Cozy Mysteries discussion

This challenge runs January 01, 2016 to December 31, 2016

As the goal is to read a greater diversity and number of books, a book may only be counted once in this challenge, but may be used in other challenges (Monthly mini, seasonal, etc).


This discussion is for the 2016 Ultimate Challenge created by Pop Sugar. There are 41 books on this year’s challenge — 11 less than last year. In theory, that should make the challenge a bit easier to finish but, in my opinion, some of this year’s categories are a bit tougher. There are also a few redundancies, for example a political memoir and an autobiography, and a book by a celebrity and a book by a comedian. I have also made a few tweaks to our list to make finding books a bit easier. As with last year, I will post links to lists or websites that should make it easier to find some of your challenge books. Good luck, and have fun!


Here is this year’s list, which you can copy and paste onto your personal challenge thread, if you wish.


01. [ ] A book based on a fairy tale
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.)
03. [ ] A young adult (YA) bestseller
04. [ ] A book you haven’t read since high school
05. [ ] A book set in your home state (or province/territory)

06. [ ] A book translated into English
07. [ ] A romance set in the future
08. [ ] A book set in Europe
09. [ ] A book that is under 150 pages
10. [ ] A New York Times bestseller

11. [ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year
12. [ ] A book recommended by someone you just met
13. [ ] A self-improvement book (Note that this can be on any topic: finance, health, etc)
14. [ ] A book you can finish in a day
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity

16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
18. [ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
20. [ ] A science-fiction novel

21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [ ] A graphic novel
23. [ ] A book that is published in 2016
24. [ ] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation.
25. [ ] A book that takes place during summer

26. [ ] A book and its prequel
27. [ ] A murder mystery
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian
29. [ ] A dystopian novel
30. [ ] A book with a blue cover

31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
33. [ ] A classic from the 20th century
34. [ ] A book from the library
(Knowing that not everyone in this group has access to a public library, we will count books found at a local Little Free Library, purchased at a library used book sale, or found on a Goodread friend’s bookshelf)
35. [ ] An autobiography

36. [ ] A book about a road trip
37. [ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar
38. [ ] A satirical book
39. [ ] A book that takes place on an island
40. [ ] A book guaranteed to bring you joy

Here is a list of sites or lists that may prove useful in your hunt for challenge books.



Books based on Fairy Tales
1. The Best Fairy tales and Retellings
2. Based on Fairy Tales


NY Times Bestseller -- GR lists
1. New York Times Bestsellers
2. New York Times Fiction Bestsellers


Young Adult bestsellers
1. NYT Bestsellers for Young Adults
2. Your Favorites -- 100 Best Ever Teen Novels


A book from high school
Since some of you may not remember what you read in high school, feel free to choose a book from my Read in High School shelf or from the following lists:
1. 50 Books to Read in HS
2. I'm Glad Someone Made Me Read This Book
3. Best School-Assigned Books
4. Required Reading in High School"


Books Becoming Movies in 2016
(Please note, some books listed on the first list were actually released in 2015. You'll need to verify whether any book listed will indeed be released in 2016)
1. Books Becoming Movies in 2016
2. 20 Books Becoming Movies in 2016
3. Book to Movie Adaptions for 2016



Self help books
1. 15 Self-Help Books Everyone Needs to Read
2. Self-Help: Health, Mind, Body Books
3. GR Self Help
4. Barnes & Noble Self Help Books
5. Best Self-Help Books for Women
6. 25 Best Books on Self-Improvement


Book by a Celebrity
1. Who Let These People Write a Book
2. Celebrity Authors


Political Memoir
1. American Politics
2. Political Memoirs


Oprah's Book List
1. Oprah's Book Club Picks
2. Wiki list


Science Fiction
1. Best Dystopian and Post Apocalyptic Fiction
2. Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books
3. Best Science Fiction of the 21st Century


More than 600 pages
1. Size Doesn't Matter -- The Long and Large Classics of Literature
2. Big Fat Fiction: Best of the Heavyweights


Set during Summer
1. Books Set During Summer
2. Summer Beach Reads: All Stories Set in Beach Towns
3. Summer YA
4. Best Contemporary Romance Set in Summer


Prequels
A "prequel" is a book written after the first book in a series, but which actually takes place before the first book. I Couldn't find a good list for this one, but this list comes close.
1. Prequels


Book by a Comedian
1. Books by Comics
2. Written by Comedians


Dystopian
1. Best Dystopian and Post Apocalyptic Fiction
2. YA Dystopian Novels


Blue Cover
This one shouldn't be difficult, but in case you do need suggestions:
Books With the Blues


Poetry
Best Poetry Books


20th Century
Best Books of the 20th Century


Autobiography
(NOTE: "Auto" means the person wrote the book about his or her life; it cannot be a book written about someone else. You'll need to check books on some lists to make sure they are Autobiographies, as some lists lump them all together.)
1. Best Memoir and Biography
2. Memoirs by Women
3. Biography and Memoirs that are Better than Fiction
4. Young Adult Trip Novels
2. Road Trip
3. Fiction Books ABout Route 66
4. Best Road Trip Novels


Satire
1. Best Social and Political Satire
2. Best Satires
3. Best Satirical Fiction


Island Setting
1. Books Set on Islands
2. Desert Islands

I'm in.

40/41
[X] A book based on a fairy tale - Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire - 1/19/16
[X] A National Book Award Winner Holes by Louis Sachar - 4/20/16
[X] A young adult (YA) bestseller - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - 1/7/16
[X] A book you haven’t read since high school - Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - 6/15/16
[X] A book set in your home state (or province/territory) - Deadly Sanctuary by Sylvia Nobel - 2/29/16
[X] A book translated into English - Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne - 7/18/16
[X] A romance set in the future - Naked in Death by J.D. Robb - 1/26/16
[X] A book set in Europe - From Bad to Wurst by Maddy Hunter - 1/14/16
[X] A book that is under 150 pages - Pudd'nhead Wilson by Mark Twain - 8/8/16
[X] A New York Times bestseller - The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown - 2/8/16
[X] A book that is being made into a movie this year - The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey - 4/23/16
[X] A book recommended by someone you just met - While My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark - 3/8/16
[X] A self-improvement book - The Approval Fix: How to Break Free from People Pleasing by Joyce Meyer - 3/29/16
[X] A book you can finish in a day - The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley - 1/30/16
[X] A book written by a celebrity - Yes, My Accent Is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You by Kunal Nayyar - 2/2/16
[X] A political memoir - Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box by Madeleine Albright - 6/28/16
[X] A book at least 100 years older than you - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë - 9/1/16
[ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages
[X ] A book from Oprah’s book club - The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett - 4/10/16
[X] A science-fiction novel - Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein - 1/28/16
[X] A book recommended by a family member - The Shadow Riders by Louis L'Amour - 3/1/16
[X] A graphic novel - Fire and Flight by Wendy Pini - 8/22/16
[X] A book that is published in 2016 - For Cheddar or Worse by Avery Aames - 4/1/16
[X] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation - Too Big to Miss by Sue Ann Jaffarian - 8/15/16
[X] A book that takes place during summer - The Devil's Cradle by Sylvia Nobel - 3/15/16
[X] A book and its prequel - Alan Dean Foster - For Love of Mother-Not (9/5/16) and The Tar-Aiym Krang (9/11/16)
[X] A murder mystery - Glory in Death by J.D. Robb - 2/9/16
[X] A book written by a comedian - All I Know About Animal Behavior I Learned In Loehmann's Dressing Room by Erma Bombeck - 8/11/16
[X] A dystopian novel - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins - 1/13/16
[X] A book with a blue cover - Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - 1/19/16
[X] A book of poetry - The Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson by Emily Dickinson - 1/26/16
[X] The first book you see in a bookstore - Star Wars Year by Year: A Visual Chronicle edited Ryder Windham - 11/11/16
[X] A classic from the 20th century - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - 4/18/16
[X] A book from the library - Always the Baker, Finally the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker - 1/20/16
[X] An autobiography - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou - 2/27/16
[X] A book about a road trip - Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck - 3/16/16
[X] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar - Learning to Bow: Inside the Heart of Japan by Bruce Feiler - 7/31/16
[X] A satirical book - Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift - 5/17/16
[X] A book that takes place on an island - And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie - 6/26/16
[X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy - Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas Treasury: Holiday Stories to Warm the Heart by Jack Canfield - 3/7/16

Psst, Teresa...There are only 40 categories, not 41. '-)

Heather L wrote: "Psst, Teresa...There are only 40 categories, not 41. '-)"

But one category is two books - a book and it's prequel.

Ack! Sorry, I stand corrected. Forgot about that one. :-\

I'll give it a go


01. [x ] A book based on a fairy tale Uprooted
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.)
03. [x] A young adult (YA) bestseller - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
04. [x ] A book you haven’t read since high school Deenie
05. [x ] A book set in your home state (or province/territory) Latte Trouble

06. [x ] A book translated into English The Phantom of the Opera
07. [x ] A romance set in the future The Starlight Crystal
08. [x ] A book set in Europe The Nightingale
09. [x ] A book that is under 150 pages Magic Stars
10. [x ] A New York Times bestseller The Kite Runner

11. [x ] A book that is being made into a movie this year Insurgent
12. [x ] A book recommended by someone you just met Falling Angel
13. [ ] A self-improvement book (Note that this can be on any topic: finance, health, etc)
14. [x] A book you can finish in a day - Bloodstone
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity

16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [x ] A book at least 100 years older than you - Treasure Island
18. [x ] A book that’s more than 600 pages Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
19. [x ] A book from Oprah’s book club She's Come Undone
20. [x ] A science-fiction novel The Time Machine

21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [x ] A graphic novel Superman: Birthright
23. [x ] A book that is published in 2016 Fire Touched
24. [x ] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation. Ammie, Come Home
25. [x] A book that takes place during summer Petals on the Wind

26. [x ] A book and its prequel Rag and Bone, A Queer Trade
27. [x ] A murder mystery Criss Cross
28. [ x] A book written by a comedian SeinLanguage
29. [ x] A dystopian novel The Long Walk
30. [ x] A book with a blue cover Rosemary and Rue

31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [x ] The first book you see in a bookstore Friday Night Bites
33. [ x] A classic from the 20th century - The Phantom of the Opera
34. [x] A book from the library Flight
(Knowing that not everyone in this group has access to a public library, we will count books found at a local Little Free Library, purchased at a library used book sale, or found on a Goodread friend’s bookshelf)
35. [ ] An autobiography

36. [ ] A book about a road trip
37. [x] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar Lord of the Flies
38. [ x] A satirical book Love, Death and Tea
39. [x ] A book that takes place on an island Mermen
40. [x ] A book guaranteed to bring you joy See No Evil

I will join this one again next year but I'm only setting a goal of 25.

Goal 20/25

1. A book based on a fairy tale - Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi
2. A National Book Award winner - The Round House by Louise Erdrich
3. A YA bestseller - Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 5/7/16
4. A book you haven't read since high school - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 8/3/16
5. A book set in your home state - Savannah by Eugenia Price
6. A book translated to English - The Bat by Jo Nesbo 9/23/16
7. A romance set in the future - Naked in Death by .D. Robb 7/28/16
8. A book set in Europe - The Paris Wife by Paula McLain 8/31/16
9. A book that's under 150 pages - The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 1/31/16
10. A New York Times bestseller - The Shadow of the Wind 7/27/16
11. A book that's becoming a movie this year - Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
12. A book recommended by someone you just met - Alice in Zombieland 10/3/16
13. A self-improvement book - Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
14. A book you can finish in a day - Pippi Longstocking1/30/16
15. A book written by a celebrity - Rebels: City of Indra: The Story of Lex and Livia by Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner 9/30/16
16. A political memoir - I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
17. A book at least 100 years older than you - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
18. A book that's more than 600 pages - The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
19. A book from Oprah's Book Club - Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende
20. A science-fiction novel - The Martian by Andy Weir 1/9/16
21. A book recommended by a family member - The Vampire Lestat 8/20/16
22. A graphic novel -
23. A book that is published in 2016 - Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs 4/2/16
24. A book with a protagonist that has your occupation -
25. A book that takes place during summer - The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
26. A book and its prequel -
27. A murder mystery - And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
28. A book written by a comedian -
29. A dystopian novel - The Scorch Trials by James Dashner 1/9/16
30. A book with a blue cover - The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes 6/4/16
31. A book of poetry - The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
32. The first book you see in a bookstore - Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo 6/15/16
33. A classic from the 20th century - A Separate Peace by John Knowles 7/7/16
34. A book from the library -
35. An autobiography - High on Arrival by Mackenzie Phillips 4/30/16
36. A book about a road trip - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
37. A book about a culture you're unfamiliar with -
38. A satirical book - Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut 8/8/16
39. A book that takes place on an island - Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery
40. A book that's guaranteed to bring you joy - Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery 9/15/16

2016 Ultimate Reading Challenge
Duration: 1/1/2016 - 12/31/2016

Completed: 17/40

1. A book based on a fairy tale:
√ 2. A National Book Award winner: Dishing the Dirt...FINISHED 5/12/16
√ 3. A YA bestseller: Scarlet...FINISHED 1/3/16
4. A book you haven't read since high school
√ 5. A book set in your home state: The Chaperone...FINISHED 3/14/16 (The state that I was born in (Wichita, Kansas)
√ 6. A book translated to English: The Shape of Water...FINISHED 3/18/16
7. A romance set in the future:
√8. A book set in Europe: Antony and Cleopatra...Finished 3/21/16
√ 9. A book that's under 150 pages: The Under Dog: A Short Story...FINISHED 4/21/16
√ 10. A New York Times bestseller: Where Are You Now?...FINISHED 2/11/16
11. A book that's becoming a movie this year
12. A book recommended by someone you just met:
√ 13. A self-improvement book: The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life...FINISHED 3/8/16
√ 14. A book you can finish in a day: Felicity's New Sister...FINISHED 1/7/16
15. A book written by a celebrity:
16. A political memoir:
17. A book at least 100 years older than you:
18. A book that's more than 600 pages:
19. A book from Oprah's Book Club:
√ 20. A science-fiction novel: Daughter of the Blood ...FINISHED 1/29/16
√  21. A book recommended by a family member: Cinder...FINISHED 2/8/16
 22. a graphic novel:
√  23. A book that is published in 2016: Far From True...FINISHED 2/17/16
24. A book with a protagonist who has your occupation:
√ 25. A book that takes place durning summer: Murder at the Brightwell
26. A book and it's prequel:
√  27. A murder mystery: The Murder House...FINISHED 2/6/16
28. A book written by a comedian:
29. A dystopian novel:
√ 30. A book with a blue cover: Haunted ...FINISHED 3/28/16
31. A book of poetry:
32. The first book you see in a bookstore:
33. A classic from the 20th century:
√ 34. A book from the library: A Potion to Die For...FINISHED 2/20/16
35. An autobiography:
36. A book about a road trip:
37. A book about a culture you're unfamiliar with:
38. A satirical book:
√ 39. A book that takes place on an island: The Miracle on Monhegan Island: A Novel...FINISHED 4/30/16
40. A book that's guaranteed to bring you joy:

This challenge runs January 01, 2016 to December 31, 2016


01. [ ] A book based on a fairy tale
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.)
03. [ ] A young adult (YA) bestseller
04. [ ] A book you haven’t read since high school
05. [ ] A book set in your home state (or province/territory)

06. [ ] A book translated into English
07. [ ] A romance set in the future
08. [ ] A book set in Europe
09. [ ] A book that is under 150 pages
10. [ ] A New York Times bestseller

11. [ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year
12. [ ] A book recommended by someone you just met
13. [ ] A self-improvement book (Note that this can be on any topic: finance, health, etc)
14. [ ] A book you can finish in a day
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity

16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
18. [ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
20. [ ] A science-fiction novel

21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [ ] A graphic novel
23. [ ] A book that is published in 2016
24. [ ] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation.
25. [ ] A book that takes place during summer

26. [ ] A book and its prequel
27. [ ] A murder mystery
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian
29. [ ] A dystopian novel
30. [ ] A book with a blue cover

31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
33. [ ] A classic from the 20th century
34. [ ] A book from the library
(Knowing that not everyone in this group has access to a public library, we will count books found at a local Little Free Library, purchased at a library used book sale, or found on a Goodread friend’s bookshelf)
35. [ ] An autobiography

36. [ ] A book about a road trip
37. [ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar
38. [ ] A satirical book
39. [ ] A book that takes place on an island
40. [ ] A book guaranteed to bring you joy

I think I'm going to skip this :( , as I've not finished neither Ultimate 2015 nor the world trip, so I'll finish them first.

Some of these are good! Some I dont know... I dont read Oprah's books at all. And no one I know has my profession as an aircraft dispatcher that is a main character! hahahaha But a meteorologist maybe. I will have to scout. Thanks again for the list. This should be an excellent challenge.

[ ] A book based on a fairy tale
[ ] A National Book Award Winner
[ ] A young adult (YA) bestseller
[ ] A book you haven’t read since high school
[ ] A book set in your home state (or province/territory)

[ ] A book translated into English
[ ] A romance set in the future
[ ] A book set in Europe
[ ] A book that is under 150 pages
[ ] A New York Times bestseller

[ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year
[ ] A book recommended by someone you just met
[ ] A self-improvement book
[ ] A book you can finish in a day
[ ] A book written by a celebrity

[ ] A political memoir
[ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
[ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages
[ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
[ ] A science-fiction novel

[ ] A book recommended by a family member
[ ] A graphic novel
[ ] A book that is published in 2016
[ ] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation.
[ ] A book that takes place during summer

[ ] A book and its prequel

[ ] A murder mystery
[ ] A book written by a comedian
[ ] A dystopian novel
[ ] A book with a blue cover

[ ] A book of poetry
[ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
[ ] A classic from the 20th century
[ ] A book from the library
[ ] An autobiography

[ ] A book about a road trip
[ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar
[ ] A satirical book
[ ] A book that takes place on an island
[ ] A book guaranteed to bring you joy

I won't be participating in this Challenge for this next new year. I need to read what is on my Bookshelves and on my Kindle Tablet so I can make more room for more books.

Happy Reading

Linda wrote: "I won't be participating in this Challenge for this next new year. I need to read what is on my Bookshelves and on my Kindle Tablet so I can make more room for more books.

Happy Reading"

You might surprise yourself at how many books you have include these topics! I would still do them for fun! The ones you can and check them off! :) I spotted 16 of them off the bat that are in my TBR file so its possible to do a bunch off this list.

@Annamarie - I will go ahead and do this Challenge than. Thank you for encouraging me to do this Challenge.

Happy Reading :)

Your welcome Linda! I think you will surprise yourself! I look forward to the checkmarks showing you progressing!

@Annamarie - thank you - I already have some of my books picked out for some of the Categories that are already on my Bookshelves.

I had so much fun with it this year. It's a great way to clean off your shelves. Also, it's no big deal if I don't finish. May be easier this year as there's only 41 books vs 52 this year. I will probably not finish this year's

I think just the fact you could do even half is great! Also, I think you will surprise yourself on how much you do read! I looked at last years list on some other book groups and found I had read a lot of the challenge set up in there.

It snot so much about fully completing it. But rather expanding your reading list to find new authors and new books that interest you.

So dont do it as an "all or nothing" list. But rather to look back and smile at what you have accomplished. I do this in my life in general.

Each month I save more money (even $20 more than I set out to!) I write it down and feel better about my choices.

I am so excited to see how many do it this year! My goal is 50% of the list. If I do more that is fantastic! If I do less that is fine too. Its still fun.

Good luck and happy reading to all!

I'm going to do this again and see how many I get to.

I loved the 2015 version, I also use it as a way to expand my reading selections.I think I am at 30/52 for 2015 but I have really enjoyed it. I usually look through my TBR to find books I already own that can fill some topics and I also changed up during the year.

Personal Note: For this Challenge only: Physical/Ebooks only (no Audio books)
01. [ ] A book based on a fairy tale: Cinder
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.): The Complete Stories
03. [ ] A young adult (YA) bestseller: Between Shades of Gray5/16/
04. [ ] A book you haven’t read since high school: The Grapes of Wrath
05. [ ] A book set in your home state (or province/territory): North of Nowhere 4/8/16

06. [X] A book translated into English:Like Water for Chocolate1/15/16
07. [ ] A romance set in the future
08. [ ] A book set in Europe: The Shadow of the Wind
09. [ ] A book that is under 150 pages
10. [X] A New York Times bestseller : The Rosie Project3/12/16

11. [ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year
12. [ ] A book recommended by someone you just met
13. [ ] A self-improvement book (Note that this can be on any topic: finance, health, etc)
14. [ ] A book you can finish in a day
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity

16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [ ] A book at least 100 years older than you: Emma
18. [X] A book that’s more than 600 pages: The Historian 3/10/16
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club : The Pilot's Wife 1/7/16
20. [ ] A science-fiction novel

21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [ ] A graphic novel
23. [ ] A book that is published in 2016 Fogged inn
24. [ ] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation.
25. [ ] A book that takes place during summer: Summer in the South 2/7/16

26. [X] A book and its prequel Something Strange and Deadly 1/12/19
and A Dawn Most Wicked
27. [ ] A murder mystery
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian
29. [X] A dystopian novel : The Giver 2/11/16
30. [ ] A book with a blue cover: Burial Rites

31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [X ] The first book you see in a bookstore: The Lake House 2/4/16
33. [ ] A classic from the 20th century: Rebecca4/19/16
34. [X] A book from the library: The Book of Speculation1/5/17
35. [ ] An autobiography

36. [ ] A book about a road trip
37. [ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar
38. [ ] A satirical book
39. [ ] A book that takes place on an island : The Light Between Oceans5/7/16
40. [X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy: The Sugar Queen 1/17/15

Sharmon wrote: "I loved the 2015 version, I also use it as a way to expand my reading selections.I think I am at 30/52 for 2015 but I have really enjoyed it. I usually look through my TBR to find books I already o..."

I agree Sharmon. That is really great! And 30/52 is excellent if you ask me!

I found a two lists of National Book Award for Fiction
http://www.nationalbook.org/nba77fict...

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/8...

What Annamarie said. Don't go into it with an all-or-nothing attitude, but rather with the intent to see how many you can do. I actually managed to complete 40/52 this year, and while I have books for at least half of those categories remaining, I'll be happy just to mark two more off the list. The categories I will struggle with for the 2016 version are all the memoir/biography categories, as I generally dislike that genre.

Heather L wrote: "What Annamarie said. Don't go into it with an all-or-nothing attitude, but rather with the intent to see how many you can do. I actually managed to complete 40/52 this year, and while I have books ..."

I struggle w/bios and memoirs. Although I am going to read Leah Remini's book. I think she is hilarious. But outside of that, I wouldnt make that list. lol

I think I'll try this.

I already bought my first book for this challenge at my local used book store. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott for the 600 pages or more category. :D

I'm gonna give this one a try. :) I don't know how far I will get, though... I'm going to be doing a Harvard Classics challenge with another GR group I belong to (a huge undertaking with over 100 full length books, poems, and essays), but I have a feeling many of the new categories will be covered thru that challenge. ;) We'll see how it goes! :)

Heather L wrote: "What Annamarie said. Don't go into it with an all-or-nothing attitude, but rather with the intent to see how many you can do. I actually managed to complete 40/52 this year, and while I have books ..."

Amen to that! I just finished #39/52 of the 2015 challenge.

I found a book for the "poetry" criteria at the library used book sale Saturday, The Best Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis. At a cursory glance, I can tell you I've read at least half of the poems included previously. This is one I will work at a poem or three at a time, not something I will read in one sitting.

I will finish 2015 list next week but did not publish it. Learning how to participate on line this year.

Carol's 2016 List 8/41

01. [X] A book based on a fairy tale - The Princess, the Pea and the Night of Passion by Rosetta Bloom in 1/16
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.)
03. [ ] A young adult (YA) bestseller
04. [ ] A book you haven’t read since high school
05. [ ] A book set in your home state (or province/territory)

06. [ ] A book translated into English
07. [ ] A romance set in the future
08. [ ] A book set in Europe
09. [X] A book that is under 150 pages - Number the Stars by Lois Lowry in 1/16
10. [ ] A New York Times bestseller

11. [ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year
12. [ ] A book recommended by someone you just met
13. [ ] A self-improvement book (Note that this can be on any topic: finance, health, etc)
14. [ ] A book you can finish in a day
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity

16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
18. [ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
20. [X] A science-fiction novel - 2BR02B by Kurt Vonnegut in 1/16

21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [ ] A graphic novel
23. [ ] A book that is published in 2016
24. [ ] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation.
25. [ ] A book that takes place during summer

26. [X] A book and its prequel - Masked Ball at Broxley Manor and A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen in 1/16
27. [X] A murder mystery - Holly Blues by Susan Wittig Albert in 1/16
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian
29. [ ] A dystopian novel
30. [X] A book with a blue cover - The Opposite of Everyone by Joshilyn Jackson in 1/16

31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
33. [ ] A classic from the 20th century
34. [ ] A book from the library
35. [ ] An autobiography
36. [ ] A book about a road trip
37. [ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar
38. [ ] A satirical book
39. [ ] A book that takes place on an island
40. [X] A book guaranteed to bring you joy - Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich in 1/16

01. [✓] A book based on a fairy taleCress 08.06.16
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.)
03. [✓] A young adult (YA) bestseller Finding Audrey 02.26.16
04. [✓] A book you haven’t read since high school Fahrenheit 45110.24.16
05. [✓] A book set in your home state (or province/territory)Larceny and Old Lace 07.05.16

06. [ ] A book translated into English
07. [✓] A romance set in the future Red Queen 03.11.16
08. [✓] A book set in Europe The Portable Door 01.16.16
09. [✓] A book that is under 150 pages The Great Gilly Hopkins 03.29.16
10. [✓] A New York Times bestseller The Rosie Project 02.22.16

11. [✓] A book that is being made into a movie this year How to Be Single 03.13.16
12. [ ] A book recommended by someone you just met
13. [ ] A self-improvement book (Note that this can be on any topic: finance, health, etc)
14. [✓] A book you can finish in a day The Boxcar Children 05.22.16
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity

16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
18. [✓] A book that’s more than 600 pages A Clash of Kings 02.17.16
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
20. [✓] A science-fiction novel The 5th Wave03.24.16

21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [ ] A graphic novel
23. [✓] A book that is published in 2016 Crime and Poetry 08.08.16
24. [ ] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation.
25. [✓] A book that takes place during summer A Deadly Grind 01.11.16

26. [ ] A book and its prequel
27. [✓] A murder mystery Bats and Bones 01.23.16
28. [✓] A book written by a comedian Why Not Me? 09.27.16
29. [✓] A dystopian novel The Maze Runner 09.22.16
30. [✓] A book with a blue cover Three to Get Deadly 01.19.16

31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [✓] The first book you see in a bookstore Beach Town 04.08.16
33. [✓] A classic from the 20th century The Outsiders 11.11.16
34. [✓] A book from the library
(Knowing that not everyone in this group has access to a public library, we will count books found at a local Little Free Library, purchased at a library used book sale, or found on a Goodread friend’s bookshelf)Horrorstör 01.16.16
35. [ ] An autobiography

36. [✓] A book about a road trip Married with Zombies 07.16.16
37. [✓] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar The Garden Plot 04.19.16
38. [ ] A satirical book
39. [✓] A book that takes place on an island A Week in Winter 04.29.16
40. [✓] A book guaranteed to bring you joy God Save the Sweet Potato Queens 03.16.16

01. [ ] A book based on a fairy tale
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.)
03. [ ] A young adult (YA) bestseller
04. [ ] A book you haven’t read since high school
05. [ ] A book set in your home state (or province/territory)

06. [ ] A book translated into English
07. [ ] A romance set in the future 
08. [ ] A book set in Europe 
09. [ ] A book that is under 150 pages 
10. [ ] A New York Times bestseller 

11. [ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year 
12. [ ] A book recommended by someone you just met 
13. [ ] A self-improvement book (Note that this can be on any topic: finance, health, etc)
14. [ ] A book you can finish in a day 
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity 

16. [ ] A political memoir 
17. [ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
18. [ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages 
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club 
20. [ ] A science-fiction novel 

21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [ ] A graphic novel 
23. [ ] A book that is published in 2016 
24. [ ] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation. 
25. [ ] A book that takes place during summer

26. [ ] A book and its prequel 
27. [ ] A murder mystery 
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian 
29. [ ] A dystopian novel 
30. [ ] A book with a blue cover 

31. [ ] A book of poetry 
32. [ ] The first book you see in a bookstore 
33. [ ] A classic from the 20th century 
34. [ ] A book from the library 
(Knowing that not everyone in this group has access to a public library, we will count books found at a local Little Free Library, purchased at a library used book sale, or found on a Goodread friend’s bookshelf)
35. [ ] An autobiography 

36. [ ] A book about a road trip 
37. [ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar
38. [ ] A satirical book 
39. [ ] A book that takes place on an island 
40. [ ] A book guaranteed to bring you joy 

I didn't do this last year but I am thinking about doing it this year.

Britney wrote: "I didn't do this last year but I am thinking about doing it this year."

You should try! Do as many as you can. I encouraged before and will again. Its not about completion factor. But it is a nice gauge and also entices you to read things that are out of your ordinary list!

I did so bad with this challenge last year so I'm going to give it another try.

Progress: 3/40

01. [ ] A book based on a fairy tale
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner
03. [ ] A young adult (YA) bestseller
04. [ ] A book you haven’t read since high school
05. [ ] A book set in your home state (or province/territory)
06. [X] A book translated into English Let Me Go (read 01/16/16)
07. [ ] A romance set in the future
08. [ ] A book set in Europe
09. [ ] A book that is under 150 pages
10. [ ] A New York Times bestseller
11. [ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year
12. [ ] A book recommended by someone you just met
13. [ ] A self-improvement book
14. [ ] A book you can finish in a day
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity
16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [ ] A book at least 100 years older than you
18. [ ] A book that’s more than 600 pages
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
20. [ ] A science-fiction novel
21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [X] A graphic novel The Walking Dead, Vol. 02: Miles Behind Us (read 01/27/16)
23. [ ] A book that is published in 2016
24. [ ] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation.
25. [ ] A book that takes place during summer
26. [ ] A book and its prequel
27. [ ] A murder mystery
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian
29. [ ] A dystopian novel
30. [ ] A book with a blue cover
31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
33. [ ] A classic from the 20th century
34. [X] A book from the library Stormbird (read 01/04/16)
35. [ ] An autobiography
36. [ ] A book about a road trip
37. [ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar
38. [ ] A satirical book
39. [ ] A book that takes place on an island
40. [ ] A book guaranteed to bring you joy

I'm in

Read: 17/40

01. [ ] A book based on a fairy tale J M Barrie - Peter Pan
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner Ali Benjamin - The Thing about Jellyfish
03. Markus Zusak - The Book Thief
04. Mary Wollenscraft Shelley - Frankenstein
05. [ ] A book set in your home state (or province/territory) Sheila Quigley - Bad Moon Rising
06. Cornelia Funke - Inkheart
07. [ ] A romance set in the future J D Robb - Glory in Death
08. [ ] A book set in Europe Maddy Hunter - Pasta Imperfect
09. [ ] A book that is under 150 pages Clifford Riley - Legacy
10. Paula Hawkins - The Girl on the Train
11. [ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year Veronica Roth - Insurgent
12. Alan Moss - Scotland Yard's History of Crime in 100 Objects
13. Rhonda Byrne - The Secret
14. Ann Jungman - Betrayal
15. Craig Revel Horwood - All Balls and Glitter
16. [ ] A political memoir Malala Yousafezai - I am Malala
17. [ ] A book at least 100 years older than you Charles Kinglsey - The Water Babies
18. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club Isabel Allende - Daughter of Fortune
20. Max Brooks - World War Z
21. Charles Tritten - Heidi Grows Up
22. Ian Edington - The Evil Within
23. [ ] A book that is published in 2016 Meg Cabot - Remembrance
24. Cornelia Funke - Inkspell
25. [ ] A book that takes place during summer Jill Sanders - Finding Pride
26. [ ] A book and its prequel Erin Bowman - Stolen
Erin Bowman - Taken
27. Agatha Christie - The ABC Murders
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian Sue Perkins - Spectacles
29. [ ] A dystopian novel David Moody - The Cost of Living
30. [ ] A book with a blue cover Veronica Roth - Divergent
31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
33. [ ] Harper Lee - To Kill a Mockingbird
34. [ ] A book from the library Miss Read - Early Days
35. [ ] An autobiography Agatha Christie - An Autobiography
36. [ ] A book about a road trip Debbie Macomber - A Turn in the Road
37. [ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar Natacha Tormey - Born into the Children of God
38. [ ] A satirical book Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice
39. Agatha Christie - And Then There Were None
40. Debbie Macomber - A Good Yarn

In my personal challenges.

Well, at the end, let's see how we do with this. Some of the books I've got from the last Ultimate can be OK here too.

Be aware of the prequel list. It has mistakes as "Night Watch" or "Gentlemen and the Jolie Queen".

I'm in.

20/40

01. [x ] A book based on a fairy tale....Beauty, Beast, and Belladonna....10/6/16
02. [ ] A National Book Award Winner (NOTE: Because this award is relatively new, we will allow finalists and well as winners, in order to give you more options.)
03. [x ] A young adult (YA) bestseller.....Followed by Frost.....4/12/16
04. [x ] A book you haven’t read since high school.....Curtain.....11/17/16
05. [ x] A book set in your home state (or province/territory).....Murder, Served Simply........2/15/16



06. [x ] A book translated into English....The Werewolf of Bamberg.....1/6/16
07. [x ] A romance set in the future....Brotherhood in Death....2/15/16
08. [x ] A book set in Europe.......The Crooked Spire.......1/3/16
09. [x ] A book that is under 150 pages......An Accidental Murder....1/27/16
10. [x ] A New York Times bestseller....Ashley Bell...3/16/16



11. [ ] A book that is being made into a movie this year
12. [x ] A book recommended by someone you just met....The Last Days of Night.....10/17/16
13. [x ] A self-improvement book Sound Healing: Vibrational Healing with Ohm Tuning Forks.......6/2/16
14. [x ] A book you can finish in a day....A Real Pickle.....2/10/16
15. [ ] A book written by a celebrity



16. [ ] A political memoir
17. [x ] A book at least 100 years older than you......The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories
18. [ x] A book that’s more than 600 pages.....Winter's Tale.....9/27/17
19. [ ] A book from Oprah’s book club
20. [ x] A science-fiction novel....The Glass Magician....1/8/16



21. [ ] A book recommended by a family member
22. [ ] A graphic novel
23. [x ] A book that is published in 2016...Brooklyn on Fire...1/23/16
24. [ x] A book with a protagonist (main character) who has your occupation......Tie Died: A Quilting Cozy.....10/10/16
25. [x ] A book that takes place during summer.....Mobsters and Lobsters.....4/3/16



26. [ ] A book and its prequel
27. [ x] A murder mystery.....Cold Cruel Winter...2/1/16
28. [ ] A book written by a comedian
29. [ ] A dystopian novel
30. [ x] A book with a blue cover.......A Baked Ham......1/4/16



31. [ ] A book of poetry
32. [ ] The first book you see in a bookstore
33. [ ] A classic from the 20th century
34. [x ] A book from the library.......Dearly Departed........2/16/16
35. [ ] An autobiography



36. [ ] A book about a road trip
37. [ ] A book about a culture with which you are unfamiliar
38. [ ] A satirical book
39. [ ] A book that takes place on an island......A Tale of Two Tabbies.....5/27/16
40. [ ] A book guaranteed to bring you joy.

My list is in my personal challenges folder:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I haven't done one of these before, but I think it could be an interesting way to dig through my to-read list.

Marisa wrote: "Be aware of the prequel list. It has mistakes as "Night Watch" or "Gentlemen and the Jolie Queen"."


Yeah, I tried finding a better "prequel" list, both here and in general, to no avail.


I've started the year off with one of the more ambitious criteria, a book of 600 pages: The Insider by Ridley Pearson. Thankfully, it's part of a series that generally reads pretty fast.

You could just google it. A lot of times I find neat lists that way.

Kirsten *Dogs Welcome - People Tolerated" wrote: "You could just google it. A lot of times I find neat lists that way."


That's what I tried doing to find a prequel list when I set up this discussion. It was not helpful. :-\

3/40

I just discovered a book I pulled from the depths of my to-read list is actually being made into a movie! The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon

I also finished Murder in the Mews this week for a book set in Europe.

And I'm in the middle of Late Harvest Havoc for a book translated to English

Does anybody know a good political memoir to read for this challenge? I've never read anything of the sort and I don't particularly like politics either so I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what I want to read for this category.

Lacey wrote: "Does anybody know a good political memoir to read for this challenge? I've never read anything of the sort and I don't particularly like politics either so I'm having a hard time trying to figure o..."

I'm looking at one of Margaret Thatcher's books - The Downing Street Years or The Path To Power

Heather L wrote: "Kirsten *Dogs Welcome - People Tolerated" wrote: "You could just google it. A lot of times I find neat lists that way."


That's what I tried doing to find a prequel list when I set up this discuss..."

Yes, it was, there was a lot of info, although some mistakes (or not, according to the criteria, Lois McMaster Bujold's is a peculiar book).

Lacey wrote: "Does anybody know a good political memoir to read for this challenge? I've never read anything of the sort and I don't particularly like politics either so I'm having a hard time trying to figure o..."

You could give I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban a try, that book is seen as a political memoir as well. I'm in the same boat as you, I'm also not remotely interested in politics, so I'm going to go with this book.