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Nadine's Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge - COMPLETED
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Book: BabelAuthor: R.F. Kuang
Date completed: 10-Jun
Task: Dive into the world of award-winning literature and discover a masterpiece that has captured hearts and minds.
How it fits: Won multiple awards including the Nebula Award for Best Novel
Great, well done, Nadine!Your choice brings you the first 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe challenge and gives you the first move in our first game!
Please take a moment to think about the move you'd like to make and let me know your choice
Your strategic choices in both literature and gaming will make for an exhilarating experience!
Great choice, Nadine!
This move invites you to choose one of the following reading tasks:
a) Explore themes of mortality, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of the human soul by delving into a narrative where the main character faces the ultimate fate—death .
b) Embark on a thrilling adventure by diving into a book with the word "final" in its title . Discover the secrets, unveil the mysteries, and immerse yourself in a tale where every page promises the excitement of a grand finale.
c) Revisit a beloved series one last time by reading its final installment . As you bid farewell to familiar characters and cherished worlds, you'll embark on an emotional roller coaster filled with nostalgia, anticipation, and the bittersweet joy of reaching the end.
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: Minor DetailAuthor: Adania Shibli
Date completed: 27-Jun
Task: Explore themes of mortality, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of the human soul by delving into a narrative where the main character faces the ultimate fate—death.
How it fits: (view spoiler)
Well done, Nadine! 
Your choice brings you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and the next move, O in B2, gives you the opportunity to explore one of three fascinating reading tasks:
a) Dive into the story of a middle sibling and uncover the joys, challenges, and complexities of their journey.
b) Explore the experiences of a character navigating life in the middle class , with all its ups and downs, dreams and aspirations.
c) Embark on an adventure to a remote or secluded location and immerse yourself in a story that unfolds in the vast expanse of the middle of nowhere
After you finish reading your book, don't forget to take a moment to think about your next move in the Tic Tac Toe game!
Happy reading!
Book: DraculaAuthor: Bram Stoker
Date completed: 04-Jul
Task: Embark on an adventure to a remote or secluded location and immerse yourself in a story that unfolds in the vast expanse of the middle of nowhere .
How it fits: The characters journey to Dracula's castle which is located remotely in the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania
for my next move, i pick B3!
Well done, Nadine!
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and your next move is inviting you to choose one of the following reading tasks
a) Delve into the life and career of a musician or band . Whether it’s a biography, memoir, or a novel inspired by the music industry, explore the stories behind the music that moves us.
b) Travel back in time and discover literature from the transformative decades of the 60s and 70s . Enjoy a book published in this period and enjoy a historical perspective on a topic of your choice.
c) Let your wanderlust guide you as you read a book set in a location you’ve always dreamed of visiting . Whether it’s a bustling city, a serene countryside, or an exotic destination, immerse yourself in the story and get a taste of the place through the narrative.
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: What You Are Looking For Is in the LibraryAuthor: Michiko Aoyama
Date completed: 11-Jul
Task: Let your wanderlust guide you as you read a book set in a location you've always dreamed of visiting . Whether it's a bustling city, a serene countryside, or an exotic destination, immerse yourself in the story and get a taste of the place through the narrative.
How it fits: The story is set in Japan which is absolutely my #1 dream destination!
Great job, Nadine!
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and the next move, O in A3, gives you the opportunity of choosing one of the following three tasks:
a) Discover stories that resonate with the essence of your homeland, offering fresh perspectives and insights into the world around you, by diving into a book set in the country you live in .
b) Explore the joys and challenges of friendship through the pages of captivating narratives that will warm your heart, by immersing yourself into a book featuring a strong friendship .
c) You know that neglected book from your shelf? The one you've always wanted to read but never really had time for it? Whether it's a long-awaited classic or a recent release that caught your eye, now is the perfect time to dive into a story that has been patiently waiting for your attention .
Choose your task, pick up your next read, and let the magic of storytelling whisk you away on an unforgettable adventure!
Book: The Bullet That MissedAuthor: Richard Osman
Date completed: 14-Jul
Task: Discover stories that resonate with the essence of your homeland, offering fresh perspectives and insights into the world around you, by diving into a book set in the country you live in .
How it fits: Set in the UK
for my next move, i pick C1!
Well done, Nadine!
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe challenge and your next move, X in C1, invites you to choose one of the following reading tasks:
a) Hit the open road with a character who embodies the spirit of freedom and adventure, riding through life on the back of a motorbike . Feel the wind in your hair and the thrill of the ride as you journey alongside them through the pages of their story.
b) Trust in the wisdom of those who know you best, as you dive into the pages of a book recommended to you by one of your friends .
c) Immerse yourself into the tranquility and depth of the color blue as you as you explore a book with a blue cover .
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: The SelloutAuthor: Paul Beatty
Date completed: 27-Jul
Task: Trust in the wisdom of those who know you best, as you dive into the pages of a book recommended to you by one of your friends .
How it fits: Recommended to me by my sister
Well done, Nadine! 
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe challenge and the next move, O in C2, invites you to explore captivating narratives and profound themes by choosing one of the following tasks:
a) Dive into stories where the protagonist is a writer . Experience the creative process, struggles, and triumphs of characters who bring words to life and immerse yourself in their literary world.
b)Uncover the complexities of relationships, bonds, and conflicts within families. From heartwarming sagas to intense dramas, delve into tales that highlight the intricacies of familial connections .
c) Embark on a philosophical journey that delves into life's biggest questions. Seek wisdom, inspiration, and perspective through books that explore what it means to live a meaningful life .
Choose your challenge, pick a book that resonates with you, and let the adventure begin! Happy reading!
Book: Family Lore: A NovelAuthor: Elizabeth Acevedo
Date completed: 11-Aug
Task: Uncover the complexities of relationships, bonds, and conflicts within families. From heartwarming sagas to intense dramas, delve into tales that highlight the intricacies of familial connections .
How it fits: The book heavily explores the connections between sisters Flor, Pastora, Matilde, and Camila, and their nieces/daughters Ona and Yadi.
for my next move, i pick A2!
Well done, Nadine! 
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and your next move, X in A2, invites you to choose one of the following reading tasks:
a) Experience unique storytelling and an intimate glimpse into the characters' lives and thoughts by delving into a book written in epistolary form (letters, emails, etc)
b) Discover stories that bring fresh, authentic voices to the literary world and broaden your understanding of diverse experiences by exploring the rich and varied perspectives of a non-binary or genderqueer author
c) Get a deeper understanding of important and controversial societal issues by delving into a book that has been banned or challenged at some point in history
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: Crime and PunishmentAuthor: Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Date completed: 20-Aug
Task: Get a deeper understanding of important and controversial societal issues by delving into a book that has been banned or challenged at some point in history
How it fits: From a few sources, the book appears to be banned in Guantánamo Bay.
Well done, Nadine! 
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe challenge and the next move, O in B1, invites you to choose one of the following tasks:
a) Delve into a book that tackles important social issues . Whether it's about equality, justice, or community, gain new perspectives and deepen your understanding of the world around us.
b) Discover new storytelling styles and broaden your literary horizons by choosing a book from a genre you typically don't explore .
c) Find a story where animals play a central role and enjoy a book that features an animal as a main character .
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: In Search of the Perfect Peach: Why Flavour Holds the Answer to Fixing Our Food SystemAuthor: Franco Fubini
Date completed: 28-Aug
Task: Discover new storytelling styles and broaden your literary horizons by choosing a book from a genre you typically don't explore .
How it fits: A non-fiction book about food which is not something I've ever read before.
Well done, Nadine! 
Your choice brings you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac- Toe Challenge and the next move, X in A1, is bringing you in front of the following tasks:
a) Delve into the pages of a debut novel and witness the birth of literary talent that promises to captivate and inspire.
b) Step into the spotlight, explore the world of performance and become more comfortable with the stage as you're reading a book with an actor as its main character .
c) Experience wonder and enchantment as you encounter spells, mythical creatures, and realms where the impossible becomes possible as you're reading a book with elements of magic .
What will it be? Happy reading!
Book: The Vanishing HalfAuthor: Brit Bennett
Date completed: 30-Aug
Task: Step into the spotlight, explore the world of performance and become more comfortable with the stage as you're reading a book with an actor as its main character .
How it fits: Kennedy, Stella's daughter, is a stage and TV actress.
Well done, Nadine! Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and our first game ended in a draw, awesome job!
As you were first in the first game, your opponent gets the first move in the second game!
This move, X in C1, invites you to choose one of the following tasks:
a) Let yourself inspired by the challenges and experiences of a character that has a job you’ve always been curious about or think you would have loved
b) Discover a story featuring a powerful and inspiring female protagonist . Whether she’s overcoming obstacles, leading a movement, or embarking on a daring adventure, let her strength and resilience captivate you.
c) Dive into a book that brings to mind someone special in your life . It could be a story they love, one that reminds you of their personality, or a book you’ve shared together, it's for you to find the connection.
What will it be? Happy reading!
Book: An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to IndependenceAuthor: Zeinab Badawi
Date completed: 01-Sep
Task: Discover a story featuring a powerful and inspiring female protagonist . Whether she's overcoming obstacles, leading a movement, or embarking on a daring adventure, let her strength and resilience captivate you.
How it fits: Covers the stories of many inspiring and pivotal women involved in the history of Africa - for example, Queen Njinga of the Kingdom of Kongo who defied Portuguese rule.
Well done, Nadine! Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and the next move in the game is yours!
Please take a moment to think about it and let me what you'd like to choose
Great choice, Nadine! 
This move gives you the opportunity to explore one of three fascinating reading tasks:
a) Read a book featuring a character who shares your profession , see how their experiences resonate with your own and enjoy the unique connection and insights that come with this shared career path.
b) Dive into the latest release or revisit a classic by your favorite author and enjoy the work of an author you love and trust to deliver an amazing story.
c) Let the beloved themes of your favorite genre provide a comforting and enjoyable reading experience.
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: The Body in the LibraryAuthor: Agatha Christie
Date completed: 06-Sep
Task: Let the beloved themes of your favourite genre provide a comforting and enjoyable reading experience.
How it fits: Mystery has become a favourite genre over the past couple of years.
hi Elena, is there another task coming?
Hi Nadine, Sorry for the delay, here's your next task!
Your previous read brought you another 2 points in the challenge, and the next move, X in C3, invites you to choose one of the following paths:
a) Dive into a book that tackles a controversial topic of your choice , discover new perspectives and deepen your understanding of it.
b) Delve into themes of faith, morality, and human nature by reading a book with a priest as a main character
c) Get transported to new and exciting places by embarking on a literary journey with a book that chronicles travel adventures
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: Solomon Time: Adventures in the South PacificAuthor: Will Randall
Date completed: 11-Sep
Task: Get transported to new and exciting places by embarking on a literary journey with a book that chronicles travel adventures
How it fits: The book is about how the author left his life in England to move to the Solomon Islands
for my next move, i pick C2!
Great job, Nadine! 
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and your next move, O in C2, invites you to choose one of the following tasks:
a) Gain insight into new experiences, challenges, and triumphs by immersing yourself in a story with a main character living with a genetic condition or terminal disease .
b) Explore familiar landscapes, stories that resonate with your heritage and celebrate your roots by choosing a book written by an author from your home country .
c) Discover tales of perseverance by reading a book featuring a character who confronts significant adversity and challenges .
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: As Long as the Lemon Trees GrowAuthor: Zoulfa Katouh
Date completed: 29-Sep
Task: Discover tales of perseverance by reading a book featuring a character who confronts significant adversity and challenges .
How it fits: The book is about the main character, Salama, surviving during the Syrian Civil War.
Great job, Nadine!
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge, and the next move, X in A2, invites you to dive into one of the following adventures:
a) Experience the excitement of exploring different eras, the intriguing consequences of bending time and journey through time by reading a book that features time travel .
b) Read a book that has been adapted into a movie .
c) Gain insights and perspectives on pivotal moments that have shaped our world and dive into history by choosing a book that delves into an historic event of your choice .
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: Lord of the FliesAuthor: William Randall
Date completed: 13-Oct
Task: Read a book that has been adapted into a movie.
How it fits: The book was first adapted to film in 1963.
for my next move, i pick A1!
Well done, Nadine! 
Your choice brings you 2 more points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and your next move invites you to choose one of the following tasks:
a) Let yourself inspired by the challenges and experiences of a character that has a job you’ve always been curious about or think you would have loved
b) Discover a story featuring a powerful and inspiring female protagonist . Whether she’s overcoming obstacles, leading a movement, or embarking on a daring adventure, let her strength and resilience captivate you.
c) Dive into a book that brings to mind someone special in your life . It could be a story they love, one that reminds you of their personality, or a book you’ve shared together, it's for you to find the connection.
Happy reading!
Book: Brown GirlsAuthor: Daphne Palasi Andreades
Date completed: 25-Oct
Task: Discover a story featuring a powerful and inspiring female protagonist . Whether she's overcoming obstacles, leading a movement, or embarking on a daring adventure, let her strength and resilience captivate you.
How it fits: The book explores the multitudes of lives lived by brown girls, focusing on their strength, heart, and resilience.
Well done, Nadine!
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and the next move, X in B3, invites you to dive into one of the following reading tasks:
a) Explore the early 2000s by choosing a book published between 2000 and 2005 .
b) Reflect on recent history by selecting a book that explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic . Whether it's fiction or non-fiction, gain insights into the global event that has shaped our world.
c) Dive into thrilling and eerie tales that keep you on the edge of your seat by reading a book with MPG Horror that will send chills down your spine.
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: PachinkoAuthor: Min Jin Lee
Date completed: 31-Oct
Task: Discover a story featuring a powerful and inspiring female protagonist . Whether she's overcoming obstacles, leading a movement, or embarking on a daring adventure, let her strength and resilience captivate you.
How it fits: The author uses characters like Sunja, who moves to Japan and works incredibly hard to keep her family going, as an example of the resilient and steadfast women who are too often overlooked in the history books.
Great job, Nadine! Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge!
Please take a moment to think about the next move you'd like to make
Your move invites you to choose one of the following reading tasks:
a) Experience the joy and nostalgia of a story that once captivated your heart by revisiting a beloved book from your younger years .
b) Discover fresh voices and perspectives by choosing a book from an author you've never read before . Expand your literary horizons and enjoy the thrill of exploring new storytelling styles.
c) Dive into contemporary narratives by reading a book first published between 2020 and 2022.
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: Back to Black: Retelling Black Radicalism for the 21st CenturyAuthor: Kehinde Andrews
Date completed: 07-Nov
Task: Discover fresh voices and perspectives by choosing a book from an author you've never read before . Expand your literary horizons and enjoy the thrill of exploring new storytelling styles.
How it fits: First time reading a book by Kehinde Andrews.
hi Elena, is there another task coming?
Hi, Nadine! Well done and thank you for the reminder! 
Your choice brings you 2 more points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and the next move, X in B1, invites you to dive into one of the following tasks:
a) Read a book featuring a fruit on its cover . From mysteries to romances, see where this task takes you!
b) Give a second chance to a book you didn’t enjoy in your younger years . Revisit it with fresh eyes and see how your perspective might have changed. It could be an enlightening and surprising experience!
c) Find a book featuring a feather on its cover . Enjoy the hunt for a book adorned with this delicate symbol and discover beautiful and intriguing titles.
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: Bitter Orange TreeAuthor: Jokha Alharthi
Date completed: 07-Apr
Task: Read a book featuring a fruit on its cover . From mysteries to romances, see where the task takes you!
How it fits: Oranges on the cover.
Great job, Nadine!Congratulations, you completed the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge!
Throughout the challenge you accumulated 38 points from the game moves and a bonus of 10 points for finishing both games in a draw!
As such, a total of 48 points have been added to your points account! Well done!
thanks Elena, that was really good fun! one of my favourite challenges :)
Bookish Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Bitter orange tree (other topics)Back to Black: Retelling Black Radicalism for the 21st Century (other topics)
Pachinko (other topics)
Brown Girls (other topics)
Lord of the Flies (other topics)
More...
Great to have you join the game!
In order to determine who goes first in your Tic-Tac-Toe Reading Challenge, I've got a thrilling selection of tasks for you to choose from:
a) Dive into the world of award-winning literature and discover a masterpiece that has captured hearts and minds.
b) Get your adrenaline pumping with a book that features fierce competition , whether it's in sports, games, or any other form of rivalry.
c) Continue your journey with a beloved series by picking up the second book and delving deeper into the characters and story lines you've grown to love.
d) Explore a book with "first" in the title and uncover stories that promise excitement, intrigue, and new beginnings.
No matter which task you choose, remember that every book is a gateway to adventure, knowledge, and inspiration. So grab your favorite reading spot, a cozy blanket, and immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling. Happy reading!