The Perks Of Being A Book Addict discussion
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TEAM CHALLENGE: UNO 2026
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April Mini Challenge
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After chasing colours, clues and suspiciously glittery evidence, it’s time for a brand new mini challenge — and this one is absolutely full of sound and fury, dramatic entrances, repeated refrains and perhaps one or two books that really know how to blow their own trumpet.
This mini challenge is inspired by common expressions with musical roots. The kind of sayings we toss around without a second thought, like change your tune, play it by ear, strike the right note and like a broken record. This time, your job is to read your way through a whole setlist of musical phrases and match your books to the prompts below.
Some books may march to the beat of their own drum. Some may pull out all the stops. Some may be all the bells and whistles, while others are simply music to your ears.
So warm up those vocal cords you will not actually need, try not to harp on about your TBR, and let’s see whether your team can strike the right note.
Happy Reading!
Opening Notes
1. Music to My Ears
Read a book you were especially excited to start.
2. Change Your Tune
Read a book where a character changes their opinion, loyalties or direction.
3. Strike a Chord
Read a book that affected you personally or made you feel something strongly.
4. Sing From the Same Hymn Sheet
Read a book where people are united by a shared goal, cause or belief.
5. Pull Out All the Stops
Read a book with very high stakes or a character who goes all in.
6. Play It By Ear
Read a book you picked on a whim.
7. It Rings a Bell
Read a book that reminds you of another book, story or memory.
8. Strike the Right Note
Read a book that was exactly right for your mood.
Character Types
9. Blow Your Own Trumpet
Read a book with a boastful, arrogant or attention-seeking character.
10. Playing Second Fiddle
Read a book with a sidekick, assistant, younger sibling or overlooked supporting character.
11. March to the Beat of Your Own Drum
Read a book with an unconventional, rebellious or fiercely independent character.
12. Fit as a Fiddle
Read a book with a resilient, energetic or physically capable character.
13. Don’t Harp On About It
Read a book with a character who cannot let something go.
14. Preaching to the Choir
Read a book with a character trying to persuade people who already agree with them, or a story centred on a very like-minded group.
15. Not My Forte
Read a book featuring someone out of their depth or doing something they are not naturally good at.
16. Beat the Band
Read a book with a loud, dramatic or larger-than-life character.
Plot and Theme
17. Like a Broken Record
Read a book where something repeats: a phrase, a warning, a routine, an obsession, a cycle or a time loop.
18. The Same Old Song and Dance
Read a book with a familiar trope, repeated pattern or strong comfort-read energy.
19. All That Jazz
Read a book that feels chaotic, flashy, messy or full of flair.
20. All the Bells and Whistles
Read a book that is extra in some way: rich worldbuilding, ornate prose, dramatic twists or pure spectacle.
21. Strike the Wrong Note
Read a book where something goes badly wrong socially, emotionally or politically.
22. It Ain’t Over Till the Fat Lady Sings
Read a book where the outcome stays uncertain until the very end.
23. Change of Tune
Read a book with a redemption arc, change of heart or enemies-to-allies feel.
24. In Harmony
Read a book where friendship, family or teamwork plays an important role.
25. Out of Tune
Read a book with conflict, mismatch, tension or a dysfunctional relationship.
Bookish Extras
26. A Musical Title
Read a book with a music-related word in the title.
(song, tune, note, chord, violin, drum, piano, hymn, trumpet etc.)
27. Cover Band
Read a book with a musical instrument, sheet music, singer, concert, headphones or record on the cover.
28. Encore
Read a sequel, reread, return-to-a-series book or a book by an author you’ve read before.
29. Debut Performance
Read a debut novel or a first book in a series.
30. Solo Act
Read a book with a single point of view or a protagonist who largely goes it alone.
31. Duet
Read a book with dual POV, a strong pair or a central partnership.
32. Full Orchestra
Read a book with a large ensemble cast.
33. Backstage Drama
Read a book with secrets, hidden motives or behind-the-scenes tension.
34. Standing Ovation
Read a book you rated 5 stars, or one you would happily recommend to the group.
35. Playlist Pick
Read a book purely because the title, cover or overall vibe reminds you of a song.
🎼 The Conductor’s Notes
Each entry is worth 5 points.
For each one, your team writes a short diary entry from the Conductor’s point of view.
🎵 First Rehearsal: The Conductor records their early impressions of the group and the state of the performance so far.
🎺 Full Ensemble: The Conductor reflects on the arrival of the players, personalities and unexpected backstage drama.
🎹 Opening Night: The Conductor documents the moment the show begins, and whether they are feeling inspired, terrified or both.
👏 Standing Ovation: The Conductor tells the story of how the final performance came together and what became of the ensemble afterwards.
◈ Every book read, i.e. every task completed, is worth 10 points. Each book can be used for one task only.
◈ Books for tasks can be finished in any order.
◈ If your team completes all tasks including the Conductor's Notes, you will get 30 points as a completion bonus.
◈ Books used for this mini challenge do not need to be separate books from what you are claiming for your UNO hands.
◈ The usual book length and spell-out rules apply.
◈ Team spreadsheets will be updated with a mini challenge tab so that you can track your books and claim your points.
◈ Books can be started at any point since the start of the UNO challenge (Feb 1).
◈ Books need to be finished after the start of this mini challenge on 15 April 9am UTC (Countdown: https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown...) and before 1 May, 9am UTC. NOTE with daylight savings starting/finishing this time may have changed for you from previous months