2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion

SHIVER ME TIMBERS!
Duration: May 1 to May 31, 2020

Yaaar! Ahoy, me hearties!
Whether yer a seadog or a landlubber, the time has come for us to batten down the hatches and prepare for another monthly challenge!
Avast ye! Here's what ya gotta do if ye wanna be rolling with the buccaneers. But first, allow me to slip back into standard English for a sec. *clears throat

To join the crew, let the challenge leader know how many books you aim to read for this challenge.
This open-task challenge features four different tasks. You may read one book for each task, read multiple books for a single task, or any other combinations of books that match the tasks. The choice is yours.

Read:
1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.

Bailey ✰ will be leading this challenge. Thank you, Bailey ✰!>

Ahoy, scallywags! Today we be settin' sail across th' big blue ocean t' read some books about th' sea. T' sign up fer our voyage, post a comment down below sayin' how many books ye plan t' read fer this here challenge. T' see yer progress posted in th' "Crew" list post an update comment that includes yer original message number 'n th' progress ye 'ave made. I shall be updatin' th' "Crew" list every Sunday (or more throughout the week depending).
Example: Update msg #27 3/10

If ye decide t' drop out o' th' voyage, do nah scuttle yer original sign-up post. Jus' update 'n let yer cap'n know. Thanks!

🏴‍☠️ Shiver Me Timbers!

⚓ Landlubbers:

Crystal - 0/2
Dana - 0/4
Jessica - 0/4
Kelly - 0/3
Lois - 0/1
Lucy - 0/6
Nathalia - 0/4
Suzanne - 0/4

🌊 Crew:

Ashleigh - 1/2
Dar - 2/5
Erin - 2/4
Lucie Renee - 3/4
Nicole - 1/3
Octothorpe Reader Leora K - 2/3
Ruth - 2/4
Sonal - 3/4
Tania - 1/3

☠️ Buccaneers:

Amy - 4/4
Ashley - 4/4
Bailey - 3/3
Carmen - 18/15
Carol - 4/4
Chalmation - 4/4
Darinda - 4/4
Joanna - 4/4
Lynn - 5/4
Megan - 4/4
Melissa - 4/4
Mie - 4/4
Nina - 2/2
oshizu - 8/8
Rachael - 2/2
Regina - 6/4
Robyn - 8/8
sal - 4/4
Sarah - 4/4
SarahKat - 4/3
Stephanie - 3/3
Sue - 3/3
Sunny - 2/2
TerryJane - 8/8
Yana - 6/4

Stats:

Participants - 25/42 (60%)
Books - 139/169 (82%)

Last Updated Monday June 1

Okay, I have no idea, what you just said 😉
But I’m hoping for a spot even though I don’t speak Pirate...
Please sign me up for 4 books:

4/4 - COMPLETE ✔️

📗 1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
The Light Between Oceans

📗 2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
Missing You

📗 3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town
One Cornish Summer

📗 4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull
Silver Bay

Ahoy, Bailey me hearty!
I want t' enrol in yer ship 🏴‍☠️

PROGRESS: 18/15

Read:
❎1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
Tales of the South Pacific✔
Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus✔
Claire of the Sea Light✔
❎2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before✔
Cándido o el Optimismo✔
Sailing to Capri✔
❎3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
Iep Jaltok: Poems from a Marshallese Daughter (Marshall Islands)✔
La consagración de la primavera (Cuba)✔
The Old Man and His Sons (Faroe Islands)✔
The Floating Admiral (seaside town - England)✔
N or M? (coastal resort town - England)✔
Nantucket Nights (Nantucket)✔
Vintage Murder (North Island)✔
Chocolate Islands: Cocoa, Slavery, and Colonial Africa (São Tomé and Príncipe)✔
Five Little Pigs (coastal town, England)✔
Cure for the Common Breakup (coastal town, Delaware)✔

❎4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.
La Tormenta Perfecta (fishermen)✔
Mutiny on the Bounty (sailors)✔

Ahoy Cap'n Bailey! Please sign me up for 2 books ⛵⚓

COMPLETED: 2/2

✔️ 🌊 A book with an ocean related word in the title: The Starless Sea finished 9 May, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with review
✔️ 🧜A book about a seafaring life form: Poor Unfortunate Soul: A Tale of the Sea Witch finished 16 May, ⭐⭐⭐ with review

Yo ho ho, Cap'n Bailey!
Blimey, I love what you've done with the Participants List post!
Sign me up for 6 books! (Can't wait to set sail!)

Progress: 8/8 books

Read:
1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
✔️The Veins of the Ocean

💹2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
✔️ ✔️
💹3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
✔️The Crepes of Wrath (beachl town, Washington)
✔️The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave Narrative (island)
✔️Battle Royale (island)
✔️When I Was Puerto Rican (island)

💹4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.
✔️Tentacle (a time-travelling sea deity plus bucaneers)

My planning post

I'm in for 4. I'll add the books as I go.

4/4
Complete

1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America

2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover.
Before the Fall

3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
The Woman in Cabin 10

4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.
Sharko

COMPLETED 4/4!

🏴‍☠️1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.) The Beach, completed May 18, 2020
🏴‍☠️2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover. Black Flags, Blue Waters: The Epic History of America's Most Notorious Pirates, completed May 6 2020
🏴‍☠️3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town. Be Frank with Me, set on the west side of LA, overlooking the ocean and they visit the beach, completed May 15, 2020
🏴‍☠️4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull. Fantasticland, includes pirates, completed May 17, 2020

I'm in for 4.
4/4 - COMPLETED
1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
The Sea of Monsters
2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
The Woman
3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
Gulliver's Travels
4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.
The Old Man and the Sea

I'll read 4.
4/4 - challenge completed

X 1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.) - Between the Tides by Michael Graeme - finished 5/8/20
X 2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover -
Troubled Sea by Jinx Schwartz - finished 5/4/20
X 3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town. - Eve's Island AKA The Island of Galloping Gold AKA Captain Tatham of Tatham Island by Edgar Wallace - finished 5/11/20
X 4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull. - The Dealings of Captain Sharkey and Other Tales of Pirates by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (a book of short stories about pirates!) - finished 5/2/20

SHIVER ME TIMBERS!
Duration: May 1 to May 31, 2020

Wow. These are truly interesting prompts!

5/4 books read as of May 29
4/4 prompts completed as of May 29
DONE!

Read:
✔️1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
The Old Man and the Sea
May 15--5/5 stars
Ship of Fools-set on the ocean
The Light Between Oceans

✔️2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
The Beach House by James Patterson and Peter de Jonge
May 22--5/5 stars

✔️3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe
May 19--5/5 stars
✔️ The Beach House by Jane Green
What a satisfying read!
May 20--5/5 stars

✔️4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.
The Thing About Jellyfish
May 29--5/5 stars
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness

Stepping out of my pirate voice... I will be signing up for 3 books for this challenge. I am super excited to see where this challenge takes us!

Progress: 3/3 books COMPLETED

2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
Rapture of the Deep: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, Soldier, Sailor, Mermaid, Spy // Cover art is underwater.

3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
Mississippi Jack: Being an Account of the Further Waterborne Adventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman, Fine Lady, and Lily of the West // Takes place all along the Mississippi River and other bodies of water.

4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.
My Bonny Light Horseman: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, in Love and War // Sailors, naval officers, etc.

Q: How much does it cost a pirate to get his ears pierced?
A: A buccaneer!

Arrgh! I'm in for at least 8 titles. 🏴‍☠️

Shiver Me Timbers! - Monthly Challenge
Duration: May 1-31, 2020
Progress: 8/8

1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
🏴‍☠️ A Long Petal of the Sea
🏴‍☠️ The Glass Ocean
2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
🏴‍☠️ Tidelands
🏴‍☠️ The Waves
3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
🏴‍☠️ The Deep (Alma Katsu)
🏴‍☠️ The Water Cure
4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.
🏴‍☠️ The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness
🏴‍☠️ The Siren

TerryJane wrote: "Q: How much does it cost a pirate to get his ears pierced?
A: A buccaneer!"

Hahaha, thanks for the laugh, TerryJane!

SHIVER ME TIMBERS!
Duration: May 1 - May 31, 2020

I'm in for all 4 :)

Read: 4/4

Read:
1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
Chen, Qiufan - Die Siliziuminsel (Waste Tide) (May 10, 2020)

2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
Palin, Michael - Erebus: Ein Schiff, zwei Fahrten und das weltweit größte Rätsel auf See (Erebus: The Story of a Ship) (May 18, 2020)

3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
Sullivan, Michael J. - An Bord der Smaragdsturm (The Emerald Storm) (May 24, 2020)

4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.
Shute, Nevil - On the Beach (May 17, 2020)

I'm in for 3!

3/3

COMPLETED

√1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.) The King Tides by James Swain (5/9/20)
√2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover The Sea Keeper's Daughters by Lisa Wingate (5/25/20)
√3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town. The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate (5/14/20)
4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.

Bailey ✰ wrote: "I shall be updatin' th' "Crew" list every Sunday"

Oh, I love your creative twist on your post for tracking our progress.
And thanks so much for letting us know your update schedule.
Scallywags we might be, but we like knowing when to update! 😁

0/4

Read:
1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.) The Old Man and the Sea
2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover. The Last Song
3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town. And the Sea Will Tell
4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull. Moby-Dick or, the Whale

oshizu wrote: "Bailey ✰ wrote: "I shall be updatin' th' "Crew" list every Sunday"

Oh, I love your creative twist on your post for tracking our progress.
And thanks so much for letting us know your update schedul..."

Thanks, oshizu! I thought I'd try to do something cute and fun to keep us motivated throughout this challenge. Definitely excited to start moving people to the Crew portion of the participants list once we get started!

Ahoy Cap'n Bailey! Please sign me up to Heave ho 3 books !!! 🏴‍☠️🦜


SHIVER ME TIMBERS!
Duration: May 1 to May 31, 2020

3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town. - The Boy Who Steals Houses
4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull. - A Gathering of Shadows



2/3 in my booty !

Ahoy, Cap'n, me heartie!
Sign me up for 5 books, please. :)

SHIVER ME TIMBERS!
Duration: May 1 - May 31, 2020

Progress: 3/5

1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman ✔️

— 2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
The Blackwater Lightship by Colm Tóibín

— 3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan ✔️
The Sea by John Banville

4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull
To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo ✔️

I will read 4
4/4-- Challenge Complete!

1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.): Treasure Island (island)

2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover: I Am Watching You

3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town: Monsoon Mansion: A Memoir (the Philippines-- island)

4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull: Mystic Tides (mermaids, selkies, more)

Octothorpe Reader Leora K wrote: "0/3 in my booty so far!!"

I was tempted to make a stupid joke comparing update comments to booty calls but, thankfully, I have managed to resist...

oh captain, my captain, my challenge has near begun! my ship is set to sail away, four books i'd like to con :)

count me in for this challenge!

completed: 2/4

1. a book with any ocean-related word in its title (ocean, sea, tide, wave, etc.):
Small Island

2. a book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover:
The Woman in Cabin 10

3. a book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town:
Lord of the Flies

4. a book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull:
Treasure Island

oshizu wrote: "Octothorpe Reader Leora K wrote: "0/3 in my booty so far!!"

I was tempted to make a stupid joke comparing update comments to booty calls but, thankfully, I have managed to resist..."

Pirate jokes are always appropriate 😂

LOL! @ all the funny comments!

Put me down for 2 please, Captain B! 🏴‍☠️🦜

3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.

🌊

🌊

2/2 I be done!

I am loving everyone's sign up posts! Welcome to the challenge everyone!! Yo Ho Ho 😁🏴‍☠️

In for 2

1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.

Bailey ✰ wrote: "I am loving everyone's sign up posts! Welcome to the challenge everyone!! Yo Ho Ho 😁🏴‍☠️"

I am here for everyone's sign-up posts! 🤣🧡🏴‍☠️🦜

Hi, Im in for all four books:-

1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)- The Ocean at the End of the Lane - started reading - 1st May, Finished reading - 3rd May
2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover - The Beach Café - started reading - 4th May - finished reading 9th May
3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.- Duma Key - started reading - 9th May - Finished reading - 22nd May
4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull. - Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean: How a Generation of Swashbuckling Jews Carved Out an Empire in the New World in Their Quest for Treasure, Religious Freedom--and Revenge

Please sign me up for 4 books. Thanks!

6/4
✅1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
The Tidal Zone

✅2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
The Gathering


3. A book that takes place on an island.
✅Euphoria - New Guinea
✅Night Waking - The Hebrides
✅Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley - England
✅Case Histories - England

Please sign me up for 3

I'll be up for 2!

I'm in for 3!

Ahoy, me mateys! Today marks th' start o' our month long voyage into sea-themed books. 'Tis time t' batten down th' hatches 'n set sail. I hope ye're all as excited as I be t' start this month's challenge. Happy readin'! 🏴‍☠️🦜🌊

I will join for 3!

4/3

1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.) - The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover- And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town. - St. Peter's Fair by Ellis Peters- the UK is an island..
4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.- The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar

SHIVER ME TIMBERS!
Duration: May 1 to May 31, 2020

Progress: 6/4

1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
The Sea of Monsters: 288 ✔
The Starless Sea: 498 ✔
2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover
Master and Commander: 416 ✔
3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
The Terror: 550/896
4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.
Rolling in the Deep: 123 ✔
The Deep: 176 ✔
Into the Drowning Deep: 440 ✔

COMPLETE on 5/26
I'll try for 3

SHIVER ME TIMBERS! (3/3)
Duration: May 1 to May 31, 2020

Read:
✓1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.): Across a Green Ocean by Wendy Lee (finished 5/12), my review is here
✓2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover: set in Key West, Wish Me Home by Kay Bratt (finished 5/18), my review is here

✓3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town: took place on Wrangel Island in the Arctic, Marooned in the Arctic: The True Story of Ada Blackjack, the "Female Robinson Crusoe" by Peggy Caravantes (finished 5/26), my review is here
4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.

"Permission to come aboard?"
Please sign me up for 4.

SHIVER ME TIMBERS!
Duration: May 1 to May 31, 2020

Progress: 3/4

Read:
1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.)
The Starless Sea or Tidelands.

2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover.The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand. FINISHED 5/20/20.

3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town. Next Year in Havana
Actually I read Island Affair for this prompt. It takes place on Key West, Florida - one of my favorite places on earth.FINISHED 5/10/2020

4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull.
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly. FINISHED 5/21/20.

This is really creative. Sure wish I could go to the beach to read these books.

Update to message #4

PROGRESS: 2/15 ☠

Please sign me up for 3!

1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.) The Ocean at the End of the Lane ✔
2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover Migrations ✔
3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town. Children of Blood and Bone ✔

I'm in for 4!

1. A book with any ocean-related word in its title (Ocean, Sea, Tide, Wave, etc.) - Evil by the Sea
2. A book showing the sea, a beach, or a coastline on its cover - Hide Away
3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town - The Girls Weekend
4. A book about a seafaring life form, such as an oyster diver, fisherman, mermaid, pirate, whale, or seagull - Rogue Wave

Bailey ✰ wrote: "Ahoy, me mateys! Today marks th' start o' our month long voyage into sea-themed books. 'Tis time t' batten down th' hatches 'n set sail. I hope ye're all as excited as I be t' start this month's ch..."

Hoist the sails! Shake your booty!

updated message 24: completed 1/4!

Update msg 37. Progress 1/4

Update to msg #6

3. A book that takes place on an island, along the coast, at sea, or in a beach town.
✔️The Hummingbird (coastal village, Norway)
✔️The Crepes of Wrath (beachl town, Washington, US)
✔️The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave Narrative (island)

Progress: 3/6

Updated message #41: 1/3 read

Hi! Please sign me up for 2 books. Thanks

I'll go for 4 books

3/4

1. The Ocean at the End of the Lane
2. Before the Fall
3. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and other Classic Novels
4.

Please sign me up for 4.

#1 - Ocean-related word in title From the Mouth of the Whale by Sjón
#2 - Cover with sea, beach or coastline - Murder at the Brightwell by Ashley Weaver
#3 - Takes place on an island - Bear by Marian Engel
#4 - Seafaring life form (pirate) - The Lost Book of Adana Moreau by Michael Zapata

(4/4 finished May 31)