The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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How do you work on the challenge?
Heather(Gibby) wrote: "I originally thought that this challenge was short enough that I might actually finally finish one, but now with the library being closed I have a challenge getting some of the books I need."That has certainly created a challenge all in itself.
I don't know about anyone else, but I have had a really difficult time concentrating enough to focus on a book this spring.
Mod
I have, too. Everything seems to take me longer than usual.
I have missed the library but recommend Scribd and KU. I have found that I have read books that i would never have chosen otherwise and enjoyed some, finding new series for future challenges.
Sheila wrote: "Heather(Gibby) wrote: "I don't know about anyone else, but I have had a really difficult time concentrating enough to focus on a book this spring."Me too. I've been averaging 12-15 books a month for the last year or so, but for the past few months it's been more like 1-2. I just can't block out the rest of the world long enough to focus on a book.
I can't imagine anyone thinking this challenge is short or averaging 12-15 books a month!!! WOW!!
Sarah Ruth wrote: "I am also blown away by how anyone can actually finish this challenge!!! That is so many books!!! I don't ever expect to be able to actually finish.I generally read what I want and then figure ou..."
Great idea, I'm going to steal this for the next challenge, I'm not great with 2 book tasks.
I have found that I have planned out the challenge and now I don't want to read those books and with the library back open I now have lots of options I didn't have when I made the plan.
I haven’t done this challenge for a while, but I completed it a couple of times a few years back, and am now doing some other challenges. How I use challenges is to get some books off my TBR and finally read. There are a number of books I’m going to read no matter what (such as the latest releases from all my favorite authors) so I read them and fit them in. And then I look at the prompts and my TBR list (which is over 700 books at this point, filled with books I never got around to reading) and I try to fill in the rest from there.
If I can get down to the last 10 or so without reading something I wasn’t planning to read anyway, I don’t resent the challenge having me read genres that I really don’t enjoy.
I have just joined and have been reading through the ideas here about how to tackle this. I think I will be the type to print out the list and write on the sheets or in a notebook. I enjoy the scavenger hunt part of the challenge but I almost always change something during a challenge. I belong to a local book group (now on Zoom) and multiple GR groups. My plan is to fit everything for them into this challenge. It's very unlikely I would finish all the prompts but I am interested to see how I do. I am sure I won't choose anything I don't really want to read, or finish anything I don't like, just for a challenge category. I have several hundred books that I own, on paper, ebook or audio, and I always start with those but somehow that TBR never goes down much!
Robin P wrote: "I have just joined and have been reading through the ideas here about how to tackle this. I think I will be the type to print out the list and write on the sheets or in a notebook. I enjoy the scav..."Hey Robin, welcome-this is Joanne from PBT. I am not sure if you are a spread sheet person, but I have a very simple one set up for this challenge. How I work it, is that when the new Season is getting geared up, I list all the tasks and then go searching for books. These books are not set in stone, they change daily/weekly depending on what books I read for my other challenges (appears this is what you plan to do). I have not finished this challenge, however like PBT, it has expanded my reading of genres. If you want a link to my spreadsheet, PM me and I will send it you. I cannot imagine doing this challenge with pen and paper, it is pretty overwhelming at times.
Robin P wrote: "I have just joined and have been reading through the ideas here about how to tackle this. I think I will be the type to print out the list and write on the sheets or in a notebook. I enjoy the scav..."I'm a big mood reader and find that if I plan to read a specific book, I won't end up reading it because I will have gotten tired of the idea of reading it when the time comes. Usually I can get through about 2/3 to 3/4 of the challenge without making any plans and just sticking books where they fit after I read them. The last few weeks of the challenge I have to really focus and make sure I'm only picking up books that work.
When the tasks are announced I always go through and pick out any that seem especially challenging for me (read a book from a specific list, or a specific genre that I don't normally read) and I make a list of 5 or so books that I'm at least mildly interested in reading that would suit the task. That way I at least have a general idea of what books I'll need to slip into my regular reading.
For some reason I'm finding the current Spring challenge more difficult to fit in books after I've read them. I think a lot of the tasks that have you match the author's initials in a certain word or phrase always sound easy, but the letters you're given are harder than expected. I've already had to unclaim a few tasks in order to move books around.
Joanne wrote: "Robin P wrote: "I have just joined and have been reading through the ideas here about how to tackle this. I think I will be the type to print out the list and write on the sheets or in a notebook. ..."Thanks, Joanne, I'll contact you. I am more likely to use a spreadsheet if someone else has already set it up!
Robin ... I'll send you my spreadsheet as well.
Here's the spreadsheet that I use if anyone wants to borrow it. Just make a copy of your own :)https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Thanks, everyone! I appreciate profiting from your experience. I have tweaked one of the spreadsheets and it is working pretty well. I color coded challenges that were done or partly done.
Wow - Hi Joanne, BC and Robin. I'm about to try this for the first time. I had a great January, so I figured this might be the year to jump in. I got off the StS train for a little while to try to plug in the books I already read. I could use some help with Spreadsheets. Does Anyone have a Winter 2022 spreadsheet template they'd be willing to share?
I'm really struggling with the ANAGRAM -type tasks that involve finding title words in a longer word or phrase. I love puzzles but I don't do anagrams, and I have aphasia, which makes it very hard to think of words - even common words I use every day. The author initials are much easier. Can anyone help?Are there any lists where people share suggestions for each task? Or is there a group spreadsheet or list of the books that have already been submitted for each task? It would help me a lot to be able to see the books (and title words) that other people found for some of the tougher tasks. Tasks with interesting topics or settings are my favorites, and they're easy for me to search, but anagrams just tax my brain.
I posted the books I already read (or plan to read) in the plans thread. I'm the very last post. If anyone has time to scan it, perhaps you can see some obvious opportunities???? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Sure. I have a couple different setups, happy to share. They should all be in here, as hidden tabs: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/... The Winter 22 version is horizontal (each task is a column), and I think I like it best. I also incorporated space for drafting posts, which I think has helped me not make as many posting mistakes.
I use this for the anagram tasks: https://ingesanagram.com/. I let it make the whole list, and then I go through and pick out the words I think are most likely to appear in a book or two on my TBR. I usually find a word or two I never realized was in the original word/phrase!
10.1 Bingo - Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking 10.6 It Girl - Why We Get Sick (IT)
10.8 Well I'll be Damned - Dinosaurs (AZ)
10.9 Empress of the Blues - Home Fire
That should get you a good handful of points!
Stephanie (Librarianish) wrote: "10.1 Bingo - Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking 10.6 It Girl - Why We Get Sick (IT)
10.8 Well I'll be Damned - Dinosaurs (AZ)
10.9 Empress of the Blues - Home Fire
That should get you a good hand..."
Thanks so much Stephanie !!! Great tools. This really helps.
Based on the rules I read last night, it looks like I can only use The Wizards Guide to Defensive Baking for the Free Choice. It has Young Adult and Middle Grades tags on the Main page, but it is not in the database for children's books.
@NancyJ - you can also post the name of the task into the group search bar (search discussion posts) at the top right of every page in the group to see what others have posted for the task.
NancyJ wrote: "I'm really struggling with the ANAGRAM -type tasks that involve finding title words in a longer word or phrase. I love puzzles but I don't do anagrams, and I have aphasia, which makes it very hard ..."You've received a couple of good ideas already. I just wanted to add to always check the Task Help Thread for any difficult tasks. People will often leave suggestions of books that work there, or ask if certain books work. Or you could ask on that thread for help. Lots of people here are very happy to give suggestions and help others out. Check those threads off and on throughout the challenge and you will probably find some suggestions.
Hi NancyJ, I am happy to see you here! I sent you a GR message as well. I tweaked a spreadsheet BC sent me when I joined and one of us can forward that if we have your outside email. I am pretty good with anagrams and would be happy to suggest some anytime, but the Task Help is also a great place to ask, and in general to get ideas for any of the tasks. For instance, if you aren't sure if a cover qualifies for a task, you may find it has already been ruled on in that thread.
Lauren wrote: "@NancyJ - you can also post the name of the task into the group search bar (search discussion posts) at the top right of every page in the group to see what others have posted for the task."Wow, I have been on GR in multiple groups for over 10 years, including being Mod in a couple and I never knew this, thanks!
I use the SRC as a starting point for my book searches. I work in a library, and everyone I work with tells me, "you are always reading the most interesting books..." which I wouldn't find without the help of the creative task challenges that the SRC hands out four times a year. I seldom finish. I think I've completed it twice in the years - and one of those was the first year I joined. But I'm seriously motivated by points, so I realized early on that if I let me goal-focused OCD get wrapped up in finishing, it's just not healthy for me, so I set myself smaller tasks now ... finish the 30 points for instance. Or all the 20's.
That's manageable, and gives me enough diversity to keep my reading life interesting.
Lauren wrote: "@NancyJ - you can also post the name of the task into the group search bar (search discussion posts) at the top right of every page in the group to see what others have posted for the task."Wow I can’t believe I didn’t Notice that little search box. Thanks!
Thanks for all the great tips. I’m almost ready to post a few books.
I use my public library as much as possible. My library has Libby, which is a great resource because I can use it to check out audiobooks and play them at about 2.5 times the normal speed. I bet if you ask the people who are always at the top of the readerboard, they would tell you something similar.
Wayne wrote: "I use my public library as much as possible. My library has Libby, which is a great resource because I can use it to check out audiobooks and play them at about 2.5 times the normal speed. I bet if you ask the people who are always at the top of the readerboard, they would tell you something similar."Interesting how we're all different, isn't it? I can't stand audiobooks sped up. lol I do listen to audiobooks while doing housework or when I can't sleep at night, but often I slow them down because I'm tired.
I finish the challenge most times, but I'm not currently holding a job, my kids are grown and I watch the grandkids when they're not in school. So I have plenty of hours to read, which I enjoy. And I'm a fast reader - I have to work to slow down and savor a good book.
That said, my life and reading goals have changed, so I don't expect to finish another challenge for a while. Instead I'll be interested to see how what I do read fits into the tasks. I enjoy the logic-puzzle aspect of shifting things around to find the best fit. And I like being pushed to read books I might not otherwise. There are lots of ways to "win", I think.
I havent finished a challenge in a few seasons but that is because I have other priorities now.I try to only read books that I have on my TBR / can get easily on one of the platforms i use e.g. Kindle unlimited / scribd and the library.
I suspect Many people try to read close to minimum page number as far as possible - UNLESS i hate the task or it is based on books i wouldn't normally read i don't worry too much about how long a book is.
I listen to audio somewhere between 1.5 and 2 x speed generally only in the car.
The trick to improving your points especially with 2 book tasks is to read BOTH books f around about the same time - otherwise you end up with a load of half completed fasks
Wow, but y'all have almost changed my mind about leaving! Maybe I will just take a break for a while.
Robin P wrote: "Wow, I have been on GR in multiple groups for over 10 years, including being Mod in a couple and I never knew this, thanks!"Any time! I find this so helpful when looking for books for the harder tasks.
NancyJ wrote: "Wow I can’t believe I didn’t Notice that little search box. Thanks!."Happy to help! Hope you enjoy the challenges.
Wayne wrote: "I use my public library as much as possible. My library has Libby, which is a great resource because I can use it to check out audiobooks and play them at about 2.5 times the normal speed. I bet if..."Absolutely! There is no way I could find all these books without the library (Libby), Hoopla and Scribd. I get at least 95% of the books this way.
Teri-K wrote: "There are lots of ways to "win", I think."Totally! For me, reading and enjoying books I would never have thought of without the challenge is a huge win.
Bea wrote: "Wow, but y'all have almost changed my mind about leaving! Maybe I will just take a break for a while."I took a break for a few seasons to recharge. It was good and I came back with renewed energy. I hope you do come back to us, Bea!
Bea wrote: "Wow, but y'all have almost changed my mind about leaving! Maybe I will just take a break for a while."I've taken breaks when needed. If I'm not enjoying it I'll walk away, I never want to feel pressured to read books I'm not interested in. You do what works for you, and keep enjoying your reading!
One thing I have enjoyed about this group is being sure I would never finish the whole challenge, so there is no pressure. I do track my totals to see how they compare with other seasons. But suddenly last week, I realized I could actually do it this time, so I've gotten more strategic with short books, etc. than I usually would. It happens that the total number to achieve this month is quite a bit lower than usual, so it probably won't happen again! In order to finish, I do have to read several books I wouldn't have thought of, but they are all coming from the library.I have had a love/hate relationship with some challenges, starting out enthusiastically and quitting when I felt pressured or realized I was reading things I didn't even like. This one is mostly quite flexible, so that I can fit in things I was going to read anyway. And I like knowing there are people who read even more than I do!
I try to maximize points since I know I can't finish a challenge, so I start with the 30 pt tasks for the first half of the challenge. Then I focus on the 50 pt challenge and the 20 pt and 15 pt 1 book challenges. 25 pt ones are kind of hit and miss depending on what they are. I only use books that I have or can get from the library or that I already own on my Nook.Since we are close to the end of the current challenge, I went in to my planned reading for the next challenge and have requested books that are out and have holds so that I can get them in the first half of the challenge.
Mathematically speaking, the 20 pointers give you the most "bang for your book". (I didn't realize this until my 2nd season!) I think someone recommended that if you finish one book for a 25 or 30-point task, to do the 2nd part of it right away. I have rarely done that and it's not a problem. I have a spreadsheet that is color-coded to remind me which tasks are in progress and an "upcoming list" that includes any unfinished tasks. I belong to 2 local book groups and several GR groups and I often know what books we will be reading in the next month or two that will complete the task. As soon as the new tasks start coming out, I start a new spreadsheet with plans. That is one of the most fun parts! Although I regularly change my mind during the season before I have read or posted books, I try not to unclaim and reclaim tasks, as it is a pain. I think I have done it twice in 2 years.
Hey guys, I am almost sorted to begin posting for the challenge but I am just looking for some clarification on a few things I am confused on. 1, I am assuming you calculate your score by just adding together your book points, so if I complete 2 15 point challenges, a 10 and a 5 I would have 45 points? the section that shows figures like 5x10 + 50 confused the heck out of me (I am not great with numbers on any level). Also just clarifying do I have to use the book link for every single post regarding the book i have read or is it just for books that I have to make a goodreads profile for? Any clarification would be fantastic, thanks so much for everyones support so far
Emily wrote: "Hey guys, I am almost sorted to begin posting for the challenge but I am just looking for some clarification on a few things I am confused on. 1, I am assuming you calculate your score by just addi..."Hi Emily,
Each time you post a completed task, you must post the points for that task and your current total points for the challenge. Any book used for the task must be linked in order for the mods to verify it meets requirements.
You can look at how others post their points, generally like this:1st post of the challenge
Points this post: 15
Total points: 15
Next post -
Points this post: 15
Total points: 30
Then -
Points this post: 5
Total points:35
etc.
Each task must be a separate post with a running total to that point. You don't lump multiple books or totals in one post.
Some people wait and post a number of finished tasks at a time. But don't wait too long, in case you have to correct something or there's a GR problem. And it's easier for Mods if people don't post a lot at the last minute, for instance at the end of May.
You can link a book without adding it to your Goodreads profile or any of your lists.
I'm curious about something, so I thought I'd ask.This is my first season palying and I find myself reluctant to post my completed books for tasks before the remaining 20.0 and 25.0 tasks are posted.
Is this common? Is a new player thing, or just a person who over-thinks thing, lol?
Thanks!
Truitt_T wrote: "I'm curious about something, so I thought I'd ask.This is my first season palying and I find myself reluctant to post my completed books for tasks before the remaining 20.0 and 25.0 tasks are pos..."
From my own perspective, it's simply a matter of personal choice. I've seen many readers wait and do a bunch at once, eventually.
On the other hand... nothing is written in stone. If you go ahead and use a book for one of the currently posted tasks, there is a procedure that you can use to later unclaim that post and use the book on another task, etc.
Admittedly, as a first time participant, there's a lot of rules, etc. to absorb (mistakes very likely will be made!). So, it might be easier to wait if that feels better for you.
Just enjoy! There are 3 months to learn and re-do things if you change your mind.
Kathy KS wrote: "Truitt_T wrote: "I'm curious about something, so I thought I'd ask.This is my first season palying and I find myself reluctant to post my completed books for tasks before the remaining 20.0 and 2..."
Thank you! I apprecaite your response. I'm definitely overthing this, lol.
Mod
Most of the time I am pretty locked on where a book goes. Before a season starts i have a fold for challenge hopefuls to try and fit first. (however those hardly fit it) I am one to have a plan down to what I read in a month.
Nothing is ever locked in all the way. You will get your groove too, it takes a couple of season to really know your own way to work the challenge. Its meant to be fun and for me to grow me as a reader, get me out of my comfort zone. The most important thing is to have fun! Oh and read of course. :)
For some tasks, there are limited options, like a list to pull from or a specific item on the cover, so I try to plan something for them early on, even if I don't read it till later. Many are more open-ended. I belong to an in-person book group and several groups on GR that also have games or challenges. That influences what I read when. If I am able to make something work for multiple purposes, it is a thrill. It does reduce the waffling about what to read next from my too-large TBR. I juggle and change things all the time on my planning sheet. I try not to unclaim tasks, but I have done it.My first time, I just started at the top with the 5-point tasks and only later realized it made more sense to start with the larger point values. My big goal now is to get through one season without any mistakes, it hasn't happened in almost 3 years of doing this!
Thank you, Robin and JennRenee - it's fun reading how other people tackle the challenge. It's definitely going to be a learning experience, this first time around. :)
The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Seven Perfect Things (other topics)State of the Union (other topics)
All Fall Down (other topics)
Terminal City (other topics)
A Christmas Carol (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Catherine Ryan Hyde (other topics)Brad Thor (other topics)
Erica Spindler (other topics)
Linda Fairstein (other topics)
Charles Dickens (other topics)
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OMG - me too. My first "panic" moment was when I learned the library was closing for two weeks!