Bookish Challenges discussion

Birthday Traditions


December is my birth month, so I thought why not have a look into interesting facts, traditions and superstitions about birthdays around the world? Please note that there are some traditions/customs that are true for multiple countries :)

Sign-ups are open until December 31st.
The challenge is open-ended.

The Challenge

1. Please copy the list of tasks 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 country 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. Skips:
You have 1 free skip available - just let me know which country you would like to use it for in the Q&A thread and read a book that meets the general guidelines instead.
For more skips:
Spend 2 points to skip a country and read one of the remaining 38 tasks instead. Example: You want to skip China, so you read both tasks of Germany (one to complete Germany, one to complete China).
Spend 5 points to skip a country and read a book that meets the general guidelines instead.

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 December 01, 2024 will be accepted.

7. Sign-ups will close December 31st, so hurry!!

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

China
According to the Chinese nominal age system, a person is counted as one year old on the day of birth, and becomes one year older, each year, on the day the Chinese New Year is celebrated.
1. Read a book with a 1 in the page count.
2. Read a book published in January or February of any year.

Germany
If a man turns 30 and is still unmarried, he may be expected to sweep the steps of the town hall or the church square until kissed by a maiden.
1. Read a book with an MC in their 30s.
2. Read a book with a kissing scene (provided location and sentence).

Mexico
A piñata is a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration.
1. Read a book with a colorful cover.
2. Read a book with MPG Children.

Japan
Age 60 is referred to as kanreki, a time of rebirth and growth based on the Zodiac cycle restarting every 60 years.
1. Read a book with a 6 and a 0 in the publication date or page number.
2. Read a book with a character mentioning zodiac signs.

Russia
It’s considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their actual day.
1. Read a book in which something bad happens to the MC.
2. Read a book with a dual timeline.

Ghana
In Ghana, birthdays are celebrated with a special dish called Oto.
1. Read a book with all letters of OTO in the title.
2. Read a book with the word YAM in the text (provide location and sentence).

New Zealand
Fairy bread is sliced white bread spread with butter or margarine and covered with sprinkles, often served at children's parties in New Zealand.
1. Read a book in which a party is celebrated.
2. Read a book with a triangle on the cover.

Denmark
Danish flags are everywhere at a birthday party, from the napkins to the hanging decorations to the cake.
1. Read a book with a red or white cover (50+%).
2. Read a book set between the years 1219 and 1625.

Spain
Family members and friends will pull on a child's ear for each year of their life.
1. Read a book with all letters of EAR in the title.
2. Read a book with an ear visible on the cover (can be human, animal, comic...).

Netherlands
A Dutch circle party can be best described as a ‘party’ that involves sitting in a circle all afternoon and chatting while drinking tea and eating cake.
1. Read a book with TEA in the title.
2. Read a book with the word CIRCLE in the text (provide location and sentence).

Philippines
In Filipino culture, eating noodles during one's birthday symbolizes long life.
1. Read a book with a character who is 80+ years old.
2. Read a book in which the MC eats noodles (provide location and sentence).

South Africa
While a birthday cake is always a tasty gesture, the true sweet treat on the 21st birthday is to become a key holder. The prestigious milestone is consequential as a child becomes a responsible adult, and the key symbolizes the opening of doors to the world.
1. Read a book with a key on the cover.
2. Read a book with MPG Adult.

Thailand
Merit-making constitutes a fundamental concept in Buddhism, encompassing various activities such as generosity, precept observance, and mental development.
1. Read a book with a religious character.
2. Read a book with a generous character.

Israel
In Israel, part of the birthday celebration for a child in kindergarten is to lift the decorated chair that the child sits on into the air several times, once for each year of the child's age, plus "one for the next year".
1. Read a book with both author initials in CHAIR.
2. Read a book with KINDERGARTEN in the text (provide location and sentence).

South Korea
The main event of the first birthday is the doljabi ceremony. A variety of objects are put on a table or tray in front of the child and whatever the child chooses foretells his or her future.
1. Read a book including a fortune-teller.
2. Read a book in which the MC chooses their career path.

Greece
In Greece, they often don't celebrate birthdays, but they celebrate name days because the name is part of the Greek Orthodox tradition.
1. Read a book with the MC's name in the title.
2. Read a book with both author initials found in ORTHODOX.

Brazil
In Brazil, it's tradition to share the first slice of your birthday cake with the person you love the most.
1. Read a book with a cake on the cover.
2. Read a book in which the MC says "I love you" to someone else (provide location and sentence).

Canada
Canadians often get “greased” on their birthdays, which means their friends and relatives ambush them and smear butter on their noses.
1. Read a book with all letters of BUTTER in the title.
2. Read a book with the word NOSE in the text (provide location and sentence).

Italy
Social rules dictate you must immediately open the gift when it’s given to you or you’ll risk coming across as rude!
1. Read a book with a character you consider rude.
2. Read a book in which the MC takes a risk.

USA
For girls in the US, the 16th birthday is normally referred to as the “Sweet Sixteen” birthday, which usually involves more lavish parties and gifts than normal.
1. Read a book with a character who is 16 years old.
2. Read a book with a sweet character.

Participants
Aya 20/20
Cats 20/20
Fiona 20/20
Jasmine 20/20
Lucy 0/20
Melanie 0/20
Nadine 20/20
Nistha 20/20
Runenmädchen 7/20

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

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

Completed

Birthday Traditions
1/12/24 ->
20/20

China
1. Read a book with a 1 in the page count - 251p
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin 23/12 3.5★

Germany
2. Read a book with a kissing scene - 'the sudden power and punch of the kiss rocked her back on her heels" p.29
Strangers in Death by J.D. Robb 3/12 4★

Mexico
1. Read a book with a colorful cover.
by Graeme Simsion, Anne Buist 22/12 4.5★

Japan
1. Read a book with a 6 and a 0 in the publication date or page number
Red Notice by Andy McNab 18/12 2.5★
Fit: pub. 6/4/2021

Russia
1. Read a book in which something bad happens to the MC.
Sheltered: Stories of Rescue Animals and the People Who Were Saved by Them by Melody Horrill 7/12 5★
Fit: a nasty riding accident

Ghana
1. Read a book with all letters of OTO in the title.
Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You by Annie Lyons 29/12 5★

New Zealand
1. Read a book in which a party is celebrated.
The Wattle Seed Inn by Leonie Kelsall 10/12 4★
Fit: a party ay Justin's & a grand opening party at the Inn

Denmark
1. Read a book with a white cover
by Richard Osman 12/12 4★

Spain
1. Read a book with all letters of EAR in the title.
O' Artful Death by Sarah Stewart Taylor 2/12 2★

Netherlands
2. Read a book with the word CIRCLE in the text - "If you draw a circle round Number Nineteen" p.231
The Clocks by Agatha Christie 5/12 4★

Philippines
1. Read a book with a character who is 80+ years old - Virginia
Back on Track by Tricia Stringer 24/12 4★

South Africa
2. Read a book with MPG Adult.
Two Nights by Kathy Reichs 31/12 2★

Thailand
2. Read a book with a generous character - Jim & gaby
Calling Mrs Christmas by Carole Matthews 14/12 3★

Israel
1. Read a book with both author initials in CHAIR.
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie 4/12 4★

South Korea
1. Read a book including a fortune-teller - Diana
Night's Edge by Charlaine Harris, Maggie Shayne, Barbara Hambly 16/12 3★

Greece
1. Read a book with the MC's name in the title.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce 1/12 3.5★

Brazil
2. Read a book in which the MC says "I love you" to someone else
Double Deceit by Allison Lane 30/12 2★
Fit: "I love you, Tony." p.217

Canada
2. Read a book with the word NOSE in the text - "she touched her nose to his" p.44
The Subway Stops at Bryant Park by N. West Moss 13/12 3★

Italy
1. Read a book with a character you consider rude - the MC
The Black Echo by Michael Connelly 6/12 3.5★

USA
1. Read a book with a character who is 16 years old - Katie & Roxy
A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff 27/12 4★

7 / 20

1. China
According to the Chinese nominal age system, a person is counted as one year old on the day of birth, and becomes one year older, each year, on the day the Chinese New Year is celebrated.
1. Read a book with a 1 in the page count.
2. Read a book published in January or February of any year.

✔️ 2. Germany
If a man turns 30 and is still unmarried, he may be expected to sweep the steps of the town hall or the church square until kissed by a maiden.
1. Read a book with an MC in their 30s.
Nur wenn du allein kommst by Souad Mekhennet, January, 26, about working as a journalist in her 30s.


✔️ 3. Mexico
A piñata is a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration.
1. Read a book with a colorful cover.
Verity by Colleen Hoover, January, 11


4. Japan
Age 60 is referred to as kanreki, a time of rebirth and growth based on the Zodiac cycle restarting every 60 years.
1. Read a book with a 6 and a 0 in the publication date or page number.
2. Read a book with a character mentioning zodiac signs.

5. Russia
It’s considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their actual day.
1. Read a book in which something bad happens to the MC.
2. Read a book with a dual timeline.

6. Ghana
In Ghana, birthdays are celebrated with a special dish called Oto.
1. Read a book with all letters of OTO in the title.
2. Read a book with the word YAM in the text (provide location and sentence).

7. New Zealand
Fairy bread is sliced white bread spread with butter or margarine and covered with sprinkles, often served at children's parties in New Zealand.
1. Read a book in which a party is celebrated.
2. Read a book with a triangle on the cover.

✔️ 8. Denmark
Danish flags are everywhere at a birthday party, from the napkins to the hanging decorations to the cake.
1. Read a book with a red or white cover (50+%).
Ich bin der Schmerz by Ethan Cross 12/10/24, 92,4% white


9. Spain
Family members and friends will pull on a child's ear for each year of their life.
1. Read a book with all letters of EAR in the title.
2. Read a book with an ear visible on the cover (can be human, animal, comic...).

10. Netherlands
A Dutch circle party can be best described as a ‘party’ that involves sitting in a circle all afternoon and chatting while drinking tea and eating cake.
1. Read a book with TEA in the title.
2. Read a book with the word CIRCLE in the text (provide location and sentence).

11. Philippines
In Filipino culture, eating noodles during one's birthday symbolizes long life.
1. Read a book with a character who is 80+ years old.
2. Read a book in which the MC eats noodles (provide location and sentence).

✔️ South Africa
While a birthday cake is always a tasty gesture, the true sweet treat on the 21st birthday is to become a key holder. The prestigious milestone is consequential as a child becomes a responsible adult, and the key symbolizes the opening of doors to the world.
2. Read a book with MPG Adult.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, 12/02/24, Task 2, book with MPG Adult


✔️ Thailand
Merit-making constitutes a fundamental concept in Buddhism, encompassing various activities such as generosity, precept observance, and mental development.
1. Read a book with a religious character.
Die Hoffnung der Chani Kaufman by Eve Harris, 12/05/24, About a Jewish family


14. Israel
In Israel, part of the birthday celebration for a child in kindergarten is to lift the decorated chair that the child sits on into the air several times, once for each year of the child's age, plus "one for the next year".
1. Read a book with both author initials in CHAIR.
2. Read a book with KINDERGARTEN in the text (provide location and sentence).

15. South Korea
The main event of the first birthday is the doljabi ceremony. A variety of objects are put on a table or tray in front of the child and whatever the child chooses foretells his or her future.
1. Read a book including a fortune-teller.
2. Read a book in which the MC chooses their career path.

✔️ 16. Greece
In Greece, they often don't celebrate birthdays, but they celebrate name days because the name is part of the Greek Orthodox tradition.
2. Read a book with both author initials found in ORTHODOX.
Dort dort by Tommy Orange
March 19 - initials T and O


✔️ 17. Brazil
In Brazil, it's tradition to share the first slice of your birthday cake with the person you love the most.
2. Read a book in which the MC says "I love you" to someone else (provide location and sentence). Meet Me in Autumn by Laurie Gilmore, February, 2nd, Chapter 32: „You told me after a month >>I love you<<.“


18. Canada
Canadians often get “greased” on their birthdays, which means their friends and relatives ambush them and smear butter on their noses.
1. Read a book with all letters of BUTTER in the title.
2. Read a book with the word NOSE in the text (provide location and sentence).

19. Italy
Social rules dictate you must immediately open the gift when it’s given to you or you’ll risk coming across as rude!
1. Read a book with a character you consider rude.
2. Read a book in which the MC takes a risk.

20. USA
For girls in the US, the 16th birthday is normally referred to as the “Sweet Sixteen” birthday, which usually involves more lavish parties and gifts than normal.
1. Read a book with a character who is 16 years old.
2. Read a book with a sweet character.

COMPLETED: 0/20

China
According to the Chinese nominal age system, a person is counted as one year old on the day of birth, and becomes one year older, each year, on the day the Chinese New Year is celebrated.
1. Read a book with a 1 in the page count.
2. Read a book published in January or February of any year.

Germany
If a man turns 30 and is still unmarried, he may be expected to sweep the steps of the town hall or the church square until kissed by a maiden.
1. Read a book with an MC in their 30s.
2. Read a book with a kissing scene (provided location and sentence).

Mexico
A piñata is a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration.
1. Read a book with a colorful cover.
2. Read a book with MPG Children.

Japan
Age 60 is referred to as kanreki, a time of rebirth and growth based on the Zodiac cycle restarting every 60 years.
1. Read a book with a 6 and a 0 in the publication date or page number.
2. Read a book with a character mentioning zodiac signs.

Russia
It’s considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their actual day.
1. Read a book in which something bad happens to the MC.
2. Read a book with a dual timeline.

Ghana
In Ghana, birthdays are celebrated with a special dish called Oto.
1. Read a book with all letters of OTO in the title.
2. Read a book with the word YAM in the text (provide location and sentence).

New Zealand
Fairy bread is sliced white bread spread with butter or margarine and covered with sprinkles, often served at children's parties in New Zealand.
1. Read a book in which a party is celebrated.
2. Read a book with a triangle on the cover.

Denmark
Danish flags are everywhere at a birthday party, from the napkins to the hanging decorations to the cake.
1. Read a book with a red or white cover (50+%).
2. Read a book set between the years 1219 and 1625.

Spain
Family members and friends will pull on a child's ear for each year of their life.
1. Read a book with all letters of EAR in the title.
2. Read a book with an ear visible on the cover (can be human, animal, comic...).

Netherlands
A Dutch circle party can be best described as a ‘party’ that involves sitting in a circle all afternoon and chatting while drinking tea and eating cake.
1. Read a book with TEA in the title.
2. Read a book with the word CIRCLE in the text (provide location and sentence).

Philippines
In Filipino culture, eating noodles during one's birthday symbolizes long life.
1. Read a book with a character who is 80+ years old.
2. Read a book in which the MC eats noodles (provide location and sentence).

South Africa
While a birthday cake is always a tasty gesture, the true sweet treat on the 21st birthday is to become a key holder. The prestigious milestone is consequential as a child becomes a responsible adult, and the key symbolizes the opening of doors to the world.
1. Read a book with a key on the cover.
2. Read a book with MPG Adult.

Thailand
Merit-making constitutes a fundamental concept in Buddhism, encompassing various activities such as generosity, precept observance, and mental development.
1. Read a book with a religious character.
2. Read a book with a generous character.

Israel
In Israel, part of the birthday celebration for a child in kindergarten is to lift the decorated chair that the child sits on into the air several times, once for each year of the child's age, plus "one for the next year".
1. Read a book with both author initials in CHAIR.
2. Read a book with KINDERGARTEN in the text (provide location and sentence).

South Korea
The main event of the first birthday is the doljabi ceremony. A variety of objects are put on a table or tray in front of the child and whatever the child chooses foretells his or her future.
1. Read a book including a fortune-teller.
2. Read a book in which the MC chooses their career path.

Greece
In Greece, they often don't celebrate birthdays, but they celebrate name days because the name is part of the Greek Orthodox tradition.
1. Read a book with the MC's name in the title.
2. Read a book with both author initials found in ORTHODOX.

Brazil
In Brazil, it's tradition to share the first slice of your birthday cake with the person you love the most.
1. Read a book with a cake on the cover.
2. Read a book in which the MC says "I love you" to someone else (provide location and sentence).

Canada
Canadians often get “greased” on their birthdays, which means their friends and relatives ambush them and smear butter on their noses.
1. Read a book with all letters of BUTTER in the title.
2. Read a book with the word NOSE in the text (provide location and sentence).

Italy
Social rules dictate you must immediately open the gift when it’s given to you or you’ll risk coming across as rude!
1. Read a book with a character you consider rude.
2. Read a book in which the MC takes a risk.

USA
For girls in the US, the 16th birthday is normally referred to as the “Sweet Sixteen” birthday, which usually involves more lavish parties and gifts than normal.
1. Read a book with a character who is 16 years old.
2. Read a book with a sweet character.

20 / 20

China
According to the Chinese nominal age system, a person is counted as one year old on the day of birth, and becomes one year older, each year, on the day the Chinese New Year is celebrated.
1. Read a book with a 1 in the page count.
2. Read a book published in January or February of any year. The Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi - publ Feb

Germany
If a man turns 30 and is still unmarried, he may be expected to sweep the steps of the town hall or the church square until kissed by a maiden.
1. Read a book with an MC in their 30s. The Best Thing by Mariana Zapata - MC Lenny is 31
2. Read a book with a kissing scene (provided location and sentence).

Mexico
A piñata is a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration.
1. Read a book with a colorful cover.The Fury by Alex Michaelides - colourful sky on cover

2. Read a book with MPG Children.

Japan
Age 60 is referred to as kanreki, a time of rebirth and growth based on the Zodiac cycle restarting every 60 years.
1. Read a book with a 6 and a 0 in the publication date or page number. The Women by Kristin Hannah - publ 6 Feb 24
2. Read a book with a character mentioning zodiac signs.

Russia
It’s considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their actual day.
1. Read a book in which something bad happens to the MC.
2. Read a book with a dual timeline. Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward - set in dual timelines

Ghana
In Ghana, birthdays are celebrated with a special dish called Oto.
1. Read a book with all letters of OTO in the title. Skeleton Canyon by J.A. Jance =
all letters of OTO in title
2. Read a book with the word YAM in the text (provide location and sentence).

New Zealand
Fairy bread is sliced white bread spread with butter or margarine and covered with sprinkles, often served at children's parties in New Zealand.
1. Read a book in which a party is celebrated. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore - man camp parties celebrated
2. Read a book with a triangle on the cover.

Denmark
Danish flags are everywhere at a birthday party, from the napkins to the hanging decorations to the cake.
1. Read a book with a red or white cover (50+%). In Five Years by Rebecca Serle White cover

2. Read a book set between the years 1219 and 1625.

Spain
Family members and friends will pull on a child's ear for each year of their life.
1. Read a book with all letters of EAR in the title. by Molly Harper - all letters of ear in title
2. Read a book with an ear visible on the cover (can be human, animal, comic...).

Netherlands
A Dutch circle party can be best described as a ‘party’ that involves sitting in a circle all afternoon and chatting while drinking tea and eating cake.
1. Read a book with TEA in the title.
2. Read a book with the word CIRCLE in the text (provide location and sentence).Hands Down by Mariana Zapata Ch 17 He frowned, and one of those great big hands landed on my inner forearm, his callused thumb making a small circle there.

Philippines
In Filipino culture, eating noodles during one's birthday symbolizes long life.
1. Read a book with a character who is 80+ years old.
2. Read a book in which the MC eats noodles (provide location and sentence). Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra - Ch 4 "David piles some noodles onto a plate and grabs a fork. "

South Africa
While a birthday cake is always a tasty gesture, the true sweet treat on the 21st birthday is to become a key holder. The prestigious milestone is consequential as a child becomes a responsible adult, and the key symbolizes the opening of doors to the world.
1. Read a book with a key on the cover.
2. Read a book with MPG Adult. Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth - mpg adult

Thailand
Merit-making constitutes a fundamental concept in Buddhism, encompassing various activities such as generosity, precept observance, and mental development.
1. Read a book with a religious character. The Vault of Vishnu by Ashwin Sanghi - religious monk in story
2. Read a book with a generous character.

Israel
In Israel, part of the birthday celebration for a child in kindergarten is to lift the decorated chair that the child sits on into the air several times, once for each year of the child's age, plus "one for the next year".
1. Read a book with both author initials in CHAIR. The House of Lost Secrets by Anstey Harris - AH initials
2. Read a book with KINDERGARTEN in the text (provide location and sentence).

South Korea
The main event of the first birthday is the doljabi ceremony. A variety of objects are put on a table or tray in front of the child and whatever the child chooses foretells his or her future.
1. Read a book including a fortune-teller. You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour - the MCs go to a taboo reader and the reading forces them to change their lives for better
2. Read a book in which the MC chooses their career path.

Greece
In Greece, they often don't celebrate birthdays, but they celebrate name days because the name is part of the Greek Orthodox tradition.
1. Read a book with the MC's name in the title. Circe by Madeline Miller - MC's name in title
2. Read a book with both author initials found in ORTHODOX.

Brazil
In Brazil, it's tradition to share the first slice of your birthday cake with the person you love the most.
1. Read a book with a cake on the cover.
2. Read a book in which the MC says "I love you" to someone else (provide location and sentence). The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore - both MCs say I love you to each other

Canada
Canadians often get “greased” on their birthdays, which means their friends and relatives ambush them and smear butter on their noses.
1. Read a book with all letters of BUTTER in the title.
2. Read a book with the word NOSE in the text (provide location and sentence). The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom Ch 41 "Inside the air felt stale and preserved, as if from another era. Behind the counter stood a pale, elderly, white-haired man with a plaid vest and blue shirt, a pair of wire-rim glasses halfway down his nose. "

Italy
Social rules dictate you must immediately open the gift when it’s given to you or you’ll risk coming across as rude!
1. Read a book with a character you consider rude.
2. Read a book in which the MC takes a risk. How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie - MC takes a risk by using online help to murder

USA
For girls in the US, the 16th birthday is normally referred to as the “Sweet Sixteen” birthday, which usually involves more lavish parties and gifts than normal.
1. Read a book with a character who is 16 years old.
2. Read a book with a sweet character. James by Percival Everett - James is a sweet character

20/20

China
According to the Chinese nominal age system, a person is counted as one year old on the day of birth, and becomes one year older, each year, on the day the Chinese New Year is celebrated.
2. Read a book published in January or February of any year.
A ​Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas December 9 - published February 16, 2021

Germany
If a man turns 30 and is still unmarried, he may be expected to sweep the steps of the town hall or the church square until kissed by a maiden.
1. Read a book with an MC in their 30s.
The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden January 2 - MC is 34

Mexico
A piñata is a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration.
1. Read a book with a colorful cover.
Was die Welt zusammenhält by Kerstin Gier December 17 - colorful cover

Japan
Age 60 is referred to as kanreki, a time of rebirth and growth based on the Zodiac cycle restarting every 60 years.
1. Read a book with a 6 and a 0 in the publication date or page number.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros January 23 - 640 pages

Russia
It’s considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their actual day.
1. Read a book in which something bad happens to the MC.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt December 3 - MC gets shot

Ghana
In Ghana, birthdays are celebrated with a special dish called Oto.
1. Read a book with all letters of OTO in the title.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas December 1 - a cOurT Of ...

New Zealand
Fairy bread is sliced white bread spread with butter or margarine and covered with sprinkles, often served at children's parties in New Zealand.
1. Read a book in which a party is celebrated.
Playing Games by Riley Hart December 10 - Party is celebrated after lacrosse match is won

Denmark
Danish flags are everywhere at a birthday party, from the napkins to the hanging decorations to the cake.
1. Read a book with a red or white cover (50+%).
Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie December 14 - red cover

Spain
Family members and friends will pull on a child's ear for each year of their life.
2. Read a book with an ear visible on the cover (can be human, animal, comic...).
Freiheit: Erinnerungen 1954 – 2021 by Angela Merkel December 13 - ear on cover

Netherlands
A Dutch circle party can be best described as a ‘party’ that involves sitting in a circle all afternoon and chatting while drinking tea and eating cake.
2. Read a book with the word CIRCLE in the text (provide location and sentence).
Natural Born Killers by Lucy Smoke December 30 - "I circle his neck with my arms and sink against him" p. 46

Philippines
In Filipino culture, eating noodles during one's birthday symbolizes long life.
1. Read a book with a character who is 80+ years old.
Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton January 30 - 80 yo woman goes missing

South Africa
While a birthday cake is always a tasty gesture, the true sweet treat on the 21st birthday is to become a key holder. The prestigious milestone is consequential as a child becomes a responsible adult, and the key symbolizes the opening of doors to the world.
2. Read a book with MPG Adult.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore December 5 - MPG Adult

Thailand
Merit-making constitutes a fundamental concept in Buddhism, encompassing various activities such as generosity, precept observance, and mental development.
1. Read a book with a religious character.
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix December 21 - many religious characters in this book

Israel
In Israel, part of the birthday celebration for a child in kindergarten is to lift the decorated chair that the child sits on into the air several times, once for each year of the child's age, plus "one for the next year".
1. Read a book with both author initials in CHAIR.
Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie December 10 - author initials AC

South Korea
The main event of the first birthday is the doljabi ceremony. A variety of objects are put on a table or tray in front of the child and whatever the child chooses foretells his or her future.
2. Read a book in which the MC chooses their career path.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden December 19 - MC chooses a new career path as a housemaid

Greece
In Greece, they often don't celebrate birthdays, but they celebrate name days because the name is part of the Greek Orthodox tradition.
1. Read a book with the MC's name in the title.
Crystal Iris by Blair M. Shadows February 10 - Iris is the FMC's name

Brazil
In Brazil, it's tradition to share the first slice of your birthday cake with the person you love the most.
2. Read a book in which the MC says "I love you" to someone else (provide location and sentence).
The Best Thing by Mariana Zapata December 13 - I groaned and waited until she was halfway down the short hall before I called out, “I love you, Luna!” 9%

Canada
Canadians often get “greased” on their birthdays, which means their friends and relatives ambush them and smear butter on their noses.
2. Read a book with the word NOSE in the text (provide location and sentence).
Shared Hearts by Leigh Jack January 20 - "My sister has her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, a sure sign she’s studying." 0.4%

Italy
Social rules dictate you must immediately open the gift when it’s given to you or you’ll risk coming across as rude!
1. Read a book with a character you consider rude.
Fragile Heart by Mona Kasten December 27 - MMC's friend is really rude and breaks up his relationship

USA
For girls in the US, the 16th birthday is normally referred to as the “Sweet Sixteen” birthday, which usually involves more lavish parties and gifts than normal.
2. Read a book with a sweet character.
Lonely Heart by Mona Kasten December 20 - FMC is very sweet

20/20 completed
COMPLETE

✓ China
According to the Chinese nominal age system, a person is counted as one year old on the day of birth, and becomes one year older, each year, on the day the Chinese New Year is celebrated.
1. Read a book with a 1 in the page count.
2. Read a book published in January or February of any year. - The Last Family in England, Matt Haig, finished 14-Dec. Published 01-Jan-2004.

✓ Germany
If a man turns 30 and is still unmarried, he may be expected to sweep the steps of the town hall or the church square until kissed by a maiden.
1. Read a book with an MC in their 30s.
2. Read a book with a kissing scene (provided location and sentence). - Simple Passion, Annie Ernaux, finished 26-Jan. "We kissed and were affectionate with each other at the traffic lights between Nanterre and Pont-de-Neuilly." p.46 (ebook)

✓ Mexico
A piñata is a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration.
1. Read a book with a colorful cover. - In Every Mirror She's Black, Lolá Ákínmádé-Åkerström, finished 23-Dec.
2. Read a book with MPG Children.

✓ Japan
Age 60 is referred to as kanreki, a time of rebirth and growth based on the Zodiac cycle restarting every 60 years.
1. Read a book with a 6 and a 0 in the publication date or page number. - I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, Baek Se-hee, finished 02-Jan. Published 20/06/2018.
2. Read a book with a character mentioning zodiac signs.

✓ Russia
It’s considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their actual day.
1. Read a book in which something bad happens to the MC.
2. Read a book with a dual timeline. - Black Cake, Charmaine Wilkerson, finished 16-Jan. The storyline flips between present day and Eleanor Bennett's past.

✓ Ghana
In Ghana, birthdays are celebrated with a special dish called Oto.
1. Read a book with all letters of OTO in the title. - The Taking of Jake Livingston, Ryan Douglass, finished 24-Dec.
2. Read a book with the word YAM in the text (provide location and sentence).

✓ New Zealand
Fairy bread is sliced white bread spread with butter or margarine and covered with sprinkles, often served at children's parties in New Zealand.
1. Read a book in which a party is celebrated. - The Echo Wife, Sarah Gailey, finished 09-Jan. The book opens with a black tie party to celebrate Evelyn's scientific breakthroughs.
2. Read a book with a triangle on the cover.

✓ Denmark
Danish flags are everywhere at a birthday party, from the napkins to the hanging decorations to the cake.
1. Read a book with a red or white cover (50+%). - The Power, Naomi Alderman, finished 21-Dec.
2. Read a book set between the years 1219 and 1625.

✓ Spain
Family members and friends will pull on a child's ear for each year of their life.
1. Read a book with all letters of EAR in the title.
2. Read a book with an ear visible on the cover (can be human, animal, comic...). - My Name Is Why, Lemn Sissay, finished 12-Feb.

✓ Netherlands
A Dutch circle party can be best described as a ‘party’ that involves sitting in a circle all afternoon and chatting while drinking tea and eating cake.
1. Read a book with TEA in the title.
2. Read a book with the word CIRCLE in the text (provide location and sentence). - My Friends, Hisham Matar, finished 31-Dec. "And I felt myself to have been waiting all this time – more than a decade – for the circle to close." ch. 61

✓ Philippines
In Filipino culture, eating noodles during one's birthday symbolizes long life.
1. Read a book with a character who is 80+ years old. - The Last Devil to Die, Richard Osman, finished 12-Jan. Ibrahim is at least 80 as of book 1 of the series.
2. Read a book in which the MC eats noodles (provide location and sentence).

✓ South Africa
While a birthday cake is always a tasty gesture, the true sweet treat on the 21st birthday is to become a key holder. The prestigious milestone is consequential as a child becomes a responsible adult, and the key symbolizes the opening of doors to the world.
1. Read a book with a key on the cover.
2. Read a book with MPG Adult. - Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales from the Queen of Mystery, Agatha Christie, finished 23-Feb.

✓ Thailand
Merit-making constitutes a fundamental concept in Buddhism, encompassing various activities such as generosity, precept observance, and mental development.
1. Read a book with a religious character.
2. Read a book with a generous character. - House of Kwa, Mimi Kwa, finished 21-Jan. Mimi's aunt Theresa is very generous and supports her family and extended family during (and even beyond) her life.

✓ Israel
In Israel, part of the birthday celebration for a child in kindergarten is to lift the decorated chair that the child sits on into the air several times, once for each year of the child's age, plus "one for the next year".
1. Read a book with both author initials in CHAIR. - The Moving Finger, Agatha Christie, finished 06-Jan.
2. Read a book with KINDERGARTEN in the text (provide location and sentence).

✓ South Korea
The main event of the first birthday is the doljabi ceremony. A variety of objects are put on a table or tray in front of the child and whatever the child chooses foretells his or her future.
1. Read a book including a fortune-teller.
2. Read a book in which the MC chooses their career path. - For Your Own Good, Samantha Downing, finished 29-Dec. The book ends with Zach deciding he's going to become a teacher at Belmont.

✓ Greece
In Greece, they often don't celebrate birthdays, but they celebrate name days because the name is part of the Greek Orthodox tradition.
1. Read a book with the MC's name in the title. - Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade, Nancy Springer, finished 09-Dec.
2. Read a book with both author initials found in ORTHODOX.

✓ Brazil
In Brazil, it's tradition to share the first slice of your birthday cake with the person you love the most.
1. Read a book with a cake on the cover.
2. Read a book in which the MC says "I love you" to someone else (provide location and sentence). - Firekeeper’s Daughter, Angeline Boulley, finished 12-Mar. "I don't know why the truth matters now. Only that it does. 'I love you, Ojiishiingwe.'" ch. 47

✓ Canada
Canadians often get “greased” on their birthdays, which means their friends and relatives ambush them and smear butter on their noses.
1. Read a book with all letters of BUTTER in the title. - Butter, Asako Yuzuki, finished 07-Feb.
2. Read a book with the word NOSE in the text (provide location and sentence).

✓ Italy
Social rules dictate you must immediately open the gift when it’s given to you or you’ll risk coming across as rude!
1. Read a book with a character you consider rude. - We'll Prescribe You a Cat, Syou Ishida, finished 30-Jan. Emiri hurts her father's feelings - "'No, I don't want to. My feelings are hurt. She's acting like my feet stink.' How rude." p.107
2. Read a book in which the MC takes a risk.

✓ USA
For girls in the US, the 16th birthday is normally referred to as the “Sweet Sixteen” birthday, which usually involves more lavish parties and gifts than normal.
1. Read a book with a character who is 16 years old. - The Kinder Poison, Natalie Mae, finished 08-Dec. Zahru and her best friend Hen are both 16.
2. Read a book with a sweet character.

20/20

✔ China
According to the Chinese nominal age system, a person is counted as one year old on the day of birth, and becomes one year older, each year, on the day the Chinese New Year is celebrated.
2. Read a book published in January or February of any year.
Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins (6 Dec) － published in January 2022

✔ Germany
If a man turns 30 and is still unmarried, he may be expected to sweep the steps of the town hall or the church square until kissed by a maiden.
2. Read a book with a kissing scene (provided location and sentence).
Great Goddesses: Life Lessons from Myths and Monsters by Nikita Gill (21 Apr)

"Instead, she kisses him as though they have both been drowning all this time and this kiss is the only survival they have"

✔ Mexico
A piñata is a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration.
2. Read a book with MPG Children.
Rahasia Harta Karun by Enid Blyton (22 Feb)

✔ Japan
Age 60 is referred to as kanreki, a time of rebirth and growth based on the Zodiac cycle restarting every 60 years.
1. Read a book with a 6 and a 0 in the publication date or page number.
The Magic Library - Perpustakaan Ajaib Bibbi Bokken by Jostein Gaarder (15 Mar) － published in 1 January 2016

✔ Russia
It’s considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their actual day.
1. Read a book in which something bad happens to the MC.
The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff (27 Feb) － the MCs experienced bad things in their life

✔ Ghana
In Ghana, birthdays are celebrated with a special dish called Oto.
1. Read a book with all letters of OTO in the title.
The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward (25 Dec)

✔ New Zealand
Fairy bread is sliced white bread spread with butter or margarine and covered with sprinkles, often served at children's parties in New Zealand.
1. Read a book in which a party is celebrated.
The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani (12 Jun) － there was a farewell party at the MC's house

✔ Denmark
Danish flags are everywhere at a birthday party, from the napkins to the hanging decorations to the cake.
1. Read a book with a red or white cover (50+%).
Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn (14 Jun)

2. Read a book set between the years 1219 and 1625.

✔ Spain
Family members and friends will pull on a child's ear for each year of their life.
1. Read a book with all letters of EAR in the title.
Teka-Teki Rumah Aneh by Uketsu (25 Jan)

✔ Netherlands
A Dutch circle party can be best described as a ‘party’ that involves sitting in a circle all afternoon and chatting while drinking tea and eating cake.
2. Read a book with the word CIRCLE in the text (provide location and sentence).
Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie (23 Dec)

"I turn in a full circle, confused."

✔ Philippines
In Filipino culture, eating noodles during one's birthday symbolizes long life.
1. Read a book with a character who is 80+ years old.
Pet Sematary by Stephen King (19 Dec) － the MC's neighbour is 83 years old

✔ South Africa
While a birthday cake is always a tasty gesture, the true sweet treat on the 21st birthday is to become a key holder. The prestigious milestone is consequential as a child becomes a responsible adult, and the key symbolizes the opening of doors to the world.
2. Read a book with MPG Adult.
The Troop by Nick Cutter (9 Mar)

✔ Thailand
Merit-making constitutes a fundamental concept in Buddhism, encompassing various activities such as generosity, precept observance, and mental development.
2. Read a book with a generous character.
Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards (3 Apr) － Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald are generous

✔ Israel
In Israel, part of the birthday celebration for a child in kindergarten is to lift the decorated chair that the child sits on into the air several times, once for each year of the child's age, plus "one for the next year".
1. Read a book with both author initials in CHAIR.
The Nurse by Claire Allan (31 Dec)

✔ South Korea
The main event of the first birthday is the doljabi ceremony. A variety of objects are put on a table or tray in front of the child and whatever the child chooses foretells his or her future.
2. Read a book in which the MC chooses their career path.
Mrs England by Stacey Halls (16 Apr) － the MC declined an offer and chose another replacement

✔ Greece
In Greece, they often don't celebrate birthdays, but they celebrate name days because the name is part of the Greek Orthodox tradition.
1. Read a book with the MC's name in the title.
Buku Harian Maki by Buku Harian Maki (5 Mar)

✔ Brazil
In Brazil, it's tradition to share the first slice of your birthday cake with the person you love the most.
2. Read a book in which the MC says "I love you" to someone else (provide location and sentence).
The Witches by Roald Dahl (13 May)

"I love you and I want you to stay with me."

✔ Canada
Canadians often get “greased” on their birthdays, which means their friends and relatives ambush them and smear butter on their noses.
2. Read a book with the word NOSE in the text (provide location and sentence).
Frost Hollow Hall by Emma Carroll (4 Feb)

"Her eyes looked red and her nose all sore like she’d been crying."

✔ Italy
Social rules dictate you must immediately open the gift when it’s given to you or you’ll risk coming across as rude!
1. Read a book with a character you consider rude.
Bless Her Dead Little Heart by Miranda James (9 Dec) － the guests at the MCs house are rude

✔ USA
For girls in the US, the 16th birthday is normally referred to as the “Sweet Sixteen” birthday, which usually involves more lavish parties and gifts than normal.
1. Read a book with a character who is 16 years old.
A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki (14 Dec) － one of the MC is 16 years old

20/20 Finished 24/02/25

China
According to the Chinese nominal age system, a person is counted as one year old on the day of birth, and becomes one year older, each year, on the day the Chinese New Year is celebrated.
2. Read a book published in January or February of any year.
Slow Death by Rubber Duck: How the Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Life Affects Our Health Rick Smith Pub: Jan 2009 5* 29/11/24

Germany
If a man turns 30 and is still unmarried, he may be expected to sweep the steps of the town hall or the church square until kissed by a maiden.
1. Read a book with an MC in their 30s.
Secrets on the Fens Joy Ellis 5* 06/12/24

Mexico
A piñata is a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration.
1. Read a book with a colorful cover.
The Tea Gardens Fiona McIntosh 5* 06/12/24


Japan
Age 60 is referred to as kanreki, a time of rebirth and growth based on the Zodiac cycle restarting every 60 years.
1. Read a book with a 6 and a 0 in the publication date or page number.
The Secret Life of Bees Sue Monk Kidd page number:302 5* 04/12/24

Russia
It’s considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their actual day.
1. Read a book in which something bad happens to the MC.
Triptych Karin Slaughter 4* 19/12/24

Ghana
In Ghana, birthdays are celebrated with a special dish called Oto.
1. Read a book with all letters of OTO in the title.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store James McBride 3* 21/12/24

New Zealand
Fairy bread is sliced white bread spread with butter or margarine and covered with sprinkles, often served at children's parties in New Zealand.
1. Read a book in which a party is celebrated.
Title: Throwback
Author: Maurene Goo
Date Completed: 23/01/25
Task: 1
How it fits: MC becomes Prom Queen at her high school so there is actually 2 proms due to time travel as well as after parties.

Denmark
Danish flags are everywhere at a birthday party, from the napkins to the hanging decorations to the cake.
1. Read a book with a red or white cover (50+%).
An Anonymous Girl Greer Hendricks 5* 08/12/24

Spain
Family members and friends will pull on a child's ear for each year of their life.
1. Read a book with all letters of EAR in the title.
How Bad Are Bananas?: The Carbon Footprint of Everything Mike Berners-Lee 4* 29/12/24

Netherlands
A Dutch circle party can be best described as a ‘party’ that involves sitting in a circle all afternoon and chatting while drinking tea and eating cake.
1. Read a book with TEA in the title.
My grandmother told me to tell you she’s sorry Fredrik Backman 4* 27/12/24

Philippines
In Filipino culture, eating noodles during one's birthday symbolizes long life.
1. Read a book with a character who is 80+ years old.
Hekla's Children James Brogden 3* 22/12/24

South Africa
While a birthday cake is always a tasty gesture, the true sweet treat on the 21st birthday is to become a key holder. The prestigious milestone is consequential as a child becomes a responsible adult, and the key symbolizes the opening of doors to the world.
2. Read a book with MPG Adult.
Southern Ruby Belinda Alexandra 5* 04/01/25

Thailand
Merit-making constitutes a fundamental concept in Buddhism, encompassing various activities such as generosity, precept observance, and mental development.
1. Read a book with a religious character.
Ordinary Grace William Kent Krueger 5* 28/12/24

Israel
In Israel, part of the birthday celebration for a child in kindergarten is to lift the decorated chair that the child sits on into the air several times, once for each year of the child's age, plus "one for the next year".
1. Read a book with both author initials in CHAIR.
The Tilt Chris Hammer

South Korea
The main event of the first birthday is the doljabi ceremony. A variety of objects are put on a table or tray in front of the child and whatever the child chooses foretells his or her future.
1. Read a book including a fortune-teller.
Lost Roses Martha Hall Kelly 4* 25/12/24

Greece
In Greece, they often don't celebrate birthdays, but they celebrate name days because the name is part of the Greek Orthodox tradition.
1. Read a book with the MC's name in the title.
Caleb's Crossing Geraldine Brooks 5* 24/12/24

Brazil
In Brazil, it's tradition to share the first slice of your birthday cake with the person you love the most.
1. Read a book with a cake on the cover.
Cake and Punishment Maymee Bell 4* 24/02/25


Canada
Canadians often get “greased” on their birthdays, which means their friends and relatives ambush them and smear butter on their noses.
1. Read a book with all letters of BUTTER in the title.
The Nurses of Eastby End Anna Jacobs 5* 19/01/25


Italy
Social rules dictate you must immediately open the gift when it’s given to you or you’ll risk coming across as rude!
2. Read a book in which the MC takes a risk.
Long Shadows David Baldacci 4* 02/12/24

USA
For girls in the US, the 16th birthday is normally referred to as the “Sweet Sixteen” birthday, which usually involves more lavish parties and gifts than normal.
2. Read a book with a sweet character.
Midwife in the Jungle Fiona McArthur 3* 08/12/24

China
According to the Chinese nominal age system, a person is counted as one year old on the day of birth, and becomes one year older, each year, on the day the Chinese New Year is celebrated.
1. Read a book with a 1 in the page count.
2. Read a book published in January or February of any year.

Germany
If a man turns 30 and is still unmarried, he may be expected to sweep the steps of the town hall or the church square until kissed by a maiden.
1. Read a book with an MC in their 30s.
2. Read a book with a kissing scene (provided location and sentence).

Mexico
A piñata is a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration.
1. Read a book with a colorful cover.
2. Read a book with MPG Children.

Japan
Age 60 is referred to as kanreki, a time of rebirth and growth based on the Zodiac cycle restarting every 60 years.
1. Read a book with a 6 and a 0 in the publication date or page number.
2. Read a book with a character mentioning zodiac signs.

Russia
It’s considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their actual day.
1. Read a book in which something bad happens to the MC.
2. Read a book with a dual timeline.

Ghana
In Ghana, birthdays are celebrated with a special dish called Oto.
1. Read a book with all letters of OTO in the title.
2. Read a book with the word YAM in the text (provide location and sentence).

New Zealand
Fairy bread is sliced white bread spread with butter or margarine and covered with sprinkles, often served at children's parties in New Zealand.
1. Read a book in which a party is celebrated.
2. Read a book with a triangle on the cover.

Denmark
Danish flags are everywhere at a birthday party, from the napkins to the hanging decorations to the cake.
1. Read a book with a red or white cover (50+%).
2. Read a book set between the years 1219 and 1625.

Spain
Family members and friends will pull on a child's ear for each year of their life.
1. Read a book with all letters of EAR in the title.
2. Read a book with an ear visible on the cover (can be human, animal, comic...).

Netherlands
A Dutch circle party can be best described as a ‘party’ that involves sitting in a circle all afternoon and chatting while drinking tea and eating cake.
1. Read a book with TEA in the title.
2. Read a book with the word CIRCLE in the text (provide location and sentence).

Philippines
In Filipino culture, eating noodles during one's birthday symbolizes long life.
1. Read a book with a character who is 80+ years old.
2. Read a book in which the MC eats noodles (provide location and sentence).

South Africa
While a birthday cake is always a tasty gesture, the true sweet treat on the 21st birthday is to become a key holder. The prestigious milestone is consequential as a child becomes a responsible adult, and the key symbolizes the opening of doors to the world.
1. Read a book with a key on the cover.
2. Read a book with MPG Adult.

Thailand
Merit-making constitutes a fundamental concept in Buddhism, encompassing various activities such as generosity, precept observance, and mental development.
1. Read a book with a religious character.
2. Read a book with a generous character.

Israel
In Israel, part of the birthday celebration for a child in kindergarten is to lift the decorated chair that the child sits on into the air several times, once for each year of the child's age, plus "one for the next year".
1. Read a book with both author initials in CHAIR.
2. Read a book with KINDERGARTEN in the text (provide location and sentence).

South Korea
The main event of the first birthday is the doljabi ceremony. A variety of objects are put on a table or tray in front of the child and whatever the child chooses foretells his or her future.
1. Read a book including a fortune-teller.
2. Read a book in which the MC chooses their career path.

Greece
In Greece, they often don't celebrate birthdays, but they celebrate name days because the name is part of the Greek Orthodox tradition.
1. Read a book with the MC's name in the title.
2. Read a book with both author initials found in ORTHODOX.

Brazil
In Brazil, it's tradition to share the first slice of your birthday cake with the person you love the most.
1. Read a book with a cake on the cover.
2. Read a book in which the MC says "I love you" to someone else (provide location and sentence).

Canada
Canadians often get “greased” on their birthdays, which means their friends and relatives ambush them and smear butter on their noses.
1. Read a book with all letters of BUTTER in the title.
2. Read a book with the word NOSE in the text (provide location and sentence).

Italy
Social rules dictate you must immediately open the gift when it’s given to you or you’ll risk coming across as rude!
1. Read a book with a character you consider rude.
2. Read a book in which the MC takes a risk.

USA
For girls in the US, the 16th birthday is normally referred to as the “Sweet Sixteen” birthday, which usually involves more lavish parties and gifts than normal.
1. Read a book with a character who is 16 years old.
2. Read a book with a sweet character.

BC - 2024 December: Birthday Challenge

✅ Total: 37/37

China
Pages - 1
26/12 - Rejection Reset: Restore Social Confidence, Reshape Your Inferior Mindset, and Thrive In a Shame-Free Lifestyle, Scott Allan - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
194 pages
Published - Jan
26/12 - Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness, Jon Kabat-Zinn - ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Germany
MC - in their 30's
28/12 - Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family, Omid Scobie - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
In the book, both MCs are in their 30's
Plot - kissing scene
27/12 - Scotland Yard: A Bloody History, Simon Read - ⭐️⭐️
"Mrs Kent came in and kissed the children good night" p.94

Mexico
Cover - colourful
26/12 - , Michelle Rial - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
MPG - children
28/12 - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, J.K. Rowling - ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Japan
Published/Pages - 6 & 0
26/12 - The Devil's Doctor: Paracelsus and the World of Renaissance Magic and Science, Philip Ball - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
2006
Plot - char mentions zodiac signs
28/12 - How to Tell When We Will Die: On Pain, Disability, and Doom, Johanna Hedva - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
"my Moon’s in Cancer in the eighth house" p.44
"I have Uranus and the South Node smack on my rising in Sagittarius." p.292

Russia
Plot - something bad happens to MC
28/12 - Exploited, Emma Jackson - ⭐️⭐️
MC is groomed & trafficked by a child sex gang

Ghana
Title - all letters of OTO
28/12 - A Walk Through Ancient Rome: A Tour of the Historical Sites That Shaped the City, Philip Matyszak - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Text - 'yam'
26/12 - Coconut: A Global History, Mary Newman - ⭐️⭐️
"ube halaya (mashed purple yam)" p.92

New Zealand
Plot - party
28/12 - Absolute Mayhem: Secret Confessions of a Porn Star, Monica Mayhem - ⭐️
"I had been going down a very dangerous path, partying too much, taking too many drugs and putting myself in dodgy situations." p.33
Cover - triangle
26/12 - , Cody Delistraty - ⭐️⭐️

Denmark
Cover - white
25/12 - , Robert A. Burton - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set - 1219-1625
30/12 - Nature's Mutiny: How the Little Ice Age of the Long Seventeenth Century Transformed the West and Shaped the Present, Philipp Blom - ⭐️⭐️
1570-1600

Spain
Title - all letters of EAR
27/12 - Walking the Border: A Journey Between Scotland and England, Ian Crofton - ⭐️
Cover - ear
26/12 - , Anthony Fauci - ⭐️⭐️

Netherlands
Title - 'tea'
28/12 - Tea and Cake with Demons: A Buddhist Guide to Feeling Worthy, Adreanna Limbach - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Text - 'circle'
25/12 - Once Upon a Prime: The Wondrous Connections Between Mathematics and Literature, Sarah Hart - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"It’s not possible in real life to construct an absolutely perfect circle" p.133

Philippines
Char - 80+
9/1 - Blonde Ambition: The Untold Story Behind Anna Nicole Smith's Death, Rita Cosby - ⭐️
"J. Howard Marshall, the eighty-six-year-old man" p.59
Plot - MC eats noodles
27/12 - Homeless: The Untold Story of a Mother’s Struggle in Crazy Rich Singapore, Liyana Dhamirah - ⭐️⭐️
"We had no choice but to live off instant noodles" p.20

South Africa
Cover - key
27/12 - , Sara C. Bronin - ⭐️

Thailand
Char - religious
27/12 - LOST: Back to the Island: The Complete Critical Companion to The Classic TV Series, Emily St. James - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Charlie is more religious than he lets on" p.122
Char - generous
30/12 - A Billion Years: My Escape From a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology, Mike Rinder - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
"He was incredibly understanding and generous." p.235

Israel
Author - initials in CHAIR
26/12 - The Boy Who Did Not Sign : How I Failed Physics at Age 18 and yet became a Scientist at both India's Nuclear and Space Programs by 24., Ashish Ranjan - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Text - 'kindergarten'
27/12 - Jilya: How one Indigenous woman from the remote Pilbara transformed psychology, Tracy Westerman - ⭐️⭐️
"from kindergarten to high school p.55

South Korea
Char - fortune-teller
30/12 - The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food, Jennifer 8. Lee - ⭐️
Either false or true prophesies, the makers of fortune cookies are technically fortune-tellers
Plot - MC chooses career path
25/12 - Open, Honest, and Direct: A Guide to Unlocking Your Team's Potential, Aaron Levy - ⭐️⭐️
"On the same day Scott received his promotion, he quit. He gave up the opportunity to make more money and have more stock options in order to take another job, one where he felt he could build the skills most relevant to his desired career growth." p.50

Greece
Title - MC's name
30/12 - Unlocking German with Paul Noble: Your key to language success with the bestselling language coach, Paul Noble - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author - initials in ORTHODOX
26/12 - String Theory and the Scientific Method, Richard Dawid - ⭐️⭐️

Brazil
Cover - cake
28/12 - , Pat Sinclair - ⭐️⭐️
Plot - MC says "I love you" to someone
1/1 - Me, Myself, They: Life Beyond the Binary, Luna M. Ferguson - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Beautiful Josh. I love you.” p.64

Canada
Title - all letters of BUTTER
29/12 - Bringing Out the Best in Everyone You Coach: Use the Enneagram System for Exceptional Results, Ginger Lapid-Bogda - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Text - 'nose'
25/12 - One Day Smarter: Hilarious, Random Information to Uplift and Inspire, Emily Winter - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"thought David’s nose was too big" p.32

Italy
Char - I consider rude
25/12 - Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's, John Elder Robison - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many rude, ableist characters
Plot - MC takes a risk
25/12 - Own Your Weird: An Oddly Effective Way for Finding Happiness in Work, Life, and Love, Jason Zook - ⭐️⭐️
"working and “hustling” at this big weird risk I had taken professionally" p.166

USA
Char - sweet
30/12 - Windswept & Interesting: My Autobiography, Billy Connolly - ⭐️⭐️
"She was a sweet woman with an air of innocence" p.85

0/20 completed

China
According to the Chinese nominal age system, a person is counted as one year old on the day of birth, and becomes one year older, each year, on the day the Chinese New Year is celebrated.
1. Read a book with a 1 in the page count.
2. Read a book published in January or February of any year.

Germany
If a man turns 30 and is still unmarried, he may be expected to sweep the steps of the town hall or the church square until kissed by a maiden.
1. Read a book with an MC in their 30s.
2. Read a book with a kissing scene (provided location and sentence).

Mexico
A piñata is a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration.
1. Read a book with a colorful cover.
2. Read a book with MPG Children.

Japan
Age 60 is referred to as kanreki, a time of rebirth and growth based on the Zodiac cycle restarting every 60 years.
1. Read a book with a 6 and a 0 in the publication date or page number.
2. Read a book with a character mentioning zodiac signs.

Russia
It’s considered bad luck to wish someone a happy birthday before their actual day.
1. Read a book in which something bad happens to the MC.
2. Read a book with a dual timeline.

Ghana
In Ghana, birthdays are celebrated with a special dish called Oto.
1. Read a book with all letters of OTO in the title.
2. Read a book with the word YAM in the text (provide location and sentence).

New Zealand
Fairy bread is sliced white bread spread with butter or margarine and covered with sprinkles, often served at children's parties in New Zealand.
1. Read a book in which a party is celebrated.
2. Read a book with a triangle on the cover.

Denmark
Danish flags are everywhere at a birthday party, from the napkins to the hanging decorations to the cake.
1. Read a book with a red or white cover (50+%).
2. Read a book set between the years 1219 and 1625.

Spain
Family members and friends will pull on a child's ear for each year of their life.
1. Read a book with all letters of EAR in the title.
2. Read a book with an ear visible on the cover (can be human, animal, comic...).

Netherlands
A Dutch circle party can be best described as a ‘party’ that involves sitting in a circle all afternoon and chatting while drinking tea and eating cake.
1. Read a book with TEA in the title.
2. Read a book with the word CIRCLE in the text (provide location and sentence).

Philippines
In Filipino culture, eating noodles during one's birthday symbolizes long life.
1. Read a book with a character who is 80+ years old.
2. Read a book in which the MC eats noodles (provide location and sentence).

South Africa
While a birthday cake is always a tasty gesture, the true sweet treat on the 21st birthday is to become a key holder. The prestigious milestone is consequential as a child becomes a responsible adult, and the key symbolizes the opening of doors to the world.
1. Read a book with a key on the cover.
2. Read a book with MPG Adult.

Thailand
Merit-making constitutes a fundamental concept in Buddhism, encompassing various activities such as generosity, precept observance, and mental development.
1. Read a book with a religious character.
2. Read a book with a generous character.

Israel
In Israel, part of the birthday celebration for a child in kindergarten is to lift the decorated chair that the child sits on into the air several times, once for each year of the child's age, plus "one for the next year".
1. Read a book with both author initials in CHAIR.
2. Read a book with KINDERGARTEN in the text (provide location and sentence).

South Korea
The main event of the first birthday is the doljabi ceremony. A variety of objects are put on a table or tray in front of the child and whatever the child chooses foretells his or her future.
1. Read a book including a fortune-teller.
2. Read a book in which the MC chooses their career path.

Greece
In Greece, they often don't celebrate birthdays, but they celebrate name days because the name is part of the Greek Orthodox tradition.
1. Read a book with the MC's name in the title.
2. Read a book with both author initials found in ORTHODOX.

Brazil
In Brazil, it's tradition to share the first slice of your birthday cake with the person you love the most.
1. Read a book with a cake on the cover.
2. Read a book in which the MC says "I love you" to someone else (provide location and sentence).

Canada
Canadians often get “greased” on their birthdays, which means their friends and relatives ambush them and smear butter on their noses.
1. Read a book with all letters of BUTTER in the title.
2. Read a book with the word NOSE in the text (provide location and sentence).

Italy
Social rules dictate you must immediately open the gift when it’s given to you or you’ll risk coming across as rude!
1. Read a book with a character you consider rude.
2. Read a book in which the MC takes a risk.

USA
For girls in the US, the 16th birthday is normally referred to as the “Sweet Sixteen” birthday, which usually involves more lavish parties and gifts than normal.
1. Read a book with a character who is 16 years old.
2. Read a book with a sweet character.