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WINTER CHALLENGE 2024
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Winter Challenge 2024: Tasks
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10.1 - Look to the Skies
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The Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs, in addition to being an AONB, also has the distinction of being a Dark Sky Reserve: a region in which restrictions on light pollution are in place to protect naturally dark night skies and promote astronomy, and to limit harm to noctural wildlife from artificial light.
Read a book whose cover depicts stars, the moon, or a night sky.
Required: Post the cover
10.2 - Crossing Borders
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The Wye Valley AONB (AHNE Dyffryn Gwy in Welsh) is an unusual region in that it is the only Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to cross national borders within the UK, starting just south of Hereford in England and following the River Wye down to Chepstow in Wales. It's an administrative challenge when it comes to co-ordinating conservation efforts, requiring teams from both countries to agree on how best to protect the area in line with their respective national guidance.
Read a book which is set in at least two countries. For the purposes of this task, we will consider the constituent nations of the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) to be distinct countries.
Required: If the locations are not evident in the book description or the GR metadata, provide a reference.
10. 3 - A Mountain of Books
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Ben Nevis and Glen Coe is a National Scenic Area (Scotland's equivalent to the AONB designation) in the Highlands that's widely regarded as the home of Scottish mountaineering - perhaps unsurprising given that it's home to the UK's highest mountain. Ben Nevis belongs to a category of mountain known as a Munro: a Scottish peak with a height of over 3,000 feet (914.4m). Successfully climbing a Munro is considered an impressive feat among mountaineers, and someone who manages to climb all recognised Munros - of which there are a whopping 282! - earns the right to be called a Munroist.
Hm. Perhaps we'll celebrate International Mountain Day (December 11th) by tackling our TBR mountains instead!
Read a book whose page count is comprised of the numbers 9, 1, 4, 4 in any order. Numbers may only be used as often as they appear.
10.4 - Wonderful Wetlands
Help Thread
While not yet confirmed as an AONB, the Gwent Levels in South Wales has been put forward for protected status as its wetland habitats support a number of rare species such as the Northern Lapwing and the Great Silver Water Beetle. The nearby Goldcliff Lagoons are also the only site in South Wales where breeding avocets can be found.
Coincidentally enough, World Wetlands Day falls on February 2nd. What better excuse do we need to celebrate such a wonderful area?
Read a book with a word of four or more letters in its title that can be made from WORLD WETLANDS DAY. Letters may be used only as often as they appear.
Required: State the word.
10.5 - A Gateway to the Past
Help Thread
While you might not recognise the name of the Mendip Hills AONB, you've probably heard of one of it's most famous sites - Cheddar Gorge! Not only does it boast the spectacular Cheddar show caves (named as the second greatest natural wonder in Britain), but it was also where the UK's oldest complete human skeleton was discovered in 1903. Cheddar Man was estimated to be 9,000 years old at the time of discovery, but partial remains from 12000-1300 years ago have also been found.
Read a book set prior to 1903 (or if non-fiction, about events prior to 1903).
Required: If the time setting is not evident from the GR metadata or book description, provide a reference.
10.6 - Inspiration Strikes
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If there was ever an award for the most inspiring place on Earth, surely the Malvern Hills AONB would be in the running for it. It's been the source of inspiration for such talents as the composer Edward Elgar, the artist Dame Laura Knight, the poets W. H. Auden and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and the writer J. R. R. Tolkien (who directly compared parts of the Malverns to the White Mountains of Gondor from his Lord of the Rings trilogy).
Read a biography, autobiography or memoir about an artist, musician, poet or writer.
10.7 - I Want To Believe
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Cannock Chase AONB in Staffordshire, England, is the smallest region with such a designation in mainland Britain. Despite its diminutive size, it's home to a surprising amount of wildlife, including a herd of around 800 fallow deer and various rare and endangered birds. It's also seemingly home to some more... unusual creatures. Since the 1970s, the local press has reported on sightings of werewolves, spectral hounds, UFOs and even Bigfoot! That said, there's been no conclusive evidence to verify these sightings, so maybe it's not quite time to call in Mulder and Scully.
Read a book with an MPG of Paranormal. The genre may be embedded, e.g. "Paranormal Romance" or "Paranormal Horror".
10.8 - Run Away! Run Away!
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Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast AONB is almost certainly best known for the Giant's Causeway: the ancient basalt columns that resulted from volcanic activity over 50 million years ago.
Of course, there's a legendary explanation for them too - that the Causeway was built as a pathway between Ireland and Scotland, until a dispute arose between the Irish and Scottish giants Finn McCool and Benandonner. McCool, knowing that he would be defeated in combat, enlisted his wife to help him, and was disguised as a baby when Benandonner arrived to fight. Intimidated by the sheer size of the 'baby', and unwilling to face the father as a result, Benandonner fled, smashing up the Causeway behind him to prevent pursuit.
Read a book from the first 25 pages of the Mythology shelf: Mythology Books
Required: State the page of the shelf your book is found on.
10.9 - Making the National International
Help Thread
Just as Scotland has its National Scenic Areas, so too does the US. Since 1984, areas have been federally designated for protection (albeit not as stringent protection as is afforded to wilderness zones), starting with the Mono Basin National Scenic Area in California. Ten areas are currently protected as National Scenic Areas, with a further eight having been proposed.
Read a book with a word in its title that matches one of the current or proposed National Scenic Areas from this list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationa...
Plurals and possessives are okay (as is making a plural singular - e.g. The Haunting of Hill House for Alabama Hills), but we're not including the "national scenic area" designation as part of the name.
Required: State the word and the National Scenic Area it matches.
10.10 - Cold As Ice
Help Thread
AONBs in the UK are currently being rebranded as National Landscapes - a term also used in Finland. Köyliönjärvi (Lake Köyliö in English) is a Finnish National Landscape that has the perhaps dubious honour of also being the site of the first documented historical event in Finland: the murder of Saint Henry on the lake ice in 1156.
The Nordic countries are well-known for their crime literature, so let's stay well away from any thin ice and curl up with a good book instead.
Read a book from one of the following lists:
Nordic Noir
52 Book Club 2023: #24 Nordic Noir
Nordic/Scandinavian Mysteries: Female Voices
Required: State which list your book is found on.
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15.1 Groundhog Groundhog Groundhog
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Groundhog Day is a tradition observed regionally in the United States and Canada on February 2 of every year. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early, but…. Groundhog Day also has another meaning.
A phrase to describe a situation in which a series of unwelcome or tedious events appear to be recurring in exactly the same way is also called Groundhog Day.
This is a two-book task.
Book 1: Read a book with a 4 or more letter word in the title that can be formed from one of these two phrases: SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER or SPRING WILL ARRIVE EARLY
Required: State the phrase and the word.
Book 2: Read a book that has a repeated word consecutively in the title.
Examples: Lies, Lies, Lies
Dead Dead Girls
15.2 Holiday who-be what-ee?
Help Thread
How The Grinch Stole Christmas children's book was published in 1957, however the original 1966 television series is what really started the Grinch success. The crazy green guy is well recognized for all his appearances. Who's your favorite Grinch?
This is a two book task.
Book 1: Read a book that is at least 75% green according to Tineye. A guide to using Tineye can be found here.
Required: Post the cover.
Book 2: Read a book with the MPG Christmas
15.3 Mysterious and Wise
Help Thread
Chinese New Year 2025 is January 29- February 16. It is the Year of the Snake. Of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, the sixth animal, the snake is the most mysterious and also the wisest. The Snake’s lucky colors are red, black and yellow and their lucky numbers are 2, 8 and 9.
Choose an option.
Required: State the option
Option 1: Two-book task
Book 1: Read a book with a cover with at least 75 percent of any combination of these THREE colors, RED BLACK AND YELLOW according to Tineye. All colors must be present (the percentage of each color is not important as long as they add up to 75 percent.)
Complete directions for using Tineye can be found here: "How Do I Use Tineye?
Required: Post the Cover
Book 2:
Read a book with at least 2 different lucky numbers (2, 8 and 9) in the page count.
Option 2: One-book task
Read a single book that satisfies both criteria for option 1.
15.4 It's Starting to Look A Lot Like Christmas
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Celebrating Christmas has begun. Doors, eaves, yards, and roofs are getting dressed up and it's starting to look like Christmas!
Choose an option
Required: State the option
Option A: Two-book task
Book 1: Read a book with an ornament, garland, wreath, Christmas lights, Santa, or deer on the cover.
For the purpose of this task:
Garland is A long, flexible string of greenery or tinsel that can be hung over a fireplace, from the ceiling, around a tree or outside. Ornament/Bulb/Globe/Bauble- needs to be a sphere shaped ornament.
Santa must be a plump man with a white beard wearing a red hat with white trim and/or red coat with white trim, or a red swimsuit (for the southern hemisphere people)
Required: Post the cover
Book 2: Read a book where the author's first and last initials (middle initial may be ignored) are found in MERRY AND BRIGHT. Letters may be used as often as they appear.
Option B: One-book task
Read 1 book that satisfies both requirements option 1.
15.5 Old Saint Nick
Help Thread
Saint Nicholas' Day is celebrated on December 6th to honor Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was known to throw small bags of gold coins into the open windows of poor homes. After one bag of gold fell into the stocking of a child, news got around. Children soon began hanging their stockings by their chimneys “in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there”. The names Santa Claus, Father Christmas, and Kris Kringle are all common names for Saint Nicholas.
For this task read a book with a single author who shares initials with one of these names. The initials may be reversed in order but must match a single name. Middle initials may be ignored.
Initials are SC, CS, KK, FC, CF, SN, NS
Required: State the name.
15.6 Why, to the North Pole, of course! This is the Polar Express!
Help Thread
The movie Polar Express is full of great Christmas music as it tells a wonderful story of a boy who is doubting his belief in Santa Claus. One of the most well known songs of that movie is "When Christmas Comes to Town"
Read a book with a word in the title of 4 or more letters found in these lyrics: https://genius.com/Matthew-hall-and-m...
Required: State the word
15.7 We Three Kings
Help Thread
At the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas comes a day called the Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. This holiday is celebrated as the day the three wise men first saw baby Jesus and brought him gifts. Many celebrate this day with food, family, and gifts.
Read a book from a series that only has 3 books published as of February 28, 2025 or read a book that is number 12 in a series. The series must be apparent in greyscale on the GR book page.
15.8 New Year, New Beginnings
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January 1st starts a new year and with that new year, can bring new beginnings and fresh starts.
Read a book with a word of four or more letters in the title that can be made from "NEW YEAR BRINGS FRESH BEGINNINGS"
Letters may only be used as often as they appear.
Required: State the word
15.9 My Bloody Valentine
Help Thread
Cupid is famous on Valentines Day for bringing lovers together. Cupid in Mythology is the God of love, attraction and affection and is the son of Venus a love Goddess and Mars God of War. Read a book with MPG Romance as well as MPG of War, Thriller or Mythology,
Genres need to be standalone.
15.10 Winter Retreat
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Winter is a wonderful time to hide away in a secluded cabin to keep warm from the cold snowy nights (if you have cold and snow)
Read a book with a cover that shows a secluded house or cabin (no other buildings visible on the cover) in a snowy landscape. The house/cabin must show at least 1 full side and the roof of the house.
Examples:
Required: Post the Cover
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20.1 Most Improved -Kathy KS's Task: Family and Holidays
Help Thread
The favorite part of the Holidays for me, personally, is the opportunity to spend some time with family. Amazingly enough, I’m now the eldest of our four generations! Options for this task will be centered around family. Read one book from these options. State the option.
Option 1 - One of my passions, other than reading, is researching genealogy. I research the family history of my children’s paternal line, my husband’s line, and my own, including the families of my kids- and grandkids-in-law.
Read a book from the first 25 pages of this list: Genealogy Books
Although most are non-fiction, some on the list are fiction. Either is fine.
Required: State the page.
Option 2 - Our four generations are spread around now, which makes our get-togethers even more special.
Read a book set at least 50% in one of the places in which some of our family members live: California, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, or Germany.
Required: If the setting is not evident from the main page, provide a reference.
Option 3 - My first great grandchild was born this year, so this will be her first Christmas. She’s my first female descendant born since her grandmother was born over forty years ago!
To celebrate them, read a book first published in either 1981 or 2024.
20.2 - Rookie at the Top - SheMac's Task: Into 2025
Help Thread
Janus is the Roman God that gave us January, the first month of the year and this challenge reminds us of that. Read one book from the two options below.
Choose an option and read one book. Your chosen book should be at least 225 pages.
REQUIRED: State the Option
Option 1:
As well as being shown with two faces, Janus was also known for holding a key in his right hand. This symbolized his protection of doors, gates, and other openings. Read a book with either a key (not electronic) or a door or a gate on the cover.
REQUIRED: post the cover
Option 2: The Roman Empire reached its furthest extent by 117AD and had a massive influence on European and, ultimately, world culture. Read a book that is at least 50% set in one or more of these countries that were part of the Roman Empire at that time:
Albania, Austria, Algeria, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, England, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Luxembourg, Moldova, Morocco, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Wales.
REQUIRED: If the setting is not evident from the Goodreads page, provide a reference.
20.3 Review Raffle- Trishhartuk's Task: Wordplay
Help Thread
I always enjoy a good word game, and this seems a good season for them. Pick one of the following options and read a book for that option.
Required: State the option
Option 1: Tongue twisters. Read a book with a title (ignore subtitles) where at least three words start with the same letter (excluding A, An or The). Examples: Full Fathom Five, A Tale of Two Tabbies.
Option 2: Lowest form of wit. Some genres, especially cozy mysteries, seem to specialise in playing with words in the titles. Read a book with a title including a bit of wordplay or a pun.
Examples: Gilt by Association (antiques), A Midwinter’s Tail (a cat saves the day), A Killer Read (murder mystery with books), Ghoul Interrupted (after Girl Interrupted), The Silence of the Flans (instead of The Silence of the Lambs), Baking Bad (cozy mystery with dragons and baking).
Required: State the original word or phrase that is a pun.
Option 3: Word maths. Read a book which fits one of the following word “equations”.
a) Read a book with a title of at least two words where the total number of letters in the title can be averaged by the number of words, to get a whole number.
E.g. this works: Dickens at Christmas (18 letters, divided by 3 words = 6)
This doesn’t: Death on Demand (13 letters, divided by 3 words = 4.33)
OR
b) Read a book with a title of at least two words where number of words in the title (not subtitle) equals the number of letters in the first word.
E.g. this works: Read It and Weep (four letters in the first word/four words in the title), In Ascension (two letters in the first word/two words in the title)
This doesn’t: The Red Thumb Mark (three letters in the first word/four words in the title).
Required: : State the option and show the equation.
20.4 Golden Oldies- Robin P’s Task: Christmas Carols
Help Thread
Carols are popular around the world. Choose one of the following options:
1.Read a book with a word of 4 or more letters in the title that matches a word in the name of a carol from this list:
https://www.nypl.org/blog/2016/12/22/...
Words must match exactly, for instance Kings is acceptable (from We Three Kings) but not King.
Required: State the song name
2. Many Christmas carols popular in the U.S. have origins in other countries: “Silent Night” in Germany, “O Holy Night” in France, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” in England, “Deck the Halls” in Wales. In addition, “Carol of the Bells” uses a Ukrainian tune, and “O Come All Ye Faithful” was written in Latin. Read a book set at least 50% in Germany. France, England, Wales, Ukraine, or Italy.
Required: If setting is not evident from the main page provide a reference
3. Although I cannot carry a tune, my husband is an excellent singer who has performed in local and regional concerts, including holiday programs. Most of the choirs contain men and women who are divided into the four parts of Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass, or SATB for short. Read a book by an author whose first and last initials are a combination of these letters. Letters may only be used as often as they appear, but they may be in any order. Therefore, the options are AB, AS, AT, BA, BS, BT, TA, TB, TS, SA, SB, ST.
20.5 Bigger is Better- Elizabeth P's Task: Celebrating the SRC
Help Thread
To be honest, I was very surprised when I was asked to write a task for this challenge, and as I considered what to do I reflected over the time I’ve spent in the SRC. Imagine my shock when I realized that I have been in this group for over 10 years at this point! I feel like my first challenge was maybe 2 years ago max. Time really flies. In light of that, I wanted to write a task that celebrates the time I’ve spent in this wonderful group.
Choose one option
Required: State the option.
1: Discovery
I first discovered the SRC in January of 2014 and I was so instantly excited by the premise of this group (meaning this winter challenge we’ll actually hit my 11 year anniversary - WHAT?!). I remember the only thing I was disappointed by was the fact that I had missed the month of December and couldn’t finish the entire challenge in two months. That challenge and the excitement I felt is why I’m still here today!
Read a book first published in January of a year between 2014 and 2024, inclusive.
2: Participation
I went back and counted (because why not) and realized that this will be my 36th Seasonal Reading Challenge. I missed a few (including the entire year of 2023) but am still astounded I’ve made 36 of my ridiculous spreadsheets for this group.
Read a book that is #3 or #6 in a series. The series name and number must be indicated in the GR title listing in grayscale parentheses following the title or grayscale italics above the title.
3: Reflection
None of my friends or family understand it, but these reading challenges have brought me so much joy over the past 10+ years. I love trying to fit my books in, and being challenged to read more. I’ve enjoyed getting to know pieces of everyone through their tasks. I remember being encouraged by the community when I did previous tasks at important turning points in my life. I’m just so glad to have found this group.
Read a book with a word of 4 or more letters in the title (subtitles do not count) that can be made from the letters in READING CHALLENGES BRING ME JOY. Letters can be used as often as they appear in the phrase.
Required: State the word.
I wish you a very happy winter reading challenge!
Mod
20.6 It's A Fact - Julia103's Task" Getting Older
Help Thread
I will be turning 65 in February 2025, which in the United States defines me as a senior citizen. It's a scary thought. In honor of my upcoming birthday, choose one of the following options.
Books can be either fiction or non-fiction.
Due my advancing age, books with MPG Children, Kids, or related genres are NOT allowed.
Required State the option.
Option 1: Read a book where a main character is a senior citizen.
If you choose a biography or memoir at least 65% of the book needs to take place after the protagonist turned 65. It is not enough to say that the subject was over age 65 when the book was published.
For this task a term that describes an older age like "elderly, old, retired, senior citizen, octogenarian" or resident(s) in a retirement community to describe the characters is sufficient. (The exact age does not need to be given.)
IE: A Man Called Ove Killers of a Certain AgeAn Elderly Lady Is Up to No GoodRetirement Homes Are MurderThe Thursday Murder Club
This list might help for inspiration: Elderly Protagonist Books
Required If the elderly age isn't evident from the main page, provide a reference.
Option 2: Read a book that was first published in 1960. This list may give ideas, but the book does not need to be on the list.
Best Books 1960
Option 3: Read a book that was on the New York Times Bestsellers list in February 1960 (regardless of publication date). New York Times lists:
Week of February 7: https://www.hawes.com/1960/1960-02-07...
Week of February 14 :https://www.hawes.com/1960/1960-02-14...
Week of February 21:https://www.hawes.com/1960/1960-02-21...
Week of February 28 https://www.hawes.com/1960/1960-02-28...
Required: State which week of February used.
Option 4: Read a book that is set in a year ending in 65 (i.e. 1065, 1865, 1965...).
Books set in the future (2065, 2165 ...) are allowed as long as the year is clearly stated in the book description, metadata (Setting) or within the text of the book. Books set in the past may be used if a year is given in the description or the text of the book or if a historical event is given to date it. (For example: Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865; the Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights March was in 1965)
At least 50% of the book needs to take place in the chosen year.
Required: If the year is not evident on the main page, provide a reference.
20.7- Shorter is Sweeter - Kristen IA's Task: Holidays and Hiking
Help Thread
‘Tis the season for lots of holidays! We all celebrate different things, but these months often are filled with celebrations, remembrances, and gatherings with those we love. However, as a bookish introvert, I often need some time alone after all of the celebrating to recuperate. Sometimes, that means you’ll find me curled up with a good book. Other times, I want to enjoy nature (usually with an audiobook) on a walk or a hike. Whether you love holidays, or getting out in nature, there’s something in this task for you!
Required: State the option
Books with the genres "Sequential Art", "Comics", "Comic Book", and "Manga" may be used for this task.
Option A: HOLIDAYS Option A: HOLIDAYS While I would love to include all of the holidays possible, there were just too many to include. Even if I missed your favorite holiday, I hope you find a spot for your next favorite read in this task. For this option, read a book that meets the requirements for any TWO holidays.
Required: State which two holidays you chose.
1) HANUKKAH (Dec. 25-Jan. 2) - “Festival of Lights” - Author’s first and last initials appear in LIGHTS. If multiple authors, only one needs to meet this requirement. Letters may be used as many times as they appear.
2) CHRISTMAS (Dec. 25) - Both red and green appear on the cover, any percentage, according to TinEye
Required: Post the cover and the percentages.
3) KWANZAA (Dec. 26-Jan. 1) - African American and pan-African celebration of culture, family, and community - Read a book with the MPG Africa or African-American. Genre may be stand alone or embedded.
4) NEW YEAR (Jan. 1) - Read a book that is #1 in a series. The series name and number must be indicated in the GR title listing in grayscale parentheses following the title or grayscale italics above the title.
5) VALENTINE’S DAY (Feb. 14) - All of the letters L-O-V-E appear in the title (ignore subtitles). They do not need to be in that order.
Option B: HIKING If you’re ready for the holidays to ‘take a hike’, it’s time to head out and enjoy the beauty in nature. Read a book with NATURE, HIKE, WALK, TRAIL, or EXPLORE in the title/subtitle. Plurals, possessives, and any forms of these words that maintain the intended meaning (i.e. HIKER, WALKING, EXPLORATION) can be used. These lists can be used for inspiration, but the book does not need to be on the lists.
Take a Hike/Go for a Walk/Journey in Nature
Hiking and Nature
Books for Hikers
20.8 Nickels & Dimes- Apple's Task: The Wonders of Home
Help Thread
What many people may not realise about Australia is we have every kind of climate, and many within short (ish) distances from each other.
In my home State of Victoria we have a number of Natural Wonders which are from the very diverse environments https://www.visitmelbourne.com/featur...
This task is based on some of these wonders.
Please chose an option from the below, and my Christmas gift to you is that children's books are allowed (if they meet general SRC requirements) as are , graphic novels/comics, etc.
Option 1: 12 Apostles, are part of our shipwreck coastline, which proved very treacherous during the time of colonisation. They are formed due to erosion of the original coastline and, sadly, there are only 8 of the original 9 formations left due to the continuing erosion.
For this task, read a book who first year of publication includes at least two different numbers of 1, 2, 8 and 9.
Option 2: Pink Lake is an inland salty lake that receives its distinct colouring due to the pigment produced by bacteria.
For this task, read a book by a single author whose first and last initials can be found in PINK LAKE. Letters may be used as often as they appear.
Option 3: Hanging Rock is most famous due to the book Picnic at Hanging Rock, which was also made into a film. Just what ever happened to those missing girls? Many people actually believe this to be a true story.
For this task, read a book with a MPG of either Classics or Gothic
Genres may be stand alone or embedded.
Option 4: Whilst the California Redwood Forest is a natural wonder, this one was actual man made, as the 55 metre high trees are introduced. This does not detract from the awe inspiring feeling of walking through the forest, and is a very popular attraction, as I recently saw as we drove my visiting mother-in-law past (she is wheelchair bound, so not suitable to get out).
For this task, read a book with a word of at least 4 letters in the title that can be made from CALIFORNIA REDWOOD FOREST.
Letters may be used as often as they appear.
Required: State the word.
20.9 Moderator's Pet -Jen B's Task: 90s Nostalgia
Help Thread
As a teenager of the 1990s, my middle school, high school, and first couple of college years spanned the decade. I have many fond memories of the 90s, so I'm a fan of the wave of 90s nostalgia that seems to be happening lately. Join me in reminiscing on one of my favorite decades.
Required: State the option
Option 1 - Music
I really got into music in the 90s, thanks to the CD player boom box I received for my 10th birthday. Naturally, I had to get a Columbia House subscription for CDs! I collected CDs from boy bands to grunge.
A: Since it seems like all boy bands had exactly 5 members (NKOTB, Backstreet Boys, NSync...) read a book with EXACTLY 5 words in the title (subtitles ignored) Only words count.
-OR-
B: Seattle, WA was the home of Nirvana and the start of the grunge movement. Read a book set in the state of Washington, USA. (Not Washington, DC) This list may help: link but is not required to use.: Books Set in Washington State (But, your book doesn't have to be from the list. If you search within lists, you will find that there are many!)
Required If the setting is not obvious from the main page, provide a reference.
Option 2 - Movies
Without phones or Netflix to entertain us, what did we do for fun in the 90s? We went to the movies! Or, if cash was low, we borrowed our parents' Blockbuster Video membership cards and pooled our resources to rent one. The 90s was the decade of the teen comedy, and I'm pretty sure we saw all of them!
A: Many 90s teen comedies are retellings of classic stories, like Clueless (Emma), 10 Things I Hate About You (The Taming of the Shrew), and She's All That (Pygmalion). Read a book with the MPG Retellings.
-OR-
B: Since teens were the stars, read a book with the MPG Young Adult.
Option 3- Trends
There were so many trends in the 90s - and we didn't need TikTok to make them popular! We collected Beanie Babies, crimped our hair and wore it in scrunchies, tight rolled our jeans, and made sure we tended to our Tamogatchi pets.
A: Beanie Babies were all the rage, read a book with one of the Beanie Baby animals from this list on the cover. https://beaniebabiespriceguide.com/be...
-OR-
B: Long live 90s denim! Read a book with a pair of jeans on the cover. They can be on a person or by themselves. This list may helpful but is not required to use.
link: Blue Jeans List
Required Post the cover.
20.10 Group Reads
Read one of the books selected as a group read for the Winter 2024 season. The requirement for this task: you must participate in the book's discussion thread below with at least one post about the contents of the book or your reaction to the book after you have read the book.
Fiction: Australian Crime - Darling Girls
Discussion Thread
Fiction: Celebrity Book Club Picks - Weyward
Discussion Thread
Non-Fiction: Witch Trials - The Witches: Salem, 1692
Discussion Thread
Gutenberg Classic - The Moonstone
Discussion Thread
Mod
25.1 - KmarieD's Task: It's My Birthday
Help Thread
My birthday comes during this season, so I am making this task all about me.
Choose 2 options and read 1 book for each.
Required: State which options you choose.
Your total page count should be at least 500 pages.
Option 1: I have been a major bookworm since I taught myself to read at a very young age. Some of my earliest memories are family trips to the library. When I was in second grade, the rule was that I could checkout as many as I could carry myself. However, at that time, my city library required us to write out the titles of all our books on our checkout slips. Boy, did my hand get tired often.
Read a book with a title that has at least 5 words. Subtitles are excluded.
Option 2: I love to visit my family and my sister credits me for the exceptional reading levels of my niece and nephews. There is a significant age difference between the first two and their little brother. When the first two were little, the first question when I visited was "What books did you bring?" However, by the time the little one was born, we had transitioned to playing more board games, so although he does like books, his first question is usually "What games did you bring?"
Read a book where all the letters from either BOOKS or GAMES can be found in the title and/or subtitle.
Required: State the word you used.
Option 3: I spend a lot of my whole birthday month blaming all my splurges -usually for books, games and LEGO - on my birthday. I just had to get a new car, well new-to-me, so I won't have as much extra money now that I have a car payment again. Splurge with me by reading my two favorite genres.
Read a book with both individual MPG Mystery and MPG Romance or the combined MPG Romantic Suspense.
Option 4: My favorite animal is the turtle. My very first stuffed animal as a baby was a turtle and I still have it. I also now have quite the collection of turtle memorabilia, but haven't ever had a living turtle. On my wish list is visiting the Galapagos Islands so I can see the turtles in their native habitat.
Read a book with a single author whose initials can be found in GALAPAGOS ISLANDS. All initials count and letters may only be used as often as they appear.
25.2 - Nick KY’s Task: Rivers
Help Thead
In the suggestions for this season, Kathy KS pointed out the U.S. National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. That sounds like a good starting point to me.
Choose two options and read one book for each.
Required: Tell us the options you use.
Option : In 1968, the U.S. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was put into place designating 8 rivers as Wild and Scenic Rivers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationa...
Read a book first published in 1968 or in a year after 1968 that ends in the digit 8 (1978, 1988, 1998, 2008, or 2018).
Option 2: Read a book with one of the 8 original River names as a word in the title, subtitle, or series title. Clearwater and Eleven Point may be broken up so that you only use one word, Clear, Water, Eleven, or Point. Rio Grande and St. Croix must be complete phrases. Plurals and Possessives are accepted. All other variations are not allowed.
Clearwater (Clear or Water is OK)
Eleven Point (Eleven or Point is OK)
Feather
Rio Grande (must be complete)
Rogue
St. Croix (must be complete)
Salmon
Wolf
Required: State the river used.
Option 3: The Sixties saw the advent of Postmodernist thinking. The new thinkers saw Modernism as stifling and restrictive. Renewed interest in the environment was a part of this progressive thought. Read a book from the first 25 pages of the following “Postmodernism” list:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Required: State the page of the shelf your book is found on.
Option 4: The End. The Mouth. The end of a river, where it pours into another body of water, is called the mouth.
Read a book with either the words “The End” or “The Mouth” found consecutively in the title, subtitle, or series title. No words my fall between the two. Plurals and Possessives are accepted. All other variations are not allowed.
25.3: Beth NC's Task- Winter Solstice
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Dec 21st is Winter Solstice which is the shortest day of the year and also the longest night of the year.
Choose 2 options and read 1 book each
Required: State the options
Option 1: Read during day light hours means you have very little daylight so read a book from this list:
https://bookriot.com/best-short-books/
Graphic novels are allowed.
Books must meet the SRC guidelines (100 page minimum)
Option 2: Long nights are made for curling up with a good book and a blanket.
Read a book from this cozy mystery list: If a whole series is listed you may read any book from the series.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entert...
Or this cozy fantasy list: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entert...
Required: State which list used
Option 3: December 21st falls on a Saturday so take all weekend and read a book from this list of best long books over 500 pages: https://bookriot.com/must-read-big-bo...
Option 4: Dec 21st is also known as Yule. Read a book that has all 4 letters in YULE in the title/subtitle OR in author's name. They do not have to be sequential
25.4 JennRenee's Task: Cold Nights With Winter Reads
Help Thread
I love winter reads. The nights turn cold and I can sit with a blanket and a cup of cocoa or coffee and just live inside a book. I am quite a seasonal reader and in the winter I love to read holiday books for December, winter settings for January and good romances for February... Mix some Thrillers in and sprinkle with some feel good chic lit books and its the perfect recipe for my winter reads.
This is a two book task.
For this task you will choose a genre from my list of favorite genres for winter and use that genre for two books.
Choose the MPG: Christmas, Thriller, Chick Lit, Mystery, or Romance
Genres must be listed as a stand alone.
Required: State the genre
Book 1: Read a book with a word int he title of 4 or more letters made from this quote:
Winter was made for warm blankets and large books.
Letters may be used as often as they appear.
Required: State the word
Book 2: Read a book by a single author whose first and last initial can be found in either COLD NIGHTS or WINTER READS
Letters may be used as many times as they appear, middle initials may be ignored
Reequired: State the phrase
Mod
25.5 Jessica S’s Task: The Music of Christmas
Help Thread
One thing that really gets me in the Christmas spirit is the music. I love wandering the city hearing Christmas songs everywhere I go, and of course playing them as I decorate the Christmas tree.
These tasks are inspired by some of my favourite Christmas hits.
This is a two-book task. Please select one book for two different options.
Required: State the options
Option 1: White Christmas - performed by Bing Crosby
Read a book with a cover that’s at least 60% white according to TinEye
Required: Post the cover and the TinEye percentage.
Option 2: It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas - Performed by Perry Como and the Fontane Sisters
Read a book that has an eight word title. Subtitles are excluded.
Option 3: Let It Snow - Performed by Vaughn Monroe
Read a book where the author’s initials (you may ignore middle initials) can be found in LET IT SNOW. You may only use letters as many times as they appear. If multiple authors, all their initials must be found in the phrase.
Option 4: Walking in the Air - Performed by Peter Auty
Read a book with any noun found in the lyrics of Walking in the Air in the title. Plurals and possessives are allowed. https://genius.com/Howard-blake-walki...
Required: state the noun
Option 5: Fairytale of New York performed by The Pogues, featuring Kirsty MacColl
Read a book with the MPG Urban Fantasy.
25.6: Lisa MD's Task-New Year Reflections
Help Thread
As 2025 approaches, reflect on the past year. What were your hardest moments, your greatest joys, the things you wish you could’ve done differently? Now, leave all the negative behind and carry forward into the New Year only the positive and lessons learned. Look forward with anticipation to the upcoming year, new beginnings, and remember to stay present in the moment.
This is a 2-book task. You may choose to do one option twice if it makes you happy!
Option 1: My hardest moment last year was the death of my father in August. I take comfort knowing he lived and loved well. I have lots of happy memories to sustain me. One thing I will carry forward is my dad instilled in me the love of reading, especially mysteries.
For this option, read a book with a MPG of mystery, standalone or embedded, AND whose title and/or subtitle contains ALL the letters of FATHER.
Option 2: My greatest joy of last year was the engagement of both my sons. I have two weddings to look forward to in 2025 and I’m gaining two daughters!
For this option, read a book from the first 25 pages of Goodreads "Weddings Books" Shelf: Wedding Books
Required: State the page
Option 3: There are many things I could’ve done differently last year, but overall, I think I need to give myself permission to say no to other commitments and people and say more yes to myself. Saying yes to everything causes me to get STRESSED and when I get stressed, I eat……. DESSERTS, which cause me to gain weight.
For this task, you need to de-stress and read a book whose title does not contain any letters of STRESSED. Subtitles can be ignored.
25.7- FLY's Task-FLY Finally Finishes!
Help Thread
After many (many!) attempts, I can't believe I finally finished a seasonal challenge! Success finally came through a combination of an unholy number of hours spent driving over the last few months (yay audiobooks!) and the kindle availability of many short books.
This is a two book task. Choose two options and read one book for each.
One Graphic Novel, Sequential Art, Comics, Comic Book, or Manga may be used for this task.
Required: State the option
Option 1: Since the majority of my reading (listening) was done while driving, read a book with a car prominently featured on the cover.
disambiguation:
By "car" I mean a small, 4-wheeled passenger sedan/hatchback/roadster, and not a truck or other type of vehicle. By "prominently featured" I mean that it is a main item on the cover and not part of background art. We should be able to see that the car is a car from the thumbnail.
These work:
These do NOT work:
Required: post the cover
Option 2: In the car I listened to a LOT of audiobooks. For this option, please pick a book from this list of Best Audiobooks.
Best Audiobooks
You can choose the audio version or read any other edition of your chosen book. Please make sure your choice meets SRC guidelines.
Required: State the page
Option 3: I'm a slow reader, so I wouldn't have made it through the challenge without reading many short books last season! For this option, pick a very short book, i.e. a book with fewer than 180 pages. (your book must still meet the 100-page minimum!)
Option 4: In addition to finishing the challenge, I also managed to make serious inroads into my TBR mountains by working on several series that I had earlier started and then let fall by the wayside.
For this option, read a book in a series that you had started prior to last year (so 2022 or earlier) and then later abandoned (had not read a book from that series for at least the last six months).
Required: state the year you started the series and verify that you had abandoned it for at least 6 months
Option 5: Finally, this last season saw me reading a ton of dragon books. I'm not sure why...
For this option, read a book with either a dragon on the cover (it doesn't need to be the main thing on the cover, just recognizably a dragon) or the word DRAGON intact in the title, subtitle, or series name. It can stand alone, as in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, or it can be part of a word as in Pendragon or Dragonquest.
Required: Post the Cover
Mod
30.1 - Truitt_T’s Task: She Blinded Me With Science
Help Thread
There are a number of science related special days or events this Season, so I thought I’d create a task out of a few of them.
This is a two book task, with a combined 500 page minimum. While children’s and middle grades books are NOT allowed, a book with MPG Graphic Novel(s) or Comics MAY be used for one book. One book MUST be nonfiction.
*********Again, one book MUST be nonfiction.*********
Read two books, Book A and Book B.
Book A
While it’s not officially recognized by any nation, February 7th is celebrated by many in the scientific community as National Periodic Table Day.
Read a book with an element from the Periodic Table in the title and/or subtitle. Exact matches only, no plurals or possessives.
List of Elements: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
Some of the easiest to find will include: Carbon, Iron, Gold, Silver, Cobalt, Arsenic, Nickel, Copper, Lead, Radium, Neon, Silicon
Required: state the element.
Book B
Choose from one of the following four options.
Required: State the option.
Option 1: February 11 is the U.N.’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, See https://www.womeninscienceday.org/ for more info.
Read a book with the MPG Science AND for which the author identifies as female.
Option 2: February 12 is the U.N.’s International Darwin Day. See https://darwinday.org/ for more info.
Read a book with an MPG of Evolution, Natural History, Geology, Biology, and/or Travel.
Option 3: The Great Backyard Bird Count / Global Bird Count, an enormously successful Citizen Science program, falls February 14 - 17 in 2025. See https://www.birdcount.org/ for more info.
Read a book with an MPG of Birds, Ecology, Nature, and/or Conservation.
Option 4: January 2 is National Science Fiction Day - mainly because it’s also Isaac Asimov’s birthday (I prefer Heinlein, but no one asked me.)
Read a book with the MPG Science Fiction.
30.2 - MAZZA1's Task: Gregorian Games
Help Thread
This task is related to the months of the Winter challenge – December, January and February. This is a two-book task, pick one book for two different options. No children's books, manga or graphic novels are permitted for this task, and each book must be a minimum of 250 pages.
Required: Specify the options.
Option 1
December, January and February are the 12th, 1st and 2nd months of the year
Read a book with a variant of the number 12, 1 or 2 in the TITLE ONLY.
It may appear as words or numbers; whole numbers or ordinals so 12 : 1: 2 : Twelve, One or Two; Twelfth; First and Second and 12th, 1st and 2nd all work.
Numerals should be Arabic numerals, not Roman numerals (i.e. not XII, I, II)
Example:
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
1st Shock
A Tale of Two Cities
Second Chance Summer
Option 2
These months end with BER and ARY – as we did BER last season we are going to use ARY for this season. Read a book with a word in the TITLE ONLY that ends with "ARY"
You can use the months themselves or words such as "Diary" "Sanctuary"
Examples:
Bridget Jones’s Diary
When She's Wary
Option 3
Read a book whose SINGLE author's first and last (middle can be ignored) initials use only the letters "ARY"
For the purposes of this task you can use the letters more than once
Examples:
Rick Yancey, Asako Yuzuki, Rainbow Rowell, Arthur Adams
Option 4
Read a book that is # 12, 1 or 2 in a series. The number must be shown in greyscale on the GR record.
30.3 - Katrisa's Task: Reunion - Go Norsemen!
Help Thread
I recently went to my high school reunion. I haven’t lived in my hometown of San Diego for a few decades now, but it is always nice to go home. I hadn’t seen my high school friends for many years and it was fun to see how much we still clicked even though we have taken different life paths and live all over the country now. This task is dedicated to this experience.
This is a 2 book task. Choose an option and read a book A and a book B for your chosen option
Required: specify your chosen option.
Option 1: Valhalla
My high school was named Valhalla, where the souls of the valiant reside in death.
A - Our mascot was the Norsemen. Read a book from the first 20 pages of this list of books about Norse mythology
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Required: state the page your book is found on
B - Hammer of the Gods - When we entered our high school as freshmen and when we graduated we traversed the stairs (up as freshmen and down as graduates) under a rainbow bridge and touched Thor’s hammer for luck and they played the Led Zeppelin song “Immigrant Song”. Read a book with a word of at least 4 letters (words must match exactly) from the first verse of Immigrant Song:
“We come from the land of the ice and snow
From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow
The hammer of the gods
Will drive our ships to new lands
To fight the horde, sing and cry
Valhalla, I am coming.”
Required: State the word.
Option 2: The Reunion
A - My Friends - It was so fun to see my friends! Read a book whose author shares a first name with one of my high school friends: Dan, Daniel, Heather, Kristin, Jenni, Katy, Adam. Names must match exactly.
B - The venue - Our reunion took place in the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. The Gaslamp Quarter was renovated to be what it is now in the 1970s and is fashioned to reflect the Victorian age. Read a book that is set in either the 1970s or the Victorian age (1837-1901).
Required: If setting is not obvious from the book page or GR metadata, provide a reference.
30.4 - Susan A's Task: Consecutive Letters
Help Thread
You may use one children's book/graphic novel for this task as long as it meets SRC guidelines.
This is a two book task, read one book for each option.
For this task, you will find consecutive letters in alphabetical order, no gaps between the letters. The following is the list of acceptable consecutive letter pairs. The order of the letters may not be changed.
Consecutive letters pairs:
AB BC CD DE EF FG GH HI IJ JK KL LM MN NO OP
PQ QR RS ST TU UV VW WX XY YZ
Book 1: Read a book in which the first word in the title starts with two consecutive letters. Titles that begin with The, An, A or any one letter word are ineligible. Titles that begin with a symbol or a number (1,2,3rd, VI) are ineligible.
Required: Note the consecutive letters.
Examples:
North of Nowhere - NO
Stalking Jack the Ripper - ST
Book 2: Read a book with a title ending in two consecutive letters. For the purposes of this task, subtitles count as part of the title and may not be ignored. Titles/subtitles that end in punctuation, a number or a Roman Numeral are ineligible.
Required: Note the consecutive letters.
The Heiress of Linn Hagh - GH
A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters - RS
Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West - ST
30.5 - Cat's Task: Books of South America
Help Thread
We will be reading books associated with the continent South America, and using the information on this link for reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
Note: we will only be considering the sovereign states, and NOT the dependent territories.
Pick an option.
Required: state the option.
Option 1: Two Book Option (no page count requirement)
Book 1: Read a book that is set (at least 70%) in one or more countries in South America, or is about one or more countries in South America (if Non-Fiction).
Required: state the country(/ies), and provide supporting evidence if it's not obvious from the GR metadata or blurb.
Book 2: Read a book that is written by an author born in a country in South America. Multiple authors are allowed, provided that ALL are born within South America. The author(s) need not be from the country used for book 1.
Required: provide a link to prove place of birth if it's not obvious from the GR metadata.
Option 2: One Book Option
Read one book of at least 500 pages that fits both criteria of Option 1.
Mod
30.6 - XBM’s Task – A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Help Thread
This is a two-book task. Pick one option and read two books.
Required: State the option
Option A:
Book 1: Read a book where an author's first and last initials are found in PARTRIDGE. Letters may be used only as often as they appear.
Book 2: Read a book where both a tree and a bird appear on the cover. I will accept either a branch or a full tree.
Required: Post the cover
Option B:
One definition of a homophone are words that have the same pronunciation, but are spelled differently, such as Pair and Pear.
Read two books, each with a related homophone in the title from this list of homophones: http://www.singularis.ltd.uk/bifroest...
Required: Identify the related words.
Option C:
Because this is the holiday season, read two books focusing on different holidays in the Goodreads description or metadata. This should be obvious from the title, MPG or book description.
Option D:
Pick one holiday MPG, and read two books which share that MPG but which also have different MPGs. For example, if you picked Christmas, Book 1 might have a combination of MPG Christmas and Mystery, and Book 2 a combination of MPG Christmas and Romance.
30.7 - Amy FL’s Task: The Headaches of Home Ownership
Help Thread
Before my accident last summer I was in the process of renovating and redecorating my house. The renovations were done when I returned from the hospital, or so I thought. One evening I heard a noise that sounded like something had fallen over. When I investigated I found a part of the ceiling in my guest room had collapsed. I now have to replace my roof and redo a room that was already finished. Home ownership is not always fun.
This is a two-book task. No children’s books or sequential art may be used. Read two books from two different options.
Required: State the options you’ve chosen in your post.
Option 1: Since I have to renovate, redecorate and reroof, read a book with a title word that begins with the letters RE. The title does not need to begin with the RE word, it can appear in any position (Beyond Reasonable Doubt, Ready Player One, etc.)
Option 2: There is water damage from my leaking roof, so I’m now dealing with mold in the guest room. Thankfully, a company is coming soon to remove it. Read a book with a title word (ignore subtitles) of four or more letters that can be made from MOLD REMEDIATION. Letters can only be used as often as they appear.
Required: State the word
Option 3: My former home health aide is also an artist who is going to help me complete my redecorating. Read a book by an author whose first and last initials can be found in MARISSA. Letters can only be used as often as they appear.
30.8 - Delicious Dee's Task: Codex Alera
Help Thread
Sometimes I’m amazed when I find a book that has been lost on my TBR shelf for a while and when I read it, I’m like why did I wait so long? The first book in the Codex Alera series was one of those books and over the last year, I’ve been working on finishing it up.
For this task, you will pick one option (A, B or C) and read book A and book B from that option. Your page count needs to be more than 500 pages (so 501+) and at least one of the authors must be NEW TO YOU. No children’s books allowed. No graphic novels/comics.
Required: specify which option you chose and state the new to you author(s) in your post.
Option A – The Series
The series is centered around the character, Tavi of Calderon and his adventures in the land of Alera.
Book A - Read one of the books in the Codex Alera series
Book B - Read a book with a single author whose initials can be found in JIM BUTCHER – all initials count
Option B – The Titles
All of the titles in the series have either the word FURY or its plural FURIES in it.
Book A - read a book with a word from the singular side of this list in the title: https://englishwithasmile.org/2016/01...
Book B – read a book with the plural of the word you read for Book A found in your title (excluding subtitle).
For example, you might chose to use Pretty Baby - Mary Kubica for Book A and then you could use Babies by Design – Ronald M. Green
Option C – The Furies
The people of Alera use elemental spirits called FURIES, which can aid them in daily tasks, as well as types of sorcery. There are six different furies that a person can wield – sometimes they can control more than one. The six furies are air/aeris, water/aqua, fire/ignus, earth/terra, metal/ferrous and wood/flora.
Required: State which fury you picked.
Book A - Pick one of the furies listed above – read a book where all the letters of the fury can be found in the title (excluding subtitle).
Book B - Using the same fury than the book you used for Book A and read a book where all the letters of the alternate name can be found in the authors name.
For example, you may opt to use AIR for book A and then you would use AERIS for book B.
30.9 - TessaVanessa's Task: Ringing in the New Year
Help Thead
Choose 2 options and read 1 book for each.
You may use one book with a MPG Sequential Art, Graphic Novels, Comics, Comic Book, or Manga
Required: State the options.
Option 1: Goodbye 2024! Hello 2025!
Read a book with a page count with only the numbers in 2024 and 2025 (00222245). Numbers may be used only as often as they appear.
Option 2: New Year Resolution
It’s that time of year to make a resolution. Last year I had a coworker say, “Why do the resolutions always have to be about fixing something. Why not do something that is fun?”
So my resolution for 2024 was to visit 24 NEW to me restaurants. I was able to easily achieve this goal and enjoyed some good food along the way.
Read a book with food on the cover. The food should be visible (i.e. not in a can or packet).
Required: Post the cover.
Option 3: Times Square Ball Drop
The ball is a prominent part of a New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square commonly referred to as the ball drop, where the ball descends down a specially designed flagpole, beginning at 11:59:00 p.m. ET, and resting at midnight to signal the start of the new year.
First held on December 31, 1907, to welcome 1908, the ball drop has been held annually since, except in 1942 and 1943 in observance of wartime blackouts.
Read a book set in New York City.
Required: If the setting is not evident from the Goodreads page or metadata provide a reference.
Option 4: Sing "Auld Lang Syne"
"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish song. It is traditionally sung to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Read a book with a word of at least 4 letters from the song Auld Lang Syne in the title https://www.britannica.com/topic/Auld...
You may use a word from either the Scots or English version but the word must match exactly.
Required: State the word.
Mod
Help Thread
This is a 3 book task. Read 1 book for each option. Your books must have a total page count of 750+ pages when combined and no kids/graphic novels allowed.
Book 1: Your Favorite of 2024
Choose your favorite book read during 2024. There are no restrictions on what you choose, it doesn't have to have been used for SRC. Read a book by the same author or a book from the "Readers also enjoyed" section of your favorite book's page
Required: Post a link to your favorite 2024 book.
Book 2: The Best of 2024
Read a book that won or was nominated/short-listed/long-listed for any prize in 2024. The award must be listed on the book's goodreads page and specify 2024.
Required: Name the 2024 award.
Book 3: Looking to 2025
Read a book by an author who is releasing a new book in 2025.
Any 2025 release will work. Or you can read from the backlist of an author who has an upcoming release.
If an author writes under more than one name, the name on the GR book page will be used and these must match.
You can be inspired by these lists (but you don't have to use them).
2025 Releases Books
https://www.booklistqueen.com/upcomin...
https://www.waterstones.com/campaign/...
https://time.com/7202423/most-anticip...
https://thenerddaily.com/2025-january...
https://www.boffinsbooks.com.au/ficti...
Required: link to the 2025 by the same author if using the backlist option
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Killers of a Certain Age (other topics)An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good (other topics)
The Thursday Murder Club (other topics)
Retirement Homes Are Murder (other topics)
A Man Called Ove (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Rick Yancey (other topics)Asako Yuzuki (other topics)
Rainbow Rowell (other topics)
Arthur Adams (other topics)
5.1- It's All Natural
Help Thread
The best of the weather might be gone for the year, but that doesn't make our natural world any less impressive! From crisp Winter sunrises over mountains and lakes to dramatic pine forests reaching for the skyline, there's still plenty of beauty to appreciate even in the coldest of seasons.
Read a book with a cover depicting a natural landscape scene. The landscape cannot contain any human or man-made objects - only animals, plants, water, landforms, etc.
Examples:
Does not work:
Required: Post the cover
5.2- Circle of Dark
Help Thread
It's winter in the northern hemisphere. Above the Arctic Circle countries may not see the sun at all during the day - although they might well make up for it with stunning views of the Northern Lights instead!
Read a book set at least 50% in one of the countries or US state that have territory within the Arctic Circle - Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Alaska.
Required: If the setting is not evident from the Goodreads main page, provide a reference.
5.3 Cupid is Coming
Help Thread
February 14th is Valentine's Day, so why not grab your beloved and hide from the cold together under your cosiest blanket?
Read a book with MPG Romance. Stand Alone or Embedded (Paranormal Romance)
5.4 New Year, New Reads!
Help Thread
A whole new year brings a whole host of new releases to look forward to. Time to make some room on the bookshelves!
Read a book where an author's first and last initials are found in HAPPY NEW YEAR. Letters may be used only as often as they appear.
5.5 'Tis the Season to be Festive
Help Thread
As beautiful as fairy lights are, they seem to be a perennial nuisance! Blown bulbs, tangled cables... maybe we'll take a break from wrangling with uncooperative lighting and read a good book to calm down for a bit. The tree will get decorated... eventually.
Read a book with a title that contains a word of at least 4-letters made from CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS. Letters may be used only as often as they appear.
Required: State the word
5.6 Meanwhile, Back in the Southern Hemisphere
Help Thread
Christmas is a warm-weather holiday in many areas of the world. While a white Christmas might be off the cards for our friends in the South, a Christmas barbecue on the beach does sound like a pretty good trade-off...
Read a book set in the Southern Hemisphere AND first published in December or January.
For a list of applicable countries, https://www.worldatlas.com/countries-...
Required: If the setting is not evident from the Goodreads main page, provide a reference.
5.7 National Cocoa Day
Help Thread
December 13th is National Cocoa Day - as if we needed an excuse for chocolate. Don't forget the marshmallows!
Read a book with a hot beverage on the cover, such as coffee, tea, cocoa/hot chocolate, hot cider, etc. The beverage should be visible; no empty containers.
Examples:
Required: Post the Cover
5.8 Birdwatching Month
Help Thread
Winter is a tough season for our feathered friends, with food often being scarce. Many bird conservation charities encourage laying out extra food for birds at this time of year, and January in the UK sees the annual RSPB Birdwatch, which gets enthusiasts across the country to gather data on how garden bird populations are faring.
Read a book with a word from this list of Top 100 Remarkable Birds in the title (excluding "of" and "the"). https://www.birderslibrary.com/review... Hyphenated words are considered 2 separate words. Plurals and possessives are allowed, no other variations.
Required: State the bird
5.9 It's Part of My World
Help Thread
Rain, snow, hail, ice... the weather's not particularly encouraging when it comes to getting out in nature at this time of year. Let's bring it inside where we can appreciate it in the warmth.
Read a nonfiction book with MPG Nature. This list may be helpful, but you do not have to read a book from the list: Best Nature Books
5.10 Comfort zone
Long nights are made for curling up with a good book and a blanket. If a crackling log fire is involved, so much the better!
Read a book of your choice that meets SRC rules.
For this task, a book with the MPG Childrens, Kids, Middle Grade or Juvenile that is NOT found in ARBF may be used.