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SPRING CHALLENGE 2025
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Spring Challenge 2025: Tasks
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10.1 It's going to be long ...
Help Thread
We are going a long distance this season, so we'll need a long book!
Read a book that is 500 pages or more
10.2 It's a Wonderful World - let's explore it!
Help Thread
Read a book with MPG Travel
10.3 These boots are made for walking ...
Help Thread
Read a book with one or more people walking on the cover ...
The person/people must be shown from at least the knee down, and some representation of movement must be shown (a stride, a step, a lifted foot or skirt)
Required: Post the cover
10.4 Strap on your backpack
Help Thread
Now strap on your backpack & get ready to hike the trails. Read a book by a single author whose first and last initial can be found in BACKPACKER
Letters can only be used as often as they appear
10.5 Good company
Help Thread
A journey is enhanced by a good travelling companion. Read a book that is written by 2 or more authors.
An anthology or collection of short stories written by different authors would work.
10.6 Take a Hike
Help Thread
Don't feel like braving the elements? Then take a hike from the comfort of home and read a book found on the first 25 pages of the Hiking Shelf:
Hiking Shelf
Required: State the page
10.7 Saintly Names
Help Thread
Two Saints days are celebrated in the UK in March - St David (Patron Saint of Wales) on Marck 1st, and St Patrick (Patron Saint of Ireland) on 17th March and St George (patron saint of England) is celebrated on April 23rd
Read a book where the authors first name is a derivative of David, Patrick or George
David: https://www.behindthename.com/name/david
Patrick: https://www.behindthename.com/name/pa...
George: https://www.behindthename.com/name/ge...
(and before anyone mentions St Pirin (patron saint of Cornwall - 5th March) I couldn't find a single book by somebody with the first name Pirin!)
Required: State the name
10.8 Pi Day
Help Thread
Pi Day is March 14th - Read a book with a page count consisting of consecutive numbers found in this portion of Pi 3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375
Examples that work: 314, 141, 415. 159
Examples that don't work: 311 - the numbers appear in Pi but are not consecutive
Required: State the page count
10.9 Three/Four/Five
Help Thread
March, April, and May are the 3rd, 4th, and 5th months of the year
Read a book that is number 3, 4 or 5 in a series
The series name and number must be indicated in the GR title listing in grayscale parentheses following the title or grayscale italics above the title.
10.10 Celebrating around the world
Help Thread
This season, Muslims will observe Ramadan and Christians will start Lent - both periods of prayer & fasting, culminating with the festivals of Eid al Fitr & Easter respectively. Jews will also celebrate Passover by . Hindus will celebrate Holi, a colourful celebration for the start of Spring, members of the Baha'i community celebrate their New Year, both Sikh's & Hindus celebrate Vaisakhi which is the spring harvest, Pagan/Wiccans will celebrate Beltane (also known as "May Day") as the peak of spring/coming of summer.
Read a book with MPG Religion or where one of the festivals named (Ramadan, Lent, Easter, Passover, Holi, Vaisakhi, Beltane, May Day) is central to the storyline
Required: If the festival is not clear from the description, please provide a reference.
Mod
15.1 Let's Hike It!
Help Thread
The America’s National Trails System consists of trails more than 88,600 miles long and consists of 11 National Scenic Trails, 19 National Historic Trails, 1,300 National Recreation Trails, and seven side and connecting trails.
Here is a list of some of the more known long distant trails to hike. https://thetrek.co/a-list-of-long-dis...
This is a two book task.
Book 1: Read a book with a title (subtitles are excluded) that shares a word from one of the names of the trails on the list. All words except the words to & and. The hyphenated words on this list may be treated as separate words. (not hyphenated words in the titles of the books.) Plurals/possessives are allowed- no other variations.
Required: State the name of the trail.
and
Book 2: Read a book that has all the letters of TRAIL in the title. (subtitles are excluded)
15.2 South To North
Help Thread
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is known to be one of the most challenging trails in the US. The trail starts in Mexico and ends in Canada.
This is a two book task
Book 1: Read a book set at least 50% in Mexico
and
Book 2: Read a book set at least 50% in Canada
Required: If the setting is not evident from the Goodreads main page, provide a reference.
15.3 East to West
Help Thread
The American Discovery Trail is the longest trail in the US. The trail spans over 6800 miles and runs coast to coast passing through 15 states.
Choose an option
Required: State the option
Option 1: Two Book Task
Book 1: Read a book whose page count or first published year with at least 2 numbers from 6800. Numbers can be used as many times as they appear and they can be in any order.
and
Book 2: Read a book that is book is number 1-15 in series of at least 3 published books. Whole numbers only. The series name and number must be indicated in the GR title listing in grayscale parentheses following the title or grayscale italics above the title.
or
Option 2: One Book Task
Read a single book that satisfies both criteria for option 1
15.4 The Big Three
Help Thread
The Triple Crown of Hiking is award for hiking through the entire length of three major U.S. National Scenic Trails: The Appalachian Trail, The Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide for a total of 7875 miles.
Choose an option
Required: State the option
Option 1: Two Book Task
Book 1: Read a book with a three word title. All words count.
and
Book 2: Read a book that is first published in March of any year that ends in a 3.
or
Option 2: One Book Task
Read a single book that satisfies both criteria for option 1
15.5 I've Been Probed
Help Thread
MARCH 20th Alien Abduction Day. It originated in 2008 as a way to commemorate the first widely reported alien abduction case in the United States.
Read a book with the MPG Alien or Aliens
15.6 Finding Easter Goodies
Help Thread
Easter is one of the most common holidays in the spring. Easter is well known for Easter eggs, bunnies and baby chicks . All used to represent new life.
Read a book with a Rabbit/bunny, Egg, or Chicken/chick/rooster on the cover. The image must be part of the cover art for the book.
For the Rabbit/Bunny/Chicken/Chick/Rooster. The entire animal does not need to show, but needs to have something to be recognized as such.
For the egg- cooked, cracked/broken with yolk showing, or in a shell works.
Required: Post the Cover.
15.7 Happy Fairytale Birthday
Help Thread
April 2nd Hans Christian Andersons birthday
Read a book from the first 25 pages of this list
Fairy Tale Retellings Books
Required: State the page.
15.8 March Means War
Help Thread
The month of March was named for Mars, Roman god of war.
Read a book with MARS intact in the title. (excluding subtitles.)
15.9 April is Love
Help Thread
The month of April was named for Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love.
Read a book where all the letters of APHRODITE can be found in in any combination of the title/subtitle/authors name.
15.10 May For Growth
Help Thread
The month of May was named for the Maia, the Roman goddess of spring and growth.
Read the most recent published book ( as of March 1, 2025) in a series of at last 3 published books.
The series name and number must be indicated in the GR title listing in grayscale parentheses following the title or grayscale italics above the title.
Mod
20.1 - Most Improved - Rockynook's Task: Be the Match
Help Thread
2024 was such a whirlwind of a year, that I’m sometimes shocked we are already 2 months into 2025. 2024 brought difficulties, along with a miracle, when my nephew was diagnosed with Adrenleukodystrophy (ALD) and underwent the life-saving treatment of a bone marrow transplant. April 5, we celebrate his re-birthday, marking one year post transplant and he is doing phenomenally. I would like to dedicate this task to Jenson, his donor, and to the incredible medical team that saved his life. If you or someone you know is interested in potentially becoming a donor, the process to register is simple, and if matched, could provide life saving alternatives to others like our precious Jenson who is turning 8 this summer and getting to live his best life. Find more information at https://www.nmdp.org/
Select an option and read one book that satisfies the requirements for that option.
Required: state your option.
Option 1: For Jenson
Jenson’s current favorite video game is Minecraft and he loves designing comics. For this option, choose a book by a single author whose first and last initials are found in either the word MINECRAFT or COMICS. You can use the letters as frequently as they appear.
Required: State which word the initials appear in.
Option 2: For his donor
We know that Jenson’s donor was a 20 year old female that was found through nmdp.org, which was formerly named “Be the Match,” or the “National Marrow Donor Program.” For this option, read a book with a word of four or more letters in its title that can be made from the letters in BE THE MATCH or NATIONAL MARROW DONOR PROGRAM. Letters may be used only as often as they appear.
Required: State the word and the phrase you made it from.
Option 3: For his medical team
Jenson’s medical team was incredible. Jenson’s family relocated to Minnesota for the entirety of his treatment, and we are so thankful for his entire team. For this option, read a book that is set at least 50% in Minnesota, or has a main character that works in a medical field.
Required: if the setting or occupation of the main character is not obvious from the Goodreads description, provide a link to a reference.
20.2 - Rookie at the Top - Masoodah's Task: Mother's Day
Help Thread
Mother's Day, or Mothering Sunday, is now a day to honor mothers and other mother figures, such as grandmothers, stepmothers and mothers-in-law. Many people make a special effort to visit their mother. They take cards and gifts to her and may treat her to brunch, lunch or high tea in a cafe, restaurant or hotel. People who cannot visit their mother usually send gifts or cards to her.
It falls on Sunday 30th March this year.
Read one book from the three options:
Required: State the option.
Option 1: Mothers Day in the UK is known as Mothering Sunday.
Read a book with an author whose first and last initials appear in MOTHERING. A book with multiple authors may be used as long as at least one of the authors meets this criteria.
Option 2: Some people do not give a physical gift, but choose to treat their mother or grandmother to a special meal, beauty treatment or fun outing.
For this option , read a book in which a title word of at least 4 letters appears in the phrase:
FUN OUTING and/or SPECIAL MEAL.
Letters can only be used as often as they appear.
Required: State the word and which phrase(s) it appears in.
Option 3: The modern holiday was first celebrated in 1907, when Anna Jarvis held the first Mother's Day service of worship at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Andrew's Methodist Church now holds the International Mother's Day Shrine. Forty years before it became an official holiday, Ward Howe had made her Mother's Day Proclamation in 1870, which called upon mothers of all nationalities to band together to promote the "amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace." Anna Jarvis wanted to honor this and to set aside a day to honor all mothers because she believed a mother is "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world".
For this option read a book where the original publication date consists of exactly two of the numbers from 1, 9, 0, 7. You may use the full date, not just the year - i.e. 7 June 1823 would be acceptable.
Required: State the publication date.
20.3 - Review Raffle - Jayne's Task: Trails of Wales
Help Thread
With both of my reviews last season covering distinctly Welsh books, and the Spring challenge starting on St. David’s Day, it only feels right to highlight some of the best long-distance trails in my adoptive home country. Lace up your walking boots and let’s go!
Choose an option and read a book for that option.
Required: state the option you chose.
Option 1: St. Illtyd’s Walk
St. Illtyd’s Walk is said to be the route taken by St. Illtyd, the abbot of Llantwit Major, while preaching in South Wales during the 5th and 6th centuries. Starting in Carmarthenshire and ending just south of Port Talbot, the route travels 64 miles through the Vale of Neath, also known as Waterfall Country. While St Illtyd’s Walk is too far south to cover the majority of the region’s falls, it does pass by Melincourt Falls – a spectacular 80ft cascade that was immortalised on canvas by J. M. W. Turner.
Read a book which features a waterfall on the cover.
Required: Post the cover.
Option 2: Glyndŵr’s Way
Up in the county of Powys, Glyndŵr’s Way is a 135-mile National Trail that boasts incredible views of Cadair Idris, Wales’ second-highest peak. Despite being named after Owain Glyndŵr, the last native-born Prince of Wales, the trail itself doesn’t follow any particular historical journey. Instead, it links various places in the region that have a connection to Glyndŵr and his legendary rebellion against the English King Henry IV.
Read a book with a word in the title of 4 or more letters than can be made from OWAIN GLYNDŴR. Letters may be used only as often as they appear.
Required: State the word.
Option 3: Sarn Helen
Technically referring to multiple stretches of Roman road, Sarn Helen spans 160 miles from Aberconwy in the north down to Carmarthen in the west. The route takes its name from Saint Elen of Caernarfon, a Celtic saint whose story appears in the Mabinogion, the most well-known collection of Welsh mythology.
Read a book with an MPG of Religion and/or Mythology.
Option 4: Offa’s Dyke Path
The Offa’s Dyke Path is named for the 8th century earthwork that once separated Wales from England on the orders of King Offa of Mercia. The current route from Chepstow in the south to Prestatyn in the north still closely follows the current Wales/England border. Opened in the summer of 1971, the trail has been drawing visitors for over 50 years – mainly between April and October, when the Welsh weather is at its best!
Read a book that was first published between April and October of a year since 1971 (inclusive).
Required: State the date of first publication.
Option 5: Cambrian Way
The Cambrian Way is arguably the most strenuous trail in Wales. Starting in Cardiff and heading north to Conwy, the route traverses some of the highest upland terrain in the country, including all three mountains that comprise the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge: Pen y Fan, Cadair Idris and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), making the highest point of the trail a whopping 3560ft above sea level.
Read a book whose page count is comprised of the following digits: 3, 5, 6, 0. Each digit may be used only once.
Option 6: Wales Coast Path
The first dedicated coast path to cover the entire length of a national coastline, the Wales Coast Path runs for 870 miles and links with the Offa’s Dyke Path, forming a continuous walking route around the whole of the country. It’s also the only one of these trails that I’ve managed to tackle part of! Last summer my partner and I walked a section of the trail from Dunraven Bay towards Ogmore-by-Sea, being treated to phenomenal views of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast while sand martins wheeled overhead.
Read a book whose cover shows the coastline. Both water and land should be visible.
Required: Post the cover.
20.4 - Golden Oldies - Ritika's Task: Dopamine for Winter
Help Thread
Winter in the PNW is a wet, grey mess but also the perfect time to pick up every possible indoor hobby one can. For this task, please choose one of the activities which helped me while away the winter and read a book which meets the requirement.
Required: State the option
A. BALDUR’S GATE 3: This game is an intense time suck. It also can be replayed many times because the game experience often changes based on the class of the character you create.
For this task, read a book with a word in the title (not subtitle) or series’ name which matches one of the character classes. Plurals and possessives are allowed, no other variations. The word should stand on its own. The classes are- Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard.
B. KNITTING: I knit my first hat, and it does not matter how wobbly the pom-pom is, I am wearing it until the weather improves.
For this task, read a book with a cover which shows someone wearing a hat/cap. Any hat/cap of any era works. The hat should be on a person's head, not held by them or by itself.
If you are unsure if something is a hat, if the style can be found on this list, it is allowed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
Examples:
Required: Post the cover.
C. TRAVEL: I had a weeklong getaway to Mexico City, a beautiful city which I almost did not see because I was too busy eating mangoes every waking moment.
For this task, read a book which is set at least 50% in the country of Mexico.
Required: If the setting is not evident from the Goodreads main page or metadata, provide a reference.
20.5 - Bigger is Better - Christine V's Task: Spring Growth
Help Thead
Spring is synonymous with growth! Choose one option and read one book for that option.
Required: State the option.
Option 1: One of my favorite parts of spring is watching all the green come back to the landscape. Read a book with a green leaf on the cover. This could be a single leaf or an entire forest, but if using tree leaves then this should be deciduous leaves only (e.g. oak, birch, maple), no conifers or evergreen needles.
Required: Post the cover.
Option 2: Growth can also refer to personal growth. Read a book with the MPG “Self Help.”
Option 3: Read a book with a synonym for “grow” in the title or subtitle. Choose a synonym from this list (possessives and plurals allowed, but otherwise words must match exactly): advance, age, become, breed, build, cultivate, develop, expand, flourish, gain, increase, mature, multiply, produce, raise, rise, spread, sprout, swell, thrive, turn, widen.
Required: State the word.
Mod
20.6 - It's A Fact - Jen B's Task: Travels for Dad
Help Thread
Last summer, my whole family took a trip to England and France. It was the first trip abroad for both my teenage sons and my parents. While we might have been a bit Griswold-ish on occasion, we had an amazing time exploring new places, seeing famous sites, and eating some delicious food. We lost my dad suddenly just a few months after that trip, and we feel so lucky to have not only the great memories of our travels, but the legacy of adventure that he left us with. We are going to honor his memory by exploring the world. So, this year is already shaping up to be a huge year of travel, to places both familiar and new. Help me celebrate the journeys we have planned (so far!)
Choose one of the options below and read a book for that option.
Required: State the option. If using a cover option, post the cover. If using a setting option, if the location is not evident from the GR blurb or metadata, provide a reference.
Option 1: New York City
NYC is one of my favorite places in the whole world, and I can't wait to go back at the end of this month. Planned activities include seeing a Broadway comedy show, taking a workout class at Peloton studios, and meeting some local friends for a night out. We also have to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, which was an activity my dad and I got to enjoy together when he came to visit me during the summer I spent in NYC.
Read a book with a bridge on the cover
OR
Read a book set at least 50% in New York City
Option 2: Florida Keys
My college friends and I love to travel together, so this spring we're meeting up in Key West. I'm looking forward to swimming in the clear water, taking a sailing excursion, and enjoying some delicious Cuban food. I also have to visit the Southernmost Point in the United States to recreate one of my favorite photos of my dad standing at the marker.
Read a book with a boat on the cover. This should be a small vessel such as a rowing boat or sailboat, not a large ship such as an ocean liner or ferry.
OR
Read a book set at least 50% in Florida, USA
Option 3: The Alps
European Adventure round 2 is happening this summer! This time we are venturing to Bavaria, Austria, and Italy. I can't wait to see the filming locations of The Sound of Music (my all-time favorite movie!), hike in the Alps, and take in the views of Neuschwanstein Castle. These countries were on my dad's must-see list, so we are visiting for him.
Read a book with mountains on the cover.
OR
Read a book set at least 50% in Germany, Austria, or Italy.
20.7 - Shorter is Sweeter - Lisa MD's Task: Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Help Thread
Are you ready to explore nature? Then lace up your shoes and join me for a walk on the wild side. Let's begin our adventure by deciding what terrain we would like to travel. Pick the landscape you would like to explore and read a book from the shelf provided. Don't forget to enjoy the scenery along the way!
Required: State the option you chose to take a walk on.
Option A: Mountains - Do you want to elevate your hiking experience, then read a book from the 1st 25 pages of the "Mountains Books" shelf:
Mountains Books
Required: State the page of the list your book is found on.
Option B: Forests - Do you prefer a tree-lined walk in the wild, then read a book from the 1st 25 pages of the "Forests Books" shelf:
Forests Books
Required: State the page of the list your book is found on.
Option C: The Plains - Do you feel more comfortable on a flatter expanse of land with few trees, then read a book from the "The Plains" shelf:
The Plains Books
20.8 - Nickels and Dimes - TrishhartUK's Task: The Capital Ring
Help Thread
The Capital Ring Walk offers the chance to see some of London's finest scenery. Divided into 15 easy-to-walk sections, it covers 78 miles (126km) of open space, nature reserves, Sites of Specific Scientific Interest and more.
Choose an option and read a book for that option.
Required: State your option.
1. Either read a book by an author who was born in London, or that is at least 50% set in London. Required:If the birthplace or location isn’t clear in the GR description/author page, provide a reference.
2. Read a book where the page count is made up of the numbers 1,1,2,5,6,7,8 (15 stages, 78 miles, 126km). Numbers can only be used as often as they appear.
3. As the Capital Ring is designed to go through London's green spaces, read a book with the MPG of Nature and/or Environment, either stand-alone or embedded.
4. Read a book with a word of four or more letters that is in the name of one of the stages intact in the title or subtitle. The words from the stage name must be kept intact, but they don’t need to be stand-alone in the title. The stages are listed in Help Thread message #2.
For example you could use a book with the word “Footsteps” in the title, as it includes “Foot” from Woolwich Foot Tunnel intact, or “Southern”, as it includes “South” from South Kenton. However, you couldn’t use a book with either “Falcon” or “Wood” in the title for Falconwood, as they wouldn’t be complete.
Required: state the word and the stage.
20.9 - Moderators' Pet - Lois' Task: On the Trail of West Coast Writers
Help Thread
The best-known long distance trail on the west coast of the US where I live is the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes through California, Oregon, and Washington, from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. I wondered about the best-known authors from these three states. One list gave me John Steinbeck for California, Beverly Cleary for Oregon, and David Guterson for Washington. I agree that those authors are very representative of their respective states, but there are many others. Readers, you likely have your own ideas about your favorite authors from these western states.
Read a book by an author who was born in or lives/lived in California, Oregon, or Washington.
Required: Name the state that your author represents. If the author's place of birth/residence is not obvious from the GR author bio, provide a reference.
20.10 Group Reads
Read one of the books selected as a group read for the Spring 2025 season. The requirement for this task: you must participate in the book's discussion thread below with at least one post about the contents of the book or your reaction to the book after you have read the book.
Fiction: Historical Fantasy - Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries
Discussion Thread
Fiction: Strong Women - The Glassmaker
Discussion Thread
Non-Fiction: Cults - Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show
Discussion Thread
Gutenberg Classic - Three Men in a Boat
Discussion Thread
Mod
25.1 Cats Task: Books of North America
Help Thread
We will be reading books associated with the continent North America, and using the information on this link for reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
Pick an option.
Required: state the option.
Option 1: Two Book Option (no page count requirement)
Book 1: Read a book that is set (at least 70%) in one or more countries in North America, or is about one or more countries in North America (if Non-Fiction), but is NOT United States of America. It can be minority set in USA, but 70% MUST be in other North American countries
Required: state the country(/ies), and provide supporting evidence if it's not obvious from the GR metadata or blurb.
Book 2: Read a book that is written by an author born in a country in North America. Multiple authors are allowed, provided that ALL are born within North America. The author(s) need not be from the country used for book 1. You can use authors born in United States ONLY if they are Native America / First Nation.
Required: provide a link to prove place of birth if it's not obvious from the GR metadata.
Option 2: One Book Option
Read one book of at least 500 pages that fits both criteria of Option 1.
Note that you will NOT be able to read a book set in USA for this option.
25.2 Robin P's Task: The NATO Alphabet
Help Thread
The NATO phonetic alphabet was developed over decades as a set of code words to enhance clear understanding of letters in the Roman alphabet. The goal is to eliminate problems in telephone or radio communication by replacing confusing sounds like "f" vs "s", "b" vs p", etc., with distinctive words.
This is a two book task
Choose two options and read one book for each option.
Required: State the option.
Option 1: The 26 code words in use since 1956 are as follows: Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliett, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-ray, Yankee, and Zulu
Read a book with one of the code words as a stand-alone word in the title or author's name. Plurals and possessives are not acceptable. Words and names must be exact (Charlie, not Charley or Charles) EXCEPT
You may use Alfa or Alpha, Juliett, Juliette or Juliet, and Whiskey or Whisky
Examples - Whiskey When We're Dry, The Glass Hotel, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos
Required: State the word.
Option 2: This was not the first version of the code words! Here is the 1943 International Version: Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog, Easy, Fox, George, How, Item, Jig, King, Love, Mike, Nan, Oboe, Peter, Queen, Roger, Sugar, Tare, Uncle, Victor, William, X-Ray, Yoke, Zebra
Read a book with one of the code words as a stand-alone word in the title or author's name. Plurals and possessives are not acceptable. Words and names must be exact (Charlie, not Charley or Charles) - No Exceptions for this list
Examples - How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water, Oh William!, Dry Bones by Peter May
Required: State the word
Option 3: Some earlier versions used names of places, for instance the 1927 US version is:
Amsterdam, Baltimore, Canada, Danemark, Edison, Florida, Gallipoli, Havana, Italia, Jerusalem, Kilogramme, Liverpool, Madagascar, New York, Oslo, Paris, Quebec, Roma, Santiago, Tripoli, Upsala, Valencia, Washington, Xanthippe, Yokohama, Zurich
Read a book set at least 50% in one of the named locations. You can use the English spellings of Denmark, Italy, and Rome, and you may use Upsala or Uppsala. For Washington, use only Washington, D.C., not the state of Washington. Apparently the creators couldn't think of place names with E, K, or X!
Required: If the setting is not evident on the Goodreads main page, provide a reference.
25.3 XBM's Task - So Many Names!
Help Thread
My four children and seven grandchildren each have two middle names. This task celebrates that.
Read two books, from the options below. You may do a single option twice, but you must choose different authors for each book.
Required:State the option.
Option 1: Read a book by an author that EXACTLY shares one of these names:
Adam, Andrew, Anuenue, Blair, Corwyn, Damian, Douglas, Elaric, Floyd, George, Gloria, Huakai, Kuuipo, Laura, Luna, Nicole, Patrick, Rowan, Skelly, Therese, Thomas
The names may be in any position, but must match exactly. State the name you are using.
Required: State the name
Option 2: Read a book by an author with four names. One example would be Emily St. John Mandel.
All initials count as names as in J.R.R.Tolkien.
Option 3: Since the keiki have culturally appropriate middle names, read a book with these name’s translation in the title or subtitle:
Anuenue - rainbow
Huaka’i – journey or voyage
Kuuipo – sweetheart or beloved
For this option, possessives or plurals are allowed, no other variations allowed.
Required: State the translated word
25.4 - KmarieD's Task: Readerboard Names
Help Thread
I have never finished this challenge twice in a row. And finishing has never been that common either. To celebrate this accomplishment, you will be using Readerboard names to complete this task.
This is a 2-book task.
Choose two options and read one book for each.
Option 1:
Read a book where the single author's first and last initials can be found in YOUR Readerboard name and/or mine, KMARIED. For this option, letters can be repeated.
Option 2:
Read a book with at least three words in the title where each word starts with a letter in YOUR Readerboard name and/or mine, KMARIED. For this option, letters can be repeated. You may ignore the subtitle unless you need it to reach the 3 word requirement. If the subtitle is being used, all words in both the title and subtitle must fit the requirement.
Option 3:
Read a book with a stand alone word of at least four letters in the title, subtitles excluded , that can be made from my Readerboard name, KMARIED. Letters can only be used as often as they appear.
Required: State the word
Examples of words: dark, dear, dare, mark, mare, make, read, ream, raid, dream, marked, dire, mire, dime, made, maid, arid, ride, demark, admire, dike, amid, media, aimed
Mod
Help Thread
This is a two book task. For this task, choose one zodiac sign, and complete both tasks for that sign. Your total page count should be at least 500 pages.
Required: State the option you chose
Option 1: Dreamy Pisces (February 19th - March 20th)
Pisces symbol is two fishes facing opposite directions. They are empathetic, romantic and imaginative. On the flip slide they can be gullible, clingy and out of touch with reality.
Book A: Read a book that was published between February 19th and March 20th of 2024 or 2025. This should be the original publication date, not the publication of the edition you read.
Book B: Read a book with MPG High Fantasy or MPG Spirituality. Genres must be stand alone and cannot be embedded.
Option 2: Energized Aries (March 21st - 20th April)
Aries symbol is the ram. They are natural born leaders with heaps of passion and enthusiasm, but as such, they can be self-centered, overly-competitive and bossy.
Book A: Read a book that was published between March 21st and April 20th of 2024 or 2025. This should be the original publication date, not the publication of the edition you read.
Book B: Read a book with MPG Adventure or MPG Autobiography; MPG Memoir will work as long as the author is the subject of the book. Genres must be stand alone and cannot be embedded.
Option 3: Dependable Taurus (April 21st - 20th May)
Taurus symbol is the bull. They are patient, loyal, and grounded. They love their creature comforts of food, sleep and affection which can sometimes make them over-indulgent and lazy.
Book A: Read a book that was published between April 21st and May 20th of 2024 or 2025. This should be the original publication date, not the publication of the edition you read.
Book B:Read a book that is MPG Food or MPG Family. Genres must be stand alone and cannot be embedded.
25.6 - JenJ IA's task - Triple Crowns
Help Thread
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary a triple crown is “a set of three noteworthy awards, wins, or achievements in a particular field.” One that is particularly well known is the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, which is when a three year old thoroughbred horse wins the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes in the same year. This year’s chase will kickoff on May 3rd with the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby and will wrap up with the Preakness Stakes in early June.
In keeping with this season’s theme, “It's A Wonderful World: Long Distance Trails,” there is also a Triple Crown of Hiking, which refers to completing the entire length of three U.S. National Scenic Trails: The Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail.
This task requires that you choose TWO books, one from option 1 and one from option 2. Additionally, each book must either have a three word title (ignore subtitles), a page count including a 3, publication year ending in 3, OR a series # ending in 3 (whole numbers only, no 1.3, etc.).
Required: State the options you chose.
Option 1: Thoroughbred Racing
A) The first winner of the Triple Crown was the horse named Sir Barton in 1919. The most recent Triple Crown winner was Justify in 2018. Read a book with the author’s first initial in “SIR BARTON” and the author’s last initial in “JUSTIFY.”
B) The locations of the three races are in Louisville, Kentucky, Baltimore, Maryland, and Elmont, New York. Read a book that has all of the letters of LOUISVILLE or BALTIMORE or ELMONT in the combined title/subtitle, series name, and author’s name.
Required: State the location you used
C) Read a book with a horse on the cover. This is a standard horse only, no zebras or mythical beasties like unicorns or pegasus.
Examples:
Required: Post the cover
Option 2: Hiking
A) The trailheads for the Appalachian Trail are located at Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. Read a book with a 4+ letter word in the title/subtitle that can be made out of the letters in SPRINGER and KATAHDIN. Letters may be used only as often as they occur in these words. You can pick just one of the words or use a combination.
Required: State the word
B) The Continental Divide and Pacific Crest Trails are both located in the western United States. Read a book set at least 50% in one or more of the states that these trails pass through: California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.
Required: Provide a reference if the location is not obvious from the Goodreads book page
C) All three trails pass through mountain ranges. Read a book with a mountain or mountain range on the cover.
Examples:
Required: Post the cover
Mod
Help Thread
Spring is a season of new beginnings and growth. Take the season to work on yourself, your garden, or your TBR.
This is a two book task.
Book 1
Read a book with at least 2 words in the title, each word beginning with a letter in SPRING. Letters can be used multiple times.
Book 2
Read a book with a title of at least 3 words, each word longer than its preceding word.
30.2 - MAZZA1's Task: Gregorian Games
Help Thread
This task is related to the months of the Spring challenge – March, April, May .
This is a two-book task, pick one book for two different options.
No children's books, manga or graphic novels are permitted for this task
Each book must be a minimum of 250 pages.
Required: Specify the options.
Option 1
March, April and May are the 3rd, 4th and 5th months of the year
Read a book with a stand alone variant of the number 3, 4, or 5 in the TITLE ONLY.
It may appear as words or numbers, whole numbers or ordinals - so 3, 4, 5 ; Three, Four, Five ; Third, Fourth, Fifth ; and 3rd , 4th, 5th all work.
Numerals should be Arabic numerals, not Roman numerals (i.e. not III, IV or V)
Examples:
The 3rd Alternative: Solving Life's Most Difficult Problems, The Four Winds, The Fifth Season
Option 2
Read a book where the name of the Month (March, April or May) is found intact in the title - It does not have to carry the meaning of the month and can be part of a longer word
Examples:
The Adventures of Augie March, In Search of April Raintree OR Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
Option 3
Read a book whose SINGLE author's first and last (middle can be ignored) initials use only the letters in the name of ONE of the months of the Spring Challenge - March, April, or May
Examples:
Agatha Christie (March), Robin Paige (April) Moira Young (May)
Option 4
Read a book that is # 3, 4 or 5 in a series. The number must be shown in greyscale on the GR record.
30.3 - Katrisa's Task: Nashfest 2024
Help Thread
Spring has both my and my husband’s birthdays. Last year was a milestone birthday for my husband and I put together a special surprise trip for him. This task is based on that.
This is a 2 book task. Choose 2 different tasks and read a book for each. No children’s (or related MPG) or graphic novels/comics allowed.
Required: Specify the options
Option 1 - SURPRISE!
I thought it would be fun to get my husband’s whole family to surprise him in Thermopolis, WY which is somewhere he used to go as a kid with his family. I managed to plan the whole thing with him having no clue. But when I told him we were actually spending the weekend in Thermopolis instead of at his parents’ house he had a full blown panic attack and that is when I found out that he does NOT like to be surprised!
Read a book with an MPG of Mental Health or Self Help.
Option 2 - Family
After the initial shock wore off we headed to Thermopolis where the rest of the family trickled in. There were 13 of us representing 3 generations.
Read a book from the first 20 pages of one of these Family Saga lists
Best Family Sagas
Family Saga Books
Required: State the list and page your book is found on.
Option 3 - Wyoming
Thermopolis is located in Hot Springs County Wyoming.
Read a book set at least 50% in Wyoming. This list may be helpful but you do not need to use a book from this list.
Books Set in Wyoming
Required: If setting is not clear from the main page please provide a reference.
Option 4 - The Venue
The main hot spring venue in Thermopolis is the Star Plunge.
Read a book where the single author’s first and last initials can be found in STAR PLUNGE. You may ignore middle initials. Letters can only be used as often as they appear.
30.4 - Susan A's Task: Consecutive Numbers
Help Thread
Pick ONE option and read two books.
Required: Specify the option
Option 1
Read two books from a single series that have consecutive whole number series numbers.
Required: state the series and series number
Example:
London Rules #5 Slough House
Joe Country #6 Slough House
Option 2
Read 2 books with consecutive number page counts.
Required: state the page count of each book.
Examples:
Taken by the Lord of the Nocturne Court - 399 pgs
You're the Problem, It's You - 400 pages
Option 3 (Complete 1 Book A and 1 Book B)
Book A: Read a book with 2 consecutive digits in the page count.
The following page counts work: 145, 201, 348
Required: state the page count
Example:
Seeing a Large Cat - 512 pages
Book B: Read a book with two consecutive digits in the year of the first published edition. The following years work: 1912, 1989, 2001, 2017.
Required: state the year first published
Example:
None of This Is True - First published July 20, 2023
30.5 - TessaVanessa’s Task: Compound Words
Help Thread
A compound word (sometimes just called a compound) is a series of two or more words that collectively form a single word.
There are three types of compound words, which differ in terms of how they are written:
An open compound word is written with spaces between the words (e.g., “high school”).
A hyphenated compound word is written with hyphens between the words (e.g., “sister-in-law”).
A closed compound word is written with no spaces or punctuation (e.g., “cheesecake”).
We are going to be using the closed compound word in this task.
You may use one book with a MPG Sequential Art, Graphic Novels, Comics, Comic Book, or Manga.
Go to this website: https://www.proofreadingservices.com/...
Choose a compound word.
Required: State the compound word and what 2 words make it up
Read 2 books.
Book 1:
Read a book with the first part of the compound word in the title/subtitle.
Book 2:
Read a book with the second part of the compound word found intact in the author’s name. Only one author needs to meet requirement if multiple authors are present.
Example:
Compound word: GOLDFISH separated into GOLD and FISH
Book 1: Darling Rose GOLD by Stephanie Wrobel
Book 2: The Wives by Tarryn FISHer
Mod
Help Thread
Wrapping up this year of tasks exploring my many book series in progress, I thought we could dive into one of the longest running series I’ve ever engaged in. With book 60, Bonded in Death, released in early February, the In Death series by J.D. Robb has kept me busy for many years.
For this task, you will pick one option and read a book A and book B from that option.
Your page count MUST exceed 500 pages (so 501) and at least one of the authors MUST BE NEW-TO-YOU.
Required: State which author is new-to-you
Option 1 – The Series
Book A: Read one of the books in the In Death series (NOTE: while each book is technically a standalone mystery, the world building continues throughout the series)
Book B: Read a book where an author uses the following format for their name – Initial.Initial. Last Name (i.e. J.D. Robb; T.L. Swan)
Option 2 – Cast of Characters
Over 60 books, the list of characters is vast. For the purpose of this task, only characters with first and last names are included, which is why Rourke is not on the list.
Required: For this option, pick one of the characters from the list below. You will use this character for both Book A and Book B.
Book A: Read a book where the author shares either first or last name with the character. Name must match spelling and position.
Book B: Read a FICTION book where the main character shares the same career/job as your chosen character. The career should be obvious from the book description.
Characters:
Lawrence Summerset – Butler or Majordomo
Delia Peabody – Police Detective
Ian McNab – Police Detective
Charlotte Mira – Psychologist
Li Morris – coroner
Ryan Feeney – Police Captain
Mavis Freestone – musician
Nadine Furst – Journalist
Louise DiMatto – Doctor
Cher Reo – Lawyer/Prosecutor
Option 3 – Titles and Series Numbering
All but one of the books in the series shares the same naming formula – BLANK In Death (book 33- New York to Dallas breaks that mold). For this option, you may pick any book in the series that is a whole number entry - with the exception of 33.
Book A: Read a book that shares the first word with your chosen edition. Words must match exactly.
For example: Indulgence in Death - A Fashionable Indulgence
Book B: Read a book in a series, where the series number entry can be found in your chosen In Death book. For the purpose of this task, series must have at least three published entries.
For example: Indulgence in Death is #31– you could read a book that is 1, 3, 13 or 31 in a series.
Required: state which series title and number you used
30.7 - Amy FL's Task: Typing Challenge
Help Thread
For this task, you will be using the QWERTY style keyboard.
Letters typed with the left hand: Q, W, E, R, T, A, S, D, F, G, Z, X, C, V, B
Letters typed with the right hand: Y, U, I, O, P, H, J, K, L, N, M
Choose an option
Required: State the option
Option 1: Two-book task
Book 1: Read a book with a word in the title (no subtitles) that can be made by using only the letters on the left side of the keyboard. The word must be at least four letters long and you only use your left hand to type it.
Required: Specify the word in your post.
Examples: free, read, great, grave
Book 2: Read a book by a single author whose name (first or last) can be made using only the right hand on the keyboard. Name must be at least four letters long.
Required: Specify the name in your post.
Examples: Phillip, Nikki, John, Hill
Option 2: Read one book with a minimum of 500 pages that satisfies both criteria in option 1.
Mod
link: Help Thread
We are going to be using the Spring Challenge Completed Task Thread. in this group for this task. You must choose a post claimed by another player. (not your own)
Books must total at least 750 pages. No books with the MPG Childrens/Middle Grade or Graphic Novels/Manga/Sequential Art may be used for this task.
Required: State the option
Option 1: Choose a task from below: A, B, OR C
Required: State the option
A. Read three different books that have been claimed in the Spring Challenge Completed Task Thread.
Required: State the Message # for each book.
B. Choose an author of a book claimed on the Spring Challenge Completed Task Thread.
Enter the authors name into this website: https://www.literature-map.com/
Read one book each for 3 different authors listed. You can use the author entered in the map as long as it is a different book.
Required: State the author and the message# of post.
C. Choose 3 books from the Spring Challenge Completed Task Thread. For each book, choose a different book from the Readers Also Enjoyed section.
Required: State each original book and the message# of post
Option 2: Read one book from each task: A, B, AND C.
For B: You must choose a different author from the one chosen from the Spring Challenge Completed Task Thread.
Required: State the books, author, and message# of the post.
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Even If It Breaks Your Heart (other topics)Martyr! (other topics)
Bringing Down the Duke (other topics)
The Eight Mountains (other topics)
Unravel Me (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Oscar Hijuelos (other topics)Peter May (other topics)
J.D. Robb (other topics)
T.L. Swan (other topics)
5.1 Spring Cleaning!
Help Thread
In the spirit of “Spring Cleaning,” read the book that has been on your current "To Be Read" list the longest. The TBR list does not have to be on Goodreads.
Required: State how long it has been on the list. It does not have to be exact, it can be an approximation.
5.2 Angel of the Battlefield
Help Thread
The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton on May 21, 1881. Barton was one of the most prominent medical volunteers in the American Civil War and helped revolutionize battlefield medicine well after it ended. She offered her help to both Union soldiers and Confederate prisoners alike. My county of residence was named in her honor (Barton)!
Read a book by an author named Clara or Barton or with the initials: CB, CC, BC, or BB. Names may be in any position.
5.3 Santa Fe Trail After All these Years
Help Thread
Between 1821 and 1880, the Santa Fe Trail stretched from Missouri to New Mexico, and passed through four U.S. states. It originally was used for settlement and as an international trade route (USA-Mexico).
The Flint Hills Trail is the eighth-longest rail-trail in America, and the longest trail in today's Kansas. It follows the general route of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail and forms a component of the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail.
Read a book whose title or series title includes a word of 4 letters or more that matches one of the words on this map: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/M...
Eligible words are listed in Post 2 of the Help Thread.
Required: State the word.
5.4 Star Wars Day
Help Thread
May 4th is Star Wars Day. Read a book with a word in the title of at least 4 letters that can be made from the phrase MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU.
Required: State the word
5.5 New Life
Help Thread
Read a book whose cover has flowers on it. Flowers may be growing in the ground, in a bouquet, or just one single flower. However, the flower(s) must be identifiable as such.
Required: Post the cover
5.6 Read the Months
Help Thread
Spring, in the Northern Hemisphere, encompasses the months of March, April and May. Read a book with one of these words in the title, subtitle, or author's name. The word can be in any position.
Possessives or plurals work, but embedded does not. Multiple authors will work as long as one of them meets the criteria.
Example: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth would work, but Maybe Someday would not.
5.7 Spring Fever
Help Thread
Read a book with a single author whose first and last initials appear in the phrase SPRING HAS SPRUNG. Letters may be used as often as they appear.
5.8 International Women's Day
Help Thread
Mar 8, 2025 is International Women's Day. Read a book by a single female author.
5.9 Memorial Day
Help Thread
Many countries have their own Memorial Days, but in the United States it is celebrated in May. Read a book with a tombstone or cemetery on the cover. These lists provide inspiration, but are not required:
Graves + Graveyards on Covers
Tombstone as the Cover
Required: Post the cover
5.10 World Book Day
On World Book Day, which is on 6th March in 2025, children are encouraged to read for pleasure. Every child in full-time education in the UK and Ireland is provided with a book voucher & special books are produced that are free with the voucher.
In honour of World Book Day, please read a book of your choice that meets the SRC guidelines