2023 Zodiac Year Long Challenge

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Sammy wrote: "I usually just grab the total from my SS to update the point tracker, so my bonus points would be counted already :)"

That's fine Sammy!

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

♈ARIES BONUS TASK: ENDING SOON!!

Read a book where a character must make a sacrifice. (your interpretation, please explain)
Book must be read between March 21 - April 19 to receive bonus page points.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

♈ARIES BONUS TASK: ENDS AT MIDNIGHT! (your time zone)
Read a book where a character must make a sacrifice. (your interpretation, please explain)
Book must be read between March 21 - April 19 to receive bonus page points.

__



Taurus

In astrology, Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac, considered as governing that portion of the year from about April 20 to about May 20. Its representation as a bull is related to the Greek myth of Zeus, who assumed the form of a bull to abduct Europa.

♉TAURUS BONUS TASK:
Read a book that includes a kidnapping.
Book must be read between April 20 - May 20 to receive bonus page points.


💥Want another Bonus Opportunity?💥
If you match any task to a HOB Formal Buddy Read book, and read and participate in HOB's Formal Buddy Read discussion, you can add 2 bonus points to your score. (to show this bonus on the tracking spreadsheet, add a 2 to the Bonus Points column next to your book)

🕮 Formal Buddy Read BONUS:
April's Formal Buddy Read is still available: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie


Want to earn some extra points??
April 1st - 30th I'm offering a special Bonus Opportunity!

Sign up for HOB Listopia Madness for the month of April, and any books that you read for that challenge and match with a book for this challenge will earn you 1 bonus point! You MUST sign up and post books in the Listopia challenge for your books/points to count. I will verify this at the end of the month!

To show bonus points on your tracking spreadsheet, add the # of points to the "Bonus Points" column next to your book.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

LAST WEEK for the HOB Listopia Madness Bonus!

Be on the lookout for a new bonus SOON!

[Jess]

2023 Zodiac Challenge
Tracking Spreadsheet: (if using, add your link here)
Duration: January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023
Challenge Main Tasks Completed: 16/185
Bonus Tasks Completed: 3/12
Books Read: 10
Points: 48

♑ Capricorn
December 22 - January 19

C
A
P
R
I
C
O
R
N - The Night Shift by Alex Finlay 15/01
Power Color: Grey ➖ Read a book with a grey cover (>50%)
Symbol: The Goat ➖ Read a book with a character that climbs something
Famous Artist: Paul Cezanne ➖ Read a book with fruit on cover
Archetype: The Leader ➖ Read a book with "leader" in text (pg/%)
Ruler: Saturn ➖ Read a book with "ring" in text (pg/%)
House: 10th ➖ Read a book with the number 10/ten in the title
Strength: Driven ➖ Read a book with a character that is persistent The Night Shift by Alex Finlay 15/01 - Sarah Keller is persistent to catch the culprit
Weakness: Pessimistic ➖ Read a book with "sad" in text (pg/%)
Author Zodiac Sign: ➖ Read a book by an author who is a Capricorn
🔒BONUS TASK (will be announced 1/1/2023, must complete by 1/19/2023)

♒ Aquarius
January 20 - February 18

A
Q
U
A
R
I
U
S
Power Color: Blue ➖ Read a book with a blue cover (>50%)
Symbol: The Water Bearer ➖ Read a book with water on the cover - Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin 28/01
Famous Artist: Thomas Cole ➖ Read a book with a landscape on the cover
Archetype: The Humanitarian ➖ Read a book with "human" in text (pg/%) - The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart 23/01/23 Page 49 "There was no smelly animal or human"
Ruler: Uranus ➖ Read a book with the MPG Sci-Fi
House: 11th ➖ Read a book with 11 in the publication date
Strength: Intelligent ➖ Read a book with a character that is smart
Weakness: Scatterbrained ➖ Read a book with "disorganized" in text (pg/%)
Author Zodiac Sign: ➖ Read a book by an author who is an Aquarius
🔒BONUS TASK (will be announced 1/20/2023, must complete by 2/18/2023) The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart 23/01/23 - Merlin leaves Ireland during a storm

♓ Pisces
February 19 - March 20

P
I - Atonement by Ian McEwan 20/02
S
C
E
S
Power Color: Light Green ➖ Read a book with a light green cover (>50%)
Symbol: The Fishes ➖ Read a book with an aquatic creature on the cover
Famous Artist: Michelangelo ➖ Read a book with a man's bare torso on the cover
Archetype: The Dreamer ➖ Read a book with "dream" in text (pg/%) - Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield 25/02 - Page 5 "I dream in molars spat across the bedclothes"
Ruler: Neptune ➖ Read a book with the MPG Fantasy
House: 12th ➖ Read a book with more than 12 editions on Goodreads - book:Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow|58784475] by Gabrielle Zevin 28/01 - 59 editions
Strength: Intuitive ➖ Read a book with "intuition" in text (pg/%)
Weakness: Escapist ➖ Read a book where a character escapes from something
Author Zodiac Sign: ➖ Read a book by an author who is a Pisces
🔒 BONUS TASK (will be announced 2/19/2023, must complete by 3/20/2023) - Atonement by Ian McEwan 20/02 - Robbie and Cecelia are drawn back together from Briony's letters

♈ Aries (+1, Birthday month)
March 21 - April 19

A - Actress by Anne Enright 30/03
R
I - I'm a Fan by Sheena Patel 07/04
E
S - Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough 31/03
Power Color: Red ➖ Read a book with a red cover (>50%)
Symbol: The Ram ➖ Read a book with a character that seeks out challenge - A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar - 14/03 - Characters seek to pull off a heist
Famous Artist: Leonardo da Vinci ➖ Read a book with a setting in Italy
Archetype: The Warrior ➖ Read a book with a character that is/was in the military
Ruler: Mars ➖ Read a book with the MPG War
House: 1st ➖ Read a book that is 1st in a series - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum 26/03
Strength: Brave ➖ Read a book with "brave" in text (pg/%) - I'm a Fan by Sheena Patel 07/04 Page 182 - The framer compliments her taste in being so bold and brave in her colour choices
Weakness: Aggressive ➖ Read a book with a character that is aggressive - Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough 31/03 - David is frequently aggressive
Author Zodiac Sign: ➖ Read a book by an author who is an Aries
🔒 BONUS TASK (will be announced 3/21/2023, must complete by 4/19/2023) Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield 25/02 - Miri sacrifices her wife to the sea

♉ Taurus
April 20 - May 20

T
A - A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar - 14/03
U
R
U
S
Power Color: Dark Green ➖ Read a book with a dark green cover (>50%)
Symbol: The Bull ➖ Read a book with "bull" in text (pg/%)
Famous Artist: Salvador Dali ➖ Read a book from the Surreal Books list
Archetype: The Sensualist ➖ Read a book with "sensual" in text (pg/%)
Ruler: Venus ➖ Read a book with the MPG Romance
House: 2nd ➖ Read a book with "two" in text (pg/%)
Strength: Loyal ➖ Read a book with a character that is considered reliable
Weakness: Stubborn ➖ Read a book with "alpha" in text (pg/%)
Author Zodiac Sign: ➖ Read a book by an author who is a Taurus - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum 26/03
🔒 BONUS TASK (will be announced 4/20/2023, must complete by 5/20/2023)


♊ Gemini
May 21 - June 20

G
E
M
I
N
I
Power Color: Yellow ➖ Read a book with a yellow cover (>50%)
Symbol: Twins ➖ Read a book with twins or siblings
Famous Artist: Paul Gauguin ➖ Read a book set between 1848-1903
Archetype: The Communicator ➖ Read a book with "talk" in text (pg/%)
Ruler: Mercury ➖ Read a book with wings on cover
House: 3rd ➖ Read a book that has 3 main characters
Strength: Adaptable ➖ Read a book/movie adaptation
Weakness: Inconsistent ➖ Read a book with an erratic character - Actress by Anne Enright 30/03 - Katherine is erratic
Author Zodiac Sign: ➖ Read a book by an author who is a Gemini
🔒 BONUS TASK (will be announced 5/21/2023, must complete by 6/20/2023)


♋ Cancer
June 21 - July 22

C
A
N
C
E
R
Power Color: Silver (light grey) ➖ Read a book with a light grey/silver cover (>50%)
Symbol: The Crab ➖ Read a book with a character who is crabby
Famous Artist: Frida Kahlo ➖ Read a book with a setting in Mexico
Archetype: The Nurturer ➖ Read a book with a character that is a parent
Ruler: The Moon ➖ Read a book with a moon on cover
House: 4th ➖ Read a book with four colors on cover
Strength: Healing ➖ Read a book with a character in the medical field
Weakness: Dependent ➖ Read a book with "depend" in text (pg/%)
Author Zodiac Sign: ➖ Read a book by an author who is a Cancer
🔒 BONUS TASK (will be announced 6/21/2023, must complete by 7/22/2023)

♌ Leo
July 23 - August 22

L
E
O
Power Color: Orange ➖ Read a book with an orange cover (>50%)
Symbol: The Lion ➖ Read a book with a lion on cover
Famous Artist: Andy Warhol ➖ Read a book with the MPG Contemporary
Archetype: The Creative ➖ Read a book with "create" in text (pg/%)
Ruler: The Sun ➖ Read a book with a sun on the cover
House: 5th ➖ Read a book with "five" in text (pg/%)
Strength: Protective ➖ Read a book with a character in law enforcement
Weakness: Egotistical ➖ Read a book with "ego" in text (pg/%)
Author Zodiac Sign: ➖ Read a book by an author who is a Leo
🔒 BONUS TASK (will be announced 7/23/2023, must complete by 8/22/2023)

♍ Virgo
August 23 - September 22

V
I
R
G
O
Power Color: Brown ➖ Read a book with an orange cover (>50%)
Symbol: The Virgin ➖ Read a book with a character who has never done something
Famous Artist: Dale Chihuly ➖ Read a book with glass on cover
Archetype: The Healer/Analyst ➖ Read a book with "heal" in text (pg/%)
Ruler: Mercury ➖ Read a book where someone is poisoned
House: 6th ➖ Read a book with a publication date that includes a 6
Strength: Humble ➖ Read a book with "humble" in text (pg/%)
Weakness: Obsessive ➖ Read a book with a character that is a stalker
Author Zodiac Sign: ➖ Read a book by an author who is a Virgo
🔒 BONUS TASK (will be announced 8/23/2023, must complete by 9/22/2023)

♎ Libra
September 23 - October 22

L
I
B
R
A
Power Color: Pink ➖ Read a book with a pink cover (>50%)
Symbol: The Scales ➖ Read a book with "justice" in text (pg/%)
Famous Artist: Caravaggio ➖ Read a book with 3 A's in the title
Archetype: The Diplomat/Lover ➖ Read a book with a character that is a lawyer
Ruler: Venus ➖ Read a book that is tagged love
House: 7th ➖ Read a book with a character whose first name has exactly 7 letters
Strength: Charming ➖ Read a book with "charm" in text (pg/%)
Weakness: Gullible ➖ Read a book where a character is taken advantage of
Author Zodiac Sign: ➖ Read a book by an author who is a Libra
🔒 BONUS TASK (will be announced 9/23/2023, must complete by 10/22/2023)

♏ Scorpio
October 23 - November 21

S
C
O
R
P
I
O
Power Color: Black ➖ Read a book with a black cover (>50%)
Symbol: Scorpion ➖ Read a book with something venomous on the cover
Famous Artist: Georgia O'Keeffe ➖ Read a book with an apostrophe in the authors name
Archetype: The Alchemist ➖ Read a book with a gold item on cover
Ruler: Pluto ➖ Read a book that deals with the afterlife
House: 8th ➖ Read a book with a character whose age includes an 8
Strength: Passionate ➖ Read a book with "passion" in text (pg/%)
Weakness: Vindictive ➖ Read a book with "revenge" in text (pg/%)
Author Zodiac Sign: ➖ Read a book by an author who is a Scorpio
🔒 BONUS TASK (will be announced 10/23/2023, must complete by 11/21/2023)

♐ Sagittarius
November 22 - December 21

S
A
G
I
T
T
A
R
I
U
S
Power Color: Purple ➖ Read a book with a purple cover (>50%)
Symbol: The Archer ➖ Read a book with "arrow" in text (pg/%)
Famous Artist: Georges Seurat ➖ Read a book with a setting in France
Archetype: The Philosopher ➖ Read a book with "philosphy" in text (pg/%)
Ruler: Jupiter ➖ Read a book with a rich character
House: 9th ➖ Read a book with a title that has exactly 9 words
Strength: Ambitious ➖ Read a book with an ambitious character
Weakness: Irresponsible ➖ Read a book with "careless" in text (pg/%)
Author Zodiac Sign: ➖ Read a book by an author who is a Sagittarius
🔒 BONUS TASK (will be announced 11/22/2023, must complete by 12/21/2023)

[Jess]

saving my next spot

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Hi Jess! I got you added to the Challenger Post and the Score SS (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...) You can put your points in there and see where you are among the other Challengers!

[Nanci]

Any ideas on books where someone is kidnapped. I'm not big on erotica and that was all I found on Lists. A thriller or suspense would be great for me!

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

I struggled with this one too! I am reading an erotica one and NOT really loving it, but I'm almost done, so oh well!

The Sunshine Vicram series is good and I believe the first one has a kidnapping in it. It's a small-town mystery series that is funny and has great characters!

[Nanci]

I did find a book, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier that will work. I've read a few other books about the Sudan boys, so this will be rough, but something I'll probably like.

Your suggested series looks cute! I'll check it out for another fit. Thanks!

[Bernadette]

I lucked out on this one. A book I was reading for UNO happened to have a child being kidnapped - The 6th Target

[Nanci]

Bernadette wrote: "I lucked out on this one. A book I was reading for UNO happened to have a child being kidnapped - The 6th Target"

So great when that happens!

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Special Bonus Opportunity
Sammy was last years winner of the Impossible Challenge, and came up with a special Bonus Reading task for the month of MAY only.

🏖️From Sammy:
Every May (finances and global pandemics permitting), my husband and I like to take a trip to the coast, where we spend a week walking along the beach, eating ice cream and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean. Bliss!

So for this month's bonus task: Read a book with a beach/coastline on the cover.
This task must be completed between 1-May and 31-May (your timezone) to receive page points!

To show this BONUS task on your SS, you will need to add a row after Taurus! Just right-click on the last row of Taurus and select "+ Insert 1 row below". If you need help doing this, please feel free to send me your SS link and I can add it for you!

[Nanci]

Love Sammy's choice! She is also an amazing reader!

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Hey Challengers! One of our lovely members pointed out something I neglected to mention about altering your spreadsheet with the May bonus. You will need to update your grand total formula. If you need help doing this, please let me know. If you give me access to your sheet, I can quickly make the changes. If you're a SS pro, you should be able to do it yourself with no problems!

[Nanci]

I'm not sure I would do it correctly, so I'll take you up on your offer to help, Ashley.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Nanci wrote: "I'm not sure I would do it correctly, so I'll take you up on your offer to help, Ashley.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/..."

Nanci, I requested access yesterday, but you still haven't approved it.

[Sammy]

Nanci wrote: "Love Sammy's choice! She is also an amazing reader!"

Awww, thanks Nanci, hope you find something good to read for it! :D

[Sammy]

Would you mind sorting mine Ashley? I'm useless with formulas (that's what I have Sonia and Eni for! lol)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Sure thing! Requested

[Sammy]

and approved :)

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

I still need edit access, go to share and make me an editor! :)

[Sammy]

hmmm, I told it to. Hang on, will try again.

[Sammy]

it says you're an editor. Stoopid google, lol.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Hmm, I tried to move something as a test and it says that the cells are protected. Go to Data > Protect Sheets and Ranges and remove the protections

[Sammy]

Not sure where that came from... Try it now?

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Got it, should be right now! :)

[Sammy]

Awesome, thank you! :D

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Next year, we should have SS that auto-update to the scoresheet, so that will be much nicer! Mod and learn, mod and learn!

[Sammy]

That's what the NBRC sheets do. Just don't ask me how! lol.

Magic. I'm sure that's it...

[Nanci]

Ashley wrote: "Nanci wrote: "I'm not sure I would do it correctly, so I'll take you up on your offer to help, Ashley.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/......"

Ok. I went to share and typed in your name. Hope that works, I'm not real techy. If not, let me know what else I can do.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

I sent you another request!

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Sammy wrote: "That's what the NBRC sheets do. Just don't ask me how! lol.

Magic. I'm sure that's it..."

Absolutely it's magic.

[Nanci]

Ashley wrote: "

Check here for the Bonus of the Month!
📌Make sure that you have notifications turned on, so that you don't miss updates, bonus task notices, etc.

♑CAPRICORN BONUS TASK: - CLOSED!
♒AQUARIUS BONU..."

Ashley,
For Sammy's bonus is it worth 1pt or 2pts? Also, do you want us to add those extra bonuses to our post on this page?

[Bernadette]

Nanci wrote: "Ashley wrote: "

Check here for the Bonus of the Month!
📌Make sure that you have notifications turned on, so that you don't miss updates, bonus task notices, etc.

♑CAPRICORN BONUS TASK: - CLOSED!..."

I thought it would have been extra page points (that's how I added mine) like the monthly bonuses she adds but let's see what she says.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

page points!

[Nanci]

Oh, thanks Bernadette and thanks Ashley for verifying!

[Carrie]

Is anyone else having difficulty editing their post? The last 2 times I've tried to add my books to my post, it won't let me. Says I have available characters but will not allow me to add anything. All my other threads on the site are fine though. I even tried to use a different computer thinking maybe it was a problem with my desktop.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Carrie wrote: "Is anyone else having difficulty editing their post? The last 2 times I've tried to add my books to my post, it won't let me. Says I have available characters but will not allow me to add anything...."

I did a test to see if I could edit my post, and I could. Maybe it's a GR glitch and will resolve for you?

[Carrie]

Thanks for checking Ashley. I was able to edit it before with no problem but now I can’t add any characters.
It’s odd because I have no problem editing any other post.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Hello Zodiac Challengers! Just a fun note! Theme Wars for June is offering a Bonus to those of you participating in this challenge! Head over and check it out if you're interested!

Theme Wars: Zodiac Sign-Ups

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

ENDING SOON!! 20-May at Midnight (your time zone)

♉TAURUS BONUS TASK:
Read a book that includes a kidnapping.
Book must be read between April 20 - May 20 to receive bonus page points.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Gemini

In astrology, Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac, considered as governing the period from about May 21 to about June 21. It is represented by a set of twins (or in Egyptian astrology by a pair of goats and in Arabian astrology by a pair of peacocks). In addition to their identification as Castor and Pollux, the twins have also been related to other celebrated pairs, such as the younger and older Horus or Romulus and Remus.

♊ GEMINI BONUS TASK:
Read a book with a pair of something on the cover.
Book must be read between May 21 - June 20 to receive bonus page points.

[Sammy]

*goes to dig through tbr*

[Sammy]

first book I checked has a pair of daggers on the cover. Score! :D

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

score!!

[Sammy]

I was planning to read that one after I finish my current book, so for once things align nicely, lol.

[Nanci]

I don't mean to be rude by this question, but would a pair of breasts work? I just finished today (May 21) and they jumped out at me when I saw this task. LOL

[❡MaRisa]

Nanci wrote: "I don't mean to be rude by this question, but would a pair of breasts work? I just finished today (May 21) and they jumped out at me when I saw this task. LOL"

I'm sorry but this is hilarious 🤣

[Bernadette]

Nanci wrote: "I don't mean to be rude by this question, but would a pair of breasts work? I just finished today (May 21) and they jumped out at me when I saw this task. LOL"

Don't know if Ashley will say yes to the breasts🤣 but it is a good book!