Bookish Challenges discussion

Australian Animals


In honor of Save a Koala Day in September, let's dive into the animal world of Australia!

Sign-ups are open until September 30th.
The challenge is open-ended.

The Challenge

1. Please copy the list of Australian animals in the below message and post it in this thread. No new thread will be created.

2. This challenge is for 20 books, one for each animal in the list. Each of them has 2 tasks and you need to read for one of the two tasks. You can read in any order. For each completed task, you will receive one point. Additionally, you will receive 5 points for completing 10 books and 10 points for all 20 books.

3. You have 1 skip available throughout the entire challenge - just let me know in the help thread which invention you are using it for and you can read a book that fits the general guideline instead. For additional skips, you need to use your points,
2 points: If you complete any other task in the set of 20 animals
5 points: For any book that fits general guidelines

4. Put the completion post below each book completed in your message

Title:
Author:
Date Completed:
Task:
How it fits:

5. If you don't have a personal point account thread yet, request one here.

6. Only books completed from September 01, 2024 will be accepted.

7. Sign-ups will close September 30th, so hurry!!

Please copy the template and add it as a comment below.

Koala
1. Read a book with a tree on the cover.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "K."

Dingo
1. Read a book where the main character is a lone traveler.
2. Read a book set in a desert or arid region.

Kangaroo
1. Read a book with a jumping or leaping figure on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character is a parent.

Platypus
1. Read a book that blends multiple genres.
2. Read a book published in the 19th century (to match the era of the platypus's first scientific description).

Echidna
1. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "E."
2. Read a book where the main character is shy or introverted.

Tasmanian Devil
1. Read a book with a character who has a fierce temper.
2. Read a book set on an island.

Kookaburra
1. Read a book with a bird on the cover.
2. Read a book that makes you laugh out loud.

Wombat
1. Read a book with an underground scene (your interpretation).
2. Read a book with a character who is stubborn or determined.

Emu
1. Read a book with a large bird on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character embarks on a long journey.

Cassowary
1. Read a book with a tropical setting.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "C."

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
1. Read a book with a spider or insect on the cover.
2. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "S."

Crocodile
1. Read a book with a reptile on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character faces a deadly threat.

Australian Box Jellyfish
1. Read a book set near the ocean.
2. Read a book with a character who is dangerous or feared.

Great White Shark
1. Read a book with a shark on the cover.
2. Read a book with a character who is a predator, in any sense of the word.

Australian Coastal Taipan
1. Read a book where a venomous creature plays a role.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "T."

Numbat
1. Read a book where the main character is a small, unassuming hero.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "N."

Fitzroy River Turtle
1. Read a book with a turtle or tortoise on the cover.
2. Read a book with a "river" or "lake" in the title.

Mistletoebird
1. Read a book set during the Christmas season.
2. Read a book with a plant or flower on the cover.

Pellucid Hawk Moth
1. Read a book with a moth or butterfly on the cover.
2. Read a book where transformation or change is a key theme.

Quokka
1. Read a book that brings you joy or makes you smile.
2. Read a book set in or about a small, isolated community.

Participants

Aya 20/20
Cats 20/20
Elena 20/20
Fiona 20/20
Jasmine 20/20
Melanie 20/20
Melissa 19/20
Nadine 20/20
Nistha 20/20
Saar 9/20
Viji 0/20

5 points for completing 10 tasks
Cats
Aya
Fiona
Melissa
Nadine
Nistha
Elena
Jasmine
Melanie

10 points for completing 20 tasks
Cats
Nistha
Fiona
Aya
Elena
Melanie
Jasmine
Nadine

Completed: 20/20

Koala
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "K."
Kindred - Octavia E. Butler - 9/25/2024

Dingo
2. Read a book set in a desert or arid region.
Black Widows - Cate Quinn - 9/5/2024
How it fits: Set in the Utah desert.

Kangaroo
2. Read a book where the main character is a parent.
Trust - Chris Hammer - 9/13/2024
How it fits: Martin and Mandy are parents to Liam.

Platypus
1. Read a book that blends multiple genres.
Badness - Gary Jubelin - 9/6/2024
How it fits: MPGs include True crime, non-fiction, biography and crime.

Echidna
1. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "E."
Looking For Eden - Caroline Overington - 10/20/2024
How it fits: Eden.

Tasmanian Devil
1. Read a book with a character who has a fierce temper.
The Deep - Kyle Perry - 10/1/2024
How it fits: Davey Dempsey has a fierce temper.

Kookaburra
2. Read a book that makes you laugh out loud.
A Town Called Treachery - Mitch Jennings - 11/19/2024
How it fits: While this is a mystery, it has some good comedic moments.

Wombat
1. Read a book with an underground scene (your interpretation).
Impostors - Scott Westerfeld - 9/17/2024
How it fits: The rebels meet in an underground part of a volcano and they also visit an underground bunker to get the plasma guns.

Emu
2. Read a book where the main character embarks on a long journey.
Kidnapped - Mark Tedeschi - 11/1/2024
How it fits: MC travels from Australia to England via cruise ship/liner. This was in the 1960's so it would have been a long journey.

Cassowary
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "C."
The Clinic - Cate Quinn - 12/1/2024

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
2. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "S."
The Schoolteacher of Saint-Michel - Sarah Steele - 1/12/2025
How it fits: Title begins with S when ignoring the article.

Crocodile
2. Read a book where the main character faces a deadly threat.
The Next Accident - Lisa Gardner - 10/5/2024
How it fits: A perp is hunting down MC Quincy's family, first his daughter then wife, father and second daughter. The perp also framed Quincy for the crimes.

Australian Box Jellyfish
2. Read a book with a character who is dangerous or feared.
It Ends with Us - Colleen Hoover - 10/16/2024
How it fits: Ryle and Andrew Bloom are both abusive husbands and are dangerous and feared by Lily and her mum.

Great White Shark
2. Read a book with a character who is a predator, in any sense of the word.
The Widow of Walcha - Emma Partridge - 10/22/2024
How it fits: Every romantic partner of the MC's gets hurt or murdered; she is a predator.

Australian Coastal Taipan
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "T."
This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor - Adam Kay - 1/25/2025

Numbat
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "N."
Force of Nature - Jane Harper - 10/23/2024
How it fits: Nature in title.

Fitzroy River Turtle
2. Read a book with a "river" or "lake" in the title.
The Dark Lake - Sarah Bailey - 2/4/2025

Mistletoebird
2. Read a book with a plant or flower on the cover.
It Starts with Us - Colleen Hoover - 11/26/2024
How it fits: Flowers on cover.

Pellucid Hawk Moth
2. Read a book where transformation or change is a key theme.
Uglies - Scott Westerfeld - 11/16/2024
How it fits: At 16 everyone becomes a Pretty which involves surgery. In their world, being an Ugly is a bad thing and they look forward to the Pretty surgery and transformation.

Quokka
1. Read a book that brings you joy or makes you smile.
Bionic Butter - Rada Jones - 10/9/2024
How it fits: A sweet book in the point of view of dogs; this book brought me joy and made me smile.

20/20

Koala
1. Read a book with a tree on the cover.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens September 19 - trees on cover

Dingo
1. Read a book where the main character is a lone traveler.
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse September 30 - MC is a lone traveler on the search of religious bliss

Kangaroo
2. Read a book where the main character is a parent.
Griechischstunden by Han Kang October 22 - FMC is a mother

Platypus
1. Read a book that blends multiple genres.
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia September 25 - blends Horror, Historical Fiction, Retelling and Science Fiction

Echidna
1. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "E."
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson September 26 - Emerald starts with E

Tasmanian Devil
1. Read a book with a character who has a fierce temper.
Pretty Little Savage by Lucy Smoke September 16 - FMC has a very fierce temper

Kookaburra
2. Read a book that makes you laugh out loud.
Lights Out by Navessa Allen October 22 - laughed out loud multiple times

Wombat
2. Read a book with a character who is stubborn or determined.
Stone Cold Queen by Lucy Smoke September 29 - MC is determined to take down her enemies

Emu
2. Read a book where the main character embarks on a long journey.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst November 5 - MC goes on long journey from capitol to her home island

Cassowary
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "C."
Charm by Tracy Wolff October 12 - Charm starts with C

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
2. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "S."
The Under Dog and Other Stories by Agatha Christie October 22 - Stories starts with S

Crocodile
2. Read a book where the main character faces a deadly threat.
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead September 23 - MC is involved in a deadly fight

Australian Box Jellyfish
2. Read a book with a character who is dangerous or feared.
Carrie by Stephen King October 13 - Carrie is very dangerous

Great White Shark
2. Read a book with a character who is a predator, in any sense of the word.
The Never King by Nikki St. Crowe October 24 - Peter Pan is a predator

Australian Coastal Taipan
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "T."
Into the Deep by Samantha Young October 6 - The starts with T

Numbat
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "N."
Sugar, Spice, and Can't Play Nice by Annika Sharma November 11 - Nice

Fitzroy River Turtle SKIP
The Emperor by RuNyx November 17


Mistletoebird
2. Read a book with a plant or flower on the cover.
Verführerische Rosen by Layla Hagen September 3 - flowers on cover

Pellucid Hawk Moth
2. Read a book where transformation or change is a key theme.
Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey September 18 - MC changes for his love interest and also there is house flipping involved

Quokka
1. Read a book that brings you joy or makes you smile.
Deja Brew by Celestine Martin October 3 - such a cute read that made me smile

September - Aussie Animals
20/20

Koala
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "K."
Killashandra by Anne McCaffrey 16/9 3★

Dingo
1. Read a book where the main character is a lone traveler.
One Summer In Paris by Sarah Morgan 19/9 3★

Kangaroo
2. Read a book where the main character is a parent.
After the Worst Has Happened: Tales from a Funeral Director on the Lighter Side of Death by Richard Gosling 2/9 4.5★

Platypus
1. Read a book that blends multiple genres - mystery/romance/paranormal
The Mysterious Bakery On Rue De Paris by Evie Gaughan 3/9 3★

Echidna
1. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "E."
The Irish Earl's Ruse by Emma Lange 15/9 2★

Tasmanian Devil
2. Read a book set on an island - Ireland
The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan 9/9 3.5★

Kookaburra
2. Read a book that makes you laugh out loud.
The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett 7/9 5★

Wombat
1. Read a book with an underground scene - several scenes in the underground lava tubes
Undara by Annie Seaton 13/9 3★

Emu
1. Read a book with a large bird on the cover.
Keeper of the Swans by Nancy Butler 29/9 2★


Cassowary
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "C."
The Crystal Singer by Anne McCaffrey 14/9 3★

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
2. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "S."
The Secret Life of Flying: What Really Happens When You Travel By Air by Jeremy Burfoot 1/9 4★

Crocodile
2. Read a book where the main character faces a deadly threat.
Glenrock by Lee Christine 11/9 4★

Australian Box Jellyfish
1. Read a book set near the ocean - on Mornington Peninsula
Art Hour at the Duchess Hotel by Sophie Green 5/9 4★

Great White Shark
2. Read a book with a character who is a predator, in any sense of the word - the antagonist, preying on young women
Maidens of the Cave by Lloyd Devereux Richards 24/9/24 2★

Australian Coastal Taipan
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "T."
Powers That Be by Anne McCaffrey 19/9 4★

Numbat
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "N."
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson 25/9 3.5★

Fitzroy River Turtle
2. Read a book with a "river" or "lake" in the title.
The Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir by Sandie Docker 28/9 4★

Mistletoebird
2. Read a book with a plant or flower on the cover.
Power Lines by Anne McCaffrey 20/9 3.5★


Pellucid Hawk Moth
2. Read a book where transformation or change is a key theme.
Crystal Line by Anne McCaffrey 17/9 3★ - MC Killa & the sentient jewel are undergoing transformation

Quokka
1. Read a book that brings you joy or makes you smile - because I love the idea of a sentient planet
Power Play by Anne McCaffrey 21/9 3.5★

20/20 completed
COMPLETE

✓ Koala
1. Read a book with a tree on the cover. - As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, Zoulfa Katouh, finished 29-Sep. Lemon tree on the front cover.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "K."

✓ Dingo
1. Read a book where the main character is a lone traveler.
2. Read a book set in a desert or arid region. - You and Me on Vacation, Emily Henry, finished 26-Sep. Poppy and Alex travel to Palm Springs, a desert city in California.

✓ Kangaroo
1. Read a book with a jumping or leaping figure on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character is a parent. - The House of Broken Bricks, Fiona Williams, finished 02-Oct. Tess and Richard are parents to Sonny and Max.

✓ Platypus
1. Read a book that blends multiple genres. - The Kinder Poison, Natalie Mae, finished 08-Dec. Book is a romantasy (romance + fantasy).
2. Read a book published in the 19th century (to match the era of the platypus's first scientific description).

✓ Echidna
1. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "E."
2. Read a book where the main character is shy or introverted. - The Woman in Me, Britney Spears, finished 06-Nov. Off-stage, Britney has social anxiety and can be quite shy.

✓ Tasmanian Devil
1. Read a book with a character who has a fierce temper. - The Body in the Library, Agatha Christie, finished 06-Sep. Conway Jefferson is known to have "violent rages when he could hardly speak for passion." (ch. 14)
2. Read a book set on an island.

✓ Kookaburra
1. Read a book with a bird on the cover.
2. Read a book that makes you laugh out loud. - Disorientation, Elaine Hsieh Chou, finished 03-Oct.

✓ Wombat
1. Read a book with an underground scene (your interpretation).
2. Read a book with a character who is stubborn or determined. - Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Toshikazu Kawaguchi, finished 18-Oct. Fumiko was very determined to travel back to the past and undeterred by all the roadblocks in chapter 1.

✓ Emu
1. Read a book with a large bird on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character embarks on a long journey. - Brown Girls, Daphne Palasi Andreades, finished 25-Oct. Chapter 37 ("A Trip to The Motherland (Fatherland?)) is dedicated to brown girls who make the trip back to the countries of their parents' origin.

✓ Cassowary
1. Read a book with a tropical setting.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "C." - Back to Black: Retelling Black Radicalism for the 21st Century, Kehinde Andrews, finished 07-Nov.

✓ Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
1. Read a book with a spider or insect on the cover.
2. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "S." - Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents, Lindsay C. Gibson, finished 18-Nov.

✓ Crocodile
1. Read a book with a reptile on the cover. - The Muse, Jessie Burton, finished 08-Sep. Snakes on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character faces a deadly threat.

✓ Australian Box Jellyfish
1. Read a book set near the ocean.
2. Read a book with a character who is dangerous or feared. - The Empress of Salt and Fortune, Nghi Vo, finished 06-Oct. The Minister of the Left was a dangerous and threatening character.

✓ Great White Shark
1. Read a book with a shark on the cover.
2. Read a book with a character who is a predator, in any sense of the word. - An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence, Zeinab Badawi, finished 01-Sep. Explains King Leopold II's ruthless exploitation of the Congo and its people during the colonial period.

✓ Australian Coastal Taipan
1. Read a book where a venomous creature plays a role. - The Lightning Thief, Rick Riordan, finished 12-Nov. Percy is attacked by a scorpion.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "T."

✓ Numbat
1. Read a book where the main character is a small, unassuming hero. - Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade, Nancy Springer, finished 09-Dec. Enola is a resourceful, smart-witted teenage girl who outsmarts many of the adults around her.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "N."

✓ Fitzroy River Turtle
1. Read a book with a turtle or tortoise on the cover.
2. Read a book with a "river" or "lake" in the title. - There Are Rivers in the Sky, Elif Shafak, finished 04-Jun.

✓ Mistletoebird
1. Read a book set during the Christmas season.
2. Read a book with a plant or flower on the cover. - Pachinko, Min Jin Lee, finished 31-Oct.

✓ Pellucid Hawk Moth
1. Read a book with a moth or butterfly on the cover.
2. Read a book where transformation or change is a key theme. Lord of the Flies, William Golding, finished 13-Oct. We watch the main characters slowly transform into less civilised versions of themselves as they are isolated from humanity.

✓ Quokka
1. Read a book that brings you joy or makes you smile.
2. Read a book set in or about a small, isolated community. - Solomon Time: Adventures in the South Pacific, Will Randall, finished 11-Sep. Will travels to the Solomon Islands to join the small village of Mendali.

20/20

Koala
1. Read a book with a tree on the cover. Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire - many trees on cover
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "K."

Dingo
1. Read a book where the main character is a lone traveler. A Lady by Midnight by Tessa Dare - MC Samuel is a lone traveler
2. Read a book set in a desert or arid region.

Kangaroo
1. Read a book with a jumping or leaping figure on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character is a parent. The Family Experiment by John Marrs - all the MCs are parents either of virtual kids or both virtual and real

Platypus
1. Read a book that blends multiple genres.
2. Read a book published in the 19th century (to match the era of the platypus's first scientific description). Murder by Lamplight by Patrice McDonough - takes place in 1866

Echidna
1. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "E." Educated by Tara Westover - starts with E
2. Read a book where the main character is shy or introverted.

Tasmanian Devil
1. Read a book with a character who has a fierce temper.
2. Read a book set on an island. Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King - set on an island

Kookaburra
1. Read a book with a bird on the cover. Hellfire by Leesa Gazi - bird on cover
2. Read a book that makes you laugh out loud.

Wombat
1. Read a book with an underground scene (your interpretation).
2. Read a book with a character who is stubborn or determined. Elektra by Jennifer Saint - Elektra is a stubborn child and also carries it when she grows up, adoring her father

Emu
1. Read a book with a large bird on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character embarks on a long journey. Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson - Tress embarks on a long journey to find Charlie

Cassowary
1. Read a book with a tropical setting.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "C." The Cousins by Karen M. McManus - starts with C

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
1. Read a book with a spider or insect on the cover.
2. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "S." All Your Twisted Secrets by Diana Urban - Secret in title

Crocodile
1. Read a book with a reptile on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character faces a deadly threat. Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill - MC faces deathly threat of being killed by a ghost he bought

Australian Box Jellyfish
1. Read a book set near the ocean. Drowning by T.J. Newman - set in Pacific ocean
2. Read a book with a character who is dangerous or feared.

Great White Shark
1. Read a book with a shark on the cover.
2. Read a book with a character who is a predator, in any sense of the word. In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead - one of the characters (i.e. the killer) is a predator to hide his murder and kill more people

Australian Coastal Taipan
1. Read a book where a venomous creature plays a role. Medusa's Sisters by Lauren J.A. Bear - the snakes on their hair play a role
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "T."

Numbat
1. Read a book where the main character is a small, unassuming hero. The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix - MC is small and noone assumes her she will be the one taking action
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "N."

Fitzroy River Turtle
1. Read a book with a turtle or tortoise on the cover.
2. Read a book with a "river" or "lake" in the title. Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield - river in title

Mistletoebird
1. Read a book set during the Christmas season. We Are Okay by Nina LaCour - large part of the book is set in Christmas season (which shows present day)
2. Read a book with a plant or flower on the cover.

Pellucid Hawk Moth
1. Read a book with a moth or butterfly on the cover.
2. Read a book where transformation or change is a key theme. The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding - transformation to pass off as another identity is key theme

Quokka
1. Read a book that brings you joy or makes you smile. Rhythm, Chord & Malykhin by Mariana Zapata - left a big smile on my face
2. Read a book set in or about a small, isolated community.

20/20

Koala
1. Read a book with a tree on the cover.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "K." I Am Bunny: How a "Talking" Dog Taught Me Everything I Need to Know About Being Human by Alexis Devine - Title includes the word "Know" which starts with a K

Dingo
1. Read a book where the main character is a lone traveler - The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - Santiago starts his journey to find a treasure in the pursuit of his personal legend
2. Read a book set in a desert or arid region.

Kangaroo
1. Read a book with a jumping or leaping figure on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character is a parent. - Autumn by Karl Ove Knausgård The book is written by the author as a series of letters to his unborn daughter. He describes with acute sensitivity daily life with his wife and other children in rural Sweden, drawing upon memories of his own childhood to give an inimitably tender perspective on the precious and unique bond between parent and child.

Platypus
1. Read a book that blends multiple genres. Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey - Tagged as Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Fiction, and more.
2. Read a book published in the 19th century (to match the era of the platypus's first scientific description).

Echidna
1. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "E." - It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
2. Read a book where the main character is shy or introverted.

Tasmanian Devil
1. Read a book with a character who has a fierce temper - The Widow's Husband's Secret Lie by Freida McFadden; the FMC's husband is aggressive and abusive .
2. Read a book set on an island.

Kookaburra
1. Read a book with a bird on the cover. I Loved You in Another Life by David Arnold - birds on the cover
2. Read a book that makes you laugh out loud.

Wombat
1. Read a book with an underground scene (your interpretation).
2. Read a book with a character who is stubborn or determined. - Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki - The author was determined to follow the advice of his rich dad, even though his actual father, the poor dad, was giving him different advice.

Emu
1. Read a book with a large bird on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character embarks on a long journey. Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson - Tress embarks on a journey to save Charlie

Cassowary
1. Read a book with a tropical setting.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "C." - If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
1. Read a book with a spider or insect on the cover.
2. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "S."
Secure Love: Create a Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime by Julie Menanno

Crocodile
1. Read a book with a reptile on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character faces a deadly threat. - When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi - memoir, the author had cancer and died because of it

Australian Box Jellyfish
1. Read a book set near the ocean. - The Aussie Next Door by Stefanie London
2. Read a book with a character who is dangerous or feared.

Great White Shark
1. Read a book with a shark on the cover.
2. Read a book with a character who is a predator, in any sense of the word. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind

Australian Coastal Taipan
1. Read a book where a venomous creature plays a role.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "T." - Take Me Back by Meghan March

Numbat
1. Read a book where the main character is a small, unassuming hero - Ghost by Jason Reynolds.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "N."

Fitzroy River Turtle
1. Read a book with a turtle or tortoise on the cover.
2. Read a book with a "river" or "lake" in the title - The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Mistletoebird
1. Read a book set during the Christmas season.
2. Read a book with a plant or flower on the cover - It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover.

Pellucid Hawk Moth
1. Read a book with a moth or butterfly on the cover.
2. Read a book where transformation or change is a key theme. New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That's Got It Wrong by Stephanie Harrison

Quokka
1. Read a book that brings you joy or makes you smile - The Courage to Be Disliked: How to Free Yourself, Change your Life and Achieve Real Happiness by Ichiro Kishimi.
2. Read a book set in or about a small, isolated community.

20/20

✔ Koala
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "K."
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead (18 Sep)

✔ Dingo
2. Read a book set in a desert or arid region.
A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga (10 Sep) － set in Mars

✔ Kangaroo
2. Read a book where the main character is a parent.
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys (25 Sep) － one of the MC is a mom

✔ Platypus
2. Read a book published in the 19th century (to match the era of the platypus's first scientific description).
The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales by Jacob Grimm (2 Oct)

✔ Echidna
2. Read a book where the main character is shy or introverted.
シュガーズ 2 Sugars 2 by Mika Yamamori (11 Sep) － one of the MC is shy and withdrawn

✔ Tasmanian Devil
1. Read a book with a character who has a fierce temper.
ショコラの魔法 １ Chocolat no Mahou 1 by Rino Mizuho (30 Sep) － the antagonists have fierce temper

✔ Kookaburra
1. Read a book with a bird on the cover.
The Vile Village by Lemony Snicket (18 Oct)


✔ Wombat
2. Read a book with a character who is stubborn or determined.
Silent Voices by Patricia Gibney (10 Sep) － the MC is stubborn and determined

✔ Emu
2. Read a book where the main character embarks on a long journey.
Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones (21 Sep) － the MC embarks on a long journey to find his princess

✔ Cassowary
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "C."
Shortcake Cake, Vol. 4 by Suu Morishita (9 Sep)

✔ Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
2. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "S."
Shortcake Cake, Vol. 5 by Suu Morishita (10 Sep)

✔ Crocodile
1. Read a book with a reptile on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character faces a deadly threat.
As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson (29 Nov)

✔ Australian Box Jellyfish
1. Read a book set near the ocean.
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth (20 Oct) － set in a cliff house in Portsea, Australia

✔ Great White Shark
2. Read a book with a character who is a predator, in any sense of the word.
If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood by Gregg Olsen (3 Sep) － Shelly Knotek is a manipulator, gaslighter, abuser, hunter, and a killer. She victimized, controled, and harmed people around her.

✔ Australian Coastal Taipan
1. Read a book where a venomous creature plays a role.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "T."
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman (6 Nov)

✔Numbat
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "N."
The Nurse by Claire Allan (31 Dec)

✔ Fitzroy River Turtle
2. Read a book with a "river" or "lake" in the title.
River of Ink by Étienne Appert (22 Sep)

✔ Mistletoebird
2. Read a book with a plant or flower on the cover.
ショートケーキケーキ 10 by Suu Morishita (7 Oct)


✔ Pellucid Hawk Moth
2. Read a book where transformation or change is a key theme.
DokiDoki! Tama-tan by Koge-Donbo* (6 Sep) － the MC transformed into magical girl and needs to evolve with her moon good

✔ Quokka
1. Read a book that brings you joy or makes you smile.
ショートケーキケーキ 8 by Suu Morishita (13 Sep) － the characters are so cute it made me smile widely

Completed: 20/20

Koala
1. Read a book with a tree on the cover.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "K."
Book: Kiss the Girls
Author: James Patterson
Date completed: 06/01/25
Number: 2
How it fits: Title has a K word

Dingo
1. Read a book where the main character is a lone traveler.
2. Read a book set in a desert or arid region.
Book: The Seven Sisters
Author: Lucinda Riley
Date completed: 12/09/24
Number: 1
How it fits: MC travels to Brazil to find out who she is

Kangaroo
1. Read a book with a jumping or leaping figure on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character is a parent.
Book: Lady Tan’s Circle of Women
Author: Lisa See
Date completed: 16/09/24
Number: 2
How it fits: MC is a mother

Platypus
1. Read a book that blends multiple genres.
2. Read a book published in the 19th century (to match the era of the platypus's first scientific description).
Book: The Half Sister
Author: Sandie Jones
Date completed: 08/01/25
Number: 1
How it fits: MPG Thriller Mystery Fiction Suspense Phycological Adult

Echidna
1. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "E."
2. Read a book where the main character is shy or introverted.
Book: Eruption
Author: Michael Crichton
Date completed: 09/01/25
Number: 1
How it fits: Title word starts with E

Tasmanian Devil
1. Read a book with a character who has a fierce temper.
2. Read a book set on an island.
Book: Gifts For Our Time
Author: Anna Jacobs
Date completed: 20/09/24
Number: 1
How it fits: MCs are under attack by so dangerous characters

Kookaburra
1. Read a book with a bird on the cover.
2. Read a book that makes you laugh out loud.
Book: Birds in Flight
Author: Anni Taylor
Date completed: 02/02/25
Number: 1


Wombat
1. Read a book with an underground scene (your interpretation).
2. Read a book with a character who is stubborn or determined.
Book: Fire on the Fens
Author: Joy Ellis
Date completed: 03/09/24
Number: 2.
How it fits: Nikki is very stubborn character

Emu
1. Read a book with a large bird on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character embarks on a long journey.
Book: Abroad in Japan: Ten Years In The Land Of The Rising Sun
Author: Chris Broad
Date completed: 02/02/25
Number: 2
How it fits: Author moves to Japan to teach English

Cassowary]
1. Read a book with a tropical setting.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "C."
Book: Call Me Evie
Author: J.P. Pomare
Date completed: 27/01/25
Number: 1
How it fits: Title starts with a C

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
1. Read a book with a spider or insect on the cover.
2. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "S."
Book: A Street Cat Named Bob: How One Man and His Cat Found Hope on the Streets
Author: James Bowen
Date completed: 14/09/24
Number: 2
How it fits: Title starts with letter S

Crocodile
1. Read a book with a reptile on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character faces a deadly threat.
Book: The Innocent
Author: David Baldacci
Date completed: 23/01/25
Number: 2
How it fits: both MCs have people trying to kill them

Australian Box Jellyfish
1. Read a book set near the ocean.
2. Read a book with a character who is dangerous or feared.
Book: Before We Were Innocent
Author: Ella Berman
Date completed: 01/10/24
Number: 1
How it fits: Story is set near the sea

Great White Shark
1. Read a book with a shark on the cover.
2. Read a book with a character who is a predator, in any sense of the word.
Book: The Taxidermist's Daughter
Author: Kate Mosse
Date completed: 15/01/25
Number:2
How it fits: a killer is hunting people from a private party years later because of something terrible that happened.

Australian Coastal Taipan
1. Read a book where a venomous creature plays a role.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "T."
Book: In Too Deep
Author: Lee Child
Date completed: 16/01/25
Number: 2
How it fits: Title has a T word in it

Numbat
1. Read a book where the main character is a small, unassuming hero.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "N."
Book: The Nowhere Man
Author: Gregg Andrew Hurwitz
Date completed: 04/10/24
Number: 2
How it fits: Title has a N word

Fitzroy River Turtle
1. Read a book with a turtle or tortoise on the cover.
2. Read a book with a "river" or "lake" in the title.
Book: Bloodtree River
Author: Sarah Barrie
Date completed: 10/03/25
Number: 2
How it fits: Title has river in it

Mistletoe bird
1. Read a book set during the Christmas season.
2. Read a book with a plant or flower on the cover.
Book: The Santa Killer
Author: Ross Greenwood
Date completed: 18/10/24
Number: 1
How it fits: A killer uses Santa as a disguise in this mystery

Pellucid Hawk Moth
1. Read a book with a moth or butterfly on the cover.
2. Read a book where transformation or change is a key theme.
Book: Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do
Author: Eve Rodsky
Date completed: 06/10/24
Number: 2
How it fits: To help you change how you do and cope with things

Quokka
1. Read a book that brings you joy or makes you smile.
2. Read a book set in or about a small, isolated community.
Book: Midwife in the Jungle
Author: Fiona McArthur
Date completed: 08/12/24
Number: 2
How it fits: Working in remote health station in Papua New Guinea

Completed: 9/20

Koala
1. Read a book with a tree on the cover.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "K."

Dingo
1. Read a book where the main character is a lone traveler.
2. Read a book set in a desert or arid region.
Book: The Ride of Her Life: The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America
Author: Elizabeth Letts
Date completed: 06/28/25
Number: 2
How it fits: Annie is a lone traveler.

Kangaroo
1. Read a book with a jumping or leaping figure on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character is a parent.
Book: The Shadow of the Gods
Author: John Gwynne
Date completed: 03/16/25
Number:
How it fits: Orka is a MC and is the mother op Breca.

Platypus
1. Read a book that blends multiple genres.
2. Read a book published in the 19th century (to match the era of the platypus's first scientific description).

Echidna
1. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "E."
2. Read a book where the main character is shy or introverted.
Book: Elektra
Author: Jennifer Saint
Date completed: 09/27/24
Number: 1
How it fits: Word starts with 'E'.

Tasmanian Devil
1. Read a book with a character who has a fierce temper.
2. Read a book set on an island.

Kookaburra
1. Read a book with a bird on the cover.
2. Read a book that makes you laugh out loud.
Book: Gobbelino London & a Scourge of Pleasantries
Author: Kim M. Watt
Date completed: 09/19/24
Number: 2
How it fits: made me laugh out loud a couple of times.

Wombat
1. Read a book with an underground scene (your interpretation).
2. Read a book with a character who is stubborn or determined.

Emu
1. Read a book with a large bird on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character embarks on a long journey.

Cassowary
1. Read a book with a tropical setting.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "C."
Book: Gobbelino London & A Complication of Unicorns
Author: Kim M. Watt
Date completed: 12/06/24
Number: 2
How it fits: has a word that starts with 'C'.

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
1. Read a book with a spider or insect on the cover.
2. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "S."
Book: The Song of the Quarkbeast
Author: Jasper Fforde
Date completed: 04/19/25
Number: 2
How it fits: Title has a word that starts with 'S'.

Crocodile
1. Read a book with a reptile on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character faces a deadly threat.

Australian Box Jellyfish
1. Read a book set near the ocean.
2. Read a book with a character who is dangerous or feared.

Great White Shark
1. Read a book with a shark on the cover.
2. Read a book with a character who is a predator, in any sense of the word.
Book: Big Meg: The Story of the Largest and Most Mysterious Predator that Ever Lived
Author: Tim Flannery
Date completed: 06/12/25
Number: 1
How it fits: shark on cover.

Australian Coastal Taipan
1. Read a book where a venomous creature plays a role.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "T."
Book: The Eye of Zoltar
Author: Jasper Fforde
Date completed: 06/09/25
Number: 2
How it fits: word that starts with 'T'.

Numbat
1. Read a book where the main character is a small, unassuming hero.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "N."
Book: De man die niet meer van katten hield
Author: Isabelle Aupy
Date completed: 02/03/25
Number: 2
How it fits: word that starts with 'N'.

Fitzroy River Turtle
1. Read a book with a turtle or tortoise on the cover.
2. Read a book with a "river" or "lake" in the title.

Mistletoebird
1. Read a book set during the Christmas season.
2. Read a book with a plant or flower on the cover.

Pellucid Hawk Moth
1. Read a book with a moth or butterfly on the cover.
2. Read a book where transformation or change is a key theme.

Quokka
1. Read a book that brings you joy or makes you smile.
2. Read a book set in or about a small, isolated community.

Tasks Completed - 19/20

Koala
Book: Some Kind of Magic
Author: Mary Ann Marlowe
Date Read: 9/9/24
Task: #2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "K."
How it Fits: Kind starts with K

Dingo
Book: Magic Bites
Author: Ilona Andrews
Date Read: 9/28/24
Task: 1. Read a book where the main character is a lone traveler.
How it Fits: MC is a mercenary type. Moving around and working on her own.

Kangaroo
Book: Baby Llama Drama
Author: Kate Watson
Date Read: 10/17/24
Task # 2. Read a book where the main character is a parent.
How it Fits: Male MC is a single dad

Platypus
Book: To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods
Author: Molly X. Chang
Date Read: 10/28/24
Task #1. Read a book that blends multiple genres.
How it Fits: Tagged as Young Adult, Fantasy, Asian Lit, Science Fiction, Magic and Romance. Also feels like a dystopian book with mythological notes throughout.

Echidna
Book: Fall of Ruin and Wrath
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Date Read: 9/17/24
Task: #2 Read a book where the main character is shy or introverted.
How it Fits: MC is introverted

Tasmanian Devil
Book: A Demon's Guide to Wooing a Witch
Author: Sarah Hawley
Date Read: 9/3/24
Task #1. Read a book with a character who has a fierce temper.
How it Fits: both MCs are none for their ruthless tempers and bouts of aggression

Kookaburra
Book: EngiNerds
Author: Jarrett Lerner
Date Read: 11/6/24
Task: 2. Read a book that makes you laugh out loud.
How it Fits: Read this one out loud to my boys. We all found the food cube farting robots quite hysterical.

Wombat
Book: Above the Sea
Author: Laura Burton
Date Read: 9/12/24
Task: #2 Read a book with a character who is stubborn or determined.
How it Fits: Retelling of Little Mermaid where the MC does everything she can to first get what she wants and then to save those she loves.

Emu
Book: The Hidden Life of Cecily Larson
Author: Ellen Baker
Date Read: 9/26/24
Task: 2. Read a book where the main character embarks on a long journey.
How it Fits: Book details the lifespan of one woman over three generations, starting with her time as an orphan, to circus performer, to unwed mother, to being a great grandmother with a wealth of secrets.

Cassowary
1. Read a book with a tropical setting.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "C."

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
Book: Just for the Summer
Author: Abby Jimenez
Date Read: 9/5/24
Task: 2. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "S."
How it Fits: Summer starts with S

Crocodile
Book: Small Town, Big Magic
Author: Hazel Beck
Date Read: 9/7/24
Task: 2. Read a book where the main character faces a deadly threat.
How it Fits: MC has to face off with an evil that is poisoning the town.

Australian Box Jellyfish
Book: Magic Bites
Author: Ilona Andrews
Date Read: 9/28/24
Task: #2. Read a book with a character who is dangerous or feared.
How it Fits: MC is a fearsome hunter who battles Vampires, Shapeshifters and other magical beings.

Great White Shark
Book: Dating Dracula
Author: Kinsley Adams
Date Read: 10/15/24
Task #2. Read a book with a character who is a predator, in any sense of the word.
How it Fits: Male MC is Dracula. There are vampires and a werewolf that are hunting an enemy.

Australian Coastal Taipan
Book: Shopping for a Turkey
Author: Julia Kent
Task 2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "T."
How it Fits: Turkey starts with T

Numbat
Book: A Bride for Noah
Author: Lori Copeland
Task #2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "N."
How it Fits: Noah starts with N

Fitzroy River Turtle
Book: The River
Author: Peter Heller
Date Read: 10/20/24
Task #2. Read a book with a "river" or "lake" in the title.
How it Fits: Title is The River

Mistletoebird
Book: The Love Remedy
Author: Elizabeth Everett
Date Read: 9/29/24
Task: 2. Read a book with a plant or flower on the cover.
How it Fits: Flowers on cover


Pellucid Hawk Moth
Book: Fix Her Up
Author: Tessa Bailey
Date Read: 9/9/24
Task: #2. Read a book where transformation or change is a key theme.
How it Fits: Female MC has to decide to commit and expand on her business while encouraging others to do the same. Male MC has to give up his dream goals to create new goals.

Quokka
Book: Plays Well With Others: How to Date Your Best Friend
Author: Lauren Blakely
Date Read: 9/19/24
Task: #1 Read a book that brings you joy or makes you smile.
How it Fits: It's a friends to lovers story that is heartwarming and funny.
2. Read a book set in or about a small, isolated community

AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS CHALLENGE:

Koala
1. Read a book with a tree on the cover.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "K."

Dingo
1. Read a book where the main character is a lone traveler.
2. Read a book set in a desert or arid region.

Kangaroo
1. Read a book with a jumping or leaping figure on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character is a parent.

Platypus
1. Read a book that blends multiple genres.
2. Read a book published in the 19th century (to match the era of the platypus's first scientific description).

Echidna
1. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "E."
2. Read a book where the main character is shy or introverted.

Tasmanian Devil
1. Read a book with a character who has a fierce temper.
2. Read a book set on an island.

Kookaburra
1. Read a book with a bird on the cover.
2. Read a book that makes you laugh out loud.

Wombat
1. Read a book with an underground scene (your interpretation).
2. Read a book with a character who is stubborn or determined.

Emu
1. Read a book with a large bird on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character embarks on a long journey.

Cassowary
1. Read a book with a tropical setting.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "C."

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
1. Read a book with a spider or insect on the cover.
2. Read a book with a title that has a word starting with "S."

Crocodile
1. Read a book with a reptile on the cover.
2. Read a book where the main character faces a deadly threat.

Australian Box Jellyfish
1. Read a book set near the ocean.
2. Read a book with a character who is dangerous or feared.

Great White Shark
1. Read a book with a shark on the cover.
2. Read a book with a character who is a predator, in any sense of the word.

Australian Coastal Taipan
1. Read a book where a venomous creature plays a role.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "T."

Numbat
1. Read a book where the main character is a small, unassuming hero.
2. Read a book with a title that includes a word starting with "N."

Fitzroy River Turtle
1. Read a book with a turtle or tortoise on the cover.
2. Read a book with a "river" or "lake" in the title.

Mistletoebird
1. Read a book set during the Christmas season.
2. Read a book with a plant or flower on the cover.

Pellucid Hawk Moth
1. Read a book with a moth or butterfly on the cover.
2. Read a book where transformation or change is a key theme.

Quokka
1. Read a book that brings you joy or makes you smile.
2. Read a book set in or about a small, isolated community.