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SPRING CHALLENGE 2010
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Spring Challenge 2010 Tasks
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10 POINT TASKS10.1 - Books Really Do Grow On Trees
In honor of Arbor Day(called different things in different countries), which is celebrated in many countries (Belgium, China, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Lesotho, Netherlands, Portugal, South Korea, Uganda, United States, and Venezuela) in the spring and the fact that without trees we wouldn't have books...Read a book with a picture of a tree(s) on the cover or the word tree/trees (not a type of tree) in the title.
10.2 - Three/Four/Five
March, April, and May are the 3rd, 4th, and 5th months of the year - Read a book whose average rating is made up of the numbers 3,4, and 5 (i.e. no other number can be found in it so 3.34 is fine while 2.35 is not). (The book must have that rating when you start to read it - if the rating changes after you or other Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ members review it...i.e. if the score is higher or lower than 3.45 when you post the task it will still count.)
10.3 - The Luck Of The Irish
In Honor of St. Patrick's Day (March 17) read a book with...
A.An Author by the name of Patrick, Pat, or Patricia.
OR
B. A Main Character by the name of Patrick, Pat, or Patricia.
10.4 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
In honor of Earth Day which falls on April 22 complete one of the following options...
A. Reduce - For this option: read the only currently published book that has been written by an author (who has at least 2 published works) that you haven't read previously. For example, if you have read the entire Twilight series but haven't read The Host you could read that.
B. Reuse - For this option: read a book that you planned to read in a previous challenge but didn't get a chance to. (For this option you can not use a book that you have already started reading pre-challenge.)
C. Recycle - For this option: read a book from your personal collection and when your finished pass it on so another person can read it.
10.5 - Freedom Of The Press
In Honor of World Press Freedom Day (May 3rd)...
A. Read a novel with a main character who is a journalist.
Or
B. Read a non-fictional book written by or about a famous journalist.
10.6 - And The Oscar Goes To...
The 82nd Annual Academy Awards Ceremony will be held on March 7th...in honor of this ceremony which celebrates excellence in film read either...
A. A book that relates to one of the films nominated for this years ...(if the film was adapted from a book you may read the book it was adapted from...if it is an original story read a book that has a similar theme or plot).
Or
B. A biography/autobiography of an Academy Award winning actor, actress, or director.
10.7 - Beware the Ides of March
On March 15th in 44 BC, Julius Caesar, leader of Rome was stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, Gaius Cassius Longinus, Decimus Junius Brutus and several other Roman senators...Read a book of True Crime. Ex. The Darkest Night: The Murder of Innocence in a Small Town
10.8 - "I could have gone on flying through space forever."
On April 12, 1961 Yuri Gagarin became the first human in outer space and the first to orbit the Earth. In honor of this event in history...Read a novel featuring space exploration/travel/astronauts (Ex. 2001: A Space Odyssey) a non-fiction book about space/astronomy (Ex. Astronomy: A Beginner's Guide to the Universe), OR a biography/autobiography/memoir of an astronaut (Ex. Sky Walking: An Astronaut's Memoir).
10.9 - "A lovely horse is always an experience.... It is an emotional experience of the kind that is spoiled by words."
In honor of the Kentucky Derby (May 1st)...Read a book with the word Horse or Horses in the title OR a book that features Horses in the storyline. (I hope you will find that the words in the book you choose for this task enhance rather than ruin the experience.)
Ex. All the Pretty Horses OR Belong to Me:: Stories
10.10 - "Fashions fade - style is eternal."
Many of the world's most famous fashion designer's have spring birthdays including...Jean-Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Valentino, Guccio Gucci, Donatella Versace, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Oleg Cassini, Liz Claiborne, Perry Ellis, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, and Bob Mackie...In honor of them read a book (fiction or non-fiction) that has a type of clothing or accessory in the title (shirt, pants, shoes etc.)
Ex. Al Capone Does My Shirts or The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment That Transformed Their Lives
15 POINT TASKS15.1 - Independently Speaking
The following countries celebrate their independence in the spring...Bosnia and Herzegovina (March 1), Ghana (March 6), Mauritius (March 12), Tunisia (March 20), Namibia (March 21), Greece (March 25), Bangladesh (March 26), Zimbabwe (April 18), Ireland (Easter Monday), Sierra Leone (April 27), Togo (April 27), Netherlands (May 5), Romania (May 9), Israel (May 14), Paraguay (May 15), Norway (May 17), Cuba (May 20), East Timor (May 20), Montenegro (May 21), Eritrea (May 24), Jordan (May 25), Guyana (May 26), Georgia (May 26 and April 9) and South Africa (May 31). In honor of their independence days...
A.Read a fictional book set in one of those countries or a non-fiction book about one of those countries.
AND
B.Read a book written by an author from one of those countries.
Different countries must be used for each part of the task.
15.2 - Anzac Day
In Honor of Anzac Day which is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on April 25th every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I let's read...
A. A novel that takes place in Australia or New Zealand, written by an author from one of those countries, or a non-fictional book about one of the two countries.
AND
B. A novel or non-fictional account of World War I.
15.3 - At Least Once In A Lifetime
For this task read a book found on page 3, 4, or 5 of the following list: Books That Everyone Should Read At Least Once. When posting this task explain why the book you read should or should not be on that list & what book you think should be at the top of the list.
15.4 - "These gems have life in them: their colors speak, Say what words fail of."
The birthstones for Spring are: March (Aquamarine, Bloodstone which mean Courage), April (Diamond, White Sapphire which mean Innocence), and May (Emerald which means Love or Success). For this task: Read a book with one of the birthstones in the title AND another book with it's corresponding meaning.
Ex.
Aquamarine or The Bloodstone Chronicles & The Red Badge of Courage
The Diamond Throne or Cat in a Sapphire Slipper (I'll accept just sapphire instead of white sapphire) & The Age of Innocence
The Deception of the Emerald Ring & Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia or The Success Principles(TM): How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
15.5 - "A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom."
April is National Poetry Month. For this task read a collection of poetry (Must be at least 75 pages). When posting this write and share with the group an original .
15.6 - Friends and Friends of Friends
A.For the first part of this task read a book that is popular among the lists of your Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ friends that you have never read...to see a list of these books click on this link Popular Books
AND
B.For the second part of this task click on this link (Friends Of Friends) and select the first person on this list and read a 5 star book from their list.
15.7 - Beware The Seven Deadly Sins
Read a book with one of The Seven Deadly Sins in the title: wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony. When you post this task you also need to state if/how your book related to the sin that was in the title and why you think that particular sin is so deadly.
You may also use the word sin and deviations of the word sin.If you choose to go that route you would need to explain in your post what specific sins were represented in the book and why you think they are sinful.
Ex. The Grapes of Wrath, Greed, Lust and Gender: A History of Economic Ideas, Sloth: The Seven Deadly Sins, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss, Envy the Night, Gluttony: More is More, Cerulean Sins.
15.8 - "A beautiful thing never gives so much pain as does failing to hear and see it."
In honor of Michelangelo, famous Italian artist (March 6, 1475 - February 18, 1564)...Read a Fictional or Non-Fictional book about or featuring your favorite artist
Ex.Sunflowers OR Mary Cassatt
When you post this task please tell us why the artist is your favorite and which of their works you enjoy the most.
15.9 - What's in a name?
In honor of Charlotte Brontë (April 21, 1816 � March 31, 1855) who wrote under the pen name Currer Bell...Read a novel published under a pseudonym or pen name. When posting this task - create and share a pen name that you might use if you were a writer. Explain why you would choose that name.
15.10 - "Face the facts of being what you are, for that is what changes what you are."
In Honor of Søren Kierkegaard (May 5, 1813 � November 11, 1855) a Danish Philosopher...Read a book whose title relates to your personal philosophy OR a book written by a philosopher whose ideas you identify with. When posting this task share your personal philosophy of life.
20 POINT TASKS20.1 - The Most Improved Player - Cindy AL - April Fool
April Fool...read three 1000+ page books and write reviews of each without using your computer...April Fool! Read a humorous book of any type and write a short review.
20.2 - Rookie Of The Season - Valorie - Clean Sweep
A. Read a fiction book with a character that cleans or organizes in some capacity.
Or
B. Read a non-fiction book that helps you get a jump start on cleaning or organizing your home.
20.3 - Best Review Contest - Amy MO - Mental Health
National Mental Health Month is celebrated during the spring challenge. Today, an estimated 450 million people globally suffer from mental illness. To honor those who live with a mental illness, read one of the following...
A. A fiction book with a main character with a mental health disorder (depression, schizophrenia, anxiety or phobia, eating disorder, personality disorder, etc). The mental health disorder does NOT have to be a diagnosed condition in order to count for the challenge. The character just needs to have a clear mental health disorder that can easily be identified by the reader.
OR
B. A non-fiction book about a mental health issue/disorder (or it can be about a variety of mental health disorders). This can be a 'self-help' type book or a memoir/biography/autobiography that specifically relates to a mental health disorder(s).
When you post, tell us what mental health disorder your book featured and what you learned about that particular mental health disorder from reading the book.
20.4 - Always The Bridesmaid, Never The Bride - Heidi - Our Histories
On Monday 1st March I started a new job as City Archivist of Wolverhampton, England. This involves helping people research their family history and/or the history of their local area. For this task I'm hoping to inspire you to visit your local archive! Read two of the following:
A. A non-fiction book about researching family history.
B. A fictional "family saga" book.
C. A fictional book about your local area or region.
D. A non-fiction book about the history of your local area.
20.5 - Just Joined In - Melaine - Read Across America (and the rest of the world)
In honor of Read Across America Day 2010, which falls on Dr. Suess's birthday, read any book(s)from one of the NEA's booklists and/or by Dr. Seuss, for a total of at least 500 pages.
Booklists can be found here:
20.6 - Supporting Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Authors - Bridgit - Favorite Series
Read a book from your favorite series.
Please summarize the overall series in 2-3 sentences so that everyone can decide if they want to start a new series.
20.7 - I Like Big Books And I Cannot Lie - Potjy - Time To Declutter
Find a thing in your house/room that should be thrown/given/swapped away, and read a book that related in any way to that object. Just explain how you connect them when you post the task.
Example: I let a big box of cassette tapes sitting around in my room for a decade, so I can read The Song Reader (about music and song), The Hotel New Hampshire (published in 1981, the heyday of cassette tapes), The Friday Night Knitting Club (I think the tape should be reused as handicraft material), or any book in audio format.
(If you are a totally tidy person, you can use things you already threw away. And the real throwing is encouraged, but not required.)
20.8 - Happy Birthday To You Rachel Lee (March 24th)! - A Magical Birthday
Harry Houdini and I share the same birthday (March 24th)- To celebrate the birthday of this famous magician and escapologist, read a book or two (must be at least 500 pages) where magic, a magician, or an escape is a prominent feature.
Ex: The Magicians by Lev Grossman, Harry Potter, Shawshank Redemption
20.9 - Luck Of The Draw - Rebecca - A Really Cheesy Task
April is National Grilled Cheese month. In honor of this unusual day, select a book that has either the word cheese or a type of cheese in the title: blue, cottage, cream, swiss, etc.
20.10 - Group Reads
Read One Of The Following Group Read Selections And Make At Least One Post In The Discussion Thread.
A. Historical - The Historian
B. Censored - The Golden Compass
C. Favorite Author - The Handmaid's Tale
25 POINT TASKS25.1 - Michelleo's Task - Future Aspirations
Think of something you really want to have in the future and read a book with that thing on the cover. For example, if you want to buy a house someday, then read a book with a house on the cover. If you really want children, read a book with children on the cover. If you're planning to start a garden, read a book with flowers or vegetables on the cover.
When posting the book tell us what you want and why.
25.2 - Stephanie Anne's Task - Fabulous firsts or superior seconds?
The debut novel and the second published novel often garner much attention by critics, particularly for authors who gain a great deal of notoriety for their first books. Now you be the critic. Choose an author and read his/her first and second books published. When you post your completed task, state which book you preferred and why.
25.3 - Coralie's Task - Coming Out Of Hibernation
Attend a live sporting event or musical or drama event and read a book that is somehow connected to the event. I don't care how major or minor the event is as long as it is outside your home and involves a live performance.
For example, if I attend the soccer game between Melbourne Victory (my local team) and Seong Nam (from Korea), I could read a book about soccer, with Victory in the title, set in Korea or set in the docklands of Melbourne where the game is being played.
25.4 - Diane's Task - The Name Game
A. Read a book written by an author that shares your first, middle, OR last name. (My name is Diane Joyce Phillips. I might choose a book by Diane Setterfield, Joyce Carol Oates, James Joyce, or Susan Elizabeth Phillips). Spelling variations are acceptable (i.e. Dianne instead of Diane) as are name shortenings (i.e. Sue for Susan).
OR
B. Read a book from an author who shares a name created with a random name generator. Go to . Select gender(s) of choice. Set obscurity factor to 3, 4, or 5 (or if you really want a challenge, try 34, 35, 43, or 45!). Pick an author who shares either a first or last name with the 3rd, 4th, or 5th generated name on your list.
AND
C. Read a book with a character’s name in the title (i.e. Sarah’s Key or Dear John. Not acceptable: Breaking Dawn, since there isn’t a character named Dawn in the book).
25.5 - Leora's Task - Spring Cleaning
For this task you must read at least 850 pages from your TBR pile. You may not use any new purchases for this task!' (If you don't have enough pages in the books that you own in your TBR pile you may use library books or free ebooks).
25.6 - BJ Rose's Task - This Day In History
Go to this website:
Scroll to your birth month and click on the day of your birth
A. Read a book about an event that took place on that day in history (other than births or deaths), or a book about the topic of that event. For Part A, events must be prior to 1950
AND
B. Read a contemporary book (1950 to present) that takes place in the same area of the world as Book A, OR covers the same topic as Book A
C. When posting, include the event you chose from the website, along with the books you read.
(Example 1: On May 31: 1889 Johnstown Flood: Over 2,200 people die after a dam break sends a 60 ft. (18-meter) wall of water over the town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
So you could read a book about the Johnstown Flood for Part A, and one about the dams/levees giving way & flooding New Orleans after Katrina for Part B.
(Example 2: On May 31: 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great) (19th dynasty) becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. For Part A you could read a book about Ramses II, about pharaohs, or about Ancient Egypt in general, such as "Ramesses:Egypt's Greatest Pharaoh","The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt" or The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt AND for Part B something like "The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit" or "The Places In-Between"
25.7 - Ashley FL's Task - The Gods Must Be Crazy
Read a book involving Greek and/or Roman gods. May be non-fiction or fiction. Half-blood Gods are fine.
Ex. Gods Behaving Badly: A Novel or Oh My Gods!: A Look-it-Up Guide to the Gods of Mythology
25.8 - Helen's Task - Talk to the Animals
In honor of our animal friends, read two books (fiction or non-fiction):
A. A book narrated by or written in the voice of an animal Ex: The Art of Racing in the Rain
AND
B. A book demonstrating the relationship between owners and pets Ex: Marley and Me or Dewey
25.9 - Wendy's Task - Spring Break
Read a book written by an author who was popular when you were in high school or college. For example I could read Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Ursula Le Guin, Lloyd Alexander, Norman Mailer, or Tom Wolff for the years (1965-1972).
25.10 Melissa GA's Task - Deja Vu
A. Read an original work of fiction, 100 pages or longer...
AND
B. Read a published book of 100 pages or more that is based on the first book but written by a different author. The second book may be a sequel, a prequel, a re-telling, or featuring characters from the original work.
C. When claiming points for this task, tell us whether the second author's work lives up to the original.
Examples:
- Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (original work) and Scarlett by Alexandra Ripley (sequel by a different author)
- A Nero Wolfe novel by Rex Stout (original work) and a Nero Wolfe novel by Robert Goldsborough (same character, different author)
30.1 - Roseann's Task - Spring FlingA.Read a book with the word Spring in the title.
And
B. Read a book with "Fling, Throw, or Toss" in the title.
30.2 - Cheryl TX's Task - A Texas-Sized Task
A. Read one book from 2009-2010 OR the 2010-2011
AND
B. Read one book from this year's
Each book must be at least 100 pages or can be combined in a category to make 100 pages.
30.3 - Ms. Anderson's Task - Birth and Renewal
A. Read a book first published in 2010. The book may be part of a series; however, it must be the FIRST BOOK in the series. Stand-alone books are fine.
Ex: Truly, Madly or Alice I Have Been
B. Read a book (again, any genre is fine) with the prefix "re-" in the title or subtitle.
Ex: Rewind or Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
30.4 - DLM Rose's Task - One if by Land, Two if by Sea
Paul Revere’s ride took place on April 18-19, 1775.
To commemorate his ride read two books:
A. One book with a natural landform or land feature in the title- mountain, valley, plain, volcano, cliff, cave, cape, canyon etc.
And
B. One book with a natural body of water in the title: ocean, pond, lake, stream, river, bay, fjord, etc.
30.5 - PJ Reads' Task - As Suggested By Tanja - Six Degrees of Separation
In honor of Six Degrees of Separation (play premiered on May 16, 1990) and Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon (headlined on April 7, 1994, do the following:
A. Read any book off your TBR
AND
B. Read a book that the author is at a maximum of six degrees of separation from the author in Part A. In your post for this task you must explain the connection in order to get credit.
For example:
A. The Black Swan by Mercedes Lackey
B. Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Mercedes Lackey submitted her first story to 'Sword and Sorceress', a fantasy magazine which MZB was its longest editor. That's one degree of separation.
30.6 - Donna Jo's Task - As Suggested By Liz Brooklyn - Character References
A. For this task you need to read a book (fiction or non-fiction) AND A book or book written by an author that the first book references.
For example, in The Moonstone one of the characters refers to Robinson Crusoe, in The Inheritance of Loss two characters discuss V. S. Naipaul's novels, and in Northanger Abbey the protagonist is reading The Mysteries of Udolpho.
50 POINT MIDWAY TASK - MS ANDERSON - LUCK BE A LADY
Ah, Atlantic City. Known for its (surprisingly) clean public beaches, historic boardwalk, and, of course, the casinos. Because the tourists start arriving as soon as the weather warms up in the spring, it makes the perfect setting for the midway task!
For this, you either need a die or to go to for your roll. The numbers you roll (first die, then second die) will let you know what genre of book you will read. You will read two books total for this task.
1. Roll the die once. The number you roll corresponds to one of these genres:
1 = Fantasy or Science Fiction
2 = Graphic Novel
3 = Romance (love story or bodice-ripper)
4 = Play
5 = Poetry (75pgs or more)
6 = Mystery or Thriller
2. Roll again for the second genre:
1 = Pre-20th century literature
2 = Nonfiction
3 = Biography or Autobiography
4 = 20th or 21st century literature
5 = Historical Fiction
6 = Short Story Collection
3. Add the values of the numbers you rolled for the supplement to your reading:
2 = Snake Eyes! Both your books must be over 300 pages!
3 = Borrow at one of your books from the library
4 = One of your books must be written by a foreign-born author
5 = One of your books must be a 5-star book from someone's list
6 = Both books must have some sort of connection (like the "Six Degrees" task)
7 = Lucky Sevens! Toss out the genres and read whatever you'd like!
8 = One of your books must have won an award
9 = Write a review of one of your books for us
10 = One of your books must be by a GoodReads author
11 = One of your books must be written for children or young adults
12 = Big Spender! Reroll one die for a new genre, but don't worry about doing the supplement for your new sum!
When you post, tell us both numbers you rolled, the genres you had to read, the sum of your rolls, and anything related to your supplement (ex. post your review, say whose 5-star book you read, tell us you got to read whatever you wanted, etc.).
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Moonstone (other topics)Robinson Crusoe (other topics)
Northanger Abbey (other topics)
The Inheritance of Loss (other topics)
The Mysteries of Udolpho (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
V.S. Naipaul (other topics)Ursula K. Le Guin (other topics)
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (other topics)
Lloyd Alexander (other topics)
Norman Mailer (other topics)
More...
5 POINT TASKS
5.1 - All About The Birds And The Bees
A. Read a book with a type of bird in the title...Ex. The Swan Thieves or Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process
OR
B. Read a book with a type of insect in the title...Ex. The Secret Life of Bees or The Butterfly Garden: Surviving Childhood on the Run with One of Americas Most Wanted
5.2 - "A book is like a garden carried in the pocket."
When I think of spring I think of flowers and when I think of flowers I think of gardens...For this task read a novel featuring gardens (Ex. The Secret Garden) OR a gardener (Ex. Gardener to the King) OR a non-fiction book about gardening (Ex. The Vegetable Gardener's Bible)
5.3 - S.P.R.I.N.G
For this task read a book written by an author whose initials are found in the word Spring. (Initials must be sequential i.e. SP, PR, RI, IN, NG, GS not PG)
Ex. Sara Paretsky, Phyllis Richman, Robert Inman, Irène Némirovsky, Neil Gaiman, or Gerald Seymour
5.4 - In The News
For this task, read a book mentioned in a former or current Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Newsletter.
NEWSLETTERS
5.5 - "Whatever is popular deserves attention."
Using the following link (Popular Books) read a popular book that was published in a year ending in 3/4/5.
5.6 - May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
To celebrate this month read a novel that takes place in a Asian/Pacific county, that features an Asian/Pacific American character, or written by an Asian/Pacific American author.
5.7 - March is Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
To celebrate this month read a book featuring a character with mental retardation or a developmental disorder (i.e. Autism, Down Syndrome etc.), or a non-fiction book that relates to one of the disorders.
Ex.The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time or The Short Bus: A Journey Beyond Normal
5.8 -“Mr. Watson, Come Here, I Want To See You.�
In Honor of Scottish-Canadian inventor - Alexander Graham Bell (March 3, 1847 � August 2, 1922) most famous for his invention of the telephone...Read a book with one of the following words in the title (Phone, Telephone, Cell, Cellular, Call, Calling, Called, Communicate, Communication, Conversation, Talk, Talking, Talked...similar words may be acceptable check with me).
5.9 - “I think even lying on my bed I can still do something.�
In honor of Dorothea Dix (April 4, 1802 � July 17, 1887), an American activist on behalf of the indigent insane whose quote inspired this task...Spend a day in bed reading the book of your choice.
5.10 - "The important thing is not what they think of me, but what I think of them."
In honor of Queen Victoria, the longest reigning British Monarch, read a book written by an author who lived during her lifetime (May 24, 1819 � January 22, 1901).