The Perks Of Being A Book Addict discussion

Team Avatar

Team Members:
👾
❅ Gem - Captain
❅ Keely - Co-Captain
❅ Keri
❅ Brittany Gass
❅ Klare
❅ Jane
❅ Kayt
❅ Tina


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

R

R

Shelves

❅ Gem - Captain
❅ Keely - Co-Captain
❅ Keri
❅ Brittany Gass
❅ Klare
❅ Jane
❅ Kayt
❅ Tina

◈ Your finished books need to be on your Uno shelf AND marked as "read" for them to count. We will send out reminders if you forget.

Spreadsheets

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

OUR OFFICIAL SPREADSHEET: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
- this is only editable by myself and Keely, please do not ask for access!

CURRENT TEAM RANKINGS: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

Rules
This is a 3 month team challenge starting 1 February 2024

◈ At the end of the challenge 30 April 2024 the team with the most points wins!

◈ At the start of each month each team is given a minimum 14 hands of 7 "UNO" cards

◈ The idea is to "play" each hand for points. It is up to the team how many "hands" they can get through in the month, but they must play one hand completely before being able to get points for the next

◈ The team can choose to skip an entire hand to get to the next one, but they are not given a replacement hand. (You can only skip one hand in a month)

◈ For book titles starting with an article (A/An/The), the article can be ignored or used. So The Hiding Place, for example, could be used as title starting with T or H

◈ Re-reads are ok provided it has been more than 6 months since last read

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

◈For coloured cards, the cover needs to be 50% or more of the colour. If in doubt, ask your captains as we can check it and/or take to the captains group for another opinion. The mods generally want us to use common sense for this one, no TinEye required.

◈ Note: it is up to the teams how they divide up the cards to read across the team players. Just remember, you can only get points if a hand is completed, and in order.
So, if you complete all of hand 1, some of hand 2, and all of hand 3, you will only get points for hand 1 and the books read of hand 2.

0-Z | 1-O | 2-T | 3-H | 4-F | 5-I | 6-S | 7-V | 8-E | 9-N | skip-K or P Letters - Name of book (OK to discard articles), FN or LN of Author, or characters (NN - nicknames OK, no titles), Location (needs to be obvious)

REV=read a book that a teammate has read
Wild=duplicate a card in that hand
Wild Draw 4=duplicate any color card
Draw 2=use the same book for two cards in a hand
Color=book cover has specified color and book meets specified number criteria.


COUNTDOWN
Only books STARTED after the challenge begins can count.

The challenge starts on Saturday February 1, 2024 at 9am UTC time. To see when this starts, use this (LINK TO FOLLOW)

Team Avatar Reccommended Reads :

Gem's Shelf
Keely's Shelf
Keri's Shelf
Brittany's Shelf
Klare's Shelf
Jane's Shelf
Kayt's Shelf
Tina's Shelf

Res

Res

Hi everyone and welcome to UNO 2025

I'm Gem and I'm your captain. I live in the UK and am an avid reader of a variety of genres but my favourites are thrillers, mysteries and horror.
This will be my 6th UNO and its by far the best challenge! I notice all of you have played before so you'll probably remember how it works, but if not let us know :)

Now, I am due my first baby May 1st, so I'm really hoping I can make it to the end of the challenge before they make an appearance, but who knows. Klare in the team is my sister so she can keep you all updated if theres any unexpected surprises.

So please introduce yourselves; what's your favourite genres? What's the books you recommend to absolutely everyone? And do you have any Red, Blue, Yellow or Green covers you're hoping to get to in this challenge?

I'm loving the sci-fi theme this year, I'm a fan of the first avatar film, but yet to see the second. This challenge might be the push I need

I've started a post in message 7 where we can share any books you recommend fellow players to read, doesnt have to be a colour cover, but it may help.

And I really like a spreadsheet so here's a link to my coloured covers I could use for the challenge: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

We have been given our first hands, and we need to start planning or keeping an eye out for the following colour covers:
1 Green
7 Green
8 Green
5 Blue
9 Blue
8 Red
5 Yellow
8 Yellow
We also have 4 x WD4, which are a duplicate of any of the above (but each may only be duplicated once)

We also have 13 x 8s to cover, so keep an eye out for those E authours, titles and characters.

you can see the full breakdown on the tracking spreadsheet.

Hey all, I am Keely, your co-captain for this round of UNO!

I also live in the UK, but I have plans to move to Norway (hopefully this year). I recently got engaged and we are hoping to get married later this year so I am already a bit stressed with wedding planning.

This will also be my 6th UNO! I will read pretty much anything and I have already found plenty of options for reverse cards from your read shelves so I can definitely cover some of those. I don't think I have any coloured covers I desperately want to read, but I can find ones that fit if needed.

I am always happy to help answer questions!

I have already added The Lost World to the tracking spreadsheet. Gem has read it so it fits for a reverse and I've put it in a hand with a Draw 2 as the main character is called Edward so it fits for one of those 8's as well.
I definitely want to get that book read soon. It's been on my TBR way too long so it will be my first read.

Silly me forgetting to link my shelf

uno-2025

I promise I will shut up after this post.

Looking through my books I have what works for 8 Yellow if no one else has one. I'm happy to save it if anyone has one they want to read more urgently.

Hi everyone I’m Klare, Gem’s sister and I also live in England.

This is my fourth time playing UNO and it’s always been a really good challenge.

I will read any genre but currently I am really into horror, crime and thrillers. I’m mid way through the Sweetpea series which Gem has recommended so am hoping that fits the tasks so I can get it finished.

Can you please let us captains know which tracking style you prefer, we'll go with the majority. As youve all played before you may have a preference and both Keely and I have used both.

Tracking style 1 (you select what task your book works for, but let us know if it works for anything else incase we need to rearrange)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

Tracking style 2 (you just list everything your book works for and the captains decide where to place it)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

I’ve used the first one for my games and it seemed to work well and was quick and simple to use so I’d pick that one.

Thanks klare, will see what the others prefer too. If you wanted to start putting any reads on the tracking we have now, go ahead. We can move about before it starts :)

Ok I’ll take a look at the spreadsheet now.

Awesome, and just a reminder with this challenge, books can’t be started until the game starts

👍

Hi. I'm Jane and I'm from Denmark. My favourite genres are Fantasy, paranormal, romance - but I'll read just about anything for a challenge!
I'll recommend anything Ilona Andrews.
This year I plan to reread the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, Earth's Children by Jean M. Auel and Mercy Thompson #1 by Patricia Briggs.

I've used both spreadsheets before and haven't got a preference to either so will go with the majority vote. Or whichever you prefer Gem.

I'm hopeless at planning ahead but will go searching on my KU for any book we suddenly need.

Hi everyone!!! I’m so beyond excited to be playing this!! I’m Keri from Ohio in the United States.

I like both tracking styles so I’m torn.

I DEFINTIELY like option one for picking the card mine work for at least for color covers because my favorite part is hunting down the books for color covers and it’s a bummer if you choose one then your book gets moved. I’m so excited to start hunting down color cover books. I have folders in my GR for every color which began because of uno lol

But overall I liked the spreadsheet for option two better because it makes it super easy to mark what all it works for. I’m much more likely to put in all the options with that type sheet.

But other than the color covers, I probably I’m open to either option for tracking. I just love a good spreadsheet 😍 🤷🏼‍♀️

I do have a spreadsheet from another year that kind of combines both options if we end up with a torn vote. It allows the team member to pick their card but still has all the cells for each number for you to put in what else each book works for. I can post if for you captains to see if you want when I get to work just let me know if you want me to. No worries if we don’t need it. I always use it to keep track of my other options for myself because for me it’s easier if each number has a cell so I know what else I’m looking for in my book as I read. 😊

Oh this is a great idea Keri, thanks.
I’ll amend our spreadsheet and add in the additional columns so we can get a full breakdown of how it works for other cards. Thank you :)

Tracking sheet updated to accommodate both types of format. Any issues please let me know

Oh yes! I like the improved tracking sheet! It combines both.

Of course, if anyone prefers to just do a completion post here that is okay too, just let us know so we know to look out for them.

Yes I’m liking the new layout too. Looks the best of both.

Hello team!
I'm Tina and I live in Sweden. I've played UNO since 2015 so this will be my 11th game! Wow, how the time flies:)
I want to be happy when I read so my favorite genres are chicklit, romance and contemporary. I have a shelf on GR with colored books which helps me during UNO, so we'll see what books can be used this year:)
I like the spreadsheet with both types of format.

I can read for 8 Red in hand four.

Good Morning (well for me at least), new friends. My name is Kayt, i also go by Moxie though so if that name shows up accidently on the spreadsheet you know it is me. I think this is my 5th year doing the challenge, and honestly it is something i look forward to all year. I am from Reno, Nevada and fully plan on disassociating myself into books for the next 4 years.

In August of 2023 I dedicated all of my reading to be queer books/authors/stories. It has been an amazing ride so far and I am having so much fun doing it. My favorite genre probably is romantasy, and dark academy. But I will honestly read almost anything.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list... here is my uno shelf for this year.

And if anyone is looking for inspo on reading, I have shelves dedicated to each color/card in my bio. If you have any questions please don't be afraid to let me know, I also have a master google sheet if you want the link to that. I am a triple virgo organization is my thing. On that note, I love the edits to the tracking sheet, and look forward to this years challenge.

Question for the captains, do you want us to put in the books we are planning on reading on the spreadsheet, for the hands we have, or do you want us to like call "dibs" here.

Edited to add:
I also need a refresher... like we just have to finish the book after feb 1 right, not start it? Bc i can totally drag my feet on the books I am reading... bc they would totally work for cards :)

Welcome everyone!

Kayt, you can put books you are planning to read straight on the spreadsheet. You don't have to post here, but if it is for a specific colour card it can help us if you post on here so we can keep track. Again, its not essential though. I know I will be checking the spreadsheet often and I'm sure Gem will too.

Books cannot be started until after the challenge has begun on the 1st February. So any started before and finished after the offical beginning of the game cannot be used.

I've had a tinker with the tracking sheet. Whenever someone add a book to a colour card or Wild Draw 4, it should automatically fill in on the table to the right of the hands with their name. It should also automatically change to yes whenever a finished date is put in.

I also added a claimed column to the table so we can see how many of each card has been claimed. It won't come off the "left" column until it is actually completed through.

Finally, on Hand 14 we have a Draw 2. There is a 5 Yellow and a regular 5 in that hand so it makes sense that the 5 Yellow is used with the Draw 2 to cover the 5 as well. I've put it in the reasoning box for the Draw 2.

Hi everyone. I’m Brittany and from the US. I had to go back and double check but I have been doing this challenge since 2016. This is my all time favorite challenge to do. I do like the combined sheet but I do have to say I am definitely not a planner. I am I guess you would say an emotional reader and pick what I am going to read next at random. I usually get lucky and they will fit for a lot of different cards.

Here is the link to my shelf for this year. https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/17220487-brittany?ref=nav_mybooks&shelf=uno-2025
I am looking forward to it! One series that I always recommend if the Goddess summoning series by Pc Cast. I rarely reread books but that one I love and reread often. I do a lot of reviews but publishers so I usually have a lot of books on my shelves that most haven’t read. So if are looking for something specific I try to keep my shelves organized for ease. Hope everyone has fun!

Gem ~ZeroShelfControl~ wrote: "Oh this is a great idea Keri, thanks.
I’ll amend our spreadsheet and add in the additional columns so we can get a full breakdown of how it works for other cards. Thank you :)"

I’m glad I could help out!! I love the new combined version 😊

I am getting so beyond excited to start!!!

I also cannot wait to start. I have been putting off books. If anything, I'm only allowing myself to read books that are too short to be allowed to count.

Does everyone know what their first read will be? Or are you waiting until the offical start to see what mood you're in?

I'll be starting with An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good which is quite short so I'll get it done quickly. Followed by The Lost World.

Hey everyone, somewhat back in the land of the living! Hoping to finish up a handful of books before the end of the month so I can go into the challenge with a clean slate!
I’m going to be starting with a murder mystery that’s second in a series as it’s publish date is mid Feb and want to get my review done before release day!

I claimed a Wild Draw 4 using the Red 8, I changed the color of the WD4 cell to red to reflect but I didn’t know if I should post to indicate that colors card can’t be repeated again?

I’m reading The Last Flight by Julie Clark which will likely be the book I kick off with! I like to start off with my color cover cards since finding those is my favorite! 😊

That sounds good Keri. If you haven't done so already, I'll add change the colour and add it in brackets in the little table at the side so that it's easy to see what's been used and what is can still be used. I'll be on my laptop shortly.

I'm also looking forward to February:) I'll start with my claimed color card as well, The Windsor Knot.

Just wanted to drop a note and check in, I will look and compare my tbr to the spreadsheet today and get something's added. been out of town for a couple of days.

Not a problem Kayt. I think quite a few of our team have said they are mood readers so the spreadsheet is still quite empty at the moment. I expect that will change once the challenge begins though!

Not long to wait now!

I’ve a few on hold from the library so unsure what mine will be. I’ll just add mine to the spreadsheet on Saturday with whatever I’m starting then.

Keely wrote: "Not a problem Kayt. I think quite a few of our team have said they are mood readers so the spreadsheet is still quite empty at the moment. I expect that will change once the challenge begins though..."

Most of the time I am totally a mood reader, but I promised to read more of this series with a friend. which has filled out hand 1 for us. :) I am sooooooo excited, uno season is my favorite time of year.

The challenge begins in about 17 and a half hours from now!

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

Click the link to check the exact time left!

9am for those of us in the UK
10am for Jane and Tina (Demark and Sweden)
4am for Keri (I think)
1am for Kayt (again, I think)
Brittany I am unsure of your timezone but somewhere in the early hours I'm guessing.

I think that covers everyone. I can't wait to begin!

Thank you Keely, super helpful. Trying to finish one if not two currently reads today to start February with a cleaner slate.

We still have our three green cards open

1 Green
7 Green
8 Greeen

and 3 Wild Draw 4 cards.
Our one red card for this round has been claimed for one, but the other coloured cards are still up for grabs to be duplicated.


I almost certainly have books on my TBR that can help cover some coloured cards, but I will read what I have claimed first and then if there are some colour cards left, I will help fill them in.

T minus 15 Minutes!!!!!!