CHINESE NEW YEAR CHALLENGE
Duration: January 31, 2014 - October 31, 2014
Get out your noisemakers and fireworks! It's time to celebrate the Chinese New Year! This year is the Year of the Horse. Just like the traditional zodiac calender, the Chinese Zodiac calender, features twelve different animal signs. You determine your sign by the year in which you were born.
This challenge will have several options:
Option Series: You will notice that each sign below is numbered to correspond to the twelve months in the Chinese Zodiac. Read a book from a series that corresponds with the sign's number. For example, the rat is #1 so read the first book in a series. You may choose to start a new series and read the first twelve books, or you can mix and match different series. You don't have to do the series in order. For example, you may read a book #9 before reading a book #1.
Option Tasks: After each sign's description, two to three tasks are listed. Complete one task for each sign.
Option Compatibilities: Each participant will figure out their sign and post this in their challenge template. (I will then set up a list by signs). For this option, look at the two signs who are said to be compatible with a given sign. Read ANY book from a participant's shelves who fits one of the compatible signs. You may choose someone from either of the signs; you do not have to do both!
Option ALL: For each sign, read a book in a series that corresponds to the sign's number, read a book from the sign's tasks, and a read a book from a participant's shelves for the compatible signs.
You may choose one of the options above; however, there will just be the 'single' options (Series, Tasks, Compatibilities) or the ALL option. There is no option to do two of the 'single' options (i.e. Series and Compatibilities)
See below for a listing of the Chinese Zodiac signs. Find your birth date and list your sign in your initial post. When signing up, please let me know which option you would like to complete.
WHEN YOU SIGN UP, PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHICH OPTION YOU WILL DO AND WHAT YOUR ZODIAC SIGN IS!!
CHALLENGE RULES
♣ When you sign up for the challenge, please post a challenge template so we have a post to which to link your name; post #2 will list participant links which can then be used for making challenge updates.
♣ 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.
♣ 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.
1. Rat
Although the rat does not enjoy a positive image, it is a powerful sign and the first in the Chinese Zodiac. Those born under this sign of the Rat are quick-witted, clever, charming, sharp and funny. They have excellent taste, are a good friend and are generous and loyal to others considered part of its pack. Motivated by money, can be greedy, is ever curious, seeks knowledge and welcomes challenges.
✤Tasks: Read a book labeled “humor” or read a book about friendship or read a book with a curious character.
☯Compatible with Dragon or Monkey.
2. Ox
Another of the powerful Chinese Zodiac signs, the Ox is steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented leader, detail-oriented, hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted but can feel lonely and insecure. Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable, protective and strong companion.
✤Tasks: Read a book with a character described as unusually large and/or strong or read a book in which a character finds themselves isolated (i.e. death of a loved one, divorce or separation, outcast).
☯Compatible with Snake or Rooster.
3. Tiger
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Tiger are authoritative, self-possessed, have strong leadership qualities, are charming, ambitious, courageous, warm-hearted, highly seductive, moody, intense, and they’re ready to pounce at any time.
✤Tasks: Read a book whose cover depicts a tiger or the word “tiger” is in the title or read a book where a character demonstrates good leadership.
☯Compatible with Horse or Dog.
4. Rabbit
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rabbit enjoy being surrounded by family and friends. They’re popular, compassionate, sincere, and they like to avoid conflict and are sometimes seen as pushovers. Rabbits enjoy home and entertaining at home. The rabbit traditionally represents hope.
✤Tasks: Read a book whose title contains the word “hope (variations such as hopeful etc. are okay),” OR read a book about an event planner or caterer OR read a book in which family is important.
☯Compatible with Goat or Pig.
5. Dragon
A powerful sign, those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dragon are energetic and warm-hearted, charismatic, lucky at love and egotistic. They’re natural born leaders, good at giving orders and doing what’s necessary to remain on top. In ancient China, this creature was thought to speed across the sky with divine power.
✤Tasks: Read a book a dragon on the cover or “dragon” in its title OR read a book in which a character is energetic and/or charismatic OR read a book with any winged creature on the cover.
☯Compatible with Monkey and Rat.
6. Snake
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Snake are seductive, gregarious, introverted, generous, charming, good with money, analytical, insecure, jealous, slightly dangerous, smart, they rely on gut feelings, are hard-working and intelligent. The Snake is also attributed with the power of divination and the ability to distinguish herbs.
✤Tasks: Read a book in which herbs play a role OR read a book with a character who is sneaky or dangerous OR read a book with a character who is any type of money professional (i.e. banker, accountant, financial analyst).
☯Compatible with Rooster or Ox.
7. Horse
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Horse love to roam free. They’re energetic, self-reliant, money-wise, and they enjoy traveling, love and intimacy. They’re great at seducing, sharp-witted, impatient and sometimes seen as a drifter.
✤Tasks: Read a book whose cover shows a horse OR read a book in which a horse is the main focus OR read a book with a character you consider a “free-spirit.”
☯Compatible with Dog or Tiger.
8. Goat
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Goat enjoy being alone in their thoughts. They’re creative, thinkers, wanderers, unorganized, high-strung and insecure, and can be anxiety-ridden. They need lots of love, support and reassurance. Appearance is important too.
✤Tasks: Read a book with a creative character OR read a book labeled “romance” OR read a book with a character who is in the beauty / fashion industry.
☯Compatible with Pig or Rabbit.
9. Monkey
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Monkey thrive on having fun. They’re energetic, upbeat, and good at listening but lack self-control. They like being active and stimulated and enjoy pleasing self before pleasing others. They’re heart-breakers, not good at long-term relationships, morals are weak.
✤Tasks: Read a book you consider “upbeat,” OR read a book in which a party takes place OR read a book with a character who is “vain” or “self-absorbed.”
☯Compatible with Rat or Dragon.
10. Rooster
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rooster are practical, resourceful, observant, analytical, straightforward, trusting, honest, perfectionists, neat and conservative. The rooster is the epitome of fidelity and punctuality. Another symbolic meaning this creature carries is exorcising evil spirits.
✤Tasks: Read a book with any time-keeping device on the cover OR read a book with a character you consider “practical, resourceful, or analytical” OR read a book with any kind of paranormal activity.
☯Compatible with Ox or Snake.
11. Dog
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dog are loyal, faithful, honest, distrustful, often guilty of telling white lies, temperamental, prone to mood swings, dogmatic, and sensitive. Dogs excel in business but have trouble finding mates. The Chinese regard it as an auspicious animal. If a dog happens to come to a house, usually the host will be very glad to adopt it, for it symbolizes the coming of fortune.
✤Tasks: Read a book with a dog on the cover or in the title OR read a book in which a character has a dog(s) as a pet OR read a book in which the main character has a good head for business / runs a successful business.
☯Compatible with Tiger or Horse.
12. Pig
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Pig are extremely nice, good-mannered and tasteful. They’re perfectionists who enjoy finer things but are not perceived as snobs. They enjoy helping others and are good companions until someone close crosses them, then look out! They’re intelligent, always seeking more knowledge, and exclusive.
✤Tasks: Read a book in which a character “enjoys the finer things in life” OR read a book that takes place in academia OR read a book with a “piggy-pink” colored cover (soft, peachy pinks – no bright pinks or magentas!)
☯Compatible with Rabbit or Goat.
Quite a different challenge and it sounds fun. My Chinese sign is sheep/goat. My goal will be Option ALL: For each sign, read a book in a series that corresponds to the sign's number, read a book from the sign's tasks, and a read a book from a participant's shelves for the compatible signs. Which means 36 books.
List of books:
✔ 1. Rat
3/3
✔ •Series #1: Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh - Guild Hunter # 1
✔ ✤Tasks: Read a book labeled “humor” or read a book about friendship or read a book with a curious character. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams
✔ ☯Compatible with Dragon or Monkey. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - Pigletto's bookshelf, she is a dragon
✔ 2. Ox
3/3
✔ •Series #2: Death du Jour by Kathy Reichs - Temperance Brennan, #2
✔ ✤Tasks: Read a book with a character described as unusually large and/or strong or read a book in which a character finds themselves isolated (i.e. death of a loved one, divorce or separation, outcast). From a Whisper to a Scream by Charles de Lint
✔ ☯Compatible with Snake or Rooster. Angel by L.A. Weatherly - Angie2's bookshelf, she is a Rooster
✔ 3. Tiger
3/3
✔ •Series #3: Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch - Peter Grant #3
✔ ✤Tasks: Read a book whose cover depicts a tiger or the word “tiger” is in the title or read a book where a character demonstrates good leadership. The Tiger Princess by Sarah Renee
✔ ☯Compatible with Horse or Dog. An Unlikely Match by Barbara Dunlop - Connie's bookshelf, she is a Horse
✔ 4. Rabbit
3/3
✔ •Series #4: WitchHunt by Emma Mills - Witchblood #4
✔ ✤Tasks: Read a book whose title contains the word “hope (variations such as hopeful etc. are okay),” OR read a book about an event planner or caterer OR read a book in which family is important. The Highlander's Hope by Cali MacKay
✔ ☯Compatible with Goat or Pig. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion - Chaitra's bookshelf, she is a pig
✔ 5. Dragon
3/3
✔ •Series #5: For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison - The Hollows #5
✔ ✤Tasks: Read a book a dragon on the cover or “dragon” in its title OR read a book in which a character is energetic and/or charismatic OR read a book with any winged creature on the cover. A Gift of Dragons by Anne McCaffrey
✔ ☯Compatible with Monkey and Rat. Heartbroken by Lisa Unger - Laurie's bookshelf, she is a rat
✔ 6. Snake
3/3
✔ •Series #6: Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews - Kate Daniels, #6
✔ ✤Tasks: Read a book in which herbs play a role OR read a book with a character who is sneaky or dangerous OR read a book with a character who is any type of money professional (i.e. banker, accountant, financial analyst). A Charming Crime by Tonya Kappes
✔ ☯Compatible with Rooster or Ox. Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec - AndaM's bookshelf - she is an ox
✔ 7. Horse
3/3
✔ •Series #7: White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison
✔ ✤Tasks: Read a book whose cover shows a horse OR read a book in which a horse is the main focus OR read a book with a character you consider a “free-spirit.” Texas Secrets: The Gallaghers of Morning Star by Jean Brashear
✔ ☯Compatible with Dog or Tiger. Two Weeks with a SEAL by Theresa Marguerite Hewitt - Amy's bookshelf - she is a dog
✔ 8. Goat
3/3
✔ •Series #8: Night Broken by Patricia Briggs
✔ ✤Tasks: Read a book with a creative character OR read a book labeled “romance” OR read a book with a character who is in the beauty / fashion industry. What Stays in Vegas by Beth Labonte
✔ ☯Compatible with Pig or Rabbit. Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews - read by Sonia who is a rabbit.
✔ 9. Monkey
3/3
✔ •Series #9: Pale Demon by Kim Harrison
✔ ✤Tasks: Read a book you consider “upbeat,” OR read a book in which a party takes place OR read a book with a character who is “vain” or “self-absorbed.” The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
✔ ☯Compatible with Rat or Dragon. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman - Pigletto's bookshelf, she is a dragon
✔ 10. Rooster
3/3
✔ •Series #10: A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison
✔ ✤Tasks: Read a book with any time-keeping device on the cover OR read a book with a character you consider “practical, resourceful, or analytical” OR read a book with any kind of paranormal activity. Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch
✔ ☯Compatible with Ox or Snake. Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh - AndaM's bookshelf - she is an ox
✔ 11. Dog
3/3
✔ •Series #11: Ever After by Kim Harrison
✔ ✤Tasks: Read a book with a dog on the cover or in the title OR read a book in which a character has a dog(s) as a pet OR read a book in which the main character has a good head for business / runs a successful business: Skin Game by Jim Butcher
✔ ☯Compatible with Tiger or Horse. Speechless by Hannah Harrington - Joanne♥~Bookworm Extraordinaire's bookshelf, she is a tiger
✔ 12. Pig
3/3
✔ •Series #12: The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison
✔ ✤Tasks: Read a book in which a character “enjoys the finer things in life” OR read a book that takes place in academia OR read a book with a “piggy-pink” colored cover (soft, peachy pinks – no bright pinks or magentas!) Macaron Murder by Harper Lin
✔ ☯Compatible with Rabbit or Goat. Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness - Shan's bookshelf, she is a goat.
List of books:
- Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh
- Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
- The Highlander's Hope by Cali MacKay
- Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch
- What Stays in Vegas by Beth Labonte
- Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews
- Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
- Speechless by Hannah Harrington
- Two Weeks with a SEAL by Theresa Marguerite Hewitt
- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
- Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
- WitchHunt by Emma Mills
- Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams
- Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec
- Heartbroken by Lisa Unger
- An Unlikely Match by Barbara Dunlop
- For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison
- Death du Jour by Kathy Reichs
- Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch
- Night Broken by Patricia Briggs
- White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison
- Pale Demon by Kim Harrison
- A Charming Crime by Tonya Kappes
- The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
- A Gift of Dragons by Anne McCaffrey
- A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison
- From a Whisper to a Scream by Charles de Lint
- Wild Justice by Kelley Armstrong
- Ever After by Kim Harrison
- Angel by L.A. Weatherly
- The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison
- The Tiger Princess by Sarah Renee
- Texas Secrets: The Gallaghers of Morning Star by Jean Brashear
- Macaron Murder by Harper Lin
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
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