The Challenge Factory discussion

Challenge Duration: January 29, 2025 through February 16, 2026

This challenge will run during the Chinese dates of the Year of the Snake. Books must be started by February 16, 2026 to count.
There are seven prompts, each with five possible tasks. None of the tasks will be spell outs. Books should be at least 140 pages. Choose your level of participation:


Levels:
Snake Scale - a defensive body part that protects the snake. I'll try 1-2 tasks per level (please specify which).
Snake Forked Tongue - allows snakes to detect the "scent" of their prey, as well as navigate and find mates. Sign me up for 3-4 tasks per level (please specify which).
Snake Fangs - some snakes' weapon: most venomous snakes have grooved or hollow fangs for delivering venom. I'll go for all 5 tasks per level.

2025 The Year of the Snake
Duration - January 29, 2025 through February 16, 2026

Remember: Reading starts on January 29!



Long ago in China the Jade Emperor decided there should be a way of measuring time. On his birthday he told the animals that there was to be a swimming race. The first twelve animals across the fast flowing river would be the winners and they would each have a year of the zodiac named after them. After the first five animals (rat, ox,tiger, rabbit and dragon) finished the race the Emperor heard was the sound of the horse’s hooves. He thought the horse would be the next animal to arrive but a sneaky snake wriggled out from around one of the horse’s hooves. The horse was so surprised that he jumped backwards giving the snake a chance to take the sixth place in the race.

Set 1 Tasks:
1. Read a book where the MC celebrates a birthday.
2. Read a book with a sneaky character.
3. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word SNAKE.
4. Read a book where a character participates in a race or other kind of competition.
5. Read a book that is the 6th in a series.

2025 Year of the Snake
January 29 to February 16, 2026

Set 1 Tasks:
✅1. Read a book where the MC celebrates a birthday.
Book: Losing Hope
Author:Colleen Hoover
Pages 336 Kindle edition
Read: 2/6/25
Fits: Sky celebrates her birthday
"Happy Birthday," I say casually, trying not to show her just how flustered I am looking at her in that outfit. (p491 on HOOPLA)

2. Read a book with a sneaky character.

✅3. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word SNAKE.
BooK: Before She Knew Him
Author: Peter Swanson
Pages: 309
Read: 2/1/25
Fits: Authors last name begins with an S

✅4. Read a book where a character participates in a race or other kind of competition.
Book:The Airman's E-Mail Order Bride
Author: Cora Seton
Pages: 303/746 via HOOPLA
Read: 2/4/25
Fits: Colt challenges his son to the obstacle course on the ranch
"Here's the deal," he said as they approached the start of the obstacle course. "If you beat me, I'll go back to Afghanistan. If I win, you'll stick out the next few crazy months while I marry Melanie and get us this ranch." (p558)
"On your mark, get set, go!" (p560)

✅5. Read a book that is the 6th in a series.
Book: The 6th Target
Author: James Patterson
Pages: 390/728 via Libby
Read: 2/24/25
Fits: It is the 6th book in the series - Women's Murder Club

Completed First Group of Task

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

The Snake is the sixth animal in the zodiac, and is synonymous with wisdom, elegance, and intuition. People born in Snake years (e.g., 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025) are often perceived as intelligent, resourceful, and graceful. They thrive on analyzing situations and making calculated moves, embodying a quiet but potent strength. Some famous people born in Snake years are Mahatma Gandhi, Pablo Picasso, Mao Zedong, John F. Kennedy, Anne Frank, Bob Dylan, Xi Jinping, J.K. Rowling and Taylor Swift.

Set 2 Tasks:
1. Read a book published in a Snake year.
2. Read a book with a MC who is intelligent and resourceful.
3. Read a book with a very strong character, either in body or mind.
4. Read a book whose title begins with a letter in the word WISDOM.
5. Read a book whose author's first and last initials match one of the famous Snakes listed above (in either order, so MG or GM for Mahatma Gandhi).

Year of the Snake
January 29 - February 16 2026

4/4






Set 2 Tasks:
✅1. Read a book published in a Snake year.
Book: Finding Cinderella
Author: Colleen Hoover
Pages: 176
Read: 3/26/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Published in 2013 which is the year of the snake.

✅2. Read a book with a MC who is intelligent and resourceful.
Book:The Fairy Godmother
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Pages: 479
Read: 3/23/25 ⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Madam Elena was intelligent and very resourceful as a Fairy Godmother, she knew how to handle situations, so it ended in a positive outcome.
"You're brave, sensible, clever, and extremely magical. You have a kind heart, and a good mind. You are certainly proper Godmother material." p130 (ebook via Libby)
"...a Godmother has many resources at her disposal." p385 (ebook via Libby)

✅3. Read a book with a very strong character, either in body or mind.
Book: The Nature of Fragile Things
Author: Susan Meissner
Pages 367
Read: 2/28/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Sophie is a very strong women. After the earthquake she took care of Kat (her 5 year old step-daughter) and Belinda (her husband's other wife, whom was 7 months pregnant and had gone into labor). Got them out of the crumbling house and to safety and also free from the man who could harm them all. Her strength, quick thinking and rational mind got them to safety. "I grab Martin under his arms and drag him across the foyer and into the kitchen to get him out of sight. p150"
"Let's start down the hill," I say as I pick up the two travel cases. " p157

✅4. Read a book whose title begins with a letter in the word WISDOM.
Book: A March Bride
Author: Rachel Hauck
Pages: 141/438 via Hoopla
Read: 3/2/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Books title begins with M and this letter is in the word WISDOM

5. Read a book whose author's first and last initials match one of the famous Snakes listed above (in either order, so MG or GM for Mahatma Gandhi)

COMPLETED SET 2 OF THE TASK

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Snakes are deep thinkers who tend to approach life with a calm and measured demeanor. They possess a natural charm and magnetism, making them both intriguing and attractive to others. With a keen sense of intuition, Snake individuals are adept at understanding people and situations, often seeing beneath the surface to uncover hidden truths.

Snakes are also known for their resourcefulness and ability to navigate complex situations. They prefer to observe and analyze before making decisions, which allows them to move through life with a sense of purpose and direction. However, this introspective nature can sometimes make them appear secretive or distant to others, as they often keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves.

Set 3 Tasks:
1. Read a book with a magnetic character.
2. Read a book whose title or series name begins with a letter in the word CHARM.
3. Read a book with a MC who analyzes a situation carefully before acting.
4. Read a book where a character keeps a secret.
5. Read a book that has the surface of a lake or other body of water on it.

Year of the Snake
January 2025 - February 2026

4/4




Set 3 Tasks:
✅1. Read a book with a magnetic character.
Book: A Very Large Expanse of Sea
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Pages: 310
Read: 4/13/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Ocean has key characteristics of magnetic personality. He does not try to impress anyone or ego driven. He was the star basketball player and Shirin had no idea, he never even shared he played on the basketball team. He is kind and confident - did not care what others thought of him dating a girl who wore a hijab. Great listening skills - wanted to know what Shirin was thinking and listened as she spoke of how others viewed her and her religious beliefs and wearing the hijab. His positive attitude - rubbed off on Shirin making her less mean to people and became less stubborn with the world and willing to give people a second chance.

✅2. Read a book whose title or series name begins with a letter in the word CHARM.
Book: Hello Beautiful
Author: Ann Napolitano
Pages: 383
Read: 3/30/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Hello (H) is found in CHARM


✅3. Read a book with a MC who analyzes a situation carefully before acting.
Book: One Perfect Couple
Author: Ruth Ware
Pages: 385
Read: 4/4/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Lyla (MC) had to carefully analyze the questions and her answers as not to embarrass herself or Nicco when answering questions which would be aired on TV yet able to remain on the reality show for at least a few weeks. "I answered straight down the line, doing my honest best to predict what I thought Nico would have said. Partly, I didn't know how they were scoring this and if we were being marked as a couple. I didn't want to accidently sabotage Nico's position and risk him sent home early too. " p112

✅4. Read a book where a character keeps a secret.
Book: Dream Girl Drama
Author: Tessa Bailey
Pages: 320
Read: 4/8/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Sig's mother kept of secret of who his real father was. He grew up thinking it was Harvey Gautherie but instead it was Bobby Prince. "Sig, I should have told you. Old habits die hard and I was brought up to keep secrets..." p708 ebook

5. Read a book that has the surface of a lake or other body of water on it.

Completed Set 3 Task

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

The Element of Wood in 2025

Each Chinese Zodiac year is influenced by one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. 2025 is governed by Wood, which softens the Snake’s typically reserved nature, infusing it with creativity, compassion, and a thirst for growth.

What Wood Brings to the Snake:

Flexibility and Adaptability: Wood adds an element of growth and expansion, encouraging adaptability in challenges.

Creative Problem-Solving: This year is ideal for innovation, whether in personal projects, professional goals, or relationships.

Focus on Harmony: Wood Snake years emphasize fostering better relationships and improving communication skills.

Strategic Growth: Success will favor those who plan meticulously and act wisely.

Deepening Connections: Introspection and emotional intelligence will help navigate relationships, promoting empathy and understanding.

Set 4 Tasks:
1. Read a book where a character does something with wood.
2. Read a book from an expansive series (more than 15 books).
3. Read a book where the MC improves their communication skills.
4. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word METICULOUS.
5. Read a book with a deeply empathetic and understanding character.

Completed
Year of the Snake
January 2025 - February 2026

4/4



Set 4 Tasks:
✅1. Read a book where a character does something with wood.
Book: It Ends with Us
Author: Colleen Hoover
Pages: 385/779 ebook
Read: 4/15/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Atlas carved a heart from wood - "It was a small, flat outline of a heart, about two inches long, carved out of wood." p 326 ebook

✅2. Read a book from an expansive series (more than 15 books).
Book:Naked in Death
Author: J.D. Robb
Pages: 335
Read: 5/4/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: This is the first in the Series In Death--there are 62 books in this series.

3. Read a book where the MC improves their communication skills.

✅4. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word METICULOUS.
Book: You Say It First
Author: Susan Mallery
Pages: 345
Fits: Authors initials (Susan Mallery) can be found in -METICULOUS

✅5. Read a book with a deeply empathetic and understanding character.
Book: The Women
Author: Kristin Hannah
Pages: 648 Large Print Edition
Read: 4/21/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: MC was a nurse in Nam, when she returned to stateside she was a mess. After losing her nurses license due to bad choices she had made, she left home and went back to school to receive a degree in clinical psychology. She was now able to help women who served in Nam get the help they needed. There was nothing out there for her when she returned. She had bought an old farm fixed it up and saw those in need of help. She was able to help women who lived through Nam. She was able to relate and understand since, she was there too.
To the women of Vietnam: We lived through it over thee. We can live through it here. Join us.
The beautiful, unexpected by-product of helping other women was that Frankie found her own passion again, her own pride. p618

Completed set 4 Task with the Year of the Snake

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Themes of the Year of the Wood Snake

2025 is a year of reflection, recalibration, and renewal, offering a mix of calm energy and intellectual challenges. The Snake’s intuitive wisdom, paired with the nurturing Wood element, creates a time to refine your long-term goals and strengthen personal and professional relationships. It is a year for letting go of what no longer serves you and embracing meaningful change.

Set 5 Tasks:
1. Read a book where the MC makes a long-term goal.
2. Read a book whose cover is calming (your interpretation).
3. Read a book where a character nurtures someone or something.
4. Read a book where the MC makes a meaningful change.
5. Read a book with two of the numbers from 2025 in the page count or publication date.

Year of the Snake
January 2025 - February 2026

4/4



Themes of the Year of the Wood Snake

Set 5 Tasks:
1. Read a book where the MC makes a long-term goal.

✅2. Read a book whose cover is calming (your interpretation).
Book: The Plot is Murder
Author: V.M. Burns
Pages: 254
Read: 5/30/25 ⭐⭐
Fits: How could this cover not be calming - a comfy chair, surrounded by books to read and two pups at your feet. And don't forget the scone on the arm of the chair and coffee on the table. This would calm me any day...aww!!

✅3. Read a book where a character nurtures someone or something.
Book: Second Chance Girl
Author: Susan Mallery
Pages: 348
Read: 5/25/25 ⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Violet took care of Ulrich after the accident
It was one thing to promise to take care of Ulrich while he was recovering... p419 ebook Hoopla

Carol took care of animals on the preservation and adding more giraffes to make a herd for Millie
Carol had made it happen. Two of the giraffes were already here and settled in. Two more would be arriving with the week. p955 ebook Hoopla

✅4. Read a book where the MC makes a meaningful change.
Book:Invisible Girl
Author:Lisa Jewell
Pages: 404
Read: 5/19/25 ⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Owen goes to a Sexual Conduct class to get his job back and gets a girlfriend and moves out of his aunt's home and is living on his own.
"The training course has been a revelation. Not just in terms of what it's taught him about how to behave in the workplace, but what it's taught him about how to behave, full stop; how women's minds work." p342
"Own no longer lives with Tessie. He's renting a studio flat..." "...heads into the underground, toward dinner, with his girlfriend, on his birthday." p344


✅5. Read a book with two of the numbers from 2025 in the page count or publication date.
Book: Listen for the Lie
Author: Amy Tintera
Pages: 352
Read: 5/11/25⭐⭐⭐
Fits: 2 of the numbers of publication date are found in 2025 it was published in March 2024

Completed my 4 task in the Year of the Snake -
Wood Theme

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

There are many proverbs and idioms related to the snake in the Chinese language. Yan Yan Wang, a lecturer in modern Chinese at the ANU School of Culture, History and Language says 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú) which literally means, ‘to draw a snake and add legs’, is one of the most famous.

“It is believed this idiom originated from an ancient Chinese story about a man who tried to improve a drawing of a snake by adding some legs, but this only ruined the artwork,” Wang says.

“The moral of the story? Don’t overdo something or make unnecessary additions that can lead to negative consequences!”

Set 6 Tasks:
1. Read a book where the MC goes too far and ruins something as a result.
2. Read a book where a character draws.
3. Read a book with an image of a snake on the cover.
4. Read a book that contains some kind of moral.
5. Read a book that has a proverb or an idiom in it (idiom examples: it's raining cats and dogs, to be under the weather, piece of cake, spill the beans, bite the bullet, etc....).

Year of the Snake

4/4



Set 6 Tasks:
✅1. Read a book where the MC goes too far and ruins something as a result.
Book: The Goddess of Warsaw
Author: Lisa Barr
Pages: 484 - Large Print Edition
Read: 6/21/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Bina/Lena shoots Armand Arias/Lukas Muller in front of crowd of people and confesses to everything she has done over the years, landing her in prison. She had been searching for Lukas for 60 years.
The great Armand Arias has been assassinated point-blank by the legendary Lena Browning. p464
I am the only convict here who everyone witnessed commit her crime in real time; a justice killing before millions of viewers. p466

✅2. Read a book where a character draws.
Book: The Escape Room
Author: Megan Goldin
Pages: 357
Read:6/3/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: It was a shock to see Lucy drawing a monochrome sketch that could easily have been framed and sold at a gallery. p122

3. Read a book with an image of a snake on the cover.

✅4. Read a book that contains some kind of moral.
Book: Uprising
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Pages: 356
Fits: Yes there is a moral in this book based on a true story of a 12 year old girl joining the resistance group in Warsaw Poland to fight against the Nazis for what is right, when faced with many odds and personal danger.

✅5. Read a book that has a proverb or an idiom in it (idiom examples: it's raining cats and dogs, to be under the weather, piece of cake, spill the beans, bite the bullet, etc....).
Book: Still Me
Author: Jojo Moyes
Pages: 368
Read: 6/18/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Idiom - Friends- with-benefits according to google it is because : Figurative meaning; Informal usage, and Evolving meaning. It's a phrase describing a specific type of relationship that goes beyond friendship, usually sexual in nature.
"Your telling me this isn't going to be a friends-with-benefits thing. p137

Finished the 4th Task for the Year of the Snake - Moral Section

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

2025 is the year of the Wood Snake. The Wood Snake is a charming, intelligent and creative sign, but also secretive, cunning and sometimes ruthless. Mythology recognises the Snake as a creature of healing, which influences the physical body to shift to a more spiritual outlook.
The Year of the Wood Snake is a time for calculated growth, deep connections, and introspection. By aligning with its energy, Snakes can make 2025 a transformative and prosperous year. Whether seeking success, stability, or self-discovery, the wisdom of the Wood Snake will guide it.

Set 7 Tasks:
1. Read a book where a character makes a calculation (does not need to be mathematical).
2. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word INTROSPECTION.
3. Read a book where the MC makes a deep connection with someone else.
4. Read a book where a character goes through a transformation.
5. Read a book where the MC is seeking success in an endeavor.

Year of the Snake 2025

4/4



Set 7 Tasks:
✅1. Read a book where a character makes a calculation (does not need to be mathematical).
Book: Reminders of Him
Author: Colleen Hoover
Pages: 335
Read: 8/9/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Kenna call recall everything that happened the day Scotty died, including minutes of events
I'm sure I'm off in my calculations by a few minutes here or there, but for the most part, I can account for everything that happened that day. Even the things I wish I could forget. p237

✅2. Read a book whose author's initials can be found in the word INTROSPECTION.
BooK:The Au Pair
Author: Emma Rous
Pages: 360
Read: 8/17/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Authors initials can be found in INTROSPECTION
Emma Rous INTROSPECTION


✅3. Read a book where the MC makes a deep connection with someone else.
Book: A Quiet Life
Author: Ethan Joella
Pages 294
Read: 8/2/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Kristin made a deep connection with two characters in the story - Chuck Ayers her former teacher husband by traveling with him to SC and Grayson her colleague who she developed a romantic connection with
"But you've got two old dads in this car, and we're really impressed by you." p251
"I'm glad you let me come along," she says wiping her eyes. She pauses " I thought maybe my dad sent you to me or sent me to you." p257
God, Kristin, I'm so glad you called. "I miss you" she says smiling. "I think I love you. Actually, I know I do." p282

4. Read a book where a character goes through a transformation.

✅5. Read a book where the MC is seeking success in an endeavor.
Book: Getting Hot with the Scot
Author: Melonie Johnson
Pages: 361
Read: 7/29/25 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fits: Endeavor means to achieve something - Cassie wanted to advance in her career from ChiChat to Reporter
With her boss's greenlight, Cassie could move forward with making the transition from pop culture princess to respected reporter. An agent of change, covering stories involving social activism and cultural improvement projects. p221

Finished the 4th task in Year of the Snake 2025 section

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Congratulations!! You completed the Year of the Snake!