2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion
ARCHIVE: Monthly Challenges
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The Start of Summer Challenge-June
I'm in for three.1. (5. Read a book that has an image of something related to summer on the cover (Examples-flowers, shorts, a boat, picnic –be creative!))
-butterflies. Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo2. (6. Read a book where the father is strict or overbearing OR a book where the character must break a rule to achieve their goals) My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George (I'm pretty sure the MC breaks some rules in this book...)
3. (7. read a book from the Listopia List-Best Summer Reads) 79. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray (pretty far down there but it still counts!!! haha)
I'll try for five. We'll see how it actually goes...
I'm going to try for dipping my toes in the water, 3-4 books. PROGRESS: 4/4
***** CHALLENGE COMPLETE 6/14 *****
1. Read a book that has "summer" in the title OR has a character with the name Summer
2. Read a book where the father risks it all to save his family OR a book where the main character must make a great sacrifice
3. Read a book set during the summer OR in the South OR someplace that’s hot
Rueful Death (China Bayles series #5), by Susan Wittig Albert, finished 6/7 – set in Texas
4. Read a book where the protagonist is a father or will become a father in the book.
Heroes for My Daughter, by Brad Meltzer, finished 6/13 - written by Meltzer for his daughter
5. Read a book that has an image of something related to summer on the cover
6. Read a book where the father is strict or overbearing OR a book where the character must break a rule to achieve their goals
7. The lazy days of summer are starting - Read a book on your tbr list that you’ve been too lazy to read OR read a book from the Listopia List-Best Summer Reads
Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death (Agatha Raisin series #7), by M.C. Beaton, finished 6/4 - on my TBR list forever!
8. Read a book where the father has a difficult or dangerous job OR a book where the character's job plays an important role in the plot.
Spring Fever, by Mary Kay Andrews, finished 6/10 - Annajane's job is essential to the story
I'd rather be walking on the beach, but I need to get on with my challenge, so the dolphins will do good too :). Here's what I've picked so far, but that might change during the month. I'm reading 7 or 8, depending how many matches I can find :).
Progress: 6/7-8
1. Read a book that has "summer" in the title
2. Read a book where the main character must make a great sacrifice
**** Kimberly Willis Holt - My Louisiana Sky, June 5
3. Read a book set (in the South OR) someplace that’s hot
**** Paul Torday - Salmon Fishing In The Yemen, Film Tie-In, June 16
4. Read a book where the protagonist is a father or will become a father in the book.
**** Gail Carriger - Timeless, June 11
5. Read a book that has an image of something related to summer on the cover
***** Ferenc Máté - A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover's Dream (Italian vineyard!!!), June 16
6. Read a book where the character must break a rule to achieve their goals
**** Gail Carriger - Blameless, June 3
7. Read a book from the Listopia List-Best Summer Reads
8. Read a book where the character's job plays an important role in the plot.
**** Michael Morpurgo - An Elephant In The Garden (mother is a zookeeper which is why they take care of an elephant in the first place. and they meet someone who's previous job is important), June 10
I'm going to participate. I'll have a goal of 4 but may read more if I find the right books.
I'm really looking forward to what you're all reading because I want to make a wishlist of summer reads for me. Feel free to fill it with lovely books ;). The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society has already made it; thank you Naynay ;).Participants
... thanks to Lilac for the amazing idea of using links ;) ...
Anna - ?
Barbara - ?
Cherie - ?
Sara - 2
Trevor - 3
Barb - 3-4
Erika - 3-4
Johanna - 3-4
Sharon - 4
Ashley
Kara - 5
SilverRaindrops - 7-8
Gina - 8
Naynay - 8
Shelly - 8
If you have any questions, or want to change anything, or want to join in after June 1st, just post a message here. It's never too late :). Have a nice June full of sun and good reads everyone :).
Do all books we count for June have to be in the categories #1-8?
Barbara, no. These challenges are just extra fun. You can join in if you want to, but your books will still count even if you don't. :)
I´ll try for "dipping toe into the water 3-4 books", the same amount I seem to alwaysgo for :) I do have a feeling that I might top it in June though!
Barbara wrote: "Do all books we count for June have to be in the categories #1-8?"The categories are just there for fun. So long as you enjoy your summer reads and they happen in June, everything is allowed.
You can also say you want to join and give no number of books, and then just look at what fits from your reads during June. Some books usually do :).
Edit: Welcome to the challenge, Johanna :).
I'm in. I don't know how many I'll get through but we'll see1. Read a book that has "summer" in the title OR has a character with the name Summer
2. Read a book where the father risks it all to save his family OR a book where the main character must make a great sacrifice (Example-Katnis in The Hunger Games sacrifices herself to the Games, in order to save her sister)
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi = 6/21/12
4. Read a book where the protagonist is a father or will become a father in the book.
5. Read a book that has an image of something related to summer on the cover (Examples-flowers, shorts, a boat, picnic –be creative!)
6. Read a book where the father is strict or overbearing OR a book where the character must break a rule to achieve their goals
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/11...
From the Listopia List: The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan = 6/9/12
Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me by Howie Mandel = 6/23/12
I'm gonna play it safe and go for dipping my toes into the water.
SilverRaindrops wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Do all books we count for June have to be in the categories #1-8?"The categories are just there for fun. So long as you enjoy your summer reads and they happen in June, everything..."
I already have 27 books on my summer reading list:) We'll see how much I deviate from the list.
Updated to here :), welcome everyone.Barbara, feel free to tell us about the reads that don't fit the categories as well. :).
Goal: Walking on the BeachThe Start of Summer Challenge
Duration: 6/1/12 - 6/30/12
2/2 Complete
1. Read a book that has "summer" in the title OR has a character with the name Summer
2. Read a book where the father risks it all to save his family OR a book where the main character must make a great sacrifice (Example-Katnis in The Hunger Games sacrifices herself to the Games, in order to save her sister)
3. Read a book set during the summer OR in the South OR someplace that’s hot
4. Read a book where the protagonist is a father or will become a father in the book.
5. Read a book that has an image of something related to summer on the cover (Examples-flowers, shorts, a boat, picnic –be creative!)
6. Read a book where the father is strict or overbearing OR a book where the character must break a rule to achieve their goals
7. The lazy days of summer are starting-read a book on your tbr list that you’ve been too lazy to read (for example, a difficult or large book) OR read a book from the Listopia List-Best Summer Reads
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/11...
8. Read a book where the father has a difficult or dangerous job OR a book where the character's job plays an important role in the plot.
Welcome to the challenge, Ashley :).--
On a sidenote, I've linked everyone who already has a list in my first post (message #12), so you can find your own lists easier. (Could you create a shortlink in the first message of the topic please, Sara?)
If you want to, you can stick to updating this message throughout the month, but still tell us a bit about what's new :).
Happy June everyone :).
I'm new and in!Gina's June Start of Summer Challenge
Duration 6/1/12-6/30/12
1/8 COMPLETE
The beginning of summer is marked by warm weather and Fathers Day. Let’s kick off summer with a new challenge!
1. Read a book that has "summer" in the title OR has a character with the name Summer
Summer Island by Kristin Hannah
2. Read a book where the father risks it all to save his family OR a book where the main character must make a great sacrifice (Example-Katnis in The Hunger Games sacrifices herself to the Games, in order to save her sister)
3. Read a book set during the summer OR in the South OR someplace that’s hot
Web Of Evil by J.A. Jance-Somewhere hot, Palm Springs, CA
4. Read a book where the protagonist is a father or will become a father in the book.
The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain
5. Read a book that has an image of something related to summer on the cover (Examples-flowers, shorts, a boat, picnic –be creative!)
Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky
-Beach on cover6. Read a book where the father is strict or overbearing OR a book where the character must break a rule to achieve their goals
Little Black Dress: A Novel by Susan McBride-Anna must break the rules of her family and break off her wedding to achieve her future according to what the dress showed her-FINISHED 6/4/12
7. The lazy days of summer are starting-read a book on your tbr list that you’ve been too lazy to read (for example, a difficult or large book) OR read a book from the Listopia List-Best Summer Reads
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/11...
8. Read a book where the father has a difficult or dangerous job OR a book where the character's job plays an important role in the plot.
The Good Father: A Novel by Noah Hawley
Might as well go all inThe Start of Summer Challenge
Duration: 6/1/12 - 6/30/12
5/8 Complete
1. Read a book that has "summer" in the title OR has a character with the name Summer
5. Read a book that has an image of something related to summer on the cover (Examples-flowers, shorts, a boat, picnic –be creative!)
7. The lazy days of summer are starting-read a book on your tbr list that you’ve been too lazy to read (for example, a difficult or large book) OR read a book from the Listopia List-Best Summer Reads
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/11...
Welcome to the challenge, Gina and Shelly. I've added you to the list of participants. Oh, and Gina - have fun with Summer Island, I've picked that as well :).
I am reading a book where the father has a difficult or dangerous job OR a book where the character's job plays an important role in the plot..
Cathy wrote: "I am reading a book where the father has a difficult or dangerous job OR a book where the character's job plays an important role in the plot.."That sounds like an interesting one Cathy.
Will you be reading other books for this challenge as well?
Cathy wrote: "I am reading a book where the father has a difficult or dangerous job OR a book where the character's job plays an important role in the plot.."Cathy, that is our group read for this month, so if you would like to discuss, we have a thread so you can! :) I finished it last night and was a little disappointed with it. It was still a good story though. :)
I completed The Good Father (6/2/12) for #2. Father sacrified losing his family to get money to save them.1/5 complete for the challenge. :)
Ashley wrote: "Cathy wrote: "I am reading a book where the father has a difficult or dangerous job OR a book where the character's job plays an important role in the plot.."Cathy, tha..."
Ashley: I am going to start with Walking on the Beach.
Gina wrote: "I'm new and in!Gina's June Start of Summer Challenge
Duration 6/1/12-6/30/12
0/8 COMPLETE
The beginning of summer is marked by warm weather and Fathers Day. Let’s kick off summer with a new chal..."
I'm going to read Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
It is set in a place that is hot.
Oh my, you're all quick. I'm going to have to make a new list ;).Anna - ?
Barbara - ?
Cathy - ?
Cherie - ?
Sara - 2 / 2 Finished!
Trevor - 3
Barb - 3 / 4
Johanna - 1 / 3-4
Erika - 2 / 4
Sharon - 4
Ashley 2 / 5
Kara - 2 / 5
SilverRaindrops - 4 / 7-8
Gina - 5 / 8
Naynay - 8
Shelly - 8
Updated until June 11.
Barbara wrote: "I'm going to read Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity.
It is set in a place that is hot. "
Barbara, thanks for mentioning that book. It has jumped onto my wishlist. :) Do tell us what you think after you're finished.
I completed #5 with The Language of Flowers. Flowers on the cover - 6/7/12.Makes me 2/5 complete for this challenge. :)
Ashley wrote: "I completed #5 with The Language of Flowers. Flowers on the cover - 6/7/12.Makes me 2/5 complete for this challenge. :)"
Well done Ashley :). How was it? I've always shied away from it because I feared it might be a bit cheesy.
I hope you've all had a nice sunny weekend and maybe even got some reading done while being outside. :)I now have four books for this challenge. And will stop bragging immediately ;).
Updating my books!!I'm new and in!
Gina's June Start of Summer Challenge
Duration 6/1/12-6/30/12
5/8 COMPLETE
The beginning of summer is marked by warm weather and Fathers Day. Let’s kick off summer with a new challenge!
1. Read a book that has "summer" in the title OR has a character with the name Summer
Summer Island by Kristin Hannah-FINISHED 6/8/12
2. Read a book where the father risks it all to save his family OR a book where the main character must make a great sacrifice (Example-Katnis in The Hunger Games sacrifices herself to the Games, in order to save her sister)
One Breath Away by Heather Gudenkauf-Augie sacrifices her safety by staying in the school w/ a gunman to find and save her brother- FINISHED 6/6/12
3. Read a book set during the summer OR in the South OR someplace that’s hot
C is for Corpse by Sue GraftonSomewhere hot, Santa Therese, CA- FINISHED 6/8/12
4. Read a book where the protagonist is a father or will become a father in the book.
The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain
5. Read a book that has an image of something related to summer on the cover (Examples-flowers, shorts, a boat, picnic –be creative!)
Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky
-Beach on cover6. Read a book where the father is strict or overbearing OR a book where the character must break a rule to achieve their goals
Little Black Dress: A Novel by Susan McBride-Anna must break the rules of her family and break off her wedding to achieve her future according to what the dress showed her-FINISHED 6/4/12
7. The lazy days of summer are starting-read a book on your tbr list that you’ve been too lazy to read (for example, a difficult or large book) OR read a book from the Listopia List-Best Summer Reads
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/11...
8. Read a book where the father has a difficult or dangerous job OR a book where the character's job plays an important role in the plot.
The Good Father: A Novel by Noah HawleyThe father is a doctor and is trying to figure out his son's actions using medical diagnostics. The bulk of the book is the father trying to "diagnose" his son. -FINISHED 6/6/12
Good going Gina. How was "Summer Island"? I haven't started it yet.I'll get you and Erika updated. And myself, because I forgot myself...
Updating my progress:
PROGRESS: 3/4
1. Read a book that has "summer" in the title OR has a character with the name Summer
2. Read a book where the father risks it all to save his family OR a book where the main character must make a great sacrifice
3. Read a book set during the summer OR in the South OR someplace that’s hot
Rueful Death (China Bayles series #5), by Susan Wittig Albert, finished 6/7 – set in Texas
4. Read a book where the protagonist is a father or will become a father in the book.
5. Read a book that has an image of something related to summer on the cover
6. Read a book where the father is strict or overbearing OR a book where the character must break a rule to achieve their goals
7. The lazy days of summer are starting - Read a book on your tbr list that you’ve been too lazy to read OR read a book from the Listopia List-Best Summer Reads
Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death (Agatha Raisin series #7), by M.C. Beaton, finished 6/4 - on my TBR list forever!
8. Read a book where the father has a difficult or dangerous job OR a book where the character's job plays an important role in the plot.
Spring Fever, by Mary Kay Andrews, finished 6/10 - Annajane's job is essential to the story
Got you updated as well, Barb. The Agatha Raisin cover looks funny :).
So far, I have two!3: The Sea of Monsters, *** (takes place in the summer)
8: In Cold Blood, **** (this is a true crime novel, so most of the characters' jobs play a big part of the plot)
Kara wrote: "So far, I have two!3: The Sea of Monsters, *** (takes place in the summer)
8: In Cold Blood, **** (this is a true crime novel, so most of the characters' jobs play a big part of the plot)"
Good going Kara. And congratulations on finishing "The Sea of Monsters", I gave it up.
walking on the beach: 1/21.Listopia List-Best Summer Reads list: Jane Eyre
2.Summer in the title: Forever Summer 6/18/12
I'm hoping I can still join this challenge and do some crossing over :)I'll be "Dipping My Toe in the Water"
I have finished Blue Bistro by Elin Hillderbrand which was a great book btw. #1 The book took place in the Summer.
So I am 1/3.
Now I'm reading Angel Falls by Kristin Hannah. #2 Father makes a great sacrafice as wife is in a coma.
After that I want to read The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand. #5 Image on the front is related to summer (guy & gal on the beach).
Sara wrote: "4. Read a book where the protagonist is a father or will become a father in the book."Sara, I'm currently reading Heroes for My Daughter, by Brad Meltzer. It's a non-fiction book that he wrote for his daughter. Would this work for task #4? If not, I'll find something else, thanks :)
Barb wrote: "Sara wrote: "4. Read a book where the protagonist is a father or will become a father in the book."Sara, I'm currently reading Heroes for My Daughter, by Brad Meltzer. It's a non-fiction book tha..."
Barb, nonfiction is quite alright, and that one sounds really great. Hope you enjoy it!
Nice reading list, Lorelei. Lots of Kristin Hannah in this challenge :). And Anna, good luck with Jane Eyre. Will you watch one of the TV mini series or movies too?
Have fun, both of you. This is the new list for you :).
Cathy - ?
Barbara - 1 / ?
Anna - 2
Cherie - ?
Sara - 2 / 2 Finished!
Lorelei - 1 / 3
Trevor - 3
Johanna - 2 / 3-4
Barb - 4 / 4 Finished!
Erika - 2 / 4
Sharon - 4
Ashley 2 / 5
Kara - 2 / 5
SilverRaindrops - 6 / 7-8
Gina - 5 / 8
Naynay - 8 / 8 Finished!
Shelly - 8
(List last updated: June 17)
SilverRaindrops wrote: "Barb wrote: "Sara wrote: "4. Read a book where the protagonist is a father or will become a father in the book."I'm currently reading Heroes for My Daughter, by Brad Meltzer. It's a non-fiction book that he wrote for his daughter. Would this work for task #4?"
Barb, nonfiction is quite alright, and that one sounds really great. Hope you enjoy it! "
Thanks so much, Silver :)
Lorelei wrote: "Thanks for adding my name Silver.":). You're welcome Lorelei.
The more the merrier :).
I know I *could read more for this challenge, but I have other challenges that end this month that I need to focus on, so I'm calling this one done!***** CHALLENGE COMPLETE 6/14 *****
3. Read a book set during the summer OR in the South OR someplace that’s hot
Rueful Death (China Bayles series #5), by Susan Wittig Albert, finished 6/7 – set in Texas
4. Read a book where the protagonist is a father or will become a father in the book.
Heroes for My Daughter, by Brad Meltzer, finished 6/13 - written by Meltzer for his daughter
7. The lazy days of summer are starting - Read a book on your tbr list that you’ve been too lazy to read OR read a book from the Listopia List-Best Summer Reads
Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death (Agatha Raisin series #7), by M.C. Beaton, finished 6/4 - on my TBR list forever!
8. Read a book where the father has a difficult or dangerous job OR a book where the character's job plays an important role in the plot.
Spring Fever, by Mary Kay Andrews, finished 6/10 - Annajane's job is essential to the story
Barb wrote: "I know I *could read more for this challenge, but I have other challenges that end this month that I need to focus on, so I'm calling this one done!Congrats Barb :). Well done!
And good luck to everyone elese on making their goals. No need to panic. Still half a month to go.
2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Lover's Dictionary (other topics)Ship Breaker (other topics)
Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me (other topics)
That Summer (other topics)
The Good Father (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
David Levithan (other topics)Paolo Bacigalupi (other topics)
Howie Mandel (other topics)
Andre Dubus III (other topics)
Heather Gudenkauf (other topics)
More...
The Start of Summer Challenge
♥♥♥♥♥
Duration: June 1 - June 30
8/8
1. Read a book that has "summer" in the title.
The Perfect Summer: England 1911, Just Before the Storm by Juliet Nicolson06/14/12 ♥♥♥♥2. Read a book where the father risks it all to save his family OR a book where the main character must make a great sacrifice.
By Royal Decree by Kate Emerson06/05/123. Read a book set someplace that’s hot.
Spider Bones by Kathy Reichs06/03/12 ♥♥4. Read a book where the protagonist is a father or will become a father in the book.
Daughter of Joy by Kathleen Morgan06/08/12 ♥♥♥♥5. Read a book that has an image of something related to summer on the cover.
Gallagher's Pride by M.K. McClintock06/05/12 ♥♥♥♥6. Read a book where the father is strict or overbearing OR a book where the character must break a rule to achieve their goals.
Between Two Queens by Kate Emerson06/02/12 ♥♥♥♥7. Read a book from the Listopia List-Best Summer Reads>
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins06/07/12 ♥♥♥♥8. Read a book where the father has a difficult or dangerous job OR a book where the character's job plays an important role in the plot.
The Other Tudors by Philippa Jones06/01/12 ♥♥♥