Monthly Challenges discussion
January 2024 Challenge
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January 2024 Completed Tasks
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Updated: Post #52
MOST POINTS
🥶🥶 Pat - 18
Linda C - 13
Amber - 11
❄️ Tessa - 17
Bethany - 6
Mickslibrarian - 7
Marilyn - 8
MOST PAGES
🥶🥶 Pat - 6106
Linda C - 4220
Amber - 4003
❄️ Tessa - 5460
Bethany - 1536
Mickslibrarian - 1763
Marilyn - 2600
2.4 - THREE KINGS DAYa) Read a series book # 3 /or/ read a book whose original publication year ends in '3'
Sally Brady's Italian Adventure by Christina LynchRead ~ 1.2.24
Pages ~ 368
Published ~ 6.13.2023
b) Read a book with the word "BABY" found in the text. Cite the quote and location.
Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill CleggRead ~ 1.3.24
Pages ~ 293
Text Page 35 ~ "...and more baby girls than boys dwindled the fold"
Task Points ~ 2
Pages ~ 661
1.2 JANUARY BIRTHDAYS This month we celebrate DIANA GABALDON & JASPER FFORDE, both share Birthdays on January 11
Read a book whose Author's FIRST name begins with either D•J•I•A•S•N•P•E•R and the LAST name begins with either G•A•B•F•R•L•D•O•N•E.
A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder (A Countess of Harleigh Mystery, #2) – Dianne Freeman (4 stars) 1/3/24 [306]
1.10 (Amber's Task) NEW YEAR NEW YOU
Read a book that is the first of a new series
A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell, #1) – Deanna Raybourn (5 stars) 1/5/24 [354]
Task points - 2
Task pages - 660
Total points - 2
Total pages - 660
1.5 COLORS OF WINTERRead a book that has a cover predominantly BLUE (60%+ - show cover)
The Murder at the Vicarage (Miss Marple, #1) – Agatha Christie (3 stars) 1/6/24 [285] - BlueTask points - 1
Task pages - 285
Total points - 3
Total pages - 945
1.7 ~ MY BIRTHDAY MONTHRead a book that starts with a letter in BIRTHDAY (may skip A, An, The)
River Sing Me Home by Eleanor ShearerRead ~ 1.8.24
Pages ~ 322
Rationale ~ bi(R)thday ~ (R)iver
Review ~ ★★★★☆
Task Points ~ 1
Pages ~ 322
Total Points ~ 3
Total Pages ~ 983
1.2 ~ JANUARY BIRTHDAYSThis month we celebrate DIANA GABALDON & JASPER FfORDE. Both share Birthdays on January 11.
Read a book whose FIRST name begins with either D•J•I•A•S•N•P•E•R and the LAST name begins with either G•A•B•F•R•L•D•O•N•E.
The Guardians by John GrishamRead ~1.9.24
Pages ~ 370
Relevance ~ Author Initials *J* & *G*
Task Points ~ 1
Pages ~ 370
Total Points ~ 4
Total Pages ~ 1,353
1.5 COLORS OF WINTERRead a book that has a cover predominantly WHITE, BLUE, or GRAY (60%+ - show cover)
by Sonia Purnell 01.06.24Task points 1
Task pages 352
1.1 ~ HAPPY NEW YEAR!Read a book with an author that is new-to-you -OR- a book published in October, November, December of 2023.
-OR- you read a book published in January of 2024 (and receive a BONUS POINT)
The Macau Maverick by Janie Jacks Read ~ 1.10.24
Pages ~ 196
Published ~ January 5, 2024
Task Points ~ 1
Bonus Points ~ 1
Pages ~ 196
Total Points ~ 6
Total Pages ~ 1,549
2.2 READ THE ALPHABET1. Read a book that it's TITLE starts with the LETTER A (exclude A, An or The)
Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana SchwartzRead ~ 1.1.24
Pages ~ 338
2. Read a book whose Author's FIRST and/or LAST name starts with the LETTER A.
The World That We Knew by Alice HoffmanRead ~ 1.14.24
Pages ~ 372
Task Points ~ 2
Pages ~ 710
Total Points ~ 7
Total Pages ~ 2259
2.1 THE LOTTERY#4
The Puppet Maker's Daughter by Karla M. JayRead ~ 1.18.24
Pages ~ 362
#2
Harry's Trees by Jon CohenRead ~ 1.12.24
Pages ~ 432
Task Points ~ 2
Pages ~ 794
Total Points ~ 9
Total Pages ~ 3053
1.2 JANUARY BIRTHDAYSThis month we celebrate DIANA GABALDON & JASPER FfORDE, both share Birthdays on January 11
Read a book whose Author's FIRST name begins with either D•J•I•A•S•N•P•E•R and the LAST name begins with either G•A•B•F•R•L•D•O•N•E.
Crowned and Dangerous by Rhys Bowen 01.13.24
Task points 1
Task pages 307
Total points 2
Total pages 659
TESSATask 1.3 - Enjoying Fireworks
Reader's Choice
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega ✔ – 04Jan24 - 352 pg
THIS TASK
Points earned - 1
Pages read - 352
==================================
Task 2.1 - Lottery
# 4 - One Italian Summer ✔ – 12Jan24 - 288 pg
Reader's choice - The Bear's Embrace ✔ – 03Jan24 - 288 pg
THIS TASK
Points earned - 2
Pages read - 576 pg
Total points earned to this point - 3
Total pages read to this point - 928 pg
TESSATask 1.9 - Reading Jar - Mickslibrarian - NATIONAL DO SOMETHING DAY
b) Stairs on the cover - BONUS if single person on stairs
✔ – 10Jan24 - 368 pgTHIS TASK
Points earned - 1 + 1 BONUS = 2
Pages read - 368 pg
==============================
Task 1.2 - Happy Birthday
Author's 1st initial R / Last initial B
Rhys Bowen / The Tuscan Child ✔ – 12Jan24 - 352 p
THIS TASK
Points earned - 1
Pages read - 352 pg
Total points earned to this point - 6
Total pages read to this point - 1648 pg
TESSATask 1.5 - The Colors of Winter
Cover is White, Blue or Grey -
✔ – 18Jan24 - 352 pTHIS TASK
Points earned - 1
Pages read - 352 pg
Total points earned to this point - 7
Total pages read to this point - 2000
3.1 ~ CHARACTERISTICS OF BOOKS I LIKE TO READPick 3 and tell us how it fits the book you read.
4. Adventure – I like stories that pit a person against something, require a quest, travel to far off lands or space. Read a book that takes you on an adventure, your interpretation.
The Stolen Heir by Holly BlackRead ~ 1.19.24
Pages ~ 356
Rationale ~ From the inside front book jacket ~ A runaway queen. A reluctant prince. And a quest that may destroy them both.
5. Strong female character – Read a book about a real or fictional woman who takes charge of her life and/or leads others.
The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse by Louise ErdrichRead ~ 1.6.24
Pages ~ 368
Rationale ~ woman becomes a priest and changes her little corner of the world.
6. Learn Something New – Read a book that included something you knew little about; a culture, a job, a country, a period of history, etc - your choice
Lady Clementine by Marie BenedictRead ~ 1.21.24
Pages ~ 322
Rationale ~ I don't know much about Winston Churchill, to the extent that I didn't even know he was married (probably because I never really thought much about it.) I think good historical fiction should send you on a nonfiction treasure hunt, which this book did, and I found a whole new human being who I had no idea was important as she was to history. It was like finding an Easter Egg in a movie almost!
Task Points ~ 3
Pages ~ 1046
Total Points ~ 12
Total Pages ~ 4099
1.8 (Bethany's Task) NATIONAL RUBBER DUCKIE DAYThis holiday is celebrated on January 13.
Rubber Duckies serve no practical purpose. They are silly and whimsical and exit mostly to make you smile or brighten up your day.
Read a book that has no practical purpose, but makes you smile
Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz 01.21.24 (I know it's odd but murder mysteries make me smile)
Task points 1
Task pages 308
Total points 3
Total pages 967
1.7 (Linda C's Task) MY BIRTHDAY MONTH 🎂Read a book that starts with a letter in BIRTHDAY
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 01.22.24
Task points 1
Task pages 560
Total points 4
Total pages 1527
1.6 ~ NATIONAL SOUP MONTHList your FAVORITE SOUP.
Read a book where the first letter of each word of it's title is in the name of your soup.
(must be at least a 2-word title)
LEMON CHICKEN ORZO
Little Exiles by Robert DinsdaleRead ~ 1.23.24
Pages ~ 424
Relevance ~ (L)emon chick(E)n orzo
Task Points ~ 1
Pages ~ 424
Total Points ~ 13
Total Pages ~ 4,523
3.1 (Linda C’s task) Characteristics of Books I like to Read.Pick 3 and tell us how it fits the book you read.
3. Romance – I like a bit of Romance. Read a book with a Romance in it.
Meet Me at the Museum – Anne Youngson (4 stars) 1/21/24 2018 Denmark/England [285] – MPG Romance
5. Strong female character – Read a book about a real or fictional woman who takes charge of her life and/or leads others.
Her Last Flight – Beatriz Williams (4 stars) 1/14/24 2020 [396] – 2 strong female leads; 1 a photojournalist, 1 a female flyer in the 30s and 40s
6. Learn Something New – Read a book that included something you knew little about; a culture, a job, a country, a period of history, etc - your choice.
Once Upon a Wardrobe– Patti Callahan (Henry) (4 stars) 1/17/24 2021 [320] – MC is student at Oxford University in England, and I was unfamiliar with the setup of that University. It is very different from the structure of US universities.
Task points - 3
Task pages - 1001
Total points - 6
Total pages - 1946
1.3 ENJOYING THE FIREWORKSRead a book (your choice) Enjoy!
The Orange Girl - Jostein Gaarder (4 stars) 1/23/24 [168]
Task points - 1
Task pages - 168
Total points - 7
Total pages - 2114
1.9 (Mickslibriarian's Task) National "DO SOMETHING" DayRead one book.
b. January 10 - National Take the Stairs Day. Read a book with stairs on the cover. BONUS if there is a person on the stairs.
by Laura Gail Black 01.08.24Task points 1
Task pages 314
Total points 5
Total pages 1841
1.3 ENJOYING THE FIREWORKS 🎆🎇Read a book (your choice) Enjoy!
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros 01.16.24
Task points 1
Task pages 624
Total points 6
Total pages 2465
1.10 (Amber's Task) NEW YEAR NEW YOURead a book that is the first of a new series for you (tell us series name)
Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck (Donut Shop Mysteries) 01.10.24
Task points 1
Task pages 291
Total points 7
Total pages 2756
1.6 NATIONAL SOUP MONTHWith the cold weather, soup is the perfect meal to stay warm and cozy.
List your FAVORITE SOUP.
Read a book where the first letter of each word of it's title is in the name of your soup.
Italian Wedding
The Indigo Girl: A Novel by Natasha Boyd 01.25.24
Task points 1
Task pages 343
Total points 8
Total pages 3099
1.1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! - Read a book published in January of 2024 (and receive a BONUS POINT) Holmes, Marple & Poe: The Greatest Crime-Solving Team of the Twenty-First Century by James Patterson 1/14/2024 352 p. (published 1/8/24)
Task Points: 2
Task Pages: 352
Total Points: 2
Total Pages: 352
1.3 ~ ENJOYING THE FIREWORKS Read a book (your choice) Enjoy!
Let Us Descend by Jesmyn WardRead ~ 1.25.24
Pages ~ 320
Task Points ~ 1
Pages ~ 320
Total Points ~ 14
Total Pages ~ 4,843
2.1 THE LOTTERYRead two books
#4--Olga Dies Dreaming by Xóchitl González--1/23/24--369 pages
#2--The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear by Kate Moore--1/6/24--560 pages
Total points: 2
Total pages: 929 pages
1.1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!Read a book with an author that is new-to-you
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam--1/6/24--241 pages
Points this task: 1
Pages this task: 241
Total points: 3
Total pages: 1170
1.3 ENJOYING THE FIREWORKS 🎆🎇Read a book (your choice) Enjoy!
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle--1/21/24--211 pages
Points this task: 1
Pages this task: 211
Total points: 4
Total pages: 1381
1.7 (Linda C's Task) MY BIRTHDAY MONTH Read a book that starts with a letter in BIRTHDAY (may skip A, An, The).
A Duty to the Dead (Bess Armstrong, #1) – Charles Todd (4 stars) 1/26/24 2009 [486]
Task points - 1
Task pages - 486
Total points - 8
Total pages - 2600
2.4 (Tessa's Task) THREE KINGS DAY1. Read a book whose original publication year ends in '3'
Whose Body? (Lord Peter Wimsey, #1) – Dorothy L. Sayers (3 Stars) 1/19/24 [212] – publ in 1923
2. Read a book with the word "BABY" found in the text. Cite the quote and location.
The Tobacco Wives – Adele Myers (3 stars) 1/9/24 [352] – p. 56 “Her poor sister must have lost her baby.”
Task points - 2
Task pages - 564
Total points - 10
Total pages - 3164
1.4 ~ BUZZWORDRead a book with word THERE/THEIR/THEY'RE in the title.
They're Watching You by Chelsea IchasoRead ~ 1.28.24
Pages ~ 352
Task Points ~ 1
Total Points ~ 15
Total Pages ~ 5,195
1.6 NATIONAL SOUP MONTHList your FAVORITE SOUP.
Read a book where the first letter of each word of its title is in the name of your soup.
An Impartial Witness (Bess Crawford, #1) – Charles Todd (4 stars) 1/28/24 [356] – SOUP – Italian Wedding – A I W
Task points - 1
Task pages - 356
Total points - 11
Total pages - 3520
2.3 (Tessa's Task) HAPPY BIRTHDAYRead 2 Books
1. Read a book by an author whose first and last initials are in BARBARA
Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson 01.24.24 (published January)
pages 324
2. Read a book that was originally published the month before OR after the above book.
The Island by Natasha Preston 01.28.24 (published February)
pages 303
Task points 2
Task pages 627
Total points 10
Total pages 3726
2.3 - HAPPY BIRTHDAYa) Read a book by an author whose first and last initials are in BARBARA (Initials can be used only so often as they appear in the target word. Middle initials, if used, may be ignored)
The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison BarrRead ~ 1.26.24
Pages ~ 245
First published ~ April 20, 2021
b) Read a book that was originally published the month before OR after the above book.
The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe SipleRead ~ 1.30.24
Pages ~ 234
First published ~ May 11, 2018
Task Points ~ 2
Pages ~ 479
Total Points ~ 17
Total Pages ~ 5,674
1.1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!Read a book with an author that is new-to-you
A Kayak for One by K.L. McCluskey 01.29.24
Task points 1
Task pages 277
Total points 11
Total pages 4003
Diana S wrote: "SCOREBOARDUpdated: Post #34
MOST POINTS
🥶🥶Pat - 15
❄️Linda C - 10
Amber - 8
Tessa - 7
Bethany - 1
Mickslibrarian - 2
Marilyn - 8
MOST PAGES
🥶🥶Pat - 5195
Linda C - 3164
❄️Amber - 4843
Tessa - 20..."
Hey Diana - My page count is incorrect. As of post #34 I only had 3099 pages. 😃
TESSATask 3.1 - Linda C - Characteristics of Books I Like to Read
1) Main page genre HUMOR - Ms. Demeanor: A Novel ✔ – 23Jan24 - 304 p
3) Book with a romance in it - Fat Chance, Charlie Vega ✔ – 04Jan24 - 352 p
5) Strong female character - Big Amichi in The Covenant of Water ✔ – 18Jan24 - 724 pg
THIS TASK
Points earned - 3
Pages read - 1380 pg
Total points earned to this point - 10
Total pages read to this point - 3380 pg
TESSATask 2.4 - Tessa - Three Kings' Day
a) Original publication date ends in '3' - 1973 - How to Eat Fried Worms ✔ – 17Jan24 - 144 p
b) Word in text 'baby" - pg 48 - "…health of her baby on top of…" - First Gen ✔ – 26Jan24 - 288 p
THIS TASK
Points earned - 2
Pages read - 432 pg
Total points earned to this point - 12
Total pages read to this point - 3812 pg
TESSATask 1.7 - Linda C - My Birthday Month
Title begins with a letter in BIRTHDAY - Ruddy Gore ✔ – 25Jan24 - 240 pg
THIS TASK
Points earned - 1
Pages read - 240 pg
Total points to this point - 13
Total pages to this point - 4052 pg
TESSATask 2.3 - Tessa - Happy Birthday
Author's First and last initials in BARBARA - R B - Rhys Bowen / Royal Blood ✔ – 30Jan24 - 320 pg - Published Sept 2010
Book published in month before above book - Published Oct 2023 - Surely You Can't Be Serious ✔ – 17Jan24 - 352 pg
THIS TASK
Points earned - 2
Pages read - 672 pg
Total points to this point - 15
Total pages to this point - 4724 pg
TESSATask 1.1 - Happy New Year - By an author who is new to me:
Linda Holmes / Flying Solo ✔ – 27Jan24 - 336 pg
THIS TASK
Points earned - 1
Pages read - 336 pg
*******************************************
Task 1.6 - National Soup Month
My favorite soup (and I just made a big pot of it last week) - CAULIFLOWER PASTA soup
1st letter of each title word in my favorite soup: T C A
The Christie Affair ✔ – 27Jan24 - 400 pg
THIS TASK
Points earned - 1
Pages read - 400 pg
Total points to this point - 17
Total pages to this point - 5460 pages
1.5 ~ COLORS OF WINTERRead a book that has a cover predominantly WHITE, BLUE, or GRAY (60%+ - show cover)
The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan MalleryTask Points ~ 1
Pages ~ 432
Blue ~ 76.6% assessed by Tineye
Total Points ~ 18
Total Pages ~ 6,106
That's it from me for January. I'm EXHAUSTED! LOL
1.2 JANUARY BIRTHDAYS Read a book whose Author's FIRST name begins with either D•J•I•A•S•N•P•E•R and the LAST name begins with either G•A•B•F•R•L•D•O•N•E.
The Silk Roads: A New History of the World - Illustrated Edition by Peter Frankopan 1/25/2024 128 p.
Task Points: 1
Task Pages: 128
Total Points: 3
Total Pages: 480
1.3 ENJOYING THE FIREWORKS 🎆🎇 - Read a book (your choice) Enjoy! Two for Sorrow by Nicola Upson 1/24/2024 485 p.
Task Points: 1
Task Pages: 485
Total Points: 4
Total Pages: 965
1.7 (Linda C's Task) MY BIRTHDAY MONTH 🎂 - Read a book that starts with a letter in BIRTHDAY (may skip A, An, The). Angel with Two Faces by Nicola Upson 1/21/2024 320 p.
Task Points: 1
Task Pages: 320
Total Points: 5
Total Pages: 1285
1.8 (Bethany's Task) NATIONAL RUBBER DUCKIE DAY - Read a book that has no practical purpose, but makes you smile. A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond 1/29/2024 174 p.
Task Points: 1
Task Pages: 174
Total Points: 6
Total Pages: 1459
1.10 (Amber's Task) NEW YEAR NEW YOU - Read a book that is the first of a new series (tell us series nameAn Expert in Murder by Nicola Upson 1/19/2024 304 p.
Task Points: 1
Task Pages: 304
Total Points: 7
Total Pages: 1763
Monthly Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
All Creatures Great and Small (other topics)My Italian Bulldozer (other topics)
The Red Palace (other topics)
All Systems Red (other topics)
Squirm (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Carl Hiaasen (other topics)Gigi Pandian (other topics)
June Hur (other topics)
Martha Wells (other topics)
Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich (other topics)
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