The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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SPRING CHALLENGE 2015
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Spring 2015 Completed Tasks - DO NOT DELETE POSTS

Option A: Dead But Not Forgotten: Stories from the World of Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris
Option B: The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
*** 576 pages, claiming a big book ticket ***
*** Deborah Harkness is a Goodreads Author ***
Total points: 80
Total GRA: 3
Total big book tickets: 1

20.1: What's in a Name
Option 4: Tyr
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
I found Cloud Atlas on the "Did not finish" shelf on page 1, today 5/3/15.
Points This Post: 20
Total Points: 200
Total Tasks Completed: 9

25.4 - Hina's Task: Evolution of Mythology to Fairy Tales and to Disney's Animated Movies
Option 3: humor/funny Before Jamaica Lane
Option 4: shoes with high heels

P:25
Total:805

5.6 Svartalfheim, the Home of the Dark Elves.
I read Legend of the White Wolf by Terry Spear. Wolf in title and on the cover:

20.8 Meg SCL’s task Option 1: Where Do You Live? I read a book set in the state I live in (KY): Ghosts of Old Louisville: True Tales of Hauntings in America's Largest Victorian Neighbo Rhood by David Domine.
25.7 Dakimel’s Award Season
I opted for Option B twice:
I read Yes Please by Amy Poehler, a nominee for Autobiography.
I read A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal by Ben Macintyre, a nominee for History.
30.7 Delicious Dee’s Library
Book 1. Last season I read No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden by new-to-me author Mark Owen.
For this task, from section OCO-PAQ
I read White is for WitchingWhite Is for Witching by new to me author Helen Oyeyemi.
Book 2. Last season I read Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch: Let Verbs Power Your Writing by new-to-me author Constance Hale.
For this task, from section GRE-IAF
I read The Girl on the Train The Girl on the Train by new-to-me author Paula Hawkins.
Points This Post: 80
Total Points so Far: 700

25.4- Evolution of Mythology to Fairy Tales and to Disney's Animated Movies
Book #1- Option 1: Disney Animated Movies
Read a book with a title that contains a word of at least three letters that appears in a movie title from the List of Animated Disney Movies.
I Was a Teenage Fairy by Francesca Lia Block **Francesca Lia Block is a Goodreads Author**
The matching word is "fairy" from the Disney movie The Pirate Fairy.
Book #2- Option 3: Lightheartedness
Read a book that has "humor" or "funny" in the main page genre list.
A Dog's Journey by W. Bruce Cameron **W. Bruce Cameron is a Goodreads Author**
This book was verified here.
Points This Post: 25
Total Points: 560
Goodreads Authors: 28
Big Book Tickets: 1
Total Tasks Completed: 33

Task # 10.3 - Earth Day
Read a non-fiction book with the genre "environment" on its main page.

Environment on main page (64 users)
Points this post: 10
Total points: 610

30.7 - Delicious Dee's Task - I Love My Library!
For this task you will read TWO BOOKS by TWO AUTHORS WHO ARE NEW TO YOU
CLA – CON
Last Season I read Fortune Like the Moon by then new to me author Alys Clare
This season I read The Titanic Murders by new to me author Max Allan Collins
Max Allan Collins is a Goodreads Author!
LOG – MCC
Last Season I read Hot Lead, Cold Iron by then new to me author Ari Marmell
This season I read Bird Box by new to me author Josh Malerman
Points this post: 30
Total Points: 440
Books Read: 26
Goodreads Authors: 13
Big Books:500+(3)750+(1)1000+(0)

I would like to move A Poisoned Season from Task 30.3 to Task 50.1.
30.3 - Teri-k's Task: Your Own Personal Tardis (repost with new book)
Option 1: As a Driven Leaf
Option 4: Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule by Jennifer Chiaverini set during U.S. Civil War
Jennifer Chiaverini is a Goodreads Author.
50.1- Donna Jo's Task: 1-2-3-Go!
Book 1: Arabella (one word title)
Book 2: A Poisoned Season (book #2 in Lady Emily series)
Book 3: The House Between the Worlds by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
The letter M appears three times in the author's name.
Post totals: 50 points, 1 GRA
Challenge total points: 435
Total GRA: 8
Total BB tickets: 1

10.4 May the Fourth Be With You
REQUIRED: Read a book with the genre "science fiction" on its main page.
Selection: Uninvited (Uninvited #1) -- Sophie Jordan
I read the kindle edition, the PB has 400 pages.
Sophie Jordan is a **GRA**
[POINTS]
This Post: 10
Total Points: 565/1035
Books Read: 46
Completed Tasks: 37/59
Pages Read: 15340
Goodreads Authors: 30
Big Books: [500+: 3] [750+: 0] [1000+: 0]

20.1 Most Improved Player- Julia103's Task: What's in a Name
REQUIRED: Option 4: The letters in TYR also spell TRY. Read a book from the first 10 pages of either of these shelving lists Did Not Finish or Abandoned.
(Found on page 7 of Did Not Finish shelf)
Selection: Obsidian (Lux #1) -- Jennifer L. Armentrout
Jennifer L. Armentrout is a **GRA**
[POINTS]
This Post: 20
Total Points: 585/1035
Books Read: 47
Completed Tasks: 38/59
Pages Read: 15675
Goodreads Authors: 31
Big Books: [500+: 3] [750+: 0] [1000+: 0]

5.7 Nidavellir, the Home of the Dwarves. Read a book with 100-360 pages (at least 100, but not over 360 pages)
Read China - The Surprising Country by Myra Roper - book is listed at 292 pages on GR.
Points: 5
Total: 85
GRA: 4
Big Books:1
Tasks: 8

I chose Option B and Option D.
Option B: read a book with the number of pages consisting of digits found in 1821.
Wrinkles by Charles Simmons 181 pages
Option D: read a book with one of these three words: freedom, or, death in the title or subtitle.
Chasing Daylight: How My Forthcoming Death Transformed by Life by Eugene O'Kelly
Death in subtitle
Task total=25
Grand total=285

Completed Tasks
15.1.Everything You Think is Right....or Wrong?
Book #1 - Book a Goodreads friend rated four or five stars. Sandy rated 4 stars -- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Messenger
AR Bookfinder info: IL: MG+ - BL: 4.9 - AR Pts: 5.0
Book #2 - Book a Goodreads friend rated one or two stars. Sandy rated 1 star -- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Kindle edition I read: Pretty Little Liars
Post popular paperback: Pretty Little Liars
Currently does not have a children/kids main page genre but AR Bookinder info is IL: UG - BL: 4.5 - AR Pts: 9.0
20.10 - Group Reads
Chose to read the Alternate History Group Read and posted in the discussion thread at post #30 -- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Kindle edition I read: 11/22/63
Mass Market paperback: 22/11/63
***Summary***
Previous Points Earned: 115
Points Earned this Post: 35
Total Points To Date: 150

10.7 - Typhoid Mary
Book: After The Ending by Lindsey Fairleigh
Notes: Page 1 (#62) on 5/3/15.
15.1.Everything You Think is Right....or Wrong?
Book 1: From a Distant Star by Karen McQuestion
Notes: My friend Ashley gave it 4★.
Book 2: Semi-Charmed Life by Nora Zelevansky
Notes: My friend Giselle gave it 1★.
25.1 - Catherine T's Task: Auntie Tattin's Challenge
Book 1: Every Day by David Levithan
Notes: Written by a man. First in a series. Published in 2012. 322 pages. This book was new to me.
Book 2: Betwixt by Tara Bray Smith
Notes: Written by a woman. Not her debut or a first in series. Published in 2007 (5 year difference). 496 pages (174 page difference). This book was new to me.
This Post: 50
Points to Date: 775

20.9 Moderator's Pet- Kait's Task: Hel Hath Fury
Option 2: Dark Instincts by Suzanne Wright. This is the the latest release in the series.
Points this post: 20
Total points: 510

25.8 Coralie's Task: Anzac Day
REQUIRED: Option 2: Read a book with the genre 'war' on the main page.
Genre Verified
Selection: Prodigy (Legend #2) -- Marie Lu
I listened to the audiobook, the PB has 356 pages.
Marie Lu is a **GRA**
AND
REQUIRED: Option 2: Read a book with the genre 'war' on the main page.
Genre Verified
Selection: The Book Thief -- Markus Zusak
I listened to the audiobook, the has 544 pages.
At 544 pages, this is good for one **Big Book Ticket**
Markus Zusak is a **GRA**
[POINTS]
This Post: 25
Total Points: 610/1035
Books Read: 49
Completed Tasks: 39/59
Pages Read: 16575
Goodreads Authors: 33
Big Books: [500+: 4] [750+: 0] [1000+: 0]

5.3 Alfheim, the Home of the Light Elves
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
***Rating of 3.53 which is > 3.5***
5.7 Nidavellir, the Home of the Dwarves.
I Don't Care if We Never Get Back: 30 Games in 30 Days on the Best Worst Baseball Road Trip Ever by Ben Blatt
***342 pages falls between 100-360
10.2 - Blah, Blah, Blah Day
One Nation, Under Gods: A New American History by Peter Manseau
***416 pages is > 400 pages***
25.2 - Schatzie’s Task: Garden Quotes
OPTION 2: "Crime"
Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town by Jon Krakauer
**20 users list this book as Crime>True Crime (2nd Genre)
OPTION 4: "Science Fiction"
Homeland by R.A. Salvatore
****5th Genre listed is Science Fiction Fantasy****
Points this Post: 45
Total Points: 70
GR Authors: 0
Big Ticket Books: 0

TASK NAME: 25.9 Nick KY’s Task: “Y”
Book 1: Option 1. Read a book with the letter “Y” somewhere in the title or subtitle.
Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz
Qualifier: Y in Moriarty
Book 2: Option 3 - read Fire Season
Fire Season: Field Notes from a Wilderness Lookout by Philip Connors
Claiming GRA for Anthony Horowitz
Points this task: 25
Points Total: 245
Tasks Completed: 15
GR Author: 12
Big Books: 1

TASK NAME: 20.1 Most Improved Player- Julia103's Task: What's in a Name
Option 4: The letters in TYR also spell TRY. Read a book from the first 10 pages of either of these shelving lists Did Not Finish or Abandoned.
Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige
Qualifier: List on the "Popular Did not finish" list on page 4
Claiming GRA for Danielle Paige
Points this task: 20
Points Total: 265
Tasks Completed: 16
GR Author: 13
Big Books: 1

25.2 - Schatzie’s Task: Garden Quotes
BOOK 1 - OPTION 3 (Autobiography or Memoir): Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography by Laura Ingalls Wilder – this is not a re-read for me
BOOK 2 - OPTION 4 (Science Fiction): Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel* - this is not a re-read for me
Emily St. John Mandel is a GR Author
Points this post: 25 points
Total points to date = 250 points
GRA this post: 1
Total GRA to date: 8
BB tickets this post: 0
Total BB tickets to date: 4

Read a book that fulfills A and B.
A. Object on cover: A Bird (actually several birds; look above Neil Gaiman’s name on the cover)

AND
B. Books must be a Minimum of 300 pages and MUST include only numbers from the following number sequence, my birthday 03/07/1965. (ex. 301, 379, 500 pages)
310 pages
Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances (2015) by Neil Gaiman (Goodreads Author) (Hardcover, 310 pages)
**Neil Gaiman is a Goodreads Author.**
375 + 20 = 395
Tasks Completed: 22
Points for this post: 20
Points thus far: 375 + 20 = 395
Books read: 33
Pages read: 9,884
Read but not claimed: 5
Goodreads Authors: 10
Big Books:
(0) 500+
(1) 750+
(0) 1,000+

5.6 Svartalfheim, the Home of the Dark Elves.
I read Shiver
10.4 - May the Fourth Be With You
I read The One
TALLY:
This post - 15 points
Total - 785

Both books are new to me.
Years first published: 1999, 2005
Total pages: 213 + 482 = 695
Book 1, debut work by a male author: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, published in 1999, 213 pages
Book 2, neither a debut work nor 1st in a series by a female author: The Ship Of Brides by Jojo Moyes, published in 2005, paperback edition 482 pages The Ship of Brides
Points this post: 25
Total points: 565

20.6 Seasoned Reader: Diane Whitney's Task: I Spy Spring with the letter B - Read a book that fulfills A AND B.
A. Using the list above, AT LEAST ONE of the objects must appear on the cover. For example, a cover may have two umbrellas, several blossoms or contain both a blossom and a bumble bee. AND B. Books must be a Minimum of 300 pages and MUST include only numbers from the following number sequence, my birthday 03/07/1965. (ex. 301, 379, 500 pages) Numbers may only be used as many times as they occur.

Points this task: 20
Total points: 470
Books read: 33
Tasks completed: 21

Halki ikiyön by Veronica Rossi initials V R
*Veronica Rossi is a GR author, claiming one GRA ticket*
15.2. Aesir vs. Vanir Gods Showdown
Book 1. I listened to an audio CD The Risk of Darkness
No MMP available, link to paperback The Risk of Darkness
Book 2. Väärät valinnat
Points this post: 25
Points total: 235/1035
GRA total: 8
BB total: 5
Tasks completed: 18/59
Books read: 22

15.2. Aesir Vs. Vanir Gods Showdown
Book #1: AESIR
In The Warrior's Bed by Mary Wine
In The WARrior'S BEd
Book #2: VANIR
Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones*
SIxth GRAVe oN the Edge
I preferred the VANIR book
*Goodreads Author
~~~~~~~~~~
Points This Post: 15
Total Points: 325/1035
Total Books Read: 30
Tasks Completed: 25/59
Goodreads Authors: 1
Total Goodreads Authors: 24
Big Books: 0

10.2 - Blah, Blah, Blah Day
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
This book was 525 pages.
20.2 - Midwives Help People Out
The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain
Option 1 - The title contains midwife.
This post: 30 points
Total points to date: 130 points
Tasks completed: 10
** Electing to not track GR authors and Big Books this season **

John Quincy Adams by Robert V. Remini (who was 91 when he died)
Task: 10
Total: 570

Read:
Book 1 - The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World's Most Glorious - and Perplexing - City by David Lebovitz
Book 2 - Dark Lady by Richard North Patterson
Points This Post: 30
Total Points: 50

Task: 50.1 1-2-3 Go
This is a correction to 2183. Apparently I have problems with one word titles!! Duh.
Book 1: Shudder by Brian Harper One word title
Book 2: Hope to Die by James Patterson Alex Cross series #22
Book 3: The Black Box by Michael Connelly Three of the letter "L" in the author's name
Points this task: 50
Total points: 110

Task 25.3 Ragnarok
Book 1: A Good American by Alex George Author's initials are in ragnarok - A & G
Book 2: The Girl Next Door by Ruth Rendell THOR is spelled in order. TH in "the" OR in "door"
Points this task: 25
Total points: 135

Task # 10.8 - The Vikings are Coming
Read a book published by Viking Press

Points this post: 10
Total points: 620

I listened to Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
It has no print edition but was approved for length in the spread sheet on line 798.
J Hartley is a GRA for 1 ticket.
New points this post: 15
Total w/this post: 950
GRA tickets this post: 1
Total w/this post: 31
Big Books this post: 0
Total w/this post: 4
Post: 2300

25.2 Garden Quotes
This is a correction to post 2221
Option 2: The Drop by Dennis Lehane This is a mystery.
Option 3: Chameleon Days: An American Boyhood in Ethiopia by Tim Bascom
This is an autobiography/memoir (written by a cousin of one of my neighbors!)
Points this task: 25
Total points: 160

Read a book by an American author who is over 50, or who died at 50 or above.
Mr Norris Changes Trains by Christopher Isherwood

Christopher Isherwood died at 84, and is approved for this task as a naturalised US citizen in post 29 on the help thread.
Points so far: 120
Tasks completed: 17
GR authors: 3
Big Book tickets: 1

The Truth About Lord Stoneville by Sabrina Jeffries, a Goodreads author.
Rating was 4.04 on 4/20/15
Points: 265

25.5 Viking Pillage
Book 1: Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur 226 pages
Book 2: Mirror Image by Sandra Brown 452 pages
Total pages read: 678 Keys and mirrors can both be "pillaged"
Points this task: 25
Total points: 185

25.8 Anzac Day
Option 2: Killing Patton: The Strange Death of World War II's Most Audacious General by Bill O'Reilly Genre WAR is standalone.
Option2: Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever by Bill O'Reilly Genre WAR is standalone
While I am not a great fan of O'Reilly, I absolutely love how he is writing his "killing" series and not sure which one is my fovorite!
Points this task: 25
Total points: 210

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
My comment is #41.
Susan Cain is a GRA for 1 ticket.
New points this post: 20
Total w/this post: 970
GRA tickets this post: 1
Total w/this post: 32
Big Books this post: 0
Total w/this post: 4
Post: 2306

10.4 May the Fourth Be With You
Read a book with genre Science Fiction on its main page.
Countdown City by Ben Winters
Countdown City Ben H. Winters
He is a GoodReads author
Points: 10
Goodreads Authors: 1
Big Book Tickets: 0
____________________________
CUMULATIVE TOTAL
Total Points: 310
Total Goodreads Authors: 11
Total Big Book Tickets: 1
Big Books - 500+: 1
Big Books - 750+:
Big Books - 1000+:

30.2 - Dlmrose's task: Initial Impressions
Book1: The Dating Do-Over by Cathy Spencer
Book2: Chasing Stars by L. Duarte
REQUIRED: C.S. in Cathy Spencer matches C.S. in Chasing Stars
*Cathy Spencer is a GRA*
*L. Duarte is a GRA*
30.4. Sandy's Task: Spring Renewal for your Reading Ideas.
Book1: Sula by Toni Morrison
REQUIRED: This was recommended from Genre=Historical Fiction
Book2: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
REQUIRED: As of 1 March 2015, 2 friends had read this book.
*Rainbow Rowell is a GRA*
CURRENT POST
Points: 60
Goodreads Authors: 3
Big Book Tickets: 0
____________________________
CUMULATIVE TOTAL
Total Points: 770
Total Goodreads Authors: 39
Total Big Book Tickets: 4
Big Books - 500+: 1
Big Books - 750+:
Big Books - 1000+: 3

5.8 Niflheim, the Home of the Dead
Stephen King, pseudonym is Richard Bachman: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
The Shining
Points this post: 5
Total points: 40

1. 1. Read a book with a one-word title. All words count including "a", "an", and "the".
Seed by Ania Ahlborn (GOODREADS AUTHOR) 460 pages
2. Read a book that a) is number 2, 12, or 22 in a series.
The Secret Speech by Tom Rob Smith (#2 in the Leo Demidov Series) (407 pages)
3. Read a book written by an author with a letter that appears 3, and only 3, times in his/her name as it appears on Goodreads.
Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter (Three Es) (304 Pages)
IL: MG - BL: 5.2 - AR Pts: 8.0
Task: 50
Total: 620
GRA This Task: 1

30.4 - Sandy's Task: Spring Renewal
Book 1 - The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
Based on my Rooster Tournament of Books shelf.
Book 2 - Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
***** Gillian Flynn is a GRA *****
Read by one friend. Was on the list 5/1/15 (and today).
These books did not have genre 'Children' today, 5/4/15.
Total Points - 200
Total GRA - 7
Total BB - 1

20.1 Most Improved Player- Julia103's Task: What's in a Name
I chose Option 4: Read a book from the first 10 pages of either of these shelving lists Did Not Finish or Abandoned.
Atlas Shrugged
This book is on page 2 of "Did Not Finish"
20.3 Best Review - Cait S's Task: Thinly Veiled Marvel References
I chose Option 3: Choose a series you have already started and enjoyed, and read the next book in it
Rose Under Fire
This book is not a re-read for me.
Points this post: 40
Total points: 95

5.1 – Asgard, the Home of the Aesir
Treasure Island!!! By Sara Levine
Points this post: 5 points
Total points to date = 255 points
GRA this post: 0
Total GRA to date: 8
BB tickets this post: 0
Total BB tickets to date: 4

I read The Inner Circle which took place 100% in Sweden.
Points: 215
Books read: 18
Tasks completed: 15
Goodreads Authors: 10
Big Books: 2(500)
pages read: 6247

This is a two-book task. You MAY do the same option twice. REQUIRED: Identify the option(s).
Option A: Read a book from this year’s Tournament of Books Rooster long-list.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Required: The book is #35 on the list
******Paula Hawkins is a Goodreads Author******
Option B: Read (or listen to!) a nominee for a 2015 Audies award.
Food: A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan
Required: Nominated in the “Humor” category
~~~~~~~~~~
Points This Post: 25
Total Points: 215/1035
Total Books Read: 17
Tasks Completed: 12/59
Goodreads Authors This Post: 1
Total Goodreads Authors: 14

REPOST of post #2315 as I forgot my readerboard name
25.7 - Dakimel’s Task: Awards Season
This is a two-book task. You MAY do the same option twice. REQUIRED: Identify the option(s).
Option A: Read a book from this year’s Tournament of Books Rooster long-list.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Required: The book is #35 on the list
******Paula Hawkins is a Goodreads Author******
Option B: Read (or listen to!) a nominee for a 2015 Audies award.
Food: A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan
Required: Nominated in the “Humor” category
~~~~~~~~~~
Points This Post: 25
Total Points: 215/1035
Total Books Read: 17
Tasks Completed: 12/59
Goodreads Authors This Post: 1
Total Goodreads Authors: 14
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5.6 Svartalfheim, the Home of the Dark Elves - Read a book with a wolf on the cover OR read a book with "wolf" in the title or subtitle . Plurals, possessives and variations or compound words that preserve the meaning of "wolf" may be used.
Points this task: 5
Total points: 450
Books read: 32
Tasks completed: 20