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WINTER CHALLENGE 2010-2011: ASIA
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Winter Challenge 2010-2011 Completed Tasks (do not delete any posts)

I read Sphinx's Princess by Esther FriesnerSphinx's Princess This is a fictional account of Nefertiti's childhood.
totl points: 220
tasks completed: 13
books read: 17
Total pages: 5681


I read The Kreutzer Sonata by Leo Tolstoy (Russia) and Audition by Ryū Murakami (Japan).
Points This Post: 30
Total Points: 190
Total Tasks Completed: 8
Total Books Read: 12
Total Pages Read: 2959
Total GoodReads Authors: 1
Total Big Books: 500+ (0), 750+ (0), 1000+ (0)

10.3: Slainte! To Your Health!
I read The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet by Alicia Silverstone.
I probably won't become a vegan anytime in the near future, but I do plan on "flirting" with it like she suggested! A couple of the recipes sound delish!
Points: 10
Total Points: 240
GR Authors: 5

Lucky by Alice Seebold -- I read this last year and gave it three stars, reread it and it still hovers between two and three stars. Didn't get any better with age.
20.2 Winter Flowers Day - flower in title
A Hatred for Tulips by Richard Lourie
I picked up this book at the library because the cover had a large blue tulip on it. The book was the story of a young man in Holland during WWII - they were so hungry they had to eat tulip bulbs. Very interesting book.
20.4 Author, Author - Game on
Rolled a 5 - Short Stories
Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson
I really enjoyed reading this collection of stories about a small town in Ohio. Well written - I can see why it is a classic.
20.7 Christmas Fuzzies or Not
I really love Christmas and could not bring myself to read a sad book - so I chose to read a happy book with a blue cover.

Points this post: 80
Total Points: 405
Total Tasks: 27
Total Books: 33
Total Pages: 8445

Task #10.10 - Top Ten Lists

544 pgs claiming Big Book ticket
My top 10 List was: Leonardo Padura's top 10 Cuban Novels. The novel I chose was Cecilia Valdes by Cirilo Villaverde

The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall - 310 pages, GR Author
Set in Delhi.
20.2 Winter Flowers Day
Daisy Dooley Does Divorce - 368 pages
30.4 By the Numbers
A. The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg - 244 pages
My birth year is even.
B. Be Good by Stacey May Fowles - 165 pages, a GR author
My phone number resolved to the number 2.
Points: 60
Total Points: 215
Tasks Completed: 17
Books Read: 18
Pages: 4971
Goodreads Authors: 2
Big Books: 500(1)

5.3 The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession by Allison Hoover Bartlett
5.9 In the Woods by Tana French
15.1 A In The Company of Angels by David Farland
B. Matched by Ally Condie
20.1 If I Stay by Gayle Forman
I tried reading this book before and didn't get through it. I went back and tried it again and I finished it giving it 3 stars.
20.3 Need by Carrie Jones
There is a werewolf in the book.
30.2 Don't Die, My Love by Lurlene McDaniel and The Secret Life Of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain
Total Points: 180


The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
32,961 ratings
Total Points: 155
Tasks Completed: 14
Pages Read: 4649
Books Read: 16
Goodreads Authors: 1
Big Books: 500+(0), 750+(2), 1000+(0)


Kathleen FL
5.8:Here's to New Beginnings
Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life
First book in the Scott Pilgrim series.
Points: 5
Total Points: 130
Goodreads Authors: 1
Big Books: 500+(1), 750+(0), 1000+(0)

5.10 -- About the Author
Your Hate Mail Will Be Graded by John Scalzi (Goodreads Author) (368 p.)
20.4 Author! Author!: Tani's task- Game On!
I rolled a 5: Board and Card Games - Since card and board games tend to be not as in-depth as other video games, read a collection of essays or short stories. Required: Include what number you rolled when you post.
Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd edited/contributed by Holly Black (GoodReads Author) (403 p.)
30.4 -- Donna Jo’s Task -- By the Numbers
A. Even Birth Year: B,D,F,H,J,L,N,P,R,T,V,X,Z
Hell's Corner by David Baldacci (438 p.)
B. Phone Number Digits add up to 3:
On the Beach by Nevil Shute (238 p.)
*This one got added in when I had insomnia over the weekend - I thought I'd grab one of my mom's college lit books and it would put me to sleep. Needless to say, it didn't, and I stayed up reading it. Voracious reader thwarted again - when am I going to learn that reading almost NEVER puts me to sleep!
Points this Post: 55
Tasks Completed this Post: 3
Books Read this Post: 4
Pages Read this Post: 1447
GoodReads Authors: 2
Total Points: 355
Total Tasks Completed: 28
Total Books Read: 33
Total Pages Read: 12436
Total GoodReads Authors: 9
Total Big Books: 500+ (1), 750+ (1), 1000+ (0)

30.8 - Ms. Anderson In The Spirit of the Season
Both books must have the letters "ASIA" in title or author's name. Subtitles were approved for this task.
I rolled a 2 and a 4 for this task. For the 2 book, I read a non-fiction book, which is one my favorite genres. The book was entitled: Out of Water:From Abundance to Scarcity and How to Solve the World's Water Problems by Colin Chartres. This book was excellent and I gave it 4*.
For the 4 book, I read a book that I had added to my TBR in the last 6 months, Letters from Father Christmas by JRR Tolkien. This book was sweet, and I gave it 4*.
20.3 - Frosty the Snowman
I read The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan (human discovers previously unknown powers).
Total Points: 145 + 30+ +20 = 195
Big Books: 500(1), 750(1)
GR Authors: 0

Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi
***Goodreads Author***

10.9 Serial Killer
Awakened by PC Cast and Kristen Cast

Total Points from post: 20
Total Points for Challenge: 65
Goodreads Authors: 1


A. I enjoyed a holiday cruising on the River Severn so I read:
Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
B. Colm Toibin was an author I read for the first time in 2010 so I read:
The Master
Total points to date 290



10.6 COOKIE EXCHANGE - The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
My favorite cookie is a sugar cookie
*** GR Author***
10.8 PROMISE HER ANYTHING -

10.9 SERIAL KILLER - Mercy Blade by Faith Hunter
10.10 TOP TEN LISTS - Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon
From Top 10 Supernatural Families
30.3 HO! HO! HO! -
a. Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs
Book takes place in Canada
b. Magick Of Reiki: Focused Energy for Healing, Ritual, & Spiritual Development by Christopher Penczak
30.6 LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD AUTHORS -
Used favorite author Dorothea Benton Frank
a. Sanctuary Hill by Kathryn R. Wall
Set in SC, where Dorthea Benton Frank's books are set.
b. Gap Creek : The Story Of A Marriage by Robert Morgan
Published in 1999, Dorthea Benton Frank's first book was published this year.
Points: 105
Tasks: 7
Books: 9
Pages: 2903
GR Authors: 1
Total Points: 420
Total Tasks: 23
Total Books: 31
Total Pages: 11,423
GR Authors: 5
Big Books 500+: 4

1. The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer - stand-alone/coming of age (380 pg.) - Main character is 14 for the majority of the book and the book is about the main character learning about the world and the people around him and accepting how it all works.
2. Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld - series (Leviathan #2)/sci-fi, fantasy (485 pg.) - Main characters are both in their teens and the story takes place in an alternate world with fantastical creatures and inventions.
Page total 865.
Points this post: 30
Total points: 250
GR Authors: 5
Big Books: 500+(6), 750+(0), 1000+(0)

Task # 30.4 - Donna Jo's Task - By the Numbers
A. Even - author last name starts with P: A Christmas Visitor by Anne Perry
B. 8 words in title: James Potter and the Hall of Elders’ Crossing by G. Norman Lippert*
*Claiming: GR Author
25.4 Beth NC’s task - IMBOLC
1. Celtic mythology: The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain #1) by Lloyd Alexander
2. 'fire' in title: The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard
Task #5.9 Noel, Noel
Cherry Beach Express by R.D. Cain
Total this post: 60
Total to Date: 315 points

5.1 -- Short and Sweet Of Mice and Men Finished 1/17/11
5.9 -- Noel, Noel Airhead Finished 1/16/11
10.3 Sláinte! To Your Health!: The Biggest Loser Dessert Cookbook: More than 80 Healthy Treats That Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth without Breaking Your Calorie Budget Finished 1/15/11
15.4. Opposite Day Up the Down Staircase Finished 1/14/11
20.1 Most Improved Player: Stacie MI's task-Groundhog's Day! The Lost Boy Finished 1/12/11 I still really didn't care for the book.
20.3 Best Review Contest: chucklesthescot's task- Frosty the Snowman Freaky Friday Finished 1/10/11
20.6 Seasoned Reader: Beth F's task- The Twenty-tens Remember Me Finished 1/8/11... This book was first published in 1989 and I was born in 1983.
Total Point Earned: 190/975
Total Pages Read: 3715/24776
Total Books Read: 15/73
Good Read Authours:
Big Book Tickets: 500(), 750(), 1000()


10.2 Sky Burial: An Epic Love Story of Tibet by Xinran
15.3 Any Man of Mine by Carolyne Aarsen book starts with "A" and
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins Author's name has a "Z"
20.1 Short and Tall Tales: Moose County Legends Collected by James MacKintosh Qwilleran by Lilliam Jackson Braun Enjoyed it more the 2nd time around because I've gotten "hooked" on Braun's books
Total Points: 275

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip
[Wizard lady lives on a mountain with a bunch of mythical beasts.]
Post points: 10
Total tasks: 8
Total points: 150
5.6 It's All in the Numbers
read Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Points this post: 5
Total points: 215
Tasks Completed: 12
Books read:15
Total pages: 4999
GR Authors: 7
Big Books: 500+(1), 750+(0), 1000+(0)
read Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Points this post: 5
Total points: 215
Tasks Completed: 12
Books read:15
Total pages: 4999
GR Authors: 7
Big Books: 500+(1), 750+(0), 1000+(0)

Smitten by Janet Evanovich from Cynthia's List
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling from Sandy's List
Total Points: 180
Tasks Completed: 15
Pages Read: 5085
Books Read: 18
Goodreads Authors: 1
Big Books: 500+(0), 750+(2), 1000+(0)

Stacey
10.5 Chinese Dragon Dance
The Darkangel by Meredith Ann Pierce
(Mythical creatures in this one include vampires, spirits, winged horses, gargoyles - take your pick!)
30.4 By The Numbers
A: The Jennifer Morgue by Charles Stross (last number of my birth year is odd)
B: Always On: Language in an Online and Mobile World by Naomi S. Baron (my phone number added up to 9)
15.6 Begins With Q
Questionable Content Volume 1 by Jeph Jacques
New points: 55
Total points: 325
10.5 Chinese Dragon Dance
The Darkangel by Meredith Ann Pierce
(Mythical creatures in this one include vampires, spirits, winged horses, gargoyles - take your pick!)
30.4 By The Numbers
A: The Jennifer Morgue by Charles Stross (last number of my birth year is odd)
B: Always On: Language in an Online and Mobile World by Naomi S. Baron (my phone number added up to 9)
15.6 Begins With Q
Questionable Content Volume 1 by Jeph Jacques
New points: 55
Total points: 325

A Dalek I Loved You by Nick Griffiths
I have wanted to visit Cardiff for years and in 2010 I spent a few days there with my mum. While we were there, we visited the Doctor Who exhibition, (the show is filmed in and around Cardiff), which has many of the original props and costumes, including the dreaded Daleks!
B Daddy's Little Girl by Mary Higgins Clark
This Post: 25
Total Points: 120
Tasks Completed: 8
Books Read: 12
Goodreads Authors: 2 (James Patterson, Alexander McCall Smith)
Big Books: 500+ (3), 750+ (0), 1000+ (0)

Task 15.8 - A Festivus For The Rest Of Us!
One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone has to have the last word. So I read Why You Say It: The Fascinating Stories Behind Over 600 Everyday Words and Phrases by Webb B. Garrison.
Points this task: 15
Total points:200
Tasks completed: 18
Books read: 19
Pages read: 6125
Goodreads authors: 6
Big books: 500+ (0); 750+ (1); 1000+ (0)

Task 20.7 - Christmas Fuzzies...Or Not
I generally love the holidays, so I decided to read a happy book (or at least a very funny book that made me smile) with a blue cover.
I read Sleepwalk with Me by Mike Birbiglia.

Points this task: 20
Total points: 220
Tasks completed: 19
Books read: 20
Pages read: 6316
Goodreads authors: 6
Big books: 500+ (0); 750+ (1); 1000+ (0)

10.9 Serial Killer
Nemesis being the latest in the Marcus Didius Falco series
10.10 Top Ten Lists
From Sam Taylor’s top ten books about forgetting
Riddley Walker
25.2 Thank You Moderators
An Artist of the Floating World from Sandy’s list
Siddhartha from Kristi’s list
30.3 Ho! Ho! Ho!
A. All alone in the world by Johanna Spyri which is mostly set in Switzerland
(I think this book is the same as Rico and Wiseli.)
B. Love in the Time of Cholera
Total points 415

15.4 Opposite Day
Read Hotel On The Corner Of Bitter And Sweet by Jamie Ford
Jamie Ford is a Goodreads Author.
This task: 15
Tasks completed: 15
Total points earned: 210
GR authors: 3
Big Book: 2/500+
5.8 New Beginning
Read Virals (Virals #1) by Kathy Reich
This task: 5
Tasks completed:16
Total points earned: 215
Gr Authors: 3
Big Book: 2/500+
5.2 Singles Awareness Day
Read Messenger by Lois Lowry
This task: 5
Tasks completed: 17
Total points earned: 220
GR authors 3
Big book: 2/500+

Task 5.1 Short
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
Task 5.10 About the Author
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Task 20.7 Christmas Fuzzies
I went with a happy book, blue cover since I loved Christmas this year

Task 20.9 President's Day

Margaret Truman is the daughter of Harry S. Truman
Task 30.2 Alphabetically Speaking
I-J:

K-L: Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas
Total Points: 255

The "old" author/to read list was Playing For Pizza by John Grisham. The "new" author/to read list was Tales from the Bed: A Memoir by Jenifer Estess.
Total Points: 205
Tasks Completed: 12
Books Read: 16
GoodReads Authors: 8
Big Books:
Total Pages: 5127

5.9 - Noel, Noel
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
Total Points: 25
Total Books: 6
Total Tasks: 4

The Giver by Lois Lowry
Have posted in Discussion Group (message 57).
Points: 20
Total Points: 65
10.5 Chinese Dragon Dance
I read City of Glass. Mythical creatures all over this one - vampires, werewolves, demons, fairies.................
total points: 470
I read City of Glass. Mythical creatures all over this one - vampires, werewolves, demons, fairies.................
total points: 470

Avalon High by Meg Cabot

and
Torched by April Henry
***Goodreads Author***

Points this post: 25
Total Points: 90
Goodreads Authors: 2

A. The Testosterone Files: My Hormonal and Social Transformation from Female to Male a good friend is transitioning from male to female and just started hormone therapy last year...supporting them through the decision and the unknown has been a very special experience for me.
B. Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return i read Marjane Satrapi for the first time last year, when i read Persepolis. i really enjoy her!
Books Read: 29/ 74+
Points Completed: 355/975
Tasks Completed: 15/56


10.1 Birthday Wishes from Jennifer N.'s list
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Claiming a Big Book ticket. My copy has 544 pages.
Big Book Ticket... My copy has 544 pages
Total Points: 290
Tasks Completed: 21
Books read: 25
Goodreads Authors: 1
Big Books: 500+(1), 750+(0), 1000+(0)

I read a book where the main character shares my age decade. I'm 19, and Violet Baudelaire is 14.
The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket
Total Points: 310
Tasks Completed: 22
Books read: 26
Goodreads Authors: 1
Big Books: 500+(1), 750+(0), 1000+(0)


A The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest by Stieg Larsson
Set mainly in Sweden
I am claiming a Big Book Ticket - 746 pages
B Love My Way by Bridget Midway
This Post: 30
Total Points: 150
Tasks Completed: 9
Books Read: 13
Goodreads Authors: 2 (James Patterson, Alexander McCall Smith)
Big Books: 500+ (3), 750+ (0), 1000+ (0)

5.1 SHORT AND SWEET
I read La herencia de Eszter by Sándor Márai. My copy has 168 pages.
30.5 THE OLD '10 / THE NEW '11
I have a tbr shelf in Goodreads, but it is actually a wishlist. I do keep a personal tbr list, though, and it was approved in the task help thread.
A. Out with the Old: The Underground City by Jules Verne. It is the oldest from my tbr (been there for 7 years!) and I have read many other books written by Verne.
B. In with the New: The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It was one of the eleven newest tbr books before Christmas!
Total Points: 5 + 30 = 35

Go to your Read shelf and choose a book, of at least 100 pages, that you rated 3 stars or less to re-read.
Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall by Kazuo Ishiguro
Sadly, I didn't like this one any better this time than I did the first time I read it. I was really hoping I would! The second and fifth stories are the best of the bunch.
This Post: 20
Total Points: 375
Tasks Completed: 26
Goodreads Authors: 5
Big Books: 500+ (5), 750+ (0), 1000+ (1)

A. Out with the Old: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, finished 01/17 - 5*, on my TBR since March 14th 2010
B. In with the New: Nightkeepers - Jessica Andersen, a new to me author which, as of mid-Dec was the newest book added to my TBR, finished 12/15 - 3.5*
Jessica Andersen is a GR author.
And I'm claiming a (500+) Big Book ticket for Jane Eyre (576 p).
-----------------------------------------------------
Points in this post: 30
Tasks in this post: 1
Books read in this post: 2
GR authors claimed in this post: 1 (Jessica Andersen)
Total Tasks completed: 48
Total Books read: 66
Total Pages read: 22177 p
GR authors (total): 12
Big book tickets (total): 500+(2), 750+(0), 1000+(0)
Total Points 835

The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club: True Tales from a Magnificent and Clumsy Life by Laurie Notaro
This book was rated 5 stars by SRC member Erin.
Total points: 35
Readerboard Name: Gina NY
Task 10.10 Guardian Top Ten Lists
Melvin Burgess's top 10 books written for teenagers
Total Points: 375 Points
Task 10.10 Guardian Top Ten Lists
Melvin Burgess's top 10 books written for teenagers

Total Points: 375 Points

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
Lemon cookies
15.2 Beginnings and Endings
Best beginning: The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
Best ending: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Points this post: 25
Total points: 275
GR Authors: 5
Big Books: 500+(6), 750+(0), 1000+(0)
15.10 Keep it Simple
read Monster High by Lisi Harrison
Points this post: 5
Total points: 230
Tasks Completed: 13
Books read:16
Total pages: 5330
GR Authors: 7
Big Books: 500+(1), 750+(0), 1000+(0)
read Monster High by Lisi Harrison
Points this post: 5
Total points: 230
Tasks Completed: 13
Books read:16
Total pages: 5330
GR Authors: 7
Big Books: 500+(1), 750+(0), 1000+(0)

Past: To the Tower Born: A Novel of the Lost Princes set in 1483, published in 2005
Future: Naked in Death set in 2058, published in 1995
Points this task: 15
Total Points: 245
Tasks Completed: 18
Books Read: 22
GoodReads Authors: 4
Big Books: 500+ (4), 750+ (0), 1000+ (0)

I used Scott Westerfeld as my author.
I rolled a 3 and used the book Uglies set in a recognizable, but future world and read:
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
set in the Gulf Coast of the future.
I also rolled a 6. I had already read books by many of the authors on the Literature Map, but I found:
Bleed by Laurie Faria Stolarz
I enjoyed the task -- thanks!
+ 30 Points
30.10 In Honor of Asian Authors
From Russia:
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (Михаил Булгаков)
From China:
A Thousand Years of Good Prayers by Yiyun Li
+ 30 Points
Points This Post: 60
Grand Total: 330

Read a book from The Book Was Better Than the Movie OR a book from The Movie Was Better Than the Book.
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
This was on the The Movie Was Better Than the Book list.
I think Michael Keaton kind of ruins the movie, so I much prefer reading the play.
This Post: 15
Total Points: 390
Tasks Completed: 27
Goodreads Authors: 5
Big Books: 500+ (5), 750+ (0), 1000+ (1)

10.1 -- Birthday Wishes
I read A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray from Rach's list.
Points This Task: 10
Total Points: 30
Tasks Completed: 3
Tasks in Progress: 7
Books Read: 3
GoodReads Authors: 0
Big Books: 500+(0), 750+(0), 1000+(0)
Pages Read: 990

30.6: Looking for a few good authors.
I chose Stephen King and I rolled a 1 and a 6. I read How to Make an American Quilt by Whitney Otto (both have 11 letters)
and The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again by JRR Tolkein, a new to me author who showed up in the literature map.
30.7: Young Adult
Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen. **Claiming Goodreads Author**
This is a stand alone young adult book that could be classified as romance. It is considered young adult because it tackles issues that a lot of teens face in high school relating to relationships and its main audience is young girls. It is 281 pages long.
Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer. Eclipse is the 3rd book in the Twilight series and could also be shelved as romance and paranormal. It is also targeted at young girls and written on a young adult level. It's a romance novel about vampires so fits both subgenres pretty well. It was 629 pages (**Claiming Big Book 500+) making my total pages read for this task 910 pages.
Points This Post: 60
Total Points in Challenge: 110
Books Read: 7
Tasks Completed: 4
Pages Read: 2321
GR Authors: Sarah Dessen
Big Book Tickets: 500+(Eclipse (629)); 750+(0); 1000+(0)
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Books mentioned in this topic
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Jackson Pearce (other topics)
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Kate Constable (other topics)
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Read
Witch & Wizard by James Patterson
307 pages
James Patterson is a Goodreads Author
Points this post: 10
Total points: 210
Tasks Completed: 11
Books read:14
Total pages: 4811
GR Authors: 7
Big Books: 500+(1), 750+(0), 1000+(0)