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SPRING CHALLENGE 2010
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Spring Challenge 2010 Completed Tasks
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I am truly finished. I just joined a couple of weeks ago or so. This was great. I'm all geared up for the Summer Challenge.5.1 The Birds and the Bees
I Heard the Owl Call My Name: by Margaret Craven
Total Points: 70
Total Books Read: 6
Total Tasks Completed: 5
Total Pages Read: 1,461
Task 50 Midway TaskRoll #1: 3 (Romance)
Roll #2: 4 (play)
Added together: 7= Lucky Sevens! Toss out the genres and read whatever you'd like!
I read In Too Deep by Jude Watson and The Viper's Nest by Peter Lerangis
Task 25.1 Future Aspirations
I read First Impressions by Nora Roberts. I chose this book because it is my dream to have a quiet land and home where you look out the window and all you can see is trees and everything is peaceful.
Task 25.5 Spring Cleaning
Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes (464 pages)
A Merry Heart by Wanda E. Brunstetter (288 pages)
The Black Circle by Patrick Carman (208 pages)
Total pages: 960
New points: 100
Total challenge points: 220
Task 5.1--read a book with a bird in the titleI read Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China
Task 5.3--SPRING author
I read Phyllis Richman's
The Butter Did It
5 points for each task (10 points this post)
I forgot to post the extra info for this task...15.3 - At Least Once In A Lifetime
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert was on page 4 when I began reading it. I suppose the book deserves to be on the list if nothing else than for the history involved with the leper colony on Moloka'i. However, the book was only decent and not as good as other books (i.e. Honolulu) by Brennert. I think Les Miserables should be at the top of the list, because it has it all...action, sin, redemption, love, history--how could you go wrong with that coctail?
Finished several tasks the past few days, and I want to get them in for the final total.10.1 - Books really do grow on trees
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
10.5 - Freedom of the Press
The Truth by Terry Pratchett
10.8 - I could have gone on flying through space forever
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
20.7 - Declutter
I have a stack of old awards and certificates in my room, and I really need to organize them better than one pile. That being said, those same certificates helped get me accepted in Cornell University, an Ivy League School, so I read Hacking Harvard by Robin Wasserman
Old Points: 675
New Points: 50
Final Points: 725
I did not do nearly as well as I would have liked, but that's ok. Bring on the Summer Challenge!* Books I Own
5 POINT TASKS
10 POINT TASKS
15 POINT TASKS
20 POINT TASKS
25 POINT TASKS
30 POINT TASKS
**The both participated in the NYC Teen Author Festival and attended the same reading
50 Pts
Yes, I honestly rolled a 7, which I was actually kind of bummed about. 1st roll was fantasy/sci fi (perfect for some of my LOST books) and 2nd roll was short stories, which I've really been getting into lately. Instead, I just wound up using two books that didn't fit anywhere else.
Total Points: 260
GR Authors: 4
Rebecca Skloot
Elizabeth Scott x 2
Sarah Addison Allen
Big Book:
The Woman in White - 500+ pages
One last entry for spring. I finished Water: Tales of Elemental Spirits by Robin McKinley and Peter Dickinson for task 10.2 Three/Four/Five, its average rating is 3.44.Final total: 190
25.5-Spring Cleaning-Read 850 pages or more:Haunted Ground: A Novel by Erin Hart 352 pages
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain 372 pages
Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris 312 pages
5.2-read a novel featuring gardens
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
20.6-Read a book from your favorite series. Add 2-3 sentences summarizing the series.
Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris
This series, which the show True Blood is based off of, is like visiting old supernatural friends. While each character is of special ability their personalities are those of friends we all have. They deal with regular life problems that are intertwined with the supernatural. Fun reading!
5.5-Using the following link (Popular Books) read a popular book that was published in a year ending in 3/4/5.
Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood by Koren Zailckas (2005)
Total Points: 175/980
Matthew wrote: "Finished several tasks the past few days, and I want to get them in for the final total.10.1 - Books really do grow on trees
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
..."
What did you think of Hacking Harvard? It's on my list for the second half of the numbers task, and I'm anxious to read it.
One last task to report.
15.7 - I read Pride and Avarice: A Novel by Nicholas Coleridge. Please do yourself a favor and read this book. It was such a juicy page turner, and I highly recommend it. It is about a posh upper crusty PR guru who becomes obsessed with destroying a self-made entrepreneur who buys a cottage near his property, and razes it to build a McMansion. Their families intertwine, and the story is just so enthralling! If you are an Anglophile, or looking for a page turner this summer, I recommend this book. It is my favorite book that I read this challenge, which is pretty fitting, since it is the last book I was able to finish.
Previous score: 620
Current, and FINAL score: 635
Thanks to Cynthia and all of you guys who came up with incredible and interesting challenges. I look forward to hopefully finishing the summer challenge, esp. since I have just gotten my lay-off notice from work. :( More time to read, at least. :)
15.7 - I read Pride and Avarice: A Novel by Nicholas Coleridge. Please do yourself a favor and read this book. It was such a juicy page turner, and I highly recommend it. It is about a posh upper crusty PR guru who becomes obsessed with destroying a self-made entrepreneur who buys a cottage near his property, and razes it to build a McMansion. Their families intertwine, and the story is just so enthralling! If you are an Anglophile, or looking for a page turner this summer, I recommend this book. It is my favorite book that I read this challenge, which is pretty fitting, since it is the last book I was able to finish.
Previous score: 620
Current, and FINAL score: 635
Thanks to Cynthia and all of you guys who came up with incredible and interesting challenges. I look forward to hopefully finishing the summer challenge, esp. since I have just gotten my lay-off notice from work. :( More time to read, at least. :)
Squeaking in my final task!I completed Task 5.8 ~ Mr.Watson. I read: We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver.
Total # Points: 415
Total # Completed Tasks: 24
Total # of Books Read: 31
Total # of Pages Read: 9773
10.2 The Family of Man by Edward Steichen and Carl Sandburg (avg rating of 4.43)15.5 Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum by Emilia Lanier
My original haiku:
A female Christian
Showed what men can do, women
Can do just as well.
20.4 A. Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman (non-fiction about researching family history) and D.
Sleuthing the Alamo: Davy Crockett's Last Stand and Other Mysteries of the Texas Revolution by James E. Crisp (non-fiction about history of local area)
25.5 The Stranger by Albert Camus (154 pp)
The Magician's Nephew byC.S. Lewis (186 pp)
Let's Talk About Love: A Journey to the End of Taste by Carl Wilson (164 pp)
Northanger Abbey, Lady Susan, The Watsons, Sanditon by Jane Austen (388 pp)
Total: 892 pp.
25.6 A. The Life & Times of Hercule Poirot by Anne Hart, which mentions B. Elephants Can Remember by Agatha Christie
30.4 A. The Valley of Silent Men by James Oliver Curwood and B. Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion by Loree Griffin Burns
50.1 Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began by Art Spiegelman (#2 graphic novel; rated 5 stars by Ms Anderson) and Lord Minimus: The Extraordinary Life of Britain's Smallest Man by Nick Page (#3 biography/autobiography/memoir)
Total points: 175 pts.
5.2) "A book is like a garden..." - The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World10.5) B) Freedom of the Press - Woman Of The Times: Journalism, Feminism, & Career Of Charlotte Curtis
10.7) Beware the Ides of March - Wiseguy
15.4) "These gems have life in them" - Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq's Green Zone & Cooking Dirty: A Story of Life, Sex, Love and Death in the Kitchen
15.6) Friends and Friends of Friends -
A.) Franny and Zooey
B.) I Am Legend
15.8) "A beautiful thing never gives so much pain..." - Monet
I have enjoyed Monet's work ever since I first saw it in third grade. I really appreciate the way he utilizes nature in his works. My favorite works of Monet's include the Water Lily Pond & Japanese Bridge and The Terrace at Sainte-Adresse.
20.7) Time to Declutter - The Moviegoer
I have some movies that I don't watch anymore and need to sell, but just have not gotten around to doing it. The main character in this book goes to the movies a lot.
20.9) A Really Cheesy Task - American Prince: A Memoir
25.1) Future Aspirations - A Painted House
Ultimately, I would like to own my own house and the cover of this book features a house. Ever since I moved away from home, I have lived in either an apartment, so I would like to have a larger space at some point in my future.
25.4) The Name Game -
A.) Olive Kitteridge. My middle name is Elizabeth and the author is Elizabeth Strout.
C.) Bode: Go Fast, Be Good, Have Fun
25.5) Spring Cleaning - The Age of Innocence, Not Fade Away: A Backstage Pass to 20 Years of Rock & Roll, An Album of Memories: Personal Histories from the Greatest Generation
25.6) This Day in History -
A.) The Longest Day: The Classic Epic of D-Day
B.) The Boys of Pointe du Hoc: Ronald Reagan, D-Day, and the U.S. Army 2nd Ranger Battalion
C.) My birthday is June 6 and that is the anniversary of D-Day. The Longest Day: The Classic Epic of D-Day covers the story of the D-Day invasion and The Boys of Pointe du Hoc: Ronald Reagan, D-Day, and the U.S. Army 2nd Ranger Battalion looks into the relationship between the honoring of the Army Rangers' mission of climbing the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc by President Reagan in 1984.
30.4) One if by Land, Two if by Sea -
A.) Miracle in the Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home
B.) Hell or High Water: Surviving Tibet's Tsangpo River
My total comes to 390 points.
For my final post, I've got a few new ones and a few changes. Hoped to get more reading done today, but I guess it's on to the next one...Congrats to all those who finished! I know I read my butt off and didn't come close, so respect and admiration for all of you hard-core bookies :)
5.9 "I think even lying on my bed...."
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began by Art Spiegelman 5/31/10
After reading the first one for the 50-pt graphic novel task, I had to pick up the second. This one was truly amazing...a 5 star read and perhaps my favorite of the challenge.
25.1 Future Aspirations
by Eric Puchner 5/29/10I've always wanted to own a home by the time I was 30...I've got 20 months left and not even close! Darn LA real estate!
25.3 Coming Out of Hibernation
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan 5/31/10
Frank Lloyd Wright was a famous American architect and this book is a fictionalized memoir of his mistress (based on historical facts). I was in Vancouver for a month and took an Art & Architecture walking tour. Loved this - great female main character.
CH-CH-CH-CHANGES!
15.10 "Face the facts of being what you are..."
Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert
I got engaged a month ago and this book--as well as its title--really spoke to me. I will forever be committed to my boyfriend and I don't need a marriage title to tell me that, but in the eyes of the law it does help! :)
Note: This book was previously claimed for 30.3A and I am moving it to 15.10
25.4 The Name Game
PART B - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Frankenstein is the name of the doctor who creates the monster (not the actual monster!).
Note: This book was previously claimed for task 5.9. Part A of 25.4 will remain the same.
30.3 Birth and Renewal
PART A -
Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler
Published on 3/9/10
Note: This book was previously claimed for task 25.4B. Part B of 30.3 will remain the same.
TOTAL POINTS: 525/980
BOOKS READ: 33
TASKS COMPLETED: 27
PAGES READ: 10,181
AVG PAGES PER BOOK: 309
REWARDS:
GOODREADS AUTHOR x3
BIG BOOK TICKET (500 pg)
Thanks Cynthia! See everyone next go round!!
5.01 ALL ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES “The Trumpet of the Swan” E.B. White5.02 A BOOK IS LIKE A GARDEN CARRIED IN THE POCKET "Otherwise Normal People" Aurelia C. Scott (about rose gardeners)
5.04 IN THE NEWS “44 Scotland Street” Alexander McCall Smith (May 2009 Goodreads newsletter)
5.07 MARCH IS MENTAL RETARDATION AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH: “The Year My Son and I Were Born” Kathryn Lynard Soper (Down syndrome)
5.09 I THINK EVEN LYING ON MY BED I CAN STILL DO SOMETHING: “Innocent Blood” P.D. James
5.10 THE IMPORTANT THING IS NOT WHAT THEY THINK OF ME, BUT WHAT I THINK OF THEM: “The Clocks” Agatha Christie
10.01 BOOKS REALLY DO GROW ON TREES “Cold Sassy Tree” Olive Ann Burns
10.02 THREE/FOUR/FIVE “Portuguese Irregular Verbs” Alexander McCall Smith
10.03 THE LUCK OF THE IRISH: “The Double-Jack Murders” Patrick F. McManus
10.04 REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE: "Prince Caspian" C.S. Lewis (REUSE: book planned to but did not read for previous challenge)
10.06 AND THE OSCAR GOES TO “The Lacuna” Barbara Kingsolver, related to “Frida” nominated for academy award (508 pages for 500 pg ticket)
10.09 A LOVELY HORSE IS ALWAYS AN EXPERIENCE (etc.): “The Horse and His Boy” C.S. Lewis
15.01 INDEPENDENTLY SPEAKING a) “Dracula” Bram Stoker (Romania, May 9) b) “Between Parent and Child” Haim G. Ginott (Israel, May 14)
15.03 AT LEAST ONCE IN A LIFETIME “Mansfield Park” Jane Austen (528 pgs for 500 pg ticket); I wouldn’t put this on the list, as I don’t think it’s made a lasting impression on me. For now, I’d put Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” at the top, as one that influences my thinking.
15.07 BEWARE THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS “Book Lust” Nancy Pearl; she specifically addressed the possible implications of desiring to read more than desiring to experience life, and the possible problems of wanting one particular thing too much at the expense of others.
20.01 APRIL FOOL “The Reluctant Tuscan” Phil Doran
20.07 TIME TO DECLUTTER “Fatal Remedies” Donna Leon, crime involves expired medications I’m storing until I can drop them off at the pharmacy
25.01 FUTURE ASPIRATIONS “Making a Success of Marriage” David Yount (happy marriage)
25.03 COMING OUT OF HIBERNATION “Runner’s World Complete Book of Women’s Running” Dagny Scott Barrios (attended and participated in 5K run)
25.07 THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY “The Greek Myths” Robert Graves (784 pgs for 750 pg ticket)
25.09 SPRING BREAK “Ella Enchanted” Gail Carson Levine (1997, when I was in college)
Total points: 275
That's it folks - this challenge is over on to the summer challenge!
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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)
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25.4. Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach (my middle name is Marie)
AND Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange
FINAL TOTALS:
Points: 365
Tasks completed: 17
Books read: 26
Pages read: 8,098
Congrats to everyone who finished this season's challenge!