The Next Best Book Club discussion
Cynthia's Seasonal Challenges
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OFFICIAL WINTER CHALLENGE - 2008/2009
I read The Accidental Duchess by Jessica Benson this weekend, and just finished A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas, so that's 20 more pts. I'm at 140.Next up will be Can You Trust a Tomato in January? by Vince Staten... heehee... It's about secrets of the supermarket. Should prove interesting, considering it was published in 1993... It looks amusing.
As soon as I get through A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle on audiobook (not for points), I'll start on 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke, who died last year.
Cynthia wrote: "Oh sorry that book is fine if you want to use it...but there are quite a few books out there about engineers.Here is just a few...
[b:The Size of the World A Novel|2148543|The Size of the World ..."
Pompeii is very good.
Yes, I also enjoyed Pompeii.
Cynthia, I'm having trouble coming up with a book for my profession. I'm a medical secretary, but would assume a book about a secretary would be sufficient. I was looking at The Body of Jonah Boyd as I believe the character Judith Denham is a secretary. I'm open to other suggestions however. Can you pull something out of that bag of tricks for me like you did for the engineer? :)
El - yes a book about any kind of secretary is fineHere are a few suggestions I came up with
Death Was the Other Woman A Novel
The Cairo Diary
Lucy
The Anxiety of Everyday Objects
Naked Brunch A howlingly funny novel of love run wild
Murder in the Museum of Man
The Thirteenth Tale-Diane Setterfield 1/19/09
New Total: 55pts @ 1/21 Jaime(25)
10 point:4: title w/Valentine's word: The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
8: title w/royality word: Teh Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman
total: 55 pts
I'm back after a few days away, which included a good chunk of reading.So, I'd like to claim for:
6. Read A Historical Fiction Book Featuring A Famous Historic Personality Or A Biography Of A Historical Figure. Burke & Hare Crime Archive 15 points
8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word King, Queen ... Queen Camilla 10 points
Question: Just picked up a nice book where the lead character is Chinese. (Not the author and it's set in the UK.) Any chance I can use it for this ?1. For Chinese New Year: Read a Book That Takes Place in China or Was Written By a Chinese Author.
(I'm assuming probably not, although I can use it for other categories instead.)
Eva - I enjoyed the book, but I wouldn't put it as one of my favorites. It was good enough to keep me interested to the end. It only took me 2 days to read (I work full time, so my hours for reading are somewhat limited). It's a quick read, I found it entertaining, which is more than I can say of a lot of the other books I've picked up (and put down) recently. UGH!
Andrew - you're right it doesn't fit the category.
I just finished Venti Jesus. Great read for witnessing without being pushy.that's 10 points
New total =95 points
Just finished: 15 point task:
5: The Wednesday Sisters: A Novel by Meg Waite Clayton
Wow! What a great book! And totally appropriate for me... It is about a group of stay at home moms who become friends and start writing. I loved it!
Previous Points: 100
Current Points: 115
Books Read: 13 (Tasks completed: 12)
Next Up:
5 point task:
10. The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
finished another task!for 10 points:
4. Read a book with Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart, or Heart in it.
PS I Love You, Cecelia Ahern
great story!
point total: 60
4. Dangerously In Love- Allison Hobbs
Total points- 140
I have another quick question- can we use the word 'bless' for this challenge? 3. For Christmas: Read a Book with Any of the Following in the Title: Angel, Miracle, God, Jesus, Shepherd, Manger, Wise Man, Mary, or Joseph.
Heaven's Harlots- Miriam Williams
I was planning on using 'heaven' and you okayed that but now I was wondering about 'bless'. :)
I finished reading Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart for 7. Read A Book Where The Main Character Is Mentally Or Physically Handicapped. 10 ptsTotal= 100 points. I'm currently reading Chocolate Beach by Julie Carobini
hmmm.. im not the boss, but i suspect 'bless' might be stretching it a bit for that one
Yeah, that's what I think too but I figured I may as well try it right? Someone did rain for a winter weather word which is what brought asking to mind but this might be more of a stretch. :)
I still have the other book (and who knows how many others I could use if I looked) so it's not that big of a deal.
I could be doing so much more but I'm reading about 1-2 books that can't be used in the challenge for every 1 book that can. That's actually why I'm trying to fit in what I can! :D
I don't know, bless goes with angel, miracle, God and Jesus pretty well. ??? :D I guess we'll soon see!
Total Points To Date: 100--Completed Tasks--
5 Pointers:
3. Read a Romance Novel.
12/18: Persuasion = +5 pts
5. Pull a book from a hat.
1/4: Solaris = +5 pts
10 Pointers:
7. Read a book where the main character has a mental or physical handicap.
1/18: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time +10 pts
4. Read a Book with Love, Romance, or Heart in the title.
1/21: Heart-Shaped Box: A Novel +10 pts
15 Pointers:
4. Read A Book And Read It's Sequel.
12/27: The Golden Compass & The Subtle Knife = +15 pts
6. Read A Historical Fiction Book Featuring A Famous Historic Personality...
1/2: Girl with a Pearl Earring = +15 pts
8. Read a book relating to one of your New Years resolutions.
1/17: Don't Eat This Book! Fast Food and the Supersizing of America + 15 pts
25 Pointers:
3. Read a book of at least 700 pages.
1/15: The Count of Monte Cristo = +25 pts
Tasks To Be Completed:
5 Point Tasks:
1. Read A Book With A Main Character Who Is African American...
- Beloved, Toni Morrison
7. Title Starts With Who, What, Where, When, Why...
- Where The Heart Is, Billie Letts
9. Read a mystery novel.
- Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil, John Berendt
10. Read a book that you've already seen the film to.
- Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton
10 Point Tasks:
3. Read a book with God, Angel, Miracle, etc in the title.
- American Gods, Neil Gaiman
5. Read a book by an author that died this year.
- The Andromeda Strain, Michael Crichton
8. Read a book with King, Queen, etc in the title.
- The Princess Bride, William Goldman
25 Point Tasks:
2. Read a book that you've started but never finished.
- The Runaway Jury, John Grisham
Goal: 155 total points.
Thanks Cynthia!Okay, so one more book question. I'm almost done with The Duchess by Amanda Foreman. Although the movie version is very much focused on Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire's marital/love life, the book's focus is really on her political life. She was an avid Whig supporter and a huge behind-the-scenes player; probably the most influential women in British politics in her time. I have learned way more about British politics of that period than I had wanted to. Therefore, I'm wondering if I can use it for 10: In Honor Of Inauguration Day: Read A Book About Politics/Politicians (Fiction Or Non-Fiction). The book would fit into other slots, but I've got other books that I want to use in those slots. It's at least worth a shot to ask!
25 Point Task:3. Lisa's Task - Read a book of at least 700 pages.
Brings me to 85 points.
I'm going to say no to bless for that challenge.Bonnie - if it's about politics it's fine by me.
Tally Update 21 Jan Newly completed :
Read A Book About Politics/Politicians Russia's Secret Rulers Leo TimoFeyev
Read So Far:
5 POINT TASKS
2.
4. Winter Weather Word Love in a Cold Climate Nancy Mitford
5. Read a book From Your TBR List, The Lovely Bones
7. Book Whose Title Starts With What. Etc What I Loved Siri Hustveldt
8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter etc - Closed for Winter Georgia Blain
10 POINT TASKS
Arghh I should get 50 pnts for that ordeal!
3. For Christmas: Book with God etc in title The God of Small Things
4. Book with the Word Love Love in the Time of Cholera Garcia Marquez
6.
8. Read Title Containing The Word Queen, Prince etc The Black PrinceIris Murdoch
9. Read A Book With December, January, Or February etc February Flowers Fan Wu
15 POINT TASKS
1.
3. Read a Book with the Word Chocolate Like Water for Chocolate
4. Book And It's Sequel.:
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Book 8
The Miracle at Speedy Motors No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Book 9
5. Read A Book Where One Of The Main Characters Has The Same Profession As You.
Family Village Tribe: The Story of Flight Centre Limited
6.
7.
8. New Year's Resolution (quit smoking) White Teeth
9.
25 POINT TASKS
3. 700pages. Nab End and Beyond: The Road to Nab End and Beyond Nab End William Woodruff
SCORE
Total @ 21/01/09 = 230Pts (Goal: 375)
20 Tasks complete (Goal: 33)
Total pages read 6173
10 point task: Dashing Through The Snow
Cynthia,I almost hate to ask this :) but I just have to ask.
You'd told someone that they could use blood for a body part. Was that exception made just for that person or does it apply to all?
Maria wrote: "finished another task!for 10 points:
4. Read a book with Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart, or Heart in it.
PS I Love You, Cecelia Ahern
great story!
point total: 60"
maria, did you see the movie? Based on the same story but different settings and so. Really good too!
25 points2. Ann From S.C.'s Task - Read a book that you have started but never finished.
Moby Dick
total 175 points
it felt more like a 40 points task, but finally after about five years and three attempts I did it!!!!!
i don't remember if this question has been asked but-can a first time author be someone who has written for a magazine but has only written one actual book?
Angie - im sure if Cynthia allowed 'blood' for someone else, although tenous - same would apply for all.Alyssa - I would imagine, we were talking first time published in the form of a book so that ought to be ok.
Do'nt want to tread on the bosses decisions but seems logical!
Jeane wrote: "25 points2. Ann From S.C.'s Task - Read a book that you have started but never finished.
[b:Moby Dick|2389|Moby Dick|Herman Melville|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1161......"
More power to you! This was one I was supposed to read in college and did it by reading a chapter of the book and then a chapter of Cliff Notes. I never really counted it as reading the whole book, but I feel like I got some of it. I have no real desire to ever read the whole thing!
LEADER BOARD
ROS – 375
EL - 310
DARLA – 270
ANGELA - 240
JON – 230
OFMATT – 215
LESLIE - 185
JEANE – 180
CYNTHIA - 175
HEATHER (ONE OF MANY) – 175
LIZ (BROOKLYN) – 175
KAREN – 170
LINDSEY – 170
BONNIE - 165
ANN FROM SC - 150
SERA - 150
ANGIE - 145
BETH – 145
EVA – 145
BIANCA - 140
SARA - 140
KRISTINA - 130
SARENNA – 130
ALICE - 125
BECKY - 125
LAURA - 125
LYNNLEE4 - 125
MELODY - 125
APRIL – 115
JAMIE (23) - 115
AMANDA - 110
ELIZABETH - 100
SANDY - 100
LEANNE - 95
JULIE – 90
MELISSA - 90
ROBIN – 90
SUZIER - 90
ANDREW (ACE) - 85
JEN – 85
MEGHAN - 85
ADRIENNE - 80
LIZ (VEGAS) - 80
MEL - 80
ALYSSA - 75
FALLON – 65
HEATHER (KS) - 65
JASMINE - 65
MARSHA - 65
MARIA - 60
CHRISTINA V - 55
FIONA – 55
HAYES – 55
JAMIE (25) - 55
JESSICA - 55
SARAH - 55
BNOIR - 50
JOANIE – 50
LISA (CO) - 50
POTJY - 50
TERRI - 50
TIFFANY – 50
ALYCIA - 45
STEPHANIE - 45
EMILEE – 40
FIONA (TWEETY) - 40
RHIANNON - 40
STELLA - 40
ASHLEY – 35
KATHRYN – 35
LIZ (NY) – 35
ELIZ - 30
JAMIE (MN) - 30
JULIE (TN) - 30
JUDITH – 30
ALLISON - 25
STEPHANIE (NV) - 25
LISA (NV) - 20
ANDREW - 15
GEMMA - 15
LORI - 15
MELISSA (UK) – 15
NICOLE - 15
LIZZY - 10
ROSEMARY - 10
ANN – 5
KT - 5
Mel wrote: "25 Point Task:3. Lisa's Task - Read a book of at least 700 pages.
I think I'm going to do The Sweet Far Thing also. My only two issues are (1) I don't remember what happens in the first two books, though I've read each of them twice, and (2) I heard it was... not the best. Did you like it?
*If I make a decision/exception about/to a challenge task for one person it does apply for everyone.*First published novel is what I'm looking for for the new author challenge so yes the person can have written for magazine's or journals or newspapers and still count.
*I try to limit exceptions or changes to tasks to things that won't change the real substance/purpose of the task itself. That's my only real guideline when I'm making decisions about requests.
5 Points:8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains Winter Holiday Word (Christmas, etc.): A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Wow, why have I never read that book before? Despite seeing the play and the Muppet Christmas Carol several times, the book was still touching and awesome. Dickens has a way with words and this is definitely his most accessible book I've read so far.
Total Points: 165
25 POINT TASKS1. Karen's Task - Read a book about / set in / or by an author of a country with a name that starts with the first letter of your name (first / middle / last). Example - If your name is John - you could read a book about Japan, set in Jamaica, or written by an author from Jordan. http://www.listofcountriesofth...
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Name: Angela/ Country: Afghanistan)-1/22
New Total: 240
I completed 15 point task #6. Read A Historical Fiction Book Featuring A Famous Historic Personality Or A Biography Of A Historical Figure.The Queen of Subtleties A Novel of Anne Boleyn - Suzanna Dunn
It's about Anne Boleyn & King Henry VIII
New total: 170
What's the definition of "new" in "new, first time author"? Just curious..........
The author can only have had one book published. I believe that is how Cynthia explained it.
Angela, did you like Kite Runner? I can't wait to read that one!
Elizabeth wrote: "Jeane wrote: "25 points2. Ann From S.C.'s Task - Read a book that you have started but never finished.
[b:Moby Dick|2389|Moby Dick|Herman Melville|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1161......"
I don't feel at all to start that book ever again. It would take me even more than this time!
Hve just finished Malcolm X's autobiography for 15 points for the task of reading a book about or set during the time of the civil rights movement.PREVIOUS COMPLETED TASKS:
5 POINTS
3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Romance Novel.
Mansfield Park by Jane Austin.
5. Pick 10 Books From Your TBR List, Put The Titles Pieces Of Paper, And Pick One Out Of A Basket Or A Hat Whatever You Can Find, And Then Read That Book.
The Road Home by Rose Tremain
8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter etc. Winter in Madrid by C. J. Sansom
10. The Oscars Are In February: Read a Book you’ve Already Seen the Film To.
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
10 Points
1. Read a book set in China: Peony in Love by Lisa See
15 Points
4. Read a book and it's sequel
Lost in a good book and the Well of lost plots by Jasper Fforde
3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Chocolate (Or Type of Chocolate or Other Candy) In The Title, Then Eat That Kind Of Chocolate Or Candy.
Crazy as Chocolate by Elisabeth Hyde
Also eaten a lot of Roses from the tin in the kitchen at work!
25 point:
1. Karen's Task - Read a book about / set in / or by an author of a country with a name that starts with the first letter of your name (first / middle / last). Example - If your name is John - you could read a book about Japan, set in Jamaica, or written by an author from Jordan.
My Father's Wives.
3. read a book which is longer than 700 pages. Sepulchre by Kate Mosse.
Points total: 125
Next task:
10 point task
7. Read a book where the main character is disabled either mentally or physically
Poppy Shakespeare by Clare Allan
5 Point Tasks2 – Library Book: Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
5 - The TBR basket: Kattens språk: förstå din katt - Helga Hofmann
6 - First time author: Geisha, A Life - Mineko Iwasaki
8 – Christmas in the title: The Christmas Mystery - Jostein Gaarder
10 Point Tasks
6 - The Ancestry Task: Åkes bok 2.0 - Kristina Lundgren
7 - Mentally Handicapped Character: Känn pulsen slå - Berny Pålsson
15 Point Tasks
4 – Read a book & it’s sequel: The Blood Spilt and The Black Path - Åsa Larsson
25 Point Tasks
1 - Karen's Task: Värmebölja - Viveca Lärn
2 - Read a book I started but didn't finish before: I Wish Someone Were Waiting for Me Somewhere - Anna Gavalda
3 - Book of at least 700 pages: The Aircastle that Blew Up - Stieg Larsson
Tasks Completed: 10/33
Points: 130/375
Kristina- was Geisha, A Life any good? I wasn't aware she was a first time author when she wrote that but I haven't done that challenge and I already have the book. I've read a couple others on geishas through the years and always liked them.
♡ Eva ♡ wrote: "Kristina- was Geisha, A Life any good?"I don't think it was very well written. It was an interesting story, but I didn't like the way it was written. It didn't pull me into the story of her life. It was worth reading if you're interested in the life of a geisha, but if you just want a good read, then it's a different story.
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10 POINTS - For Chinese New Year: Read a Book That Takes Place in China or Was Written By a Chinese Author. - The Kitchen God's Wife By Amy Tan
5 POINTS - Read A Mystery Novel. – The Good Thief's Guide to Paris By Chris Ewan
5 POINTS - Pick A Book Out Of A Hat - Elegance By Kathleen Tessaro
10 POINTS - Read A Book That Takes Place In A Country That Is Part Of Your Ancestry. England - The Undomestic Goddess By Sophie Kinsella
10 POINTS - Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word King, Queen, Princess, Prince, Duke, Or Duchess. – The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter, and the People Who Raised Them By Amy Dickinson
5 POINTS - Read A Book Whose Title Starts With The Word Who, What, Where, When, Why Or How. – Where or When By Anita Shreve
15 POINTS - Read A Book And Read its Sequel. - Scot On The Rocks: How I Survived My Ex-Boyfriend's Wedding With My Dignity Ever-So Slightly Intact & Jack With A Twist: Engaging Your Adversary And Other Things They Don't Teach You In Law School By Brenda Janowitz
5 POINTS - Library Book Challenge - Savannah Blues By Mary Kay Andrews
25 POINT TASK - Lisa's Task - Read a book of at least 700 pages. - The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers By Margaret George
5 POINT TASK - Read A Book By A New, First Time Author. – Dreams for Stones By Ann M. Warner
5 POINT TASK - For Valentine’s Day: Read a Romance Novel. – Romeo, Romeo By Robin Kaye
10 POINTS TASK - For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Or Heart in the Title. - My Old True Love By Sheila Kay Adams
15 POINT TASK - New Year's Resolution - Read More Non-Fiction. - The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment That Transformed Their Lives by Cheryl Jarvis
15 POINT TASK - Chocolate Valentine Book Task - Chocolate Beach by Julie Carobini and I ate Dark Chocolate M&M's
25 POINT TASK - Read A Book You've Never Finished. - PS, I Love You By Cecelia Ahern
10 POINTS - For Christmas: Read a Book with a Holiday Song in the Title. - Blue Christmas By Mary Kay Andrews
NEXT TASK
25 POINTS - Karen's Task:The Piano Teacher By Janice Y.K. Lee
Tasks Completed: 16/32
Total Points Earned: 175/360