The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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SPRING CHALLENGE 2010
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Spring Challenge 2010 Completed Tasks
Ms Anderson wrote: "50 Point Task: Luck Be a LadyRomance (3) -- Tipping the Velvet
Nonfiction (2) -- [book:What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew: From Fox Hunting to Whist-The Facts of Daily Life..."
wow you are my reading heroine! Congratulations!
So what works better: doing high point tasks first and going back, visa versa, or following the order your TBR pile dictates? Or other?
25.8A Written in animal's voice -The Unscratchables
25.8B Demonstrating love between owner and animal -
Simon's Cat
870 points
Ms Anderson you are indeed a star! Congratulations on being the first to finish the challenge.
Congratulations, Ms. Anderson!! Enjoy your few weeks off ;)
20.1 Mirth of a NationMichael J. Rosen
A Good Reads Author
This was an anthology of humorous stories. Okay, maybe I don't have a very good sense of humor, but I have laughed harder at lunch with friends. I will admit to a couple of chuckles and was even mildly amused by a story about the midwest. Otherwise, this one was a real stinker and I rated it one star.
Thank you for the congratulations, everyone! I get to go straight from this to work on my best friend's birthday story, so I'm not really sure if it's a "break," per se *_~ Besides, I enjoy it, so it's not particularly harsh anyway! lolCindie wrote: "So what works better: doing high point tasks first and going back, visa versa, or following the order your TBR pile dictates? Or other? "
I look at the high-point, one-book tasks and do those first (usually) and pepper those with few-point or two-book tasks, especially if I finish reading something dark and heavy and know I need something humorous to make up for it. This happened to me with What Dreams May Come. It spoke to me so clearly that I was almost stunned, and even though it was a gorgeous, wonderful book, I had to read something lighter afterward. So yeah, I start roughly with the second half of my task chart, then skip around as I feel like it and finish up other tasks. If I'm dying to read one of the books I picked for an early task, I'll read that, but a lot of those get saved until the end. But that's just what I've found works for me! And I'll probably even change that for next season. The most important thing I've found is to pick books that interest me, and if I start one and don't like it, I change it! ^_^
I’m ready to claim another task!
10.10 - "Fashions fade - style is eternal."
Read a book (fiction or non-fiction) that has a type of clothing or accessory in the title (shirt, pants, shoes etc.); I read Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears (Vol. 3) (Mass Market Paperback, 432 pages), a short story collection of “original fairy tales for adults”, all by different authors. It’s the third collection in a 6 book series of “Fairy Tale Anthologies” Datlow did in the 1990s. The stories are inspired by Russian and Asian fairy tales as well as the traditional ones we know from Grimm. They are also harsher and grittier than the fairy tales as told by Disney. Included is one novella, 75 pages, “The Fox Wife” by Ellen Steiber, inspired by a Japanese fairy tale.
240+10=250
Tasks Completed: 15
Points for this task: 10
Points thus far: 250/980
Books read: 20
Pages Read: 5734
Books by Goodreads authors: 2
Read but not claimed: 7 books
Yikes! I keep reading the reviews here for Never Let Me Go, maybe I'll choose another book for that part of the challenge. On a happier(?) note, I've added several of the books mentioned to my to-read list based on the reviews. My to-read list keeps growing longer and longer...what a happy problem!
Louvaine wrote: "Yikes! I keep reading the reviews here for Never Let Me Go, maybe I'll choose another book for that part of the challenge. On a happier(?) note, I've added several of the books mentioned to my to-..."I gave Never Let Me Go 5 stars. The best way to read this book is to stay away from any reviews that have spoilers ... especially with this novel, the spoilers blunt the full impact of the twists and turns in the novel. Enjoy!
Louvaine wrote: "Yikes! I keep reading the reviews here for Never Let Me Go, maybe I'll choose another book for that part of the challenge. On a happier(?) note, I've added several of the books mentioned to my to-..."I *loved* "Never Let Me Go" -- I still think about it from time to time!
I knew nothing about Never Let Me Go when I started reading it. I got completely absorbed in it. Excellent and thought-provoking!
OK, thanks Ashley, DeeDee, and Liz. I think I will read it; I often like books few others seem to like! I'll let you know what I think after I've read it.
For 30.3 (birth and renewal) I read The Extra by Michael Shea (published this year) and Return to Sender. Niether was great, but neither was horrible either. I think I would have liked The Extra better if I had not read Hunger Games. It was similar in theme, but an adult book. (Also similar to Running Man)25.1 (something I want in the future) I read The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs. There is a dog on the front and I am ready to get another dog. My husband is not quite there yet--understandable since it was his dog we had to have put to sleep after 16 years. I think we're getting close though.
That puts me at
215 points
4132 pages read
20.9 A cheesy task: Cheese by Willem ElsschotPages read: 2645
Books read: 9
Tasks completed: 8
Total Points: 210
Liz (Bklyn)
COMPLETED TASKS:
30.6 Character Reference
A. Book That Mentions/Recommends Another Book
*More Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason by Nancy Pearl - GOODREADS AUTHOR - READ 4.1.10
RATING: 3 stars
I didn't like this as well as the first Book Lust. I liked the topics more than the referenced books. There were a lot of out of print books mentioned.
B. Book Referenced in Book A
*Stiff by Mary Roach - READ 4.7.10
RATING: 3 stars
A bizarre and interesting look at the history and usage of human cadavers.
TASKS COMPLETED: 16/57
POINTS COMPLETED: 335/980
BOOKS READ: 22/73
*BOOKS READ FROM MY PERSONAL LIBRARY: 13
I forgot to completely finish posting for one of the tasks so here goes:I completed task 15.3 (once in a lifetime) by reading Guns, Germs and Steel. It was on the third page of the list (#218 when I looked).
I'm not sure I agree that everyone should read this book at least once. While Diamond has an admirable knowledge of different peoples, cultures, etc I felt that his argument was pretty weak. Especially when he starting manipulating geography to better fit his explanations.
I definitely don't think this book should be at the top of the list. If I had to choose, I'd say that The Lord of the Rings should be at the top of the list, especially for anyone who reads fantasy
50.1A Rolled 1 = Fantasy/ Science Fiction -Steal Across the Sky
Loved this book ... read it straight through without doing any of the things I was supposed to do this p.m.
50.1B Rolled 3 = Biography/ Autobiography
1 + 3 = 4 Foreign(to USA)-born author -
Persepolis 1: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi
920 points
25.7 - The God's must be crazy - The Lightning ThiefTask Points: 25
Total Points: 195
Tasks: 12
Books: 16
Nicki STL
20.10 Group read - Handmaid's Tale. There were many times I just had to stop and go "Wow". I recently found Goodreads and this challenge. I know I am starting late, but it looks like fun. I'll get as far as I can as quickly as I can. Thanks for the challenge!
Just completed...5.1 - All About The Birds And The Bees
B. Read a book with a type of insect in the title...
Little Bee by Cleave, Chris*
Previously Completed Tasks
5.9 - “I think even lying on my bed I can still do something.”
Impossible by Nancy Werlin
10.2 - Three/Four/Five
July July by Tim O'brien
10.4 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
God Behind Bars: A Prison Chaplain Reflects on the Lord's Prayer by Pierre Raphael
10.5 - Freedom Of The Press
The Informers by Juan Gabriel Vasquez
20.7 - I Like Big Books And I Cannot Lie - Potjy - Time To Declutter
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker
30.5 - PJ Reads' Task - As Suggested By Tanja - Six Degrees of Separation
A. The Renegades by T. Jefferson Parker
B. Blue Heaven by C.J. Box
Total Points: 90
Tasks Completed: 7
Books Read: 8
Hi,I have just finished Amy MO's mental Health task. I read Human Traces by Sabastian Faulks.
Total points = 75
Kate.x.
Hi,I have also finished Ashley's task - the gods.
I read the Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips, and throughly enjoyed it!
Toatal points = 100
Kate.x.
Just completed...5.2 - "A book is like a garden carried in the pocket."
The Spare-Time Gardener: Tips and Tricks for Those on the Go by Barbara Hill Freeman
Previously Completed Tasks
5.1 - All About The Birds And The Bees
B. Read a book with a type of insect in the title...
Little Bee by Cleave, Chris*
5.9 - “I think even lying on my bed I can still do something.”
Impossible by Nancy Werlin
10.2 - Three/Four/Five
July July by Tim O'brien
10.4 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
God Behind Bars: A Prison Chaplain Reflects on the Lord's Prayer by Pierre Raphael
10.5 - Freedom Of The Press
The Informers by Juan Gabriel Vasquez
20.7 - I Like Big Books And I Cannot Lie - Potjy - Time To Declutter
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker
30.5 - PJ Reads' Task - As Suggested By Tanja - Six Degrees of Separation
A. The Renegades by T. Jefferson Parker
B. Blue Heaven by C.J. Box
Total Points: 95
Tasks Completed: 8
Books Read: 9
Finished task 25.4B: True North by Kimberly Kafka (Kimberly Miles was a name on the Random Name Selector on setting 3) and 25.4C: Anne of Green Gables by L M MontgomeryTOTAL POINTS = 110
REPOST15.3 - At Least Once In A Lifetime
For this task read a book found on page 3, 4, or 5 of the following list: Books That Everyone Should Read At Least Once. When posting this task explain why the book you read should or should not be on that list & what book you think should be at the top of the list.
For this task I read Lord of the Flies by William Golding. This was a really good book that shows us what happens when honor and rules are not followed. It is a great book for young adults. Everyone should absolutely read this book at least once. I think Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen should be the number one book on the list. It is a timeless classic that is a must read.
5.3 S.P.R.I.N.G. My Son's Story by Nadine Gordimer10.3 Three/Four/Five The Godwhale which has average rating of 3.55.
20.9 A Really Cheesy Task Goat Song
A few more tasks down...5.2 - "A book is like a garden carried in the pocket."
When I think of spring I think of flowers and when I think of flowers I think of gardens...For this task read a novel featuring gardens OR a gardener OR a non-fiction book about gardening.
For this task I read A Hoe Lot of Trouble by Heather Webber
10.10 - "Fashions fade - style is eternal."
Many of the world's most famous fashion designer's have spring birthdays including...Jean-Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Valentino, Guccio Gucci, Donatella Versace, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Oleg Cassini, Liz Claiborne, Perry Ellis, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, and Bob Mackie...In honor of them read a book (fiction or non-fiction) that has a type of clothing or accessory in the title (shirt, pants, shoes etc.)
For this task I read Veil of Midnight by Lara Adrian
25.4 - Diane's Task - The Name Game
A. Read a book written by an author that shares your first, middle, OR last name. Spelling variations are acceptable (i.e. Dianne instead of Diane) as are name shortenings (i.e. Sue for Susan).
AND
C. Read a book with a character’s name in the title.
For part A of this task I read Blood Is the New Black by Valerie Stivers and for Part C of this task I read Gideon by Jacquelyn Frank.
Total Points: 330/980
Books Read: 31
Tasks Completed: 22/57
I just completed Task 15.8 by reading Sunflowers which is a novel about the life of Vincent Van Gogh. I just LOVED it. It was so beautifully written and I thought Rachel was a character that you could just immediately care about and want to know about in the first chapter. If you know anything about Van Gogh, you know how it ends- that sort of sucked. Not because it made the book less enjoyable but just because it was at the back of my mind! I love Van Gogh because of the "swirly" style and the texture and colors in his paintings. I am a huge fan of the Sunflower paintings that are a very prominent part of the book (and the title and cover)! But I would have to say that Starry Night is my all-time favorite Van Gogh painting. I have seen it several times in person (it lives at MOMA and should still be there as far as I know). I love many other artists as well! It's like music...I do not have ONE favorite!Tasks Completed: 24/57
Books Read: 34
Pages Read: 10,376 (yay! broke 10,000!)
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For Task 20.9 (Cheesy) I read 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson -- loved it!For Task 25.10 (Deja Vu) I read two Nero Wolfe mysteries: Curtains for Three by Rex Stout (thought these novellas were great -- love Nero Wolfe and his wonderful sidekick!) and Murder in E Minor: A Nero Wolfe Mystery by Robert Goldsborough (yuck).
Robert Goldsborough attempts to recreate the Rex Stout mysteries, but, IMO, fails miserably. The characters are strong enough that the story isn't a complete waste of time, but I thought the book was pretty boring and was glad it was only 200 pages! I will read more Rex Stout, but no more Robert Goldsborough!
This brings me to 725 points
42/57 tasks
60 books
I finished 25.10, by reading Little Women and March. Little Women was a re-read, and I loved it just as much as when I read it the first time. March, I didn't like as well. I didn't like seeing the well-loved characters being "misrepresented" by the other author. They weren't hers to describe!Total Points: 235
Tasks Completed: 15
Tasks In Progress: 4
Books Read: 21
Pages Read: 7950
Finished:20.7 I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie--Time to DeClutter.
I read All About Love by Stephanie Laurens.
I had a hard time chosing what to work on for this one--my whole house needs a bulldozer. But I am trying to cut down on the number of books, since I am completely out of any more horizonal surfaces to stack them. The plot centered around the search for a missing book in a large collection of books and who murdered Horatio Welham--okay, I lied, the plot is the love story of Aladair Cynster, aka Lucifer and Phyllida Tallent.
I finished 15.1 with Hunger by Knut Hamsun (Norway) and Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee (South Africa). I finished 25.4 with The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory (B) and The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch (C).
I also finished 30.2 with Someone Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf (Bluebonnet) and When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (Lone Star).
I never wrote my review for 20.1. I thought Reaper Man was the funniest Discworld book so far. Series usually deteriorate over time, but these seem to keep getting better. I'm looking forward to reading it again so I can try to catch all the jokes I'm sure I missed.
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I finished 10.2 - read a book with a 3/4/5 in the rating. When I started reading The Lost Symbolthe rating was 3.34 on 3/28/10. This brings my total to 65.Laura FL
Birish wrote: "Completed 20.3 Mental HealthThe Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
My total - 120 Points
"
Sorry, I forgot to post what mental disorder was featured and what I learned...
In the Bell Jar, Esther is suffering from depression and a mental breakdown. It is not "diagnosed" in the book, but she is sent to a "facility". By reading this book I have learned how far we have come in treating both the patient & mental disorders... from past treatments of shock treatments, lobotomies and lock down facilities to the more modern treatments using medications and therapies.
5.2 A book is like a garden carried in the pocket - Chinese proverbGardens/ gardener -
Gasa-Gasa Girl
Naomi Hirahara is a Goodreads author
925 points
Just finished Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton for 10.6 (And the Oscar Goes to..). It is related to the movie District 9 as people on the thread mentioned parallels to apartheid. Total:
Jamie(24)-- 35 points
20.2 - Rookie - Valorie - Character cleans/organize - I read The Children's Book (I couldn't find the link for it!) by A. S. Byatt. 1* I really didn't like it, I couldn't get into it. I thought there were too many characters and too many details. The cover was pretty though!Total Points: 185
Tasks Completed: 10
Books Read: 13
Pages Read: 5,803
Tasks in Process: 25.4, 25.6, 25.7
I completed Task 15.9 with Blaze: A Novel by Richard Bachman (aka Stephen King).What a marvelous find of a book! I didn't expect to find such a gem from Stephen King. I gave it 5*.
Blaze's story is so sad. I really felt for Blaze in his loneliness and confusion and to really dislike those who turned their backs on him time and time again.
Richard Bachman has much better character developement than any King book I've read.
I've written a more detailed review in the Review Forum.
I just finished task 5.10 by reading Wuthering Heights.I have never read a book so full of spiteful, unlikeable, and weak characters. If there is an ounce of truth about human nature in this book, just shoot me now because its not worth carrying on. I don't understand in the slightest how anything about this book could be considered romantic.
One star, by the way...
Books Read: 15
Pages Read: 5094
Points: 190
Manday wrote: "I just finished task 5.10 by reading Wuthering Heights.I have never read a book so full of spiteful, unlikeable, and weak characters. If there is an ounce of truth about human natur..."
I'm with you on this one - I didn't care for it either. I gave it a 3 (read it a few years ago) but only because of the writing style and the atmosphere.
I read it in college and it isn't the happiest book but I still liked it.
30.4-- One if by Land, Two if by SeaLand: The Farthest-Away Mountain
Sea: The Glass Lake
"The Glass Lake" was 757 pages. Please enter me for a big book ticket. Freaking took forever to read, too, but in the end it was worth it.
Julie McVey5.4 - The Hunger Games ~ Suzanne Collins
This book was in the November 2008 Newsletter. It was AMAZING!!! I couldn't put it down. I started reading it and thought I would read a little bit before I went to sleep... next thing I knew it was 5:15 a.m. and I was still reading... sad news, I had to be up and ready to teach at 6:15!!!! But, it was totally worth it!!! The book was THAT good!
Total Points = 280 points
Total Books = 17 books
Total Pages = 4749 pages
I actually wanted to switch this task. Instead of 10.5. I want to use this book with 25.5 Spring Cleaning and I read "The Eight" and "The History of the Siege of Lisbon for 922 pp total. I am also claiming a big book ticket for "The Eight" (598pp)
Tasks Completed: 7/27
Books Read: 11/57
Tasks In Progress: 2
New Points Total: 90/980
5.9 - “I think even lying on my bed I can still do something.” In honor of Dorothea Dix (April 4, 1802 – July 17, 1887), an American activist on behalf of the indigent insane whose quote inspired this task...Spend a day in bed reading the book of your choice.
I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder
Current Point Total: 50
Jessica MI
5.2 Leota's Garden by Francine Rivers5.4 The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
10.1 The Giver by Lois Lowry
10.4 The Host by Stephenie Meyer
10.6 Evensong by M.L. St. Sure (I also watched Inglourious B's to complete the task - both WW2 related...both great stories!)
20.2 Wench: A Novel by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
20.10 The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Total Points: 80/980
Books Read: 7
Tasks Completed: 7/57
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Frankenstein (other topics)Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang (other topics)
Loving Frank (other topics)
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began (other topics)
Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Nancy Horan (other topics)Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (other topics)
Elizabeth Gilbert (other topics)
Chelsea Handler (other topics)
Eric Puchner (other topics)
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Just A Little Sex... by Miranda Lee
My total - 150