The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
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SUMMER CHALLENGE 2015
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Summer Challenge 2015: Completed Tasks (DO NOT DELETE POSTS)

Option 2: Read a book with an author whose first name is Mary, Kathleen, or Donna OR choose an author whose last name begins with the letter A, or L, or O.
Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void: Author's first name is Mary (Mary Roach).
Option 3: Read a book with the title written in solid red OR white OR blue lettering.

Mary Roach is a Goodreads Author
Points this Post: 30
Total Points to date: 150
GRA this post: 2
Total GRA to date: 6
BB Tickets this post: 0
Total BB Tickets to date: 1 (500+)

30.3 - Donna Jo's task: Going My Way?
Option 2: From a Distance by Tamera Alexander.
**Tamera Alexander is a Goodreads Author**
Option 3: Kill You Twice by Chelsea Cain.
**Chelsea Cain is a Goodreads Author**
Points this post: 30
Total points: 480
Goodreads Authors: 26

***Repost from previous post***
30.3 - Donna Jo's task: Going My Way?
Option 2: From a Distance by Tamera Alexander.
**Tamera Alexander is a Goodreads Author**
Option 3:

**Chelsea Cain is a Goodreads Author**
Points this post: 30
Total points: 480
Goodreads Authors: 26

20.4 - Author! Author! - Julie De’s task: Happy Birthday!
Fantasy genre on the main page (69 users)
Head Rush by Carolyn Crane*
Confirmed in post #30 of the task help thread
*Goodreads Author
~~~~~~~~~~
Points This Post: 20
Total Points: 420/1085
Total Books Read: 30
Tasks Completed: 22/61
Goodreads Authors: 26
Big Books: 0

1) The Scottish lochs are a magical place to me, I go every year for a short holiday by a loch, usually in winter - snow capped mountains, frosty trees and frozen lochs - beautiful!
This book is set in a country house by a loch in Scotland:
The White Lie by Andrea Gillies ***Goodreads Author***
2) This book takes place on Guy Fawkes Night which is one of the examples suggested in the task:
Gunpowder Plot by Carola Dunn
Total points 75

Option 3:...read a book with a single girl/woman on the cover.

Option 5:...read a book with a counting NUMBER found in the TITLE.
The One by Kiera Cass
**Kiera Cass is a Goodreads Author**
POINTS:
This Post: 25
Total Points: 160
Books Read: 12
Goodreads Authors: 8

Option 3: Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
*** Meg Cabot is a Goodreads Author ***
Total points: 35
Total GRA: 2

20.9 - Moderator's Pet - Wayne's task: It's Stampede Time!
For option 2 I read De zwarte tulp by Alexandre Dumas. The author's initials can be found in the word STAMPEDE PARADE.

Option 1: In the Sanctuary of Outcasts by Neil White
Option 3: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (first published 1813)

I read Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson - science fiction on main page genres
Claiming a GRA ticket for Neal Stephenson and 3 Big Book tickets for Cryptonomicon at 1139 pages.
20.5 Dragon Kings
I chose option 4 and read Winger by Andrew Smith - author's initials AS in EAST.
New Total: 260

25.7 Drug of Choice
Book 1 – The Dragon
I chose this book because when I was a child we had two copies of it. I read it so many times that I noticed that the two copies were slightly different versions.
Eight Cousins
IL: MG - BL: 8.2 - AR Pts: 13.0
Book 2 – Honouring your dealer
My entire family encouraged my reading and I still get books recommended to me by my parents, husband and children, so I read a book about a family.
The Namesake
This post 25 points
Total to date 620 points

Option 1, a book set in NYC: The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress by Ariel Lawhon
another source verifying the NYC setting
Option 5, art genre: I Always Loved You: A Novel by Robin Oliveira
Points this post: 25
Total points: 590

Book 1: Read a book, the title/subtitle of which contains a word of at least 4 letters from the title of one of these songs . Words must match exactly - no variations.
Song Title: My Girl (Temptations)
The Other Boleyn Girl has the word "Girl" on its title
661 pages
Philippa Gregory is a Goodreads Author
The Other Boleyn Girl is a Big Book (661 pages); claiming 1 BB Ticket
Book 2: Read a book whose author has the same initials as one of these Motown artists. The author's middle initial may be disregarded.
Motown Artist: Martha Reeves
Gilead is written by Marilynne Robinson with the same initials (MR)
247 pages
Total combined pages of both books 908.
Points this Post: 30
Total Points to date: 180
GRA this post: 1
Total GRA to date: 7
BB Tickets this post: 1 (500+)
Total BB Tickets to date: 2 (500+)

10.1 Summer Reading
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
*on SF public library list
15.5 Witch Hunt
The Line by J.D. Horn (goodreads author)
*paranormal on main page
15.7 Birth of a Nation
The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley (goodreads author)
*set at least 50% in Russia
Above tasks: 40 points
# tasks submitted to date: 18
GRA: 15
New total points: 305

25.3 - Andy P's task: Straight Letter, Crooked Letter - This is a TWO book task. You must choose one Book 1 option and one Book 2 option.
Book 1 - Read a book written by an author whose initials are ALL "Straight" (including middle initials, if used). Repeated initials are NOT allowed.
The Likeness by Tana French
Book 2 - Read a book whose author's initials are all "Crooked". As above, no repeating letters can be used.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Points this task: 25
Total points: 755
Books read: 55
Tasks completed: 38

25.11 Summer in the City
Option 4 Restaurants: - book set in India
A Christmas Garland
Option 5 Arts/Entertainment – book with genre 'art'
Life Class
This post 25 points
Total to date 645 points

10.10 Haiku!
Title consisting of 5 or 7 words. Subtitles can be used or ignored--5 words:If You Could Be Mine

20.5 - Bigger is Better – Camilla’s task: Dragon Kings
Option 4 book by an author whose initials can be found in one of the cardinal directions--EaSt:Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber

25.3 Andy P's task: Straight Letter, Crooked Letter
Option 1 every word in the title (AND subtitle, if applicable) begins with a "Straight" letter--H T L: How to Love
Option 2 author's initials are all "Crooked" letters C J B:The Bully in the Book and in the Classroom by C.J. Bott


Points Earned This Post:55
Points Achieved to Date: 280/1085
Goodreads Authors: 11
Big Book Tickets:
500+ (0)
750+ (0)
1000+ (0)

15.5 - Witch Hunt
Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix A GRA. Paranormal is listed as a main page genre
20.6 - Seasoned Reader - BriKie's task: It Was Ability that Mattered, Not Disability
Option 3: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green A GRA. it it 10th on the Stories about Individuals with Disabilities list.
Points This Post: 35
GR Authors This Post:2
Total Points: 735
Total GR Authors: 38
Books Read:54
Big Book Tickets: 2

Swapping 5.2 - Bishamonten
Finding Me: A Decade of Darkness, a Life Reclaimed: A Memoir of the Cleveland Kidnappings by Michelle Knight
Will use Columbine later.
Points This Post: 0
GR Authors This Post:-1
Total Points: 735
Total GR Authors: 37 (New book isnt by a GRA)
Books Read:53
Big Book Tickets: 2

Pierwsza na liście Magdalena Witkiewicz , option 1 , straight letters M W
Three Daughters Consuelo Saah Baehr , option 2, crooked letters C B
Task points 25
Total points 255


5.4 - Ebisu

-all letters of 'fish' present
5.10 - May the Gods Be Ever in Your Favor

10.3- Ghost stories around the campfire.

10.10 - Haiku!

15.3 - Now Appearing
Both Book1 and2:

- First name same as 74.William Fichtner
-imdb
15.5 - Witch Hunt

15.9 - Take a Ride

20.1 - Most Improved Player - Mary P's task: Summer is for Relaxing
Option 1:

20.3 - Best Review - Meghanly's task: ACRONYMS

-the title spells TUG.
20.5 - Bigger is Better – Camilla’s task: Dragon Kings
Option 1:

20.7 - Shorter is Sweeter - Ana's task: Summer Celebrations
Option 1:

20.9 - Moderator's Pet - Wayne's task: It's Stampede Time!
Option 2:

25.3 - Andy P's task: Straight Letter, Crooked Letter
Book 1:

-Title consists of all straight letters
Book 2:

-Author name has crooked initials
30.3 - Donna Jo's task: Going My Way?
Option 2:

Option 3:

30.6 - Sandy's task: Dancing in the Streets
Book 1:

-the word 'Girl' is in the song title 'My Girl'.
Book 2:

-James Rollins=Jimmy Ruffin
_________________________________
Points in this post:265
Total Points:265

5.5 - Fukurokuju
Read a book with the genre "Books About Books" listed as a main page genre.
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
20.8 - Nickels & Dimes - Mhairi's task: UNESCO Cities
Option 1: Read a book set at least 50% in, or by an author born in, a UNESCO City of Literature.
P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
Author born in Dublin, Ireland
POINTS
This Post: 25
Total Points: 315
Books Read: 25
Completed Tasks: 22

20.5 Bigger is Better: Camilla’s task: Dragon Kings
During the summer I love spending time near the water, either by a lake or a sea. Because of this, I chose the theme of Dragon Kings for this task. State which option you chose when you post.
Option 1: Bodies of water: Read a book that shows a body of water on the cover.

Shows the sea, complete with boat.
Points this Task: 20
Books Read: 1
Tasks Completed: 23
Points So Far: 440
Total GRAs: 15
Total Big Books: (500+) 3
10.10 - Haiku!
I read The Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow. Five words in title.
25.5 - Bluemoon's task: Summer Fun
For my first book, I chose option A and read A Dark and Twisted Tide - from my favorite source of free books, my local public library.
For my second book, I chose option C and read Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson. Author initials, EL, are found in famiLy gathEring.
30.6 - Sandy's task: Dancing in the Streets
For my first book, I read Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door 2015: The Travel Skills Handbook. Contains the word "Through," matching "I Heard it Through the Grapevine." 792 pages.
For my second book,, I read Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant. Author's initials, MG, match Marvin Gaye. 128 pages.
Neither book has the childrens genre, and the page total is 920.
Points this post: 65
Total points: 935
I read The Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow. Five words in title.
25.5 - Bluemoon's task: Summer Fun
For my first book, I chose option A and read A Dark and Twisted Tide - from my favorite source of free books, my local public library.
For my second book, I chose option C and read Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson. Author initials, EL, are found in famiLy gathEring.
30.6 - Sandy's task: Dancing in the Streets
For my first book, I read Rick Steves Europe Through the Back Door 2015: The Travel Skills Handbook. Contains the word "Through," matching "I Heard it Through the Grapevine." 792 pages.
For my second book,, I read Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant. Author's initials, MG, match Marvin Gaye. 128 pages.
Neither book has the childrens genre, and the page total is 920.
Points this post: 65
Total points: 935

15.1 - Yin & Yang:
Book 1: White cover -

Book 2: Black cover -

Points this post: 15
GRA this post: 1
Total points this challenge: 90
Total GRA: 8

Task 25.10 Sirena's Task: My Mom Is the Best
Option 1: Read a book by an author born under the sign of Leo.
Swann's Lake of Despair - Charles Salzberg born 8/2/46 -- Goodreads Author
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charl...
Option 2: Read a book set in at least 50% in Wyoming.
Almost a Bride - Patricia McLinn -- Goodreads Author
Points for this task: 25
GRA tickets: 2

Read two books
Book 1 / Option 2 – Family Reunion: Author's initials in REUNION
The Cat by Edeet Ravel
Book 2 / Option 3 – Vacation: Setting on Cruise ship - my planned vacation for 2016
Princess Charming by Jane Heller
Goodreads Author: Jane Heller
Totals for Challenge
Points this Post: 30
Total Points: 485
Goodreads Authors: (14)
Big Books - 500+: 5 (5)
Big Books - 750+: 2 (4)
Big Books - 1000+: 0
Big Books - Total tickets: (9)

Read TWO books in the same series. Each book must be indicated as part of the same series in parentheses after the book's title - Book Title (Series, #).
Pardonable Lies (Maisie Dobbs #3)
by Jacqueline Winspear (Goodreads Author)
Messenger of Truth (Maisie Dobbs #4)
by Jacqueline Winspear (Goodreads Author)
Points This Post: 25
GR Authors This Post:2
Total Points:245
Total GR Authors: 12
Books Read: 17
Challenges Posted: 11

A haiku is a Japanese poem with 17 syllables in 3 lines - 5-7-5. Read a book with a title consisting of 5 or 7 words. Subtitles can be used or ignored.
The title of The Girl on the Train
by Paula Hawkins (Goodreads Author) consists of 5 words.
Points This Post: 10
GR Authors This Post:1
Total Points:255
Total GR Authors: 13
Books Read: 18
Challenges Posted: 12

Read a book of your choice
Joyride by Anna Banks.
##### Anna Banks is a Goodreads Author####
20.5 Dragon Kings
Option 4: Read a book by author whose initials are found in the cardinal directions
Born in Shame by Nora Roberts. N and R are found in NORTH.
25.4 Science and Writing
Task 1: Read a nonfiction book with engineering or science as main page genre or with main protagonist as scientist or engineer.
How to Tell Toledo from the Night Sky by Lydia Netzer. The two main protagonists - Irene and George - are cosmologists and astronomers.
#### Lydia Netzer is a Goodreads Author ####
Task 2: Read a nonfiction book about writing, or a book with an author as the main protagonist.
West of Sunset by Stewart O'Nan. The book fictionalizes the last few years of F.Scott Fitzgerald, who is an author.
#### Stewart O'Nan is a Goodreads Author ####
25.5 Summer Fun
Option A: read a book you got for free
The Bees by Laline Paull. I got this book for free from my local library.
#### Laline Paull is a Goodreads Author ####
Option C: Author initials found in FAMILY GATHERING
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. E and I are found in the word GATHERING.
#### Eowyn Ivey is a Goodreads Author ####
30.1 Schatzie's Task: American Independence Day
Task 1: Read a book with American History as main page genre
Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell. Book has History > American History (84 users) on main page. [270 pages]
Task 2: Read a book with one four letter word in title
Feed by Mira Grant. [599 pages]
**** Feed has > 500 pages, and qualifies for a Big Book Ticket****
Total Page Count: 270 + 599 = 869 pages, which is more than 704.
IN POST:
Points: 5+20+25+25+30 = 105
Goodreads Author: 5
Big Book Ticket: 1
TOTAL SO FAR:
Points: 650 + 105 = 755
Goodreads Authors: 20 + 5 = 25
Big Book Ticket: 3 + 1 = 4

5.5 - Fukurokuju
Genre "books about books"
The Uncommon Reader
***********
THIS POST:
Tasks Completed: 1
Books Read: 1
Goodreads Authors: 0
Big Book Tickets: 0
Points: 5
TOTALS:
Tasks Completed: 10
Books Read: 11
Goodreads Authors: 2
Big Book Tickets: 1
Points: 110

30.3 - Donna Jo's task: Going My Way?
Option 2: From a Distance by Tamera Alexander.
**Tamera Alexander is a Goodreads Author**
Option 3:

**Chelsea Cain is a Goodreads Author**
Points this post: 30
Total points: 480
Goodreads Authors: 26

5.4 - Ebisu
Book: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
Notes: LUCK in title.
20.1 - Most Improved Player - Mary P's task: Summer is for Relaxing
Book: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Notes: 1) One of the ten oldest books on my to-read shelf.
This Post: 25
Points to Date: 750

Task 15.1 - Yin & Yang
read a book with a white cover
Seduced by Sunday by Catherine Bybee
read a book with a black cover
I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett
IL: UY
=======
points this post: 15
total points = 790

25.13 - Morgan Faeriesfolly’s task: It’s not Usagi
Option 3: Single girl/woman on the cover.
Mind Games by Carolyn Crane*

Option 5: Number in the title
The Untamed One by Ronda Thompson
*Goodreads Author
~~~~~~~~~~
Points This Post: 25
Total Points: 445/1085
Total Books Read: 32
Tasks Completed: 24/61
Goodreads Authors: 27
Big Books: 0

5.1 Benzaiten
REQUIRED: Read a book that features a main character who is a librarian (currently or retired). This occupation should be apparent from the book's description or from its reviews on Goodreads.
Selection: Evil Librarian -- Michelle Knudsen **GRA**
Michelle Knudsen is a **GRA**
30.6 Sandy's task: Dancing in the Streets
REQUIRED: Read a book, the title/subtitle of which contains a word of at least 4 letters from the title of one of these songs . Words must match exactly - no variations.
8. Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell)
Selection: Flying Too High
Flying Too High (Phryne Fisher #3) -- Kerry Greenwood
REQUIRED: Read a book whose author has the same initials as one of these Motown artists. The author's middle initial may be disregarded.
Stevie Wonder
Selection: Blue Noon (Midnighters #3) -- Scott Westerfeld
Scott Westerfeld is a **GRA**
156 + 378 = 534 pages (> 500)
[POINTS]
This Post: 5 + 30 = 35
Total Points: 1010/1085
Books Read: 79
Completed Tasks: 58/61
Pages Read: 23433
Goodreads Authors: 47
Big Books: [500+: 4] [750+: 1] [1000+: 0]

25.3 Straight Letter, Crooked Letter
Books Title with all straight letters:
First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen
Book Title with all crooked letters:
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Sarah Addison Allen is a GR author
30.5 Good Old Summer Time
Option 1: Title and subtitle contains all the letters in SAUNA
Visiting Hours: A Memoir of Friendship and Murder
by Amy E. Butcher
Option 3-book published before 1956 and genre of classic
The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit bySloan Wilson
Points: 55
Goodreads Authors: 2
Big Book Tickets: 0
____________________________
CUMULATIVE TOTAL
Total Points: 355
Total Goodreads Authors: 12
Total Big Book Tickets: 0
Big Books - 500+: 0
Big Books - 750+: 0
Big Books - 1000+: 0

Task # 20.5 - Bigger is Better – Camilla’s task: Dragon Kings
Option 4: Cardinal directions
Read a book by an author whose initials can be found in one of the cardinal directions

EAST
Points this post: 20
Total points: 795

Task # 25.1 - Angel **Book Junkie**'s task: In a Series
Read TWO books in the same series.
Book 1.

Book 2.

Points this post: 25
Total points: 820

30.4 - Dlmrose’s Task: Title Time
Book 1: Far Horizons by Kate Hewitt
Kate Hewitt is a Goodreads Author
Book 2: The Far Horizons by Michael Wagman
Claiming 1 Big Book ticket - this book is 565 pages
Post total: 30 points, 1 GRA
Challenge total points: 625
Total GRA: 23
Total BB tickets: 2
Tasks completed: 30

10.5. June is Caribbean American Heritage Month!
Dead in the Water - Stuart Woods (set in the Caribbean) 8/1
*****************************
15.4 - The Big O
Book 1 - He's So Fine - Jill Shalvis (romance) 6/20
Goodreads Author
Book 2- Deadly Offerings - Alexa Grace (Offerings starts with O) 8/9
Goodreads Author
*****************************
30.7 - Pamela3265's task: Celebrating Summer
Option 2: Dark Witch - Nora Roberts (N & R in ReuNion) 8/8
Option 3: Warrior Reborn - Melissa Mayhue (set in Scotland) 7/20
Goodreads Author
Totals for Challenge
Points this Post: 55
Total Points: 475
Goodreads Authors: 30
Big Books - 500+: (0)
Big Books - 750+: (0)
Big Books - 1000+: (0)
475/1085 POINTS

15.1 - Yin and Yang
Book 1. Read a book with a predominately (at least 50%) white cover. There must be a solid field of white somewhere on the cover.

Book 2. Read a book with a predominately (at least 50%) black cover. There must be a solid field of black somewhere on the cover.

Claiming Steve Hockensmith as GR author
Total Points-315/1085
Total Tasks Completed-21/61
Number of GR authors-(15)
Big Books-500 pages (2);750 (0)

Task 15.8
Dearly Departed: read a book with Science Fiction, Fantasy genres.
I readThe Maze Runnerby James Dashner.
Points for task: 15
Total points 130

25.9 - Elizabeth B's task: Roll of the Dice
I rolled numbers 2 and 1
Book 1-For Book 1- use the first number you rolled as the number of occurrences of the letter and the second number to select the letter from the list (from 1-6)
Years of Grace by Margaret Ayer Barnes
2 E's
Book 2-For Book 2- Switch the 2 numbers you rolled. The second number now determines the number of occurrences and the first number identifies the letter on the list
True Colors by Kristin Hannah
1 T
Claiming Kristin Hannah as GR author
Total Points-340/1085
Total Tasks Completed-22/61
Number of GR authors-(16)
Big Books-500 pages (2);750 (0)

This is a repost of 2572 to claim a Big Book
25.9 - Elizabeth B's task: Roll of the Dice
I rolled numbers 2 and 1
Book 1-For Book 1- use the first number you rolled as the number of occurrences of the letter and the second number to select the letter from the list (from 1-6)
Years of Grace by Margaret Ayer Barnes
2 E's
Claiming Years of Grace as Big Book with 581 pages
Book 2-For Book 2- Switch the 2 numbers you rolled. The second number now determines the number of occurrences and the first number identifies the letter on the list
True Colors by Kristin Hannah
1 T
Claiming Kristin Hannah as GR author
Total Points-340/1085
Total Tasks Completed-22/61
Number of GR authors-(16)
Big Books-500 pages (3);750 (0)

20.4 - Author! Author! - Julie De's task: Happy Birthday!
Option 1- Read a book that is identified as book #2 or #6 in a series on Goodreads (series title, #).
Day Shift by Charlaine Harris
Total Points-360/1085
Total Tasks Completed-23/61
Number of GR authors-(15)
Big Books-500 pages (2);750 (0)

I chose option #1
Option 1- Read a book that is identified as book #2 or #6 in a series on Goodreads (series title, #).
Day Shift by Charlaine Harris
Total Points-360/1085
Total Tasks Completed-23/61
Number of GR authors-(15)
Big Books-500 pages (2);750 (0)

5.4 - Ebisu
I used the word FISH
Among the Fair Magnolias: Four Southern Love Stories by Tamera Alexander
Claiming Tamara Alexander as GR author
Total Points-365/1085
Total Tasks Completed-23/61
Number of GR authors-(16)
Big Books-500 pages (2);750 (0)
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Books mentioned in this topic
The Lathe of Heaven (other topics)Tipping the Velvet (other topics)
A Suspension of Mercy (other topics)
Daughter of the Blood (other topics)
The Price of Salt (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Sarah Waters (other topics)Patricia Highsmith (other topics)
Anne Bishop (other topics)
Ursula K. Le Guin (other topics)
Jim C. Hines (other topics)
More...
Option 1: Bodies of water - read a book that shows a body of water (e.g., waterfall, river, sea, lake, pond, pool) on the cover.
Bonjour Tristesse and A Certain Smile by Françoise Sagan
The sea can be seen in the background.
Total points: 370
Tasks completed: 14
GRA: 4
Big book tickets: 2