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Here are detailed explanations for each line item. If you read these and you still want clarification on any item, leave a message in the thread and I'll get back to you.

1. a book written by an author with a first, middle, or last name that matches your own

All three do not have to match, just one! So, if your last name is "Smith" find an author with the same last name. Or, if your first name is "Monica," find an author with the same first name. If you have a really unusual name or aren't comfortable with this, just go for an author with a first, middle, or last initial that matches your own.

Spelling variations are also just fine; for example, Jillian vs. Gillian or Nelson vs. Nelsen.

2. a book with a STEM theme

This is any book that covers a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) topic. This does not have to be nonfiction, but it must be based on real-life science (not magic or mystical elements). For example, something like The Martian, which is fiction, could work because it is heavily based in engineering and technology concepts, even if the story itself is made up.

3. a cozy mystery with a theme that interests you

If you are totally unfamiliar with this subgenre and what constitutes a cozy mystery, check here. I also have a post on my blog that might help.

4. a book available from Kindle First Reads for any month in the year 2020

This is one of the benefits of an Amazon Prime subscription, in that on the 1st of each month you get to pick one book free from a list. But, you don't have to have a Prime subscription for this, as you can view a list of the current month's Kindle First Reads . If one catches your interest, you can purchase it, borrow from the library or a friend, etc.

If nothing from 2020 catches your eye for this, at the bottom of the First Reads page is a link to all of the previous First Read's offerings to see if something from a past year might peek your interest.

If you re an Audible members, the free Audible Originals available each month would also work just fine for this.

5. a book that is a modern retelling of an old and familiar story

Often, this ends up being fairy tales or quests similar to the Odyssey. More info here.

6. any book recommended to you by someone under the age of 15 or over the age of 35

Ask people within either age range for book recommendations, then pick one to read.

7. a book you asked an adult to read over and over to you when you were a child

This would be like your favorite bedtime story when you were a kid.

8. a book featuring your favorite animal/creature

This can be mythological (like a dragon, unicorn, or phoenix), paranormal (like a werewolf, vampire, zombie or succubus), or real (like a cat, emu, or alpaca). Doesn't matter, as long as it's not human.

9. a book about a self-care or wellness topic

This can be as broad as you want. Anything that you personally (it doesn't matter if other people view it that way) find soothing, makes you happy, or makes you feel like you are spending quality time on yourself: yarn crafts, painting, decluttering, baking/cooking, yoga, essential oils, stamp collecting, eating healthier, collecting gemstones, sports, weight lifting, writing, etc.

10. a book about books

This can be about writing a book, a book where people in the book read books (like a book club), a book about restoring books, a book about collecting books, a book where one of the characters owns a bookstore, etc.

11. a book that has a party in it

This could be a carnival, festival, county or state fair, costume ball, wedding reception, old-fashioned fete, even a birthday party.

12. a book title or series name with one of the 5 Ws in the title

The 5 Ws are: who, what, where, when, and why. What the heck, let's toss in how.

1. a book written by an author with a first, middle, or last name that matches your own

All three do not have to match, just one! So, if your last name is "Smith" find an author with the same last name. Or, if your first name is "Monica," find an author with the same first name. If you have a really unusual name or aren't comfortable with this, just go for an author with a first, middle, or last initial that matches your own.

Is it necessary to match first name=first name, etc., or can any one of their names match any one of mine?
For example, if my name is Joyce Smith, could I read something by James Joyce for this (my first name=their last name)? Or if Faith is my middle name, could I go with a book by Faith Hunter (my middle name=their first name)?
Also, do different forms of a name count? (John, Jon, Jonathan, Johnie; Mary, Marie; Elizabeth, Liza, Lizzy, Libbet; Olson, Olsen; and so on...)

I know I've already found my pick for this prompt, but since these questions occurred to me, I thought I'd be proactive and ask for the benefit of others. :-)

ladymurmur wrote: "Is it necessary to match first name=first name, etc., or can any one of their names match any one of mine?"

Good question! Any of the names can match!

Also, spelling variations are okay, too; for example, right now I plan to read one by a Gillian even though mine is spelled Jillian. :)

4. a book available from Kindle First Reads for any month in the year 2020

If one is more into audiobooks, could an Audible Originals monthly choice for some month in 2020 work for this prompt? I realize this is leaning more towards the spirit than the letter of the prompt, but I must ask. :-)

ladymurmur wrote: "4. a book available from Kindle First Reads for any month in the year 2020

If one is more into audiobooks, could an Audible Originals monthly choice for some month in 2020 work for this prompt? I ..."

Yes, that's fine! I think the Audible Originals that you get for free each month are basically the equivalent of the eBook First Reads, anyway. And good idea, I might see about doing that instead! I made this one a part of the challenge because I really want to try to start reading more of these things I'm getting for free instead of buying new stuff all the time!

For future reference, at the bottom of the First Reads page is a link to all of the previous First Read's offerings. I spent a chunk of yesterday evening combing through them to find the one's I picked, and added them all to a shelf here in GR.

Reading more of the titles I've acquired for free is one of my 'resolutions' for the year. Especially given how many different SERIES I've managed to acquire over time, some in their entirety - for free, no less!!

ladymurmur wrote: "For future reference, at the bottom of the First Reads page is a link to all of the previous First Read's offerings. "

Well, that's convenient! I also am trying to read more of the things I'm getting for free, which is part of why I added this item to the challenge, to encourage me to do that, LOL. I know you get a bunch for free through some of your mailing lists--I love that you have basically collected entire series of books by patiently waiting for them all to become free eventually.

I updated the main post this morning with some clarifications from this thread and questions in other threads!

For "12. a book title or series name with one of the 5 Ws in the title", does the subtitle count?

For example, would these titles satisfy the prompt: Living with the Monks: What Turning Off My Phone Taught Me about Happiness, Gratitude, and Focus or Breaking Free: How I Escaped My Father-Warren Jeffs-Polygamy, and the FLDS Cult?

Absolutely! That works!