Remembrance Day Spell Challenge

Duration: 1st November – 30th November 2020
Number of books: 5
Hosted by: Crazy Challenge Connection

November 2020 SPELL – Remembrance Day
Timeframe: 11/1/20 to 11/30/20

PProm Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot, Stephenie Meyer, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe & Lauren Myracle
EAn Elephant in My Kitchen by Francoise Malby-Anthony
A
CThe Cruel Prince by Holly Black
E

To go along with Suzanne’s Remembrance Day challenge, choose one or more of these words to spell out in November. You may use the first letter of the first word in the book’s title (excluding A, An and The) OR the author’s first or last initial (middle names or initials can NOT be used).

Alan Neil
Armistice
Battlefield
Ceremony
Commemorate
Conflict
Eleventh
Flanders
Honor
Last Post
November
Peace
Poppy
Remembrance
Reveille
Rouse
Sacrifice
Silence
Veterans
World War One

CHALLENGE RULES:
♦ Please sign up by posting at least a partial list of the challenge requirements. This gives us a post to link you to, which you can use to update your books as the challenge progresses.

♦ Unless otherwise noted, books must be at least 150 pages long. (See the link here for rules regarding graphic novels.) Books may only be used for one task in this challenge, but cross-challenge posting is encouraged 🙂 Re-reads are allowed, as long as you read the entire book and not simply skim through it.

♦ For each book you read, please post a link to the title, and indicate the author and the date you finished reading it.
* If you don’t know how to post a link to the book title, cover or author, see the instructions here:
Add a link to the book title, book cover and/or author

♦ When you complete the challenge, please post your entire list as a new message to make it easier for everyone to see what you’ve read 🙂 If you don’t repost your list, your name will not be added to the list of those who have completed the challenge.

Remembrance Day Scavenger Challenge

Duration: 1st November – 30th November 2020
Number of books: 7
Hosted by: Crazy Challenge Connection

November 2020 Scavenger Challenge : Remembrance Day
November 1 – 30, 2020

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields. John McCrae ~ “In Flanders Fields”

2/7 Complete

1. Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth. Inaugurated by King George V, it was originally called “Armistice Day” to commemorate the armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.— on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
✠ Read a book that was originally published in a year ending in “11;” tell us the year OR read a book that takes place in Britain or is written by a British author.

2. From 1921 to 1930, Armistice Day was held on the Monday of the week in which November 11th fell. In 1931, Alan Neill, Member of Parliament for Comox–Alberni, introduced a bill to observe Armistice Day only on November 11th. Passed by the House of Commons, the bill also changed the name to “Remembrance Day.”
✠ Read a book with “MONDAY” in its title (exact matches only) OR read a book that takes place during the 1920’s; tell us when.

3. The United States used to commemorate Armistice Day on November 11th. However, in 1954 at the end of the Korean War, the name was changed to Veterans Day so that all war veterans would be honored.
✠ Read a book whose title has changed since its original publication; tell us the original title OR read a book in which a main character served in, or is currently serving in, any military branch (for any country); tell us who and in which branch they serve(d).

4. Many countries observe Remembrance Day every year on November 11th. Wreath-laying ceremonies, usually organized by branches of the Royal British Legion, are performed at war memorials across the UK. Canada has a huge parade of veterans and current military forces led by a Color Guard.
✠ Read a book in which some type of formal ceremony takes place; tell us what OR read a book with a gravestone, cemetery, or memorial structure on its cover; post the cover.The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (coronation)

5. At 11 am on the 11th of November, many countries of the British Commonwealth observe two minutes of silence. The sounding of the “Last Post” (video) announces the period of silence, and is then followed by the sounding of “Reveille” (video) or sometimes just “The Rouse” (video).
Read a book whose cover shows a sunrise or a sunset; post the cover OR read a book with a “2” in its total page count; tell us how many pages. – An Elephant in My Kitchen by Francoise Malby-Anthony (320 pp.)

6. The “two minute period of silence” tradition had lapsed before being revived by a campaign in the early 1990s. The silence is now broadcast as a special program on BBC with a voice over stating, “This is BBC One. Now on the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month. The traditional two minute silence for Armistice Day.” The program starts with a close up of the Big Ben clock chiming 11:00 and then shows different parts of the world observing the silence. Many employers and businesses invite their staff and customers to observe the two minutes’ silence at 11:00 a.m.
✠ Read a book with any timepiece on its cover; post the cover OR read a book whose title contains the word “SILENCE” or any word synonymous with silence – i.e. silent, quiet, whisper.

7. Poppies are worn on Remembrance Day to remember and honor those who have given their lives in battle. The flowers grew on the battlefields after World War I ended. The flower-covered battlefields are immortalized in the famous World War I poem In Flanders Fields.
✠ Read a book whose cover is primarily poppy-red OR read a book in which a character dies in battle; tell us who OR read a book of poetry (must be 150+ pages).

Sources:
Veteran Affairs Canada
Wikipedia

CHALLENGE RULES

See this thread for more detailed rules for all CCC challenges.

♣ If you want to participate in this challenge, please sign up by posting at least a partial list of the challenge requirements. This gives us a post to link you to, which you can use to update your books as the challenge progresses.

♣ For each book you read, please indicate the title, the author and the date you finished reading it. If a challenge task gives several options, please make it clear which option you’ve chosen. If the task calls for an item on the cover, include a link to the book cover.* If it’s not obvious from the book title or cover, be sure to explain how your book fits the task. If you don’t, you won’t get credit for completing that task.

♣ Unless otherwise noted, books must be at least 150 pages long. (See the link above for rules regarding graphic novels.) Books may only be used for one task in this challenge, but cross-challenge posting is encouraged 🙂 Re-reads are allowed, as long as you read the entire book. You must read at least half of the book AFTER the challenge begins in order to count it for this challenge.

♣ Books may only be used for one task in this challenge, but cross-challenge posting is encouraged!

♣ If you want the challenge moderator to check your progress as you make updates, please copy/paste your update into a new message . We don’t have time to scroll back through the entire thread looking for “message #15,” or to follow links back to an original post.

♣ When you complete the challenge, please post your entire list as a new message to make it easier for everyone to see what you’ve read. If you don’t repost your list, you won’t be included in the list of those who have completed the challenge.

*If you don’t know how to post a link to the book title or cover, see the instructions here: Link Instructions

September 2020

Boost Engagement in September with this Simple Religious Calendar

September was a fun month. I started my second job and also started learning Jiu Jitsu. It also meant that I didn’t read as much, and I was constantly in a little pain…

Series

Standalones – Novels

Standalones – Novellas

Standalones – Short stories

Image source: Thrive Meetings and Events

River Polak by Mari Sandoz

Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of westerns book cover

Title: River Polak
Author: Mari Sandoz
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 30th September 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1959
5th sentence, 74th page: He rambled on, but Yonak did not hear.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

A story of life on the Frontier for Poles and all of the intricacies that go along with it.

Thoughts

This was a very calm and relaxing story. I actually quite enjoyed it, but gave it a lower rating because, as I sit here trying to write a review, I really don’t remember much. And the notes that I wrote while reading it? Less than useless…

  • A very calm and relaxing story.
  • Felt like daily life on the frontier
  • Little bit sad, but felt kind of hopeful for Yorvak

That’s it. That is apparently what I thought while reading this relaxing story. And I’m not even sure if I spelt the last word properly… oh well, it was still apparently a pleasant way to pass the time.

<- Emmet DutrowBlood on the Sun ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Emmet Dutrow by Jack Schaefer

Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of westerns book cover

Title: Emmet Dutrow
Author: Jack Schaefer
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 29th September 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1951
5th sentence, 74th page: His voice rolled at its deepest.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Emmet Dutrow was an odd man. If you want to know just how odd, you’ll have to read the words of his neighbour in this kind of unsettling Western short story.

Thoughts

This, for me, highlighted just what it is about Christianity that I tend to find so disturbing – the belief that we are all sinners and somehow unforgiveable. Don’t get me wrong, I know that’s not how everyone follows their faith. But it’s the part that scares me the most. And to find it in a western short story. Well, it was somewhat surprising. But also helped to expand on my general discomfort.

I love that one of the messages in this short story is the idea that letting someone have their own experiences and make their own mistakes can actually save them from a far worst mistake. That, and, ultimately, everyone is responsible for the decisions that they choose to make in their lives. Even if there is a bit of a difficult situation that drove Jess to his actions – he was still ultimately responsible for them. And most definitely had to pay the price in the end.

Even though I quite enjoyed this story, it was really tragic. Just a reminder that when you have children, you can quite easily mess them up. And sometimes it’s done with the best of intentions (which, although the father in this freaked me out big time, he also tried). Just a truly tragic and somewhat uncomfortable short story that I’ve now experienced.

<- Great MedicineRiver Polak ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Way Home by Seanan McGuire

Overview
The Way Home (InCryptid, #0.20) by Seanan McGuire

Title: The Way Home
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #0.20
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 30th September 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Seanan McGuire
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: And about that time, pigs would fly.

Synopsis

Alice Healy is sixteen years old and chafing at the yoke of her father’s regard. His overprotective streak has blossomed in the absence of his wife, leaving his teenage daughter sneaking out at every opportunity, trying to find herself and her place in the world without any parental support. But she knows the woods, and she knows what she wants to do with her life; it’s just a question of whether she can keep herself alive long enough to actually accomplish her planned future.

Thomas Price is a man still paying for his past. He’s smart enough to understand that his assignment is essentially an exile, and has enough of a sense of self-preservation not to argue. Those who vex the Covenant of St. George rarely live long enough to explain themselves. At least in Buckley Township, he’ll be far away from danger…unless you’re counting Alice Healy.

Worlds will collide and a new story will begin as Thomas Price arrives in his new home, and Alice Healy does her best to stay alive long enough to say hello for the first time.

Thoughts

Oh, HELL YES!!! A story of Alice as a teenager, man I’ve been hanging for this ever since Snakes and Ladders. And it was everything that I expected – Alice is sassy, accident prone and wonderfully independent, just like her mother. The fact that she also seems to like knives a little… wow.

This story is not only Alice’s first appearance as a teenager, but it also has Thomas and Alice’s first meeting. Which, again, I fell completely in love with. I can now completely understand how they had Verity as a daughter, and I can’t wait to meet the rest of their children and get to know the family even more (when I have the money to buy the books anyway…).

I was intrigued to see how Thomas truly left the Convent. You get to understand the rationale for the Healys throughout the rest of the short stories, but I wanted something at least slightly different for the next deserter. And I got it. It was great, fun and I can’t wait to keep sticking my nose into this fantastic series!

<- The Star of New MexicoThe Lay of the Land ->

Image source: Goodreads

Madam Damnable’s Sewing Circle by Elizabeth Bear

Overview
Image result for dead man's hand book cover

Title: Madam Damnable’s Sewing Circle
Author: Elizabeth Bear
In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Steampunk, Strong women, Weird western
Dates read: 30th September 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Titan Books
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Go on.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

In a parlour that offers services to those willing to pay, there are a certain set of rules. Ones which, if broken, can have some damnable consequences.

Thoughts

This short story was a lot of fun. Mostly because it was filled with a lot of blatantly obvious innuendos which had me giggling a little to myself. I’m a big fan of the subtle, but sometimes, it’s great to be… not so subtle. Specifically when you’re dealing with a story that is talking about a saloon…

There’s not many prostitute stories out there. Even fewer that are lighthearted and positive. It was exactly the kind of tale that I love. And, since I’ve now read a few of Elizabeth Bear’s short stories… it’s made me want to see what she can do in a full length novel… more books for my ever growing wishlist. Yay!

The only thing that I didn’t like about this short story… it ended. And now I’m sitting around, wondering where I can read more Elizabeth Bear and enjoy more of her unique and fun style of writing…

<- Alvin and the Apple TreeStrong Medicine ->

Image source: Amazon

Collect Call by Sarah Pinborough

Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of ghost stories by women book cover

Title: Collect Call
Author: Sarah Pinborough
In: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women (Marie O’Regan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: FamilyGhosts
Dates read: 29th September 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “I’ll be there before it gets dark.”

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Synopsis

When you die, who will pick up your collect call? This short story is a great reminder to be kind and remember those that you love.

Thoughts

I actually seriously enjoyed this ghost story. And I loved the premise that it created for the afterlife. It’s such a great feeling – that those who are loved and cherished in life will have someone “pick up”. But if you’ve kinda been an arse… well, good luck!

Not only was this a great reminder of loving and karma, but it was also a cute story that was all about being reunited with family. We’ve all said goodbye to loved ones. So it was really nice to have a story that kind of focused on the fact that we’ll eventually see each other again. Whether it’s your father, your wife, your sister… whoever… they’ll pick up and be there when that final curtain call occurs.

Most ghost stories tend to leave you with goose bumps (which, I feel, is kind of the point). But this one didn’t. It left me feeling comfortable, safe and not scared of the future. That lasted all of about thirty seconds before reality crashed back in. But it was a nice feeling all the same.

<- Field of the DeadDead Flowers by a Roadside ->

Image source: Goodreads

Surveyor of Mars by Christopher McKitterick

Overview
Image result for westward weird book cover

Title: Surveyor of Mars
Author: Christopher McKitterick
In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Space, Weird western
Dates read: 29th September 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Daw Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Imagine what we can do without them.

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Synopsis

John is part of the surveyor town on Mars. But when the governing bodies continuously ask for more and more of their tithe, it might just be time to give up his pacifist ways and start a new way of life.

Thoughts

It took me a little bit to get really hooked into this short story. Mostly because there was something that I thought was really good on tv. But, in irony of ironies. I can’t remember what was on tv in that moment. But I can remember how much I actually enjoyed this short story. It just took me that first page or two to completely fall into the spell…

I love that the lead “cowboy” (space cowboy) in this story is constantly focusing on trying to be a pacifist. That it isn’t about violence, but just trying to live and let live. Of course, being a weird western, this didn’t quite work. But I did love that differentiation in character that you don’t always get. Particularly when his reflection on his family indicate that they are most definitely not the same in their proclivities.

This story was definitely one that focused on the idea of power and community. I love that, ultimately, the community joined together and won the day. Even if there was a little bit of violence, mostly it was about unification and everyone joining together in a fight for their own freedom and… well, community.

<- The Ghost in the DoctorCoyote, Spider, Bat ->

Image source: Amazon

Miss Extreme Congeniality by Erin McCarthy

Overview
Bad Boys In Black Tie (Watson Brothers, #3) by Lori Foster

Title: Miss Extreme Congeniality
Author: Erin McCarthy
In: Bad Boys in Black Tie (Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 29th September 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: It’s freezing out there.

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Synopsis

Miss Extreme Congeniality by Erin McCarthy
CJ White knows there must be a catch when Wyatt Maddock – her despised FBI partner – offers to transfer out of Chicago and far, far away from her. There’s a catch all right, and it’s a big one: CJ has to spend one sexy night with the untamed playboy, wearing the outfit of his choice, the pig. Okay, so the guy’s hot. So his reputation in the bedroom is the stuff of legend. So CJ’s been in a dry spell for about, oh, three years. So maybe one night to be rid of him isn’t so unbearable. But once the sheets have cooled, CJ’s just starting to heat up, and moving away is the last thing on Wyatt’s mind…

Thoughts

It took me a little while to click as to the reasoning behind the name of this novella. Normally I am a bit quicker with understanding McCarthy’s naming puns and choices. But, I literally finished this novella, walked away and then realised the next day. It’s not Miss Extreme Congeniality because C.J. is just so damn nice (she’s kind and beautiful, but not that intensely so). It’s Miss Extreme Congeniality because of the extreme makeover she goes through (think Sandra Bullock). Not really sure why I have to state that in a review, it’s not really a huge deal. But, honestly, I had such a proud, lightbulb moment that I needed to share regardless.

Anyhow… as with all of McCarthy’s stories, this was just so dang cute! There’s something so sweet and light about her stories that always leaves me with a happy, content smile on my face. So much so that I picked up one of the few remaining books that I have on my collection that I haven’t read by her… I just needed that nice, cute, happiness that she always imparts.

C.J. and Wyatt make a really great couple. I love that they are still able to maintain their sense of selves and be who they want to be, whilst still making compromises to bring each other into their lives. It’s one of those great literary relationships – healthy. Probably, honestly, why I like McCarthy so much… her relationships might have barriers and have issues, but, ultimately they’re respectful and about finding compromise, not changing everything that you are. But I digress… I keep getting a little side-tracked in this review.

Other than everything else that I loved in this novella, I thought that the presence of C.J.’s autistic son was glorious. It highlighted the issues that not only single mothers have, but the parents of neurodiverse children when they are creating their lives. It was just so full of love and acceptance. My heart definitely grew a few sizes after reading this novella.

<- Good With His HandsLast Call ->

Image source: Goodreads