The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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SPRING CHALLENGE 2010
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Spring Challenge 2010 Completed Tasks
For the 50 point task I rolled a 4 and then a 2 which adds up to 6 so I could read any two books I wanted. I have read Brooklyn by Colm Toibin and Between the Assassinations by Aravind AdigaPrevious Reads
5.2 A Book is Like a Garden in the Pocket - The Girl's Guide to Growing your Own by Alex Mitchell
5.8 Dr Watson Calling - The Secret Speech by Tom Rob Smith
5.9 I can Still do Something Lying in Bed - Magicians Guild by Judi Canavan
10.2 Three/Four/Five - The Rapture by Liz Jensen
10.4 Reduce, Reuse and Recycle - We are all Made of Glue by Marina Lewycka
10.5 Freedom of the Press - The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larrson
15.2 Anzac Day - The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville and An Ice-cream War by William Boyd
15.6 Friends and Friends of Friends - Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell and American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
15.9 What's in a Name - A Town Like Alice by Neville Shute
20.3 Best Review Contest, Mental Health - The Silver Linings Play Book by Matthew Quick
20.8 A Magical Birthday - The Novice by Trudi Canavan
25.6 This Day in History - The Judgement of Nuremberg 1947 and Red Dust by Gillian Slovo
30.3 Birth and Renewal - Blacklands by Belinder Bauer and Restoration by Rose Tremain
30.6 Character References - American Wife by Curtis Sittenfield and Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H.Lawrence
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Finished task 10.7: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John BerendtTOTAL POINTS = 170
Just finished 20.6 by reading The Fiery Cross- Diana Gabaldon. It's the 5th book in her Outlander series. The series starts off right after the war, in the 1940s. Claire is on a second honeymoon in Scotland, with her husband Frank. While exploring the countryside, she comes across a bunch of standing stones, steps between two of them... and travels back in time 200 years- to the 1700s, and right in the middle of the Scottish clan wars. The series follows her (and Jamie- who she meets and eventually falls in love with). I don't want to give too much of the storyline away but I LOVE these books (currently there are 7 written, with an 8th being planned). There's time travel, romance, history and action/adventure (and even pirates, at serveral points!) all rolled into this one series. The characters are fantastically written. I particularly like Fergus and Ian (although they aren't even the main characters).
The series itself is very long- each book is over 800 pages, and TFC is over 1400 pages, so it's definitely not a light read. But pick it up if you can- you won't regret it!
This should bring me to 80 points.
I'd also like to claim a Big Books ticket for this one, since it is 1,438 pages.
5.2 Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
*she is a Goodreads Author
25.9 The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
My high school/college years were 2000-2008, during which Mr. Sparks was very popular.
Task Points: 30
Total Points: 80
*she is a Goodreads Author
25.9 The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
My high school/college years were 2000-2008, during which Mr. Sparks was very popular.
Task Points: 30
Total Points: 80
For some reason there has been a mistake with my points. I am twice on the readerboard with 160 points and 65 points. At that point I had 65 points. Now, I completed task 5.4 Read a book mentioned in a former or current Goodreads Newsletter.
I read The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65...
(newsletter may 2009 – section Movers and shakers
http://www.goodreads.com/newsletter/s...
Task points : 5 points
My total challenge points: 70 points
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Finished:10.4 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
In honor of Earth Day which falls on April 22 complete one of the following options...
C. Recycle - For this option: read a book from your personal collection and when your finished pass it on so another person can read it.
Read: Nikolski by Nicolas Dickner
New Point Total: 45
Tasks Completed: 3
Books Read: 3
Pages Read: 1086
50.1 Ms. Anderson's Luck Be a Lady Task I: Romance (3) & Award Winner
Catch Of The Day by Kristan Higgins - 2008 RITA Award WinnerAfter reading this novel, I can understand why it won a RITA award in 2008. It's heartwarmingly amusing accompanied by well-written dialogue. Normally I wouldn't recommend romance but this novel is the exception to the rule.
Ms. Anderson's Luck Be a Lady Task II: Historical Fiction (5)
Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle MoranNot much has been written about Selene and this novel took an interesting historical take on the subject. It read like a young adult novel and was tied neatly with a happy romantic ending. I'd recommend it for anyone who would want an entertaining and quick read or someone who likes ancient Rome/Greek/Egypt. There's quite a number of historical nuggets and words which captures the essence of life during those times.
Total Points: 160
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?ke...
I finished 25.8 by reading The Art of Racing in the Rain and Charlotte's Web.Total Points: 510
Tasks Completed: 26
Tasks In Progress: 1
Books Read: 35
Pages Read: 9710
Oh and Garth Stein is a goodreads author.
Lisa wrote: "Wendy wrote: "25.2 - Stephanie Anne's Task - Fabulous firsts or superior seconds?Black Echo and Black Ice by Connolly (The second book, Black Ice, was slightly more excellent than the first book b..."
I loved the Poet too- read Trunk Music-it was great too.
Dlmrose wrote: "I finished 15.3, Books that everyone should read, withThe Help, #261 on pg 3
I thought this book was excellent and deserved a place on the list. I have read almost everything on..."
Great job- congratulations!!
Ashley wrote: "For Task 10.8 I read Extremes by Kristine Kathryn Rusch. This is the second in the Retrieval Artists series, which takes place mostly on the Moon, but also throughout space. Fun spa..."Congratulations!!!
20.3 Shutter island - Dennis Lehane.
120+20=140
120+20=140
I had this book for the 15.10 task. But it does not fit. So I'm using the book for this task.
15.3 Sophie's World - Jostein Gaarder
I really don’t see why this book should be on this list. I found the book very dry and I had to keep pushing myself to finish the book. I 100% agree with the number one book on this list “To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the best books ever written.
140+15=155
15.3 Sophie's World - Jostein Gaarder
I really don’t see why this book should be on this list. I found the book very dry and I had to keep pushing myself to finish the book. I 100% agree with the number one book on this list “To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the best books ever written.
140+15=155
Hi,I have just finished The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's nest by Stieg Larsson for the 5.1 task the birds and the bees.
Total points = 185
Kate.x.
5.4 - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This book was in the August 2009 newsletter.
Points: 15
Tasks: 2
Books: 2
Points: 15
Tasks: 2
Books: 2
Finished 2 more tasks today:15.5 - Poetry
A poem colletion
The Dream Keeper and other poems
Made by Langston Hughes
(96pp)
50 Point Task
Roll 1: 1
Fantasy: Squires Honor by Peter Telep
Roll 2: 6
Collection of Stories: Tales of Beddle the Bard by J K Rowling
6+1 = 7 = No extra tasks!!
Totals:
Total Points: 435.00
Total Books: 29.00
Total Tasks: 18.00
Total Pages: 9871.00
Kate wrote: "Hi,I have just finished The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's nest by Stieg Larsson for the 5.1 task the birds and the bees.
Total points = 185
Kate.x."
I am so jealous! How oh how did you get it?? Are you not in the US? My local bookstores insist it will not be out til May 25th, atleast here...
Finished task 10.9 “A lovely horse is always an experience..”, I read Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls. This was a 5* read for me. I found the story of Walls' grandmother to be a fascinating and incredible one...a great read!Brings me to...
300/980 points
Tasks Completed: 15/57
Tasks In Progress: 4
Books Read: 26/82
Pages Read: 6171
Nicole wrote: "Just completed Task 15.10 by reading The Happiness Project. I really loved this book and highly recommend it to those of you who contemplate things like what it means to be happy. I ..."I really liked this book too, but I am sorry I read it on the Kindle. The one downside of Kindle-reading, I find, is the inconvenience of "thumbing" through and back to places at will.
Erin wrote: "I read Honolulu by Alan Brennert for task 10.4. I was going to use it for the task from previous challeng, the book that takes place in Hawaii.Total Points: 485
Tasks Completed: 25..."
Erin since I sent out the mass message letting people know about the polls I can't send you a note directly about this one...you have already claimed 10.4 with "10.4 How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls. I reused this book from the winter challenge. It was supposed to be from a category of a book with a show based on it." so I can't give you credit for the same task twice.
Just joined today and have 60 points with the books that I have read since the beginning of March.5.1b. Little Bee
5.2 The Forgotten Garden
5.3 Neverwhere
5.4 Arcadia Falls
5.5 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
5.6Honolulu
10.2 The Book Thief
10.4cDeep Lie
10.5 The Girl Who Played with Fire
15. 3 TO READ hunger games or heartbreaking work of staggering genius
15.6 The Art of Racing in the Rain AND ?????
20.6 the girl who played with fire or the city of ashes. NEED TO DECIDE AND WRITE MORE
25.8 Art of racing...AND??? may use this instead
50 point Midway 1. Fantasy, City of Ashes borrowed from library 2. Nonfiction ???????
Bridgit wrote: "Finished two books over the weekend: 5.10 Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea - Jules Verne
and
20.3 - The Raw Shark Texts - the main character has amnesia
..."
Bridgit - For task 20.3 you need to post what you learned about the disorder before I can give you credit for the task.
Katie wrote: "More pathetic showing in the challenge than usual...Finally finished my first task, for 15.9 I read Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie.
I think my Summer challenge ..."
Katie - For this task you must also post what pseudonym you would use as a writer.
Finished task 25.10 Deja Vu by reading Three Men in a Boat and To Say Nothing of the Dog. Although I really enjoyed To Say Nothing of the Dog it didn't have the same detached attitude which I really enjoyed in Three Men in a Boat.
10.6 - And The Oscar Goes To... The 82nd Annual Academy Awards Ceremony will be held on March 7th...in honor of this ceremony which celebrates excellence in film read either...
A. A book that relates to one of the films nominated for this years best picture...(if the film was adapted from a book you may read the book it was adapted from...if it is an original story read a book that has a similar theme or plot).
Push by Sapphire-4/26
20.6 - Supporting Goodreads Authors - Bridgit - Favorite Series
Read a book from your favorite series.
Please summarize the overall series in 2-3 sentences so that everyone can decide if they want to start a new series.
The 9th Judgement (Women's Murder Club, #9) Patterson, James-4/28
This is the 9th installment of the Women's Murder Club and I just think it keeps getting better. For those who are not familiar with this series, it is basically about four females: Lindsey Boxer(cop), Claire(does autopsies), Yuki(lawyer), and Cindy(reporter) who work together to solve the latest crime. It is also about friendship and some relationship drama is thrown in...I personally cannot wait until the next one comes out and the characters are so likeable that you don't have to really jog your memory to remember their role in the series.
30.3 - Ms. Anderson's Task - Birth and Renewal
A. Read a book first published in 2010. The book may be part of a series; however, it must be the FIRST BOOK in the series. Stand-alone books are fine.
Ex: Truly, Madly or Alice I Have Been
Caught by Harlan Coben-4/25
B. Read a book (again, any genre is fine) with the prefix "re-" in the title or subtitle.
Ex: Rewind or Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death: Reflections on Revenge, Germophobia, and Laser Hair Removal-4/1
New total: 230
25.4 "Between Sisters" by Kristin Hannah and "Ramona's World" by Beverly ClearyPoints: 25
Total Points: 70
Pages Read: 1965
Completed Tasks: 5
Cindy wrote: "5.8 “Mr. Watson, Come Here, I Want To See You.” I finished Call of the Wild. Actually not what I expected, and I'm a little surprised I haven't read it before now.
Total: 15 points."
Cindy - You didn't include the author in this post so I can't give you credit - please repost.
Prudence wrote: "Finally getting to post:20.10 - Group Reads - A. Historical- The Historian
I posted a comment today.
15.3 - At Least Once in a Lifetime - I read #229 Maus. I think it is a good choice for t..."
Prudence - I can't give you credit for 20.10 or 15.3 yet because you didn't give the authors for those books (you have to post author and title or links for every book reported to get credit).
Cindy wrote: "Yippee! I managed to complete my 50 point task! First roll 3 - Romance - I read Hide in Plain Sight. Second roll 5 - Historical Fiction. Combination of 8 gave me One with an award win. I chose to l..."I can't give you credit for this task because you didn't include the authors - repost and I'll give you the points.
5.2 - [Book: Year of the Flood] - Margaret Atwood5.9 - [Book: A Match Made in High School] - Kristin Walker
10.3 - [Book: Time's Fool] - Patricia Veryan
20.2 - [Book: The Happiness Project] - Gretchen Rubin
A non-fiction book in which the author spends the first part of the book discussing de-cluttering. It's inspired me to de-clutter, but I'm having a difficult time getting rid of sentimental stuff :)
25.9 - [Book: The Grande Finale] - Janet Evanovich
Popular from 1999-2003.
30.05 - My connections were not approved, so I am not including this task in the point calculation anymore.
Tasks completed: 9
Pages read: 3,297
Points: 140
More to come soon! :)
Alice wrote: "For the 50 point task I rolled a 4 and then a 2 which adds up to 6 so I could read any two books I wanted. I have read Brooklyn by Colm Toibin and Between the Assassinations by Aravind AdigaPre..."
Alice - Rolling a 6 is not the read any book you want option that's 7 with a 6 "Both books must have some sort of connection (like the "Six Degrees" task)" - so either you will need to find a connection between these books or redo this task.
Amber wrote: "Newbie here -- but here's what I've read (that I remember, at least) since the beginning of the challenge period. 5.1 Stork Naked, by Piers Anthony
5.2 Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of th..."
Amber you posted : "15.4 Charon: Four Lords of the Diamond, by Jack Chalker. Medusa: Four Lords of the Diamond, by Jack Chalker - a continuation of the series, themed exactly the same with the same protagonist at the same time, just on a different world." For this task you needed to read one from each section not diamond and diamond - you still need a book with innocence in it before I can give you credit for this task.
"15.9 Winter's Heart by Robert Jordan (AKA Jonathan Rigney), who used different pen names for each genre of book he wrote because when he was younger it would irritate him to buy a new book from a favorite author and have it be a totally new and uninteresting style -- he wanted things to be more clear for his readers."
For this task you also needed to post a pseudonym that you would use if you were a writer.
"25.5 - Elven Exiles books 2 and 3, the first two books of the Quintara Marathon -- well over 1000 pages, minimum. " You didn't post the author for this task so I can't give you credit yet.
"50 POINT TASK
4 and 6
First genre is plays - so I reread A Midsummer Night's Dream, and then rewatched the movie for good measure. :P
Second genre is short story collections - I read Dance Band on the Titanic by Jack Chalker.
Total would be 10, by a GoodReads author... well, Brandon Sanderson happens to be one of my favorite authors ever, so Alcatraz and the Scrivener's Bones will work since it's the only one of his currently-published books I haven't used yet and that I have read in the last month. :)"
You didn't put the author for AMSND in the post and coming up with 10 meant that one of the books for this task needed to be by a GR author not just one for any of the tasks.
SO with this said your points stand at 555.
Jamie wrote: "20.3 Shutter island - Dennis Lehane. 120+20=140"
For this task you must also post what the disorder is and what you learned about it.
Matthew wrote: "Finished 2 more tasks today:15.5 - Poetry
A poem colletion
The Dream Keeper and other poems
Made by Langston Hughes
(96pp)
50 Point Task
Roll 1: 1
Fantasy: Squires Honor by Peter..."
For the poetry task you need to post your haiku before I can give you credit.
COMPLETED TASKS:
5.5 Popular Book (Published in year ending in 3/4/5)
*Moloka'i by Alan Brennert - published 2003 - READ 4.26.10
Rating: ★★★★
A very compelling story, which follows the life span of a young girl exiled to a leper colony.
20.5 NEA Booklists (500 pp.)
A. *Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse (256pp) - READ 4.27.10
Rating: ★★★★★
I loved the free verse style.
B. *A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (211pp) - READ 4.28.10
Rating: ★★★★
Well done! I read this as a companion book to When You Reach Me, since it was referenced in the story.
C. *Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss (56pp) - READ 4.27.10
Rating: ★★★★
A perfect filler for the few extra pages I needed, since I have a son graduating college next week, and another son graduating high school 2 weeks later!
TASKS COMPLETED: 21/57
POINTS COMPLETED: 425/980
BOOKS READ: 30/77
*BOOKS READ FROM MY PERSONAL LIBRARY: 20
Cynthia--since you have been posting most of the corrections/reminders privately, I have forgotten how much you are constantly doing. Thank you yet again for all of your work as our moderator!
50.1 - Midpoint Task - I rolled a 3 and then a 4 so no rules. I read One Silent Night and SuperFreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes And Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance.
Cynthia wrote: "Erin wrote: "I read Honolulu by Alan Brennert for task 10.4. I was going to use it for the task from previous challeng, the book that takes place in Hawaii.Total Points: 485
Tasks ..."
Hi Cynthia, sorry about the confusion! I moved that book to task 10.5 (a book where the main character is a journalist), I thought I posted the change but I guess I forgot. Sorry about that!
50 Point Midway Task - MS Anderson - Luck be a LadyFirst I rolled a 6 (Mystery/Thriller):
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
Then I rolled a 2 (Non-fiction):
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
The two rolls give me a total of 8 (One of the books must have won an award):
The Surgeon won the RITA Award in 2002 for Best Romantic Suspense Novel
Tess Gerritsen is a Goodreads Author
Total points: 415
two new tasks completed at last!50 Point Midway Task - MS Anderson - Luck by a Lady
I rolled one romance, for which I read Ali and Nino by Kurban Said. I read the biography on him years ago, The Orientalist. He himself is fascinating, and this book that helped make him famous was excellent.
Next I rolled a pre-20th century novel, so I read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It was totally different than I expected, and an interesting read. However, the sadness of repeated loss was almost the level of "Angela's Ashes." I did NOT read this book at night, and not because it was scary. (it was not)
My 3rd roll dictated that I read one foreign author. Both the above qualify.
I also finished task 25.5 Leora's Spring Cleaning. I read The Queen Mother by William Shawcross. I bought it when it first came out last year. I love British Royal history. I made this one drag out as long as possible, because is was an interesting but also relaxing read. This books was 1008 pages long and I would like to claim my second "Big Books" chance.
points: 420/980
total books: 31
total tasks:23
pages: 9622
a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/counter/...
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Cynthia wrote: "Bridgit wrote: "Finished two books over the weekend: 5.10 Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea - Jules Verne
and
20.3 - The Raw Shark Texts - the main character has..."
Sorry Cynthia - I learned that amnesia has lots of causes. I also learned how hard it is to cope with not knowing who you are and how frustrating it can be to both the person suffereing from amnesia and to the people around them. Normal people dont have to constantly write themselves notes. They know who to trust and who not to trust. I hadnt realized how much 'memories' really affect ones personality.
Also wanted to report another finished task: 30.3 - The Vanishing of Katharina Linden - published in 2010 and Brideshead Revisited: Film Tie-in Version
That gives me a total of 660 by my count, but counting the 20 point task I just included the description for above, it looks like there are still 10 points missing from the readerboard.
Here is what I have completed - can you tell me where we differ?
5.1,2,3,4,6,7,10 = 35
10.2,5,7,8,9 = 50
15.2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 = 135
20.2,3,5,7,9,10 = 120
25.2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10 = 200
30.2,3,4,5 = 120
=660
Total Points: 660
Tasks Complete: 39
Books Read: 54
Pages Read: 18713
Tasks In Progress: 3
GOODREADS AUTHOR x
BIG BOOK (500) x
BIG BOOK (750)
BIG BOOK (1000) x
Percent Complete: 73.0%
Time Elapsed: 65.2%
Completed the 50 point Task! Roll 1: 5-Poetry - Glass by Ellen Hopkins** Goodreads Author. Very good book... Horrible, frightening subject, I dreamt about Kristina's character until I finished the book!
Roll 2: 6-Book of Short Stories - House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Roll total: 11-One book must be children's or young adults. They were both YA books.
Great task Ms. Anderson!!!!
My total - 245 Points
I completed task 25.4 The Name GameI read In God We Trust (All Other Pay Cash) by Jean Shepherd, who shares my last name. And Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy for a characters name in the title.
30.3 - Ms. Anderson's Task - Birth and RenewalA. Read a book first published in 2010. The book may be part of a series; however, it must be the FIRST BOOK in the series. Stand-alone books are fine.
Ex: Truly, Madly or Alice I Have Been
Drizzle (2010) by Van Cleve
B. Read a book (again, any genre is fine) with the prefix "re-" in the title or subtitle.
Ex: Rewind or Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Poppy’s Return by Avi
30 points
980 total -DONE!!!!
Two more done - one audio and one book form:20.2 Valerie - Clean Sweep: Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier 5*
20.3 Amy - Mental Health Disorder: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher 5*
The Girl with a Pearl Earring was a reread of a book that I read when it first came out several years ago. I was originally reading for task 18.8 (Favorite Artist) but was so enthralled again with the hiring of a girl with the type of visual memory that she could remove the artist's supplies, clean under them, and then replace them EXACTLY in their original position. Amazing!! I can't even get my bed made the same way every day. An extremely good book for both tasks.
Thirteen Reasons Why is a young adult book about the stages of depression for a high school student. I was very entranced by the book (especially since I was listening to it in audio form) and felt like I was living all the events that led to her eventual suicide. Highly recommend for anyone who has a middle school or high school child. You and he/she both need to read it.
POINTS: 620
TASKS: 38
BOOKS: 50
PAGES: 15,241
I completed...--25.2: Soulless and Changeless, both by Gail Carriger.
For me, Carriger's first book is the one I enjoyed more. Soulless had the benefit of being the first in the series and so the audience gets to meet all the characters for the first time, and it was much more of a straightforward romance than the second in the series. Changless was still quite enjoyable (especially the maddening cliffhanger ending), so I will definitely be continuing the Parasol Protectorate series!
TOTALS
Points=135
Tasks=7
Books=10 (1 big book)
Mod
A. Read a book first published in 2010. The book may be part of a series; however, it must be the FIRST BOOK in the series. Stand-alone books are fine..."
Congrats Wendy!
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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)
More...
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)
More...
Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead and The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver
10.4 C. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger - sending it out to someone today.
Total Points: 195/980
Total Pages Read: 4063
Books Read:13
Tasks Completed: 8/57