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)
5.1 Heat Wave- I read Forbidden: Playing With Fire, Book 1 by Karen Erickson 7/24Karen Erickson is a Goodreads Author
Points for this task- 5
Total Points- 205
Total books read- 19
Pages Read- 4965
GR authors- 7
3 New Tasks:#5.10 Re-read a book that you loved reading the first time:
Sarah's Child by Linda Howard July 24
#10.9 You Cannot Open a Book Without Learning Something:
I have many old books that need repair/new binding, so I want to learn more about bookbinding & repair. I chose Option B: Read a fiction book where main character does something related to your subject for a living:
In If Books Could Kill by Kate Carlisle, Brooklyn is an expert in book restoration and accepts a (secret) commission from the (un-named) British prince to repair/rebind a favored book from childhood.
#20.6 Nicole's Task" Read a book of at least 300 pages and tell whether or not it's a MustRead:
I read A Highlander Christmas by Janet Chapman (334 pp) July 23 This enjoyable story is the last in a series, but is only a must-read for those who enjoy books about magic & time-travel, and who read the previous 6 books in this Highlander series
Total Pages = 14,227
Tasks Completed = 35
Total Points = 460
I can't remember if I posted completed tasks before so I'm just going to do them all now. There's only 2 so its not huge. :)15.8
&
. Driftwood was excellent and I gave it 5 stars but No One was kinda blah and I gave it 3 stars.20.5
5 stars super duper excellent!!Total Points: 35
5.1 - Heat WaveCatching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Tasks Completed - 16
Books Read - 20
Pages Read - 5853
Total Points - 230
Books by Goodreads authors: 1
Big Books: 1 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
Mod
I read The Red Thread by Ann Hood and The Red Thread by Roderick Townley
Points: 325
Books: 26
Books by Goodreads authors: 4
Big Books - 1 (Over 500), 1 (over 750)
Tasks: 21
15.1Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival by Velma Wallis (Alaska in title) and
Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler takes place in Maryland
Task total: 15
Accumulated total: 180
10.2 - "The (Fill In The Blank) Who..."For this task I read The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen (Goodreads Author) I enjoyed this but thought it ended to suddenly.
Points for this task 10
Total Points 230
Pages Read 7010
Books Read 23
25.9 -- Donna Jo's Task - It's Time For The Swim Suit EditionI'm definitely a tankini kinda girl. So I read Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris (published in 2009, 312 pages), Hearts Divided: 5-B Poppy Lane\The Apple Orchard\Liberty Hall by Debbie Macomber and others (published 2006, 304 pages), and Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts (published 2009, 358 pages) for a total of 974 pages.
Points for this task: 25
Total Points: 365
Tasks Completed: 19/56
5.7
10.2; 10.3; 10.5; 10.10
15.3; 15.10
20.1; 20.2; 20.3; 20.9; 20.10
25.1; 25.6; 25.8; 25.9
30.1; 30.3; 30.5
Tasks in Progress: 15.1; 15.4; 15.8; 25.4; 25.5; 25.10
Books Read: 30
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+)
20.6 List MakerI read Linger by GoodReads author
Maggie Stiefvater which is the sequel to Shiver. I would say this is definitely a must read, especially fans of romance and paranormal romance. I would say the first book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series, Linger, is a must read as well. The romance between Grace & Sam is really well-written and compelling, and it takes center stage in the plot- the supernatural/wolf elements are interesting and original too, and they add the sense of urgency/conflict, but the romance stays surprisingly realistic and believable. In this book we really see Grace come into her own, and learn a bit more about Isabel. I would definitely recommend both Shiver & Linger as must reads!!
My readerboard name is Nicole VA
Books read: 25
Pages read: 7488
Tasks complete: 18
Tasks in progress: 2
10.3 Same Place, Same Time...Same BooksRead The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan which was being read by Amy when I selected my read.
Points this task 10
Total Points 460
Total Books 39
Ashley wrote: "Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Ashley wrote: "For the second, I read The Paper Chase by John Jay Osborn, Jr. I somehow missed reading this when I went to law school. It was an interesting story about a..."There's also a movie that was made before the series entitled The Paper Chase. It is also excellent. Ashley, I also went to law school in the early 90s and I agree that the picture was not bleak like The Paper Chase either, although it was quite eye-opening and a period of growth for me as an individual.
I loved One L, too. For a more humorous approach, you should checkout Anonymous Lawyer by Jeremy Blachman, which I found to be both accurate and hilarious.
Mod
I went to law school in the mid 70s, a few years after Paper Chase came out. I carefully did not read it until after I was in law school, because everything I had heard about it made me believe it would scare me off!
Finished 30.3 - Ode to IllinoisI read Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson for the first part of the task. It was an interesting book, and I gave it 4*.
For the second part of the task, I listened to The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography by Sidney Poitier on CD during my commute. This book was also very interesting, and I gave it 4*. Poitier has some excellent insights into life.
Total Points: 180 + 30 = 210
Mod
20.1, Deirdre's Ice Cream, with
The Coffee Trader by David Liss
My favorite ice cream flavor is coffee. This book was more about the trading than the coffee in Amsterdam in 1659, but it was interesting
20.6, Nicole CA's List Maker, with
Native Tongue by Suzette Haden Elgin
pjreads recommended this book and the rest of the series in The Handmaid's Tale discussion thread. I think Native Tongue is a must read if you enjoy dystopia. In fairness, I have read the Atwood book 3 times and Native Tongue deserves/requires rereading as well. It is complex and full of important themes. The challenges of communication are examined in very intriguing ways.
I don't think Haden Elgin is as poetic a writer as Atwood- there were passages that were a bit clumsy- but she was trying to impart linguistic theory and I don't imagine that can be done with lyrical language
+40
total 790
15.4 - Learn Your Numbers
A. A book written by an author who has the same number as you.
My number is 4.
Author: (4) Thomas Burnett Swann
I read: Green Phoenix (1972) by Thomas Burnett Swann (Mass Market Paperback, 139 pages) (Nominated for the 1973 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Best Novel)
This is a re-read as I had read this one when it first came out …. in 1972. A short novel centering on the dryads of central Italy and their relationships with fauns, centaurs, and Aeneas and his men. Aeneas was a hero of the Trojan War (on the side of Troy); Virgil wrote "The Aeneid" about his exploits. Unique but not as clever as it could have been. My rating: 3 *s.
AND
B. A novel where a character demonstrates one or more of the characteristics of your number. [ The characteristics of #4 are: A foundation, order, service, struggle against limits, steady growth ] Include a short explanation of how the character matches the characteristics in your post. A sentence or two would be sufficient.
I read I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg, Hannah Green (Paperback, 288 pages). The main action occurs in an insane asylum (a foundation). The book centers on the 16-year old girl's (struggle against limits) imposed by her schizophrenia, and reflect her (steady growth) towards sanity as the novel progresses. It was an OK novel. 2 stars.
215 + 15 = 230
Tasks Completed: 13
Points for this task: 15
Points thus far: 230/950
Books read: 19
Pages Read: 5576
Books by Goodreads authors: 1
(Goodreads Author) Sheramy Bundrick (20.4)
Read but not claimed: 4 + 2 = 6
(Parts of the following 2-book tasks: 15.6, 25.5, 25.9, 30.1B)
(Plus 2 books that I’m not sure where I’m going to claim them)
Wendy UK5.4 Lesser Known Awards
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
Winner of the Bellwether Prize for Fiction 2006
Hillary Jordan is a Goodreads author
I have been on vacation and had a wonderful time relaxing and reading. A good book makes a car trip so much more enjoyable!5.7 I confess....
Mouse On The Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
15.2 Stars and Stripes Forever
Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott (takes place is MA)
New York by Edward Rutherford
10.8 Under The Sea
Seeing that I read a Scott O'Dell award book for 5.4 Lesser Known Awards it was a given that I pick
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Tasks Completed - 18
Books Read - 21
Pages Read - 6620
Goal/Points - 190/350
I forgot to add one more that I completed10.5 If You Cannot Go To The Beach
That Old Cape Magic - Richard Russo
I found out when I got home that he lives in the tiny town that i was visiting while I was reading the book! I guess that our Innkeeper never saw me reading this one!
Same points as previous post!
**REPOST**Just found out that I have to do a repost for 30.5 DLM Rose's Virtual Block Party
My summertime signature dish is Strawberry Pretzel Salad. I am under instructions to bring it to weekly neighborhood pool parties. The recipe was originally Amish I am told but has been in my husbands family for years. I changed it around some and now make it sugar free for my son with diabetes. For the 4th of July "adults only" party I jazzed it up by making the jello layer a jello shot with vodka. No leftovers on that one!
Loved this task! Food and mysteries, a perfect combination, I have been hooked on these for years. I loved dear, dear Lawrence Sanders, I do so miss Archy McNally and Ed Delaney and the wet/dry sandwiches!
A: Strawberry Sunday by John Greenleaf
C: On Rue Tatin by Susan Loomis
5.6 -- Read a book with a main character who is a spy or where espionage plays an important role in the plot.The Green Trap by Ben Bova -- lots of industrial espionage in this one as the main character tries to keep clean energy research out of the bad guy's hands
Points for this task: 5
Total Points: 370
Tasks Completed: 20/56
5.6; 5.7
10.2; 10.3; 10.5; 10.10
15.3; 15.10
20.1; 20.2; 20.3; 20.9; 20.10
25.1; 25.6; 25.8; 25.9
30.1; 30.3; 30.5
Tasks in Progress: 15.1; 15.4; 15.8; 25.4; 25.5; 25.10
Books Read: 31
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+)
NICOLE OHJust finished task 20.4 by reading Comfort Me with Apples: More Adventures at the Table. This is the fourth challenge I have participated in, so the gift could be a fruit basket that includes apples, since the traditional gift is fruits or flowers!
Total Pages= 14,373
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5.2 The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer (book about a newborn vampire in Eclipse)10.4 As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner (I rolled 254....the book was 261 pages)
10.5 Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand
20.10 Group Reads: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (I posted on the discussion board today 7/17)
25.9 Swimsuit Edition C. Tankini (Read 850 pages of book(s) published in last 5 years Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (611 pages) AND Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (350 pages)
25.10 Name Game A. Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris
B. Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris
Total Points: 95
Tasks Completed: 6
Tasks in Progress:
Books Read: 8
Pages Read: 3177
5.7 Mode of TransportationThe Devil on Horseback
5.10 Reread a book
The Landower Legacy
10.6 Stand up for Your Rights
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
100 points
14 tasks complete
I'm finished with a couple more tasks:20.3 School May Be Out
Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner
1951 Hardcover Edition: 378 pages
I listened to this one on CD (which I recommend for understanding Faulkner's "stream of consciousness" writing, but the copy I've chosen is the one from my school library for fitting this to the page requirement.
20 points
25.10 Let’s Play The Name Game
Shadowed Summer by Saundra MitchellGoodreads Author
Excellent YA ghost story!
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell
Fantastic book about Japan at the turn of the 19th century and the Dutch trade. There was a lot more to it and it's a must read even though I didn't do it for the must read task!
25 points & 1 Goodreads Author
Points Claimed this Post: 45 & 1 Goodreads Author
Points So Far: 525
Finished Tasks:Erin MN
5.5 - Dropping Names
Southern Fried - Cathy Pickens
25.9 - Tankini 850 pages + published last 5 years
Needled to Death - Maggie Sefton - 256 pages - published 2005
A Killer Plot- Ellery Adams - 320 pages - published 2010
Sprinkle with Murder - Jenn McKinlay - 222 pages - published 2010
Eggs in Purgatory - Laura Childs - 289 pages - published 2008
Total Pages Read = 1087
New Points = 5 + 25 = 30
Total Points = 160
Julia OH just completed: 20.10. The ABC Murders - Agatha Christie
Here is a link to my post in the discussion (to save some time)
25.4 The Outsiders - SE Hinton (July 22)
The word I chose is "name"
My Name Is Memory - Ann Brashares
30.1 The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way
by Bill Bryson (December)
Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate, #1) by Gail Carriger * Goodreads Author* (Tuesday )
Totals
Old Points:115
New Points: 190
Challenge Completed: 12
Books Read: 22
Goodreads Authors: 4 (one new this time)
My reviews are posted over here if you are interested.
5.6 The Seduction of the Crimson Rose, Lauren Willig5.9 The Monster of Florence, Douglas Preston, read on a plane
10.6 Mudbound, Hillary Jordan
25.9 Tankini: The Lacuna, Barbara Kingsolver, 508 pages AND The Lace Reader, Brunonia Barry, 368 pages (total 876 pages)
Total points for this newbie and latecomer: 45! :)
10.1 Hurricane DanielleFalling Through the Earth: A Memoir by
Danielle Trussoni(3.5 stars)
When I was a kid, I had a friend who was forbidden to awaken her father. He had been in the Vietnam War, and if surprised in his slumber, would wake up combative. This memoir reminded me of my friend, because they both loved and feared their fathers. Ms. Trussoni's dad was a tunnel rat (my worst nightmare) during the same war. He lived while most of his squad was killed. He told everyone he was over the ordeal, but became an alcoholic and could not stand for any show of emotion. This is hard on any child, but especially for a sensitive female. Trussoni, later visits Vietnam and tours the tunnels to try to better understand her father. A solid read.
Janice CA
+10
points: 95
books: 9
tasks: 7
GR Authors: 3
15.4 - Learn Your Numbers -A. A book written by an author who has the same number as you. My number is one and so is Dan Brown's, I read The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. 4*
AND
B. A novel where a character demonstrates one or more of the characteristics of your number ( Include a short explanation of how the character matches the characteristics in your post. )
I read Seven Up by Janet Evanovich. 4* Characteristics of #1's- independent, individualistic, martial, original, assertive, dominating, forceful, willful, pioneering, leading, initiating action, attaining.
I think most of these words match Stephanie Plum, she is independent in a few ways one is by taking the type of job she did (bounty hunter) and not settling down and marrying Joe like her family wants. She can be pioneering in how she ends up getting the bad guys in the end of the books.
The Lost Symbol is 509 pages so it's qualifies for a big book ticket!
Total Points: 240
Tasks Completed: 12
Books Read: 20
Pages Read: 6,592
5.2 - Blockbuster BooksRamona the Pest by Beverly Cleary (corresponds with the new film Beezus and Ramona)
Tasks Completed - 17
Books Read - 21
Pages Read - 6045
Total Points - 235
Books by Goodreads authors: 1
Big Books: 1 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
10.6-Stand Up For Your Rights
by Cameron DokeyThis is for gender discrimination
Points for this task: 10
Total Points: 135
Tasks Completed: 9
Books by Goodreads authors: 0
Big Books: 2 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
20.10 - Group Reads ~
Posted on Group Thread
Total Points: 540/950
Tasks Completed: 35
Books Read: 43/77
Books by Goodreads authors: 4
Big Books: 2 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
5.1 heat waveread Hot Six by Janet Evanovich
Mod
5.7 - "I Confess That In 1901 I Said To My Brother Orville That Man Would Not Fly For Fifty Years. "
I read The Bible Salesman by Clyde Edgerton. There's a car pictured on the front cover.
10.10 - Great Minds Think Alike
When I began this task, my most recent 5 star read was Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Susan was listed on p. 6 of the 5 star reviews and gave 5 stars to My Life in France by Julia Child, which I read. The two books aren't much alike, but I also gave both of them 5 stars!
15.3 - Books And Blogs
I read Hastur Lord by Marion Zimmer Bradley and Deborah Ross. It was reviewed on
http://www.scifiguy.ca/2010/01/review...
I found this one a bit disappointing. I have always loved the Darkover series and especially the books after the Terrans established a base there, so you have the whole "clash of cultures" thing going on. In this one, though, I felt that people were acting stupidly and out of character, simply for plot purposes. I guess it doesn't always work for another author to take over the books years after the "real" author dies....
Liz (Brooklyn)25.6c Summer Lovin' - book same topic as song:
Green Henry by by Gottfried Keller has the same theme as "Summer of '69". Both are told from the perspective of an adult looking back at their youth and the period of their lives when they were trying to make it as artists.
"Summer of '69" was popular when I was in elementary school. Apart from the title, it reminds me of summer because on the long summer drives to the beach or up north my dad would drive with the windows down (so he could smoke) and the pop radio station turned up (to drown out arguments) and this was one of the songs we'd all sing along with.
As this book is 706 pages, I would like to claim my 500+ page Big Book ticket.
Books read: 10
Tasks completed: 8
Total Points: 175
Liz (Bklyn)
25.10 - Belinda's Task - Let's Play the Name Game: I read Delicious and Suspicious by Riley Adams and A Killer Plot by Ellery Adams. + 25Points: 25
------------------
Total Points: 165
Completed Tasks: 12
10.4 Roll the diceI rolled a 4,3, and 1, so I read
Joanne Fluke's Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. My edition came in at 436 pages. I didn't wind up enjoying the book, but it satisfied my curiosity about the "cozy murder" genre.
Pages read: 4016
Books read: 14
Tasks completed: 10
Points earned: 165
25.1 - Valorie's Task - Independence Day -- A. Read The Camel Club by David Baldacci -- Reuben Rhodes on of the club members is a Westpoint grad and 3 tour Vietnam veteran. B. Read
-- white cover.Shoot to Thrill by P.J. TracyBooks Read: 27
Pages Read: 8848
Tasks Completed: 18
Tasks in Progress: 3
Goodreads Authors: 2
Large Book: 1
Total points: 370
I just finished task 20.6 List Maker by reading Balance of Power: A Novel by James W. Huston. I think this is a must read book for those who are interested in politics and likes good fiction that deals with politics. Even though this was a book of fiction, it gave a really interesting glimpse into what could happen if the president didn't want to go to war. Points for this task: 20
Tasks Completed: 4
Tasks in Progress: 4
Total Pages Read: 2296
Total Points: 45
A. Read a book by a writer who is a Cancer (June 21-July 22)AND
B. Read a book that has a NOUN in the title. This noun MUST appear on page 31 of your Part A book
For Part A I read Digital Fortress by Dan Brown (July 1).
A noun on page 31 is "key" so I read Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke
Points this task: 25
Total Points: 310
Tasks Completed: 22
Books Read: 29
GoodReads Authors: 5
Big Books: 500+ (2), 750+ (2), 1000+ (0)
20.4 - Always The Bridesmaid, Never The Bride - Shelley's Task - Anniversary GiftThe Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
This is my first challenge, so my gift was paper or clocks.
Tasks Completed - 18
Books Read - 22
Pages Read - 6225
Total Points - 255
Books by Goodreads authors: 1
Big Books: 1 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
5.1 - Just finished "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. Finished it in 2 days...couldn't put it down. Such a powerful story.
20.10-Group ReadsI read the hunger games
5.8 - Take A Walk On Wall StreetOn July 8, 1889 the first issue of the Wall Street Journal was published. To commemorate this event...Read a book that made the WSJ's Top 5 Best books in any of the categories found here...WSJ TOP 5 LISTS.
The Bridegroom By Ha Jin
5 points
total 500 (wendyma)
Mod
A. I read If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name: News from Small-Town Alaska, by Heather Lende, a Goodreads author.
B. I read Richmond Noir by Andrew Blossom. All the stories take place in Richmond, VA.
15.4 - Learn Your Numbers
I am a 9, as is Tash Aw. I read his book Map of the Invisible World
The characteristics of #9 are: Humanitarian, giving nature, selflessness, obligations, creative expression.
I read My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. This whole book involved the questions of selflessness and obligation - what obligation did the girl who was conceived for "spare parts" for her sister owe to her sister and her mother, to devote her life to serving the medical needs of her sister?
20.8 - Happy Birthday To You - Rhiannon's Task (July 21st) - B&N Classics
I read Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Points: 405
Books: 34
Books by Goodreads authors: 5
Big Books - 1 (Over 500), 1 (over 750)
Tasks: 27
REPOST30.5 Salsa with Me by Roni S. Denholtz
and
Corked by Cabernet by Michele Scott (includes recipes)
This recipe for black bean and corn salsa is special because it is so cool and refreshing for the summer. In addition, it was given to me by my college roommate, who is a vegan. It's great to be able to serve something that all your vegan and vegetarian friends can enjoy.
I have posted the recipe in the thread.
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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)
More...
The Twits won the Books I Love Best Yearly award in 2009
5.10 If One Cannot...
Twilight
Funny story for this one: my sister attempted to read Twilight and gave up around page 120. She then asked me what exactly I liked about the book, given that I'd made it through the entire series. For the life of me I couldn't remember, so I reread it for this task! Still don't have a concrete answer for her, though...
15.2 Stars and Stripes Forever
Bound for Oregon and A Fine White Dust(takes place in North Carolina)
30.1 Birthdays and Birthmonths
The New Way Things Work (everyday objects) and Star Wars: The Courtship of Princess Leia (fanfic)
I spent prolly 200 pages trying to remember why I Courtship was my favorite book when I was twelve (as I hadn't read it since then). Towards the end it all came flooding back to me. Yup, still one of the best novels in the Star Wars canon.
Total: 55 + 620 (from earlier) = 675 pts