Barbara's Challenges & Reading Lists discussion
2024 Archived Challenges
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2024 Crazy Challenge Connection
January 2024 Scavenger Challenge - The Old Farmer's Almanac
READ: 10/10
✔ 1. Read a book whose title starts with the word "THE" - or - a nonfiction book discussing one of the above-mentioned subjects: weather, astronomy, cooking, gardening, sports, folklore, fashion, or technology.
The Little Grave - Carolyn Arnold 1/20
✔ 2. Read a book that you added to your TBR in the first year of your membership (tell us when you added it and what number it is on your TBR list) - or - a book published in any September (tell us which year it was published).
Blood Drive - Jeanne C. Stein (added Feb 13, 2009) 1/21
✔ 3. Read a book set in New Hampshire - or - a book tagged HUMOR on the main Goodreads genre page.
Telling Lies - L.A. Dobbs 1/27
✔ 4. Read a book whose page number ends with a "0" (tell us how many pages) - or - a book that was inexpensive (or free).
The Forever Girl - Jill Shalvis (400 pages) 1/28
✔ 5. Read a book with some sort of weather word in the title - or - a book with some sort of hidden item mentioned in the plot (using spoiler tags if necessary, give us a brief description of how your book fits).
The Rosewood Hunt - Mackenzie Reed 1/7
(family fortune disappeared years ago and now a hunt was on to find it)
✔ 6. Read a book in which an election occurs - or - a book with a character or author named Thomas (first or last name is ok).
Meet Your Baker - Ellie Alexander (Thomas Adams) 1/11
✔ 7. Read a book that mentions a real-life celebrity (tell us who) - or - a book in which a legal trial occurs.
Guardian of Shadows - Michelle Manus (Elvis) 1/29
✔ 8. Read a book in which someone makes a huge mistake that changes his/her life (using spoiler tags, if necessary, give us a brief description of how your book fits) - or - a book in which the publication year ENDS with a "6."
Guardian of Chaos - Michelle Manus 1/17
(MC enters a portal station which changes her life)
✔ 9. Read a book with a 3 or a 4 in the total number of pages (tell us how many pages) - or - a book set in Canada or by a Canadian author.
Lethally Lit - Amber Boffin 1/9
✔ 10. Read a book with a MAIN character who is a professor or teacher - or - a book in which some sort of forecast or prediction is made (tell us briefly how your book fits)
The Wolf and the Witch - Charissa Weaks 1/3
(there was a prophecy written about Raina Bloodgood)
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
January 2024 Spell Challenge - The Old Farmer's Almanac READ: 7/7
✔ R: The Rosewood Hunt - Mackenzie Reed 1/7
✔ E: Meet Your Baker - Ellie Alexander 1/11
✔ C: Champion of Fate - Kendare Blake 1/13
✔ I: In a Badger Way - Shelly Laurenston 1/19
✔ P: Shifting and Shenanigans - Elizabeth Pantley 1/31
✔ E: Forever Your Earl - Eva Leigh 1/22
✔ S: Hot and Badgered - Shelly Laurenston 1/6
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Olympics #49: Volleyball Duration: January 1 2024
READ: 3/5
1. The International Olympic Committee adopted volleyball as a non-Olympic sport in 1949. Indoor volleyball was added as a medal sport for men and women at the Tokyo Games in 1964, while beach volleyball made its Olympic debut in Atlanta in 1996. It is now one of the most popular Olympic sports thanks to professional athletes, a colorful ambience, exciting competition, and the equal treatment of men and women.
🏐 Read a book originally published in a year beginning with 19; tell us the year OR a book set in Japan or in Atlanta
2. The Olympic volleyball tournament was originally a simple competition: every team played each of the other teams and then were ranked by number of wins, set average and point average. One disadvantage of this round-robin system is that medal winners could be determined before the end of the games, making the audience lose interest in the outcome of the remaining matches. To counteract this, the competition was split into two phases: a "final round" was introduced, consisting of quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. Since its creation in 1972, this new system has become the standard for the volleyball Olympic tournament.🏐 Read a book in which an athletic competition/game is played; tell us the sport OR a book with a puzzle/mystery you were able to figure out ahead of time; using spoiler tags, briefly explain
Breaking Badger - Shelly Laurenston (basketball championship) 1/25
3. Rally scoring, where both the serving and defending teams can win a point, is used in both indoor and beach volleyball. In both games, teams must win by two points, with no upper limit to the number of points that can be scored. So yes, it is possible for the final score of any given game to be 48-46. In the indoor game, teams swap sides of the court at the end of each set. In beach volleyball, teams swap sides after every seven points in the first two sets and every five points in the third set.🏐 Read a book whose title contains all the letters in RALLY, in any order OR book #2 from a series
Deadly Parcel - Barbara Hinske 1/4
4. The indoor tournament is contested by 12 teams, with six players per side. A match consists of a maximum of 5 sets, with the first team to win three sets declared the winner of the match. The first four sets are played to 25 points – or more, until one team wins by two points. If a fifth set is required, the first team to reach 15 points, again winning by two points, is the winner.
🏐 Read a book from a series with at least 15 published books; tell us the series and how many books there are OR a book with any kind of game ball shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
5. A total of 24 teams takes part in each Olympic beach volleyball tournament. Teams of two compete as a pair, with each country being able to enter two pairs. The women’s beach volleyball tournament initially started smaller, but now consists of the same number of teams (24) as the men’s tournament. While the rules of the game are the same for both events, there are a few differences. Beach volleyball has only two players per team, and a match consists of only three sets, with the winner being the first team to win two sets. The first two sets are played to 21 points, and if necessary, the third set is played to 15 points.🏐 Read a book with a beach scene shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in BEACH VOLLEYBALL; post a link to the author’s GR page
Lethally Lit - Amber Boffin 1/9
February Scavenger Challenge - Random Acts of Kindness
READ: 6/7
3. Send a ‘Thank You’ card or note to the officers at your local police or fire station.
😀Read a book with a firefighter or police officer as a main character (tell us who).
Smoke and Mirrors - Elly Griffiths (Edgar Stephens, detective) 2/22
4. Purchase extra dog or cat food and take it to an animal shelter.
😊 Read a book with a dog or cat as an important part of the story (tell us the animal's name).
Avenging Adam - Jodi Burnett (Baxter, FBI dog) 2/18
7. Compliment the first three people you talk to today.
😀 Read a book by an author who uses 3 names
Murder with Earl Grey Tea - Karen Rose Smith 2/3
9. Send a positive text message to five different people right now.
😀 Read a book whose placement on your TBR ends with a 5
Oceans Between Us - Helen Scott Taylor (#12,035) 2/27
10. Write your partner a list of things you love about them.
😊 Read a book with the word LOVE in the title (no variations).
Love Hard - Nalini Singh 2/22
11. Let someone who only has a few items go in front of you in line.
😀 Read a book with a clean cover (not too many items; uncluttered; show us the cover).
Deep Water - Emma Bamford 2/29
February Spell Challenge - Random Acts of Kindness READ: 13/13
✔ A: Devil and the Deep Blue Lake - Amy Cissell 2/4
✔ N: Nettle & Bone - T. Kingfisher 2/15
✔ I: If You See Her - Shiloh Walker 2/12
✔ M: Murder with Earl Grey Tea - Karen Rose Smith 2/3
✔ A: And There He Kept Her - Joshua Moehling 2/9
✔ L: Love Hard - Nalini Singh 2/22
✔ S: Softly at Sunrise - Maya Banks 2/5
✔ H:The Hush - Skye Melki-Wegner 2/14
✔ E: Echo in Time - Lindsey Fairleigh 2/2
✔ L: Death in the Park - London Lovett 2/6
✔ T: The Teacher - Freida McFadden 2/27
✔ E: Smoke and Mirrors - Elly Griffiths 2/22
✔ R: Releasing Maladek - Victoria Aveline 2/5
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Olympics #50: Ice Hockey Duration: February 1 2024
READ: 4/5
1. Ice hockey tournaments have been staged at the Olympic Games since 1920. The men's tournament was introduced at the 1920 Summer Olympics and was moved to be part of the Winter Olympic Games in 1924. The women's tournament was first held at the 1998 Winter Olympics.
🏒Read a book with between 1920 and 1998 (inclusive) ratings on Goodreads; tell us how many ratings OR a book with winter ice shown prominently on the cover; post the cover.
2. Unlike previous Olympics, the 2022 Beijing Games used NHL-sized ice of 200 feet long by 85 feet wide as the standard for its events. In previous Olympic years, the international ice dimensions of 200 feet long by 100 feet wide were used. Why the change? Because IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) president Rene Fasel wanted it.🏒Read a book with a page count that ends in 00; tell us how many pages OR a book where something significant is changed just because the person in charge wants to change it; using spoiler tags, briefly explain.
The Teacher - Freida McFadden (400 pages) 2/27
3. In the 2022 Winter Olympics, the men’s tournament hosted 12 teams of 25 players each, while the women’s tournament had 10 teams of 23 players, each split into groups for a round-robin style event. Women's and men's international ice hockey operate under the same rules as stipulated by the IIHF, with one basic exception: the level of permissible body contact. Since the 1992 World Championship, IIHF rules have prohibited "body checking" in the women's game. Physical contact, however, is permitted under the heading "body contact." The distinction between "body checking" and "body contact" is often a subjective one.🏒Read a book whose title words all begin with a letter in ICE HOCKEY FEDERATION (all words count!); 3 word minimum OR a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in TOURNAMENT; post a link to the author’s GR page (for either option, a letter can only be used as many times as it appears in the phrase)
Echo in Time - Lindsey Fairleigh 2/2
4. Olympic hockey uses the same three 20-minute periods with 15 minute intermissions in between like the NHL does. The big difference is in the overtime rules. Teams change ends for each period. Should a game be tied after three periods, a five-minute sudden-death overtime period will be played. In the gold medal game, a 20-minute sudden-death period will be played after a 15-minute intermission. And if there is no winner after overtime? Then penalty shootouts kick in to determine the winner.🏒Read a book from a series with at least 15 published books; tell us the series and how many books in the series OR a book originally published in a year ending in 15; tell us the year.
The Hush - Skye Melki-Wegner (pub March 2, 2015) 2/14
5. There’s a joke among fans that “I went to a fight last night and a hockey game broke out!” The National Hockey League (NHL) and most minor professional leagues in North America do not eject players outright for fighting (although they may do so for more flagrant violations as part of a fight). In European leagues and Olympic competitions, though,fighting is frequently punishable by ejection.
🏒Read a book in which a physical fight occurs; using spoiler tags, briefly explain OR a book set in a location beginning with a letter in FIGHT; tell us where (be as specific as possible).
Using Fejo - Victoria Aveline 2/3
(hero is attacked by vicious aliens)
March Scavenger Challenge - National Joe Day
READ: 7/7
✔ 2. SLOPPY JOE : A sloppy joe is a sandwich consisting of ground beef or pork, onions, tomato sauce or ketchup.
🔹 Read a book in which a character eats a sandwich of some kind; tell us who OR a book whose title contains a word with double consonants
Spelunking Through Hell - Seanan McGuire 3/4
✔ 3. G.I. JOE : A soldier in the US Army. "G.I." is an initialism for "government issue."
🔹 Read a book with a character who is or was in the Army (any country, any era, but it must be the Army); tell us who OR a book with a major character who works for an organization known by an acronym (CIA, FTC, etc.); tell us who and the organization
Alone in the Woods - Charly Cox (Alyssa, FBI) 3/13
✔ 5. JOE COOL : An “average Joe” that has reached cool status. Snoopy is probably the most famous Joe Cool.
🔹 Read a book with a character you would describe as “cool,” using spoiler tags if necessary, tell us why OR a book whose title contains the letters C-O-O-L, in any order
Aurora Rising - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff 3/2
(Aurora is rescued from a cryogenic sleep after 200 years and jumps right into the now and kills it)
✔ 6. NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE : An above-average, exceptional, or distinguished person, especially a boy or man.
🔹 Read a book with a major male character who is exceptional in some way; tell us who and, using spoiler tags if necessary, briefly explain OR a book with an average GR rating of 3.75 or higher; tell us the rating
Final Heir - Faith Hunter (rating 4.59) 3/27
✔ 7. SAY IT AIN'T SO, JOE! : Used to express one's disbelief, disappointment, or grief upon learning some unfortunate truth about someone or something. The phrase is a reference to the headline of a newspaper article alleging (incorrectly) that baseball player Joe Jackson had admitted to helping fix the 1919 World Series.
🔹 Read a book with a twist you didn’t see coming; using spoiler tags, briefly explain OR a book with some sort of punctuation in the title
Murder at Haven's Rock - Kelley Armstrong 3/7
✔ 9. A GOOD JOE : A nice, pleasant, and respectable male.
🔹 Read a book with the word GOOD, intact and standing alone, in the title OR a book with a male character you would describe as a good guy; using spoiler tags if necessary, briefly explain
Aurora's End - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff 3/15
(Finian, an alien in the intergalactic army who just wants everyone to just get along...or else)
✔ 10. EAT AT JOE'S : A generic commercial slogan.
🔹 Read a book with a major character who owns/works in a restaurant, diner. etc; tell us who and their job OR a book in which at least one character goes out to eat; tell us the page/location number and post a brief excerpt
The Last Word - Ellery Adams 3/29
(Darlene, owns the local eatery)
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
March Spell Challenge - National Joe Day READ: 6/7
✔ A: Alone in the Woods - Charly Cox 3/13
✔ V: In the Wick of Time - Valona Jones 3/11
✔ E: Bayou Book Thief - Ellen Byron 3/18
R:
✔ A: Aurora's End - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff 3/15
✔ G: Gilded - Marissa Meyer 3/22
✔ E: Murder in the Mystery Suite - Ellery Adams 3/9
Olympics #51 - Speed Skating and Short-Track Speed Skating READ: 5/6
1. Speed skating is a competitive form of ice skating in which the competitors race each other in travelling a certain distance on skates. In the Olympic Games, long-track speed skating is usually referred to as just "speed skating", while short-track speed skating is known as "short track".⛸️Read a book that you can speed read (the amount of time you spend reading is up to you, depending on your speed) -or- read a book whose main character has a nickname that is used in the book.
Aurora Rising - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff (Aurora uses Auri) 3/2
2. The standard rink for long-track is 400 meters long, but tracks of 200, 250 and 333 1⁄3 meters are used occasionally. Short track speed skating takes place on a smaller rink, normally the size of an ice hockey rink, on a 111.12 meters oval track. Distances are shorter than in long-track racing.⛸️Read a book whose year of first publication is a multiple of 10 (tell us the year) -or- read a book with a cardinal number in the title (one, 100 etc., not first)
Thistles and Thieves - Molly MacRae (pub January 7, 2020) 3/30
3. Long track speed skating has been featured as a sport in the Winter Olympics since the first winter games in 1924. The 1932 speed skating events were held according to the North American rules, meaning the skaters competed in small packs of skaters (the format paved the way for the development of short track speed skating), instead of the common against-the-clock format.
⛸️Read a book whose cover shows a clock (post the cover) -or- read a book written by multiple authors (more than two, anthologies work.
4. The 1932 games in Lake Placid, New York also saw the first female speed skaters at the Olympics in a set of demonstration events, with all victories being achieved by North American athletes. Women's events were also set to be held at the 1940 Winter Olympics, which were cancelled. After the war, they were withdrawn again by the decision of the IOC until the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley, when the women skated 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m and 3000 m.⛸️Read a book in which an event gets cancelled for whatever reason (tell us how your book works) -or- read a book with a water body in its title.
Bayou Book Thief - Ellen Byron 3/18
5. Dutch speed skaters have been the most successful in terms of combined medals (121), as well as gold medals (42). Dutch skater Ireen Wüst has won eleven medals — five gold, five silver, and one bronze — more than any other speed skater at the Olympics. Lidiya Skoblikova, who represented the Soviet Union, is one of two female Winter Olympians to win six gold medals (cross-country skier Lyubov Yegorova is the other).⛸️Read a book set in the Netherlands -or- read book #11 in a series (tell us the series).
Spelunking Through Hell - Seanan McGuire (InCryptid #11) 3/4
6. Short-track skating developed from speed skating events that were held with mass starts. This form of speed skating was mainly practiced in the United States and Canada, as opposed to the international form, where athletes skated in pairs. Short-track speed skating was introduced as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. It was upgraded to a full Olympic sport in 1992 and has been part of the Winter Olympics ever since. The sport has been dominated by teams from East Asia and North America, namely South Korea, China, Canada and the United States. Those four countries have won 147 of 195 medals awarded since 1992. The majority of medals that South Korea and China have won at the Winter Olympics come from short-track speed skating.⛸️Read a book featuring a Korean character or a character of Korean descent -or- read a book whose main character is uncommonly good at something.
Aurora Burning - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff (Tyler, brilliant tactician) 3/9
April 2024 Scavenger Challenge - Telephones
READ: 7/7
✔ 2. Read a book that has two of the following numbers: 3, 5, 9 in the total number of pages (tell us the number of pages) -or- read a book in which someone just manages to edge out someone else in a contest or race (contest doesn't need to be organized, it could even be two people racing to find a cure for a disease or something. Tell us how your book works, use spoiler tags if needed)
What Happens in Scotland - Jennifer McQuiston (357 pages) 4/12
✔ 4. Read a book whose author's first and last initials are in the word "OPERATOR" -or- listen to an audiobook with a narrator who you think you could listen to narrating the telephone book (tell us the narrator).
Murder in the Secret Garden - Ellery Adams 4/17
✔ 5. Read a book whose main character has to call a doctor or has to visit with one for whatever reason (tell us why) -or- read a book that you had to pay for (tell us how your book works).
You Can Die - Rebecca Zanetti (purchased full price from Amazon) 4/10
✔ 6. Read a book whose main character is a first responder (tell us what they are) -or- read a book set in Alabama.
The Devil's Playground - Charly Cox (police officer) 4/20
✔ 7. Read a book with the moon on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a nonfiction book about science (bonus for space).
Plan for the Worst - Jodi Taylor 4/6
✔ 8. Read a book whose cover shows a car on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book whose title starts with a letter in DYNATAC (ignore A, An and The).
Their Fractured Light - Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner 4/6
✔ 10. Read a book in which there is a very rich character (tell us who) -or- read a book whose cover shows a jewel (post the cover).
Random in Death - J.D. Robb (Roarke) 4/25
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
April Spell Challenge - Telephones READ: 9/9
✔ E: A Batter of Life and Death - Ellie Alexander 4/9
✔ M: Kill Me If You Can - Marshall Karp & James Patterson 4/7
✔ E: Murder in the Secret Garden - Ellery Adams 4/17
✔ R: The Rain Watcher - Tatiana de Rosnay 4/25
✔ G: Girl Three: Trapped - Molly Black 4/14
✔ E: How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse - K. Eason 4/19
✔ N: Rock Courtship - Nalini Singh 4/14
✔ C: The Collector - K.R. Alexander 4/13
✔ Y: You Can Die - Rebecca Zanetti 4/10
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Olympics #52 - Archery READ: 5/5
1. Archery is one of the oldest sports still practiced today and is closely linked to the development of human civilization. The first recorded archery tournaments took place in China during the Zhou dynasty (1027‑256 BC). Archery had its debut at the 1900 Summer Olympics and has been contested in 17 Olympiads. Archery is also an event at the Summer Paralympics.🏹Read a book set in China -or- read a book from a series that has at least 17 published books (tell us how many books the series has).
Random in Death - J.D. Robb (#58) 4/25
2. In archery, a recurve bow is one of the main shapes a bow can take, with limbs that curve away from the archer when unstrung. A recurve bow stores more energy and delivers energy more efficiently than the equivalent straight-limbed bow, giving a greater amount of energy and speed to the arrow. A recurve will permit a shorter bow than the simple straight limb bow for given arrow energy. Recurve archery is the only discipline of archery featured at the Olympic Games.🏹Read a book whose cover shows something facing away from your view (like a person whose back can be seen for example; post the cover) -or- read a short book (150-200 pages; tell us how many pages your book has).
Rock Courtship - Nalini Singh 4/14
3. The second Olympic Games, Paris 1900, saw the first appearance of archery. Seven disciplines in varying distances were contested. At the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, six archery events were contested, of which three were men's and three were women's competitions. Team archery was introduced, as was women's archery. Archery was not featured at the 1912 Olympics but reappeared in the 1920 Olympics. It went on a hiatus again until it was included again in the 1972 Olympics at Munich.🏹Read a book set or first published between the years 1920-1972 (inclusive, tell us when your book is set or published) -or- read a book that is set in Germany, France or the US state of Missouri (tell us where the book is set).
The Rain Watcher - Tatiana de Rosnay (Paris France) 4/25
4. Archery competitions in 1900, 1904, 1908, and 1920 years preceded the modern, standardized archery competition under the rules of the World Archery Federation (which was established in 1931). They were contested by three nations at most in any given year and were dominated by home nations in both the number of participants and number of medals won. 1972 marked the beginning of the modern archery competition at the Olympic Games. The events began to use standardized forms and many nations competed. Qualification spots in archery are allotted to National Olympic Committees rather than to individual athletes. The minimum age for an Olympic archer is 16, according to World Archery Federation. For each gender, there are 12 team qualification spots: the host nation, the top 8 teams at the World Archery Championships, and the top 3 teams at the Final World Team Qualification Tournament. In addition to the 36 entries awarded through team qualification, an additional 28 individual qualification spots are available for each gender, bringing the total number of competitors in each individual event to 64.🏹Read a book whose author is from your home country (tell us your home country) -or- read a book whose number of pages have both a 6 and a 4 (tell us the number of pages).
Ward D - Freida McFadden (346 pages) 4/9
5. Targets are 122cm in diameter and positioned 70m away from the archers, who must shoot their arrows as close to the center of the target as possible in order to beat their opponents. Individual competitions at the Games begin with the ranking round, where each of the 64 archers shoot 72 arrows to determine their ranking for the single-elimination bracket. The athletes compete in this knockout system until the final according to their ranking, with the top‑ranked archer facing off against the 64th‑ranked archer, the second‑ranked against the 63rd‑ranked, and so on. In 1984 at Los Angeles, Neroli Fairhall of New Zealand was the first paraplegic competitor in the Olympic Games. South Korean archers have won the most gold medals, winning 27 out of 39 gold medals in events since 1984.🏹Read a book whose main character has a disability of some sort (tell us what it is) -or- read a book that hits the bull's eye for you (something that you have rated 5 stars).
A Fate Inked in Blood - Danielle L. Jensen 4/13
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
May 2024 Scavenger Challenge - Irving Berlin
READ: 6/6
✔ 1. 🎵 Read a book with an author or MAIN character whose FIRST name begins with I OR a book with a family with only one parent in the picture
Killing Trail - Margaret Mizushima (Cole is divorced with full custody) 5/17
✔ 2. 🎵 Read a book with music as part of the plot OR a book in which a real-life celebrity is mentioned; tell us who
Rock Redemption - Nalini Singh (hero rock star) 5/22
✔ 3. 🎵 Read a book originally published in a year ending with 3; tell us the year OR a book in which a character plays a musical instrument; tell us who and what instrument
The Alpine Xanadu - Mary Daheim (pub Jan 29, 2013) 5/12
✔ 4.🎵 Read a book whose page count *ends with 0; tell tell us the page count OR a book with a MAIN character who is a writer of some kind; tell us what they write
Thin Ice - Paige Shelton (Beth Rivers, author) 5/5
5. AND 6. 🎵 Read a book with a significant word in the title that exactly matches a word in one of Berlin's best-known songs:
✔ Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better
Where He Can't Find You - Darcy Coates 5/5
✔ Blue Skies
My Blood Runs Blue - Stacy Eaton 5/26
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
May Spell Challenge - Irving Berlin READ: 12/12
✔ F: The Crêpes of Wrath - Sarah Fox 5/15
✔ S: Scandal in Skibbereen - Sheila Connolly 5/7
✔ H: The Fae Side of Forty - Jennifer L. Hart 5/7
✔ A: The Alpine Xanadu - Mary Daheim 5/12
✔ R: Rock Hard - Nalini Singh 5/10
✔ P: Photo, Snap, Shot - Joanna Campbell Slan 5/3
✔ S: Girl, Interrupted - Susanna Kaysen 5/4
✔ I: A Frame of Murder - Imogen Plimp 5/28
✔ M: The Boardwalk Bookshop - Susan Mallery 5/11
✔ P: Thin Ice - Paige Shelton 5/5
✔ L: Crime Seen - Victoria Laurie 5/24
✔ E: Wolf Winter - Cecilia Ekbäck 5/4
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Olympics #53 - Weightlifting Duration: May 2024
READ: 4/5
1. Weightlifting is a sport in which athletes compete in lifting a barbell loaded with weight plates from the ground to overhead, with the aim of successfully lifting the heaviest weights. Weightlifting has been contested at every Summer Olympic Games since the 1920 Summer Olympics, in Antwerp, Belgium, as well as twice before then. It debuted at the 1896 Summer Olympics, in Athens, Greece, and was also an event at the 1904 Games.
🏋🏽 Read the heaviest book you're in the mood for that is > 400 pages (tell us the number of pages) -or- read a book that has a character that lifts weights (tell us who).
Another Time, Another Place - Jodi Taylor (446 pages) 5/19
2. In the early Games, all lifters competed in the same events, regardless of their individual body weights. When the sport returned to the Olympic Games in 1920, the competition was structured as a set of weight classes. The number of classes and weight limits for each class have changed several times. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the men's events were divided into seven weight classes: Bantamweight (-61 kg), Featherweight (61-67 kg), Lightweight (67-73 kg), Middleweight (73-81 kg), Middle-heavyweight (81-96 kg), Heavyweight (96-109 kg), Super heavyweight (+109 kg).🏋🏽 Read a book with a 7 in the year it was first published (tell us when) -or- read a book whose title has changed since publication for whatever reason.
Murder in an English Village - Jessica Ellicott (pub October 31, 2017) 5/31
3. Women's weightlifting made its Olympic debut at the 2000 Games in Sydney, with seven weight classes. For the Paris Olympics in 2024, the weight classes are down to five: 49 kg, 59 kg, 71 kg, 81 kg and +81 kg. There are more changes from the Tokyo Olympics aside from the weight classes: 120 weightlifting quota places, with an equal distribution between men and women, are available, around 80 fewer overall than those in Tokyo 2020.🏋🏽 Read a book released in 2024 -or- read a book with a kickass female main character.
The Tainted Cup - Robert Jackson Bennett (pub Feb 6, 2024) 5/17
4. Since the Montreal 1976 Games, there have been two lifts used in competition: the snatch and the clean and jerk. In the snatch, the bar is lifted from the floor to above the head in one movement. By contrast, the clean and jerk is a two-stage action: the bar is first brought up to the shoulders before being jerked over the head. Today, competitors perform both lifts three times, and their best result in each lift are combined to determine their overall score. The competitor with the highest total score is declared the winner.🏋🏽 Read a book that you can read in one sitting (if it's a novella, please note that it still needs to be >150 pages to count) -or- read a book that you have to necessarily take breaks with.
Wolf Winter - Cecilia Ekbäck (incredibly boring) 5/4
5. From the 1950s onwards, Soviet athletes topped the podium until the 1990s, when athletes representing China, Turkey, Greece and Iran began to claim the majority of medals on offer. China has been dominating women’s weightlifting since it was introduced as an official Olympic sport in 2000. Since the 2012 Olympics, athletes have been able to wear a full body unitard under the customary weightlifting uniform. Earlier, rules mandated that an athlete's knees and elbows must be visible so the officials could determine if a lift was correctly executed.
🏋🏽 Read a book set in one of the countries mentioned above (tell us which country your book is set in) -or- read a book in which unworn clothes can be seen on the cover (post the cover).
June 2024 Scavenger Challenge - Funny Dog Memes
READ: 9/9
✔️1) Read a book that features a wedding (tell us whose) OR a book with a cake on the cover (post the cover) OR a book where the main character cries about something (using spoiler tags if necessary, tell us what)
Rock Wedding - Nalini Singh (MCs) 6/16
✔️2) Read a book where a prominent character has a nickname (tell us who and what it is) OR a book with a "wild" or disobedient character (your interpretation, tell us who).
Love at the Fall Festival - Belle Willows (Dylan) 6/11
✔️3) Read a book with a character you think of as being a "problem solver" (your interpretation, tell us who) OR a book where someone seeks someone else's advice (using spoiler tags if necessary, tell us who and about what).
Ripple of Doubt - Jenifer Ruff 6/9
(MC talks to an FBI psychiatrist about her case)
✔️4) Read a book where a character knocks on someone else's door or rings their doorbell (tell us who does the knocking/ringing) OR a book where someone or something sounds an alarm (your interpretation, using spoiler tags if necessary, tell us who and why).
Wild Love - Alisa Woods 6/13
(MC is attacked at work and sounds an alarm)
✔️5) Read a book with a sarcastic character in it (tell us who) OR a book where someone is in a position of power over someone else (your interpretation, using spoiler tags if necessary tell us who the players are and why one has power over the other).
Everlife - Gena Showalter 6/5
(hero is controlled by his sadistic boss)
✔️6) Read a book with a night scene on the cover (post the cover) OR a book where an important event occurs at night (your interpretation, using spoiler tags if necessary tell us what event).
Fae of the North - E. Hall 6/20
✔️7) Read a book with a character you consider to be very alert to risks (tell us who) OR a book with a word in the title that starts with B OR a book with a 6 in the publication date or the page count (post the date or the count).
Brew -Tracy Ewens 6/11
✔️8) Read a book where someone gets an unexpected surprise (tell us who and what) OR a book with a dog on the cover. Post the cover. (Come on, you knew there'd be at least one post-the-dog-cover task here!)
Sniffing Out Murder - Kallie E. Benjamin 6/9
✔️9) Read a book whose title has a double meaning or is a play on words OR a book where someone eats pizza (tell us who)
Shadow Beasts - Nellie H. Steele 6/15
(Paige polished off her third slice of pizza), p38
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
June Spell Challenge - Dog Memes READ: 9/9
✔ S: Sniffing Out Murder - Kallie E. Benjamin 6/9
✔ A: Archangel's Lineage - Nalini Singh 6/2
✔ R: Ripple of Doubt - Jenifer Ruff 6/9
✔ C: Cast into Doubt - Patricia MacDonald 6/17
✔ A: The Life We Bury - Allen Eskens 6/20
✔ S: Silver Charms - Kate Moseman 6/13
✔ T: Brew - Tracy Ewens 6/11
✔ I: Kill Without Mercy - Alexandra Ivy 6/18
✔ C: Complicated - Kristen Ashley 6/16
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
July 2024 Scavenger Challenge - Build A Scarecrow
READ: 6/7
✔ STEP 1: BUILD THE FRAME
🌽 Read a book with something made of wood shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book with a main character whose first name begins with a letter in FRAME
The Longest Yard Sale - Sherry Harris (table) 7/6
✔ STEP 2: SECURE SHIRT TO FRAME, THEN STUFF
🌽 Read a book with a character whose behavior could be described as stiff; tell us who and briefly explain OR a book with a shirt shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
The Golden Spider - Anne Renwick 7/13
✔ STEP 3: TIE OFF PANT LEGS, STUFF, THEN ATTACH TO FRAME
🌽 Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in TWINE; tell us where OR a book with a character who wears suspenders; tell us who
Copy Cap Murder - Jenn McKinlay (England) 7/18
✔ STEP 4: ADD FOOTWEAR
🌽 Read a book with water shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book with the letters SHOES in the title, in any order
La Belle Sauvage - Philip Pullman 7/6
✔ STEP 5: STUFF A PILLOWCASE FOR THE HEAD
🌽 Read a book with a character who has a big head (is very full of him/herself); tell us who and briefly explain OR a book with double consonants (like piLLow) in the author's name; post a link to the author's GR page
The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands - Sarah Brooks 7/4
✔ STEP 6: SECURE PILLOWCASE TO FRAME, DECORATE WITH A FACE
🌽 Read a book in which a windy day occurs; tell us the page/location number and quote an excerpt OR a book with a hat shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
Cruising Through Midlife - Addison Moore 7/7
(I step out into the dank and windy day), p185
STEP 7: POSITION SCARECROW IN YOUR GARDEN
🌽 Read a book with the name of a flower in the title or author's name; post a link to the author's GR page if using that option OR a book whose title words all begin with a letter in SCARECROW (all words count); 2-word minimum
July Spell Challenge - Build A Scarecrow READ: 9/9
✔ S: See Them Run - Marion Todd 7/3
✔ C: The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands - Sarah Brooks 7/4
✔ A: After the Game - Abbi Glines 7/2
✔ R: Mind Games - Nora Roberts 7/1
✔ E: Some Can See - J.R. Erickson 7/9
✔ C: Cruising Through Midlife - Addison Moore 7/7
✔ R: The Golden Spider - Anne Renwick 7/13
✔ O: The Girls Across The Bay - Emerald O'Brien 7/28
✔ W: Blood & Ash - Deborah Wilde 7/21
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Olympics #54 - Snowboarding and Freestyle Skiing Duration: June 1 - July 31, 2024
READ: 10/10
1. In the 1960s, snowboarding was created by American engineer Sherman Poppen when he developed a prototype of a modern snowboard by gluing two skis together. He called it a snurf, but there were no bindings so athletes had to use rope. At the first Snurfing World Championships in 1979, Jake Burton, one of the participants, added bindings to his snurf. The first Snowboarding World Championships were held in 1988, but it was not until ten years later that snowboarding became part of the Olympics.🏅 Read a book set in the 1960s; tell us the year OR a book whose title includes the letters S-N-U-R-F, in any order
Sniffing Out Murder - Kallie E. Benjamin 6/9
2. Snowboarding was first included in the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. It was the only new sport added during that time period that had not been a previous medal or demonstration event. Giant slalom and half-pipe were held for both men and women in 1998, while snowboard cross was added in 2006. Lastly, big air and slopestyle, primarily freestyle events, were added in 2014.🏅 Read a book originally published between 1998 and 2006 (inclusive); tell us the publication date OR a book set in Japan or with a character of Japanese descent; tell us who
The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands - Sarah Brooks (Suzuki) 7/4
3. Freestyle is a snowboarding style that is all about performing tricks and is comprised of aerials, moguls, cross, half-pipe, slopestyle and big air. It can consist of a skier performing aerial flips and spins or of skiers sliding rails and boxes on their skis, and was a demonstration event at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. Like snowboarding, freestyle events were added a few at a time, beginning with mogul skiing in 1992, and aerials in 1994. Half-pipe and slopestyle were added in 2014.🏅 Read a book that is a spin-off from another book/series (not a sequel or follow-up); tell us the original book OR a book set in winter (November, December or January); tell us when
La Belle Sauvage - Philip Pullman (The Golden Compass) 7/6
4. GIANT SLALOM AND PARALLEL SLALOM : Snowboard slalom events involve skiing between poles or gates, much like slalom for downhill and alpine skiers. While parallel slalom involves two athletes racing down side-by-side courses, giant slalom has just one course, which racers complete the course as quickly as possible.🏅 Read a book whose title words all begin with a letter in GIANT PARALLEL SLALOM, 3-word minimum and all words count (a letter can only be used as many times as it appears in the phrase) OR a book that is #1 or 2 in a series; tell us the series and the book’s position
Silver and Shadow - Melissa McShane 6/19
(The Books of the Dark Goddess #1)
5. BOARDERCROSS and SKI CROSS: Boardercross is a competitive snowboarding style which is quite similar to motocross. It involves a number of riders that race down a course with bumps, corners, jumps and other man-made obstacles. Ski cross is based on the snowboarding boardercross. Despite it being a timed racing event, it is often considered part of freestyle skiing because it incorporates terrain features traditionally found in freestyle.🏅 Read a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in BOARDERCROSS; post a link to the author’s GR page OR a book that has a plot you feel like you’ve read before; using spoiler tags if necessary, briefly explain
East of the Sun - A.E. Becker 6/4
6. HALF-PIPE and HALF-PIPE SKIING: A halfpipe is a half-round ramp dug out in the snow, with big walls on both sides. Riders go from one side to the other, and fly above the ramp while performing spectacular aerial maneuvers. Halfpipe skiing riders go from one side to the other, and fly above the ramp while performing spectacular aerial maneuvers. Halfpipe skiing similar, but performed on snow skis rather than a snowboard.🏅 Read a book with snow shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR enough half-step books to equal or exceed 150 pages; tell us how many pages in each book
The Life We Bury - Allen Eskens 6/20
7. SLOPESTYLE : In slopestyle, athletes ski or snowboard down a course including a variety of obstacles including rails, jumps, and other terrain park features. Points are scored for amplitude, originality and quality of tricks. Twin-tip skis are used and are particularly useful if the skier lands backwards. Slopestyle tricks fall mainly into four categories: spins, grinds, grabs and flips.🏅 Read a book whose MC has overcome major obstacles; briefly explain OR a book with a compound word in the title
Everlife - Gena Showalter 6/5
8. BIG AIR : Big air is all about doing the most spectacular tricks off a big, man-made jump. Riders get a lot of airtime and perform all kinds of spins, flips and grabs before landing again smoothly.🏅 Read a book with the word BIG in the title or a word that is a synonym of BIG OR a book in which a character plays a trick on someone; using spoiler tags if necessary, briefly explain
The Big Little Festival - Kellie Hailes 7/25
9. AERIAL SKIING : Aerialists ski off 2-4 meter jumps, that propel them up to 6 meters in the air (which can be up to 20 meters above the landing height, given the landing slope). Once in the air, aerialists perform multiple flips and twists before landing on a 34 to 39-degree inclined landing hill about 30 meters in length.🏅 Read a book with two of these in the total page count: 3, 4, 9; tell us how many pages OR a book with an MC whose first name begins with a letter in AERIAL; tell us the name
Archangel's Lineage - Nalini Singh (Elena) 6/2
10. MOGUL SKIING : Moguls are a series of bumps on a trail formed when skiers push the snow into mounds or piles as they execute short-radius turns. Moguls can also be formed deliberately, by piling mounds of snow. In competitions, athletes are judged on their technique as well as on their speed by mastering the bumps in a calm yet aggressive way. Usually there are two jumps. While at first only upright jumps were allowed, from the mid 1990s onward, flips were added as an option.🏅 Read a book with an aggressive character; tell us who and, using spoiler tags if necessary, briefly explain OR a book set in a location beginning with a letter in MOGUL; be as specific as possible
Complicated - Kristen Ashley (Glossop, Nebraska) 6/16
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
August Scavenger Challenge - Running Shoes
READ: 8/8
✔ 1. Don't wear your old sneakers. Poorly fitted shoes are a common cause of injuries.
Read a book with shoes on the cover (post the cover) OR Read a book with the author's first or last initial in SNEAKERS. (post a link to the author's page)
Been There Dragon That - Krystal Shannan 8/4
✔ 2. The running shoes should bend easily, feel comfortable and have a wedge of shock-absorbing material in the heel.
Read a book from your comfort zone (your interpretation) OR Read a book with Sport or Sports as Genre.
A Death Long Overdue - Eva Gates (cozy mystery) 8/15
✔ 3. The fit should not be too snug. Your foot will splay as it impacts with the ground.
Read a book that has a 7 or an 8 in its total page count (tell us the number of pages) OR Read a book with a patch of uneven ground on the cover (Post the cover)
1970 - Sarah M. Cradit (258 pages) 8/2
✔ 4. When buying the shoes, wear the socks you intend to wear while running.
Read a book with a character who plans ahead her/his actions (Tell us who) OR Read a book with clothes on the cover (Post the cover)
Etiquette & Espionage - Gail Carriger 8/10
✔ 5. Have your shoes professionally fitted.
Read a book with more than 3.5 of average rating (Tell us the rating) OR Read a book with a character who runs (Tell us who)
Primal Mirror - Nalini Singh (4.36) 8/12
✔ 6. Attend your local running store to discuss the type of running shoes you want and previous shoes you have owned.
Read a book where there is some discussion. (Discussing where to go for dinner works. Remember to tell us how your book fits) OR Read a book published before 2015, (Tell us when).
The Land Below - William Meikle 8/3
(discussion between brothers (MCs) about hiring a guard)
✔ 7. It is important to get your shoes size measured.
Read a book with more than 400 pages (post the number of pages) OR Read a book with less than 200 pages. (Remember the more than 150 pages rule!!. Please post the number of pages)
Little Girl Lost - Alexandria Clarke (466 pages) 8/14
✔ 8. Try on multiple pairs of shoes for feel and comfort.
Read a book with multiple similar objects in the cover (post the cover) OR Read a book with twins in the story (Tell us the names).
Quadehar the Sorcerer - Erik L'Homme (Amber and Coral) 8/7
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
August Spell Challenge - Running Shoes READ: 8/8
✔ S: Silver Silence - Joy Nash 8/10
✔ N: Primal Mirror - Nalini Singh 8/12
✔ E: Poisoned Prose - Ellery Adams 8/6
✔ A: Little Girl Lost - Alexandria Clarke 8/14
✔ K: Been There Dragon That - Krystal Shannan 8/4
✔ E: Etiquette & Espionage - Gail Carriger 8/10
✔ R: A Rip Through Time - Kelley Armstrong 8/2
✔ S: Sunshine Over Bluebell Castle - Sarah Bennett 8/17
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Countries of the World #1 - Czech Republic READ: 10/6+
✔️CZECH REPUBLIC
Also called Czechia, a landlocked country in Central Europe. Historically known as Bohemia.
🚩Read a book whose title starts with a letter in CZECHREPUBLIC (ignore A, An and The).
Poisoned Prose - Ellery Adams 8/6
Stats
✔️- Capital: Prague
🚩Read a book whose author's first and last initials are in the word PRAGUE (letters can only be used as many times as they appear in the word).
A Death Long Overdue - Eva Gates 8/15
✔️- Population: 10,524,167 (2021 census)
🚩Read a book whose total number of pages contain at least 2 of the numbers in the population (tell us the page count).
The Grifter's Daughter - Duane Lindsay (257 pages) 8/4
✔️- Area: 30,452 sq mi
🚩Read a book whose year it was first published has at least 2 of the numbers in the area (tell us the year published).
Etiquette & Espionage - Gail Carriger (published 2013) 8/10
Trivia - PICK AT LEAST 4
✔️1. Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world, occupying an area of almost 70,000 square meters. It is among the most visited attractions in the country, attracting over 1.8 million visitors annually.
🚩Read a book with a large residential building on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book where a significant scene set in a castle (tell us the castle, it may be fictional).
Silver Silence - Joy Nash 8/10
✔️2. The word Robot was introduced to the world in 1920 in a play by the Czech writer Karel Capek. The play was called R. U. R (Rossum's Universal Robots).
🚩Read a book marked "science fiction" on the main genre page -or- read a book with a significant word in the title beginning with an R.
A Rip Through Time - Kelley Armstrong 8/2
✔️3. Good King Wenceslas is a Christmas carol that was based on the life of Saint Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia. He was not a king in his lifetime, but had that status conferred on him after his death, when a cult of Wenceslas rose up in Bohemia and England.
🚩Read a book set during Christmas -or- read a book with royalty playing an important role in the book.
The Savage Blood - Tamara Rose Blodgett 8/23
(Prince Frederic is the villain and plays a secondary role)
✔️4. The Dancing House is an unusual building in the deconstructivist style that was designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunic in collaboration with Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. Gehry called the building Ginger and Fred, after the dancers Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, as the building looks like a pair of dancers.
🚩Read a book whose title has two names (male or female will work) -or- read a book with at least two authors (both author names must show up on the cover, show the cover)
Don't Feed the Dragon - S.W. Clarke & Ramy Vance 8/9
✔️5. Until 1993, the Czech Republic and Slovakia were one country: Czechoslovakia. The two countries became independent of one another after peaceful student demonstrations. The students were influenced by the dismantling of the Berlin Wall. The Velvet Revolution, as it is called, is considered one of the most peaceful divisions of two countries in history.
🚩Read a book with a cloth material in its title (velvet, cotton, silk etc.) -or- read a book in which the main character is a student (any age is fine as long as they are attending a school or college).
Quadehar the Sorcerer - Erik L'Homme (Robin,12) 8/7
✔️6. Polka is a dance style and music genre originating in 19th century Bohemia. Polkas are typically dance tunes in 2/4 time. The name of the dance reflects this – it is believed to be derived from the Czech word pulka meaning half-step.
🚩Read a book in which a dance is held -or- read a half-step book (or enough half-step books to make 150 pages).
Curtsies & Conspiracies - Gail Carriger 8/21
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
September Scavenger Challenge - Back to School Shopping
READ: 9/9
✔ 1) New shoes. Read a book with human feet visible on the cover OR a book with something on the cover that can squeak. (Post the cover.)
$10,000 in Small, Unmarked Puzzles - Parnell Hall 9/22
✔ 2) A book bag or backpack. Read a book with books on the cover (post the cover) OR a book where one of the plot points turns on something being stored in something that makes it easier to transport. Purses, boxes, bags, satchels, grocery sacks, trunks of cars, etc,, all work, your interpretation, tell us what was stored and what it was stored in.
Murder in the Cookbook Nook - Ellery Adams 9/15
✔ 3) Pencils, pens, markers, crayons, chalk. Read a book with a main character who is a writer, painter, graphic designer or other artist who creates using something handheld on paper or canvas. Paint is fine in addition to the things listed as back-to-school items at the beginning of the task. Tell us what your character does. OR a book where something on the cover looks like a drawing or the text looks like it was written by hand, your interpretation, post the cover.
Run Run as Fast as You Can - Willow Rose (author) 9/5
✔ 4) Notebooks. Read a book with something made of paper on the cover (post the cover) OR a book where someone writes notes or makes a list or jots something down (tell us who and what).
The Lights of Sugarberry Cove - Heather Webber 9/1
(Sadie continuously jots down notes of ideas for her blog)
✔ 5) A lunchbox. Read a book with food on the cover that might be consumed at lunch (fruit or sandwiches yes, cupcakes yes, wedding cake or champagne, probably not...) - post the cover OR a book where the main character eats lunch somewhere other than his or her own home, tell us where.
Days Gone Bad - Eric R. Asher 9/6
(MC eats at White Castle)
✔ 6) New clothes Read a book with clothing visible on the cover that is *not* being worn (post the cover) OR a book whose author's first and last names contain the letters "N" and "C" (anywhere, any order, and it's fine if both letters are in one of the names as long as each letter appears at least once, post a link to the author's GR page).
Sex, Lies, and Online Dating - Rachel Gibson 9/14
✔ 7) Seasonal appropriate gear (i.e. warm outer clothing for cold climates). Read a book that takes place in fall or winter (tell us when) OR a book that shows fall or winter weather on the cover (post the cover)
Girl, Alone - Blake Pierce (in November in USA) 9/7
✔ 8) A battery-operated calculator (old school, remember!?) Read a book with a numeral visible on the cover (post the cover) OR a book where someone has to do math or accounting of some kind (tell us who and what)
The Arrangement - Joan Wolf 9/23
(Gail does the accounting for her family)
✔ 9) An apple for the teacher. Read a book where someone does something nice for someone else (tell us who and what) OR a book where someone does something you think is traditional (tell us who and what)
Whispering Twilight - Melissa McShane 9/6
(Amaya saves Bess's life)
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
September Spell Challenge - Back to School Shopping READ: 12/12
P: $10,000 in Small, Unmarked Puzzles - Parnell Hall 9/22
E: Days Gone Bad - Eric R. Asher 9/6
N: Not Like Us - Ava Strong 9/12
C: Cursed by Fire - Danielle Annett 9/29
I: Hexed - Ilona Andrews 9/1
L: The Lights of Sugarberry Cove - Heather Webber 9/1
C: A Call for Kelp - Bree Baker 9/19
R: Love, Aubrey - Suzanne LaFleur 9/24
A: Alone - Robert J. Crane 9/4
Y: Flight from Hell - Yasmine Galenorn 9/9
O: Stone Song - Tricia O'Malley 9/10
N: No Way Back - Rylie Dark 9/8
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
October 2024 Scavenger - Math, the early days
READ: 7/7
✔ 2. ∞ Read a book that contains a puzzle (could be a mystery, some cryptic old document etc.), Please explain. OR Read a book with a word in the title with double vowels (as in enginEEring).
No Hiding Place - M.A. Comley (mystery) 10/19
✔ 3. ∞ Read a book with a cake or a house on the cover (Post the cover), OR Read a book first published in 2023 or 2024 (tell us the date).
Murder at the Blarney Bash - Darci Hannah 10/11
✔ 4. ∞ Read a book with a unit of measurement in the title, (yard, pound, metre, hour, year are examples. Plurals are OK), OR Read a book with bones, wood , stones or pottery on the cover (Post the cover).
Live and Let Chai - Bree Baker (the dock is wood) 10/23
✔ 5. ∞ Read a book with a pyramid shape on the cover, (Post the cover), OR Read a book with 00 in its page count (Tell us the number of pages).
The Teacher - Katerina Diamond (400 pages) 10/4
✔ 6. ∞ Read the 10th book on a series (Tell us the series name) OR Read a book first published in a year multiple of 10 (The years finished with 0; Tell us the publication date)
No Fixed Line - Dana Stabenow (pub Jan 9, 2020) 10/30
✔ 7. ∞ Read a book with a clock on the cover (Post the cover), OR Read a book whose author's first and last initials start with letters in SEXAGESIMAL.
Writing All Wrongs - Ellery Adams 10/10
✔ 8. ∞ Read the first book in a series (Tell us the series) OR Read a book marked Philosophy in the GR main page.
Death on Eat Street - J.J. Cook (Biscuit Bowl Food Truck Mystery #1) 10/3
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
October 2024 Spell - Math: The Early Days READ: 9/9
✔ M: Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop - Darci Hannah 10/1
✔ A: The Doll's House - M.J. Arlidge 10/12
✔ G: The Girl He Pined - Blake Pierce 10/18
✔ N: No Fixed Line - Dana Stabenow 10/30
✔ I: It Takes a Witch - Heather Blake 10/15
✔ T: The Teacher - Katerina Diamond 10/4
✔ U: Christmas Presents - Lisa Unger 10/27
✔ D: Deadly Delivery - Hope Callaghan 10/16
✔ E: Exiles - Jane Harper 10/12
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Countries of the World #3 - Solomon Islands READ: 7/6+
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Also known as the Solomons, a country consisting of six major islands and over 900 smaller islands in Melanesia, part of Oceania.
✔ 🚩Read a book whose title starts with a letter in SOLOMONISLANDS (ignore A, An and The or equivalent if not English).
On the Edge - Lynn Erickson 10/28
Stats
- Population: 721,956 (2019 census)
✔ 🚩Read a book whose total number of pages contain at least 2 of the numbers in the population (tell us the page count).
Knock Down Dragon Out - Krystal Shannan (254 pages) 10/27
- Area: 11,157 sq mi
✔ 🚩Read a book whose year it was first published has at least 2 of the numbers in the area (tell us the year published).
Cursed by Fire - Jacquelyn Frank (pub Feb 24, 2015) 10/13
Trivia
✔ 2. 🚩Read a book with an intact egg shown on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book in which someone hunts, fishes or harvests their own food (tell us who and what they hunt, fish or harvest).
Murder of a Werewolf - April Fernsby 10/13
(hero in his werewolf form hunts deer)
✔ 3. 🚩Read a book with human hair shown on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a nonfiction book about science (bonus for one about genes).
No Hiding Place - M.A. Comley 10/19
✔ 4. 🚩Read a book in which a cemetery or gravestone is shown on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book in which a ghost is part of the plot.
Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant - Darci Hannah 10/29
✔ 5. 🚩Read a book with a single quotation mark in the title or subtitle -or- read a book with a pipe shaped object on the cover (post the cover).
The Doll's House - M.J. Arlidge 10/12
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
November 2024 Scavenger - The Water Cycle
READ: 7/7
✔ 1. EVAPORATION
☀ Read a book where all title’s words start with a letter on EVAPORATION (All letters count, 3 words minimum) OR Read a book where a speaking character undergoes a change through the story. (Please tell us who and what is changed)
On the Edge - Heather Graham 11/3
✔ 2. CONDENSATION
☀ Read a book with a 00 in the total number of pages (Tell us the number of pages) OR Read a book with multiple similar objects in the cover (post the cover)
The Unusual Mayor Marheart - Tammie Painter (gears) 11/5
✔ 4. INTERCEPTION
☀ Read a book whose title contains INTER in it (examples: international, winter) OR Read a book where something going on is interrupted (Please explain and use spoilers tags if needed)
Brownies and Broomsticks - Bailey Cates 11/8
(a meeting is interrupted by murder)
✔ 5. INFILTRATION
☀ Read a book where someone infiltrates a group, company or organization, (Please explain and use spoilers tags if needed) OR Read a book with a mostly black cover, (Please post the cover)
Confessions of a Red Herring - Dana Dratch 11/2
(MC infiltrates a cleaning company to remove something from her old place of work)
✔ 6. PERCOLATION
☀ Read a book whose author's first and last initials are in the word "PERCOLATION”, post a link to the author’s page. OR Read a book you have wanted to read for more than two years (tell us when you added it to your to-read shelf)
Dead Ringer - Mary Burton (added 12/3/2009) 11/12
✔ 7. TRANSPIRATION
☀ Read a book with plants on the cover, (post the cover), OR Read a book that takes place in a single day.
The Cracked Spine - Paige Shelton (hanging pots) 11/5
✔ 9. STORAGE
☀ Read a book with a 3 in the first published year (Tell us the year) OR read a book with something stored on the cover (Please post the cover)
The Forest Grimm - Kathryn Purdie (pub Sep 19, 2023) 11/18
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
November 2024 Spelling - The Water Cycle READ: 8/8
✔ G: A Promise of Peridot - Kate Golden 11/9
✔ L: Two Wicked Desserts - Lynn Cahoon 11/28
✔ A: Do No Harm - Avery Michaels 11/26
✔ C: Confessions of a Red Herring - Dana Dratch 11/2
✔ I: In the Company of Wolves - Paige Tyler 11/29
✔ E: Dead Run - Erica Spindler 11/28
✔ R: Ragdoll - Daniel Cole 11/22
✔ S: The Cracked Spine - Paige Shelton 11/5
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Countries of the World #4 - Ethiopia READ: 8/8
ETHIOPIA
✔ Officially called Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, a landlocked country in the Horn of Africa region of East Africa.
🚩Read a book whose title starts with a letter in ETHIOPIA (ignore A, An and The or equivalent if not English).
On the Edge - Heather Graham 11/3
Stats
✔ - Capital: Addis Ababa
🚩Read a book whose author's first and last initials are in the word ADDISABABA (letters can only be used as many times as they appear in the word).
Confessions of a Red Herring - Dana Dratch 11/2
✔ - Population: 129,719,719 (2024 estimate)
🚩Read a book whose total number of pages contain at least 2 of the numbers in the population (tell us the page count).
Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries - Tonya Kappes (210 pages) 11/2
✔ - Area: 429,000 sq mi
🚩Read a book whose year it was first published has at least 2 of the numbers in the area (tell us the year published).
A Promise of Peridot - Kate Golden (pub April 9, 2024) 11/9
Trivia
✔ 2. 🚩Read a book in which the main character drinks coffee with at least one other person (tell us who drinks coffee) -or- read a book in which a ceremonial ritual is performed (tell us what it is, use spoiler tags if needed).
The Cracked Spine - Paige Shelton (MC and Hamlet) 11/5
✔ 4. 🚩Read a book with a monkey or baboon in the plot or the cover -or- read a book which shows a heart shape or blood on the cover (post the cover).
Ragdoll - Daniel Cole 11/22
✔ 5. 🚩Read a book first published in September of any year (tell us when your book was published) -or- read a book with an intact 30 in its number of pages (tell us the number of pages).
Passions in Death - J.D. Robb (pub Sep 3, 2024) 11/16
✔ 6. 🚩Read a book whose title contains only words that are 4-letters-long or less (all words count, two words minimum) -or- read a book whose main character’s first and last initial are in the word “LAVALAKE” (tell us their name).
Brownies and Broomsticks - Bailey Cates (Katie Lightfoot) 11/8
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
December 2024 Scavenger - Trans Siberian Orchestra
READ: 7/7
✔ OLD CITY BAR
🎵 Read a book set primarily in a bar/pub; tell us its name OR a book you added to your to-read shelf/list before November 30, 2022; tell us when you added it
Everdark - Elle Jasper (added August 12, 2011) 12/20
✔ PROMISES TO KEEP
🎵 Read a book that you think is a keeper; using spoiler tags if necessary, briefly explain OR a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in PROMISES; post a link to the author’s GR page
Stop Dragon My Heart Around - Susannah Scott 12/28
✔ SIBERIAN SLEIGH RIDE
🎵 Read a book with some sort of transportation *without wheels* shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book whose title words all begin with a letter in SIBERIANSLEIGH; all words count, 3-word minimum
The Twelve Jays of Christmas - Donna Andrews (sleigh) 12/20
✔ A STAR TO FOLLOW
🎵 Read a book in which a character is being followed; using spoiler tags, tell us who and why OR a book with a starry night sky shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
Espresso Shot - Cleo Coyle 12/5
(magazine editor Brianne has a stalker)
✔ THIS CHRISTMAS DAY
🎵 Read a book set during the Christmas season (does not need to be a Christmas book) OR a book whose main character’s first name begins with a letter in THIS; tell us the name
The Christmas Princess - Patricia McLinn 12/15
✔ THE WISDOM OF SNOW
🎵 Read a book with a snowy scene shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book with a character you think is unusually wise; tell us who and why you think that
You Can Kill - Rebecca Zanetti 12/23
✔ WIZARDS IN WINTER
🎵 Read a book set during winter OR a book with a wizard/witch/warlock character; tell us who
Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti - Bailey Cates (MC a witch) 12/9
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
December 2024 Spelling - Trans Siberian Orchestra READ: 8/8
✔ K: Warrior of Legend - Kendare Blake 12/7
✔ E: Espresso Shot - Cleo Coyle 12/5
✔ E: Everdark - Elle Jasper 12/20
✔ P: Plantation Shudders - Ellen Byron 12/24
✔ S: Stop Dragon My Heart Around - Susannah Scott 12/28
✔ N: Not the Ones Dead - Dana Stabenow 12/1
✔ O: Exile Trust - Vincent H. O'Neil 12/30
✔ W: Weyward - Emilia Hart 12/4
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Countries of the World #5 - Turkmenistan READ: 10/6+
TURKMENISTAN
✔ Country in Central Asia along the Caspian Sea, once a constituent state of the Soviet Union.
🚩Read a book whose title starts with a letter in TURKMENISTAN (ignore A, An and The or equivalent if not English).
Not the Ones Dead - Dana Stabenow 12/1
Stats
✔ - Capital: Ashgabat
🚩Read a book whose author's first and last initials are in the word ASHGABAT (letters can only be used as many times as they appear in the word).
Make Them Pay - Allison Brennan 12/31
✔ - Population: 7,057,841 (2022 census)
🚩Read a book whose total number of pages contain at least 2 of the numbers in the population (tell us the page count).
Agatha H. and the Voice of the Castle - Phil & Kaja Foglio (485 pages) 12/27
✔ - Area: 189,660 sq mi
🚩Read a book whose year it was first published has at least 2 of the numbers in the area (tell us the year published).
Everdark - Elle Jasper (pub 2011) 12/20
Trivia
✔ 1. 🚩Read a book with an underwater scene shown on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book with at least one prominent scene set in the middle of a desert (tell us which; fantasy deserts are okay).
Stop Dragon My Heart Around - Susannah Scott (Mojave) 12/28
✔ 2. 🚩Read a book in which a controlled burn is conducted (tell us why) -or- read a book with a door or fire prominently shown on the cover (post the cover).
Flashpoint - Catherine Coulter 12/15
✔ 3. 🚩Read a book in which a natural disaster occurs (tell us what) -or- read a book with a mostly white building on the cover (post the cover)
Plantation Shudders - Ellen Byron 12/24
✔ 4. 🚩Read a book that you can read quickly (speed, tell us how your book fits) -or- read the latest book from a long running series (endurance; series must be >10 books, tell us the series and your book’s position) -or- read a nonfiction book that teaches you something you didn’t know (intelligence; tell us what you learned if it’s not obvious).
Murder at Pirate's Cove - Josh Lanyon (278 pages a quick cozy) 12/21
✔ 5. 🚩Read a book whose cover shows a person or animal walking or running (post the cover) -or- read a book with less than 200 ratings on GR (tell us the number of ratings).
Exile Trust - Vincent H. O'Neil (47 ratings) 12/30
✔ 6. 🚩Read a book set in a large city (tell us which) -or- read a book in which the main character is a scientist, a mathematician or a philosopher (tell us which).
Espresso Shot - Cleo Coyle (set in NYC) 12/5
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
No Way! Deck of CardsStart Date:August 1, 2022
End Date: February 18, 2024
READ: 52/52
✅1. Six of Hearts - Read a book with a character who is a religious professional or figure (priest, nun, minister, vicar, saint, guru, etc.) (WHO)
A Curse of Blood & Stone - K.A. Tucker (priestess, Gesine) 8/16
✅2. Nine of Diamonds - Read a book with someone in it who is famous. Who is it and what are they famous for?
April Fool Dead - Carolyn G. Hart (Emma Clyde, author) 8/14
✅3. Two of Diamonds - Read a book where a character is trying to save up money for something, or trying to build a “nest egg” or “rainy day” or “emergency” savings account.
Wicked - Jana Deleon (Tara Chatry) 8/13
✅4. Five of Spades - Read a book with a character in one of these five professions - banker, politician, soldier, law enforcement officer or CEO of a company with more than 10 employees.
Stiff Arm Steal - A.J. Stewart (heroine is a cop) 8/4
✅Three of Clubs - Read a book where someone is attending school.
Devil's Cut - J.R. Ward (Amelia) 8/12
✅6. Ten of Spades - Read a book whose author’s first and last initials appear in the phrase “ten of spades.” Middle initials do not count.
Eighteen Below - Stefan Ahnhem 8/28
✅7. Ten of Diamonds - Read a book where someone is wealthy but unhappy for some reason. Answering “yes” or “no,” did the character resolve the unhappiness?
Who's Dead, Doc? - J.M. Griffin (yes) 8/25
✅8. King of Hearts - Read a book with a character who is a father of at least one daughter. (Name both characters)
Peach Clobbered - Anna Gerard (Travis and Becca) 8/26
✅9. Nine of Spades - Read a book where every word of the title starts with a letter in “Nine of Spades” - three word minimum, all words count.
Forgotten in Death - J.D. Robb 10/5
✅10. Nine of Clubs - Read a book with a character who is a new parent. Who is the character?
The Book Eaters - Sunyi Dean (Devon) 8/19
✅11. Ace of Clubs - Read a book with a character who does “blue collar” work or work that does not require an advanced or college degree.
Relentless in a Kilt - Anna Durand (bounty hunter) 10/14
✅12. Ace of Hearts - Read a book where a character wants a romantic relationship but does not have one.
A Rumor Of Bones - Beverly Connor 10/11
✅13. Four of Diamonds - Read a book where someone travels on a vacation.
The Body in the Bonfire - Katherine Hall Page (Marian) 10/27
✅14. Three of Spades - Read a book with a largely black cover (more than 50 percent).
Thistlefoot - GennaRose Nethercott 10/10
✅15. Two of Hearts - Read a book where two characters fall in love at first sight or have a strong inexplicable attraction.
A Nurse for the Wolfman - Eve Langlais 10/10
✅16. Five of Diamonds - Read a book where someone gets a new (or new to them) automobile or with some kind of automobile on the cover.
Nathaniel - John Saul (Janet get a new "used" car) 11/20
✅17. Jack of Clubs - Read a book with a character who is good at fixing things or solving problems — a “jack of all trades” as it were. Who is the character?
Moon Dancer - Aimee Easterling (Claw) 11/10
✅18. Seven of Spades - Read a book published on the 7th of any month, in July of any year, or in 1997, 2007, or 2017. Tell us when it was published.
Ice Blue - Anne Stuart (published March 27, 2007) 10/29
✅19. Ten of Clubs - Read a book where a character gets a professional or work-related “second chance” - your interpretation. What is the second chance?
A Chimera's Revenge - Eve Langlais 11/1
(mad scientist has a chance to regret what he has done and somewhat atone)
✅20. Jack of Spades - Read a book where royalty/leadership of one nation considers or engages in conflict with another nation.
Lord of the Vampires - Gena Showalter 11/4
✅21. Jack of Diamonds - Read a book where a last-minute infusion of cash or other financial assistance “saves the day” in some fashion. Using spoiler tags, tell us what was saved?
Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes - Michelle M. Pillow 12/9
(broke MC and her siblings inherit a rundown house that comes with a million bucks to repair it)
✅22. Five of Clubs - Read a book where a character is hired into a new job.
The Path of Thorns - A.G. Slatter (governess)11/30
✅23. Four of Clubs - Read a book where someone buys a house or moves into a new residence of some kind.
This Same Earth - Elizabeth Hunter 11/21
✅24. Jack of Hearts - Read a book where a love triangle is resolved.
Wild Irish Soul - Tricia O'Malley 11/23
(heroine realized she didn't love one of them)
✅25. Eight of Diamonds - Read a book with someone you think is “glamorous.” Who is it?
Midnight in Everwood - Maria Kuzniar (MCs mother) 12/17
✅26. Three of Diamonds - Read a book with someone on the cover who appears to be well-dressed or expensively dressed.
Opening Gambit - Tilly Wallace 12/28
✅27. Two of Spades - Read a book with a character you would describe as “a warrior” or “warlike.”
Heart of the Sun Warrior - Sue Lynn Tan (Xingyin and Liwei) 12/18
✅28. Eight of Spades - Read a book whose title starts with an E or an S
Son of Thunder - S.C. Mitchell 12/21
✅29. Ace of Diamonds - Read a book with a wealthy main character in it.
Nightingale's Gate - Linda Francis Lee (Lucas Hawthorne) 12/24
✅30. Seven of Diamonds - Read a book where someone inherits something. Who and what did they inherit?
Any Witch Way - Lindsay Buroker (MC, a house and woods) 12/21
✅31. Seven of Hearts - Read a book whose main character’s first name is seven letters long.
No Time Like the Past - Jodi Taylor (Maxwell) 1/7
✅32. King of Diamonds - Read a book where a watch, a necktie, or a man’s suit is visible.
The Untangled Cassie Black - Tammie Painter 1/3
✅33. King of Clubs - Read a book where revenge of some kind occurs
Live To Tell - Lisa Gardner 1/20
✅34. Seven of Clubs - Read a book where a character watches or participates in a sporting event or game of some kind.
The Darkest Minds - Alexandra Bracken (football) 1/15
✅35. Queen of Hearts - Read a book with a character who introduces two other characters to each other who wind up dating or having a relationship.
Psychic Dreams - Elizabeth Hunter 1/18
✅36. Two of Clubs - read a book where a character is a member of a “club” of some kind.
Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone - Diana Gabaldon (hero is a Mason) 1/27
✅37. Eight of Hearts - Read a book with a largely red or pink (more than 50 percent) cover.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Mark Haddon 2/26
✅38. Six of Spades - Read a book with a shovel on the cover or used in the book somehow
The Heretic Royal - G.A. Aiken 1/25
(hero uses shovel to dig a new privy)
✅39. Queen of Diamonds - Read a book with a woman wearing jewelry on the cover.
The Winter King - C.L. Wilson 4/23
✅40. Eight of Clubs - Read a book where a character has a coffee or meal break.
Death by the Finish Line - Alexis Morgan 1/26
(lotta coffee and meal breaks going on in this one)
✅41. Queen of Clubs - Read a book where a female character is a housewife, a stay-at-home mom, or works from home.
Caught in the Flames - Kacey Shea (Callie works from home) 4/29
✅42. King of Spades - Read a book with a powerful man as a prominent character (tell us who).
Dark Illusion - Christine Feehan (hero, powerful vampire) 4/25
✅43. Ten of Hearts - Read a book with a character who has a lot of children (more than four). Name the character.
Lady Helena Investigates - Jane Steen 5/18
(heroine's mother had 7 children, she is a prominent character)
✅44. Five of Hearts - Read a book with a heart or heart-shaped item on the cover.
What I'm Looking For - Karen Grey 7/27
✅45. Four of Hearts - Read a book with a “nuclear family” - two parents (any gender) and two children (any gender) as the main focus or main characters of the book.
Fire and Love - Erin Wright 5/29
✅46. Six of Diamonds - Read a book with a wealthy main character in it.
The Mahogany Ship - Christopher Cartwright (Sam Reilly) 7/29
✅47. Ace of Spades - Read a book where the main character is a person of color.
Delicious Monsters - Liselle Sambury 12/22
✅48. Six of Clubs - Read a book with six of some item on the cover. They don’t have to be identical but they must be the same thing in some sense and clearly identifiable as separate items: ex.: six different desserts which are not all cakes would work, so would six cupcakes.
A Catered Thanksgiving - Isis Crawford (6 acorns, lower left) 11/20
✅49. Nine of Hearts - Read a book with a family pet visible on the cover. (Post the cover.)
Death Down Under - Samantha Silver 8/15
✅50. Queen of Spades - Read a book with a powerful woman as a prominent character
Unnatural Causes - Leah Ruth Robinson (Dr. Evelyn Sutcliffe) 7/29
✅51. Three of Hearts - read a book with some kind of love triangle in it.
Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Julie James (Taylor, Jason and Scott) 12/26
✅52. Four of Spades - Read a book with a title in black and all capital letters.
Watch For Ice - Leslie J. Hall 2/18
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Say What?, Take 2 Duration: September 1, 2023 – February 29, 2024
READ: 31/24+
✔️1. ALL OF ME, John Legend
ACTUAL: My head's under water, but I'm breathing fine.
MISHEARD: My head's under water, but I'm breathing fire.
🎵 Read a book with a body of water shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
Uncharted - Erin Cashman 10/22
✔️2. ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL, Pink Floyd
ACTUAL: No dark sarcasm in the classroom.
MISHEARD: No docks or chasms in the classroom.
🎵 Read a book with a character who is a student; tell us who
Hollowthorn - Kalyn Josephson (Annabella) 11/1
✔️3. BAD MOON RISING, Creedence Clearwater Revival
ACTUAL: There's a bad moon on the rise.
MISHEARD: There’s a bathroom on the right.
🎵 Read a book with a moon shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
Dreadful - Jana Deleon 11/18
✔️4. BECAUSE THE NIGHT, 10,000 Maniacs
ACTUAL: Because the night belongs to lovers, because the night belongs to love
MISHEARD Because the night belongs to lawyers, because the night belongs to law
🎵 Read a book with at least one repeated significant word in its title
Come One Come All - Marilynn Harper 1/14
✔️5. BIG YELLOW TAXI, Joni Mitchell
ACTUAL: They paved paradise to put up a parking lot
MISHEARD: If it ain't paradise, then put up a parking lot
🎵 Read a book set in a location that you consider to be paradise; tell us why
Force of Nature - Jane Harper (that accent! **swoon**) 11/4
✔️6. BLINDED BY THE LIGHT, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
ACTUAL: Revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night.
MISHEARD: Wrapped up like a douche, another rumor in the night.
🎵 Read a book with the word NIGHT in its title; compound words accepted
Never Whistle at Night - Shane Hawk 10/2
✔️7. COMPLICATED, Avril Lavigne
ACTUAL: You promised me I’m never gonna find you fake it.
MISHEARD: You promised me I’m never gonna find your bacon.
🎵 Read a book with the word BACON in the text;
Hope for the Best - Jodi Taylor 12/13
(I was certain I could smell bacon), p257
✔️8. DESPERADO, The Eagles
ACTUAL: You've been out ridin' fences for so long now.
MISHEARD: You've been outright offensive for so long now.
🎵 Read a book with a character who you find offensive; briefly explain
Silver Linings - Jayne Ann Krentz 11/4
(Hugh Abbott, a complete jerk, ruined the entire book)
✔️9. DON'T BRING ME DOWN, Electric Light Orchestra
ACTUAL: Don't bring me down, groose.
MISHEARD: Don't bring me down, Bruce.
He made up groose as a lyrical filler word.
🎵 Read a book whose title contains a man’s name
Choosing Theo - Victoria Aveline 10/18
✔️10. EYES WITHOUT A FACE, Billy Idol
ACTUAL: Eyes without a face
MISHEARD: How's about a date?
🎵 Read a book with a compound word in its title
The Toybox - Charly Cox 10/12
✔️11. HOLD MY HAND, Hootie & the Blowfish
ACTUAL: I want to love you the best that, best that I can.
MISHEARD: I want to love you, the bear said, the bear said I can’t.
🎵 Read a book with a wild animal shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
Whales and a Watery Grave - Ruby Loren 11/2
✔️12. I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW, Johnny Nash
ACTUAL: I can see clearly now, the rain is gone.
MISHEARD: I can see clearly now, Lorraine is gone.
🎵 Read a book whose title contains a woman’s name
Heather- Chris Keniston 2/17
✔️13. I’M A BELIEVER, The Monkees
ACTUAL: Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer.
MISHEARD: Then I saw her face, now I’m gonna leave her.
🎵 Read a book in which a romantic breakup occurs;
Delicious Monsters - Liselle Sambury 12/22
(Noah breaks up with Daisy)
✔️14. ACTUAL: What's the use of trying, all you get is pain, when I needed sunshine I got rain
MISHEARD: What's the use of trying, all you get is pain, when I needed suction on the brain
🎵 Read a book in which a character is injured in some way that requires medical attention;
Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Julie James 12/26
(well you have a concussion, that means I can't release for for 24 hours), p232
✔️15. I WANT IT THAT WAY, Backstreet Boys
ACTUAL: Tell me why! Ain't nothin' but a heartache.
MISHEARD: Tummy, why? Ain't nothin' but a fart, hey.
🎵 Read a book whose title is a complete sentence
The Girl the Sea Gave Back - Adrienne Young 10/4
✔️16. ISRAELITES, Desmond Dekker
ACTUAL: 'Darling,' she said, 'I was yours to be seen.'
MISHEARD: 'Darling,' she said, 'was yours too greasy?'
🎵 Read a book whose main character works in a food-related business; tell us the career
Pumpkin Spice Peril - Jenn McKinlay (MC owns bakery) 9/3
✔️17. LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS, The Beatles
ACTUAL: Lucy in the sky with diamonds
MISHEARD: Lucy's in a fight, with Linus
🎵 Read a book where two major characters get into a fight (physical or verbal); using spoiler tags, tell us who and what it was about
It's Getting Scot in Here - Suzanne Enoch 12/7
(hero punches out his brother for being a jerk to his fiance)
✔️18. ACTUAL: The girl with kaleidoscope eyes.
MISHEARD: The girl with colitis goes by.
🎵 Read a book with eyes shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
Fire Bound - Christine Feehan 9/18
✔️19. ONE THAT I WANT, John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
ACTUAL: You’re the one that I want
MISHEARD: You’re the wobbly one.
🎵 Read a book with at least one scene that leaves you feeling wobbly; your definition, but please explain
Books of Blood: Volume One - Clive Barker 11/5
(some very, very disgusting scenes that grossed even me out)
✔️20. OUR LIPS ARE SEALED, Go-Gos
ACTUAL: In the jealous games people play
MISHEARD: Even Dallas games, people play
🎵 Read a book with a character who is jealous of someone;
Rock Paper Scissors - Alice Feeney 12/16
(Robin jealous because someone stole her husband)
✔️21. THE PRETENDER, Foo Fighters
ACTUAL: What if I say I'm not like the others?
MISHEARD: One of these things is not like the others.
🎵 Read a book whose title is a question
What's a Witch to Do? - Jennifer Harlow 2/27
✔️22. ROCK AND ROLL ALL NITE, KISS
ACTUAL: I want to rock and roll all night, and party every day.
MISHEARD: I want to rock and roll all night, and part of every day.
🎵 Read a book in which a party of some kind is held;
Six Months - Dannika Dark 12/24
(We're having a house party on Friday), p49
✔️23. SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT, Nirvana
ACTUAL: A mulatto, an Albino, a mosquito, my libido.
MISHEARD: I’m a lion, I'm a vinyl, I’m a Skittle, I’m a beetle.
🎵 Read a book with at least one teen-aged character; tell us who
Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi (MC Aria, 17) 9/16
✔️24. STIR IT UP, Bob Marley
ACTUAL: Stir it up, little darlin’, stir it up.
MISHEARD: Cereal, little darlin', cereal
🎵 Read a book with a bowl shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
A Catered Thanksgiving - Isis Crawford 11/20
✔️26. SUSPICIOUS MINDS, Elvis Presley
ACTUAL: We’re caught in a trap
MISHEARD: We’re caught in a trout.
🎵 Read a book in which a character goes fishing; tell us who
Lethally Lit - Amber Boffin (Larry, Hubert) 1/9
✔️27. TAKE A CHANCE ON ME, ABBA
ACTUAL: If you change your mind, take a chance, I’m the first in line, take a chance
MISHEARD: If you change your mind Jackie Chan, I’m the first in line Jackie Chan
🎵 Read a book by a new-to-you author; post a link to the author’s GR page and tell us if you’ll read more of their work
The Witch Collector - Charissa Weaks (yes I will) 9/1
✔️28. TINY DANCER, Elton John
ACTUAL: Hold me closer tiny dancer.
MISHEARD: Hold me closer Tony Danza.
🎵 Read a book with a word in its title indicating size
The Little Black Dress - Piper James 11/15
✔️29. TWO TICKETS TO PARADISE, Eddie Money
ACTUAL: I've got two tickets to paradise
MISHEARD: I've got two chickens to paralyze
🎵 Read a book with a spelled-out cardinal number in its title (one, not 1)
Twelve Angry Librarians - Miranda James 11/6
✔️30. WE ARE FAMILY, Sister Sledge
ACTUAL: Just let me state for the record
MISHEARD: Let me just staple the vicar.
🎵 Read a book whose primary focus is a family; briefly explain
Made in the U.S.A. - Billie Letts 11/16
(plot is all about MC keeping her brother safe regardless of how it impacts herself)
✔️31. WE BUILT THIS CITY, Starship
ACTUAL: We built this city on Rock and Roll
MISHEARD: We built this city on logs and coal
🎵 Read a book with a cityscape shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
Death in the Park - London Lovett 2/6
✔️32. WE DIDN’T START THE FIRE, Bill Joel
ACTUAL: We didn’t start the fire. It was always burning since the world’s been turning.
MISHEARD: We didn't start the fire, it was always burning, said the worst attorney!
🎵 Read a book with a fire or flames shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
The Burning Sky - Sherry Thomas 10/15
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Winter 2023 Spell Challenge - Things to do in Winter Duration: December 21, 2023 - March 20, 2024
READ: 19/19
✔ R: The Rosewood Hunt - Mackenzie Reed 1/7
✔ A: After She Wrote Him - Sulari Gentill 1/18
✔ N: Rock Addiction - Nalini Singh 2/11
✔ D: Deadly Parcel - Barbara Hinske 1/4
✔ O: Oceans Between Us - Helen Scott Taylor 2/27
✔ M: The Best of Friends - Susan Mallery 12/27/23
✔ A: The Little Grave - Carolyn Arnold 1/20
✔ C: Come One Come All - Marilynn Harper 1/14
✔ T: Tempting Auzed - Victoria Aveline 12/30/23
✔ O: On the Wings of Murder - Danielle Collins 2/28
✔ F: Mulberry Mischief - Sharon Farrow 1/19
✔ K: When All the Girls Have Gone - Jayne Ann Krentz 12/26/23
✔ I: In a Badger Way - Shelly Laurenston 1/19
✔ N: Nest Egg - Josi Avari 1/26
✔ D: Delicious Monsters - Liselle Sambury 12/22/23
✔ N: The Nursery - Sue Watson 12/29/23
✔ E: Forever Your Earl - Eva Leigh 1/22
✔ S: Six Months - Dannika Dark 12/24/23
✔ S: Badger to the Bone - Shelly Laurenston 1/21
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Winter 2023 Scavenger Challenge - Things to do in Winter Duration: December 21, 2023 - March 20, 2024
READ: 23/20+
✔️1. MAKE HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE
❄ Read a book in which someone drinks a hot beverage; tell us who
When All the Girls Have Gone - Jayne Ann Krentz 12/26
(he cradled his mug of lukewarm coffee), ch26
✔️2. BUILD A SNOWMAN
❄ Read a book with snow shown prominently on the cover
Better Off Thread - Amanda Lee 12/29
3. BINGE WATCH A TV SERIES
❄ Read a book that has been made into a TV show/series; tell us the name of the show
✔️4. SOAK IN A NATURAL HOT SPRING
❄ Read a book whose title words all begin with a letter in NATURAL HOT SPRING; 3-word minimum
The Rosewood Hunt - Mackenzie Reed 1/7
✔️5. TAKE UP KNITTING
❄ Read a book in which someone participates in some sort of craft/needlework; tell us who and the craft
Nettle & Bone - T. Kingfisher (MC likes to embroider & knit) 2/15
✔️6. ATTEND A HOCKEY GAME
❄ Read a book in which someone participates in or attends some kind of sporting event; tell us who
Hot and Badgered - Shelly Laurenston (Britta, hockey) 1/6
✔️7. TAKE A COOKING CLASS
❄ Read a book with a major character who likes to cook; tell us who
If You Hear Her - Shiloh Walker (heroine) 2/10
✔️8. BUILD A BONFIRE
❄ Read a book with FIRE in the title or shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
Line of Fire - Jo Davis 1/1
✔️9. ATTEND A SHOW/CONCERT
❄ Read a book in which a major character is a performer of some kind (actor, musician); tell us who
Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Julie James (hero is an actor) 12/26
✔️10. PERFORM A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
❄ Read a book in which someone does something kind for someone else; using spoiler tags, briefly explain
Long Story Short - Jodi Taylor 1/12
(Max takes her son back in time, against regulations, to bring food and blankets to his fellow chimney sweeps in 1821 who he had to leave unexpectedly)
✔️11. HAVE A GAME NIGHT
❄ Read a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in GAME NIGHT; post a link to the author’s GR page
Undraland - Mary E. Twomey 12/28
✔️12. GO DOGSLEDDING
❄ Read a book in which the main character has a pet dog; tell us the dog’s name
My Lady Judge - Cora Harrison (Bran) 12/24
✔️13. START A SCRAPBOOK
❄ Read a book whose cover art is a photo (not an illustration, cartoonish); post the cover
The Little Grave - Carolyn Arnold 1/20
✔️14. VISIT A MUSEUM
❄ Read a book with HISTORY or HISTORICAL on its main GR page
Forever Your Earl - Eva Leigh 1/22
✔️15. COMPLETE A JIGSAW PUZZLE
❄ Read a book that gives the reader some sort of puzzle to solve; using spoiler tags, briefly explain
Murder with Earl Grey Tea - Karen Rose Smith (murder mystery) 2/3
✔️16. GO ICE FISHING
❄ Read a book with a verb ending in ING in the title
Saving Verakko - Victoria Aveline 12/23
✔️17. TRY A NEW RESTAURANT
❄ Read a book in which a major character eats out at least once; tell us who
The Year of the Fox - Merren Tait (hero and heroine) 12/30
✔️18. CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET
❄ Read a book from the first page of your to-read list, sorted in whatever way you choose
The Society of Imaginary Friends - Kristen Pham 12/28
✔️19. GO BOWLING
❄ Read a book with a round object shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
Blood Drive - Jeanne C. Stein (giant moon) 1/21
✔️20. VISIT AN ESCAPE ROOM
❄ Read a book in which a major character must escape from a dangerous situation; using spoiler tags, briefly explain
Tempting Auzed - Victoria Aveline 12/30
(heroine is abducted from Earth by aliens and must escape)
✔️21. GO STARGAZING
❄ Read a book with an expanse of night sky shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
Murder Above the Fold - ReGina Welling & Erin Lynn 2/21
✔️22. BAKE BREAD AND/OR COOKIES
❄ Read a book with some sort of baked good/s shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
Meet Your Baker - Ellie Alexander 1/11
✔️23. PLAN A VACATION
❄ Read a book set in a country other than your own; tell us where you live and where the book is set
Lethally Lit - Amber Boffin (Canada, I live in US) 1/9
✔️24. VISIT A DISTILLERY
❄ Read a book in which some sort of liquor/beer/wine is mentioned; tell us the page/location number and quote the excerpt
The Wolf and the Witch - Charissa Weaks 1/3
(he's likely still steeped in liquor), p22
✔️25. READ BY THE FIRE
❄ Read a book whose main character works with books in some way (author, bookseller, librarian) or with books shown prominently on the cover; post the cover
After She Wrote Him - Sulari Gentill (MCs are authors) 1/18
Quirky Q Duration: January 1 - June 30, 2024
READ: 30/30
✔ 1. qat:
Read a book set in the Middle East or Africa (tell us the country) -or- read a book which has tea things on the cover (post the cover).
Murder with Earl Grey Tea - Karen Rose Smith 2/3
✔ 2. qigong:
Read a book set in China -or- read a book in which a main character either uses meditation to calm themselves or faces a situation where meditation would help (tell us how your book fits; use spoiler tags if needed).
The Force of Wind - Elizabeth Hunter 3/16
✔ 3. quacksalver:
Read a book in which someone pretends to be someone/something they are not -or- read a book whose MC is in the medical profession (tell us what).
Forever Your Earl - Eva Leigh (heroine pretends to be a boy) 1/22
✔ 4. quadragesimal:
Read a book with an intact 40 in its total number of pages (tell us the number of pages) -or- read a book in which someone observes a religious ritual or ceremony (tell us what and which religion).
Badger to the Bone - Shelly Laurenston (406 pages) 1/21
✔ 5. quadrivium:
Read a nonfiction book about any of the 4 arts mentioned (tell us which the book pertains to if not obvious) -or- read a book set in academia.
The Teacher - Freida McFadden (set in a high school) 2/27
✔ 6. quaestor:
Read a book with a character in the local government -or- read a book whose title contains at least four different vowels.
Meet Your Baker - Ellie Alexander (A,E,O,U) 1/11
✔ 7. quantimeter:
Read a book whose title or author's first or last name begins with an X -or- read a book in which an X-ray is taken (tell us whose and why; use spoiler tags if needed).
Iron Widow - Xiran Jay Zhao 2/9
✔ 8. quaquaversal:
Read a book that has some sort of directional representation on the cover (a weathervane, a signpost etc., post the cover) -or- read a book with a dome shaped object (post the cover).
Gilded - Marissa Meyer 3/22
✔ 9. quarter light:
Read a book with a car on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book set in England.
Long Story Short - Jodi Taylor 1/12
✔ 10. quatrayle:
Read a book with at least two POVS, belonging to two different time period(tell us when your POVs are set) -or- read a book whose title contains a familial relationship word.
Her Little Flowers - Shannon Morgan 3/17
((Bree in 1969 and Francine in 2024)
✔ 11. queenright:
Read a book with an insect on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book containing a member of the royalty (for the purpose of this task, king, queen, prince, princess or equivalent!)
Death in the Park - London Lovett (firefly) 2/6
✔ 12. quena:
Read a book set in South America (tell us where) -or- read a book with a musical instrument on the cover (post the cover).
The Hush - Skye Melki-Wegner 2/14
✔ 13. quenouille:
Read a book whose cover shows a conical tree (post the cover) -or- read a book in which a character likes to garden (tell us who).
Nettle & Bone - T. Kingfisher (Marra) 2/15
✔ 14. querimonious:
Read a book that you have a ton of complaints about -or- read a book with a complaining or whiny character (tell us who).
And There He Kept Her - Joshua Moehling 2/9
✔ 15. quetzal:
Read a book whose title in written in red or green (show us the book cover) -or- read a book whose title has the name of a bird intact by itself.
Dead Run - P.J. Tracy 1/6
✔ 16. quicquidlibet:
Read any book you choose, anything whatsoever. (This one doesn't have a page number requirement, if you have a 100-page book, go for it).
The Ghost Hunter Next Door - Danielle Garrett 1/9
✔ 17. quiddity:
Read a book with an eccentric character (tell us who) -or- read a book that both tells and shows a character perfectly (your interpretation; but something like a book telling you a character is a genius and actually showing them as one would work. On the other hand, if the book says a character is kind but all their actions come across as judgmental or harsh, that wouldn't work. Tell us how your book fits).
Hot and Badgered - Shelly Laurenston (Max) 1/6
✔ 18. quidnunc:
Read a book with a quidnunc character (tell us who) -or- read a book whose title is a question (quid nunc is literally what now?)
Meet Your Baker - Ellie Alexander (Juliet) 1/11
✔ 19. quietus:
Read a book whose title contains the word DEATH -or- read the final book of a finished series (tell us the series).
If You Know Her - Shiloh Walker (The Ash Trilogy #3) 2/17
✔ 20. quinella:
Pick two books from your TBR shelf that you think will be 5-star reads for you and read both. Tell us which one you liked better.
The Wolf and the Witch - Charissa Weaks 1/3
Breaking Badger - Shelly Laurenston 1/25 [liked better]
✔ 21. quintal:
Read a book whose total number of pages is a multiple of 100 (tell the total number of pages) -or- read a book that is heavy (>500 pages; tell us the number of pages).
The Forever Girl - Jill Shalvis (400 pages) 1/28
✔ 22. quinzhee:
Read a book set in Canada -or- read a book with snow on the cover.
Lethally Lit - Amber Boffin 1/9
✔ 23. quipu:
Read a bookwith yarn, cord or rope on the cover (post the cover) -or- reread a book that you've forgotten the plot to.
Death of a Knit Wit - Peggy Ehrhart 2/26
✔ 24. quisling:
Read a book set in Norway (quisling comes from the Norwegian Vidkun Quisling, who collaborated with Hitler) -or- read a book in which someone trusted betrays the main character (tell us how your book fits, use spoiler tags if necessary).
Love Hard - Nalini Singh 2/22
(heroine's ex-husband posts a photoshopped picture of her in a compromising position)
✔ 25. quisquous: (Scottish, rare)
Read a book that is hard to deal with for whatever reason (your interpretation; tell us why) -or- read a book from this list: Best Twists (tell us your book's position on the list).
If You Hear Her - Shiloh Walker (about a serial rapist) 2/10
✔ 26. quodlibetificate:
Read a book in which two or more people argue over something minor (tell us how your book fits) -or- read a book that is a retelling of a fairy tale or a classic.
Aurora Burning - Amie Kaufman 3/9
(two aliens argue over which channel to watch on the television)
✔ 27. quoin:
Read a book whose cover shows a building at an angle (that is, not just the front or the back, it should show some of the side wall as well; post the cover) -or- read a book whose cover shows an arch of some sort (post the cover)
Cloche and Dagger - Jenn McKinlay 3/16
✔ 28. quoll:
Read a book set in Australia -or- read a book whose cover shows something spotted (post the cover)
After She Wrote Him - Sulari Gentill 1/18
✔ 29. quomodocunquize:
Read a bestselling book -or- read a book with a speaking character who makes money in a shady way (tell us who and how they make money, use spoiler tags if needed)
Born to Be Badger - Shelly Laurenston 1/31
(MCs family are art thieves)
✔ 30. quotha: (archaic)
Read a book that surprised you in some way (good or bad is up to you, tell us how the book fits)
Oceans Between Us - Helen Scott Taylor 2/27
(had mediocre reviews but I really liked it)
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
National Hot Breakfast Month Duration: February 1 – April 30, 20254
READ: 12/12
✔ 1. Some historians claim that the first breakfasts were a type of porridge eaten during the Stone Age and dating back to 9600 BCE.
🍳 Read a book with a total page count including either "96" or "00" intact (tell us how many pages) - or - a book marked HISTORY on the main Goodreads page.
On the Wings of Murder - Danielle Collins (200 pages) 2/28
✔ 2. In the 17th and 18th centuries, most social classes began to eat breakfast each morning. Rich families even had special breakfast rooms.
🥓 Read a book with a wealthy main character (tell us who) - or - a book showing the inside of a room on the cover (show us the cover).
The Last Word - Ellery Adams (Olivia Limoges) 3/29
✔ 3. With the advent of the industrial revolution in the 1800s, workers would eat an early-morning meal to get them through the day.
🥣 Read a book set in the 1800s - or - a book whose title starts with a letter in MEAL (disregard A, An, The).
Avenging Adam - Jodi Burnett 2/18
✔ 4. According to Guinness World Records, on August 16, 2015, breakfast broke a record with the most people eating breakfast in bed--418 at the Sheraton Langfang Chaobai River Hotel in China.
🥞 Read a book with a scene set in a hotel (or other similar spot like a B&B or hostel; tell us where) - or - a book with the first letter of all title words in LANGFANGCHAOBAI (three word minimum).
Murder in the Mystery Suite - Ellery Adams 3/9
Activities:
✔ 5. Raising kids and keeping the family moving and on schedule is a full-time task. A good way to squeeze in some family time and a hot breakfast is to cook it together as a family.
🥯 Read a book with a family-related scene of some kind (a dinner or other gathering, etc.; be creative and briefly tell us what) - or - a book whose title contains a familial relationship of some kind (like brother, cousin, dad, etc.).
Cream of the Crop - Alice Clayton 2/7
(heroine's family has forced Sunday dinners)
✔ 6. Choose a breakfast-themed movie, like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” or “The Breakfast Club” and serve a hot breakfast for dinner while you watch.
🍳 Read a book with the word "breakfast" somewhere in the text (give us page/loc and a brief excerpt) - or - a book with a compound word in the title.
Softly at Sunrise - Maya Banks 2/5
Quotes:
✔ 7. "What nicer thing can you do for somebody than make them breakfast?" -Anthony Bourdain
🍩 Read a book whose title is a question - or - a book where the author's FIRST name starts with A or the author's LAST name starts with B.
What's a Witch to Do? - Jennifer Harlow 2/27
✔ 8. "Breakfast is a love letter to yourself, an act of self-care." -Unknown
🥐 Read a book with a heart on the cover (show us the cover) - or - a book with a one-word title (all words count).
Heather- Chris Keniston 2/17
COMPLETE 4 OF THE 8 TASKS BELOW - You do not need to choose in advance.
✔ 9. Hot toast with peanut/almond/cashew butter, bananas sliced up, and chia seeds sprinkled over the top.
🧇 Read a book whose title starts with a letter in TOAST (disregard A, An, The).
Alone in the Woods - Charly Cox 3/13
✔ 13. Overnight egg bakes allow for much less work to do in the morning.
🧇 Read a book with a night scene on the cover (show us the cover).
Murder at Haven's Rock - Kelley Armstrong 3/7
✔ 15. Sweet potato and black bean stuffed breakfast burrito, Spinach, Mushroom & Feta Breakfast Wrap, Cinnamon French Toast Wrap, or any variety you can come up with.
🧇 Read a book with a word in the title that ENDS with a vowel (like potato or burrito).
Using Fejo - Victoria Aveline 2/3
✔ 16. Strawberry-Ricotta Waffle Sandwich (Other seasonal fruit, such as blueberries or sliced peaches, would be tasty toppers too.)
🧇Read a book with sandwiched letters in the title (such as act-IVI-ties).
Releasing Maladek - Victoria Aveline (A-L-A) 2/5
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Odd Holidays in March Duration: March 1 – August 31, 2025
READ: 25/25
✅March 1 - Employee Appreciation Day
*Read a book with some kind of employer/employee relationship (tell us who) - or - a book originally published in a year beginning with "19."
Iron Lake - William Kent Krueger (pub August 1998) 3/28
✅March 2 - Dr. Seuss's Birthday
*Read a book tagged as children's or middle grade (must still meet the 150-page rule) - or - a book with two rhyming words in the title.
The Collector - K.R. Alexander (224 pages) 4/13
✅March 3 - National Anthem Day
*Read a book where music is an important part of the story (briefly tell us how) - or - a book with a politician character (tell us who).
Rock Courtship - Nalini Singh (hero is a drummer in a rock band) 4/14
✅March 4 - National Hug a G.I. Day
*Read a book with any military character, current or retired, any country (tell us who and what branch/country) - or - a book with a publication year ending in "4."
The Butcher of the Forest - Premee Mohamed (pub Feb 27, 2024) 3/26
✅March 5 - National Cheese Doodle Day
*Read a book with a predominantly orange cover (show us the cover) - or - a book whose title has a word containing "CH."
Cloche and Dagger - Jenn McKinlay 3/16
✅March 6 - National Dress Day
*Read a book with a dress shown on the cover - or - a book with a character in the fashion business (designer, model, etc.; tell us who and the job).
Their Fractured Light - Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner 4/6
✅March 7 - National Be Heard Day
*Read a book in which the main character owns his/her own business (tell us who) - or - a book in an office/company setting.
The Final Score - Jaci Burton (Mia, sports management company) 3/31
✅March 8 - National Proofreading Day
*Read a book with a MAIN character in the publication business (writer, editor, etc.; tell us who and the job) - or - a book with a compound word in the title.
Murder in the Paperback Parlor - Ellery Adams 3/3
✅March 9 - World Kidney Day
*Read a book in which someone is sick (not injured, but ill; tell us who) - or - a non-fiction book about health or well-being.
Plan for the Worst - Jodi Taylor (MC gets cholera) 4/6
✅March 10 - Middle Name Pride Day
*Read a book by an author who uses a middle name (not just an initial, but a middle name) - or - a book with a five-letter word in the title.
Alone in the Woods - Charly Cox 3/13
✅March 11 - Worship of Tools Day
*Read a book by a male author - or - a book with a MAIN character who uses tools on a regular basis for their job or hobby (tell us who and why they need to use tools).
IRON LAKE works here too
Kill Me If You Can - Marshall Karp & James Patterson 4/7
✅March 12 - Alfred Hitchcock Day
*Read a book by a MALE author whose FIRST name starts with A or whose LAST name starts with H - or - a book with an intact "50" in the number of pages.
Gilded - Marissa Meyer (502 pages) 3/22
✅March 13 - Smart & Sexy Day
*Read a book with a kick-ass MAIN female character (tell us who) - or - a book with a title that includes the intact word "AND."
True Dead - Faith Hunter (Jane Yellowrock) 3/23
✅March 14 - Learn about Butterflies Day
*Read a book with some sort of insect on the cover (show us the cover) - or - a book with more than 20,000 ratings (tell us how many).
Aurora Rising - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff (66,812 ratings) 3/2
✅March 15 - Buzzards Day
*Read a book with a bird (of any kind) on the cover (show us the cover) - or - a book set in the spring (March, April, May).
Crescent Calling - Nicole R. Taylor (April) 3/6
✅March 16 - Absolutely Incredible Kid Day
*Read a book marked young adult on the main genre page - or - a book with a positive message that you might share with a child in your life (briefly tell us what your message would be).
Aurora Burning - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff 3/9
✅March 17 - Doctor/Patient Trust Dayoctor for their hard work, or schedule that long overdue check-up you've been putting off.
*Read a book with a MAIN character who is a health professional (doctor, nurse, EMT, etc.; tell us who and the profession) - or - a book with some sort of punctuation in the title.
Aurora's End - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff 3/15
✅March 18-24 - National Introverts Week
*Read a book with a MAIN character who is wealthy and successful (tell us who) - or - a book by an author whose LAST name begins with "I" or "E."
The Last Word - Ellery Adams (Olivia Limoges) 3/29
✅March 25 - National Tolkien Reading Day
*Read a book by an author who writes in the FANTASY genre (even if your book is not; tell us an example of a fantasy book by this author) - or - a book by a new-to-you author.
In the Wick of Time - Valona Jones 3/11
✅March 26 - National Spinach Day
*Read a book with a mostly green cover (show us the cover) - or a book set in California, Arizona, or New Jersey.
Dead Witch on a Bridge - Gretchen Galway 3/31
✅March 27- National Scribble Day
*Read a book with a creative character who produces art of some kind (tell us who and what) - or - a book published in March of any year (tell us when).
Spelunking Through Hell - Seanan McGuire (pub March 1, 2022) 3/4
✅March 28 - Respect Your Cat Day
*Read a book with a cat as an important part of the story (tell us the cat's name) - or - a book with the letters C-A-T in the title (in that order, but not necessarily in the same word).
Final Heir - Faith Hunter (Beast) 3/27
✅March 29 - National Vietnam War Veterans Day
*Read a book set in Eastern Asia (China, Japan, North and South Korea, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, or Malaysia); tell us which country - or - a book which takes place during wartime (tell us which war is involved).
The Force of Wind - Elizabeth Hunter 3/16
✅March 30 - National Take a Walk in the Park Day
*Read a book with an outdoor scene on the cover (show us the cover) - or - a book with a MAIN character who has a job that allows him/her to mostly work outdoors (tell us who and the job).
Murder in the Mystery Suite - Ellery Adams 3/9
✅March 31 - National Crayon Day
*Read a book with a color word in the title or author's name (it should be a color alone, NOT part of another word) - or - a book with an "X" somewhere in the title or author's name.
A Batter of Life and Death - Ellie Alexander 4/9
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Pop-Tarts! Duration: March 1 - April 30, 2024
READ: 20/20
✔ 1) Pop-tarts are called "toaster pastries" but when I found a recipe for homemade pop-tarts, they were referred to as a form of hand-pie. The "pastry" *is* a lot like a pie crust, if you think about it.
Read a book that has a pie on the cover (post the cover) OR read a book the first or last initial of the author is found in the phrase "hand pie".
Murder in the Paperback Parlor - Ellery Adams 3/3
✔ 2) Pop-tarts were introduced by Kellogg in 1964. Post, which was Kellogg's biggest competitor, announced that they were going to go to market with a foil-wrapped filled pastry that didn't need to be refrigerated. Unfortunately, Post announced it before they were ready to actually *sell* it, so Kellogg raced to get their own product to the market, and developed it in four months.
Read a book with some kind of competition in it (using spoiler tags if necessary, tell us what) OR where the publication date or the page count contains a "4".
The Butcher of the Forest - Premee Mohamed (pub Feb 27, 2024) 3/26
✔ 3) Originally unfrosted, Pop-Tarts are fully cooked but can be re-heated in the toaster. The flavors were blueberry, strawberry, brown-sugar cinnamon and apple-berry. A version of all four of those flavors is still available lo these 60 years later.
Read a book that is set in the 1960s (tell us when the book is set) OR read a book with a cover that is prominently blue, red, gold or beige/tan (post the cover).
Chicken Pesto Murder - Patti Benning 4/19
✔ 4) The first frosted Pop-tarts came out in 1967. The hold-up? Making a frosting that would work in a toaster. Sprinkles followed on some varieties a year later.
Read a book with something sweet on the cover (your interpretation, doesn't have to be food, post the cover) OR read a book where someone improves on something they're already doing (your interpretation, using spoiler tags if necessary tell us who and what they did).
Aurora Burning - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff 3/9
(Tyler was not the ACE pilot Cat was but he made do until he mastered it himself)
✔ 5) Pop-tarts have been air-dropped into Afghanistan (2001), touted in popular culture (Family Guy) and in 2023, a giant pop-tart was mascot at the college football Pop-Tarts Bowl until it descended into a giant toaster and was eaten by the winning team.
Read a book where someone flies somewhere, watches television, or goes to or watches a sporting event (tell us who and which) OR read a book someone does something that you find in questionable taste (your interpretation, using spoiler tags if necessary, tell us who and what).
Aurora's End - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff 3/15
(MCs are in space and are constantly "flying" somewhere to protect the universe)
✔ 6) At any time, Kellanova (formerly Kellogg's before some company reorganizations) has between 20 and 30 flavors of Pop-tart in production. The current offering forms much of the spelling list that appears below. Spell whichever one you want, but also tell us what flavor is actually your favorite if you have one! :)
Read a book that has between 20 and 30 chapters (inclusive, tell us how many chapters) OR read a book with any breakfast food or any pastry-type food *other than pie* on the cover (post the cover)
Don't Die, Dragonfly - Linda Joy Singleton (28 chapters) 4/15
Spell-out words
✔ B: Bayou Book Thief - Ellen Byron 3/18
✔ R: The Rain Watcher - Tatiana de Rosnay 4/25
✔ E: The Force of Wind - Elizabeth Hunter 3/16
✔ A: Aurora's End - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff 3/15
✔ K: Iron Lake - William Kent Krueger 3/28
✔ F: Final Heir - Faith Hunter 3/27
✔ A: Alone in the Woods - Charly Cox 3/13
✔ S: Spelunking Through Hell - Seanan McGuire 3/4
✔ T: True Dead - Faith Hunter 3/23
✔ M: Murder in the Secret Garden - Ellery Adams 4/17
✔ A: The Collector - K.R. Alexander 4/13
✔ P: Plan for the Worst - Jodi Taylor 4/6
✔ L: Love's Funny That Way - Pamela Burford 4/7
✔ E: How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse - K. Eason 4/19
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
No Way! A Trip Around the World Start Date: August 1, 2023
End Date: April 17, 2024
READ: 268/250
COUNTRIES DONE: 50/50
✔️1. ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Population: 1,452,057
Must see: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al-Hosn
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in EMIRATES
Echo in Time - Lindsey Fairleigh 2/2/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in ABUDHABI
No Good Tea Goes Unpunished - Bree Baker 9/29/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-2-4-5-5-7-0
Buns - Alice Clayton (320 pages) 2/16/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in MOSQUE
The Vow - Dannika Dark (Oklahoma) 9/7/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character's FIRST initial can be found in ALHOSN
Belle Manor Haunting - Cheryl Bradshaw (Addison) 11/30/23
✔️2. ACAPULCO, MEXICO
Population: 687,608
Must see: La Quebrada Cliff Divers, Fort of San Diego
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in MEXICO
Murder with Earl Grey Tea - Karen Rose Smith 2/3/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in ACAPULCO
The Toybox - Charly Cox 10/12/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 6-6-7-8-8-0
Someone Like You - Kait Nolan (186 psges) 2/29/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in CLIFFDIVERS
23rd Midnight - James Patterson & Maxine Paetro (California) 10/8/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in SANDIEGO
Freeing Luka - Victoria Aveline (Alice) 11/28/23
* BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Mexico
✔️3. ATHENS, GREECE
Population: 3,090,508
Must see: Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in GREECE
Guardian of Shadows - Michelle Manus 1/29/24
✔ * Read a book by an whose author first AND last initials can be found in ATHENS
Ledge - Stacey McEwan 10/9/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 3-5-8-9-0-0-0
Resisting Maxu - Victoria Aveline (405 pages) 2/24/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in ACROPOLIS
Earth Bound - Christine Feehan (California) 9/15/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in OLYMPIAN
Viking Warrior Rising - Asa Maria Bradley (Leif) 11/17/23
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Greece
Herc - Phoenicia Rogerson 10/20 /23
✔️4. AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Population: 1,628,900
Must see: Rangitoto Island, Great Barrier Island
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in NEWZEALAND
The Wolf and the Witch - Charissa Weaks 1/3/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in AUCKLAND
Birder, She Wrote - Donna Andrews 9/30/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-2-6-8-9-0-0
Judgment Road - Christine Feehan (426 pages) 2/20/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in RANGITOTO
Flea Market Magic - Bella Falls (North Carolina) 9/2 /23
✔ * Read a book whose main character's FIRST initial can be found in GREATBARRIER
Hidden Huntress - Danielle L. Jensen (Tristan) 11/20/23
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from New Zealand
Cherish Hard - Nalini Singh 9/5/23
✔️5. BANGKOK, THAILAND
Population: 8,280,925
Must see: Temple of the Golden Buddha, Chatuchak Market
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in THAILAND
Hot and Badgered - Shelly Laurenston 1/6/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in BANGKOK
You'd Be Home Now - Kathleen Glasgow 9/24/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 2-2-5-8-8-9-0
Oceans Between Us - Helen Scott Taylor (159 pages) 2/27/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in GOLDEN
You Are Not Alone - Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen (New York) 9/4
✔ * Read a book whose main character's FIRST initial can be found in CHATUCHAK
City of Ruin - Charissa Weaks (Alexus) 11/15/23
✔️6. BARCELONA, SPAIN
Population: 1,600,134
Must see: Picasso Museum, Montserrat Mountains & Monastery
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in SPAIN
Softly at Sunrise - Maya Banks 2/5/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in BARCELONA
For Whom the Book Tolls - Laura Gail Black 9/10/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-1-3-4-6-0-0
Barbarian Alien - Ruby Dixon (336 pages) 2/15/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in PICASSO
Pumpkin Spice Peril - Jenn McKinlay (Arizona) 9/3/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in MONTSERRAT
The Child of Venlet - K.C. Nuzum (Tane) 11/12/23
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Spain
Whales and a Watery Grave - Ruby Loren 11/2/23
✔️7. BEIJING, CHINA
Population: 21,150,000
Must see: Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in CHINA
Iron Widow - Xiran Jay Zhao 2/9/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in BEIJING
Death Knells and Wedding Bells - Eva Gates 10/22/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-1-2-5-0-0-0-0
Breakdown - Daniel Pyle (171 pages) 2/19/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in GREATWALL
Unsettled Ground - Claire Fuller (England) 9/25/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in TIANANMEN
The September House - Carissa Orlando (Margaret) 11/6/23
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from China
Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix - C.B. Lee 11/25/23
✔️8. BERLIN, GERMANY
Population: 3,515,311
Must see: Brandenburg gate, Checkpoint Charlie
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in GERMANY
Nest Egg - Josi Avari 1/26/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in BERLIN
Made in the U.S.A. - Billie Letts 11/16/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-1-1-3-3-5-5
Watch For Ice - Leslie J. Hall (333 pages) 2/18/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in BRANDENBURG
Force of Nature - Jane Harper (Australia) 11/4/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in CHARLIE
Twelve Angry Librarians - Miranda James (Charlie) 11/6/23
✔️9. BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Population: 1,830,000
Must see: Musical Instruments Museum, Atomium
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in BELGIUM
Line of Fire - Jo Davis 1/1/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in BRUSSELS
Chasm - Stacey McEwan 10/21/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-3-8-0-0-0-0
Death of a Knit Wit - Peggy Ehrhart (320 pages) 2/26/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in MUSICAL
Unseen - Jana Deleon (Louisiana) 9/20/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in ATOMIUM
Books of Blood: Volume One - Clive Barker (Mahagany) 11/5/23
✔️10. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Population: 1,746,921
Must see: Danube River, Chain Bridge
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in HUNGARY
Unlawful Contact - Pamela Clare 1/23/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in BUDAPEST
Murder in the Book Lover's Loft - Ellery Adams 9/8/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-1-2-4-6-7-9
Murder in the Paperback Parlor - Ellery Adams (271 pages) 3/3/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in DANUBE
Just Haven't Met You Yet - Sophie Cousens (England) 9/9/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in CHAIN
Midnight Showing - Megan Shepherd (Haven) 11/8/23
✔️11. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Population: 433,688
Must see: Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in AFRICA
The Forever Girl - Jill Shalvis 1/28/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in CAPETOWN
Uncharted - Erin Cashman 10/22/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 3-3-4-6-8-8
Love Hard - Nalini Singh (344 pages) 2/22/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in TABLE
Forced to Flee - Terri Reed (Texas) 9/17/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in GOODHOPE
Silver Linings - Jayne Ann Krentz (Hugh) 11/4/23
✔️12. DUBLIN, IRELAND
Population: 527,612
Must see: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, The Book of Kells
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in IRELAND
Deadly Parcel - Barbara Hinske 1/4/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in DUBLIN
Fragile - Lisa Unger 9/19/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-2-2-5-6-7
Crescent Calling - Nicole R. Taylor (214 pages) 3/6/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in PATRICK
You Say It First - Susan Mallery (California) 9/28/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in KELLS
Undraland - Mary E. Twomey (Lucy) 12/28/23
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Ireland
The Becoming - Nora Roberts 8/6/23
continued...✔️13. GABORONE, BOTSWANA
Population: 230,000
Must see: Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Three Chiefs’ Statue
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in BOTSWANA
Badger to the Bone - Shelly Laurenston 1/21/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in GABORONE
book:Spells & Shelves|44083121] - Elle Adams 11/29/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 2-3-0-0-0-0
Spelunking Through Hell - Seanan McGuire (392 pages) 3/4/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in MOKOLODI
Heart of Fire - Bec McMaster (Iceland) 10/28/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in CHIEFS
When All the Girls Have Gone - Jayne Ann Krentz (Charlotte) 12/26/23
✔️14. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
Population: 596,550
Must see: The Glenlee (Tall Ship), Glasgow Science Center
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in SCOTLAND
Telling Lies - L.A. Dobbs 1/27/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in GLASGOW
Other Birds - Sarah Addison Allen 10/12/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 5-5-5-6-9-0
The Hanging City - Charlie N. Holmberg (335 pages) 2/25/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in GLENLEE
Never Lie - Freida McFadden (New York) 10/2/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in SCIENCE
Calculated Risks - Seanan McGuire (Sarah) 11/11/23
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Scotland
Thistles and Thieves - Molly MacRae 3/30/24
✔️15. THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS
Population: 515,880
Must see: The Peace Palace, Ridderzaal
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in NETHERLANDS
Releasing Maladek - Victoria Aveline 2/5/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in THEHAGUE
The Last Remains - Elly Griffiths 9/3/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-5-5-8-8-0
In the Wick of Time - Valona Jones (288 pages) 3/11/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in PEACE
Bound Together - Christine Feehan (California) 9/22/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in RIDDERZAAL
Grave Witch - Kalayna Price (Alex) 11/3/23
✔️16. HANOI, VIETNAM
Population: 2,638,810
Must see: Ho Chi Minh Museum, Water Puppet Theater
✔ * Read a book whose title begins wit ha letter in VIETNAM
If You Hear Her - Shiloh Walker 2/10/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in HANOI
Sweep with Me - Ilona Andrews 10/10/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-2-3-5-8-8-0
What's a Witch to Do? - Jennifer Harlow (323 pages) 2/27/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in HOCHIMINH
Unnatural Causes - Dawn Eastman (Michigan) 10/11/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in WATERPUPPET
Snowed in with Grumpy - Olivia Noble (Ava) 12/20/23
✔️17. HAVANA, CUBA
Population: 2,198,363
Must see: Old Havana, El Morro
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in CUBA
Using Fejo - Victoria Aveline 2/3/24
✔ * Read a book by an whose author first OR last initial can be found in HAVANA
Unfortunate Elements of My Anatomy - Hailey Piper 9/24/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-2-3-3-6-8-9
Murder at Haven's Rock - Kelley Armstrong (352 pages) 3/7/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in OLDHAVANA
Imaginary Numbers - Seanan McGuire (Oregon) 10/25/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in ELMORRO
Better Off Thread - Amanda Lee (Marcy) 12/29/23
✔️18. ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Population: 14,413,739
Must see: Grand Bazaar, Sultan Ahmed Mosque
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in TURKEY
Rock Addiction - Nalini Singh 2/11/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in ISTANBUL
The Burning Sky - Sherry Thomas 10/15/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-1-3-4-4-7-9
Aurora Burning - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff (495 pages) 3/9/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in GRANDBAZAAR
Rebel Hard - Nalini Singh (New Zealand) 10/31/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in SULTAN
The Game Bird - Aidan R. Walsh (Sophia) 12/19/23
✔️19. JAKARTA, INDONESIA
Population: 10,187,595
Must see: Kota Tua, Jin De Yuan
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in INDONESIA
Devil and the Deep Blue Lake - Amy Cissell 2/4/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first OR last initial can be found in JAKARTA
Cold Blooded Liar - Karen Rose 9/13/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-1-5-5-6-8-9-0
Aurora's End - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff (496 pages) 3/15/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in KOTATUA
Down & Out Witch - Sami Valentine (Oklahoma) 10/26/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character's FIRST initial can be found in JINDEYUAN
The Best of Friends - Susan Mallery (Jayne) 12/27/23
✔️20. JERUSALEM, ISRAEL
Population: 801,000
Must see: Wailing Wall, Gethsemane
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with letter in ISRAEL
And There He Kept Her - Joshua Moehling 2/9/24
✔ * Read a book by an author first AND last initials can be found in JERUSALEM
You Betrayed Me - Lisa Jackson 9/5/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least ONE of these numbers: 1-8-0-0-0-0
The Teacher - Freida McFadden (400 pages) 2/27/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in WAILING
Malice House - Megan Shepherd (Washington) 10/5/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in GETHSEMANE
Wed, Read & Dead - V.M. Burns (Samantha) 12/18/23
✔️21. KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
Population: 3,289,000
Must see: Qargha Lake, Darul Aman Palace
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in AFGHANISTAN
Angels Soaring - Harriet Carlton 8/5/23
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in KABUL
Death Overdue - Allison Brook 11/9/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 2-3-8-9-0-0-0
On the Wings of Murder - Danielle Collins (200 pages) 2/28/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in QARGHA
Death, Taxes, and Hot-Pink Leg Warmers - Diane Kelly (Texas) 10/6
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in DARULAMAN
Voices in the Snow - Darcy Coates (Dorran) 12/22/23
✔️22. KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Population: 975,453
Must see: Mount Everest, Royal Botanical Gardens
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in NEPAL
Nettle & Bone - T. Kingfisher 2/15/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in KATHMANDU
A Queen of Thieves & Chaos - K.A. Tucker 9/26/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 3-4-5-5-7-9
Bayou Book Thief - Ellen Byron (304 pages) 3/18/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in EVEREST
The Librarian of Crooked Lane - C.J. Archer (England) 10/25/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in GARDENS
Statue of Limitations - Kate Collins (Athena) 12/17/23
✔️23. KRAKOW, POLAND
Population: 760,000
Must see: Auschwitz, Wieliczka Salt Mine
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in POLAND
Death in the Park - London Lovett 2/6/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in KRAKOW
The Boy Who Cried Bear - Kelley Armstrong 4/28/24
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least ONE of these numbers: 6-7-0-0-0-0
The Butcher of the Forest - Premee Mohamed (160 pages) 3/26/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in AUSCHWITZ
Spells for Forgetting - Adrienne Young (Washington) 9/2/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in WIELICZKA
A Dawn of Onyx - Kate Golden (Arwen) 12/17/23
✔️24. KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Population: 31,381,992
Must see: Petronas Towers, Batu Caves
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in MALAYSIA
Avenging Adam - Jodi Burnett 2/18/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in KUALALUMPUR
Frozen Tides - Morgan Rhodes 9/9/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-1-2-3-3-8-9-9
Deep Water - Emma Bamford (310 pages) 2/29/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in PETRONAS
The Alpha - Dannika Dark (Texas) 9/10/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character's FIRST initial can be found in BATUCAVES
The Society of Imaginary Friends - Kristen Pham (Valerie) 12/28/23
continued...✔️25. KYOTO, JAPAN
Population: 1,469,604
Must see: Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in JAPAN
Aurora Rising - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff 3/2/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first OR last initial can be found in KYOTO
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings - Kate Young 9/6/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-4-4-6-6-9-0
Final Heir - Faith Hunter (464 pages) 3/27/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in KINKAKUJI
The Year of the Fox - Merren Tait (New Zealand) 12/30/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in ARASHIYAMA
Rock Paper Scissors - Alice Feeney (Adam) 12/16/23
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Japan
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library - Michiko Aoyama 11/22
✔️26. LONDON, ENGLAND
Population: 8,416,535
Must see: Buckingham Palace, London Bridge
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in ENGLAND
Alone in the Woods - Charly Cox 3/13
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first OR last initial can be found in LONDON
Untethered Sky - Fonda Lee 10/7/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-3-4-5-5-6-8
Her Little Flowers - Shannon Morgan (368 pages) 3/17/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in BUCKINGHAM
Gone with the Whisker - Laurie Cass (Michigan) 10/15/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in BRIDGE
Forever Your Earl - Eva Leigh (Eleanor) 1/22
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from England
Smoke and Mirrors - Elly Griffiths 2/22/24
✔️27. MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
Population: 988,281
Must see: Medersa Ben Youssef, Djemaa El Fna
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in MOROCCO
Opal Smoke - Stephanie Fazio 8/28/23
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in MARRAKECH
Forever Neverland - Heather Killough-Walden 8/18/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-2-8-8-8-9
Their Fractured Light - Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner (428 pages) 4/6/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in MEDERSA
The Taken Ones - Jess Lourey (Minnesota) 10/17/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character's FIRST initial can be found in DJEMAA
Wicked Fix - Sarah Graves (Jacobia) 12/14/23
✔️28. MOSCOW, RUSSIA
Population: 12,111,194
Must see: The Kremlin, The Bolshoi Ballet
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in RUSSIA
If You See Her - Shiloh Walker 2/12/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in MOSCOW
The Witch Collector - Charissa Weaks 9/1/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-1-1-1-1-2-4-9
Plan for the Worst - Jodi Taylor (495 pages) 4/6/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in KREMLIN
Hell House - Richard Matheson (Maine) 9/20/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in BOLSHOI
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn - Mark Lawrence (Livira) 12/9/23
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Russia
Resonance Surge - Nalini Singh 8/25/23
✔️29. MUMBAI, INDIA
Population: 18,470,319
Must see: Gateway of India, Elephanta Island
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in INDIA
If You Know Her - Shiloh Walker 2/17/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in MUMBAI
Spotted at the Cemetery - Addison Moore & Bellamy Bloom 11/27/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-1-3-4-7-8-9-0
True Dead - Faith Hunter (384 pages) 3/23/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in GATEWAY
Six Months - Dannika Dark (Texas) 12/24/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in ELEPHANTA
Home Is Where the Body Is - Jody Holford (Annie) 1/15
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from India
Abounding Might - Melissa McShane 11/22
✔️30. NASSAU, BAHAMAS
Population: 248,948
Must see: Straw Market, Junkanoo
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in BAHAMAS
Beyond Neverland - Heather Killough-Walden 8/20/23
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first OR last initial can be found in NASSAU
The Bone Shard Daughter - Andrea Stewart 10/28/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 2-4-4-8-8-9
Iron Lake - William Kent Krueger (464 pages) 3/28/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in STRAW
Mint Murder - Rosie A. Point (Texas) 8/21/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in JUNKANOO
Meet Your Baker - Ellie Alexander (Juliet) 1/11
✔️31. OSLO, NORWAY
Population: 634,000
Must see: Kon-Tiki Museum, Akershus Fortress
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with s letter in NORWAY
Wings of Fear - Helene Young 1/27
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first OR last initial can be found in OSLO
In a Badger Way - Shelly Laurenston 1/19
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 3-4-6-0-0-0
This Shattered World - Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner (394 pages) 4/2/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in KONTIKI
Aftershock - Andrew Vachss 10/27/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in AKERSHUS
Benyu Born of Ash - Katie Feavel (Roan) 9/23/23
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Norway
Angels Rising - Harriet Carlton 8/2/23
✔️32. PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
Population: 880,691
Must see: Panama Canal-Casco Viejo
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in PANAMA
Murder Above the Fold - ReGina Welling & Erin Lynn 2/21/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in PANAMACITY
Murder at the Snowed Inn - Imogen Plimp 12/15/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-6-8-8-9-0
Kill Me If You Can - Marshall Karp & James Patterson (380 pages) 4/7/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in PANAMACANAL
Hollyberry Homicide - Sharon Farrow (Michigan) 12/3/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character's FIRST initial can be found in VIEJO
Saving Verakko - Victoria Aveline (Verakko) 12/23/23
✔️33. PAPEETE, TAHITI
Population: 26,357
Must see: Mara'a Grotto, Mont Orohena
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in TAHITI
The Hush - Skye Melki-Wegner 2/14/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first OR last initial can be found in PAPEETE
Dead Run - P.J. Tracy 1/6/24
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 2-3-5-6-7
Murder in the Mystery Suite - Ellery Adams (277 pages) 3/9/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in GROTTO
Delicious Monsters - Liselle Sambury (Toronto) 12/22/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character's FIRST initial can be found in OROHENA
The Little Grave - Carolyn Arnold (Amanda) 1/20
✔️34. PARIS, FRANCE
Population: 2,273,305
Must see: Eiffel Tower, Louvre
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in FRANCE
Cream of the Crop - Alice Clayton 2/7
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in PARIS
Ice Like Fire - Sara Raasch 10/20/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 2-2-3-3-5-7-0
Illusions of Fate - Kiersten White (278 pages) 3/12/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in EIFFEL
The Nursery - Sue Watson (England) 12/29/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in LOUVRE
Champion of Fate - Kendare Blake (Reed) 1/13
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from France
The Rain Watcher - Tatiana de Rosnay 4/25/24
✔️35. PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
Population: 1,501,725
Must see: Silver Pagoda, The Killing Fields
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in CAMBODIA
Breaking Badger - Shelly Laurenston 1/25
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in PHNOMPENH
I.O.U. - Nancy Pickard 12/10/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-1-2-5-5-7-0
Cloche and Dagger - Jenn McKinlay (281 pages) 3/16/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in SILVER
Dreadful - Jana Deleon (Louisiana) 11/18/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in FIELDS
Night of the Witch - Sara Raasch & Beth Revis (Fritzi) 10/14/23
✔️36. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Population: 1,249,306
Must see: Old Town Square, Prague Astronomical Clock
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in CZECH
Heather- Chris Keniston 2/17/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in PRAGUE
Shifting and Shenanigans - Elizabeth Pantley 1/31
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-2-3-4-6-9-0
Classics Mutilated - Jeff Conner (320 pages) 10/31/23
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in OLDTOWN
You Deserve Each Other - Sarah Hogle (Wisconsin) 10/19/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in ASTRONOMICAL
Pastrami Murder - Patti Benning (Moira) 12/16/23
continued...✔️37. QUITO, ECUADOR
Pop: 2,671,191
Must see: Cotopaxi, Galapagos Islands
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in ECUADOR
Under Suspicion - Rachel Lee 8/31/23
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first OR last initial can be found in QUITO
Sweep of the Heart - Ilona Andrews 8/27/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-1-1-2-6-7-9
Murder in the Secret Garden - Ellery Adams 4/17/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in COTOPAXI
Fractured Oak - Dannie Boyd (Ohio) 8/12/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in GALAPAGOS
The Book of Fire - Marjorie Kellogg (Paia) 10/1/23
✔️38. REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Pop: 120,000
Must see: Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in ICELAND
Invisible Born - Lucia Ashta 8/23/23
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in REYKJAVIK
Pineapple Lies - Amy Vansant 8/21/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least ONE of these numbers: 1-2-0-0-0-0
The Olympian Affair - Jim Butcher (610 pages) 12/8/23
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in LAGOON
XOXO Valentina - Jill Brashear (North Carolina) 8/13
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in NORTHERN
The Girl the Sea Gave Back - Adrienne Young (Tovah) 10/4/23
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Iceland
Angels Defying - Harriet Carlton 8/8/23
✔️39. RIO DE JANIERO, BRAZIL
Pop: 6,453,682
Must see: Christ the Redeemer Statue, Copacabana
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in BRAZIL
Beachside Bullet - Jasmine Webb 8/15/23
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in JANIERO
The Choice - Nora Roberts 8/12/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 2-3-4-5-6-6-8
Yes & I Love You - Roni Loren (384 pages) 11/1/23
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in REDEEMER
The Peacock's Poison - Ruby Loren (England) 11/18/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in COPACABANA
Blood Drive - Jeanne C. Stein (Anna) 1/21
✔️40. SANTIAGO, CHILE
Pop: 5,145,599
Must see: Easter Island, Los Pinguinos National Monument
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in CHILE
Chocolate Chills - Rosie A. Point 8/21/23
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in SANTIAGO
After She Wrote Him - Sulari Gentill 1/18
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-4-5-5-5-9-9
Rock Courtship - Nalini Singh (185 pages) 4/14/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in EASTER
Raspberry Revenge - Rosie A. Point (Texas) 8/20/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in PINGUINOS
Swamp Spirits - Jana Deleon (Shaye) 10/19/23
✔️41. SARAJEVO, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
Pop: 369,534
Must see: Museum of Sarajevo, 1984 Olympic Village
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in BOSNIA
Born to Be Badger - Shelly Laurenston 1/31
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in SARAJEVO
Ember X - Jessica Sorensen 8/30/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 3-3-4-5-6-9
The Force of Wind - Elizabeth Hunter (332 pages) 3/16/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in MUSEUM
An Argumentation of Historians - Jodi Taylor (England)11/25/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in VILLAGE
The Rosewood Hunt - Mackenzie Reed (Lily) 1/7
✔️42. SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
Pop: 9,962,393
Must see: Gyeongbokgung Palace, South Korea Demilitarized Zone
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in SOUTH KOREA
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus - Jaime Jo Wright 8/13/23
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in SEOUL
It's Getting Scot in Here - Suzanne Enoch 12/7/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 2-3-3-6-9-9-9
The Last Word - Ellery Adams (313 pages) 3/29/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in GYEONGBOKGUNG
A Merciful Secret - Kendra Elliot (Oregon) 11/26/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character's FIRST initial can be found in DEMILITARIZED
Hope for the Best - Jodi Taylor (Max) 12/13/23
✔️43. STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Pop: 1,413,278
Must see: Royal National City Park, The Royal Palace
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in SWEDEN
Strawberry Sin - Rosie A. Point 8/19/23
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in STOCKHOLM
Never Whistle at Night - Shane Hawk 10/2/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-1-2-3-4-7-8
What Happens in Scotland - Jennifer McQuiston (357 pages) 4/12/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in CITYPARK
Cocoa Conviction - Rosie A. Point (Texas) 8/20/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in PALACE
Warrior Witch - Danielle L. Jensen (Cecile) 12/10/23
✔️44. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Pop: 4,390,732
Must see: Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in AUSTRALIA
Incendiary in a Kilt - Anna Durand 8/17/23
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in SYDNEY
Scot Under the Covers - Suzanne Enoch 12/11/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 2-3-3-4-7-9-0
Dead Witch on a Bridge - Gretchen Galway (338 pages) 3/31/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in OPERA
House of Correction - Nicci French (England) 11/11/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in BONDI
Magic-Price - C.L. Schneider (Ian) 1/14
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Australia
Death Down Under - Samantha Silver 8/15/23
✔️45. VANCOUVER, CANADA
Pop: 603,502
Must see: Canada Palace, Capilano Suspension Bridge
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in CANADA
Craks in a Marriage - Barbara Barrett 8/14/23
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in VANCOUVER
Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi 9/16/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 2-3-5-6-0-0
Gilded - Marissa Meyer (502 pages) 3/22/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in PALACE
Just the Sexiest Man Alive - Julie James (Los Angeles) 12/26/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in CAPILANO
Guardian of Chaos - Michelle Manus (Nyx) 1/17
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Canada
Angels Falling - Harriet Carlton 8/11/23
✔️46. VATICAN CITY
Pop: 801
Must see: Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in CITY
Come One Come All - Marilynn Harper 1/14
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in VATICAN
Choosing Theo - Victoria Aveline 10/18/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes ONE of these numbers: 1-8 -0
Love's Funny That Way - Pamela Burford (208 pages) 4/7/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in SISTINE
Vanilla Vendetta - Rosie A. Point (Texas) 8/19/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character's FIRST initial can be found in STPETERS
The Ghost Hunter Next Door - Danielle Garrett (Scarlett) 1/9
✔️47. VENICE, ITALY
Pop: 270,660
Must see: Grand Canal, Murano
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in ITALY
Invisible Bound - Lucia Ashta 8/23/23
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in VENICE
A Catered Thanksgiving - Isis Crawford 11/20/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 2-6-6-7-0-0
A Batter of Life and Death - Ellie Alexander (277 pages) 4/9/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in GRAND
Payback in Death - J.D. Robb (New York) 12/5/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in MURANO
Let It Crow! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! - Donna Andrews (Meg) 12/2/23
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Italy
Fire Bound - Christine Feehan 9/18/23
✔️48. VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Pop: 1,794,306
Must see: Schonbrun Palace, Haus der Musik (House of Music)
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with letter in AUSTRIA
Invisible Rider - Lucia Ashta 8/24/23
✔ * Read a book by an author first AND last initials can be found in VIENNA
Tempting Auzed - Victoria Aveline 12/30/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 1-3-4-6-7-9-0
Ward D - Freida McFadden (346 pages) 4/9/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in SCHONBRUN
The Little Black Dress - Piper James (Nevada) 11/15/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in HAUSDERMUSIK
Mulberry Mischief - Sharon Farrow (Marlee) 1/19
✔️49. WASHINGTON DC, THE UNITED STATES
Pop: 658,893
Must see: Washington Monument, Smithsonian Museums
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in UNITED
Undressed - Kristina Cook 4/21/24
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in WASHINGTON
Intimate Enemies: A Novel - Shana Abe 11/23/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 3-5-6-8-8-9
You Can Die - Rebecca Zanetti (354 pages) 4/10/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in MONUMENT
Hollowthorn - Kalyn Josephson (Oregon) 11/1/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in SMITHSONIAN
Lethally Lit - Amber Boffin (Maggie) 1/9
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from the United States
One Last Breath - Sarah Sutton (Washington DC) 8/18/23
✔️50. ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Pop: 400,028
Must see: Lake Zurich, Old Town
✔ * Read a book whose title begins with a letter in SWITZERLAND
Long Story Short - Jodi Taylor 1/12
✔ * Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in ZURICH
My Lady Judge - Cora Harrison 12/24/23
✔ * Read a book whose total page count includes at least TWO of these numbers: 2-4-8-0-0-0
The Collector - K.R. Alexander (224 pages) 4/13/24
✔ * Read a book set in a location beginning with a letter in ZURICH
All the Crooked Saints - Maggie Stiefvater (Colorado) 11/5/23
✔ * Read a book whose main character’s FIRST initial can be found in OLDTOWN
The Final Score - Jaci Burton (Nathan) 3/31/24
✔ * BONUS: read a book set in or by an author from Switzerland
The Sanatorium - Sarah Pearse 8/8/23
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
No Way! > Stock Your Aquarium!Start Date: September 1, 2023
End Date: April 25, 2024
Freshwater Aquarium Fish
READ: 50/50
FISH: 10/10
2. African CichlidRead five books that are set in the Southern Hemisphere. Post the location.
1. Rebel Hard - Nalini Singh (New Zealand) 10/31
2. Force of Nature - Jane Harper (Australia) 11/4
3. After She Wrote Him - Sulari Gentill (Australia) 1/18
4. Wings of Fear - Helene Young (Australia) 1/27
5. Rock Addiction - Nalini Singh (New Zealand) 2/11
6. Dalmation MollyRead five books with a dog on the cover. Post the covers.
1. Swamp Spirits - Jana Deleon 10/19
2. Spotted at the Cemetery - Addison Moore & Bellamy Bloom 11/27
3. Murder at the Snowed Inn - Imogen Plimp 12/15
4. Wed, Read & Dead - V.M. Burns 12/18
5. Better Off Thread - Amanda Lee 12/29
7. Zebra DanioRead five books whose authors' first names have three different vowels in them. Must be five different authors.
1. Spells for Forgetting - Adrienne Young 9/2
2. Unfortunate Elements of My Anatomy - Hailey Piper 9/24
3. Unsettled Ground - Claire Fuller 9/25
4. Sweep with Me - Ilona Andrews 10/10
5. Warrior Witch - Danielle L. Jensen 12/10
9. Dwarf CichlidRead five books where the main character has children. Tell us the character name and how many children he/she has.
1. Murder in the Book Lover's Loft - Ellery Adams (Jane,2) 9/8
2. The Last Remains - Elly Griffiths (Ruth,1) 9/3
3. The September House - Carissa Orlando (Margaret,1) 11/6
4. Let It Crow! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! - Donna Andrews (Meg,2) 12/2
5. Pastrami Murder - Patti Benning (Moira, 1) 12/16
11. Freshwater Puffer FishRead five books that have a character you think has an overblown ego. Tell us who.
1. You Betrayed Me - Lisa Jackson (James) 9/5
2. Fire Bound - Christine Feehan (Luigi) 9/18
3. Never Lie - Freida McFadden (Adrienne)10/2
4. Death, Taxes, and Hot-Pink Leg Warmers - Diane Kelly (Giles) 10/6
5. Books of Blood: Volume One - Clive Barker (Hammersmith) 11/5
13. GoldfishRead five books where the main character has a very common pet (cat, dog, goldfish, hamster etc.) Tell us the pet's name.
1. Cold Blooded Liar - Karen Rose (dog, snickerdoodle) 9/13
2. Death Knells and Wedding Bells - Eva Gates (cat, Charles) 10/22
3. Whales and a Watery Grave - Ruby Loren (cat, Lucky) 11/2
4. Rock Paper Scissors - Alice Feeney (dog, Bob) 12/16
5. Wicked Fix - Sarah Graves (dog, Monday) 12/14
14. GouramiRead five books where the authors' last names have at least three syllables. Must be different authors.
1. Pumpkin Spice Peril - Jenn McKinlay 9/3
2. Choosing Theo - Victoria Aveline 10/18
3. Herc - Phoenicia Rogerson 10/20
4. Down & Out Witch - Sami Valentine 10/26
5. Hollowthorn - Kalyn Josephson 11/1
16. KillifishRead five books where someone dies. Tell us who.
1. The Witch Collector - Charissa Weaks (many in the war) 9/1
2. Flea Market Magic - Bella Falls (Earl) 9/2
3. For Whom the Book Tolls - Laura Gail Black (MCs uncle) 9/10
4. Unsettled Ground - Claire Fuller (MCs mother) 9/25
5. Malice House - Megan Shepherd (MCs father) 10/5
19. Pictus CatfishRead five books with covers you consider to be "cluttered." Post the covers.
1. Never Whistle at Night - Shane Hawk 10/2
2. The Bone Shard Daughter - Andrea Stewart 10/28
3. A Dawn of Onyx - Kate Golden 12/17
4. The Society of Imaginary Friends - Kristen Pham 12/28
5. Home Is Where the Body Is - Jody Holford 1/15
24. Tiger BarbRead five books that have a cat on the cover, or whose main character keeps a cat as a pet. Post the cover or tell us the cat's name.
1. Twelve Angry Librarians - Miranda James 11/6
2. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library - Michiko Aoyama 11/22
3. The Ghost Hunter Next Door - Danielle Garrett 1/9
4. Born to Be Badger - Shelly Laurenston 1/31
5. Shifting and Shenanigans - Elizabeth Pantley 1/31
continued..
Saltwater Aquarium Fish
READ: 50/50
FISH: 10/10
3. Azure DamselfishRead five books with a female character who needs rescuing (your interpretation, tell us who) or a female character who has someone else in her life under the mistaken impression she can't take care of herself (tell us both character names).
1. You Are Not Alone - Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen (Shay) 9/4
2. Just Haven't Met You Yet - Sophie Cousens (Mel) 9/9
3. Forced to Flee - Terri Reed (Abby) 9/17
4. No Good Tea Goes Unpunished - Bree Baker (Everly) 9/29
5. The Toybox - Charly Cox (Rachel) 10/12
4. Blue TangRead five books where the title contains the letters "T A N G" in any order
1. Hot and Badgered - Shelly Laurenston 1/6
2. Badger to the Bone - Shelly Laurenston 1/21
3. Crescent Calling - Nicole R. Taylor 3/6
4. Murder in the Secret Garden - Ellery Adams 4/17
5. The Devil's Playground - Charly Cox 4/20
5. ClownfishRead five books you found humorous.
1. The Little Black Dress - Piper James (MPG Humor) 11/15
2. An Argumentation of Historians - Jodi Taylor (MPG Humor) 11/25
3. Hope for the Best - Jodi Taylor (MPG Humor) 12/13
4. Long Story Short - Jodi Taylor (MPG Humor) 1/12
5. Cream of the Crop - Alice Clayton (MPG Humor) 2/7
8. Firefish GobyRead five books you think have a striking cover. Post the covers.
1. Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi 9/16
2. The Witch Collector - Charissa Weaks 9/1
3. The Girl the Sea Gave Back - Adrienne Young 10/4
4. The Child of Venlet - K.C. Nuzum 11/12
5. The Book That Wouldn’t Burn - Mark Lawrence 12/9
10. Flame HawkfishRead five books with birds visible on the cover. Post the covers.
1. Other Birds - Sarah Addison Allen 10/12
2. Birder, She Wrote - Donna Andrews 9/30
3. All the Crooked Saints - Maggie Stiefvater 11/5
4. Dreadful - Jana Deleon 11/18
5. Spells & Shelves - Elle Adams 11/29
11. Four-Lined WrasseRead five books that have exactly four words in the title, all words count.
1. Benyu Born of Ash - Katie Feavel 9/23
2. You'd Be Home Now - Kathleen Glasgow 9/24
3. The Book of Fire - Marjorie Kellogg 10/1
4. Night of the Witch - Sara Raasch & Beth Revis 10/14
5. You Deserve Each Other - Sarah Hogle 10/19
12. Green ChromisRead five books that have a main or prominent character who works outdoors or likes to garden, tell us who.
1. Cherish Hard - Nalini Singh (Sailor) 9/5
2. Earth Bound - Christine Feehan (Lexi) 9/15
3. The Peacock's Poison - Ruby Loren (MC, zookeeper) 11/18
4. Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix - C.B. Lee (pirate) 11/25
5. Statue of Limitations - Kate Collins (Athena, garden center) 12/17
15. Orange-Spotted GobyRead five books with something orange on the cover: post the covers.
1. The Hanging City - Charlie N. Holmberg (snake) 2/25
2. Murder at Haven's Rock - Kelley Armstrong (sunset) 3/7
3.The Butcher of the Forest - Premee Mohamed (fox) 3/26
4. The Legend of Sleepy Harlow - Kylie Logan (pumpkin) 4/21
5. Random in Death - J.D. Robb (leaf) 4/25
16, Royal GrammaRead five books that have a royal character in them: tell us who.
1. A Queen of Thieves & Chaos - K.A. Tucker (Queen Romeria) 9/26
2. Ice Like Fire - Sara Raasch (Queen Meira) 10/20
3. Untethered Sky - Fonda Lee (prince Khovash) 10/7
4. Hidden Huntress - Danielle L. Jensen (princess Cecile) 11/20
5. My Lady Judge - Cora Harrison (King Turlough Don O'Brien) 12/24
20. Orangetail DamselfishRead five books with a character you think is "showy" or fashion-conscious, tell us who.
1. You Say It First - Susan Mallery (Violet) 9/28
2. 23rd Midnight - James Patterson & Maxine Paetro (Yuki) 10/8
3. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library - Michiko Aoyama (Tomoka) 11/22
4. Payback in Death - J.D. Robb (Peabody) 12/5
5. It's Getting Scot in Here - Suzanne Enoch (Eloise) 12/7
CHALLENGE COMPLETE
Barbara's Challenges & Reading Lists
Books mentioned in this topic
Espresso Shot (other topics)Stop Dragon My Heart Around (other topics)
Weyward (other topics)
Everdark (other topics)
Warrior of Legend (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Allen Eskens (other topics)Krystal Shannan (other topics)
Ilona Andrews (other topics)
Adrienne Young (other topics)
Hailey Piper (other topics)
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