2025: (Impossible) Solar System Challenge

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Ashley wrote: "

Let's talk about "The Sun"! What books are you reading and trying to fit in this section?

I've done a couple, including Still the Sun for Read a book with "SUN" i..."

A Kindle Unlimited find! Score!

[Sammy]

Nice one Teddie! I've been wanting to re-read that and book 2 before finally starting book 3. Good to know I'll be able to chuck it at that task when I do 😁

I did find another book with ultraviolet, but it was only about 30 pages, so no good 😆

I'm not doing the cross-challenge thing (I know this puts me firmly out of the running for a top slot this challenge, as bonus points seem to rack up faster than page points this time, but I'm ok with that. I just can't do the 1 1/2 hours to update each book thing that I had going on last year again. Too much to do! lol).
So I'm not concentrating on filling sun tasks, but I did read for both timed tasks and read for a lovely yellow cover!

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Sammy wrote: "Nice one Teddie! I've been wanting to re-read that and book 2 before finally starting book 3. Good to know I'll be able to chuck it at that task when I do 😁

I did find another book with ultraviole..."

You never know Sammy, sometimes I'll be featuring Listopia... you could definitely do that crossover! 😁😁

[Sammy]

True, but I'll still be behind everyone that's been at it all year 😆

But it's ok. I decided last autumn I was gonna let other folk have a chance occasionally, so it's fun for everyone.

Just not with Listopia. I have a perfect streak to maintain 😂

[Bernadette]

This is what I read that had "ultraviolet" The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year. It's non-fiction essays.



And it fills one of the Monthly Bonus Challenge tasks😊

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Sammy wrote: "Just not with Listopia. I have a perfect streak to maintain 😂"

😂😂😂

[C]

Yeah, except I try not to vote a book onto a list until I've read it, or it's one I'm currently reading and obviously fits, just because the lists for content get super messy with wrong books. I don't want to be an offender lol.

[Sammy]

The idea with Listopia is not to vote for books until after the month is over, to keep it fair. (although you can vote for a book already on the list to make it easier to find when scanning through what lists your book is on!)

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

I definitely pick a book I've previously read for that! I have USUALLY read at least 1 on the list - unless it's particularly obscure, in which case I pick one I might have an interest in. There's a difference between voting for a book already added and actually adding a book (I'm not doing that).

[C]

How does that work then for finding a tbr book on the list? Do you do rereads? I'm so buried in my tbr that I'm probably not rereading for a long time lol.

[Sammy]

You can either scan the list for books on your tbr, or check the lists your book is on (bottom of the main book page).

I do a mixture of both. Usually I have enough TBR books over the 6 lists to dictate most of my reading for the month 😁

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

Any book marked to-read or wishlist should show on the listopia, not just read books, so they wouldn't have to be re-reads.

I suppose it depends how you do your GR shelving.

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa), Bibliotherapist]

I found “ultraviolet” in a few of my books when I searched my Kindle for the text. This is the one I’m hoping to finish for it this month:

[Jenny]

Teddie wrote: "If it helps anyone, the book I'm reading for ultraviolet is

I've got a few more sun books I should be finishing this month, but the rest will have to happen i..."

Bloody. Briiliant. Book.

Just saying.

[Lexi]

Jenny wrote: "Teddie wrote: "If it helps anyone, the book I'm reading for ultraviolet is

I've got a few more sun books I should be finishing this month, but the rest will h..."

Jenny, have you read the 3rd? I loved the first one but found the second one predictable and slow.

[Jenny]

I liked the third one much more than the second, yes. It has more of the charm that the first one had.

[Jayne]

Thank goodness for the Kindle search function, otherwise I would never have found ultraviolet!
I am halfway through and very much enjoying His Name Was Walter by Emily Rodda, an Australian children's fantasy mystery. It is on KU in Australia, not sure about elsewhere.
And as a bonus, it also has the word messenger in it, so could be used for either January or February.

For sun in title, another KU find which also crossed out V in CLOVER - Villa of Sun and Secrets.

I very much want to read the Children of Time series - one day.

[Laila Jane]

I did horribly last year, but I'd like to try again this year

[Layne]

Can we use non-fiction books? Perhaps a silly question, but I'm reading a lot for exams rn and if I can count some of them, I will haha

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa), Bibliotherapist]

Layne wrote: "Can we use non-fiction books? Perhaps a silly question, but I'm reading a lot for exams rn and if I can count some of them, I will haha"

Yes! I think there are some stipulations when it comes to non-fiction, such as travel gu

Here are the Standard Rules, which Ashley has posted in the first post in this thread, as well.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Claire]

A bit late, but I’d like to sign up.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Layne wrote: "Can we use non-fiction books? Perhaps a silly question, but I'm reading a lot for exams rn and if I can count some of them, I will haha"

Yes, if you can make it work for a task and it meets the page requirements, you can use it!

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Claire wrote: "A bit late, but I’d like to sign up."

SIGN UP HERE ➜ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...
You need to fill out the form with your Name and Email Address. This will only be used to set up your Personal Spreadsheet and link to the Scoresheet.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Laila Jane wrote: "I did horribly last year, but I'd like to try again this year"

No judgment here Laila! Any reading is good reading!

[Claire]

Sorry I’M not sure how to fill in the spreadsheet. Can I get an example for this? I don’t like to mess up from the start.

[Lisa]

Claire wrote: "Sorry I’M not sure how to fill in the spreadsheet. Can I get an example for this? I don’t like to mess up from the start."

All of the participant's spreadsheets are listed near the top of this thread - you could peak at a few to get examples. :)

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Claire wrote: "Sorry I’M not sure how to fill in the spreadsheet. Can I get an example for this? I don’t like to mess up from the start."

Here is a screenshot of my spreadsheet Claire. Is that what you want an example of?

[Claire]

Ashley wrote: "Claire wrote: "Sorry I’M not sure how to fill in the spreadsheet. Can I get an example for this? I don’t like to mess up from the start."

Here is a screenshot of my spreadsheet Claire. Is that wha..."

Yes, thank you.The problem was I didn’t have the headings so I didn’t know what to,put in which column.

[Claire]

I have one other problem. Do i need to tick the coloured boxes myself? If yes, what do I need to mark in which colour? I’m a bit puzzled about that.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Claire wrote: "I have one other problem. Do i need to tick the coloured boxes myself? If yes, what do I need to mark in which colour? I’m a bit puzzled about that."

Claire, I recommend reading through this post, as most of the questions about the bonus parts of the challenge have been covered.

In short - yes, you tick the boxes when/if you complete the bonus part of the challenge. The spreadsheet headings indicate what you select (if you are using a phone to open your spreadsheet, I recommend using a laptop or computer instead, it might be what's cutting off the top).

[Claire]

Okay, thank you. I only have an tablet, so I’ll do the tasks without the bonuses:-) Sorry about the questions. I read everything, but since I’m not native English I sometimes miss things.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Claire wrote: "Okay, thank you. I only have an tablet, so I’ll do the tasks without the bonuses:-) Sorry about the questions. I read everything, but since I’m not native English I sometimes miss things."

Claire, if you refer to the image above, you can see what bonuses are in each color and can fill in that way if you'd like. You are of course free to complete the challenge however you'd like, and I will be posting the bonus opportunities here throughout the year.

And if you struggle with any translation things, please let me/us know! We are happy to help!

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Greetings, Solar System Explorers! As we zoom into February, it's time to embrace the swift energy of Mercury with our next timed task.

🌟 Mercury: February Timed Task 🌟

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
📚 Read a book with fast-paced action or a protagonist who is quick-witted 📚
⏰ Timeframe: February 1, 2025 - February 28, 2025 ⏰

Here's how to tackle this Mercury-inspired challenge:
⚡Choose a book that features either rapid-fire action sequences or a main character known for their sharp, speedy thinking.
⚡Read the book between February 1st and 28th, 2025.
⚡As you read, notice how the pacing or the protagonist's quick wit keeps you engaged – just like Mercury's swift orbit around the Sun!

This task is all about capturing the essence of Mercury – the fastest planet in our solar system. Whether you opt for a thrilling action novel or a clever character study, make sure it keeps you on your toes!

Don't forget to share your chosen book in the comments and tell us what aspect of "speed" it represents.

P.S. Don’t forget:
1. The 1st Quarter Bonus Task (ABC Challenge) is still active through the end of March! Keep working through the alphabet with your reads.

2. This month’s Monthly Bonus Challenge is Listopia Madness ! Read books from 6 Listopia lists and compete to be one of the top 3 readers who will choose lists for next month! You’ll earn 2 bonus points per book completed in BOTH "Mercury" AND "Listopia Madness"!

3. As we continue our cultural journey through 2025, don’t forget to snag the big bonus points for the February Formal Buddy Reads, inspired by the vibrant celebration of Lunar New Year! This month, we’ll explore themes of cultural identity and self-discovery set against the beautiful backdrop of Taiwan. Join us for:

📖 Main Buddy Read: The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan
📖 KU/LC Read: Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen

Plus, continue the Formal Series Buddy Read with us: Spell Hound by Lindsay Buroker, book 2 in the "A Witch in Wolf Wood" Series!

Match these books to a task, read along, and participate in the discussion to earn 10 bonus points!

Happy reading, and may your month be as exciting as Mercury's 88-day year! 💨📖

[Sammy]

YAY for listopia! 😁

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa), Bibliotherapist]

Ashley, you have both buddy read links going to the discussion for Loveboat, Taipei. :)

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Gah! I'll fix it later today or tomorrow!

[Catherine]

Question???
If you read a book say in January but put it in a different Section, say Mercury. Can you add those books to your February bonus section, even if you did not read them in February?

[Sammy]

You have to read the book and put it in the corresponding section during the month of the bonus for it to count.

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

For the Monthly Bonus Challenge you earn 2 bonus points per book IF your book is completed in BOTH the corresponding section AND bonus challenge.

For example, for February 2025. If you want to earn the Monthly Bonus, you have to read a book for a task in the Mercury set that ALSO is used in February's challenge (Listopia).

Same for the Quarterly Bonus Challenges.... You earn 2 bonus points per book completed in both the picked Quarterly Challenge AND one of the three sections that make up a quarter. Q1 is: "The Sun", "Mercury", and/or "Venus".

Does that make sense?

[C]

For the quarterly challenge, are we able to use those tasks more than once? Like, if I've already applied a book for "First Person Narrative", can I use that again for points on the Solar System challenge?

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

C wrote: "For the quarterly challenge, are we able to use those tasks more than once? Like, if I've already applied a book for "First Person Narrative", can I use that again for points on the Solar System ch..."

No, you can't claim the bonus twice for the same book.

[C]

Not the same book; different books, but same task in the quarterly challenge. I'm only using books once. :)

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

C wrote: "Not the same book; different books, but same task in the quarterly challenge. I'm only using books once. :)"

No. Per rules of ABC Challenge:

🔖 Each book can only be used ONCE within this challenge, even if it fits multiple prompts.

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Ok.....I'm super confused.

So every month the Monthly Bonus Challenge changes? I was under the impression...for whatever reason....that it was going to be the Luck and Fortune Challenge every month...which I signed up for for February and probably need to back out of.

LOL it looks like for February it's the Listopia Madness February 2025 Challenge...correct?

🤔 I need to leave these Bonus challenges/points alone because I'm struggling over here trying to keep up with what's what🤣

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

yes Robin, the monthly will change each month and the quarterly will change each quarter!

I post the new bonus opportunities before the first each month so you can plan accordingly (if you choose to do the bonuses).

[Robin (Saturndoo)]

Ashley wrote: "yes Robin, the monthly will change each month and the quarterly will change each quarter!

I post the new bonus opportunities before the first each month so you can plan accordingly (if you choose ..."

Thanks Ashley! I don't know how I got myself so confused with this--I seen where you post(ed) the new bonus opportunities but something wasn't registering in my mind--my eyes were reading Listopia and my mind was dead set to on Luck and Fortune. LOL🤦‍♀

But I think I got it now!

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

The links will update on your spreadsheet too!! ☺️☺️

[C]

Ashley wrote: "C wrote: "Not the same book; different books, but same task in the quarterly challenge. I'm only using books once. :)"

No. Per rules of ABC Challenge:🔖 Each book can only be used ONCE within this ..."

Sorry, I think I'm not asking intelligently. So if we read 26 books and use up all 26 prompts, there's no way to continue getting bonus points for Solar System? Since ABC is a challenge itself, I would guess not, but since it's tied in with this challenge that needs a lot of books, I wasn't sure if there was a caveat to reuse prompts. Does that make more sense? Lol, I'm trying to figure out how to make this question make sense outside of my brain. 🤣

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

C wrote: "Sorry, I think I'm not asking intelligently."

C, I do understand your question, so let me try and phrase it differently to explain.

The Q1 ABC Challenge contains 26 prompts for you to fill 26 books with. The 3 sections in the Solar System Challenge that are eligible for the Q1 Bonus Offer are The Sun, Mercury, and Venus (plus the Q1 bonus task), making up 49 tasks.

You can claim a Q1 Bonus for up to 26 of those 49 tasks.

Once Q2 starts, that will change. The Q2 Challenge will be different than the Q1 ABC Challenge and there will be a different maximum number of books/tasks to claim a bonus for.

Does that help?

[C]

Ah okay, my bad, I wasn't understanding the answer then. Yes, that is perfect! Gotcha! And yeah, it totally makes sense that it ends after 26 prompts; that's how challenges tend to work. I just wasn't sure if there was a caveat since we had more tasks. :) Thanks for your patience!!