The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
SPRING CHALLENGE 2018
>
Spring Challenge 2018: Tasks
date
newest »
newest »
Mod
*NOTE: ebooks without a print edition cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook, listen to an audiobook or read a Large Print edition use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition. See the rules of the challenge for the complete method.
10.1 - Let's Learn Something.
Help Thread
The British Museum is a museum dedicated to human history, art and culture. Read a non-fiction book with a main page genre of history, art or culture/cultural. Genres may be standalone or embedded.
10.2 - Free For All
Help Thread
Numerous museums around the world allow free entry, although donations are appreciated. Read a book that you got for free – a gift, library book, etc.
REQUIRED: Explain in your post how you got the book.
NOTE: this would not include books for which you do not pay an individual price, but which you receive as part of a subscription.
10.3 - Tell Me Where It Hurts
Help Thread
The Wellcome Collection is a medical-based museum, which describes itself as "The free destination for the incurably curious". Read a book with a main page genre of "medicine" or "medical," or about or by a doctor, nurse, midwife or veterinarian.
10.4. The Birds and the Bees
Help Thread
Read a book with the word “Bird” or the name of a specific bird in the title/subtitle, OR, the word “Bug” or the name of a specific insect* in the title/subtitle. Words must be standalone – so The Reality Bug would work, but The Bughouse Affair would not. Singular/plural forms of the word are fine, but no other variations.
*For purposes of this task, "insect" will be considered to include things like spiders that we think of as "bugs," but that are not technically insects.
Bird names must be those of real birds, not fantasy or mythological. If the bird name is not commonly known (eagle, crow, owl, etc.), you must provide a link to a reference showing that this is the name of a bird.
10.5. Springtime in Paris
Help Thread
Read a book set in France or written by an author born or currently living in France. REQUIRED: If it is not apparent from the description or metadata, please provide a reference for the author's birthplace/current location.
10.6 - Want to See My Slides?
Help Thread
March 20 is Extraterrestrial Abductions Day. Read a book with the main page genre Science Fiction (standalone or embedded).
10.7 - My Favorite Holiday!
Help Thread
.April 12 is Drop Everything and Read Day. Read a book from this list: Stories for Book Lovers. REQUIRED: Include in your post the page number of the list on which your book is found.
10.8 - Tax Day
Help Thread
April 15 is tax day in the US. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in TAX DAY. All initials must be found in the phrase, and letters can be used only as many times as they are found in the target phrase. If there are multiple contributors, any author's initials can be used.
10.9 -"Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press" - Thomas Jefferson
Help Thread
World Press Freedom Day is May 3d. Read a non-fiction book written about or by a journalist. REQUIRED: if the GR description does not establish the profession of journalist for the author/subject, please include a reference establishing the profession.
10.10 - Africa Day
Help Thread
May 25th is Africa Day – read a book set in a country that is a member of the African Union or by an author born or currently living in one of those countries. REQUIRED: If it is not apparent from the description or metadata, please provide a reference for the setting or author's birthplace/current location.
Mod
*NOTE: ebooks without a print edition cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook, listen to an audiobook or read a Large Print edition use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition. See the rules of the challenge for the complete method.
15.1 - A Truth and A Lie
Help Thread
Read two books, one book 1 and one book 2.
Book 1: Read a nonfiction book. The book must have an indicator on the main book page that the book is nonfiction, such as a Nonfiction genre in the genre list or a statement in the book’s title, description or main book page reviews.
Book 2: Read a book with any form of the word LIE - a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood in the title or subtitle, such as lies, lie’s, lied, lying, liar, liars, liar’s, liars’ in the title or subtitle.
A homonym that matches the word exactly may be used as in Lie Down with Lions, Lying Among The Stars
15.2 - Two Of The Tates
Help Thread
Read two books, one book 1 and one book 2.
Book 1: Tate Britain was known from 1897 to 1932 as the National Gallery of British Art and from 1932 to 2000 as the Tate Gallery. Read a book FIRST published between 1897 and 1999 (inclusive).
Book 2: The Tate Modern Museum opened on May 11, 2000. Read a book FIRST published since the year 2000 (pre-May is OK).
15.3 -Women’s History Month
Help Thread
March is Women's History Month "commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history."
Choose one option.
Option 1: Read 2 books, one book 1 and one book 2.
Book 1: Read a book with a main page genre that includes "history" or "historical".
AND
Book 2: Read a book written by a woman. The author’s gender should be evident on the Goodreads author page or provide a reference. Male authors writing under a female pen name do NOT work.
OR
Option 2: Read ONE book that satisfies BOTH book 1 and book 2 requirements.
15.4 - Collect, Preserve, Study, Exhibit, Stimulate, Engage
Help Thread
This is a list of the Top 10 museums in the world
Smithsonian Institution
Le Louvre
The Acropolis Museum
State Hermitage
The British Museum
The Prado
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Vatican Museums
The Uffizi Gallery
Rijksmuseum
Choose one option.
OPTION 1: Read 2 books, one book 1 and one book 2 using 2 different museums from the above list.
Book 1: Read a book written by a single author whose initials are found in the name of one of these museums listed above. All initials must be found in the museum name.
AND
Book 2: Read a book with a title of at least two words in which the initial letter of each word of the title can be found in the name of a DIFFERENT museum from the above list. Subtitles may be ignored. Spaces determine words.
OR
Option 2: Read ONE book that satisfies BOTH book 1 and book 2 requirements. Note that 2 different museum names must be used to satisfy each requirement.
Letters may be used only as often as they appear in the museum's name.
15.5 - Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Help Thread
Fred Rogers, born March 20, 1928, was a pioneer of educational television programming for children. Read a book where ALL the letters in the title can be found in MISTER ROGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD and/or CARDIGAN SWEATER. Subtitles should be ignored. Letters may only be used as often as they appear in the phrase(s). Numbers and symbols count as letters.
15.6 - Oh, Beans!
Help Thread
National Jelly Bean Day is April 22. Read a book with a word in the title or subtitle from this list of the most popular Jelly Belly jelly bean flavors:
Black Licorice, Buttered Popcorn, Watermelon, Cherry, Cinnamon, Pear, Orange, Green Apple, Toasted Marshmallow, Blueberry, Coconut, Strawberry, Cotton Candy, Bubblegum, Root Beer, Peach, Coffee, Grape, Lemon, Red Apple
A single word from the list many be used. Plurals and possessives work, no other variations.
15.7 - Spring Saints
Help Thread
The patron saints of England, Ireland and Wales all have their saint days in the spring: St. David (1st March), St. Patrick (17th March), St. George (23rd April) Read a book by an author named David, Patrick or George or any of the related names found at Behind the Name - David , Behind the Name - Patrick, Behind the Name - George such as Dave, Trisha,or Gina. The name may be found in any name position. Name variations are limited to those found at the link - NO other variations. Diacritical marks may be ignored.
15.8 - The Red Baron
Help Thread
Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen also known as the "Red Baron", was a fighter pilot with the German Air Force during World War I. He is considered the ace-of-aces of the war, being officially credited with 80 air combat victories. He was shot down and killed near Vaux-sur-Somme on 21 April 1918.
Read a book with an airplane on the cover*. An airplane is a fixed-wing aircraft capable of sustained flight flown by a pilot such as a glider, biplane, floatplane, or jet. It is NOT a kite, helicopter, hot air balloon, paper airplane or parachute. *Some portion of the wing must be visible.
Required: Include the cover.
15.9 - Find Your Muse
Help Thread
The English "museum" comes from the Ancient Greek Μουσεῖον (Mouseion), which denotes a place or temple dedicated to the Muses, the inspirational goddesses of literature, science, and the arts in Greek mythology. Writers disagree concerning the number of the Muses; some say that there are three, and others that there are nine.
Read a book with BOTH a three-letter word AND a nine-letter word in the title and/or subtitle. Numbers and symbols count as letters, punctuation (apostrophe's, hyphens, etc.) do not count.
ex. The Lady Elizabeth The (3), Elizabeth (9)
A Necessary Sin Sin (3) Necessary (9)
Required: State the words.
15.10 - Pay the Piper
Help Thread
International Bagpipe Day is March 10 and the International Bagpipe Museum has a collection of bagpipes from around the world.
Read a book set at least 50% in ONE of the countries that has a type of bagpipe: Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Latvia, Libya, Lithuania, Malta, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Wales.
Required: State the setting and if it is not evident on the book's main page include a reference that establishes the setting.
Mod
*NOTE: ebooks without a print edition cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook, listen to an audiobook or read a Large Print edition use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition. See the rules of the challenge for the complete method.
20.1 - Most Improved Player - Amber's Task: Adventure in the Southwest
Help Thread
We moved from the Northeast to the Southwest of the United States recently and most of my non-reading time has been spent getting used to our wonderful new state, New Mexico! This task is based on the explorations we've done around the state so far.
This is a one book task. Pick any option.
Required: Indicate the option.
No book listing children’s as a main page genre may be used for this task.
The genres "Sequential Art", "Comics", "Comic Book", and "Manga" are allowed for this task.
Option 1: One of my favorite parts of New Mexico is the number of national parks and national monuments. According to the National Park Service website, New Mexico has 15 national parks! I haven't been to all of them yet, but it's definitely one of my goals! Read a book with a number of pages evenly divisible by 15. For example, The Great Gatsby with 180 pages works (180/15 = 12) and Homegoing with 300 pages works (300/15 = 20), but One Kick with 400 pages doesn't (400/15 = 26.67).
Option 2: Several of the national monuments and national historic sites in New Mexico relate to the national labs here, which developed and built the first nuclear weapons during World War II. For this option, read a book written by a single author whose first and last initials can be found in the phrase MANHATTAN PROJECT. Middle name initials may be ignored.
Option 3: The reason we decided to move out here was because we were ready to see new places and try new things. For this option, read a book with a main page genre of Adventure, either embedded or standalone.
20.2 - Rookie at the Top - Rina's Task: Tallinn
Help Thread
I grew up in Tallinn, Estonia, and I think that with its many sights, attractions and museums Tallinn works well for the museum-themed Spring Challenge.
Please choose 1 of the options below.
Required: Identify the option.
1. The name Tallinn is Estonian. It is usually thought to be derived from "Taani linna", meaning Danish town.
Read a book with at least 2 pairs of double letters in the title and/or subtitle.
ex. Assassination Vacation SS, SS; Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk LL, NN; All the Light We Cannot See LL, NN, (EE).
2. Tallinn’s Old Town was entered on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1997 as an „exceptionally complete and well preserved example of a medieval northern European trading city“.
Read a book from the Medieval Era fiction list.
Required: Please state which page the book can be found on when you post.
3. Kiek in de Kök - this massive, 38m-high cannon tower houses an extensive museum of the town's fortifications, weapons and medieval-era life. The tower's unusual name literally means “Peek into the Kitchen.” The structure was so high that medieval guards joked they could see right down the chimneys and into the kitchens of the houses below.
Read a book with some type of food on the cover. The food must be in a form that is ready to eat or ready to be prepared in a kitchen, for instance, a grilled steak works, a cow does not; fried chicken would work, a chicken does not. Beverages are not included.
ex,
Required: Include the cover
4. Tallinn Legends - this interactive experience takes you on a trip through Tallinn's past in the form of theatrical and interactive exhibits. The journey involves nine rooms and nine different legends that have contributed to the folklore of this medieval city.
Read a book with a main page genre Mythology. The genre may be standalone or embedded.
20.3 - Best Review – Michelle in Alaska's Task: Red or Green?
Help Thread
Las Cruces, New Mexico – a place I called home for eight years and a city I hold very close to my heart. I graduated high school and college there, met my husband there, and made innumerable lifelong friends, all in the foothills of the Organ Mountains. New Mexico, or “The Land of Enchantment”, is world-known for its Hatch green chile, hot air balloon festivals, and unique art. If you ever visit New Mexico, be prepared for the single most important question you’ll be asked while there: “Red or green?”
This is a ONE book task. Your book must have a minimum of 250 pages.
Choose ONE of the choices below.
REQUIRED: State which option you choose when you post.
OPTION 1: One of my favorite pieces of New Mexican history is the story of Billy the Kid, the notorious Wild West outlaw. For this option, read a book EITHER by an author whose first or last name is Billy OR whose main character’s name is Billy. No spelling variations. The main character’s name should be obvious on the Goodreads book main page.
OPTION 2: Read a book that takes place (at least 50%) in New Mexico. The location should be obvious on the Goodreads book main page.
OPTION 3: Georgia O’Keeffe is considered by many to be the “mother of American modernism”. Santa Fe, NM boasts a museum dedicated to her work. For this option, read a book with a flower/flowers on the cover.
Required: Include the book cover.
OPTION 4: One of my best memories from childhood was visiting White Sands National Monument. Watching the sunset over what looks like an ocean of white sand is a breathtaking experience. For this option, read a book by an author whose initials can be found in WHITE SANDS. Ignore middle initials. Letters may only be used as often as they appear. One qualifying author in a book with multiple contributors works.
OPTION 5: Red or Green? I am a diehard green chile fan… so much so that my husband and I order ten-pound bags of it to be delivered wherever we are stationed! For this task, read a book with the words “red” or “green”, as a standalone word, in the title or subtitle. Foreign language translations in English language books may be used: rojo/roja, vert/verte, verde etc. The color word may be modified for gender but must be the single form.
No plurals, possessives, hyphenated or compound words.
20.4 - Golden Oldies - Siobhan's Task: Wedding Day
Help Thread
I'm getting married this year! As of the beginning of March, when I'm writing this, it's three months to go until the big day. Needless to say, I am super excited about this. My fiance is the love of my life, my best friend and the most wonderful human being I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I am really looking forward to dressing up in white, and getting to show all of our friends and family just how much I love him! The options here are all based on our wedding day.
The genres "Sequential Art", "Comics", "Comic Book", and "Manga" are allowed for this task.
This is a one book task. Choose one option, and state which option you chose.
Option 1: The Dress
I was expecting shopping for a wedding dress to be fun, but it actually exceeded my expectations! The shop I'm getting it from has been really lovely, the dress itself is absolutely beautiful and I'm looking forward to seeing my fiance's face as I walk down the aisle on the day.
For this option read a book with a white dress on the cover. This doesn't have to be a wedding dress, and can be any length. It must clearly be a dress, not possibly a skirt, so at least 2/3 of the dress must be visible- collar to hips or hem to above the waist. The dress may be embellished or patterned, but must have a white background and be predominately white.
ex.
Required: Include the cover.
Option 2: The Date
We'll be getting married on June 5th 2018. It's the date my paternal grandparents got married, and since my poppy is no longer around we decided that it was the perfect way to make it feel like he was attending in spirit.
Read a book FIRST published in June of any year.
Option 3: The Sonic Screwdriver Bouquet
Neither of us like flowers very much, so we've decided to go for a slightly different bouquet option. We met for the first time at our university Sci-Fi society, where we started talking about Doctor Who and never really stopped. As such, on the day my bouquet will be made up of my fiance's collection of sonic screwdrivers from Doctor Who.
Read a book with a main page genre of Science Fiction. The genre may be embedded or standalone.
Option 4: The Joy
I've been together with my fiance for five years now, and he's made me laugh literally every single day since he first asked me out. I'm expecting our wedding day to be the happiest day of my life (so far), but really every day that I spend with him is the happiest day of my life (so far). I never dreamed that I could be so happy or feel so fulfilled, and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together.
For this option read a book where the author's first and last initials can be found in BEST DAY EVER. Middle initials may be ignored. One qualifying author in a book with two co-authors would work.
20.5 - Bigger Is Better - Frugalitymom's Task: Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History
Help Thread
In May I graduate with my Master's in History and one of my favorite quotes is
"Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History" by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich.
For this task pick one option from below to read that involves history and help celebrate my graduation with me.
No books with the genres children or kids are allowed for this task.
Required: Identify the option.
Option 1: One of my areas of study is Early American History. For this option pick one book from Book Riots 100 Must Read Books of U.S. Historical Fiction.
Option 2: Another area that I study is Early Modern British History, specifically the Tudors. For this option pick a fiction or non fiction book that covers either Henry VIII, one of his wives, or one of his children (Elizabeth, Mary, or Edward.) You can go here for a list of his wives.
Option 3: Of course in any history I read I look for the women especially for those whose stories have yet to be told. For this option please read a book where the first letter of each word of the title and subtitle can be found in "Well Behaved Women Seldom Make History." Titles must be at least three words in length.
Option 4: I began my journey in college in 2004 when my son was only 4 and through the years I have taken breaks along the way but I never gave up. I obtained my associates in May 2007, my bachelors in December 2015, and I will be getting my masters in May. For this option read a book FIRST published in May or December from 2007-2018 inclusive.
Mod
*NOTE: ebooks without a print edition cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook, listen to an audiobook or read a Large Print edition use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition. See the rules of the challenge for the complete method.
20.6 - Seasoned Reader - Kim O's task: We Are The Music Makers, And We Are The Dreamers Of Dreams
Help Thread
I am so excited. This is the first time I've been selected to design a task. It took about two seconds to come up with a theme: music. Music is a passion of mine. I started taking piano lessons at the age of eight, and I have been involved in musical activities ever since.
This is a one-book task.
Required:Indicate the option you chose in your post.
Option 1 - A Trip to the Museum: Fodors.com contains a list of the ten must-visit US museums for music lovers.
Musical Instrument Museum - Phoenix, Arizona
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Cleveland, Ohio
EMP Museum - Seattle, Washington
Stax Museum of American Soul Music - Memphis, Tennessee
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum - Nashville, Tennessee
American Jazz Museum - Kansas City, Missouri
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame - Birmingham, Alabama
Motown Historical Museum - Detroit, Michigan
Grammy Museum - Los Angeles, California
National Music Museum - Vermillion, South Dakota
Read a book that is set at least 50% in the location of one of the ten museums. If choosing the National Music Museum, the book can be set anywhere in the state of South Dakota. For all other museums, the book must be set in the city where the museum is located.
Required: Include the museum you chose in your post. If the setting is not evident on the main book page include a reference when you post.
Option 2 - Strings and things: In addition to piano, I play the double bass. The double bass is a member of the string family.
Read a book with a piano or one of the orchestral string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass) on the cover. You can find images, and interesting information about the different string instruments here and here.
Note: some orchestras include the harp as a member of the string family. For purposes of this task, the harp is not allowed. Remember, guitars, mandolins, lutes etc. are not orchestral strings.
Required: Include the cover in your post.
Option 3 - All About That Bass: The octobass is a rare instrument that was invented in 1850 by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume. It is over 11 feet tall and has a range so deep it goes lower than humans can hear.
Read a book where the author's first and last name initials (middle initials excluded) can be found in OCTOBASS. Letters may be used as many times as they occur in the word. One qualifying author in a work with multiple contributors works.
Option 4 - Musical Heritage: I inherited my love of music from my father. He was always singing along with the radio. I really miss that. The song "You Belong to Me" by Jo Stafford was my parents' song.
Read a book with a word in its title (not subtitle) from the lyrics of the song You Belong to Me. The word must have at least three letters and the words must match exactly. The words "the" and "and" may not be used.
Required: Indicate the word you chose in your post.
20.7 - Shorter is Sweeter - Deborah's Task: Young Sheldon
Help Thread
I don't watch a lot of television, but a regular favorite of mine has been The Big Bang Theory. When it was announced that they were creating a show with a nine-year-old Sheldon Cooper, I was a bit skeptical. Well, the first season has kicked off and I have a new favorite show to watch with Young Sheldon.
As this is my first attempt at a task, I'm hoping to keep it fairly simple.
Pick one of the three options for your book.
Required: Indicate the option.
1) Sheldon Cooper grew up in Texas
Read a book that takes place at least 50% in Texas, the book's Texas setting must be clear from the book's main page.
2) In A Sneeze, Detention, and Sissy Spacek, my favorite episode so far, Sam Houston, Jim Bowie, and Sissy Spacek have been held up as the epitome of what a Texan should be by Sheldon's Meemaw.
Read a book written by a single author who shares first and last name initials with these iconic Texans: SHJBSS. The letters may be used in any combination (HB, JS, BJ etc.) Middle initials of authors may be ignored. Letters may only be used as often as they appear.
3) As it is Sheldon at age nine, there is a lot of family with his parents, siblings, and his Meemaw.
Read a book written by a single author with a first name of one of his family members: Mary (mom), George (dad and brother), Missy (sister), or Constance (Meemaw). Names must match exactly.
20.8 - Nickels & Dimes -Christine V's Task: Celebrating the Seasonal Reading Challenge
Help Thread
Reading challenges are one of my favorite things about Goodreads, and the SRC gives us a brand new challenge each season! This is a one book task. Choose one option, and state which option you chose when you post.
Option 1: The Winter 2017 season was the first time I’ve completed all the Nickels and Dimes tasks in a single challenge, and this is the also the first time I’ve been selected to create a task! Read a book that is #1, #5, or #10 in a series. The series designation must appear in the Goodreads metadata.
Option 2: Spring 2018 is the fifteenth SRC challenge I’ve participated in, and I’ve enjoyed them all! Read a book FIRST published in a year containing the numbers 1 and 5. (Examples: 1858, 1945, 2015)
Option 3: I love finding books that fit the requirements of each season’s tasks, but I have never finished an entire SRC challenge. Read a book from this list: The Most Begun "Read but Unfinished" (Initiated) Book Ever
Required:Indicate on which page of the list your book appears when you post.
Option 4: The SRC adds a new element of fun to my favorite hobby, reading. Read a book that has a book on its cover.
Required: Include the cover.
20.9 - Moderator’s Pet - Book Concierge's Task: Happy 300th Birthday
Help Thread
San Antonio, Texas (my hometown) is celebrating its 300th birthday this year. Multiple celebrations will be held, and one of the biggest is Fiesta. This is held every year, marking the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto - April 21, 1836 - when Santa Anna’s Mexican army was defeated, and Texas gained independence. There are parades, festivals, a carnival, street fairs, food, food and more food (and beer). The two biggest parades are the Battle of Flowers (my high school drill team marched in this), and the Fiesta Flambeau (the largest illuminated night parade in the USA). I live in Wisconsin now, and it's been 27 years since I attended this celebration. But ... my F2F book club buddies and I are making a road trip to attend Fiesta this year, and we’ve already snagged our parade tickets!
Book must be a minimum of 250 pages.
Restrictions: NO books with the genre “childrens” or “kids”
Required: State the option you are using.
Read ONE book that fits one of these tasks:
A) Read a book set at least 50% in Texas. Location must be evident in the Goodreads book description, metadata or main page genres.
B) Read a book by a single author whose First and Last initials are in SAN ANTONIO. Letters may be used only as often as they appear in San Antonio. Middle initials may be ignored.
C) Read a book where the first letter of each title word can be found in: BATTLE OF FLOWERS PARADE -or- FIESTA FLAMBEAU PARADE. All words count; minimum 3-word title. Do NOT include subtitles. Letters may be used only as often as they appear in the specific phrase.
D) NIOSA – Night in Old San Antonio – is a street fair with food, beer, music performances, food, beer, cascarones, food, beer and general revelry.
Read a FICTION book in which you find one of these food items referenced in the TEXT of the novel (Recipes do NOT count):
>the words: taco, tamale, tortilla, barbacoa. Plural versions accepted; no other variations.
>the phrases: "corn on the cob", "prairie oysters", "barbequed ribs". These foods must be found as the complete phrases. Plural/singular versions accepted. Variations of barbecued ribs, such as "BBQd ribs" or "bar-b-qued ribs" do work.
Required: include the quote, and a page number or chapter reference. E.g. The Butterfly's Daughter – Page 58 – “But he could flip TORTILLAS with the finesse of a matador.”
20.10 - Group Reads
Help Thread
Read ONE of the books selected as the Group Reads choices for the season:
Russian Novel - A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Discussion
Short Story Collection - Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
Discussion
Non-Fiction - On the Seven Seas - Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson
Discussion
REQUIRED: You must participate in the book's discussion thread with at least one post about the contents of the book or your reaction to the book after you have read the book.
Mod
*NOTE: ebooks without a print edition cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook, listen to an audiobook or read a Large Print edition use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition. See the rules of the challenge for the complete method.
25.1 - Perletwo's Task: The Ides of March are Come
Help Thread
March 15, as it's known in the Julian calendar, was a big day for the ancient Romans.
This is a two book task. Read one book from each of two of the following options.
REQUIRED: state which option you are using.
Option 1. The Ides of March were first and foremost a religious festival day for the Romans. It marked the Feast of Anna Perenna, a goddess of the circle of the year, which was also the Romans' end-of-year/new year feast day.
Read a book that is either #1 in the series or the last (most recently published) entry in a series (by first printing, not a paperback, re-issue etc). The book's Goodreads series main page must indicate this by series listing and/or publication date. The series entry must be a standalone work, not a contribution to a short story or novella collection.
Option 2: In keeping with its tradition of endings and beginnings, the Ides of March was also the Roman Empire's traditional deadline for settling debts.
Read a book from one of these Goodreads lists:
Revenge;
Vengeance is Mine;
Best Getting Even Books of All Time;
Revenge in YA.
REQUIRED: State the list you used and the page on which the book is listed.
Option 3: The Ides of March is probably best known today as the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C., marking the transition from Roman Republic to Roman Empire. The event was immortalized by William Shakespeare in his play Julius Caesar, in which he makes much of a prophecy given to Caesar by a seer described by the historian Plutarch. Plutarch has it that the seer warned Caesar to beware the Ides of March on the way to the Senate meeting that held his doom. "The Ides of March are come," he shot back, and was told, "But not gone."
Read a book by an author whose initials can be found in the phrase BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH. All name part initials must be present. Spaces determine names. Letters may only be used as often as they appear in the phrase. One qualifying author in a work by multiple contributors works.
25.2 - Librarianish's Task - Roads and Rails
Help Thread
Who doesn't love a good road trip?! Over the last year and a half, between vacations and helping friends move, I've put a foot down in just about every state in the Continental United States. I wanted to design a task that challenges participants to visit some new states or take some virtual road or rail trips.
This is a two-book task, and the total number of pages must be no less than 500.
Pick two different options, one book for each.
REQUIRED: State the options you've chosen when posting.
Option 1: Read a book set at least 50% in any U.S. state that you've never visited, i.e. never set your feet on the ground outside. Riding in a vehicle/train without stopping or a layover in an airport doesn't count as a visit. . If you have been to all 50 states, select a state in which you haven't lived.
REQUIRED: State that you have never visited (or lived if you have visited all 50) the state, including the state name. If the location is not clear from the GR metadata, please provide a representative quote or reference.
Option 2: Read a book from this road trip-themed Listopia:
Young Adult Road Trip Novels
REQUIRED: Include in your post the page number of the list on which your book is found.
Option 3: Read a book from this train-themed Listopia:
Tales on Track
REQUIRED: Include in your post the page number of the list on which your book is found.
25.3 - Andy P.’s Task: Correcting Mistakes Before They Happen
Help Thread
Every season for this reading challenge, my number one goal is to get on the Moderator’s Pet List by doing the challenge without making any posting mistakes. Often, as this last season, I make a few errors. To try and avoid this in the next season I am highlighting my mistakes in the hope that reading each task description carefully and asking questions in the help thread beforehand if I am confused. Perhaps my errors will help others avoid similar pitfalls.
First, a few ground rules:
1.This is a two book task, one book satisfying the criteria for book 1., the other for book 2.
2. No book listing children’s as a main page genre may be used for this task.
3. Each book must be written by a single author.
4. The total number of pages for book 1 plus book 2 must exceed 500 pages (501+)
Book 1: Because my first mistake involved misunderstanding basic computer technology and I am essentially only marginally computer literate:
Read a book originally written in a language other than the one or ones in which you are literate that has been translated into a language that you can read. The translator’s name MUST be present in the Goodreads main book record because if it weren’t for him/her you wouldn’t have been able to read this book.
Required: State the book's original language and that you are not literate in that language.
Book 2. My second mistake involved failure to pay attention to the wording of the task. If I had read the clearly written task carefully I would not have made an error.
Read a book by an author whose initials can be found in the phrase READ CAREFULLY.
All initials count First, Middle (if applicable), and Last.
Mod
*NOTE: ebooks without a print edition cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook, listen to an audiobook or read a Large Print edition use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition. See the rules of the challenge for the complete method.
25.4 - Catherine T's Task: Museums For Learning
Task Help
I am lucky enough to work at the National Gallery in London, which is one of several national museums part-funded by the public purse (and we thank you!). I have good working relationships with colleagues in the other "nationals" - the Natural History Museum; the V&A; the Science Museum; the British Museum; Tate; the National Portrait Gallery and the Imperial War Museum. All of these have strong programmes for kids, schools and adult learning, as a key element of their remit is to educate as well as entertain.
Choose one option below.
For this task, we'll be reading books which are
- new to you,
- non-fiction, AND
- have a total page count of at least 600
Option 1: Read 2 books, one Book 1 and one book 2.
Book 1: the museums & galleries cover a wide range of areas between them, but we're going to focus on the broad sweep. Read a book with a main page genre of History, Science or Biography or a related subgenre under one of those genres, such as History>Microhistory or Science>Biology.
Book 2: the National Gallery has a (we hope!) blockbuster exhibition planned to open in April, "Monet and Architecture", and Tate Britain also has an exhibition "Impressionists in London". Both of these will have a lot of buildings in them, so, read a book with a building on the cover. The building must be an exterior view of a man-made construction.
ex.
Option 2: Read one book that meets both Book 1 and Book 2 requirements.
ex.
history genre, nonfiction, 600+ pages, exterior building cover, (new-to-you).
Required: State that the books are new to you. Include the cover.
25.5 - MegSCL's Task: My Favorite Museums
Help Thread
This is a two book task. Choose one of the following museum options and read book 1 and book 2 for that option.
Required: Identify the option.
Graphic novels are allowed for this task.
Option 1. The National Gallery, London
Book 1: Read a book set at least 50% in London.
Book 2: My favourite part of this museum is the great hall which is filled with huge oil paintings. Read a huge book (at least 700 pages)
Option 2. Galleria Borghese, Rome
Book 1: Read a book set at least 50% in Rome.
Book 2: This collection includes artworks from Ancient times up to the 18th century. Read a book set before the year 1800. The entire book must be set during that time period.
Option 3. The Met, New York City
Book 1: Read a book set at least 50% in New York City.
Book 2: My favourite room in this museum is the Pacific Islands collection. Read a book set at least 50% on a Pacific Island.
Option 4. MONA, Hobart
Book 1: Read a book set at least 50% in Hobart, but since Hobart is such a small city you can use a book set anywhere in Tasmania the island state of Australia.
Book 2: My favourite piece at this museum is Sydney Nolan's Snake, a giant rainbow serpent. Read a book by an author who identifies as Indigenous (e.g. Aboriginal Australian, Native American).
Required: If the author's heritage is not evident on the Goodreads main book page or author page provide a reference.
Required: For all Book 1 options, if the setting location is not evident on the main book page include a reference when you post.
25.6 - Diana K's Task: Windy City Museums
Help Thread
Growing up in Chicagoland, I was lucky to have access to world-class museums where I spent many an hour exploring the exhibits and learning about the world. This task celebrates a few of those institutions.
Read 2 books, choosing from 2 different options below or read 1 book that has over 500 pages from any one option.
Required: State the options you've chosen when posting.
A. The Museum of Science and Industry. Admission was free when I was a kid and it was a wonderland of hands-on and interactive exhibits on everything from communications to farming to transportation and space. It had a coal mine, a German submarine, a city street from the early 1900s, a fairy castle dollhouse, a giant model train layout and a walkthrough human heart. Read a book whose title/subtitle contains all the letters in either
INTERACTIVE
or
HANDS ON.
B. The Art Institute of Chicago. This has a fabulous collection with many famous works of art. It is especially known for its collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings. My favorite of these are the Monet Water Lilies. Read a book whose author's first and last name initials can be found in CLAUDE MONET. Middle initials may be ignored.
C. The Field Museum of Natural History. Dioramas, diamonds and gems, mummies, an underground adventure in the soil and the dinosaur "Sue" are amongst the exhibits here. These are all interesting, but my favorite exhibit here was the "Treasures of Tutankhamun" that made a four-month stop there in 1977. The highlight of the 53 artifacts was the gold mask. Read a book whose number of pages includes the numbers 5 and 3.
D. The Adler Planetarium. Sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan, the planetarium has an observatory, exhibits on space science, star shows, antique scientific instruments. Read a book that has a picture of a star (night sky, star on a flag, space scene, etc.) on the cover.
ex.
Required: Include the cover
Mod
*NOTE: ebooks without a print edition cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook, listen to an audiobook or read a Large Print edition use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition. See the rules of the challenge for the complete method.
25.7 - Nick KY’s task: To Choose or Not To Choose
Help Thread
I have a friend who comments that he loves choosing books from lists, finding new recommended books in his areas of interest. I have another friend who hates choosing from lists; she feels she is being told which books to read.
So for this task, you have two options: you may opt “To Choose” or you may opt “Not to Choose.”
Required: Indicate option A or B.
Option A. To Choose: For this option, visit GR’s Good Minds Suggest and read two books:
Book 1.
Go to “Browse” – “News and Interviews” -- “Good Minds Suggest”: At present, over 250 authors have made suggestions (though some are counted twice for two different suggestion lists). Read any book written by one of these Good Minds authors. Your choice does not have to be their featured book on the suggestions page.
Book 2.
Usually the author makes 5 or 6 suggestions (linked in the list) and they might include an Honorable Mentions list, read any one of the suggested books by that author.
If a series or omnibus is suggested, please select one book from the series or omnibus. Your choices do not include any other book or author mentioned in the interview. The book must have been first published under the same name as the interviewed author.
As you can tell, your choice is very limited, but that’s the fun of “Choosing.”
Example: Good Minds Suggest by Chris Bohjalian
Book 1: The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian
Book 2, from the Five Picks on Air Travel Gone Awry list: Before the Fall
Required: Post a link to the Good Minds Suggest page which you use for your picks.
Option B. Not to Choose. – Relax! For this option, read two books by the same author. (See, you do not have to choose a second author. Relax!) The books must have only one author, and the books must have been first published using the same author name, so two books by Stephen King or two books first published using his pseudonym Richard Bachman, but NOT one of each.
In addition, your two books should meet these requirements.
Book 1. Read a FICTION book with one of these Spring color words in the title (title only -- not subtitle): Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet, or Purple. Plurals and Possessives are the only exceptions allowed.
[Why add Purple to the rainbow colors? “…it pisses God off when you walk by the color purple in a field and don’t stop to notice it.” Alice Walker ……. ‘nuf said]
Book 2. Read a fiction or nonfiction book by the same author as Book 1.
Example:
Book 1, Fiction with "Green" title: The Green Road by Anne Enright
Book 2, another book by the author: The Forgotten Waltz by Anne Enright
25.8 - Dakimel’s Task: Rulebreakers
Help Thread
Ever realize almost too late the book you intended for a SRC task won’t work because it breaks one of the challenge rules? This task throws all those rules out the window! (Okay, it doesn’t really. But it does play with them.)
Pick 2 of the options below and read one book for each option.
For this task, genres Sequential Art, Comics, Comic Book, and Manga are allowed.
Required: Identify the options.
1: “Identified as Author” – SRC tasks referencing initials apply to the author/co-author/contributor of the book, not any other role such as editor, illustrator, artist, translator, introduction, etc.
For this option, read a book with an ‘other role’ person named in the GR record whose first and last initials can be found in the phrase UNIDENTIFIED OTHERS. The "other role" may not also be an author, co-author or contributor to the work.
You must read the version with the ‘other role’ listed on the edition book page, i.e., Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë with an "introduction" and "Editor" Stevie Davies (S in otherS, D in uniDentified) so you can interact with the work of the ‘other’ involved. You could not read and claim Jane Eyre an edition without another role listed on Goodreads.
REQUIRED: Post the version you read when claiming this option, and point out which ‘other’ person meets the requirement.
2. “Initials” – Unless specified, tasks looking for author initials want the first and last initial of the author, and ‘initial’ is defined by placement, i.e. the first letter of the first name, and the first letter of the last name (excluding III, Jr., or other relational suffixes.)
For this option, read a book by an author whose GR-recorded name contains a capitalized letter somewhere OTHER than the first initials of the first and last name, and that letter must be found in the phrase CAPITAL NOT INITIAL.
Examples: the ‘N’ in Ta-Nehisi Coates N in Not, the ‘C’ in Patricia C. Wrede C in Capital
3. “Title or Subtitle” – The default rule of tasks regarding titles is that both the title and subtitle can be used, but NOT the series title.
For this option, read a book whose SERIES TITLE (as listed in the GR record) contains one of the following words: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Season, Reading, Challenge, Girl, Boy, Sister, Brother, Child, Woman, Man.
Plurals and possessives are okay; no other variations.
4. “No Print Edition” – Unless verified approved for length, only books with a print edition are accepted in the SRC.
For this option, read a book that does not have a valid* print edition on GR from the “SRC eBook Verification” list of approved books. NOTE: Only books approved for 100+ pages can be used for this task.
*A valid print edition has page numbers.
REQUIRED: State the row # of your book as of the day you claim the task.
5. “100+” – Every SRC-eligible book (with minor exceptions) must be over 100 pages. However, you can combine books of poetry or plays that are under 100 pages to meet the minimum page count.
For this option, read two or more books of poetry or plays. Each title MUST be fewer than 100 pages, and their combined total must be greater than 100 pages.
Mod
*NOTE: ebooks without a print edition cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook, listen to an audiobook or read a Large Print edition use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition. See the rules of the challenge for the complete method.
30.1 - Dlmrose's Task: And The Award Goes To...
Help Thread
The National Books Critics Circle Award, the Pulitzer Prize and the Edgar Awards are presented during the spring March-May season.
Choose 2 books, one from each of 2 different award options
Required: Identify the options.
Option 1. Presented in March, the National Book Critics Circle Award honors the best literature published in the United States in six categories—autobiography, biography, criticism, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Read a book that has won or been nominated for this award. The award winner or nominee designation must be present on the Goodreads main book page.
The list of winners and nominations: National Book Critics Circle Award. 2017 nominees are included.
Option 2. Presented in April, the Pulitzer Prize honors distinguished work by an American author.
Read a book that has won or been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize award. The award winner or nominee designation must be present on the Goodreads main book page.
The list of winners and nominations: Pulitzer Prize. 2018 (publishing year 2017) nominees and winners will be available in April.
Option 3. Presented in May, the Edgar Award is bestowed by the Mystery Writers of America to authors of distinguished work in various categories of the mystery genre.
Read a book that has won or been nominated for this award. The award winner or nominee designation must be present on the Goodreads main book page.
The list of winners and nominations: Edgar Award. 2017 nominees are included.
30.2 – Schatzie's Task: Castles and Other Historical Sites
Help Thread
When I lived in Austria and southern Germany my favorite thing to do on my day off was to visit historical sites, most of which contained a museum or they were a museum. This is a two book challenge.
Pick 2 different options and read a book for each.
Required: State the options you’ve chosen when posting.
Opt. 1: Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau are two castles located in the same area above Hohenschwangau in Bavaria. King Ludwig II spent the summers of his youth at Hohenschwangau, and later had Neuschwanstein built, but he died before its completion. He also built two palaces in Munich. King Ludwig II was eccentric but beloved by the people.
Read a book with a main page genre of biography, stand alone or embedded.
Opt. 2: Hohensalzburg: this castle/fortress sits high on a hill in the heart of Salzburg, Austria. Read a book with a castle on the cover.
Required: include the cover when posting
Opt. 3: Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: this concentration camp was the first of its kind. Visiting this place made the day a very somber one. Read a book, nonfiction or fiction, with a main page genre of World War II, embedded or stand alone
Opt. 4: Schwarzwald Museum: this is an open air museum you can walk through and see beautiful and quaint buildings from that region. Some of the buildings are from other parts of the Black Forest that were dismantled, transported, and reassembled at this museum.
Read a book by an author whose initials can be found in SCHWARZWALD, middle initials can be ignored.
Opt. 5: Alte Pinakothek: what a wonderful place. This museum contains works of art from the 14th century to the 18th century. Read a book that is number 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 in a series. This must be clear from the metadata.
30.3 - Ava Catherine’s Task: Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss
Help Thread
This is a two book task. Read one book from two different options.
REQUIRED: Identify which options you select when you post.
No books with the genre Childrens or Kids may be used.
Schools across the United States celebrate March 2, the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, affectionately known as Dr. Seuss, which is also National Read Across America Day, with book-themed activities and lessons. Dr. Seuss’s whimsical books with rhyming text and silly illustrations, endeared them to me as a young child, as they did many other readers. Who doesn’t remember the thrill of reading Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat? In addition, many of the books have wonderful life lessons that appeal to all ages.
Option 1: The Cat in the Hat
Since it was published in 1957, children have continued to fall in love with this classic featuring the spunky cat in his signature red and white striped hat on the cover.
>Read a book with a cat on the cover.
REQUIRED: Include the cover when posting.
Option 2: Birthday
Dr. Seuss was born March 2, 1904.
>Read a book FIRST published in March of any year or FIRST published in 1904.
Option 3: The Lorax
The Lorax, one of Dr. Seuss’s most popular books, is beautifully illustrated.
>Read a book written by an author whose first and last name initials can be found in THE LORAX.
Middle name initials may be ignored. Letters may only be used as often as they appear. Spaces determine name. One qualifying author in a work by multiple contributors works.
Option 4: Travel
One of my favorite Dr. Seuss books is Oh, The Places You'll Go!.
>Read a book with main page genre travel. Genre may be stand alone or embedded.
Mod
30.4 - Sandy's Task: 3, 4, 5
Help Thread
This is a two book task. No books with the genre childrens or kids may be used. The books must have a combined total of at least 600 pages.
Choose 2 books from 2 different options:
Required: Identify the options.
1. Read a book that is #3, 4, or 5 in a series. The series designation must be noted in the GR record.
2. Read a book whose average rating consists solely of the numbers 3, 4, and 5. Numbers can be used more than once, and not all of the numbers must be used. So, for example, a book with an average rating of 3.33 would work, as would a book with an average rating of 4.35. Since ratings can change quickly and frequently, you can post in the help thread to "lock in" the rating when you select your book.
3. Read a book where the number of pages includes at least 2 of the numbers 3, 4, 5. So, a book with 345 pages would work, as would a book with 432 pages.
30.5 - TessaVanessa's Task: Name Game
Help Thread
Go to Behind the Name Randomizer
Using these settings:
How many given names: first name only
Which gender: You may select a gender if you wish or select "either"
Surname set to "random"
Select "avoid rare names"
Set the Category names to English and/or any other category limiters if you choose.
Generate ONLY 5 names. One name will be produced each time you run the randomizer. Note each name.
Select a first name and a last name from your list of 5 names.
Read two books, one book 1 and one book 2.
Book 1: Read a book with an author with the same first name as the name generated.
Book 2: Read a book with an author with the same last name as the name generated.
Names for both books must match the generated name exactly.
Example: generated name list
Rufus Dahl
Floretta Acker
Ira Benn
Sharyn Long
Teresa Rush
Book 1: I Am Watching You by TERESA Driscoll from Teresa Rush
Book 2: Real Men Will by Victoria DAHL from Rufus Dahl
Required: Post the 5 names you generated.
30.6 Brooke TX's Task: Conference, Convention, Conventicle
Help Thread
Spring is conference season at work, and I've got a busy schedule of events ahead of me!
This is a two book task. Choose one of the options below and read Book 1 and Book 2 from that option.
Books with the Main Page Genres of Sequential Art, Comics, Comic Book, and Manga can be used for this task. The books must have a combined total of at least 500 pages.
Required: State which option you chose when you post.
Option A: TLA (Texas Library Association), April 3-6
This will be my second year attending TLA, and my first time presenting!
Book 1: Read a book written by a single author who is attending TLA 2018 found on this list: Authors at TLA. Required: State the author's name in your post.
Book 2: Read a book found on this list of books by Texas Authors. Required: Specify in your post the page of the list on which the book is found.
Option B: SFWA (Science Fiction Writers of America), May 17-20
The Nebula Awards for science fiction/fantasy literature are presented during this conference, held this year in Pittsburgh, PA.
Book 1: Read a Nebula Award winner or nominee from any year. The award winner or nominee designation must be present on the Goodreads main book page.
Book 2: Read a book with a title with at least two words where ALL words in the title start with the same letter. All words count including articles. Subtitles should be ignored.
Option C: BEA (BookExpo America), May 30-June 1
BookExpo America is a reader's paradise - the biggest publishing conference of the year.
Book 1: Read a book written by a single author who is appearing this year at BookCon 2018, BEA's sister event for non-professionals. A list of authors can be found here: 2018 Guests.
Book 2: Read a book set at least 50% in a city that has hosted BEA: New York, NY; Chicago, IL; Washington, DC; or Los Angeles, CA. Required: If the setting of your book is not evident in the description or metadata, please explain how the book fits the task.
Mod
Help Thread
This task is all about my favourite type of book: the classic novel.
You need to read THREE books. Please read ONE book from each literary period below.
Two overall requirements also apply:
(i) All three books must be novels, that is: a standalone single work of fiction written in prose (short stories, anthologies, poetry, drama or nonfiction prose do not qualify)
(ii) Your books must total at least 1200 pages.
Reminder: Abridged audiobooks may NOT be used for tasks with defined longer page requirements as there are no direct print equivalents.
Required: Indicate the options.
1: The Eighteenth Century
Read a novel first published between 1700 and 1799 (inclusive), AND fulfills either:
(A) One of the most famous novels of this period is The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman which purports to be an autobiography of the eponymous Tristram Shandy. Read a novel whose title includes the name of its protagonist (e.g., Moll Flanders, Robinson Crusoe or Clarissa, or, the History of a Young Lady)
Or
(B) This literary period covers an entire century. Read a novel by an author with a long first or last name, which for the purposes of this task means eight or more letters (e.g., Oliver Goldsmith, Samuel Richardson or Henry Fielding)
2: Romanticism
Read a novel first published between 1798 and 1837 (inclusive) AND fulfills either:
(A) Jane Austen is one of the most well known novelists of this period. Read a novel written by a female author.
Or
(B) Appreciation of the natural world was a significant theme in literature of this period. Read a novel with an outdoor nature scene on the cover (e.g., a landscape, trees, flowers, grass, undomesticated animals or birds must appear in the image).
Required: Include the cover.
3: The Victorian Era
Read a novel first published between 1837 and 1901 (inclusive), AND fulfills either:
(A) Charles Dickens is widely regarded as one of the greatest early Victorian era novelists and Thomas Hardy as one of the greatest of the late Victorian era. Read a novel by either Charles Dickens or Thomas Hardy.
Or
(B) This period is named after Queen Victoria. Read a novel by a single author whose first and last name initials appear in VICTORIA REGINA. Middle initials may be ignored.
ex. Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev, Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Robinson Crusoe (other topics)Barchester Towers (other topics)
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman (other topics)
Clarissa, or, The History of a Young Lady (other topics)
Moll Flanders (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Samuel Richardson (other topics)Thomas Hardy (other topics)
Henry Fielding (other topics)
Charles Dickens (other topics)
Anthony Trollope (other topics)
More...
*NOTE: ebooks without a print edition cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook, listen to an audiobook or read a Large Print edition use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition. See the rules of the challenge for the complete method.
5.1 - A Night at the Museum
Help Thread
Read a book with a main page genre that starts with a letter in MUSEUM. Genres may be stand alone or embedded. Ex:
Mystery
Fantasy > Urban Fantasy
Science
Biology > Ecology
Eastern Africa > Uganda
History > Military History
5.2 - A Cultural Experience
Help Thread
Read a book written by an author whose first and last initials can be found in CULTURE. Letters may only be used as many times as they appear in the target word. Middle names/initials may be ignored. If there are multiple authors, only one author's initials must fit.
5.3 - The Museum of Bad Art
Help Thread
This museum in Brookline and Somerville, Massachusetts, touts itself as “the world’s only museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition and celebration of bad art in all its forms.” Read a book that has a title/subtitle that contains all of the letters in BAD ART.
5.4 - Avanos Hair Museum
Help Thread
This museum displays the hair of more than 16,000 women. If you care to visit, you can find it in a small, dark cave in the rural Turkish town of Avanos. Read a book that has human hair visible on the cover. Ex:
Required: Include the cover.
5.5 - International Cryptozoology Museum
Help Thread
Cryptozoology is literally “the study of hidden animals” and involves the search for animals whose existence has not been verified, like the Yeti or Bigfoot. Read a book that features cryptozoology, a cryptozoologist, or one or more cryptids from this list: Cryptids.
Required: If the connection is not obvious from the book's description, explain how the book fits the task when you post.
5.6 - Meguro Parasitological Museum
Help Thread
Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about tapeworms, head lice and plenty of other parasites you’ve probably never heard of at this Tokyo museum. The collection boasts 300 specimens, including a 29-foot tapeworm. Read a book with at least 300 pages that was first published in a year that contains the numbers 2 and 9.
5.7 - New England Maple Museum
Help Thread
This museum, in Pittsford, Vermont, covers 200 years of maple sugaring history. Read a book that shows something sweet to eat on its cover. Ex:
Required: Include the cover.
5.8 - The Museum of Sex
Help Thread
The Museum of Sex opened in 2002 in NYC. Its stated intent is to preserve the history, evolution, and cultural significance of human sexuality. Read a book with the main page genre of Sexuality, Gender, Feminism, or LGBT (or GLBT).
5.9 - The International Spy Museum
Help Thread
The International Spy Museum is one of D.C.'s most popular attractions. It's filled with everything from KGB lipstick pistols and invisible-ink letters to an exhibit on the Navajo codetalkers and the history of spying going back to Moses. Read a book found on the Best Spy Novels list.
Required: State which page the book is located on when you post.
5.10 - From Your Collection
Help Thread
Read a book of your choice. Note: Books with the genre "children" or "kids" NOT found in AR Bookfinder MAY be used for this task. Required: If using this exemption, state that the book is not found in ARBookFinder.