TIOLI Dec. 2019 Challenge #8 CFF Mystery Challenge Challenge

Challenge #8: Read a book for the December CFF Mystery Challenge Challenge

This month's challenges are December holiday related. Enjoy!



There will be 10 different book challenges. (The challenges change each month.) They include everything from genres/subgenres to well known (inter)national challenges, from something about a cover to the book's setting, from LT tools to title quirks. You won't know what your particular challenge will be until you roll a random number.

You can use https://www.random.org/ (the widget at the top right) or simply Google "random number 1 to 10."

NOTE: After a certain number of challenges have been given out, I will re-randomize the list. So you really will not know what you will get!

Post the number and I will give you your challenge. For any questions, please ask here or in a PM. Embedded words, as a rule, are allowed but partial words are not. For instance, in one case, a word like "walked" must include the entire word and not just the word "walk." Tags must be first level, i.e. do not click on "show all." UPDATE: No restrictions as to fiction or nonfiction unless otherwise stated in a challenge.

I'll allow *some* leeway in interpretation of the challenges, but try not to push it. When I say "significant" or "major" or "main" I will be strict. This is me, being strict:



Note: If I give a link to a list of books, it does not mean they *all* qualify for a challenge. The lists are simply starting points. If a book is on a referred list, it will not be accepted if it doesn't fit the challenge.

Shared reads ARE allowed. Shared challenges ARE NOT allowed. That is, if someone reads a book published in 2019. You can read the SAME book. You can't read a different book published in 2019 (unless you get that challenge yourself.)

You can have two uncompleted challenges at one time. If you roll a repeat number, you cannot reroll. If you reroll the same number a second time, all I can say is "ouch" and maybe you can plead your case.

Please share how your book fits your challenge on the wiki at minimum. Please keep it short there, e.g. "subject twins - MC is a twin" or "animal on cover - anteater." You should *not* repeat the entire challenge.

UPDATE: Also, it would be nice if you shared how it fit more at length here, if applicable. (Nobody has ever done this so I'm removing it. The post is long enough as it is.)

Oh thanks, a new shiny thread just for me :)

I got the number 5

Oh, it's begun! I have 9 and 4.

5 and 2 for me.

I got 5 and 8.

6 and 1 here.

I got a 6 and a 3.

I got a 4.

2 and 9

I got 10

>2 paulstalder:



Christmas: To honor those who celebrate Christmas read a book with the theme of "the twelve days of Christmas," meaning that it has something that is commonly* thought of as coming in a dozen on the cover, in the title or author's name.

Examples: days (obviously), eggs, apostles, donuts, roses, "months" in a year, "numbers" on a clock, "inches" in a foot (in the US), face "cards" in a deck. Either plural or singular are fine.

Also, the books with the words "dozen" and "twelve" in the title or author's name will be accepted.

*Yes, your underoos may come a dozen in a pack but they won't count for this.

>11 Morphidae: Psst @paulstalder Zodiac is just the thing for this one! OK, apostles are a good second.

I have 1 and 3

1 and 7

>3 quondame:



Kwanzaa: To honor those who celebrate Kwanzaa, read a book with a symbol of Kwankaa on the cover or by an author from the African diaspora to the Americas (must come from list below.)

Kwanzaa celebratory symbols include a mat (Mkeka) on which other symbols are placed: a Kinara (candle holder), Mishumaa Saba (seven candles), mazao (crops), Mahindi (corn), a Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup) for commemorating and giving shukrani (thanks) to African Ancestors, and Zawadi (gifts). Supplemental representations include a Nguzo Saba poster, the black, red, and green bendera (flag), and African books and artworks – all to represent values and concepts reflective of African culture and contribution to community building and reinforcement. Wikipedia ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

Acceptable symbols: mat/table covering; candle holder/candelabra; candles (plural); crops in the field, in a pile/container, or in a display (i.e., like in the picture, not an apple, for instance, sitting by itself); corn, cup (not a coffee cup, a chalice-type cup, wine glass - maybe, depends on the cover - must be "respectable" not an obvious drunken night or pre-"getting it on"); gifts (must obviously be a gift or be mentioned as a gift in the text.)

Or a book where the cover is 90% black, red, and green (colors must be somewhat even, e.g. not all black with some red and green words.)

Link to article with link of countries/regions with significant African diaspora populations
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_diaspora_in_the_Americas



Ponsettia Day: To honor those who celebrate Ponsetta Poinsettia Pointsettia's Day read a book that has a word in the title from the list of commonly mispelled words below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonly_misspelled_English_words#P%E2%80%93Q

The short list of homophones from this article only will also be allowed.

Or read a book with poinsettia on the cover or as a word in the title. Or, if it's even possible, as an author's name.

>15 Morphidae: For Ponsettia Day wouldn't poinsettia in the title count? Since I have to spend as much time spell correcting every post I make as I do writing it, I must admit I deserve this challenge. As to Kwanzaa, this year I've read books by Toni Morrison and Michelle Obama not to mention Uzodinma Iweala, Nnedi Okorafor, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Chinua Achebe, and Oyinkan Braithwaite, so I may just go for a cover image.

I rolled an 8.

>15 Morphidae: That's too funny to have the challenge for Poinsettia day be a misspelled word challenge.

I have a 7

>4 susanna.fraser:



Christmas: To honor those who celebrate Christmas read a book with the theme of "the twelve days of Christmas," meaning that it has something that is commonly* thought of as coming in a dozen on the cover, in the title or author's name.

Examples: days (obviously), eggs, apostles, donuts, roses, "months" in a year, "numbers" on a clock, "inches" in a foot (in the US), face "cards" in a deck. Either plural or singular are fine.

Also, the books with the words "dozen" and "twelve" in the title or author's name will be accepted.

*Yes, your underoos may come a dozen in a pack but they won't count for this.



United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities: To honor people with disabilities, read a book with a main or secondary character, i.e. must be a significant character not a passing mention, with a permanent (blindness, deafness, in a wheelchair, some mental illnesses) or temporary (broken leg, some strokes, other mental illnesses) disability OR by a person with a permanent disability (living or dead.)

It must be a significant disability which affects the character's life for a distinct period of time. This means no werewolves, vampires, etc. who can heal themselves within hours/days. In fact, for "pseudo-humans" only permanent disabilities will be allowed.

>5 lindapanzo:

5 seems to be popular this time around.



Christmas: To honor those who celebrate Christmas read a book with the theme of "the twelve days of Christmas," meaning that it has something that is commonly* thought of as coming in a dozen on the cover, in the title or author's name.

Examples: days (obviously), eggs, apostles, donuts, roses, "months" in a year, "numbers" on a clock, "inches" in a foot (in the US), face "cards" in a deck. Either plural or singular are fine.

Also, the books with the words "dozen" and "twelve" in the title or author's name will be accepted.

*Yes, your underoos may come a dozen in a pack but they won't count for this.



Go Caroling Day: In honor of Go Caroling Day, read a book where the title is from the name of a carol, there are people singing on the cover, there is/are a bell/bells on the cover OR the word "carol" is in the title or author's name.

At least two words from the carol must be used. For this challenge, puns are allowed (Silent Knight) as will be parts of the name of the carol (Rest You Merry). In order to count, the carol must be recognizable from the words used, i.e. "and the," "to the," and "in this" are not acceptable.

Here is a list of carols to help you out. You do not need to pick from this list but it seems pretty exhaustive.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christmas_carols

>6 antqueen:



Hogmanay: In honor of those who celebrate Hogmanay, read a book that starts with a letter in the words FIRST FOOTING or where a MC knocks on the door of a new neighbor or new neighbor knocks on their door or they meet in a hallway/vestible, etc. (i.e., something in the spirit of first-footing.)



Festivus: In honor of Festivus, read a book where a Seinfeld character's name is a main/secondary character's name (must be a significant character) or is in the title or is part of the author's name OR read a book with a fictional holiday (e.g., Hogswatch, Federation Day.)

Here is the list of Seinfeld characters:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Seinfeld_characters

Acceptable names are those that were in 11 or more episodes (list in that order.) You can use first or last names or both but can only use "Uncle" if it's followed by "Leo."

>7 DeltaQueen50:



Festivus: In honor of Festivus, read a book where a Seinfeld character's name is a main/secondary character's name (must be a significant character) or is in the title or is part of the author's name OR read a book with a fictional holiday (e.g., Hogswatch, Federation Day.)

Here is the list of Seinfeld characters:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Seinfeld_characters

Acceptable names are those that were in 11 or more episodes (list in that order.) You can use first or last names or both but can only use "Uncle" if it's followed by "Leo."



Boxing Day: In honor of Boxing Day, read a book with a wrapped gift on the cover OR someone is given a wrapped gift in the text OR there is a servant in the book.

The servant must have at least a secondary role in the story. No "in passing" servants. Books like Longbourn, The Remains of the Day, Life Below Stairs, A Little Princess, and The Help would all be acceptable.

9 and 10 for me, please!

>23 Morphidae: Thanks, Morphy. I've already found the books I want to read for these challenges. :)

>21 Morphidae: Can Carol be in the title?

>26 lindapanzo: I will accept the word "carol" in the title and have made that addition to the challenge.

Also, I have made a clarification that the words must be from the *name* of the carol, not the lyrics.

>8 FAMeulstee:



Ponsettia Day: To honor those who celebrate Ponsetta Poinsettia Pointsettia's Day read a book that has a word in the title from the list of commonly mispelled words below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonly_misspelled_English_words#P%E2%80%93Q

The short list of homophones from this article only will also be allowed.

Or read a book with poinsettia on the cover or as a word in the title. Or, if it's even possible, as an author's name.

>9 elkiedee:



United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities: To honor people with disabilities, read a book with a main or secondary character, i.e. must be a significant character not a passing mention, with a permanent (blindness, deafness, in a wheelchair, some mental illnesses) or temporary (broken leg, some strokes, other mental illnesses) disability OR by a person with a permanent disability (living or dead.)

It must be a significant disability which affects the character's life for a distinct period of time. This means no werewolves, vampires, etc. who can heal themselves within hours/days. In fact, for "pseudo-humans" only permanent disabilities will be allowed.



Kwanzaa: To honor those who celebrate Kwanzaa, read a book with a symbol of Kwankaa on the cover or by an author from the African diaspora to the Americas (must come from list below.)

Kwanzaa celebratory symbols include a mat (Mkeka) on which other symbols are placed: a Kinara (candle holder), Mishumaa Saba (seven candles), mazao (crops), Mahindi (corn), a Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup) for commemorating and giving shukrani (thanks) to African Ancestors, and Zawadi (gifts). Supplemental representations include a Nguzo Saba poster, the black, red, and green bendera (flag), and African books and artworks – all to represent values and concepts reflective of African culture and contribution to community building and reinforcement. Wikipedia ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

Acceptable symbols: mat/table covering; candle holder/candelabra; candles (plural); crops in the field, in a pile/container, or in a display (i.e., like in the picture, not an apple, for instance, sitting by itself); corn, cup (not a coffee cup, a chalice-type cup, wine glass - maybe, depends on the cover - must be "respectable" not an obvious drunken night or pre-"getting it on"); gifts (must obviously be a gift or be mentioned as a gift in the text.)

Or a book where the cover is 90% black, red, and green (colors must be somewhat even, e.g. not all black with some red and green words.)

Link to article with link of countries/regions with significant African diaspora populations
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_diaspora_in_the_Americas

>10 Ameise1:



Winter Solstice/Yule: In honor of those who celebrate Winter Solstice/Yule, the longest night of the year, read a book that has been on your TBR pile (or list) for at least a year OR read a book longer than 500 pages OR read a book with the word "winter," "solstice," or "long" in the title or author's name.

>13 Citizenjoyce:



Hogmanay: In honor of those who celebrate Hogmanay, read a book that starts with a letter in the words FIRST FOOTING or where a MC knocks on the door of a new neighbor or new neighbor knocks on their door or they meet in a hallway/vestible, etc. (i.e., something in the spirit of first-footing.)



Boxing Day: In honor of Boxing Day, read a book with a wrapped gift on the cover OR someone is given a wrapped gift in the text OR there is a servant in the book.

The servant must have at least a secondary role in the story. No "in passing" servants. Books like Longbourn, The Remains of the Day, Life Below Stairs, A Little Princess, and The Help would all be acceptable.

>14 wandering_star: And it's time for a re-randomization. What will you get, hmm?

And another Christmas, LOL.



Christmas: To honor those who celebrate Christmas read a book with the theme of "the twelve days of Christmas," meaning that it has something that is commonly* thought of as coming in a dozen on the cover, in the title or author's name.

Examples: days (obviously), eggs, apostles, donuts, roses, "months" in a year, "numbers" on a clock, "inches" in a foot (in the US), face "cards" in a deck. Either plural or singular are fine.

Also, the books with the words "dozen" and "twelve" in the title or author's name will be accepted.

*Yes, your underoos may come a dozen in a pack but they won't count for this.

But wait! You also got the last open challenge!



Hanukkah/Festival of Lights: In honor of those who celebrate Hanukkah/Festival of Lights, read a book with something that is lit on the cover OR something that relates to the number eight.

For something lit, it should be celebratory and/or appealing. Not something unpleasant like a house fire or an explosion. Examples: a candle, a table lamp, a fireplace, a chandelier.

Reasons for books to be accepted for the "eight" part of this challenge: the word "eight" or number "8" in the title or author's name, the number eight (or infinity sign) or eight something on the cover (eight coffee cups, eight chairs - must be exactly 8), published in August, published in 2018 or 1887.

Reasons for books not to be accepted for this challenge: "8" in the ISBN, titles with eight letters, author names with eight letters.

ETA: The following list of words related to the word eight will also be acceptable in the title or author's name/on the cover. A word would have to be a glaringly obvious omission for me to add it. All can be singular or plural except "Abs" which would be too short as a singular.

Octopus, Spider, Abs, Pint, Stop Sign, Octagon, Candles, Hours, Crayon, "Hot Dogs"

If you use a different "eight" than the ones listed above, please check with me first. Yes, it *looks* arbitrary but it makes sense in my own head!

>17 SqueakyChu:



United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities: To honor people with disabilities, read a book with a main or secondary character, i.e. must be a significant character not a passing mention, with a permanent (blindness, deafness, in a wheelchair, some mental illnesses) or temporary (broken leg, some strokes, other mental illnesses) disability OR by a person with a permanent disability (living or dead.)

It must be a significant disability which affects the character's life for a distinct period of time. This means no werewolves, vampires, etc. who can heal themselves within hours/days. In fact, for "pseudo-humans" only permanent disabilities will be allowed.

>18 Citizenjoyce: People still haven't noticed/mentioned the other misspelling in the challenge description.

>19 dallenbaugh:



Hanukkah/Festival of Lights: In honor of those who celebrate Hanukkah/Festival of Lights, read a book with something that is lit on the cover OR something that relates to the number eight.

For something lit, it should be celebratory and/or appealing. Not something unpleasant like a house fire or an explosion. Examples: a candle, a table lamp, a fireplace, a chandelier.

Reasons for books to be accepted for the "eight" part of this challenge: the word "eight" or number "8" in the title or author's name, the number eight (or infinity sign) or eight something on the cover (eight coffee cups, eight chairs - must be exactly 8), published in August, published in 2018 or 1887.

Reasons for books not to be accepted for this challenge: "8" in the ISBN, titles with eight letters, author names with eight letters.

ETA: The following list of words related to the word eight will also be acceptable in the title or author's name/on the cover. A word would have to be a glaringly obvious omission for me to add it. All can be singular or plural except "Abs" which would be too short as a singular.

Octopus, Spider, Abs, Pint, Stop Sign, Octagon, Candles, Hours, Crayon, "Hot Dogs"

If you use a different "eight" than the ones listed above, please check with me first. Yes, it *looks* arbitrary but it makes sense in my own head!

>24 Dejah_Thoris:



Festivus: In honor of Festivus, read a book where a Seinfeld character's name is a main/secondary character's name (must be a significant character) or is in the title or is part of the author's name OR read a book with a fictional holiday (e.g., Hogswatch, Federation Day.)

Here is the list of Seinfeld characters:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Seinfeld_characters

Acceptable names are those that were in 11 or more episodes (list in that order.) You can use first or last names or both but can only use "Uncle" if it's followed by "Leo."



Winter Solstice/Yule: In honor of those who celebrate Winter Solstice/Yule, the longest night of the year, read a book that has been on your TBR pile (or list) for at least a year OR read a book longer than 500 pages OR read a book with the word "winter," "solstice," or "long" in the title or author's name.

Okay, I believe that's everyone. Please let me know if I've missed your post.

And I think I better start coming up with January's challenges now so I'm not so late next time. Sorry about that.

>33 Morphidae: That’s a category I really like. I have a book in mind although I don’t know if it would work. It’s a non fiction book of poetry by a boy Mattie Stepanek who is no longer alive. He died of a form of cerebral palsy. I’ll look for other books, but I might read my poetry book anyway.

ETA: I'll look for another book that better fits your parameters.

>38 SqueakyChu: I'm adding by a person with a permanent disability to the challenge.

To everyone,

I'm usually open to adjusting or adding an "or" to a challenge - within reason.

Just for this challenge I've added:

- Or read a book with poinsettia on the cover or as a word in the title. Or, if it's even possible, as an author's name.

- OR the word "carol" is in the title or author's name.

- OR by a person with a permanent disability (living or dead.)

If it makes sense and fits that challenge's theme, I'll add it though I'd prefer to keep it to three "ideas" per challenge.

>39 Morphidae: I'm adding by a person with a permanent disability to the challenge.

That makes it sooooo easy. I'll try to do more than one if I have time (probably not). Can it be nonfiction as well as fiction?

No restrictions as to fiction or nonfiction unless otherwise stated in a challenge.

For instance, for the Festivus challenge, you couldn't read nonfiction for the name of a character (unless a biography, autobiography, or memoir) or fictional holiday, but you certainly could for author's name. Or you could even read a book about the show Seinfeld!

>35 Morphidae: Would this title work? The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 Years Old by Hendrik Groen

>43 dallenbaugh: Yep, that's an 8 there. :D

>32 Morphidae: for the Hanukkah/Festival of Lights challenge, would you accept a book with the word 'octopus' in the title?

>45 wandering_star: No, but I would accept an octopus on the cover if it showed all eight legs.

Hmm... on the other hand give me a bit to think about this. I could be convinced. I'm waffling.

>14 wandering_star: >19 dallenbaugh: ETA: The following list of words related to the word eight will also be acceptable in the title or author's name/on the cover. A word would have to be a glaringly obvious omission for me to add it. All can be singular or plural except "Abs" which would be too short as a singular.

Octopus, Spider, Abs, Pint, Stop Sign, Octagon, Candles, Hours, Crayon, "Hot Dogs"

ETA#2: i.e., I'm not adding every eight legged creature out there.

>46 Morphidae: thank you!

I totally forgot. Could someone roll for me?

>48 Morphidae: lol, Morphy!

2

Mine.



Ponsettia Day: To honor those who celebrate Ponsetta Poinsettia Pointsettia's Day read a book that has a word in the title from the list of commonly mispelled words below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonly_misspelled_English_words#P%E2%80%93Q

The short list of homophones from this article only will also be allowed.

Or read a book with poinsettia on the cover or as a word in the title. Or, if it's even possible, as an author's name.

*****

ETA: No one has figured out the other misspelling in this challenge?

Hint: It's ironic.

>50 Morphidae: mispelled

Psst, The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie DePaola

>51 quondame:

>50 Morphidae: honour (From the Commonwealth people, lol)

Could I have another one please? My random number is 3.

>54 wandering_star: Looks like only one other person has gotten this one!



Go Caroling Day: In honor of Go Caroling Day, read a book where the title is from the name of a carol, there are people singing on the cover, there is/are a bell/bells on the cover OR the word "carol" is in the title or author's name.

At least two words from the carol must be used. For this challenge, puns are allowed (Silent Knight) as will be parts of the name of the carol (Rest You Merry). In order to count, the carol must be recognizable from the words used, i.e. "and the," "to the," and "in this" are not acceptable.

Here is a list of carols to help you out. You do not need to pick from this list but it seems pretty exhaustive.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christmas_carols