Team Quokka

[UNO Pixie, Our UNO Helper]

Team Quokka

Team Members:
❅ Apoorv Moghe - Captain
❅ April - Co-Captain
❅ Natasha - Co-Captain
❅ Alyana
❅ Jessica McCann
❅ Sharon A.
❅ Amy
❅ Lacey


♕ Team Spreadsheet
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...


❅ Alina

[UNO Pixie, Our UNO Helper]

R

[UNO Pixie, Our UNO Helper]

R

[UNO Pixie, Our UNO Helper]

R

[Apoorv]

DO YOU KNOW THOSE SCARY MODS? THEY WARNED ME TO HAVE EVERYONE READ THIS. :P
Rules - UNO 2023

➦ Only books STARTED after the challenge begins can count.
The challenge starts on Monday 1 Feb, 2023 at 9am UTC

➦ Books must be more than 100 pages in length.
If it is a Children's book or a graphic novel, we need to verify it is more than 25,000 words on arbookfind.com (https://www.arbookfind.com/UserType.a...)

➦ Your finished books need to be on your Uno shelf
AND marked as "read" for them to count.

➦ Please make notes of how your book may count.
The more options we have the better!
(Letters used in UNO are Z, O, T, H, F, I, V, E, S, N, K, P and of course if another team member has read the book before. Please friend our team members!)

➦ For coloured cards, the cover needs to be 50% or more of the colour.
You can ask us in this thread for our opinion, or use xx to get an idea. If in doubt, ask me or a co-captain as we can check it and/or take to the captains group for another opinion.

➦ This is a social challenge, not a competitive one.
We'd love to get points, but the main aim of the game is to have fun, read lots and get to know each other :)
---------------------------------------------------------

Team Information (alphabetical)

✔ Alina | Uno 2023
✔ Alyana | Uno 2023
✔ Amy | 2023 BA Uno Challenge
✔ Apoorv | Challenge-PBBA-UNO2023
✔ April | Uno 2023
✔ Jessica | Uno 2023
✔ Lacey | Uno
✔ Natasha | Uno 2023
✔ Sharon A. | Uno2023

---------------------------------------------------------

COUNTDOWN!
(https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown...)

We start February 1, 2023 at 9AM UTC.
---------------------------------------------------------

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

---------------------------------------------------------

[Apoorv]

I AM LOOKING AT YOU! :P


Well, I mean that the cap and the co-caps see you. You are seen!
(Uff, this is turning into therapy. Eh, well! :P Two at the price of one!)

Team Spreadsheet
(https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...)

You don't have to worry about this one!
I got this (till I haven't - but then we have two awesome co-caps, so we are totally fiiiiiiine!)

Team Quokka Tracking Spreadsheet
(https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...)

Now, THIS is your playground! Bookmark this baby because you will be needing this one a lot over the next three months!

[Apoorv]

OMG! I AM SOOOO EXCITED NOW!
I CAN'T WAIT!! LET'S GO ALREADY! :D

I know! I know! Your excitement is palpable. I totally get it! :D
So, let's get started, shall we?

A couple of things:

1. You can read absolutely ANYTHING you want! The only request is you track every little thing that the book offers you! Names, locations - the works!

The best way, of course, is Team Quokka Tracking Spreadsheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...). You can start filling in information as you come across it in the "February" (and later "March", and "April" folders). The reason for having all that information is that we can then move things around to complete our hands without waiting on someone to finish a certain book.

2. Color Cards: This is a fun one! We can have folks claim certain color cards if they want, but irrespective of that, I would request you to note any cover color-related information from your book that would fit the bill.

Always better to have multiple books that may fit multiple options. Again, you don't have to read for a particular color, but you can if you so choose.

[Apoorv]

WELP! I FINISHED A BOOK.
WHAT DO I DO NOW?

YAAY! Well done, you qute Quokkas!
Now we make sure that we count that book.
Every book is precious and we do not want to miss tracking it.

So, three things:

1. Stop by here and make a quick post about the completed book with as much information you can provide.

Here is an example how:
--------------------------------------------
Completion Post

Book: This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance! |
Author: Jonathan Evison
Pages: 296
Date: 01-Feb-2021
UNO Cards it fits:

0: Standalone
1: Character O - Osier, Terrance
2: Title T
3: Character H - Harriet Chance
4: Character F - Fitsimmons, Charlie
6: Character S - Skip
8: Author E
9: Character N - Nathan, Harriet
Skip: Character K - Kurt Pikins

Cover Color : Blue (73.3%) (https://labs.tineye.com/color/50aeebd...)


-------------------------------------------

2. Hop over to your profile and make sure you have logged in that book in your respective UNO folder as "read".

This is important because at the end of the month, only books logged into the respective shelves can be counted. And these mods are pesky (shhh!), they like to sneak, I tell you! Oh, you'll see! :P
------------------------------------------

3. Take a minute to go to our planning/tracking spreadsheet (yes, the same one!) (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...) and put in the relevant information of your next read.

I mean, we can't stop at 1, or 2, or errm 6!

[Apoorv]

APOORV, SERIOUSLY SHUT UP!
YOU'RE YAPPING AROUND WAY TOO MUCH. GET TO THE POINT! :P

Eeks! Sorry!
So, here are our FEBRUARY hands.
------------------------------------------

Required Reads
👉 0 : 5
👉 1 : 5
👉 2 : 6
👉 3 : 7
👉 4 : 6
👉 5 : 5
👉 6 : 10
👉 7 : 7
👉 8 : 5
👉 9 : 7
👉 Skip : 8
👉 Reverse : 4
👉 Draw 2 : 10
👉 Wild : 5
👉 Wild Draw 4 : 7

We also have eight (8) colored cards:

Required Reads
👉 2 Red : 1
👉 2 Yellow : 1
👉 3 Yellow : 1
👉 6 Yellow : 1
👉 8 Green : 2
👉 9 Red : 1
👉 9 Yellow : 1

---------------------------------------------
Quick peek at what can be used for each of the cards:
(view spoiler)[
O (Zero)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 0 or Zero in the title
- has a title starting with Z
- has an author first name or surname starts with Z
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with Z
- is set in a place name starting with Z
- is a "stand-alone" book (i.e. not part of a series)
(hide spoiler)]
1 (One)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 1 or One in the title
- has a title starting with O
- has an author first name or surname starts with O
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with O
- is set in a place name starting with O
- is book 1 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
2 (Two)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 2 or Two in the title
- has a title starting with T
- has an author first name or surname starts with T
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with T
- is set in a place name starting with T
- is book 2 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
3 (Three)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 3 or Three in the title
- has a title starting with H
- has an author first name or surname starts with H
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with H
- is set in a place name starting with H
- is book 3 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
4 (Four)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 4 or Four in the title
- has a title starting with F
- has an author first name or surname starts with F
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with F
- is set in a place name starting with F
- is book 4 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
5 (Five)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 5 or Five in the title
- has a title starting with I
- has an author first name or surname starts with I
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with I
- is set in a place name starting with I
- is book 5 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
6 (Six)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 6 or Six in the title
- has a title starting with S
- has an author first name or surname starts with S
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with S
- is set in a place name starting with S
- is book 6 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
7 (Seven)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 7 or Seven in the title
- has a title starting with V
- has an author first name or surname starts with V
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with V
- is set in a place name starting with V
- is book 7 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
8 (Eight)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has an 8 or Eight in the title
- has a title starting with E
- has an author first name or surname starts with E
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with E
- is set in a place name starting with E
- is book 8 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
9 (Nine)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 9 or Nine in the title
- has a title starting with N
- has an author first name or surname starts with N
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with N
- is set in a place name starting with N
- is book 9 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
Skip
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a title starting with K or P
- has an author first name or surname starts with K or P
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with K or P
- is set in a place name starting with K or P
OR you can choose to "skip" reading a book for this cards (and get no points for this card)
(hide spoiler)]
Draw 2
(view spoiler)[Use the same book for two cards in this hand (and get points for both cards)
(hide spoiler)]
Reverse
(view spoiler)[One member of your team must read a book another team member has already read
(hide spoiler)]
Wild
(view spoiler)[Read a book that can fit for any of the cards in that SAME hand (i.e. you are duplicating one of the cards in that same hand)
(hide spoiler)]
Wild draw four
(view spoiler)[Read a book that can fit for any of the coloured cards you have that month (i.e. you are duplicating one of your coloured cards. Each coloured card can only be duplicated once)
(hide spoiler)]
Coloured cards
(view spoiler)[Special coloured cards will be randomly provided each month. for these cards you need to read for the card number (as above) and the book must also have a coloured cover for the colour specified (blue, red, yellow or green) (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Apoorv]

I AM HAVING SO MUCH FUN RIGHT NOW - I SAY BRING IT ON, MARCHY MARCH!

I knooooow!!
So, here are our MARCH hands.
------------------------------------------

Required Reads
👉 0 : 3
👉 1 : 11
👉 2 : 5
👉 3 : 7
👉 4 : 7
👉 5 : 10
👉 6 : 6
👉 7 : 9
👉 8 : 8
👉 9 : 11
👉 Skip : 3
👉 Reverse : 7
👉 Draw 2 : 6
👉 Wild : 4
👉 Wild Draw 1 : 7

We also have fourteen (14) colored cards:

Required Reads
👉 1 Blue : 1
👉 2 Green : 1
👉 3 Red : 1
👉 4 Red : 1
👉 5 Blue : 1
👉 6 Blue : 1
👉 6 Red : 1
👉 6 Yellow : 1
👉 8 Yellow : 1
👉 9 Green : 1
👉 Skip Blue : 1
👉 Skip Green : 1
👉 Skip Red : 1
👉 Skip Yellow : 1

---------------------------------------------
Quick peek at what can be used for each of the cards:
(view spoiler)[
O (Zero)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 0 or Zero in the title
- has a title starting with Z
- has an author first name or surname starts with Z
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with Z
- is set in a place name starting with Z
- is a "stand-alone" book (i.e. not part of a series)
(hide spoiler)]
1 (One)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 1 or One in the title
- has a title starting with O
- has an author first name or surname starts with O
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with O
- is set in a place name starting with O
- is book 1 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
2 (Two)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 2 or Two in the title
- has a title starting with T
- has an author first name or surname starts with T
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with T
- is set in a place name starting with T
- is book 2 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
3 (Three)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 3 or Three in the title
- has a title starting with H
- has an author first name or surname starts with H
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with H
- is set in a place name starting with H
- is book 3 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
4 (Four)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 4 or Four in the title
- has a title starting with F
- has an author first name or surname starts with F
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with F
- is set in a place name starting with F
- is book 4 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
5 (Five)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 5 or Five in the title
- has a title starting with I
- has an author first name or surname starts with I
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with I
- is set in a place name starting with I
- is book 5 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
6 (Six)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 6 or Six in the title
- has a title starting with S
- has an author first name or surname starts with S
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with S
- is set in a place name starting with S
- is book 6 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
7 (Seven)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 7 or Seven in the title
- has a title starting with V
- has an author first name or surname starts with V
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with V
- is set in a place name starting with V
- is book 7 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
8 (Eight)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has an 8 or Eight in the title
- has a title starting with E
- has an author first name or surname starts with E
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with E
- is set in a place name starting with E
- is book 8 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
9 (Nine)
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a 9 or Nine in the title
- has a title starting with N
- has an author first name or surname starts with N
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with N
- is set in a place name starting with N
- is book 9 in a series
(hide spoiler)]
Skip
(view spoiler)[Read a book that:
- has a title starting with K or P
- has an author first name or surname starts with K or P
- has a character with a first name, surname or nickname starting with K or P
- is set in a place name starting with K or P
OR you can choose to "skip" reading a book for this cards (and get no points for this card)
(hide spoiler)]
Draw 2
(view spoiler)[Use the same book for two cards in this hand (and get points for both cards)
(hide spoiler)]
Reverse
(view spoiler)[One member of your team must read a book another team member has already read
(hide spoiler)]
Wild
(view spoiler)[Read a book that can fit for any of the cards in that SAME hand (i.e. you are duplicating one of the cards in that same hand)
(hide spoiler)]
Wild draw four
(view spoiler)[Read a book that can fit for any of the coloured cards you have that month (i.e. you are duplicating one of your coloured cards. Each coloured card can only be duplicated once)
(hide spoiler)]
Coloured cards
(view spoiler)[Special coloured cards will be randomly provided each month. for these cards you need to read for the card number (as above) and the book must also have a coloured cover for the colour specified (blue, red, yellow or green) (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Apoorv]

APRIL AWESOMENESS!

[Apoorv]

Okay, now that I have bombarded you folks with information, its time to say hello! Normally the hello's come first - but hey, we are the Quokka's! And our cuteness transcends all rules! :P

I am Apoorv (he/him) - the captain! (I know! I know! Sometimes the Mods mess up! :P)
I live in Boston, Massachusetts in The United States and my association with the game goes as far back as 2015, which was I think the first edition of UNO! This is my 8th year doing this - so, yeah - I'm the old horse in the barn! :P

I have been on the same team as Sharon before, but otherwise I am surprised how I have not crossed path with the rest of you. I am excited to make new friends and I can feel (call it my Quokka sense!) like this is going to be an absolute fun UNO season! I always end up finding some exciting new reads from everyone's read books, so my TBR is going to be happily fed by all of you! :)

I try and read almost everything (genre no bar), so it's always an exciting aspect of this challenge for me to see all the plethora of books my teammates read.
So, as an icebreaker, how about, if you don't mind, each of you share your top 5 books that you read in 2022?!

I'll start:
1. The Book of Accidents | Chuck Wendig
2. Razorblade Tears | S.A. Crosby
3. All That's Left in the World | Erik J. Brown
4. Tell Me How to Be | Neel Patel
5. The Good Girls: An Ordinary Killing | Sonia Faleiro

Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have.
As I like to say, I promise I'll answer all the easy ones, and make sure our wonderful co-captains, April and Natasha, answer the difficult ones! :P

SUPER-EXCITED! Let's do this! :D

[Natasha]

Team Quokka Top Books of 2022

Apoorv


Jessica


Sharon


Lacey


Amy


Alina


Natasha


Alyana

[Natasha]

R

[Natasha]

R

[April]

Uno 2023 book shelf:
Alina: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Alyana: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Amy: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Apoorv
April: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Jessica: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Lacey : https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Natasha: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Sharon A.: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[April]

When introducing yourself please add your UNO 2023 shelf. So I can add it and the captains have easy access to everyone’s shelf.
Thank you.

[April]

R

[April]

R

[April]

I am the second co-captain. This is my second year playing UNO and being a co-captain. I am excited to start this year. If anyone is new welcome to UNO and if you have any questions don’t be shy to ask. Apoorv will be excited to answer. Haha. If this isn’t your first time playing welcome back. Everyone is new names to me.

I am from Texas fort hood area. I am a military wife of 20 years. Retirement in 3 months. I have a 19 year old girl. A 20 year old boy that attends University of Texas. I run an in home daycare for state of Texas.

Welcome everyone and hope everyone has fun!!!



https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Alyana]

April wrote: "I am the second co-captain. This is my second year playing UNO and being a co-captain. I am excited to start this year. If anyone is new welcome to UNO and if you have any questions don’t be shy to..."

Hi captains! I will make a proper introduction later when I'm on my computer.

P.S. Hi April, we played together in Around the world challenge back at NBRC. 😉

[Jessica]

Hi everyone! This is my 2nd time playing UNO and I look forward to working with you all! I am from upstate?/downstate? NY..I never know what to call it..between Albany and Poughkeepsie. I have been an avid reader since I was a kid 🤗. I work full time as a receptionist for a privately owed optometry practice. (I worked through the pandemic in a hospital, I just left there in August) In my spare time, aside from reading (of course!), I like to crochet, spend time with my hubs and play with my 2 kitties.

My favorite genres are mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, romance, chick lit....I am sure there are prob some I am missing!

My favorite books read in 2022 are:



My shelf:
Https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Sharon]

Hi, I'm Sharon from Northeast Pennsylvania. I've played UNO for a number of years now, it was my gateway team challenge, and I am now officially a team challenge addict!

When I'm not reading, I am the director of a Community Foundation, a wife to Zach, and puppy mom to Millie. When I am reading, I usually am drawn to chick-lit (tho I HATE that term), literary fiction, historical fiction, and mysteries/thrillers. I also love a good celebrity memoir. Sci-fi/fantasy are probably my least read genres.

My top five books from 2022 (in no particular order) are:


My UNO Shelf

[Sammy]

Hello team Quokka! I may be just a teensy bit jealous of your team's photo ops... ;)





So very cute!

(and the Quokka's quite adorable too! :D :D :D)

[Alyana]

Soooo cuutteeee!!!

[Melindam]

LOL, Sammy!

[Lazy Days]

Morning team, or afternoon/evening/night??? Looking forward to getting to know you, this is such a fun challenge!

I'm a kiwi from New Zealand, Chris and the Quokka's neighbour if you will ... we are practically besties :P I love coffee, wine, travelling, food, friends, gaming, books. Basically all that dopamine stuff that gives me the good feels. Plus what tops it all is my awesome lil family, hubby and two kids ♥.

I have been through a killer reading slump last year so I am going to bend the rules a little and push the time bracket out to just my last five fantastic fiction. FFF yeah!

Circe by Madeline Miller
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Skin Game by Jim Butcher

[Lazy Days]

Also I would like to say Apoorv's energy is hella infectious. Our awesome team cant go wrong with a captain that makes you smile and make you want to meet him when you are half way round the world after a few words :)

[Amy]

Hello, everyone! My name's Amy; I'm in the US. My top five books/series from last year (that were not rereads) were:

- The Wandering Inn, books 5 and 6 (The Last Light and The General of Izril) by Pirateaba
- The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
- The Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire
- The Invisible Orientation by Julie Sondra Decker
- The Dispatcher series by John Scalzi but it occurred to me that 2/3rds of this series was a reread, so instead
- The Nemesis trilogy (the 2/3rds of it that's out, at least) by April Daniels

My shelf for this challenge is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Also, I have a question. I'm catching up on reading Magic: The Gathering lore (because (view spoiler)[New Phyrexia is apparently worse than killing two of my favorite characters T.T (hide spoiler)]), and I was wondering if that can be counted for Uno? Technically the recent stuff is web serials, but - like Strixhaven, which I'm currently reading - are listed on GoodReads. If it's not okay I won't use them, but since I'm going to be reading them anyway I figured I'd ask.

[Alyana]

Hi everyone! My name is Alyana and this is my third time playing UNO. This was my intro to team challenges so every time there is one, I always join.

I live in Queens, NY and I work at our public library (I love my job!) I love listening to audiobooks, watch shows, movies and traveling with family.

I am comfy using a spreadsheet as I have my own to track my reading and other stuff. I like chatting about books and give some recs.

I have books planned until maybe half of the year so I don't mind changing some if it's needed.

Top 5 books? Oh this is hard! I have plenty, can't pick just five haha. Here is my favorites shelf.

Here is my uno shelf.

Quick question, is it okay not to do a completion post here in the thread? I prefer updating my read books on the tracking ss.

[Lazy Days]

Oh oops here is my uno shelf

... and my name is Lacey or Lazy you can call me either :)

[Alina]

Hi everyone!
I'm Alina (she/her/hers) and this is my second year playing UNO! I am originally from the US but currently reside in western Australia, and I mainly read fantasy, contemporary fiction, and romance. :)

Here is my uno shelf :)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Here are were my top 5 books/series from the past year:
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
The Poppy War by R.F Kuang
The Dragon Republic (#2 of The Poppy War) by R.F. Kuang
The Ballad of Never After (#2 of Once Upon a Broken Heart) by Stephanie Garber
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (Reread)

[Natasha]

Hi everyone! I’m Natasha, the other co-captain this year. This is the fourth time I’ve played Uno. I live in Minnesota in the United States, where I work for a library in material acquisitions. I love my job because I get to see all the new books that are being published but the downside is that my to-read list is pretty much never ending. I also have the bad habit of trying to read or listen to multiple books at the same time. When not reading, I enjoy spending time with my two dogs and growing houseplants.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Top Five Books for 2022:

[Natasha]

Amy wrote: "Hello, everyone! My name's Amy; I'm in the US. My top five books/series from last year (that were not rereads) were:

- The Wandering Inn, books 5 and 6 (The Last Light and The General of Izril) by..."

Hi Amy,
I'm not exactly sure on the answer to your question. I think if there is a Goodreads page with a page count (and it's above 100 pages) then it would be acceptable. Hopefully, April and Apooru can give you a more definite answer, otherwise I can ask the captains group.

[Amy]

Natasha wrote: "Hi Amy,
I'm not exactly sure on the answer to your question. I think if there is a Goodreads page with a page count (and it's above 100 pages) then it would be acceptable. Hopefully, April and Apooru can give you a more definite answer, otherwise I can ask the captains group."

I wasn't sure where to ask, which is why I dropped into the general group chat. But the challenge doesn't start for another couple weeks, so that should be enough time for an answer, and if anything's questionable (or comes back a no) I just won't count those for the challenge.

Thank you for chiming in, though!

[Lazy Days]

Hi Natasha, I've never heard of Shadow Divers, that would be a perfect birthday present for my dad who loves all things WWII. Thanks!

[Natasha]

Lazy Days wrote: "Hi Natasha, I've never heard of Shadow Divers, that would be a perfect birthday present for my dad who loves all things WWII. Thanks!"

I loved it! It reads like a thriller. The audio version is 16 hours and I think I finished it in one day. I guess I got a little caught up in the mystery!

[Natasha]

I've added all the top five books to one of the posts near the top. If I've made any mistakes or you'd like to change something (or add more!!) let me know and I'll edit it (I'm starting to second guess picking "A Tale of Two Cities" as one of my top picks, I guess I was afraid of missing out in all the fun and chose something in a panic. What was I thinking???)

Amy- I just put the first book in the series that you mentioned but can change it if there's a different book from the series you'd prefer. I'll update the list and add Nemesis (Also, I love Murderbot and I just finished Lost in the Moment and Found Wayward Children #7)

Alyana- I just picked the top five on your favorites shelf so let me know if you want it changed!

[Alyana]

Natasha wrote: "I've added all the top five books to one of the posts near the top. If I've made any mistakes or you'd like to change something (or add more!!) let me know and I'll edit it (I'm starting to second ..."

Thank you Natasha! Mine is good with any of the books on my favorites shelf. :)

[Amy]

Natasha wrote: "Amy- I just put the first book in the series that you mentioned but can change it if there's a different book from the series you'd prefer. I'll update the list and add Nemesis (Also, I love Murderbot and I just finished Lost in the Moment and Found Wayward Children #7)"

The first book is fine; if you're gonna read the read you should start there anyway. And I do highly recommend the series; it was great! All the best parts of superhero origins and none of the worst tropes of YA.

I added the 'that was not a reread' caveat when I picked books because I had so many rereads last year and choosing favorites from among a list that included those would have ended up as almost all rereads (I reread them because they're my favorites, after all). This just allowed some new books to shine, and I do honestly love the new series I found.

[Apoorv]

So sorry for not welcoming everyone earlier, its been a madness-filled week (and still not over). But, I am delighted to have everyone come to the party. Massive welcome to each of you cute Quokkas! :)

Will do some administrative stuff and will come say hello to each one of you! :)

In the meantime, don't forget to request access to edit the Tracking spreadsheet - you need that baby for the next three months! :)

[Amy]

Hello, everyone!

I'm filling in my books on the spreadsheet and finding it a little hard to do because they're all going to be library holds that I won't have/be starting until after the start of the challenge. I filled in what I could based on title, author, summaries, and if anyone helpfully made character lists on the book's GR page, but their category eligibility is likely to expand as I'm reading and noting down names/places. I just wanted to make sure you know.

With regard to placenames in nonfiction: do they count? For example, if in The Invention of Murder a crime committed on, say, Terrier Lane is discussed, can the book be counted for 2 (T) if it needs to?

Also, Apoorv or April: I asked earlier if Magic: The Gathering lore would be considered a book for the purposes of the Uno challenge. The potential issue is that the lore in question was not originally published as a book (specifically, it was released serially via Wizards of the Coast's website), but tends to be listed on GoodReads as a book (for example: Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty) probably so people like me can count it among their yearly reading. Natasha answered earlier and said 'probably yes?' (to paraphrase you, Natasha), but wasn't sure. I was just wondering if there was a more definite answer.

[Alyana]

Amy wrote: "Hello, everyone!

I'm filling in my books on the spreadsheet and finding it a little hard to do because they're all going to be library holds that I won't have/be starting until after the start of..."

Hi everyone, if you need some ebooks or audio that are all library holds that you need to read for UNO, I can help you find it and send it to you.

[Apoorv]

Amy wrote: "Hello, everyone!

I'm filling in my books on the spreadsheet and finding it a little hard to do because they're all going to be library holds that I won't have/be starting until after the start of..."

Hey Amy,

Sorry I wasn't able to answer your question earlier. Let's go question by question.

I'm filling in my books on the spreadsheet and finding it a little hard to do because they're all going to be library holds that I won't have/be starting until after the start of the challenge.
That is totally fine. You don't have to fill in all the details before hand since it is going to be difficult to know all the names of the characters. The slots I added to the spreadsheet were just incase some of the teammates know what they are going to read or need to plan their reads. It is absolutely fine to add in the details as you go about reading the book.
-----------------

With regard to placenames in nonfiction: do they count?
They don't, sadly. For non-fiction books, the things that can be counted are author names, titles, and series names.
-----------------

I asked earlier if Magic: The Gathering lore would be considered a book for the purposes of the Uno challenge.
I am trying to understand the book/books that fall under this category. I could find Magic The Gathering: Seven Clans on GoodReads and given that it is over 100 pages in length, it should work. Same with Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty.

Having said that, can you tell me if it is a graphic novel or a regular Fantasy book? If later, should be good. I was unable to confirm the word count on arbookfind, but just want to make sure that it doesn't fall into the former category.

According to the UNO Rules: Books must be more than 100 pages in length and Children's books, Graphic Novels, Manga, Cook Books, Plays and Poetry books can not be used unless by word count they can be verified as more than 25,000 words using arbookfind.com or more than 3 hours of audio using a reputable website (e.g. audible, overdrive)

[Apoorv]

April wrote: "I am the second co-captain. This is my second year playing UNO and being a co-captain. I am excited to start this year. If anyone is new welcome to UNO and if you have any questions don’t be shy to..."

HAHA, April! Apoorv is always excited to answer all the fun easy questions. You get the complicated, brain scratching ones! :P

As I mentioned earlier, glad to have you in the team and stoked to have you co-captaining this year, Let's make sure Year 2 of your UNO games is more memorable than Year 1. (Geez! I am already feeling competitive. Quokka ready to roll!) :)

Welcome again! :D

P.S. I lived in Texas for a couple of years for my gradschool. I was up north in the Dallas/Arlington area, but I have driven that Dallas-Austin-San Antonio stretch a few times, so I definitely passed closer to Fort Hood.

[Apoorv]

Jessica wrote: "Hi everyone! This is my 2nd time playing UNO and I look forward to working with you all! I am from upstate?/downstate? NY..I never know what to call it..between Albany and Poughkeepsie. I have been..."

Oh, I would definitely call that downstate of upstate New York. Haha! Lovely area though - I had spent a few days during peak Autumn showing my parents around in the Catskill mountains (which I guess is closer to you) in a beautiful old Inn by a lake. It was spectacular to see all the colors blossom with such abandon. Nature at its absolute best!

Speaking of beautiful colors, the covers of your best books from last year are literally part of a rainbow - not sure if you meant it to be so, but it looks fabulous!

And I read books in all the genres you mentioned, so don't mind if you mind me scouring through your bookshelves here for more recommendations. Haha!

Welcome, Jessica! Hope you enjoy this season of Uno! :)

[Amy]

Apoorv wrote: "Hey Amy,
Sorry I wasn't able to answer your question earlier. Let's go question by question.
...
I am trying to understand the book/books that fall under this category. I could find Magic The Gathering: Seven Clans on GoodReads and given that it is over 100 pages in length, it should work. Same with Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty.
Having said that, can you tell me if it is a graphic novel or a regular Fantasy book? If later, should be good. I was unable to confirm the word count on arbookfind, but just want to make sure that it doesn't fall into the former category.
...

Magic: The Gathering (MTG, for short) did, once upon a time, publish their lore as books, which is why there are some listed on GR. However, my understanding is that the books weren't all that economical to print (they are for a rather niche market), which is why more recent lore has been released via webserial on their website. (If you're interested in actually seeing it, it's this: https://magic.wizards.com/en/story)

As an aside: I don't think the Seven Clans thing is an actual book or even a short story. It doesn't, as far as I can, correlate to any title or shortening of a title that I can think of or easily find reference to, and a number of other issues make me think is a fake listing (the author is listed as MTG, rather than any specific author or the WotC creative team in general; other listings for that 'author' are clearly not books, etc). The other stuff that pops up with a search of MTG - such as The Thran, a great fantasy-horror and one of my favorites! - all looks fine, though. /aside

There is some lore released in comic book format, but I've no interest in reading any of those for the challenge (I suspect they wouldn't meet the word requirement anyway); all the stuff I want to read is in text format and reads like a fantasy novella (it would probably be published as one too, if WotC and their parent company weren't so conscious of anything that costs them money). For now, the specific ones I want to read are Innistrad: Midnight Hunt, Innistrad: Crimson Vow, and Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty. Midnight Hunt and Crimson Vow are both over the 100 page mark, so if Neon Dynasty is good I think those are too.

[Jessica]

Apoorv wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Hi everyone! This is my 2nd time playing UNO and I look forward to working with you all! I am from upstate?/downstate? NY..I never know what to call it..between Albany and Poughkeep..."

Yes!! i get to see the Catskils every day! I never take then for granted! What Inn did you go to?

I did not plan the rainbow haha! Def cool tho!

[Sharon]

Just a few days left before kickoff! I’m starting to line up some of my books to read for the challenge. Anyone else?

[Alyana]

I think I have all my books lined up until April, just need to shuffle things a bit to work for a certain prompt.