The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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SUMMER CHALLENGE 2010
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Summer Challenge 2010 Completed Tasks (do NOT delete any posts in this thread)
25.7 - My passion is books so I read...non-fiction: Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman (3 stars) and fiction: The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt (3 stars)New total: 225 points
5.1 Blockbuster BooksI read "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I actually liked this more than I thought I would-I found the "prayer" section the best-it made me think I would like to learn to meditate and be at peace with oneself. I may have to do some more reading on the topic.
Brings me to 115 points.
Task 25.2--Question/AnswerWho:
The Cat who went underground Jane:
See Jane die25 points
Total: 160 points
30.5 -- DLM Rose's Task - Virtual Block PartyI would bring my favorite summertime beverage to the party -- mint lemonade. It's pretty simple, really -- crush some fresh mint leaves and add fresh-squeezed lemons, sugar, and water. Yummy and sooo refreshing.
For this task, I read A. The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen, who is a Goodreads author and C. Food Rules: An Eater's Manual by Michael Pollan. I'd highly recommend both books.
Points for this task: 30
Total Points: 270
Tasks Completed: 14/56
10.2; 10.3; 10.5; 10.10
15.3
20.1; 20.2; 20.9; 20.10
25.1; 25.6; 25.8
30.1; 30.5
Tasks in Progress: 25.4, 25.5, 25.9, 30.3
Books Read: 21
Books by Goodreads authors: 3 (Sarah Addison Allen x2 (10.2 and 30.5A), Kathryn Stockett (20.9A))
Big Books: 0 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
30.5 virtual block party-- my contibution is mini cherry cheesecakesI read Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke and
a cookbook Cheesecake MadnessBy John J. Segreto.
No party is complete without cheesecake and I think these mini ones would be perfect for a block party. The recipe will be in the recipe section as soon as possible.
I have completed task 5.9 with Nancy Moser's Just Jane. I read this while I was at Mountain Creek water park on a grass field. The book was 362 pages long. I was at 215 when I started reading it at Mountain Creek and finished it for a total of 147 pages.Total Points: 5
Tasks Completed: 1
Tasks in Progress: 0
Books Read: 1
Pages Read: 147 in one location in public. Finished the book.
I completed 5.10 by reading Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen for the second time.On the same week, because I am a fast reader and it was a short book, I read Mrs. Dalloway's Party by Virginia Woolf for 10.1.
Total Points: 20
Tasks Completed: 3
Tasks in Progress: 1-- 5.7
Books Read: 3
Pages Read: 624
15.1 Wedding BellsOld/Blue cover :
Hamlet - ShakespeareNew/Borrowed from library:
-Terry Pratchett and Neil GaimanTotal Points: 210
LIZZIE JANE20.9 - The Spirit of Independence
A. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (goodreads author) (5*)
B. watched Juno
25.5 - Share the Summer Love
A. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (5*) - Dystopian: I am fascinated by dystopian fiction & the "what if" aspect of human nature/behavior when confronted with such twisted realities.
Absolutely incredible! What a great follow up to The Hunger Games. It's easy to connect with the characters (even the minor ones), & feel the absolute horror & shocking reality of this world. I gasped a few times while reading this & felt sick over what was happening. Suzanne Collins did an amazing job bringing out all those emotions of disgust, fear, & hope. This book leaves you with a very abrupt cliff hanger, so be warned! I can't wait for Mockingjay. This is my new favorite series.
B. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare (goodreads author) (5*) - Fantasy: I love the creativity in fantasy worlds. They are such an escape for me.
This was my favorite book in The Mortal Instruments series. It was very fast-paced, & I didn't want it to end! I really loved it & look forward to reading more of Cassandra Clare's books.
Tasks: 12
Books: 14
Goodreads authors: 8
Pages: 5,860
TOTAL POINTS: 200
15.10 : Faro's Daughter by Georgette HeyerMy daughter lives in London, so very far away, but is coming to visit in October :-)
Task points: 15
Total points: 15
5.1 - Heat WaveIt's summertime and it's getting HOT out there..Read a book with one of the following words in the title (Hot, Hotter, Heat, Warm, Warmth, Heatwave, Fire, Sizzle, Blaze, Scorch, Sun, Sunny, Toasty or another similar word). (EXAMPLE: Heat Wave)
Round the Fire Stories by Arthur Conan Doyle
Points: 140/475
Books: 14
Tasks: 11/56
Pages: 3,914
For 20.8 - Happy Birthday To You - Rhiannon's Task (July 21st) - B&N Classics, I read The House of Mirth by Edith WhartonBooks read: 6
Challenges accomplished: 5/58
Points : 85
25.2 - Q & A - The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson and The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
20.5 - Just Joined In - Amber GA's Task - Library Love - Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky. Total Points: 145
Tasks Completed: 11
Total Books: 14
Tasks in Progress: 1
Total Pages Read: 5121
20.8 - Happy Birthday To You - Rhiannon's Task (July 21st) - B&N Classics ~ Journey to the Center of the EarthTotal Points: 340/950
Tasks Completed: 21
Books Read: 26/74
Books by Goodreads authors: 2
Big Books: 1 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
20.2 - Rookie Of The Season - Kiri's Task - A Trip To The Past - Read a book that was either written OR takes place before 1450 AD - Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: translated by Burton Raffel (written in 1390).Books Read: 15/74
Tasks Completed: 9/56
Tasks in Progress: 5
Total Points: 140/950
Goodreads Authors: 0
Big Books: (500)x (750) (1000)
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30.5 DLM Rose's TaskMy recipe is for an Organic Lemon-Rosemary Cake, so I read: The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender, and Farm to Fork: Cooking Local, Cooking Fresh by Emeril Lagasse
I actually did make the cake (which got rave reviews), using fresh rosemary from my garden and organic lemons. I'll try to remember to post the recipe in the other thread!
Total Points: 140
Books Read: 14
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Lisa MDCOMPLETED TASKS:
10.1 Stormy Weather (author name on hurricane list) - "Nicole"
*The History of Love by Nicole Krauss - READ 7.5.10
My Rating: ★★★
10.3 Same Place, Same Time...Same Books (online now pp 6-8) - Jessica H was also reading.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon - READ 7.8.10
My Rating: ★★★★
20.4 Anniversary Title (4th - Fruit/Flowers or Appliances) - My gift would be a fruit bouquet.
*The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros - READ 7.6.10
My Rating: ★★★
Total Tasks: 17/56
Total Points: 280/950
Total Books Read: 23/76
*Books Read I Own: 13
Big Book Ticket Claim: (✓)500+pp ( )750+pp ( )1000+pp
Finished Task 10.1 Stormy Weather. I read Empire Falls by Richard Russo. Points for this task: 10
Tasks Completed: 3
Tasks in Progress: 2
Total Pages Read: 1880
Total Points: 25
Haven't updated in ages!So, I've completed
5.2 Blockbuster books - The Carrie Diaries, candace bushnell
25.1 Independence day - A - Dear John - Nicholas Sparks
B - Specials - Scott Westerfeld
Points for these tasks: 30
Total Points: 60
Tasks Completed: 4
Tasks in Progress: 2
Books Read: 7
For Task 5.2 I read Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Clearly (highly anticipated by my three daughters!)For Task 5.4 I read This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper, a nominee for the Goodreads Choice Awards (I can't believe I'd never heard of these!!
For Task 15.9 I read American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld. I am definitely an American Wife, lol!! I wish I were more like the main character, though. She is reserved and keeps her own counsel. I am much more outgoing and quick to talk before thinking. On the other hand, we both have a strong sense of priorities and of making the concessions that support those priorities while fighting for the things that are important to us. I loved this book!
**This book was over 500 pages and so I am claiming a big book ticket**
This brings me to 200 points.
Goodreads Authors: 2
Big Book Tickets: 2
20.6 List MakerI read The Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke. This book is 319 pages, and is the second in the Hannah Swensen series. Although not a "must read" from a literary standpoint, this book is an awesome beach read and for this reason is on my must read list :)
This brings my totals to:
7 books read
6 challenges complete
20 new points
80 total points
30.3 - Sheila's Task - An Ode To IllinoisA.The Madness of Mary Lincoln by Jason Emerson
B. Takes place in Chicago:The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon * Goodreads Author
New Point Total:80
5.7 -
(there's a ship on the cover...it's a little small!)20.5 This Book Is Overdue!: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All - a fun read but a LOT about Second Life!
25.2 When You Reach Me and 1984
That should be 50 more points, for a total of 140!
30.4 - Cheryl TX's Task - The Science Of CrimeDearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay AND The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson
20.7 - I Like Big Books And I Cannot Lie - Dionisia's Task - For Those We Love To Hate
Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
5.6 - "I Only Regret That I Have But One Life To Lose For My Country."
I,Q, the White House by Roland Smith
10.7 - I Think We Can Handle The Truth
A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel
Tasks:11
Books:15
Pages: 4,497
Points: 205
Finished two tasks: Task 5.9 Get Caught Reading
Book - Hold Still by Nina LaCour. I read this book sitting at the foot of Yosemite Falls in Yosemite while waiting for the rest of my party to return from hiking to the top.
Pages - 230
Points for this task: 5
Task 10.4 - Three Rolls of the Dice
Book - Dragon's Keep by Janet Lee Carey
Pages - 320 (my roll was 314)
Points for this task - 10
Total Points: 40
Tasks Completed: 4
Books Read: 5
Pages Read: 2000
I like big books count: 0
30.4 - Cheryl TX's Task - The Science of CrimeBone Collector by Jeffrey Deaver
Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell
Points: 30
Total Points: 220
Tasks Completed: 12
Books Read: 18
Pages Read: 5969
Books by Goodreads authors: 2
Big Books: 2 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
finished 10.1 Stormy Weather Matthew:Star Wars - Krieg der Sterne: Star Wars Episode 3. Die Rache der Sith: Bd 3by Matthew Stover
Task Points: 10
Total Points: 115
Books Read: 10
Pages Read: 4498
Tasks completed: 8
10.3 Book Goodreader is currently reading: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Cheri, pg 6, by J K Rowling, 759pp, read 7/6/2010. 10.6 Discrimination: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, 369pp, read 6/27/2010.
Rebecca skloot is a Goodreads author.
As a physician, I found this book humbling. Sometimes we do the wrong thing for the right reasons. Also, we never really communicate well with patients, what we are saying and what they are hearing and understanding are two very different things. A very distrubing book for me.
15.5 Author and his/her top ten book: The City of Your Final Destination and The Towers of Trebizond by Peter Cameron and Rose Macaulay, 589pp read 6/2/2010 and 7/8/2010.
The Towers of Trebizond is a very odd book. It starts out as if it is going to be a lighthearted "Travels with My Aunt" sort of story, and morphs into a short meditation on faith, grace and guilt. I definitely see the connection with [bookThe City of your Final Destination:], both are short books that on the surface don't seem to be about anything, but are actually describing something deep.
15.6 Portugal/Portugese author OR African setting AND Second longest book of an author: Land of a Thousand Hills and Whitechapel Gods byRosamond Halsey Carr and S.M. Peters, 609pp, read 6/3/2010 and 7/7/2010.
15.7 India AND what you would change about country state city: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, 933pp, read 7/8/2010.
First of all, Shantaram is an amazing book - violent, tender, ugly, beautiful, so many contradictions in one book. Caution, don't read this if you have any moral quibbles about criminals and drugs, the protagonist's (and the author's life, if the cover bio means anything) life is a swamp of moral ambiguity. It will make you want to see India.
What I would change about my state - raise of the level of appreciation for education. We actually have fairly good schools, but the people don't value education, and that is ultimately at the root of many of our problems. And we need a new constitution - long story.
I'd also like to claim a long books ticket - 70 more pages and it would be 1000!
30.4 Science of crime, male and female author: Deja Dead and The Anatomy of Deception by Kathy Reichs and Lawrence Goldstone, 751pp, read 7/4/2010 and 6/3/2010.
Books read: 37/74
Tasks completed: 22/56
Points: 385/950
Pages read: 12791
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5.9 - Get Caught ReadingWestminster Abby by Micol Ostow
I work at a tv news station and I run the telepromptor for our morning shows. I read the book during commerical breaks, weather segments, and interview guests (all segments that can't be scripted) in front of our main anchor and our weatherman.
Total Points: 25
Tasks Completed: 3
Tasks in Progress: 3
Books Read: 4
Pages Read: 1006
15.10--My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. I really enjoyed this book but was stupid and read the end at work...not smart by any means! As far as the second part of this task goes, the one thing I love about my family is how supportive they are. For the past two years, I really struggled with graduate school and they were constantly there to lift me up and remind me of how proud they were of me.
20.6 Must ReadsBridge of Sighs by Richard Russo
I think it is unlikely that any book should be read by everyone, but this one was a 5 star read for me and my life has been enriched for having read it.
Accumulated total: 100
20.4 Always the Bridesmaid, Never the Bride - Shelley's task - Anniversary GiftThis is my 4th challenge so I read:
Black Rose by Nora Roberts
Total points: 140
10.9 Vegetable Gardening for Dummies by Charlie Nardozzi25.9 Tankini- How I Became a Famous Novelist by Steve Hely(pgs 322) Fablehaven Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull(pgs 592)for a total of 914 pages
Total Points-165
5.8 - WSJ Top 5 - From the memoir category - The Year of Magical Thinking - I did not like this book at all. I found it to be depressing and repetititve. And while you know the subject matter will be depressing it was presented a bit over the top. I guess I was in too happy of a mood when I read this one!10.9 - Select a subject you are interested in - I was recently in a friend's wedding and found the whole planning process over the top. I read Bed of Roses- I think being a wedding planner would be a very fun career. This book was about the floral desiginer which was also exciting to read about. I read more flower names than I ever knew existed!
Task Points: 5,10
Total Points:185
Tasks:17
Books:19
Nicki - STL
I just finished reading Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson for task # 5.4. This book won the Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Readers Choice Award.I really enjoyed this book. The girls were different in many ways and it really showed how difficult it is for people, especially teens, from different backgrounds to get to know each other. I am ready to read the next one.
Last night I finished listening to The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson for task # 10.2.
I really liked this book. It was a great ending to the Lisbeth Salander saga. I enjoyed reading this whole trilogy and now I am going to miss my new friends. :)
With these two books I believe my total points are 40. LOL
Hi,I read Simon Scarrow's Under the Eagle for task 20.2 Before 1450 AD, this book was about the Roman Conquest of England, set in 42 AD.
Total Points = 85
Kate.x.
It's a slow go for me this task, but I have a few more to report.
5.2 - I read The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell. I thought this was appropriate since the book is about Carrie Bradshaw as a teen, and SATC2 was out this summer. The book was actually really good, I liked it a lot. It is a fun summer read, and if you are a SATC fan, I recommend it to you.
5.6 - I read A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee. This book is about a young girl who is saved from the gallows during Victorian England, sent to a special school, where she learns to become a spy. It's very Victorian/La Femme Nikita. I loved it, and can't wait to read the next installment.
15.3 - I read
Soulless by Gail Carringer. I found the book at booksoulmates.blogspot.com I like this particular blog because the two girls who run it have similar reading tastes to my own. I loved this book. If I had to describe it, I would say its paranormal historical romance with a dash of steampunk thrown in. Vampires, werewolves, ghosts and our preternatural, soulless heroine Alexia Tarabotti, a spinsterish half-Italian with a healthy appetite and her trusty parasol in a bizarro Victorian England. Great.
Previous score: 75
Current Score: 100
5.2 - I read The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell. I thought this was appropriate since the book is about Carrie Bradshaw as a teen, and SATC2 was out this summer. The book was actually really good, I liked it a lot. It is a fun summer read, and if you are a SATC fan, I recommend it to you.
5.6 - I read A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee. This book is about a young girl who is saved from the gallows during Victorian England, sent to a special school, where she learns to become a spy. It's very Victorian/La Femme Nikita. I loved it, and can't wait to read the next installment.
15.3 - I read
Soulless by Gail Carringer. I found the book at booksoulmates.blogspot.com I like this particular blog because the two girls who run it have similar reading tastes to my own. I loved this book. If I had to describe it, I would say its paranormal historical romance with a dash of steampunk thrown in. Vampires, werewolves, ghosts and our preternatural, soulless heroine Alexia Tarabotti, a spinsterish half-Italian with a healthy appetite and her trusty parasol in a bizarro Victorian England. Great.
Previous score: 75
Current Score: 100
5.4 - Lesser Known AwardsA Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray - 432 pgs
Award: ALA Teen's Top Ten - 2004
10.8 Under the Sea
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell 189 pages
15.2 Stars And Stripes Forever
A) The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent - 332 pages
State: Massachusetts
B) gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson - 306 pages
State: Alabama
Points for this task: 30
Total Points: 30
Tasks Completed: 3
Books Read: 4
Total Pages: 1,259
10.4 - Roll The Dice... ~ (282) Thirteen Reasons WhyTotal Points: 350/950
Tasks Completed: 22
Books Read: 27/74
Books by Goodreads authors: 2
Big Books: 1 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
5.2 Blockbuster Books: The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell for the movie Sex and the City 2.5.9 Get Caught Reading: My Mother's Clothes by Jeannette Montgomery Barron read at Borders (while drinking their delicious Java Milkshake).
15.4 Learn Your Numbers: The Man from Beijing by Henning Mankell who is also a 4 and Y: The Last Man Vol. 3: One Small Step by Brian K. Vaughan.This series of graphic novels depicts a dystopian society that comprises many aspects of a 4. One group is trying to restore order. The main character struggles against limits imposed by others.
Points for this post: 25
Total Points: 125/950
Tasks Completed: 11
Books Read: 13
Books by Goodreads authors so far: 2
Big Books: 0 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
Finished:10.1 - Stormy Weather
The Spellman Files - Lisa Lutz (Goodreads Author)
Goodreads Authors = 2
Big Books = 2
TOTAL POINTS = 120
25.9-Swimsuit Edition.I decided to go with a bikini.
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
The Gold Mine: A Novel of Lean Turnaround by Freddy Balle
I will be claiming 1 big book ticket for a 500+ book on New Moon.
Points for this task: 25
Total Points: 75
Tasks Completed: 5
Books by Goodreads authors: 0
Big Books: 1 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
Julie McVey5.1 - Firegirl ~ Tony Abbott
Total Points = 65 Points
Total Books = 5 BOoks
30.4 - Cheryl TX's Task - The Science of CrimeDelayed Diagnosis by Gwen Hunter
AND
The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver
Thanks Cheryl TX! This was one of my favorite tasks!
Task Points: 30
Total Points: 115
Tasks Completed: 5
Books Read: 9
Pages Read: 3405
20.2 - Rookie Of The Season - Kiri's Task - A Trip To The PastI finished Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin. This novel was set in the 12th century, AD. A truly great read!
Total Points: 45
Tasks Completed: 5
Total Pages: 2,280
Goodreads Authors: 2
Big Book Tickets: 1
I have finished the following tasks:5.8 Little Women Top Five Books on Sisters by Louis Mae Alcott
10.4 Dead-End Job by Vicki Grant
My roll was 113 and this book was 104 pages
15.10A Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
15.10B My sister and I have been getting closer every year for the past 10 years and she is a wonderful person and mother and sister. She is kind, knowledgeable, and sassy (lol). I am so glad that we got to become friends as well as sisters since our Dad died. That was the defining moment.
20.3 Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Twist 316 pages
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain 208
pages
20.8 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
20.3A Feathered by Laura Kasischke set in Cancun Mexico where I have wanted to go for forever. I hope to be able to in the next few years.
25.3B Dark Hours by Gudrun Pausewang originally written in German
25.4A The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
25.4B Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford "Corner" was the noun I used on page 31
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Daughters of the North (other topics)At the Sign of the Golden Pineapple (other topics)
The Catcher in the Rye (other topics)
Every Man Dies Alone (other topics)
Sepulchre (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Elise Broach (other topics)Virginia Woolf (other topics)
Roald Dahl (other topics)
Shel Silverstein (other topics)
J.K. Rowling (other topics)
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15.2 -- Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison AND The Honey Thief By Elizabeth Graver (takes place exclusively in NY)
20.6 -- The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood.
Usually, I love Atwood's novels, but I would not say this one is a must-read. It lacked the emotional oomph that I know Atwood usually brings, and I found the story relatively simple and dull. I stuck with it, expecting a twist or some excitement, but received none. I wouldn't really recommend this, which is a shame because I love Atwood on principle.
20.7 -- Ripley Under Water by Patricia Highsmith
20.8 -- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
20.9 -- The Help by Kathryn Stockett AND I watched "500 Days of Summer" (great movie, by the way).
25.9 -- I chose B. Bikini - Read 2 books totaling at least 850 pages and first published in 1946 (date of first named bikini) or later, and read The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson AND The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
30.5 My picnic contribution is Strawberry Shortcake, so I read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender AND The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship by Andrea Israel & Nancy Garfinkel.
My strawberry shortcake comes from Paula Deen, here's the recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pa...
I add some lime juice to the strawberries, though, for an extra zing!
New Points: 155
Total Points: 275
Tasks Completed: 18
Tasks in Progress: 4
Books Read: 28
Pages Read: 8,889