The Next Best Book Club discussion

Here it is THE WINTER CHALLENGE, I tried to incorporate as many ideas as I could and I think it should be a lot of fun...The rules are the same as before but just to remind everyone.

1. Anyone can participate and can join in at anytime after December 1st and before February 28th.
2. Each individual can set their own goal as to how many points they think they can earn in that time and if they want to they can reward themselves. The top 3 point earners will get to choose the 25 point tasks for the next challenge.
3. Each task counts for points only once and the same book can not be used for two categories.
4. Re-reads count (unless otherwise stated).
5. If you have at least 50% of a book you started prior to the beginning of the current challenge it may be counted towards your point total (if it meets the criteria for one the tasks).
6. Small adjustments can be made to the categories but try to stick as close to the task as possible...if you aren't sure feel free to ask.
7. In general small books (I'd say 100 pages or less) like children's books should be used sparingly and only for the 5 point tasks.
8. Audiobooks can be used to complete any of the tasks unless otherwise noted.
9. It's fine to change your mind about which books you plan to use for which task at any point.
10. Other than that just have fun and post what you are reading and your point totals...

5 POINT TASKS
1. February Is African American History Month: Read A Book With A Main Character Who Is African American Or A Biography/Autobiography Of An African American.

2. February Is National Library Lovers Month...Visit Your Local Library And Either Check Out A Book Or For Those Who Have To Own - Buy One From A Library Sale And Read That Book. (Previously Purchased Books Don’t Count.)

3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Romance Novel.

4. It’s Winter: Read A Book Whose Title Contains a Winter Weather Word – i.e. Blizzard, Snow, Ice, Sleet, Icicle, Snowflake, Frost, Freeze, Slush, Flurry, Chill, Or Hail.

5. Pick 10 Books From Your TBR List, Put The Titles Pieces Of Paper, And Pick One Out Of A Basket Or A Hat Whatever You Can Find, And Then Read That Book.

6. Read A Book By A New, First Time Author. (The author can have only one published book at the time you read it.)

7. Read A Book Whose Title Starts With The Word Who, What, Where, When, Why Or How.

8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday.

9. Read A Mystery Novel.

10. The Oscars Are In February: Read a Book you’ve Already Seen the Film To.


10 POINT TASKS
1. For Chinese New Year: Read a Book That Takes Place in China or Was Written By a Chinese Author.

2. For The Holiday Season: Read a Book with a Holiday Song in the Title.

3. For Christmas: Read a Book with Any of the Following in the Title: Angel, Miracle, God, Jesus, Shepherd, Manger, Wise Man, Mary, or Joseph.

4. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart or Heart in the Title.

5. Many Great Authors Died In 2008: Read A Book By An Author Who Died This Year. http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/yea...

6. Read A Book That Takes Place In A Country That Is Part Of Your Ancestry (I.E. If Your Irish Read A Book That Takes Place In Ireland Or About Ireland).

7. Read A Book Where The Main Character Is Mentally Or Physically Handicapped.

8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word King, Queen, Princess, Prince, Duke, Or Duchess.

9. Read A Book With December, January, Or February In The Title.

10. Read A Book With A Title Containing The Name Of A Body Part (Eg. Hand, Nail, Finger, Toe, Etc).

15 POINT TASKS
1. For African American History Month: Read a Book about the Civil Rights Movement (Non-Fiction) or Takes Place during That Time Period (Fiction).

2. For Christmas: Read a Book with the word Santa, Elf, or the Name of Any of the Reindeer in the Title.

3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Chocolate (Or Type of Chocolate or Other Candy) In The Title, Then Eat That Kind Of Chocolate Or Candy.

4. Read A Book And Read It's Sequel. Books should be read back to back. They can be any two books from a series (not necessarily book 1 & 2) but should be read in order i.e. book 3 then book 4 not book 5 then 8.

5. Read A Book Where One Of The Main Characters Has The Same Profession As You.

6. Read A Historical Fiction Book Featuring A
Famous Historic Personality Or A Biography Of A Historical Figure.

7. Read A Non-Fiction Book About A Religion Other
Than Your Own.

8. Read A Book That Relates To One Of Your New Year's Resolutions.

9. The Oscar’s are coming: Read a Book or Play Whose Movie Counterpart Was Nominated or That Won in the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay Category and Watch the Film. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_...

10. In Honor Of Inauguration Day: Read A Book About Politics/Politicians (Fiction Or Non-Fiction).

25 POINT TASKS
1. Karen's Task - Read a book about / set in / or by an author of a country with a name that starts with the first letter of your name (first / middle / last). Example - If your name is John - you could read a book about Japan, set in Jamaica, or written by an author from Jordan. http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld....

2. Ann From S.C.'s Task - Read a book that you have started but never finished.

3. Lisa's Task - Read a book of at least 700 pages.

When you say mentally handicapped, do you mean depressed or manic/ bipolar disorder or suffers from anxiety or panic attacks? If not, can you give me an example of what you do mean?

Any of those is fine...anything that's classified as a mental disorder in like the DSM-IV (the American Psychiatric Associations manual for disorder's) would count...anything from Schizophrenia to Anorexia to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder to Autism - anything along those lines.

love the list cynthia

lot of good ideas around

Oh this looks good!! I'll have to have a think about this!

Can't wait to start!!!!!

Can anyone join in? Cos I haven't done the Autumn challenge.

What fun!! My box from Amazon better show up soon! I've got a few that will count!

5 POINT TASKS
1. February Is African American History Month: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou 5 Pts

2. February Is National Library Lovers Month... These few lines: a convict story: the Lost Lives of Myra William Sykes by Graham Seal 5 Pts

3. For Valentine’s Day (February): Read a Romance Novel. The Host by Stephanie Meyer 5 Pts

4. It’s Winter: Read A Book Whose Title Contains a Winter Weather Word: Light on Snow by Anita Shreve 5 Pts

5. Pick 10 Books From Your TBR List & Pick One Out Of A Hat, And Then Read That Book. Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter 5 Pts

6. Read A Book By A New, First Time Author. In the Land of Invisible Women: A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom by Qanta A. Ahmed 5 Pts

7. Read A Book Whose Title Starts With The Word Who, What, Where, When, Why Or How. When We Were Orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro 5 Pts

8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 5 Pts

9. Read A Mystery Novel. Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben 5 Pts

10. The Oscars Are In February: Read a Book you’ve Already Seen the Film To. PS I Love You by Cecilia Ahern 5 Pts

10 POINT TASKS
1. For Chinese New Year: The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan 10 Pts

2. For The Holiday Season: Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark 10 Pts

3. For Christmas: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson 10 Pts

4. For Valentine’s Day (February): The Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill 10 Pts

5. Many Great Authors Died In 2008: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by May Ann Shaffer 10 Pts

6. Read A Book That Takes Place In A Country That Is Part Of Your Ancestry:Chinese Cinderella The True Story of an Unwanted Daugther by Adeline Yen Mah 10 Pts


7. Read A Book Where The Main Character Is Mentally Or Physically Handicapped: Tim by Colleen McCullough 10 Pts

8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word King, Queen, Princess, Prince, Duke, Or Duchess: The Warrior's Princess by Barbara Erskine 10 Pts

9. Read A Book With December, January, Or February In The Title. The Door to December by Colin Dean Koontz 10 Pts

10. Read A Book With A Title Containing The Name Of A Body Part (Eg. Hand, Nail, Finger, Toe, Etc). Nothing in my hand I bring by Ray Galea 10 Pts

15 POINT TASKS
1. For African American History (February) Month: [Book:Invisible Man] by Ralph Ellison 15 Pts

2. For Christmas: The Dancer Upstairs by Nicholas Shakespeare 15 Pts

3. For Valentine’s Day (February) : The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier 15 Pts

4. Read A Book And Read It's Sequel: A Great Terrible Beauty and Rebel Angels by Libba Bray 15 Pts

5. Read A Book Where One Of The Main Characters Has The Same Profession As You. Bad Boy by Stephen Gray 15 Pts

6. Read A Historical Fiction Book Featuring A Famous Historic Personality: True History of the Kelly Gang A Novel by Peter Carey 15 Pts

7. Read A Non-Fiction Book About A Religion Other Than Your Own. So What's The Difference? by Fritz Ridenour 15 Pts

8. Read A Book That Relates To One Of Your New Year's Resolutions. Faithful Women and their Extraordinary God by Noel Piper 15 Pts

9. The Oscar’s are coming: Read a Book or Play Whose Movie Counterpart Was Nominated or That Won in the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay Category and Watch the Film. Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw 15 Pts

10. In Honor Of Inauguration Day (January) : William Pitt the Younger: A Biography by William Hague 15 Pts

25 POINT TASKS
1. Read a book about / set in / or by an author of a country with a name that starts with the first letter of your name: Still Life with Rice by Heelie Lie (Korea) 25 Pts

2. Read a book that you've started but never finished Paul - A Novel by Walter Wangerin 25Pts

3. Read a book with at least 700 pages: Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray 25 Pts

Total @ 18/02/2009 = 375 Pts (330)
33 Tasks (28)

5 POINT TASKS
1. February Is African American History Month: Read A Book With A Main Character Who Is African American Or A Biography/Autobiography Of An African American.

2. February Is National Library Lovers Month...Visit Your Local Library And Either Check Out A Book Or For Those Who Have To Own - Buy One From A Library Sale And Read That Book. (Previously Purchased Books Don’t Count.)

3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Romance Novel. HOUSEWIFE IN LOVE - ALISON PENTON HARPER

4. It’s Winter: Read A Book Whose Title Contains a Winter Weather Word – i.e. Blizzard, Snow, Ice, Sleet, Icicle, Snowflake, Frost, Freeze, Slush, Flurry, Chill, Or Hail. MISS SMILLA'S FEELING FOR SNOW - PETER HOEG

5. Pick 10 Books From Your TBR List, Put The Titles Pieces Of Paper, And Pick One Out Of A Basket Or A Hat Whatever You Can Find, And Then Read That Book.

6. Read A Book By A New, First Time Author.

7. Read A Book Whose Title Starts With The Word Who, What, Where, When, Why Or How. WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS - JONATHAN KELLERMAN

8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday. A CHRISTMAS CAROL - CHARLES DICKENS

9. Read A Mystery Novel.

10. The Oscars Are In February: Read a Book you’ve Already Seen the Film To.


10 POINT TASKS
1. For Chinese New Year: Read a Book That Takes Place in China or Was Written By a Chinese Author.

2. For The Holiday Season: Read a Book with a Holiday Song in the Title.

3. For Christmas: Read a Book with Any of the Following in the Title: Angel, Miracle, God, Jesus, Shepherd, Manger, Wise Man, Mary, or Joseph.

4. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart or Heart in the Title.

5. Many Great Authors Died In 2008: Read A Book By An Author Who Died This Year. (http://www.fantasticfiction.co...

6. Read A Book That Takes Place In A Country That Is Part Of Your Ancestry (I.E. If Your Irish Read A Book That Takes Place In Ireland Or About Ireland).

7. Read A Book Where The Main Character Is Mentally Or Physically Handicapped.

8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word King, Queen, Princess, Prince, Duke, Or Duchess.

9. Read A Book With December, January, Or February In The Title.

10. Read A Book With A Title Containing The Name Of A Body Part (Eg. Hand, Nail, Finger, Toe, Etc).

15 POINT TASKS
1. For African American History Month: Read a Book about the Civil Rights Movement (Non-Fiction) or Takes Place during That Time Period (Fiction).

2. For Christmas: Read a Book with the word Santa, Elf, or the Name of Any of the Reindeer in the Title.

3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Chocolate (Or Type of Chocolate or Other Candy) In The Title, Then Eat That Kind Of Chocolate Or Candy.

4. Read A Book And Read It's Sequel.

5. Read A Book Where One Of The Main Characters Has The Same Profession As You.

6. Read A Historical Fiction Book Featuring A
Famous Historic Personality Or A Biography Of A Historical Figure.

7. Read A Non-Fiction Book About A Religion Other
Than Your Own.

8. Read A Book That Relates To One Of Your New Year's Resolutions.

9. The Oscar’s are coming: Read a Book or Play Whose Movie Counterpart Was Nominated or That Won in the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay Category and Watch the Film. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A...

10. In Honor Of Inauguration Day: Read A Book About Politics/Politicians (Fiction Or Non-Fiction).

Yes!! I can't wait!!

On the mentally handicapped one-I assumed you meant someone who has a diagnosis of mental retardation or some other developmental disability or delay. Did you mean that too or just a mental health diagnosis?

Interesting book topic this season.
I stink at these challenges, haa haa.... but I cant wait to see how everyone else does...

If you havent done these before, I suggest giving it a try! Cynthia does such a great job putting these together, and the competition is quite fun too :)

I am gonna try my hardest as well. Cos I have 2 shelves full of misery kind of books lol.

Joanie - Mental Retardation and any other developmental delay in addition to any other mental disorder count...there are a lot of things to choose from for that task.

My Winter Tasks (Subject to Change)

25 POINTS
Karen's Task:The Piano Teacher By Janice Y.K. Lee

Ann From S.C.'s Task: PS, I Love You by Cecelia Aherrn

Lisa's Task - The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers By Margaret George

15 POINTS
Civil Rights Movement Book- The Help By Kathryn Stockett

Book with Santa, Elf, or the Name of Any of the Reindeer in the Title. – Santa's Angels By Janet Kaderli

Chocolate Valentine Book - Chocolate Beach By Julie Carobini

Read A Book And Read its Sequel. - Scot On The Rocks: How I Survived My Ex-Boyfriend's Wedding With My Dignity Ever-So Slightly Intact & Jack With A Twist: Engaging Your Adversary And Other Things They Don't Teach You In Law School By Brenda Janowitz

Historical Fiction Book Featuring A Famous Historic Personality Or A Biography Of A Historical Figure. - The Virgin Queen's Daughter by Ella March Chase

New Year's Resolution - Read More Non-Fiction. - The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment That Transformed Their Lives by Cheryl Jarvis

Best Adapted Screenplay Book and Film Task - About a Boy By Nick Hornby

Main Characters Has The Same Profession As You. - The Ice Queen: A Novel By Alice Hoffman


10 POINTS
Chinese New Year - The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan By Amy Tan

For Christmas: Read a Book with a Holiday Song in the Title. - Blue Christmas By Mary Kay Andrews

For Christmas: Read a Book with Any of the Following in the Title: Angel, Miracle, God, Jesus, Shepherd, Manger, Wise Man, Mary, or Joseph. - City of God: A Novel of Passion and Wonder in Old New York By Beverly Swerling

For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Or Heart in the Title. - My Old True Love By Sheila Kay Adams

Many Great Authors Died In 2008: Read A Book By An Author Who Died This Year - My Dream of You By Nuala O'Faolain

Read A Book That Takes Place In A Country That Is Part Of Your Ancestry (I.E. If Your Irish Read A Book That Takes Place In Ireland Or About Ireland). England - The Undomestic Goddess By Sophie Kinsella

Read A Book Where The Main Character Is Mentally Or Physically Handicapped. - Tim By Colleen McCullough

Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word King, Queen, Princess, Prince, Duke, Or Duchess. – The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter, and the People Who Raised Them By Amy Dickinson

Read A Book With December, January, Or February In The Title. - A Wedding in December By Anita Shreve

Read A Book With A Title Containing The Name Of A Body Part (Eg. Hand, Nail, Finger, Toe, Etc). – Stone Heart By Luanne Rice

5 POINTS
February Is African American History Month: Read A Book With A Main Character Who Is African American Or A Biography/Autobiography Of An African American. - Sapphire's Grave By Hilda Gurley-Highgate

Library Challenge - Savannah Blues By Mary Kay Andrews

For Valentine’s Day: Read a Romance Novel. – Romeo, Romeo By Robin Kaye

Winter Weather Word – Light on Snow By Anita Shreve

Pick Out Of A Hat - Elegance By Kathleen Tessaro

Read A Book By A New, First Time Author. – Dreams for Stones By Ann M. Warner

Read A Book Whose Title Starts With The Word Who, What, Where, When, Why Or How. – Where or When By Anita Shreve

Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Or Any Other Winter Holiday. – The Christmas Letters By Lee Smith

Read A Mystery Novel. – The Good Thief's Guide to Paris By Chris Ewan

The Oscars Are In February: Read A Book You’ve Already Seen The Film To. – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I have only picked out a few, so far, but here they are:

5 Point Tasks
1. Their Eyes Were Watching God
2. Steve & Me
3. Breaking Dawn
5. Take the Cannoli
6. Multiple Blessings: Surviving to Thriving With Twins and Sextuplets
7. How to Behave and Why
8. A Christmas Carol
9. Plum Spooky
10. The Prestige

10 Point Tasks
3. Rebel Angels
4. Love Walked In
5. Consider the Lobster: And Other Essays
6. The Book Thief
8. The Princess Diaries
10. Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

15 Point Tasks
2. Confessions of a Backup Dancer
3. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
4. Odd Thomas and Forever Odd
5. Nine and Counting: The Women of the Senate
6. The Other Queen: A Novel
8. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff--and it's all small stuff : Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life
9. All the President's Men
10. Hidden Power: Presidential Marriages That Shaped Our History

25 Point Tasks
2. Eclipse
3. The Sweet Far Thing

Points: 135/275

Okay, I'm in, too. I'm making it a little harder for myself - I'll only use books that are (literally) on my TBR shelf at home. I can't purchase any new ones (because it's seriously becoming a problem!) Some of these books have been sitting there quite awhile, so this will actually challenge me to read them (I might add more later on if I can find others on my shelf that fit, or as they come off my PaperbackSwap wish list):

5 POINT TASKS
1. Double Cross - James Patterson (5 Points - 12/07/08)
3. PS I Love You - Cecelia Ahern
4. Holidays on Ice - David Sedaris (5 Points - 12/05/08)
5. Jack With A Twist - Brenda Janowitz (5 Points - 01/19/09)
6. Jessica Z - Shawn Klomparens (5 Points 12/30/08)
8. The Coldest Winter Ever - Sister Souljah
9. One for the Money - Janet Evanovich (5 Points - 12/18/08)
10. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist - Cohn/Levithan

10 POINT TASKS
1. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan - Lisa See
3. Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him - Danielle Ganek
4. Love Walked In – Marisa De Los Santos (10 Points - 12/14/08)
5. The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society - Shaffer/Barrows (10 Points - 02/07/09)
6. Remember Me - Sophie Kinsella (England) (10 Points - 12/21/08)
7. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter - Carson McCullers
8. The Frog Prince - Jane Porter (10 Points - 12/24/08)
9. February Flowers - Fan Wu
10. Hand-Me-Down – Lee Nichols

15 POINT TASKS
1. The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd (15 POINTS - 01/28/09)
4. Size 14 is Not Fat Either (01/11/09) and Big Boned - Meg Cabot(15 POINTS - 01/14/09)
5. The Devil Wears Prada – Lauren Wiseberger
6. Billy Bathgate – EL Doctorow (Dutch Schultz was a real gangster)
7. Under the Banner of Heaven – Jon Krakauer
8. The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry - Kathleen Flinn (my resolution is to take more cooking classes, since I love to cook) (15 POINTS - 01/05/09)
9. Mystic River - Dennis Lehane
10. Sammy’s Hill – Kristin Gore

25 POINT TASKS
1. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro (Japan for J)
2. Forget About It - Caprice Crane (25 Points - 2/17/09)
3. Beach Music - Pat Conroy

Tasks: 13/28
Total: 135/330
Personal Goal: 100 points (110/100)

These are the books I think I'll use for the challenge at this point:

5 POINT TASKS
2. Inkheart
3. Emma
5. An Abundance of Katherines
6. Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict
9. Plum Spooky
10. Ella Enchanted

10 POINT TASKS
1. Buying a Fishing Rod for My Grandfather
4. Love and Friendship
5. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
6. Chocolat (France)
8. Alex Haley's Queen

15 POINT TASKS
3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
4. The Sisters Grimm 1&2
6. The Diary of Anne Frank
9. Breakfast at Tiffany's
10. Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief

25 Point Tasks
1. An Artist of the Floating World (Japan)
2. Roots
3. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell

Goal: 230

It looks like I should be able to come up with 135 points without buying anything. That would be a total of 16 books. I'm going to wait to make a final outline for myself until I see the 25 point challenges.

Q: Does blood count as a body part?

I kind of stopped doing the Fall Challenge, I guess I was too lazy to record my books.

I'm definitely doing this one!

Darla - I was thinking more in terms of organs or appendages for that one but as long as it is blood and not bloody I'll accept that.

Darla said: Q: Does blood count as a body part?

I'm hoping so! Was going to ask the same thing ...

6. Read A Book That Takes Place In A Country That Is Part Of Your Ancestry (I.E. If Your Irish Read A Book That Takes Place In Ireland Or About Ireland).


Is it fiction, non-fiction or can we choose?
I was thinking about reading 'nothing new at the western front' which is about WW1 in the flanders, northern part of Belgium where I was born and grew up.

Does that one count?

Cynthia -- Would Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince count? (sorry, I just want to make sure, I'm reading the series right now, and if I time things right I can read the 6th one starting on the 1st or a little after)

So, nothing new at the western front would count for the challenge?

I'm excited. I'm goping to post my ideas in a bit! But then, they always change!

I haven't tried one of these yet, but I intend to do so this time. Looks like fun - thanks, Cynthia!

This challenge looks good! And also gives me more incentive to finish Middlesex before the month is over because I don't know if I could fit it into the winter challenge!

Darla - Yes that will be okay.

Jeane - Non-fiction or fiction is acceptable for the ancestry challenge.

Fiona - TV series won't count for the Oscar related challenges - they have to be films (made for tv movies ok but preferably major motion pictures) but rereads are ok for the authors who died this year.

Here is what I have so far... I may end up changing some of these.

5 POINT TASKS
1. February Is African American History Month: Read A Book With A Main Character Who Is African American Or A Biography/Autobiography Of An African American.
The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah-12/8

2. February Is National Library Lovers Month...Visit Your Local Library And Either Check Out A Book Or For Those Who Have To Own - Buy One From A Library Sale And Read That Book. (Previously Purchased Books Don’t Count.)
Good Luck by Whitney Gaskell-12/3

3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Romance Novel.
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer-2/19

4. It’s Winter: Read A Book Whose Title Contains a Winter Weather Word – i.e. Blizzard, Snow, Ice, Sleet, Icicle, Snowflake, Frost, Freeze, Slush, Flurry, Chill, Or Hail.
Light on Snow by Anita Shreve

5. Pick 10 Books From Your TBR List, Put The Titles Pieces Of Paper, And Pick One Out Of A Basket Or A Hat Whatever You Can Find, And Then Read That Book.
Breakneck by Erica Spindler-2/15

6. Read A Book By A New, First Time Author. (The author can have only one published book at the time you read it.)
The Red Leather Diary: Reclaiming a Life Through the Pages of a Lost Journal by Lily Koppel-12/26

7. Read A Book Whose Title Starts With The Word Who, What, Where, When, Why Or How.
What We Keep by Elizabeth Berg-2/4

8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday.
The Christmas Hope by Donna VanLiere-12/13

9. Read A Mystery Novel.
Cross Country by James Patterson-12/28

10. The Oscars Are In February: Read a Book you’ve Already Seen the Film To.
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane-2/13

10 POINT TASKS
1. For Chinese New Year: Read a Book That Takes Place in China or Was Written By a Chinese Author.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See-1/25

2. For The Holiday Season: Read a Book with a Holiday Song in the Title.
Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark-2/9

3. For Christmas: Read a Book with Any of the Following in the Title: Angel, Miracle, God, Jesus, Shepherd, Manger, Wise Man, Mary, or Joseph.
Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson-1/7

4. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart or Heart in the Title.
Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern-1/16

5. Many Great Authors Died In 2008: Read A Book By An Author Who Died This Year. (http://www.fantasticfiction.co...
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch-1/14

6. Read A Book That Takes Place In A Country That Is Part Of Your Ancestry (I.E. If Your Irish Read A Book That Takes Place In Ireland Or About Ireland). (Takes place in Germany and I am German on my father's side of the family- maiden name Kuhlmann).
Book Thief by Markus Zusak-12/31

7. Read A Book Where The Main Character Is Mentally Or Physically Handicapped.
She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb-1/11

8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word King, Queen, Princess, Prince, Duke, Or Duchess.
Tales of a Drama Queen by Lee Nichols-2/1

9. Read A Book With December, January, Or February In The Title.
A Wedding in December by Anita Shreve-2/16

10. Read A Book With A Title Containing The Name Of A Body Part (Eg. Hand, Nail, Finger, Toe, Etc).
Cold Feet by Heather Swain, Pamela Ribon, Tara McCarthy-2/2

15 POINT TASKS
1. For African American History Month: Read a Book about the Civil Rights Movement (Non-Fiction) or Takes Place during That Time Period (Fiction).
Four Spirits: A Novel by Sena Jeter Naslund-2/8

2. For Christmas: Read a Book with the word Santa, Elf, or the Name of Any of the Reindeer in the Title.
The Cupid Effect by Dorothy Koomson-2/11

3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Chocolate (Or Type of Chocolate or Other Candy) In The Title, Then Eat That Kind Of Chocolate Or Candy.
The Chocolate Lover's Club by Carole Matthews-1/30

4. Read A Book And Read It's Sequel.
Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares-1/3
Girls in Pants Sisterhood of Traveling Pants Book Three by Ann Brashares-1/6

5. Read A Book Where One Of The Main Characters Has The Same Profession As You.
Drenched in Light by Lisa Wingate-12/21

6. Read A Historical Fiction Book Featuring A
Famous Historic Personality Or A Biography Of A Historical Figure.
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank-12/6

7. Read A Non-Fiction Book About A Religion Other Than Your Own.
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
by Dalai Lama XIV-1/14

8. Read A Book That Relates To One Of Your New Year's Resolutions.
A Life in Smoke: A Memoir by Julia Hansen-1/18

9. The Oscar’s are coming: Read a Book or Play Whose Movie Counterpart Was Nominated or That Won in the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay Category and Watch the Film. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A...
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott-1/28

10. In Honor Of Inauguration Day: Read A Book About Politics/Politicians (Fiction Or Non-Fiction).
Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise by Barack Obama-1/19

25 POINT TASKS
1. Karen's Task - Read a book about / set in / or by an author of a country with a name that starts with the first letter of your name (first / middle / last). Example - If your name is John - you could read a book about Japan, set in Jamaica, or written by an author from Jordan. http://www.listofcountriesofth...
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Name: Angela/ Country: Afghanistan)-1/22

2. Ann From S.C.'s Task - Read a book that you have started but never finished.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck-12/12

3. Lisa's Task - Read a book of at least 700 pages.
The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb-12/26

As of 2/19/09
32/33 tasks
370/375 points

For the task about Historical Fiction, can we use a book like Memoirs of a Geisha or Kite Runner? They are both considered Historical Fiction but I do not know if there are any famous historic personalities in the book.

For the Romance novel, can it be any book where there is a love interest between two characters?

Angela - No it has to be about a famous Historical figure like Abraham Lincoln or Picasso or Cleopatra - something along those lines.
And for the romance category...it should be primarily a romance novel (doesn't have to be like harlequin or Danielle Steel) but it should not just have romance as an element of the story. Historical Romance, Gothic, Paranormal, Christian Romances all okay so there is plenty of options to choose from.

Okay, thanks Cynthia!

Here is what I am planning though with Christmas may slow things down:

5 POINT TASKS
1. February Is African American History Month: Read A Book With A Main Character Who Is African American Or A Biography/Autobiography Of An African American.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

2. February Is National Library Lovers Month...Visit Your Local Library And Either Check Out A Book Or For Those Who Have To Own - Buy One From A Library Sale And Read That Book. (Previously Purchased Books Don’t Count.)
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN

3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Romance Novel. PS I LOVE YOU

4. It’s Winter: Read A Book Whose Title Contains a Winter Weather Word – i.e. Blizzard, Snow, Ice, Sleet, Icicle, Snowflake, Frost, Freeze, Slush, Flurry, Chill, Or Hail.
5. Pick 10 Books From Your TBR List, Put The Titles Pieces Of Paper, And Pick One Out Of A Basket Or A Hat Whatever You Can Find, And Then Read That Book.

6. Read A Book By A New, First Time Author. GATHERING STORM

7. Read A Book Whose Title Starts With The Word Who, What, Where, When, Why Or How.

8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other winter holiday. A CHRISTMAS CAROL

9. Read A Mystery Novel.
10. The Oscars Are In February: Read a Book you’ve Already Seen the Film To.
INTO THE WILD

10 POINT TASKS
1. For Chinese New Year: Read a Book That Takes Place in China or Was Written By a Chinese Author.
PEONY IN LOVE

2. For The Holiday Season: Read a Book with a Holiday Song in the Title.

3. For Christmas: Read a Book with Any of the Following in the Title: Angel, Miracle, God, Jesus, Shepherd, Manger, Wise Man, Mary, or Joseph.
ANGEL FROM HELL

4. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Love, Romance, Kiss, Valentine, Cupid, Sweetheart or Heart in the Title.

5. Many Great Authors Died In 2008: Read A Book By An Author Who Died This Year. (http://www.fantasticfiction.co...

6. Read A Book That Takes Place In A Country That Is Part Of Your Ancestry (I.E. If Your Irish Read A Book That Takes Place In Ireland Or About Ireland).
THE ROUSEABOUT

7. Read A Book Where The Main Character Is Mentally Or Physically Handicapped.

8. Read A Book Whose Title Contains The Word King, Queen, Princess, Prince, Duke, Or Duchess.

9. Read A Book With December, January, Or February In The Title.
FEBRUARY FLOWERS

10. Read A Book With A Title Containing The Name Of A Body Part (Eg. Hand, Nail, Finger, Toe, Etc).
THE SOUND OF ONE HAND CLAPPING

15 POINT TASKS
1. For African American History Month: Read a Book about the Civil Rights Movement (Non-Fiction) or Takes Place during That Time Period (Fiction).

2. For Christmas: Read a Book with the word Santa, Elf, or the Name of Any of the Reindeer in the Title.
BLAME IT ON CUPID

3. For Valentine’s Day: Read a Book with the Word Chocolate (Or Type of Chocolate or Other Candy) In The Title, Then Eat That Kind Of Chocolate Or Candy.
CHOCOLATE DIPPED DEATH

4. Read A Book And Read It's Sequel.

5. Read A Book Where One Of The Main Characters Has The Same Profession As You.
CHORE WHORE: ADVENTURES OF A CELEBRITY PERSONAL ASSISTANT

6. Read A Historical Fiction Book Featuring A Famous Historic Personality Or A Biography Of A Historical Figure.
DIARY OF ANNE FRANK

7. Read A Non-Fiction Book About A Religion Other Than Your Own.

8. Read A Book That Relates To One Of Your New Year's Resolutions.

9. The Oscar’s are coming: Read a Book or Play Whose Movie Counterpart Was Nominated or That Won in the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay Category and Watch the Film. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A...
NOTES ON A SCANDAL OR THERE WILL BE BLOOD

10. In Honor Of Inauguration Day: Read A Book About Politics/Politicians (Fiction Or Non-Fiction).

ok, so I think that I can come up with 17 books for 145 points without the 25 point challenges and without buying any new books.

I came up with a book for every challenge but:

7. Read A Non-Fiction Book About A Religion Other Than Your Own. (Thinking athiest because it is so far from my own religion)

2. For The Holiday Season: Read a Book with a Holiday Song in the Title.
Really hard!! Any suggestions???

5. Read A Book Where One Of The Main Characters Has The Same Profession As You.
I am a teller manager at a bank by profession, but I also completed my Masters a week ago in school counseling, so I would prefer to read a book related to this. I do still volunteer at the school I completed my internship at, so I am going to try to use this.

Can I change The Art of Racing in the Rain to:

4. It’s Winter: Read A Book Whose Title Contains a Winter Weather Word – i.e. Blizzard, Snow, Ice, Sleet, Icicle, Snowflake, Frost, Freeze, Slush, Flurry, Chill, Or Hail

even though rain is not listed above but it is a winter weather word

I personally associate rain more with spring but I'll accept it as a winter weather word.

What a great list -- I'm going to start thinking what I'm going to read now...Dec 1 is not that far away.

And if I might shamelessly promote for my husband - he qualifies for #6 - Since he only has one published work at this time - BUT...Only for this challenge since his second book hits the shelf April 2009.

--
Wife of fantasy author: Michael J. Sullivan
The Crown Conspiracy (Oct 2008)
Avempartha (April 2009)

Angela - Some Holiday Song suggestions - Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark, Silver Bells by Luanne Rice, and I'm doing Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews.

When can we start reading for this challenge?

I am going to do this challenge but I haven't really picked anything out yet. I will probably just put them up as I read them. I like to be spontaneous.

Wow this sounds like fun...I'm going to have to start planning.

Jeane books you start reading on December 1st and finish by Feb 28 count for this challenge.

I'm so excited! My goal is to beat my score from the Fall challenge. This'll also help me with my goal of reading at least 200 books next year. :)

I have printed this out and will post as and when I have read a book off the list.

Thank you for the suggestions Cynthia!! I am probably going to go with Silent Night.

Cynthia - So, in general, is it okay to re-read a book for the challenge? I have a couple that I'd like to re-read, but (as I found out during the Fall Challenge) I hate when the books I read during the challenge don't count toward it!

Yeah! Great list. I can't wait for Dec 1st.