The Next Best Book Club discussion
Cynthia's Seasonal Challenges
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OFFICIAL WINTER CHALLENGE - 2008/2009
LIZ (NY)5 POINT TASKS
7. Read A Book Whose Title Starts With The Word Who, What, Where, When, Why Or How.
How Reading Changed my Life - by Anna Quindlen
Currently 10 pts.
Jeane -- Your copy of Sepulchre is over 700 pages? Mine is only 572!!Susanna -- Bless you! I just got Outlander from the library!! *footnote added...crap, my copy only has 627 pages! Dastardly!!!*
Thank you to everyone else for the suggestions!!! I think I found my choice, but I always leave it open until I actually read the book, and I don't have a prayer of getting a 700 pager done during the holidays with my job!!
I finished a 5 point task:8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday.
The Redbird Christmas A Novel by Fannie Flagg
4/29; 35/305
I need a book with a new author. Any ideas?
Ann - I'm reading a book called Gathering Storm (published Feb 08) by Rosie Dub who is a new author. The book starts off in England then moves to Australia. I've only read a few chapters and its good so far.
15 POINT TASK4. Read A Book And Read It's Sequel. Books should be read back to back. They can be any two books from a series (not necessarily book 1 & 2) but should be read in order i.e. book 3 then book 4 not book 5 then 8.
The City of Ember and People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau
Tasks Completed: 3
Total Points: 30
Ann, go to http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/ and you will loads of authors. I am reading The Outcast - Sadie Jones.
Finished my first 25 POINT TASK to finish a previously abandoned book:TOTAL TASKS COMPLETED: 4/33
TOTAL POINTS: 65
Sera I was hoping someone would laugh. I wasn't really planning on using it for that but I could not resist! I'm still a little bitter about being pregnant! love (and cherish) the results... hate the 9 months of HELL!
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 Book Thief - Markus Zusak - 5 pts
Total tasks completed - 3 / 33
Total Points - 25 / 375
I'm a bit annoyed because I read the Outsider only a few weeks ago and I really enjoyed it. Don't want to reread it though and there isn't another first timers novel that I've yet discovered that I fancy reading. Oh well i'm sure something will turn up.
Sarah, I'm 31 weeks pregnant with my first so I hear you :) With all the kids and pregnancies, I find it amazing that you have time to read!
Sarah I laughed at your comment too. I had 3 kids with in 6 years. Your's are way closer together but I know how you feel. Now they are teenagers and am so glad they are close together. :~)
Completed:10 Point Tasks
10. HP and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
25 Point Tasks
3. Read a book of at least 700 pages: HP and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Total Points Earned: 35 points
Next up: Read a romance novel: Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
lucky I don't like football as much as my husband. so I curl up with books when he watches games. that and I "read" alot in the car. Audio-books are the best for busy mommies.
4. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart or Heart in the Title. 10 pts Completed with:
Love is a Mix Tape - Rob Sheffield
New total: 25 pts
3/ 33 tasks
Liz (vegas)
5 POINT TASKS1. February Is African American History Month: Read A Book With A Main Character Who Is African American Or A Biography/Autobiography Of An African American.
2. February Is National Library Lovers Month...Visit Your Local Library And Either Check Out A Book Or For Those Who Have To Own - Buy One From A Library Sale And Read That Book. (Previously Purchased Books Don’t Count.)Just finished Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan which I borrowed from the library
3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Romance Novel. Finally read Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
4. It’s Winter: Read A Book Whose Title Contains a Winter Weather Word – i.e. Blizzard, Snow, Ice, Sleet, Icicle, Snowflake, Frost, Freeze, Slush, Flurry, Chill, Or Hail. Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
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. ReadThe Godmother by Carrie Adams
6. Read A Book By A New, First Time Author. (The author can have only one published book at the time you read it.)Tweak:Growing up on Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff
7. Read A Book Whose Title Starts With The Word Who, What, Where, When, Why Or How.
8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
9. Read A Mystery Novel.
10. The Oscars Are In February: Read a Book you’ve Already Seen the Film To.Read True Grit by Charles Portis
10 POINT TASKS
1. For Chinese New Year: Read a Book That Takes Place in China or Was Written By a Chinese Author.
2. For The Holiday Season: Read a Book with a Holiday Song in the Title.
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.
4. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart or Heart in the Title.
5. Many Great Authors Died In 2008: Read A Book By An Author Who Died This Year. http://www.fantasticfiction.co... Read Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
6. Read A Book That Takes Place In A Country That Is Part Of Your Ancestry Black Irish by Casey Sherman
7. Read A Book Where The Main Character Is Mentally Or Physically Handicapped.
8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word King, Queen, Princess, Prince, Duke, Or Duchess.
9. Read A Book With December, January, Or February In The Title.
10. Read A Book With A Title Containing The Name Of A Body Part (Eg. Hand, Nail, Finger, Toe, Etc).
15 POINT TASKS
1. For African American History Month: Read a Book about the Civil Rights Movement (Non-Fiction) or Takes Place during That Time Period (Fiction).
2. For Christmas: Read a Book with the word Santa, Elf, or the Name of Any of the Reindeer in the Title.
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.
4. Read A Book And Read It's Sequel. Books should be read back to back. They can be any two books from a series (not necessarily book 1 & 2) but should be read in order i.e. book 3 then book 4 not book 5 then 8. Read Dead Until Dark and Living Dead in Dallas books 1 & 2 of the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris
5. Read A Book Where One Of The Main Characters Has The Same Profession As You.
6. Read A Historical Fiction Book Featuring A
Famous Historic Personality Or A Biography Of A Historical Figure.
7. Read A Non-Fiction Book About A Religion Other
Than Your Own.
8. Read A Book That Relates To One Of Your New Year's Resolutions.
9. The Oscar’s are coming: Read a Book or Play Whose Movie Counterpart Was Nominated or That Won in the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay Category and Watch the Film. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A... Read Little Women and then watched the Katherine Hepburn version of the movie which won best adapted screenplay
10. In Honor Of Inauguration Day: Read A Book About Politics/Politicians (Fiction Or Non-Fiction).
25 POINT TASKS
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. http://www.listofcountriesofth...Read How Stella Got Her Groove Back which is set partially in Jamaica
2. Ann From S.C.'s Task - Read a book that you have started but never finished. Finally finished Stardust by Neil Gaiman
3. Lisa's Task - Read a book of at least 700 pages. Finally finished Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell My copy was 846 pages long.
Total as of 2/25/09-160pts
25 POINT TASKS 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.
F - I was thinking france
Suite Francaise - Irene nemirovsky
would this book be suitable? I think it's set in france in 1941, i'm not sure if the whole book is in france though??
I've finished two 5 point tasks2. Check a book out from a library
Odd Hours by Dean Koontz
8. Read a book whose title contains the word winter, etc
A Christmas Carol
Total: 10 points
I have a question about the task where we are to read a book where one of the main characters has the same profession as me. Can this be non-fiction? I want to read Soldier's Heart by Elizabeth Samet. Samet is a civilian literature professor at West Point. Samet's "experience offers insight into the value of literature and the nature of soldiering..." I can't wait to read it and hope it'll count for the challenge.
LEADER BOARD
OFMATT – 65
SUZIER - 50
CYNTHIA - 45
DARLA – 35
SERA - 35
KAREN – 30
SARENNA – 30
ALICE - 25
ANGELA - 25
FALLON – 25
LIZVEGAS - 25
MARSHA - 25
LISA (CO) - 20
LISA (NV) - 20
MELISSA - 20
ANGIE - 15
ANN FROM SC - 15
ELIZ - 15
FIONA – 15
JAIME (EIFFEL TOWER) - 15
JEANE - 15
LINDSEY - 15
SANDY - 15
ALYSSA - 10
HEATHER (ONE OF MANY) - 10
JEN – 10
JOANIE - 10
LIZ (NY) – 10
ANN - 5
ELIZABETH - 5
JAIME (25) - 5
KATHRYN – 5
KRISTINA - 5
LAURA - 5
LIZ (BROOKLYN) – 5
MELODY - 5
STEPHANIE - 5
I'm back - it was a great weekend - got to see some people I haven't seen in 4 years and hang out with my friends...and I got a lot of reading done but I did miss checking this site like a 1000 times a day...lol!!Everybody check the leaderboard make sure I got your points down (there were over 50 posts when I came back so I could have missed someone).
To answer some questions
Ann - yes you may read a non-fiction book for mentally ill/handicapped challenge.
Fiona - you may read the book about the local boy as long as it fits one of the tasks for this challenge.
Kristina - yes it doesn't matter when you read any of the challenges during the 3 month period - you'll earn the same amount of points if you do a christmas task in February that you would if you did it December. And as to the other question yes you may use a translation for the WWWWWH task.
Fallon - that book sounds fine author/country/name challenge
Heather - yes you can read non-fiction for the career task.
MY FINISHED TASKS
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
NEXT TASK
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
Tasks Completed: 6/29
Total Points Earned: 45/305
Cynthia, I am now on 15pts hun. I read A Christmas Carol (8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday) for 5pts and Harvesting the Heart (4. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart or Heart in the Title.) for 10pts.
I just finished Love walked in by Marisa de los santos for the For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart or Heart in the Title. I have 15 points so far and I'm currently reading White as snow by Janice A. Thompson for the challenge it's Winter: Read A Book Whose Title Contains a Winter Weather Word – i.e. Blizzard, Snow, Ice, Sleet, Icicle, Snowflake, Frost, Freeze, Slush, Flurry, Chill, Or Hail.
in 2 hours i will officially be done as a college student..so I can get some serious reading done!! :)Cynthia..would you count a book about anorexia/bulimia for the mentally ill/handicapped. Also for mystery..would The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel work? I was looking through a "mystery" list on here and that one came up.
Thanks for all your help Cynthia!!
5 POINT TASKS 1. February Is African American History Month: Read A Book With A Main Character Who Is African American Or A Biography/Autobiography Of An African American.
The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah-12/8
Up to 25 points
I finished one!!! yay! :)10 points- Read A Book That Takes Place In A Country That Is Part Of Your Ancestry
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver (i'm Native American so it does count!!)
total: 10 sweeet
Cynthia - I have a couple of questions....For 10 pt. task #4 (For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart or Heart in the Title.), could the word lover count?
For 15 pt. task #5 (Read A Book Where One Of The Main Characters Has The Same Profession As You.), can I read a book that just features a full-time parent (a dad) as a main character (I'm a stay-at-home-mom) or does it have to be gender specific (a mom)?
Jamie yes anorexia/bulimia counts for the mentally ill task - amazon has The Thirteenth Tale tagged as a mystery so sure you can use it. And congrats on finishing school!!Charity - lover would be fine, and so would the stay at home dad instead of mom.
Thanks, Cynthia! Great help, as usual. :-)
Yeah Jamie!!!Charity, what book would that be? I am also a SAHM, and I need a book. Thanks, Ann
Ann from S.C. wrote: "Yeah Jamie!!!Charity, what book would that be? I am also a SAHM, and I need a book. Thanks, Ann"
Not sure yet, but I believe one of the main characters in The Hours by Michael Cunningham is a SAHM.
I am off the mark yay! Just finished my first book:-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.
My Father's Wives by Jose Eduardo Agualusa
Set in Angola - A for Alice
Tasks: 1/33
Points: 25
5 point task completed.Read a book you've already seen the film to: Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Tasks completed so far= 2
(Above mentioned + Read a book w/any of the following in the title: God, Miracle, Angel...)
Total points so far= 15
Tasks completed:5 point tasks
7. How To Be Lost
8. A Christmas Carol
15 point tasks
5. Intensive Care: The Story of a Nurse
25 point tasks
1. Rainbow Diary
Total points: 50
Finally on the board - WOO HOO!Completed Tasks
8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday
*The Christmas Carol
Total Points: 5
For Christmas: Read a Book with the word Santa, Elf, or the Name of Any of the Reindeer in the Title.For 15 points just finished Santa Baby
2/25 tasks
20/375 points
190 points to go for my personal goal :~)
I’ve been intentionally avoiding this group for a long time because the group description made me nervous: “Joining this group is highly addictive. In a matter of weeks, your TBR list will be longer than you are tall, you will be wondering how the heck you walked into a bookstore for one little book, and walked out with two bags crammed full of new novels you never knew you wanted. Your bookshelves will be bursting at the seams and you wont remember what color the rug was as it will be buried under all the new purchases you have made!”I’ve managed to do all that by myself without joining the goup…plus, I’m sort of a lurker and am very sporadic about posting things in groups so I always feel guilty about joining the super active ones, but then I saw a link to this challenge on a book page for…well, I don’t remember which book it was now, but “OFFICIAL WINTER CHALLENGE” caught my eye and I clicked on it.
I did some counting and realized that attempting this challenge would force me to read sixteen (sixteen!) books that are, as we speak, collecting dust and cat hair on a shelf at home (one has been there for more than 10 years). So the rest is history. I’m in, I’m in, I’m in!!!
I'm not on the board yet but hope to be soon. Good luck everybody!
haha eth, enjoy and get completely addictive!
Beth, your post made me laugh because you sound just like me! :) I am forcing myself to read only books on my shelf for the challenge as well - and I decided to participate in the first place because it's good incentive to read them. The bigger challenge for me is not buying books to fit the challenge tasks I don't have a book for! :)Good luck!
I'm doing the same thing, trying to empty my bookshelves at home (to make room for new ones, of course).
Thanks for the welcome! And for everybody who’s also making some selections based on what’s already sitting at home, doesn’t it feel great to feel like you’re making some real progress on the TBR pile?!?
I know my husband will be pleased, since I seldom keep books after I’ve read them. Books leaving the house are always an event to be celebrated in his mind (because he’s the one who gets to haul the boxes of books up and down the stairs whenever we move)!
for 10 point part 7 could I read Still me by Christopher Reeve?
Hi Beth !! This is a great place, and the blurb you read is totally true! You'll love it here. Good luck with the challenge!
LEADER BOARD
OFMATT – 65
SUZIER - 50
CYNTHIA - 45
DARLA – 40
SARENNA – 35
SERA - 35
KAREN – 30
LINDSEY - 30
MARSHA - 30
STEPHANIE - 30
ALICE - 25
ANGELA - 25
ANGIE - 25
FALLON – 25
FIONA – 25
LIZVEGAS - 25
TIFFANY - 25
HEATHER (ONE OF MANY) - 20
LAURA - 20
LISA (CO) - 20
LISA (NV) - 20
MELISSA - 20
MELODY - 20
ALYSSA - 15
ANN FROM SC - 15
BNOIR - 15
ELIZ - 15
JAIME (EIFFEL TOWER) - 15
JEANE - 15
SANDY - 15
ELIZABETH - 10
JAIME (25) - 10
JEN – 10
JOANIE - 10
LIZ (NY) – 10
ANN - 5
BETH - 5
KATHRYN – 5
KRISTINA - 5
LIZ (BROOKLYN) – 5
Ros - yes Still Me would be fine for that challenge
The Next Best Book Club
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Read A Mystery Novel. THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield for 5 points. I don't know how I will start another book as I think I need to think about this one for a few days. It was absolutely amazing and I can't stop thinking about it.