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Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge
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Melissa's Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge
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Book:First Lie WinsAuthor: Ashley Elston
Date completed: 4/27/24
Task: d - Book with "first" in title
How it fits: First Lie Wins - definitely offered intrigue and excitement.
Great, well done, Melissa! Your choice brings you the first 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe challenge and gives you the first move in our second game!
To start the first game, I'll be placing an "X" in the middle cell, B2.
This move gives you the opportunity to explore one of three fascinating reading tasks:
a) Dive into the story of a middle sibling and uncover the joys, challenges, and complexities of their journey.
b) Explore the experiences of a character navigating life in the middle class , with all its ups and downs, dreams and aspirations.
c) Embark on an adventure to a remote or secluded location and immerse yourself in a story that unfolds in the vast expanse of the middle of nowhere
After you finish reading your book, don't forget to take a moment to think about your next move in the Tic Tac Toe game. Your strategic choices in both literature and gaming will make for an exhilarating experience!
Happy reading!
Book: Georgie, All AlongAuthor: Kate Clayborn
Date completed: 5/1/24
Task: b - Middle class experiences
How it fits: MCs are in the middle class, not having a whole lot of money, but not struggling to make the bills.
Great, well done, Melissa!Your choice brings you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe challenge!
Please take a moment to think about the move you'd like to make and let me know your choice!
Great move, Melissa! 
Your choice is bringing you in front of the following tasks:
a) Delve into the pages of a debut novel and witness the birth of literary talent that promises to captivate and inspire.
b) Step into the spotlight, explore the world of performance and become more comfortable with the stage as you're reading a book with an actor as its main character .
c) Experience wonder and enchantment as you encounter spells, mythical creatures, and realms where the impossible becomes possible as you're reading a book with elements of magic .
What will it be? Choose your challenge and let the adventure begin!
Book: Ruby RedAuthor: Kerstin Gier
Date completed: 5/3/24
Task: c - A book with elements of magic
How it fits: Book involves time travel and MC can see ghosts.
Awesome, well done, Melissa! Your choice brings you another 2 points in the challenge, and the next move, an X in C1 reveals these three paths to moving forward:
a) Hit the open road with a character who embodies the spirit of freedom and adventure, riding through life on the back of a motorbike . Feel the wind in your hair and the thrill of the ride as you journey alongside them through the pages of their story.
b) Trust in the wisdom of those who know you best, as you dive into the pages of a book recommended to you by one of your friends .
c) Immerse yourself into the tranquility and depth of the color blue as you as you explore a book with a blue cover .
After you finish reading your book, don't forget to take a moment to think about your next move in the Tic Tac Toe game.
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: Know My NameAuthor: Chanel Miller
Date completed: 5/10/24
Task: c - A book with a blue cover
How it fits:
Next move is on A3
Great, well done, Melissa.
Your choice brings you another 2 points in the Tic Tac Toe challenge and your next move gives you the opportunity of choosing one of the following three tasks:
a) Discover stories that resonate with the essence of your homeland, offering fresh perspectives and insights into the world around you, by diving into a book set in the country you live in .
b) Explore the joys and challenges of friendship through the pages of captivating narratives that will warm your heart, by immersing yourself into a book featuring a strong friendship .
c) You know that neglected book from your shelf? The one you've always wanted to read but never really had time for it? Whether it's a long-awaited classic or a recent release that caught your eye, now is the perfect time to dive into a story that has been patiently waiting for your attention .
Choose your task, pick up your next read, and let the magic of storytelling whisk you away on an unforgettable adventure!
Book: Hunter's MoonAuthor: Lori Handeland
Date completed: 5/23/24
Task: a. Set in your country
How it fits: Set in the USA where I live.
Great job, Melissa!
Your book choice brings you another 2 points in the Tic Tac Toe challenge, and the next move, X in A2, invites you to choose one of the following reading tasks:
a) Experience unique storytelling and an intimate glimpse into the characters' lives and thoughts by delving into a book written in epistolary form (letters, emails, etc)
b) Discover stories that bring fresh, authentic voices to the literary world and broaden your understanding of diverse experiences by exploring the rich and varied perspectives of a non-binary or genderqueer author
c) Get a deeper understanding of important and controversial societal issues by delving into a book that has been banned or challenged at some point in history
Choose your challenge, find a book that piques your interest, and embark on a new literary adventure! Happy reading!
Book/Author: Just Like Home by Sarah GaileyDate Read: 6/10/24
Task: b - written by a non-binary or genderqueer author
How it Fits: Sarah Gailey identifies as non-binary using the they/their pronouns
O on C2
Great job, Melissa!
Your choice brings you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and your next move invites you to explore captivating narratives and profound themes by choosing one of the following tasks:
a) Dive into stories where the protagonist is a writer . Experience the creative process, struggles, and triumphs of characters who bring words to life and immerse yourself in their literary world.
b)Uncover the complexities of relationships, bonds, and conflicts within families. From heartwarming sagas to intense dramas, delve into tales that highlight the intricacies of familial connections .
c) Embark on a philosophical journey that delves into life's biggest questions. Seek wisdom, inspiration, and perspective through books that explore what it means to live a meaningful life .
Choose your challenge, pick a book that resonates with you, and let the adventure begin! Happy reading!
Book/Author:Dreaming in Cuban by Cristina GarcíaDate Read: 6/23/24
Task: b - Intricacies of familial connections
How it Fits: Book follows the lives of a Cuban matriarch and her three children and four grandchildren.
Well done, Melissa! 
Your choice brings you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge. The next move, X in B3, is inviting you to choose one of the following reading tasks:
a) Delve into the life and career of a musician or band . Whether it’s a biography, memoir, or a novel inspired by the music industry, explore the stories behind the music that moves us.
b) Travel back in time and discover literature from the transformative decades of the 60s and 70s . Enjoy a book published in this period and enjoy a historical perspective on a topic of your choice.
c) Let your wanderlust guide you as you read a book set in a location you’ve always dreamed of visiting . Whether it’s a bustling city, a serene countryside, or an exotic destination, immerse yourself in the story and get a taste of the place through the narrative.
Happy reading!
Book/Author: My Double Life by Angela PearseDate Read: 7/8/24
Task: C - Set in location dreamed of visiting
How it Fits: This book is set in Scotland. It's more based in the city whereas I would prefer more country, but I'm sure cities would have to be included in any Scottish travel.
Great work, Melissa! Your choice brings you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe challenge!
Please take a moment to think about the move you'd like to make and let me know your choice!
Well done, Melissa!
Your choice brings you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and your next move, O in B1, invites you to choose one of the following tasks:
a) Delve into a book that tackles important social issues . Whether it's about equality, justice, or community, gain new perspectives and deepen your understanding of the world around us.
b) Discover new storytelling styles and broaden your literary horizons by choosing a book from a genre you typically don't explore .
c) Find a story where animals play a central role and enjoy a book that features an animal as a main character .
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book/Author: So Let Them Burn by Kamilah ColeDate Read: 7/27/24
Task: b - Book from genre typically not explored
How it Fits: Book has an MPG of LGBT which is not a genre I go looking for.
Well done, Melissa! 
Your choice has brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge, and the next move, X in C3, is inviting you to choose one of the following reading tasks:
a) Dive into a book that tackles a controversial topic of your choice , discover new perspectives and deepen your understanding of it.
b) Delve into themes of faith, morality, and human nature by reading a book with a priest as a main character
c) Get transported to new and exciting places by embarking on a literary journey with a book that chronicles travel adventures
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book/Author: The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson by Ellen BakerDate Read: 9/26/24
Task: A -Controversial topic
How it Fits: Book covers topics of interracial relationships in the early 1900s and adoption.
Great job, Melissa! Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge, and you've ended the first game of our Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge in a draw, congratulations!
Based on your first read of the challenge, you now have the first move in our second game. Please take a moment to think about the move you'd like to make:
Great move, Melissa!
The first move of our second game, X in A1, brings you in front of the following tasks:
a) Explore the important and diverse topic of mental health . Whether it’s a memoir, a self-help guide, or a novel that delves into mental health themes, gain insights and understanding into the complexities of mental well-being.
b) Stay current with the latest literary trends by reading a book published this year . Discover fresh voices, contemporary themes, and the newest stories that the literary world has to offer.
c) Let your imagination soar as you explore what the future might hold by delving into a book set in the future .
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book/Author: Baby Llama Drama by Kate WatsonDate Read: 10/17/24
Task: A - Exploring topics of mental health
How it Fits: Female MC is a therapist that works with children and struggles with being seen as a personal therapist to her family and neighbors.
Well done, Melissa! 
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and the next move, O in B2, invites you to choose one of the following tasks and embark on a reading adventure that speaks directly to you:
a) Read a book featuring a character who shares your profession , see how their experiences resonate with your own and enjoy the unique connection and insights that come with this shared career path.
b) Dive into the latest release or revisit a classic by your favorite author and enjoy the work of an author you love and trust to deliver an amazing story.
c) Let the beloved themes of your favorite genre provide a comforting and enjoyable reading experience.
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book/Author: In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal KingDate Read: 11/5/24
Task: C - favorite genre
How it Fits: I love a good Historical Fiction, combine it with Retellings and it's a match made in heaven.
Next Move on C3
Great job, Melissa!
Your choice brings you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe challenge and the next move, X in C3, invites you to choose one of the following paths:
a) Dive into a book that tackles a controversial topic of your choice , discover new perspectives and deepen your understanding of it.
b) Delve into themes of faith, morality, and human nature by reading a book with a priest as a main character
c) Get transported to new and exciting places by embarking on a literary journey with a book that chronicles travel adventures
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: Four Firemen for Christmas by Ajme WilliamsRead: 12/29/24
Task: a - controversial topic
How It Fits: Covers a range of controversial topics, such as multiple partners, bondage, polygamy, love at first sight (which is the least controversial but really drove me crazy)
Well done, Melissa! 
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and the next move, O in A2, invites you to dive into one of the following adventures:
a)Experience the excitement of exploring different eras, the intriguing consequences of bending time and journey through time by reading a book that features time travel .
b) Read a book that has been adapted into a movie .
c) Gain insights and perspectives on pivotal moments that have shaped our world and dive into history by choosing a book that delves into an historic event of your choice .
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
I am going to post this selection, but if it's not what fits I can find another to fit the task.Book: Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
Read: 1/10/25
Task: C - historic event of my choosing
How it Fits: Book delves in to the life of a survivor of the Sand Creek Massacre, one of the attemps at eradicating Native Americans. The book follows this survivor and his generational line in how they are constantly battling between cultural differences around and within themselves.
Next move would be C2
Great job, Melissa!
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge, and your next move, X in C2, is inviting you to choose one of the following tasks:
a) Gain insight into new experiences, challenges, and triumphs by immersing yourself in a story with a main character living with a genetic condition or terminal disease .
b) Explore familiar landscapes, stories that resonate with your heritage and celebrate your roots by choosing a book written by an author from your home country .
c) Discover tales of perseverance by reading a book featuring a character who confronts significant adversity and challenges .
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: A Cast-Off Coven by Juliet BlackwellRead: 1/17/25
Task: c - confronts adversity and challenges
How it Fits: MC is a witch who considers herself more of a doemstic, garden witch and ends up dealing with demonic powers at play. She also has started dating a man who is doubtful of her powers and beliefs. She has been a lone witch and is learning to embrace who she is and is making friends and learning to harness her powers, all of which are challenges for her.
Great job, Melissa! 
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge, and the next move, O in C1, brings you in front of these three paths to moving forward:
a) Hit the open road with a character who embodies the spirit of freedom and adventure, riding through life on the back of a motorbike . Feel the wind in your hair and the thrill of the ride as you journey alongside them through the pages of their story.
b) Trust in the wisdom of those who know you best, as you dive into the pages of a book recommended to you by one of your friends .
c) Immerse yourself into the tranquility and depth of the color blue as you as you explore a book with a blue cover .
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: Sandman Slim by Richard KadreyRead: 1/20/25
Task: b - Recommended by friend
How it Fits: It was recommended as one of the best books ever through the Secret Santa challenge.
Next move is on A3
Well done, Melissa! 
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and your next move, X in A3, invites you to choose one of the following reading tasks:
a) Experience the joy and nostalgia of a story that once captivated your heart by revisiting a beloved book from your younger years .
b) Discover fresh voices and perspectives by choosing a book from an author you've never read before . Expand your literary horizons and enjoy the thrill of exploring new storytelling styles.
c) Dive into contemporary narratives by reading a book first published between 2020 and 2022 .
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Book: Meet Cute by Helena HuntingRead: 2/7/25
Task: b - book from an author never read before
How it Fits: First book I've read by Helena Hunting
Great job, Melissa! 
Your choice brought you another 2 points in the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and the next move, O in B3, invites you to dive into one of the following reading tasks:
a) Explore the early 2000s by choosing a book published between 2000 and 2005 .
b) Reflect on recent history by selecting a book that explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic . Whether it's fiction or non-fiction, gain insights into the global event that has shaped our world.
c) Dive into thrilling and eerie tales that keep you on the edge of your seat by reading a book with MPG Horror that will send chills down your spine.
Which one will you choose? Happy reading!
Bookish Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Meet Cute (other topics)Sandman Slim (other topics)
A Cast-Off Coven (other topics)
Wandering Stars (other topics)
Four Firemen for Christmas (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Helena Hunting (other topics)Richard Kadrey (other topics)
Juliet Blackwell (other topics)
Tommy Orange (other topics)
Ajme Williams (other topics)
More...
Great to have you join the game!
In order to determine who goes first in your Tic-Tac-Toe Reading Challenge, I've got a thrilling selection of tasks for you to choose from:
a) Dive into the world of award-winning literature and discover a masterpiece that has captured hearts and minds.
b) Get your adrenaline pumping with a book that features fierce competition , whether it's in sports, games, or any other form of rivalry.
c) Continue your journey with a beloved series by picking up the second book and delving deeper into the characters and storylines you've grown to love.
d) Explore a book with "first" in the title and uncover stories that promise excitement, intrigue, and new beginnings.
No matter which task you choose, remember that every book is a gateway to adventure, knowledge, and inspiration. So grab your favorite reading spot, a cozy blanket, and immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling. Happy reading!