The Challenge Factory discussion

You are lost in the wilderness. Predators roam through the forest. Hot days and cold nights will test your strength. High cliffs, rushing rivers, and deep gorges will block your path. Any wrong decision could be your last.

Will you survive? In this challenge you'll make choices that could mean the difference between life and death.

I'll set the scene. You choose which path to follow. Follow the directions at the bottom of each post.

You can begin as soon as you get your thread.

HOW TO PLAY:
1. Read through the scenario.
2. Make your first decision and read one task for that decision. The fourth task will always be "Read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'". You can use or ignore the articles 'A', 'An', or 'The'.
3. Once you complete one of the tasks, post in your thread the following:
Decision:
Book:
Author:
Date Read:
Task:
How it Fits:

4. The moderator will then post the related decision result story.

Rules:
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Page count for audio books will be determined the first paper version shown on Goodreads. From the book's page, select “all editions”, then select the first paper edition as your guide.

Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? Far from civilization, everything changes. You can't go to the grocery store. If you're hurt, a doctor isn't a phone call away. If you're cold, you can't turn up the heat. Even finding safe water to drink can be a challenge.

Being lost or stranded in the wilderness will test both your strength and your intelligence. How will you find food? How can you get the attention of rescue aircraft? What would you do if you were staring down the jaws of a hungry predator?

It won't be easy, but if you stay calm and make good choices, you might be able to get out alive. Are you ready to find out whether you have what it takes?

Where would you like to start? The Canadian wilderness, the Blue Mountains of Australia, or Germany's Black Forest?

The Blue Mountains of Australia, please.

Michelle's Empty Nest wrote: "The Blue Mountains of Australia, please."

You got it :)

You're deep in the forests of Australia's Blue Mountains, and nobody knows where you are. You were planning to meet your friend Casey at a campsite later for some hardcore biking. First, though, you decided to take a morning ride on your own.

Now you're lost. The interesting little trail that you had been following has disappeared, and you can't find it again.

You're not too worried at first. You have your bike, and you're an expert rider. There's not much terrain you can't handle. But then your front wheel catches a rock. Your bike skids out from under you and you smash to the ground.

You're just scraped and bruised, but the bike is in far worse shape. The front tire is blown out, the chain is snapped, and the rim is bent beyond repair. That leaves you lost and alone with nothing but your feet to carry you. Not good.

You search your backpack and find a first-aid kit. You wipe down your scrapes and bandage them. As you look through your pack, you realize you're in trouble. You have a bottle of water, but no food. You have a small tool kit, a spare inner tube for the bike, emergency matches, and a windbreaker jacket.

With a sigh, you zip up your backpack and start hiking. You head east, knowing that the coast and civilization lie in that direction. After several hours of walking, your stomach is growling.

You know that the Australian wilderness contains many edible plants. But all around you, you can hear a variety of birdcalls. It's nesting seasons, and finding eggs wouldn't be too difficult. But getting them could be dangerous.

To forage for wild plants:
1. read a book with 'forage' in the text of the book
2. read a book with a wild animal in it
3. read a book with only plants on the cover (nothing else)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To try to find bird eggs:
1. read a book by an author that is new to you
2. read a book with a bird as part of the story
3. read a book where something is hatched or a baby is born
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To forage for wild plants
Book: Moon Called
Author: Patricia Briggs
Date Read: 10-12-2022
Task: 2. read a book with a wild animal in it
How it Fits: Werewolf in the story

You keep your eyes open for plants that you know are safe to eat, including blue flax lilies and warrigal greens. You don't have much luck, though.

Your stomach is grumbling when you come across a small shrub with large clusters of green and red berries. You don't recognize the plant, but it's the closest thing to food you've seen so far.

You pluck a few of the berries and smell them. They don't have a very strong scent.

To look for something else to eat:
1. read a book with double letter word in the title (i.e., look, berries, letter)
2. read a book that is tagged 'mystery' *
3. read a book where the MC prepares a meal
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
* something - a thing that is unspecified or unknown

To eat the berries:
1. read the 2nd book in a series (to, two, too)
2. read a book with something edible on the cover
3. read a book with 'berry' or 'berries' in the text of the book
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To look for something else to eat:
Book: Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines
Author: Jennifer J. Chow
Date Read: 10-14-2022
Task: 1. read a book with double letter word in the title (i.e., look, berries, letter)
How it Fits: Lee and Between have double Es

No matter how hungry you are, you are not about to start eating mystery berries. You keep searching, and a few minutes later, you're rewarded. You find a bunch of saffron milk caps - an edible and nutritious species of mushrooms. You quickly eat them.

With a little food in your belly, you feel ready to keep moving. You move carefully through the thick forest. Soon you come across a small river. You start to follow it downstream. You know that rivers usually lead to civilization.

As you walk alongside the river, you realize that the sun will set soon. You'll have to make camp soon. This side of the river is rocky and rough. You notice a perfect flat location on the far side. The river is not a very big one. You think it's no deeper that waist level, and the current doesn't seem strong here. You decide to cross.

To strip off your clothes before you cross:
1. read a book where the MC is stripped of their rank, power, or property
2. read a book with a bare chest on the cover
3. read a book that is yours (you own it)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To stay dressed for the crossing:
1. read a book where the MC stays in one location during the story
2. read a book where the MC wears a dress
3. read a book with a street or road on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To stay dressed for the crossing
Book: Princess for Hire
Author: Lindsey Leavitt
Date Read: 10-17-2022
Task: 2. read a book where the MC wears a dress
How it Fits: Desi wears a dress during the story.

The air already has a chill to it and you're not about to get into the river naked. You step carefully into the water and start across. At one point you stumble. Now everything is soaked - you, your clothing, your backpack, and everything in it.

By the time you reach the over side, you're shivering. You need a fire to warm up. You gather wood, shaking your arms and legs as you move. But when you go to go pack, you realize that your matches got wet. They won't be any good at lighting a fire.

Meanwhile, your teeth are chattering. Your body is losing heat quickly. You recognize that you're in terrible danger. You can't make a fire, you're clothes are wet, and the air is growing colder by the minute.

You fall to the ground and curl up into a ball. You're so cold. Your breathing becomes shallow, and your thoughts become clouded. In another time and place, you'd know that you're suffering from advanced hypothermia. Sometime before morning, you take your last breath.

Sorry, Michelle :(

You have some choices at this point.
1 - stop this challenge
2 - stay in Australia and start over making different decisions
3 - go to another location and read for that place

There may be other choices that I haven't thought of. What do you want to do?

Let's stay in Australia... :)

Michelle's Empty Nest wrote: "Let's stay in Australia... :)"

Australia is an awesome country. It deserves a second chance.

You're deep in the forests of Australia's Blue Mountains, and nobody knows where you are. You were planning to meet your friend Casey at a campsite later for some hardcore biking. First, though, you decided to take a morning ride on your own.

Now you're lost. The interesting little trail that you had been following has disappeared, and you can't find it again.

You're not too worried at first. You have your bike, and you're an expert rider. There's not much terrain you can't handle. But then your front wheel catches a rock. Your bike skids out from under you and you smash to the ground.

You're just scraped and bruised, but the bike is in far worse shape. The front tire is blown out, the chain is snapped, and the rim is bent beyond repair. That leaves you lost and alone with nothing but your feet to carry you. Not good.

You search your backpack and find a first-aid kit. You wipe down your scrapes and bandage them. As you look through your pack, you realize you're in trouble. You have a bottle of water, but no food. You have a small tool kit, a spare inner tube for the bike, emergency matches, and a windbreaker jacket.

With a sigh, you zip up your backpack and start hiking. You head east, knowing that the coast and civilization lie in that direction. After several hours of walking, your stomach is growling.

You know that the Australian wilderness contains many edible plants. But all around you, you can hear a variety of birdcalls. It's nesting seasons, and finding eggs wouldn't be too difficult. But getting them could be dangerous.

To forage for wild plants:
1. read a book with 'forage' in the text of the book
2. read a book with a wild animal in it
3. read a book with only plants on the cover (nothing else)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To try to find bird eggs:
1. read a book by an author that is new to you
2. read a book with a bird as part of the story
3. read a book where something is hatched or a baby is born
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To forage for wild plants
Book: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Date Read: 10-19-2022
Task: 4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
How it Fits: Title begins with 'L'

:)

You keep your eyes open for plants that you know are safe to eat, including blue flax lilies and warrigal greens. You don't have much luck, though.

Your stomach is grumbling when you come across a small shrub with large clusters of green and red berries. You don't recognize the plant, but it's the closest thing to food you've seen so far.

You pluck a few of the berries and smell them. They don't have a very strong scent.

To look for something else to eat:
1. read a book with double letter word in the title (i.e., look, berries, letter)
2. read a book that is tagged 'mystery' *
3. read a book where the MC prepares a meal
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
* something - a thing that is unspecified or unknown

To eat the berries:
1. read the 2nd book in a series (to, two, too)
2. read a book with something edible on the cover
3. read a book with 'berry' or 'berries' in the text of the book
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To look for something else to eat
Book: Notes on an Execution
Author: Danya Kukafka
Date Read: 10-24-2022
Task: 2. read a book that is tagged 'mystery'
How it Fits: MPG of mystery

No matter how hungry you are, you are not about to start eating mystery berries. You keep searching, and a few minutes later, you're rewarded. You find a bunch of saffron milk caps - an edible and nutritious species of mushrooms. You quickly eat them.

With a little food in your belly, you feel ready to keep moving. You move carefully through the thick forest. Soon you come across a small river. You start to follow it downstream. You know that rivers usually lead to civilization.

As you walk alongside the river, you realize that the sun will set soon. You'll have to make camp soon. This side of the river is rocky and rough. You notice a perfect flat location on the far side. The river is not a very big one. You think it's no deeper that waist level, and the current doesn't seem strong here. You decide to cross.

To strip off your clothes before you cross:
1. read a book where the MC is stripped of their rank, power, or property
2. read a book with a bare chest on the cover
3. read a book that is yours (you own it)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To stay dressed for the crossing:
1. read a book where the MC stays in one location during the story
2. read a book where the MC wears a dress
3. read a book with a street or road on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To strip off your clothes before you cross
Book: Sing My Name
Author: Ellen O'Connell
Date Read: 10-25-2022
Task: 3. read a book that is yours (you own it)
How it Fits: I own this book.

Nights in this region can be chilly, and you don't want to face one with wet clothing. You strip off every bit of clothing and put it all in your pack. You lift the pack above your head and start across.

The water is ice cold. It's also deeper that you expected. Luckily the current isn't powerful, or you'd be swept away. You manage to make it across, but you're shivering badly. You quickly get dressed, gather wood, and start a fire. You need to get warm as soon as possible. You can't afford to get hypothermia out here!

Within a few hours you're snoozing by the fire. Even with its warmth, it's still a long and cold night. But you make it through and you're off again at dawn.

As you continue to follow the river, you hear a faint roaring. Soon you see why - the river tumbles over a sheer cliff. It's one of the area's many waterfalls.

You peer over the cliff and see that it's easily a 50-foot drop. You gasp as you notice something else far in the distance - a road! If you can get down this cliff, you should be able to reach it before sunset.

To climb down the cliff:
1. read a book with a significant character that is a climber (your definition)
2. read a book that is (or could be) on the Directions in Titles list
3. read a book where the MC is known by a shortened version of their given name (cliff - Clifford)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To try walking another direction:
1. read a book where the MC walks a lot
2. read another book in a series that you've already started
3. read a book that is (or could be) on the Cardinal Directions in Titles list
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To try walking another direction
Book: Forever
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Date Read: 10-25-2022
Task: 2. read another book in a series that you've already started
How it Fits: Book 3 in series

You know that in a survival situation, climbing is incredibly dangerous. A fall could kill you. Even a sprained ankle could be the end of you. You decide to walk parallel to the cliff and see if there's a better way down.

After several hours of hiking, you're tired and hungry. The cliff still blocks your way, and it's higher than ever. You haven't had water in hours, and you feel dehydration starting to set in.

You force yourself to keep walking. By evening you feel awful. You are severely dehydrated. You curl up and try to get a few hours of sleep, hoping that will help.

But by morning you're completely drained. You're cold and shivering. You try to stand, but the lack of water leaves you lightheaded. You faint, bashing your head against a rock.

You're dimly aware that you're bleeding. But at this point, you no longer really care. The wilderness of the Blue Mountains has beaten you.

Oh dear. Um... sorry, Michelle.

What do you want to do next?

Well I just stink at this. LOL!


Let's try a new place.

Michelle's Empty Nest wrote: "Let's try a new place."

Canada or Australia?

How about Australia?

Michelle's Empty Nest wrote: "How about Australia?"

I messed up. I should have asked if you wanted to go to Canada or Germany.
Do you still want to stay in Australia?

No, let's try Germany.

Michelle's Empty Nest wrote: "No, let's try Germany."

You got it.

You look out from your small camp, scanning the horizon. Everywhere you look you see trees and more trees covering the rolling hills. There's no sign of civilization, and your situation is growing critical.

What started out as a hiking trip with your older brother, Henri, has gone terribly wrong. The two of you planned a long weekend of hiking in Germany's Black Forest. But yesterday you realized you were lost. And now things are even worse - Henri fell while climbing, badly breaking his leg. He's in terrible pain, and you don't know what to do. Your cell phones are dead, your food is almost gone, and Henri is in shock. Henri is in desperate need of medical help.

This is no time for tears. Henri's life - and your own - depend on you. You've got to get him the help he needs.

To stay with Henri and wait for help:
1. read a book with all the letters of STAY in the title
2. read a book where the MC or author's name begins with H
3. read a book that you have been waiting a long time to read
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To strike out into the forest in search of rescue:
1. read a book where a significant character plays a sport (like baseball)
2. read a book with a lot of trees on the cover
3. read a book where the MC rescues someone
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To strike out into the forest in search of rescue
Book: Terrible Typhoid Mary: A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America
Author: Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Date Read: 10-28-2022
Task: 4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
How it Fits: Starts with T

Henri may not have more than a day or two to live. You can't afford to sit around waiting. It's time to take action. You've already made a lean-to shelter for Henri, given him your last two granola bars, and a canteen of clean water.

With one last hug for Henri, you head out into the forest. The terrain is uneven and thick. Branches smack you in the face and you're always tripping over tree roots. Through the dense treetops you realize that the sun is setting. It's time to stop for the night. You build shelter, get water from a nearby stream, and start a small fire to boil the water. You lie down and try to sleep.

In the morning your stomach wakes you up. You feel as if you're starving. Can you spend another day of hard hiking without food?

To stop and look for food:
1. read a book from the The Most Begun "Read but Unfinished" (Started) Book Ever
2. read a book with a good looking MC
3. read a book with prepared food on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To continue searching for help:
1. read a book that will continue a series that you haven't read in 6 months
2. read a book with 'searching" in the text of the book (that exact word, no variation)
3. read a book where the MC receives help (your definition)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To continue searching for help
Book: PI DAY DOOMSDAY
Author: John Paul Cater
Date Read: 10-29-2022
Task: 3. read a book where the MC receives help (your definition)
How it Fits: MC gets help from old Navy Captain to search for radioactive warhead in his submergible.

You're not about to stop for food. Your brother is back at camp fighting for his life, and every second is sacred. So you press on, ignoring your growling stomach.

About an hour later, you come upon a river. You know that one of the best ways to find people is to follow a river downstream. But walking along the uneven riverbank will be difficult.

The forest floor is littered with fallen logs. One large log sits right along the riverbank. You could use it as a float, and make quick time down the river. But you know a log isn't very stable floatation device. The water will be bitterly cold, putting you in danger of hypothermia.

To continue by foot:
1. read a book with a 4-word title
2. read a book where the MC continues with an action or decision even though it is dangerous (this is no reflection of this survival option :)
3. read a book with at least one foot on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To use the log as a float:
1. read a book used for two or more challenges
2. read a book you have not logged here on Goodreads (read before you joined this website)
3. read a book with a boat or ship on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To continue by foot
Book: The Book Woman's Daughter
Author: Kim Michele Richardson
Date Read: 11-1-2022
Task: 1. read a book with a 4-word title
How it Fits: 4-word title

There's no way you'll trust that dead tree with your life. You've got to fins another way. You work your way alongside the gorge until the slope becomes less steep. Finally you scramble down one side, cross the shallow river, and climb back up the other side. You've lost several hours.

Late in the afternoon, you finally find what you're looking for - people! A group of uni ecology students. You stumble into their midst, waving your arms. "Help! I need help!"

After a moment of shock, the young adults spring into action, rushing to your side. They use their mobiles to call for help and give you something to eat.

Within an hour you hear the thumping for helicopter blades in the distance. You watch anxiously as the chopper touches down to pick you up. Now you just need to get Henri.

Yay! You survived Germany!

What do you want to do now?

Let's go to Canada! :)

Michelle's Empty Nest wrote: "Let's go to Canada! :)"

You got it.

As you watch the August sun dip behind the mountains of the Canadian Rockies, you're worried. You were supposed to spend two nights alone before being picked up by a small plane.

But now three days has stretched to six days, and what few supplies you brought with you have run out. And it seems that no one is coming.

Did something happen to the pilot who brought you here? He's the only other person who knows exactly where you are! Your friends and family only knew you were coming to Canada.

Your food and fresh water may be gone, but you came prepared. You've got warm clothes, a tent and sleeping bag, a pocketknife, and a piece of flint to start fires.

It's clear that rescue might not be coming any time soon. It's time to decide - do you wait for rescue here? Or is it time to strike out into the wilderness in search of help?

To wait for rescue here:
1. read a book set near where you live
2. read a book where the author's last name starts with 'H', 'E', 'R', or 'E'
3. read a book where the MC has to wait for something important
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To strike out in search of help:
1. read a book with the word 'strike' in the text
2. read a book with 'OUT' in the title (can be part of a word, i.e., about, South, outdoor)
3. read a book where the MC asks for help
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To strike out in search of help
Book: The Martian
Author: Andy Weir
Date Read: 11-2-2022
Task: 1. read a book with the word 'strike' in the text
How it Fits: "nothing short of a meteor strike" Page 59

If nobody knows where you are, you could wait here for weeks before rescue comes - if it comes at all. You might survive the summer, but winter would kill you. It's time to move.

You pack your things. Your backpack is heavy. Reluctantly you leave your tent behind to lighten your load. You can always build a shelter.

Mountains lie to your east. The land gradually slopes down to the west. You don't know where you might find civilization.

To head west away from the mountains:
1. read a book with a person on the cover looking away from you
2. read a book set west of where you live
3. read a book where a famous mountain in mentioned
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To head east toward the mountain:
1. read a book where a person on the cover is looking towards you
2. read a book set east of where you live
3. read a book with 'mountain' in the text of the book
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To head west away from the mountains
Book: The Silent Patient
Author: Alex Michaelides
Date Read: 11-2-2022
Task: 4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
How it Fits: T

I don't have a good feeling about this one. LOL!

Michelle's Empty Nest wrote: "I don't have a good feeling about this one. LOL!"

:D

You head west, away from the mountains. You know that in a survival situation, it's usually best to head downhill. Higher elevations will be colder, and also, people tend to settle in lower elevations.

You hike for several days. Your progress is slow and steady. At night you stop and make camp. You eat berries and insects. Eating bugs is gross, but most are plentiful, safe, and loaded with protein.

Late on your third day of hiking, you stop suddenly in your tracks. Ahead of you stands an enormous grizzly bear. The bear takes a step toward you. You have to act quickly!

To stand your ground:
1. read a book where the MC has to defend their actions
2. read a book that you own
3. read a book that shows bare dirt on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

To run from the bear:
1. read a book where the MC has to run (move at a speed faster than a jog)
2. read a book where the MC has to run (leave a situation)
3. read a book with a creature in it that has brown fur
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'

Decision: To stand your ground
Book: The Postmistress of Paris
Author: Meg Waite Clayton
Date Read: 11-5-2022
Task: 2. read a book that you own
How it Fits: I own this book.

Running is the worst thing you could do. A bear's instinct is to chase something that runs away. You need to let it know that you are human and you pose it no threat.

You spread your arms to make yourself bigger and speak in a calm, clear voice, "I'm sorry I bothered you. I'm leaving now." You slowly back up without making eye contact with the grizzly. The bear seems to hesitate, but it wanders off in the opposite direction.

With a deep sigh of relief, you relax. That was a close one. That night you make sure to set up camp from away from where you had the bear encounter.

Two days later you come across a small road. A sign of civilization! You follow the road for most of the morning. Around noon you hear the sounds of a vehicle. A truck rumbles around the corner.

You wave at it, and it slows down. A man and his son stop to ask if you need help. You thank your rescuers. You're going to be okay.

Congratulations! You survived Canada!

What do you want to do now?