Cozy Mysteries discussion
Reading Challenges
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August 2021 Mini Challenges
August 2021 mini challengeUpdate: Aug. 13
Progress: 5/5 COMPLETED
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.
The Clue at Black Creek Farm by Carolyn Keene - Aug. 32. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
The Phantom of Nantucket by Carolyn Keene - Aug. 53. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
Hen Party by Josi Avari - Aug. 94. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
Camp Creepy by Carolyn Keene - Aug. 135. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid - Aug. 12
In! **Finished 08/291. Read a book with a color in the title. Blueberry Muffin Murder
2. Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
3. Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale). Ex-wife
4. A Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
5. Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice). The Newcomer
August Cozy Challenge5/5
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a colour in the title.
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
]
August 2021 Mini ChallengesThe Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne 8/5/21
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
In the Dream House: A Memoir by Carmen Maria Machado 8/2/21
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao 8/4/21
August 2021 Mini Challenges4/4
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.
Death in Dark Blue by Julia Buckley 7 August; 5☆
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
Poisoned Prose by Ellery Adams 3 August; 5☆
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
(the moon is at the top right, a bit hidden by the clouds ...) Caught Dead Handed by Carol J. Perry 11 August; 5☆
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
The Book of Candlelight by Ellery Adams 16 August; 5☆
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale). Pie Hard by Kiersten Weiss
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice)
Stitches and Witches by Nancy Warren
August 2021 Mini Challenge Finished 8/20/211. Read a book with a color in the title. Ruby Red Herring by Tracy Gardner Finished 8/20/21
2. Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover. Murder at the Taffy Shop by Maddie Day Finished 8/16/21
3. Read a borrowed or used book. Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die by Nancy Martin Finished 8/5/21
4. Read a book with a moon on the cover or with "Moon" in the title. Goodnight Moo by Mollie Cox Bryan Finished 8/19/21
5. Read a book "just because" Matchmaking Can Be Murder by Amanda Flower Finished 8/2/21
AUGUST 2021 MINI CHALLENGES5/5
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.
Lime-Partners in Lime Bree Baker 8/31/21
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
Teri Barnett 9/6/213. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
If Fried Chicken Could Fly Paige Shelton 8/19/21
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
April Browne 8/10/215. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
Home Sweet Home J.A. Whiting 8/16/21
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
AUGUST 2021 MINI CHALLENGE5/5 DONE
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: color in title Black Moon J.D. Tyler 8/6
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: set at a lighthouse or that has one on cover Eva Gates 8/4
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: borrowed book Fallen Linda Castillo 8/1
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: moon on the cover Betsy Cornwell 8/5
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: “just because” The Bone Code Kathy Reichs 8/2
August 2021 mini challengeProgress: 5/5
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.Red Lily 08.07.21
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
Scone Cold Killer 08.01.21
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
Beach Read 08.05.21
Love these challenges!AUGUST 2021 MINI CHALLENGES
😭 MY FIRST MONTHLY MINI FAILURE! 😭
RULES
** Books DO NOT all have to be mysteries. You can use any genres.
** A book can be used only once for this challenge, but can be used for other challenges (Seasonal, World Trip, Ultimate, etc.).
** You DO NOT have to choose books in advance, and can change your mind at any time if you do.
** Do as many as you are able and have fun!
3/5
🩱1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title. Death in Wine Country “WINE” is a color in my color challenges - Gemma Halliday 08/21/21
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
🩱3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale). A Crafty Killing - Lorraine Bartlett 08/12/21 Used
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
🩱5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice). Arsenic and Old Books - Miranda James 08/01/21
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.The Little Red Schoolhouse by Eric Sloane 8/19/2021
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
by Tim Myers 8/30/20213. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
Trust Can Be Deadly by Cindy Bell 8/6/2021
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover.
by Sophie Love 8/27/20215. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke 8/5/2021
August Mini Challenges 2021✔ 1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.
✔ 2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
✔ 3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
✔ 4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
✔ 5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
August 2021 mini challenge1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.
The Black Cat Murders 2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
Postscript Murders 4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
Moonflower Murders5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
Granny Goes Hollywood
August picks! Love that my birthday is one of the featured days and since it's Just Because day you can read anything.National Coloring Book Day: The Puzzle of the Red Stallion
National Lighthouse Day: Room for Murder
Book Lover’s Day and National Thriftshop Day: Bookmarked for Death
Chant at the Moon Day: Mama Cracks a Mask of Innocence
Just Because Day: The Lies That Bind
AUGUST 2021 MINI CHALLENGES1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.
Killer Green Tomatoes
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
Clammed Up
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
Trollmässa
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
Downward Death
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
Pulp Friction
***YES! Finished 18 August :-)
In the grip of an awful reader's block since from the beginning of the pandemic (from my usual 150 books per year***, I went down to 58 in 2020, and 2021 bodes even worse).
I've tried rereading a loved one (not working); approaching a new author (not working); reading a loved author (at first working... but then no); fixing specific hours for reading (not working); short tales (not working); favourite genres (not working); new to you genre (not working); fiction and not fiction (not working); different support (ebook, audio, paper)... guess what? Exactly, not working :-(
So, let's try with challenges in addition to x time reading every day (I'll start with 30'... no, with 60')... and hope!!!
(PS: I've already tried "The Twelve Towers Challenge": super fun, but maybe too "free" as regards deadline, not working.)
*** it seems a lot, but I work with books, so it's not, as a matter of fact at least 40/year are mandatory for my job
---------------
So, I'll start with a small target: 3 tasks.
Read: 2/3
✔︎ 1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title
La donna dalla gonna viola
✔︎ 5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice)
L'ombra del sicomoro
✔︎ 3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale)
Melancolia della resistenza
Mod
I hope the challenge helps pull you out of your slump!
Wow, Liza, I feel for you! Not being able to lose oneself in a book is a real downer.I was the opposite; the more I had to stay in, the more I lost myself in reading. Kept me sane for over two years now (I had a stay-in situation before covid, too). Keep on going, it may work out!
Mod
Dearest Heather, Meg and Marisa, you're very kind, thank you so much!Meg, you've got it: it's 18 months that I can't lose myself in a book.
In March and April 2020 I lost relatives, friends, acquaintances (I live in Lombardia, Italia...), and it was horrible, but I thought that after those terrible first months of grieve and astonishment I'd have find comfort in my beloved books again. And instead I'm still obessively studying news and data (bright side: in 2020 I studied the charts of hospital/dead; now I'm studying vaccinated). It's really disheartening.
Anyway, stop with sadness, now my family and friends are vaccinated and coming back to life... and I'll come back to books!
Mod
People seemed to go one extreme or the other during the pandemic as far as reading is concerned. One friend of mine has read less, but done more crafting. Another friend, like me, has read more (but I have crafted a lot less). Of course with me, the fact I didn’t have cable or Netflix also made a difference. Since I couldn’t binge watch hours of shows or movies while quarantined I read instead.
Liza, a hug. I'm Italian (I live in Toscana) so I understand very well what you went through in Lombardia ... I was lucky: none of the people dear to me died from covid, but I knew some victims anyway.
Mod
You too? I've never have read as much statistics as in this pandemic. I still check contagions, and dead, and I've included vaccination statistics too. I live in Madrid (Spain), one of the zones with more impact, so...
Oh, girls, thanks thanks thanks. We are all in the same boat, aren't we?Heather, here also there were these opposite reactions, even in family: my husband and my mother read more than usual, our son (18 years, voracious reader in pre-pandemic) and me zero. On the other hand, I baked as if there were no tomorrow. (I had the same reaction after another grief years ago, but it lasted a couple of months, not eighteen...).
Oh, Patrizia, yes, you saw up close what happened here.. no comment, better draw a veil over and proceed.
Marisa, sadly I know (only from the news) of the situation of Madrid... :-( And yes, statistics became my new Bible, so to say.
The grief will never disappear, obviously, but time has helped, and now - thanks to the vaccine and the summer, perhaps - we're really re-breathing and re-living in every respect, so let's hope it will hold out and... read on :-)
Liza, I really feel your pain! My friends and I call it “pandemic brain.” I’ve not gotten it, nor has anyone in my family, but it has affected me just the same. I am going to try your mini goal of reading 30 minutes (or maybe 30 pages?) every day. I am praying this slump is only temporary. Surely it can’t be a permanent situation!
«My friends and I call it “pandemic brain"»Right on the mark, Mary!
At first I was going for 30 minutes because the articles in which this method is suggested spoke of 10 minutes (that I find ridiculous...).
Then, yesterday I tried, and the 30' (I set the alarm) naturally became more than 60, oh, joy! And today... ditto :-)
I think (I hope) it happened because the real obstacle is in starting/deciding to read: once you impose to yourself to concentrate on a book, all of you remember how great it is, and so... heaven :-)
August 2021 Mini Monthly Challenge Read: 1/5
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.
🐝Red Velvet Revenge by Jenn McKinlay
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
🐝By Book or By Crook by Eva Gates
✔️3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
🐝No Filter by Heather Day Gilbert▪️8/8/21▪️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
🐝Mrs. Morris and the Ghost by Traci Wilton
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
🐝Chardonnayed to Rest by J.C. Eaton
Finished! August 2021 mini challenge
Progress: 5/5
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
Mod
Good job, Phrynne! 👍🏽👏🏽Also, I forgot to post on the group that I finished a couple of days ago. 😊
Finished :)August Cozy Challenge
5/5
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a colour in the title.
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
Mod
Mod
Since it is difficult for me to find books in English without buying them (luckily there is the kindle!), I have only read four this month and they have been very satisfying.August 2021 Mini Challenges
4/4
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.
Death in Dark Blue by Julia Buckley 7 August; 5☆
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
Poisoned Prose by Ellery Adams 3 August; 5☆
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
(the moon is at the top right, a bit hidden by the clouds ...) Caught Dead Handed by Carol J. Perry 11 August; 5☆
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
The Book of Candlelight by Ellery Adams 16 August; 5☆
Mod
Mod
***YES! Finished my 3 tasks on 17 August (see message 22) :-)
And now, being resolved to make the most of the run-up and having neither moons nor lighthouses, I'll start with my September Challenge... 4 tasks, this time :-)
(I'm in the heaven of heavens!)
AUGUST 2021 MINI CHALLENGE5/5 DONE
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: color in title Black Moon J.D. Tyler 8/6
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: set at a lighthouse or that has one on cover Eva Gates 8/4
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: borrowed book - library Fallen Linda Castillo 8/1
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: moon on the cover Betsy Cornwell 8/5
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: “just because” just because Dr. Reichs had some real world issues and now she's back The Bone Code Kathy Reichs 8/2
Liza wrote: "***In the grip of an awful reader's block since from the beginning of the pandemic (from my usual 150 books per year***, I went down to 58 in 2020, and 2021 bodes eve..."
Liza- So sorry!
If this is still a struggle, have you tried children's books?
I worked full time while I attended college full time (classes 4:30 PM - 10:10 PM, work 10:30PM to 8:00AM. ) I was a zombie half the time and a stressed-out mess the other half.
My salvation was books written for 10-year-olds. In the US, that included Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Harriet the Spy, The Phantom Tollbooth, Escape to Witch Mountain.
The books were easy to read, but they had engaging characters who triumphed in some way. They were a fast read so I didn't feel guilty about reading fiction when I should have been doing any of a dozen other things.
I hope you don't still need a breakthrough, but my imaginary 10-year-old friends and I are rooting for you.
Mod
Jonquil — Congrats on finishing!
Mod
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover. This Old Homicide by Kate Carlisle
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale). Taken at the Flood by Agatha Christie
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title. Heat Wave by Richard Castle
(My cover looks like the one depicted below, but has a moon on it, just behind the gun. I could not find that one on GR.)
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice). The Lost Girls of Johnson's Bayou by Jana Deleon
Cozy Mysteries
Books mentioned in this topic
Partners in Lime: A Beachfront Cozy Mystery (other topics)Romance is Murder (other topics)
Room for Murder (other topics)
Trust Can Be Deadly (other topics)
The Ghostly Grounds: Murder and Breakfast (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Bree Baker (other topics)Teri Barnett (other topics)
Sophie Love (other topics)
Cindy Bell (other topics)
Tim Myers (other topics)
More...
RULES
** Books DO NOT all have to be mysteries. You can use any genres.
** A book can be used only once for this challenge, but can be used for other challenges (Seasonal, World Trip, Ultimate, etc.).
** You DO NOT have to choose books in advance, and can change your mind at any time if you do.
** Do as many as you are able and have fun!
1. August 2 is National Coloring Book Day: Read a book with a color in the title.
2. August 7 is National Lighthouse Day: Read a book set at a lighthouse or that has one on the cover.
3. August 9 is Book Lover’s Day and August 17 is National Thriftshop Day: Read a borrowed or used book (library, LFL, friend, thrift store, yard sale).
4. August 15 is Chant at the Moon Day: Read a book with a moon on the cover or with “moon” in the title.
5. August 27 is Just Because Day: Read a book “just because” (reader’s choice).
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