The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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SPRING CHALLENGE 2025
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Completed Tasks: PLEASE DO NOT DELETE ANY POST IN THIS THREAD!

Task 5.7 Spring Fever
Read a book with a single author whose first and last initials appear in the phrase SPRING HAS SPRUNG
I read an ARC of this book on Kindle thank you to Netgalley
The Elopement Gill Hornby
This is HB The Elopement
Points this Post = 5
Points to Date = 35

Task 5.8 International Women's Day
Read a book by a single female author.
A Better Tomorrow: Life Lessons in Hope and Strength Mina Smallman
Points this Post = 5
Points to Date = 40

Task 5.9 Memorial Day
Read a book with a tombstone or cemetery on the cover.

Points this Post = 5
Points to Date = 45

Task 5.10 World book Day
Read a book of your choice
A Man
Points this Post = 5
Points to Date = 50

Task 10.1 It's going to be long ...
We are going a long distance this season, so we'll need a long book!
Read a book that is 500 pages or more
The Goldfinch 962 pages
Points this Post = 10
Points to date = 60

Task 10.2 It's a Wonderful World - let's explore it!
Read a book with MPG Travel
One Italian Summer approved in help thread https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Points this Post = 10
Points to date 70

Task 10.3 These boots are made for walking ...
Read a book with one or more people walking on the cover ...

Points this Post = 10
Points to date = 80

Task 10.4 Strap on your backpack
Read a book by a single author whose first and last initial can be found in BACKPACKER
A Bird in the Hand Ann Cleeves
Points this Post = 10
Points to date = 90

Task 10.5 Good company
A journey is enhanced by a good travelling companion. Read a book that is written by 2 or more authors.
The Rule of One Leslie Saunders Ashley Saunders
Points this Post = 10
Points to date = 100

Task 10.6 Take a Hike
read a book found on the first 25 pages of the Hiking Shelf:
Hiking Shelf
You Are Here on Page 2 of list
Points this Post = 10
Points to date = 110

Task 10.7 Saintly Names
Read a book where the authors first name is a derivative of David, Patrick or George
An Irish Country Doctor: A Novel Patrick Taylor
Points this Post = 10
Points to date = 120

Task 10.8 Pi Day
Read a book with a page count consisting of consecutive numbers found in this portion of Pi 3.141592653589793 238 462643383279502884197169399375
Yellow Crocus
Points this Post = 10
Points to date = 130

Task 10.9 Three/Four/Five
Read a book that is number 3, 4 or 5 in a series
To Fetch a Thief #3 in series
Points this Post = 10
Points to date = 140

Task 10.10 Celebrating around the world
Read a book with MPG Religion
The Great Divorce MPG Religion approved in help thread https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Points this Post = 10
Points to date = 150

Task 15.1 Let's Hike It!
Here is a list of some of the more known long distant trails to hike. https://thetrek.co/a-list-of-long-dis...
This is a two book task.
Book 1: Read a book with a title (subtitles are excluded) that shares a word from one of the names of the trails on the list.
The Spy Coast
COAST - in Lost Coast Trail
Book 2: Read a book that has all the letters of TRAIL in the title. A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage
Points this Post = 15
Points to Date = 165

Task 15.2 South To North
This is a two book task
Book 1: Read a book set at least 50% in Mexico
Prayers for the Stolen GR states Setting is Mexico
and
Book 2: Read a book set at least 50% in Canada
Fight Night GR Data states Canada
Points this Post = 15
Points to Date = 180

Task 15.3 East to West
Option 2
Read a single book that satisfies both criteria for option 1
Read a book whose page count or first published year with at least 2 numbers from 6800. AND
is book is number 1-15 in series of at least 3 published books.
An Expert in Murder
Pub May 20th 2008 and # 1 in series
Points this Post = 15
Points to Date = 195

Task 15.4 The Big Three
Option 2: One Book Task
Read a single book that satisfies both criteria
3 Word title AND
Published in March of any year ending in a 3
The Maid's Diary
Pub march 2023
Points this Post = 15
Points to Date = 210

Task 15.5 I've Been Probed
Read a book with the MPG Alien or Aliens
These Broken Stars approved in help thread https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Points this Post = 15
Points to Date = 225

Task 15.9 April is Love
Read a book where all the letters of APHRODITE can be found in in any combination of the title/subtitle/authors name.
The House on Vesper Sands Paraic O'Donnell
AP - PAraic
H- House
R - vespeR
OD= O'Donnell
I - paraIc
TE - THe
Points this Post = 15
Points to Date = 240

Task 15.10 May For Growth
Read the most recent published book ( as of March 1, 2025) in a series of at last 3 published books.
Happy Ever After #4 in Quartet
Points this Post = 15
Points to Date = 255

Task 20.1 Most Improved - Rockynook's Task: Be the Match
Option 1: For Jenson
choose a book by a single author whose first and last initials are found in the word MINECRAFT
The River Capture Mary Costello
Points this post = 20
Points to date = 275

10.8 Pi Day
Read a book with a page count consisting of consecutive numbers found in this portion of Pi 3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
Book has 384 pages in it.
Points: 10
Total points: 345
BB: 2
GO: 2
NF: 3

Task 20.2
Option 2:
Read a book in which a title word of at least 4 letters appears in the phrase:
FUN OUTING and/or SPECIAL MEAL.
Winter's Gifts GIFTS in Combination of phrases
points this post = 20
Points to date = 295

Task 20.3 - Review Raffle - Jayne's Task: Trails of Wales
Option 4: Offa’s Dyke Path
Read a book that was first published between April and October of a year since 1971 (inclusive).
The Sympathizer
State Pub Date April 2nd 2015
Points this post = 20
Points to date = 315

Task 20.4 - Golden Oldies - Ritika's Task: Dopamine for Winter
A. BALDUR’S GATE 3:
Read a book with a word in the title (not subtitle) or series’ name which matches one of the character classes. PThe classes are- Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard.
Going Rogue: Rise and Shine Twenty-Nine
Points this post = 20
Points to date = 335

Task 20.5 - Bigger is Better - Christine V's Task: Spring Growth
Option 1: One of my favorite parts of spring is watching all the green come back to the landscape. Read a book with a green leaf on the cover.

Points this post = 20
Points to date = 355

Task 20.6 - It's A Fact - Jen B's Task: Travels for Dad
Option 3
Read a book set at least 50% in Italy
Costanza GR blurb states Rome as setting
Points this post = 20
Points to date = 375

Task 20.7 - Shorter is Sweeter - Lisa MD's Task: Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Option B: Forests - Do you prefer a tree-lined walk in the wild, then read a book from the 1st 25 pages of the "Forests Books" shelf:
Forests Books https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries on page 2 of lists
Points this post = 20
Points to date = 395

Task 20.8 - Nickels and Dimes - TrishhartUK's Task: The Capital Ring
1. Either read a book by an author who was born in London, or that is at least 50% set in London. Required:If the birthplace or location isn’t clear in the GR description/author page, provide a reference.
The Left-Handed Booksellers of London setting stated as London
Points this post = 20
Points to date = 415

Task 20.9 - Moderators' Pet - Lois' Task: On the Trail of West Coast Writers
Read a book by an author who was born in or lives/lived in California
The Dutch House Ann Patchett born California
Points this post = 20
Points to date = 435

Task 20.10 Group Read
Read one of the books selected as a group read for the Spring 2025 season. Post on discussion thread
The Glassmaker
my comment is here https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Points this post = 20
Points to date = 455

Task 25.1 Cats Task: Books of North America
Option 2: One Book Option
Read one book of at least 500 pages that fits both the following criteria
Read a book that is set (at least 70%) in one or more countries in North America, NOT USA
Read a book that is written by an author born in a country in North America.
The Robber Bride Margaret Atwood 528 pages Approved in help thread https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Setting and Author both Canadian
Points this post = 25
points to date = 480

Task 25.2 Robin P's Task: The NATO Alphabet
Option 1: Read a book with one of the code words as a stand-alone word in the title or author's name.Using Hotel,
Hotel Silence
Option 3: Read a book set at least 50% in one of the named locations.
Using , New York,
Deal Breaker set more than 50% in New York stated in GR data
Points this post = 25
points to date = 505

Task 25.3 XBM's Task - So Many Names!
Using a single option with different authors
Option 1: Read a book by an author that EXACTLY shares one of these names:
Adam, Andrew, Anuenue, Blair, Corwyn, Damian, Douglas, Elaric, Floyd, George, Gloria, Huakai, Kuuipo, Laura, Luna, Nicole, Patrick, Rowan, Skelly, Therese, Thomas
Book 1 Using Thomas
The Other Thomas Tryon
Book 2 Using Patrick
An Irish Country Village Patrick Taylor
Points this post = 25
points to date = 530

Task 25.4 - KmarieD's Task: Readerboard Names
My Readerboard name is MAZZA1>
Option 1:
Read a book where the single author's first and last initials can be found in YOUR Readerboard name and/or mine, KMARIED. For this option, letters can be repeated.
Whisky From Small Glasses Denzil Meyrick
Option 3:
Read a book with a stand alone word of at least four letters in the title, subtitles excluded , that can be made from my Readerboard name, KMARIED.
When Things Get Dark Using DARK
Points this post = 25
points to date = 555

Task 25.5 Jessica S’s Task: Signs of the Zodiac - Pisces, Aries and Taurus
Your total page count should be at least 500 pages.
Option 2: Energized Aries (March 21st - 20th April)
Book A: Read a book that was published between March 21st and April 20th of 2024 or 2025.
Glorious Exploits Pub March 26th 2024 288 pages
Book B: Read a book with MPG Adventure or MPG Autobiography;
My Midsummer Morning: Rediscovering a Life of Adventure approved in help thread https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
272 pages
272 +288 = 560 exceeds requirements
Points this post = 25
points to date = 580

Task 25.6 - JenJ IA's task - Triple Crowns
This task requires that you choose TWO books, one from option 1 and one from option 2. Additionally, each book must either have a three word title (ignore subtitles), a page count including a 3, publication year ending in 3, OR a series # ending in 3 (whole numbers only, no 1.3, etc.).
Option 1: Thoroughbred Racing
A) The first winner of the Triple Crown was the horse named Sir Barton in 1919. The most recent Triple Crown winner was Justify in 2018. Read a book with the author’s first initial in “SIR BARTON” and the author’s last initial in “JUSTIFY.”
Brothers in Blood #13 in series
Simon Scarrow
Option 2: Hiking
A) Read a book with a 4+ letter word in the title/subtitle that can be made out of the letters in SPRINGER and KATAHDIN.
All the Colors of the Dark 738 pages
Points this post = 25
points to date = 605

Task 30.1 - JennRenee's Task: Spring Up and Grow
Book 1
Read a book with at least 2 words in the title, each word beginning with a letter in SPRING. Letters can be used multiple times.
Scattered Showers: Stories
Book 2
Read a book with a title of at least 3 words, each word longer than its preceding word.
The Misfit's Manifesto
Points this post = 30
Points to date = 635

Task 30.2 MAZZA1's Task: Gregorian Games
Each book must be a minimum of 250 pages.
Option 2
Read a book where the name of the Month (March, April or May) is found intact in the title
Maybe in Another Life 342 pages
Option 3
Read a book whose SINGLE author's first and last (middle can be ignored) initials use only the letters in the name of ONE of the months of the Spring Challenge - Using April,
Bamburgh 358 pages L.J. Ross
Points this post = 30
Points to date = 665

Task 30.3 - Katrisa's Task: Nashfest 2024
Option 2 - Family
Read a book from the first 20 pages of one of these Family Saga lists
Lost Love's Return
Required: State the list and page your book is found on.
Best Family Sagas https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1... Page 2
Option 4 - The Venue
Read a book where the single author’s first and last initials can be found in STAR PLUNGE.
Memphis Tara M. Stringfellow
Points this post = 30
Points to date = 695

Task 30.4 - Susan A's Task: Consecutive Numbers
Pick ONE option and read two books.
Required: Specify the option
Option 1
Read two books from a single series that have consecutive whole number series numbers.
Required: state the series and series number
From DCI Ryan Mysteries Series https://www.goodreads.com/series/1625...
Cuthbert's Way: A DCI Ryan Mystery #17
The Rock #18
Points this post = 30
Points to date = 725

Task 30.5 - TessaVanessa’s Task: Compound Words
Choose a compound word.
Required: State the compound word and what 2 words make it up
COMPOUND WORD CHOSEN = BATHROBE = BATH and ROBE
Book 1:
Read a book with the first part of the compound word in the title/subtitle.
The Sinister Booksellers of Bath
Book 2:
Read a book with the second part of the compound word found intact in the author’s name. Only one author needs to meet requirement if multiple authors are present.
Savor the Moment Nora Roberts
Points this post = 30
Points to date = 755

Task 30.6 - Delicious Dee's Task: In Death by J.D. Robb
Your page count MUST exceed 500 pages (so 501) and at least one of the authors MUST BE NEW-TO-YOU.
Option 2 – Cast of Characters
Required: For this option, pick one of the characters
Using IAN McNAB POLICE DETECTIVE
Book A: Read a book where the author shares either first or last name with the character. Name must match spelling and position.
Hide and Seek Ian Rankin
210 pages
Book B: Read a FICTION book where the main character shares the same career/job as your chosen character. The career should be obvious from the book description.
Bad Times MC is a detective = DCI Peter Moone 527 pages
This author is new to me
527 + 210 = 737 exceeds requirements
Points this post = 30
Points to date = 785

30.7 - Amy FL's Task: Typing Challenge
For this task, you will be using the QWERTY style keyboard.
Letters typed with the left hand: Q, W, E, R, T, A, S, D, F, G, Z, X, C, V, B
Letters typed with the right hand: Y, U, I, O, P, H, J, K, L, N, M
Option 2: Read one book with a minimum of 500 pages that satisfies both criteria in option 1.
word in the title that can be made by using only the letters on the left side of the keyboard.
AND
by a single author whose name (first or last) can be made using only the right hand on the keyboard
As Good As Dead 565 pages
DEAD (uses only left hand)
Holly Jackson HOLLY (uses only right hand)
exceeds page requirements
Approved in help thread https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Points this post = 30
Points to date = 815

Task 50.1 - Angela IL's Task: Task Complete!
This is a 3 book task Books must total at least 750 pages.
Option 2: Read one book from each task: A, B, AND C.
Book A Read a book Claimed in the Spring Challenge Completed Task Thread.
Message 868 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
The Queens of Crime 310 pages
Book B Choose an author of a book claimed on the Spring Challenge Completed Task Thread.
Using Message 20 https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Peter May
Enter the authors name into this website: https://www.literature-map.com/
Read a book from an author listed LISTED AUTHOR is Neil Lancaster
I read When Shadows Fall 352 pages
BOOK C Choose 1 book from the Spring Challenge Completed Task Thread and Read a book from Readers Also Enjoyed section.
Using Message 214 The Last Bookshop in London https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I read The Briar Club from the Readers also enjoyed listings 432 pages
310 + 352+ 432= 1,094 exceeds requirements
Points this post = 50
Points to date = 865

Option 1: The 26 code words in use since 1956 are as follows: Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliett, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-ray, Yankee, and Zulu
Read a book with one of the code words as a stand-alone word in the title or author's name. Plurals and possessives are not acceptable. Words and names must be exact.
Required: State the word.
Word: HOTEL
The Little Italian Hotel (2023) by Phaedra Patrick (Goodreads Author) (Paperback 314 pages)
Option 2: This was not the first version of the code words! Here is the 1943 International Version: Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog, Easy, Fox, George, How, Item, Jig, King, Love, Mike, Nan, Oboe, Peter, Queen, Roger, Sugar, Tare, Uncle, Victor, William, X-Ray, Yoke, Zebra
Read a book with one of the code words as a stand-alone word in the title or author's name. Plurals and possessives are not acceptable. Words and names must be exact (Charlie, not Charley or Charles) - No Exceptions.
Required: State the word
Word: PETER
Invitation To A Dynamite Party (Sergeant Cribb #5) (1974) by Peter Lovesey (Paperback 214 pages)
180 + 25 = 205
Tasks Completed: 11
Points for this post: 25
Points thus far: 180 + 25 = 205
Books read: 15
Pages read: 4,249
Read but not claimed: 02
Goodreads Authors: 11
Golden Oldies: 00
It’s a Fact (Non-Fiction): 02
Big Books:
(0) 500+
(0) 750+
(0) 1,000+

Task #10.10 Celebrating around the world
Read a book with MPG Religion. I read The Bible Says So: What We Get Right (and Wrong) About Scripture’s Most Controversial Issues by Daniel McClellan.
Total points so far: 565

Task #30.7 - Amy FL's Task: Typing Challenge
Option 1: Two-book task
task: word in the title using only the letters on the left side of the keyboard.
book: The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic
(my version is audio, no MMPB, first PB here) = 322 pages
how it fits: "effects" uses only left hand letters
task: author name (first or last) using only the right hand on the keyboard
book: Camino Island
(my version is audio, first MMPB here) = 368 pages
how it fits: "John" uses only right hand letters
Points this post: 30
Total points: 570
Tasks completed: 34/54
BB: 9 / GO: 1 / IAF: 0
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Books mentioned in this topic
Embers: One Ojibway's Meditations (other topics)It Lasts Forever and Then It's Over (other topics)
We Could Be Rats (other topics)
Messy: The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives (other topics)
Every Shot Counts: A Memoir of Resilience (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jean Hanff Korelitz (other topics)Clara Parkes (other topics)
Chester Brown (other topics)
Elizabeth Gilbert (other topics)
Allie Esiri (other topics)
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Task 5.6 Read the Months
Read a book with one of the words " March, April OR May." in the title, subtitle, or author's name. The word can be in any position.
Ain't Gonna Be the Same Fool Twice April Sinclair
Points this Post = 5
Points to Date = 30