I read somewhere (please don’t ask me where as I’ve long since forgotten!) that chrysanthemums bloom in November and represent the light of hope in dark times. I thought that was such a cool concept and it made me curious about these golden blooms.

1. Chrysanthemums are some of the most popular flowers in the world, next only to the Rose. Chrysanthemum comes from Greek word ‘Chrys’ meaning golden (the color of the original flowers), and ‘anthemon,’ meaning flower. In addition to the traditional yellow, other popular colors are white, purple, and red.
✽ Read the second book in a series or the second book written by an author OR read a book whose cover is primarily (75%+) gold, white, purple, or red.

2. Each Chrysanthemum flower head is actually a cluster of many flowers, composed of a central group of short disk flowers surrounded by rings of longer ray flowers. Chrysanthemums are classified into nine categories according to the type and arrangement of disk and ray flowers – Incurved, Reflexed, Intermediate, Late Flowering Anemones, Singles, Pompons, Sprays, Spiders/Spoons/Quills, Charms and Cascades.
✽ Choose ONE of the nine categories listed and read a book where the first letter of each title word may be found in that term (ALL words count; 2 word minimum; tell us which category) OR read a book with a “9” in its total page count.

3. Chrysanthemums are tropical flowers, originally grown in the Eurasian region. The Chrysanthemum was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks in AD 400. Japanese emperors so loved the flower that they sat upon Chrysanthemum thrones. Even today, a number of Japanese cities hold spectacular annual chrysanthemum exhibitions.
✽ Read a book that takes place in a tropical location or in Japan OR read a book in which some type of garden or flower show takes place.

4. The Chrysanthemum flower symbolizes fidelity, optimism, joy and long life. It is associated with funerals and All Saints Day. A red chrysanthemum conveys love and a white chrysanthemum symbolizes truth and loyal love.
✽ Read a book in which a funeral takes place OR read a romance OR read a book with a couple who exhibit fidelity and loyal love.
Fate’s Edge by Ilona Andrews

5. Some countries (such as Malta) believe that it is unlucky to have the flower indoors. But, Feng Shui adherents believe the Chrysanthemum brings laughter and happiness to your home!
✽ Read a book whose title contains the word “LUCK,” “LUCKY,” “UNLUCKY” or any form of “LAUGH” (i.e. laughing, laughed) OR read a book marked humor.

6. Chrysanthemums belong to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, which is one of the largest families of flowering plants with over 1,000 genera and about 20,000 species.
In addition to natural settings or beds, chrysanthemums are well suited for container gardening.
✽ Read a book featuring a large family (6+ members) OR read a book with any type of flower or flowering plant on the cover.
Steel’s Edge by Ilona Andrews

7. In addition to posing as a beautiful flower, chrysanthemums have many other uses. Edible chrysanthemums serve as garnishes as well as flavoring agents. Certain species are medicinal herbs, treating a range of ailments from gout to headaches. Chrysanthemum flavored tea is very popular and is used as a relaxant.
✽ Read a book that could be classified as two or more genres (i.e. romantic suspense; tell us the genres) OR read a book featuring an herbalist or tea expert.
Spellbound by Kelley Armstrong