2025 Reading Challenge discussion

We've spent the last few weeks preparing, and we're so exited for our guests to start arriving. Kara is practicing her welcome speech, Zara is putting the finishing touches on the cake, Jodi is mixing the cocktails and mocktails, and Cassandra's checking on the door prizes. Everything looks like it's in place, so let's get started!

The mods throw the doors open to the Library of Congress (because if you're going to have an imaginary party, why not throw it in the biggest library in the world).

Welcome, all!

Kara posts a sign at the door:

Literary costumes are encouraged but not required. Come dressed as your favorite character or book, and let us guess who or what you are!

I am just putting some finishing touches on my outfit. I am so excited to see who is coming to the party. I think it is going to be the biggest bash of the year!

My cake will be a masterpiece befitting the event. Enjoy it's awesomeness.


Question: Shall I reveal the cake now or later?

I'd love to come dressed as my favourite book, but I bet you won't be able to find out what I am, unless you are interested in a particular kind of literature ;-)

Anyway, let me try: I am a famous sinologist (I study Chinese literature), I live alone with my beloved books and a governess who always wears blue starched skirts. I love books more than anything else. I don't have a social life. I actually don't like people. This all leads me to go mad at one point.

Who am I, or, what book am I from? :-)

If I were to attend the party I would look just like you.. almost. You might notice there is something a bit off about me, that is if you see me at all. I may be carrying objects that seem strange or useless to those who dwell in London above. I prefer taking payments in the form of favors and many individuals are in my debt. I travel with someone who used to live among you, a mighty warrior, and a girl with a name of a structure.

Who am I/ What book?

Marina wrote: "I'd love to come dressed as my favourite book, but I bet you won't be able to find out what I am, unless you are interested in a particular kind of literature ;-)

Anyway, let me try: I am a famous..."

Who are you: Professor Peter Kien, What book: Auto-da-Fé

I feel like being honest, I used process of elimination with books about sinologists. However, I did read the first 50 pages to confirm my guess and I plan on finishing the book even if I am wrong because I'm hooked.

Megan, that's great! You're right :-)

I'm glad you plan on finishing the book, it's my favourite ever and I'm sure you're going to like it a lot! If you want, let me know your impressions when you finish it.

I believe I spotted Megan in Neverwhere, hanging out with Door, but I'm afraid I've forgotten the name of the specific character!

I've donned a mustache, and am engaged in muttered conversation with the white arctic hare who stays near me. (I suppose it's a plushie one for the costume, unless I managed to convince a real one to stalk me.) I forgot my hat, so my black hair is a wind-blown mess from the journey by balloon to arrive here. When I speak, I might embarrass my costume with my terrible foreigner's attempt at a Texan accent. And it must be said, I'm probably shorter than my costume character was, and a lot more afraid of large and armored polar bears...

Karina you are right. And, it is not the easiest name to remember, I am Marquis de Carabas.

Karina:
Texas accent.. armored polar bears.. animals accompanying humans..balloons- all in the arctic

That has to be the from His Dark Materials Trilogy. It's been awhile but I think it's the Golden Compass- I couldn't tell you the name of the character at all.

I come dressed in a home made dress, I come from the era of pioneering, and I live with my parents on our farm.

I'm lame but it's my fave series... Ohh this is fun!

Krystal, you sound like Laura Ingalls.

My mother has made me don a new dress and attend this ball. My eldest sister is dancing with a lovely man, unfortunately, I am too busy being ignored by a prideful, aloof man to enjoy myself. My mother is trying to make me socialize with some generals, but I find their humor quite crude and bland. If only I could curl up with a good book... Who am I?

Nadia, it sounds like you are Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. Am I right?

Megan: You've got the right book/trilogy! The character is Lee Scoresby.

I am a little young, 12 years old to be exact. I have never been to a party before, in fact I have barely been outside. You probably won't know me because I have never been beyond my family's yard. I live at home with my two brothers and my parents. I am not allowed even out in my yard anymore, now that the government is taking down our forest because someone might see me. I am kind of scared and excited to go to this party all at the same time. I won't be dressed up because my parents do not have enough money to buy me fancy clothes. I will be wearing my brother's hand me downs. Don't be afraid to come up and say hi because even though I may be scared, I am very brave.

You are correct Joanne!

Hmm, let's see...

I'm a brunette in black in my twenties. The roundness of this place reminds me of a few gentlemen I used to lunch with and their amazing wit. I love a gin martini, two at the very most; I'm not quite responsible for my actions after that but I am good for plenty of laughs. I've spent quite awhile in Hollywood where the stars are born.

Who am I? *hopes I did this right*

Party! Let me press my hair, add a feather, some red lips and costume jewelry and a killer drop waist dress with fringe. Oh and those cute little t strap heels will look perfect with my fishnets. I do love a gathering, especially a lavish one with beautiful people.

Jodi wrote: "I am a little young, 12 years old to be exact. I have never been to a party before, in fact I have barely been outside. You probably won't know me because I have never been beyond my family's yard...."

Anne Frank? No..thats not it...

Jodi wrote: "I am a little young, 12 years old to be exact. I have never been to a party before, in fact I have barely been outside. You probably won't know me because I have never been beyond my family's yard...."

This is a really good one. I was wondering if it was Anne Frank too until the yard bit, but it sounds so familiar.

I will be a tricky one to figure out Erika. I am a 12 year old boy. I live on a farm. The government is tearing down my forest to build new houses for the "barons". When my forest was there, I was allowed outside to play with my two brothers but now that they are cut down, someone could see me. I have to hide from everyone! No one knows I am alive, except my parents and two brothers. I am not allowed to exist. I am a third child and there are laws against me. I have received some help and started a new life and am determined to fight for the rights of other hidden third children. When you meet me, I might not always respond to my name because I have a new name and a fake identity that I have to get used to.

Good one, Jodi! You must be Luke Garner from Among the Hidden.

(That reminds me that I should probably finish that series at some point.)

I sure am Cassandra! I love that book. I haven't finished the series either. I have just read the first three books.

I've flown in from Tokyo from the event. I'm wearing a green miniskirted suit that shows off how in shape I am--I'm a fitness instructor by day, so I should be. Hidden on me is a tool I use for my other job, one I don't dare tell anyone about, and one I hopefully won't use at this party.

I'm 17 years old. I have long red hair. I am a performer along with the rest of family. We're not the poorest people in my country but we're not rich either. My life started to change when I started to fall for the prince. Who am I?

Ariel wrote: "Hmm, let's see...

I'm a brunette in black in my twenties. The roundness of this place reminds me of a few gentlemen I used to lunch with and their amazing wit. I love a gin martini, two at the ve..."

I'm stumped here! Does anyone know who Ariel is?

Zara, you're America Singer. Nice costume!

Rachel wrote: "Zara, you're America Singer. Nice costume! "

Yes Rachel I am. I really loved that series. I wish Kiera Cass would bring out a fourth book. I want to know what happens next. lol

I am a young, petite, woman who will be wearing my hair back with a very simple dress. I may spend time at the party with the children because I do enjoy teaching. I am a bit shy, but a Vulcan like man with a mysterious past may be the type to catch my eye - if practicality permits it.

Zara, she is! "The Heir" is coming out May 5th. It's the fourth book in The Selection series. You would probably like Marie Lu's series called "Legend" as well. I just finished book 3 and it was very good.

Rachel wrote: "Zara, she is! "The Heir" is coming out May 5th. It's the fourth book in The Selection series. You would probably like Marie Lu's series called "Legend" as well. I just finished book 3 and it was ve..."

Yippee re the next book in The Selection Series.

I keep meaning to start reading Marie Lu's series but it never eventuates.

I will be Jenny B. Jones's character Katie Parker. No costume. My name is Katie and I can relate to her some so I think it will have to pass if I come as I am!

Katie wrote: "I will be Jenny B. Jones's character Katie Parker. No costume. My name is Katie and I can relate to her some so I think it will have to pass if I come as I am!"

Love this, Katie!

I've just put my finishing touches on the runes (drawn on with black eyeliner of course)that cover any and all visible skin. I have styled my, recently dyed red for the occasion, hair into large loose curls. My steele is tucked safely into my knee high black leather boots and my black lace dress ends a respectable two inches above my knee. I think I'm ready. I'm so excited for this party! It'll be the party of the century!

"Love this, Katie!"

Thank you Kara!!! :)

Tarah, are you Clary?

I am so glad there are so many people joining us at the party. Now that people are arriving, does anyone need a drink?

Jodi wrote: "I am so glad there are so many people joining us at the party. Now that people are arriving, does anyone need a drink?"

That sounds lovely Jodi.

I would like a Bailey's Irish Cream please.

Oh Zara that is just about my favourite drink. I like mine in hot chocolate or in coffee. My sister-in-law gives me Bailey's with milk over ice.


How would you like your Bailey's?

Jodi wrote: "Oh Zara that is just about my favourite drink. I like mine in hot chocolate or in coffee. My sister-in-law gives me Bailey's with milk over ice.


How would you like your Bailey's?"

Straight up please.

Kara wrote: Ariel wrote: "Hmm, let's see...

I'm a brunette in black in my twenties. The roundness of this place reminds me of a few gentlemen I used to lunch with and their amazing wit. I love a gin martini, two at the ve..."

I'm stumped here! Does anyone know who Ariel is? "

Maybe some more details are needed haha. I'm a poet, author, and critic from Jersey. I was a little too caustic for Vanity Fair so I eventually moved on to The New Yorker.

I should say that several characters were based on me in plays and short stories but I'm here at this lovely party in the flesh.

Jodi wrote: "I am so glad there are so many people joining us at the party. Now that people are arriving, does anyone need a drink?"

I'll take a millionaire, if you've got one lying around; maybe a Blood and Sand? If all else fails, gin prevails!

Bailey's straight up it is!


Ariel, this is the Extravaganza Party , so a millionaire seems appropriate. I had to look it up though. Is this what you are looking for? The original Millionaire Cocktail No. 1 from the Harry Cradock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book. It is a lovely mix of sloe gin, apricot brandy and Jamaican rum.

Jodi wrote: "Bailey's straight up it is!


Ariel, this is the Extravaganza Party , so a millionaire seems appropriate. I had to look it up though. Is this what you are looking for? The original Millionaire Co..."

Thanks Jodi.

This one is easy.

I'm wearing a beautiful green bonnet with a matching dress- it's the latest fashion and it complements my dark hair and green eyes. I'm a gorgeous Southern belle. Although I'm not exceptionally beautiful, I have a charm that captivates everyone. I like attending balls and barbecues and I love dancing. Most of all, I love being the center of every man's attention.

Simone wrote: "Arushi wrote: "This one is easy.

I'm wearing a beautiful green bonnet with a matching dress- it's the latest fashion and it complements my dark hair and green eyes. I'm a gorgeous Southern belle. ..."

Arya Stark! And yes, you're right.

I'm wearing a floor-length silk gown, at the moment it's white at the top and fading into a midnight black at the bottom. I had a shawl when I came in but I put it on the table at the door and it's disappeared, I'm sure I'll get it back soon enough.