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Heather L's Challenges (2015-2018)
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A Classic Romance:
Jane Austen, Agnes Bronte, Emily Bronte, Georgette Heyer, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Barbara Cartland, Elizabeth Gaskell
A Book That Became a Movie:
Angels Fall; A Passage to India; Carnal Innocence; Divergent; Gone Girl; The Gnomobile; The Help; Northern Lights; Prince and the Pauper; Sarah's Key; Tess of the d'Urbervilles; Treasure Island; Wuthering Heights
A Book With a Number in the Title:
(view spoiler)
Written by Someone Under age 30:
Jack London, SE Hinton, Emily Bronte, Veronica Roth, Anne Frank
Nonhuman Characters:
A Wind in the Willows; Watership Down
Books With One-Word Titles:
(view spoiler)
Short Stories:
The Listerdale Mystery
West of Dodge: Stories
Wives and Lovers
75+ Classic Mystery Stories
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
A Nonfiction Book:
See "Memoir" list below
A Pulitzer Prize Book:
Angela's Ashes: A Memoir by Frank McCourt; Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides; Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout; The Road by Cormac McCarthy; The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx
Based on a True Story:
A Book Your Mom Love(d):
The Bobbsey Twins at School, The Bobbsey Twins at Home
Based on the Cover:
Divergent; The Unfinished Garden
A Memoir:
(view spoiler)
A Book With Antonyms in the Title:
(The) Day Boy and Night Girl; (The) Prince and the Pauper; North and South (Gaskell); War and Peace
A Book Published the Year You Were Born:
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings; The Bluest Eye; The Awakening (Chopin);
A Trilogy:
The Cousins O'Dwyer by Nora Roberts
The Stars of Mithra by Nora Roberts
Set in High School:
Beautiful Demons; Inner Demons; The House of Hades; The Insider (Ridley Pearson)
Color in the Title:
(view spoiler)
A Book That Takes Place in Your Hometown:
Vintage by Susan Gloss, Claiming His Family by Ann Voss Peterson; The Teashop Girls by Laura Schaefer
A Book Written by an Author With Your Initials:
Heather Long, Hugh Lofting (done!)
A Book Based on or Turned in a TV Show:
The Surgeon; Deadlocked
Olive Kitteridge; book:Origins|7726143]
A Book Started but Never Finished
(Also, Book should have read in school):
Emma; Wuthering Heights, Tess of the Durbervilles, Lord Jim, Women in Love
Book at the Bottom of Mount TBR
(Also: A book you own but have not read before)
(view spoiler)
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S = The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
T = Tangled Lies by Anne Stuart
A = The After House by Mary Roberts Rinehart
R = R. Holmes & Co. by John Kendrick Bangs
B = Button Holed by Kylie Logan
E = Elusive Isabel by Jacques Futrelle
L = The Lighthouse by P.D. James
L = Lady Susan by Jane Austen
S = The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
*
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1. January 1 is New Year’s Day — Read the first book in any series.
Mayhem at the Orient Express by Kylie Logan
2. January 2 is Run up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes Day — Read a book with any kind of flag on the cover.
Free Fall by Jill Shalvis
3. January 5 is National Bird Day and January 20 Penguin Awareness Day — Read a book with a bird in the title or on the cover.
Button Holed by Kylie Logan
4. January 10 is Houseplant Appreciation Day — Read a book with a plant or flowers on the cover.
Poisoned Prose by Ellery Adams
5. January 12 is Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day — Read a book by a male author.
Elusive Isabel by Jacques Futrelle
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I was going to try for "Weekend Warrior," but think I might be able to do "Wayfarer" (7-12 books) easy-peasy. Just need to get out of the UK...
AFRICA
ASIA
A Passage To India by E.M. Forster -- India
Murder in Mesopotamia by Agatha Christie -- Iraq
AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND/NEW GUINEA
The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough -- Australia
EUROPE:
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman -- Albania
The Lighthouse by P.D. James -- Cornwall
The House of Hades by Rick Riordan -- Croatia
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding -- England
Death in the Air by Agatha Christie -- France
The Blood of Olympus Death of a Gossipby Rick Riordan -- Greece
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy -- Ireland
Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter -- Italy
Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton --Scotland
Inferno by Dan Brown -- Turkey
NORTH AMERICA
The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood -- Canada
Button Holed by Kylie Logan -- USA
Curses! by Aaron Elkins -- Mexico
SOUTH AMERICA
.
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1. February is American Heart Month — Read a book with a heart on the cover or in the title (logos count!).
Heart of a Warrior by Johanna Lindsey
2. February 2 is Groundhog Day and February 20 Love Your Pet Day — Read a book with an animal on the cover.
A Passage To India by E.M. Forster (elephants on cover)
3. February 14 is Valentine’s Day — Read a book whose cover is predominately pink or red.
Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now by Maya Angelou
4. February 14 is Ferris Wheel Day, February 26 is Carnival Day, and Chinese New Year is also this month — Read a book that takes place at (or has a scene set at) a carnival, fair or festival of some sort.
Wicked Weaves by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene
5. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Read a book that has some sort of weapon on the cover, or in the title.
The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
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Alabama: On the Run by Iris Johansen
Delaware: She'll Never Know by Hunter Morgan
Hawaii: Tangled Lies by Anne Stuart (Feb 2015)
Nebraska: A Perfect Evil by Alex Kava
Tennessee: Carved in Bone by Jefferson Bass*
Utah: Rope by Nevada Barr
* I was originally going to read Delicious and Suspicious by Riley Adams, but recently opted for this one instead.
I have thought about doing the 52 book challenge but not sure I would read some of the categories. can't wait to see what you read
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March 2015 Mini Challenges
1. March 5 is Multiple Personality Day: Read a book by an author who writes under another name (for example, this month's featured author).
High Marks for Murder by Rebecca Kent (AKA Kate Kingsley AKA Kate Kingsbury)
2. March 10 is Middle Name Pride Day: Read a book by an author who uses a middle name (e.g.: Louisa May Alcott, Arthur Conan Doyle).
The After House by Mary Roberts Rinehart
3. March 11 is Worship of Tools Day: Hammer or pliers, screwdriver or drill — read a book with some sort of tool on the cover.
A High-End Finish by Kate Carlisle
4. March 17 is Saint Patrick's Day, and March is also Irish American Heritage Month: In honor of the wearin’ o’ the green, read a book with a green cover.
Buried in a Bog by Sheila Connolly
5. March 25 is Waffle Day: Read a book that depicts breakfast on the cover, or in which someone eats breakfast.
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
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This challenge will last from March 20, 2015 to June 20, 2015
S = The Sound of Glass by Karen White
P = The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
R = Riding High by Vicki Lewis Thompson
I = Inferno by Dan Brown
N = Naked in Death by J.D. RobbIcy Clutches
G = The Gnomobile by Upton Sinclair
L = The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough
I = Icy Clutches by Aaron Elkins
L = Lethal Letters by Ellery Adams
A = The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
C = Claiming His Family by Ann Voss Peterson
Mod
April showers bring . . . many more chances to curl up inside with a good book. Here are your mini challenges for April.
As always, you may use books from any genre for this challenge. You may only use a book once for this challenge, but may use it for other challenges. Also, you do not have to choose your books ahead. If you do choose ahead, you can change your list at any time.
1. April 6 is Plan Your Epitaph Day: Read a book that has a graveyard or tombstone(s) on the cover, or with a scene set at a cemetery.
A Hard Day's Fright by Casey Daniels
2. April 10 is National Siblings Day: Read a book with siblings in it.
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
3. April 13 is Scrabble Day: Read a book by an author who uses initials in his/her name (e.g.: E.L. Doctorow, E.L. Konigsburg, E.J. Copperman, Frank L. Baum)
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
4. April 14 is Look up at the Sky Day, and April 22 is the 45th anniversary of Earth Day: Read a book with a blue cover (to represent Earth, sky and water).
The Sound of Glass by Karen White
5. April 26 is Hug an Australian Day: Read a book set in Australia, or written by an Australian.
The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough
This looks like it might be fun. I need to see if I can find books to fit these holidays.
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1. May 1 is Mother Goose Day and May 10 is Mother's Day: Read a book with a mother or grandmother in it.
Betrayed by Lisa Scottoline
2. May 2 is the Kentucky Derby: Read a book with a horse on the cover, or one that appears somewhere in the book.
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
3. May 4 is Star Wars Day – May the fourth be with you: Read a book with "star" in the title, or that has stars on the cover.
Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates
4. May 5 is National Teachers Day: Read a book with a teacher in it, or where someone is in school.
Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter
5. The second week is Wildflower Week, and May 30 is Water a Flower Day: Read a book with flowers on the cover.
Keeping Mum by Alyse Carlson
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1. June is National Adopt a Cat Month, and June 4 is Hug Your Cat Day: Read a book with a cat on the cover.
The Cat, the Vagabond and the Victim by Leann Sweeney
2. June 8 is Best Friends Day: Read a book off the shelf of one of your GoodReads friends.
Shop Till You Drop by Elaine Viets (From Melodie's shelf)
3. June 13 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book that involves needlecrafts (i.e.: sewing, quilting or cross-stitch).
Cross Stitch Before Dying by Amanda Lee
4. June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, June 16 is Fresh Veggies Day and June 17 is Eat Your Vegetables Day: Find a book with veggies on the cover.
Clammed Up by Barbara Ross
5. June is Aquarium Month, the first week in June is Fishing Week, June 18 is Go Fishing Day and June 25 is National Catfish Day: Read a book with “fish” in the title or on the cover, or in which someone goes fishing.
Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton
Featured Author: Elaine Viets
Shop Till You Drop
Mod
S = She'll Never Know by Hunter Morgan
U = The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman
M = Murder Past Due by Miranda James
M = Murder in Mesopotamia by Agatha Christie
E = The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
R = Riding Home by Vicki Lewis Thompson
F = Fruit of All Evil by Paige Shelton
A = Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea by Nancy Atherton
I = The Island Of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells
R = Riding Hard by Vicki Lewis Thompson
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1. July is National Ice Cream Month, and various days are also dedicated to ice cream: July 1 is Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day, July 7 is National Strawberry Sundae Day, July 17 is Peach Ice Cream Day, July 19 is National Ice Cream Day, and July 23 is Vanilla Ice Cream Day — Read a book with ice cream on the cover, or in which someone eats ice cream.
Calamity Jayne by Kathleen Bacus
2. July 8 is Video Games Day — Tag, you’re it! Read a book about games, or in which someone plays a game (tag, monopoly, etc) or enters a contest (cooking, sewing, beauty, etc), or a book with 'game' or 'contest' in the title.
The Waves by Virginia Woolf
3. July 2 is I Forgot Day — Read a book you forgot you had / from the bottom of your TBR pile.
The Killing Game by Iris Johansen
4. July 17 is Yellow Pig Day (Hey, I don’t make these up!) — Read a book with a yellow cover, or that has a pig on it.
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
5. July 31 is Mutt's Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover or in the book.
Peach Pies and Alibis by Ellery Adams
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1. August 4 is U.S. Coast Guard Day and August 9 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set on or near the ocean, at a beach, or featuring a lighthouse — or read a book with ocean, beach or lighthouse in the title or on the cover.
The Island Of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells
2. August 9 is Book Lover's Day: Reader’s choice! Read any book you like, any genre you like.
She'll Never Know by Hunter Morgan
3. August 17 is National Thrift Shop Day: Read a used book, or borrow one from a friend or the library.
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
4. August 19 is Aviation Day: Read a book featuring some sort of aircraft on the cover (toy planes and hot air balloons count), or in which someone flies.
Death in the Air by Agatha Christie
5. August 21 is Senior Citizen's Day: Read a book with a character over age 65 — does not have to be the main character and I chose 65 based on most dictionary definitions for "senior citizen."
Crops and Robbers by Paige Shelton
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1. September 4 is Newspaper Carrier Day, September 6 is Read a Book Day and September 8 is International Literacy Day: Read a book featuring some sort of written communication on the cover, or as a central plot, i.e.: a letter, newspaper, telegram or book/diary.
The Lies That Bind by Kate Carlisle
2. September 9 is Teddy Bear Day: Read a book featuring a stuffed animal or other toy.
Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea by Nancy Atherton
3. September 10 is Sewing Machine Day: Read a book featuring sewing or quilting.
Death Threads by Elizabeth Lynn Casey
4. September 19 is International Talk Like A Pirate Day: Read a book with a pirate, parrot, or ship — either on the cover, in the title or as part of the plot.
BONUS: Talk like a pirate!
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
5. September 17 is National Apple Dumpling Day and September 26 Johnny Appleseed Day: Read a book featuring apples or harvesting — on the cover, in the title, or as part of the plot.
Bitter Harvest by Sheila Connolly
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This challenge will last from September 23, 2015 to December 20, 2015
A = All I Want for Christmas is You by Lisa Mondello
C = Cloaked in Malice by Annette Blair
O =
R =
N = A Nun in the Closet by Dorothy Gilman
S = Scandal in Skibbereen by Sheila Connolly
Isn't it supposed to be "corn maize"?
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Nope, it's a maze made out of corn. My sister, BIL, niece and I go to one every fall. :)
Oh nice! A maize maze *grin*
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Yup! The place we go has three levels. We usually do the medium one, as the largest would take forever. There is also a pumpkin patch, petting farm, and other kiddie activities my niece loves. Plus fall goodies served at their little farm store like caramel apples and apple cider donuts. Oh, and kettle corn -- we usually go through two bags of that, LOL.
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1. October is Clergy Appreciation Month: Read a book with a church on the cover, or with any member of the clergy.
A Nun in the Closet by Dorothy Gilman
2. The second week of October is Fire Prevention Week, and Oct 9 is Fire Prevention Day: Read a book that features a fire or fireman.
Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse by Lee Goldberg
3. Oct 9 is Leif Erikson Day and Oct 12 is Columbus Day: Read a book in which some goes exploring or makes a discovery (dead bodies count).
Villette by Charlotte Brontë
4. Oct 24 is United Nations Day: Read a book set in a country other than the one in which you live.
Scandal in Skibbereen by Sheila Connolly (Author of the Month)
5. Oct 29 is National Frankenstein Day, Oct 30 is Mischief Night, and Oct 31 is Carve a Pumpkin Day and Halloween: Read a book with ghosts, witches, or monsters in it.
Wild Wild Death by Casey Daniels
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1. November is Child Safety Protection Month, and November 20 is Universal Children's Day: Read a book with a child on the cover or in the book.
2. November 7 is Book Lovers Day, November 10 Young Readers Day, November 15 America Recycles Day, and November 27 Buy Nothing Day (always the day after Thanksgiving): Read a book you already own, or an older book you have borrowed from a friend or library — no new books!
A Touch of Gold by Joyce Lavene
3. November 10 is USMC Day and November 11 Veteran's Day: Read a book with/about a veteran, someone currently serving their country, or that takes place during a war.
4. November is Peanut Butter Lovers Month, and November 2 is Deviled Egg Day, November 3 Sandwich Day, Nov 8 Cook Something Bold Day, Nov 12 Chicken Soup for the Soul Day, Nov 15 Clean Your Refrigerator Day, Nov 17 Homemade Bread Day, and Nov 25 National Parfait Day: Read a book with food on the cover.
5. November 16 is Button Day, and November 27 Pins and Needles Day: Read a book dealing with needle crafts.
Well. This month has pretty much been a bust, due to reading Villette for two other groups. Here's hoping December goes much better!
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1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day: Read a book with a house on the cover, or about home improvement
2. December 4 is Wear Brown Shoes Day and December 6 Put on your own Shoes Day: Read a book with some sort of footwear on the cover (boots, ice skates, shoes, slippers, snowshoes, etc).
Cloaked in Malice by Annette Blair
3. December 5 is Bathtub Party Day and Repeal Day (The 21st Amendment ended Prohibition, during which bathtub gin was popular), and December 24 is National Egg Nog Day: Read a book with an alcoholic beverage on the cover or in the title.
The Merlot Murders by Ellen Crosby
4. December 8 is National Brownie Day, Dec 16 National Chocolate Covered Anything Day, Dec 18 Bake Cookies Day and Dec 24 National Chocolate Day: Read a book with dessert on the cover or in the title.
Pecan Pies and Homicides by Ellery Adams
5. December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day: Read a book with snow or snowflakes on the cover or in the title.
Death of a Dapper Snowman by Angela Pepper
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Status: 27/41
01. [ ] A book based on a fairy tale
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner
03. [X] A young adult (YA) bestseller Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
04. [X] A book you haven’t read since high school The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
05. [X] A book set in your home state Murder on the Rocks by Allyson K. Abbott
06. [X] A book translated into English The Stranger by Albert Camus
07. [ ] A romance set in the future
08. [X] A book set in Europe Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
09. [X] A book that is under 150 pages The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West
10. [x] A New York Times bestseller Florist Grump by Kate Collins
11. [X] A book that is being made into a movie this year The BFG by Roald Dahl
12. [ ] A book recommended by someone you just met
13. [ ] A self-improvement book
14. [X] A book you can finish in a day Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity
16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [X] A book at least 100 years older than you The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
18. [X] A book that’s more than 600 pages The Insider by Ridley Pearson
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
20. [ ] A science-fiction novel
21. [X] A book recommended by a family member Northern Lights by Nora Roberts
22. [ ] A graphic novel
23. [X] A book that is published in 2016 Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs
24. [X] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation. Thread End by Amanda Lee (Retail, specifically in crafts industry).
25. [X] A book that takes place during summer Grace Among Thieves by Julie Hyzy
26. [X] A book and its prequel The Abandoned and The Visitor by Amanda Stevens
27. [X] A murder mystery Twisted Threads by Lea Wait
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian
29. [ ] A dystopian novel
30. [X] A book with a blue cover Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
31. [X] A book of poetry The Best Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis
32. [X] The first book you see in a bookstore Crime and Poetry by Amanda Flower
33. [X] A classic from the 20th century O Pioneers! by Willa Cather (1913)
34. [X] A book from the library Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
35. [X] An autobiography Journal of a Solitude by May Sarton
36. [X] A book about a road trip United We Spy by Ally Carter
37. [ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar
38. [ ] A satirical book
39. [X] A book that takes place on an island An Early Wake by Sheila Connolly
40. [X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg
.
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HOLIDAYS:
Hanukkah (and yes, I know it technically occurred in autumn this year – deal.)
Boxing (day)
Christmas
Groundhog (day)
Guy Fawkes
Kwanzaa
Mardi Gras
Valentine’s (day)
New Year’s Eve
Epiphany
WEATHER:
Blizzard
Flurries
Ice
Icicle
Snow
Snowflake
Snowball
Winter
=========================
W = Wicked Stitch by Amanda Lee
I = The Insider by Ridley Pearson
N = Northern Lights by Nora Roberts
T = Twisted Threads by Lea Wait
E = Engaged in Murder by Nancy J. Parra
R = A Root Awakening by Kate Collins
Mod
1. January 1 is New Year's Day — Read the first book in a series.
Twisted Threads by Lea Wait
2. January 8 is Male Watcher's Day and January 12 is Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day — Read a book by a male author, or that has a male protagonist.
The BFG by The BFG
3. January 10 is Peculiar People Day — Read a book with a strange, unusual or interesting character.
The Insider by Ridley Pearson
4. January 14 is Dress Up Your Pet Day — Read a book where someone owns a pet, or a book that depicts a pet on the cover (dog, cat, goldfish, etc).
Thread End by Amanda Lee
5. January 31 is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day — Choose a book based on its beautiful/artful cover.
Good luck with 2016 challenges. I am thinking about joining the Ultimate Reading Challange myself.
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ETA June 30: As of this date I have read 18/40 (Actually 19 of 41, but I don't want to count a prequel until I've actually read the related book). That puts me nearly halfway there! :-)
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1. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day — Read a book by an author who writes under more than one name.
Engaged in Murder by Nancy J. Parra
2. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day — Read a book with a predominantly red or pink cover.
Florist Grump by Kate Collins
3. February 22 is Walking the Dog Day — Read a book with a dog on the cover. A Root Awakening by Kate Collins
4. February 25 is Pistol Patent Day — Find a book with some sort of weapon depicted on the cover (gun, rope/noose, knife, sword, etc -- think "Clue" here).
Grace Among Thieves by Julie Hyzy
5. February 28 is Floral Design Day — Read a book about flowers, or with flowers on the cover.
Grace Takes Off by Julie Hyzy
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1. March is National Irish American Heritage Month and March 17 is Saint Patrick's Day — Read a book that is set in Ireland, or that has a green cover.
An Early Wake by Sheila Connolly
2. March is National Craft Month, the 2nd week is Crochet Week and March 19 is National Quilting Day — Read a book depicting your favorite craft or hobby.
The Stitching Hour by Amanda Lee
3. March 2 is Old Stuff Day — Read a book that has been on your shelves/at bottom of your TBR pile the longest. No new books!
Northern Lights by Nora Roberts
4. March 13 is Jewel Day — Read a book whose cover depicts some sort of jewels or jewelry
Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs
March 4 is Employee Appreciation Day and National Salesperson Day, and March 29 is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day — Read a book in which someone has the same or similar job as you do.
Wicked Stitch by Amanda Lee
Mod
L = Last Dance by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene
I = It Takes a Witch by Heather Blake
L = Lemon Pies and Little White Lies by Ellery Adams
A = The Abandoned by Amanda Stevens
C = Chance of a Ghost by E.J. Copperman
K = A Killer Maize by Paige Shelton
I = Irish Chain by Earlene Fowler
T = The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
E = An Early Wake by Sheila Connolly
R = The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West
O = The Obsession by Nora Roberts
B = The Best Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis by Caroline Kennedy
I = Irish Stewed by Kylie Logan
N = Nightmares Can Be Murder by Mary Kennedy
Mod
1. Read a book with flowers or a garden on the cover, or as the subject.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
2. Read a book with siblings in it.
Nightmares Can Be Murder by Mary Kennedy
3. Read a book with some sort of natural water or watercraft on the cover.
Death at Breakfast by Beth Gutcheon
4. Read a book by an author who uses initials in his/her name.
Chance of a Ghost by E.J. Copperman
5. Read a book with a predominantly black or white cover, or with a penguin or any other bird on it.
The Best Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis by Caroline Kennedy
Mod
1. Read a book that features food.
Lemon Pies and Little White Lies by Ellery Adams
2. Read a book in which one of the characters is a police officer.
Murder on the Rocks by Allyson K. Abbott
3. Read a book in which someone’s life is in danger.
The Obsession by Nora Roberts
4. Read a book set at a school, or in which someone takes some sort of class.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
5. Read a book in which someone is falsely accused.
Last Dance by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene
Mod
1. Read a book with cats.
The Cat, the Sneak and the Secret by Leann Sweeney
2. Read a book in which someone is poisoned.
Death Is Like a Box of Chocolates by Kathy Aarons
3. Read your veggies! Find a book with vegetable on the cover, or set at a farm/farmers' market.
A Killer Maize by Paige Shelton
4. Read a book about sewing or quilting.
Irish Chain by Earlene Fowler
5. Read a book in which someone goes fishing, or that has fish or seafood on the cover.
Boiled Over by Barbara Ross
Mod
B = Boiled Over by Barbara Ross
O = O Pioneers! by Willa Cather
A = The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
T = Third Girl by Agatha Christie
S = Sour Apples by Sheila Connolly
S = Supernatural Born Killers by Casey Daniels
U = United We Spy by Ally Carter
M = Musseled Out by Barbara Ross
M = Murder under Cover by Kate Carlisle
E = Envious Casca by Georgette Heyer
R = The Red Book of Primrose House by Marty Wingate
Mod
1. Read a book you forgot you had:
Born in Fire by Nora Roberts
2. Read a book about chocolate, fudge or something sweet:
Criminal Confections by Colette London
3. Read a book about cows, cheese, ice cream or some kind of dairy -- or that depicts cows or some sort of dairy on the cover:
Sour Apples by Sheila Connolly
4. Read a book with a mostly yellow cover, or that has a pig on it:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
5. Read a book with a dog on the cover or in the book:
Dead Bolt by Juliet Blackwell
Mod
1. August is Water Quality Month, August 4 is U.S. Coast Guard Day, and August 7 is National Lighthouse Day — Read a book that takes place on or near water, or whose cover depicts water.
Musseled Out by Barbara Ross
2. The Summer Olympics begin in Rio on August 5 (ends Aug 21) — Read a book that involves sports (either watching or playing), OR Read a book in which someone travels abroad (bonus if it's set in South America).
United We Spy by Ally Carter
* Characters travel to England and Italy, as well as across the USA
3. August 6 is Wiggle Your Toes Day — Read a book with feet on the cover (bonus if they are bare).
Supernatural Born Killers by Casey Daniels
4. August 7 is Friendship Day and the third week of Aug is Friendship Week — Read a book from the shelf of a Goodreads friend.
Crime and Poetry by Amanda Flower
* This book is on the shelf of at least a dozen GR friends
5. August 21 is Senior Citizen's Day — Read a book with an older character in it (does not have to be the main character).
Third Girl by Agatha Christie
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1. September is Banned Books Month, Sept 6 is Fight Procrastination Day and Read a Book Day, and Sept 8 is International Literacy Day — Read a book you’ve been putting off reading.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
2. September 9 is Teddy Bear Day — Read a book that features a stuffed animal, or has one on the cover.
Aunt Dimity Goes West by Nancy Atherton
3. September 11 is Make Your Bed Day — Find a book with a bed on the cover.
Murder under Cover by Kate Carlisle
4. September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day — Ahoy, me mateys! You know the drill: Find a book that features a pirate, parrot, boat or treasure in the book or on the cover.
Fogged Inn by Barbara Ross
5. September 17 is National Apple Dumpling Day, September 24 is National Cherries Jubilee Day, and September 26 is Johnny Appleseed Day — Read a book about fruit, or with fruit on the cover.
Golden Malicious by Sheila Connolly
Mod
H = Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie
A = Aunt Dimity Goes West by Nancy Atherton
R = A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg
V = The Visitor by Amanda Stevens
E = Éclair and Present Danger by Laura Bradford
S = The Stranger by Albert Camus
T = Three Bedrooms, One Corpse by Charlaine Harris
Mod
1. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Read a book with mostly pink in the cover.
Matilda by Roald Dahl
2. October 2 is Name Your Car Day — Read a book that features some sort of vehicle (car, truck, snowmobile, etc.; toy or real) on the cover.
Berried Secrets by Peg Cochran
3. October 12 is Cookbook Launch Day — Read a book that features cooking or some sort of eating establishment (café, diner, food truck, restaurant, etc).
Éclair and Present Danger by Laura Bradford
4. October 21 is Count Your Buttons Day — Read a book featuring buttons or other sewing paraphernalia on the cover.
Pinned for Murder by Elizabeth Lynn Casey
5. October 28 is Frankenstein Friday, October 29 is National Frankenstein Day, October 30 is Mischief Night, and October 31 is Halloween and Carve a Pumpkin Day — Read a book set at Halloween, or that features a pumpkin, witch or a monster on the cover.
Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie
Mod
1. Read a book with a scene set in a cemetery or graveyard, or that has a tombstone, ghost or skeleton on the cover.
The Visitor by Amanda Stevens
2. Read a book ABOUT books.
Hooked on Murder by Betty Hechtman
(I wasn't going to count this towards this category as, although it is set at a bookstore, the focus is on a "crochet" group -- but then there were a couple author events/book signings in the book, so decided to count it after all.)
3. Read a book set during a war, or that features a veteran or someone serving their country.
Three Bedrooms, One Corpse by Charlaine Harris
4. Read a book set in a country other than your own.
The Stranger by Albert Camus
5. Read a book with a mostly red cover, or — for those who like to read across genres — a book set on another planet or that features an alien.
The Nights Before Christmas by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Mod
1. December 3 is National Roof over Your Head Day — Read a book with some kind of house on it (yes, a lighthouse counts!).
A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg
2. December 4 is Wear Brown Shoes Day and the 6th is Put on your own Shoes Day (which I hope you do every day) — Read a book with footwear on the cover (boots, slippers, shoes, etc).
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
3. December 12 is Poinsettia Day — Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the days are short and dreary. Let’s bring some flowers into our lives to liven things up — find a book about flowers or with flowers on the cover!
The Cat, The Collector and the Killer by Leann Sweeney
4. December 19 is Look for an Evergreen Day — Read a book with a tree on the cover (does not have to be a Christmas tree!).
Starry Night by Debbie Macomber
5. December 27 is Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day — Find a book with snow on the cover or in the title.
Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delany
Mod
26/52
BASIC LEVEL (40)
[ ] A book recommended by a librarian
[X] A book that's been on your TBR list for way too long: Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts
[ ] A book of letters
[X] An audiobook: Six Creepy Tales by Edgar Allan Poe by Edgar Allan Poe
[ ] A book by a person of color
[ ] A book with one of the four seasons in the title
[ ] A book that is a story within a story
[X] A book with multiple authors: A Spirited Gift by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene
[ ] An espionage thriller
[X] A book with a cat on the cover: Grace Against the Clock by Julie Hyzy
[X] A book by an author who uses a pseudonym: Writing All Wrongs by Ellery Adams (AKA JB Stanley)
[X] A bestseller from a genre you don't normally read: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
[X] A book by or about a person who has a disability: Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
[X] A book involving travel: A Room with a View by E.M. Forster
[X] A book with a subtitle: When Books Went to War: The Stories that Helped Us Win World War II by Molly Guptill Manning
[X] A book that's published in 2017: Into the Fire by Jeaniene Frost
[ ] A book involving a mythical creature
[ ] A book you've read before that never fails to make you smile
[X] A book about food: Breach of Crust by Ellery Adams
[ ] A book with career advice
[X] A book from a nonhuman perspective: Wish You Were Here by Rita Mae Brown
[ ] A steampunk novel
[X] A book with a red spine: Sacred Sins by Nora Roberts
[ ] A book set in the wilderness
[X] A book you loved as a child: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
[X] A book by an author from a country you've never visited: James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl (Author from England)
[ ] A book with a title that's a character's name
[X] A novel set during wartime: Hiroshima by John Hersey
[ ] A book with an unreliable narrator
[X] A book with pictures: The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
[ ] A book where the main character is a different ethnicity than you
[ ] A book about an interesting woman
[X] A book set in two different time periods: Come Sundown by Nora Roberts
[X] A book with a month or day of the week in the title: The Saturdays by Elizabeth Enright
[X] A book set in a hotel: Murder in the Mystery Suite by Ellery Adams
[ ] A book written by someone you admire
[ ] A book that's becoming a movie in 2017
[X] A book set around a holiday other than Christmas: A Tale of Two Biddies by Kylie Logan (Bastille Day)
[X] The first book in a series you haven't read before: Tempest in a Teapot by Amanda Cooper
[ ] A book you bought on a trip
ADVANCED (12)
[X] A book recommended by an author you love: Murder on Astor Place by Victoria Thompson (Recommended by: Vicki Lewis Thompson)
[ ] A bestseller from 2016
[X] A book with a family member term in the title: Grace Cries Uncle by Julie Hyzy
[ ] A book that takes place over a character's life span
[ ] A book about an immigrant or refugee
[ ] A book from a genre/subgenre you've never heard of
[ ] A book with an eccentric character
[ ] A book that's more than 800 pages
[X] A book you got from a used book sale: A Patchwork Planet by Anne Tyler
[X] A book that's been mentioned in another book: Nemesis by Agatha Christie
[ ] A book about a difficult topic
[ ] A book based on mythology
.
Mod
C = The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
O = One Book in the Grave by Kate Carlisle
L = The Listerdale Mystery by Agatha Christie
D = A Dark and Stormy Murder by Julia Buckley
Mod
1. January 1 is New Year's Day and January 28 is Chinese New Years: Read the first book in a series you have not read before.
Murder in the Mystery Suite by Ellery Adams
2. January 5 is National Bird Day: Read a book with a bird on the cover or in the title.
One Book in the Grave by Kate Carlisle
3. January 8 is Male Watcher's Day and January 12 is Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day: Read a book with a man on the cover.
KCPD Protector by Julie Miller
4. January 27 is Punch the Clock Day: Find a book with a clock, watch or a calendar on the cover.
Grace Against the Clock by Julie Hyzy
5. January 31 is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day: There are some great covers out there, as well as some that aren't so great. Whether beautiful or zany, Interesting or romantic, choose a book based on the cover.
A Patchwork Planet by Anne Tyler
Mod
1. February 2 is Ground Hog Day: Find a book with a shadow on it.
The SinnerAmanda Stevens
2. February 5 is National Weatherman's Day and February 10 is Umbrella Day: Find a book that has a weather-related word in the title.
A Dark and Stormy Murder by Julia Buckley
3. February 13 is Get a Different Name Day: Read a book by an author who uses a pseudonym.
Buried in a Book by Lucy Arlington (AKA Susan Furlong)
4. February is American Heart Month and February 14 is Valentine's Day: Read a book with a mostly red or pink cover, or that at least has a red or pink spine.
Ride Baby Ride by Vivian Arend
5. February 20 is Love Your Pet Day, and February 22 Walking the Dog Day: Read a book with a dog on the cover.
Better Off Thread by Amanda Lee
Mod
1. March is National Craft Month, the second week in March is Crochet Week, March 18 National Quilting Day: Read a book that revolves around quilting or crochet.
Quilt or Innocence by Elizabeth Spann Craig
2. March 2 is Old Stuff Day: Read the oldest book in your TBR pile.
Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts
3. March is National Irish American Heritage Month and March 17 is Saint Patrick's Day: Read a book that is set in Ireland or which has a green cover.
Dark Witch by Nora Roberts
4. March 21 is Tea for Two Tuesday: Read a book set at a tea shop, or which has a teapot or teacup on the cover.
Tempest in a Teapot by Amanda Cooper
5. March 31 is National Clam on the Half Shell Day: Read a book set on or by the ocean.
Writing All Wrongs by Ellery Adams
Cozy Mysteries
Books mentioned in this topic
A Midsummer Night's Dream (other topics)A Little Princess (other topics)
The Lighthouse (other topics)
The Saturdays (other topics)
The Wind in the Willows (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Gary Paulsen (other topics)Henry James (other topics)
Anne Tyler (other topics)
Nora Roberts (other topics)
Dan Brown (other topics)
More...
There are 50 categories to check off the challenge list (53 books, as one of the challenges is for a trilogy) over the coming year. As always, books can be applied to other challenges, but may only be used once for this one.
Progress: 41/52
[X] A book with 500 pages The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan
[X] A classic romance Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
[X] A book that became a movie A Passage To India by E.M. Forster
[X] A book published this year Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost
[ ] A book with a number in the title
[ ] A book written by someone under 30
[X] A book with nonhuman characters Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs
[X] A funny book The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
[X] A book by a female author Betrayed by Lisa Scottoline
[X] A mystery or thriller The Lighthouse by PD James
[X] A book with a one-word title Hostage by Kay Hooper
[X] A book of short stories The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
[X] A book set in a different country The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough (Australia)
[X] A nonfiction book Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now by Maya Angelou
[ ] A popular author's first book
[X] A book from an author you love that you have not read yet Poisoned Prose by Ellery Adams
[X] A book a friend recommended The Liar by Nora Roberts
[ ] A Pulitzer Prize winning book
[ ] A book based on a true story
[X] A book at the bottom of your to-read list Death Threads by Elizabeth Lynn Casey
[ ] A book your mom loves
[X] A book that scares you Haunted by Kay Hooper
[X] A book more than 100 years old The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood (Published in 1910)
[ ] A book based entirely on its cover
[ ] A book you were supposed to read in school but didn't
[ ] A memoir
[X] A book you can finish in a day Lady Susan by Jane Austen
[X] A book with antonyms in the title The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
[X] A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
[X] A book that came out the year you were born The Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman
[ ] A book with bad reviews
[X] A trilogy Read the last Sons of Chance set by VLT:
Riding High, Riding Hard, Riding Home
[X] A book from your childhood Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
[X] A book with a love triangle Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
[X] A book set in the future Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
[X] A book set in high school The Good Ghouls' Guide to Getting Even by Julie Kenner
[X] A book with a color in the title A Touch of Gold by Joyce Lavene
[X] A book that made you cry The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
[X] A book with magic The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
[ ] A graphic novel
[X] A book by an author you've never read before The Sound of Glass by Karen White
[X] A book you own but have never read The Killing Game by Iris Johansen
[X] A book that takes place in your hometown (or close to where you live) Claiming His Family by Ann Voss Peterson
[X] A book originally written in a different language: Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren (Originally published in Swedish)
[X] A book set during Christmas The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
[X] A book written by an author with your same initials The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
[X] A play A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
[X] A banned book Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence
[X] A book based on or turned into a TV show Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse by Lee Goldberg
[X] A book you started but never finished Heart of the Sea by Nora Roberts