Dare to Dream discussion

Please post all questions/comments/updates about the Fall 2025 Challenge in this thread. :)

The Fall 2025 Reading Challenge will begin September 2nd and end November 30th.

Rules of the challenge:

Complete 3 books (or more)
Complete 3 prompts (or more)
All genres okay
Rereads okay

So this fall, complete 3 (or more) of the following:

1. Several talented authors have birthdays this season.

So this fall,

READ A BOOK FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

Nat Cassidy
Kazuo Ishiguro
Robin Wall Kimmerer
Charlotte McConaghy
Kate Quinn

2. Slow Horses is a British spy thriller television series based on the Slough House series of novels by Mick Herron. A dysfunctional team of M15 agents and their obnoxious boss navigate the espionage world’s smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces. Season 5 premieres on September 24th on Apple TV.

So this fall,

READ A SPY NOVEL.

OR

READ A BRITISH NOVEL

3. October is Bat Appreciation Month.

So this fall,

READ A BOOK WITH THE LETTERS B-A-T IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

4. Season 5 of Ghosts is set to premiere on October 16th on CBS. Samantha and Jay throw both caution and money to the wind when they decide to convert a huge run down estate they inherited into a bed and breakfast-only to find it’s inhabited by the many spirits of deceased residents. The ghosts soon realize that Samantha is the first live person who can see and hear them.

So this fall,

READ A BOOK WITH THE WORD “GHOST” IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

OR

READ A BOOK IN WHICH AN INHERITANCE IS PART OF THE STORY.

5. The National Book Award is a prestigious annual U.S. literary award presented by the National Book Foundation to celebrate the best literature published in the United States. The 2025 ceremony will be held on November 19th.

So this fall,

READ ANY BOOK CONSIDERED FOR A NATIONAL BOOK AWARD (ANY YEAR).

6. King Sorrow by Joe Hill will be published October 21st. It’s the group read.

Bonus Group Reads:

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher (available now)
The Once and Future Me by Melissa Pace (available now)

So this fall,

READ ONE (OR MORE) AND DISCUSS IT WITH THE GROUP.

7. Random- This counts towards the challenge but isn’t inspired by the season. There have been many random tasks/prompts over the years.

So this fall,

COMPLETE A PRIOR FALL RANDOM TASK/PROMPT (ANY YEAR).

WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY & HEALTHY AUTUMN! :D

I have the excitement of a child who has just woke up on their birthday and are eagerly awaiting their friends for a birthday bash! Another animal using the letters of the title! Lol! Rachel you always make the challenges fun and exciting and I appreciate the time and effort. Looking forward to seeing what everyone is going to read. I love our group!
Happy reading friends!

BAT will be an easy one - only three letters.
I will start with two bats that I was already planning on reading, and I know I will find more bats later.
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter
A House with Good Bones

Danell wrote: "I have the excitement of a child who has just woke up on their birthday and are eagerly awaiting their friends for a birthday bash! Another animal using the letters of the title! Lol! Rachel you al..."

Thank you for the kind words, Danell! :)
I love our group too. Happy Reading! :D

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "BAT will be an easy one - only three letters.
I will start with two bats that I was already planning on reading, and I know I will find more bats later.
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter
[..."
Glad you have titles that work for it. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on them. :)

Two GHOST titles that I intend to read:
The Ghost in Love (re-read)
The Ghost in the Electric Blue Suit

It's time to travel to the past through Random Fall Tasks
Previous Fall Random Tasks (lots to choose from here):
2024 - I CHOOSE YOUR BOOK FROM YOUR BOOKSHELVES.

I will look at your shelves and post 5 titles and then you choose which one to read.

2023 - READ A BOOK WITH BLACK MIRROR VIBES.

2022 - READ A BOOK WITH A NAME IN THE TITLE.

2021 - READ A POLARIZING BOOK. (A BOOK PEOPLE EITHER LOVE OR HATE)

2020 - READ A BOOK BY AN AUTHOR YOU’VE ONLY READ ONCE BEFORE

2019 - READ A BOOK BY AN AUTHOR WHO WRITES (OR HAS WRITTEN) UNDER MORE THAN ONE NAME.

2018 - Three movies are being released in theaters in the next few months that deal with individuals finding their voice. Two of the movies actually come out in the fall but the third will be released in theaters on Christmas.

The Hate U Give -(October 19th) based on the book

Boy Erased (November 2nd) based on the book

On the basis of sex (December 25th) not based on a book but it’s inspired by the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

So this fall,

CHECK OUT THE TRAILERS, READ THE BOOKS, READ ABOUT RBG.
or
READ ANY BOOK THAT FEATURES AN INDIVIDUAL FINDING HIS/HER VOICE.

2017 - READ A WESTERN

2016 - PICK 5

Look at your gr tbr and pick 5 titles
Then email me or just post the titles in the challenge discussion thread and I will choose (based on these 5) which book you read for the challenge :)

2015 - this season the task is to read a "last"

So this fall:

READ THE LAST BOOK IN A SERIES

OR

READ A BOOK FROM THE LAST PAGE OF YOUR GOODREADS TBR

2014 - READ A DOORSTOPPER (opinions on this vary but for me a doorstopper, aka a long book, is anything OVER 500 PAGES)

2013 - READ A BOOK LESS THAN 200 PAGES

or

READ A BOOK OF SHORT STORIES

2012 - read a book by an AUTHOR that you have NEVER READ BEFORE.

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Two GHOST titles that I intend to read:
The Ghost in Love (re-read)
The Ghost in the Electric Blue Suit
[bookc..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "It's time to travel to the past through Random Fall Tasks
Previous Fall Random Tasks (lots to choose from here):
2024 - I CHOOSE YOUR BOOK FROM YOUR BOOKSHELVES.

I will look at your shelves and po..."

Which if any are you planning to revisit?

I read my first book for the challenge, Ghosts of Michigans Upper Peninsula by Jennifer Billock. I am a transplant “Yooper”, person living in the Upper Peninsula, or U.P. I enjoyed the stories and the history and learned many things about the place I call home. I really do need to get out and explore.

Danell wrote: "I read my first book for the challenge, Ghosts of Michigans Upper Peninsula by Jennifer Billock. I am a transplant “Yooper”, person living in the Upper Peninsula, or U.P. I enjoyed the stories and ..."

Thanks for the update, Danell! :)

Previous Random Fall Tasks that I currently plan to use for the challenge:
LAST book in a series - Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness
Book under 200 pages - The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Book of Short Stories - Strange Weather and Full Throttle by Joe Hill
Doorstopper over 500 pages - The Fireman by Joe Hill

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Previous Random Fall Tasks that I currently plan to use for the challenge:
LAST book in a series - Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness
Book under 200 pages - The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Bo..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on them.

I am currently reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
This works for two random previous tasks: an author I've never read before and a doorstopper, well over 500 pages. So far, I am quite impressed with the book.

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I am currently reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
This works for two random previous tasks: an author I've never read before and a doorstopper, well over 500 pages. So far, I am qui..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D

A Few Current Movie Recommendations:
1. The American Southwest (documentary)
2.Caught Stealing (stars Austin Butler, Directed by Darren Arnofsky, based on the book by Charlie Huston)
3.The Toxic Avenger (Peter Dinklage, Jacob Tremblay)

Hi all! Excited to join my first challenge! I will create my shelf, too.

FALL 2025 READING CHALLENGE
September 2, 2025 - November 30, 2025

1. READ A BOOK FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
Nat Cassidy

2. READ A SPY NOVEL OR READ A BRITISH NOVEL

3. READ A BOOK WITH THE LETTERS B-A-T IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE.

4. READ A BOOK WITH THE WORD “GHOST” IN THE TITLE/SUBTITLE OR READ A BOOK IN WHICH AN INHERITANCE IS PART OF THE STORY.

5. READ ANY BOOK CONSIDERED FOR A NATIONAL BOOK AWARD (ANY YEAR).

6. READ ONE (OR MORE) AND DISCUSS IT WITH THE GROUP.
The Once and Future Me by Melissa Pace

✔️ 7. COMPLETE A PRIOR FALL RANDOM TASK/PROMPT (ANY YEAR).
FALL 2012 - Read a book by an AUTHOR that you have NEVER READ BEFORE
I Didn't Do It by Jaime Lynn Hendricks 9/5/25

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "A Few Current Movie Recommendations:
1. The American Southwest (documentary)
2.Caught Stealing (stars Austin Butler, Directed by Darren Arnofsky, based on the book by Charlie Huston)
3.The Toxic Av..."

Always love your movie recommendations, Dustin! Thanks! :D

Vanessa wrote: "Hi all! Excited to join my first challenge! I will create my shelf, too.

FALL 2025 READING CHALLENGE
September 2, 2025 - November 30, 2025

1. READ A BOOK FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
Nat Cassidy

2..."

Thanks for the update, Vanessa! Glad you can join us. :D

Welcome Vanessa! :-)

I needed a break from OUTLANDER, so I started a book by Marie Still - I'm planning to read her newest (this author sounded good when mentioned as a possible bonus group read). I'm currently reading Still's earlier book, MY DARLINGS. I've never read this author before, so counting it as a random task.
I'm finding most titles will work in some way for the Fall Challenge. I'll use Bad Things Happened in This Room as an author I've only read once, also works for BAT.

I'll get to back to Outlander after completing My Darlings.

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I needed a break from OUTLANDER, so I started a book by Marie Still - I'm planning to read her newest (this author sounded good when mentioned as a possible bonus group read). I'm currently reading..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D
I haven’t read anything by Marie Still either but her books do sound good. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

A Few Movie Recommendations - I forgot to mention these that have left my movie theater, they were end of Summer (August) releases:
1. Eden (based on real events)
2. Americana (modern western)
3. East of Wall (based on real events)

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "A Few Movie Recommendations - I forgot to mention these that have left my movie theater, they were end of Summer (August) releases:
1. Eden (based on real events)
A Americana (modern western)
. E..."

I haven't heard of any of these. I'll have to check out the trailers. Thanks! :)

I read The Life Impossible by Matt Haig and enjoyed it. The book works for the random task. Fall 2012 use the title/subtitle to make P-O-E-T.

Danell wrote: "I read The Life Impossible by Matt Haig and enjoyed it. The book works for the random task. Fall 2012 use the title/subtitle to make P-O-E-T."

Thanks for the update, Danell! :)

Danell wrote: "I read The Life Impossible by Matt Haig and enjoyed it. The book works for the random task. Fall 2012 use the title/subtitle to make P-O-E-T."

Matt Haig is a good author. I've added The Life Impossible to my want to read (TBR) list.

Random Task -
2022 - READ A BOOK WITH A NAME IN THE TITLE.
I'm currently re-reading Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Random Task -
2022 - READ A BOOK WITH A NAME IN THE TITLE.
I'm currently re-reading Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
"

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D

I'm currently reading one of our featured authors, Charlotte McConaghy, Once There Were Wolves. I also have her newest book, Wild Dark Shore, on hold at the library.

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "I'm currently reading one of our featured authors, Charlotte McConaghy, Once There Were Wolves. I also have her newest book, Wild Dark Shore, on hold at the librar..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :)
Wild Dark Shore is one of my top reads this year-hope you enjoy it.
I haven’t read anything else by her. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on both books.

Wild Dark Shore has a long wait list at the library, so might be a while.

Once There Were Wolves was rather strange. In the library copy I read, someone had written observations and corrections in parts. They corrected phrasing and noted that it's impossible to view 360 degrees out any window, let alone a narrow one as described in the book. I will give Once There Were Wolves 3 stars. I am anticipating Wild Dark Shore to be better.

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Wild Dark Shore has a long wait list at the library, so might be a while.

Once There Were Wolves was rather strange. In the library copy I read, someone had written observations and corrections i..."

Thanks for the update, Dustin! :D
It’s messed up that someone would feel the need to add their thoughts to a library book. Hope you like Wild Dark Shore when you get to it.

Finished Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher,
This was a liked it didn’t love it book for me. I thought it took a long time for anything to happen. I’m not the most patient reader when it comes to pace. Looking forward to hearing what you guys think of it.

Rachel wrote: "Finished Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher,
This was a liked it didn’t love it book for me. I thought it took a long time for anything to happen. I’m not the most patient reader when it comes to pa..."

I have to take the book back to the library today. A popular book with lots of holds/ long waitlist at the library. Might pick it up again later, but it didn't hook me right away. Hemlock & Silver does seem well-received by most readers.

I have started The Once and Future Me, seems more interesting to me.

Random Task 2013 - READ A BOOK LESS THAN 200 PAGES
I have re-read Foster by Claire Keegan

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Random Task 2013 - READ A BOOK LESS THAN 200 PAGES
I have re-read Foster by Claire Keegan
"

Thanks for the updates, Dustin! :D
Foster is a great book. I really enjoy her writing.
Look forward to hearing your thoughts on The Once and Future Me.

Finished The Once and Future Me. This was another liked it but didn’t love it book for me. I feel like I’ve been saying that a lot lately.
Loved the premise and thought it started strong but I wasn’t always invested in the story as it progressed. Look forward to hearing what you guys think of it.

Rachel wrote: "Finished The Once and Future Me. This was another liked it but didn’t love it book for me. I feel like I’ve been saying that a lot lately.
Loved the premise and thought it started strong but I was..."

I'm still reading. Too soon to tell, but loving what I've read so far :-)

I have finished the second book in The Outlander series, Dragonfly in Amber. I used it for Random Tasks, both a doorstopper and an author I had only read once before (when I read book one).

Random Task: 2013 - READ A BOOK LESS THAN 200 PAGES

or

READ A BOOK OF SHORT STORIES

I'm currently reading Full Throttle, a book of short stories by Joe Hill

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Finished The Once and Future Me. This was another liked it but didn’t love it book for me. I feel like I’ve been saying that a lot lately.
Loved the premise and thought it started s..."

Glad you’re enjoying it. :)

Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl wrote: "Random Task: 2013 - READ A BOOK LESS THAN 200 PAGES

or

READ A BOOK OF SHORT STORIES

I'm currently reading Full Throttle, a book of short stories by Joe Hill
"


Thanks for the updates, Dustin! :D

I read The Favorites by Layne Fargo, which I enjoyed and I just discovered it works for the challenge, Fall 12, an author you’ve never read.

Danell wrote: "I read The Favorites by Layne Fargo, which I enjoyed and I just discovered it works for the challenge, Fall 12, an author you’ve never read."

Thanks for the update, Danell! :) Glad you enjoyed it.

I am reading my first book by Kate Quinn, who is a featured author this season. It's her newest, The Briar Club and I'm pleasantly surprised by this Historical Fiction. There are recipes shared throughout the story and a unique perspective of a house observing it's residents, including a murder mystery. I definitely might try another book by Kate Quinn based on this experience.

I finished Hemlock and Silver, it wasn’t for me.