The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion

25.10. Oma1229's Task: Autumn in the South

Gone are the lazy hazy days of summer and now comes cooler mornings, children playing in large piles of colorful leaves, fall gardens of leafy vegetables and ,of course, Friday-Night Football (Saturday and Sunday, too).

As a high school teacher and administrator for over 30 years at a small school in Northeast Florida , I have spent many Friday nights in attendance at a high school football game. This task is inspired by those Friday nights and also the Saturdays spent cheering on the Gators in the Swamp.

Choose any two of the options and read one book for each.
Each book must be at least 250 pages. The task may be completed with one book that meets two different options if the book is at least 500 pages.

NOTE: ebooks without print versions cannot be used for tasks requiring a specific number of pages. If you read an ebook or audiobook use the page count for the mass market paperback if one exists. If there is no mass market paperback edition, use the paperback edition and if no paperback is available use the hardcover edition.


Option 1. All football games begin with the presentation of the colors and the singing of the national anthem. In honor and respect for the Stars and Stripes,read a book that has either the words stars or stripes in its title or a picture of stars or stripes on the cover. For the title option, plural, singular and possessive forms of "star" and "stripe" may be used, but no other variations.
This list should help to give you some ideas:
Stars and Stripes.
REQUIRED: If you choose the cover option, include the cover in your post.
NOTE: A "star" is used in its ordinary meaning of a celestial body or the shape of one - not a celebrity.


Option 2. It would be difficult to have a game without coaches and players. Read a book that has in its title the name of a team position. These include coach, back, tackle, end, center, guard, kicker, punter, and trainer. Your choice has to be the exact word not part of another word. Plurals and possessives are allowed, no other variations.

For example, The Deep End of the Ocean would be okay but Ender's Game
would not.

Option 3- Another highlight of Friday Night Football is the half-time show. The cheerleaders and the band always provide great entertainment and the presentation of the homecoming King and Queen and their court is a highlight of the year. For this option read a book in which one of the main characters is a cheerleader, member of the school (middle school is ok) band or orchestra or a member of the homecoming court.
If the relevance of the book is not obvious on the Goodreads main page then please explain why it was chosen.

Examples: I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader, A Non-Blonde Cheerleader in Love, Revenge of the Homecoming Queen, Band Geek Love


Option 4- Saturdays in the fall would not be complete without the rivalry of college football, especially the SEC which was and is a part of my life ,being a fourth-generation native Floridian and a graduate of the University of Florida. For this option read a book whose cover includes a picture of one of the mascots of the teams of the SEC. REQUIRED: Include the cover in your post.

SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE TEAMS The image on the cover must be the same as the mascot. For example if you chose the University of Georgia then it has to be a bull-dog and not any other type of dog. If the nature of the mascot is unclear follow the link to the university website for a picture.

Option 5- I would not want the NFL fans to be left out. So read a book that is set in any city in which an NFL team plays its home games. NOTE: The appropriate city is the one in which the team's stadium is located, NOT the name of the franchise. For example, the NY Jets and the NY Giants both play their home games in East Rutherford, NJ, not in NYC.

NFL CLUBS lists each NFL club. Click on the name of the stadium to see its location.

Optional Task- If you live near a high school that has a football field treat yourself to a Friday night game. Enjoy some great football competition, yell along with the cheerleaders and sit back and enjoy the music of the band and don't forget the great eats! It might just bring back some warm and wonderful high school memories.

*Reserved-Books Approved

Reserved-Books Not Approved
-Not approved for stripes but okay for 'end'
-Not approved for stripes

Allegiant- not approved for one book option

This thread is now open!

For someone who lives in the real south, where it is spring, what is a homecoming court?

In HS and some colleges, girls (and sometimes boys) are voted on by the student body to sit on the Homecoming Court. These are usually the most popular girls in the school. They are presented at half time and usually wear a pretty suit or dress, with a hat and a big corsage. In Texas, when I say big I mean enormous!!! They are walked by their father. From this court, someone is chosen Homecoming Queen. It's a big deal!

Geaux Saints and Tigers!! I'm loving all the shout outs to the SEC and football!!!

~Leslie~ wrote: "Geaux Saints and Tigers!! I'm loving all the shout outs to the SEC and football!!!"

Well you have had the National Champion for the last seven years---well think the SEC has earned the shout-outs--Go Gators!!!

Coralie wrote: "For someone who lives in the real south, where it is spring, what is a homecoming court?"

Just for clarification are you referring to the real south as a geographic term?

Now I've got to find a book set in Foxborough, Massachusetts. And I've already read the only one I know about! :-)

Wanda wrote: "Coralie wrote: "For someone who lives in the real south, where it is spring, what is a homecoming court?"

Just for clarification are you referring to the real south as a geographic term?"

I think she's referring to being in Australia where they don't have homecoming courts etc

I have always considered south to be a geographic term, yes.

I find it kind of quaint when people say 'the south' meaning somewhere such a long way north.

Option 4- just checking -would these count on the cover?:?:
University of Florida - alligator
University of Georgia - bulldog
University of Kentucky - bobcat
University of Missouri - tiger
University of South Carolina - rooster (gamecock)
University of Tennessee - dog
Vanderbilt University - ???
University of Alabama - Crimson Tide - a crimson-colored cover?
University of Arkansas - hog
Auburn University - eagle
Louisiana State University - tiger
University of Mississippi - black bear
Mississippi State University - bulldog
Texas A&M University - collie (dog)

Vanderbilt is a Commodore - like a captain of a ship. (My daughter graduated from here.) And I think Alabama uses an elephant as their mascot. Don't get me started on them!

And Coralie - you are right, we southerners do forget that other people consider themselves to be living in the south as well. It's such a strong identity for us.

Option 5:
The stadium locations don't seem to be in the city proper, but instead, in a nearby suburb. There are alot of novels set in New York City, but none that I've found located in East Rutherford, NJ. I'll use the other options instead.

crimson tide has Big Al as their mascot who is an elephant, IIRC

vanderbilt has Mr C - who is a naval officer - http://www.vanderbilthockey.com/wp-co...

Have a couple of options but I want to make sure they would work


-- For Vanderbilt (Royal Navy officer)

-- the tiger is hard to see. Upper left side. If it doesn't work for this task, I know it will work for the same team in task 25.7 :D

I'm going to read this one for Option 1. :D

Deedee wrote: "Option 4- just checking -would these count on the cover?:?:
University of Florida - alligator
University of Georgia - bulldog
University of Kentucky - bobcat
University of Missouri - tiger
Universi..."

University of Tennessee needs to be a hound dog
University of Alabama can be an elephant --they are called the Crimson Tide but the mascot that is on the field during games is an elephant.
Auburn University has two mascots--the Tiger and the War Eagle so you could use an eagle as well as a Tiger

Guess there is no hope for Vanderbilt--their mascot is suppose to be Commodore Vanderbilt but it would be difficult to identify the necessary regalia for a Naval Commodore

Might seem difficult but adds to the challenge and the fun!

Wanda wrote: "Deedee wrote: "Option 4- just checking -would these count on the cover?:?:
University of Florida - alligator
University of Georgia - bulldog
University of Kentucky - bobcat
University of Missouri -..."

Deedee wrote: "Option 4- just checking -would these count on the cover?:?:
University of Florida - alligator
University of Georgia - bulldog
University of Kentucky - bobcat
University of Missouri - tiger
Universi..."

After viewing the link to Vanderbuilt I agree that a Naval Officer's uniform would work as long as the epaulets(ornamental shoulder pieces) are visible as that is one of the most distinguishing parts of the uniform.

Christina (AKA Babbling) wrote: "Have a couple of options but I want to make sure they would work


-- For Vanderbilt (Royal Navy officer)

-- th..."

Dee wrote: "vanderbilt has Mr C - who is a naval officer - http://www.vanderbilthockey.com/wp-co..."

Both books are acceptable for the mascot cover requirement. I can see the Tiger quite plainly.

Dee wrote: "vanderbilt has Mr C - who is a naval officer - http://www.vanderbilthockey.com/wp-co..."

Thanks for the link-Hope this helps!

I apologize if the use of 'the South' has insulted anyone. As I identified in my task, I am a resident of Florida which is in the southern part of the U.S. As a teacher of World History and World Geography for over 30 years, I consider myself to have a 'worldly' sense. In the U.S. the term 'the South' refers to more than a geographic area, it also refers to distinct culture just as other parts of the U.S. have their own distinct culture. Please accept my apology if I have offended any one. I am pleased to be considered quaint, been called far worse!

I wanted to get this okayed for option 1:

For Option 5 - The Lucy Variations main page mentions San Francisco. I haven't read this book before so I am not 100% sure that it is set in San Francisco. This is from the description: "National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr takes readers inside the exclusive world of privileged San Francisco families, top junior music competitions, and intense mentorships."

Wanda wrote: "I apologize if the use of 'the South' has insulted anyone. As I identified in my task, I am a resident of Florida which is in the southern part of the U.S. As a teacher of World History and World..."

LOL I am from that "distinct culture" of the deep south (of the U.S.) also :) I must agree....I have been called far worse than quaint also!!!!!

By the way...it's nice to see a good ole' Southern task :)

Wanda, you didn't offend me and I didn't mean to offend you. I do understand that it is a cultural thing. I find the culture of high school football far stranger than calling yourselves the south (which just makes me smile).

This is a hard task for me. I had decided to try to fill all my tasks with books I own or have had on a previous SRC plan that was not read, but I am finding no help at all with that group of books.

And, when I find a book set in the right city or with the right mascot, they are less than 250 pages! Yuk.

Can I have these books approved for this task?

The Boys Are Back in Town for Option 2 even so the word back is not used as a noun.

Clean for Option 5. This book is set in an alternative/Future Atlanta, Georgia, home of the Atlanta Falcons.

Would you say the bird is an eagle on this book?

Can you confirm that works for Option 1 - stars on the cover? Thanks.

Coralie wrote: "Wanda, you didn't offend me and I didn't mean to offend you. I do understand that it is a cultural thing. I find the culture of high school football far stranger than calling yourselves the south (..."

High School football is a strange thing but really enjoyable---as much as a social event as athletic. As a teacher it was special to attend these games and cheer for those students that I saw each day in class and they so enjoyed it. I still live in the same small town and often visit with these past players and remember those games and it keeps me young (mentally that is).

Denise wrote: "Can you confirm that works for Option 1 - stars on the cover? Thanks."

I had to go to google images to get a good look at the cover and yes, there are definitely stars on the cover.

Kathryn CA wrote: "I wanted to get this okayed for option 1:
"

Yes, I see stars on the cover so it is okay.

♥Robin ♥ wrote: "Wanda wrote: "I apologize if the use of 'the South' has insulted anyone. As I identified in my task, I am a resident of Florida which is in the southern part of the U.S. As a teacher of World His..."


Why, Thank You, Maam and Bless your Heart!

Kathryn CA wrote: "For Option 5 - The Lucy Variations main page mentions San Francisco. I haven't read this book before so I am not 100% sure that it is set in San Francisco. This is from the description: "National B..."

It would seem that it is. However, it would work for Option 3. A young gifted pianist could have been a member of the school orchestra!

I did some research and found an article where the author was interviewed. She stated that she had set this novel in San Francisco because that was her childhood home. So this definitely works for Option 5

Wanda wrote: "Denise wrote: "Can you confirm that works for Option 1 - stars on the cover? Thanks."

I had to go to google images to get a good look at the cover and yes, ther..."

Thank you.

Bea wrote: "This is a hard task for me. I had decided to try to fill all my tasks with books I own or have had on a previous SRC plan that was not read, but I am finding no help at all with that group of books..."

Sorry! I know you will find two great books!

~Leslie~ wrote: "In HS and some colleges, girls (and sometimes boys) are voted on by the student body to sit on the Homecoming Court. These are usually the most popular girls in the school. They are presented at ha..."

Coralie wrote: "For someone who lives in the real south, where it is spring, what is a homecoming court?"
Yes, big deal...some schools bigger than others. The high school I attended, which was the same small school that Wanda taught at, the homecoming court/queen rode in a horse drawn carriage for the homecoming parade. Great memories...

Oma, you put together a real good challenge!!! Love reading all the comments too :)

It definitely has the head and beak of an eagle and eagles do sometimes hunt at night so yes it would be good for Option 4--Just a side note for the moderators Auburn University has a second mascot-which is referred to as The War Eagle.

Fandury wrote: "Can I have these books approved for this task?

The Boys Are Back in Town for Option 2 even so the word back is not used as a noun.

Clean for Option 5. This book is set in an alternative/Future At..."


I did not state that the title word had to be a noun. So this book will work for Option 2. I was more concerned that it was not a compound word or another variation of the word other than plurals or possessives.

Future or alternative Atlanta is still Atlanta so that is a yes for the second book.

Sarah wrote: "Oma, you put together a real good challenge!!! Love reading all the comments too :)"

Why thank you, darling---and Bless Your Heart!

Coralie wrote: "For someone who lives in the real south, where it is spring, what is a homecoming court?"

hmmm...a fake south...interesting concept, unless of course you read the whole challenge and saw this was in Florida, which is in the southern part of the US. But, thanks for those Outback restaurants...yummy!!!

can i get an ok on these?

Option 1: Full Dark, No Stars
Option 5: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?(San Francisco, California)
I am unsure about my book for option 5, it's set in California and it looks like the raiders, chargers and 49ers have stadiums in California but i am unsure how close are these stadiums supposed to be to the book setting, is it just ok that they are all in the same state? I have no knowledge whatsoever of football or sports so any help would be welcomed! :)

Delmy =^.^= wrote: "can i get an ok on these?

Option 1: Full Dark, No Stars
Option 5: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?(San Francisco, California)
I am unsure about my book for option 5, it's set in California an..."

The task was to read a book set in the same city as the NFL club. San Francisco has a NFL club (The Forth-Niners) so if your book is set in San Francisco then it will be good for option 5 of the task

Ok, thanks! :)

Would Even Silence Has an End: My Six Years of Captivity in the Colombian Jungle by Ingrid Betancourt work for the 1 book option combining options 1 (stripes) and 2 (end) ?

Thank you

Alexis wrote: "Would Even Silence Has an End: My Six Years of Captivity in the Colombian Jungle by Ingrid Betancourt ..."

Works for me---You have used the classification 'end' and have stripes on the cover and it is 500+pages.

Wanda wrote: " -- For Vanderbilt (Royal Navy officer) ..."

Thanks! :)