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Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galapagos
Challenge ContinuedDay 6: Cuenca
Cuenca is a very old city; it seems, in fact, that its origins are even pre-Inca. The present city dates back to 1557, and its historic center, full of colonial buildings, is a UNESCO Heritage Site. These same buildings and the presence of some universities, along with the fact that many famous people were born here, have earned it the nickname of "Athens of Ecuador". I recommend wandering its streets and admiring the various churches and other significant structures, then perhaps visiting one of its many museums afterwards.
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
A very particular museum is the Sombrero de Paja Toquilla, or the panama hat. While the latter owes its name to the fact that it was mainly marketed in Panama, it was in Cuenca that it was initially produced industrially, after the canal workers made it famous by wearing it. Nowadays it is spread all over the world, but here you can still see a craftsman preparing a hat before your eyes by weaving the leaves of a particular plant, known in Spanish as palma toquilla.
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
On the Andes cordillera there are several volcanic lakes with a characteristic round shape; these lakes fill the craters of volcanoes. One of the most visited, mainly because it is easily accessible, is that of Quilotoa. The edge of the crater itself can be easily reached by car; from there the more athletic can try to reach the shores of the actual lake on foot. But beware that while it may only take half an hour going down, going back up could take a good two hours!
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
Ingapirca is the largest archaeological site in Ecuador; here the indigenous populations of the Incas and Cañari managed to coexist peacefully for a long amount of time. Today the only truly visible monument of that time is the Temple of the Sun, a circular building built around a large rock. Its peculiarity is that during the solstices, at a certain moment, the sunlight that passes through the entrance door actually illuminates a small chamber placed at the top of the temple.
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
Santiago de Guayaquil, also better known only as Guayaquil, is the largest and most populated city in Ecuador, due to its location at the mouth of the Guayas River and the activity of its port. Thanks to a redevelopment project it is very pleasant to visit the area known as the Malecón at the riverfront, where the main city monuments, museums, gardens, restaurants, etc., are located. Pay attention at the city parks because you will easily see a very particular animal here; more than pigeons and squirrels, iguanas are the masters!
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
Also on the coast is the town of Puerto Lopez, which owes its tourist importance to the fact that it is located near the Parque Nacional Machalilla. Boat trips to nearby Isla de la Plata, which is part of the park, depart from its port. Here you can see birds, colorful fishes, sea turtles, sometimes even sea lions. If you are lucky, whales can also be seen while sailing. The nature of this park is so interesting that it is sometimes referred to as "the poor man's Galapagos" as it is possible to visit it without spending a lot of money, unlike the much more famous archipelago.
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
Day 9: Galapagos
Approximately 1,000 km (621 mi) off the coast of South America lies the natural wonder that is the Galapagos archipelago. There are 18 main islands plus various other islets, all of volcanic origin, that straddle the equator. The islands have been a UNESCO site since 1978, with the marine reserve added in 2001. This national park is subject to various restrictions both for locals (such as, only local workers can live here) and for tourists. During the high season a limited number of visitors is established. The best way to visit the archipelago is to join a cruise: they vary in duration (from a minimum of two days to two weeks), and amenities (some boats can be basic, others luxurious). My advice is to consider a cruise of at least a week: you won't regret it even though the cost of such a trip can be rather expensive.
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
The route taken by the various ships varies, but virtually all cruises include a stop at Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. As is known, it was thanks to his stay in this archipelago that Charles Darwin theorized the evolution of the species. The main attraction of this center are some species of giant tortoises (galapagos in Spanish, hence the name of the islands), but normally a cruise also includes an excursion, here or on another island, to see these reptiles in their natural environments.
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Day 10: Galapagos
As is known, Charles Darwin used the finch species, which differ from island to island, to explain his theory. However, it was three other types of birds that caught my attention: the blue-footed booby (it's almost impossible to believe the color of its webbed feet), the frigate with the characteristic red sac that the males inflate during the mating ritual, and... the penguins! Yes, we are at the equator, but thanks to the presence of the cold Humboldt current, a particular species of these animals live here.
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
During your visit you will see many other animals on land and in the sea. Some will even accompany you if you snorkel. Sea lions are an almost constant presence at every landing point. And the islands are famous for their iguanas, which come in two types, terrestrial or marine. At the end, I was struck by the crabs for their bright red color (I thought they only existed in cartoons!) and for the size they reached as adults, quite different from those I'm used to from the Mediterranean.
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book that surprised you (tell us how).
ParticipantsAgnieszka
August ~ Completed Explorer
Barb ~ Completed Explorer
Beth ~ Completed Explorer
Bev(baglady) ~ Completed Explorer
Book Concierge ~ Completed Explorer
Brenda ~ Completed Explorer
Catsalive ~ Completed Explorer
ChrisGA ~ Completed Explorer
Ed ~ Completed Explorer
Frankie ~ Completed Explorer
Jan ~ Completed Explorer
Jonquil ~ Completed Explorer
Judy ~ Completed Explorer
Karen ♐ ~ Completed Explorer
Laila Jane ~ Completed Daytripper
Mave
Meg ~ Completed Explorer
Olivermagnus ~ Completed Explorer
Patrizia ~ Completed Explorer
Ruth ~ Completed Explorer
Sallie (GeorgiaGirl)
Shan ~A~ Completed Daytripper
Tari ~ Completed Explorer
Teri-k ~ Completed Explorer
Trish ~ Completed Explorer
My SpotEcuador: From the Andes to the Galapagos
June 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
15/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (Tangled): Tangled | Emma Chase 7/11/23**
* Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order): In the Shadow of the Glacier | Vicki Delany 6/25/23*
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (Carly runs a restaurant): No Parm No Foul | Linda Reilly 7/6/23**
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum): The Lamp of the Wicked | Phil Rickman 6/23/23***
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (bobcat): Buried in a Good Book | Tamara Berry 7/1/23***
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (April 8, 2015): Pineapple Lies | Amy Vansant 6/2/23****
* Read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (561). The Distant Hours | Kate Morton 7/28/23**
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book by an author that is new to you: Cream Caramel and Murder | K.E. O'Connor 7/19/23***
* Read a series book #12, #7 or #5 (Series #7): Mrs. Pollifax and the Hong Kong Buddha | Dorothy Gilman 7/9/23****
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage. Nine Coaches Waiting | Mary Stewart 7/2/23****
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum): The Quality of Silence | Rosamund Lupton 6/20/23****
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it: Six Feet Deep Dish | Mindy Quigley 7/13/23***
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
* Read a book with a character that is poor (homeless characters including Sam & Doc): Assault and PepperLeslie Budewitz 6/9/23***
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (Southlea Bay which is on a small island in the Pacific Northwest): The Rejected Writers' Book Club | Suzanne Kelman 7/3/23****
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover): Tales of the Alhambra | Washington Irving 7/18/23**
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosDuration: 1/6/23 - 31/8/23
Level: Explorer
20/20
Day 1: Quito
a) * Read the first book in a series (share series name) OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why)
b) * Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
a) * Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
b) * Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
Day 3: El Oriente
a) * Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum)
b) * Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
a) * Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where)
b) * Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
Day 5: Riobamba
a) * Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.
b) * Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
Day 6: Cuenca
a) * Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
b) * Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
a) * Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
b) * Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR >b>read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
a) * Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
b) * Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
Day 9: Galapagos
a) * Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name)
b) * Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Day 10: Galapagos
a) * Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who)
b) * Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book that surprised you (tell us how)
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 01 - August 31, 2023
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series ==> Lady Felicity Quick Mystery
Murder on the Village Green, Rosie Hunt 06/06* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover
Murder Under a Blood Moon, Abigail Keam 06/04Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market
The Satapur Moonstone, Sujata Massey 06/07* Read a book where food is important to the plot ==> MC is a cook and caterer, and her chowder plays a role in the story
Crime Chowder, Hillary Avis 06/28Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book with an indigenous character ==> Emppu, a Sami (aka Lapp) reindeer rancher
Norway to Hide, Maddy Hunter 07/04* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story ==> elephant & baboon
To Fetch a Thief, Spencer Quinn 06/11Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book that features a volcano ==> Iceland
Death by Puffin, Jennifer Alderson 07/05* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO
Hummingbird Lane, Carolyn Brown 06/18Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book by an author that is new to you.
A Year in Provence, Peter Mayle 06/08* Read a book where a character rides a train ==> MC rode train from Scotland to London
London Rain, Nicola Upson 06/09Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history, also tagged HISTORICAL ==> Paris
Mastering the Art of French Murder, Colleen Cambridge 06/03* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover
Murder at the Brightwell, Ashley Weaver 06/16Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting [loch] ==> Scottish Highlands
A High Whisk Situation, H.Y. Hanna 06/20* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot ==> ancient items from a dig in China are being counterfeited and stolen
Acqua Alta, Donna Leon 06/13Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL ==> Yucca, AZ
Twisty Tortoise Tussles, Ann Charles 07/05* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
Clocks Locks and Danger. Lizzie Lewis 06/27Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island ==> England
Death on a Summer’s Day, Benedict Brown 06/21* Read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place ==> MC and new husband on a cruise from UK to U.S.
, To Davy Jones Below, Carola Dunn 07/28Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover
Peril at the Pellicano Hotel, Adriana Licio 07/23* Read a book whose title is printed in RED
Corpse on the Set, Juliette Harper 06/19
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Choose a level:
Explorer: Complete 15 of the 20 tasks. You must complete at least one task per day.
15/15 Completed
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name).
(Grant County)
Blindsighted-Karin Slaughter 6/26/23
* Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
One Night Standards-Heather M. Orgeron 7/28/23
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market
The Voices Are Back-Lani Lynn Vale 7/24/23
Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
Edge Of Darkness-Freya Barker 6/03/23
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date).
(4/01/2015)
Choose Me-Heidi McLaughlin 6/02/23
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO.
Melanie Harlow-Runaway Love 6/06/23
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The).
Abstract Love-Samantha Christy 6/17/23
* Read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
(Amelia Storm FBI Mystery #7)
Storm's Justice-Mary Stone 6/23/23
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Under a Raging Moon-Frank Zafiro 6/10/23
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
Q.B. Tyler-What Was Meant to Be 8/08/23
* Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
(Nikki)
The Girl in the Ground-Stacy Green 7/13/23
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
(MC owns two Amazone parrots; one that recites Bible verses and the other Tik Toks)
I'll Just Date Myself-Lani Lynn Vale 8/09/23
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
Amy Daws-Wait With Me 6/21/23
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
(Hollywood Alphabet Series #22)
Hollywood Vendetta-M.Z. Kelly 6/11/23
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover).
Danila-Roxie Rivera 6/17/23
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
15/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why). - Other MC tells her something shocking and she gasps - Pg 102 - Away From Me Sophie Oak - 7/8/23
* Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order). - A Cranberry Inn Christmas Beth Ehemann - 6/3/23
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
* Read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make). - Makes furniture - Reckless Road Christine Feehan - 8/12/23
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) - Wes - The Littlest Cowboy Maggie Shayne - 6/21/23
* Read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text). - Pg 367 - even for an oil change - Vengeance Road Christine Feehan - 6/2/23
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) - Pub 12/15/15 - The Sun and the Moon Leslie McAdam - 7/6/23
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO - Easy Virtue Mia Asher - 6/4/23
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The)
* Read a series book #5. - The Country Guesthouse Robyn Carr - 6/19/23
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) - Baltimore - Waiting for Wednesday Mari Carr - 6/9/23
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum). - Stroke of Midnight K. Webster - 6/30/23
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it. - The Reunion Meghan Quinn - 6/11/23
* Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name). - Garrison - Primal Instincts: Volume 3 Nicole Edwards - 6/10/23
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL - Los Angeles - Primal Instincts: Volume 4 Nicole Edwards - 6/18/23
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name). - Masters and Mercenaries - No Time to Lie Lexi Blake - 6/29/23
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) - Siren Enslaved Sophie Oak - 7/17/23
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosBegins: 01June23 / Ends: 31Aug23
18 / 15 Completed (Explorer level)
10 / 10 days traveled
✔ Day 1: Quito
Capital of the country * Read the first book in a series - Singaporean Mystery # 1 - Aunty Lee's Delights ✔ – 24June23
Rests on the Equator * Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN - Great Expectations ✔ – 01July23
✔ Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
Otavalo * Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
Ibarra * Read a book where food is important to the plot - Hannah Swensen owns a bakery in Candy Cane Murder ✔ – 16July23
✔ Day 3: El Oriente
Part of the Amazon Basin * Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER - T D O L W - The Dictionary of Lost Words ✔ – 21June23
Rich in oil fields * Read a book with the word OIL in the text - pg 18 - "…ignited the oil, leaving the…" - The Last Ride of the Pony Express ✔ – 01July23
✔ Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
"Avenida de los Vulcanes" * Read a book set in a location that features a volcano - Mexico - American Dirt ✔ – 18June23
The highest volcano in Ecuador * Read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 - 416 - Solito ✔ – 12June23
✔ Day 5: Riobamba
Founded in 1534 * Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA - On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous ✔ – 06June23
Nariz del Diablo train * Read a book where a character rides a train - Georgie takes the train to Edinburgh in Royal Flush ✔ – 15July23
✔ Day 6: Cuenca
Very old city * Read a book tagged HISTORICAL on its GR homepage - The Ship of Brides ✔ – 28June23
Sombrero de Paja Toquilla * Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
✔ Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
Quilotoa * Read a book with a title that has the letter Q found in it. - The Queen of the Tambourine ✔ – 14July23
Ingapirca * Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA - Ryland is mc in Project Hail Mary ✔ – 13July23
✔ Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
The largest and most populated city* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL - Arizona - The Devil's Highway ✔ – 10June23
Puerto Lopez * Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA - P E - Patricia Engel / Infinite Country ✔ – 08June23
✔ Day 9: Galapagos
There are 18 main islands * Read a book set on an island - Venice Italy (a group of 118 small islands forms the city) - Across the River and into the Trees ✔ – 01June23
Charles Darwin Research Station * Read a book where nature is important to the plot - Trudy studies the tidal pools and begins cataloguing and sending specimens to universities in The Edge of the Earth ✔ – 06June23
✔ Day 10: Galapagos
Charles Darwin used the finch species * Bird on the cover -
✔ – 08June23 Other animals * Title is printed in RED -
✔ – 20June23
I'm in - completed.Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galapagos
3 Months from Start - 1 June to 31 August
15 / 15 Completed (Explorer level)
Day 1: Quito
Quito is the capital of the country, and it has been a UNESCO site since 1978 as its historic center is the best preserved and least altered in all of South America. The historic center can be visited easily on foot, but keep in mind that it is the second highest capital in the world in altitude so you may have problems with shortness of breath.
* Read the first book in a series (share series name) OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
Brownies & Betrayal (Sweet Bites Mystery #1), Heather Justesen - 25/06/23
Normally it is said that Quito rests on the Equator, but in reality the latter is located 22 km (13,6 mi) north of the city at Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World"). It is perhaps the most visited place in Ecuador.
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
Into the Riverlands, Nghi Vo - 02/06/23
RAIN: RIverlANds
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
North of Quito one can find Otavalo, which is often called the "intercultural capital of Ecuador" due to its historical and cultural richness. Among tourists, however, it is known above all for its market, the largest in the whole continent.
Pass
Also north of Quito is Ibarra, which is growing in popularity with tourists due to its good climate and distinctive white colonial houses. In particular, it is making a name for itself via the various restaurants that offer a taste of the local cuisine.
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
Death by Dumpling (A Noodle Shop Mystery #1), Vivien Chien - 29/06/23
Food: the murderee is killed by food delivered by the MC, and the MC works in a noodle shop
Day 3: El Oriente
The vast territory on the eastern side of the Andes is known as El Oriente and is part of the Amazon Basin. Several indigenous tribes still live here, some of which have only come into contact with the outside world since the 1970's.
Pass
The northern part of the region is the most developed both from a tourist and economic point of view. This area is in fact rich in oil fields, which unfortunately have disturbed a large part of the forest.
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
We, Yevgeny Zamyatin - 05/06/23
Oil: “Inside, a long queue of bluish-gray unifs awaiting their turns, faces shining like the OIL lamps in an ancient temple.” Yevgeny Zamyatin. We (p. 31). Digital Fire. Kindle Edition.
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
A stretch of the Pan-American Highway located south of Quito is known as the "Avenida de los Vulcanes" ("The Avenue of Volcanoes"). The most famous volcano in the country is Cotopaxi, a destination for many mountaineers.
Pass
The highest volcano in Ecuador is, however, Chimborazo; with its 6,310 meters (20,702 feet) of altitude it is, in reality, the highest mountain in the entire continent.
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
The Isle of Man: Stone Age to Swinging Sixties, Matthew Richardson - 03/07/23
Author initials: chiMboRazo and also, the page count is 160pg
Day 5: Riobamba
Riobamba was founded in 1534 by Spanish colonizers, but was moved to its current site in 1799 after a terrifying earthquake destroyed the city two years earlier.
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.
Isle of Man, A Megalithic Journey, Neil McDonald - 05/07/23
Both starts with a letter in rIobamba, and is a new author to me.
In Riobamba you can't help but notice the hustle and bustle at the train station when the Nariz del Diablo train passes through. Also known as The Devil's Nose, the tracks are a true engineering marvel. Built between 1899 and 1908, it connects the Andes to the shoreline. It's only 12 km (7.5 mi), but in some sections the slopes are hair-raising.
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
The Cats that Flooded the Manor (The Cats That #12), Karen Anne Golden - 09/06/23
Day 6: Cuenca
Cuenca is a very old city; it seems, in fact, that its origins are even pre-Inca. The present city dates back to 1557, and its historic center, full of colonial buildings, is a UNESCO Heritage Site. These same buildings and the presence of some universities, along with the fact that many famous people were born here, have earned it the nickname of "Athens of Ecuador".
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
A Study in Scarlet, Arthur Conan Doyle - 03/07/23
About 70% of the book is set in London (long history), and it’s tagged Historical Fiction if you click “more” on the genres list.
A very particular museum is the Sombrero de Paja Toquilla, or the panama hat. While the latter owes its name to the fact that it was mainly marketed in Panama, it was in Cuenca that it was initially produced industrially, after the canal workers made it famous by wearing it.
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
On Borrowed Time, Jenn McKinlay - 22/06/23
Title: sOmBrero, Toquilla
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
On the Andes cordillera there are several volcanic lakes with a characteristic round shape; these lakes fill the craters of volcanoes. One of the most visited, mainly because it is easily accessible, is that of Quilotoa.
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
Winter's Gifts, Ben Aaronovitch - 22/06/23
Set near Bayfield, Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake Superior. The MC also visits some of the islands just offshore.
Ingapirca is the largest archaeological site in Ecuador; here the indigenous populations of the Incas and Cañari managed to coexist peacefully for a long amount of time. Today the only truly visible monument of that time is the Temple of the Sun, a circular building built around a large rock.
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
The Man Who Died Twice, Richard Osman - 08/06/23
MC names: two of the Thursday Murder Club are Ibrahim Arif and Ron Ritchie, and the policeman is Chris Hudson
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
Santiago de Guayaquil, also better known only as Guayaquil, is the largest and most populated city in Ecuador, due to its location at the mouth of the Guayas River and the activity of its port. Thanks to a redevelopment project it is very pleasant to visit the area known as the Malecón at the riverfront, where the main city monuments, museums, gardens, restaurants, etc., are located.
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
Folk Lore of the Isle of Man, A.W. Moore - 06/06/23
Location guyayquIl: Isle of Man
Also on the coast is the town of Puerto Lopez, which owes its tourist importance to the fact that it is located near the Parque Nacional Machalilla. Boat trips to nearby Isla de la Plata, which is part of the park, depart from its port. Here you can see birds, colorful fishes, sea turtles, sometimes even sea lions. If you are lucky, whales can also be seen while sailing.
Pass
Day 9: Galapagos
Approximately 1,000 km (621 mi) off the coast of South America lies the natural wonder that is the Galapagos archipelago. There are 18 main islands plus various other islets, all of volcanic origin, that straddle the equator. The islands have been a UNESCO site since 1978, with the marine reserve added in 2001.
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
J is for Judgement, Sue Grafton - 07/06/23
Series: there are 25 primary works in the Kinsey Millhone series: https://www.goodreads.com/series/4088...
The route taken by the various ships varies, but virtually all cruises include a stop at Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. As is known, it was thanks to his stay in this archipelago that Charles Darwin theorized the evolution of the species. The main attraction of this center are some species of giant tortoises.
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Every Day Nature: How noticing nature can quietly change your life, Andy Beer - 26/06/23
The whole book is about nature and what to keep an eye on when out for walks, so while it isn’t a “plot”, nature is important to the book
Day 10: Galapagos
As is known, Charles Darwin used the finch species, which differ from island to island, to explain his theory. However, it was three other types of birds that caught my attention: the blue-footed booby (it's almost impossible to believe the color of its webbed feet), the frigate with the characteristic red sac that the males inflate during the mating ritual, and... the penguins!
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
Midsummer Mysteries, Agatha Christie - 21/06/23
Silhouettes of birds in the sky
During your visit you will see many other animals on land and in the sea. Some will even accompany you if you snorkel. Sea lions are an almost constant presence at every landing point. And the islands are famous for their iguanas, which come in two types, terrestrial or marine.
Pass
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
15/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name) OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
Rocky Mountain Courage- Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard 12 June; 5☆
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
Reunion at the Shore by Lee Tobin McClain 5 June; 4☆
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
MC owns a country store/restaurant- Grilled for Murder by Maddie Day 7 June; 4 1/2☆
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
MC (Kate) is Aleut- Play With Fire by Dana Stabenow 23 June; 4☆
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
bear- Olympic Mountain Pursuit by Jodie Bailey 2 July; 4 1/2☆
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
Sealed Off by Barbara Ross 18 June; 5☆
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.
Alpha Tracker by Cindi Myers 8 June; 4☆
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
Book Retrai Mystery, #7- Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams 14 June; 5☆
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Cowboy Strong by Stacy Finz 16 June; 5☆
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Ruth is an archaeologist who collaborates with the police- The Woman in Blue by Elly Griffiths 22 June; 4 1/2☆
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
Ashland (Oregon)- Bake, Borrow, and Steal by Ellie Alexander 9 July; 4 1/2☆
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
Risky Rescue: A Christian Romantic Suspense by Laura Scott 8 July; 5☆
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
the Inn at Holiday Bay- Clue in the Carriage House by Kathi Daley 20 June; 5☆
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
the plot concerns a bomber in a national park- Explosive Trail by Terri Reed 1 June; 4 1/2☆
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
crow (near the title)- It Takes a Coven by Carol J. Perry 3 June; 5☆
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book that surprised you (tell us how).
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 1 - August 31, 2024
Level: Explorer
20/20 DONE
Day 1: Quito
* 1st book in a series (Belize Dreams 1) Romancing Miss Stone M.C. Vaughan 8/17
* legs and/or feet on cover Autumn Stephens 8/5
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* MC visits a fair - Sweet River, Texas' annual summer celebration A Case for the Cookie Baker Candace Havens 7/22
* food is important to plot - culinary school, cooking classes, Julia Child teaches neighbor to cook A Murder Most French Colleen Cambridge 7/22
Day 3: El Oriente
* first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER Like This, For Ever Sharon J. Bolton 8/8
* wild animal in story - coyotes The Precipice Paul Doiron 7/25
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* originally published in 2015 May 25, 2015 Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse Harper Lin 9/15
* page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 310 pp Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman Tessa Arlen 8/9
Day 5: Riobamba
* title starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA Rescuing Bryn Susan Stoker 7/6
* series book #7 (Secrets and Scrabble, #7) Death at the Deep Dive Josh Lanyon 8/21
Day 6: Cuenca
* tagged HISTORICAL Urn Burial Kerry Greenwood 6/1
* hat on cover Honeymoon For One Portia MacIntosh 6/4
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* author's name has a Q Otherwise Engaged Amanda Quick 8/4
* MC first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA Albert Campion Look to the Lady Margery Allingham 8/22
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL Trouble in Queenstown Delia Pitts 8/17
* author's initials in ISLA DE LA PLATA Threats at Three Ann Purser 6/26
Day 9: Galapagos
* set on an island Mackinac Island, Michigan To Fudge or Not to Fudge Nancy CoCo 7/10
* nature is important to plot = Mike Bowditch is a Maine game warden Knife Creek: A Mike Bowditch Mystery Paul Doiron 8/1
Day 10: Galapagos
* bird on cover The Ghost of Akhenaten Moyra Caldecott 8/11
* title is printed in RED A Very Woodsy Murder Ellen Byron 8/27
Welcome everyone! You should all be linked up :)
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
15/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name) OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
Charlie gasped as she saw how someone had trashed her friend’s ceramics shop Clues in the Clay Danielle Collins+Millie Briggs 6/2/23
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
The Rockstar Revenge at the Reunion Audrey Clementine 6/4/23
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
Songs of Wine and Murder Lynn Cahoon 6/6/23
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
Kate runs a bakery café Chocolate Most Deadly Mary Maxwell 6/12/23
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
AILLC-Action in Little Leaf Creek Cindy Bell 6/9/23
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
p 55 “…free of any grease or oil stains.” Squirrel Skip Squabble Max Parrott 6/5/23
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
6/30/15-Starboard Secrets Hope Callaghan 7/7/23
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
231-Fool Me Once Deany Ray 6/8/23
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.
Murder Out of Wedlock Penny Brooke 6/13/23
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
#5 in Cindy York Mysteries-With Option to Kill Catherine Bruns 7/5/23
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Fishing hat-
Mel Morgan 6/24/23Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
Fictional Honey Springs, Kentucky is on a lake Cappuccino Criminal Tonya Kappes 6/15/23
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
DS-How the Murder Crumbles Debra Sennefelder 6/16/23
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
Cruise Ship Cozies has 24 total works, this is book 2-Portside Peril Hope Callaghan 7/8/23
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
Charles, the wine room manager-Murder at the Wine Cave Dani Simms 6/29/23
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book that surprised you (tell us how).
(view spoiler) Murder Is a Piece of Cake V.M. Burns 6/22/23
ECUADOR: FROM THE ANDES TO THE GALAPAGOS, 6/1 – 8/3120/15+ COMPLETE
DAY 1: QUITO
* Read the first book in a series (share series name)
Murder by the Seashore (California Bookshop #1), by Samara Yew, finished 6/16 ★★★.5
* Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order)
The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star (Darling Dahlias #4), by Susan Witting Albert, finished 6/10 ★★★.5
DAY 2: OTAVALO AND IBARRA
* Read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage
The Mistress of Bhatia House (Perveen Mistry #4), by Sujata Massey, finished 6/4 ★★★★
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why)
Jules and her mother own/run a bakeshop : Another One Bites the Crust (Bakeshop #7), by Ellie Alexander, finished 6/5 ★★★★
DAY 3: EL ORIENTE
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who)
Henry Standing Bear : Junkyard Dogs (Walt Longmire #6), by Craig Johnson, finished 6/9 ★★★★
* Read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text)
Old Bones (Gideon Oliver #4), by Aaron Elkins, finished 6/8 ★★★★
p. 55 "...those who expected snake oil."
DAY 4: COTOPAXI AND CHIMBORAZO
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date)
publ 9/8/15 : A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, by Kathryn Harkup, finished 7/13 ★★★.5
* Read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count)
304 pages : Killer Takeout (Key West Food Critic #7), by Lucy Burdette, finished 6/7 ★★★★
DAY 5: RIOBAMBA
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you
both : author Judy Leigh – The Old Girls’ Network, finished 6/6 ★★★.5
* Read a series book #12, #7 or #5
Death Dines Out (Hemlock Falls #5), by Claudia Bishop, finished 6/16/23 ★★★.5
DAY 6: CUENCA
* Read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage
A Purely Private Matter (Rosalind Thorne #2), by Darcie Wilde, finished 6/12 ★★★.5
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum)
Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft (Book Retreat #9), by Ellery Adams, finished 6/19/23 ★★★★
DAY 7: QUILOTOA AND INGAPIRCA
* Read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it
author Spencer Quinn – Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge, finished 6/27 ★★★.5
* Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name)
Cam : A Cryptic Clue (Hunter and Clewe #1), by Victoria Gilbert, finished 6/13 ★★★.5
DAY 8: GUAYAQUIL AND PUERTO LOPEZ
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL
Gator Bay AL : Strawberry Tartlets and a Dead Starlet (Poppy Peters #4), by A. Gardner, finished 6/20 ★★★.5
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA
author Dana Stabenow – Killing Grounds (Kate Shugak #8), finished 6/11 ★★★★
DAY 9: GALAPAGOS
* Read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name)
18 books and counting : How the Light Gets In (Chief Insp. Armand Gamache #9), by Louise Penny, finished 7/2 ★★★★
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why)
Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through America’s National Parks, by Conor Knighton, finished 6/3/23 ★★★.5
a good part of the book addresses environmental protection and wildlife preservation
DAY 10: GALAPAGOS
* Read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who)
MC Charles Lenox : The Fleet Street Murders (Charles Lenox #3), by Charles Finch, finished 6/24/23 ★★★★
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover)
Deadfall (Jessie Arnold & Alex Jensen #5), by Sue Henry, finished 6/8 ★★★★
***** CHALLENGE COMPLETE 7/13 *****
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
20/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series - Undead #1
Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson 1/6 3.5★
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover
Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson 1/6 3★
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair - bazaar
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty 10/6 2★
* Read a book where food is important to the plot - food is scarce after the disaster & they almost die for lack of it
Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer 2/6 3★
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER
Watchers in the Night by Jenna Black 18/6 3★
* Read a book with the word OIL in the text - She drizzled oil into the skillet p.215
Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts 4/6 3★
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 - 8/10/2015
The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson 13/7 4★
* Read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 - 368p
You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry 7/6 3★
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA
Barrenjoey Road by Neil Mercer,Ruby Jones 8/6 3.5★
* Read a book where a character rides a train - the Hogwarts Express
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 4/6 3.5★
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history - London
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor 11/6 5★
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA
The Rake's Retreat by Nancy Butler 16/6 3★
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting - Thunder Lake, MN
Buttons and Bones by Monica Ferris 7/6 3★
* Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA - Nora
Book Lovers by Emily Henry 12/6 2.5★
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL - Greece
Salonika Burning by Gail Jones 12/6 3★
* Read a book with a character that is poor - the Weasleys
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling 5/6 3★
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works - In Death
Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb 3/6 3★
* Read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place - Olivia cruises on Rowan's yacht
Seven Sisters by Katherine Kovacic 13/6 4.5★
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling 6/6 2★
* Read a book that surprised you - I had no idea what this book was about, the content surprised me, as did my enjoyment of it because I've gone off cosy mysteries lately
Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris 9/6 3.5★
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJ
Day 1: Quito
❎* Read the first book in a series (share series name)KATE BURKHOLDER SERIES Sworn to SilenceLinda Castillo 7/1/23
❎* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover)
The Corpse Wore TartanKaitlyn Dunnett6/25/23Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
❎* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why)(view spoiler)Death of a Christmas CatererLee Hollis6/23/23
Day 3: El Oriente
❎* Read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text). P. 48 ". . . bet you neverhad the oil changed." Restaurant Weeks Are MurderLibby Klein6/3/23
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
❎Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date
4/15/2015 A Date With DeathJoanne Phillips7/30/23
❎ Read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
304 pp. Waking LazarusT.L. Hines6/9/23
Day 5: Riobamba
❎* Read a book by an author that is new to you.Cremains of the DayMisty Simon 6/17/2$
❎* Read a series book r #5.Dyeing SeasonKaren MacInerney 6/8/23
Day 6: Cuenca
❎* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) on Sherlock bust. Body on Baker StreetVicki Delany7/8/23
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
❎* Read a book with a title that has the letter Q found in it.
Death of a Cupcake QueenLee Hollis6/24/23
*❎ Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) MC is self-taught archaeologist . Lots of digging and looking.
ArtifactsMary Anna Evans7/19/23
❎Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
GUAYAQUIL ARCTIC. Deception PointDan Brown6/21/23
Day 9: Galapagos
*❎ Read a book set on an island (tell us where) hIBISCCUS ISLAND
Lucy Norman7/5/23Day 10: Galapagos
❎* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover)
Killer ClimateAlannah Foley8/8/23❎Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover)'Til Dirt Do Us Part
Edith Maxwell6/7/23
Thanks for joining Tari, Barb, Kylie & Chris!
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Finished!
Progress: 15/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name)
A Knight for the Defiant Lady by Carol Townend (Convent Brides #1)
* Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
The Viking Warrior's Bride by Harper St. George 6/11/23
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why)
The Wedding Day Mystery by Carolyn Keene 6/14/23 (a wedding cake gets sabotaged)
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin 6/7/23
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal)
The Children of the Lost by Franklin W. Dixon 7/4/23 (a raccoon and a bear both make an appearance)
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO
Claimed for the Highlander's Revenge by Millie Adams 6/11/23
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book by an author that is new to you.
Wild Bill Hickok: Sharpshooter and U.S. Marshall of the Wild West by Joseph G. Rosa 6/3/23
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details)
Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Importance by Gyles Brandreth 7/3/23 (characters ride trains multiple times, mostly in and around London)
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
The Knight's Maiden In Disguise by Ella Matthews 6/10/23
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Surviving James Dean by William Bast 7/12/23
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
* Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Cinderella's Deal With The Colonel by Jenni Fletcher 6/5/23
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer 6/19/23 (Guernsey)
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who)
The Scoundrel's Bartered Bride by Virginia Heath 6/12/23 (Lydia)
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where)
Trade Wind Danger by Carolyn Keene 6/17/23 (takes place on the Hawaiian Islands)
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover)
Out of Bounds by Carolyn Keene 6/28/23
(it looks pink here, but the actual cover is red)
*****COMPLETED 10/16/23*****Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galapagos
June 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Explorer: Complete 15 of the 20 tasks. You must complete at least one task per day.
100P. Min
15/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name) Julie of the Wolves series #1- -Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George-7/27-23
OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).- In September, the Light Changes by Andrew Holleran-6/6/23=
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why)- studies on sugars and carbs in Nature Wants Us to Be Fat: The Surprising Science Behind Why We Gain Weight and How We Can Prevent--and Reverse--It by Richard J. Johnson- 10/13/23
OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).- The Donkey Inside by Ludwig Bemelmans-10/16/23 -
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).-p.140-Senior Smiles II: Big Giggles In Big Print by John Moher 6/23/23- "...a Texas oil tycoon watching his largest oil well going up in flames." 6/23/23
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).-132p,- Word Play by Maxwell Nurnberg-6/20/23
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.- Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman-6/16/23
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details)
The title character takes a train to Main in Babbitt
by Sinclair Lewis-8/21/23
OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where)
Paris- The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick-8/27/23
OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).- Greg in The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney-7/7/23
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).- The Octopussy in the title refers to a pet octopus that a MC feeds and cares for in his lagoon in Octopussy and The Living Daylights by Ian Fleming-7/24/23-
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.- Triggerfish Twist by Tim Dorsey-7/21/23
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).- Wimpy Kid series- Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney-
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why)- the Dustbowl in Oklahoma uproots thousands of farmers including the Joad family in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck-7/9/23
OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).-Charles Hazlewood... a neighbor of the title character in Guy Mannering- 7/9/23
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book that surprised you (tell us how).
Please add me here.Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galapagos
June 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Day 1: Quito
X * Read the first book in a series (share series name) Bess Crawford Series A Duty to the Dead Charles Todd 6/6
X * Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order). A Wrench in the Works Kate Carlisle 6/9
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
X *Read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage. Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books Azar Nafisi 8/3
X * read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make). rehab houses Dressed to Drill Kate Carlisle 6/7
Day 3: El Oriente
X * Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WIL DLIFE CENTER (three words minimum). Planting Our World Stefano Mancuso 6/19
X * Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) an octopus Remarkably Bright Creatures Shelby Van Pelt 7/23
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
X * read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where). Isabela Island The Galapagos Wish You Were HereJodi Picoult 6/29
X * read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count). Knot Ready for Murder Mary Marks 303 pages
Day 5: Riobamba
X * Read a book by an author that is new to you. Let the Dead Bury the Dead David Carlson 7/9
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
X Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) London Christopher Skaife The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London 6/8
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
X* read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).6/509] Cody Keenan Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for AmericaCody Keenan 6/14
Day 9: Galapagos
X* Read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works
Four Amelia Peabody Mysteries Box SetElizabeth Peters 7/28
X * Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) Plants are important, over 85% of the world's biomass. Planting Our World Stefano Mancuso 6/19
Day 10: Galapagos
X * Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) Birds by the Shore: Observing the Natural Life of the Atlantic Coast Jennifer Ackerman
8/18X* Read a book whose title is printed in RED OutlawedAnna North
7/11
Thanks for joining August, Ed & Judy!!
Wow the beginning was awesome will take to read the entire description in the next days.Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galapagos
Duration: 6/1/23 - 8/31/23
Level: Explorer: (15+ tasks)
Completed: 0/15
100+ pages, re-reads are ok, re-post when finished
Day 1: Quito
Read the first book in a series (share series name)
Read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
*
Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover
Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair
Read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
*
Read a book where food is important to the plot
Read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
Day 3: El Oriente
Read a book with an indigenous character
Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
*
Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story
Read a book with the word OIL in the text.
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
Read a book originally published in 2015
Read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
*
Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO
Read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0.
Day 5: Riobamba
Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore articles)
Read a book by an author that is new to you.
*
Read a book where a character rides a train
Read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
Day 6: Cuenca
Read a book set in a city with a long history
Read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
*
Read a book with a hat shown on the cover
Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
Read a book with a lake setting
Read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
*
Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot
Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA.
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL
Read a book with an exotic pet in it.
*
Read a book with a character that is poor
Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
Day 9: Galapagos
Read a book set on an island
Read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works.
*
Read a book where nature is important to the plot
Read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place.
Day 10: Galapagos
Read a book with a bird on the cover
Read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it.
*
Read a book whose title is printed in RED
Read a book that surprised you.
.
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
20 of 15+ Complete
Explorer: Complete 15 of the 20 tasks. You must complete at least one task per day.
Day 1: Quito
🐝 Read the first book in a series (share series name).
Hidden - Laura Griffin - 6/7/23 - #1 Texas Murder Files
🐝 Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
In the Dark - Loreth Anne White - 6/18/23 - INthedARk
🐝 Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair.
Farm Fresh Murder - Paige Shelton - 7/13/23 - primarily set in a Farmer's Market
🐝 Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why).
Hail to the Chef - Julie Hyzy - 6/7/23 - Ollie is the Executive Chef to the White House and busy preparing for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
Day 3: El Oriente
🐝 Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who).
Firekeeper's Daughter - Angeline Boulley - 6/1/23
Daunis is a member of the Ojibwe tribe and this story focuses on the customs, history, stories, and rituals, and traditions of Native American tribal culture.
🐝 Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal).
Bear Bait - Pamela Beason - 6/27/23 - Bear
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
🐝 Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date).
Ice Planet Barbarians - Ruby Dixon - 6/16/23 - orig pub Apr 03, 2015
🐝 Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO.
The Taint of Midas - Anne Zouroudi - 7/15/23 - A
Day 5: Riobamba
🐝 Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The)
Adrift - Lisa Brideau - 6/14/23
🐝 Read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
Memorial Day - Vince Flynn - 6/17/23 - #7 Mitch Rapp
Day 6: Cuenca
🐝 Read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna - Juliet Grames - 6/6/23
🐝 Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
One Rough Man - Brad Taylor - 6/19/23 - ORM
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
🐝 Read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
Surrender - Amanda Quick - 6/20/23
🐝 Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
A Loyal Character Dancer - Qiu Xiaolong - 7/29/23 - MC = Cao Chen
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
🐝 Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL.
Black Narcissus: A Novel - Rumer Godden - 7/21/23 - set in India
🐝 Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
Someone Like You - Lauren Layne - 6/25/23 - LL
Day 9: Galapagos
🐝 Read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
The Lions of Lucerne - Brad Thor - 7/26/23 - #1 Scot Harvath (22 books in the series)
🐝 Read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Shipped - Angie Hockman - 7/11/23 - Cruise to the Galapagos Islands
Day 10: Galapagos
🐝 Read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
Gone with the Wind - Margaret Mitchell - 6/2/23 - Charles Hamilton, Scarlett's first husband and Melanie's brother
🐝 Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover).
The Five-Star Weekend - Elin Hilderbrand - 7/6/23
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune - August 2023
Level Explorer: Complete 15 of the 20 tasks, at least one per day.
15/15 completed
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name) OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
Mr. Norris Changes Trains by Christopher Isherwood - 6/10 ★★★★
Page 171: "'My God, Arthur!' I literally gasped. 'What, exactly, do you take me for?'"
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
Masters of Atlantis by Charles Portis (RAIN) - 6/8 ★★★
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
The Gentle Art of Murder by Jeanne M. Dams (painter, sculptor, and printmaker characters) - 6/30 ★★★★
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
Daredevils by Shawn Vestal (Boyd is half Native American) - 7/5 ★★★★
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris - 6/13 ★★★★
Page 36: "a sphere of oil sits suspended in dark vinegar"
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
A View of the Harbour by Elizabeth Taylor (318 pages) - 6/16 ★★★
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.
Bullet Park by John Cheever - 6/4 ★★★★
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth (MC takes multiple train rides) - 6/23 ★★★★
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
The Undoing Project by Michael Lewis (SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA) - 6/30 ★★★★★
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
The End of the Day by Claire North (MC is Charlie) - 8/15 ★★★★
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon - 6/26 ★★★
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
The Fountains of Paradise by Arthur C. Clarke (set on the island Taprobane) - 6/14 ★★★★
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Neither Here Nor There by Bill Bryson (travels around Europe) - 7/4 ★★★
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
El Misterio del Lago by Raúl Garbantes (Charles Peterson) - 6/3 ★★★★
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book that surprised you (tell us how).
The Social Lives of Animals by Ashley Ward - 6/7 ★★★★
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune - August 2023
Level Explorer: Complete 15 of the 20 tasks, at least one per day.
20/20 completed
Day 1: Quito
* Read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
Thirteen Guests by J. Jefferson Farjeon 6/22
A woman is almost found sneaking around the house after midnight, and her gasp is heard as she hides.
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover)
Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames 6/5
See cover below.
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market.
Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick 7/6
* Read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
The Bernini Bust by Iain Pears 6/9
Sculptor.
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
Death In A White Tie by Ngaio Marsh 7/13
* Read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
Paladin's Strength by T. Kingfisher 6/20
"it kept her in firewood and lamp oil for a season."
Chapter 5, ebook pg 154
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date)
Uprooted by Naomi Novik 8/7
May 19, 2015
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO
Over the Gate by Miss Read 6/9
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The)
Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews 6/17
* Read a series book #5.
Giotto's Hand by Iain Pears 6/2
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where)
The Titian Committee by Iain Pears 6/6
Venice, Italy
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover)
Frederica by Georgette Heyer 7/16
See cover below.
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where)
A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman 6/17
Lake Geneva
* Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher 6/16
Grace
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL
The Nursing Home Murder by Ngaio Marsh 6/22
London
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who)
Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn 7/24
Annova and Calvin are homeless.
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie 6/21
Hercule Poirot series
* Read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
The Golden Rendezvous by Alistair MacLean 6/24
Takes place on a cruise ship at sea.
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
Death Walks the Woods by Cyril Hare 7/4
Charlie Banks
* Read a book that surprised you (tell us how).
I Swear: Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan by Katie Porter 7/20
I had no idea she grew up on a small family farm, like I did.
ECUADOR: FROM THE ANDES TO THE GALAPAGOS, 6/1 – 8/310/15+ COMPLETE
DAY 1: QUITO
* Read the first book in a series (share series name) OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
DAY 2: OTAVALO AND IBARRA
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
DAY 3: EL ORIENTE
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
DAY 4: COTOPAXI AND CHIMBORAZO
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
DAY 5: RIOBAMBA
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
DAY 6: CUENCA
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
DAY 7: QUILOTOA AND INGAPIRCA
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
DAY 8: GUAYAQUIL AND PUERTO LOPEZ
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
DAY 9: GALAPAGOS
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
DAY 10: GALAPAGOS
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book that surprised you (tell us how).
Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galapagos06/01/2023 - 08/31/2023
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name)
Monica Murphy 10/20/2023 Series book #1* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover)
Marie Bostwick 10/22/2023Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
*
Tina Turner 02/17/2023* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why)
Allison Brook 12/26/2024 victim was murdered by posion in foodDay 3: El Oriente
*
Ann Rule 07/17/2023*
Simon Baatz 11/01/2023 Page 77 - working on the Packard. “I can put some oil on them and you can use the emergency,”Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date)
Mary Louise Kelly 08/03/20223*
Janet Evanovich 06/11/2023 315 PagesDay 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The)
Ryan S. Walters 06/22/2023*
Ann Rule 06/29/2023 Series book #5Day 6: Cuenca
*
Jess Walter 07/11/2023* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover)
Jason Hoevelmann 08/31/2023Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where)
Kylie Brant 01/18/2024 *
Sara Foster 07/20/2023 MC - Grace & AdamDay 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL
Anne Fortier 07/13/2023 Location - Italy*
Andrew Pollack 6/26/2023Day 9: Galapagos
*
Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum Series* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why)
Christine Carbo 12/29/2024 The Agent was involved in a bear attack when he was a teenager and the victim in the case was murdered in the national park and left tied to a tree and became bear foodDay 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover)
Dervla McTiernan 09/28/2023* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover)
Kira Peikoff 09/27/2023
All the newcomers are linked up. Let me know if I missed anyone!
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
0/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name) OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book that surprised you (tell us how)
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
0/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name) OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book that surprised you (tell us how).
Thanks for joining Sallie & Mave!
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Goal: 10/10
✓ Day 1: Quito
*Read the first book in a series (share series name)
Twisted Love by Ana Huang (06/10/23) - Twisted #1✓ Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
*Read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
Neanderthal Seeks (Extra) Yarns by Penny Reid (07/18/23) - MCs are knitters (scarves, hats, sweaters)✓ Day 3: El Oriente
*Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum)
Life of Pi by Yann Martel (7/10/23) - Title LOP✓ Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
*Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0
Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn & Shonda Rhimes (06/21/23) - 340 pgs✓ Day 5: Riobamba
*Read a book by an author that is new to you.
The Fraud Squad by Kyla Zhao (07/10/23)✓ Day 6: Cuenca
*Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover)
The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas (08/12/23)✓ Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
*Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Exposed by Kristen Callihan (07/01/23) - Ryland (Rye)✓ Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
*Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL
Homicide and Halo-Halo by Mia P. Manansala (07/27/23) - Illinois✓ Day 9: Galapagos
*Read a book set on an island (tell us where)
A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting (09/07/23) - Kodiak Island✓ Day 10: Galapagos
*Read a book that surprised you (tell us how)
The Push by Ashley Audrain (08/28/23) - I was surprised by a lot of actions the MC makes throughout the book
Enjoy the challenge Laila Jane!
Jan ... is this wing enough to count for "bird on the cover" ?
Completed!Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galapagos
15 / 15 Completed (Explorer level)
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name) OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
Brownies & Betrayal (Sweet Bites Mystery #1), Heather Justesen - 25/06/23
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
Into the Riverlands, Nghi Vo - 02/06/23
RAIN: RIverlANds
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
Pass
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
Death by Dumpling (A Noodle Shop Mystery #1), Vivien Chien - 29/06/23
Food: the murderee is killed by food delivered by the MC, and the MC works in a noodle shop
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
Pass
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
We, Yevgeny Zamyatin - 05/06/23
Oil: “Inside, a long queue of bluish-gray unifs awaiting their turns, faces shining like the OIL lamps in an ancient temple.” Yevgeny Zamyatin. We (p. 31). Digital Fire. Kindle Edition.
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
Pass
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
The Isle of Man: Stone Age to Swinging Sixties, Matthew Richardson - 03/07/23
Author initials: chiMboRazo and also, the page count is 160pg
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.
Isle of Man, A Megalithic Journey, Neil McDonald - 05/07/23
Both starts with a letter in rIobamba, and is a new author to me.
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
The Cats that Flooded the Manor (The Cats That #12), Karen Anne Golden - 09/06/23
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
A Study in Scarlet, Arthur Conan Doyle - 03/07/23
About 70% of the book is set in London (long history), and it’s tagged Historical Fiction if you click “more” on the genres list.
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
On Borrowed Time, Jenn McKinlay - 22/06/23
Title: sOmBrero, Toquilla
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
Winter's Gifts, Ben Aaronovitch - 22/06/23
Set near Bayfield, Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake Superior. The MC also visits some of the islands just offshore.
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
The Man Who Died Twice, Richard Osman - 08/06/23
MC names: two of the Thursday Murder Club are Ibrahim Arif and Ron Ritchie, and the policeman is Chris Hudson
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
Folk Lore of the Isle of Man, A.W. Moore - 06/06/23
Location guyayquIl: Isle of Man
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
Pass
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
J is for Judgement, Sue Grafton - 07/06/23
Series: there are 25 primary works in the Kinsey Millhone series: https://www.goodreads.com/series/4088...
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Every Day Nature: How noticing nature can quietly change your life, Andy Beer - 26/06/23
The whole book is about nature and what to keep an eye on when out for walks, so while it isn’t a “plot”, nature is important to the book
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
Midsummer Mysteries, Agatha Christie - 21/06/23
Silhouettes of birds in the sky
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book that surprised you (tell us how)
Pass
Terrific job Trish! You made quick work of this ;)
I too had the stars (and books) aligned! :-))Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galapagos
June 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
15/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name) OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
Rocky Mountain Courage- Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard 12 June; 5☆
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
Reunion at the Shore by Lee Tobin McClain 5 June; 4☆
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
MC owns a country store/restaurant- Grilled for Murder by Maddie Day 7 June; 4 1/2☆
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
MC (Kate) is Aleut- Play With Fire by Dana Stabenow 23 June; 4☆
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
bear- Olympic Mountain Pursuit by Jodie Bailey 2 July; 4 1/2☆
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
Sealed Off by Barbara Ross 18 June; 5☆
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.
Alpha Tracker by Cindi Myers 8 June; 4☆
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
Book Retrai Mystery, #7- Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams 14 June; 5☆
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Cowboy Strong by Stacy Finz 16 June; 5☆
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Ruth is an archaeologist who collaborates with the police- The Woman in Blue by Elly Griffiths 22 June; 4 1/2☆
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
Ashland (Oregon)- Bake, Borrow, and Steal by Ellie Alexander 9 July; 4 1/2☆
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
Risky Rescue: A Christian Romantic Suspense by Laura Scott 8 July; 5☆
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
the Inn at Holiday Bay- Clue in the Carriage House by Kathi Daley 20 June; 5☆
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
the plot concerns a bomber in a national park- Explosive Trail by Terri Reed 1 June; 4 1/2☆
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
crow (near the title)- It Takes a Coven by Carol J. Perry 3 June; 5☆
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book that surprised you (tell us how).
Lucky you Patrizia!! Way to go!!
Completed Ecuador: From the Andes to the Galapagos
June 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
20/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series - Undead #1
Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson 1/6 3.5★
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover
Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson 1/6 3★
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair - bazaar
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty 10/6 2★
* Read a book where food is important to the plot - food is scarce after the disaster & they almost die for lack of it
Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer 2/6 3★
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER
Watchers in the Night by Jenna Black 18/6 3★
* Read a book with the word OIL in the text - She drizzled oil into the skillet p.215
Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts 4/6 3★
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 - 8/10/2015
The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson 13/7 4★
* Read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 - 368p
You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry 7/6 3★
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA
Barrenjoey Road by Neil Mercer,Ruby Jones 8/6 3.5★
* Read a book where a character rides a train - the Hogwarts Express
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 4/6 3.5★
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history - London
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor 11/6 5★
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA
The Rake's Retreat by Nancy Butler 16/6 3★
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting - Thunder Lake, MN
Buttons and Bones by Monica Ferris 7/6 3★
* Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA - Nora
Book Lovers by Emily Henry 12/6 2.5★
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL - Greece
Salonika Burning by Gail Jones 12/6 3★
* Read a book with a character that is poor - the Weasleys
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling 5/6 3★
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works - In Death
Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb 3/6 3★
* Read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place - Olivia cruises on Rowan's yacht
Seven Sisters by Katherine Kovacic 13/6 4.5★
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling 6/6 2★
* Read a book that surprised you - I had no idea what this book was about, the content surprised me, as did my enjoyment of it because I've gone off cosy mysteries lately
Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris 9/6 3.5★
Fantastic job Kylie!! Especially getting all 20 tasks completed!!
FinishedEcuador: From the Andes to the Galapagos
June 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
15/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name) OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
Charlie gasped as she saw how someone had trashed her friend’s ceramics shop Clues in the Clay Danielle Collins+Millie Briggs 6/2/23
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
The Rockstar Revenge at the Reunion Audrey Clementine 6/4/23
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
Songs of Wine and Murder Lynn Cahoon 6/6/23
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
Kate runs a bakery café Chocolate Most Deadly Mary Maxwell 6/12/23
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
AILLC-Action in Little Leaf Creek Cindy Bell 6/9/23
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
p 55 “…free of any grease or oil stains.” Squirrel Skip Squabble Max Parrott 6/5/23
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
6/30/15-Starboard Secrets Hope Callaghan 7/7/23
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
231-Fool Me Once Deany Ray 6/8/23
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.
Murder Out of Wedlock Penny Brooke 6/13/23
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.
#5 in Cindy York Mysteries-With Option to Kill Catherine Bruns 7/5/23
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book set in a city with a long history (tell us where) OR read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
* Read a book with a hat shown on the cover (post cover) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Fishing hat-
Mel Morgan 6/24/23Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
Fictional Honey Springs, Kentucky is on a lake Cappuccino Criminal Tonya Kappes 6/15/23
* Read a book where archaeology is important to the plot (tell us how) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL OR read a book with an exotic pet in it (tell us what).
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who) OR read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA.
DS-How the Murder Crumbles Debra Sennefelder 6/16/23
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where) OR read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name).
Cruise Ship Cozies has 24 total works, this is book 2-Portside Peril Hope Callaghan 7/8/23
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
Charles, the wine room manager-Murder at the Wine Cave Dani Simms 6/29/23
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover) OR read a book that surprised you (tell us how).
(view spoiler) Murder Is a Piece of Cake V.M. Burns 6/22/23
Congrats on your finish Tari!!
Ecuador: From the Andes to the GalapagosJune 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Finished!
Progress: 15/15
Day 1: Quito
* Read the first book in a series (share series name)
A Knight for the Defiant Lady by Carol Townend (Convent Brides #1)
* Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
The Viking Warrior's Bride by Harper St. George 6/11/23
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why)
The Wedding Day Mystery by Carolyn Keene 6/14/23 (a wedding cake gets sabotaged)
Day 3: El Oriente
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin 6/7/23
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal)
The Children of the Lost by Franklin W. Dixon 7/4/23 (a raccoon and a bear both make an appearance)
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO
Claimed for the Highlander's Revenge by Millie Adams 6/11/23
Day 5: Riobamba
* Read a book by an author that is new to you.
Wild Bill Hickok: Sharpshooter and U.S. Marshall of the Wild West by Joseph G. Rosa 6/3/23
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details)
Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Importance by Gyles Brandreth 7/3/23 (characters ride trains multiple times, mostly in and around London)
Day 6: Cuenca
* Read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage.
The Knight's Maiden In Disguise by Ella Matthews 6/10/23
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum).
Surviving James Dean by William Bast 7/12/23
Day 7: Quilotoa and Ingapirca
* Read a book with a lake setting (tell us where) OR read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it.
* Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name).
Cinderella's Deal With The Colonel by Jenni Fletcher 6/5/23
Day 8: Guayaquil and Puerto Lopez
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer 6/19/23 (Guernsey)
* Read a book with a character that is poor (tell us who)
The Scoundrel's Bartered Bride by Virginia Heath 6/12/23 (Lydia)
Day 9: Galapagos
* Read a book set on an island (tell us where)
Trade Wind Danger by Carolyn Keene 6/17/23 (takes place on the Hawaiian Islands)
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book where a cruise or an excursion takes place (briefly share details).
Day 10: Galapagos
* Read a book with a bird on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who).
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover)
Out of Bounds by Carolyn Keene 6/28/23
(it looks pink here, but the actual cover is red)
Jan wrote: "Congrats on your finish Tari!!"Thanks, Jan!
FinishedECUADOR: FROM THE ANDES TO THE GALAPAGOS, 6/1 – 8/31
20/15+ COMPLETE
DAY 1: QUITO
* Read the first book in a series (share series name)
Murder by the Seashore (California Bookshop #1), by Samara Yew, finished 6/16 ★★★.5
* Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order)
The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star (Darling Dahlias #4), by Susan Witting Albert, finished 6/10 ★★★.5
DAY 2: OTAVALO AND IBARRA
* Read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage
The Mistress of Bhatia House (Perveen Mistry #4), by Sujata Massey, finished 6/4 ★★★★
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why)
Jules and her mother own/run a bakeshop : Another One Bites the Crust (Bakeshop #7), by Ellie Alexander, finished 6/5 ★★★★
DAY 3: EL ORIENTE
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who)
Henry Standing Bear : Junkyard Dogs (Walt Longmire #6), by Craig Johnson, finished 6/9 ★★★★
* Read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text)
Old Bones (Gideon Oliver #4), by Aaron Elkins, finished 6/8 ★★★★
p. 55 "...those who expected snake oil."
DAY 4: COTOPAXI AND CHIMBORAZO
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date)
publ 9/8/15 : A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, by Kathryn Harkup, finished 7/13 ★★★.5
* Read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count)
304 pages : Killer Takeout (Key West Food Critic #7), by Lucy Burdette, finished 6/7 ★★★★
DAY 5: RIOBAMBA
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you
both : author Judy Leigh – The Old Girls’ Network, finished 6/6 ★★★.5
* Read a series book #12, #7 or #5
Death Dines Out (Hemlock Falls #5), by Claudia Bishop, finished 6/16/23 ★★★.5
DAY 6: CUENCA
* Read a book tagged HISTORICAL (fiction or non) on its GR homepage
A Purely Private Matter (Rosalind Thorne #2), by Darcie Wilde, finished 6/12 ★★★.5
* Read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SOMBRERO DEPAJA TOQUILLA (three words minimum)
Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft (Book Retreat #9), by Ellery Adams, finished 6/19/23 ★★★★
DAY 7: QUILOTOA AND INGAPIRCA
* Read a book with a title or author's name that has the letter Q found in it
author Spencer Quinn – Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge, finished 6/27 ★★★.5
* Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in INGAPIRCA (share name)
Cam : A Cryptic Clue (Hunter and Clewe #1), by Victoria Gilbert, finished 6/13 ★★★.5
DAY 8: GUAYAQUIL AND PUERTO LOPEZ
* Read a book set in a location that starts with a letter in GUAYAQUIL
Gator Bay AL : Strawberry Tartlets and a Dead Starlet (Poppy Peters #4), by A. Gardner, finished 6/20 ★★★.5
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in ISLA DE LA PLATA
author Dana Stabenow – Killing Grounds (Kate Shugak #8), finished 6/11 ★★★★
DAY 9: GALAPAGOS
* Read a book from a series that has at least 18 published works (share series name)
18 books and counting : How the Light Gets In (Chief Insp. Armand Gamache #9), by Louise Penny, finished 7/2 ★★★★
* Read a book where nature is important to the plot (tell us why)
Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through America’s National Parks, by Conor Knighton, finished 6/3/23 ★★★.5
a good part of the book addresses environmental protection and wildlife preservation
DAY 10: GALAPAGOS
* Read a book with a character whose name is Charles or any variation of it (tell us who)
MC Charles Lenox : The Fleet Street Murders (Charles Lenox #3), by Charles Finch, finished 6/24/23 ★★★★
* Read a book whose title is printed in RED (post cover)
Deadfall (Jessie Arnold & Alex Jensen #5), by Sue Henry, finished 6/8 ★★★★
***** CHALLENGE COMPLETE 7/13 *****
Completed all 20 - way to go Barb!!
Wanderlust Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
No Regrets and Other True Cases (other topics)The Second Sister (other topics)
Mother Knows Best (other topics)
My Love Story (other topics)
Death Overdue (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Allison Brook (other topics)Marie Bostwick (other topics)
Monica Murphy (other topics)
Kira Peikoff (other topics)
Tina Turner (other topics)
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3 Months from Start
Patrizia is taking us to Ecuador! Come explore this exciting country with us.
Ecuador, the smallest of the Andean states, is characterized by the presence in its territory of the most diverse natural environments, from the coastal ones to the Andes and, as perhaps not everyone knows, the Amazon. Above all, the Galapagos Islands belong to this state, a true wonder that alone is worth the trip. Here is a possible itinerary largely inspired by the trip I was lucky enough to make in this country.
Choose a level:
Daytripper: Complete one task per day for a total of 10 tasks.
Explorer: Complete 15 of the 20 tasks. You must complete at least one task per day.
Link to Participants
Challenge Rules: All forms of books are accepted as long as they are 100 pages or more. When posting updates of completed books, please include a link to the title and author’s name, along with the date you finished reading the book. Please post cover if it is task appropriate. When you have completed the challenge, please copy and paste your entire challenge and repost in a new message, letting us know it is completed.
*Please note: the challenge was translated using Google translate.
*******************************************************************
Day 1: Quito
Quito is the capital of the country, and it has been a UNESCO site since 1978 as its historic center is the best preserved and least altered in all of South America. Quito and Krakow in Poland were the first cities to have this type of recognition. The historic center can be visited easily on foot, but keep in mind that it is the second highest capital in the world in altitude so you may have problems with shortness of breath. The bulk of the monuments overlook the Plaza Grande (Great Square) or Independence Square, but do lose yourself in the side streets to admire the various palaces.
* Read the first book in a series (share series name) OR read a book where a character gasps or finds themselves out of breath (tell us briefly why).
Normally it is said that Quito rests on the Equator, but in reality the latter is located 22 km (13,6 mi) north of the city at Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World"). It is perhaps the most visited place in Ecuador. Here nobody can resist the temptation to be photographed with their legs straddling the painted Equatorial line. Keep in mind that, being in the mountains at the equator, an afternoon shower is the norm.
* Read a book with legs and/or feet shown prominently on the cover (post cover) OR read a book with a title that includes all the letters in RAIN (any order).
Day 2: Otavalo and Ibarra
North of Quito one can find Otavalo, which is often called the "intercultural capital of Ecuador" due to its historical and cultural richness. Among tourists, however, it is known above all for its market, the largest in the whole continent. Part of this market is dedicated to food and animals, but it is the artisanal section that really attracts visitors. Pay special attention to the fabrics because the indigenous population who lives in this area is well known for its ability working with textiles, specifically woven wool and alpaca items.
* Read a book where the MC visits a market or fair OR read a book tagged CULTURAL on its GR Homepage.
Also north of Quito is Ibarra, which is growing in popularity with tourists due to its good climate and distinctive white colonial houses. In particular, it is making a name for itself via the various restaurants that offer a taste of the local cuisine. Also within the vicinity there are several places famous for their handicraft production, such as Cotacachi for leather creations and San Antonio for its woodwork.
* Read a book where food is important to the plot (tell us why) OR read a book with a character that is an artistan or crafter (tell us what they make).
Day 3: El Oriente
The vast territory on the eastern side of the Andes is known as El Oriente and is part of the Amazon Basin. Several indigenous tribes still live here, some of which have only come into contact with the outside world since the 1970's. Today there are some tourist complexes, such as the Napo Wildlife Center, which allow you to get in touch with the natives and learn about their traditions. The extensive use by the indigenous people of medicinal herbs, which are now also studied by Western medicine, should be highlighted.
* Read a book with an indigenous character (tell us who) OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (three words minimum).
The northern part of the region is the most developed both from a tourist and economic point of view. This area is in fact rich in oil fields, which unfortunately have disturbed a large part of the forest. Be that as it may, there are several lodges here that allow you to observe the rich Amazonian fauna: birds (particularly parrots), freshwater dolphins, anacondas, monkeys, the famous piranhas. In some lodges it is possible to participate in night excursions in search of jaguars. Others offer canoe trips for bird watching.
* Read a book where a wild animal appears in the story (tell us the animal) OR read a book with the word OIL in the text (share text).
Day 4: Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
A stretch of the Pan-American Highway located south of Quito is known as the "Avenida de los Vulcanes" ("The Avenue of Volcanoes"). The most famous volcano in the country is Cotopaxi, a destination for many mountaineers. The first European who attempted to climb it, without reaching the top, was the famous naturalist Alexander von Humboldt in 1805. It is an active volcano, like many others along the Andean cordillera (or parallel mountain ranges). The last eruption was in 2015 and caused the evacuation of several neighboring areas. Like other Andean volcanoes, its summit is covered in snow; therefore, an eruption, in addition to the rain of lapilli and ash and any lava flows, can involve the sudden thawing of the snow and the creation of mud flows. In the past some villages have been destroyed because of this.
* Read a book originally published in 2015 (share publication date) OR read a book set in a location that features a volcano (tell us where).
The highest volcano in Ecuador is, however, Chimborazo; with its 6,310 meters (20,702 feet) of altitude it is, in reality, the highest mountain in the entire continent. Alexander von Humboldt also attempted to climb this volcano, again unsuccessfully. Its peculiarity is that, although it is only the thirty-ninth tallest worldwide when measured at sea level, due to the equatorial bulge its summit is the farthest from the center of the Earth. It seems strange and I had to go and check, but that's the way it is. An interesting note is that many tributaries of the Amazon River are born on its slopes.
* Read a book whose author's first and last initials are found in CHIMBORAZO OR read a book with a total page count that includes TWO of the following numbers: 6, 3, 1 or 0 (share count).
Day 5: Riobamba
Riobamba was founded in 1534 by Spanish colonizers, but was moved to its current site in 1799 after a terrifying earthquake destroyed the city two years earlier. For a very short time after Ecuador's independence Riobamba was its capital, but the only remaining monument worthy of attention is the cathedral. Very famous, though, is its market, which is held every Saturday. The city is an excellent starting point for visiting the surroundings.
* Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in RIOBAMBA (ignore A, An, and The) OR read a book by an author that is new to you.
In Riobamba you can't help but notice the hustle and bustle at the train station when the Nariz del Diablo train passes through. Also known as The Devil's Nose, the tracks are a true engineering marvel. Built between 1899 and 1908, it connects the Andes to the shoreline. It's only 12 km (7.5 mi), but in some sections the slopes are hair-raising. Today this route is traveled only twice a day and travelers often sit on the roof of the carriages to admire the landscape. It must be said that the train stops often because it is sometimes unable to move forward, especially if more carriages have been added to allow everyone to get on (this is from my personal experience).
* Read a book where a character rides a train (briefly share details) OR read a series book #12, #7 or #5.