The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion

Congrats BJ Rose!

Good going, BJ Rose.

Okay... finally found something to watch for this task

15.4 read: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
watch: The Age of Stupid - a movie about climate change

total points: 40

Finally, I have completed 15.10 with Sophie's World for the student main character. I struggled to complete this book. For the teacher main character, I read Relentless Pursuit A Year in the Trenches with Teach for America. This was fascinating and I finished it in a couple of days. That brings my total to 175.

Knocked off 10.10 with Agatha Christie's Cat Among the Pigeons, which like all of her work is just plain pleasant to read.

Current Total: 435 points

Congratulations BJ Rose!

Yeay, BJ Rose! Congratulations! :)

@ BJ Rose

Congrats, BJ Rose!

I haven't been doing to well this season. Surprisingly a job at the library and a class in children's literature doesn't leave much time for extra reading.

teacher as main character (15pts)- Still Alice
person, place and thing (25 pts) - Life on the Refrigerator Door (thing), Adventures of Alice in Wonderland (person), Under the Banner of Heaven (place)

total = 40 pts.

Finished 5.8 Book with More Than One Author - Relic(Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child)

25.8 Cait's Task:
Person Olive Kitteridge A Novel in Stories
Place The House at Riverton
Thing: The Scarecrow

Point total is now 185

Congrats BJ Rose!

Thanks for all the congrats, ladies!

And I was so busy getting my last books done that I missed Helen's great finish. Congratulations, Helen!! I'm off to check out your challenge.

Awesome job BJ Rose and Helen!!!

Finished Task 5.9:
Read Stitches A Memoir. It is a graphic novel that is David Small's youth. It starts with him as a young boy in a house with his unloving mother and absent father. He gets cancer and becomes mute. Through the help of a caring psychologist he learns to be comfortable with himself and who he is destined to be. A sad, yet inspirational coming of age story.

Total points: 385

Lauren H. wrote: "I haven't been doing to well this season. Surprisingly a job at the library and a class in children's literature doesn't leave much time for extra reading.

teacher as main character (15pts)- Stil..."You also need to read a book with a student main character to get credit for the first task you listed.

Finished task 15.1, read House of Leaves and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

total points: 55

I have completed 10.4 Hispanic Heritage month with Burning Plain and Other Stories-Mexico.
My point total is now 185.

15.8 8. Geography Lessons

My intials are CW, so I went with my middle name (CM)

I read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan which takes place in China and Esperanza Rising which takes place in Mexico.

A second update for today - finished up 10.2 with Ken Bruen's The Dramatist. His protagonist, Jack Taylor, is an alcoholic and sometime cocaine abuser who's perpetually trying to get sober. They're dark stuff, but it's one of my favorite series.

Current total: 445 points

5.5 Macbeth by William Shakespeare
I despised this book when I had to read it for AP British Lit in high school. I have since avoided reading Shakespeare because my teenage experiences left me with the impression that his works were extremely confusing, written in language that was practically indecipherable and very boring to boot. I must have matured as a reader in the last five years. This time around, I took my time, used the footnotes (very helpful for words and phrases I was unfamiliar with), and overall, I found that once I got used to the rhythm of the language, I didn't have trouble reading it at all. There were some beautiful language in Macbeth, and I think I am now ready to tackle more Shakespeare.

total points: 160

I just completed the 25.7 Cindy's task with a one-word, two-word, and a three-word title. I read Slammerkin by Emma Donaghue, American Gods by Neil Gaiman, and The Archer's Tale by Bernard Cornwell.

Three great books. I loved this three-fer task!

That brings my total to 70 + 25 = 95.

After 4 months I finally reached the top of the waiting list at the library for Breaking Dawn. And well worth the wait it was - loved it!

10.6 Native American – Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

Total: 265/690 points
21/59 books
15/45 tasks
8416 pages

I finished a couple more tasks:

5.8 Let's find Out if Two Heads are Really Better Than One - Read a Book That Has More Than 1 Author - I read Tempted by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast.

15.5 Time to Study Abroad (Foreign Language) - I read Blindness by José Saramago and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

25.5 Janice's Task: I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling.

Total Points: 255
Books Read: 28
Tasks Completed: 17
Number of Pages: 9162
Tasks in Progress: 2

Two more tasks:
20.2 - ABC Task - Lying In Bed, The Magicians' Guild, Night Probe!

5.9 - Senior Citizen - Dumbstruck


New total: 555

I have a couple of tasks to post.

1. (Task 15.5) Originally published in Chinese A. Twenty Fragments of a Ravenous Youth by Xiaolu Guo B. The Noodle Maker by Ma Jian

2. (Task 5.7) First Things First: the rules for being a Warner by Kurt and Brenda Warner with Jennifer Schuchman- I am very thankful for my marriage, my family, and for my faith. I admire how the Warner family lives out their faith, marriage, and family.

Cynthia wrote: "Birish wrote: "I completed the 50 pt. task by reading: Senses -So Long, See You Tomorrow, Emotions - Postcards from Heaven Messages of Love from the Other Side(audioboo..." For the senses - "See" is in the title, the book is about a young boy who's friend disappears & he never sees him again. For the Emotion - "Love" is in the title, it's about feeling/sensing loved one's presence/love after they've passed away. Memories - Puzzle Bark Tree - One of my favorite memories from childhood is doing jigsaw puzzles, in the book the tree's bark in their yard fits together like puzzle pieces. I hope that explains a little better.
Total points - 295

Birish wrote: "Cynthia wrote: "Birish wrote: "I completed the 50 pt. task by reading: Senses -So Long, See You Tomorrow, Emotions - [book:Postcards from Heaven Messages of Love from the Other Side|5..."Your good on the 1st two parts but I still need a keepsake for the third.

task 10.3: Good Night, Little Bear, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty

I completed 15.5 by reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire which were originally written in Swedish. I am totally hooked on these books now and can't wait for the third one to come out. Lisbeth Salander has now become one of my favorite literary characters.

My total is now 315 points.

Cynthia wrote: "Birish wrote: "Cynthia wrote: "Birish wrote: "I completed the 50 pt. task by reading: Senses -So Long, See You Tomorrow, Emotions - [book:Postcards from Heaven Messages of Love from t..."

Sorry... the puzzles are my keepsakes. I glue them together & hang them up. Also, I've kept one of our favorites & re-do it with my daughter. I hope that counts as a keepsake.

I finished two more tasks.

For task 10.8 (Random Word Generator) I read The Swimming-Pool Library by Alan Hollinghurst (my random words were Recall, Permission and Library). It took me forever to get through this book. It wasn't that bad, but I read it in English (which isn't my native language) and I probably shouldn't have because the language in this book got a bit too complicated for me. The story didn't really speak to me either, so I only gave the book 2 stars.

I also finished task 25.3 (Positive Gay or Lesbian Character) by reading Empress of the World by Sara Ryan. I really enjoyed this book! It was a sweet, easy, relaxing read and I gave the book 4 stars.

I really loved this task, so thank you Wendy for coming up with it!

Tasks Completed: 9
Books Read: 11
Pages Read: 4,025
Total Points: 145

Birish wrote: "Cynthia wrote: "Birish wrote: "Cynthia wrote: "Birish wrote: "I completed the 50 pt. task by reading: Senses -So Long, See You Tomorrow, Emotions - [book:Postcards from Heaven Message...

... the puzzles are my keepsakes. I glue them together & hang them up. Also, I've kept one of our favorites & re-do it with my daughter. I hope that counts as a keepsake."

Yes, anything can count as a keepsake for that task.

For Task 20.2 I read

The End of Eternity by Isaac Asimov
Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs
Gump & Co. by Winston Groom

Finished:
30.1- Dream Job - Psychologist/Psychiatrist - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey & Current Job - Secretary - Everyday Life by Lydie Salvayre
Total Points - 325

Birish wrote: "... the puzzles are my keepsakes. I glue them together & hang them up...."

My husband does that as well. His favorites are Norman Rockwell paintings/drawings. They're hanging all over our walls and are, indeed, great keepsakes.

Congratulations to BJ Rose & Helen for finishing the Fall Challenge!

My Newly Completed Tasks:

10.9 - Read A Novel Set During The U.S. Civil War. Creative Minds –
The River Between Us by Richard Peck

Another great book by Richard Peck. I previewed it before handing it off to my niece. The characters speak in wonderful tone that rings true to my understanding of that time period. I learned more about war along the border areas, and life in general during that time. I’m eager for my niece to read this now. I gave it 4 stars.

25.9 - DIANE'S TASK - September Is Self-Improvement Month.
1) Read A Nonfiction Self-Improvement Or Self-Help Book:
When You Need a Lift But Don't Want to Eat Chocolate, Pay a Shrink, or Drink a Bottle of Gin by Joy Behar

This book was, ‘meh’. It’s a collection tips from famous folks on how they beat feelings of depression. There is nothing earth shattering here, just common sense tips that we’ve probably all heard before. There were a few enlightening stories about the personal lives and experiences of various contributors, but other than that nothing much to recommend it. I gave it 2 stars.

2) Read A Book In Which The Main Character Undergoes A Significant Positive Change In His Or Her Life As A Result Of Self-Improvement:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

What a great book on so many levels. I loved the story of Santiago the shepherd and his travels. I also appreciate that the story came at a time when I really needed some encouragement in my personal life. It’s a wonderful little book that has many layers and nuances. I gave it 5 stars.


Total Points: 360
Completed Tasks: 22/45
Books Read for Completed Tasks: 31/62
Pages Read for Completed Tasks: 11,312
Other Tasks in Process: 2

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More tasks completed...

Task 5.7 - Most Thankful For (Jesus Christ): Believing Christ by Stephen E. Robinson (11/16/09)

Task 15.1 - Grammar (preposition 'to'): I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter (11/15/09) AND Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter (11/16/09)

CURRENT STATS
Tasks Completed: 38/45
Tasks Partially Completed: 3
Books Read: 55/62
Pages Read: 17,964
Points Earned: 565/690

Task 25.8

Name: Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
Place: Bridge To Terabethia by Katherine Paterson
Noun: Memories of My Meloncholy Whores by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

10.8 Mortal Remains by Peter Clement
(my words were bull, par and mortal)

Total points: 655

I'm rearranging things a little bit, so bear with me.

First, I'm moving Bear Daughter from task 10.3 to task 5.1. In its place, I read some children's books: Knots on a Counting Rope, The Christmas Promise, What the Wind Told, The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses, Buffalo Woman, and The Gift of the Sacred Dog.

Second, I'm moving Fatherland from task 15.2 to task 10.5, since it's set in Germany. Then I'm using The Eyre Affair in its place for task 15.2. Like everyone else, I don't really think that the world would be better if the author's version of history took place, but it would certainly be interesting. The Crimea War is an especially big downfall, as is the censorship that we see in the book.

I also completed Dead Until Dark for task 5.6, key word being 'dead.'

Finally, I'm using Unwind for task 5.7, as I'm most grateful for a family that loves me, regardless of my faults, and for my friends who I know will stand by me, no matter what.

Total points: 175
15 tasks complete - 6 tasks in progress
19 books (plus 6 children's books) read
5,736 pages read

Krista wrote: ..."1) Read A Nonfiction Self-Improvement Or Self-Help Book:
When You Need a Lift But Don't Want to Eat Chocolate, Pay a Shrink, or Drink a Bottle of Gin by Joy Behar

..."

I was skimming along through your post, Krista, and misread. I thought you were suggesting the book title when you need a lift, etc as a task. And my mind starts clicking.

Then reality set in and I went back and saw what it really said. Does make a good task title though.

Completed: task 5.7, a book that relates to the thing you are most thankful for.

Read: A Year in Provence . I am most thankful for having the means to travel when and where I want to, instead of relying solely on an author's description of the destination in question. I found that I did not enjoy this book, partly because I'd rather be in Provence myself and partly because I just didn't like Mayle's writing style so much.

Total Points = 205

Donna Jo wrote: "Krista wrote: ..."1) Read A Nonfiction Self-Improvement Or Self-Help Book:
When You Need a Lift But Don't Want to Eat Chocolate, Pay a Shrink, or Drink a Bottle of Gin by Joy Behar

..."

I ..."

LOL -- Hey Donna Jo, I bequeath it to you for the Spring Challenge as I know you'll finish up the Winter Challenge! :-)

I completed the following tasks:

10.9 (Civil War) by reading The Red Badge of Courage which was not my kind of writing but I made it through! I found it interesting how Henry is referred to throughout as "the youth" - it serves as an important and sad reminder that those fighting "our" wars are often "youth".

15.6 (Creative/Arts) by reading The Diary of Frida Kahlo An Intimate Self-Portrait which is an interesting and intense read. It includes essays about Frida's life and art, her diary leading up to the end of her life, and translation/commentary of her diary. This was another sad one; it's hard to imagine being in so much pain for so much of one's life. In terms of creating art and/or appreciating art, I could name a bunch of things (I work at a media arts center so I make or appreciate art every day!), but one fun thing that I did was attend the local Arts Walk and in particular a short film festival featuring work made by local filmmakers. Very fun! ALSO, in the copy of the diary that I got from the library there was a broadside with a poem on it and a link to the Guerilla Poetics Project which inspired me to make bookmark art (suggesting some of my favorite reads) and place it in books at the library. I look forward to doing that project soon!

Total Points: 565 ...I'm chugging along! I WILL make it through by the end of the month!!

Emily wrote: "ALSO, in the copy of the diary that I got from the library there was a broadside with a poem on it and a link to the Guerilla Poetics Project which inspired me to make bookmark art (suggesting some of my favorite reads) and place it in books at the library. I look forward to doing that project soon!..."

Emily, that is so cool. I look forward to perusing that website! Thanks for the link.

Recently Finished: 5.9 (Coming of Age) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - L. Frank Baum

Total Points - 590

15.1: Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery and Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery.

Points: 15

Total Points: 370
Total Pages: 10748

20.2 - ROOKIE OF THE SEASON - ERIN - Learn Your ABC's - Read 3 Books That Begin With A,B,C Or Any Three Consecutive Letters In The Alphabet. "The" Does Not Count, Unless You Are Using T As One Of Your Letters. Books Must Be Over 100 Pages.

A – As Darkness Falls ~ Bronwyn Parry
B – Bridget Jones’s Diary ~ Helen Fielding
C – Cause of Death ~ Patricia Cornwell

Total Points = 20

finished task 10.9 by re-reading The Red Badge of Courage. i was quite young when i read this the first time, and didn't appreciate the power of the writing. crane was only 21!!!! nuts.




Total Points: 375/690
Books Read: 30/62
Tasks Completed: 21/45
Tasks in Progress: 2

i hit my goal of 30 books! but i'm gonna keep on going anyway! :)