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Topic: 2015 Contemporary Challenge: LISTS ONLY

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escapeartistk avatar
Subject: 2015 Contemporary Challenge: LISTS ONLY
Date Posted: 11/8/2014 2:57 PM ET
Member Since: 10/4/2010
Posts: 280
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Super Deluxe challenge (24 books): 1 book per topic…OR double-up and read 2 books for each topic you choose, covering at least 2 topics from each category

Deluxe challenge (18 books): any 18 topics, at least 1 book from each category

Traditional challenge (12 books): at least 1 book from each category

Minimalist challenge (8 books): 8 books, at least 1 from each category

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Category 1: “Something Old”…read a book that:

  1. You intended to read for last year’s challenge but didn’t get to:
  2. Has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:
  3. Has been on your shelf for at least a year:
  4. You really want to re-read
  5. You borrowed from the library or a friend
  6. Is from your favorite genre

Category 2: “Judging a Book by its Cover”…read a book:

  1. Whose cover art you like:
  2. Whose cover art you don’t like:
  3. With snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:
  4. With a person's first AND last name in the title:
  5. With a season, holiday or month in the title

Category 3: “Dating”…read a book from:

  1. 2015:
  2. 2010-2014:
  3. 2000-2009:
  4. 1990-1999:
  5. 1965-1989:

Category 4: “Authors”…read a book:

  1. by one of your favorite authors:
  2. by a new-to-you author:
  3. that is an author’s first book:
  4. an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)

Category 5: “The Numbers Game”…read a book:

  1. that you consider short:
  2. that you consider long:
  3. that is part of a series:
  4. that was published the year you were born:

*Wild card: Replace any topic above with your topic of choice. May be used once.

escapeartistk avatar
Subject: My spot
Date Posted: 11/8/2014 2:58 PM ET
Member Since: 10/4/2010
Posts: 280
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Super Deluxe challenge (24 books): 1 book per topic…OR double-up and read 2 books for each topic you choose, covering at least 2 topics from each category

Deluxe challenge (18 books): any 18 topics, at least 1 book from each category

Traditional challenge (12 books): at least 1 book from each category

Minimalist challenge (8 books): 8 books, at least 1 from each category

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Category 1: “Something Old”…read a book that:

  1. You intended to read for last year’s challenge but didn’t get to: Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Taylor (10/14/15) 3.5 stars
  2. Has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year: The Last Child by Hart (1/27/15) 2.5 stars
  3. Has been on your shelf for at least a year: 
  4. You really want to re-read
  5. You borrowed from the library or a friend: The Magician's Land by Grossman (2/21/15) 4 stars
  6. Is from your favorite genre: Assassin's Quest by Hobb (8/29/15) 4 stars

Category 2: “Judging a Book by its Cover”…read a book:

  1. Whose cover art you like: The Assassin's Apprentice by Hobb (2/13/15) 4.5 stars
  2. Whose cover art you don’t like: Stormlord Rising by Larke (2/18/15) 3.5 stars
  3. With snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover: A Curtain Falls by Pintoff (3/29/15) 3 stars
  4. With a person's first AND last name in the title:
  5. With a season, holiday or month in the title: The Summer Tree by Kay (3/28/15) 4 stars

Category 3: “Dating”…read a book from:

  1. *Wild card replacement: Promise Me by Coben (11/2/15) 3.5 stars
  2. 2010-2014: Stormlord's Exile by Larke (5/16/15) 3 stars
  3. 2000-2009: Mistborn by Sanderson (1/11/15) 3.5 stars
  4. 1990-1999: Royal Assassin by Hobb (4/17/15) 4.5 stars
  5. 1965-1989: 

Category 4: “Authors”…read a book:

  1. by one of your favorite authors: Best Served Cold by Abercrombie (7/30/15) 3.5 stars
  2. by a new-to-you author: Just One Look by Coben (6/11/15) 3 stars 
  3. that is an author’s first book: Elantris by Sanderson (4/16/15) 2.5 stars
  4. an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)

Category 5: “The Numbers Game”…read a book:

  1. that you consider short: Ethan of Athos by Bujold (7/5/15) 4.5 stars
  2. that you consider long: A Dance with Dragons by Martin (6/10/15) 2.5 stars
  3. that is part of a series: The Last Stormlord by Larke (2/3/15) 3.5 stars
  4. that was published the year you were born:

*Wild card: Replace any topic above with your topic of choice. May be used once.



Last Edited on: 1/1/16 2:13 AM ET - Total times edited: 29
barbieofmpls avatar
Subject: 2015 CONTEMPORARY FICTION CHALLENGE
Date Posted: 11/8/2014 6:12 PM ET
Member Since: 9/14/2009
Posts: 611
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Super Deluxe challenge (24 books): 1 book per topic…OR double-up and read 2 books for each topic you choose, covering at least 2 topics from each category

Deluxe challenge (18 books): any 18 topics, at least 1 book from each category

Traditional challenge (12 books): at least 1 book from each category

Minimalist challenge (8 books): 8 books, at least 1 from each category

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Category 1: “Something Old”…read a book that:

  1. You intended to read for last year’s challenge but didn’t get to: to be decided
  2. Has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:   Flight of the Goose   by Lesley Thomas (2005)
  3. Has been on your shelf for at least a year:   Dr.Fischer of Geneva OR the Bomb Party   by Graham Greene(1985)DONE
  4. You really want to re-read  **WILD CARD** (I don't re-read books)
  5. You borrowed from the library or a friend   Blood Hollow   by Wm. Kent Krueger (2009)
  6. Is from your favorite genre   The Golden U-Boat    by Richard P. Henrick (1991)DONE

Category 2: “Judging a Book by its Cover”…read a book:

  1. Whose cover art you like:   Ramage's Diamond   by Dudley Pope (1976)
  2. Whose cover art you don’t like:   My Son's Story    by Nadine Gordimer (1990)
  3. With snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:   The Last Kind Words Saloon   by Larry McMurtry
  4. With a person's first AND last name in the title:   Who Killed Palomino Molero?   by Mario Vargas Llosa (1987)DONE
  5. With a season, holiday or month in the title   Wicked Autumn    by G. M. Malliet (2012)

Category 3: “Dating”…read a book from:

  1. 2015:   White Plague   by James Abel
  2. 2010-2014:    The Goldfinch    by Donna Tartt DONE
  3. 2000-2009:    When We Were Orphans    by Kazuo Ishiguro (2001)
  4. 1990-1999:   Consider This, Senora    by Harriet Doerr (1993)
  5. 1965-1989:   Deus Irae    by Philip K. Dick (1972)DONE

Category 4: “Authors”…read a book:

  1. by one of your favorite authors:   Norwegian Wood    by Haruki Murakami (2000)
  2. by a new-to-you author:    Prime Time    by Hank Phillippi Ryan (2009)
  3. that is an author’s first book:   Florida Roadkill   by Tim Dorsey(2006)
  4. an author who shares your birth year:   The Raphael Affair by Iain Pears

Category 5: “The Numbers Game”…read a book:

  1. that you consider short:  Aiding & Abetting   by Muriel Spark DONE
  2. that you consider long:   A Man: A Novel    by Oriana Fallaci (1979)
  3. that is part of a series:    Cabinet of Curiosities   by Preston/Child(2002)
  4. that was published the year you were born:   Carry On, Mr. Bowditch    by Jean Lee Latham (Newberry winner/children's)DONE

*Wild card: Replace any topic above with your topic of choice. May be used once.



Last Edited on: 2/5/15 6:53 PM ET - Total times edited: 22
Cosmina avatar
Standard Member medalFriend of PBS-Silver medal
Date Posted: 11/8/2014 7:36 PM ET
Member Since: 6/21/2008
Posts: 6,667
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Super Deluxe challenge (24 books): 1 book per topic…OR double-up and read 2 books for each topic you choose, covering at least 2 topics from each category

Deluxe challenge (18 books): any 18 topics, at least 1 book from each category

Traditional challenge (12 books): at least 1 book from each category

Minimalist challenge (8 books): 8 books, at least 1 from each category

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Category 1: “Something Old”…read a book that:

  1. You intended to read for last year’s challenge but didn’t get to:   Elephant Song by Wilbur Smith
  2. Has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:   Area X: The Southern Reach Trilogy: Annihilation; Authority; Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer
  3. Has been on your shelf for at least a year:   Day After Night by Anita Diamant
  4. You really want to re-read   A History of the Future by James Howard Kunstler
  5. You borrowed from the library or a friend   I never borrow books from anyone or the library.  So I doubled up on another catagory.
  6. Is from your favorite genre  California by Edan Lupinski       Water, Stone, Heart by Will North

Category 2: “Judging a Book by its Cover”…read a book:

  1. Whose cover art you like:  The Godfather of Kathmandu by John Burdett
  2. Whose cover art you don’t like:  Revenge of Innocents by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg
  3. With snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:   The Last Kind Words Saloon by Larry McMurtry
  4. With a person's first AND last name in the title:  I just couldn't find one for this so I doubled up on Favorite Genre.
  5. With a season, holiday or month in the title   The Fifth Season by Robert C. S. Downs

Category 3: “Dating”…read a book from:

  1. 2015:   Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian
  2. 2010-2014:  Bull River by Robert Knott  2014
  3. 2000-2009:    The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian   2007
  4. 1990-1999:  Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult  1999
  5. 1965-1989:   War Brides by Lois Battle  1945/1983

Category 4:  Authors......read a book written by:

  1. by one of your favorite authors:   A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson
  2. by a new-to-you author:  The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan   Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs by Heather Lende
  3. that is an author’s first book:  The Martian by Andy Weir
  4. an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)  Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver

Category 5: “The Numbers Game”…read a book:

  1. that you consider short:   Sht My Dad Says Audio CD - UnabridgedAuthor: Justin HalpernSean Schemmel (Narrator)
  2. that you consider long:    Bangkok 8 by John Burdett
  3. that is part of a series:   Walla Walla Suite:  A Room With No View by Anne Argula
  4. that was published the year you were born:  The Far Country by Nevil Shute

*Wild card: Replace any topic above with your topic of choice. May be used once.



Last Edited on: 12/18/15 12:49 PM ET - Total times edited: 24
janete avatar
Date Posted: 11/9/2014 1:20 PM ET
Member Since: 5/15/2010
Posts: 143
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Super Deluxe challenge (24 books): 1 book per topic…OR double-up and read 2 books for each topic you choose, covering at least 2 topics from each category

Deluxe challenge (18 books): any 18 topics, at least 1 book from each category

Traditional challenge (12 books): at least 1 book from each category

Minimalist challenge (8 books): 8 books, at least 1 from each category's

_______________________________________________________________________________Nm___________________

Category 1: “Something Old”…read a book that:

  1. You intended to read for last year’s challenge but didn’t get to:  Ben Loory. Stories for Nighttime and Some for the Day.
  2. Has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year: Pat Barker. The Ghost Road
  3. Has been on your shelf for at least a year: Sergei Lukanenko. Night Watch, completed 9/6/15
  4. You really want to re-read Mary Renault. The Persian Boy
  5. You borrowed from the library or a friend. Suzanne Collins. Mockingjay
  6. Is from your favorite genre. TBD

Category 2: “Judging a Book by its Cover”…read a book:

  1. Whose cover art you like: Boris and Arkady Strugatsky. The Dead Mountaineer's Inn. Completed 6/23/15. 4 stars
  2. Whose cover art you don’t like: TBD
  3. With snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:Sebastian Faulks. Birdsong
  4. With a person's first AND last name in the title: Mario Vargas Llosa. Who Killed Palomino Molero?
  5. With a season, holiday or month in the title. Ray Bradbury. Fairwell summer. Completed 9/29/15

Category 3: “Dating”…read a book from:

  1. 2015: Peter Lovesey. Down Among the Dead Men. 12/28/15. 4 stars
  2. 2010-2014: Gerbrand Bakker. Ten White Geese. (2013) completed 6/1/15. 3 stars
  3. 2000-2009:  Simon Leys. The Death of Napoleon. Completed 9/13/15 4 stars
  4. 1990-1999: Howard Norman. The Bird Artist
  5. 1965-1989: Ursula LeGuin. The Left Hand of Darkness

âCategory 4: “Authors”…read a book:

  1. by one of your favorite authors: Alan Bennett. The Clothes They Stood Up In and The Lady in the Van
  2. by a new-to-you author: Gail Godwin. Flora, a Novel. Completed 3/30/15
  3. that is an author’s first book: Ottavio Cappellani. Who is Lou Sciortino?
  4. an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.ukr “T
  5. he Numbers Game”…read a book:
  6. that you consider short: John Wyndham. Chokey. 8/17/15
  7. that you consider long: Where'd You Go, Bernadette?Completed 7/13/15
  8. that is part of a series: Christopher Fowler. Full dark House. A Bryant & May Mystery)Finished 1/27/15
  9. that was published the year you were born: *
  10. Wild card: Replace any topic above with your topic of choice. May be used once.Fitzgerald. The Blue Flower. Completed 11/30/15


Last Edited on: 12/29/15 10:06 PM ET - Total times edited: 25
susank17 avatar
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Subject: Traditional 12 (Unless I get ambitious)
Date Posted: 11/9/2014 6:27 PM ET
Member Since: 1/10/2007
Posts: 4,564
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Category 1: “Something Old”…read a book that:

  1. You intended to read for last year’s challenge but didn’t get to: A Man Called Ove - Frederic Backman  11/24  5stars
  2. Has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year: Me Before You - Jo Jo Moyes 8/5 Was OK. Assisted suicide topic
  3. Has been on your shelf for at least a year: The Marriage Plot - Jeffrey Eugenides 10/20 Started years ago. Not his best, but glad I finished it.
  4. You really want to re-read
  5. You borrowed from the library or a friend  Orphan Train - Christina Baker Kline  1/16  4 stars
  6. Is from your favorite genre  Station Eleven - Emily St. John Mandel 3/3 This will stay with me

Category 2: “Judging a Book by its Cover”…read a book:

  1. Whose cover art you like:  What She Left Behind - Ellen Marie Wiseman 7/14  4 stars Tale of 30's mental hospitals
  2. Whose cover art you don’t like:  Everything I Never Told You - Celeste Ng  5/28  4 Stars  (cover, huh?)
  3. With snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:
  4. With a person's first AND last name in the title:
  5. With a season, holiday or month in the title

Category 3: “Dating”…read a book from:

  1. 2015:  Kitchens of the Great Midwest - J. Ryan Stradal  10/16 A lot like Olive Kitteridge in structure. Vignettes around a character 4 stars
  2. 2010-2014: The Barbarian Nurseries - Hector Tobar 5/1  3 stars
  3. 2000-2009:  The Art of Hearing Heartbeats - Jan-Philipp Sendker 2002  3/21  2 stars
  4. 1990-1999:  The Virgin Suicides - Jeffrey Eugenides  1993  6/27  4 stars
  5. 1965-1989:

Category 4: “Authors”…read a book:

  1. by one of your favorite authors:
  2. by a new-to-you author All the Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr  2/12  Wonderful
  3. author’s first book:  Ruby - Cynthia Bond 2/21 0 Stars-Do Not Read; Read a cereal box instead
  4. an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)

Category 5: “The Numbers Game”…read a book:

  1. that you consider short:  Mockingbird - Katherine Erskine 8/14 Young girl with Asperger's 5 stars
  2. that you consider long:  The Luminaries - Eleanor Catton,  832 pgs, 2013 Booker  Prize 12/22  4 stars
  3. that is part of a series:  The Rosie Effect - Graeme Simsion 10/4 Not as good as the first
  4. that was published the year you were born:

*Wild card: Replace any topic above with your topic of choice. May be used once.



Last Edited on: 12/22/15 10:52 PM ET - Total times edited: 29
DieHard avatar
Bruce -
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Date Posted: 11/11/2014 4:57 AM ET
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Posts: 3,412
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Category 1: “Something Old”…read a book that:

  1. You intended to read for last year’s challenge but didn’t get to:
  2. Has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:  "The Hard Way" by Lee Child  1/5/15
  3. Has been on your shelf for at least a year: A Stranger in Mayfield by Charles Finch 1/31/15
  4. You really want to re-read The Return by James D. Best 1/29/15
  5. You borrowed from the library or a friend "The Bloody Cup" by M.K. Hume 1/11/15
  6. Is from your favorite genre The Blue Girl by Alex Grecian 1/14/15

Category 2: “Judging a Book by its Cover”…read a book:

  1. Whose cover art you like: The Redeemer by Jo Nesbo 1/27/15
  2. Whose cover art you don’t like:
  3. With snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:
  4. With a person's first AND last name in the title:
  5. With a season, holiday or month in the title

Category 3: “Dating”…read a book from:

  1. 2015:
  2. 2010-2014:
  3. 2000-2009:
  4. 1990-1999:
  5. 1965-1989:

Category 4: “Authors”…read a book:

  1. by one of your favorite authors: The First Law by John Lescroart 1/14/15
  2. by a new-to-you author:
  3. that is an author’s first book:
  4. an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)

Category 5: “The Numbers Game”…read a book:

  1. that you consider short:
  2. that you consider long:
  3. that is part of a series:  "The Empty Throne" by Bernard Cornwell 1/19/15
  4. that was published the year you were born:

*Wild card: Replace any topic above with your topic of choice. May be used once.



Last Edited on: 2/1/15 11:51 AM ET - Total times edited: 6
Generic Profile avatar
Subject: My Contemporary Challenge for 2015
Date Posted: 11/12/2014 5:47 PM ET
Member Since: 11/15/2011
Posts: 56
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Super Deluxe challenge (24 books): 1 book per topic…OR double-up and read 2 books for each topic you choose, covering at least 2 topics from each category

Deluxe challenge (18 books): any 18 topics, at least 1 book from each category

Traditional challenge (12 books): at least 1 book from each category

Minimalist challenge (8 books): 8 books, at least 1 from each category

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Category 1: “Something Old”…read a book that:

  1. You intended to read for last year’s challenge but didn’t get to: Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende
  2. Has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:
  3. Has been on your shelf for at least a year:  Longing by J. D.  Landis (Novel about Clara & Robert Schumann)
  4. You really want to re-read
  5. You borrowed from the library or a friend
  6. Is from your favorite genre:  War Brides by Helen Bryan  (Historical Fiction)

Category 2: “Judging a Book by its Cover”…read a book:

  1. Whose cover art you like:  The Bookstore by Deborah Meyler
  2. Whose cover art you don’t like:
  3. With snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:
  4. With a person's first AND last name in the title:  The All True Travel and Adventures of Lidie Newton by Jane Smiley
  5. With a season, holiday or month in the title:  Goodnight June by Sarah Jio

Category 3: “Dating”…read a book from:

  1. 2015:
  2. 2010-2014:  The Story Hour by Thrity Umrigar  (2014)
  3. 2000-2009:  The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason  (2002)
  4. 1990-1999:  Homestead by Rosina Lippi  (1998)
  5. 1965-1989:

Category 4: “Authors”…read a book:

  1. by one of your favorite authors:  Midwives by Chris Bohjalian
  2. by a new-to-you author:
  3. that is an author’s first book:  The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell
  4. an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)  My Reading Life by Pat Conroy (1945)

Category 5: “The Numbers Game”…read a book:

  1. that you consider short:
  2. that you consider long:  Push Not the River by James Conroyd Martin
  3. that is part of a series:  The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard  (Book 1 of The Cazelet Chronicles) 
  4. that was published the year you were born:  Pleasant Valley by Louis Bromfield  (1945)

*Wild card: Replace any topic above with your topic of choice. May be used once.



Last Edited on: 12/1/14 11:55 AM ET - Total times edited: 2
Generic Profile avatar
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Date Posted: 11/16/2014 1:33 PM ET
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Posts: 5,056
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Actually read books for all categories so I have finished the challenge as planned and it was great fun.  Do hope that there is a great a challenge for 2016.

Super Deluxe challenge (24 books): 1 book per topic…OR double-up and read 2 books for each topic you choose, covering at least 2 topics from each category

Deluxe challenge (18 books): any 18 topics, at least 1 book from each category

Traditional challenge (12 books): at least 1 book from each category

Minimalist challenge (8 books): 8 books, at least 1 from each category

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Category 1: “Something Old”…read a book that:

  1. You intended to read for last year’s challenge but didn’t get to:  Doc by Mary Russell, 5/33/3015, 4 stars
  2. Has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:  I Curse the River of Time by Per Petterson, 1/9/2015
  3. Has been on your shelf for at least a year:  Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson (Whitebread book of the year, 1995), 5/25/20154, 2 stars
  4. You really want to re-read:  A Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris, 6/16/2015, 4 stars
  5. You borrowed from the library:  The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler, 1/23/2015, 4.5 stars 
  6. Is from your favorite genre:  Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum, 3/12/2015, 5 stars

Category 2: “Judging a Book by its Cover”…read a book:

  1. Whose cover art you like:  The White Mary by Kira Salak (H), 8/18/2015, 4 stars
  2. Whose cover art you don’t like:  The Dinner by Herman Koch, 7/13/2015, 2 stars
  3. With snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:  The Woman Who Loved Reindeer by Meredith Ann Pierce, 1/18/2015, 5 stars (H)
  4. With a person's first AND last name in the title:  Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki by Haruki Murakami, 11/18/2015, 5 stars.
  5. With a season, holiday or month in the title:  The September Society by Charles Finch (H), 10/24/2015, 4 stars

Category 3: “Dating”…read a book from:

  1. 2015:  my grandmother asked me to tell you she's sorry by Frederick Backman, 8/9/2015, 5 stars
  2. 2010-2014:  Nemesis by Philip Roth (2010), 3 stars
  3. 2000-2009:  The Other Hand by Chris Cleave (2008), 3/8/2015, 4 stars
  4. 1990-1999:  A Hole in the World:  An American Boyhood by Richard Rhodes, 6/22/2015, 5 stars (1990)
  5. 1965-1989:  The Water Is Wide by Pat Conroy, 5/2/2015, 3.5 stars

Category 4: “Authors”…read a book:

  1. by one of your favorite authors:  A Sunless Sea by Anne Perry, 2/23/2015, 5 stars
  2. by a new-to-you author:  A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines,  3/23/2015, 4 stars
  3. that is an author’s first book:  Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn, 4/1/2015, 5 stars,  or Forgotten Country by Catherine Chung (H)
  4. an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/):  Award winner - Man Booker:  The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje, 2/8/2015, 4 stars

Category 5: “The Numbers Game”…read a book:

  1. that you consider short:  For One More Day by Mitch Albom, 1/4/2014, 4.5 stars
  2. that you consider long:  The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon, 639 pages, 7/20/2015, 4 stars
  3. that is part of a series:  Wings of Fire by Charles Todd (Inspector Rutledge series), 9/12/2015, 4 stars
  4. that was published the year you were born:  Reading a book that was purchased in 1946 by my father-in-lawThe Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham, 10/28/2015, 3 stars

*Wild card: Replace any topic above with your topic of choice. May be used once.  Necessary Errors by Caleb Crain, 1/8/2015, 1 star



Last Edited on: 11/18/15 4:20 PM ET - Total times edited: 92
Generic Profile avatar
Date Posted: 11/24/2014 8:27 AM ET
Member Since: 11/18/2009
Posts: 551
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I am doing the traditional challenge (12 books).

Something Else--

1. intended to read for last year's challenge--Suite Francaise (Irene Nemirovsky)

2. has been on my shelf at least a year--Maya's Notebook (Isabel Allende)

Judging a book by its cover--

3. cover art I like--To Serve Them All My Days (R. F. Delderfield)

4. cover art I don't like--Langrishe, Go Down (Aidan Higgins)

5. person's first and last name in title--Nathan Coulter (Wendell Berry)

Dating--

6. 2010-2014--Doctor Sleep (Stephen King)

7. 2000-2009--Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (Barbara Kingsolver)

8. 1990-1999--New Plays (Joyce Carol Oates)

9. 1965-1989--Something I've Been Meaning to Tell You (Alice Munro)

Authors--

10. one of my favorite authors--That Old Cape Magic (Richard Russo)

11. new-to-me author--One Minus One (Ruth Doan MacDougall)

Numbers Game--

12. published the year I was born--Cry, the Beloved Country (Alan Paton)

I'm looking forward to this!

                                                                                                   Rose



Last Edited on: 11/24/14 8:28 AM ET - Total times edited: 1
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Super Deluxe challenge (24 books): 1 book per topic…OR double-up and read 2 books for each topic you choose, covering at least 2 topics from each category

Deluxe challenge (18 books): any 18 topics, at least 1 book from each category

Traditional challenge (12 books): at least 1 book from each category

Minimalist challenge (8 books): 8 books, at least 1 from each category

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Category 1: “Something Old”…read a book that:

  1. You intended to read for last year’s challenge but didn’t get to:
  2. Has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:  The Singapore School of Villainy: Inspector Singh Investigates by Shamini Flint 5/24/15
  3. Has been on your shelf for at least a year:  Tug of War (Joe Sandilands, Bk 6) by Barbara Cleverly 7/16/15
  4. You really want to re-read  Ready Player One by Ernest Cline 12/3/15
  5. You borrowed from the library or a friend   The Witness by Nora Roberts  1/21/15
  6. Is from your favorite genre   Incendiary Designs (John Thinnes and Jack Caleb, Bk 3) by Michael Allen Dymmoch  4/23/15

Category 2: “Judging a Book by its Cover”…read a book:

  1. Whose cover art you like:   What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman 7/26/15
  2. Whose cover art you don’t like:   What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty 2/19/15 (horrible orange/pink cover)
  3. With snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:  Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts 9/19/15
  4. Wildcard: Unwritten by Charles Martin 8/12/15
  5. With a season, holiday or month in the title

Category 3: “Dating”…read a book from:

  1. 2015:  The Beige Man by Helene Tursten 8/30/15
  2. 2010-2014:   Joyland by Stephen King (2013) 1/3/15
  3. 2000-2009:   Criminal Kabbalah edited by Lawrence W Raphael (2001) 8/28/15
  4. 1990-1999:   Fear Nothing by Dean Koontz (1998) 12/15/15
  5. 1965-1989:

Category 4: “Authors”…read a book:

  1. by one of your favorite authors:   Thunder and Rain by Charles Martin 3/6/15
  2. by a new-to-you author:  Geoducks Are for Lovers by Daisy Prescott 5/22/15
  3. that is an author’s first book:  The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff 3/30/15
  4. an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)

Category 5: “The Numbers Game”…read a book:

  1. that you consider short:  The Housekeeper and the Professor byYoko Ogawa 5/2/15
  2. that you consider long:
  3. that is part of a series:  Never-Ending-Snake (Ella Clah, Bk 16) by Aimee and David Thurlo 4/1/15
  4. that was published the year you were born:

*Wild card: Replace any topic above with your topic of choice. May be used once.



Last Edited on: 12/15/15 8:19 PM ET - Total times edited: 20
esjro avatar
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Date Posted: 1/19/2015 3:38 PM ET
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Super Deluxe challenge (24 books): 1 book per topic…OR double-up and read 2 books for each topic you choose, covering at least 2 topics from each category

Deluxe challenge (18 books): any 18 topics, at least 1 book from each category

Traditional challenge (12 books): at least 1 book from each category

Minimalist challenge (8 books): 8 books, at least 1 from each category

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Category 1: “Something Old”…read a book that:

  1. You intended to read for last year’s challenge but didn’t get to:
  2. Has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:
  3. Has been on your shelf for at least a year:
  4. You really want to re-read
  5. You borrowed from the library or a friend
  6. Is from your favorite genre

Category 2: “Judging a Book by its Cover”…read a book:

  1. Whose cover art you like: Cutting Teeth: A Novel Author: Julia Fierro
  2. Whose cover art you don’t like: Unwritten: A Novel Author: Charles Martin
  3. With snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:
  4. With a person's first AND last name in the title:
  5. With a season, holiday or month in the title

Category 3: “Dating”…read a book from:

  1. 2015:
  2. 2010-2014: The Invention of Wings: A Novel Author: Sue Monk Kidd
  3. 2000-2009: Bloodbrothers Author: Richard Price
  4. 1990-1999:
  5. 1965-1989:

Category 4: “Authors”…read a book:

  1. by one of your favorite authors: Women & Other Animals : Stories Author: Bonnie Jo Campbell
  2. by a new-to-you author: Station Eleven Author: Emily St. John Mandel
  3. that is an author’s first book: Forgotten Country Author: Catherine Chung
  4. an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)

Category 5: “The Numbers Game”…read a book:

  1. that you consider short:
  2. that you consider long: Fay Author: Larry Brown
  3. that is part of a series:
  4. that was published the year you were born:

*Wild card: Replace any topic above with your topic of choice. May be used once.

 



Last Edited on: 5/13/15 8:18 PM ET - Total times edited: 8
Cosmina avatar
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Bumping it up.   Don't forget to post.  There are lots of new to me books here this year already!

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Date Posted: 4/27/2015 2:23 PM ET
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Super Deluxe challenge (24 books): 1 book per topic…OR double-up and read 2 books for each topic you choose, covering at least 2 topics from each category

Deluxe challenge (18 books): any 18 topics, at least 1 book from each category

Traditional challenge (12 books): at least 1 book from each category

Minimalist challenge (8 books): 8 books, at least 1 from each category

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Category 1: “Something Old”…read a book that:

  1. You intended to read for last year’s challenge but didn’t get to: Imperium - Robert Harris
  2. Has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year: You Came Back - Chrisopher Coake
  3. Has been on your shelf for at least a yearIn The Company Of The Courtesan - Sara Dunant
  4. You really want to re-read
  5. You borrowed from the library or a friend  The Catch - Taylor Stevens
  6. Is from your favorite genre  The Invention Of Wings - Sue Monk Kidd

Category 2: “Judging a Book by its Cover”…read a book:

  1. Whose cover art you like:A Dying Fall - Elly Griffiths
  2. Whose cover art you don’t like: The Last Girl - Jane Casey
  3. With snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:Fisherman's Creek - Tina Bishop
  4. With a person's first AND last name in the title: Olive Kitteridge - Eliabeth Strout
  5. With a season, holiday or month in the title  Still Summer Jacquelyn Michard

Category 3: “Dating”…read a book from:

  1. 2015: The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
  2. 2010-2014: Me Before You - JoJo Moyes
  3. 2000-2009: Scrambled Eggs At Midnight - Barkley & Helper
  4. 1990-1999: Person Of Interest - Susan Choi
  5. 1965-1989: Cover Her Face - PD James

Category 4: “Authors”…read a book:-

  1. by one of your favorite authors:The Silent Sister - Diane Chamberlain
  2. by a new-to-you author:All The Light We Cannot See Anthony Doerr
  3. that is an author’s first book: Goat - Brad Lane
  4. an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/) Killing Floor - Lee Child (1954)

Category 5: “The Numbers Game”…read a book:

  1. that you consider short: Aiding And Abetting - Muriel Spark
  2. that you consider long:The Lion's Game - Nelson DeMille
  3. that is part of a series: Hope To Die - James Patterson
  4. that was published the year you were born: WISH LIST- Flight Behavior - Barbara Kingsolver

*Wild card: Replace any topic above with your topic of choice. May be used once.




Last Edited on: 7/6/15 8:38 AM ET - Total times edited: 8
eloisem avatar
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Date Posted: 7/19/2015 11:04 AM ET
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Thanks for everyone who's updated  their lists. I really enjoy seeing what all of  you are reading. Wish more of us would update.

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I think some of these people have dropped pbs.  Too bad.  I love sharing information, opinions and trading books and the more the better the discussions.



Last Edited on: 10/12/15 6:53 PM ET - Total times edited: 1
Cosmina avatar
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I agree,  Julie.  And I also agree, R E K.    But those of us who stick with it are so appreciated.  I got some great recommendations from this thread.   And I love how we all read such different books.  

I finished all the catagories just yesterday and look forward to 2016.  This is my favorite reading challenge.