See the main challenge thread for details  2013 Historical Fiction Challenge - A House of Cards
 

The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author.

Two: Read a book set in two time periods.

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map.

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art.

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected.

Six: Read six books from your TBR.

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack.

Queen: Read a book about any queen

King: Read a book about any king

The Un-Challenge


Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author.

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods.

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map.

Four:Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies.

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack.

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king

The “Follow Suit” Bonus Mini-Challenge

Hearts
Diamonds
Spades
Clubs (or Puppy Feet, if you must)

The Poker Hand Bonus

Royal Flush: Complete Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten all from one challenge
Straight Flush: Complete any five consecutive categories all from one challenge
Four of a Kind: Complete the same category four times, can be from either challenge
Full House: Complete one category three times and another category two times, can be from either challenge
Flush: Complete any five categories from one challenge
Straight: Complete five consecutive categories, can be from either challenge
Three of a Kind: Complete one category three times, can be from either challenge
Two Pair: Complete two different categories, two times each, can be from either challenge.

 

The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author.

The Shoemaker's Wife by Ariana Trigiani (complete 4/21)

Two: Read a book set in two time periods.

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map.

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art.

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected.   Books in New-to-me Settings (Geography or Time...NO books set in US or England allowed, regardless of time period)

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See (19th Century China, complete 1/20/13)
Petra by T.L.Higley (first century Arabia, complete 2/12/13)

Six: Read six books from your TBR.

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.

             Maid at Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen - Nate wins fencing practice against Hudson (complete 1/12/13)

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack.

Doc by Mary Doria Russell (about Doc Holliday, completed 2/28)

Queen: Read a book about any queen

King: Read a book about any king

When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman (King Stephen, completed 6/4)

The Un-Challenge


Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author.

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods.

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map.

Four:Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies.

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack.

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king

The “Follow Suit” Bonus Mini-Challenge

Hearts
Diamonds
Spades
Clubs (or Puppy Feet, if you must)

The Poker Hand Bonus

Royal Flush: Complete Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten all from one challenge
Straight Flush: Complete any five consecutive categories all from one challenge
Four of a Kind: Complete the same category four times, can be from either challenge
Full House: Complete one category three times and another category two times, can be from either challenge
Flush: Complete any five categories from one challenge
Straight: Complete five consecutive categories, can be from either challenge
Three of a Kind: Complete one category three times, can be from either challenge
Two Pair: Complete two different categories, two times each, can be from either challenge.
 

The Classic Challenge

Ace: The first or the latest book by an author--Outlaw by Angus Donald 4.5/5 Completed 3/5

Two: A book set in two time periods. River of Destiny by Barbara Erskine 3.5/5 Completed 4/22

Three:A book set a Third World Country--Aztec by Gary Jennings

Four: A book where someone is tortured or about a work of art--I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridas

Five:  Five books that are somehow connected--five set in Roman or post-Roman Britain.

• The Last Rainbow by Parke Godwin 4/5 Completed 1/31
• Firelord by Parke Godwin 5/5 Completed 4/9
• Beloved Exile by Parke Godwin 4/5 Completed 4/17
• Song for a Dark Queen by Rosemary Sutcliff 4/5 Completed
• Medicus by Ruth Downie 3/5 Completed 6/20

Six: Six books from your TBR.

• Legacy by Susan Kay 4.5/5 Completed 9/17
• Devil's Bargain by Judith Tarr 4/5 Completed 9/23
• The House of War by Judith Tarr 3/5 Completed 9/26

Seven:Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: A book about a pirate The Sea Witch by Helen Hollick 4/5 Completed 1/8 

Nine: A book where a main character wins a sporting event--The Champion by Elizabeth Chadwick  4.5/5 Completed 3/20

Ten:A book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies. The Moghul by Thomas Hoover 3.5/5 Completed 7/16

Jack:A book about a real person who was NOT a royal.... Mozart's Sister by Nancy Moser 3.5/5 Completed 7/24

Queen:A book about any queen--Her Highness, the Traitor by Susan Higgenbotham 3/5 Completed 3/26

King: A book about any king--I am the Chosen King by Helen Hollick 4/5 Completed 1/22

Ace: Parlor Games by Maryka Biaggio (First book by author) Finished 1/4/13

Two:  Blackberry Winter by Sarah Jio  (1933 and modern day storylines) Finished 1/8/13

Three:  Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map. Olivia and Jai by Rebecca Ryman Finished 2/9/13

Four: Drawn & Quartered Your choice. Read a book where someone is tortured to represent “Quartered”. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein Finished 1/19/13

Five:  Read five books that are somehow connected. Historical Mysteries

1. Naughty in Nice by Rhys Bowen Finished 1/24/13

2. A Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel by Mel Starr Finished 2/15/13

3. The Strange Files of Fremont Jones by Dianne Day Finished 2/18/13

4. A Monstrous Regiment of Women by Laurie R. King Finished 3/09/13

5. A Test of Wills by Charles Todd Finished 3/01/13

Six: Read six books from your TBR.

1. These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner Finished 2/11/13

2. What Alice Knew by Paula Marantz Cohen Finished 2/24/13

3. Family Money by Doris Shannon Finished 5/22/13

4. Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear Finished 7/14/13

5. Lion in the Valley by Elizabeth Peters Finished 7/6/13

6. Paragon Walk by Anne Perry Finished 8/8/13

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it. Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear (4 books)

Eight: Pieces o’ Eight Read a book about a pirate Sea Witch by Helen Hollick

Nine: Nine holes of golf, nine players and nine innings in baseball....read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.

Ten: Ten Little Indians Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.

Jack: The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin Finished 1/2/13.

Queen: Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell Finished 6/8/13

King: Read a book about any king

The Un-Challenge


Ace: A Dangerous Affair by Caro Peacock Finished 5/14/13

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods. Princess Elizabeth's Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal Finished 4/12/13

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map. Scottsboro by Ellen Feldman Finished 3/10/13

Four: read a book with NO pictures in it Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood Finished 4/17/13

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

1. Mrs. Jeffries Takes the Cake by Emily Brightwell Finished on 4/6/13

2. The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzsch Finished 3/30/13

3. One Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama Finished 3/6/13

4. Bullet For a Star by Stuart Kaminsky Finished 5/4/13

5. Letters From Skye by Jessica Brockmole Finished 7/7/13

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.

1. Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini Finished 1/21/13

2. Summerset Abbey by T.J. Brown Finished 2/12/13

3. The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani Finished 4/10/13

4. Speaking From Among The Bones by Alan Bradley Finished 4/19/13

5. India Black and the Shadows of Anarchy by Carol Carr Finished 5/11/13

6. Seduction of the Innocent by Max Allan Collins Finished 6/29/13

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it. Blind Justice by Bruce Alexander Finished 6/2/13

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person One Corpse Too Many by Ellis Peters Finished 4/28/13
 
Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies. The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons Finished 4/10/13

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack. Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell Finished 6/8/13

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen Summerset Abbey: A Bloom in Winter by T.J. Brown Finished 4/4/13

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king Fever by Mary Beth Keane Finished 6/21/3

The “Follow Suit” Bonus Mini-Challenge

Hearts
Diamonds
Spades
Clubs (or Puppy Feet, if you must)

The Poker Hand Bonus

Royal Flush: Complete Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten all from one challenge
Straight Flush: Complete any five consecutive categories all from one challenge
Four of a Kind: Complete the same category four times, can be from either challenge
Full House: Complete one category three times and another category two times, can be from either challenge
Flush: Complete any five categories from one challenge
Straight: Complete five consecutive categories, can be from either challenge
Three of a Kind: Complete one category three times, can be from either challenge
Two Pair: Complete two different categories, two times each, can be from either challenge.

Linda's Challenge(s)

In honor of the year 2013, the challenges are based around the 13 numbers in a deck of cards. The Classic Challenge and the Un-Challenge each have 13 categories. To complete either Challenge, you must read 12 books from a single challenge. Note that categories 5, 6 and 7 each have multiple books in them. Each book you read for those categories counts towards the 12 books.

You can only use a book once for either the Classic Challenge or Un-Challenge.  However, books that you use for those challenges can be re-used for the Bonus Challenges if you want to.

The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author. 
          The Sister Queens a debut novel by Sophie Perinot  finished 1-3-13
Two: Read a book set in two time periods.

         Glow by Jessica Maria Tuccelli  finished 1/16/13

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map. 

          Shadow of the Moon by M. M. Kaye (set in India)  finished 3/7/13

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art.-

         The Lady and the Poet by Maeve Haran or The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland - finished 2/12/13

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected. According to Hoyle (expert on card games)

a. Heritic's Apprentice by Ellis Peters or An Honourable Estate by Elizabeth Ashworth - substituted The Heretic's Wife by Brenda Rickman Vantrease - finished 4/24/13

b. The Oracle Glass by Judith Merkle Riley or One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus - finished 3/30/13

c. Journey to Yesterday by June Lund Shiplett or The Young Savages by Fred Mustard Stewart - substituted The Yard by Alex Grecian - finished 4/14/13

d. Lady of the Glen by Jennifer Roberson or Lady's Slipper by Deborah Swift - finished 2/19/13

e. Elizabeth Street by Laurie Fabiano or The Emporer's Lady by F. W. Kenyon - finished 4/1/13

Six: Read six books from your TBR. 

a. The King's Grace by Anne Easter Smith  finished 5/13/13

b. The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen  finished 1/7/13

c. Ride the Wind by Lucia St. Clair Robson finished 6/8/13

d. In Need of a Good Wife by Kelly O'Connor McNees finished 3/9/13

e. Canaan by Donald McCaig finished 6/16/13

f.  Queen of Silks by Vanora Bennett  finished 2/25/13

    possible substitutes: The Legion by Simon Scarrow, or Bones of the Hills by Conn Iggulden

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

The Cadfael series by Ellis Peters has 20 books in the series.  I have already read the first 15 so will plan to read the last five:

   Heretic' s Apprentice  finished 1/17/13

   Potter's Field  finished 1/27/13

   Summer of the Danes finished 5/1/13

   Holy Thief  finished 5/7/13

   Brother Cadfael's Penance  finished 5/29/13

Eight: Read a book about a pirate The Wild Irish, a Novel of Elizabeth I & the Pirate O'Malley by Robin Maxwell - 8/19/13

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event. Blood Lance by Jeri Westerson - Crispin Guest wins a joust.  read 1/14/13

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.

        Shalimar by Rebecca Ryman or Ride the Wind by Lucia St. Clair Robson - - finished 4/21/13

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack.
         Jack Absolute by C. C. Humphreys  Instead I read The Mevrouw Who Saved Manhattan by Bill Greer   finished 1/9/13

Queen: Read a book about any queen - Shadow on the Crown, by Patricia Bracewell (about Queen Emma) finished 2/16/13

King: Read a book about any king - The Lion of England, by Margaret Butler (Henry II) finished 5/3/13

 

The Un-Challenge

Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author. - The Campaigners, Cynthia Harrod-Eagles - 5/27/13

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods -A Fierce Radiance, Lauren Belfer (WWII) - 3/25/13

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map. - The Buddha in the Attic, by Julie Otsuka - 4/16/13

Four:Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

The Reckoning, Cynthia Harrod Eagles - 6/4/13

The Sea Captain's Wife, Beth Powning - 6/12/13

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acqui,red after January 1, 2013 can be used.

Those Who Save Us, Jenna Blum - 1/12/13

The Light Between Oceans, M L  Stedman - 1/24/13

The Wordsmith's Tale, Stephen Edden - 2/14/13

City of Women, David R. Gillham - 3/13/13

The School of Night, Louis Bayard - 3/16/13

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker, Jennifer Chiaverini - 3/17/13

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it. 

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau - read 5/25/13

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event. 

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies.

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack.

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king

The Follow Suit Bonus Mini-Challenge

Hearts
Diamonds
Spades - Flint by Margaret Redfern

 two brothers march from the Fens in England, carrying their spades, to dig foundations for King Edward I's castles in Wales  during his war with Llewelyn ap Gruffudd - finished 3/10/13

Clubs (or Puppy Feet, if you must)

The Poker Hand Bonus

Royal Flush: Complete Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten all from one challenge
Straight Flush: Complete any five consecutive categories all from one challenge
Four of a Kind: Complete the same category four times, can be from either challenge
Full House: Complete one category three times and another category two times, can be from either challenge
Flush: Complete any five categories from one challenge
Straight: Complete five consecutive categories, can be from either challenge
Three of a Kind: Complete one category three times, can be from either challenge 
Two Pair: Complete two different categories, two times each, can be from either challenge.

Kelly's Challenge

In honor of the year 2013, the challenges are based around the 13 numbers in a deck of cards. The Classic Challenge and the Un-Challenge each have 13 categories. To complete either Challenge, you must read 12 books from a single challenge. Note that categories 5, 6 and 7 each have multiple books in them. Each book you read for those categories counts towards the 12 books.

You can only use a book once for either the Classic Challenge or Un-Challenge.  However, books that you use for those challenges can be re-used for the Bonus Challenges if you want to.

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author. The Secrets of Mary Bowser, Lois Leveen, 25 Mar, 4.5/5. Story of real life Union spy Mary Bowser working undercover as a slave in the Jefferson Davis household.

Poker Bonus; Two Pair:     The Yard,   Alex Grecian, 31 Jul, 5/5. Grecian's first novel and introduces Inspector Walter Day & Sgt Hammersmith of the Scotland Yard. This first one is set in 1889 on the heels of the failure of the police to solve the Jack the Ripper murders. Great mystery, very well constructed!

Poker Bonus; Three of a Kind:     The Light Between Oceans,   M.L. Stedman, 28 Dec, 4.5/5. Stedman's first novel and written with a wonderful, lyrical writing style!  

Two: Read a book set in two time periods. Jacob's Ladder, Donald McCaig, 2 May, 4.5/5. As the tagline reads, A novel of Virginia during the Civil War. Five main characters - separate but connected - affected in different ways by the all-consuming Civil War. Excellent, clever writing - perfectly capturing the perspective of each character. (Two time periods were 1860's and the 1930's.) 

Poker Bonus; Two Pair:     Sophie's Choice,  Susanna Kearsley, 12 Sep, 4.5/5. Set in present day and also set in earlay 1700's Scotland, just prior to the Jacobite Rebellion of 1708. Both storylines were intriguing & enjoyable.

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map.  A Spear of Summer Grass, Deanna Raybourn, 20 Oct, 5/5. LOVED this book ... loved the setting (Kenya, Africa), loved the main characters (Delilah Drummond & Ryder White), loved the writing style (Deanna Raybourn), loved the plot. 

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art. Code Name Verity, Elizabeth Wein; 10 Jan, 5/5. Set in WW II, two women friends, both in service for England. Remarkable, wonderful book - will be one of my best for the year!

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected. Books with one-word Titles; excluding 'A', 'An' or 'The'

a. Redcoat, Bernard Cornwell; 13 Mar, 4/5. Revolutionary War; set in Philadelphia, shortly after the British occupation. Interesting look at Sir William Howe; and as always, I am fascinated by a POV that portrays our Patriots as mere rebels and traitors against the crown. Not one of BC's best; but worthwhile reading nonetheless.

b. Dissolution, C.J Sansom; 19 May, 4/5. The first Matthew Sharlake book. Our mystery revolves around a murder of a King's Commissioner in a monastery at the time when Thomas Cromwell was starting the process of dissolving all of England's larger monasteries.

c. The Chalice, Nancy Bilyeau, 19 Jun, 4/5. 2nd in the Joanna Stafford series - with strong indications of a 3rd one to come. In this one, Joanna is the key player in a three-part prophecy that will save? or destroy? England. Lots of drama, lots of intricate plot-weaving, handled for the most part with skill and grace.

d. The Firebird, Susanna Kearsley, 11 Oct, 3.5/5. Follow-on to Sophia's Secret, in that we pick up some of our historical characters. The present day story characters are completely different. The book ended up okay, but it took a long time getting there. I was just not as drawn to this book as to some of her other ones.

e.  The Corinthian, Georgette Heyer, 15 Oct, 5/5. Loved this one! Young girl (Penelope Creed) is fleeing her domineering aunt's insistence that she marry her cousin & meest Sir Richard Wyndham, "The Corinthian" and peer without measure in London society. And thus it starts! Delightful.

a. Jubilee Trail, Gwen Bristow; 6 Jan, 4/5. Pre-statehood, pre-gold rush story about California. Garnet travels overland to Santa Fe and then to California with her husband. Very good book - not only a nice look at early California, but also a refresher lesson re: westward U.S. expansion.

b. The Shoemaker's Wife, Adriana Trigiani, 29 Jan, 5/5. Wonderful, sweeping, rich tapestry. With Ciro & Enza, based on the author's grandparents, we get a clear picture of early 1900's America from young Italian immigrants' eyes. Beautifully written.

c. The Passing Bells, Phillip Rock, 10 Mar, 5/5. Loved this book about WW I. From the Earl's family to the housemaid who became a nurse, the book is rich with detail and shows all too clearly the horror of the war and cultural and societal changes caused the great war to end all wars.

d.The Black Tower, Louis Bayard. 11 May, 5/5. A wonderful book that languished on my TBR shelves far too long. Louis Bayard is a wonderful writer and under his skillful hand, we meet Vidocq and explore the possibility that Louis-Charles (Louis XVII) did not die in the Black Tower.

e. In Pursuit of the Green Lion, Judith Merkle Riley. 24 Jun, 4/5. A bit of a farce; very tongue-in-cheek. Enjoyable, as long as one doesn't mind talking, traveling ghosts, over-the-top characters & a bit of devil-worship thrown in for good measure. This is book two in the Margaret of Ashbury & Gregory de Vilers trilogy (follows A Vision of Light).

f. The Winter Rose, Jennifer Donnelly. 7 Jul 4.5/5. Second in the Tea Rose trilogy. This one focuses on Sid Malone & India Selwyn-Jones. Wonderful family saga ... every bit as good The Tea Rose.

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it. What Darkness Brings, C.S. Harris; 5 May 4.5/5. 8th book in the Sebastian St. Cyr mystery & they just keep getting better & better. This one involves several deaths, a despicable old man and the stolen Hope diamond. LOVE Sebastian & Hero!

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies. Moloka'i

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack. Sparrowhawk: Jack Frake, Edward Cline, 1 Mar, 4/5. Opening book of the Sparrowhawk series. Really enjoyed this book about smugglers pushing back against restrictive tax & trade laws in 1744 England.

Queen: Read a book about any queen. The Forever Queen, Helen Hollick, 30 Aug, 4.5/5. A great, detailed novel about the life of Queen Emma; wife of two Kings; mother of two more; exiled twice & great-aunt of WIlliam the Conqueror. I like Hollick's POV & the way she portrayed the characters and events.

King: Read a book about any king. The Conqueror,  Georgette Heyer, 3 Nov, 4.5/5. The story of William of Normandy and his subsequent rise to King of England, told from William's point of view. We follow the story from the prospective of one of his men, Raoul de Harcourt.

 

The Un-Challenge

Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author. The Wild Rose, Jennifer Donnelly. 26 Jul, 4.5/5. This finishes the "Rose" trilogy & features Seamus & Willa as our main couple. Set against WW I, this book also features Tom Lawrence (as in Lawrence of Arabia) and has an international espionage storyline to it.

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods. Daughters of the Witching Hill, Mary Sharratt. 2 Dec, 4/5. A great book based on the true story of the "witches" of Pendle Forest, England. Very well-written, but difficult to read, nonetheless. 

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map. The Proud Villeins, Valerie Anand. 18 Dec, 4.5/5. First book in the Bridges Over Time series. Very good; looking forward to the rest of the series.

Four:Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it. 

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person 

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event. 

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies.

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack.

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king

Non-HF Books

Never Go Back, Lee Child, 18 Sep.

The “Follow Suit” Bonus Mini-Challenge

Hearts - A Romance (maybe a Georgette Heyer). The Corinthian, Georgette Heyer (2nd use of this title)

Diamonds - Royalty (tres easy!) The Forever Queen, Helen Hollick (2nd use of this title)

Spades - the Common Man -  City of Promise, Beverly Swerling, 4/5, 9 Feb. Post Civil War, NYC and the development and building of Manhattan Island. Fascinating, but a major plotline is resolved, but left unexplained. 

Clubs - the Warrior - The Conqueror, Georgette Heyer (2nd use of this title)

The Poker Hand Bonus

Royal Flush: Complete Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten all from one challenge
Straight Flush: Complete any five consecutive categories all from one challenge Ace, Two, Three, Four & Five Cards
Four of a Kind: Complete the same category four times, can be from either challenge
Full House: Complete one category three times and another category two times, can be from either challenge Ace & Two Cards
Flush: Complete any five categories from one challenge Five, Six, Seven, Jack, Queen
Straight: Complete five consecutive categories, can be from either challenge Ace, Two, Three, Four & Five Cards
Three of a Kind: Complete one category three times, can be from either challenge 
Two Pair: Complete two different categories, two times each, can be from either challenge. The ACE Category & the TWO Card

Oh, I think even I can manage the Un-Challenge -- so I'm saving this spot (unless someone else really wants it, in which case, I'll reserve a different spot).

The Classic Challenge - Reading Goal 12 Books as listed.

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author. The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani - completed 1/19

Two: Read a book set in two time periods.  The Rose Garden by Susan Kearsley - completed 1/29

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map. The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng - completed 10/3

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art. HHhH by Laurent Binet - completed 4/2

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected. The Princes of Ireland - completed 3/3;  Bending the Boyne - completed 3/18; Star of the Sea - completed 3/21;; May the Road Rise Up to Meet You - completed 4/22; Jacob's Folly - completed 6/1

Six: Read six books from your TBR. 

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies. The Lowland completed 10/6

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly - completed 2/14

Queen: Read a book about any queen

King: Read a book about any king   The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - completed 3/29

The Un-Challenge Reading Goal 12 Books to be determined

Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author. The Master by Colm Tolbin - completed 2/7

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods. Pompeii by Robert Harris - completed 5/3

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map. The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton - completed 9/24

Four:Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other. The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzsch - completed 5/13; Benjamin Franklin's Bastard by Sally Cabot - completed 7/5; Five Quarters of the Orange - completed 8/15; TransAtlantic by Colum McCann - completed 8/20; Fall of Giants by Ken Follett - completed 8/30

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person A Vision of Light by Judith Merkle Riley - completed 6/16

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event. The Sea and the Silence by Peter Cunningham - completed 9/28

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies. A Parachute in the Lime Tree by Annemarie Neary - completed 1/25

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack. The Last Town on Earth by Thomas Mullen - completed 10/15

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen Life After Life by Kate Atkinson - completed 9/3

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king

The “Follow Suit” Bonus Mini-Challenge

Hearts
Diamonds
Spades
Clubs (or Puppy Feet, if you must)

The Poker Hand Bonus

Royal Flush: Complete Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten all from one challenge
Straight Flush: Complete any five consecutive categories all from one challenge
Four of a Kind: Complete the same category four times, can be from either challenge
Full House: Complete one category three times and another category two times, can be from either challenge
Flush: Complete any five categories from one challenge
Straight: Complete five consecutive categories, can be from either challenge
Three of a Kind: Complete one category three times, can be from either challenge
Two Pair: Complete two different categories, two times each, can be from either challengeSaving my spot, too!

The Classic Challenge - Reading Goal 12 Books as listed.

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author.  Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn done 1/21
Two: Read a book set in two time periods.    The House Girl by Tara Conklin  set in 1852 and 2003done 2/24 

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map.

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art.

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected. All books are set in one of the 50 States or DC

 Mrs Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennefer Chiaverini Washington DC done 1/27

               Dragonwyck by Anya Seton New York done 2/12

               The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier  Ohio 5/29
 

Six: Read six books from your TBR. 

           Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks done Feb 14th

               The Secret Keeper :: Kate Morton done April 27

             Shadow of the Crown by Patrica Bracewell done May 27th

              Queen's Vow by C.W. Gortner done June 18th

              Winter Witch by Paula Brackston done July 10th

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.
Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack.  Seduction by M.J. Rose done 6/22

Queen: Read a book about any queen Queen Hereafter by Susan Fraser King  done 1/2

King: Read a book about any king    Louis the Well-Beloved by Jean Plaidy (about Louis XV of France) done 5/10 

The Un-Challenge Reading Goal 12 Books to be determined

Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author.

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods. The Spymistress by Jennifer Chiaverini done 11/30

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map. Every Secret Thing by Susanna Kearsley done 7/15

Four:Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it The Serpent and the Pearl by Kate Quinn done 10/6

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

Still Life with Murder by P.B. Ryan done 8/17

Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt done 9/1

The King Making by Helen Hollick done 9/19

The Last Aloha by Gaellen Quinn done 10/22

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.
Firebird by Susanna Kearsley done 8/3
Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies.  The Last Camellia by Sarah Jio done Oct 10

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack.

The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Tragiani don 11/10
Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king

The “Follow Suit” Bonus Mini-Challenge

Hearts
Diamonds
Spades
Clubs (or Puppy Feet, if you must)

The Poker Hand Bonus

Royal Flush: Complete Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten all from one challenge
Straight Flush: Complete any five consecutive categories all from one challenge
Four of a Kind: Complete the same category four times, can be from either challenge
Full House: Complete one category three times and another category two times, can be from either challenge
Flush: Complete any five categories from one challenge
Straight: Complete five consecutive categories, can be from either challenge
Three of a Kind: Complete one category three times, can be from either challenge
Two Pair: Complete two different categories, two times each, can be from either challengeSaving my spot, too!

The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author.~~The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman~~3/18 (SKP's first novel)

Two: Read a book set in two time periods.~~Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman (1778 to the present)~~2/10 (Follows the occupants of one house through 200 years)

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map. ~~The Hippopotamus Pool by Elizabeth Peters~~4/16 (Egypt)

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art.~~The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier~~4/21 (Le Viste unicorn tapestries)

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected. (Books set in Michigan)

1. The Detroit Electric Scheme by D.E. Johnson (6/7)~Detroit, 1910

2.  Jitterbug by Loren D. Estleman (6/10)~Detroit, 1943

Six: Read six books from your TBR. 

1.  Snow in Summer by Jane Yolen (7/5)

2.  To the Tower Born by Robin Maxwell (7/25)

3.  The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry (9/1)

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.~~Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters (19 books)

~~Seeing a Large Cat, Book 9 (4/26)

~~The Ape who Guards the Balance, Book 10 (5/4)

~~The Falcon at the Portal, Book 11

~~He Shall Thunder in the Sky, Book 12

~~Lord of the Silent, Book 13

~~The Golden One, Book 14

~~Children of the Storm, Book 15

~~Guardian of the Horizon, Book 16

~~The Serpent on the Crown, Book 17

~~Tomb of the Golden Bird, Book 18

~~A River in the Sky, Book 19

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.~~The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman (5/30)~~Character wins an archery contest

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.~~Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier (9/9)

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack.~~The Last Illusion by Rhys Bowen; MC hired to protect Harry and Bess Houdini (10/13)

Queen: Read a book about any queen

King: Read a book about any king
 

The 2013  Historical Fiction Challenge  (read 12 books for either challenge)

The Classic Challenge  COMPLETED 8/12/13

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author.  1356: Go With God but Fight Like the Devil by Bernard Cornwell  completed 1/14/13  (latest book)

Two: Read a book set in two time periods.  The School of Night by Louis Bayard  completed 9/16/13

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map.  The Egyptian by Mika Waltari  completed 3/12/13

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art.  Martyr by Rory Clements  completed 1/18/13  (someone is tortured)

Five: Read five books that are somehow connected.  Five "first books" of five new series I'm going to start reading this year

a.  Roselynde by Roberta Gellis  completed 1/5/13

b.  The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau  completed 8/12/13

c.  A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock  completed 6/11/13

d.  Instruments of Darkness by Imogen Robertson  completed 3/20/13

e. The Heaven Tree by Edith Pargeter  completed 1/26/13

Six: Read six books from your TBR.

a.  The Green Branch  by Edith Pargeter  completed 1/28/13

b.  The Scarlet Seed  by Edith Pargeter  completed 2/1/13

c.  Warriors of the Dragon Gold  by Ray Bryant  completed 2/9/13

d.  The Falcons of Montabard  by Elizabeth Chadwick  completed 2/20/13

e.  For the King's Favor by Elizabeth Chadwick  completed 4/2/13

f.  Sherwood  by Parke Godwin  completed 4/13/13

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.  The Champion  by Elizabeth Chadwick  completed 3/22/13  (jousting)

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.  Zemindar by Valerie Fitzgerald  completed 5/14/13  (book set in India)  

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack.  The True Memoirs of Little K  by Adrienne Sharp  completed 1/8/13  (not a royal)

Queen: Read a book about any queen   Boudica:  Dreaming the Serpent Spear by Manda Scott  completed 2/12/13

King: Read a book about any king   The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick  completed 2/27/13

The Un-Challenge  COMPLETED 10/29/13

Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author.  Unhallowed Ground by Mel Starr completed 6/7/13  (book #4)

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods.  The Half-Hanged Man by David Pilling completed 6/14/13

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map.  Dark Fire by C.J. Sansom  completed  7/17/13

Four: Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it  Poison in the Blood:  The Memoirs of Lucrezia Borgia  by M. G. Scarsbrook  completed 5/31/13  (someone is pampered)

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

a.  Anatomy of Murder by Imogen Robertson  completed 7/24/13

b.  The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman  completed 8/22/13

c.  Devil's Bargain  by Judith Tarr  completed 9/27/13

d.  King's Man  by Angus Donald  completed 10/29/13

e.  Revenger by Rory Clements  completed 10/21/13

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.

a.  The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom  completed 1/31/13

b.  The Conqueror by Conn Iggulden  completed 3/26/13

c.  The Needle in the Blood  by Sarah Bower  completed 4/15/13

d.  Murder in the North End  by P. B. Ryan  completed 5/30/13

e.  The Vizard Mask  by Diana Norman  completed 7/2/13

f.  The Tainted Coin  by Mel Starr  completed 7/3/13

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it.   Face Down in the Marrow Bone Pie  by Kathy Lynn Emerson  completed 9/4/13

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event.  The Mongoliad by Stephenson, Bear, Teppo etc.  completed 7/31/13

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies.   Honolulu by Alan Brennert  completed 6/21/13  (character leaves native country)

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack.  The Iron King  by Maurice Druon  completed 8/2/13

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen   Her Highness the Traitor by Susan Higginbotham  completed 1/15/13

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king  Uneasy Lies the Crown  by N. Gemini Sasson  completed 10/3/13  (Owain Glendwr, Prince of Wales)

The “Follow Suit” Bonus Mini-Challenge  COMPLETED  8/29/13

Hearts  (Romance)  These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer  completed 8/29/13
Diamonds  (Royalty)  Treason by Meredith Whitford completed 3/17/13
Spades  (the Common Man)  The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani completed 4/6/13
Clubs (or Puppy Feet, if you must)  (Conflict)  The Reckoning  by Sharon Kay Penman  completed 4/25/13

The Poker Hand Bonus

Royal Flush: Complete Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten all from one challenge  completed 5/14/13
Straight Flush: Complete any five consecutive categories all from one challenge  completed 10/29/13
Four of a Kind: Complete the same category four times, can be from either challenge
Full House: Complete one category three times and another category two times, can be from either challenge
Flush: Complete any five categories from one challenge  completed 10/3/13
Straight: Complete five consecutive categories, can be from either challenge
Three of a Kind: Complete one category three times, can be from either challenge
Two Pair: Complete two different categories, two times each, can be from either challenge.

Read 12 books

The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author.

Two: Read a book set in two time periods.

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map. 

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art.

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected.   The Amelia Peabody Series 

1. He Shall Thunder In The Sky by Elizabeth Peters  Finished 7/12/13

2. Lord of the Silent by Elizabeth Peters   Finished 7/25/2013

3. The Golden One by Elizabeth Peters  Finished 8/3/2013

4. Children of The Storm by Elizabeth Peters  Finished 8/16/2013

5. Guardian of the Horizon by Elizabeth Peters  Finished 10/20/2013

Six: Read six books from your TBR. 

1. Serpent on the Crown by Elizabeth Peters   Finished 10/29/2013

2. The Passion of the Purple Plumeria by Lauren Willig   Finished 9/25/2013

3. In The Shadow of Gotham by Stefanie Pintoff    Finished 4/6/2013

4. North and South by John Jakes  Finished 9/16/13

5. The Tomb of the Golden Bird by Elizabeth Peters   Finished 11/30/2013

6. River In The Sky by Elizabeth Peters   Finished 12/21/2013

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.  

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack.

Queen: Read a book about any queen

King: Read a book about any king   The Reckoning by Sharon Kay Penman   Finished 5/16/13

The Un-Challenge


Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author.

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods.

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map. 

Four:Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it. 

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person 

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event. 

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies.

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack.

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king

The “Follow Suit” Bonus Mini-Challenge

Hearts
Diamonds
Spades
Clubs (or Puppy Feet, if you must)

The Poker Hand Bonus

Royal Flush: Complete Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten all from one challenge (From the Un-Challenge List)

Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author    The Curtain Falls by Stefanie Pintoff

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king   The Fencing Master by Arturo Perez-Reverte   Finished 6/18/13

Queen: Read a book about anybody is not a queen   Secret of the White Rose by Stefanie Pintoff

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about a person not named Jack    The Rebel Princess by Judith Koll Healey

Ten: Read a book about person leaving their native country - Not India - Not West Indies    Niccolo Rising by Dorothy Dunnett

Straight Flush: Complete any five consecutive categories all from one challenge
 

Four of a Kind: Complete the same category four times, can be from either challenge  (From the Un-Challenge List)

Three: Read a book set in a First or Second World Country    Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati

                                                                                                The Road to Rome by Ben Kane

                                                                                                The Forgotten Legion by Ben Kane

                                                                                                The Silver Eagle by Ben Kane

Full House: Complete one category three times and another category two times, can be from either challenge  (From the Un-Challenge List)

Eight: Read a book about a nun, priest or other pious person The Reeve's Tale by Margaret Frazer

                                                                                                  The Clerk's Tale by Margaret Frazer

                                                                                                  The Bastard's Tale by Margaret Frazer

Three: Read a book set in a First or Second World Country   Roma by Steven Saylor

                                                                                               Empire by Steven Saylor
Flush: Complete any five categories from one challenge
Straight: Complete five consecutive categories, can be from either challenge
 

Three of a Kind: Complete one category three times, can be from either challenge (From The Un-Challenge List)

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods   Heartstone by CJ Sansom   Finished 3/29/13

                                                                            An Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld

                                                                            The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell   Finished 6/1/13

Two Pair: Complete two different categories, two times each, can be from either challenge. (From the Un-Challenge List)

Three: Read a book set in a First or Second World Country    Blood of Victory by Alan Furst

                                                                                                Night Soldiers by Alan Furst

Four: Read a book with no pictures     The Hunters Tale by Margaret Frazer

                                                             The Island of the Day Before by Umberto Eco

The 2013  Historical Fiction Challenge  (read 12 books for either challenge)

The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author. 1356 Bernard Cornwell 1-16-13

Two: Read a book set in two time periods.

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map.

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art. Revelation by C.J. Sansom 1-19-13 (there is a lot of torture going on,)

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected.

Six: Read six books from your TBR.

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack.

Katherine by Anya Seton 2-18-13

Queen: Read a book about any queen

King: Read a book about any king

The Un-Challenge


Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author.

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods.  Semper Fidelis by Ruth Downie 1-24-13

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map. The Thousand Autunms of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell  See review here http://www.paperbackswap.com/Thousand-Autumns-Jacob-David-Mitchell/book/0676979297/

Four:Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.

Book 1  Tatiana and Alexander by Paullina Simons 1-28-13

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies.

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons 1-27-13

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack.

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king

Highlighted yellow means this task is complete

Planning to Read

The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author. The Boleyn King by Laura Andersen

Two: Read a book set in two time periods. Seduction by M.J. Rose

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map. A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art. The Inquisitor's Wife by Jeanne Kalogridis

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected. Authors w/3 Names

Fever by Mary Beth Keane

The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan

The Gods of Heavenly Punishment by Jennifer Cody Epstein

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler

Royal Mistress Anne Easter Smith

Six: Read six books from your TBR.

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon

Eight: Read a book about a pirate 

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack. Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini

Queen: Read a book about any queen- The Forgotten Queen by D.L. Bogdan

King: Read a book about any king King Arthur: Dragon's Child by M.K. Hume

The Un-Challenge


Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author. Like Chaff in the Wind by Anna Belfrage

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods. Roses Have Thorns by Sandra Byrd

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map. The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau

Four: Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it Blood & Beauty by Sarah Dunant

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin

The House of Special Purpose by John Boyne

A Murder at Rosamund's Gate by Susanna Calkins

Spartacus: Rebellion by Ben Kane

The Liars' Gospel by Naomi Alderman

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandell

Reign by Ginger Garrett

The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian

The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell

The Asylum by John Harwood

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person The Sinners and the Sea by Rebecca Kanner

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies. The Ambassador's Daughter by Pam Jenoff

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack. The Tudor Conspiracy by C.W. Gortner

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole

The Classic Challenge

Ace: Newest Book by an author - The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton (September)

Two: People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks (January)

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries .  A Thoroughly Compromised Lady by Bronwyn Scott (partially set in Venezuela and British Guiana (January)

Four: Drawn & Quartered Your choice. Read a book where someone is tortured to represent “Quartered”. Or read a book about a work of art to represent “Drawn”. The work of art does not have to be a picture. It can be a piece of classic music, theater, literature, etc. -Death at Gallows Green by Robin Paige (finished 10/27/13 - features Beatrix Potter and talks about her illustrations) (Triple Counted)

Five: One of our old favorites. Read five books that are somehow connected. - Historical Mysteries:

1. The Ninth Daughter by Barbara Hamilton (finished 8/3/13)
2. A Free Man of Color by Barbara Hambly (finished 9/2/13)
3. Death at Bishop's Keep by Robin Paige (finished October)
4. Death at Gallows Green by Robin Paige (finished 10/27/13)
5. A River in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters
6. Six: Read six books from your TBR. Only books on your TBR on January 1, 2013 can be used.

• Options:
• Moloka'i by Alan Brennert (finished May) - double counted book
• Death at Gallows Green by Robin Paige (finished 10/27/13) - double counted book
• Stone Heart by Diane Glancy (finished 11/10/13)
• Stonehenge by Bernard Cornwell (finished December)
• The Handmaid and the Carpenter  by Elizabeth Berg (audio CD or download)
• A Thoroughly Compromised Lady by Bronwyn Scott - double counted
• King Arthur by Frank Thompson - double counted book
• Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man by Fannie Flagg
• Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman
• Dreamers & Brothers by Angela Ewell Hunt
• The Real Minerva by Mary Sharratt
• It Sleeps in Me / It Wakes in Me by Kathleen O'Neal Gear
• Maybelleen by Kathleen Wallace King
• The Perfect Wife by Lynsay Sands
• The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander
• Storyville by Lois Battle
• Christmas Historical Romance

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.  A River in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters

Eight: Pieces o’ Eight - The Drowning Sea by Veronica Wolff in Ladies Prefer Rogues (December)

Nine: Nine holes of golf, nine players and nine innings in baseball....read a book where a main character wins a sporting event. It can be a joust, a race, an archery contest....anything where people are competing in a game to win.  - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (July) 

Ten: Ten Little Indians Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies - Moloka'i by Alan Brennert (May) and Stone Heart by Diane Glancy (November).

Jack: Jack of All Trades - The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (about Ernest & Hadley Hemingway and their son Jack) (April)

Queen: Read a book about any queen - The Queen's Man or Sword of Rome

King: Read a book about any king  - King Arthur by Frank Thompson 
 

Shoot - here I was saving a spot in the discussion forum - I've really lost it now!! So, here is my spot.....

I'll start with the Unchallenge and see what happens!

The Un-Challenge


Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author. Queen of Bedlam by Robert McCammon - finished on 3/14/13.

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods. The Sisters Brothers by P DeWitt - finished 2/22/13

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map. A Study in Revenge by Kieran Shields - finished on 4/22/13

Four:Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it The Black Country by Alex Grecian - finished on 8/17/13

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other. (all different authors) The Keeper of Hands by J. Sydney Jones finished on 8/23/13 The Dead Shall Not Rest by Tessa Harris finished on 9/4/13 Mortal Arts by Anna Lee Huber finished on 913/13

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used. 1.) The Thieftaker by D.B. Jackson - finished on 1/7/2013; 2.) Summon Up the Blood by R N Morris -finished on 1/12/13; 3.) Blood Lance by Jeri Westerson finished on 1/14/13; 4.) The Bughouse Affair by Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini - finished on 1/17/13; 5.) The Truth of All Things by Kieran Shields - finished 1/23/13 6.) The Bohemian Girl by Kenneth Cameron - finished on 2/9/13

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it. A Test of Wills by Charles Todd

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person  - The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau finished on 5/2/13

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies. The Frightened Man by Kenneth Cameron - finished 1/6/2013

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack. Quarantine by John Smolens - finished on 6/26/13

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen The Constant Lovers by Chris Nickson - finished 3/28/13

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king The Second Woman by Kenneth Cameron - finished 3/23/13

Well, it didn't take me long to figure that books I want to read fit into Both of these challenges, so I'm adding another list:

The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author. The Truth of All Things by Kieran Shields - finished on 1/23/13

Two: Read a book set in two time periods. In the Blood a Genealogical Crime Mystery by Steve Robinson - finished on 1/30/13

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map. The Fever Tree (1880- Africa) by Jennifer McVeigh - finished 5/13/13

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art. - The Thieftaker by D B Jackson - finished on 1/7

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected.

Six: Read six books from your TBR. The Bughouse Affair by Muller and Pronzini - finished on 1/17/13; The Truth of All Things by Kieran Shields - finiished 1/23/13; India Black and The Shadows of Anarchy by Carol K Carr - finished sometime in early March; Queen of Bedlam by McCammon finished 3/14; Come the Fear by Chris Nickson - finished on 3/30/13; The Inquisitor's Wife by Jeanne Kalogridis finished on 9/29/13.

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it. The Crown in Darkness (Hugh Corbett) by P C Doherty - finished on 4/8/13

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies. Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon (Seneca Indian features in this one) - finished 3/29/13

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack. Blood Lance (Jack Tucker) by Jeri Westerson - finished on 1/14/13

Queen: Read a book about any queen

King: Read a book about any king
 

Royal Flush:

ACE: The Truth of All Things by Kieran Shields - finished on 1/23/13

King:

Queen:

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack. Blood Lance (Jack Tucker) by Jeri Westerson - finished on 1/14/13

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies. Mister Slaughter by Robert McCammon (Seneca Indian features in this one) - finished 3/29/13

 

Saving a spot for meself.

The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author.    The Anatomist's Apprentice

Two: Read a book set in two time periods.    A Breath of Eyre

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map.   Let the Dead Lie (South Africa)

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art.    The Girl With the Pearl Earring

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected.  Young Adult

1. Out of the Easy 06.13
2. Clockwork Angel
3. The Agency
4. General Winston's Daughter
5. Lady MacBeth's Daughter

Six: Read six books from your TBR.

1. The Emperor’s Conspiracy 06.13
2. What Remains of Heaven
3. Mariana
4. The Dead of Winter
5. A Foreign Affair
6. A Trace of Smoke

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.    The Queen's Christmas

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.   Roma Victrix

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.  The Case of the Missing Servant (India)

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack.    The Schoolmaster’s Daughter   06.13

Queen: Read a book about any queen    The Last Queen

King: Read a book about any king

The Un-Challenge


Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author.

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods.

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map.

Four:Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies.

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack.

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king

The “Follow Suit” Bonus Mini-Challenge

Hearts
Diamonds
Spades
Clubs (or Puppy Feet, if you must)

The Poker Hand Bonus

Royal Flush: Complete Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten all from one challenge
Straight Flush: Complete any five consecutive categories all from one challenge
Four of a Kind: Complete the same category four times, can be from either challenge
Full House: Complete one category three times and another category two times, can be from either challenge
Flush: Complete any five categories from one challenge
Straight: Complete five consecutive categories, can be from either challenge
Three of a Kind: Complete one category three times, can be from either challenge
Two Pair: Complete two different categories, two times each, can be from either challenge.

The Classic Challenge--Read 12 books total

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author.*  The Day Laid on the Altar/Adria Bernardi  finished 8/31/13

Two: Read a book set in two time periods.* A Hatred for Tulips/Richard Lourie  finished 2/10/13

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map.*  The Blood of Flowers/Anita Amirrezvani  finished 1/27/13

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art.* Girl in Hyacinth Blue/Susan Vreeland finished 7/28/13

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected.* MEDICAL THEMES

The Anatomist's Wife/Anne Lee Huber  finished 3/22/13

A Fierce Radiance/Lauren Belfer  finished 3/31/13

The Anatomist's Apprentice/Tessa Harris finished 4/25.13

Anatomy of Deception/Lawrence Goldstone  finished 6/19/13

A Duty to the Dead/Charels Todd   finished 8/22/13

Six: Read six books from your TBR.

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.*  A Black Englishman/Carolyn Slaughter  finished 9/13/13

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack.* 98 Reasons for Being/Clare Dudman  finished 8/8/13

Queen: Read a book about any queen* The Queene's Christmas/Karen Harper  finished 7/31/13

King: Read a book about any king
 

Tentative Selections as of 11.4.12:

I'll attempt The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author. The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom completed 2.6.13

Two: Read a book set in two time periods.  Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harriscompleted 1.31.13

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map. Little Bee by Chris Cleave completed 1.4.13

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art. The Binding Chair by Kathryn Harrison

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected.

Six: Read six books from your TBR.  Like Donna, I'll attempt all of the Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett, which have been languishing on my TBR for years.This plan failed miserably; I read the first two and simply.could.not.continue. Ack! So, I think now, I'll just read any six books off of my TBR.

Game of Kingscompleted 7.12.13

Queen's Playcompleted 7.20.13

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it. The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon  completed 6./15.13  

Eight: Read a book about a pirate  Mad Morgan by Kerry Newcombcompleted 6.20.13
 

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.
 

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
completed 3.4.13
Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack. A Man in Uniform by Kate Taylorcompleted 4.1.13

Queen: Read a book about any queen Alix and Nicky by Virginia Rounding

King: Read a book about any king The Autobiography of Henry Viii by Margaret George

I'm in!  I'm not exactly sure what I'll do, but I should be able to manage at least one of the challenges!

The 2013  Historical Fiction Challenge  (read 12 books for either challenge)

TICKER:  Books Completed for Challenge: 10 - FAIL!  DIDN'T GET ALL 12 IN.  BOO HOO!

The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author:  Lionheart, Sharon Kay Penman, completed 1/19/13.

Two: Read a book set in two time periods. Sarah's Key, Tatiana de Rosnay, completed 2/13/13. 

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map. The Gendarme, Mark Mustian, completed 3/6/13.

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art.  The Kitchen House, Kathleen Grissom, completed 2/6/13. 

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected. (My connection is historical mysteries)

   1.  The Hangman's Daughter, Oliver Potsch, completed 3/18/13

   2.  Instruments of Darkness, Imogen Robertson, completed 7/29/13

   3.  The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, Alan Bradley, completed _____.

   4. 

   5.

Six: Read six books from your TBR.

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a pirate

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event. Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrand, completed 2/21/13

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.  Red Water, Judith Freeman, completed 5/15/13.

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack.  The Snow Child, Eowyn Ivey, completed 5/2/13.

Queen: Read a book about any queen. 

King: Read a book about any king 

The Un-Challenge
 

TICKER:  Books Completed for Challenge: 12 - CHALLENGE COMPLETED IN JULY, BUT WILL KEEP GOING AND SEE HOW FAR I GET
 

Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author.  The Enterprise of Death, Jesse Bullington, completed 6/11/13.

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods.  The Buddha in the Attic, Julie Otsuka, completed 2/18/13.

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map. Code Name: Verity, Elizabeth Wein, completed 2/7/13.

Four:Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

  1.  City of Thieves, David Benioff, completed 2/26/13.

   2.  The Passing Bells, Phillip Rock, completed 4/8/13. 

  3.  The Shoemaker's Wife, Adriana Trigiani, completed 4/25/13. 

   4.  The Ruins of Lace, Iris Anthony, completed 5/22/13. 

   5.  A Vision of Light, Judith Merkle Riley, completed __________.

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.

   1.  The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart, Jesse Bullington completed 1/28/13.

   2.  Water Ghosts, Shawna Yang Ryan, completed 2/25/13.

   3.  Paris, Edward Rutherfurd, completed 6/25/13. 

   4.  Tommo and Hawk, completed 12/30/13.

   5.  The Traitor's Wife, completed 12/27/13

   6. 
 

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person 

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies.  The Potato Factory, Bryce Courtenay, completed 4/26/13. 

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack.

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king

The “Follow Suit” Bonus Mini-Challenge

Hearts
Diamonds
Spades
Clubs (or Puppy Feet, if you must)
 

And, as always, my Personal Alphabet Challenge:

A. The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas, completed 3/17/13; The Ruins of Lace, Iris Anthony, completed 5/23/13

B.  The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart, Jesse Bullington, completed 1/28/13

C. City of Thieves, David Benioff, completed 2/26/13; The Potato Factory, Bryce Courtenay , completed 4/26/13.

D.   Sarah's Key, Tatiana de Rosnay, completed 2/13/13

E.  The Enterprise of Death, Jesse Bullington, completed 6/11/13.

F.  Red Water, Judith Freeman, completed 5/15/13.

G.  The Kitchen House, Kathleen Grissom, completed 2/6/13.

H.  The Hangman's Daughter, Oliver Potsch, completed 3/18/13.

I.  The Snow Child, Eowyn Ivey, completed 5/2/13; Instruments of Darkness, Imogen Robertson, completed 7/29/13

J.

K.

L.

M. The Gendarme, Mark Mustian, completed 3/6/13

N.

O.  The Buddha in the Attic, Julie Otsuka, completed 2/18/13. 

P.  Lionheart, Sharon Kay Penman, completed 1/28/12.

Q.

R. The Passing Bells, Phillip Rock, completed 4/8/13;  Paris, Edward Rutherfurd, completed ______________

S.  The Shoemaker's Wife, Adriana Trigiani, completed 4/25/13.

T.  Tommo and Hawk, Bryce Courtenay, completed 12/30/13.

U. Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrand, completed 2/21/13

V.  A Vision of Light, Judith Merkle Riley, completed ______________

W.  Code Name Verity, Elizabeth Wein, completed 2/7/13

X.

Y.  Water Ghosts, Shawna Yang Ryan, completed 2/25/13

Z.

The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author. A Foreign Affair, Caro Peacock, read 3/1/13

Two: Read a book set in two time periods. Dream of Scipio, Iain Pears

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map.  The Twelve Rooms of the Nile, Enid Shomer, read 5/16/13

Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art. The Lady and the Unicorn, Tracy Chevalier

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected.   (Second books in a series) 
 1. The Pale Horseman, Bernard Cornwell, read 1/25/13

2. Time and Chance, SKP, read 6/13/13

3. Queen's Play, Dorothy Dunnett

4. Impartial Witness, Charles Todd, read 6/26/13

5. A Dangerous Affair, Caro Peacock, read 3/9/13

Six: Read six books from your TBR.

1. The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

2. The Thousand Autums of Jacob de Zoet, David Mitchell

3. Parrot & Olivier in America, Peter Carey

4. The Tenth Gift, Jane Johnson, read 7/2/13

5. Enchantress of Florence, Salman Rushdie

6. The Hummingbird's Daughter, Luis Alberto Urrea

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

            Mapping of Love and Death (Maisie Dobbs #7), Jacqueline Winspear    read 1/5/13

            A Lesson in Secrets(Maisie Dobbs #8), Jacqueline Winspear read 4/14/13

            Elegy for Eddie (Maisie Dobbs #9), Jacqueline Winspear

Eight: Read a book about a pirate Once a Pirate, Tammy Hilz, read 2/21/13 

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event. The Greatest Knight, Elizabeth Chadwick

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies. The Twentieth Wife, Indu Sundarsesan, read 1/15/13

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack. Place Beyond Courage, Elizabeth Chadwick, read 1/12/13

Queen: Read a book about any queen I, Elizabeth, Rosalind Miles

King: Read a book about any king 

The “Follow Suit” Bonus Mini-Challenge
Hearts  Katherine, Anya Seton (true love)
Diamonds
Spades  Feast of Roses, Indu Sundaresean (gardening)
Clubs (or Puppy Feet, if you must)

See the main challenge thread for details  2013 Historical Fiction Challenge - A House of Cards 
 The Classic Challenge

Ace: Read the first or the latest book by an author. Geraldine Brooks' first novel, Year of Wonders, Completed 11/1/13

Two: Read a book set in two time periods Sofi Oksanen. Purge

Three: Read a book set in any of the Third World Countries shown in green in this Wikipedia map. Choo. The Ghost Bride completed 11/13/13
Four: Read a book where someone is tortured Or read a book about a work of art. Katherine Howe. The Physick of Deliverance Dane, completed 11/22/13

Five:Read five books that are somehow connected. Titles are one word, excluding A, An, The:

Colm Toimin, The Master

Jane Stevenson, The Pretender

Ian McEwan, Atonement

Helen Humphreys. Coventry

William Maxwell, The Chateau

 Six: Read six books from your TBR.

Margriet de Moor. The Virtuoso

Joseph Gangemi. Inamorata

Jeanne Kalogridis. The Borgia Bride

Valerio Massimo Manfredi. The Last Legion 

Helen Humphries. The Lost Garden Completed

Alan Furst. The World at Night?Completed

Boris Akunin. The death of Achilles.Completed 8/29/13

Alan Furst. Mission to Paris. Completed 11/22/13

Mary Beth Keane. Fever. Completed 12/7/13

Seven: Catch up on a series that has at least seven books in it.

Ellis Peters. Brother Cadfael's Penance

Eight: Read a book about a pirate. Arturo Perez-Reverte. Pirates of the Levant

Nine: Read a book where a main character wins a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book with a Native American character, OR set in India OR set in the West Indies.Barry Unsworth. Sacred Hunger

Jack: Read a book about a real person who was NOT a royal, or a book about anybody named Jack. Jane Alison. The Love-Artist. Completed 10/22/13

Queen: Read a book about any queen Susan Carroll. The Silver Rose

King: Read a book about any king. Steven Millhauser. The King in the Tree Completed

The Un-Challenge


Ace: Read a book that is neither the first or the latest book by an author.

Two: Read a book not set in two time periods.

Three: Read a book set in any of the First or Second World Countries shown in blue or red in this Wikipedia map.

Four:Read a book where someone is pampered. OR read a book with NO pictures in it

Five: Read five completely random books that are in no way connected to each other.

Six: Read six newly-acquired books. Only books acquired after January 1, 2013 can be used.

Seven: Start a series that has at least seven books in it.

Eight: Read a book about a priest, nun or other (supposedly) pious person

Nine: Read a book where any character loses a sporting event.

Ten: Read a book where a main character leaves their native country, OR a book NOT set in India OR a book NOT set in the West Indies.

Jack:  Read a book about a real person who was a royal, or a book about anybody not named Jack.

Queen: Read a book about anybody who is not a queen

King: Read a book about anybody who is not a king

The “Follow Suit” Bonus Mini-Challenge

Hearts
Diamonds
Spades
Clubs (or Puppy Feet, if you must)

The Poker Hand Bonus

Royal Flush: Complete Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten all from one challenge
Straight Flush: Complete any five consecutive categories all from one challenge
Four of a Kind: Complete the same category four times, can be from either challenge
Full House: Complete one category three times and another category two times, can be from either challenge
Flush: Complete any five categories from one challenge
Straight: Complete five consecutive categories, can be from either challenge
Three of a Kind: Complete one category three times, can be from either challenge
Two Pair: Complete two different categories, two times each, can be from either challenge.