The Perks Of Being A Book Addict discussion

369 views
ARCHIVE Team Challenge: UNO 2023 > Team Leafy Seadragon

Comments Showing 1-50 of 1,341 (1341 new)    post a comment »
« previous 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 26 27

message 1: by UNO Pixie, Our UNO Helper (last edited Apr 20, 2023 04:59AM) (new)

UNO Pixie | 1839 comments
Team Leafy Seadragon






Team Members:
Melinda(m)
Lorna Macleod
Ariel
Laura crumpets
Stacie
Elinor
Michael Thomas
Chrissie

Team Spreadsheet
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...


Michelle Lundy
Andrea
Lettice



message 2: by UNO Pixie, Our UNO Helper (new)

UNO Pixie | 1839 comments R


message 3: by UNO Pixie, Our UNO Helper (new)

UNO Pixie | 1839 comments R


message 4: by UNO Pixie, Our UNO Helper (new)

UNO Pixie | 1839 comments R


message 5: by Melindam (last edited Feb 02, 2023 01:29AM) (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments description

(view spoiler)

Team Tracking Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

Current Points Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

---------------------------------------------------------------
ALL ABOUT UNO: RULES!!

RULES

Books must be more than 100 pages in length (101 or more).
Children's books, Graphic Novels, Manga, Cook Books, Plays and Poetry books can not be used unless by word count they can be verified as more than 25,000 words using arbookfind.com or more than 3 hours of audio using a reputable website (e.g. audible, overdrive)
Word count verification
https://www.arbookfind.com/default.aspx

- rereads are OK after 6 months
- Spell out: using title / author name / speaking character name / location (if more than 50% of story is taking place there)
- Letters to find Z, O, T, H, F, I, S, V, E, N, K/P
- Numbers in title or #series
------------------------------------------------------------

COUNTDOWN
!!Only books STARTED after the challenge begins can count!!

The challenge starts on Wednesday February 1, 2023 at 9am UTC time. To see when this starts, use this COUNTDOWN

https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown...

London 9 am
Brussels 10 am
Athens 11 am
Atlanta/Miami 04 am
San Francisco 01 am

You can check out other cities here:
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldcloc...

---------------------------------------------------

PRACTICAL COLOUR COVER Guide
The general agreement on colours is that
1. we use our eyes and common sense
2. in case you are uncertain about the colour percentage, you can use tineye to verify if it's over 50%
3. When in doubt whether a cover is 1 colour or another (ugghh, teal covers are my favourites :), please consult us. We may take this to the Captains' group for a final decision.

Tineye
https://labs.tineye.com/color/


message 6: by Melindam (last edited Jan 18, 2023 02:12AM) (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Claiming Cards:

This is changing from team to team, depending on what the captains decide.

We will ask you to claim colour cards and maybe reverses (books already read by other team members), but otherwise we go with the option of "read-what-you-want" (mostly😉) and list the options either on the tracking sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/... (it is open access with the link, no need to ask for access) or if you are uncomfortable with using them, please do a completion post in this thread.

Completion post- Example
Book: Pride and Prejudice (Please make sure you link the edition of the book you were reading!)
Read date: 3 Feb
Page count: 279

Cards it works for:
0 - Standalone
4 - Fitzwilliam Darcy
8 - Elizabeth Bennet
Skip - Title
Reverse - read by Melinda

Captains will take stock from time to time to see how we are doing and let you know if more targeted reading is necessary.

---------------------

Mini Challenges:

In the middle of each month, we will have a mini challenge related to the overall UNO theme (this year it is "unusual animals").
It does not affect the number of books we have to read for the given month, because it allows us to use 1 book for an UNO card as well as a Mini challenge tasks, but the mini tasks require some more targeted reading. The Mini challenges will be announced a few days before they start (the one in February will start on 14th) so we can prepare and see how we can do it.


message 7: by Melindam (last edited Mar 14, 2023 05:34AM) (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments FEBRUARY CARDS:

⏺ Wild (3)
◀️ Reverse (7)
⏭ Skip (9)

0️⃣ (5)
1️⃣ (5)
2️⃣ (1)
3️⃣ (10)
4️⃣ (7)
5️⃣ (9)
6️⃣ (8)
7️⃣ (11)
8️⃣ (6)
9️⃣ (6)


We also have 8 + 2 colour cards

✔📘1 Blue - Laura
✔📒 4 Yellow - Michael
✔📗2 Green - Chrissie
✔📗8 Green - Michael
✔📕0 Red - Ariel
✔📕2 Red - Laura
✔📕5 Red - Melinda
✔📕6 Red - Michael
🌈 Wild Draw 4 (2x)
✔ 1 - Michael's 8 Green (using it with Draw 2)
✔ 2 - 2 Red - Stacie
(view spoiler)

---------------------------------------

February Mini Challenge

                         description


FOUR AUSPICIOUS BEASTS (Four Guardians/Symbols) - February Mini Challenge

This is an optional mini challenge for our UNO players.
The Four Auspicious Beats are mythological creatures among the Chinese constellations along the ecliptic, and viewed as the guardians of the four cardinal directions. They are

- the Azure Dragon of the East,
- the Vermilion Bird of the South,
- the White Tiger of the West, and
- the Black Tortoise of the North.

Each of the creatures is most closely associated with a cardinal direction and a color, but also additionally represents other aspects, including a season of the year, an emotion, virtue, and one of the Chinese "five elements" (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water).*
(*source: Wikipedia)

We need them on our side to bring peace, prosperity and protection and we can evoke them by reading books.

                         description


◈ Every book read, i.e. every task completed, is worth 10 points, with the exception of specific tasks (where different points are assigned, they are mentioned in the tasks). Each book can be used for one task only.
◈ Books for tasks can be finished in any order. No need to complete blocks to get the 10 points/book.
◈ If your team completes the first 40 tasks, you get 30 points as bonus. If you also complete the extra tasks (5th set - 6 tasks), the bonus is 40 points.

◈ Books can be started at any point since the start of the UNO challenge (Feb 1)
◈ Books need to be finished after the start of this mini challenge on Feb 14, 9am UTC https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown... and before March 1 at 9am UTC (when the March UNO month begins).

◈ Books used for this mini challenge do not need to be separate books from what you are claiming for your UNO hands
◈ The usual book length rules apply
◈ Team spreadsheets will be updated with a mini challenge tab so that you can track your books and claim your points

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

                                   description

Azure Dragon of the East (10 tasks)
1. Read a book with blue or green or teal letters on the cover
2. Read a book with a teal cover
3. Read a book with the word "EAST" or "EASTERN" in the text (6 points) or title or series title (10 points)
4. Read a book with the letters F*O*U*R in the title
5. Read a book featuring a dragon (shapeshifter accepted) or with a dragon on the cover
6. Read a book with a tree(s) or a wooden object on the cover
7. Read a book with the word "DAWN" or "SUNRISE" in the text (6 points) or title or series title (10 points)
8. Read a book shelved Spring (min 3 tags) or with one of the Spring months in the title
9. Read a book with the word "BEAST" or "PREDATOR" in the title or series title
10. Read a book where a character is guarding somebody/something

Vermilion Bird of the South (10 tasks)
11. Read a book with red or orange letters on the cover
12. Read a book with an orange cover
13. Read a book with the word "SOUTH" or "SOUTHERN" in the text (6 points) or title or series title (10 points)
14. Read a book with the page count containing the number 4
15. Read a book featuring a bird (shapeshifter accepted) or with a bird on the cover
16. Read a book with fire on the cover
17. Read a book with the word "NOON" or "DAY" in the text (6 points) or title or series title (10 points)
18. Read a book shelved Summer (min 3 tags) or with one of the Summer months in the title
19. Read a book shelved Justice or Enemies (min 3 tags)
20. Read a book with a character flying (on) a plane or (on) a spaceship

White Tiger of the West (10 tasks)
21. Read a book with white letters on the cover
22. Read a book with a white cover
23. Read a book with the word "WEST" or "WESTERN" in the text (6 points) or title or series title (10 points)
24. Read a book with the publication date (the first publication date or that of your edition) containing the number 4
25. Read a book featuring a tiger (shapeshifter accepted) or with a tiger on the cover
26. Read a book with some kind of metal or a metallic object on the cover
27. Read a book with the word "SUNSET" or "TWILIGHT" in the text (6 points) or title or series title (10 points)
28. Read a book shelved Autumn or Fall (min 3 tags) or with one of the autumn months in the title
29. Read a book with the word "HUNTER" or "PREY" in the title or series title
30. Read a book with a character who fights demons or other otherworldly creatures or a book shelved as Demons (min 3 tags)


Black Turtle of the North (10 tasks)
31. Read a book with black letters on the cover
32. Read a book with a black or grey cover
33. Read a book with the word "NORTH" or "NORTHERN" in the text (6 points) or title or series title (10 points)
34. Read a book that is 4th in a series
35. Read a book featuring a snake or a turtle (shapeshifters accepted) or with a turtle or snake on the cover
36. Read a book with a body of water on the cover
37. Read a book with the word "NIGHT" or "MIDNIGHT" in the text (6 points) or title or series title (10 points)
38. Read a book shelved Winter (min 3 tags) or with one of the Winter months in the title
39. Read a book shelved as Immortal or Mysterious (min 3 tags)
40. Read a book where a character is a warrior/soldier

Yellow Dragon (Centre) (6 extra tasks)
41. Read a book shelved as Animals (min 3 tags)
42. Read a book featuring an/some alien species
43. Read a book with the name of any officially recognized animal constellations in the title (names in Latin or the language you are reading the book in will be accepted - https://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/...)
44. Read a book featuring royalty (real or fictional)
45. Read a book shelved Gods (min 3 tags)
46. Read a book where a martial art of Asian origin is mentioned in the text (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...)


message 8: by Melindam (last edited Mar 20, 2023 03:35AM) (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments MARCH CARDS:

⏺ Wild (3)
◀️ Reverse (9)
⏭ Skip (1)

0️⃣ (2)
1️⃣ (3)
2️⃣ (11)
3️⃣ (8)
4️⃣ (3)
5️⃣ (10)
6️⃣ (6)
7️⃣ (12)
8️⃣ (8)
9️⃣ (10)


We also have 13 + 4 colour cards

✔📘8 Blue
✔📘8 Blue
✔📘Skip Blue
✔📒 2 Yellow
📒 5 Yellow
✔📒 6 Yellow
📒 Skip Yellow
✔📗1 Green
📗3 Green
✔📗7 Green
✔📗Skip Green
✔📕2 Red
✔📕9 Red
✔📕Skip Red

If a book works for both 9 and Skip Red, we can duplicate it with a Draw 2.

✔🌈 Wild Draw 4
✔🌈 Wild Draw 4
✔🌈 Wild Draw 4
✔🌈 Wild Draw 4

We can cover 2 WD4s with a Draw 2

COUNTDOWN TO 1 MARCH

https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown...

(view spoiler)

MARCH MINI CHALLENGE


                        

Animal Colour Transformations! A March Mini Challenge

This is an optional mini challenge for our UNO players.

We have given you a list of 9 animals that can change colour. You can read up to 5 books per animal using the descriptions as inspiration.

◈ One book per animal must relate to one of its colours by reading a book with that coloured cover
◈ One book per animal must relate to its location by reading a book based in that location's country or with an author that lives, or was born in, that country.
◈ The remaining three books must relate to a characteristic of the animal in some way as per the description given - get creative!

Example
Animal - Arctic Hare
Description - In the Canadian regions of Newfoundland and southern Labrador, the Arctic hare changes its coat color, moulting and growing new fur, from brown or grey in the summer to white in the winter, like some other Arctic animals including ermine and ptarmigan, enabling it to remain camouflaged as the environment changes
Books to read:
1. Colour cover - could be a brown, grey or white cover
2. Location - could be based in Canada or by a Canadian author
3-5. Characteristic - get creative! Find a book with ermine in the text, where someone changes their appearance, buys a coat in a new colour, where an environment changes (e.g. flood/fire/war), where the book moves through the seasons of summer to winter etc.
   Note: You can use the colour cover or location a second time as a characteristic, but only one of these not both.


                        

◈ Each book read can only be used for one task.
◈ For each book read you receive 10 points.
◈ If you complete all 45 tasks, your team will receive 30 bonus points.
◈ Books can be started at any point since the start of the UNO challenge (Feb 1)
◈ Books need to be finished after the start of this mini challenge on March 15, 9am UTC. Countdown is here: https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown...
and before April 1 at 9am UTC (When the April month of UNO begins)

◈ Books used for this mini challenge do not need to be separate books for what you are claiming for your UNO hands
◈ The usual book length rules apply
◈ Team spreadsheets will be updated with a mini challenge tab so that you can track your books and claim your points
◈ The books you are reading for each animal MUST relate to the description given and not any other sources. (So, for example, reading a green cover for chameleon is not valid as green isn't given as a colour in the description).

Alaskan hare
In the summer, Alaskan hares have a brown fur coat with white under parts. In the winter, they have a white fur coat with black-tipped ears. They also shed their grey-brown summer topcoat, becoming all white during the winter. Also known as the tundra hare, the Alaskan is one of the largest species of hares and are basically solitary except during late winter. Their ears are short compare to most hares and their hind feet are large and fur covered to aid in movement over snowy terrain.

Arctic hare
In the Canadian regions of Newfoundland and southern Labrador, the Arctic hare changes its coat color, moulting and growing new fur, from brown or grey in the summer to white in the winter, like some other Arctic animals including ermine and ptarmigan, enabling it to remain camouflaged as the environment changes. The Arctic hare has large claws on all four feet, but the ones on its hind legs are unusually long, allowing it to dig into packed ice and snow and build a hole for protection as it flees danger and predators. It can also hop on its back legs like a kangaroo. In the winter, Arctic hares mostly live in groups, and in the worst cold temperatures, living in groups allows Arctic hares to huddle for warmth. This union also allows them to see predators coming up on them and elude them.

Chameleons
Mostly live in the rain forests and deserts of Africa and come in many colours such as pink, blue, orange and turquoise. Colour change signals a chameleon's physiological condition and intentions to other chameleons. Because chameleons are ectothermic, they change colour also to regulate their body temperatures, either to a darker colour to absorb light and heat to raise their temperature, or to a lighter colour to reflect light and heat, thereby either stabilizing or lowering their body temperature. Chameleons can move their eyes separatelywhich means they can see predators coming from behind them, giving them a chance to scarper if they’re about to get caught. Excluding their tail, some chameleons’ tongues can be twice the length of their body. Their tongues consist of both muscles and bones, and can bend round to grab their pray. The majority of chameleons survive by eating insects, and some complement this diet by feeding on foliage and fruits. Some larger species eat up to 50 large crickets every day. Others may be a little more carnivorous, and feast on small birds and even other, smaller chameleons.

Anoles
Native to the Americas, the majority of anoles (Dactyloidae) can change their colour depending on things like emotions (for example, aggression or stress), activity level, levels of light and as a social signal (for example, displaying dominance) from bright green to various shades of brown. They are tree dwelling lizards and most have enlarged finger and toe pads that are covered with microscopic hooks. These clinging pads, together with sharp claws, enable them to climb, even over a smooth surface, with great speed and agility. Anoles have venom glands that manufacture a very weak, harmless venom.

Peron's Tree Frog
Also known as the emerald-spotted tree frog, emerald-speckled tree frog, laughing tree frog, and maniacal cackle frog, is species of tree frog in the subfamily Pelodryadinae. Peron's tree frog is one of the most variably coloured frogs in Australia, with the ability to change colour in less than one hour. They don't like to be handled for long periods of time. They also vary in shades of grey and brown, where their lightest is almost white. The frog has mottled yellow and black thighs, armpits, and groin. Occasionally, emerald spots are found on the back, which increase in number with age.

Cephalopods
Can change their colours and patterns in milliseconds, whether for signalling (both within the species and for warning) or active camouflage, as their chromatophores are expanded or contracted. Although colour changes appear to rely primarily on vision input, there is evidence that skin cells, specifically chromatophores, can detect light and adjust to light conditions independently of the eyes. They camouflage themselves by creating colour patterns that closely match the underlying seafloor (hint: this means your book needs to have some kind of pattern as the cover colour). Cephalopods live everywhere in the oceans: near the shore in shallow water; far from land in the open ocean; in the ocean's dark middle depths (the planet's largest habitat); and in the deep sea. (hint: your location needs to be on water, unless you can find an author born at, or living at, sea) Cephalopods get their name from the Greek word “kephalópoda” meaning “head-feet”, because their arms encircle their heads. Both squid and cuttlefish are known as ten-armed cephalopods because they have eight short arms and two long tentacles.

Flower spiders
Also called crab spiders change their colour, usually to hide from their prey. Consequently, the spiders change colour to resemble the flower surface on which they sit through the reflection of light. Some spiders release a yellow pigment that enhances their color changing process. An example of a species of spider with such color changing features is Misumenoides formosipes and Misumena vatia. The color change from white to yellow takes 10-25 days. Hence, the flower spiders patiently wait for the completion of the process before they can attack their prey. They are small to medium size with colours of green, yellow, white, brown and grey. Most of them are not hairy except a few species. Their legs held in crab-like position and can move forward, backward or sideways. They are common in Australia and also found throughout New Zealand.

Golden Tortoise Beetle
Is a species of beetle in the leaf beetle family, native to the Americas. Adults can turn from shiny gold through reddish-brown. The color changes through its development, during mating, and during times of disturbance, such as when it is touched by a human researcher. This beetle consumes foliage of plants in the family Convolvulaceae, including bindweeds, morning glory and sweet potato. Both adults and larvae feed on foliage. These beetles play dead when disturbed.

Chrysso spiders
A genus of comb-footed spiders. has been introduced to Europe, and occurs both in North America and in Asia from Hungary to Mongolia. Many species are strikingly colored, but the coloration is variable. C. compressahas a striking black sternum and abdomen, but the venter of Brazilian species is black, while those of Peru are yellow. C. venusta has been observed to rapidly change its color when disturbed. Females are about 9 millimetres (0.35 in) long, and have blade-like hairs on the tip of the abdomen.



message 9: by Melindam (last edited Apr 20, 2023 01:07AM) (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments APRIL CARDS

⏺ Wild (1)
◀️ Reverse (6)
⏭ Skip (6)
Draw 2 (9)

0️⃣ (4)
1️⃣ (7)
2️⃣ (6)
3️⃣ (8)
4️⃣ (10)
5️⃣ (8)
6️⃣ (11)
7️⃣ (10)
8️⃣ (5)
9️⃣ (6)

----------------------------------------

✔📘 0 Blue - Melinda
✔📘 2 Blue - Stacie
✔📘 3 Blue - Laura
✔📘 6 Blue - Michael
✔📘 7 Blue - Michael
✔📕 1 Red - Chrissie
✔📕 2 Red - Melinda
✔📕 5 Red - Laura
✔📒 3 Yellow - Lorna
✔📒 7 Yellow - Melinda
✔📒 8 Yellow - Michael
✔📒 9 Yellow - Laura
*📗 1 Green - Lorna
✔📗 4 Green - Melinda
✔📗 3 Green - Laura
✔📗 6 Green - Melinda
✔📗7 Green - Uno Pixie
✔📗 9 Green - Elinor
✔🌈 WD 4 (0 Blue) - Lorna
✔🌈 WD 4 (2 Red) - Laura
✔🌈 WD 4 (2 Blue) - Stacie
✔🌈 WD 4 (6 Blue) - Stacie
--------------------------

COUNDTDOWN TO APRIL 1, 9.00 AM UTC

https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown...

****IMPORTANT!! DUE TO COUNTRIES MOVING TO/FROM DAYLIGHT SAVINGS, YOUR TIME MAY BE DIFFERENT FOR APRIL*****


Main cities, FYI:

Saturday April 1, 2023, 9.00 AM UTC
San Francisco 2am
London 10am
Brussels 11am
Athens 12am
New York 5am


https://www.timeanddate.com/worldcloc...


message 10: by Melindam (last edited Jan 11, 2024 03:40AM) (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments description

Ariel:
Cross Her Heart (Bree Taggert, #1) by Melinda Leigh , Kinsey Milhone series by Sue Grafton

Chrissie:
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde The Survivors by Alex Schulman Die Kastratin by Iny Lorentz

Elinor:
Russia A 1000-Year Chronicle of the Wild East by Martin Sixsmith Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid , Harry Potter series, books by P.G. Wodehouse and James Heriott

Laura:
Jilly Cooper Rivals and Riders (Rutshire Chronicles #1 & #2) by Jilly Cooper Bared to You (Crossfire, #1) by Sylvia Day Milly Johnson, Sophie Kinsella, Helena Hunting Pucked series, Rina Kent, Quinn Blackbird
Throne of Glass and ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas, Colleen Hoover

Lettice:
The Martian by Andy Weir The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen The Fine Print (Dreamland Billionaires, #1) by Lauren Asher American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Lorna:
From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash, #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, #1) by Sarah J. Maas House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City, #2) by Sarah J. Maas A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) by Sarah J. Maas Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston One Day in December by Josie Silver All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown Me Before You (Me Before You, #1) by Jojo Moyes The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary Boyfriend Material (London Calling, #1) by Alexis Hall Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach The Family Upstairs (The Family Upstairs, #1) by Lisa Jewell Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales Cemetery Boys (Cemetery Boys, #1) by Aiden Thomas The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons The Binding by Bridget Collins Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane

Melinda:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Emma by Jane Austen The Shuttle by Frances Hodgson Burnett Miss Buncle's Book (Barbara Buncle #1) by D.E. Stevenson Barchester Towers (Chronicles of Barsetshire #2) by Anthony Trollope Miss Marjoribanks (Chronicles of Carlingford, #5) by Mrs. Oliphant The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery Pomfret Towers (Barsetshire, #6) by Angela Thirkell The Goblin Emperor (The Goblin Emperor, #1) by Katherine Addison Troubled Waters (Elemental Blessings, #1) by Sharon Shinn The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Mystic and Rider (Twelve Houses, #1) by Sharon Shinn The Fifth Elephant (Discworld, #24; City Watch, #5) by Terry Pratchett Night Watch (Discworld, #29; City Watch, #6) by Terry Pratchett Thud! (Discworld, #34; City Watch, #7) by Terry Pratchett
The Hidden Legacy and the Innkeeper series by Ilona Andrews
The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer A Civil Contract by Georgette Heyer The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer Much Ado About You (Essex Sisters, #1) by Eloisa James Sad Cypress (Hercule Poirot, #22) by Agatha Christie The Moving Finger (Miss Marple, #4) by Agatha Christie Five Little Pigs (Hercule Poirot, #25) by Agatha Christie The Case of the Lucky Loser (Perry Mason, #53) by Erle Stanley Gardner The Case of the Angry Mourner (Perry Mason, #38) by Erle Stanley Gardner Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy

Michael:
The Leisure Seeker by Michael Zadoorian Anxious People by Fredrik Backman Sophomores by Sean Desmond The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson Becoming by Michelle Obama The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson
Simonverse by Becky Albertalli

Michelle:
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

Stacie:
The Change by Kirsten Miller 6 Times We Almost Kissed and One Time We Did  by Tess Sharpe Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland Babel by R.F. Kuang Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin After Hours on Milagro Street (Milagro Street, #1) by Angelina M. Lopez This Poison Heart (The Poison Heart, #1) by Kalynn Bayron A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger The Final Strife (The Ending Fire, #1) by Saara El-Arifi


message 11: by Melindam (last edited Jan 19, 2023 10:34AM) (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments description

Hello Seadragons! 😊

I am very excited for another round of UNO and being on the team with you.

I have sent friend requests to all of you I have not been with on a Team before.

This will be my 7th year of UNO and my 5th time as captain. I am also one of the Moderators for this challenge (since 2020).

I am Melinda and live in Hungary, in a small lake town not far from Budapest with my husband and my soon-nine-year-old son. I work in Budapest for one of the EU Agencies and commute on a train 3 days a week (precious reading time!!) and work from home 2 days. I am GMT+1 and will be around most days to check our thread, answer or ask questions, etc.

I love reading and reading challenges. Books in any format are my joy, though recently I got more addicted to audiobooks.
My favourite genres are the classics, fantasy, golden age detective fiction and women's fiction. But I read everything I if I am in the mood for it: non-fiction, romance, history, sci-fi. However, I tend to avoid horror/thrillers.

When you check in, please introduce yourselves a little.

Also, if you are new to this challenge, feel free to ask any questions about any issues that may not be clear!! No question is "silly"!
It may seem a bit intimidating at first, but once we start, it is quite easy to figure out.

My Uno shelf is: uno-2023


Laura..devouring books like crumpets (lauzacookie) | 640 comments hello fellow dragons

(feel like dragins Den) cant wait to see how this theme reveals itself in bonuses!

Im Laura this is my third year on Uno luckily enough have been with Mel from the start of my uno adventure and joined forces with Lorna last year also!

Im a mama to two of the most magnificent little men my pint sized dictators 6 and 8, unfortunately my 6 year old has Autism, global developmental disorder and ADHD so untill hes a little older i can only work part time at my familiys restaraunt or boutique (seasonally) prior to that i was a bookings manager for a hotel and spa.

we all live in Greece as i fell in love and married the cute Greek barmen i met when i was 18, im 35 and we are still going strong!

im genarally a mood reader i love the british rom com, but i love paranormal and fantasy (always has to have a drop of romance) just not Regency!!!!

cant wait to begin!


message 13: by Chrissie (new)

Chrissie (haru_ran) | 150 comments Why, hello. I'm Chrissie and this is my very first time participating. I'm both anxious and excited to be honest.

I live in a small town at the Baltic Sea in northern Germany and work in a local bookshop (honestly my dream come true).
Thus it comes in very handy that I love to read, which mostly happen to be thriller/crime, classics, young adult fiction (often lgbtq+), fantasy .... and I think in general just a broad mix.

I think I got most of the rules and all, and just need to see if I can find matching books for the tasks at hand before the big starting day.

I'm really looking forward to this. :)


message 14: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Hey Laura,

lovely to have you here. ♡


message 15: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Welcome, Chrissie! :)

Working in a bookshop... OMG... just turned yellow with envy. :)

I literally grew up in a library with my mum working there. It was Heaven! :)


message 16: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments As we will have quite a few reverse cards (books previously read by other team members), I would like to ask you all for recommendations of your favourite books or books/series you recently discovered, etc...

I am going to collect these in one of the messages above and this way we could cover those cards more easily.

Plus I just LOVE to learn about other people's beloved books. 😍❤️


Laura..devouring books like crumpets (lauzacookie) | 640 comments i have an author to reccomend to you Mel especially on audio Milly johnson and Sophie kinsella!!!! but i will compile a list of my favourite reads tonight or tommorow morning when i get laptop time!!!! great idea cant wait to get some new reccomendations


message 18: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Lovely. I have read some Sophie Kinsella, but nothing from Milly Johnson, so I am looking forward to your recommendations, Laura! :)


message 19: by Chrissie (new)

Chrissie (haru_ran) | 150 comments Oh, I like the idea of the recommendations! I personally thus far loved all of Alice Oseman's works, my most recent discovery was Die Überlebenden by Alex Schulman and I really enjoy Arttu Tuominen's Delta Series. Also can't let this pass without naming my alltime favorite book: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. ♥

I also rummaged through my tbr books and I think this might appeal to the 2 Green? 2 by Hideo Yokoyama

Also I've got a question for the Wild Draw 4. Are the options down below the ways to cover both of them? Or can it be two different dublicated colored cards as well?


message 20: by Melindam (last edited Jan 16, 2023 05:16AM) (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Chrissie wrote: "I also rummaged through my tbr books and I think this might appeal to the 2 Green? 2 by Hideo Yokoyama

Also I've got a question for the Wild Draw 4. Are the options down below the ways to cover both of them? Or can it be two different dublicated colored cards as well?"


Chrissie,

this is one of those borderline colour covers that seems to me not to be green enough (too many greyish/blackish tints) :(

Concerning WD4s, these mean that we should read other colour books that duplicate one of the colour covers we have for the month. However, we can duplicate each colour card only once.

This time, we have 2 WD4s, so we shall duplicate 2 different colour covers from what we have. (1 Blue, 4 Yellow, 0-2-5-6 Red, 2 Green, 8 Green)

Here what makes it a bit easier that we have a so called Draw 2 card in Hand 10 together with 8 Green and a WD4.

Draw 2 cards do not bring points in themselves (that's why it is not good news points-wise, if we have too many), but if they are in a hand, it means that we can use 1 book to cover 2 other cards in that same hand.

So 1 WD4 card will be taken care of if we find a 8 Green book.
The other WD4 card can have any of the colour options listed above.

Did I manage to make it clearer or not? 😅


message 21: by Chrissie (new)

Chrissie (haru_ran) | 150 comments Melindam wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "I also rummaged through my tbr books and I think this might appeal to the 2 Green? 2 by Hideo Yokoyama

Also I've got a question for the Wild Draw 4. Are the options down below the..."


Ah, ok. I think I got it.

And color-wise it shan't be too dark then. Gotta watch out for that, thanks. :)


message 22: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Chrissie wrote: color-wise it shan't be too dark then. Gotta watch out for that, thanks. :)"
.."


Thank you. :)


Laura..devouring books like crumpets (lauzacookie) | 640 comments @chrissie dream job in a bookshop you lucky girl!


message 24: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Oh sorry, I forgot to ask you to please link your UNO shelves here or just let me know their names.

Thanks
:)


message 25: by Chrissie (new)

Chrissie (haru_ran) | 150 comments @laura I've been there for almost two years now I really feel like home there :'D

@melinda I feel you on the library by the way. I didn't particularly grew up in one but my parents used to have a stash of books that it almost felt like one.

Sure thing. Here's my list: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Also, I think I found my 2 Green, if that is ok? Ilias by Homer It does play in Troy and is mostly green.


message 26: by Melindam (last edited Jan 16, 2023 06:50AM) (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments That works perfectlt, Chrissie.

"Poetry, plays" are only allowed over a certain word count or audio length, but The Illyad is over 13 hours on audible, so it's more than enough.

I'll put you down for 2 Green.

You can add it already to our tracking sheet or do it later when you have read it.


message 27: by Chrissie (new)

Chrissie (haru_ran) | 150 comments Great! I'll try to add it and get used to the tracking sheet while I'm at it.


procrastinatingpages Hello fellow Seadragons! I'm so excited to take part in another round of uno, and I love the theme for this year (but am equally a little nervous for those mini challenges...)

A little intro, I'm Lettice, this is my second year of uno and I'm so happy to be back on a team with Mel, Lorna and Laura again! I live in a little seaside town in Cornwall, England and I spend a lot of my free time playing with our puppy, scouring charity shops for bargain books or playing a wide range of board games with my sister.

I've always been a big sci-fi and fantasy reader, but this past year I've expanded my reading tastes and found a love for romance, mysteries and basically anything lgbtqia+. Cosy and whimsical fantasy has definitely made its way to the top of my list though.

My uno shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

And for favourite books I'd recommend...The Martian by Andy Weir (any of his works really), The Dreamland Billionaire's series by Lauren Asher, and The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen.


Laura..devouring books like crumpets (lauzacookie) | 640 comments procrastinatingpages wrote: "Hello fellow Seadragons! I'm so excited to take part in another round of uno, and I love the theme for this year (but am equally a little nervous for those mini challenges...)

A little intro, I'm ..."


Hey Glad to be teamis again will check out your recs ASAP


message 30: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Chrissie wrote: "Great! I'll try to add it and get used to the tracking sheet while I'm at it."

If you'd prefer to post it here instead of using the sheet, that's OK as well.


message 31: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Hey Lettice,

so glad to have you with us. :)

I love Cornwall, though it's been more than 20 years since I was lucky enough to visit.

I will add your recommendations to the dedicated message.

BTW, I recently discovered Rosamunde Pilcher and I can see that lots of books by her are set in Cornwall. I mean to read some of those. So far I have read 2 books by her set in Scotland mostly, but I loved those. :)


message 32: by Laura..devouring books like crumpets (last edited Jan 16, 2023 07:06AM) (new)

Laura..devouring books like crumpets (lauzacookie) | 640 comments Ok my Uno shelf is here

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

My recs.....

For British rom com Humor i am adoring anything by

Milly Johnson (i still have a fair few books to go) or Sophie Kinsella (i think i have read nearly all her books)

For a bit of "spice"

Helena Hunting - Pucked Series (read all)
And (nearly) anything by - Rina Kent or Quinn Blackbird both these authors i have nearly read everything)

Fantasy

Bridge Kingdom series - Danielle L. Jensen (read)
Throne of glass and ACOTAR series by - Sarah J. Maas (read both these series)

Also Love (nearly) anything by
Colleen Hoover (read a fair few by coho but still have a few to go reminders of him has been my fave so far)


message 33: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Oh and don't worry about the minis. We thought of some fun stuff to "delight" you all. ;)


message 34: by Elinor (new)

Elinor | 414 comments Hello fellow Seadragons,

Lots happening here already :) - very exciting.

I'm Elinor - this is my 3rd UNO, I work in IT, which sounds really boring but is actually quite creative (was that convincing at all? ^^). My partner and I have two dogs we love to bits, and we live in Belgium so GMT+1. I'm definitely a mood reader and my favourite genres at the moment are probably YA, and mystery/thriller. I'm the slowest reader on the team this year and life is happening to me right now so I'll do my best. February seems so far away at the moment... can't wait for the challenge to start!

Other fun facts:
- love crumpets - sadly, since Brexit, can only get ones with tiny, tiny(!) holes here in Belgium
- envious of you working in a bookshop Chrissie - I can just picture myself there... (dreamy eyed)
- envious of growing up in a library - how good can it get? Though I was extremely fortunate - my Mum had thousands of books :)
- born proscratinator

I think I'd recommend books by taste but these were my favourites last year:
- Russia by Martin Sixsmith
- Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- American Gods by Neil Gaiman
- and need I mention Harry Potter... (incredible reread after 20 years!)

I don't think I've played with any of you in the past, so looking forward to this.

UNO shelf (WIP):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/108160050-elinor?shelf=2023-uno


message 35: by Laura..devouring books like crumpets (last edited Jan 16, 2023 07:21AM) (new)

Laura..devouring books like crumpets (lauzacookie) | 640 comments Elinor wrote: "Hello fellow Seadragons,

Lots happening here already :) - very exciting.

I'm Elinor - this is my 3rd UNO, I work in IT, which sounds really boring but is actually quite creative (was that convinc..."


Mel makes Crumpets!!!! You need to check with her for recipe..... Luckily my dad comes over often and my mum is between countries as we are here so i can stock up on Branston pickle and Marmite often... Also crumpets (then freeze them) my bottom draw of the freezer is dedicated to warbutons crumpets!!!! My local supermarket luckily has Colemans mustard!


message 36: by Elinor (new)

Elinor | 414 comments Laura..devouring books like crumpets wrote: "Elinor wrote: "Hello fellow Seadragons,

Lots happening here already :) - very exciting.

I'm Elinor - this is my 3rd UNO, I work in IT, which sounds really boring but is actually quite creative (w..."


Oo, yes please, I'd love the crumpet recipe!! :)

Luckily, I can get Branston and Marmite easily too. I confess to missing Richmond's sausages and pork pies though... I get some comfort from the knowledge they're probably (lol) not good for me.


message 37: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments I haven't made crumpets in a while, and I totally should. There's no way to get crumpets in Hungary. Will share with you the recipe gladly, Elinor. It happens to be a Warburton's recipe. ;)

And will also put down your recommendations. I recently reread The Prisoner of Azkaban (my favourite HP). I love books 1-4, but not a fan of the rest of them. :)


message 38: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Also, please send friend requests to each other. This way it should be easier to check if one of us has read the books you are planning to read. :)


message 39: by Ariel (new)

Ariel (aellen) | 70 comments Hello all! I'm Ariel and super excited to be here for this. I have heard some great things about the game and so I can't wait to get involved. A little about me is that I am 28 and a substitute teacher. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer about a year and a half ago and due to all of the down time, I started reading so much more. It is pretty much my life and I try to be open to all genres. I especially love thriller/mystery and romance novels.

This is my first UNO so I am still reading and getting used to everything. I think I have it down but I guess we'll find out. LOL


Michelle's Empty Nest (mlundy5) | 13 comments Hey team! I'm Michelle from Georgia in the U.S. I'm Eastern time. This will be my third UNO - the first two being in 2017 and 2018. Then I took a Goodreads break, so I'm back again now. It's nice to see some familiar names, and I look forward to getting to know the rest of the team.

I'm married to my high school sweetheart for almost 33 years. We have 3 grown sons who all live on their own. We have a Yorkie and two Siamese cats as our "children" now. LOL! I'm a former middle school math and science teacher. I read a little bit of everything, especially if it fits a task for one of the many, many challenges I take part in.

Here is my UNO 2023 shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...


message 41: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Welcome Ariel & Michelle. Great to have you in the Dragon Team. ♡


message 42: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Ariel, just ask away if you think something is not clear. :)


message 43: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Michelle, Ariel,

when you have more time, please share some of your favourite books with us. :)


message 44: by Ariel (new)

Ariel (aellen) | 70 comments I have to narrow down favorites? How dare you ask something so hard of me on my day off. LOL

Okay so in terms of like "will always be favorite", I will always recommend the Kinsey Milhone series by Sue Grafton, if you haven't already read them.

Based on recent reading/2022 reading, I would recommend Cross Her Heart by Melinda Leigh (1st in the Bree Taggert series) - it's a mystery/thriller with a small bit of romance.


message 45: by Ariel (new)

Ariel (aellen) | 70 comments Also, my uno 2023 shelf is: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...


message 46: by Andrea (new)

Andrea (ajareads) | 127 comments Hey everyone! I am so excited to do this challenge this year! It's my favorite! My name is Andrea. I am currently living in Fl but am from Slovakia. Can't wait to start reading :D

My UNO shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...


message 47: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Hi Andrea!!

Great to have you on the Dragons team. :)

So concerning your country of origin, we are "neighbours". :)

Where in Slovakia do you come from?


message 48: by Melindam (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments @Ariel

You have a cruel captain, trying to limit your recommendations. oh-oh :D

Don't let me intimidate you. Throw your favourites at us or if you have a "favourites" shelf, just share the link with us. :)


message 49: by Melindam (last edited Jan 18, 2023 02:13AM) (new)

Melindam | 4443 comments Also, time to share some my favourites:

Classics:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Emma by Jane Austen (I love all Austen books, but these are my special favourites)
The Shuttle by Frances Hodgson Burnett Miss Buncle's Book (Barbara Buncle #1) by D.E. Stevenson Barchester Towers (Chronicles of Barsetshire, #2) by Anthony Trollope Miss Marjoribanks (Chronicles of Carlingford, #5) by Mrs. Oliphant The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery Pomfret Towers (Barsetshire, #6) by Angela Thirkell

Fantasy:
The Goblin Emperor (The Goblin Emperor, #1) by Katherine Addison Troubled Waters (Elemental Blessings, #1) by Sharon Shinn The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Mystic and Rider (Twelve Houses, #1) by Sharon Shinn The Fifth Elephant (Discworld, #24; City Watch, #5) by Terry Pratchett Night Watch (Discworld, #29; City Watch, #6) by Terry Pratchett Thud! (Discworld, #34; City Watch, #7) by Terry Pratchett

UF:
The Hidden Legacy and the Innkeeper series by Ilona Andrews

Romance:
The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer A Civil Contract by Georgette Heyer The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer Much Ado About You (Essex Sisters, #1) by Eloisa James

Mystery:
Sad Cypress (Hercule Poirot, #19) by Agatha Christie The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie The Case of the Lucky Loser (Perry Mason, #53) by Erle Stanley Gardner The Case of the Angry Mourner (Perry Mason, #38) by Erle Stanley Gardner

Women's Fiction:
Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy


message 50: by Michael (new)

Michael Thomas (mjthomas7980) | 229 comments Hi everyone - I'm Michael. I'm 36 from Indiana (USA, Eastern Time) and I'm an accountant by day, movie lover by night. Haha. This is my first time doing the UNO challenge, I am anxious but excited.

I love to read, it really helped me as a kid to be able to disappear into a far off land. Harry Potter came out when I was around 12 (so same age as Harry, lol) and that is what really got me into reading. I made a goal this year to read more than I ever have, so I think this UNO challenge finding me was meant to be. I read a whole 3 books in 2022, but I did watch 531 movies. (I have already read 5 this year, including a re-read of the first 3 Harry Potter books), so I'm off to a good start.

Anyway - I think I have all the rules and format figured out, but I will most likely need help. I'm a competitive person, so that alone should motivate me to do well in this challenge.

As for favorites and recommendations. I love YA, adult fiction, celeb memoirs, mystery/thriller, and some fantasy. I don't have near the extensive reading history as a lot of people, but I of course love Harry Potter (even 20+ years later they are still just as magical and amazing). I love the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. I loved the Simonverse books by Becky Albertalli, The Leisure Seeker, Anxious People, Sophomores, all of Nicholas Sparks' books, everything by Karen McManus (still have a few of hers to read), The Midnight Library, Becoming, Just as I Am, and so many more. :)

I added everyone as a friend already. Let's go Seadragons!!! :)

My Uno Shelf


« previous 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 26 27
back to top