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)
Morgan USI read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll for task 20.4 the anniversary task.
New Total: 75 points
Finished several more tasks....I may actually finish this challenge. "fingers crossed"5.5 DROPPING NAMES - Tithe by Holly Black *This is a GR Author
10.7 I THINK WE CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH - A Pirate Looks at Fifty by Jimmy Buffett
15.5 GREAT AUTHORS WERE GREAT READERS -
a. Author from list Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner *This is a GR Author
b. One of her top 10 books -
Almost Paradise by Susan Isaacs
25.5 SHARE THE SUMMER LOVE -
a. Favorite genre - I love gritty, hard Urban Fantasy with a twisting plot, tight worlds, lots of magical beings with some sex/romance thrown in for seasoning but not overpowering. I have always been intrigued by magical beings and love a good twisty plot I can’t figure out. I also am not opposed to strong characters, especially women. So Urban Fantasy definitely fits that bill.
So I read - Sins & Shadows by Lyn Benedict
Review - Sins & Shadows is a gritty hard nosed Urban Fantasy. This is definitely a Urban Fantasy book, that will not find its way into the Paranormal Romance category. Sylvie, the main character is brash, aggressive, has a temper, attitude and a big mouth with no filter. BUT, the difference here is there are consequences to her actions. Her attitude lands her and her friends in mortal danger and the other characters tend to call her on it. Once in a while though, it works in her favor. Unfortunately, she is learning that it is getting easier to kill monsters and “bad humans”, which could put her in the category of the people/beings she kills. She depends on her sidekick Alex to keep her away from the bitter edge.
This book does a great job of weaving in Christian, Egyptian and Greek traditions and lore, then tosses them into a modern setting, shakes them up and lets them fall where they may. Overall, this was a great book, the one drawback was it felt like the 2nd or 3rd in the series, not the first. There were several events, government agencies and other characters mentioned but not explained. I actually looked back once just to make sure it there wasn’t a book I missed.
b. 2nd Favorite Genre - As stated above I enjoy a twisted plot that keeps you guessing, involved and intrigued. I also like strong character development and good visualizations. Thus I enjoy Thrillers also. Of course I tend to read across many genres, and never stay just with one type of book.
So I read Mistress of the Game by
Review - Mistress of the Game was a sequel to Sidney Sheldon’s Master of the Game. I first thought it was something found in his archives that had never been published. But it was totally written by someone else, so the cover is misleading. The story picks up the characters in the next generation very well, and there were some twists and turns in the plot. But it was definitely not up to Sheldon’s mastry of the thriller novel. Plus there were some very disturbing parts about pedophiles and incest that I really didn’t think were necessary to the plot. But then to each his/her own.
50.1 LET THE TAROT DECIDE -
a. Book from the Past - One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost from Tara's Read LIst *This is a GR Author
b. Book from the Present - At Grave's End also by Jeaniene Frost from Amy Book Lovers Currently Reading List *This is a GR Author
c. Book from Future - Kitty Takes a Holiday by Carrie Vaughn from TDF Pamela's TBR list *This is a GR Author
Points 105
Tasks 5
Books 9
Pages 3578
GR Authors 5
Big Book Ticket 1
Total Points 725
Total Tasks 42
Total Books 63
Total Pages 25180
Julia OH20.8 Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
Totals
Old Points:190
New Points: 210
Challenges Completed: 13
Books Read: 23
Goodreads Authors: 4
Finished:50 Let the Tarot Decide
A. Book in a Friends Read Bookshelf--Kathryn had read Bread Alone by Judith R. Hendricks
B. Book in a friends Currently Reading Bookshelf--Kathleen is reading Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
C. Book in a friends To-Read Shelf--dmlrose has marked to read Chasing Kangaroos: A Continent, a Scientist, and a Search for the World's Most Extraordinary Creature by Tim Flannery
Total points 710 (I mis-added in message 2229)
15.6 - "Eventually, All Things Merge Into One, And A River Runs Through It." ~ B.
AND C.
*Maggie Stiefvater is a goodreads author.
Total Points: 620/950
Tasks Completed: 42
Books Read: 52/77
Books by Goodreads authors: 8
Big Books: 3 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
Tammy AZFinished 5.6 - I Regret I have One Life to Lose with Paranoia. The main character becomes a corporate spy within a rival high tech company. Just an okay book.
Total points 150
25.9 It's time for the swim suit edition.C. Tankini - 850 pages of books published in the last 5 years:
At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson 483 pages - First published 2010
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters 499 pages - First published 2009
Total points to date 250
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 Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World by Michael Pollan (from the Green Thumbs list)
TOTAL=80
Repost: 5.9 Get caught reading 
Read Don Quixote pages 346-449 while sitting in car waiting on daughter at cross country practice. This is my car book for all those sit around and wait times.5.2 - Blockbuster Books
For this task read a book that relates to the film you are most looking forward to seeing this summer: Eclipse is the film and I read Club Dead. Vampires, Werewolves, Shapeshifters...need I say more? :)20.6 - List Maker
Read a book that is at least 300 pages and tell us whether it is a must-read or not and why:
I read The Lightning Thief . I think everyone should read this. I was hesitant at first since it was based around the Greek Gods and I have never really learned much about them. But as it turns out, the author gives enough information that the reader can understand. It was a quick easy read and I look forward to the next one.Total Points: 200
Tasks Done 15
Books Read: 23
Goodreads author 3
Someone mentioned putting the post # in their spreadsheet, and I thought that was a great idea. I owe them a big THANKS. In doing that I found books I had marked on my spreadsheet as posted, but never actually posted them on here. So I am posting them now........
5.6 I ONLY REGRET...COUNTRY Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Jennifer Rardin
***GR Author***
10.2 THE BLANK WHO The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
10.9 YOU CANNOT OPEN A BOOK...SOMETHING Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg
I want to open my own restaurant one day that features home style serving.
15.7 YOU MUST BE THE CHANGE...WORLD
Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
I would like to see more children reading books and less illiteracy in my area. I have donated books to the area Salvation Army and YMCA after-school programs. If I had more free time I would love to be able to go in and read to these children also.
15.9 HE WHO KNOWS OTHERS IS WISE Mother Love by Candace Flynt
I chose this book because I love being a Mother myself, it is a big part of how I describe myself. I also have a very close relationship with my mom. The main characters remind me of myself in that they all have had a love/hate relationship with their mother and have tons of stories to share, some good, some bad, some full of laughter and others full of tears. This is a great description of the relationship between my mother and myself.
15.10 OTHER THINGS MY CHANGE US Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
***GR Author***
I love that my family is so close to each other. With 4 children and 8 grandchildren, we are a clan, and sometimes it is a juggling act to get everyone in the same place at the same time. But we all manage to do that at least twice a month. And I hear from all of my children several times a week.
Points: 70
Tasks: 6
Books: 6
Pages: 2692
GR Authors: 2
Total Points: 795
Total Tasks: 48
Total Books 69
Total Pages: 27872
Total GR Authors: 12
REPOST:Finished task 20.9 -- The Spirit of Independence by reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett which won the Indies Choice Book Award for Adult Debut in 2010 and watching both Hairspray which was a 1988 nominee for best feature film and Food, Inc. which was a 2010 nominee for best documentary (I couldn't decide which one to watch, so I watched both. I love Netflix's instant watch ;o)).
**Kathryn Stockett is a GR author**
15.10 Dead in the Familyby Charlaine HarrisWhat I love about my family: There is no jealousy. Everyone truly wants the best for everyone involved. I am dealing with a step family where this is not the case so I am thankful that my family is so good in this way.
Points this task: 15
Total points: 75
10.3 Same Place, Same Time...Same Book
by Debbie MacomberTook a few times before I finally found someone reading this book. This is a really sweet chick lit book if someone is in the mood for that.
Points for this task: 10
Total Points: 150
Tasks Completed: 11
Books by Goodreads authors: 0
Big Books: 2 (500+), 1 (750+), 0 (1000+)
Sara E. here reposting a few tasks that were missing some elements.
20.10 The Hunger Games, I love this book. This was a re-read for me, and I really enjoyed reading it a second time. I remembered to post in the group discussion this time. :) One of my favorite things about this book is its strong female protagonist, a contrast to the Mary-Sue's that seem to be everywhere in YA books lately.
30.5 - I chose A & C
A. I read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender. It was a magic realism book about a girl who discovers that she can taste all of the feelings of the person who cooked whenever she eats, which actually turns about to be more of a curse than a blessing. I really enjoyed this and Highly recommend.
C. I also chose to read The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan, which I also enjoyed. It definitely opened my eyes to a few things, and I already knew others, because I am defintely concerned about what I eat as well as how it affects the environment. I know that I will try to make smarter choices and eat locally.
The recipe I shared in the group link was Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa)'s lemon cake. I usually the person who contributes the baked goods to the party. My husband is the better cook, but I am the better baker (actually the best baker in our circle of friends, except for our pastry chef friend.) This contribution is usually different because it is light and citrusy, perfect for the summer time.
I love Ina's recipes, also the Brownie Pudding one. Yummy.
That should have me caught up to 165.
Thanks :)
Also, sorry, I didn't realize that the E. was not popping up in my posts. I think that I fixed that now. There are too many Sara's. LOL. It is a beautiful name, if I do say so myself.
20.10 The Hunger Games, I love this book. This was a re-read for me, and I really enjoyed reading it a second time. I remembered to post in the group discussion this time. :) One of my favorite things about this book is its strong female protagonist, a contrast to the Mary-Sue's that seem to be everywhere in YA books lately.
30.5 - I chose A & C
A. I read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender. It was a magic realism book about a girl who discovers that she can taste all of the feelings of the person who cooked whenever she eats, which actually turns about to be more of a curse than a blessing. I really enjoyed this and Highly recommend.
C. I also chose to read The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan, which I also enjoyed. It definitely opened my eyes to a few things, and I already knew others, because I am defintely concerned about what I eat as well as how it affects the environment. I know that I will try to make smarter choices and eat locally.
The recipe I shared in the group link was Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa)'s lemon cake. I usually the person who contributes the baked goods to the party. My husband is the better cook, but I am the better baker (actually the best baker in our circle of friends, except for our pastry chef friend.) This contribution is usually different because it is light and citrusy, perfect for the summer time.
I love Ina's recipes, also the Brownie Pudding one. Yummy.
That should have me caught up to 165.
Thanks :)
Also, sorry, I didn't realize that the E. was not popping up in my posts. I think that I fixed that now. There are too many Sara's. LOL. It is a beautiful name, if I do say so myself.
15.4 Learn your numbers.My number is 3. Agatha Christie ias also a 3. The characteristics of a 3 are expression, verbalization, socialization, the arts, the joy of living.
I read Death Comes As the End
and The Last Time They Met: A Novel in which the main characters are poets.
15.10 Other things may change but we start and end with family
Brothers in Arms
I love my family because they share my weird sense of humour and they are always there when I really need them.
I may have previously missed some Goodreads authors. I have read three -
Dorothea Benton Frank
Neil Gaiman
Alexander McCall Smith
2 big book tickets - 500+ and 750+
Total points 540.
This is the first time I am posting this challenge, because I haven't been able to read too much. Normally Cynthia called me Julie TN on the readerboard.25.6 "Summer Lovin" C. Book has the same topic as the song (this needn't be exact, but should be pretty close). I read Those Who Save Us which ties in to the song "Save Me From Myself" by Carpark North, both are about others saving us and the song is upbeat and makes me happy (which is my criteria for a summer song) and I've been singing it all summer.
Jenna Blum the author of Those Who Save Us is a GOODREADS AUTHOR
25.10 "Let's Play the Name Game" Both share same last name
A. So Long, Insecurity: You've Been a Bad Friend to Us by Beth Moore
B. What difference do it make? - Stories of Hope and Healing by Denver Moore Ron Hall
Tota Points: 50
Tasks: 2
Goodreads authors: 1
Rhea (Laura NY)10.8- An ocean animal title.
The Broken Seals by Shi Nai'an
Explanation- Seals are an ocean animal.
20.6- Post whether or not a book is a must-read or not.
The Golden Lotus by Clement Egerton(That's the translator, the author is Lanling Xiaoxiao Sheng)
Not a must read. Not because I didn't like it- I loved it. It was just long and graphic and I wouldn't want to inflict it on anyone else.
Secondly, it's about a bunch of corrupt people who live wicked lives and come to bitter ends. That isn't a spoiler, the author makes sure to tell you that in the first chapter. Since I don't know anything about the 12th century China it's set in or the 15th century China it was written in, I wasn't sure which of the characters' more subtle actions were evil and which were normal.
In one conversation that stood out for me, the characters discussed a servant who turned her mistress in for having an affair. The character Golden Lotus says that the servant should have been beheaded. Does she say this because it's a common opinion or because the servants know about her own affair? Both? Up until this conversation I was thinking that the punishment for affairs was lax since they were going on left and right, but the mistress was executed.
I do not want big book points.
Previous Points- 55
Points Claiming- 30
Total Points- 85
5.4 - Lesser Known AwardsFlume Award Nominee 2011: Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles, #1) by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl (563 pages) – big book 500+ pgs
15.3 - Books And Blogs
Restoring Harmony (320 pages): Review on “Bookworming in the 21st Century” http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentur...
20.6 - Supporting Goodreads Authors - Nicole CA's Task - List Maker
The Owl Keeper by Christine Brodien-Jones (320 pages): A Must Read
Brodien-Jones has crafted a beautiful, exciting, action-filled story perfect for middle graders. I couldn't put it down; I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen to Max next. Middle grade boys will love the pacing and excitement of this book and want to keep turning the page. Max, Rose, and all the other main characters are all delightfully quirky and interesting. I loved Max and Rose right from the beginning. Even the villains are more than just "bad guys." They're odd and quirky too. Plus the world creation is wonderful. It's so important for futuristic and fantastical novels to create worlds that make sense, that the reader can picture, that draw you in. Brodien-Jones does an amazing job of this. The intricacies of the world are revealed slowly throughout the novel as Max comes to realize the true nature of the society he lives in. She doesn't spend an excessive amount of time in the beginning explaining and setting up the world, she jumps right into the story -- right into Max's life -- and lets the world create itself around him. Perfectly done.
Task Points: 40
Total Points: 115
Tasks Completed: 10
Books Read: 10
Pages Read: 3588
Big Books: 500+ (1), 750+ (0), 1000+ (0)
Finished:10.5 If You Can't Go to the Beach
Life's a Beach by Claire Cook--much better than I expected.
25.4 Happy Birthday to Me!
A. Mercedes Lackey is a Cancer (June 24), so I read Exile's Honor. The first noun on page 31 is "fever"
B. Hay Fever by Angela Miller
Grand total points: 745
Lisa MDCOMPLETED TASKS
25.4 Happy Birthday to Me
A. Author who is a Cancer (June 21-July 22)
*Look Again by Lisa Scottoline [Born July 1:] (GOODREADS AUTHOR) - READ 8.5.10
My Rating: ★★★★★
What a great thriller!
B. Noun in Title (from p.31 of Book A) - "joy"
*Joy School by Elizabeth Berg - READ 8.6.10
My Rating: ★★★½
Coincidentally, while I was reading this book I found a passage that said, "If you look in this month's issue, there she is on page 31...." Maybe I better run out and play #31 in the Lotto.
30.2 For the Children
A. Classic Children's Book (100 pp) & pass it on/recommend
*The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum - READ 8.4.10
My Rating: ★★★★
I got this as a free download on my Nook. I liked reading about Baum and the history of the book as much as the story. I never realized that in the book, the infamous ruby slippers were really silver.
I bought my 7 y/o niece a beautifully illustrated edition of "The Wizard of Oz".
B. Child Main Character (100 pp)
*The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch - READ 8.3.10
My Rating: ★★★★
What a stirring story that makes you take a closer look at your surroundings.
Total Tasks: 34/56
Total Points: 555/950
Total Books Read: 45/76
*Books Read I Own: 31
Big Book Ticket Claim: (✓)500+pp ( )750+pp ( )1000+pp
10.6 -- Stand Up For Your Rights -- For this task I read Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry by Evan Wolfson Points for this task: 10
Total Points: 380
Tasks Completed: 21/56
5.6; 5.7
10.2; 10.3; 10.5; 10.6; 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; 50.1
Books Read: 32
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+)
20.4 Anniversary gift taskthis is my first challenge so my options were
1st - paper or clocks
I read Paper Doll by Robert B Parker
Points this task 20
total points 605
total books 47
Tanja -- UPDATING the 25.5 Task. Missed on Part III! D'oh!25.5 - Helen's Task I: Favorite Genre (Fantasy)
Steamed by Katie MacAlister - GR AUTHOR (3 Stars)While libraries would categorize MacAlister's books as romance, this one has a STRONG fantasy element with romance weaved in. Steampunk fun!
25.5 - Helen's Task II: 2nd Favorite Genre (YA)
The Off Season by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (3 Stars)Most Young Adult novels that I'll read are a quick escape from my bigger novels. This one I was pleasantly surprised. The entire series was quite touching (if a little unbelievable but I ignore that for story flow). And I would recommend it to anyone else hunting for a YA trilogy.
25.5 - Helen's Task III: Why Favorite Genres
Fantasy and science fiction was my first big break into mass reading. My father got me the books and from there, I was hooked into reading. So I have many fond memories of reading solely due to that. Young Adult has increasingly become another favorite genre. I've been wanting a different genre from nickel book romances. They're quick and easy reads when I don't want to get into heavier material (not to say YA doesn't touch upon heavy material). I found some gems in YA and won't disregard it as a genre. I'm happy to have read many of them like The Book Thief /and/ this trilogy starting with The Dairy Queen.
Total Points: 120
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?ke...
Tammy AZ25.1 Name Game:
Straight into Darkness by Faye Kellerman
Obsession by Jonathan Kellerman
I've been reading Jonathan Kellerman since his first book but that last few have really been so-so. I think I'm throwing in the towel on him :(
Total Points: 175
Tammy AZ15.4 Learn Your Numbers: I'm a 3
Zeitoun by Dave Eggers who is also a 3. The traits of a 3 are Expression, Verbalization, Socialization, The Arts, and The Joy of Living. I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!!!
For the second part of the task I read
America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart. Through much humor, Jon Stewart explains the role of all branches of the U.S. government; discusses political conventions, campaigns, and elections; makes fun of the media; and describes in a nutshell other countries of the world. Mr. Stewart and his writing staff definitely have a way with expression and verbalization - something that this 3 wishes she had!
Total points: 190
15.6 I read The Witch Doctor's Wifeby Tamar Myers. It takes place in the Congo.
I also read Allegra Goodman's 2nd longest book Intuition.
Unfortunately, they both only rated 2 stars for me.
Brings me to 275 points.
Re-Post(forgot to add big book 500+)
20.7 For those we love to hate.
Big Books 500+
Evil Genius
Catherine Jinks
10.4 Roll the Dice 362Like No Other Lover (Pennyroyal Green, #2) -371 pages
Julie Ann Long
15.1 Wedding Bells are ringing
Blue
Gena Showalter
Borrowed
The Passage *Big Book 750+
Justin Cronin
20.4 Always the Bridesmaid, Anniversary Gift
1st year Paper or Clocks
Book of a Thousand Days
Shannon Hale
25.1 Independence Day
A. Gone With the Wind *Big Book 1000+
Margaret Mitchell
B.
Melissa Marr
25.9 Swim Suit Editon-Tankini - Read 850 pages of book(s) published in last 5 years.
Love in the Afternoon Lisa Kleypas 332 pages, pub 2010
Married By Morning Lisa Kleypas
321 pages pub 2010
Ten Things I Love About YouJulia Quinn
377 pages pub 2010
25.10 Lets play the name game
Lauren Kate Kate Morton
Fallen Lauren Kate
The House at Riverton Kate Morton
30.4 The Science of Crime
Against Medical Advice: A True Story
James Patterson
Delayed Diagnosis
Gwen Hunter
The story I was writing is done! Clocked out at 220 pages--yay! Granted, I wasn't exactly as absent as I was expecting to be...>_> Does that make me an SRC addict?---
5.1 Heat Wave
Firegirl by Tony Abbott
5.2 Blockbuster Books
Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O'Malley
I'd like to see Scott Pilgrim vs. the World next week when it comes out!
5.7 "I Confess That..."
The Cartoon History of the Modern World Part 1: From Columbus to the U.S. Constitution by Larry Gonick
On the cover are several boats and ships circling the globe.
10.2 The ___ Who...
The Boy Who Reversed Himself by William Sleator
Cool concept; godawful story. 'Nuff said.
Total: 25 + 790 (from earlier) = 815 pts
Erin B.5.4 Lesser Known Awards: I read Life of Pi, which won the Exclusive Books Boeke Prize in 2003 (which I'd never heard of).
10.1 Stormy Weather: I read Lost Names: Scenes from a Korean Boyhood by Richard Kim.
TOTAL POINTS: 120
Mod
I finished
50.1, Let the Tarot Decide, with
A. Past: Nicole- read: Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story by Sue Monk Kidd
B. Present: Manday- Currently Reading: The World According to Garp by John Irving
C. Future: Tracey- TBR: The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle
I had high hopes for Pomegranates. It was interesting when SMK wrote about her inspirations for The Secret Life of Bees, but overall the tone was a little whiny. And while this was supposed to be Ann's book, I'm not sure it would have been published without her mother's name attached
Garp was compelling, but vulgar: at times I hated it, at times I loved it, overall couldn't put it down.
The Lost World was a great companion to The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon
+50
total 920
25.2 - Coralie's Task - Q & A ~ Where Are You Now? AND Sailing to CapriTotal Points: 645/950
Tasks Completed: 43
Books Read: 54/77
Books by Goodreads authors: 8
Big Books: 3 (500+), 0 (750+), 0 (1000+)
Kandie5.2 - Blockbuster Books
I'm looking forward to The Killer Inside Me, which is about a serial killer. So I read The Coffin Dancer which is the second Lincoln Rhyme book. He's trying to catch a serial killer that has slipped through his fingers before.
15.7 - "You Must Be The Change You Want To See In The World."
I chose option A and read a novel that takes place in India. I read A Dead Hand: A Crime in Calcutta. It was terrible.
AND
I would like to see a change in the state government. Even though I voted for the party in power now, they have screwed up a lot and I'm sick of them. I will vote for a different party in the next election.
20.4 - Always The Bridesmaid, Never The Bride - Shelley's Task - Anniversary Gift
This is my 3rd anniversary so I had to read a book with leather or crystal/glass. I chose to read They Do It With Mirrors.
20.5 - Just Joined In - Amber GA's Task - Library Love
I read A Bone to Pick - the main character is a librarian.
Total Points: 520
I'm now officially hooked on the Sookie books! So glad I gave them a second try.10.6 Stand Up For Your Rights
Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
(The vampires face discrimination - and plenty of it - as do gays and blacks, and Sookie too)
Total points: 220
Big Book tickets: 1 (500+)
Goodread authors: 1 (Sarah Addison Allen)
Tasks completed: 13
Books read: 21
Pages read: 8702
30.4 - Cheryl TX's Task - The Science Of CrimeFor this task you will need to read two medical or forensic thrillers/mysteries...one by a male author (EXAMPLE: No Certain Rest: A Novel) AND one by a female author (EXAMPLE: Harvest).
I read Dead TIme by Stephen White
and Hangman by Faye Kellerman
points: 30
total points: 300
SARA E.
A few more tasks to report.
For 5.10 - I decided to read The Pigman by Paul Zindel. When I was a teenager, my much older sister (she is 13 years older than me) bought this book for me and told me that I had to read it, that she read it when she was my age and that it was her favorite book. And I did love it. I enjoyed reading it again, and really felt so close to John and Lorraine all over again.
20.9 - For the book portion of the challenge, I read Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, which is the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy. It was sooooo good. I am on pins and needles waiting for the last book to come out.
For the movie portion of the challenge, I watched The Last Station, which is about the last days in Tolstoy's life, and his stormy relationship with his wife, Sophia. Incredible cast, Christopher Plummer, Helen Mirren, Paul Giammati, and most of all, my boyfriend James McAvoy. The movie itself was interesting, and I enjoyed it, but I am a sucker for period/literature related dramas.
50 Point Challenge - WOO HOO!
Okay. For Past, I read Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. I really enjoyed it. It was actually one of the better paranormal romance-y vampire books that I've read in a while. It's about a dhampir named Rose (half-human, half-vampire) who has to protect her best friend Lissa, a Moroi vampire, who she shares a psychic bond with. Forbidden romance, etc, etc. It has been read by my friend Adriana Teen Librarian.
For Present, I chose Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson. My same friend, Adriana Teen Librarian is currently reading this book. I thought this book was really cute. It is about a girl whose family owns and runs and lives in a run-down hotel in NYC. She works as a personal assistant to a quirky former actress, current agent, who reps her brother. If you like cute fun and funny books, I recommend this one highly.
For Future, I read Swoon by Nina Malkin. My friend Heather has this book on her to-read shelf. Ugh. This book. Don't even get me started. It was pretty horrible. The premise itself is interesting, but the writing did not deliver. Stay away. If I could describe it in one phrase I would say "sexy ghost possession."
Previous Score: 165
Current Score: 240
A few more tasks to report.
For 5.10 - I decided to read The Pigman by Paul Zindel. When I was a teenager, my much older sister (she is 13 years older than me) bought this book for me and told me that I had to read it, that she read it when she was my age and that it was her favorite book. And I did love it. I enjoyed reading it again, and really felt so close to John and Lorraine all over again.
20.9 - For the book portion of the challenge, I read Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, which is the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy. It was sooooo good. I am on pins and needles waiting for the last book to come out.
For the movie portion of the challenge, I watched The Last Station, which is about the last days in Tolstoy's life, and his stormy relationship with his wife, Sophia. Incredible cast, Christopher Plummer, Helen Mirren, Paul Giammati, and most of all, my boyfriend James McAvoy. The movie itself was interesting, and I enjoyed it, but I am a sucker for period/literature related dramas.
50 Point Challenge - WOO HOO!
Okay. For Past, I read Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. I really enjoyed it. It was actually one of the better paranormal romance-y vampire books that I've read in a while. It's about a dhampir named Rose (half-human, half-vampire) who has to protect her best friend Lissa, a Moroi vampire, who she shares a psychic bond with. Forbidden romance, etc, etc. It has been read by my friend Adriana Teen Librarian.
For Present, I chose Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson. My same friend, Adriana Teen Librarian is currently reading this book. I thought this book was really cute. It is about a girl whose family owns and runs and lives in a run-down hotel in NYC. She works as a personal assistant to a quirky former actress, current agent, who reps her brother. If you like cute fun and funny books, I recommend this one highly.
For Future, I read Swoon by Nina Malkin. My friend Heather has this book on her to-read shelf. Ugh. This book. Don't even get me started. It was pretty horrible. The premise itself is interesting, but the writing did not deliver. Stay away. If I could describe it in one phrase I would say "sexy ghost possession."
Previous Score: 165
Current Score: 240
Lauren CT10.4 Roll the Dice: I rolled 311, so I read Music in the Night by V.C. Andrews. My version had 315 pages.
10.8 Under the Sea: Songs of the Humpback Whale by Jodi Picoult
20.6 List Make: Heart Song by V.C. Andrews. Although I gave it 5 stars, I wouldn't call it a must-read. There is nothing that makes the book stand out, but for some reason, I adore it. Perhaps it is the memories that I have connected to the book - I read it for the first time in middle school after my mom told me it wasn't appropriate.
25.8 Once Upon a Time: The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling (107 pages) and 297 pages of Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen. (I have the Barnes and Noble Classics edition, but I can't find the link here).
Total Points: 420
Total Tasks: 29
Total Pages: 11503
Total Books: 36
Lauren wrote: "Lauren CT25.8 Once Upon a Time: The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling (107 pages) and 297 pages of Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen. (I have the Barnes and Noble Classics edition, but I can't find the link here)."
This one? Fairy Tales (Barnes & Noble Classics)
Emily IN20.7 - I Like Big Books And I Cannot Lie - Dionisia's Task - For Those We Love To Hate - Darkly Dreaming Dexter
Points: 20
Total Points: 550
Tasks Completed: 33
Books Read: 46
Pages: 13487
Good Reads Authors: 8
Big Books: 1 (500) 0 (750) 0 (1000)
wendyma15.4 - Learn Your Numbers
Numerology is any of many systems, traditions or beliefs in a mystical or esoteric relationship between numbers and physical objects or living things. For this task we will need to go to this website Numerology and enter your First and Last name to find your magic number. Once you know your number you will need to read...
A. A book written by an author who has the same number as you. (EXAMPLE: My number is 6 and so is Joanna Trollope)
Orson Scott Card is a 4
RED Prophet by Card
AND
B. A novel where a character demonstrates one or more of the characteristics of your number (EXAMPLE: 6's characteristics are...Responsibility, protection, nurturing, community, balance, sympathy...so I could read a book about a police officer or soldier because their duty is to protect.) Include a short explanation of how the character matches the characteristics in your post. A sentence or two would be sufficient.
Misunderstood and caring
Harris, Charlaine Shakespeare's Champion (A Lily Bard Mystery, #2)
15 points
790 total
RubyI've completed another one. For 10.8 (Under the Sea) I read Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn. This brings me up to a whopping 50 points!
Total Completed Tasks:
10.8 Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
20.6 The Help by Kathryn Stockett
20.10 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Total Points: 50
Books Read: 3
Mod
I finished
30.5, virtual block party, with
A. Novel with ingredient "tomato": Tomato Rhapsody: A Novel of Love, Lust, and Forbidden Fruit by Adam Schell
C. Food non-fiction: Shark's Fin and Sichuan Pepper: A Sweet-sour Memoir of Eating in China by Fuchsia Dunlop
My contribution to the party is a huge platter of Grilled Vegetables. Block parties can be dietary black holes so I always bring something more healthful to balance out all the decadence. I'm a bit of a fitness fanatic so my neighbors expect it. Grilled vegetables are the core of my diet and their prep is easy. I grill a big batch of eggplants, green and yellow squash, plum tomatoes, red and green peppers, and lots of red onions- I add a drizzle of really good olive oil, a few heads of roasted garlic, and whatever herbs look best in the garden. It works at parties because people can pull out what they want and avoid what they don't, and it works hot, cold or room temp.
Tomato Rhapsody was a bit silly- an attempt at a Shakespearean comedy.
Shark's Fin was an interesting look at some authentic regional Chinese cuisines-and a good attempt at understanding a culture through its food
+30
total 950
That's it for this season. 77 books, 24,641 pages-
Only 1 one star, only 1 five star, but 38 books were solid 4's.
Some really good books I would not have picked up without the tasks. Thanks to all for sharing reviews and comments and leading me to great books.
Thanks to Cynthia for the SRC concept and thanks to pjreads and Sandy for taking up the mantle and keeping it going.
This is my post to complete the problems with the posts. Again I do not like the current format since I have gotten no time on the computer now as it is and don't have time to read through all those posts.25.2A Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
25.2B The Civil War in the Ozarks by Phillip W. Steele and Steve Cottrell
25.5A Heir of the Dog: A Dog Walker Mystery by Judi McCoy
This book, was very fast paced and I enjoy a mystery that I don't know the answer to before I get halfway through the book. I love mysteries because they are intriguing and interesting. I also learn some better observational skills with some of the mysteries.
25.5BA Soldier's Reunion by Cheryl Wyatt
This book was about a homecoming that was exciting and intriguing. MS. Wyatt's books are always interesitng and hold the attention, but this one was expecially touching and of course the guy gets the girl and that was great. I read inspirational novels because they are just that "Inspirational". They help to look at situations differently and touch my spiritual side. Inspirational novels cheer me up when I am down and that is huge because of my life. They also teach my spiritual things that I would have blindly missed otherwise as well as pointing out quotes, chapters and verses from the Bible that I can look up myself.
I sincerely hope that I have now met the requirements of these 2 tasks.
I have finished the following tasks: I am resubmitting tasks that were questioned on help/questions posts #165 and #189
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
10.5 Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky
15.2A Arizona Dreams by Jon Talbot
15.2B Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson
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.
20.1A Ice by Linda Howard
20.1B Daquiri Ice from Baskin Robbins
20.3 Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Twist 316 pages
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain 208
pages
20.4 Walking on Glass by Alma Fullerton This is my 3rd Seasonal Reading Challenge
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
I hoe that is all I needed to correct. Please let me know if not because I have finished all the tasks fpr this challenge and would like to get on up there on the Readerboeard
Today;s update... 10.3 - Same Place/Time The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck (1931) 260pp
Rule filled: 22 May 2010 10:48am currently read by: Cindi Perryopolis, PA
Points this task: 10
10.4- Roll the Dice Hitler's Death March: A Survivor's Story by Morris Krantz (1978) 235pp
Rule filled: Rolled: 226 read 216 to 236 pages long
Points this task: 10
10.5 - Beach (6 Stories in) First Person Singular by W. Somerset Maugham (1931) 304pp
Rule filled: cover here for beach scene verification
Points this task: 10
10.10 - Great Minds Cruel & Unusual by Patricia Cornwell (1994) 416pp
Points this task: 10
Points this section: 40
-
15.1A - Old/Blue The Citadel by A.J. Cronin (1937) 342pp
15.1B - Borrowed/New The Forest Lover by Susan Vreeland (2004) 420pp
Points this task: 15
15.4A - Numbers The Sweet Running Filly (Bonnie, #1)Barbara Van Tuyl (1971) 156pp
15.4B - Characteristics The Apothecary Rose: An Owen Archer Mystery by Candace Robb (1993) 370pp
15.4C - Expl Adventure, visionary..
Points this task: 15
15.6A/B - Congo Woman in the Mists: The Story of Dian Fossey and the Mountain Gorillas of Africa by Farley Mowat (1987) 383pp
15.6C - 2nd longest Camber the Heretic (Legends of the Camber of Culdi Vol. 3) by Katherine Kurtz (1981) 506pp
Points this task: 15
15.8A - Same Title/Cover Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (1623) 272pp
15.8B - Same Title/Cover Twelfth Night by Michael Llewellyn Smith (1997) 372pp
Points this task: 15
15.9 - Description Dancing Barefoot by Wil Wheaton (Goodreads Author) (2003) 115pp
15.9B - Expl. A resonating modern reflection of how many in our generation sought to figure out who they were and etc.
Points this task: 15
15.10A - Family The Swiss Family Robinson (Penguin Edition) by Johann David Wyss (1260L) (1887) 464pp
15.10B - Expl We're close even if separated by distance.
Points this task: 15
Points this section: 90
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20.3A - Victorian Novel Walden, or Life in the Woods by Henry David Thoreau (1854) 420pp
Points this task: 20
20.4 - Anniversary (Cotton or China) Lost on Planet China: The Strange and True Story of One Man's Attempt to Understand the World's Most Mystifying Nation, or How He Became Comfortable Eating Live Squid by J. Maarten Troost (2008) 382pp
Points this task: 20
20.7 - Villan's Viewpoint American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis (1991) 399pp
Points this task: 20
20.8 - B/N Classic Tales from the Arabian Nights by Andrew Lang (editor) 392pp
Points this task: 20
Points this section: 80
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30.1A Occultism - Heresy by S.J. Parris (2010) 464pp
30.1B Fan Fiction - The Spartans Word Count: 69883 (at 300 words per page = 233 pages) from A Teaspoon And An Open Mind
Points this task: 30
This is a repost to correct the fanfiction section
30.2A - Kids Classic Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody (1962) 281pp
30.2B - Kid main character The Maude Reed Tale by Norah Lofts (1974) 190pp
30.2B - Expl Recommended to my cousins youngest son.
Points this task: 30
30.3A - Lincoln The Radical and the Republican: Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and the Triumph of Antislavery Politics by James Oakes (2007) 320pp
30.3B - Chicago Changes by Jim Butcher (2010) 560pp
Points this task: 30
30.5A - Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson (1985) 182pp
30.5D - Serve It Forth: Cooking With Anne McCaffrey by John Gregory Betancourt (1996) 228pp
30.5E - Gluten-Free Orange Cream Torte (two time winner of 1st place at the county fair in a non-gf category)
Points this task: 30
Points this section: 120
---
Task points this post: 330 (40+90+80+120)
Total Points: 600
Tasks Completed: 39
Books Read: 55
Books by Goodreads authors: 2
Big Books: 3 (500+), 1 (750+), 0 (1000+)
Emily IN - repost25.5 - Helen's Task - Share the Summer Love - I love humorous stories so for the first book I read Not Tonight Honey, Wait 'Til I'm a Size Six. I am a person that really enjoys a good laugh and this book provided a few. There were many funny stories in the book that made me laugh out loud. One of my favorites being her "grumpy vagina". The book is a compilation of different stories about her family, buying a dog, having kids, getting a boob job, etc.
The second book I read was Pretties. I enjoy young adult books. Each time I start a new YA book or series I often go back to my childhood and I find this very comforting. I really like the concept of this series, I thought Pretties was ok but not as good as Ugglies was. I like the way the characters evolve through the books as Tally learns more about the world she is in and realizes that everything isn't always as it appears to be. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
25.9 It's time for the swim suit edition. A - tanksuit - read a book 850 pages or more.
"The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follet 951 pages.
Points this task: 25
Total points: 60
I completed Task 5.5 (Dropping Names) by reading Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie. She's listed on the third page (I believe) of the list Cynthia posted in the task. This is my second Hercule Poirot mystery and I really enjoy him.
In this story, a young heiress is accused of murdering a young lady who lived on the Estate. Lots of unearthed mysteries, twists and turns throughout.
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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...
Love in the Time of Dragons is set in England. I've always wanted to go to England to see the villages/towns that inspired Austen as well as breathe in the sights of London. One day...
Jennifer's Task II: Originally Written in Another Language
Those who've read the Millennium Series know they were originally written in Swedish.
Total Points: 120
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