Duration: 1st October – 31st October
Number of books: 4
Hosted by: Crazy Challenge Connection

* Read a book in which a witch plays an important role OR a book with a word in the title that ends in Y – Bound Together by Christine Feehan

recipe posted by Danielle Gypsy Soul

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Read a book with a 1 in the total page count; tell us how many pages OR book #1 in a series; tell us the series – To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before)

2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup whole almonds
1 (.75 ounce) tube red decorating gel
* Read a book with a 3-letter word in the title (do NOT count The, Are or And) OR a book with a predominantly red cover or with a title printed in red; post the cover – Fire Bound by Christine Feehan

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the butter, sugar, egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat together with an electric mixer; gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, continually beating; refrigerate 20 to 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325°F. (165°C). Lightly grease baking sheets.
Remove dough from refrigerator in small amounts. Scoop 1 heaping teaspoon at a time onto a piece of waxed paper. Use the waxed paper to roll the dough into a thin finger-shaped cookie. Press one almond into one end of each cookie to give the appearance of a long fingernail. Squeeze cookie near the tip and again near the center of each to give the impression of knuckles. You can also cut into the dough with a sharp knife at the same points to help give a more finger-like appearance.
* Read a book with a hand showing individual fingers prominently displayed on the cover; post the cover OR a book by an author whose first or last initial can be found in FINGERS – P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Arrange the shaped cookies on the baking sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven until the cookies are slightly golden in color, 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove the almond from the end of each cookie; squeeze a small amount of red decorating gel into the cavity; replace the almond to cause the gel to ooze out around the tip of the cookie.

Duration: 1st October – 31st October
Number of books: 10
Hosted by: Crazy Challenge Connection

October is National Pizza Month! So let’s build our pizzas to enjoy while we read.

This challenge is slightly different than our usual monthly format. You may choose 6-10 tasks, depending how hungry you are. 🙂 One of your tasks must be for CRUST and one of your tasks must be for SAUCE. After that choose as many toppings as you desire! If you would like “extra” on any topping, you may choose to complete both options within one task. i.e. Extra Pepperoni – you would read a book that takes place in Italy AND a book that has a spicy character.

You must specify your pizza size and build (crust/sauce/toppings) before starting!!

Deep Dish Pizza with Pizza Sauce, Anchovies, Bacon, Banana Peppers, Goat Cheese, Green Pepper, Ham & Mozzarella Cheese

Small Pizza = 6 Tasks | Medium Pizza = 7 Tasks | Large Pizza = 8 Tasks | X-Large Pizza = 10 Tasks

CRUST: Choose 1 Task
▼ Thin: Read a “thin” book (150 – 250 pp.); tell us how many pages OR read a book in which a character is consistently described as thin.

▼ Hand Tossed: Read a book with a hand (or hands) clearly shown on the cover; post the cover OR read a book whose author’s first and last initial are in HAND TOSSED.

▼ Deep Dish: Read a book that makes you think about it for some time afterward OR read a book whose title contains only words that are four letters or less. – To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

▼ Whole Wheat: Read a book with a character concerned about their diet OR read a book whose location begins with a letter in WHOLE WHEAT; tell us the location.

SAUCE: Choose 1
▼ Alfredo Sauce: Read a book with a cream-colored cover; post the cover OR read a book whose main character’s first or last name ends with “O;” tell us the character’s name.

▼ BBQ Sauce: Read a book that takes place in North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, or Kansas OR read a book with any baking or cooking term in its title.

▼ Garlic Butter: Read a book about a vampire OR read a book where the first letter of each title word may be found in GARLIC BUTTER (A/An/The DO count; 3 word minimum).

▼ Pizza Sauce: Read a book whose title or author’s first or last name begin with a “Z” OR read a popular book (>10,000 ratings or on a best of list; tell us which list). – The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

TOPPINGS: Choose 4 – 8

▼ Anchovies – Read a book with a fish on its cover (post the cover) or FISH in the title OR read a book that is not very popular (<1,000 ratings); tell us how many ratings. – The Fish Ladder by Katharine Norbury

▼ Artichokes – Read a book that takes place in any European country; tell us where OR read a book whose author’s first and last initial may be found in ARTICHOKE. – Fire Bound by Christine Feehan (Italy, Germany and Russia)

▼ Bacon – Read a book with any breakfast food item on its cover; post the cover OR read a book where a character is cured of something; tell us what – i.e. an illness, addiction, broken heart. – P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han (breakfast food = tea, cure = jealousy)

▼ Banana Peppers – Read a book with a chartreuse cover; post the cover OR read a book whose title contains at least 3 “A”s and 2 “N”s.

▼ Basil – Read a book whose title contains the name of any spice or herb OR read a book that takes place in Asia (where basil originated).

▼ Chicken – Read a book that shows any type of barnyard animal on its cover; post the cover OR read a book whose title contains any word that starts with “CH.”

▼ Goat Cheese (chèvre) – Read a book with a kid (child less than 13 years old) as a main character OR read a book with a foreign word in its title. – Escape from Wolfhaven Castle by Kate Forsyth

▼ Green Pepper – Read a book with a green cover; post the cover OR read a book whose title or author’s name contain double consonants. – Spider’s Bite by Jennifer Estep

▼ Ham – Read a book with a pink cover; post the cover OR read a book with a character who likes to “ham it up” on occasion; tell us who. – Princess in Training by Meg Cabot (Mia and Lilly)

▼ Jalapenos – Read a book that takes place in Mexico OR read a book with a “hot” character; tell us who.

▼ Meatballs – Read a book with a plural word in its title OR read a book with any round object on its cover; post the cover.

▼ Mozzarella Cheese – Read a book whose title contains TWO sets of double consonants OR read a book with a title that is two words (A/an/the DO count). – Bound Together by Christine Feehan

▼ Mushrooms – Read a book whose author’s first and last initial may be found in MUSHROOM OR read a book with a beige or brown cover; post the cover.

▼ Olives – Read a book whose title starts with “O” (disregard a/an/the) OR read a book that takes place in any country that touches the Mediterrean Sea This list will help; tell us where.

▼ Parmesan Cheese – Read a book with a (physical) hard cover OR read a book with a pet whose name begins with a letter in PARMESAN; tell us the pet’s name.

▼ Pepperoni – Read a book that takes place in Italy OR read a book with a spicy character; tell us who.

▼ Pineapple – Read a book with a pale yellow cover; post the cover OR read a book that takes place in Hawaii.

▼ Sausage – Read a book that takes place in Germany or Poland OR read a book that is a blending of two or more genres; tell us the genres.

▼ Sesame Seeds – Read a book that takes place in a tropical location; tell us where OR read a book whose cover shows several very small items (i.e. rain drops, stars, beads); post the cover.

▼ Spinach – Read a book with a character renowned for their strength; tell us who OR read a book with dark green cover; post the cover.

▼ Sun-dried Tomatoes – Read a book with an obvious daytime scene on its cover; post the cover OR read a book with any hyphenated word in its title.

Duration: 22nd September – 21st December

Number of books: 10

Hosted by: Bookworm Bitches

Rules

~Books must be read during the selected time period.

~Post the date you finished the book.

~All books read for challenges can be used for more than one challenge.

~Books can be either Fiction or Non Fiction. Your choice.

~At the end of the challenge, it will be closed for commenting and moved to the archives folder.

1. Read a book set in the fall/ Autumn – Halloween in Atlantis by Alyssa Day

2. September 25- National One-Hit Wonder Day- Read a new author or a debut novel. – The Fish Ladder by Katharine Norbury

3. October 6- National Mad Hatter Day- Read a fantasy or a classic. Bonus points if you read anything related to Alice in Wonderland. – Atlantis Rising by Alyssa Day

4. October 31- Halloween- Read a Horror or Suspense Novel – Reckless by Maggie Shayne

5. November 4- Book Lover’s Day- Free choice! Read anything! Read everything! – Demon Angel by Meljean Brook

6. November 18- Mickey Mouse’s birthday- Read a retelling, a fable, or anything involving Disney. – 110 Grimmer Fairy Tales by The Brothers Grimm

7. November 22- Thanksgiving – Read a book involving this holiday, a family dinner or a cook. – Reinventing Ruby by Deborah Blake

8. December 21- Winter Solstice The shortest Day of the Year- Read a book under 200 pages, a collection of short stories or a book of poems – The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance edited by Trisha Telep

9. Read a book with a Fall related cover (pumpkins, spooky, leaves, any link you can make!). – The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo

10. Read a Bookworm Bitches Selection from past years 🙂

Duration: 21st September – 20th December

Number of books: 25

Hosted by: Crazy Challenge Connection

Although they’re available year-round in most places, apples are one of the signs of fall to many of us, and there seem to be more and more varieties available every month. My father loved Macintosh apples, Mom likes Golden Delicious, Daughter likes Pink Lady and my favorite is the Granny Smith apple. This fall, we decided to explore some of the differences between these varieties, and some of the other most popular apples as well. Thanks to Prevention magazine for the information here and this look into the future:

Mother Nature has created her share of fantastic apples, from Golden Delicious to Granny Smith. But many new varieties are the products of human ingenuity. Today’s breeders use both traditional grafting and cutting-edge genomics to develop fruit that meets Americans’ demands for apples that are sweet, tart, crunchy, and juicy all at once. Among the most storied breeding programs is the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY. Every year, horticulturists harvest at least 10,000 seeds and manage 33 acres of seedlings. The careful work pays off: Over the past 100 years, the program has introduced 65 varieties, including Empire, Macoun, Jonagold, Cortland, and, in 2013, SnapDragon, which is squaring up to be the next must-eat apple.

1. BALDWIN, est. 1750s | One bite yields sweetness with a hint of spice.

The Baldwin was among the most popular American apples until 1934, when a freeze wiped out most of its trees. Growers reported actually hearing the tree bark snap in the cold. Thanks to a smattering of farmers who kept cultivating this variety for themselves, it’s still found in northeastern farmers’ markets.

➦ Read a book set in a location that is cold more often than not; tell us where OR a book set in the 1700s – The Fish Ladder by Katharine Norbury (UK)

2. CORTLAND, est. 1915 | Often described as “sprightly” because of its balance of sweetness and acidity, Cortland browns more slowly after cutting than most other apples, which makes it great for fruit salads.

One of the first man-made hybrids in the US, this much-adored cross between a McIntosh and an apple called the Ben Davis, is about to celebrate its 100th birthday.

➦ Read a book by an author who was born at least 100 years ago (before September 1918); tell us when OR a book by an author or with a character named Ben/Benny/Benjamin (reasonable spelling variations accepted) – 110 Grimmer Fairy Tales by The Brothers Grimm (1800’s)

3. COX’S ORANGE PIPPIN, est. 1825 | Aficionados are fanatical about this heirloom’s nutty, almost pear-like flavor.

Discovered by Richard Cox, a London brewer, it was England’s favorite apple for more than a century, but it has recently lost ground to more modern varieties like Gala.

➦ Read a book set in London OR a book with an X in the author’s first or last name; post a link to the author’s GR page –

4. EMPIRE, est. 1966 | Tart + sweet = hard not to love.

This cross between a McIntosh and a Red Delicious is named for New York (the Empire State), where it was first bred. Star qualities: Medium-sized, it is not easily bruised.

➦ Read a book set in an empire of some sort; tell us where OR a book whose page total includes consecutive double numbers (224 and 188 work, 353 does not) – P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han (337 pages)

5. ESOPUS SPITZENBURG, est. early 1800s | It’s trickier to grow than modern hybrids – the trees don’t grow well if planted too close together – but fans still bend over backward for its floral scent, buttery flesh, and trademark blue-tinged skin.

Said to be a favorite apple of Thomas Jefferson, this heirloom was discovered in Esopus, NY, and is still grown at Monticello today.

➦ Read a book whose cover is predominantly blue; post the cover OR a book set in New York (state) – The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

6. FUJI, est. 1962 | Great for eating fresh, Fujis are too juicy for baking. Use them to add a touch of sweetness in salads and slaws.

Its parents, Ralls Janet and Delicious, are American, but the Fuji was bred in Japan. With between 15 and 18% Brix, or sugar levels, it is one of the sweetest apples around. No wonder it was an instant global hit.

➦ Read a book set in Japan OR a book by an author whose FIRST name begins with J (or first initial for authors who use initials instead) – To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

7. GINGER GOLD, est. 1960s | It wows with its succulent texture and spice. Choose fruits with yellow skin over ones that are green.

Found as a chance seedling growing near a Golden Delicious orchard in Virginia, Ginger Gold is considered one of the best early-season apples.

➦ Read a book with a predominantly yellow cover; post the cover OR a book set in the spring (March, April or May); tell us when

8. GOLDEN DELICIOUS, est. 1890s | Think Golden Delicious is bland or boring? You’ve probably been eating fruit that was picked too early and stored too long. A ripe, fresh-picked GD is exceptionally rich, even custardy.

The first seedling was discovered on the Mullins family farm in West Virginia. A family descendant insists a nursery paid just $50 for the tree and all the fruit it produced—a bargain, considering it went on to be one of the most popular apples of all time.

➦ Read a book with a color name in the title (plurals accepted, no other variations) OR a book whose main character earns his/her living as a farmer

9. GOLDRUSH, est. 1994 | Tart-apple lovers, can we hear you say hallelujah? This late-season apple (look for it at the end of October) has a complex flavor—was that a hint of anise?—that improves with age. Even better: A fresh GoldRush will keep in the refrigerator until summer.

“Gold” refers to its old man, Golden Delicious; “Rush” alludes to the burst of snappy, tangy flavor.

➦ Read a book whose title is a question OR a book originally published in 1994

10. GRANNY SMITH, est. 1860s | Picked in November, this late-season apple is a staple in supermarkets because its thick skin helps it travel.

Maria Ann Smith – or “Granny,” as she was called – discovered the seedling for this tart green apple growing in her Australian compost pile.

➦ Read a book with a character who is a grandmother; tell us the character OR a book you discovered in your TBR pile that you had forgotten about – Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan

11. GRAVENSTEIN, est. 1790s | You’ll get ivory flesh and intense, aromatic flavor.

This heirloom hails from Denmark, but in the United States, it’s grown almost exclusively in Sonoma County, CA, where it’s celebrated with an annual festival. Thank the nonprofit Slow Food USA for keeping the Gravenstein off the endangered species list by adding this apple to its Ark of Taste catalog.

➦ Read a book set in California OR a book in which a character is actively involved in helping a non-profit organization; tell us the character and the organization – Bound Together by Christine Feehan

12. HONEYCRISP, est. 1960s | Expect explosive juiciness and smack-you-over-the-head sweetness.

Demand is so great—and supply still so limited—that Honeycrisps often sell out within a few weeks, even with prices at $4.50 a pound in some places. Though growers are rushing to plant more trees, Honeycrisp grows best in cold climates, so there’s worry that the new crops from warmer climates may disappoint.

➦ Read a book with a closed compound word in its title (like daydream, barefoot, etc; this list might help) OR a book that you had to pay much more for than you usually pay for a book – Wolves of the Witchwood by Kate Forsyth

13. LADY, est. 1628 | Sweet and delicate, with no tartness. In other words, ladylike.

One of the oldest known varieties, this tiny apple is said to have gotten its name because women would keep them in their purses to sniff when they encountered bad odors. Today, Martha Stewart and other stylists use the blushing red fruit in holiday centerpieces.

➦ Read a book with HOLIDAY on its main GR page OR a book with a titled character (Lady, Lord, Duke, Duchess); tell us the character – Princess in Training by Meg Cabot

14. LIBERTY, est. 1978 | Liberty’s bright flavor wins over lovers of tart apples, who find this variety mostly at farm stands in the Northeast.

Liberty was one of the earliest apples bred to be resistant to a pesky disease called apple scab. (The next one was called Freedom.)

➦ Read book #1 of a new-to-you series; tell us the series OR a book with a character who works in a medical field; tell us the character and the job – Judgment Road by Christine Feehan (Torpedo Ink & Steele was trained as a medic)

15. MACOUN, est. 1920s | While consumers have moved on, chefs still treasure Macouns for their intensity of flavor and a movie-sound-effect crunch.

It’s pronounced Mac-ow-n, not Ma-coon. Macouns were in the ’80s what Honeycrisps are today—the “it” apple variety.

➦ Read a book with a main character who earns his/her living as a chef (NOT a baker); OR a book that is very popular (over 10,000 GR ratings); tell us how many ratings – Reinventing Ruby by Deborah Blake

16. McINTOSH, est. 1820s | If you had to create a classic “apple” flavor in the lab, it would be modeled on the Mac: juicy, fresh, sweet, and bright—everything an apple should be.

The Mac is the prize stallion of apples, a thing of beauty that’s a powerful breeder. McIntosh is parent to beloved varieties including Empire, Cortland, and Macoun.

➦ Read a book by an author whose middle or last name begins with the prefix Mc or Mac OR a book with a main character who is a parent

NOTE: If you use the author name option, Mc or Mac MUST be a prefix, not simply the first few letters of the name. – The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus & Emma McLaughlin

17. MUTSU, est. 1930 | One of these oversize green apples can easily feed two people, though its boisterous tang may incline you to keep one all to yourself.

A cross between Golden Delicious and Indo, it’s named after the Mutsu Province of Japan, where it was first grown. Mutsu is often sold under its other (more onomatopoeic) name, Crispin.

➦ Read a book whose title has changed since its original publication; tell us both titles OR a book that can be classified as more than one genre (i.e., romance and suspense or historical and mystery); tell us the genres – The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance edited by Trisha Telep (Romance, Paranormal & Short story collections)

18. NORTHERN SPY, est. 1840s | This variety is tart but honeyed; luscious yet subtle. When eaten fresh, it serves up a particularly high level of Vitamin C.

New York and Connecticut both claim this apple as their own, but no one knows where it got the name.

➦ Read a book with a directional word in its title (NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST, UP or DOWN only) OR a book with ESPIONAGE on its main GR page

19. PINATA, est. 1986 | Sweet and crisp with a hint of tropical fruit.

This German-bred variety was first called Pinova, then Corail, then Sonata. But none of them stuck. Finally, breeders settled on Piñata, a name with appeal to the growing Latino community in the United States.

➦ Read a book with at least one Latino character; tell us the character OR a book with a one-word title (ALL words count) – Lifeblood by P.N. Elrod

20. PINK LADY, est. 1970s | The princess-pink skin draws most people to this apple. It has a mild but pleasant flavor and plenty of crunch.

Pink Lady was the first to be marketed with a brand name. The move set off a trend of trademarking apple names, which allows breeders and associations to control quality and collect fees on every apple sold.

➦ Read a book with a cover that is predominantly pink; post the cover OR a book whose title contains only words that are no more than four letters long (two-word minimum)

21. RUBYFROST, est. 2013 | It’s zippy, almost effervescent.

Developed to avoid browning and for high vitamin C, it’s the perfect apple for a brown-bag lunch. RubyFrost is found in limited quantities and only in the Northeast, but it’s gaining in popularity.

➦ Read a book with a woman’s name in the title OR a book with a “zippy, effervescent” character; tell us the character and why you would describe him/her that way – Death and Relaxation by Devon Monk (Jean)

22. SNAPDRAGON, est. 2013 | Crunch! [a dribble of juice down your chin] Bam! [a burst of ambrosia]

This is Honeycrisp 2.0. SnapDragon looks and tastes like its in-demand predecessor but presents none of the production headaches that plague growers.

➦ Read a book with a flower shown prominently on the cover; post the cover OR a book originally published in 2013 – Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

23. TWENTY OUNCE, est. 1963 | Grown primarily for food manufacturers – bigger apples mean easier peeling and less waste – these giants are still available at some farm stands in the northeast. A single apple can make an entire pie.

In 1976, Kathy Wafler used this enormous apple to win the world record for the longest apple peel: 172 feet, 4 inches.

➦ Read a book with a cardinal number in its title (1, 2, 3, not first, second, third) OR a book with a pie on its cover; post the cover

24. YORK, est. 1830 | Fresh picked, York is a perfect balance of sweet and sharp. It keeps especially well, becoming sweeter and more mellow after several months.

Quaker nurseryman Jonathan Jessup championed this distinctively lopsided, red apple on his farm near York, PA. But it soon won fans in Virginia and further south, where it remains popular.

➦ Read a book whose title begins with Y (disregard A, An and The) OR a book set in Pennsylvania or Virginia; tell us where

25. THE UNNAMED APPLE OF THE FUTURE, est. 2018? | Early iterations were too sour for mainstream tastes. Through patient experiments, growers are said to have tamed the extremes and are on their way toward perfecting a classic.

Growers on five continents created the marketing consortium IFORED to develop this specialty apple, which has red flesh for maximum antioxidants. Fans-to-be: anyone obsessed with cramming more phytochemicals into their day.

➦ Read a book in which the first letter of EVERY word in the title can be found in UNNAMEDAPPLE (two-word minimum) OR a book released no more than six months before you read it; tell us when it was released – Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Duration: 1st September – 30th September
Number of books: 11
Hosted by: My Vampire Book Obsession

How It Works
Ten books each month is a lot, so there will be 5 different levels. So pick which level you want to do and that’s how many items you will need to check off.

Levels:
Transitional – 2 books
Fledgling – 4 books
Vampire – 6 books
Master – 8 books
Vampire King or Queen – 10 books

Tasks
1. Classical music month/ national piano month- read a book where music is important or has a musician in it

2. 3rd skyscraper day- read a book set in a big city or with a cityscape on the cover – Lifeblood by P.N. Elrod

3. 25th national comic book day- read a book with superhero (your interpretation) in it or read a comic book or manga – Stars Above by Marissa Meyer (all the women are fairytale superheroes)

4. 22nd business womens day-read a book with a MC that has their own business – Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

5. 16th step family day- read a book with blended family (step family) or family is an important part of the book – Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan

6. Back to school-read a book with characters who are teachers or students – Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

7. Fall- read a book with fall colors on the cover (red brown …..) – Earth Bound by Christine Feehan

8. Uncle Sam day – MCs in the military or are cops – Spirit Bound by Christine Feehan (Stefan in the Russian military)

9. Fight procrastination day- read a book you’ve been putting off for awhile – Winter by Marissa Meyer

10. 2nd Great Fire of London began in a bakery on Pudding Lane- read a book that a character works in a bakery or title starts with a letter in Pudding Lane – The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

11. Bonus Task 6th read a book day-read any book you want – Water Bound by Christine Feehan

Duration: 1st September – 31st September
Number of books: 6
Hosted by: My Vampire Book Obsession

The Regata Storica is the main event in the annual “Voga alla Veneta” rowing calendar. This unique sport has been practised in the Venetian lagoon for thousands of years and today it is particularly well-known for the spectacular historical water pageant that precedes the race. Scores of typically 16th century-style boats with gondoliers in period costume carry the Doge, the Doge’s wife and all the highest ranking Venetian officials up the Grand Canal in a brightly coloured parade. An unforgettable sight and a true reconstruction of the glorious past of one of most the powerful and influential Maritime Republics in the Mediterranean.

Today there are four races divided in terms of age and type of craft. The best known and most exciting of these is the “Campioni su Gondolini” race, where a series of small, sporting gondolas fly down the Grand Canal to the finishing line at the famous “machina”, the spectacular floating stage located in front of the Ca’ Foscari palace.
This year’s race takes place on September 2nd.

Attend the race by completing at least 2 of the tasks below. Challenge runs September 1st – 30th.

1. Read a book set in Italy or with an Italian character. – Air Bound by Christine Feehan
2. Read a book with an event in the story. – Winter by Marissa Meyer
3. Read a book with a mask on the cover
4. Read a book tagged ‘historical’ or ‘fantasy’ – Grave Witch by Kalayna Price
5. Read a book with a beautiful cover. – Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan
6. Read a book with vampires. – Lifeblood by P.N. Elrod

Duration: 1st September – 30th September
Number of books: 7
Hosted by: Crazy Challenge Connection

End of summer traditionally brings celebrations for the harvest. This month, learn about the Chinese celebration.

1. Moon Festival | Harvest Moon Festival | Mid-Autumn Festival: This festival takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month on the Chinese lunar calendar. The celebration is associated with the full moon on this night, as well as the traditions of moon worship and moon gazing in Chinese culture. The moon festival is the second grandest festival in China, eclipsed only by Chinese New Year.
☾ Read a book that takes place in China OR read a book that centers around a festival, fair, or some kind of gala occasion; tell us the event. – Winter by Marissa Meyer

2. The festival celebrates three fundamental concepts that are closely connected:
• Gathering, such as family and friends coming together, or harvesting crops for the festival. It’s said the moon is the brightest and roundest on this day which means family reunion.
• Thanksgiving, to give thanks for the harvest, or for harmonious unions
• Praying (asking for conceptual or material satisfaction), such as for babies, a spouse, beauty, longevity, or for a good future
☾ Read a book whose title contains a verb that ends in “ing” OR read a book that focuses on families and family relationships. – Water Bound by Christine Feehan

3. The festival was a time to enjoy the successful reaping of rice and wheat with food offerings made in honor of the moon. Today, it is still an occasion for outdoor reunions among friends and relatives to eat mooncakes and watch the moon, a symbol of harmony and unity. The festival is celebrated with many cultural or regional customs, such as burning incense in reverence to deities including Chang’e or performing dragon and lion dances.
☾ Read a book featuring a reunion of some kind; tell us what OR read a book with a character you would describe as a peacemaker or diplomat; tell us who. – Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

4. A notable part of celebrating the holiday is the carrying of brightly lit lanterns, lighting lanterns on towers, or floating sky lanterns. Today the lantern has come to symbolize the festival itself. Another tradition involving lanterns is to write riddles on them and have other people try to guess the answers.
☾ Read a book with a lantern (of any type) on the cover; post the cover OR read a book in which an author’s first and last initial can be found in LANTERN. – The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony

5. Making and sharing mooncakes is one of the hallmark traditions of this festival. The mooncake is a profound cultural tradition, symbolizing a spiritual or mystical feeling. Thus, the sharing and eating of round mooncakes among family members during the week of the festival signifies the completeness and unity of families. In some areas of China, there is a tradition of making mooncakes during the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The senior person in that household would cut the mooncakes into pieces and distribute them to each family member, signifying family reunion.
☾ Read a book involving religious or spiritual themes OR read a book where a family shares a significant meal together. – Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan

6. Mooncakes typically measure 5 -10 cm (2 – 4 in) across and up to 5 cm (2 in.) deep. Named after the moon goddess (Chang’e), who is said to make this kind of cake, they have a pastry skin enveloping a sweet, dense filling. Round mooncakes complement the harvest moon in the night sky at the Mid-Autumn Festival. Imperial chefs have made some as large as a few metres in radius, with its surface pressed with designs of Chang’e, cassia trees, or the Moon-Palace. One tradition is to pile 13 mooncakes on top of each other to mimic a pagoda, the number 13 being chosen to represent the 13 months in a full lunar year.
☾ Read the 13th book in a series OR read a book with any Chinese symbol on its cover; post the cover.

7. An important part of the festival celebration is moon worship. Since ancient times, there have been many legends about the moon in China. The moon is symbolized as being holy, pure, and noble. In Chinese culture, roundness symbolizes completeness and togetherness. A full moon symbolizes prosperity and reunion for the whole family. The moon’s round shape also corresponds to the cyclic concepts of Taoism.
☾ Read a book with a full moon on its cover; post the cover OR read a book whose title contains one of the following words: PURE, FULL, HOLY, ROUND, UNITY, or FAMILY (reasonable variations are acceptable – i.e. purity, union).

Duration: 1st September – 30th September
Number of books: 4
Hosted by: Crazy Challenge Connection

►Read a book whose title starts with G, C, or P (disregard A, An, The). – Grave Witch by Kalayna Price
(serves 5)
Posted by Beth

Ingredients
10 slice Italian bread sliced 3/4 inch thick
10 slice fresh whole milk mozzarella cheese
2-1/2 roma tomatoes sliced
►Read a book with a 4-letter word in the title -or- read a book with a vegetable on the cover (show us the cover). – Earth Bound by Christine Feehan

10 fresh basil leaves chopped
►Read a book with an intact “10” in the total number of pages (tell us how many pages) -or- read a book published in 2010. – Water Bound by Christine Feehan

2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
4 tablespoons fresh parmesan cheese shredded
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pesto (I bought a fresh small tub — 12 oz? and had some left over)

Directions
On five slices of thick bread of your choice, spread pesto thinly.
►Read book #5 from a series (tell us the series) -or- read a book with a “5” in the YEAR of publication (tell us the year). – Winter by Marissa Meyer (2015)

Then layer the mozzarella, cheese, and tomatoes.
Sprinkle with chopped basil leaves, vinegar, salt and pepper.
Top with remaining slices of bread.
In a small bowl, combine oil, parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
Brush over both sides of each sandwich and either place on a grill over medium heat, or cook in a skillet until golden brown, about 2 minutes (I used a skillet). Press down on the sandwich while it heats.
I adapted this from 12tomatoes.com

Duration: 1st September – 31st October
Number of books: 10
Hosted by: Crazy Challenge Connection

1. The 26th state of the United States is Michigan, joining on January 26, 1837. Lansing is its capital city. The state’s name comes from the Ojibwe word, mishigamaa, meaning “large water” or “large lake”. The Great Lake State is Michigan’s nickname, referring to the state’s boundary with four of the five great lakes. In addition to that, Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes. In Michigan, you are never more than 6 miles from an inland lake or more than 85 miles from a Great Lake.
✒ Read a book whose number of pages are between 260 – 269 (tell us the number of pages) -or- read a book set in a state bordering one of the Great Lakes (tell us where) -or- read a book with a title with a word ending with -ing. – Reinventing Ruby by Deborah Blake

2. Michigan has another nickname, The Wolverine State. The origin of this nickname is uncertain, but it is believed that Ohioans gave Michigan this name during a dispute over the Toledo strip, a piece of land along the border between Ohio and Michigan. Rumors in Ohio at the time described Michiganians as being vicious and bloodthirsty as wolverines. This dispute became known as Toledo War. Another reason given for the nickname is a story that has Native Americans, during the 1830s, comparing Michigan settlers to wolverines. There are no longer any living wolverines, although the state was home to wolverines in the past. The last one discovered was in 2004, in Huron County, the first to be spotted in 200 years. It has passed on and been stuffed since.
✒ Read a book with a wild animal on its cover or in its plot -or- read a book with a character you would describe as vicious and bloodthirsty (tell us who) -or- read a book whose series name starts with a letter in TOLEDO. – Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan

3. The state bird of Michigan is Robin Redbreast. The state flower is Apple Blossom, the state tree is the Eastern White Pine and the state wildflower is Dwarf Lake Iris. The state motto is “Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice”, which translates to “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you”. The state stone is the Petoskey Stones, which are made from 350-million-year-old fossilized limestone.
✒ Read a book with a mostly red cover (post the cover) -or- read a book with a fruit in its title or author’s name -or- read a book in which the main character moves to a different location (for the purpose of settling, not for travel). – Water Bound by Christine Feehan

4. Even though it is Florida that bears the nickname “Peninsula State”, Michigan is the only state of the United States with two peninsulas, upper and lower. Michigan has the largest freshwater shoreline in the world. And it has more shoreline than any other state of the United States except Alaska. Grand Haven is famous for its singing sand beaches, which make a whistling sound when you walk on them. The Detroit metro area sits on top of a gigantic salt mine. According to some estimates, there’s enough salt there to last for 70 million years at the world’s current rate of consumption.
✒ Read a book whose plot deals with music in some way -or- read a book from the list Popular Beach Reads -or- read a book with a character you would call “salty”. (tell us whom and why). – Death and Relaxation by Devon Monk

5. Sault Ste. Marie, founded in 1668, was the first European settlement in the Midwest, and the third-oldest west of the Appalachian. Michigan abolished the death penalty in 1846 for all crimes other than treason, becoming not only the first state, but the first English-speaking government to do so. Grand Rapids was named by a Newsweek article in 2011 as one of “America’s Dying Cities”. The town, annoyed, fought back by making a video with everyone in town lip-syncing to the song “American Pie”. The video went viral, and prompted Newsweek to disclaim the original article.
✒ Read a book set in the 1600s -or- read a book in which a town comes together to do something (tell us how your book works) -or- read a book whose title or author’s name contains a St., Ste., or Saint (no other variations!) – Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (to buy Wayan’s house)

6. Colon, despite the rather unfortunate name, is nevertheless a magical place. It is home to several magic supply manufacturers – Abbott Magic Company, Sterlini Magic Manufacturing Company, and FAB Magic. It is also the former hometown and the final resting place of Harry Blackstone Sr., who began his career as a magician in his teens and was popular through the World War II as a USO entertainer. He was often billed as “The Great Blackstone”. Blackstone was in the model of courtly, elegant predecessor magicians, and the last of that breed in America. His most effective illusion was one in which a woman lay on the couch uncovered unlike the versions others performed in the day. It was called Kellar Levitation, which Blackstone called “The Dream of Princess Karnac” – the couch would vanish and the lady would seemingly levitate mid-air.
✒ Read a book with a character who is a magician or illusionist -or- read a book whose title contains only words that begin with a letter in “THEGREATBLACKSTONE” (3 word minimum, A, An and The count) -or- read a book with a prone person on the cover (post the cover). – Winter by Marissa Meyer

7. Detroit is nicknamed Motor City or Motown. In 1903, Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company. Ford’s manufacturing – and those of automotive pioneers William C. Durant (of GM and Chevrolet), the Dodge Brothers, Packard and Walter Chrysler – established Detroit’s status in the early 20th century as the world’s automotive capital. The first air-conditioned car in the world was manufactured in Detroit by the Packard Motor Car Company in 1939. The world’s first depressed freeway ever built, the Davison, was constructed in Detroit. The city also played a key role during the World War II. Jobs expanded so rapidly that in 1950, the city held about one-third of the state’s population. It has declined since, following the gasoline crisis of the 70s which affected the US auto industry and the rise of smaller, fuel-efficient cars by foreign makers. Detroit was also severely affected during the economic recession of the 2000s. The protracted decline of the city has resulted in severe urban decay with thousands of empty buildings around the city, referred to as greyfield.
✒ Read a book that is set in a metropolitan area (tell us where) -or- read a book with a car prominently shown on the cover (post the cover) -or- read a book in which the main character worries about money. – Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

8. In June 1963, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a major speech in Detroit that foreshadowed his “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington D. C., two months later. While the civil rights movement gained significant federal civil rights laws in 1964 and 1965, longstanding inequities resulted in confrontations between the police and inner-city black youth wanting change. Longstanding tensions in Detroit culminated in the Twelfth Street riot in July 1967. Governor George W. Romney ordered the Michigan National Guard into Detroit, and President Johnson sent in U.S. Army troops. The result was 43 dead, 467 injured, over 7,200 arrests, and more than 2,000 buildings destroyed, mostly in black residential and business areas. Thousands of small businesses closed permanently or relocated to safer neighborhoods. The affected district lay in ruins for decades. It was the costliest riot in the United States.
✒ Read a book which contains a confrontation between a civilian and the police -or- read a book written by an African American author -or- read a book from an author with a quote in the first 10 pages of this list of Recently Added Quotes. Mention the quote! – Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

9. The original name of the University of Michigan, founded in 1817, was Catholepistemiad. The University of Michigan has been nicknamed the “Harvard of the West”, which led Harvard alum JFK to refer to himself as a graduate of the Michigan of the East in a speech he delivered during a 1961 campus visit. Famous University of Michigan alums include Clarence Darrow (the defense attorney of the Scopes trial, in which Scopes, a high school teacher, was found in violation of the Tennessee Butler Act, which made it unlawful to teach human evolution in any state funded school), James Earl Jones, Madonna and Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president of the United States. Michigan State University was the first agricultural college in the United States. MSU also has its own illustrious alums, such as Jimmy Hoffa, Sam Raimi and Magic Johnson.
✒ Read a book whose title has changed since original publication for whatever reason -or- read a book set around a university or school -or- read a banned book (here’s a listfor reference). – To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

10. Grand Rapids and Brighton have a law against being annoying. A man who dropped a couple of f-words after falling out of his canoe was convicted in 1999, under a law that had been on the books since 1897 prohibiting “indecent, immoral, obscene, vulgar or insulting language in the presence or hearing of any woman or child”. In 2002, the conviction was overturned, and the law was struck down at the same time. It is legal in Michigan for a robber to file a lawsuit if they got injured while robbing your house. It is illegal in Detroit to have sex in cars, unless said car is parked in the couple’s own property. It is also illegal in Detroit for a man to scowl at his wife on Sunday. In Harper Woods, it is illegal to paint sparrows and sell them as parakeets. And in Rochester, all bathing suits must be inspected by the head of police.
✒ Read a book in which the f-word is used frequently -or- read a book in which a burglary takes place -or- read a book that has a topic or event that leaves you scowling. – The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony (poaching for both)

Duration: 1st September – 30th September
Number of books: 6
Hosted by: My Vampire Book Obsession

Check out these gorgeous dolls!! Get one each month by completing at least 2 tasks out of a set of 6.

The dolls you collect will be in your Vampire Heart thread. Don’t have a thread? You can still do the challenge if you want 🙂

September 

1. Read a book with a character that goes to or works in a school or college. – Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
2. Read a book with pirates or set at sea or with water on the cover. – Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan
3. Read a book with children in the story or tagged Young Adult. – Air Bound by Christine Feehan
4. Read a book with a title starting with a letter in ‘September’. – Stars Above by Marissa Meyer
5. Read a book by a female author. – Winter by Marissa Meyer
6. Read a book you need to read to finish another challenge. – Grave Witch by Kalayna Price