The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion

20.7 Shorter is Sweeter: JenJ IA's task- Landmarked: History in the Hawkeye State

To celebrate this season’s bonus theme of “It's A Wonderful World - Historic Sites,” I wanted to take a tour of some of my home state of Iowa’s 29 National Historic Landmarks (NHLs). According to the National Park Service, NHLs are “historic properties that illustrate the heritage of the United States” and each one "represents an outstanding aspect of American history and culture.” Since we are focusing on historical sites, all books claimed for this task must have the MPG Historical or Historical Fiction.
In addition, your book may have the MPG Graphic Novels, Comics, Manga, or Sequential Art.

Choose one option and read one book for that option.
Books must have an MPG of Historical or Historical Fiction The MPG may be embedded IE Historical Romance
Required: State the option.

Option 1: The Surf Ballroom
This site in Clear Lake, Iowa is the location where Rock and Roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson gave their last performances on February 2, 1959. They all perished in a plane crash the next day. This day is often referred to as "The Day the Music Died."
Read a book that has a 4+ title word (subtitles excluded) made from the letters in the phrase THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED. Letters may be used as often as they appear.
Required: State the word

Option 2: Precontact Sites
There are a number of NHLs in Iowa that are archaeological sites connected to Indigenous People and date to a time prior to contact with European settlers.
For this option, read a book with a 3+ word title (subtitles excluded) where all of the title words begin with a letter in ONE of these site names:

BLOOD RUN
DAVIS ORIOLE EARTH LODGE
INDIAN VILLAGE
TOOLESBORO MOUNDS
KIMBALL VILLAGE
PHIPPS SITE
Required: State the site name used


Option 3: The Amana Colonies
The seven villages in East-Central Iowa that make up the Amana Colonies were settled by German “Radical Pietists” in the 1850s. These people were persecuted in Germany. They then came to Iowa by way of New York. The Colonies were largely self-sufficient and operated as a communal society until 1932. To celebrate their German heritage, the Colonies celebrate Oktoberfest each year. 2025 will be the 60th annual Oktoberfest celebration and also the 60th anniversary of being named a National Historic Landmark. Read a book that was first published in the month of October in any year 1965-2025 (inclusive).

Option 4: Politicians and Government
Several landmarks in Iowa have a connection to politicians or government in Iowa. These include: Old Capitol, located in Iowa City (the second state capital before it moved to Des Moines); Terrace Hill (Des Moines), the current Governor’s Mansion; the James B. Weaver House (Bloomfield), the home of a US Congressman and presidential candidate; William P. Hepburn House (Clarinda), the home of an 11-term US Congressman; and the Herbert Hoover Birthplace (West Branch), the birthplace of the 31st US President.
For this option, read a book by a single author whose first and last initials can be found in either politics OR govern

RESERVED

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Does historical have to be standalone? Does historical romance work?

FYI, the link (In the Fall Task thread) to the Task Help is marked incorrectly and goes to another page.

Kathy KS wrote: "FYI, the link (In the Fall Task thread) to the Task Help is marked incorrectly and goes to another page."

thanks I will get this updated here shortly

Susan A wrote: "Does historical have to be standalone? Does historical romance work?"

That's a great question, Susan. I have asked the mods if I can change that requirement to include embedded instances of "Historical" also. Since we're still in draft, I'm hoping that change can be made. Thanks!

JennRenee wrote: "Kathy KS wrote: "FYI, the link (In the Fall Task thread) to the Task Help is marked incorrectly and goes to another page."

thanks I will get this updated here shortly"

Thanks, JennRenee. I just noticed this also. Thanks for changing it when you get a chance.

For option 2 can the letters only be used as often as they appear or do all the letters just have to be present?
I am wondering about Murder on Mulberry Bend (which has two Ms) for TOOLESBORO MOUNDS

Katrisa wrote: "For option 2 can the letters only be used as often as they appear or do all the letters just have to be present?
I am wondering about Murder on Mulberry Bend (which has two Ms) for TO..."

My intention was only as often as they appear. I'll let the mods weigh in on if it's too late to make that distinction though. Thanks for asking!

JenJ wrote: "Katrisa wrote: "For option 2 can the letters only be used as often as they appear or do all the letters just have to be present?
I am wondering about Murder on Mulberry Bend (which ha..."

I think that is the default - I just wanted to double check :)

Option 4: Scarlet Carnation - Laila Ibrahim poLItics

Can I check MPG History works as well as MPG Historical?

Jessica wrote: "Can I check MPG History works as well as MPG Historical?"

I would like to know the answer as well

Fiona (Titch) wrote: "Option 4: Scarlet Carnation - Laila Ibrahim poLItics"

Sorry, I missed seeing this earlier. Yes, this book works for Option 4. Enjoy!

Rebekah wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Can I check MPG History works as well as MPG Historical?"

I would like to know the answer as well"


My apologies for missing this question. As long as it's okay with the mods, it's okay with me, as it's in keeping with the spirit of the requirement.

Thanks