of ..."Only two more books to go, Chris
Megan wrote: "Just finished #7 (animal important - cat Ping Pong is part of murder plot) - To Live & Die in Dixie by Mary Kay Andrews. Another fun, early Andrews' book! 3.5 stars8/8 - challenge..."
Congrats Megan on completing your challenge
I just finished for task 5: Horns - a book in which a code has to be cracked. Merrin wrote a letter in morse-code for Ig.6/8
I just read The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America for #10 (mad character). Such a great book! I update msg #64. I have completed 2/5 for this challenge.
3. The main causes of World War I included many factors, such as the conflicts and hostility between the great European powers over the four decades leading up to the war. The immediate origins of the war, however, lay in the decisions taken by statesmen and generals during the July Crisis of 1914 caused by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo. Read a book in which an important person is killed OR read a crime novel. 
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest**The archduke's assassination kicked a hornet's nest too. The first two books where good mystery/crime dramas, this book didn't know if it wanted to be a crime/spy/courtroom drama. It left me disappointed.
6/7 Complete
Chris wrote: "3. The main causes of World War I included many factors, such as the conflicts and hostility between the great European powers over the four decades leading up to the war. The immediate origins of ..."Only one more to read, Chris.
I finished 8 Christmas title while reading The adventure of of the Christmas Pudding which include five Agatha's short stories. Maybe I would have read something more warm and fuzzy but it was fine too.Also 5 with The Causal Angel. Whole book was little bit code breaking with all those simulations and others but also actual code breaking.
Updating msg 8.
Am I too late to join? If not, I'd like to try and read 4.
Updated my original message. 3rd book completed.3/6
2. Before World War II began in 1939, World War I was called the Great War, the World War, or the War to End all Wars. 135 countries took part in World War I, and more than 15 000 000 people died in the war. Read a story set in at least two countries. World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks
Freya wrote: "Am I too late to join? If not, I'd like to try and read 4."You can still join, Freya. I put you down for 4 reads. Enjoy your reads and have fun.
Daphne wrote: "Updated my original message. 3rd book completed.3/6
2. Before World War II began in 1939, World War I was called the Great War, the World War, or the War to End all Wars. 135 countries took part..."
Midway already, Daphne.
Reija wrote: "I finished 8 Christmas title while reading The adventure of of the Christmas Pudding which include five Agatha's short stories. Maybe I would have read something more warm and fuzzy but it was fine..."I liked The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding. Only three more books to read, Reija
1/4 complete.11. Read a book by an author who served in the Great War OR read a novel set in the Great War:
Ashenden - Somerset Maugham, which is a fictionalised account of his time working as a British spy during the Great War. Beautiful writing style.
Updated post 15 to show 6/6 completed on 11/3/143. Read a book in which an important person is killed or a Crime Novel.
An important person dies, which sparks mystery in a small mining camp Read 11/1/14 4. Read a Family Saga.
Follows two families in relation to the daughter they gave away, and the daughter adopted Read 11/3/14 I'd identifed a few more books that will fit, so I am going to just keep going! I can get at least 2 more.
Melissa wrote: "Updated post 15 to show 6/6 completed on 11/3/143. Read a book in which an important person is killed or a Crime Novel.
An important person dies, which sparks..."Then I will update your goal to 8, Melissa.
Updating Post 15 to show another one down, 7/8 8.Read a book set at Christmas Time.
Read 11/5/14
World War I began 100 years ago and lasted over four years. We'll learn about the war and commemorate it with this challenge. 1. Since it is 100 years ago that the First World War broke out, read a book that is at least 100 years old or at the most 100 days young.
Pride and Prejudice**** Published in 1813.
Read 7/7
For the memorial challenge. Can it be any town that has a WWI memorial or does it need to be one in your town or one you have seen or know about?
Chris wrote: "For the memorial challenge. Can it be any town that has a WWI memorial or does it need to be one in your town or one you have seen or know about?"It can be in any town in your country or abroad, as long as the town or village in question has a World War I Memorial. So yes, it can be one you know about. It can be any book, fiction or non fiction.
However, it is possible that there is a memorial or commemorative plaque in your hometown as well, and that you don't know about it. It can be interesting to find out, if your town or village has some sort of memorial or plaque remembering The Great War. It's possible you maybe live very near a public building that has a plaque remembering those servants, students,.... who died during the Great War. You maybe pass this building every day but you never really knew they had such a plaque. This can be as meaningful as a large war memorial, as it is something local.
In case your hometown has such a plaque, you can read any book set in your own town or about your town (local history).
Does that answer your question, Chris?
Deedee wrote: "FOURTH QUARTER CHALLENGE: THE FIRST WORLD WARDuration: October 1 - December 31, 2014
12. Remembrance Day
Read a novel set in a town that has a First World War Memorial statue OR plaque. In case it is your own town, you can read a book set in your town or about your town.
Sister Noon by Karen Joy Fowler
Sister Noon (2001) by Karen Joy Fowler
Set in:
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
For photos of the statues & plaque in San Francisco, see:
http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/rjones.htm
Updated you Deedee.
Deedee included a link for photos of the statues and plaques in San Francisco. Thanks Deedee
Megan wrote: "We have a whole quarter, so I'll attempt all 12!The First World War Challenge
Duration: October 1 - December 31, 2014
Completed: 7/12
Well done, Megan. Only 5 more to read. I see, you have All Quiet on the Western Front lined up. I really loved that one; read it when I was 17 - so ages ago. I need to re-read it!
For those interested in 'All quiet on the Western Front', have a look at this link: http://www.bookdrum.com/books/all-qui...
Great site for finding out more about books.
Also updated, Chris and Melissa. Only one more to read, Melissa. Challenge completed, Chris, but I suppose you still wish to read some books?!
Update my post 8.10. Melankolian huoneet has lots of traumatized persons, it was history of depression
2. Port-Soudan was located France and Sudan
12. Read a novel set in a town that has a First World War Memorial statue OR plaque. In case it is your own town, you can read a book set in your town or about your town.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde*** This book takes place in London and there is a memorial I wanted to visit, but the Atlantic Ocean was in my way. Please find the Tower of London World War I Poppy "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red" Memorial.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/...
8/7 read, but I think I'm going for the sweep. Please change my challenge to 12:)
Please find the Tower of London World War I Poppy "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red" Memorial.http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/...
An article by Chris on the Tower of London World War Poppy Memorial. Thanks Chris. I changed your goal to 12
Reija wrote: "Update my post 8.10. Melankolian huoneet has lots of traumatized persons, it was history of depression
2. Port-Soudan was located France and Sudan"
Just one more to read Reija!
Elsbeth wrote: "7/8: I read The Woman in White for task #1: a book more than 100 years old.Really beautiful story!"
Also enjoyed The woman in white. Just one more to read Elsbeth.
Updating post 158/8 books completed
11.Read a book by an author who served in the Great War
Read 11/11/14
4/49.Read a novel in which the main protagonist is in fear for his life or health.
At the Mountains of Madness by H.P. Lovecraft. Science fiction exploration of ancient city in Antarctica. Dyer and Danforth are definitely in fear for their life.
Finished another one... 5/9. Message 66.
Melissa wrote: "Updating post 158/8 books completed
11.Read a book by an author who served in the Great War
Read 11/11/14 "Well done Melissa on achieving your goal. I see you will keep on adding books.
Janet wrote: "4/49.Read a novel in which the main protagonist is in fear for his life or health.
At the Mountains of Madness by H.P. Lovecraft. Science fiction exploration of ancie..."
Congratulations, Janet!
Update to post 15 Going to go for the sweep! Please,Update my goal to 12. Not sure why I didn't just start with 12.
Two new books to add.
6. Read a book about technology or science.
Read 11/16/149. Read a novel in which the main protagonist is in fear for his life or health.
Read 11/14/14
7. Despite the new technology, lots of animals were used in the Great War. The work of these animals was varied. Horses and mules were used to move supplies and weapons. Oxen were also used to pull heavy loads. Dogs were used as sentries, scouts, and ammunition and equipment carriers as well as to send messages. Carrier pigeons were used extensively to carry messages. Cats were brought in to try and control the rat population. Read a book on animals OR read a book where at least one animal is important to the story. 
Animal Farm**** Most characters in the books are animals
9/12 Complete
Although I have completed the challenge already I just completed #1(Since it is 100 years ago that the First World War broke out, read a book that is at least 100 years old or at the most 100 days young.) A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens which was published in 1859. It takes awhile to really get interested in the plot but by the end I liked it a lot. 5 stars.5/4
Janet wrote: "Although I have completed the challenge already I just completed #1(Since it is 100 years ago that the First World War broke out, read a book that is at least 100 years old or at the most 100 days ..."Great you came back Janet. Have updated you
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11. The "Lost Generation" was the generation that came of age during World War I. The term was popularized by writer Ernest Hemingway. Read a book by an author who served in the Great War OR read a novel set in the Great War.
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