The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
WINTER CHALLENGE 2009-2010
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Task Ideas
Wow, what alot of good suggestions. I have one to add right now, and more later:Elizabeth I of England(Tudor) was crowned Queen on Sunday 15th January 1559. Read a book, fiction or non-fiction, about Queen Elizabeth I of England, or with Queen Elizabeth I as a prominent factor in the book (a biography of Sir Walter Raleigh would qualify as "prominent factor").
Imbolc is one of the four principal festivals of the Irish calendar, celebrated among Gaelic peoples and some other Celtic cultures, either at the beginning of February or at the first local signs of Spring. Most commonly it is celebrated on February 2, which falls halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox in the northern hemisphere. Imbolc is traditionally a time of weather prognostication, and the old tradition of watching to see if serpents or badgers came from their winter dens is perhaps a precursor to the North American Groundhog Day.
Fire and purification are an important aspect of this festival. The lighting of candles and fires represents the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months. It is also associated with holy wells, sacred flames, and healing
Read a book associated with Imbolic: something with groundhog day, or candles and fires, or "weather prognostication".
Read a biography of a President whose birthday occurs during the challenge (Dec. 1 to Feb. 29):George Washington February 22, 1732
Martin Van Buren December 5, 1782
William Henry Harrison February 9, 1773
Millard Fillmore January 7, 1800
Abraham Lincoln February 12, 1809
Andrew Johnson December 29, 1808
William McKinley January 29, 1843
Franklin D. Roosevelt January 30, 1882
Richard M. Nixon January 9, 1913
Ronald Reagan February 6, 1911
Or read a biography of another nation's leader who was born (Dec. 1 to Feb. 29).
Last challenge we had: [10.1. This Year Labor Day Falls On September 7th - Rock And Roll Pioneer Buddy Holly Was Born On That Day In 1936 - Read A Book First Published During His Lifetime (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959). :]We can do it again with a different notable entertainer, someone born Dec. 1 through February 29. There's Elvis Presley, born January 8, 1935 died on August 16, 1977; or, James Dean, born February 8, 1931 and died September 30, 1955.
Alan Alda was born on January 28, 1936. Alan Alda made his most lasting impact playing Hawkeye Pierce, the suave, but goofy surgeon fond of homemade martinis and chasing after nurses on the classic television series "M*A*S*H" (CBS, 1972-83). So, the challenge would be: read a novel that links somehow to the television series "M*A*S*H" -- maybe a non-fiction work about medicine in war, or a fiction work like "A Farewell to Arms" by Hemingway, or some other linkage (explain the linkage when the points are claimed).
El wrote: "Similarily to Tanja's suggestion - Read one Pulitzer Prize novel and one book by the same author that did not win the Pulitzer Prize. Be sure to explain whether or not you think the right book by ..."That is, I kid you not, one of my ideas for my challenge when (now if...thanks, reading-induced vertigo!) I finish the fall challenge.
Deedee wrote: "Read a biography of a President whose birthday occurs during the challenge (Dec. 1 to Feb. 29):George Washington February 22, 1732
Martin Van Buren December 5, 1782
William Henry Harriso..."
How about reading a biography of a presidential wife?
Winter Ideas: At the Holidays, people return home. Read a book about someone returning to their home town, their family, or where they grew up.
New Years Resolution - Read a self-help book.
It's cold in here! - Read a book with a temperature related word in the title - degree, Fahrenheit, Celsius, Below, Cold, Hot, Warm, etc
January is named after Janus (Ianuarius), the god of the doorway because it is the doorway to the new year - read a book with the word door, gate, window, open or begin in the title.
Just Fun Ideas
Read a book, short story, and poem that share a common word in the title.
Read a Book with a single letter as one of the words in the title.
Alliteration - Read a book with alliteration in the title.
Alliteration - Read a book where the authors name and the title of the book start with the same letter
Its all in your head - Read a Book with a made-up word in the title.
Whose Line is it Anyways? - Read a book that features at least two narrators.
Redo! Read a new book by an author you have already read and either loved or hated. Is your opinion of the author the same?
The holidays are about friends and family. Read a book from a Goodreads friend's TBR list with whom you've exchanged at least one message with.
Janice - I <3 the idea to read about the First Ladies or spouses of political leaders (other nations, ambassadors, etc). January 1 - Flag maker Betsy Ross was born in Philadelphia, 1752. READ a nonfiction novel or historical fiction about the U.S. First Ladies or women who influenced the government.February 28 - The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad is incorporated, becoming the first railroad in America offering commercial transportation of both people and freight. READ a novel about the railroad.
February 1 - Underground Railroad was established, 1838. ...Not sure if we'd want to do a task on this since Fall Challenge had one about the Civil War.
February 7 - The Boy Scouts of America was incorporated, 1910. READ a book about the Boy Scouts or a character that was a Boy Scout.
February 16 - Tomb of King Tutankhamen unsealed in Egypt, 1923. READ a non-fiction book about Egyptian history or an Egyptian historical fiction.
February 19 - Thomas Edison received his patent for the phonograph, 1878. READ a book about an inventor and write about how that invention has or has not improved society.
February 20 - Astronaut John Glenn, became the first American to orbit the Earth aboard the Friendship VII Mercury capsule, 1962. READ a book about NASA, astronauts or space AND (a) visit an air & space museum OR (b) watch a documentary/tv show (min of 1 1/2 hours) about NASA, astronauts or space.
February 24 - The Voice of America first went on the airwaves, 1942. READ a book that features radio programming.
SCANDAL February 25 - Pope Pius V excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I, 1570. READ a book about a major political or social scandal AND read a sensational article in a blog or newspaper (example: The STAR or Perez Hilton). Compare and Contrast the two scandals.
February 27 - United States Supreme Court upheld the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees the right of women to vote, 1922. READ a book about women suffrage.
January 10 - The League of Nations established 1920. READ 2 novels set in OR by an author in a League of Nations' member's country. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/League_o...
January 19 - Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, 1809. READ an EAP book!
December 17 - The first one-way street was created in New York City, 1791. READ 2-3 Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Books.
January 1, 1892 - Ellis Island opens to immigrants. Read a book about an immigrant.
Feb is library lovers month- read a book that is recommended by a librarian (either your local librarian or online or whatever) - in fact we even have librarians on here so they could make suggestions
Petra wrote: "Tanja wrote: "Yay Janice! We're Jan babies!Could do this...
Baby New Year -- Read a book by an author who shares the same birthday as you; if there is no author, then select a book about a p..."
My birthday is in February and I was thinking that for a task we could read a book by an author who shares the same zodiac sign. If you fall on the cusp like I do...you could pick the zodiac sign you follow most. :)
I prefer the zodiac sign as well. I had a lot of trouble finding an author that shared my birthday for the summer challenge.
Read a book beginning with D, J and F (initials of the winter months)January - new beginnings, getting to know you: Read a (auto)biography about a person who is primarily known as an author and read a novel by that person.
New Year resolutions - Read a book where someone is starting a new job or taking up a new hobby.
The 12 days of Christmas - Read a book with one of the gifts from the 12 days of Christmas song in the title i.e a partridge, turtle doves, french hen, calling bird, ring, etc etc! (swan might be the more manageable one!!)
Magical Christmas - Read a book with a 'magical' word in the title i.e. magician, wizard, witch, magic
Manday wrote: "Feb is library lovers month- read a book that is recommended by a librarian (either your local librarian or online or whatever) - in fact we even have librarians on here so they could make suggestions"Our library has a "staff picks" shelf that I love browsing through.
kiki wrote: "i like the way jennifer l. thinks! :)"LOL...thanks!
I have to admit I had myself in mind when I made these suggestions. I live north of Toronto and by February, the blahs and blues will be hitting big time and anything to get my mind of snow will be very welcome! ;)
Jennifer L. wrote: "kiki wrote: "i like the way jennifer l. thinks! :)"LOL...thanks!
I have to admit I had myself in mind when I made these suggestions. I live north of Toronto and by February, the blahs and b..."
i have S.A.D., so i feel your pain! i live in northern california, so i've not got the snowy winters you have, but we do get lots of foggy, dreary days!!!
Read a "comfort book" - This can be an author you love to read, re-reading an old favorite, or any book that gives you the warm-fuzzies. Think "comfort food" for the mind.
Sam wrote: "El wrote: "Similarily to Tanja's suggestion - Read one Pulitzer Prize novel and one book by the same author that did not win the Pulitzer Prize. Be sure to explain whether or not you think the rig...That is, I kid you not, one of my ideas for my challenge when (now if...thanks, reading-induced vertigo!) I finish the fall challenge."
And one of my ideas for my task is to read two books that won different awards. I do like the idea of comparing a Pulitzer winner with another book by the author.
pjreads wrote: "Sam wrote: "El wrote: "Similarily to Tanja's suggestion - Read one Pulitzer Prize novel and one book by the same author that did not win the Pulitzer Prize. Be sure to explain whether or not you t..."That is funny. My most likely idea has to do with award winners also!
Cait - that's great! Read a book off the "staff picks" shelf! I do that all the time before I check out. In fact, I picked up one the last library visit that I'll replace another challenge book with. *giggles*
I had so much fun with the Required Reading challenge (and I'll do the children's one this weekend) that I thought why not this?Get in Touch with Your Roots -- Read a Newbery Medal Honoree or Winner from the following list. If the book is less than 100 pages, read another book so the total is over 100. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newbery_... Was the novel worthy of the medal? Was it a re-read? Did you like it better as an adult? Would you read it to a child?
ooh, Cynthia, please don't make it as specific as "staff picks", our library doesn't do that.Also, Authors with the same initials, ie Dorothy Dunnett, or Clive Cussler.
Cindy wrote: "ooh, Cynthia, please don't make it as specific as "staff picks", our library doesn't do that.Also, Authors with the same initials, ie Dorothy Dunnett, or Clive Cussler."
Could you just ask your librarian what book he/she would recommend?
El wrote: "Cindy wrote: "ooh, Cynthia, please don't make it as specific as "staff picks", our library doesn't do that.Also, Authors with the same initials, ie Dorothy Dunnett, or Clive Cussler."
Could ..."
Maybe, for those of you without a librarian (and I feel sorry for you) we could start at Consult a Librarian thread, as I know there are several librarians doing this challenge.
Feburary 3 is Elmo's birthday, and how about the stones of the months
Dec turoqouise title has (blue??) or blue cover
jan garnet (red) title has red or book cover is red
Feb amyhtest (purple)
feb 9th is inventors day
feb 14 is chinesse new year
in 1872 yellowstone national park was the first park
and boy scouts and girl scouts celebrate birthdays this month
Read two books from the same series or two books by the same author.Read a book set in Africa.
We're bound to be snowed in at some point (at least here in the north). pick something that has been on the too be read pile for too long. If you don't currently have anything waiting in the wings pick something that you have recently heard about and want to read.
End of the Year Crunch1) Go to Explore and select People
2) Click to the right - TOP READERS
3) Click of ALL TIME
4) Click the # that matches the number of letters in your full name (first, middle and last)
5) Read a book of that person's read or TBR list
I like the snowed in Idea L- I would just change it a little to be "read one of the ten oldest books on your to read list" or something like that to give it an objective standard
"In honor of the season of giving, read a book someone else gave to you. If no one else gave you a book, read a book that you would like to give as a gift to someone else"
Oh, Tanja, I like your idea! Where is Explore?Jan (the Gryphon)said: How about reading a biography of a presidential wife? Excellent idea!
Responding to recent events .... how about a book that has a "hot air balloon" on the cover, or in the title, or features a "hot air balloon" as part of the plot? Or a Zeppelin?
How about .... take a winter season word, like "snow", and read a book that has an S, N, O and W in the title. (This might work better with a less common word like Imbolc.)
I liked the Grammar and Math tasks of the Fall challenge. Maybe something like those tasks, but with a different twist?
Read a book by an author whose initials are D, J or Ffor Dec., Jan. or Feb.
Valentine's Day - a book with a heart on the cover.
Mythical Creatures - read a book with dragon, unicorn, gryphon (or any variant spelling thereof), chimera, basilisk, wyvern, hypogriff, mermaid (man), hydra or manticore in the title or on the cover.
Hello!Here is my unruly (?) list of ideas:
1. December 5th begins Nobel Week, with the Nobel Prizes being awarded on December 10th. Select a Nobel Prize winning book of fiction to read or a book of nonfiction, written by a Nobel winner.
2. December 6th, 1896 was the birth date of Ira Gershwin. In recognition of the achievements he and his brother George attained, UCLA established the annual George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement in 1988. You can follow this link to view previous winners of the award: From the list select one person and read either an autobiography or biography about them and give a brief overview of their accomplishments and any obstacles they overcame.
3. December 7th is National Letter Writing Day. Select a book of letters, either fiction or nonfiction to read.
4. December 10th, 1830 was the date of birth of Emily Dickinson. Dickinson, it is noted, was strongly influenced by author Charlotte Bronte and playwright William Shakespeare. Her favourite work by Bronte was Jane Eyre - she even named her only dog “Carlo”, after the character St. John Rivers' dog. Her favourite plays, by Shakespeare, were Othello, Antony & Cleopatra, Hamlet and King Lear. Read one novel by Charlotte Bronte and one play by William Shakespeare in honour of Emily Dickinson.
5. December 10th is recognized as Sister-Friend Day. Read a novel about a relationship between sisters, a relationship between good friends, or a book that has ‘sisters’ or ‘friends’ in the title.
6. The third week of December is Human Rights Week, as designated by the United Nations. Twenty countries are affected by a United Nations Mandate on Human Rights: Burundi, Cambodia, North Korea, Haiti, Myanmar, Palestine, Israel, Somalia, Sudan, Liberia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Rwanda, Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia. Select one of these countries and find either a book whose author is from your selected country or a novel set in your selected country. (For a higher point task there could be the requirement to briefly outline some of the atrocities that have occurred in the selected country, along with UN or Peacekeeping interventions that have occurred.)
7. The third week of December is International Language Week. Select a novel originally written in any language that you do not speak fluently and read the translation.
8. December 23rd, made famous on an episode of Seinfeld, sees people the world over celebrate “Festivus: The Holiday for the Rest of Us!” Traditions of Fesitvus include “The Airing of Grievances”, “Feats of Strength” (which require wrestling matches to continue until the head of the household is pinned) and “Festivus Miracles”. Find a novel that features one of these three ideas: a main character that has a big irritation/grief or is a general curmudgeon; a theme of strength or perseverance; or a story with a miraculous occurrence.
9. January 1st, 1752 was the birth date of Betsy Ross. In her lifetime, the former Elizabeth Griscom held the name Ross for only three years, married three times, was widowed three times and was buried three times. Select three books for this task. Read one book with a flag on the cover, one book about a marriage and one book about the death of a spouse.
10. January is recognized as High-Tech Month. Read a book that has technology playing a major role in the story.
11. January 18th, 1882 was the birth date of A. A. Milne, best known for his books about Winnie-the-Pooh. Read a biography about Milne or read any of his books that give a combined total over 200 pages.
12. January 19th is National Popcorn Day. Select any novel that has been made into a movie and read both the novel and watch the film. Don’t forget to enjoy some popcorn while you watch the movie.
13. January 24th is recognized as Belly-laugh Day. Select a comedic novel to read.
14. January 24th, 1898 marked the beginning of the California Gold Rush. Read either a novel about the gold rush or a book of nonfiction about the gold rush.
15. January 25th, 1759 was the birth date of Robbie Burns, widely regarded as the National Poet of Scotland. Every January 25th sees the celebration of Robbie Burns Day. Read a book written by a Scottish author or that is set in Scotland.
16. January 26th is Australia Day. Read a book by an Australian author or a book set in Australia.
17. January 30th, 1948 saw the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. He was a preeminent political and spiritual leader of India during the Indian independence movement. He was the pioneer of Satyagraha - resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience, firmly founded upon activities of total nonviolence - which led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. Gandhi influenced important leaders and political movements. Leaders of the civil rights movement in the United States, including Martin Luther King and James Lawson, drew from the writings of Gandhi in the development of their own theories about non-violence. Anti-apartheid activist and former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, was inspired by Gandhi. Others influenced by Gandhi include Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Steven Biko, Aung San Suu Kyi, John Lennon, Albert Einstein, Al Gore and Barack Obama. Read a novel that deals civil rights (in any country) or a nonfiction book about civil rights or about a person who worked to equalize civil rights.
18. February is recognized as Caffeine Addiction Awareness Month. A list of coffee producing countries can be found here . Select one of these countries and read a book either written by an author from your selected country or a book that is set in your selected country.
19. February 16th, 2010 is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). Mardi Gras has come to refer to all events of Carnival celebrations that end the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, not just Fat Tuesday itself. New Orleans is host to one of the most well-known celebrations. Read a novel written by a New Orleans writer or set in New Orleans.
#8 is my personal favourite!
:)
It's all greek to me Read a fiction or nonfiction book about Rome, Greece, Egypt, China, India. (set before before 1000 AD). Can include other ancient civilizations as long as pre 1000 ADDouble the flavor, double the fun Read two books with the same title. Subtitles can be different.
Size matters. 7. Read a book that measures at least 10 inches tall by 9 inches wide (25 cm x 22 cm). Either measurement can be more, but not less. No children's picture books.
Caffeine Addiction Awareness Month LOL I like that idea. Jennifer has alot of good ideas.
Deedee - explore is at the top of Goodreads. You'll see - home, my books, find books, friends, explore, groups
December 17 is the annivesary of the Wright Brothers flight and Feb 4 is Charles Lindberg's birthday. Read a book about flying, or a pilot. Feb 15 is Galileo's birthday. Read a book about astronomy or an astronomer as the main character.
January is national soup month. Read a chicken soup for the...Whatever here) book.
January 24 gold was discovered in California. Read a book about the gold rush, or with a gold cover, or with gold in the title.
January 3 is Jacob Grimms birthday. Read a book based on a fairy tale.
Jennifer wrote: "Hello!Here is my unruly (?) list of ideas:
1. December 5th begins Nobel Week, with the Nobel Prizes being awarded on December 10th. Select a Nobel Prize winning book of fiction to read or a book...
#8 is my personal favourite!"
Great ideas, Jennifer ... #8 is my favorite, too!
Wowzers, we have some creative cats in the bunch! Nice everyone!- Read a book in which the author or one of the main characters shares your name (first, middle, last, maiden, and nicknames all count).
- Read a book from a fellow Seasonal Reading Challenge Member's Read Shelf and see if you give the same rating.
- It ain't easy being green: Read an eco-friendly themed book (could be about the environment, organic cooking, locavores, etc.) and watch a similar themed TV show or movie.
- Read a biography or autobiography about an Olympic athlete
- Read a book which references your alma mater. If you have not gone to college, read a book which takes place on any college campus.
Read a book listed in the "Five Stars (or favorites) for Fall Challenge" thread.
Patricia wrote: "Wowzers, we have some creative cats in the bunch! Nice everyone!- Read a book in which the author or one of the main characters shares your name (first, middle, last, maiden, and nicknames all ..."
The one with the reference to the alma matter might be hard... I don't know of any books that reference my school, a small private Christian University...
I like your name suggestion! And the idea about reading from a fellow members shelf and rating it is a cool idea as well!
Jennifer - I really like the Betsy Ross idea if it is for a higher rated task! I think that is unique and cool! I didn't know that about her!!!
How about we share the tasks we liked from the fall challenge? Maybe they could be modified for winter? I liked the Math and grammar task. I did NOT like the reading books from another language.
Teresa in Ohio wrote: "I liked the Math and grammar task. I did NOT like the reading books from another language."And I didn't like the Math and Grammar tasks as much as I liked reading books from another language. :)
The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Rough Guide to Jamaica (other topics)A Tale of Two Cities (other topics)
An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (other topics)
A Treatise of Human Nature (other topics)
An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (other topics)
More...
Also there are some awareness weeks and months and special days to work with like
Jan:
National Poverty in America Month (book where the main character is homeless or living in poverty)
Appreciate a Dragon day 16th (book about or with dragon in title)
Feb:
Library Lovers Month (book about a librarian or lover of books)
Westminster Dog Show (book about a dog or where one of the characters has a dog.
National Eating Disorders week (book where the main character is dealing with an eating disorder)
Humorists are Artists month (read a book written by a comedian or in the humor genre)
World Folktales and Fables week
Color task: Read a book with a color word in the title.
Retold stories: Read a book that is a retelling of a fairy tale, fable, or classic story.