Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Pass The Parcel (Team Challenge)
>
Pass The Parcel Round 25 - Q&A | Week 2 msg 22
date
newest »
newest »
Q&AAbout the Challenge
Q: I see in the directions that a theme will be called each Friday. Under what circumstances would I need to read more than one book per week? Just if I fall behind?
A: Yes. You will only be reading more than one book in a week if you are behind in your reading. However if you can use your 'pass' (option 3) during the challenge you could read only 9 books in 11 weeks. This will be entirely dependent on how your team works those 5 available passes in each 5 week block - remembering that there likely 6 team members in your team.
Falling behind by more than two books: you can't fall behind by more than two books. If you have two books outstanding at the theme announcement, you will need to have read at least one book in the new theme's week. If another theme is announced and you have three books unread, then I will have to remove you.
PLEASE NOTE - I will not remove, nor accept retirement from, any players in the last two weeks of the challenge. This will mean that the team cannot win if their players are MIA in the last two weeks.
Q: For a theme call, can I use a book I'm already reading ?
A: No. Books must be started after the theme call. This is the same for all RRRC challenges. (You can start a book after a theme call but before you have posted your selection post.)
Q: Do we have to report anywhere when the team is done with a week's theme?
A: Each group will have their own thread, and members will post their progress there. Team Captains will summarise team progress at the front of their team thread. I will maintain an overall progress chart for all the teams - and will post progress sporadically (hopefully weekly depending on my time commitments), but definitely in the last week ;)
Q: Completion post. Rather than including my review in the completion post, can I insert a link to my review?
A: No. Please include your actual review in the completion post.
Q: Option 2. Select a book from the 'READ' list of a team-mate that they read in the last 6 months AND that the team-mate rated at least 3 stars. Can we have a firm date set for the full challenge, eg 1 August, to allow for planning?
A: No. The six months will recalibrate each week - you can't plan until you have your team and it is only up to 6 members whose shelves you can pick from. I'll provide the six month date limit each week to avoid confusion.
Q: Does the 'series' rule only apply to Option 2?
A: Yes
Q: Under Option 2, can I use the same book from my team-mates shelf in multiple weeks under the 'series' rule? eg. continuing a series but using the same qualifying book.
A: Yes. But this can only continue whilst the book on your teamie's shelf continues to meet the 6 month key date timeframe.
Q: Under Option 2, can you use the book even if they didn't put a date read?
A: No.
It has to have a read date to show that it was read in the last six months. Otherwise it wouldn't qualify for Option 2. You can ask your teammate to add a date if you know they have read it though.
Q: Regarding the option to 'pass'. Do we have to decide that week who's passing or could we choose later on? Let's say that during week 1, everybody decides to read their book but once week 2 starts, one player realizes she cannot read week 1's book for whatever reason. Assuming that nobody else from the team passed, could she then decide to pass on last week's book?
A: No. The book selection or pass needs to be specified in the theme announcement week.
Members can only change their book selection in that theme's week. Once the next theme is announced, books are set in stone and cannot be changed.
Q: If a team member uses a pass (option 3) in week 5, when can they use the pass option again?
A: Each team member can only select option #3 once each 5 (five) weeks. AND each team may only have ONE person 'passing' for the round each week.
However - if a teamie used one in week 5 (covering weeks 1-5), they can use one more between weeks 6 and 10.
No-one can use the pass in week 11.
Q: Must people follow the format you provided exactly? Or does the captain just need to make sure they include pertinent info? Week, book, # of pages, option and in the case they pick a shelf/listopia, a link to that?
A: I absolutely need the information requested here. I don't mind what the format is, although I would prefer it set out in the order of the list.
A booklink or bookcover MUST be used. You cannot just type out the book title. And where the book is from a list or bookshelf, you must note which list/shelf. I have removed the need to insert a link.
The reasons:
* If you don't have the link to the book, the Captain and I will have trouble checking that the book qualifies. There are a lot of books out there with the same title. You don't want to be told AFTER you have read the book that it doesn't work.
* I need the week that the book relates to since some books may be read out of order.
* The page numbers makes it so much easier for everyone to know that the books complies with the rules.
* The same for the bookshelf name/tag or the qualifying note referencing the GR summary (ie how it qualifies for the theme).
It is important that the members do their bit to help out the Captain and the organizers to show compliance without us having to go digging.
Q: When you say "the Captain will also double-check that your book selection complies with the rules": Does this mean that if team-members say 'book is in this shelf' the captain must verify that the book is actually on the shelf? And that if they say the theme is in the GR summary, we also have to verify that?
A: I don't want the Captain to be a policeman but we do need someone in each team following how the rest of the team is progressing. If the info provided by the member looks reasonable to the Captain, fine - there is no need to investigate each shelf/tag or how the book otherwise qualifies.
But if we are reading a theme and the book selected looks dubious for that theme or how it qualifies, I would like the Captain to check it out further.
Q: If I want to change my book within the week of the theme call, can I also change my option - eg from Option 1 to Option 2 or 3
A: Yes.
Q: If I read two books during the challenge that qualify for an announced theme, does our team earn more points?
A: No. We don't actually accumulate points in this challenge. You and your team-mates either complete all your reading and are ready to 'read-off' in the last week (week 11), or you aren't...
About the BookQ: What is the precis?
A: The precis is the blurb on the back of the book cover; the summary; the synopsis. Any of the details that are posted on the GR book description page will qualify.
Q: My book doesn't have a page count on Goodreads but I have the word count. Can I use the word count and what is the minimum acceptable?
A: Yes - a 35,000 minimum word count will be accepted as a substitute for the 100 page minimum. Because the word count to page conversion varies greatly, I have gone at the high end for this conversion.
If there is a page count on GR, this must be used. This is only available where the page count does not appear on GR.
Q: My book doesn't have a page count on Goodreads but Amazon does have a page count. Can I use Amazon's page count?
A: Yes. Please provide a link to the Amazon book page.
If there is a page count on GR, this must be used. This is only available where the page count does not appear on GR.
Q: If a team member is reading a book in another language, should they post the book link in the selection & completion posts to the non-English version or to the English version?
A: Please link all books to the English version of that book. The book MUST have an English version to qualify for use during this challenge. (Apologies to everyone that is affected by this rule, but I need to know that the book qualifies for the theme etc.)
Q: Are re-reads allowed?
A: Yes. But each book can only be read once during the round/challenge.
If the theme specifically excludes a re-read, eg First in a new (to you) series, then obviously you must select a book you haven't read before.
Q: Does the book have to be a romance?
A: No, but it does have to be a novel. Textbooks will not count. Biographies and autobiographies are OK.
Q: Do the books we use have to be on a particular bookshelf?
A: In some cases yes. Books must be selected from the lists provided if I don't have "(stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)". Where I have noted "(stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf)", if a book is chosen from one of the optional lists, it is automatically approved.
Q: If I pick a book off a team mate's shelf it has to be a book that fits the theme? Or can it be any book at all, as long as it got 3 stars and was read in last 6 months?
If you use Option 2, you do not need to fit it to the week's theme. As you said, it can be any book so long as it was rated at least 3 stars by your teamie and was read no more than 6 months prior.
AND if the book is in a series but does not match where you are up to, you may read another book from that same series.
Q: Can I use the same option 2 book from my team-mates shelf more than once during the challenge by invoking the series rule?
Yes. So long as the book remains 'read' within the last 6 months with reference back to the week's key date, you can use the same book from your team-mates shelf. You just can't read reread a book previously used with this round.
Q: Option 2 - If the book I want to read isn't on my team-mate's shelf but they have read it during this challenge, can I just link to their completion post in our team thread?
A: No. The book MUST appear on their 'read' list.
Q: Can I DNF a book?
To DNF a book you must have:
* read at least 50% of the book
* the minimum page requirement of 100 pages must have been read in addition to having completed 50% (that is, if the book is only 105pp in total, you will need to have read through to and including page 100. If the book is 400pp, you need to read 200pp before you DNF the book.)
* note in your review that it was a DNF and explain why
* rate accordingly (no higher than 2 stars) and shelve the book as DNF
* in the 'completion post', you will need to note the pages read out of the total pages.
If it is a current week book, you can of course change the book. Once we have rolled into the next call, your book selection is set and cannot be altered.
Q: Do graphic novels count?
A: Graphic novels count if they meet the 100 page rule. Comic books will not be accepted. A book may be tagged as both, but so long as graphic novel is on the MPG, it will work for this challenge.
Does the book need to be tagged 'main page genre' (MPG) romance?
A: No - it just needs to be fiction or a biography. Romance is preferred but not required. Text books are not accepted.
Q: The book I chose is released next month. Can I use this for the current call?
A: Only if you already have the ARC for the book and won't hold up your team. If it hasn't yet been published and you don't have the ARC, you can't use the book. Publication dates are often deferred which means you may not be able to read it for this challenge.
Q: What is the rule on page count and the correct edition to use?
A: You must quote the page numbers for your selected book to match the goodreads page numbers.
You may use any edition of the book is fine so long as it is in english.
(Previously noted: If you read a book in another language, please use a qualifying english edition and its matching page numbers.)
About the ThemesQ: If I don't find a book I like in the lists of theme books, can I choose any book that fits the theme?
No. You MUST select a book from a list where lists have been provided and where they do not have '(stated in the precis or shown on listopia or shelf) optional lists:' That is, if the only option for the theme are lists, then you MUST choose a book from those lists.
Other lists have 'optional' in front of them simply to help people. I won't question books that come from those lists. But you can also choose books that fit the theme via the blurb/precis, through bookshelves or other lists not provided. You just need to state how it fits and where the information came from.
REMEMBER: you may also select to use option 2 or 3 that week unless it is the last week, in which case only option 2 is a viable alternative.
Q: If a book is on a specified theme list but does not (in my opinion) meet the theme, can I still read it?
A: Yes. If the book is on the mandatory (or optional) lists/shelves in the theme post it qualifies whether it meets the theme or not.
Q: If a team member is going to be away during the week of a theme, can they leave a list of pre-selected books (for all remaining themes) with the Team Captain to post that week?
A: Yes. If the team member has already highlighted that they will be away for a particular week, or has an operation etc, I am happy for the Team Captain to post that participant's book selection post. They must have pre-selected a book for that theme though.
The alternative is for the absent member to pre-select a book that complies with option 2, taking into account the 6 month date that will apply during that week.
Q: Will any of the themes be repeated?
A: No, not within the round.
Q: Do we have to support that the book shows up in a particular shelf (eg showing you a link of how many people shelved a particular book as 'stalking') or just saying 'there's a stalker shelf' would suffice?
A: You must state the full name of the shelf/list/tag or provide a link to that shelf/list within your selection book post.
Tip from Calila: After you've decided on your book, If you go the book page, scroll and click on "Lists with this book" and then click on the appropriate list and copy the url, you'll link directly to the book's ranking on the list rather than just copy/paste the list in general.
This is not a requirement - just an easy way to link to your book in a list.
Q: What happens if a book is mis-shelved?
A: If books have been incorrectly shelved, and the shelf fits the theme, they still count. (I would appreciate them being removed if it is an RRRC shelf AFTER the round is finished.)
Where a theme has optional lists - the theme must be apparent in the title, the goodreads summary page or must be shelved by a GR member using words that show eligibility.
Q: Does the book HAVE to be on a bookshelf?
A: Where a shelf has been listed for a 'list-mandatory' theme, YES.
Q: Are listopia lists sufficient for proof of eligibility for the non-mandatory list themes?
A: Listopia will work for eligibility where it's name is apparent and correlated to the theme.
Q: Where a theme is based on a bookcover, can we use alternate edition covers of the same book?
A: Yes
Q: Book length - Some books straddle the page minimums depending on format (eg all books must be at least 100 pages). Can I choose, for example, to use the paperback page count per goodreads even though the hardback page count for the same book does not qualify?
A: Yes. If there is a goodreads edition that cites 100 pages or more (any edition), that book is fine to use.
Q: When the themes are announced is there going to be listopia or Readers shelves suggested to help us pick?
A: Not necessarily - where the task requires that a book is selected from a list, they are included. There may be other tasks that have optional lists noted.
Q: Does the 100 minimum page count still apply where books are included on a list/shelf that are under 100 pages.
A: Yes - the 100 page minimum still applies.
When a team member departs the challenge and the team
If a team mate leaves the challenge, the player may be replaced by a mod if the game is near the beginning of the challenge. If the player is not replaced the team simply continues on with the challenge with the lower number of players.
If a player is replaced, the new player will start on the next announced theme. They do not need to make up for any weeks not completed by the departing player.
Q: If a player has dropped out of the challenge, is their bookshelf available or not for Option 2?
A: No. Once they are out, you can't use their shelf.
******************
Work around for GR's lost shelf extensions:
To see the tags on books that don't have the direct link, go to the editions page, in the URL replace 'editions' with 'shelves' and it will take you to the top shelves pages.
*******************
Abbreviations
MPG = main page genre
MC = main character
DNF = did not finish
MM= male male (gay)
MF = male female
How to insert a link into a post
To insert a simple link to a shelf there are a couple of options:
* Copy the https address in the address bar of the page where the book is found - highlight the web-address, copy the address, and paste into your post
or
* Find a link to the shelf that you want (eg on my lists of shelves to use for the themes), right click with your mouse, select 'Copy Link Location' and then paste into your post
If you want to make it pretty and have a specific name:
* Type <*a href="insert the link that you copied as per above">name the location<*/a> but without the asterisks.
How to add in book links
* Click on 'add book/author' on the top right of your message box
* Type on the name of the tilte (if its popular I often add in the first or last name of the author as well)
* Select the correct book from the list and click 'add'
* At the bottom of the pop-up box you may choose whether to add a simple link or use the book cover.
To find the correct version of the book to add:
*** To get the correct version of that book if it isn't the first one:
- click on the 'other editions' (hyperlink under the 'add' button)
- select the correct book
The way I know which version to select from the list is when I look at the book on bookshelf and hover over the cover or the link, down the bottom of the page it shows the hyperlink that GR uses. Remember the last 4 digits on the longer number, then hover over the books in the 'add' list, look for that sequence.
You can also open each book in a new tab if you click on the book in the insertion pop-up window.
I do all this on the desktop version, not in the app.
If you are using the App
To get your posts right for links etc, you need to open your browser window (Safari or Edge etc) on your phone/tablet, go to the GR website and use the desktop version.
Theme tracking1. Sea | See - read a book with glasses or sunglasses on the cover.
2. Bear | Bare - read a book where the cover model is half-naked.
3. Hear | Here - read a book available in audio.
4. Birth | Berth - read a book with kids or pregnancy in the story.
5. Mail | Male - read a book with a male cover model.
6. Canon | Cannon - read a book with MPG Military or Suspense.
7. Creak | Creek - read a book with ghosts per the precis or with tags 'ghost' or 'spook', or MPG Horror.
8. Hole | Whole - read a book from a series that is complete. For this to count, there must be NO unpublished books on the series list.
9. Incite | Insight - go to My Books. Scroll down to My Year In Books and click. Record the avg page length. Read a book that is +/-50 pages of that page length. Eg avg page length is 240. Read a book that has a page length between 190 and 290 (inclusive). Please note - the minimum page number requirement of 100 pages must still be met.
10. Week | Weak - read a book with a non-alpha MC.
11. Eight | Ate - read a book with at least one 8 in the publication date.
12. Blew | Blue - read a book with blue on the cover.
13. Cell | Sell - read a book tagged 'crime', 'prison', 'lawman' 'law enforcement', 'LEO'. These words are the ONLY tags that will work. They may appear in combination with another word but it must complement that word, not contradict the meaning.
14. Knows | Nose - read a book where the nose of the cover models is shown. This can be in profile or front on, but the whatever the angle, the nose must be completely included.
15. Won | One - read a standalone book.
16. Hour | Our - read a book that is found on one of the RRRC Moderator's shelves.
17. To | Too | Two - read a book written by two authors or a book with an audio version that utilises two narrators.
19. Rain | Reign - read a book with MPG historical.
20. Tail | Tale - read a shifter book or a book with a pet (must be stated in the precis or on the GR book page eg MPG shapeshifter).
Will we have longer to read our books since a book isn’t been given on 26th December?
Re: 10. Week | Weak Task: Read a book with a non-alpha MC
I’m not sure what a non-alpha MC so I googled for a definition and it come up with this: “… A non-alpha fictional character typically refers to a character who does not exhibit dominant, aggressive, or hyper-masculine traits often associated with "alpha" characters. Instead, these characters may be more sensitive, introspective, or less assertive, often providing a contrast to traditional alpha male archetypes in stories…”
Is this in line with what you’re thinking?
I’ve realised that my year in books takes me to 2024 is this okay? As it won’t show this year.
Kat wrote: "Will we have longer to read our books since a book isn’t been given on 26th December?"Yes - you have have 2 weeks before the next call.
Kat wrote: "And can we use memoirs or essays"from Q&A above:
Q: Does the book have to be a romance?
A: No, but it does have to be a novel. Textbooks will not count. Biographies and autobiographies are OK.
Per your question, memoirs would work; essays would not.
Sally906 wrote: "Re: 10. Week | Weak Task: Read a book with a non-alpha MC
I’m not sure what a non-alpha MC so I googled for a definition and it come up with this: “… A non-alpha fictional character typically ref..."
Yes. I was thinking an omega/beta character would work. Or an MC in STEM who is not described as an alpha. Other professions would also imply the same if they aren't contra to the precis. When/if this task is called, I'll define it further but may well use a few shelf names to assist in the definition.
I'm happy to consider each character on a case by case, if you aren't sure.
Gelaskaca wrote: "non alpha = beta males?like this? https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag/be..."
Yes. Beta MCs will work for this task.
Kat wrote: "I’ve realised that my year in books takes me to 2024 is this okay? As it won’t show this year."Yes. My stat is also for 2024.
Jane (PS) wrote: "Kat wrote: "And can we use memoirs or essays"from Q&A above:
Q: Does the book have to be a romance?
A: No, but it does have to be a novel. Textbooks will not count. Biographies and autobiographie..."
Thanks
Jane (PS) wrote: "Sally906 wrote: "Re: 10. Week | Weak Task: Read a book with a non-alpha MC
I’m not sure what a non-alpha MC so I googled for a definition and it come up with this: “… A non-alpha fictional charac..."
Just to be sure in most Omegaverse or shifter stories, you would have an Alpha and omega MC. So if the story has a dual narrative it fits the theme and/or from the narrative of the omega it fits and not if it is from the narrative of the alpha?
Or do both MC's have to be non-alpha's.
Jooke wrote: "Just to be sure in most Omegaverse or shifter stories, you would have an Alpha and omega MC. So if the story has a dual narrative it fits the theme and/or from the narrative of the omega it fits and not if it is from the narrative of the alpha?Or do both MC's have to be non-alpha's..."
Doh! I completely forgot about female MCs. I read a few shifter stories and the big bad male hero MC is often complemented by the female MC who soothes and converts the savage beast!
Week 1Option 1
18. New | Knew - read a book first published in 2025.
Please use the date on the main book page. If there are a few editions, click on 'Show all xx editions' to work out the first date of publication to ensure it fits the task.
If you aren't sure how to insert links in your posts, please read these instructions in the Q&A thread:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Option 2
Key date: 2 May 2025
Team mate read on or after this date and rated at least 3 stars
Option 3
Pass
A selection post must be made for whichever option you choose - INCLUDING A PASS
Refer msg 3 in your team thread for formatting of all 3 options.
Jooke wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Sally906 wrote: "Re: 10. Week | Weak Task: Read a book with a non-alpha MC
I’m not sure what a non-alpha MC so I googled for a definition and it come up with this: “… A non-alph..."
So long as at least one MC is an omega or non-alpha it will work. (I don't worry about the narrative perspective.) You can use a tag or book list to qualify in addition to the book summary on GR.
Week 2Option 1
13. Cell | Sell - read a book tagged 'crime', 'prison', 'lawman' 'law enforcement', 'LEO', 'police', 'cops', 'detective', 'federal agent'.
These words are the ONLY tags that will work. They may appear in combination with another word but it must complement that word, not contradict the meaning or combine with another profession.
eg 'agent police' does work; 'police military' does not work.
If you aren't sure how to insert links in your posts, please read these instructions in the Q&A thread:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Option 2
Key date: 9 May 2025
Team mate read on or after this date and rated at least 3 stars
Option 3
Pass
A selection post must be made for whichever option you choose - INCLUDING A PASS.
Refer msg 3 in your team thread for formatting of all 3 options.
I’m travelling at the moment but should be back in range for any questions in 3 hours or so…
Is there a limit to what page the tag can be on? I have one that's tagged crime on page 2 but also want to know for the future lol
Amanda wrote: "Is there a limit to what page the tag can be on? I have one that's tagged crime on page 2 but also want to know for the future lol"No limit. That's fine.
Qs reposted from the other thread...Q - Would crime-romance work as a tag?
Though I will be honest and tell you it's actually a mafia/he's the criminal romance.
Yers - it has 'crime' in the tag and romance doesn't contradict :)
>>>
Q - For option 2 - we can't use one of our own books that we've read right in the past 6 months right? lol it has to be a teammates?
Has to be a teammates that was read in the last 6 months and rated at least 3 stars.
I will also announce the themes each Friday in this thread and keep track of those categories announced in this message.
The themes will be announced between 4-6pm US EST.
Called themes
Week 1
Option 1
18. New | Knew - read a book first published in 2025.
Option 2 Key date: 2 May 2025
Week 2
Option 1
13. Cell | Sell - read a book tagged 'crime', 'prison', 'lawman' 'law enforcement', 'LEO', 'police', 'cops', 'detective', 'federal agent'.
Option 2 Key date: 9 May 2025