The Challenge Factory discussion
Can You Survive the Wilderness?
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Hiker Meg
Mod
Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? Far from civilization, everything changes. You can't go to the grocery store. If you're hurt, a doctor isn't a phone call away. If you're cold, you can't turn up the heat. Even finding safe water to drink can be a challenge.
Being lost or stranded in the wilderness will test both your strength and your intelligence. How will you find food? How can you get the attention of rescue aircraft? What would you do if you were staring down the jaws of a hungry predator?
It won't be easy, but if you stay calm and make good choices, you might be able to get out alive. Are you ready to find out whether you have what it takes?
Where would you like to start? The Canadian wilderness, the Blue Mountains of Australia, or Germany's Black Forest?
Mod
You look out from your small camp, scanning the horizon. Everywhere you look you see trees and more trees covering the rolling hills. There's no sign of civilization, and your situation is growing critical.
What started out as a hiking trip with your older brother, Henri, has gone terribly wrong. The two of you planned a long weekend of hiking in Germany's Black Forest. But yesterday you realized you were lost. And now things are even worse - Henri fell while climbing, badly breaking his leg. He's in terrible pain, and you don't know what to do. Your cell phones are dead, your food is almost gone, and Henri is in shock. Henri is in desperate need of medical help.
This is no time for tears. Henri's life - and your own - depend on you. You've got to get him the help he needs.
To stay with Henri and wait for help:
1. read a book with all the letters of STAY in the title
2. read a book where the MC or author's name begins with H
3. read a book that you have been waiting a long time to read
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To strike out into the forest in search of rescue:
1. read a book where a significant character plays a sport (like baseball)
2. read a book with a lot of trees on the cover
3. read a book where the MC rescues someone
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
1. Decision: To stay with Henri and wait for helpBook:
Lord James Harrington and the Winter MysteryAuthor: Lynn Florkiewicz
Date Read: 04/27
Task: Help Henri
How it Fits: all the letters of STAY in the title
Mod
Henri is in bad shape. You don't think it's a good idea to leave him by himself. When you don't come home tomorrow, your family will start to worry. A rescue effort should be under way within a day two. All you have to do is to keep the two of you alive until then.
You build a warm fire and cover Henri with all the blankets you've got. You get water from a nearby stream and boil it so that it is safe to drink. The you set out to get something to eat. Henri will need nourishment to fight his injury.
You spend an hour foraging for food. As you kneel down to gather juicy rowan berries, you notice movement nearby. There's a face staring out at you from the bush!
Your heart races as you realize that you're looking at a wolf! And you're crouched down - the grey beast probably thinks you are prey. You've got to act fast!
To stand up and confront the wolf:
1. read a book with one person standing on the cover
2. read a book where the MC confronts someone about something serious
3. read a book with 'wolf' in the text of the book
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To curl up in a ball and play dead:
1. read a book where the MC has curly hair
2. read a book where the MC plays a board or card game
3. read a book where someone dies
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
Decision: To curl up in a ball and play deadBook:
The Recovery AgentAuthor: Janet Evanovich
Date Read: 05/04
Task: deal with wolf presence
How it Fits: a book where someone dies
Mod
You slowly drop to the ground and curl into a tight ball, hoping that the wolf will ignore you. But it's the wrong choice. Wolves can attack easy, small targets. By curling into a small ball, you show the hungry predator that you're no threat to it.
The big canine pounces. You try to scramble to your feet and run, but it's too late. You feel sharp claws tearing your skin. Its powerful jaws closes around your throat. It's a horrible and terrifying way to die. But the saddest part is that now there's no way to help Henri. He may die as well.
Mod
You have some choices at this point.
1 - stop this challenge
2 - stay in Germany and start over making different decisions
3 - go to another location and read for those places
There may be other choices that I haven't thought of. What do you want to do?
argh, I could actually feel those claws and teeth 😭Maybe I'll start over in another place and try Germany again later.
Mod
Maybe I'll start over in another place and try Germany again later."
Those descriptions are rather intense, aren't they? That's why I included the warning at the beginning of the challenge.
Let me where and when you want to go next.
I'm glad you posted the warning; it kept me from being surprised, even if I could feel that dang wolf. This is why I'm not an outdoorsy adventurer!How about the Canadian wilderness for my next shot?
Mod
Me, neither!
Meg wrote: "How about the Canadian wilderness for my next shot?"
Sounds good.
Mod
As you watch the August sun dip behind the mountains of the Canadian Rockies, you're worried. You were supposed to spend two nights alone before being picked up by a small plane.
But now three days has stretched to six days, and what few supplies you brought with you have run out. And it seems that no one is coming.
Did something happen to the pilot who brought you here? He's the only other person who knows exactly where you are! Your friends and family only knew you were coming to Canada.
Your food and fresh water may be gone, but you came prepared. You've got warm clothes, a tent and sleeping bag, a pocketknife, and a piece of flint to start fires.
It's clear that rescue might not be coming any time soon. It's time to decide - do you wait for rescue here? Or is it time to strike out into the wilderness in search of help?
To wait for rescue here:
1. read a book set near where you live
2. read a book where the author's last name starts with 'H', 'E', 'R', or 'E'
3. read a book where the MC has to wait for something important
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To strike out in search of help:
1. read a book with the word 'strike' in the text
2. read a book with 'OUT' in the title (can be part of a word, i.e., about, South, outdoor)
3. read a book where the MC asks for help
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
Canadian Wilderness1. Decision: Wait for Rescue
Book: Serf and Terf
Author: Marc Jedel
Date Read: 05/06
Task: Read a book near where you live
How it fit: Set in Silicone Valley, about two hours away
Mod
Canada is a huge, wild place. You don't even know which direction to go to find civilization. Staying here is your best chance. You know how to survive.
The good news is that you already have a start on a camp here. There are fish in the lake and wildlife in the thick forest. With some luck, you could last months out here.
Your first concern is finding food. You could try fishing, but you'd have to make your own gear. Or you could work on building snares to catch rabbits or other small game.
To fish for your supper:
1. read a book with with a table or chair on the cover
2. read a book where a word in the title has two of the same letter together (supper)
3. read a book where the MC prepares supper or dinner
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To build snares:
1. read a book where the MC walks into a trap
2. read a book where the MC gets into a hazardous situation
3. read a book where the MC gets ambushed
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
2. Fish for my supperBook: Skulduggery Pleasant
Author: Derek Landy
Date Read; 05/09
Task: A word in the title that has two of same letter together
How it fit: Skulduggery has two Gs together
Mod
A small stream feeds a nearby lake, and you've seen trout swimming there. You find a strong, straight stick and use your pocketknife to whittle it to a sharp point. Soon you've got a crude fishing spear.
The creek isn't very deep, but it's moving fast. Soon you discover that you can't reach far enough to get to the fish. So you strip off your shoes and socks, roll up your pants, and wade in. Wow, that water is cold!
Spearing a fish is hard. You make several attempts, but come up empty. Suddenly you lose your balance and flop into the icy water. The water takes your breath away. Your clothes are now soaked. You shiver in the afternoon breeze.
To go back to camp to dry your clothing:
1. re-read a book
2. read a book with 'camp' in the text of the book
3. read a book where the MC accidentally gets wet
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To keep trying to catch fish:
1. read a book with a word in the title that has 2 E's
2. read a new-to-you book by your favorite author
3. read a book with 'fish' in the text of the book
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
3. Go back to camp to dry clothingBook:
SizzleAuthor: Julie Garwood
Date read: 05/13
Task; Book with title in L O S T
How it fits: Book title starts with "S"
Mod
You're drenched with near-freezing water. It's critical you get warm and dry, even if it means you go hungry tonight. You hurry back to camp and strip off your wet clothes. You quickly build a fire ad huddle close to it. Slowly the warmth stops your shivering, and you climb into your sleeping bag for the night. Tomorrow you'll try fishing again.
Over the next week, you sharpen your survival skills. You trap several rabbits, and you even manage to spear a few fish.
Then one day you hear a buzzing sound in the distance. It's a small plane! You quickly build as large and smoky fire as you can.
The smoke does its job. You watch as the plane turns in your direction. It's a small seaplane that can land on the nearby lake. You're waiting on the shore, watching and waving your arms.
You were patient and smart, and rescue has finally arrived. You've proven yourself a true outdoor specialist.
Mod
What do you want to do now?
Awesome!I guess it's off to Australia for me next...
Mod
I guess it's off to Australia for me next..."
Any chance of a side to New Zealand while you're there?
Mod
You're deep in the forests of Australia's Blue Mountains, and nobody knows where you are. You were planning to meet your friend Casey at a campsite later for some hardcore biking. First, though, you decided to take a morning ride on your own.
Now you're lost. The interesting little trail that you had been following has disappeared, and you can't find it again.
You're not too worried at first. You have your bike, and you're an expert rider. There's not much terrain you can't handle. But then your front wheel catches a rock. Your bike skids out from under you and you smash to the ground.
You're just scraped and bruised, but the bike is in far worse shape. The front tire is blown out, the chain is snapped, and the rim is bent beyond repair. That leaves you lost and alone with nothing but your feet to carry you. Not good.
You search your backpack and find a first-aid kit. You wipe down your scrapes and bandage them. As you look through your pack, you realize you're in trouble. You have a bottle of water, but no food. You have a small tool kit, a spare inner tube for the bike, emergency matches, and a windbreaker jacket.
With a sigh, you zip up your backpack and start hiking. You head east, knowing that the coast and civilization lie in that direction. After several hours of walking, your stomach is growling.
You know that the Australian wilderness contains many edible plants. But all around you, you can hear a variety of birdcalls. It's nesting seasons, and finding eggs wouldn't be too difficult. But getting them could be dangerous.
To forage for wild plants:
1. read a book with 'forage' in the text of the book
2. read a book with a wild animal in it
3. read a book with only plants on the cover (nothing else)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To try to find bird eggs:
1. read a book by an author that is new to you
2. read a book with a bird as part of the story
3. read a book where something is hatched or a baby is born
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
Lanelle wrote: "Meg wrote: "Awesome!I guess it's off to Australia for me next..."
Any chance of a side to New Zealand while you're there?"
New Zealand would be cool. Esp if it includes city or village life. 😊
1. To try to find bird eggs:Book:
The Frangipani Tree Mystery Author: Ovidia Yu
Date read: 05/15
Task; read a book by an author that is new to you
How it fits: first time author
Mod
Birds are plentiful in this area. And you're in luck, since most are in nesting season. You start searching tree branches for signs of a nest. It doesn't take long to spot one sitting about halfway up a eucalyptus tree. It looks sturdy, but you know that climbing in a survival situation is a big risk.
Carefully, you work your way up the tree. You take your time, knowing that a fall here will likely cost you your life. Soon you've reached the branch that holds the nest. But from up here, it doesn't seem like a very broad branch. You don't know if it will hold your weight. You shake the branch, but you're not sure if the eggs would survive the fall. All your work for nothing.
To try shaking the branch:
1. read a book by an author that you've wanted to try
2. read a book about a topic that might shake you
3. read a book that has branched out from the original series
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To move onto the branch toward the nest:
1. read a book where the MC moves to a new location
2. read a book where 'branch' is found in the text of the book
3. read a book with all the letters of NEST is in the title
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
2. To try shaking the branchBook:
Paint a MurderAuthor; Lily Ashton
Date read: 05/21
Task: 1
How it fits: A book by an author I've wanted to try
Mod
You don't trust the branch to support your weight. So instead you brace yourself against the tree's sturdy trunk and start to shake the branch. You quickly build a rhythm and soon the branch is moving back and forth and the nest shakes loose from the tree and tumbles to the ground. Success!
You shimmy down the tree and check the nest. Out of a total of five eggs, three are unbroken. They will provide you with much needed protein and energy.
You gather wood and use your emergency matches to start a small fire. Meanwhile you chip a small hole in the top of each egg. The hole will keep the egg from exploding as it cooks. Put put out the fire and place the eggs on the edge of the hot coals. They're cooked within a few minutes. You peel off the shells and munch them down.
With a little food in your belly, you feel ready to keep moving. You move carefully through the thick forest. Soon you come across a small river. You start to follow it downstream. You know that rivers usually lead to civilization.
As you walk alongside the river, you realize that the sun will set soon. You'll have to make camp soon. This side of the river is rocky and rough. You notice a perfect flat location on the far side. The river is not a very big one. You think it's no deeper that waist level, and the current doesn't seem strong here. You decide to cross.
To strip off your clothes before you cross:
1. read a book where the MC is stripped of their rank, power, or property
2. read a book with a bare chest on the cover
3. read a book that is yours (you own it)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To stay dressed for the crossing:
1. read a book where the MC stays in one location during the story
2. read a book where the MC wears a dress
3. read a book with a street or road on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
3. To stay dressed for the crossingBook:
Fruit Cake and FearAuthor: Agatha Frost
Dead read: 05/22
Task: 1
How it fits: MC stays in her town/village during the story
Mod
The air already has a chill to it and you're not about to get into the river naked. You step carefully into the water and start across. At one point you stumble. Now everything is soaked - you, your clothing, your backpack, and everything in it.
By the time you reach the over side, you're shivering. You need a fire to warm up. You gather wood, shaking your arms and legs as you move. But when you go to go pack, you realize that your matches got wet. They won't be any good at lighting a fire.
Meanwhile, your teeth ate chattering. Your body is losing heat quickly. You recognize that you're in terrible danger. You can't make a fire, you're clothes are wet, and the air is growing colder by the minute.
You fall to the ground and curl up into a ball. You're so cold. Your breathing becomes shallow, and your thoughts become clouded. In another time and place, you'd know that you're suffering from advanced hypothermia. Sometime before morning, you take your last breath.
Mod
What do you want to do now?
Wow, that's heartbreaking. This would have happened whether she went across naked or clothed, right? 😥Okay, I guess I'm back to the Black Forest, even though the thought of running into that wolf again is freaky scary.
I'm totally a city girl at heart! 😄
Mod
You should have removed your clothing before you crossed the river. But then there was a cliff that you had to make a decision about, so who knows :)
Here's Germany. And just stand up to that pesky wolf!
Mod
You look out from your small camp, scanning the horizon. Everywhere you look you see trees and more trees covering the rolling hills. There's no sign of civilization, and your situation is growing critical.
What started out as a hiking trip with your older brother, Henri, has gone terribly wrong. The two of you planned a long weekend of hiking in Germany's Black Forest. But yesterday you realized you were lost. And now things are even worse - Henri fell while climbing, badly breaking his leg. He's in terrible pain, and you don't know what to do. Your cell phones are dead, your food is almost gone, and Henri is in shock. Henri is in desperate need of medical help.
This is no time for tears. Henri's life - and your own - depend on you. You've got to get him the help he needs.
To stay with Henri and wait for help:
1. read a book with all the letters of STAY in the title
2. read a book where the MC or author's name begins with H
3. read a book that you have been waiting a long time to read
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To strike out into the forest in search of rescue:
1. read a book where a significant character plays a sport (like baseball)
2. read a book with a lot of trees on the cover
3. read a book where the MC rescues someone
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
Black Forest replay1. Search for rescue
Book:
Larceny in LiverpoolAuthor: Kal Smagh
Deate read: 04/23
Task: 4
How it fits: Book title starts with "L"
Mod
Henri may not have more than a day or two to live. You can't afford to sit around waiting. It's time to take action. You've already made a lean-to shelter for Henri, given him your last two granola bars, and a canteen of clean water.
With one last hug for Henri, you head out into the forest. The terrain is uneven and thick. Branches smack you in the face and you're always tripping over tree roots. Through the dense treetops you realize that the sun is setting. It's time to stop for the night. You build shelter, get water from a nearby stream, and start a small fire to boil the water. You lie down and try to sleep.
In the morning your stomach wakes you up. You feel as if you're starving. Can you spend another day of hard hiking without food?
To stop and look for food:
1. read a book from the The Most Begun "Read but Unfinished" (Started) Book Ever
2. read a book with a good looking MC
3. read a book with prepared food on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To continue searching for help:
1. read a book that will continue a series that you haven't read in 6 months
2. read a book with 'searching" in the text of the book (that exact word, no variation)
3. read a book where the MC receives help (your definition)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
2. Continue searching for help:Book:
Iced in ParadiseAuthor: Naomi Hirahara
Date read: 05/26
Task: 2
How it fits: 'searching" in the text of book ("...as if searching for someone to hear him.")
Mod
You're not about to stop for food. Your brother is back at camp fighting for his life, and every second is sacred. So you press on, ignoring your growling stomach.
About an hour later, you come upon a river. You know that one of the best ways to find people is to follow a river downstream. But walking along the uneven riverbank will be difficult.
The forest floor is littered with fallen logs. One large log sits right along the riverbank. You could use it as a float, and make quick time down the river. But you know a log isn't very stable floatation device. The water will be bitterly cold, putting you in danger of hypothermia.
To continue by foot:
1. read a book with a 4 word title
2. read a book where the MC continues with an action or decision even though it is dangerous (this is no reflection of this survival option :)
3. read a book with at least one foot on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To use the log as a float:
1. read a book used for two or more challenges
2. read a book you have not logged here on Goodreads (read before you joined this website)
3. read a book with a boat or ship on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
3. Continue by foot:Book:
The Soulmate Equation Author: Christina Lauren
Date read: 05/28
Task 4
How it fits: title starts with T or S
Mod
There's no way you'll trust that dead tree with your life. You've got to fins another way. You work your way alongside the gorge until the slope becomes less steep. Finally you scramble down one side, cross the shallow river, and climb back up the other side. You've lost several hours.
Late in the afternoon, you finally find what you're looking for - people! A group of uni ecology students. You stumble into their midst, waving your arms. "Help! I need help!"
After a moment of shock, the young adults spring into action, rushing to your side. They use their mobiles to call for help and give you something to eat.
Within an hour you hear the thumping for helicopter blades in the distance. You watch anxiously as the chopper touches down to pick you up. Now you just need to get Henri.
Mod
What do you want to do next?
So cool! Two down, one to go? I think I failed Australia...if so, I'll give it another go.
Mod
Australia definitely deserves another chance :)
Mod
You're deep in the forests of Australia's Blue Mountains, and nobody knows where you are. You were planning to meet your friend Casey at a campsite later for some hardcore biking. First, though, you decided to take a morning ride on your own.
Now you're lost. The interesting little trail that you had been following has disappeared, and you can't find it again.
You're not too worried at first. You have your bike, and you're an expert rider. There's not much terrain you can't handle. But then your front wheel catches a rock. Your bike skids out from under you and you smash to the ground.
You're just scraped and bruised, but the bike is in far worse shape. The front tire is blown out, the chain is snapped, and the rim is bent beyond repair. That leaves you lost and alone with nothing but your feet to carry you. Not good.
You search your backpack and find a first-aid kit. You wipe down your scrapes and bandage them. As you look through your pack, you realize you're in trouble. You have a bottle of water, but no food. You have a small tool kit, a spare inner tube for the bike, emergency matches, and a windbreaker jacket.
With a sigh, you zip up your backpack and start hiking. You head east, knowing that the coast and civilization lie in that direction. After several hours of walking, your stomach is growling.
You know that the Australian wilderness contains many edible plants. But all around you, you can hear a variety of birdcalls. It's nesting seasons, and finding eggs wouldn't be too difficult. But getting them could be dangerous.
To forage for wild plants:
1. read a book with 'forage' in the text of the book
2. read a book with a wild animal in it
3. read a book with only plants on the cover (nothing else)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To try to find bird eggs:
1. read a book by an author that is new to you
2. read a book with a bird as part of the story
3. read a book where something is hatched or a baby is born
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
1. Try to forage for wild plantsBook:
This Side of MurderAuthor: Anna Lee Huber
Date Read: 06/10
Task: 4
How it Fits: Title stars with "T"
Mod
You keep your eyes open for plants that you know are safe to eat, including blue flax lilies and warrigal greens. You don't have much luck, though.
Your stomach is grumbling when you come across a small shrub with large clusters of green and red berries. You don't recognize the plant, but it's the closest thing to food you've seen so far.
You pluck a few of the berries and smell them. They don't have a very strong scent.
To look for something else to eat:
1. read a book with double letter word in the title (i.e., look, berries, letter)
2. read a book that is tagged 'mystery' *
3. read a book where the MC prepares a meal
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
* something - a thing that is unspecified or unknown
To eat the berries:
1. read the 2nd book in a series (to, two, too)
2. read a book with something edible on the cover
3. read a book with 'berry' or 'berries' in the text of the book
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
2. Look for something else to eatBook: A Body at a Boarding School
Author: Benedict Brown
Date Read: 06/13
Task: 1
How it Fits: "School" has double letter word in title
Mod
No matter how hungry you are, you are not about to start eating mystery berries. You keep searching, and a few minutes later, you're rewarded. You find a bunch of saffron milk caps - an edible and nutritious species of mushrooms. You quickly eat them.
With a little food in your belly, you feel ready to keep moving. You move carefully through the thick forest. Soon you come across a small river. You start to follow it downstream. You know that rivers usually lead to civilization.
As you walk alongside the river, you realize that the sun will set soon. You'll have to make camp soon. This side of the river is rocky and rough. You notice a perfect flat location on the far side. The river is not a very big one. You think it's no deeper that waist level, and the current doesn't seem strong here. You decide to cross.
To strip off your clothes before you cross:
1. read a book where the MC is stripped of their rank, power, or property
2. read a book with a bare chest on the cover
3. read a book that is yours (you own it)
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
To stay dressed for the crossing:
1. read a book where the MC stays in one location during the story
2. read a book where the MC wears a dress
3. read a book with a street or road on the cover
4. read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'
3. stay dressed for the crossing:Book:
Madam Will You Talk?Author: Mary Stewart
Dater Read: 06/15
Task: 3
How it Fits: a book with a street or road on the cover
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Witch Miss Seeton (other topics)Murder in the Grave (other topics)
Yankee Doodle Dead (other topics)
The Secret Key (other topics)
Madam, Will You Talk? (other topics)
More...
You are lost in the wilderness. Predators roam through the forest. Hot days and cold nights will test your strength. High cliffs, rushing rivers, and deep gorges will block your path. Any wrong decision could be your last.
Will you survive? In this challenge you'll make choices that could mean the difference between life and death.
I'll set the scene. You choose which path to follow. Follow the directions at the bottom of each post.
You can begin as soon as you get your thread.
HOW TO PLAY:
1. Read through the scenario.
2. Make your first decision and read one task for that decision. The fourth task will always be "Read a book with a title that begins with 'L', 'O', 'S' or 'T'". You can use or ignore the articles 'A', 'An', or 'The'.
3. Once you complete one of the tasks, post in your thread the following:
Decision:
Book:
Author:
Date Read:
Task:
How it Fits:
4. The moderator will then post the related decision result story.
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Page count for audio books will be determined the first paper version shown on Goodreads. From the book's page, select “all editions”, then select the first paper edition as your guide.