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SUMMER CHALLENGE 2020
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Summer Challenge 2020: Tasks
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10.1 - OK Boomer
Help Thread
June 1 is Baby Boomer Recognition Day
Baby boomer is a term used to describe a person who was born between 1946 and 1964.
Read a book written by a single author who was born between 1946 and 1964 inclusive.
This list might help
REQUIRED: If the author's birthdate is not stated on their ŷ profile, include a reference LINK that states the author's birthdate when you post.
10.2 - “A Boy's Best Friend Is His Mother.�
Help Thread
The film premiered June 16, 1960. Read a book with a main page genre Horror or Thriller. The genre may be standalone or embedded.
10.3 - This is CNN.
Help Thread
On June 1, 1980 The Cable News Network, TV's first all-news service, went on the air.
Read a NONFICTION book that includes the letters CNN, at least one C and two Ns, in the title and/or subtitle.
10.4 - Ready For A Closeup
Help Thread
Read a book with a central character or subject who is a professional actor or actress. Actor biographies and memoirs work.
These lists may help Romance with Actors, Actresses, Acting
Hollywood Historical Fiction
Golden Hollywood Memoir
Required: If it is not evident include a reference to establish how the book fits the task.
10.5 - From A to Z
Help Thread
July 16 is the 25th anniversary of amazon.com an online bookstore founded by Jeff Bezos.
Read a book with an A and Z in the title, subtitle and/or author’s name. One qualifying author in a book with multiple contributors works.
10.6 - Get Counted
Help Thread
The United State Census was established August 1, 1790. The first United States census revealed that there were 3,939,326 citizens in the 16 states and the Ohio Territory. The US has taken a census every 10 years since 1790. Read a book that has a number of pages that can be found in 3,939,326 and/or 16 and/or 17 (Ohio, the 17th state) . Numbers may only be used as often as they appear in 39393261617.
10.7 - What Angels Eat
Help Thread
July is National Watermelon Month. "It is the chief of this world's luxuries, king by the grace of God over all the fruits of the earth. When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat. - Pudd'nHead Wilson, Mark Twain
Read a book set at least 50% in one of these top producing watermelon locations: China, Turkey, Iran, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Algeria, Spain, Greece, Italy, in the United States- Texas, Florida, Georgia, California.
Required: If the setting is not evident include a reference to establish how the book fits the task.
10.8 - Go Your Own Way
Help Thread
The Sundance Film Festival is the largest independent film festival in the United States. Awards are presented in competitive categories. Celebrate these independent creators and independent book stores.
Read a book from a list found at . New 2020 lists posted during the challenge may be used.
Required: Include a LINK to the list you used and if using a Book Group list identify the category.
10.9 - Turn It Up
Help Thread
Roll down the windows, turn up the radio and sing your heart out!
Pick one song from this list of
Using that song, read a book with title of at least 3 words where the first letter of every title word appears in the song title. Subtitle are excluded. The ' may be used. 6 and 9 must be used as numbers. Spaces determine words.
Summer of '69- Summer of '69 first letters = SO'
Required: State the song.
10.10 - "You Like Me, You Really Like Me"
Help Thread
Sally Field won an Oscar in 1984 for her performance in Places in the Heart. Her misremembered acceptance speech has become a meme. ŷ users rate books with "I liked it" (3*) or "I really liked it" (4*).
Read a book with an average rating of at least 3.5.
Mod
15.1 - Moms and Dads
Help thread
Read two books:
Book 1. Read a book by a female author that was first published during your mother's lifetime, but not your own.
Example: my mother was born in 1933 and I was born in 1953, so I would read a book by a female author first published in 1933-1952.
AND
Book 2. Read a book written by a male author, first published during your father's lifetime, but not your own.
You need not state the exact years if you don't want to, but you must state in your post that the book was first published during your mother's/father's lifetime and before you were born.
15.2 - The BAFTAs
Help Thread
The BAFTAs (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) are the British awards for movies.
Book 1 � read a book where the author's name matches the name of the winner (name highlighted in blue) of the BAFTA for male leading actor (any year).
AND
Book 2 - Read a book where the author's name matches the name of the winner (name highlighted in blue) of the BAFTA for female leading actress (any year)
Names can be in any position, and genders need not match, but the names must match EXACTLY. Diacritical and accent marks may be ignored.
15.3 - Ford v. Ferrari
Help Thread
Ford v. Ferrari was nominated for a number of Oscars, and won Oscars for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Editing.
Option 1:
Book 1 -Read a book with all the letters of "Ferrari" found in its title/subtitle.
AND
Book 2 � Read a book with all the letters of "Ford" found in its author's name.
OR
Option 2 � Read one book that fits both requirements for option 1.
15.4 - A Record Setting Leading Performer
Help Thread
Katherine Hepburn set a record setting (for any gender) four Academy Awards for leading performance, along with eight additional nominations.
Option 1:
Book 1 - read a book with a word in the title/subtitle that matches a word from . Only the names of films can be used - not plays in which she performed. The word must be at least 3 letters, and the words "the" and "and" cannot be used. Words must match exactly.
AND
Book 2 - read a book written by a female author.
Option 2:
Read 1 book that satisfies the requirements for both books 1 and 2 of option 1.
15.5 - Again, Really?
Help Thread
Sequels are a staple of the movie industry. Read a book in a series with a whole number greater than 1, in which you’ve already read book 1 before May 15.
REQUIRED: In your post, state the date on which you read book 1 in the series
15.6. The Red Carpet.
Help Thread
Read a book with something red on the cover.
REQUIRED: In your post, include the cover and specify the "something red."
15.7 - Hurricane season is here again!
Help Thread
Read a book whose author's name matches the name of a 2020 Atlantic or Pacific hurricane name.
or .
Names can be in any position, and genders need not match, but the names must match EXACTLY.
15.8 - Parasite
Help Thread
Parasite won four awards at the 2020 Academy Awards and was the first film not in English to win Best Picture. The film also won numerous other awards.
Read a book set in South Korea or with an author born in South Korea. If the book is set before 1945 (when North and South Korea were divided), a setting in Korea works, regardless of what part of Korea.
REQUIRED: If the setting or author birthplace is not apparent from the GR description, metadata or author biography, include in your post a link establishing this information.
15.9 - Facts Matter!
Help Thread
Since we'll likely spend a lot of time at home this summer, let's get ready for a game of Trivial Pursuit.
Trivial Pursuit is all about facts, trivial though they may be. Read a nonfiction book with one of the original trivial pursuit genres listed on its main page - geography, entertainment, history, arts or literature, science or nature, sports or leisure.
15.10 - Let's Travel (Through Books)!
Help Thread
Looks as if we'll be doing most of our travelling vicariously this summer. Read a book from one of these lists: Favourite Travel Books or Best Traveling Vicariously.
REQUIRED: Include in your post the name of the list and the page number on which your book is found.
Mod
20.1 - Most Improved Player - Jen B - The One With All the Books
Help Thread
Being quarantined has been good for some things -- like reading, or binge-watching TV. As a college student and young adult in the 1990s & early 2000s, Friends was a favorite, and it’s still binge-worthy even 26 years after it first premiered.
In honor of some of the Friends� funniest moments, choose your favorite Friend below to complete this task.
This is a one book task. REQUIRED: In your post, specify which option you used.
Option 1: Rachel
In Season 7, Rachel Green and Chandler become obsessed with cheesecakes that a local bakery accidentally delivers to their apartments. In one memorable moment, they fight over the cheesecake and end up accidentally dropping it on the floor. Undeterred, they get out their forks and eat it in the middle of the hallway.
Read a book with a cake on the cover
The cake can be whole or a slice, but it should obviously be cake and not a cupcake. No cookbooks.
REQUIRED: Include the cover in your post.
This list may help
Cake
Option 2: Monica
Monica Geller is annoyingly (and hilariously) competitive, and never backs down from a challenge. One of Monica’s more memorable competitive moments comes when she challenges Chandler and Joey to a trivia contest and ends up losing her apartment. Ooops.
Read a book (fiction or nonfiction) with a competition as a central focus. A competition must have a defined set of rules and a winner.
REQUIRED: In your post, explain how your book fits the task
This list may help
Competition Books.
Option 3: Phoebe
Some of Phoebe Buffay’s most memorable moments revolve around her music career that never quite gets off the ground, mainly because she doesn't realize how bad she is. Though she never plays a stage bigger than Central Perk, she creates a catchy song called "Smelly Cat," which appears throughout various seasons of the show.
Read a book with a title of three or more words whose initials can be found in SMELLYCAT
Option 4: Ross
One of Ross Geller's most memorable and hilarious moments comes when he, Rachel, and Chandler try to move a sofa up a narrow flight of stairs. Despite the fact that he makes a detailed sketch of how they should go about moving it, Ross ultimately resorts to yelling, "Pivot! Pivot! Pivot!" until the couch gets stuck.
Read a book by an author whose initials can be found in the word PIVOT (middle initials can be ignored)
Option 5: Joey
Joey Tribbiani has an interesting way of getting mad at his roommate and best friend Chandler. In one memorable episode, he puts on all of Chandler’s clothes...then reveals that he is “Going Commando� (aka sans underpants)
Read a book whose title has a word of at least three letters that can be made from the letters in GOINGCOMMANDO
Option 6: Chandler
Throughout the seasons, the friends love to mimic funny guy Chandler Bing’s catch phrase, “Could I BE any more…� (with special emphasis on the “BE.�)
Read a book with the letters BE intact in the title, not subtitle. Letters can appear in any word, but they must appear in that order.
20.2 - ROOKIE AT THE TOP � Ciprian's task: Mindfulness
Help Thread
In a world haunted by increasingly invisible enemies, from nuclear threat in the past, terrorism in recent years to the present day pandemic, keeping ourselves in balance by controlling our stress level and focusing our attention on what is under our control becomes paramount. Mindfulness is one of the tools we can use to achieve and maintain this balance.
For this challenge, think about mindful activities you could do, by exploring a new hobby, by discovering new perspectives from a throught-provoking movie or by trying out new experiences.
This is a one book task. Choose one option and read a book that meets the criteria of that option.
REQUIRED: State the option that you used.
Option 1. I do woodworking on weekends and find it to be a very mindful hobby for me. Since I started this hobby I have built stools, chairs, armchairs, benches, tables, hangers, shoe racks, and am currently working on my first cabinet.
Read a book that has one or more stools, chairs, armchairs, benches, tables, hangers, shoe racks or cabinets on the cover.
REQUIRED: Include the cover when you post.
OPTIONAL: Tell us one hobby you have or would like to have that could help you practice mindfulness.
Option 2. I love driving. The feeling of constant movement, change and the clear sense of direction and control provide me with a lot of positive and relaxing energy that always helps me be mindful.
Read a book from this list: Road Trip Books.
REQUIRED: State the page of the list on which your book is found.
Option 3. Finding a movie that perfectly represents a book I read and loved is a rare but very satisfying experience. One such book which gave me a lot to think about for weeks after finishing it was Solaris by Stanisław Lem. When it was brought to the big screens in 2002 I was dying to see it and seeing it gave me another couple of weeks of mindful thoughts and ideas.
Read a book (A) first published in 2002 or (b)having the author's first and last initials in SOLARIS.
REQUIRED: State which alternative you chose.
20.3 - BEST REVIEW CONTEST –Joanne MI’s Task: Saturday Matinee
Help Thread
When I was a kid my mother would send my sisters and me off to the Saturday Matinee. 50 cents got you admission to a double feature, popcorn and a soda. The theatre was located next to the library, so the day also included a stop there. I loved Saturday!
This is a one book task. Choose one of the following options. REQUIRED: State in your task which option you used.
Option 1- Because it was a Matinee, most Saturdays the movies that ran were kid friendly.
Read a book from one of the following lists. Choose carefully, some of the books on the lists will not meet SRC requirements.
REQUIRED: When posting, state which list you used and what page your book was found on.
Books Turned Into Disney Movies
Kid Lit: films and T.V. series adaptation
Option 2 - Some Saturdays I would have rather sat in the Library. These were the times when the movie was scary.
Read a book with the MPG of Horror.
Option 3 - I saw my first James Bond film on one of these Saturday outings. Read a book with a MPG of Espionage or Thriller.
Option 4 - My sisters and I spent every Saturday at The Ramona Theatre and The Ben Franklin Library.
Read a book with a title of at least 3 words where every initial letter in the title can be found in The Ben Franklin Library AND whose authors� initials can be found in The Ramona Theatre. Letters may only be used as often as they appear in the target phrase.
20.4 - Golden Oldies - Shawn H's Task: A Few of My Favorite Things
Help thread
2020 has been a year unlike any other. In recent months I have found myself spending more time each day in reflection. During this time of reflection, I continually think back to things I have truly enjoyed. This task is set around a few of those things. REQUIRED: Indicate in your post which option you used.
No books with an MPG of children or kids may be used for this task.
Option 1: My grandpop is/was my hero and always gave the best advice. Other times, he would listen intently, say nothing, but give the most reassuring hugs. During these crazy times, I have often wondered what kind of conversations we would have. I miss him terribly, but find joy in all our memories. He was born in 1938.
In honor of him, read a book first published in 1938 or earlier.
Option 2: My favorite book is The Sun Also Rises by my favorite author Ernest Hemingway. Sometimes it's nice to revisit an old friend.
In recognition of my favorite book and author, read a book by Ernest Hemingway or by an author whose first and last initials can be found in ERNEST HEMINGWAY.
Option 3: During the late spring and summer months, I always enjoy listening to baseball broadcasts on the radio. I often do this while driving in the car, at work, or even while doing work around the house. So far this year, I have missed the background noise of a baseball game.
For this option, read a book with an MPG of baseball. It can be stand alone or embedded.
Option 4: Finally, I have found some of my most joyous times reading have been while reading a series of books. My favorites include Harry Potter, The Lord of Rings, and The Chronicles of Narnia. Most recently I have been reading the James Bond original series (only 1 more book to go).
For this option, start a new series. The series can be of any length, but your book must be in a series that is new to you and is the first in the series.
REQUIRED: State in your post that this series is new to you.
Mod
20.5 - Bigger is Better - MegSCL's Task: Cover Tropes
Help Thread
I thought I'd follow up on my previous "Title tropes" task, with one about cover tropes that keep appearing. You know how when you see the cover of a book, you usually just know what genre it is?
REQUIRED: State which option you chose. For all options, include the cover in your post
Option 1: Back to the History
For some reason historical fiction covers always seem to feature people with their back to you. Read a book with the main page genre Historical Fiction (embedded is OK) and one or more people facing away from you on the cover. All persons depicted on the cover must have their back to you.
Examples:
Option 2: Meet cute
The latest cute romances have a certain style: bright colours and cartoon people. Read a book with the main page genre Romance (embedded is OK) and exactly two people on the cover. The cover background must be a bright colour (no black, white, brown or grey) and the people must be illustrated; no photo-realistic images.
Examples:
Option 3: Simple and serious
Popular nonfiction seems to be going for a clean and simple look. Read a book with main page genre nonfiction (embedded is ok) and a white (or off-white, beige, grey) cover that has only a single object/image depicted, or no image (only words).
Examples:
20.6 - Seasoned Reader - Sunshine's Task: Springfield!
Help Thread
The Simpsons aired its first episode on December 17, 1989 and is set in a fictional city of Springfield. In 2007, a contest was held to find out which Springfield would host the movie premier for The Simpsons Movie. My hometown of Springfield, Vermont became the official town of The Simpsons!
You can watch our video submission
This is a one book task. REQUIRED: Identify the option you choose when you post.
In honor of the show airing 31 seasons, your book must be at least 310 Pages
Option 1: Springfield, Vermont won the contest with 15,367 votes. Read a book with over 15,000 ŷ ratings. (15,001 or higher)
Option 2: The Simpsons Movie world-premiered on July 27, 2007. Read a book originally published in 2007.
Option 3: There are 23 states with a town/city named Springfield. Out of that, 14 towns entered the contest. The top 3 were Springfield, Vermont, Springfield, Illinois, and Springfield, Oregon.
Read a book that takes place at least 50% in Vermont, Illinois or Oregon.
If the setting is not obvious from the book's description or metadata, provide a link to a reference establishing the setting when you post.
20.7 - SHORTER IS SWEETER � Cindie’s Task � Small is a State of Mind
Help Thread
My husband is from California, so when he moved to New Jersey to be with me, he thought it funny we talked about “North Jersey� and “South Jersey.� He said, “You can drive the length of the state in 2 and a half hours!� (He drives fast.) New Jersey may be smaller than California, but it is big in spirit! In honor of my home state, choose one of the following options and read a book that fits the task.
This is a one book task. REQUIRED: State the option you choose when you post.
Option 1: What exit?
Everyone knows the stereotype that everyone in New Jersey lives near a numbered exit on the New Jersey Turnpike. While that is not entirely true, it is true of me. I grew up off exit 5. For this option, read a book that has its number of pages listed as ending with a 5. Please keep in mind the page number rules for ebooks and audiobooks.
Option 2: Down the Shore
One of the great pleasures of New Jersey is visiting the Jersey Shore, or going “down the shore.� Read a book from the list Down by the Sea. REQUIRED: State the page on which your book appears.
Option 3: Jersey Girls are Forever
I have lived in other states, but at heart I will always be a Jersey Girl, born and raised. Read a book by a single author who is a woman and was born in New Jersey. If the ŷ biography does not include place of birth, include a link to verify that the author was born in New Jersey.
Mod
Help Thread
Lots of staying at home with family means more board games! One of our new favorites, ‘Codenames�, involves thinking of a code word which links a group of unrelated words.
For this task, read one book with a title (subtitles excluded) consisting of at least two words you can ‘link� by forming a new word using letters in the title. The new word must be at least three letters long and you must use an EQUAL number of letters from each title word. Letters may be in any position, but all words in the title must be used. Numbers (non-ordinal) in the title should be ignored.
REQUIRED: Specify the ‘linking� word. This word must be found in
Examples:
Where the Crawdads Sing
word that can be made: wire
Where thE cRawdads sIng
1 letter used from each word in the title.
Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer
word that can be made: cart
fARm CiTy
2 letters used from each word in the title.
44 Scotland Street
word that can be made: screen
SCotlaNd stREEt
3 letters used from each word in the title, number ignored.
20.9 - Moderators' Pet - Sarah Ruth's Task: Eureka!
Help Thread
My husband and I recently finished watching all five seasons of the show Eureka on Amazon Prime. We missed this one when it was new, but what a joy it was to watch! We would highly recommend this show to anyone. We are both sad that it ended, but we thought that they wrapped it all up pretty well.
Eureka is the name of the town. And it is a town where, according to IMDB, "the best minds in the US have secretly been tucked away to build futuristic inventions for the government which often go disastrously wrong."
This is a one book task. REQUIRED: In your post, state which option you used.
Option 1:
The town of Eureka has a ton of Artificial Intelligence, from a smart home named Sara to deputies named Andy and drones named Martha, there are robots galore.
For this option: Read a book in which AI is central to the plot.
REQUIRED: If it is not apparent from the ŷ description, explain how AI is central to the plot.
These lists may give you some ideas:
Best Artificial Intelligence Books
Best Technological Singularity Books Fiction or NonFiction
Option 2:
The show's main character, Jack Carter, is a U.S. Marshall who finds himself filling the role of sheriff of Eureka. He is a man's man kinda guy, always referring to himself as old school. But he is surrounded by geniuses everywhere he turns. Even Vincent, owner and Chef of Cafe Diem, is the ultimate chef who can whip up anything that you have in mind to absolute perfection. So, as you can imagine, Jack finds himself feeling quite out of place often as he struggles to understand all that is going on around him.
For this option: Read a book in which a character is either out of their element or is often made to feel like an outsider. This can be a person transported to another time, a person with a disability they are trying to overcome or learn to live with, an immigrant, someone in a minority group struggling to fit in.
REQUIRED: Explain briefly what "outside" group the character belongs to and how they are struggling to deal with this.
Option 3:
Zoe Carter's character changed dramatically throughout the series. Without going into details... to avoid spoilers if you haven't watched...
For this option: Read a book where someone's life changes dramatically, either for the better or for the worse, by an event such as a death in the family, a move to a new town or country, a significant job change.
REQUIRED: Explain what dramatic life change the character has experienced.
Option 4:
As mentioned in the show's description, Eureka was home to "the best minds in the US".
Read a book (fiction or non-fiction) by or about one of history's great minds on this list: REQUIRED: Include in your post the number on the list of the person you chose.
Option 5: The fictional town of Eureka was set in the state of Oregon. In addition to having just watched this show together, my husband and I also recently visited the Oregon. We were, unfortunately, only there for a day. But we fell in love with the area and long to go back someday to visit for a longer stretch.
For this option: Read a book that is set at least 50% in the Pacific Northwest. For clarity, I am using the Wikipedia "most common conception" of "Pacific Northwest", which includes British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
20.10 - Group Reads
Read ONE of the books selected as the Group Reads choices for the season:
❋Anthologies - Fiction - A People's Future of the United States: Speculative Fiction from 25 Extraordinary Writers
Discussion
❋Anthologies - Comedy - My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry
Discussion
� Nonfiction - Female Entrepreneurs - A Bookshop in Berlin
Discussion
REQUIRED: You must participate in the book's discussion thread with at least one post about the contents of the book or your reaction to the book after you have read the book.
Mod
25.1 - Lois's Task: Hair Love
Help Thread
I am not a regular movie goer, and at the time of the 2020 Academy Awards, the only nominee I had seen was “Hair Love,� which was the winner in the animated shorts category. I have a granddaughter with big, unruly hair, whose parents struggle at times to cope with it, so I found it particularly charming. Definitely a winner!
This is a 2-book task, chosen from two of the options listed below. One of the books may be sequential art format.
REQUIRED: Indicate the options when you post.
Option 1: Read a book with the word HAIR or LOVE intact in the title or subtitle.
Option 2: Read a book with the main page genre Short Stories.
Option 3: Read a book that is short, between 100-200 pages, inclusive.
Option 4: Read a graphic novel or graphic memoir (MPG Sequential Art>Graphic Novels)
25.2 - Simone's Task: Children of the Apocalypse!
Help Thread
I have always been a fan of dystopian/post-apocalyptic literature. This pandemic and lockdown make me feel like one of the MCs in a dystopian novel.
Let us use this task to improve our survival skills! This is a two-book task. Choose two of the following options and read one book for each of the options chosen! One book with Graphic Novel MPG may be used for this task if it has at least 125 pages.
REQUIRED: State which options you chose.
1. I just reread The Stand by Stephen King this month. He is a fantastic writer! Read one of the books by Stephen King from this list:
or his latest book If It Bleeds
2. I'm not only into dystopian novels, but I'm also a child of the 80s. So, it will probably not surprise anyone that I love the book "Ready Player One" with all its 80s references. Read a book featuring virtual reality or a video game or a book that inspired a video game! Here are two lists that might help:
Books About Video Games and Virtual Reality
REQUIRED: Explain how your book fits the task.
3. One of my favorite TV shows is AMC's The Walking Dead. Read a book that prominently features zombies or undead creatures (must be obvious from the description on GR or shown on the cover)!
4. Another favorite book and movie series of mine is The Maze Runner series. Read a book from these two lists. If the book is part of a series, any book with a whole number in the series is acceptable! REQUIRED: State which list the book is on and, if you use a different book in the series, state which book is on the list.
Examples:
Acceptable:
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games, #0) by Suzanne Collins instead of The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins
Insurgent (Divergent, #2) by Veronica Roth instead of Divergent (Divergent, #1) by Veronica Roth
Morning Star (Red Rising Saga, #3) by Pierce Brown instead of Red Rising (Red Rising Saga, #1) by Pierce Brown
Not acceptable:
Ender in Exile (Ender’s Saga, #1.2) by Orson Scott Card instead of Ender’s Game (Ender’s Saga, #1) by Orson Scott Card
The World of Divergent: The Path to Allegiant (Divergent, #2.5) by Veronica Roth instead of Divergent (Divergent, #1) by Veronica Roth.
5. Last month, I read the book The 100 by Kass Morgan since I love the TV show based on the book. The book/show is about survival both on a space station and on Earth after a nuclear disaster and radioactive fire storm! Read a book that features survival in a dystopian setting (radiation, flood, pandemic, etc.). REQUIRED: If it is not apparent from the synopsis what the dystopian setting is, provide that information in your post!
25.3 - Kaora's Task: Good Things Come In Threes
Help Thread
This is my third time completing this challenge and I am the third person to complete in order to create a 25 point task! So In honor of the number 3 read two books, one from each of two different options, or one book of at least 500 pages that matches two of the following:
Option A: Read a book that has all the letters of THREE in the title (NOT SUBTITLE). The letters do not need to be in order. Letters can be used only as often as they appear in the title.
Examples: House of Earth and Blood, The Art of Theft, The Girl Who Fell to Earth
Option B: Read a book that was first published in a year that contains a 3, i.e. 1930, 1993, 2003, 2013.
Option C: Read a book that is part of a trilogy or a 3 book series.
If the series is not yet complete "trilogy" should be mentioned in the ŷ description, the series information following the title/subtitle, or the book's series page should indicate 3 primary works. For the purposes of the task half numbers will not be included.
Examples: Wicked Saints - Something Dark and Holy series page shows 3 primary works and describes this as a trilogy, although only 2 books have been published so far.
Assassin's Apprentice - (The Farseer Trilogy #1)
25.4 Tien's Task: Staying at Home
Help Thread
This is a 2-book task. Read one book for each option.
1. Books in Hand
Read a book that you have had in your possession before 1 January 2020. The book may be owned, borrowed, or received in any other way, but you must have had it since 2019 or before
REQUIRED: State you have had this book before 1 January 2020.
2. New books
Support those authors with cancelled launches by reading a book first published in March - July 2020.
REQUIRED: State first publication date
Mod
Help Thread
All three Lord of the Rings films were nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, but it was not until 2003 and the final film, The Return of the King, that victory was secured.
This task is based on the film version, which differs slightly from the book.
Take the One Ring on its final journey and read two books from two different options to help Frodo and Sam in their perilous quest! Orcs may be involved.
Option 1: Visit Middle-earth, aka New Zealand, and bask in its glorious scenery.
Read a book set at least 50% in New Zealand. If the setting is not obvious from the book's main page and/or metadata, include a reference establishing the setting when you post.
Option 2: Unfortunately, Frodo and Sam are heading for the rather less scenic Mordor and Mount Doom.
That's a lot of "O"s. Read a book with exactly 5 "O"s in the title and/or subtitle. You may use or ignore any subtitles.
Option 3: Encounter Shelob
To rescue Frodo, from this spiderous (it's totally a word) nightmare read a book from this list of Creature Books.
REQUIRED: State the page your book is found on.
Option 4: If it's not one monster, it's another.
Those pernicious orcs show up as soon as Shelob is dealt with. We need a diversion to help Frodo escape. Mithril armour will do it. Mithril is described as resembling silver but being stronger and lighter than steel.
Read a book with something metallic on the cover. Swords, armour, knives all work but so do spoons, goblets, jewellery, even car parts. Anything made of metal will work, but it must bea tangible object, common orcs not being intelligent enough to be distracted by abstract concepts. NOTE: Metallic backgrounds, lettering, award seals, etc. on book covers do not work for objects on the cover.
REQUIRED: Post the cover and point out the metallic object.
Option 5: Gollum inadvertently helps destroy the ring, and himself. Lava will do that.
Read a book by a single author whose first and last initials can be found in VOLCANO.
Option 6: The epilogue has an epilogue. And another, and another, and so on. You just can't say goodbye only once.
Read a book that features a continuation of a fictional character beyond the original author's works. This may be an official continuation of a series, such as Sophie Hannah's New Hercule Poirot Mysteries Series, or unofficial, such as the Mary Russell books featuring Sherlock Holmes.
25.6 - TraceyL's Task: The Razzie Awards
Help Thread
The (also known as the Razzies) is a parody award show honoring the worst of cinematic under-achievements. The first Golden Raspberry Awards ceremony was held on March 31, 1981, in John J. B. Wilson's living-room alcove in Hollywood, to honor the worst films of the 1980 film season. The best part of the Razzies is the outlandish categories that have been created over the years. This task is based on some of my favorites.
This is a two book task. Choose two options and read one book for each option. One book with the genres "Sequential Art," "Comics," "Comic Book," and "Manga" may be used for this task.
Option 1: Most Tiresome Tabloid Targets.
Ah, the tabloids. Those colorful magazine covers that are plastered with celebrity faces. For this option, let's avoid tabloids all together by reading a book with NO people on the cover. No body parts, shadows, silhouettes or anything else that would hint at the presence of a person is allowed. Clothing that isn't on a body is okay.
REQUIRED: Include the cover in your post.
Option 2: Worst Written Film Grossing Over $100 Million Dollars.
It's amazing how some of the worst movies are also the most popular. Let's hope that isn't also true for books. For this option, read a book with at least 100,000 ratings on ŷ.
Option 3: Worst Eye-Gouging Misuse Of 3D.
Not long ago it felt like every movie was being released in 3D, whether it enhanced the viewing experience or not. For this option, read a book with 3 or more letter D's in the TITLE only. Subtitles cannot be used.
Option 4: Worst Reckless Disregard for Human Life and Public Property.
This category was first awarded in 1997, which is a year when many big budget action movies were released. The nominees included Batman & Robin, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Turbulence, Volcano and the winner Con Air. For this option, read a book by a single author whose initials can be found consecutively, from left to right in the phrase WorstRecklessDisregardForHumanLifeAndPublicProperty. The phrase does not wrap. All initials count.
Examples:
These work: Emma Straub, Elizabeth
Strout - ES in recklESs
Tom Rachman - TR in worsTReckless
These don't:
Susan Ee - initials SE are not left to right in phrase.
Lee Smith - initials are separated by one letter.
Sally Bedell Smith - middle initial must be included.
25.7 - Jen K's Task: Jagged Little Pill
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In my younger, more angst filled teenage years, I was obsessed with Alanis Morissette’s album, ‘Jagged Little Pill�. I was beyond excited when my friend got us tickets for the Alanis� tour to celebrate 25 years of the album. Sadly but reasonably, the tour has been postponed but I still plan to celebrate at home this summer.
Choose one from each of two different options, or one book of at least 500 pages that matches two of the following options.
REQUIRED: State the options you chose.
Option 1: 25 Years
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, read a book with a 2 and a 5 in the page number.
Option 2: Jagged Little Pill
The album won 5 Grammy Awards including Album of the Year. Read a book where both the title (subtitles and series names are not included) and the author’s name both include a double set of consonants. The book must have a single author.
Example: Commonwealth by Ann Patchett would work with the double ‘m� in Commonwealth and the double ‘n� in Ann but Bel Canto would not as there are no double consonants in the title.
Option 3: Hand in My Pocket
One of the top singles on the album was ‘Hand in My Pocket� in which the hand is doing a different task each chorus. Read a book with a clearly defined hand or fist seen on the cover. The hand can be gloved but it must be clear that there is a hand in the glove. Hands on silhouetted figured, such as
would not work. REQUIRED: Include the book cover when posting.
Option 4: Dogma
Alanis also appeared on screen; most notably as a key character in the movie Dogma. The movie earned a Nebula Award nominee for best script from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Read a book that won or was nominated for a Nebula Award for any year.
This link may help:
REQUIRED: The Nebula Award or nomination for it must be noted in the book's metadata.
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Help Thread
It’s rare when a sequel is better than the original, but Terminator 2 achieves that feat. It’s one of my favorite summer blockbusters of all time. It was released in 1991, yet the special effects still seem amazing today. Let’s pay tribute to this fun film with the following options. This is a two-book task; choose one book from each of two different options. REQUIRED: In your post, specify which options you used.
Option 1: The Terminator Becomes the Savior
In the original film, the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a Cyborg sent back from the future to kill Sarah Connor. In the sequel there is a new villain, the T-1000, and the original Terminator is now the good guy sent to protect John Connor, Sarah’s son.
To recognize Arnold’s role reversal, read a book from this list: Bad Boy Turned Good
REQUIRED: specify the page number of the list where the book appears.
Option 2: Liquid Metal
The T-1000 can change into any shape or form that it touches, provided the object is of similar mass. It can change from a pool of what looks like mercury into a person. The substance isn’t mercury though, it’s mimetic polyalloy.
Read a book with a title of three or more words (subtitles should be ignored) where the first letter of each word appears in MIMETIC POLYALLOY
Option 3: A First
This is my first time completing the SRC and the T-1000 was played by Robert Patrick, an actor in his first starring role.
Read a book by an author whose name is comprised of two first names (middle names should be ignored).
Use this list:
You can make up the name using two boys, two girls or a combination of one of each gender (e.g., Sarah Mason), but the names must match those on the list exactly.
REQUIRED: In your post, specify the number on the list of each of the two names.
Option 4: Don’t Mess With Mom
Linda Hamilton’s character, Sarah Connor, sure toughened up from the first movie. She was only 19 then, but in ten years she became a woman with quite a collection of weapons and an attitude to match.
Read a book by a female author with a MPG of action or science fiction. The genre may be stand alone or embedded.
25.9 - Bookwrm526's Task: Some of My Favorite Summer Movies
Help Thread
Read 2 books, from 2 of the following options. REQUIRED: State the options you chose.
Option 1: Jaws
My husband and I both love this movie, even though he was traumatized by it as a child. To celebrate this movie, read a book with a title of at least three words where the initial letter of each word is found in the phrase "YOU'RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER BOAT". Letters may only be used as many times as they appear in the phrase, subtitles can be ignored.
Option 2: Dirty Dancing
A favorite from sleepovers when I was in middle school, and one I will still stop and watch any time I see that it's on. For this option, read a book with the MPG Romance (standalone or embedded), AND where the author's first and last initials (middle initials can be ignored) can be found in the phrase "NOBODY PUTS BABY IN THE CORNER". Letters may only be used as many times as they appear in the phrase.
Option 3: Independence Day
Nothing better in the summer than a big movie with lots of explosions and underdog heroes. For this option, read a book with the MPG Science Fiction (standalone or embedded) that takes place at least 50% on a spaceship or on a planet other than Earth, or where a main character is an extra terrestrial.
Option 4: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Still an absolute favorite of my whole family, and one you'll often hear us reference or quote. For this option, read a book set at least 50% in Chicago. If the setting is not obvious from the ŷ description, provide evidence in your post.
25.10 - Rina's Task: Working out during quarantine
Help Thread
In Switzerland the gyms had to close in mid-March and stayed closed until mid-May. Because of that I had to search for some home workout routines and found some videos and apps. And even though the gyms opened in May, I still use some of those home workouts in addition to working out at the gym.
This is a 2 book task. Choose one option and complete 2 different tasks from this option. REQUIRED: State which option you choose. One book with the genres "Sequential Art," "Comics," "Comic Book," and "Manga" may be used for this task.
The books must have a combined total of at least 500 pages.
Option 1: Fitness Blender
This was my choice for home workouts. Kelli and Daniel offer over 500 free workout videos that include low impact, HIIT, stretching and strength workouts. The workouts are great and I liked their minimalist approach - white background and no music. Even after the gyms have opened, I still do Fitness Blender workouts 2-3 times a week.
Task 1. Read a book written by a married author. Books with multiple authors will work as long as all authors are married. REQUIRED: Include a reference to establish the marital status of the author if it is not mentioned in the GR author profile.
Task 2. Read a book set at least 50% in Seattle. If the setting is not clear from the GR description or metadata, include a link to a source establishing the setting.
Task 3. Read a book with a word in the title or subtitle containing both letters F and B.
E.g. Beautiful Disaster, Fabled, A Comfortable Wife
Option 2: Zombies, Run!
Running is not my thing, but this app managed to motivate me to go for a run more often.
It is a game, set during a zombie apocalypse. Players act as the character "Runner 5" through a series of missions during which they run, collect items to help the town survive and listen to various audio narrations to uncover mysteries.
Task 1. Read a book with a MPG Zombies.The genre may be standalone or embedded.
Task 2. Read a book that is #5 in a series with a series name that begins with a letter from RUNNER. E.g. Alone in the Wild - Rockton #5, Much Ado About Magic - Enchanted, Inc. #5
Task 3. Read a book with a comma or an exclamation mark in the title or subtitle.
E.g. Xoe: Vampires, and Werewolves, and Demons, Oh My!, Wind, Sand and Stars
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Help Thread
On May 30th, thousands of people in the US gathered to watch the launch of Dragon Crew Demo-2 (Endeavor) from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and on the 31st of May to watch it dock with the International Space Station. It marks the first time since 2011 that the US has launches an manned orbital space flight since 2011 and the first time it's been operated by a commercial provider
In honor of this historic occasion, you will read 2 books from different options. Since this is the first time since 2011, this type of mission has been accomplished, AT LEAST one of your books must have been published prior to 2011.
1. Partnership
This launch was a partnership between a Commerical Provider (established by Elon Musk in 2002) and NASA.
Read a book that is written by 2 or more authors. Anthologies/short stories DO NOT work for this task. 2 Authors writing under a single name work, but you must provide a reference to establish that the single name refers to two or more authors.
2. The Astronauts
Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken were selected in 2018 to be the astronauts for this mission. Read a single author book where the author's name is either DOUGLAS, DOUG, ROBERT, BOB - names may appear in any position, but must match exactly.
3. Stowaway
About 6 minutes into the flight, viewers got a peek at a stowaway onboard. Both Bob and Doug have sons who are obsessed with Dinosaurs - and after taking a vote - they took Tremor the Apatosaurus with them on the trip. He was used as the zero g indicator.
Read a single author book where the author's initials (including middle initial) can be found in APATOSAURUS.
4. Space
Watching this occur has made me want to read more about the initial space race. You can find out more about the Space Race here:
Read a NONFICTION book about the Space Race. This listopia may help: Space Race Books
25.12 - Brooklyn's Task: It’s Auntie Time!
Help Thread
I always say that my favorite job is being an aunt. I am fortunate to have 3 nieces and 1 nephew, and although I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like with all of them living in a different city than me, we make the most of the time we do have together and FaceTime frequently. I got to see 2 of my nieces over our Memorial Day holiday weekend, and my nephew and other niece are spending a week with me in June � something I have been looking forward to for months. In July I get to spend an entire week with all 4 of them at the beach! I just know it will be my favorite week of the entire summer.
This is a 2 book task. Choose 2 different options and read 1 book for each. One book with the genres "Sequential Art," "Comics," "Comic Book," and "Manga" may be used for this task.
REQUIRED: Specify in your post the options you chose.
Option 1: My nephew is the oldest and will be entering middle school in the fall. He loves STEM and is the reigning MVP on his club soccer team. He recently called me with the news that he discovered a love of reading. I couldn’t be more proud! He is currently reading the Harry Potter series and actually looks forward to bedtime so he can spend time alone with his friends at Hogwarts.
For this option read a book that is part of a series. The book must be a whole number book in the series.
Option 2: My oldest niece has a fiery personality and is very artistic. I always get her art supplies for Christmas and birthdays. She recently started taking both golf and piano lessons.
For this option read a book with a MPG of either Sports or Music. Genre can be standalone or embedded.
Option 3: My second niece is always the one you have to watch out for. She remembers everything she sees and hears! She has the largest stuffed animal collection I’ve ever seen, is extremely generous and loyal to her friends, and when she was in preschool she would tell everyone she was going to be a “diamond collector� when she grew up.
For this option read a book by a single author whose first and last initials are found in STUFFED ANIMALS. Middle initials can be ignored.
Option 4: I can already tell my baby niece is going to be a handful when she grows up, even though she is only 2 ½ years old now. She loves the water, her daddy, her dogs and Disney movies. I gave her a new baby doll when I saw her last month, and she spent hours dressing and undressing her, saying “Amens� (bedtime prayers) before putting the doll down for a nap, and carrying her everywhere.
For this option, read a book with a title that begins with a letter in AMENS. All words count.
25.13 - SandyL's Task: Dog Days of Summer
Help Thread
The hot, sultry days of summer in the northern hemisphere are often called the Dog Days of Summer. In ancient times, it was noted that these hottest days coincided with the rising of the star Sirius, also known as Canis Majoris or the Dog Star. The actual dates of the dog days of summer vary by who you talk to, but they usually start between July 3rd and July 24th, and run through August 11th to the 24th. It's a great time to find a beach or pool to cool down at!
This is a two book task. Please choose 2 different options and read a book for each. REQUIRED: State which options you choose.
No children's books are allowed for this task.
Option 1: Read a book with at least three words in the title where the first letter of each word is in DOG DAYS OF SUMMER.
Option 2: Read a book with all the letters of SIRIUS in the title - subtitles not included.
Option 3: Read a book with an MPG of Mythology, Astrology or Astronomy - standalone or embedded.
Option 4: Read a book from one of these Summer or Beach Reads Lists:
Summer Beach Reads
Best Summer Romance Books
Summer List
REQUIRED: Include in your post the name of the list and the page number on which your book is found
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30.1 - Mazza1's Task: “STAY HOME / STAY SAFE�
Help Thread
I cannot believe I am setting a task based on a phrase that is driving me to distraction!.
� This is a one OR two book task.
� For TWO book option read one book from the choices for Book 1 and and one book from the choices for Book 2. For the one book option, use Option 2.
� There are NO children’s books allowed.
� If a task is based on a cover the cover must be included in the post
� If a task is based on a title this is the title only - ignore subtitles
� Series size is based on WHOLE book numbers, as noted on ŷ.
OPTION 1
Book 1: This dreadful pandemic has made significant changes in our lives. For this option read a book that fits one of the following options based on what we are having do now to maintain social distance
A. Read a book with a SINGLE word title
B. Read a book with a SINGLE person on the cover � it does not need to be a full figure, as long as it can be seen as a single person
C. Read a book that is STAND ALONE i.e. NOT part of a series
AND
Book 2: This option is based on getting back to normal � however long that may take
A. Read a book with a title of 5 words or more
B. Read a book with at least 5 people on the cover
C. Read a book that is part of a series of at least 5 books
OR
OPTION 2 � ONE BOOK OPTION
1. Read a book that fits a task from the requirements for BOTH books 1 and 2 from Option 1.
2. Your book must be over 600 pages in length
some examples for one book option
(single person on cover and 6 word title)
(five people on cover and NOT in a series)Dune (Dune Chronicles, #1) (single word title in a series of 8)
30.2 - Cat's Task: Reading in the Valleys
Help Thread
I'm hanging out at my sister & brother-in-law's place in Wales, to avoid climbing the walls in my small London flat with no one to talk to. We're all readers, so lets explore some of our favourites.
As this is lockdown comfort reading, one book must be a reread. REQUIRED: State in your post which book is a re-read.
One book with Graphic Novel MPG may be used for this task.
Pick two tasks and read a book for each. REQUIRED: State in your post which options you are using.
1. Their favourite authors are .... not mine! They love Charles Dickens(BiL) and John le Carré (sis), where I am devoted to Terry Pratchett.
Read a book by one of these authors. A collaboration by one of these authors with ONE other author can be used.
2. We do all agree that PG Wodehouse is top reading and that Evelyn Waugh is an underrated comic writer. I'm trying to persuade them that they should check out Sir Pterry's work.
Read a book with MPG Humour or Satire
3. Wales is green, hilly, and sheepy. And utterly lovely!
Read a book with the letters WALES in the title / subtitle.
30.3 - Ava Catherine’s Task: Gardening Lessons
Help Thread
This is a two book task. Read one book from two different options or two books from one option.
REQUIRED: Identify which option or options you select when you post.
No books with the genre Childrens or Kids may be used.
Although I always enjoy gardening and nature, this year the lockdown has made the time spent in my garden especially pleasurable. I have been studying the gardens of Emily Dickinson and Beatrix Potter and have learned so much from their gardening philosophies.
Option 1: Emily Dickinson/Gardener
After reading Emily Dickinson's Gardening Life: The Plants and Places That Inspired the Iconic Poet by Marta McDowell, I was inspired to incorporate some of her favorite flowers into my garden. Pansies, hyacinths, lilies, nasturtium, daisies, lilacs, primrose, columbine, and ferns are some of her favorites that I have growing in my garden, too. Emily made bouquets for her friends, and her garden also inspired her poetry. Emily Dickinson was born on December 10, 1830, and died on May 15, 1886.
* Read a book first published in December or May of any year.
Option 2: Beatrix Potter/Gardener
Beatrix Potter was a late bloomer as a gardener. She was forty years old by the time she saw her first growing season progress through her garden at Hill Top, but the seeds for her love of gardening were planted very early. As a child she lived in South Kensington, London, but she had access to a private park, which she and her nurse visited daily. Regular visits to the Royal Horticultural Society”s Horticultural Gardens were part of her childhood life, too. The family visited Scotland during the summer for many years, and Beatrix thrived there since she was a country girl at heart. It was quiet, and the air was clean. The woods were deep and lush; flowers grew beside the lane, and hedges surrounded the lawns. Beatrix made her own little gardens and delighted in the freedom of ditching her tights. When not in London or Scotland, her family was often visiting her paternal grandparents' three-hundred acre estate in Hertfordshire north of London. Beatrix said that as a child it was the place she loved best in the world because of its beauty. Later her family summered near her grandparents in the Lake District, and that is where Beatrix eventually chose to buy Hill Top Farm and create her gardens. She never followed fashion, so her Hill Top gardens were developed following nature instead of the popular formal English garden designs.
*Read a book with the main page genre gardening, main page genre Scotland, or main page genre travel. The genre may be stand alone or embedded. (Note: a specific genre such as Time Travel does not work as an embedded genre.)
Option 3: Peter Rabbit Tales
Beatrix was a chronically shy, awkward child who found quiet affection among a menagerie including, at various times, mice, frogs, snails, lizards, birds, a dog, a hedgehog, a bat, and, of course, rabbits. She also developed a love of art and photography and used these talents to aid in her study of animals and plants. Her love of animals and gardens eventually became the basis for her famous children’s stories featuring animals. There are 23 original Peter Rabbit Tales, which were among my childhood favorites.
*As there are 23 original Peter Rabbit Tales, read a book whose page count contains a 2 and a 3. ex. 132, 223, 332, 320 Your book must have both a 2 and a 3 in the page count.
Option 4: Beatrix Potter Legacy
Beatrix Potter died of pneumonia and heart disease on December 22, 1943, at her home, Hill Top Farm, at the age of 77, leaving almost all of her property to the National Trust. She is credited with preserving much of the land that now constitutes the Lake District National Park. Potter’s books continue to sell throughout the world in many languages with her stories being retold in songs, films, ballet, and animations, and her life depicted in a feature film and television film.
*Read a book by a single author whose first and last name initials can be found in LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK. You may use the letters as often as they appear in the target phrase. Middle names/initials may be ignored.
Option 5: Japanese Maple
The favorite thing I have planted this spring is an amazing Japanese Maple, called the Crimson Queen. Its delicate weeping form stays deep crimson through the summer and turns bright scarlet in autumn, making it look like a lady in a lacy ballgown swaying in the breeze and bringing joy to the heart.
*Read a book set at least 50% in Japan. REQUIRED: If the setting is not clear in the GR description or metadata, include a link to a source establishing the setting.
OR
Read a book with the word TREE intact in the title or subtitle. Examples:The Street Lawyer - sTREEt; The Bean Trees - TREEs.
30.4 - Wayne's task: Brockian Ultra-Cricket
Help Thread
When I was preparing my task for the Spring Challenge, I was eagerly awaiting the start of the baseball season. Things didn't turn out the way I had planned! (The last I heard is that they're aiming to start the season on July 4.) So I've been watching cricket. Of course, the games are all reruns, but since I only started watching cricket less than a year ago, most of the time, I don't know who's going to win.
I've decided to design my task around the form of cricket that is popular in the Higher Dimensions, Brockian Ultra-Cricket.
This is a two-book task. Read one book from two different options. REQUIRED: State in your post the options you used.
Books with an MPG of Childrens, Children or Kids may NOT be used for this task.
Option 1: Although the rules of Brockian Ultra-Cricket appear to be quite easy to explain, they are actually extremely complicated. In fact, the only time the rules were combined into a single volume, it underwent gravitational collapse and became a black hole.
Read a book with Physics, Astrophysics, or Astronomy as an MPG
Option 2: Brockian Ultra-Cricket is played with the use of a variety of gaming or sporting equipment, all of which can be used can be used to take a good swing with. Each player takes one piece of equipment.
Read a book that has a piece of sporting or gaming equipment on the cover. This piece of equipment must be something that can be used as a club. For example, baseball bats, hockey sticks or pool cues work, but baseball gloves, ice skates or pool balls do not.
REQUIRED: Include the cover in your post and specify the equipment.
Option 3: Start swinging! The object is to strike a member of the opposing team as hard as you can with whatever you've got. Upon scoring a "hit", the player then runs away to a safe distance and apologizes. Apologies should be sincere, concise and, for maximum clarity and points, delivered through a megaphone.
Read a book that has all the letters in either APOLOGIZE or SORRY in the book's title/subtitle. Letters can only be used as often as they appear.
Option 4: Although Brockian Ultra-Cricket has become very popular in the Higher Dimensions, it rarely gets played as most of the teams are in a state of permanent warfare due to disagreements over their interpretations of the rules. I believe that Rule 6, which states that "the winning team shall be the first team that wins," causes most of the problems.
Read a book from the Excellent Space Opera list.
REQUIRED: State the page where you found the book
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30.5 - Sally M's Task: Two of a Kind
Help Thread
I’ve been plowing through books this year and have noticed two interesting trends emerge: a bevy of retellings, and a tendency to read two or three books within a few weeks of each other that explore similar themes or subjects. This task invites you to do the same!
This is a two book task. Choose one of the following options and read two books for that option. One of your books may have an MPG of Sequential Art, Comics, Manga, or Graphic Novel.
REQUIRED: Indicate the option you chose.
Option 1: Retellings
I’ve never been super into retellings, but I’ve read more of them so far this year than any previous years combined. Plus, because a few were book 1 in a series, I anticipate more to come!
For this task, read two books that are retellings of the SAME original story. The original story can come from any genre: fairytales, folklore, mythology, classics, etc.
For the purposes of this task, both books must be fictional retellings � it cannot be a work that merely discusses or analyzes the original story, nor can it be the original story.
REQUIRED: Indicate the original story for the two retellings. If it is not clear from the GR description, include a link to something that establishes that this is a retelling.
Examples:
Beauty and the Beast retellings:
A Curse So Dark and Lonely
Of Curses and Kisses
King Arthur retellings:
Once & Future
Sword in the Stars
My original story was Pride and Prejudice. I read:
Ayesha at Last
Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors
These lists might give you some ideas, though you don’t have read something from one of these lists and they may not all be appropriate for the challenge or this task:
The Best Fairytales and Retellings
Option 2: Companion Reads
Read two books that make for good companion reads by having one of these commonalities. REQUIRED: Specify the option you chose and explain the connection in your post.
A - Read 2 books from the same series
B - Read 2 books set within the same world - same MPG set in the same location and time period
Example: Illuminae and Aurora Rising are both set in space, within the same fictional universe
C - Read 2 books that explore the same subject (must be a more specific connection than just MPG or shared author)
Example: a NF book and a fiction book exploring infertility and reproductive health:
Ask Me About My Uterus: A Quest to Make Doctors Believe in Women's Pain is about women’s reproductive health
The Friend Zone features infertility and reproductive health as a central plot point
Example: 2 nonfiction books featuring the founding fathers and mothers:
Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation
You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington
Example: 2 YA romance novels both featuring a family curse:
Of Curses and Kisses
Don't Date Rosa Santos
30.6 - Dlmrose’s Task: "All I Really Need To Know�
Help Thread
I became a Bluebird, the first level of the , in elementary school. I stayed in the organization through high school and continued as a camp counselor and day camp director through college.
The Bluebird Wish
To have fun.
To learn to make beautiful things.
To remember to finish what I begin.
To try to keep my temper most of the time.
To go to interesting places.
To know about trees and flowers and birds.
To make friends.
Robert Fulghum said “All I really need to know ... I learned in kindergarten�, but all I really need to know I learned as a Bluebird. I still recite parts of the Wish daily, especially “remember to finish what I begin…� It helps to keep me productive.
Choose two options from the list below and read two books, one for each option.
Required: Indicate the options.
Option 1: To Have fun.
Read a book with FUN found intact in a word in the title or subtitle.
Such a Fun Age, Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral
Option 2: To learn to make beautiful things.
Read a nonfiction book with a main page genre of Crafts or Arts > Crafts. The Crafts genre may be standalone or embedded.
Option 3: To remember to finish what I begin.
Read the next whole number book in a series that you have begun before the Summer Challenge.
Required: State that you began the series before this season.
To try to keep my temper most of the time. (Still working on this one- 50 years later..)
Option 4: To go to interesting places.
Read a book set at least 50% in a country on a continent different from your own.
Required: Identify your continent
Option 5: To know about trees and flowers and birds.
Read a book with a genre Environment, Nature, Gardening, or Animals > Birds. The genres Environment, Nature, and Gardening may be standalone or embedded.
Option 6: To Make Friends
Read a book that a ŷ friend has read and rated 5 stars.
Required: State the friend.
30.7 - TessaVanessa’s Task: Nights at the Drive-in
Help Thread
Going to the theater the past few months has not been possible. As we move forward in this pandemic my family and I are hoping the drive-ins will open and we’ll be able to enjoy a few new movies.
Choose two options and read one book for each. REQUIRED: indicate which ones you choose when you post.
Option 1: Drive-in memories
As a small child I remember my parents and grandmother taking me to the drive in. We would load up on snacks and I’d get dressed in my pajamas and off we would go. Read a book that has a night scene including stars and/or moon on the cover.REQUIRED: Include the cover when you post.
Example:
.Option 2: A ticket to ride
Our local drive-in like many others had playground equipment at the front near the screen. I don’t actually remember playing on the swings and slides, but I know I always wanted to. Read a book with either swing(s), swinging, slide(s) or sliding in the title (not subtitle). No other variations allowed.
Option 3: Concession foods
We love our local drive-in’s food. It is the one way they are able to stay open with the rising cost of movie fees. One of my favorite foods they have is funnel cakes with lots of powdered sugar. Read a book with a title of at least 3 words where the initial letter of each word is found in FUNNEL CAKES. Letters may only be used as many times as they appear.
Option 4: Famous drive in scene
When I think of drive in scenes in movies, I think of Grease. John Travolta is singing about Olivia Newton John’s character Sandy. The name of the song is Alone at a Drive-in Movie. Read a book by an author that shares a first or last name with an actor/actress in the movie AND has a word of at least 4 letters in the title/subtitle from the lyrics . Here is a cast list: . Both the principal and secondary cast names can be used and names can be in any position. One author in a book with multiple authors can be used.
The lyrics to the song can be found . Words must match exactly.
Example:
by John Grogan.Shares a names with John Travolta and "Love" is found in the lyrics.
30.8 - Aprilleigh’s Task: The Karate Fan Club
Help Thread
I’m hyper focused on karate right now, despite not being a karate student myself. My son studies Kenpo Karate and will be testing for his black belt at the end of June. He’s living and breathing karate every day until his belt test for an intensive six-week review, which means so am I.
This is complicated by the dojo being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so all his classes and review sessions have to be completed at home using Zoom and other internet applications. It’s a lot of work, but we’re trying to have fun with it, too.
This is a two-book task, and the combined page count must be at least 500 pages.
Although my son is still technically a kid, he is an advanced, or upper level, karate student. Therefore, MPG Childrens or Kids is permitted only if the Interest Level (IL) is either UG (US) or UY (UK). REQUIRED: Include the ARBF Interest Level in your post.
Book 1: A FICTION book with all of the letters in both KARATE and DOJO found in the title (ignore subtitles) and/or author’s name. You may NOT use books with either word found intact in the title. A book with two authors is acceptable, but only one author’s name may be used (your choice).
Examples:
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun (many books from this series will work)
At the Edge of Summer by Jessica Brockmole
Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Book 2: A NON-FICTION book with all of the letters in both KARATE and DOJO found in the title (ignore subtitles) and/or author’s name. You may NOT use books with either word found intact in the title. A book with two authors is acceptable, but only one author’s name may be used (your choice).
Examples:
How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler
The Stardust Revolution by Jacob Berkowitz
The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
The Man Who Played with Fire by Jan Stocklassa
Mod
Help Thread
Typically summer is a downtime for mediation so I am able to plan mini vacations with my friends and family. Because of the pandemic, our choices for summer fun may be limited. Of course we will still enjoy every moment together whether a day trip, mini-vacation or a staycation.
Choose two options from the list below and read two books, one for each option.
REQUIRED: Indicate the options you used
Option 1: Let’s Go to the Beach � Read a book set in a coastal or beach town.
REQUIRED: If the setting is not evident include a reference to establish how the book fits the task.
Option 2: Let’s Go Camping (in a tent, RV’s don’t count) � Read a book with the letters “TENT� found intact in a single word in the Title/subtitle.
Examples
The Red Tent - TENT
Dishonorable Intentions - inTENTions
The Tenth Circle - TENTth
Option 3: Let’s go to the Theater/Pavillion � Read a book where the main character is either a musician, an actor or other person involved in the theater in some way (set designers, costumers, etc.). "Theater" includes movies and television, professional or amateur, and your book can be fiction or nonfiction.
REQUIRED: If the occupation is not evident include a reference to establish how the book fits the task.
Option 4: Let’s Go To A Winery � Read a book from one of these “Wine� lists
Best Wine Books
Wine and Roses
Books To Read With a Glass of Wine and a Box of Kleenex
Words with Wine
REQUIRED: State list and page book is found on.
Option 5: Let’s Go Ride a Roller Coaster � Read a book with the main page genre Thriller. The genre can be standalone or embedded
Option 6: Let’s Go to the Mountains � Read a book that has the MPG Historical Fiction and is set in one of the states in the Appalachian Region. (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia)
REQUIRED: Identify the state used and if the setting is not evident include a reference to establish how the book fits the task.
30.10 Andy P.’s Task: Junk Food or Fitness?
Help Thread
I have noticed that virtually all of the Fitness Centers in the United States have been closed since mid-March. Since I enjoy the use of at least three of these centers both for the exercise that my body needs and my mind concentrates on audio books best while I am doing this, the last ten or so weeks have been a real ordeal. Finding a substitute for this in my case is not as easy as exchanging my treadmill for a walk through the neighborhood. Were it not for the friendly folks at my physical therapy center, I would be in big trouble physically (and probably mentally)
On the other hand, my designated hunter/gatherer husband reports that all the stores selling any form of food are amply supplied with products produced by Frito-Lay and their ilk. So,I have decided that my task will support exercise and oppose all items that constitute Junk Food
This is a two book task. The total number of pages in the two books should exceed 600 pages (at least 601), and no book which has a main page genre of Children or kid’s may be used for either book.
Book 1. Read a book, the title/subtitle of which must contain the word EXERCISE (exactly, no variations) OR have a word in the title or subtitle that can be made using only the letters in EXERCISE. The word must contain at least 3 letters. Letters can be used only as often as they appear in EXERCISE.
Book 2. Read a book, the author of which must be the sole author of the book and must NOT have any of the letters in JUNKFOOD in his/her name.
30. 11 - Sandy's Task: Escape!
Help Thread
These days, many of us think longingly of ESCAPE from our current situation. Fortunately, as readers, we have many ways to escape our daily circumstances.
Choose two of the following options, and read one book for each. REQUIRED: In your post, indicate which options you used.
Your two books combined should have at least 500 pages. No books with the main page genre children or kids may be used.
1. Escape to another world. Read a book with the main page genre Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Science Fiction Fantasy, standalone or embedded.
2. Escape to another country. Read a book set at least 50% in a country you have never visited. State in your post that you have never visited the country. REQUIRED: If the setting is not clear in the GR description or metadata, include a link to a source establishing the setting.
3. Escape to another time. Read a book with the main page genre history or historical fiction or time travel. The genre may be standalone or embedded.
4. Escape on a virtual vacation. Read a book with the main page genre Travel, standalone or embedded. (NOTE: a specific genre such as Time Travel does not work as an embedded genre).
5. Escape to a happier place in your mind. Read a book from one of the following lists:
Best Lighthearted Literature
or
Uplifting Fiction.
REQUIRED: Indicate in your post the list you used and the page on which your book appears.
NOTE: There are a number of childrens books on these lists. They cannot be used if childrens or kids is a main page genre, regardless of whether they appear on the list.
Mod
Help Thread
In the U.S., the third Saturday in July is Toss Away the “Could Haves� and “Should Haves� Day. Let’s accomplish one of each, then toss the rest away!
Read one book for each of the 3 items below. For each of the 3 books state which option you chose.
No books with the main page genre childrens or kids may be used for this task. Your three books must have a combined total of at least 750 pages.
1. Accomplish a could have.
A. Read a book you abandoned/never finished.
REQUIRED: State when you abandoned the book.
B. Read one of the ten books that have been on your TBR shelf the longest. If you don’t use a ŷ TBR shelf, you can read the book that has been on your physical bookshelf or a TBR list of another sort the longest.
REQUIRED: State when this book was added to your to-read shelf/list.
2. Accomplish a should have.
A. Read a book from 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.
REQUIRED: State the page of the list on which your book is found in your post.
B. Read a book you were supposed to read in school but didn’t (or didn’t finish).
REQUIRED: State the grade or class you were in when you missed out on reading this book.
3. Toss the rest away.
A. Dive into summer and read any book mentioned in any of the 8 ŷ Summer Reading blog posts. The 8 blog posts are:
A New Season of Reading
The Top 40 Hit Books of the Year
Bookish Celebrities Recommendations
ŷ Choice Books Available in Paperback
Beloved Authors Recommendations
Most Read Books of the 2020 Reading Challenge
ŷ Employees Summer Reading Plans
ŷ Top Reviewers Pick the "It" Book of the Summer
REQUIRED: State which blog post your book is on and which section or recommender mentions your book.
B. Let serendipity guide you. Choose any book you have rated 5 stars and read something on its "similar books" list. To see similar books, go to your book’s ŷ page and click on the "See similar books�" link. It’s located in the right column just below the cover images of books readers also enjoyed.
REQUIRED: When you post, state which book you rated 5 stars.
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The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
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Where the Crawdads Sing (other topics)
Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer (other topics)
Commonwealth (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Ernest Hemingway (other topics)Ann Patchett (other topics)
Terry Pratchett (other topics)
John Le Carré (other topics)
Charles Dickens (other topics)
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5.1 - See You at the Movies
Help Thread
Read a book written by a single author with at least one initial found in the word: MOVIES. Any initial (first, middle, last) may be used.
5.2 - I'd Watch That
Help Thread
Read a book found on the Books That Should Be Made Into Movies Listopia.
Required: State which page the book can be found on when you post.
5.3 - World Cinema
Help Thread
Parasite was the first non-English film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. Read a book set at least 50% in a country where the total number of English speakers is below 50%, based on this list: . A list of qualifying countries can also be found in message 2 of the help thread.
Required: State which country the book is set in when you post. And, if not obvious from the book's description, provide a link to a reference establishing how the book fits the task.
5.4 - Lights, Camera, Action!
Help Thread
Choose a Listopia with the word "Action" intact in the title of the list. For example, Best Action-Adventure Novels; Books With Action Heroines; Best Action Romance SciFi Fantasy. Read a book from your chosen list.
Required: Include a LINK to the Listopia you used and, if the list has more than one page, state which page your book can be found on when you post.
5.5 - Summer Blockbusters
Help Thread
Read a book with a word in the title/subtitle that matches a word in the title of one of the . Numbers (2, 3, 9, 13), numerals (V, IV), and the following words may NOT be used: a, and, episode, in, into, of, part, the, to. Words must match exactly. A list of movies can also be found in message 2 of the help thread.
Required: State which word you used when you post.
5.6 - Somebody Set the Clock
Help Thread
June 7 is VCR Day. Remember VCRs? This unofficial holiday of unknown origins encourages people to rewind to the past and celebrate the humble Video Cassette Recorder (VCR). Read a book with the letters VCR found in any order in the title/subtitle, series title, and/or author's name. If using the author's name, your book must be written by a single author.
5.7 - Mysterious Women
Help Thread
Phyllis Dorothy James, Baroness James of Holland Park, known professionally as P.D. James, was born August 3, 1920, making 2020 the centenary of her birth. Her novel The Children of Men was the basis for a feature film starring Clive Owen, Julianne Moore and Michael Caine but she's probably better known for her series of mystery novels featuring detective Adam Dalgliesh. Read a book written by a female author that ALSO has the MPG Mystery, Thriller, or Dystopia. Works with multiple authors will work as long as all contributors meet the task criteria.
5.8 - Harry Potter Turns 40
Help Thread
Whaaat? It's true. According to , Harry Potter was born on July 31, 1980, which means, in 2020, the boy wizard turns 40. Read a book first published in a year that includes a 4 AND a 0 (ex: 1904, 1940, 2004, 2014, etc).
5.9 - Take Me Away
Help Thread
We could all use a good laugh. Read a book with the MPG Humor OR a book found on the Popular Funny Books list.
Required: If using the list, state which page of the list your book can be found on when you post.
5.10 - Carefree Summer Days
Help Thread
Get away from everything by reading a book of your choice that meets the SRC rules. For this task, a book with the main page genre Childrens or Kids may be used if it is not found in AR Bookfinder.