Hooked on Books discussion
12 Month Challenges
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2025: (Impossible) Solar System Challenge
Ashley wrote: "Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Ok, since the task is so hard - if you can tell me why a random side character's random POV shouldn't count, I will consider it and (most likely) side with you. However, it is meant to be a challenge, so let's try to stick to the rules. There is some room for perspective, though, so if "Johnny" randomly has a 2-page chapter, I think it's fair to not have that wreck the whole task.
."
I wasn't trying to get around "the rules", I was seeking clarification on what the rule is.
The task was written on the SS: "Read a book with exactly 4 different POV main characters.
Complete between 8/1/25 - 8/31/25"
So I was assuming that meant there could be four main characters that had a point of view, but there may be a side character who had a brief point of view but was not a main character - such as with Harry Potter books, Harry Potter is the POV throughout the whole book except the very beginning where there would be a few brief pages of Voldermort or Dumbledore, etc.
But then your post an hour ago stated:
This is FOUR. POVs. Only. 🧠
--- instead of just "Four Main POV's
So now I'm assuming it has to be four point of views only, and they all four have to be main characters, which is even trickier.
Mod
Let me think for a moment, and clarify (as a FINAL answer to the RULES). Honestly, I think I'm starting to confuse myself - because I the language is confusing.
No problem, thank you! I know we have questions and comments all over the place and it can get hectic.
Mod
📣 August Bonus Rule Clarification: 4 Main Character POVs
For this month’s bonus task, read a book told from exactly four main character points of view (POVs), no more, no less.
What counts?
• The story must be narrated by four distinct main characters. These characters are central figures who drive the plot and have substantial parts of the story told from their perspectives.
• Main character POV means recurring, plot-driving voices, not just a name on the cast list.
What about brief, non-main POVs?
• If a side character (not a main character) appears for a single short scene or very brief chapter (think a minor villain’s prologue, or two pages from a mentor or mystery character), that will not automatically disqualify your pick.
• The spirit of the challenge is for your book to focus on only the four main narrators. If there’s a tiny cameo from a non-main character, you’re welcome to briefly explain why you feel it shouldn’t count against you. Discussion is welcome for any edge cases!
Remember:
• Prologues, epilogues, villain interludes, or surprise side POVs should only appear if they are truly brief and not a main focus. Recurring or plot-essential fifth voices do not qualify.
• Your four main POVs must be core to the storyline, not popping in just once or for flavor.
• When in doubt, bring your book and reasoning to the group! Our goal is to be challenged and to have fun.
Example:
The Poisonwood Bible: The novel is told through five first-person narrators, all members of the Price family:
• Orleanna Price
• Rachel Price
• Leah Price
• Adah Price
• Ruth May Price
So... does it count for the "exactly four main character POVs" task? Technically no - it has five POVs.
BUT, Orleanna’s chapters are relatively brief and infrequent. Some readers consider the daughters the "main POVs," which some readers interpret as four main POVs: Rachel, Leah, Adah, Ruth May.
If you want to use this book, please bring it to the thread with your reasoning so we can discuss.
It's like you called this challenge "Impossible" for a reason or something.
LOL Jenny. Sadly, I missed this challenge when it first began and now I have a LOT of catching up to do but I can't do the bonuses that I missed but that's okay.
Mod
This made me laugh out loud.
So Thursday Murder Club wouldn't work anymore, since (as I understand it because I haven't read it) there are four main voices but the detective pops in sometimes as a 5th voice? Idk, I'm just trying to find a book lol.
Mod
C, sounds like it would - if there are "four main voices" (main being the keyword), and the "detective pops in sometimes" (sometimes being the keyword) it would be the exception, unless you think the detective wanders into a very plot essential character territory
I mean, no idea since I haven't read it. It's a mystery, so I'm guessing the detective may have an opinion at critical points. I'll flip through the book to see who's having a POV and how much...
C wrote: "I mean, no idea since I haven't read it. It's a mystery, so I'm guessing the detective may have an opinion at critical points. I'll flip through the book to see who's having a POV and how much..."I've read the first two, and from memory the detectives are used to help the four but wouldn't be considered main characters.
I think Angela Marsons D.I. Kim Stone books should work as her team consists of herself and three others, with the other characters only making minor appearances and only when interacting with one of the four so only four povs.
Thanks Anastasia, appreciate the feedback from someone who's read it since AI is only a starting point and needs verification. I haven't gone to grab the book off my shelf yet lol, but it's sounding like a candidate again. <3
I found a four person POV book that is actually on my TBR!!!This one works for sure.
Mod
(it’s a series)
Mod
This one works for sure.
"Noice!
Mod
This one works for sure.
"Off to look at the library and steal this idea...
ETA: IT'S AVAILABLE - DONE!
I read her first book and I liked it a lot. So, fingers crossed that it is a good'un.
I had to go put that one on hold at the library as soon as you said it fit.
There is a listopia for at least 4 POV's. So a bit research for each one.https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
I'm going to try
Looks like it's 4 POVs.
I remember Trust had 4 sections, but I can't remember if it was 3 or 4 POVs. I want to say 4, but I can't remember if one character had two sections, so check into that before committing!
Mod
Looks like it's 4 POVs."
I wish I could remember for sure, but it's been too long and I disliked that book, so, I think I deleted it from memory
Ashley wrote: "I wish I could remember for sure, but it's been too long and I disliked that book, so, I think I deleted it from memory"LOL - he's the second speaker of the season for this author series I go to, so I usually try to read something of the speaker's before the event. fingers crossed
Mod
That sounds amazing!
Ashley, the book club I'm in hated it too. I will say: DO NOT USE THE AUDIOBOOK. One of the POVs will not make any sense.
ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "That sounds amazing!"I'm really lucky - we've had some amazing speakers. (https://www.justbuffalo.org/literary-...) The coolest thing is that they have an informal afternoon session with the authors and kids from local high schools - really inspiring for the kids. Side perk: My daughter attended one of the schools so I would send her with a book for an autograph if I had one, then we would go to the evening talk together. After she graduated, I just started going myself :)
C wrote: "Ashley, the book club I'm in hated it too. I will say: DO NOT USE THE AUDIOBOOK. One of the POVs will not make any sense."Oh nooo - ok, I'll get the book book from the library.
I think all but the second POV worked with audio. But that POV is mixed media and it does not translate to audio lol. All the audio girlies had to grab the book book because they were so confused by what was going on.
Jenny wrote: "I found a four person POV book that is actually on my TBR!!!This one works for sure.
"Score! Sounds very good and is available at my library for a borrow. Thanks, Jenny :)
Teddie, that speaker series looks amazing!
Ok, so I finished Twenty Years After.The main 4 POVs were there - D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Their POVs were in third person limited, not 1st person, but whoever's POV it was would be the one we'd get internal thoughts and feelings etc.
There are also a couple of chapters with other POVs. One early on from the POV of their old foe de Rochefort, who doesn't appear again that I can remember, and another by a minor character that does appear again but not as a POV character.
Is this one ok to use?
Mod
The main 4 POVs were there - D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Their POVs were in third person limited, not 1st person, but whoever's POV..."
I think that is just fine Sammy!
If I reread a book I already read this year, can I count it again without losing my "no duplicates" bonus?
Mod
C: The rules for this challenge only allow re-reads if it's been more than a year since you last read it, so you cannot use one of the reads.
Rule from Message 1:
🚀Rereads DO count for this challenge BUT must have been read more than a year ago.
I have read two books that could be considered 4 POV's
by Katherine Wood- Audrey, Tyson, Cody, and LaurantSorry this is book two (book one does not have 4 POV's as Rem is the one telling the story. but Highly recommended series even as a YA
by Scott Reintgen- Ren Monroe, Theo Brood, Dahvid Tin'vori, Nevelyn Tin'vori
Mod
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Catherine, I agree. That series is wonderful.
Has the September monthly challenge been posted yet?
Mod
Mod
🪐 Saturn: September Timed Task 🪐
Greetings, Ringed Planet Readers! As we spin into September, it's time to embrace the expansive nature of Saturn with our next timed task.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
📚 Read a book that's part of a series with at least 7 books 📚
⏰ Timeframe: September 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025 ⏰
Here's how to tackle this Saturn-inspired challenge:
• Choose a book from a series that has 7 or more installments (it doesn't have to be the 7th book - any book in the series counts!).
• Read the book between September 1st and 30th, 2025.
• As you read, appreciate the depth and breadth of the series – much like Saturn's extensive ring system!
This task reflects Saturn's complex structure – a planet with numerous rings (7 main rings, although there are hundreds more minor rings!) and moons, mirrored in a book series with multiple interconnected stories. Whether you're revisiting a favorite long-running series or diving into a new saga, this task celebrates the art of extended storytelling.
Don't forget to share your chosen book in the comments, along with which number it is in its series and how many books the series has in total.
✨ Bonus Challenge: Want to double the fun? Pair this with our September Bonus: I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie 📖🎶
Happy reading, and may your month be as captivating as Saturn's celestial dance! 💫📚🪐
For the 3rd quarter challenge, I assume you cannot claim multiple books for the same task. I saw a few lists doing that but assumed that they were not also using that for bonus points here. Thought it was worth asking, thank you
Also, what are people planning for gold cover? I have a bunch that are gold as in goldenrod (color) but none that are gold as in metallic gold.
Hooked on Books
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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This is not “multi-POV but some of them only pop in once.”
This is FOUR. POVs. Only. 🧠."
With this, that means a bit trickier. Some it's not four main character POV's and some sid..."
Ok, since the task is so hard - if you can tell me why a random side character's random POV shouldn't count, I will consider it and (most likely) side with you. However, it is meant to be a challenge, so let's try to stick to the rules. There is some room for perspective, though, so if "Johnny" randomly has a 2-page chapter, I think it's fair to not have that wreck the whole task.