The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion

Please post your general questions about the Summer 2015 challenge here. Specific questions about individual tasks should be posted in the Help Threads for those tasks.

Please read the topics in the Rules folder and the Frequently Asked Questions. Your answers may be there.

Does a book have to be pre-approved in the task help folders for each task?

Sandy wrote: "Does a book have to be pre-approved in the task help folders for each task?"

From the FAQ section:

A. Do I need to have all books ok'd in the help threads?

NO, NO, A THOUSAND TIMES NO!

There is no need to do this. Help threads were set up for 2 purposes. First, to ask for ideas about books if you can't come up with anything for the task and to offer suggestions for good books for the task, useful lists, or other sources for finding books for that task. Second, to clarify whether a questionable book will fit the task. A good example of this sort of question would be whether a color is actually okay for the task.

If a book clearly fits the task (a specific word in the title, specific genre on the main page, set in the proper location) and meets the SRC requirements, such as those for length, childrens books, graphic novels, there is simply no need to ask for it to be ok'd in the help thread.

And, if it clearly doesn't fit the task, there is no need to ask about it in the help thread. Before you ask for a pre-approval, read the task and make sure your book fits the task requirements and the general SRC rules about length, childrens books, etc. If it doesn't work, there's no need to ask for pre-approval.

Please keep in mind that moderators and task creators are volunteers, with lives outside of answering questions in the SRC. There is no need to take up everyone's time with asking for pre-approvals of books that clearly fit or don't fit the tasks.

I read a lot of ARCs as a part of my work; are they allowed as long as the book is on Goodreads (and fits the rest of the challenge)? The ARCs always have a page count, but since they're pre-publication, should I use the Hardcover page count? It usually correlates closely.

I hope I'm asking this in the right place, since I'm new and have read the other discussions and don't see an answer.

Crowinator wrote: "I read a lot of ARCs as a part of my work; are they allowed as long as the book is on Goodreads (and fits the rest of the challenge)? The ARCs always have a page count, but since they're pre-public..."

See the Rules of the Challenge rule 10:

10. Advance Reader Copies may be used to fulfill SRC tasks. Completed task posts MUST include a link to the book and identify the book as a publisher's advance copy.

Use whatever page count is on GR for the book.

Ah, sorry, I missed it! Thanks.

Illustrated biographies, like Vivien Leigh: An Intimate Portrait that have more words than pictures, are okay to use right?

Valerie wrote: "Illustrated biographies, like Vivien Leigh: An Intimate Portrait that have more words than pictures, are okay to use right?"

As long as there's a substantial text portion, sure. If it were just pictures, with captions, that would be different.

If I'm doing an author's initials based task, would Patrick deWitt count as PD or PW?

LouLouReads wrote: "If I'm doing an author's initials based task, would Patrick deWitt count as PD or PW?"

Since he's listed on GR with no space between the de and the Witt, the last name starts with "d." Key question is always whether there's a space.

Hi!
For task 25,7 we are supposed to re read a book that is special to us.
There's a book I got from my father when I was very young, but I wanted to check if it meets SRC requirements?

I've never read a children's book for the challenge, and it looks as if it's ok, but I'm not completely sure.

Thanks!


Five Children and It (Unabridged)
Nesbit, E.
AR Quiz No. 23773 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: MG - BL: 5.7 - AR Pts: 8.0

Pia wrote: "Hi!
For task 25,7 we are supposed to re read a book that is special to us.
There's a book I got from my father when I was very young, but I wanted to check if it meets SRC requirements?

I've neve..."

Yes, this works - looks as if you've looked at the rules on the use of childrens books for the challenge and have a handle on them. It's MG interest level, but meets the BL and AR point requirements. Be sure to include this information in your completed task post.

For anyone else wondering about all this, keep in mind that books with the genre children can be used for any task as long as the task doesn't specifically rule them out. If the genre appears, refer to the Rules of the Challenge for the requirements. This is also walked through in the FAQs.

BTW, this was one of my favorite books when I was a kid!

Thanks! As I've never read a children's book before for the SRC, I didn't want to mess up.

I have a paper copy somewhere in my parents house. It must be a 1930's edition, beautifully illustrated (which I can't seem to find, by the way). But if you want to read it again, it hasn't a copyright anymore and you can read it online free, here in Goodreads

Am I losing my mind or is there no 25.11 Task??? Or is it coming soon ..

Angel **Book Junkie** wrote: "Am I losing my mind or is there no 25.11 Task??? Or is it coming soon .."

coming soon.........

Sandy wrote: "Angel **Book Junkie** wrote: "Am I losing my mind or is there no 25.11 Task??? Or is it coming soon .."

coming soon........."

I just wanted to make sure I hadn't lost my mind. I swear I thought it was there 5 minutes ago but then the numbers changed. You all are the best!

Angel **Book Junkie** wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Angel **Book Junkie** wrote: "Am I losing my mind or is there no 25.11 Task??? Or is it coming soon .."

coming soon........."

I just wanted to make sure I hadn't lost my mind. I sw..."

I asked my friend this today. I think I was just thinking of last time where there wasn't a 25.11 so I was like IS IT NOT REAL AGAIN? heehee. You weren't alone Angel!

Pia wrote: "I have a paper copy somewhere in my parents house. It must be a 1930's edition, beautifully illustrated (which I can't seem to find, by the way). But if you want to read it again, it hasn't a copyright anymore and you can read it online free, here in Goodreads
.."
Thanks, Pia. It's also free on Amazon, for kindle.

By my record, we are still waiting for 20.7, correct?

Bea wrote: "By my record, we are still waiting for 20.7, correct?"

correct

Do y'all have an inkling of how long it takes for a new title to be listed in the AR Bookfinder? I have a book that's #5 in the series (I'm hoping to use it for 15.2) & I expect based on the previous books in the series that it'll qualify with AR data. But it was published April 21 & so far it's not in the Bookfinder or UK Bookfinder.

If it takes them several months to update, I'll just claim it for 5.10 but if your impression is that books make it to the Bookfinder within a couple of months of publication, I'll hang in to see if it shows up before the challenge ends.

Thanks

Melanie wrote: "Do y'all have an inkling of how long it takes for a new title to be listed in the AR Bookfinder? I have a book that's #5 in the series (I'm hoping to use it for 15.2) & I expect based on the previ..."

No idea at all.

Sandy wrote: "No idea at all. "

Ah, well. Thanks!

Just wanted to let someone know the Link in the Readerboard to the Questions and Problems is to the Winter 2015 board .. This is the Link under the GR authors section.

Angel **Book Junkie** wrote: "Just wanted to let someone know the Link in the Readerboard to the Questions and Problems is to the Winter 2015 board .. This is the Link under the GR authors section."

Thanks. I'll have to fix that when I'm back in town on Monday.

I'm confused on how to make sure I post the correct edition to the Completed Task thread.

I just posted The Fold to the completed task thread, but I couldn't see any way to differentiate between the Hardcover vs. eBook vs. Audio editions when inserting the book. They were all published the same date, and that's the only distinguishing factor I could see.

Am I missing something?

puppitypup wrote: "I'm confused on how to make sure I post the correct edition to the Completed Task thread.

I just posted The Fold to the completed task thread, but I couldn't see any way to diffe..."

When you search for the book in the add book/author use the ISBN - each format will have a different one.

Thanks Catie, that makes sense :)

i find it easier to have two tabs/windows open - one for the task thread, the other for the book profile page, then click on the other editions link on the book page, find the format you are looking for and copy the ISBN

So I keep messing up with how I am posting my tasks. I just reposted and one of the characters in my name was a typo so I quickly edited it. Should I not have edited it? I know I am not supposed to delete the post so what do I do?? :-)

Alicia wrote: "So I keep messing up with how I am posting my tasks. I just reposted and one of the characters in my name was a typo so I quickly edited it. Should I not have edited it? I know I am not supposed to..."

You can always make a new post and then add a note to your problem post pointing to the correct post. That's always safer
If you recognize a typo right away you can quickly edit. But depending on where and when I am on the page (and how GR is behaving) that's not a lot of time and if I have already recorded the problem or task I do not go back.

Thank you!!! I edited it immediately, so the post wasn't recorded yet. But this is good to know. It's my first challenge, so lots of potential mistakes!

This might an odd question:
I'm listening to the Juliet Stevenson-read Pride and Prejudice as one of my books for task 25.7. The GR page notes it is an audiobook, but gives the length as 3 pages? It is an abridgement - it has 3 disks and runs about 3 hours in length (I've checked the rules regarding audiobook abridgements so that part is OK as far as length since the task doesn't have page length requirements, etc). So I was wondering if the mods needed me to post something otherwise since the GR page isn't quite filled out properly? Thanks. :)

Melissa wrote: "This might an odd question:
I'm listening to the Juliet Stevenson-read Pride and Prejudice as one of my books for task 25.7. The GR page notes it is an audio..."

No, nothing else is needed.
The "3" pages is the standard format for audiobook pages for that edition "For audio books, the number of hours rounded up should be used in lieu of number of pages. "

Dlmrose wrote: "No, nothing else is needed.
The "3" pages is the standard format for audiobook pages for that edition "For audio books, the number of hours rounded up should be used in lieu of number of pages." "

Ah, cool, thanks! :) I'd never used an audiobook quite that short before (re, this edition: Juliet Stevenson is a lovely reader, but shame on Hodder for making so many cuts in Jane Austen's lovely story)

I have a question about which edition to use to establish page count in order to claim Big Book tickets.

I read the kindle edition of The Story: Love, Loss and the Lives of Women: 100 Great Short Stories, at 800 pages.

There is only one paperback edition - The Story: The Lives Of Women has 464 pages, but it seems to be only one third of the kindle edition, which is separated into three sections as listed in the subtitle 1) Love, 2) Loss, 3) The Lives of Women. The paperback only has The Lives of Women. There is also an ebook which is just the one section at 547 pages - The Story: The Lives of Women

As this is the case, can I use the hardback edition to establish page length - The Story: Love, Loss and the Lives of Women: 100 Great Short Stories at 796 pages?

If it has to be the paperback then so be it - just as it was a slog to get through, for my own satisfaction I'd like to claim the BB tickets! Turns out literary short stories are mostly not for me.

Sarah wrote: "I have a question about which edition to use to establish page count in order to claim Big Book tickets.

I read the kindle edition of [book:The Story: Love, Loss and the Lives of Women: 100 Great ..."

use the edition that is comparable to the ebook you read.

Sandy wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I have a question about which edition to use to establish page count in order to claim Big Book tickets.

I read the kindle edition of [book:The Story: Love, Loss and the Lives of Wom..."

Thank you!

I not completely sure about using books from an omnibus edition. For example:

For 20.1 Option 2: Winter in title

I read Winter's Heat from this edition: The Seasons Series. Can I use it or only the omnibus title?

Also, for 20.4 Option 1: #2 in a series

I read Summer's Storm from the same edition, which is #2 in that series. Can I use it?

Sorry if this seems obvious, but I tend to interpret rules more strictly then they are meant, so I've learned to ask when I'm not positive. :)

Thanks for clarifying.

If the included books have been published separately, you can post them as separate books, even if you read them published within an omnibus edition.

See the Rules of the Challenge:

11. Books identified as an "omnibus" (a volume of reprinted works of a single author or of related works), as a "bundle" (a digital collection of works of a single author or of related works) or as collected works (The Complete .... , anthologies, etc.) may be isolated into component parts and read separately as long as the isolated work has been published separately and meets the minimum page requirements.
The Harry Bosch Novels: The Black Echo / The Black Ice / The Concrete Blonde contains 3 independently published titles: The Black Echo, The Black Ice, The Concrete Blonde. These titles in this omnibus may be read as separate books.

If you choose to read an element isolated from an aggregate work, you MUST include a link to the book (isbn) that you read AND provide a link to a separately published work that relates to the isolated title. The use of particular title words, cover colors, or cover images to fulfill tasks applies to the actual book that you read.

Page numbers should be determined by the copy you read whenever possible. If a component part has 200 pages in the volume you read, record those numbers. For digital or audio formats use the page numbers provided if possible or follow the page number guidelines in item 8 above for the isolated title.

Sandy wrote: "If the included books have been published separately, you can post them as separate books, even if you read them published within an omnibus edition.

See the Rules of the Challenge:

11. Books i..."

Sorry, I forgot to state that they have been published separately. What's throwing me is "The use of particular title words, cover colors, or cover images to fulfill tasks applies to the actual book that you read."

I read "The Seasons Series", but within that I actually read "Winter Heat". So I'm unsure if I can use "Winter Heat" for a title task, or only "The Seasons Series".

Sorry I wasn't specific enough the first time.

use the title of the actual book you read, not the omnibus. We re-evaluate and revise/reword the rules as necessary every season, and we'll work on rewording this one.

Sandy wrote: "use the title of the actual book you read, not the omnibus. We re-evaluate and revise/reword the rules as necessary every season, and we'll work on rewording this one."

OK, thanks for the clarification. :)

I wanted to add that mentioning "Omnibus book title" vs "Individual book title" might be one way to clarify which should be used.

I have a question about using books published in two parts - in the next month or so I intend to read A Storm of Swords - published in UK paperback as A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow and A Storm of Swords: Blood and Gold. I know I have to read both paperback "parts" to claim the book for a task, but I was wondering which edition(s) to use for claiming items on the cover or letters in the title/subtitle.

To explain the question I'm asking a bit better: could I claim for task 5.3 using the above books? The physical copies I will read include the word "Gold" as part of one of the subtitles, but the actual "book" I will read (A Storm of Swords) doesn't include the word.

Also relating to omnibus (I was going to post this in the task help thread, but then saw the question here and thought this might go with the rewording issue): if two of the books included in an omnibus fit for a two book task, can the omnibus be used for that task?

This is for Task 25.1 - read two books in the same series. If I read Secret Vows which is an omnibus containing The Promise (book #1 in series) and The Rebel (book #2 in series) would that work? Or would it be considered as one book?
If it does work, how should it be posted? (Note: I didn't check whether the editions linked here match up as being in the same format.)

Catie wrote: "To explain the question I'm asking a bit better: could I claim for task 5.3 using the above books? The physical copies I will read include the word "Gold" as part of one of the subtitles, but the a..."

Both parts would need to work to use them for a word-in-the-title task

Julia wrote: "Also relating to omnibus (I was going to post this in the task help thread, but then saw the question here and thought this might go with the rewording issue): if two of the books included in an om..."

Yes, Treat them as the individual titles-
From Secret Vows
The Rebel
The Promise

I'm looking for a ruling about the edition to use. I will listen to the audio CD of the play All's Well That Ends Well. I understand that I should use the MMPB edition for reporting. But the most rated MMPB is All's Well That Ends Well, which does seem to contain more text than the actual play. None of the other MMPB editions contain information about the number of pages. If I look at the PB editions, the first edition that comes up based on ratings is All's Well That Ends Well, which is some kind of Spanish-English thesaurus edition (whatever that might be). What edition should I use?