2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion

REMEMBRANCE CHALLENGE
Duration: November 1 - November 30, 2015

Many societies, cultures, and countries take time out of their year for remembrance holidays. This November, let us remember these important moments with them:

1. Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent (Christian faiths): This holiday celebrates the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert, where he resisted temptation by Satan. Read a book about giving up something, or about resisting temptation.

2. March 9th, Baron Bliss Day (Belize): A day to remember the fourth Barron Bliss of Portugal, who died off the coast of Belize and left the country 2 million dollars in a trust fund. His money established libraries, museums, health clinics, and the water supply system, making him the greatest benefactor of the country. Read a book about the establishment of a charity or public works project, or a book which features a great benefactor.

3. 15th day after the Spring Equinox, Qingming Festival (China/Taiwan): A celebration for the equivalent of "spring cleaning" for the columbarium, graves, and burial grounds of ancestors while honoring their ancestors. Read a book which takes place at a gravesite, or which features paying homage.

4. 27th of Nisan, Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day (Israel/Jewish faith): An observation of Israel's day of commemoration for the ~6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Read a book about the Holocaust, or which features World War II.

5. May 4th, Remembrance of the Dead (Netherlands): This national holiday is immediately followed by Liberation Day on May 5th, constituting one remembrance for both victims and liberation. Read a book about a liberation, or a book prominently featuring holidays.

6. May 9th, Europe Day (European Union): A celebration of the commemoration of the Schuman Declaration, proposing the principle founding ideas of the European Union. Read a book featuring the unification of groups of people, or which features a council working to defend democracy or the rule of law.

7. Last Monday in May, Memorial Day (USA): A day to remember the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Read a book which remembers a war hero, or tells a story of a group of people surviving against all odds.

8. 15th day of the 7th lunar month, Obon Festival (Japan/Buddhist faith): The origin of this festival from a story in which a disciple of Buddha uses supernatural powers to see his deceased mother suffering in her after-life. Buddha encourages his disciple to make offerings and witness his mother's release. The disciple danced with joy, making dancing and offerings central to this family reunion holiday. Read a book about a family reunion or a book which highlights a form of dancing.

9. August 15th, India Independence Day (India): The celebration of independence from the British Empire. Read a book set in India, or read a book about a country achieving independence.

10. September 11th, Anniversary of the Twin Towers Collapsing (USA): A day to remember a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the terrorist group al-Qaeda on the United States. Read a book involving a terrorist plot, or a book set during the collapse of the Twin Towers.

11. October 31-November 2, Dia de Muertos, Day of the Dead (Mexico): A gathering of family and friends to pray for and remember family members who have died, and support their spiritual journey. Read a book about a spiritual journey, or a book which celebrates the deceased.

12. November 11th, Poppy Day/Armistice Day (Commonwealth of Nations): The First World War remembrance day celebrated by the Commonwealth of Nations. Read a book set during the First World War, or a book which features the fall of an empire.

Jackie B is the creator and leader of this challenge. Thank you, Jackie!

How to Participate
1. Post here telling the challenge leader that you'd like to join the challenge. You can choose your books for the challenge at the beginning, or add them as you go. You can join a challenge at any time, as long as the challenge is still active.

2. Whenever you finish a book for the challenge, post here and let the challenge leader know so they can update your progress.

Some members choose to update their original post with their progress to keep track of their challenge more easily, but make sure to also post a new message so the challenge leader knows to go look at your original post. You can look at how other members report their progress to find a strategy that works well for you.

For more information about how challenges work, check out this thread or ask your challenge leader.

Participants
Cassandra | 4/4
ChrisP | 5/3
Dragon | 0/2
Elsbeth | 0/5
Emma | 12/12
Jackie B | 2/2
Joanne | 1/1
Kelly | 2/2
Lindsay IL | 0/4
Lynn | 5/5
Megan | 1/3
Nicole (Msg 12) | 4/2
Nicole (Msg 24) | 1/5
Renee | 4/3
Sharon | 4/3
Sherry | 6/6
Susan| 2/2
Tasha | 0/2
QueenAmidala28 | 0/2

I'll try for 4 this time.

As the leader of this challenge, I think I should participate. :)

I'll go for two.

Thanks for putting in the instructions, too! We created those for yearly challenges in particular, since those are the ones that are most likely to be in progress when someone new joins, but it's nice to have them for other challenges.

Put me down for 2 - I'd like to do more but I'm on vacation for half of November so I don't want to over-commit my reading.

7. Last Monday in May, Memorial Day (USA): A day to remember the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Read a book which remembers a war hero, or tells a story of a group of people surviving against all odds. Zoli read 11/19/2015

11. October 31-November 2, Dia de Muertos, Day of the Dead (Mexico): A gathering of family and friends to pray for and remember family members who have died, and support their spiritual journey. Read a book about a spiritual journey, or a book which celebrates the deceased. Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith read 11/6/2015

2/2
Challenge completed!

I'll try for 3

Id like to try for them all please.

1. Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent (Christian faiths): This holiday celebrates the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert, where he resisted temptation by Satan. Read a book about giving up something, or about resisting temptation.
Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

2. March 9th, Baron Bliss Day (Belize): A day to remember the fourth Barron Bliss of Portugal, who died off the coast of Belize and left the country 2 million dollars in a trust fund. His money established libraries, museums, health clinics, and the water supply system, making him the greatest benefactor of the country. Read a book about the establishment of a charity or public works project, or a book which features a great benefactor.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
(given a chance to leave past behind).

3. 15th day after the Spring Equinox, Qingming Festival (China/Taiwan): A celebration for the equivalent of "spring cleaning" for the columbarium, graves, and burial grounds of ancestors while honoring their ancestors. Read a book which takes place at a gravesite, or which features paying homage.
Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler - travels back for a funeral in honour of her first love.

4. 27th of Nisan, Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day (Israel/Jewish faith): An observation of Israel's day of commemoration for the ~6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Read a book about the Holocaust, or which features World War II.
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

5. May 4th, Remembrance of the Dead (Netherlands): This national holiday is immediately followed by Liberation Day on May 5th, constituting one remembrance for both victims and liberation. Read a book about a liberation, or a book prominently featuring holidays.
The Hunger Angel by Herta Müller

6. May 9th, Europe Day (European Union): A celebration of the commemoration of the Schuman Declaration, proposing the principle founding ideas of the European Union. Read a book featuring the unification of groups of people, or which features a council working to defend democracy or the rule of law.
The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection by Alexander McCall Smith ( join together to solve mysteries and stop someone being wrongly jailed)

7. Last Monday in May, Memorial Day (USA): A day to remember the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Read a book which remembers a war hero, or tells a story of a group of people surviving against all odds.
To Save a People by Alex Kershaw- Raoul wallenburg managed to help save many Jewish people during the war, making the book have both a hero and people who survived against the odds.

8. 15th day of the 7th lunar month, Obon Festival (Japan/Buddhist faith): The origin of this festival from a story in which a disciple of Buddha uses supernatural powers to see his deceased mother suffering in her after-life. Buddha encourages his disciple to make offerings and witness his mother's release. The disciple danced with joy, making dancing and offerings central to this family reunion holiday. Read a book about a family reunion or a book which highlights a form of dancing.
Trail of Broken Wings by Sejal Badani - family reunited when their dad is seriously ill after one had spent years abroad.

9. August 15th, India Independence Day (India): The celebration of independence from the British Empire. Read a book set in India, or read a book about a country achieving independence.
The Last Jews Of Kerala by Edna Fernandes

10. September 11th, Anniversary of the Twin Towers Collapsing (USA): A day to remember a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the terrorist group al-Qaeda on the United States. Read a book involving a terrorist plot, or a book set during the collapse of the Twin Towers.
Secret Son by Laila Lalami

11. October 31-November 2, Dia de Muertos, Day of the Dead (Mexico): A gathering of family and friends to pray for and remember family members who have died, and support their spiritual journey. Read a book about a spiritual journey, or a book which celebrates the deceased.
The Blindsided Prophet by Sonja Lewis

12. November 11th, Poppy Day/Armistice Day (Commonwealth of Nations): The First World War remembrance day celebrated by the Commonwealth of Nations. Read a book set during the First World War, or a book which features the fall of an empire.
Strange Meeting by Susan Hill

Emma wrote: "Id like to try for them all please."

Emma-- you are much stronger than I! Good luck on your challenge. I look forward to hearing about what you read.

I would like to join! I will try for 3, with a stretch goal of 5 (depending on how much time I spend in airplanes...)

Thanks for hosting!

I'd like to sign up for 5 please Jackie.


REMEMBRANCE CHALLENGE
Duration: November 1-30, 2015
Progress / Goal = 5 / 5 Complete!

✔ 4. Holocaust Remembrance Day: Read a book about the Holocaust, or which features World War II.
➤ The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths is set in Brighton in 1950 but reveals the activities of a group of special forces soldiers in WWII. (Read 11/28/15)

✔ 9. India Independence Day: Read a book set in India, or read a book about a country achieving independence.
➤ The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri is set in Calcutta and the U.S. (Read 11/14/15)

✔ 10. September 11th Anniversary: Read a book involving a terrorist plot, or a book set during the collapse of the Twin Towers.
➤ Near Enemy by Adam Sternbergh features a former garbageman battling a terrorist plot in NYC in the near future.

✔ 11. Day of the Dead: Read a book about a spiritual journey, or a book which celebrates the deceased.
➤ Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach looks for scientific proof of life after death....not exactly a celebration, but 300 pages examining the moment of death is close enough for me. (Read 11/05/15)

✔ 12. Armistice Day: Read a book set during the First World War, or a book which features the fall of an empire.
➤ The Care and Management of Lies: A Novel of the Great War by Jacqueline Winspear. Beautifully written novel of Kentish soldiers, support personnel and the people back home in the first year of WWI. (Read 11/29/15)

Edited 11/29/15

I'm in for 2!

I'm signing up for 2 please!

November: Rememberance Challenge

1. Read a book about giving up something, or about resisting temptation.

2. Read a book about the establishment of a charity or public works project, or a book which features a great benefactor.

3. Read a book which takes place at a gravesite, or which features paying homage.

4. Read a book about the Holocaust, or which features World War II. - All the Light We Cannot See

5. Read a book about a liberation, or a book prominently featuring holidays.

6. Read a book featuring the unification of groups of people, or which features a council working to defend democracy or the rule of law.

7. Read a book which remembers a war hero, or tells a story of a group of people surviving against all odds.

8. Read a book about a family reunion or a book which highlights a form of dancing.

9. Read a book set in India, or read a book about a country achieving independence.

10. Read a book involving a terrorist plot, or a book set during the collapse of the Twin Towers. - Carrie's Run

11. Read a book about a spiritual journey, or a book which celebrates the deceased.

12. Read a book set during the First World War, or a book which features the fall of an empire.

Current: 2/2 COMPLETE

Aiming for 3.

1. Read a book about giving up something, or about resisting temptation.

2. Read a book about the establishment of a charity or public works project, or a book which features a great benefactor.

3. Read a book which takes place at a gravesite, or which features paying homage.

4. Read a book about the Holocaust, or which features World War II.

5. Read a book about a liberation, or a book prominently featuring holidays.
A Zombie Christmas - 12/22

6. Read a book featuring the unification of groups of people, or which features a council working to defend democracy or the rule of law.
A Tale of Two Cities - 12/21

7. Read a book which remembers a war hero, or tells a story of a group of people surviving against all odds.

8. Read a book about a family reunion or a book which highlights a form of dancing.
Emma - 11/16

9. Read a book set in India, or read a book about a country achieving independence.

10. Read a book involving a terrorist plot, or a book set during the collapse of the Twin Towers.

11. Read a book about a spiritual journey, or a book which celebrates the deceased.

12. Read a book set during the First World War, or a book which features the fall of an empire.

3/3

Put me down for 3

Hi there. Count me in, please! I'll shoot for 4 to start. :)

November Challenge: Remembrance
November 1-30, 2015
Progress: 0/4

1. Read a book about giving up something, or about resisting temptation.

2. Read a book about the establishment of a charity or public works project, or a book which features a great benefactor.

3. Read a book which takes place at a gravesite, or which features paying homage.

4. Read a book about the Holocaust, or which features World War II.

5. Read a book about a liberation, or a book prominently featuring holidays.

6. Read a book featuring the unification of groups of people, or which features a council working to defend democracy or the rule of law.

7. Read a book which remembers a war hero, or tells a story of a group of people surviving against all odds.

8. Read a book about a family reunion or a book which highlights a form of dancing.

9. Read a book set in India, or read a book about a country achieving independence.

10. Read a book involving a terrorist plot, or a book set during the collapse of the Twin Towers.

11. Read a book about a spiritual journey, or a book which celebrates the deceased.

12. Read a book set during the First World War, or a book which features the fall of an empire.

I want to try 5!

1 / 5

Finished my first book for the challenge and updated Message 11

✔ 10. September 11th Anniversary: Read a book involving a terrorist plot, or a book set during the collapse of the Twin Towers.
➤ Near Enemy by Adam Sternbergh features a former garbageman battling a terrorist plot in NYC in the near future.

Sign me up for 2 plz :)

Lynn wrote: "1 / 5
Finished my first book for the challenge and updated Message 11 "

Wow! Nicely done, Lynn! I'm very impressed. What did you think of Near Enemy?

I preferred the first book featuring this character, Spademan, but I'll keep reading the series if he'll write another. I like reading cyberpunk dystopian future.....I'm getting seriously weird.

There's nothing wrong with that! One of my favorite things about reading is experiencing worlds unlike my own. It also makes me appreciate what I have a bit more. :)

Jackie B. wrote: "There's nothing wrong with that! One of my favorite things about reading is experiencing worlds unlike my own. It also makes me appreciate what I have a bit more. :)"

I agree....I'm stretching my taste in books and challenges help.

I'll try for 4-5.

1/5

✓ 1. Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent (Christian faiths): This holiday celebrates the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert, where he resisted temptation by Satan. Read a book about giving up something, or about resisting temptation.


2. March 9th, Baron Bliss Day (Belize): A day to remember the fourth Barron Bliss of Portugal, who died off the coast of Belize and left the country 2 million dollars in a trust fund. His money established libraries, museums, health clinics, and the water supply system, making him the greatest benefactor of the country. Read a book about the establishment of a charity or public works project, or a book which features a great benefactor.

3. 15th day after the Spring Equinox, Qingming Festival (China/Taiwan): A celebration for the equivalent of "spring cleaning" for the columbarium, graves, and burial grounds of ancestors while honoring their ancestors. Read a book which takes place at a gravesite, or which features paying homage.

4. 27th of Nisan, Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day (Israel/Jewish faith): An observation of Israel's day of commemoration for the ~6 million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Read a book about the Holocaust, or which features World War II.

5. May 4th, Remembrance of the Dead (Netherlands): This national holiday is immediately followed by Liberation Day on May 5th, constituting one remembrance for both victims and liberation. Read a book about a liberation, or a book prominently featuring holidays.

6. May 9th, Europe Day (European Union): A celebration of the commemoration of the Schuman Declaration, proposing the principle founding ideas of the European Union. Read a book featuring the unification of groups of people, or which features a council working to defend democracy or the rule of law.

7. Last Monday in May, Memorial Day (USA): A day to remember the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Read a book which remembers a war hero, or tells a story of a group of people surviving against all odds.

8. 15th day of the 7th lunar month, Obon Festival (Japan/Buddhist faith): The origin of this festival from a story in which a disciple of Buddha uses supernatural powers to see his deceased mother suffering in her after-life. Buddha encourages his disciple to make offerings and witness his mother's release. The disciple danced with joy, making dancing and offerings central to this family reunion holiday. Read a book about a family reunion or a book which highlights a form of dancing.

9. August 15th, India Independence Day (India): The celebration of independence from the British Empire. Read a book set in India, or read a book about a country achieving independence.

10. September 11th, Anniversary of the Twin Towers Collapsing (USA): A day to remember a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the terrorist group al-Qaeda on the United States. Read a book involving a terrorist plot, or a book set during the collapse of the Twin Towers.

11. October 31-November 2, Dia de Muertos, Day of the Dead (Mexico): A gathering of family and friends to pray for and remember family members who have died, and support their spiritual journey. Read a book about a spiritual journey, or a book which celebrates the deceased.

12. November 11th, Poppy Day/Armistice Day (Commonwealth of Nations): The First World War remembrance day celebrated by the Commonwealth of Nations. Read a book set during the First World War, or a book which features the fall of an empire.

Welcome, Nicole! How exciting-- we have two Nicole's. I will differentiate you based on your original Message number in the count at the top.

Good luck to you both! Well, really, good luck to everyone. :)

Jackie B. wrote: "Welcome, Nicole! How exciting-- we have two Nicole's. I will differentiate you based on your original Message number in the count at the top.

Good luck to you both! Well, really, good luck to eve..."

Oh I forgot to check! You can call me Nicole L if it's easier. :)

2 / 5
Updated Message 11.

✔ 11. Day of the Dead: Read a book about a spiritual journey, or a book which celebrates the deceased.
➤ Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach looks for scientific proof of life after death....not exactly a celebration, but 300 pages examining the moment of death is close enough for me.

Upddate to message 8 - read 2/8

Jackie B. wrote: "Welcome, Nicole! How exciting-- we have two Nicole's. I will differentiate you based on your original Message number in the count at the top.

Good luck to you both! Well, really, good luck to eve..."

Yes, a fairly common name, but still an interesting (albeit, sometimes confusing)experience each time I encounter another Nicole.

*Waves Hi at other Nicole* Nice to see you again! I believe we've done several of the same challenges this year. :)

Thanks, Jackie! Good Luck to you, too!

*Update for Nicole (Msg. 12)*

1. Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent (Christian faiths): This holiday celebrates the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert, where he resisted temptation by Satan. Read a book about giving up something, or about resisting temptation.
(Giving Up Safety/Security, Humanity, Freedom, Connection- depending on which character/class/race you are; in a way, resisting corruption that comes via the temptation of individuals or profit)

Goal Met So Far: 1/2

I am going to try for two!


4.


7.

1. Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent (Christian faiths): This holiday celebrates the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert, where he resisted temptation by Satan. Read a book about giving up something, or about resisting temptation.


Dark Disciple****It's always challenging to resist the dark side.

7. Last Monday in May, Memorial Day (USA): A day to remember the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Read a book which remembers a war hero, or tells a story of a group of people surviving against all odds.


The Child Thief A group of boys/girls trying to survive in a magical land against a superior force.

2/3 Complete

I want to try 2.

Welcome to the challenge, QueenAmidala28!

I finished my first book, and it was a doozy! I read Lone Wolf and Cub, Omnibus Volume 1 for Dia de Muertos: Read a book about a spiritual journey, or a book which celebrates the deceased.

There was a lot of fascinating information about Buddhism and the culture of Edo-era Japan. I was fascinated to learn how late-feudal Japan honored their dead. Also, on some levels, this book covers both-- since Ogami Itto declares he is walking meifumado, or "the road to hell" on his cursed journey for vengeance.

All in all, a really well done collection!

Updating message. 8- read 5/12

3 / 5
Updated Message 11.

✔ 9. India Independence Day: Read a book set in India, or read a book about a country achieving independence.
➤ The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri is set in Calcutta with several characters immigrating to the U.S. Great book! (Finished 11/14/15)

Updated message 8 - read 6/12

8. Read a book about a family reunion or a book which highlights a form of dancing.
Emma

1/3

read 10/12

Emma wrote: "read 10/12"

Wow! I'm impressed with your voracious reading, Emma. In fact, I might just be a little jealous. ;)

I've finished The Sandman, Vol. 4: Season of Mists. This collection of issues predominately features the dead rising and is set at both grave sites as well as Hell. This is satisfying Qingming Festival: Read a book which takes place at a grave site or features paying hommage.

2/2

I'm totally going to try for one more. Lynn inspired me, and I'm aiming to read Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri. Here goes!

Jackie B. wrote: "I've finished The Sandman, Vol. 4: Season of Mists. This collection of issues predominately features the dead rising and is set at both grave sites as well as Hell. This is satisfying ..."

Jackie....I've loved everything I've read by Jhumpa Lahiri, she writes beautifully. I'll add Unaccustomed Earth to my to-read list. I'm a big fan of the Sandman series as well. I'm waiting for the prequel to come available at my library.

I like to join in. But not sure how many. I already read some books this month so I will try to see which will match this challenge.

6 of my books match so far so I'll enter 6 completed.

6/6 Completed ✔

1. Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent (Christian faiths): Read a book about giving up something, or about resisting temptation.
How to Seduce a Vampire (Without Really Trying) (Without Really Trying) (Love at Stake #15) by Kerrelyn Sparks [Read 11/04/2015]

2. March 9th, Baron Bliss Day (Belize): Read a book about the establishment of a charity or public works project, or a book which features a great benefactor.
A Lady of Secret Devotion(Ladies of Liberty #3) by Tracie Peterson - November Challenge: Remembrance [11/01/2015]

4. 27th of Nisan, Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day (Israel/Jewish faith): Read a book about the Holocaust, or which features World War II.
Through Waters Deep(Waves of Freedom #1) by Sarah Sundin [Read 11/17/2015]

7. Last Monday in May, Memorial Day (USA): Read a book which remembers a war hero, or tells a story of a group of people surviving against all odds.
My Life as a White Trash Zombie(White Trash Zombie #1) by Diana Rowland [Read 11/15/2015]

8. 15th day of the 7th lunar month, Obon Festival (Japan/Buddhist faith): Read a book about a family reunion or a book which highlights a form of dancing.
When Love Returns (The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy #3) by Kim Vogel Sawyer [Read 11/06/2015]

11. October 31-November 2, Dia de Muertos, Day of the Dead (Mexico): Read a book about a spiritual journey, or a book which celebrates the deceased.
The Potter's Lady(Refined by Love #2) by Judith McCoy Miller [Read 11/12/2015]

Welcome to the challenge, Sherry-- and congrats on completing it! Sometimes, it just feels good to check things off of a list. :)

Which of these books did you enjoy the most?

Update to Message 13.

4. Read a book about the Holocaust, or which features World War II. - All the Light We Cannot See

1/2 (Not sure I'll fit another book for this challenge in, but we'll see)

6. May 9th, Europe Day (European Union): A celebration of the commemoration of the Schuman Declaration, proposing the principle founding ideas of the European Union. Read a book featuring the unification of groups of people, or which features a council working to defend democracy or the rule of law.


The Blood of Olympus***** Greeks and Romans had to come together to save the wrold

3/3 Complete

I'll start with one for now


12. Read a book set during the First World War, or a book which features the fall of an empire. (Set during World War 1) - Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson

Completed 1/1