The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
WINTER CHALLENGE 2009-2010
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Task Ideas
a few ideas... Kwanzaa - a book with a theme that matches one of the principles of Kwanzaa
Dec 8th, 1928 - Noam Chomsky born (linguist - read something about language or speech or chimps - a la Noam Chimpsky, the chimp named after him)
New Years - make a resolution and read a book that relates (there are also Muslim, Chinese and Vietnamese New Years during the winter, so we could read a book from a Muslim country or from China or Vietnam)
Dec 17th, 1770 - Beethoven born - read a book that takes place in Germany or Austria; read a book that features a composer, conductor or performer; or read a book where the main character is deaf.
Jan 27th, 1756 Mozart's birthday (see above for ideas related to composer/performer/conductor and Austria)
Dec 18th, 1946 - Steven Biko born - South African leader of the Black Consciousness Movement - read a book that takes place in South Africa
Dec 23rd, 1888 Van Gogh cuts off his ear - perhaps we can read something related to mental illness.
Dec 24th, 1955 Aldous Huxley takes his first acid trip - read dystopian literature or something featuring (or written by someone famous for using) hallucinogenic drugs
Jan 2nd, 1945 - Japanese Americans released from internment camps - read non-fiction about Japanese Americans during WWII or read fiction written by a Japanese American
Jan 19th Martin Luther King Jr. Day - read something re: the Civil Rights Movement (past or present)
Feb 3rd 1874 - Gertrude Stein born - perhaps something related to one of her famous quotations? "a rose is a rose is a rose is a rose" "america is my country, but paris is my hometown" "I've been rich and I've been poor. It's better to be rich".
Purim (Feb 27th-28th) - something on the theme of mistaken identity
Lost Season 6 (the final season of the show) will begin airing in February - I don't know if it would be considered strange to read something related to a TV show, but books feature prominently in the show (there are even goodreads Lost book clubs) and it could be fun (at least I would have fun!) reading something featured in the show.
Emily wrote: "Dec 24th, 1955 Aldous Huxley takes his first acid trip"I love that that's a noteworthy occasion. :)
2009 is the last year of the decade (2000-9), so my ideas revolve around that:1) Read a book that was turned into a movie during the last decade.
2) Read a book that won a major award (Pulitzer, Booker, etc.) during the last decade.
3) Read a book published during the last decade.
4) Read a bestseller from the last decade (bestseller would be being in the top 10 of the NYT bestseller list at some point). Write about whether you think the book will have staying power into future decades or whether it was a flash in the pan.
5) Read a book by an author who died in the past decade.
Emily wrote: "a few ideas... Lost Season 6 (the final season of the show) will begin airing in February - I don't know if it would be considered strange to read something related to a TV show, but books feature prominently in the show (there are even goodreads Lost book clubs) and it could be fun (at least I would have fun!) reading something featured in the show. "
I LOVE this idea! ;o)
El wrote: "Emily wrote: "Dec 24th, 1955 Aldous Huxley takes his first acid trip"I love that that's a noteworthy occasion. :)"
I was looking in my date planner and it happened to be listed - by the publishing company, not by me!
oh and one more...Groundhog Day - something with one of the following words - shadows/spring/sunshine/winter/ground/hogs
I like the ground hog day idea - i would add words like "superstition" "omen" etc
Amanda wrote: "Love the Lost idea! Maybe we could expand it into "books featured on a television show" to include the Gilmore Girls- Rory has several book clubs out there."Is there an option for people who don't have TV or live in other countries where the shows are not available?
Stephanie wrote: "Teresa in Ohio wrote: "El wrote: "Tammy wrote: "Read a book with the either the color Black or Gold in the title in honor of the Pittsburgh Steelers being in the 2010 Superbowl ;)"Ah, a Steele..."
After sunday's game I just don't know, we love the CLOWNS UM BROWNS but they dont make it easy
Less is More - Read 2 books: 1 with 'Less' in the title, one with 'More.' Compare total pages: does 'Less' have 'More' or 'More' have 'More'?Be the Change: read 3 books- one about an idea, one about an event, one about a person that changed the world.
Volunteer and read a book with/to someone.
Read a book with a topic you know nothing about.
Read a collection of fairytales (originals - not the disney version) from your culture/heritage.
I was going to recommend the volunteer and read task BUT frankly I can see how some people may not have someone to read to nor can fit it into hectic schedules. It's a fun idea but some people are isolated or busy (read mainly during commutes).I do like the Less is More and Read a Topic You Know Nothing About.
The volunteer task the AK Erin suggested sparked a thought. This group does so love books, perhaps we could do something to provide free books to those that don't have access to them.Project Gutenberg and/or LibriVox are always looking for volunteers to bring more free books into the public domain.
The task could be to read a book from the Project Gutenberg list, then spend at least 4 hours volunteering for an organization that provides books to the community or spreads literacy in some way.
Link to Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page
Krista wrote: "The volunteer task the AK Erin suggested sparked a thought. This group does so love books, perhaps we could do something to provide free books to those that don't have access to them.Project Gu..."
There is a also an online service where you proofread books that are going to be placed on gutenberg.org. You go through the scanned page and make sure everything matches. I have actually discovered some interesting books through this site. www.pgdp.net
Rachel Lee wrote: "Krista wrote: "The volunteer task the AK Erin suggested sparked a thought. This group does so love books, perhaps we could do something to provide free books to those that don't have access to them..."That is the site that is linked off the Project Gutenber page. I think this is a really good idea. I never knew about this so I think it is a great idea!!!
As much as I like the idea of volunteering, I don't think it should be a requirement for finishing a reading challenge. It could be an option, like drinking beer was in the Oktoberfest task for the Fall Challenge.
Read a book with 550 or more pages, either fiction or non-fiction.
In honor of Charles Dickens, who was born February 07, 1812, read a Victorian novel.
Emily wrote: "Lost Season 6 (the final season of the show) will begin airing in February....books feature prominently in the show...and it could be fun (at least I would have fun!) reading something featured in the show."pjreads wrote: "Is there an option for people who don't have TV or live in other countries where the shows are not available? "
I am not a Lost fan and in fact have never seen it, but I think you can watch past episodes for free on ABC's website (provided you have, or are willing to install, the correct plug-in).
But I don't see why watching the show would be necessary -- wikipedia lists 81 books featured on the show.
Cait said: In honor of Charles Dickens, who was born February 07, 1812, read a Victorian novel. Yes! Dickens was an amazing writer. Obviously, 100% of Dicken's books would qualify as a "Victorian Novel".
Liz wrote: "Emily wrote: "Lost Season 6 (the final season of the show) will begin airing in February....books feature prominently in the show...and it could be fun (at least I would have fun!) reading somethin...But I don't see why watching the show would be necessary..."Thank goodness!! I can't imagine watching 6 seasons of Lost (or any show I don't follow) just to winnow out book titles.
A to Z - read book which starts with the letter A and one which starts with a Z (if you make it a 3 book task, throw in the middle letter of the alphabet and read a book which starts with a M)Body Parts - read a book in which the title references a body part (arm, leg, bone, heart, skin, etc.)
Reality Vs. Fiction - read a true crime novel and a crime/mystery fiction and state whether reality or the imagination is crazier
Wow, alot of great suggestions. I didn't read all of them, so if any of these are dups---sorry1. January is Eye Care Month---read a book about someone who was blind or went blind.
2. January is Blood Donor Month----read 2 books about vampires one written in the 19th century and one written in the 20th century.
3. January 1st is Paul Revere's b-day, read a book fiction or non-fiction about the Revolutionary War.
4. January 6th--Sherlock Holmes B-day. Read a book featuring a detective/investigator in which the story takes place in Europe.
5. There are several Sesame Street character b-days in Jan and Feb---read a book that features a puppeteer.
6. JRR Tolkien's b-day is Jan 3rd---read one of his books and then watch the movie. Tell us about a part of the book that you think should have been included in the movie. Why did you pick that particular part? How would it have enhanced the movie???
7. National Bird Day is Jan 5th---Read a book that has the word bird in the title or the name of a type of bird in the title.
8. Elvis Presley born Jan 8th---Pick a title of one of his songs, and find a book that has those words in the title, or similar. I was surprised to see that there are books out there. One author Daniel Klein has written Elvis mysteries, using song titles ie--Blue Suede Shoes---Blue Suede Clues; Love me Tender---Kill me Tender
9. Ben Franklin B-day Jan 17---A member of the Free Masons, read a book, fiction or non-fiction that features Free Masons.
10. Jan 13th Poetry Break Day---Read a book where the story is told in the form of poetry. ie.Beowulf, The Odyssey
11. Jan 12th National Pharmacist's Day---Read a book, fiction or non-fiction, where the character is either a drug user, Was a drug addict, or someone who died from drug overdose.
12. Jan 20--Penguin awareness day---read a book that takes place in an area of the world where penguins live in their natural habitat.
13. Lewis Carroll b-day---Jan 27th---Read a book that has an author with either one of the names Lewis or Carroll in their name
14. Jackie Robinson's B-day Jan 31---the first African-American of the 20th century to join Major League baseball in 1947. Read a book about a person who was 'the first' to achieve something.
15. Feb 1st is National Freedom Day---read a book about an individual or group who have fought or are fighting to obtain freedoom and a book about those without freedoms, imprisioned.
16. Charles Dicken's b-day---Read a book written by a friend, or acquaintance of Charles Dickens. Tell how they knew each other.
17. Feb 14th is Ferris Wheel Day. Read a book about a Carnival or Fair.
Sue wrote: "Wow, alot of great suggestions. I didn't read all of them, so if any of these are dups---sorry1. January is Eye Care Month---read a book about someone who was blind or went blind.
2. Janua..."
Wow, Sue, a lot of good ideas in your post!
El wrote: "Sue wrote: "Wow, alot of great suggestions. Thanks El. This is new for me. I found this book group about 2 weeks ago---how fun, and fascinating.
El wrote: "Sue wrote: "Wow, alot of great suggestions. I didn't read all of them, so if any of these are dups---sorry1. January is Eye Care Month---read a book about someone who was blind or went blind...."
I agree. There were a lot of tasks I just wanted to jump in and do right now! I hope some of them get picked!!!
El wrote: "As much as I like the idea of volunteering, I don't think it should be a requirement for finishing a reading challenge. It could be an option, like drinking beer was in the Oktoberfest task for th..."Doing an activity was part of the PE challenge, and the Arts/Crafts/Music challenge. Watching a movie was part of the science/sci-fi challenge. Seems like we've done other things besides read as part of these challenges. The task completions is always optional though.
Krista wrote: "El wrote: "As much as I like the idea of volunteering, I don't think it should be a requirement for finishing a reading challenge. It could be an option, like drinking beer was in the Oktoberfest ...Doing an activity was part of the PE challenge, and the Arts/Crafts/Music challenge. Watching a movie was part of the science/sci-fi challenge. Seems like we've done other things besides read as part of these challenges. The task completions is always optional though....."
I sort of agree with El. Things such as doing a craft, exercising and watching a movie are things we probably do anyways and could fit into a task. However, volunteering is another issue. It involves going through an Organization's screening process, volunteer initiation, etc. before even starting to volunteer.
Also, if one isn't already volunteering, it takes time to decide upon and find a place to volunteer. I used to volunteer in an Old Age Home and background checks had to be done for all new volunteers, which took time.
I do like the idea of somehow giving back in some way. Perhaps donating some books to a school or library or old age home. Something that we could all find the time to do.
El wrote: "Read an entire book either curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, or in bed. (Does not need to be read in one sitting, but does need to be read only while in that place.) This is similar to..."I love this idea, and with living in Australia and it being summer for me this will really be a challenge :)
Petra wrote: "Things such as doing a craft, exercising and watching a movie are things we probably do anyways and could fit into a task. However, volunteering is another issue. It involves going through an Organization's screening process, volunteer initiation, etc. before even starting to volunteer."This is exactly what I meant, Petra, thank you. Unfortunately volunteering is not an option available to everyone, based on differing lifestyles. Some people work night shifts and therefore sleep most of the day, when most volunteer opportunities are available. I think there was a suggestion for one of the challenges to read to a child, or to read to children at a library - I felt the same way about that since not everyone has access to children, and I know I would not be able to read to children at a library based on my schedule. Solitary tasks (such as watching movies, sports, going to a museum/play or creating art) is much easier to fit into everyone's personal schedules without forcing one to change their schedule. Again, I'm all for volunteering and supporting causes, so please don't get me wrong. :)
I don't think that the kind of volunteering that Krista was referring to involves any of that sort of thing. I went to the website that was listed as the place to voluteer your editing skills and signed up and was immediately taken to the place where you did the work. There was no screening processes or certain hours to work at it or anything. Just registering at a site so that Public domain books could be fixed up to the best that they can be and put out there on the web for people to appreciate. All of that wouldn't even have to be done at one sitting.Some of the tasks that are normal for you, isn't normal for other people. I don't watch science movies/tv shows. I hate science. Art is one of my worst enemies (my grandma told me when I was only 7 that I didn't have an imagination), I don't like sports, and as a full time student working 20-30 hours a week, I don't have a lot of time to exercise right now. Those aren't always things that fit into the every day life. And I hate donating books. I can't imagine giving up any of my books. I know some people are into that, but I can't even think of one book I would give away, even if I hated the book.
Kathryn wrote: "Art is one of my worst enemies" :-O!!! The horror!!
Would anyone balk at the idea of reading a book about deployment? I know it may be a tad US-Centric but it is a topic that effects a lot of people. Or should the task branch out to deployment or ANY soldier involved in current wars or conflict (doesn't necessarily have to be Iraq or Afghan. Could be a major conflict such as Iran, North Korea, etc)
Kathryn wrote: "There was no screening processes or certain hours to work at it or anything. Just registering at a site so that Public domain books could be fixed up to the best that they can be and put out there on the web for people to appreciate. All of that wouldn't even have to be done at one sitting."Do you know what hours they hold? Is it something you could do from home in the middle of the night if that's what your schedule demanded?
Amanda wrote: "I think the volunteering task would be cool as long as there were options, like how for the art task we could make art or go to see art or whatever. So maybe it could be read whatever book, then vo..."Yes, options are good.
El wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "There was no screening processes or certain hours to work at it or anything. Just registering at a site so that Public domain books could be fixed up to the best that they can be an..."You can volunteer there at any time. It is just a website that has scanned public domain books and then you proofread what the computer says the scanned pages say versus what they actually say. But you can do it whenever for however long you want and there are usually a LOT of different books in different languages and different genres and difficulty levels to proof.
Kathryn wrote: "I don't think that the kind of volunteering that Krista was referring to involves any of that sort of thing. I went to the website that was listed as the place to voluteer your editing skills and s..."Yep, that was the type of volunteering I was suggesting by providing the link to Project Gutenberg. I figured that we all had computers, and all were fairly proficient using them since we're participating in this challenge. :-) I don't believe there are any specific hours you have to 'work', etc.
I am interested in the LibriVox volunteering opportunity. I haven't delved too deeply into it, but it looks like volunteers make audio recordings of the public domain books. I like that idea more than the electronic formatted books. But either way it's getting more free books out into the world.
For those of you that want to volunteer in other ways I know there are lots of opportunities other than this electronic method offered as one suggestion.
Shoot, if I had any hope of finishing this challenge I'd add is as my task for the Winter Challenge. But as much as I love these challenges, I just don't have the time (or the reading speed evidently) to complete the challenges. But I think the topic has sparked a good discussion!
I think the Project Gutenberg is a great idea. In fact, I just signed up to be a proofreader. Not sure how much time I'll have with school and such but this seems like a worthy endeavor.And for those complaining about volunteering, you can do a lot of stuff that super simple without giving anyone your name, submitting to background checks, traveling long distances, etc
Amy wrote: "I think the Project Gutenberg is a great idea. In fact, I just signed up to be a proofreader. Not sure how much time I'll have with school and such but this seems like a worthy endeavor.And for t..."
Yeah, I don't have a lot of time, but I do a few pages a week and it is really interesting. Also, the site is really good about getting feedback to you.
It's Not All Greek -- Read a book on mythology that isn't Greek, Roman or Egyptian. Break away and dwell deeper into different myths. Example - Norse, Indian, Native American, Chinese, Japanese...The winter tie in involves a Norse myth of Balder and the Mistletoe!
do we know when the task list for Winter will be posted? I request books from the library and want to get them as early as I can : )
Amy wrote: "And for those complaining about volunteering, you can do a lot of stuff that super simple without giving anyone your name, submitting to background checks, traveling long distances, etc"Wow. No one (including myself) was complaining.
Teresa in Ohio wrote: "do we know when the task list for Winter will be posted? I request books from the library and want to get them as early as I can : ) "I have the tasks mostly figured out but I am still tweaking them. I also may need to change them entirely based on the incoming tasks designed by the players who have completed the fall challenge (if their tasks are similar to something I already have).
The plan is to post the 5/10/15 pointers and any winners tasks I have received on November 12th or 13th after the group reads are selected. That gives everyone a little over 2 weeks to start collecting books for the next challenge.
Of course additional tasks may be added as other players complete the fall challenge and the rookie of the season/most improved players wont be known until this challenge is over...so those tasks will be added in as I receive them.
Fly South for the Winter -- Read a TRAVEL book about a place you wished to be. Example: The Rough Guide to Jamaica 4
Cynthia wrote: "Teresa in Ohio wrote: "do we know when the task list for Winter will be posted? I request books from the library and want to get them as early as I can : ) "I have the tasks mostly figured out ..."
thanks that gives me a time range and hopefully some of my upcoming book club books will fit. I am making a GOAL of book club books and TBR books for the challenge, no going looking for new ones LOL
Read a book based on a religion you do not follow.Book about Winter.
Short book for Feburary
Cynthia wrote: "Teresa in Ohio wrote: "do we know when the task list for Winter will be posted? I request books from the library and want to get them as early as I can : ) "I have the tasks mostly figured out ..."
I'm excited!
Beth(MN) wrote: "Cynthia wrote: "Teresa in Ohio wrote: "do we know when the task list for Winter will be posted? I request books from the library and want to get them as early as I can : ) "I have the tasks m..."
I'm excited too! I have a feeling that the 2nd half of November is gonna be light on Fall Challenge reading and heavy on picking out books for the Winter Challenge.
Maybe there should be a 5 day break or something between challenges for picking books and getting all excited about a new challenge starting!
Amy wrote: "Beth(MN) wrote: "Cynthia wrote: "Teresa in Ohio wrote: "do we know when the task list for Winter will be posted? I request books from the library and want to get them as early as I can : ) "I..."
It looks like our topics for the Winter Challenge are being shored up. I really enjoy the enthusiasm of this group, even though I can't finish the challenges. You are all great fun :)
Cynthia, can we set up the task help board so they appear in some kind of organized format--and they appear at the same time as the list (as much as possible), so we don't have three lists going for the same task? Or at least have the courtesy to wait on the 20, 25, & 30 pointers until the person who developed the task has time to put it on the task help board.
My personal preference for format is for "Task Number" "Task Name" or in the case of 25, & 30 pointers "Person's Name" "Task Name" since the numbers may change before the start of the challenge.
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)
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Ah, a Steelers fan! :) As someone ..."
Being from Bufflao I feel your pain Teresa. We can only dream of better days.