Challenge Title: "To Be Or Not To Be...Random" 

Instructions:

1) Choose your challenge level from the list of options:

 CHALLENGE OPTIONS:

Super deluxe challenge: 36 books; 4 “replacements”

Deluxe challenge: 24 books; 3 “replacements”

Competitive challenge: 18 books; 2 “replacements”

Challenge: 12 books; 2 “replacements”

Mini-challenge: 8 books; 1 “replacement”

2) Determine whether you want to select your topics or do the ramdomized version of the challenge. Instructions for randomizing are below. 

• To randomize: Enter the number of integers needed (i.e. the number of books you’ll be reading) in the “Generate” box on the online randomizer.
  • Example for competitive challenge: "Generate 18 random integers. Each integer should have a value between 1 and 73." (Note: I have noticed that the randomizer sometimes repeats numbers. I just used the randomizer to replace those numbes when that happened.)

3) Flexibility caveat - If you can't stand some of the topics you ended up with:

• you have a designated # of topics (per your challenge level) that you can replace with a different topic on the list. 
• you may also double or triple up, reading 2-3 books for each topic in order to meet your challenge goal

__________________________________________________________________

Challenge topics:

Read a work…

1. that is on your your TBR list
2. that has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:
3. that you really want to re-read
4. that you borrowed from the library or a friend
5. that is on a fellow PBS’ers “best of 2014 or 2015” list
6. that is on any PBS book club list
7. that is on any nationally or internationally recognized awards list (Pen/Faulkner; Edgar; Lambda; Costa; World Fantasy, etc.). Choose a winner or finalist/runner-up/nominee.
8. whose cover art you like:
9. whose cover art you don’t like:
10.  with snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:
11.  with a person's first AND last name in the title:
12.  with a season, holiday or month in the title
13.  that includes a time-related word in the title
14.  that has a title more than 4 words long (Yes, you may count article like "the" and "an")
15.  that has a name in the title
16.  that has one of your first initials in the title
17.  with a one-word title (but will accept 2 words such as "The Infinities"):
18.  that you consider short:
19.  that you consider long:
20.  that is part of a series:
21.  that was published the year you were born:
22.  that was published in 2016:
23.  that was published 2011-2015:
24.  that was published 2001-2010:
25.  that was published 1991-2000:
26.  that was published 1966-1990:
27.  that is from your favorite genre
28.  that is from a genre you don’t normally read
29.  that is historical fiction or history
30.  that is fantasy
31.  that is a romance
32.  that is a mystery or horror story
33.  that is science fiction or somehow related to science
34.  that is non-fiction
35.  that is a "non-novel" (short stories, play, poetry, essays)
36.  that mixes genres, interweaves stories, or is told from more than one point of view
37.  in which the main characters are children or the conflict revolves around children
38.  in which the main characters are teenagers or the conflict revolves around teenagers
39.  in which the main characters are 20-30-somethings or the conflict revolves around 20-30-somethings
40.  in which the main characters are middle aged or the conflict revolves around characters who are middle aged
41.  in which the main characters are senior citizens or the conflict revolves around characters who are senior citizens
42.  in which a non-human character plays a key role
43.  that takes place in a capital city 
44.  that takes place in a small town
45.  that is set in suburbia:
46.  that takes place near you
47.  that is set in another country (different from the one in which you live)
48.  having to do with gardens, the land or the environment (“Back to the Garden”)
49.  a work in which the “world” is other than your own (could be set on a different planet, a foreign country, a different time or place from your own):
50.  work translated into English
51. contemporary political issue
52.  that involves a secret or something hidden
53.  that involves cultural conflict
54.  that alludes to or directly involves one of the five senses
55.  in which a character delves into the past
56.  that involves time travel
57.  that centers around mental disorder
58.  a work about friends, family or community (including the workplace)
59.  a work about a member of the creative class (“Portrait of the artist”)
60.  a work that has to do with a literal or spiritual journey
61.  about [an] international event[s] or about events outside of the US
62.  a work in which a character kills another character (“Thou shalt not kill”)
63.  work by an author from a "developing" country:
64.  by an author you were unsure about (or downright didn’t like) the first time around:
65.  work by one of a country's greatest contemporary writers:
66.  by one of your favorite authors:
67.  by a new-to-you author:
68.  that is an author’s first book:
69.  an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)
70.  that was (or is going to be) made into a film:
71.  that takes inspiration from a classic work of art/literature
72.  that is part of a series
73.  that involves books, storytelling or writing 

Challenge topics:

Read a work…

1. that is on your your TBR list: The Goblin Emperor by Addison (5/3/16) 4 stars
2. that is on any PBS book club list: Melusine by Monette (6/19/16) 4 stars
3.  that is part of a series: The Blood King by Martin (8/1/16) 3 stars
4.  that was published in 2016: Every Heart a Doorway by McGuire (12/24/16) 4.5 stars
5.  that was published 2001-2010: Acacia by Durham (2/18/16) 2.5 stars
6.  that was published 1966-1990: Borders of Infinity by Bujold (4/16/15) 4 stars
7.  that is from a genre you don’t normally read: All Creatures Great and Small by Herriot or Spy the Lie by Houston, Floyd and Carnicero
8.  that is fantasy: 
9.  in which the main characters are children or the conflict revolves around children: Dog Boy by Horning or The Snow Child by Ivey
10.  in which the main characters are teenagers or the conflict revolves around teenagers: Under the Never Sky by Rossi (6/7/16) 3.5 stars
11.  that takes place in a capital city: Brothers in Arms by Bujold (4/15/16) 4.5 stars
12.  that involves cultural conflict (replacement): The Virtu by Monette (8/28/16) 4 stars
13.  that alludes to or directly involves one of the five senses:  Fool's Errand by Hobb (1/30/16) 5 stars
14.  in which a character delves into the past: The Summoner by Martin (5/29/16) 3 stars
15.  that centers around mental disorder: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Haddon (2/4/16) 3.5 stars
16.  by one of your favorite authors: Golden Fool by Hobb (10/5/16) 4.5 stars
17.  an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/) (replace): The Necromancer's House by Buehlman (2/3/16) 3 stars
18.  that takes inspiration from a classic work of art/literature: The Red Knight by Cameron (6/6/16) 3 stars

Challenge topics:

Read a work…

1. that is on your your TBR list
2. that has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:
3. that you really want to re-read
4. that you borrowed from the library or a friend
5. that is on a fellow PBS’ers “best of 2014 or 2015” list
6. that is on any PBS book club list
7. that is on any national awards list: 2005 Pulitzer Gilead - Marilynne Robinson 10/30 Elderly father writes memoir for child. Wonderful!
8. whose cover art you like:
9. whose cover art you don’t like:
10.  with snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:  Tinkers - Paul Harding 4/22 Rural Maine, early 1900's father & son interwoven life story, Pulitzer winner 2009. 5 stars
11.  with a person's first AND last name in the title:
12.  with a season, holiday or month in the title
13.  that includes a time-related word in the title Year of Wonders - Geraldine Brooks 9/16 1666 Plague year in a village
14.  that has a title more than 4 words long (Yes, you may count article like "the" and "an")
15.  that has a name in the title
16.  that has one of your first initials in the title The Last Painting of Sara de Vos - Dominic Smith 7/7 Fictional Dutch woman painter of the 1630's and a 1950's art forger, a love story with regrets
17.  with a one-word title:  Plainsong - Kent Haruf 5/20 High plains Colorado small town lives
18.  that you consider short:  My Name is Mary Barton - Elizabeth Strout 3/23  Novella
19.  that you consider long:
20.  that is part of a series:
21.  that was published the year you were born:
22.  that was published in 2016:
23.  that was published 2011-2015:(replacement) The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry - Gabrielle Zevin 12/4 Very enjoyable
24.  that was published 2001-2010:
25.  that was published 1991-2000:
26.  that was published 1966-1990:
27.  that is from your favorite genre
28.  that is from a genre you don’t normally read
29.  that is historical fiction or history
30.  that is fantasy
31.  that is a romance
32.  that is a mystery or horror story
33.  that is science fiction Smoke - Dan Vyleta 7/11 (replacement) Alternative Dickensian universe. If your 'sins" could be seen pouring out in smoke. Political, the upper classes control themselves, widening the social divide. Main characters are 3 teens, 2 boys and a girl, reminiscent of Harry Potter, but dark in tone. 4 stars
34.  that is non-fiction
35.  that is a "non-novel" (short stories, play, etc) Harry Potter and the Cursed Child 10/17 3stars a play script. Good story
36.  that mixes genres, interweaves stories, or is told from more than one point of view
37.  in which the main characters are children or the conflict revolves around children
38.  in which the main characters are teenagers or the conflict revolves around teenagers
39.  in which the main characters are 20-30-somethings The Story of a New Name - Elena Ferrante 4/18 5 stars, Part 2 better than 1
40.  in which the main characters are middle aged or the conflict revolves around characters who are middle aged
41.  in which the conflict revolves around characters who are senior citizens Journey to Munich - Jacqueline Winspear 11/27 Getting an elderly inventor out of 1938 Nazi Germany, quite the thriller.
42.  in which a non-human character plays a key role
43.  that takes place in a capital city 
44.  that takes place in a small town
45.  that is set in suburbia:
46.  that takes place near you
47.  that is set in another country (different from the one in which you live)
48.  having to do with gardens, the land or the environment (“Back to the Garden”)
49.  a work in which the “world” is other than your own (could be set on a different planet, a foreign country, a different time or place from your own):
50.  work translated into English
51. contemporary political issue  Go Set a Watchman - Harper Lee 10/16 Liked this for several reasons. Can see why she waited to publish.
52.  that involves a secret or something hidden Garden Spells -Sarah Addison Allen 9/27 3 stars. Pleasant read, enchanted apples
53.  that involves cultural conflict
54.  that alludes to or directly involves one of the five senses
55.  in which a character delves into the past My Brilliant Friend - Elena Ferrante 2/8 Naples in the '50's coming of age. 4 stars
56.  that involves time travel
57.  that centers around mental disorder
58.  a work about friends, family or community (including the workplace)
59.  a work about a member of the creative class (“Portrait of the artist”)
60.  a work that has to do with a literal or spiritual journey
61.  about [an] international event[s] or about events outside of the US
62.  a work in which a character kills another character (“Thou shalt not kill”)
63.  work by an author from a "developing" country:
64.  by an author you were unsure about the first time around: Under the Wide and Starry Sky - Nancy Horan 5/15 Hist. fiction, Robert Louis Stevenson's life with Fanny Osborne, I liked Loving Frank better.  Learned a lot about RLS, though.  3 stars.
65.  work by one of a country's greatest contemporary writers:
66.  by one of your favorite authors:  Vinegar Girl - Anne Tyler 6/19 4 stars Re-interpretation of Taming of the Shrew in novella form
67.  by a new-to-you author:  On  Chesil Beach - Ian McEvan  8/7  3 stars, very sh0rt, how a decision NOT to do something changes your life.
68.  that is an author’s first book:
69.  an author who shares your birth year: I Always Loved You - Robin Oliveira 3/18 Cassatt/Degas, 1878-83 4stars
70.  that was (or is going to be) made into a film:
71.  that takes inspiration from a classic work of art/literature
72.  that is part of a series
73.  that involves books, storytelling or writing 

DONE!!!!

Challenge topics:

Read a work…

1. that is on your your TBR list:
2. that has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:   The Book of Madness and Cures by Regina O'Melveny, 2/26/2016, 4 stars
3. that you really want to re-read
4. that you borrowed from the library or a friend
5. that is on a fellow PBS’ers “best of 2014 or 2015” list
6. that is on any PBS book club list
7. that is on any nationally or internationally recognized awards list (Pen/Faulkner; Edgar; Lambda; Costa; World Fantasy, etc.). Choose a winner or finalist/runner-up/nominee.
8. whose cover art you like:  A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan,5/16/2016, 3 stars
9. whose cover art you don’t like:
10.  with snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:  Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee, 1/11/2016, 3 stars
11.  with a person's first AND last name in the title:  The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski, 8/30/2016, 4 stars.
12.  with a season, holiday or month in the title
13.  that includes a time-related word in the title:  The Hours by Michael Cunningham, 6/12/2016, 4 stars
14.  that has a title more than 4 words long (Yes, you may count article like "the" and "an")
15.  that has a name in the title:  Cleo by Helen Brown, 1/12/2016, 4 stars
16.  that has one of your first initials in the title
17.  with a one-word title (but will accept 2 words such as "The Infinities"):
18.  that you consider short:
19.  that you consider long:
20.  that is part of a series:
21.  that was published the year you were born:
22.  that was published in 2016: 
23.  that was published 2011-2015:
24.  that was published 2001-2010:
25.  that was published 1991-2000:  The Black Rose by Tananarive Due, 7/28/2016, 4.5 stars
26.  that was published 1966-1990:  The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier, 9/20/2016. 4 stars
27.  that is from your favorite genre
28.  that is from a genre you don’t normally read 
29. that is from a genre you don’t normally read :   Horror:  Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, original unabridged version, 10/19/2016, 4 stars.
30.  that is historical fiction or history
31.  that is fantasy: 
32.  that is a romance:  The Summer Garden by Paullina Simons, 11/20/2016, 3 stars (Romance)
33.  that is a mystery or horror story
34.  that is science fiction or somehow related to science:   Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances by Neil Gaiman, 1/12/2016, 3 stars
35.  that is non-fiction
36.  that is a "non-novel" (short stories, play, poetry, essays)
37.  that mixes genres, interweaves stories, or is told from more than one point of view:  Miss Timmins' School for Girls by Nayana Currimbhouy, 5/23/2016, 4 stars (Told from the point of view of two different characters.)
38.  in which the main characters are children or the conflict revolves around children:  
39.  in which the main characters are teenagers or the conflict revolves around teenagers: 
40.  in which the main characters are 20-30-somethings or the conflict revolves around 20-30-somethings
41.  in which the main characters are middle aged or the conflict revolves around characters who are middle aged:  The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach, 6/21/2016, 4 stars  (Pella's father falls in love with a male student, discovering a new part of himself which creates issues with the college administration, his daughter, faculty and students)
42.  in which the main characters are senior citizens or the conflict revolves around characters who are senior citizens
43.  in which a non-human character plays a key role
44.  that takes place in a capital city 
45.  that takes place in a small town
46.  that is set in suburbia:
47.  that takes place near you
48.  that is set in another country (different from the one in which you live)
49.  having to do with gardens, the land or the environment (“Back to the Garden”)
50.  a work in which the “world” is other than your own (could be set on a different planet, a foreign country, a different time or place from your own):
51.  work translated into English
52. contemporary political issue
53.  that involves a secret or something hidden
54.  that involves cultural conflict: 
55.  that alludes to or directly involves one of the five senses: 
56.  in which a character delves into the past: 
57.  that involves time travel
58.  that centers around mental disorder: 
59.  a work about friends, family or community (including the workplace)
60.  a work about a member of the creative class (“Portrait of the artist”)
61.  a work that has to do with a literal or spiritual journey\
62.  about [an] international event[s] or about events outside of the US
63.  a work in which a character kills another character (“Thou shalt not kill”)
64.  work by an author from a "developing" country:  Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi. Adichie (Resides in Abba, Nigeria.), 7/19/2016, 5 stars
65.  by an author you were unsure about (or downright didn’t like) the first time around:  Dreamwalker (Red Dragon Academy, Bk 1 , by C. M. Broyles, Rhys Bowen)   Didn't particularly like the novel I read by Rhys Bowen, 11/9, 2016, 5 stars.
66.  work by one of a country's greatest contemporary writers:
67.  by one of your favorite authors: 
68.  by a new-to-you author:
69.  that is an author’s first book:
70.  an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/) (replace)
71.  that was (or is going to be) made into a film:  The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, 4.5 stars, 11/26/2016
72.  that takes inspiration from a classic work of art/literature:  Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffikn, 1232016, 3 stars (from Poe's tale by that title)
73.  that is part of a series:  The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart, 3/6/2016, 5 stars
74.  that involves books, storytelling or writing

Instructions:

1) Choose your challenge level from the list of options:

 CHALLENGE OPTIONS:

Super deluxe challenge: 36 books; 4 “replacements”

Deluxe challenge: 24 books; 3 “replacements”

Competitive challenge: 18 books; 2 “replacements”

Challenge: 12 books; 2 “replacements”

Mini-challenge: 8 books; 1 “replacement”

2) Determine whether you want to select your topics or do the ramdomized version of the challenge. Instructions for randomizing are below. 

• To randomize: Enter the number of integers needed (i.e. the number of books you’ll be reading) in the “Generate” box on the online randomizer.
  • Example for competitive challenge: "Generate 18 random integers. Each integer should have a value between 1 and 73." (Note: I have noticed that the randomizer sometimes repeats numbers. I just used the randomizer to replace those numbes when that happened.)

3) Flexibility caveat - If you can't stand some of the topics you ended up with:

• you have a designated # of topics (per your challenge level) that you can replace with a different topic on the list. 
• you may also double or triple up, reading 2-3 books for each topic in order to meet your challenge goal

__________________________________________________________________

Challenge topics:

Read a work…

1. that is on your your TBR list  Uprooted by Naomi Novik
2. that has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:  Armada by Ernest Clines
3. that you really want to re-read  Wolf Who Rules by Wen Spencer
4. that you borrowed from the library or a friend
5. that is on a fellow PBS’ers “best of 2014 or 2015” list
6. that is on any PBS book club list replaced by that was published in 2016
7. that is on any nationally or internationally recognized awards list (Pen/Faulkner; Edgar; Lambda; Costa; World Fantasy, etc.). Choose a winner or finalist/runner-up/nominee.
8. whose cover art you like:  Dry Bones by Craig Johnson
9. whose cover art you don’t like:
10.  with snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:
11.  with a person's first AND last name in the title:
12.  with a season, holiday or month in the title  Crime for Christmas edited by Richard Dalby
13.  that includes a time-related word in the title  The End Is Now edited by John Joseph Adams and Hugh Howey
14.  that has a title more than 4 words long (Yes, you may count article like "the" and "an")
15.  that has a name in the title  Sherlock Holmes and John Watson: The Night They Met by Atlin Merrick
16.  that has one of your first initials in the title
17.  with a one-word title (but will accept 2 words such as "The Infinities"):
18.  that you consider short: Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (176 pages)
19.  that you consider long:  Limits of Power by Elizabeth Moon (672 pages)
20.  that is part of a series:  After the Cure by Deirdre Gould
21.  that was published the year you were born:
22.  that was published in 2016:   Before the Fall by Noah Hawley (2016)
23.  that was published 2011-2015:  Steadfast by Mercedes Lackey (2013)
24.  that was published 2001-2010:  Chalice by Robin McKinley (2008)
25.  that was published 1991-2000:  The Merro Tree by Katie Waitman (1997)
26.  that was published 1966-1990:
27.  that is from your favorite genre
28.  that is from a genre you don’t normally read  replaced by that is non-fiction
29.  that is historical fiction or history  One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson
30.  that is fantasy  Witch Blood by Will Shetterly
31.  that is a romance
32.  that is a mystery or horror story
33.  that is science fiction or somehow related to science   Earthgrip by Harry Turtledove
34.  that is non-fiction  Our Own Devices: How Technology Remakes Humanity by Edward Tenner
35.  that is a "non-novel" (short stories, play, poetry, essays)  Shards and Ashes by Kelley Armstrong (Editor) & Melissa Marr (Editor)
36.  that mixes genres, interweaves stories, or is told from more than one point of view
37.  in which the main characters are children or the conflict revolves around children  A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty: A Novel by Joshilyn Jackson
38.  in which the main characters are teenagers or the conflict revolves around teenagers
39.  in which the main characters are 20-30-somethings or the conflict revolves around 20-30-somethings
40.  in which the main characters are middle aged or the conflict revolves around characters who are middle aged   Town House by Tish Cohen
41.  in which the main characters are senior citizens or the conflict revolves around characters who are senior citizens
42.  in which a non-human character plays a key role
43.  that takes place in a capital city 
44.  that takes place in a small town  First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen
45.  that is set in suburbia:
46.  that takes place near you Crosstalk by Connie Willis
47.  that is set in another country (different from the one in which you live)
48.  having to do with gardens, the land or the environment (“Back to the Garden”)
49.  a work in which the “world” is other than your own (could be set on a different planet, a foreign country, a different time or place from your own):
50.  work translated into English   The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson, Rod Bradbury (Translator) (Swedish)
51. contemporary political issue
52.  that involves a secret or something hidden  Legacies by F Paul Wilson
53.  that involves cultural conflict  Rock with Wings by Anne Hillerman
54.  that alludes to or directly involves one of the five senses
55.  in which a character delves into the past  Artemis Awakening by Jane Lindskold
56.  that involves time travel
57.  that centers around mental disorder replaced by that is science fiction
58.  a work about friends, family or community (including the workplace)
59.  a work about a member of the creative class (“Portrait of the artist”)
60.  a work that has to do with a literal or spiritual journey
61.  about [an] international event[s] or about events outside of the US
62.  a work in which a character kills another character (“Thou shalt not kill”)  Slade House by David Mitchell
63.  work by an author from a "developing" country: replaced by that is fantasy
64.  by an author you were unsure about (or downright didn’t like) the first time around:
65.  work by one of a country's greatest contemporary writers:
66.  by one of your favorite authors:
67.  by a new-to-you author:
68.  that is an author’s first book:
69.  an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)
70.  that was (or is going to be) made into a film:
71.  that takes inspiration from a classic work of art/literature  Down the Rabbit Hole by J D Robb, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas and R C Ryan (Alice in Wonderland)
72.  that is part of a series  The End Has Come edited by John Joseph Adams and Hugh Howey
73.  that involves books, storytelling or writing The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald

Challenge topics:

Read a work…

1. that is on your your TBR list   Leaving Blythe River: A Novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde
2. that has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:  Worthy by Catherine Ryan Hyde
3. that you really want to re-read  The Last Refuge by Chris Knopf
4. that you borrowed from the library or a friend
5. that is on a fellow PBS’ers “best of 2014 or 2015” list
6. that is on any PBS book club list
7. that is on any nationally or internationally recognized awards list (Pen/Faulkner; Edgar; Lambda; Costa; World Fantasy, etc.). Choose a winner or finalist/runner-up/nominee.
8. whose cover art you like:
9. whose cover art you don’t like:
10.  with snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:  Winterkill by C. J. Box
11.  with a person's first AND last name in the title:
12.  with a season, holiday or month in the title   Europe in Autumn by Dave Hutchinson
13.  that includes a time-related word in the title  One Year After  by William R. Forstchen
14.  that has a title more than 4 words long The Patron Saint of Lost Dogs   by Nick Trout
15.  that has a name in the title   Worthy by Catherine Ryan Hyde
16.  that has one of your first initials in the title
17.  with a one-word title (but will accept 2 words such as "The Infinities"):  Dune by Frank Herbert
18.  that you consider short:   This Dark Road to Mercy by Wiley Cash
19.  that you consider long:
20.  that is part of a series:  The Broken Places by Ace Atkins
21.  that was published the year you were born:
22.  that was published in 2016:   The Harrows of Spring by James Howard Kunstler
23.  that was published 2011-2015:  Back of Beyond by C. J. Box
24.  that was published 2001-2010:
25.  that was published 1991-2000:  Buried in Stone: A Mel Pickett Mystery by Eric Wright
26.  that was published 1966-1990:
27.  that is from your favorite genre   Morning Comes SoftlyAuthor: Debbie Macomber
28.  that is from a genre you don’t normally read (Non-fiction)  The Father of All Things: A Marine, His Son, and the Legacy of Vietnam  by Tom Bissell
29.  that is historical fiction or history    The Tokaido Road by Lucia St. Clair Robson
30.  that is fantasy
31.  that is a romance  Years by LaVyrle Spencer
32.  that is a mystery or horror story  Back of Beyond (Cody Hoyt, Bk 1) by C. J. Box
33.  that is science fiction or somehow related to science   The Postmortal by Drew Magary
34.  that is non-fiction  Strength in What Remins by Tracy Kidder
35.  that is a "non-novel" (short stories, play, poetry, essays)  Shots Fired Stories From Joe Pickett Country CJBox  
36.  that mixes genres, interweaves stories, or is told from more than one point of view
37.  in which the main characters are children or the conflict revolves around children  The Lost Ones by Ace Atkins
38.  in which the main characters are teenagers or the conflict revolves around teenagers  The Language of Hoofbeats by  Catherine Ryan Hyde
39.  in which the main characters are 20-30-somethings or the conflict revolves around 20-30-somethings  Endangered by C. J. Box
40.  in which the main characters are middle aged or the conflict revolves around characters who are middle aged  Nowhere to Run by C. J. Box
41.  in which the main characters are senior citizens or the conflict revolves around characters who are senior citizens  Damned if you Do by Michael Brandman
42.  in which a non-human character plays a key role   Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas by Tom Robbins
43.  that takes place in a capital city 
44.  that takes place in a small town  The Forsaken by Ace Adams
45.  that is set in suburbia: Bruno:  Chief of Police and The Dark Vinyard by Martin Walker
46.  that takes place near you
47.  that is set in another country (different from the one in which you live)  The Quiet American by Graham Greene
48.  having to do with gardens, the land or the environment (“Back to the Garden”)  An Amish Garden
    Author: Beth Wiseman, Vannetta Chapman, Kathleen Fuller, Tricia Goyer
49.  a work in which the “world” is other than your own (could be set on a different planet, a foreign country, a different time or place from your own):  Europe in Autumn by Dave Hutchinson
50.  work translated into English  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
51. contemporary political issue  Force of Nature  C. J. Box
52.  that involves a secret or something hidden   Europe at Midnight by Dave Hutchinson
53.  that involves cultural conflict
54.  that alludes to or directly involves one of the five senses
55.  in which a character delves into the past  The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
56.  that involves time travel
57.  that centers around mental disorder  The Reluctant Midwife by Patricia Harman
58.  a work about friends, family or community (including the workplace)  Something For The Pain  Author: Paul Austin
59.  a work about a member of the creative class (“Portrait of the artist”)
60.  a work that has to do with a literal or spiritual journey   In Need of a Good Wife byKelly O'Connor McNees
61.  about [an] international event[s] or about events outside of the US
62.  a work in which a character kills another character (“Thou shalt not kill”)  Open Season by C. J. Box
63.  work by an author from a "developing" country:
64.  by an author you were unsure about (or downright didn’t like) the first time around:
65.  work by one of a country's greatest contemporary writers:
66.  by one of your favorite authors:  Stone Cold C. J. Box
67.  by a new-to-you author  :Bad Moon Rising (Sam McCain, Bk 9) (Larger Print) by Ed Gorman
68.  that is an author’s first book:
69.  an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)
70.  that was (or is going to be) made into a film:
71.  that takes inspiration from a classic work of art/literature
72.  that is part of a series   The Ranger by C. J. Box
73.  that involves books, storytelling or writing Tjhe Midwife of Hope River

Instructions:

1) Choose your challenge level from the list of options:

 CHALLENGE OPTIONS:

Super deluxe challenge: 36 books; 4 “replacements”

Deluxe challenge: 24 books; 3 “replacements”

Competitive challenge: 18 books; 2 “replacements”

Challenge: 12 books; 2 “replacements”

Mini-challenge: 8 books; 1 “replacement”

2) Determine whether you want to select your topics or do the ramdomized version of the challenge. Instructions for randomizing are below. 

• To randomize: Enter the number of integers needed (i.e. the number of books you’ll be reading) in the “Generate” box on the online randomizer.
  • Example for competitive challenge: "Generate 18 random integers. Each integer should have a value between 1 and 73." (Note: I have noticed that the randomizer sometimes repeats numbers. I just used the randomizer to replace those numbes when that happened.)

3) Flexibility caveat - If you can't stand some of the topics you ended up with:

• you have a designated # of topics (per your challenge level) that you can replace with a different topic on the list. 
• you may also double or triple up, reading 2-3 books for each topic in order to meet your challenge goal

__________________________________________________________________

Challenge topics:

Read a work…

1. that is on your your TBR list
2. that has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:
3. that you really want to re-read
4. that you borrowed from the library or a friend
5. that is on a fellow PBS’ers “best of 2014 or 2015” list
6. that is on any PBS book club list
7. that is on any nationally or internationally recognized awards list (Pen/Faulkner; Edgar; Lambda; Costa; World Fantasy, etc.). Choose a winner or finalist/runner-up/nominee.
8. whose cover art you like:
9. whose cover art you don’t like:
10.  with snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:
11.  with a person's first AND last name in the title:
12.  with a season, holiday or month in the title
13.  that includes a time-related word in the title
14.  that has a title more than 4 words long (Yes, you may count article like "the" and "an")
15.  that has a name in the title
16.  that has one of your first initials in the title
17.  with a one-word title (but will accept 2 words such as "The Infinities"): 
18.  that you consider short:
19.  that you consider long:
20.  that is part of a series:
21.  that was published the year you were born:
22.  that was published in 2016:
23.  that was published 2011-2015: The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand (2014)
24.  that was published 2001-2010: The Mountains Between Us by Charles Martin (2010)
25.  that was published 1991-2000:
26.  that was published 1966-1990:
27.  that is from your favorite genre
28.  that is from a genre you don’t normally read
29.  that is historical fiction or history
30.  that is fantasy
31.  that is a romance
32.  that is a mystery or horror story
33.  that is science fiction or somehow related to science
34.  that is non-fiction
35.  that is a "non-novel" (short stories, play, poetry, essays)
36.  that mixes genres, interweaves stories, or is told from more than one point of view
37.  in which the main characters are children or the conflict revolves around children
38.  in which the main characters are teenagers or the conflict revolves around teenagers
39.  in which the main characters are 20-30-somethings or the conflict revolves around 20-30-somethings
40.  in which the main characters are middle aged or the conflict revolves around characters who are middle aged
41.  in which the main characters are senior citizens or the conflict revolves around characters who are senior citizens
42.  in which a non-human character plays a key role
43.  that takes place in a capital city 
44.  that takes place in a small town
45.  that is set in suburbia:
46.  that takes place near you
47.  that is set in another country (different from the one in which you live) Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
48.  having to do with gardens, the land or the environment (“Back to the Garden”) Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
49.  a work in which the “world” is other than your own (could be set on a different planet, a foreign country, a different time or place from your own):
50.  work translated into English
51. contemporary political issue
52.  that involves a secret or something hidden
53.  that involves cultural conflict
54.  that alludes to or directly involves one of the five senses
55.  in which a character delves into the past
56.  that involves time travel
57.  that centers around mental disorder
58.  a work about friends, family or community (including the workplace)
59.  a work about a member of the creative class (“Portrait of the artist”)
60.  a work that has to do with a literal or spiritual journey
61.  about [an] international event[s] or about events outside of the US
62.  a work in which a character kills another character (“Thou shalt not kill”)
63.  work by an author from a "developing" country:
64.  by an author you were unsure about (or downright didn’t like) the first time around:
65.  work by one of a country's greatest contemporary writers:
66.  by one of your favorite authors:
67.  by a new-to-you author:
68.  that is an author’s first book:
69.  an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)
70.  that was (or is going to be) made into a film: The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks
71.  that takes inspiration from a classic work of art/literature
72.  that is part of a series
73.  that involves books, storytelling or writing 

Instructions:

1) Choose your challenge level from the list of options:

 CHALLENGE OPTIONS:

Super deluxe challenge: 36 books; 4 “replacements”

Deluxe challenge: 24 books; 3 “replacements”

Competitive challenge: 18 books; 2 “replacements”

Challenge: 12 books; 2 “replacements”

Mini-challenge: 8 books; 1 “replacement”

2) Determine whether you want to select your topics or do the ramdomized version of the challenge. Instructions for randomizing are below. 

• To randomize: Enter the number of integers needed (i.e. the number of books you’ll be reading) in the “Generate” box on the online randomizer.
  • Example for competitive challenge: "Generate 18 random integers. Each integer should have a value between 1 and 73." (Note: I have noticed that the randomizer sometimes repeats numbers. I just used the randomizer to replace those numbes when that happened.)

3) Flexibility caveat - If you can't stand some of the topics you ended up with:

• you have a designated # of topics (per your challenge level) that you can replace with a different topic on the list. 
• you may also double or triple up, reading 2-3 books for each topic in order to meet your challenge goal

__________________________________________________________________

Challenge topics:

Read a work…

1. that is on your your TBR list
2. that has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:
3. that you really want to re-read
4. that you borrowed from the library or a friend
5. that is on a fellow PBS’ers “best of 2014 or 2015” list
6. that is on any PBS book club list
7. that is on any nationally or internationally recognized awards list (Pen/Faulkner; Edgar; Lambda; Costa; World Fantasy, etc.). Choose a winner or finalist/runner-up/nominee.
8. whose cover art you like:
9. whose cover art you don’t like:
10.  with snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:
11.  with a person's first AND last name in the title:
12.  with a season, holiday or month in the title
13.  that includes a time-related word in the title. Salman Rushdie. Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights. Finised Jan 6, 2016. 5 stars
14.  that has a title more than 4 words long (Yes, you may count article like "the" and "an")
15.  that has a name in the title
16.  that has one of your first initials in the title
17.  with a one-word title (but will accept 2 words such as "The Infinities"):
18.  that you consider short:
19.  that you consider long:
20.  that is part of a series:
21.  that was published the year you were born:
22.  that was published in 2016:
23.  that was published 2011-2015:
24.  that was published 2001-2010:
25.  that was published 1991-2000: Howard Norman. The bird artist. . Finished 1/3/16, 4 stars
26.  that was published 1966-1990:
27.  that is from your favorite genre
28.  that is from a genre you don’t normally read
29.  that is historical fiction or history
30.  that is fantasy
31.  that is a romance
32.  that is a mystery or horror story
33.  that is science fiction or somehow related to science Definitely Maybe. Boris and Arkady Stugatsky. FINISHED 1/4/16 4 stars..
34.  that is non-fiction. Montgomery. Grandma Gatewood's Walk. Finished 3/2/16.
35.  that is a "non-novel" (short stories, play, poetry, essays)
36.  that mixes genres, interweaves stories, or is told from more than one point of view
37.  in which the main characters are children or the conflict revolves around children
38.  in which the main characters are teenagers or the conflict revolves around teenagers
39.  in which the main characters are 20-30-somethings or the conflict revolves around 20-30-somethings Modiano. In the Cafe of Lost Youth. finished 4/2/16.
40.  in which the main characters are middle aged or the conflict revolves around characters who are middle aged. The Hired Man. Aminatta Forna. Finished 4/25/2016. 5 stars
41.  in which the main characters are senior citizens or the conflict revolves around characters who are senior citizens Alan. Bennett. The Clothes They Stood Up In. Finished 1/8/16
42.  in which a non-human character plays a key role. John Wyndham. The Day of the Triddids. Finished April 17. 
43.  that takes place in a capital city . Salman Rushdie. The Satanic Verses. Finished 5/28/2016 5 stars
44.  that takes place in a small town
45.  that is set in suburbia:
46.  that takes place near you
47.  that is set in another country (different from the one in which you live). Dibdin. Ratking (Arelio Zen #1). finshed 2/6/16
48.  having to do with gardens, the land or the environment (“Back to the Garden”)
49.  a work in which the “world” is other than your own (could be set on a different planet, a foreign country, a different time or place from your own):
50.  work translated into English
51. contemporary political issue
52.  that involves a secret or something hidden
53.  that involves cultural conflict. Barrett. The Voyage of the narwhal. Finished 4/2/16
54.  that alludes to or directly involves one of the five senses
55.  in which a character delves into the past
56.  that involves time travel
57.  that centers around mental disorder
58.  a work about friends, family or community (including the workplace)
59.  a work about a member of the creative class (“Portrait of the artist”)
60.  a work that has to do with a literal or spiritual journey
61.  about [an] international event[s] or about events outside of the US
62.  a work in which a character kills another character (“Thou shalt not kill”)
63.  work by an author from a "developing" country:
64.  by an author you were unsure about (or downright didn’t like) the first time around:
65.  work by one of a country's greatest contemporary writers:
66.  by one of your favorite authors:
67.  by a new-to-you author:
68.  that is an author’s first book:
69.  an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/) Ron Rash. Serena. 1/24/16 four stars
70.  that was (or is going to be) made into a film:
71.  that takes inspiration from a classic work of art/literature
72.  that is part of a series. Harris. When Gods Die (Sebastian St. Cur #2). Finished 2/18/16
73.  that involves books, storytelling or writing . Brooks. The people of the book. Finished 6/15//16. Excellent

G

Challenge topics:

Read a work… Read: 6/73

1. that is on your your TBR list
2. that has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:
3. that you really want to re-read
4. that you borrowed from the library or a friend
5. that is on a fellow PBS’ers “best of 2014 or 2015” list
6. that is on any PBS book club list
7. that is on any nationally or internationally recognized awards list (Pen/Faulkner; Edgar; Lambda; Costa; World Fantasy, etc.). Choose a winner or finalist/runner-up/nominee.  http://www.paperbackswap.com/Know-Why-Caged-Maya- Angelou/book/0553279378/ I Know Why a Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Corretta Scott King 1971 Honoree
8. whose cover art you like:
9. whose cover art you don’t like:
10.  with snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover: http://www.paperbackswap.com/One-Mans-Wilderness-Alaskan-Odyssey/book/0882405136/ One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey by Sam Keith
11.  with a person's first AND last name in the title:
12.  with a season, holiday or month in the title
13.  that includes a time-related word in the title
14.  that has a title more than 4 words long (Yes, you may count article like "the" and "an")   http://www.paperbackswap.com/Third-Hill-North-Noah-Bly/book/0758290772/ The Third Hill North of Town
15.  that has a name in the title
16.  that has one of your first initials in the title
17.  with a one-word title (but will accept 2 words such as "The Infinities"):
18.  that you consider short:  http://www.paperbackswap.com/Take-Nothing-Journey-Maya-Angelou/book/0553569074/ Wouldn't Take Nothing for my Journey Now - Maya Angelou (1/22/16)
19.  that you consider long:
20.  that is part of a series:
21.  that was published the year you were born:
22.  that was published in 2016:
23.  that was published 2011-2015:
24.  that was published 2001-2010:
25.  that was published 1991-2000:
26.  that was published 1966-1990:
27.  that is from your favorite genre
28.  that is from a genre you don’t normally read
29.  that is historical fiction or history
30.  that is fantasy
31.  that is a romance
32.  that is a mystery or horror story
33.  that is science fiction or somehow related to science
34.  that is non-fiction  http://www.paperbackswap.com/Age-Turbulence-Adventures-Alan-Greenspan/book/1594201315/ The Age of Turbulence: Advemtures in the New World (1/23/2016)
35.  that is a "non-novel" (short stories, play, poetry, essays)
36.  that mixes genres, interweaves stories, or is told from more than one point of view
37.  in which the main characters are children or the conflict revolves around children
38.  in which the main characters are teenagers or the conflict revolves around teenagers
39.  in which the main characters are 20-30-somethings or the conflict revolves around 20-30-somethings
40.  in which the main characters are middle aged or the conflict revolves around characters who are middle aged
41.  in which the main characters are senior citizens or the conflict revolves around characters who are senior citizens
42.  in which a non-human character plays a key role
43.  that takes place in a capital city 
44.  that takes place in a small town
45.  that is set in suburbia:
46.  that takes place near you
47.  that is set in another country (different from the one in which you live)
48.  having to do with gardens, the land or the environment (“Back to the Garden”)
49.  a work in which the “world” is other than your own (could be set on a different planet, a foreign country, a different time or place from your own):
50.  work translated into English
51. contemporary political issue
52.  that involves a secret or something hidden
53.  that involves cultural conflict
54.  that alludes to or directly involves one of the five senses
55.  in which a character delves into the past
56.  that involves time travel
57.  that centers around mental disorder
58.  a work about friends, family or community (including the workplace)
59.  a work about a member of the creative class (“Portrait of the artist”)
60.  a work that has to do with a literal or spiritual journey
61.  about [an] international event[s] or about events outside of the US
62.  a work in which a character kills another character (“Thou shalt not kill”)
63.  work by an author from a "developing" country:
64.  by an author you were unsure about (or downright didn’t like) the first time around:
65.  work by one of a country's greatest contemporary writers:
66.  by one of your favorite authors:
67.  by a new-to-you author:Christina Baker Kline http://www.paperbackswap.com/Orphan-Train-Christina-Baker-Kline/book/0062278290/ Orphan Train
68.  that is an author’s first book:
69.  an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)
70.  that was (or is going to be) made into a film:
71.  that takes inspiration from a classic work of art/literature
72.  that is part of a series
73.  that involves books, storytelling or writing 

__________________________________________________________________

Challenge topics:

Read a work…

1. that is on your your TBR list  The Distant Echo by Val McDermid  April 2016
2. that has been on your “Reminder” or “WL” list for at least a year:
3. that you really want to re-read
4. that you borrowed from the library or a friend  The Vegetarian  by Han Kang 
5. that is on a fellow PBS’ers “best of 2014 or 2015” list
6. that is on any PBS book club list
7. that is on any nationally or internationally recognized awards list (Pen/Faulkner; Edgar; Lambda; Costa; World Fantasy, etc.). Choose a winner or finalist/runner-up/nominee.   The Expats by Chris Pavone
8. whose cover art you like: The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty  Feb. 2016  The Last Anniversary
9. whose cover art you don’t like:
10.  with snow, ice, icicles, naked trees or fog on the cover:
11.  with a person's first AND last name in the title:
12.  with a season, holiday or month in the title  Death In Summer by William Trevor  March 2016
13.  that includes a time-related word in the title
14.  that has a title more than 4 words long Gone With A Handsoner Man by Micheal Lee West  January 2016
15.  that has a name in the title  Miss Julia Hits The Road by Ann B Ross  January 2016
16.  that has one of your first initials in the title
17.  with a one-word title (but will accept 2 words such as "The Infinities"): Careless by Deborah Robertson  April 2016
18.  that you consider short: Reunion by Fred Ulman  March 2016
19.  that you consider long:  Fall of Giants by Ken Follett  February 2016
20.  that is part of a series:
21.  that was published the year you were born:
22.  that was published in 2016:  All Things Cease To Appear by Elizabeth Brundage   April 2016 
23.  that was published 2011-2015:
24.  that was published 2001-2010:Killer Heat by Linda Fairstein   January 2016
25.  that was published 1991-2000:
26.  that was published 1966-1990:
27.  that is from your favorite genre
28.  that is from a genre you don’t normally read
29.  that is historical fiction or history
30.  that is fantasy Pawn Of Prophecy by David Eddings February 2016
31.  that is a romance
32.  that is a mystery or horror story  What She Knew by Gilly McMillan March 2016
33.  that is science fiction or somehow related to science  Remaarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
34.  that is non-fiction  Children Of The Flames by Lagnado & Dekel  February 2016
35.  that is a "non-novel" (short stories, play, poetry, essays)
36.  that mixes genres, interweaves stories, or is told from more than one point of view
37.  in which the main characters are children or the conflict revolves around children   Room by Emma Donaghue  January 2016
38.  in which the main characters are teenagers or the conflict revolves around teenagers
39.  in which the main characters are 20-30-somethings or the conflict revolves around 20-30-somethings
40.  in which the main characters are middle aged or the conflict revolves around characters who are middle aged  Good Harbor by Anita Diamant
41.  in which the main characters are senior citizens or the conflict revolves around characters who are senior citizens
42.  in which a non-human character plays a key role
43.  that takes place in a capital city   The Bookseller  byt Mark Pryor  April 2016
44.  that takes place in a small town  Shut Your Eyes Tight  by John Verdon
45.  that is set in suburbia:
46.  that takes place near you. A Season In Purgatory. By Dominick Dunne
47.  that is set in another country (different from the one in which you live) The Whispering City by Sara Molinar  February 2016
48.  having to do with gardens, the land or the environment (“Back to the Garden”)
49.  a work in which the “world” is other than your own (could be set on a different planet, a foreign country, a different time or place from your own):   Crocodile On The Sandbank  by Elisabeth Peters
50.  work translated into English The Shadow Of The Wind by Carlos Ruis afron  January 2016
51. contemporary political issue
52.  that involves a secret or something hidden  She's Not There by Joy Fielding  March 2016
53.  that involves cultural conflict  The 19th Wife by Davidd Ebershoff
54.  that alludes to or directly involves one of the five senses
55.  in which a character delves into the past  The House At Riverton by Kate Morton
56.  that involves time travel  Time After Time by Jack Fnney
57.  that centers around mental disorder
58.  a work about friends, family or community (including the workplace)
59.  a work about a member of the creative class (“Portrait of the artist”)  Generation Loss by Elisabeth Hand
60.  a work that has to do with a literal or spiritual journey
61.  about [an] international event[s] or about events outside of the US
62.  a work in which a character kills another character (“Thou shalt not kill”)Unnatural Causes by PD James  January 2016
63.  work by an author from a "developing" country:
64.  by an author you were unsure about (or downright didn’t like) the first time around:  Pigs In Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver
65.  work by one of a country's greatest contemporary writers:
66.  by one of your favorite authors:After You by JoJo Moyes March 2016
67.  by a new-to-you author: Think Of A Number by John Verson  January 2016
68.  that is an author’s first book:I Love You Moore by Jennifer Murphy
69.  an author who shares your birth year: (Helpful link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/)
70.  that was (or is going to be) made into a film:
71.  that takes inspiration from a classic work of art/literature
72.  that is part of a series Miss Julia;s School Of Beauty by Ann B Ross
73.  that involves books, storytelling or writing