The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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WINTER CHALLENGE 2023
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Completed Tasks: PLEASE DO NOT DELETE ANY POST IN THIS THREAD!
<Chris MD 20.9 Winter Love ... Actually
Read a book by an author who shares a first or last name with one of the actors in the movie.
When Christmas Comes by Andrew Klavan
Author Andrew Klavan matches with actor Andrew Lincoln.
I listened to the audio version of this book. There is no MMP. The top paperback has 250 pages.
Total points: 355
<Chris MD 20.10 Group Reads
I read The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley
My comment in the discussion thread
Total points: 375
Chris MD 25.1 Long, Longer, Longest
Book 1: Read a book with a title of 3 or more words. Each word in the title must contain more letters than the preceding word.
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Word count: 3,5,9
I listened to the audio version of this book. The top MMP has 416 pages.
Book 2: Read a book in which every number in the page count is greater than the number preceding it.
Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson
Page count: 1,2,8
Total points: 400
Chris MD 25.2 Oh, What Fun!
Option 1
Book 1: Read a book that is 1-12 of a series.
The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths
I read the Kindle edition. The top MMP has 304 pages.
This is #1 in the Ruth Galloway series.
Book 2: Read a book where all authors initials can be found in Tis the Season
Ocean State by Stewart O'Nan
S and O are both found in SeasOn
I listened to the audio version of this book. There is no MMP. The top paperback has 240 pages.
Total points: 425
Chris MD 25.3 Best Sister Ever
Option 1: Read a book with SISTER in the title.
Blood Sisters by Vanessa Lillie
I listened to the audio version of this book. There is no paperback yet. The top hardback has 371 pages.
Option 2: Read a book with a title that contains at least two rhyming words of three or more letters each.
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe by Agatha Christie
"Two" and "Shoe" rhyme.
I listened to the audio version of this book. The top MMP has 192 pages. Note the MMP was published under a different title.
Total points: 450
Chris MD 30.1 Life of Solomon
I chose the verse "Buried on a Sunday" and the two-book option
Book 1: Read a book where the Author’s FIRST and LAST initials appear in the line of verse.
An Expert in Murder by Nicola Upson
NU in sUNday
Book 2: Read a book with a word of 4 OR MORE letters in the title made from the remaining letters in your chosen line of verse.
The Crocodile Bird by Ruth Rendell
BIRD can be found in BuRIeD.
Total points: 480
Julia1035.4- A Werewolf in the Mafia
Divided Allegiance (published 1988)
This book is 522 pages so claiming one BB ticket.
This post: 5 points, 1 BB
Total points: 455
BB: 5
GO: 0
NF: 8
Tasks completed: 28
Books read: 39
Julia10330.2 Katrisa's Task : Winter Zodiac
Option 1:
Book 1: Hood (on page 7 of Archery Books)
Book 2: Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie (AC in TEMPERANCE)
This was first published in 1939 so claiming one Golden Oldie ticket.
This post: 30 points, 1 GO
Total points: 485
BB: 5
GO: 1
NF: 8
Tasks completed: 29
Books read: 41
Kathy KS50.1 - Trishhartuk’s Task: The Spirits of the Past, the Present and the Future
Read three books totalling at least 750 pages.
Book 1: The Past
Read a book that is set in, or is about a period, before 1950, AND has one of the MPGs “History” or “Historical”, stand alone or embedded.
Ruddy Gore by Kerry Greenwood
Setting: 1928
MPGs include: Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery
I read as an ebook; pb-240 p. (no mmpb)
Book 2: The Present
Read a book first published in 2021, 2022, 2023 or 2024, which is set in the present
Fifty-Four Pigs by Philipp Schott
1st published: 2022 and occurs at that present.
I listened to an audiobook; pb-256 p. (no mmpb)
Book 3: The Future
Read a novel by an author who has published one or more novels which have the Science Fiction or Fantasy MPGs; and has also published one or more novels with a "present day" setting relative to its publishing date.
Diving into the Wreck by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
MPG includes: Science Fiction, and other similar
269 pages
Other genre: Rusch also writes as Kristine Grayson (and others).
Hidden Charm by Kristine Grayson has MPG: Contemporary and Romance (task help approved: message 39: by Trish)
Total pages: 240+256+269=765 (>750)
******
Points for this task: 50
Total points : 600
Tasks completed: 32/49
Big Book tickets for this task: 0
Big Book tickets total: 0
Golden Oldies tickets for this task: 0
Golden Oldies tickets total: 7
It's a Fact tickets for this task: 0
It's a Fact tickets total: 7
25.1 Susan A's Task: Long, Longer, LongestOption 1: This is a two book task. Read one book from each option.
Book 1: Read a book with a title of 3 or more words. Each word in the title must contain more letters than the preceding word. Ignore subtitles.
Two Steps Forward by Graeme Simsion & Anne Buist
3, 5, 7
Book 2: Read a book in which every number in the page count is greater than the number preceding it.
Duels & Deception by Cindy Anstey
368 pages
Total this Post: 25
Season Total: 725
Stephanie12715.7 When the music stops ...Read a book with MPG Music
High Fidelity
Points this post: 15
Total points: 75/775
Tasks completed: 7/49
Books read: 7
Bookwrm526Task #20.9 - Winter Love... Actually
Read a book by an author who shares a first or last name with one of the actors in the movie. I chose Julia Davis from the list and read Finding Me by Viola Davis.
Total points so far: 545
15.8 An Extra DayLeap year happens every 4 years & is happening in 2024. This gives you a bonus day for this challenge - will you spend it reading?
Read a book first published in a leap year (2024, 2020, 2016, 2012, 2008, 2004 etc)
I read News of the World which was published in 2016.
points: 110
books read: 9
tasks completed: 7
it's a fact: 4
pages read:2631
Mod
STORMIETask 10.3 Season of Love
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Read a book with MPG of Romance
Points this Post: 10
Total Points: 70
Tasks Completes: 8
BB: 1
10.1 - Poetry for NeanderthalsTitle consists of all single-syllable words: Straight Man by Richard Russo
Points this post: 10
Total points: 610
10.3 - Season of LoveMPG Romance: Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
Points this post: 10
Total points: 620
25.2 JennRenee's Task: Oh What Fun!Option 1: Twelve Days:
Book 1: Read a book that is 1-12 of a series.
Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Book 2 : Read a book where all authors initials can be found in Tis the Season
Salt Houses by Hala Alyan
Point this Post: 25
Total Points: 375
Total IAFs to date: 2
Total BB to date : 1
5.1; 5,2; 5.3; 5.4; ...; 5.6; 5.7; 5.8; ...; 5.10
10.1; 10.2; 10.3; ...; 10.5; 10.6; ...; ...; ...; 10.10
15.1; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; ....; 15.8; 15.9; 15.10
...; 20.2; 20.4; 20.5, 20.6; 20.7; 20.8; .20.9; 20.10
25.2
30.1
HanneloreTask 10.2 - Festive Folklore
Read a book from the first 25 pages of the Folklore shelf.
Book: Botanical Folk Tales Of Britain And Ireland
How it fits: The book is on page 1 of this shelf.
Points this task: 10
Total points: 70
Tasks completed: 5
BB tickets:
(0) 500+
(0) 750+
(0) 1,000+
GO tickets: 0
IAF tickets: 0
20.2 - Rookie at the Top - Apple's Task: Christmas SpecialRead a book that features a word of 4 or more letters from one of the television specials
A Day of Fallen Night
Television special: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Word: NIGHT
Total Points: 95
ROBIN P10.10 The End?
Book from list
Devil in Winter - on p 3 of Endings list
Points this post: 10
Total points: 640
BB:2 GO:5 IAF:6
Andy P.Task # 30.3 Cat : Books of the Winter Months
Option 1: TWO book task
Book 1: ALL the letters of your chosen month can be found in the title of your book
One Day in December by Josie Silver
Book 2: the author of your book has first and last initials found in your chosen month
How I'll Kill You by Ren DeStefano DR in December
Points this post: 30
Total points: 565
MAZZA15.5- It's a New Year
Read a book published 2023 by a new to you author/authors (if multiple authors all authors need to be new to you)
The Shadow of Perseus Claire Heywood
Published Feb 2023 This author is new to me
points this post = 5
Points to date = 765
Readerboard name: Mel S20.1 - TessaVanessa's NYC Adventure
Option 2: Cover is >50% green
This Bird Has Flown
According to TinEye, the cover is:
54.3 % #7daf2eGreen
17.4 % #342419Brown
6.6 % #fbd8aaPink
6.2 % #f2f5ebWhite
4.5 % #415424Green
4.2 % #81a145Green
4.0 % #f39d85Pink
1.9 % #c8daa8Grey
0.5 % #877761Brown
0.3 % #f1b13bOrange
This post: 20pts
This season: 360pts
Tasks completed: 21
Kai30.4 Nick KY’s Task: Murder in the Manor
OPTION A
Read a book from one of the following “Manor House” lists:
Whodunit Mansions
Novels about Big Houses
Best Victorian Historical Fiction Set In Britain
Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller
Novels about Big Houses - Page 1
OPTION B
Read a book with an MPG of “Horror”
Authority by Jeff VanderMeer
New Points: 30
Tasks Competed: 16
Total Points: 160
JEN B5.1- No "L" Day
Read a book with no "L" In the title/subtitle/authors name
The Women by Kristin Hannah
TOTAL POINTS: 210
JEN B5.6- Christmas Murder Mystery Night
Read a MPG Mystery or Christmas.
The Therapist by BA Parris
MPG Mystery
TOTAL POINTS: 215
JEN B30.1 Mazza1's Task - The Life of Solomon
Line Used: "That was the end of Solomon Grundy"
Option 1 Two book option
a) Read a book where the Author’s FIRST and LAST initials appear in the line of verse. Only books with a single author are allowed.
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
R in gRundy
H in tHe
b) Read a book with a word of 4 OR MORE letters in the title made from the remaining letters in your chosen line of verse
Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen
Word = GONE
G, N in GruNdy
O in sOlomon
E in End
338 pages + 294 pages = 638 pages> 600 pages
TOTAL POINTS: 245
Angela IL50.1 - Trishhartuk’s Task: The Spirits of the Past, the Present and the Future
Book 1: Read a book that is set in, or is about a period, before 1950, AND has one of the MPGs “History” or “Historical”
The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain- 1/31
Read via Kindle/ No MMPB/ PB link: The Stolen Marriage (416 pgs)
MPG Historical and set in 1944/ in synopsis
Book 2: Read a book first published in 2021, 2022, 2023 or 2024, which is set in the present day or (for non-fiction) discusses current affairs.
You, Again by Kate Goldbeck-1/18 (448 pgs)
Published in 2023/ set in current day
Book 3: Read a novel by an author who has published one or more novels which have the Science Fiction or Fantasy MPGs; and has also published one or more novels with a "present day" setting relative to its publishing date.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang-2/9
Read via Kindle/ MMPB link: Yellowface (336 pgs)
I read a present day book with MPG Contemporary. Link to Science Fiction/Fantasy MPG book by R.F. Kuang: Babel
Approval for Option 3 in help thread post 20
Points this Task: 50
Total Points: 490
Books Read: 34
Tasks Completed: 25
It's A Fact Ticket: 1
5.10 A Holiday Gift For You15.9 Pass the Parcel
Read a book that has been "passed on"
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life
I borrowed this book from the library.
New Points: 15
Total Points: 240
BB: 1
GO: 1
IaF: 4
15.4 Feed the BirdsI did OPTION 2: Read ONE book that fulfills both requirements
a) Read a book with a bird on the cover
b) Read a book where ALL of the author's initials are found in ONE of the following most common British garden birds
I used BLACKBIRD
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard BachNew Points: 15
Total Points: 255
BB: 1
GO: 1
IaF: 4
30.4 Nick KY’s Task: Murder in the ManorOption B: Read a book with an MPG of “Horror”
Cell
Option C: Read a book which has a three-letter-or-longer word in the title or subtitle that can be made from the letters in the phrase: NEWGATE PRISON.
My word is TORI
Tori By Design
New Points: 30
Total Points: 285
BB: 1
GO: 1
IaF: 4
FLY Task #15.8 An Extra Day
task: Read a book first published in a leap year
book: The Raft
how it fits: First published August 21, 2012
other:
MPG Middle Grade: AR Quiz Info - IL: MG+
Points this post: 15
Total points: 185
Tasks completed: 11/49
BB: 1 / GO: 0 / IAF: 2
STORMIE15.1: Long and Short
a) Read a SHORT book (under 200 pgs): Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf 179 pages
b) Read a LONG book (over 500 pages): The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo 532 pages
Points this Post: 15
Total Points: 85
BB this post: 1 ticket, please
BB total:2
Total Tasks:9
EDITED to add page numbers
Task 20.1 - TessaVanessa's NYC AdventureOption 2: Read a book with a cover that is at least 50% green according to TinEye.
Required: Post the cover.
Book: Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (2012) by Ben Fountain (Hardcover 307 pages)
Cover:
Tintype Analysis:
GREEN = 75.1 + 3.3 + 2.1 = 80.5%
Green: 75.1 %#74974f
Grey: 16.1 %#e5e7ce
Green: 3.3 %#a9bd8a
Black: 3.3 %#13.3 %#1b1d14
Green: 2.1 %#4552.1 %#455831
210 + 20 = 230
Tasks Completed: 15
Points for this post: 20
Points thus far: 210 + 20 = 230
Books read: 19
Pages read: 5,504
Read but not claimed: 03
Goodreads Authors: 07
Golden Oldies: 02
It’s a Fact (Non-Fiction): 02
Big Books:
(0) 500+
(0) 750+
(0) 1,000+
Kai20.4 Golden Oldies - Joop's Task: Golden Oldies
OPTION A
Read a book where 1 or more main characters is of old age.
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
New Points: 20
Tasks Competed: 17
Total Points: 180
Kai10.5 A Ghost Story For Christmas
Read a book that features ghosts or spirits.
Above the East China Sea by Sarah Bird
New Points: 10
Tasks Competed: 18
Total Points: 190
10.10 - The End?A book from Best Beginning list (page 1 #92): High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
Points this post: 10
Total points: 630
10.8 - Winter MigrationRead a book set in one of these countries listed as being in the Southern Hemisphere:
The Queens of Sarmiento Park by Camila Sosa Villada
Set in Argentina
Point this Post: 10
Total Points: 385
Total IAFs to date: 2
Total BB to date : 1
5.1; 5,2; 5.3; 5.4; ...; 5.6; 5.7; 5.8; ...; 5.10
10.1; 10.2; 10.3; ...; 10.5; 10.6; ...; 10.8; ...; 10.10
15.1; ...; ...; ...; ...; ...; ....; 15.8; 15.9; 15.10
...; 20.2; 20.4; 20.5, 20.6; 20.7; 20.8; .20.9; 20.10
25.2
30.1
15.5 What the Dickens!Read a book that shares a word of 3 letters or more in the title with one of Dickens novel/novella (excluding "The" and "And")
Everybody's Son by Thrity Umrigar
Dombey and SON
Point this Post: 15
Total Points: 400
Total IAFs to date: 2
Total BB to date : 1
5.1; 5,2; 5.3; 5.4; ...; 5.6; 5.7; 5.8; ...; 5.10
10.1; 10.2; 10.3; ...; 10.5; 10.6; ...; 10.8; ...; 10.10
15.1; ...; ...; ...; 15.5; ...; ....; 15.8; 15.9; 15.10
...; 20.2; 20.4; 20.5, 20.6; 20.7; 20.8; .20.9; 20.10
25.2
30.1
MAZZA15.4- A Werewolf in the Mafia
Read a book that is first published in or is 75% set in the 1980's.
A Is for Alibi
First published April 1982
points this post = 5
Points to date = 770
MAZZA15.8- Polar Bear Plunge
Read book with a cover of at least 70% White according to Tineye.
Tineye info 78.3 %#f3f3f3White-
points this post = 5
Points to date = 775
That's it for me thanks for the challenge
HanneloreTask 15.5 What the Dickens!
Read a book that shares a word of 3 letters or more in the title with one of Dickens novel/novella.
Book: Old Herbaceous
How it fits: The word "Old" from "The Old Curiosity Shop"
** Requesting a GO point for this book. It was published in 1950.**
Points this task: 15
Total points: 85
Tasks completed: 6
BB tickets:
(0) 500+
(0) 750+
(0) 1,000+
GO tickets: 1
IAF tickets: 0
EMurphy30.3 Cat: Books of the Winter Month
Option 1: ALL the letters of the chosen month found in the title The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
*DECEMBER
Option 2: Author has first and last initials found in chosen month Where He Can't Find You by Darcy Coates
*DECEMBER
This Task:
Points: 30
Books Read: 2
GO Ticket: 0
BB Ticket: 0
IAF Ticket: 0
Total:
Points: 130
Books Read: 9
GO Ticket: 0
BB Ticket: 0
IAF Ticket: 0
Tasks Completed: 5
5.10 A Holiday Gift For YouBook: Vom Hintern: Die Geschichte einer Rundung
The (English) paperback edition has 320 pages.
This is a non-fiction book, so I'd like to claim one It's a Fact ticket, please.
Points this post: 5
Total points: 235
It's a fact tickets: 1
Amy B20.5 - Bigger is Better - Jenny H's Task: The Nobel Prize
For this task, choose either option 1 or option 2.
Required: State the option
Option 1: Read a book written by a Nobel Prize laureate from this list: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/lis...
Flights by Olga Tokarczuk
This Task: 20 Points
To Date: 430 Points
Amy B10.8 - Winter Migration
Read a book set in one of these countries listed as being in the Southern Hemisphere: https://www.worldatlas.com/countries-...
Required: If the setting is not evident from the book description or GR metadata, provide a reference.
The Madonna of Excelsior by Zakes Mda (South Africa)
This Task: 10 Points
To Date: 440 Points
Readerboard name: Mel S15.6 - Let's Celebrate
Babel by R. F. Kuang
Author's initials in "FiReworKs"
This post: 15pts
This season: 375pts
Tasks completed: 22
EMurphy --- ***UNCLAIM***20.6 It's a Fact-MaryPDX's Task: Say It's Carol Singers
Option 1: Written by a single author whose first and last initials can be found in LOVE ACTUALLY IS ALL AROUND or I KNOW HIM Where He Can't Find You by Darcy Coates
*Used LOVE ACTUALLY IS ALL AROUND
This Task:
Points: 20
Books Read: 1
GO Ticket: 0
BB Ticket: 0
IAF Ticket: 0
Total:
Points: 100
Books Read: 7
GO Ticket: 0
BB Ticket: 0
IAF Ticket: 0
Tasks Completed: 4
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
All Systems Red (other topics)Murder on the Orient Express (other topics)
The Splendour Falls (other topics)
The Will of the Many (other topics)
Exit Strategy (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Susanna Kearsley (other topics)Neal Stephenson (other topics)
Tom Rob Smith (other topics)
Nora Roberts (other topics)
Agatha Christie (other topics)
More...
20.7 The Chocolate Game
Option 3: Read a book by a single author whose first and last initials can be found in CHOCOLATE.
Dangerous Women by Hope Adams (cHocolAte)
Using the phrase LOVE ACTUALLY IS ALL AROUND - V in love and T in ACTUALLY
I listened to the audio version of this book. There is no MMP. The top paperback has 336 pages.
Total points: 335