Wild Things: YA Grown-Up discussion

Just as Challenge #9 is drawing to a close, here we are opening Challenge #10! Please report your points in this thread. If you have any questions or clarifications, please ask them in the Tasks and Discussion Thread.

Please include a link to the book as well as the title in your post.

1. The Challenge begins at 12:00 A.M. local time on October 1, 2011 and ends at 11:59 P.M. local time on December 31, 2011. Happy New Year!
2. This Challenge is just for fun, so make sure you enjoy yourself and all the books you will be reading!
3. All books must be classified as Young Adult or Juvenile Fiction, unless otherwise noted in the task. If you local library classifies the book you chose as such, then the book may be included.
4. All books must be at least 100 pages long to count for any of the tasks, unless otherwise noted in the task.
5. Re-reads count, unless otherwise noted in the task.
6. Audio books and electronic books (unabridged), such as Kindle, all count for this Challenge. Page counts will be according to the Good Reads page count.

Each task is worth 10 points, except where noted. Completion of Sections 1-5 will earn you 50 additional points!

Section 1 "Involve Yourself"
1.1 Read any book discussed in one of the discussion threads here at Wild Things, and contribute to the discussion.
1.2 Read one of the group reads chosen during October, November, or December and contribute to the discussion.
1.3 Read a book that's at least 4 star-rated on goodreads and with your post tell us if you think it deserves the rank.
1.4 Read a book from the WT Top Novel list and discuss why you think it should or should not be on the list.
1.5 (20 Points) Read two books from a "listopia" list and post the link to the list you chose

Section 2 "Author Appreciation"
2.1 Read a book by an author born in October and list their birth date with your post (examples: Phillip Pullman 10/19, Ursula Le Guin 10/21, Laurie Halse Anderson 10/23) +5 Bonus points for reading it in their birthday month
2.2 Read a book by an author born in November and list their birth date with your post (examples: Holly Black 11/10, Neil Gaiman 11/10, Neal Shusterman 11/12, Maggie Stiefvater 11/18, C.S. Lewis 11/29) +5 Bonus points for reading it in their birthday month
2.3 Read a book by an author born in December and list their birth date with your post (examples: Cornelia Funke 12/10, Carrie Jones 12/13, Rachel Cohn 12/14) +5 Bonus points for reading it in their birthday month
2.4 Read a book by an author you enjoy (in your post, explain why you are a fan)
2.5 (20 Points) Read two books by authors you have never read

Section 3 "Scavenger Hunt"
3.1 Read a book with one of the following on the cover: Snow, Holly/Pines, Wreath, Candles, Fireplace
3.2 Read a book with food pictured on the cover (in honor of Thanksgiving)
3.3 Read a book with one of the following on the cover: Candy, Ghosts, Graveyard/Tombstone
3.4 Read a book with one of the following on the cover: Leaf/Leaves, Pumpkin, Apple
3.5 (20 Points) Since this time of year is focused on family, read two books with the following on the cover: Trees (as in family tree), Hearts, House(s)

Section 4 "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" (if you have never seen this movie it's hilarious, and about traveling home for the holidays)
4.1 Read a book that is set during the winter holidays
4.2 Read a book that is set during the fall holidays (Halloween or Thanksgiving)
4.3 Read a book where the main character visits family or friends on a holiday break
4.4 Read a book where the main character travels across state or country lines
4.5 (20 Points) Read two books with some mode of transportation on the cover or in the title (Plane, Train, Bus, Car, Boat/Ship, Bike, Foot/feet, Walk, Run)

Section 5 “Simple Gifts”
5.1 “Today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present” – cliché, but so true: Read a book that takes places in the present day
5.2 Read a book that has something you like to be given on the cover (i.e. chocolate, flowers, etc.)
5.3 Read a book where the main character has a “gift” or ability (could range from paranormal abilities to being smart and in the “gifted” program at school)
5.4 Read a book you think would make a good gift (post your reasons why with your task)
5.5 (20 Points) Read two books that have the words: simple, gift, give, present, (to)day, or now in the title - or pictures of a gift(s) on the cover

BONUS Section "Awareness"
6.1 Read a book that has a LGBT main character (Gay and Lesbian History Month)
6.2 Read a book about a person with a disability (International Day of Disabled Persons; this can be physical, like deafness or wheelchair confinement, or mental, like autistic)
6.3 Read a book where a main character is subject to domestic or dating violence (Domestic Violence Awareness Month; Rules of Survival, Speak, and Dreamland would be examples)
6.4 Read a book about slavery or being kept prisoner (International Day for Abolition of Slavery; Poison Study, Chains, and Sold would examples)
6.5 (20 Points) Read two books for the heritage months in this challenge period: one that either takes place in a Hispanic country or has a Hispanic main character (Hispanic Heritage Month), and one that takes place on a reservation or whose main character is an American Indian (American Indian Heritage Month)

Extra points:

*For 2 points per book you may read multiple books that fit any of the challenges after you've completed that specific challenge.

***Genre Points Bonus***

The whole goal of the challenges is to get you to pick up something new and different. So, for each different genre you read, you will earn 5 points. This is only available once per genre. Only one genre can be claimed per book. (i.e. you can't claim both paranormal and romance for Twilight.) Check out our discussion boards to find some books in other genres that may fit into your A-Z!

Here's a list of the genres we'll accept for this challenge:

Action/Adventure
Classic
Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Post-Apocolyptic
Folk/Fairy Tale (including retellings)
Fantasy/Supernatural
Graphic Novel
Historical Fiction
Horror/Thriller/Suspense
Humor
LGBT
Manga
Multicultural
Music
Mystery
Nonfiction
Paranormal
Poetry
Realistic Fiction/Contemporary
Religious
Romance
Sci-Fi
Sports
Short Stories
War

Thanks for getting everything posted for the challenge while I was moving Maree!

No worries! :) Glad you're back.

Wow, I'm the first to post? I hope I'm understanding the challenge right.

4.4 main character travels across state lines
The Fox Inheritance
294 pages
genre: dystopian
points: 15

1.4 Read a book on the WT Top Novels list

Re-read Unwind for a class that I working with. It absolutely deserves to be on the Top Novels list. The concept is fascinating and cutting-edge, the characters have depth, and the plot weaves itself back and forth so intricately...I am amazed every time I read it!

10 base points
5 dystopian genre
15 points, 1 book, 335 pages.

3.3 Read a book with one of the following on the cover: Candy, Ghosts, Graveyard/Tombstone

Ruined by Paula Morris, 309 Pages
+5 Horror/Suspense

15 Points Total

2.4 Read a book by an author you enjoy

Monster by Walter Dean Myers. I am definitely a fan of his books. I work in a school and I just love the way that his writing resonates with kids. He writes realistically without a lot of show or pretense.

10 points
+5 realistic fiction
30 points, 2 books, 616 pages.

Looks good to me, Amy! I think we're just off to a slow start. I know I am, anyway. ;)

4.2 Nevermore (Horror) 373 pages

Points: 15
Total Points: 15
Total Pages: 373

I'm on the board!

1.1 The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Pages- 363
Genre Bonus (Fantasy)- 5 points
Points- 15

1.3 Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
Pages- 184
Genre Bonus (Classic)- 5 points
Points- 15

Total Points: 30
Total Pages: 547
Books Read: 2
Genres Read: Classic, Fantasy

I just can't seem to find a lot of time to read right now.

I also cant find much time to read, that, and I am working on an "adult" book atm.

That happens. Which is why it's all just for fun! :) I don't think I'm going to finish this one with the holidays and all, but I'm just going to see how far I get.

Would you tell us why you think Charlotte's Web does or doesn't deserve its four star rating, Karis? :)

2.5 (20 Points) Read two books by authors you have never read

How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend by Gary Ghislain 208 pages

Dust City by Robert Paul Weston 304 pages

Genres: Sci-Fi, Folk/Fairy Tale (including retellings)

Total Points: 30
Total Pages: 512

1.2 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs 353 pages genre: paranormal

3.1 Locke & Key, Volume 3: Crown of Shadows by Joe Hill There is a candle on the cover. pages: 152 genre: graphic novel

points added:10+5+10+5

Total points: 30
Total Pages: 505
Genres used: paranormal, graphic novel

4.4 The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore (main character travels from New York to Alabama) 518 Pages
+5 Romance

Points: 15
Total Points: 30
Genres used: Horror/Suspense, Romance

Maree ♫ Light's Shadow ♪ wrote: "Would you tell us why you think Charlotte's Web does or doesn't deserve its four star rating, Karis? :)"

Oh, sorry... It does deserve it. It's funny. I like it better every time I read it, and I still cry when Charlotte dies at the end... It's a classic for a reason. I think everyone who reads it can relate on some level, no matter what age they are when they read it.

2.4 Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs
Pages- 352
Points- 10

I love Tera Lynn Childs. Her books are light, fun, and they always feature reluctant kick-ass heroines. This is my favorite yet. I can't wait for book #2!

Total Points: 40
Total Pages: 899
Books Read: 3
Genres Read: Classic, Fantasy

2.2 White Cat by Holly Black (310 pages)
genre: paranormal
= 15 pts

Total Points: 15
Total Pages: 310

Karis (YA Litwit) wrote: "

I love Tera Lynn Childs. Her books are light, fun, and they always feature reluctant kick-ass heroines. ..."

I was a little disappointed in this one. It felt like the first half of a book, rather than an entire book on its own. I adore series books (no worrying about what to read next!) but I am getting a little irritated by a trend I am starting to see where the "series" is really one or two good plot ideas stretched out thin. I much prefer a completely self-contained story in each book, with an over-arching plot across the series. Tamora Pierce is a great example of someone who does this well. Ending each book with a cliffhanger seems like its cheating to me. I should want to read the next book in the series because I loved the world and the characters, not just because I want to find out what happens next.

Wow, sorry, when I started writing I didn't realize how strongly I felt!

4.4 Read a book where the main character travels across state or country lines

Fox & Phoenix by Beth Bernobich, 336 pages.

Kai & Yun travel from Long City to Phoneix City in the Phoenix Empire.

10 Fox & Phoenix
+ 5 fantasy genre
15 points

Total = 45 points, 3 books, 952 pages.

1.3 Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King 323 Pages
+5 Realistic/Contemporary

Wow, this was a great book and definitely worthy of it's 4+ star rating (and the Printz Honor). I loved Vera's witty sarcasm and her dad's flow charts were a charming and amusing touch. I loved the role-playing scene with the therapist. I would absolutely recommend this book to others.

Points: 15
Total Points: 45
Total Books: 3
Total Pages: 1,150
Genres Done: Horror/Suspense, Romance, Realistic/Contemporary

6.3 Perfect by Ellen Hopkins- 10 points
Genre Bonus (Poetry)- 5 points
Pages- 622
Points- 15

Total Points: 55
Total Pages: 1,521
Books Read: 4
Genres Read: Classic, Fantasy, Poetry

6.1 Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan, 310 Pages
+5 LGBT

Just want to add that I loved this book! I would actually go see Hold Me Closer if it were on Broadway.

Points: 15
Total Points: 60
Total Books: 4
Total Pages: 1,460
Genres Done: Horror/Suspense, Romance, Realistic/Contemporary, LGBT

5.3 End of Days, 416 pages, religious genre (main character has the gift of giving redemption to others)

Points: 15
Total Points: 30
Total Pages: 710

4.5 Goliath 543 pages, War
3.4 Sweetly 312 pages, Fairy Tale Retelling

Points: 30
Total Points: 45
Total Pages: 1228

4.2 Notes from an Accidental Band Geek by Erin Dionne While the entire book isn't set in November, marching in the Thanksgiving Day parade is a huge plot point. Pages: 304 genre: music

4.4 Impossible by Nancy Werlin They travel from Massachusetts to Canada. pages: 384 genre: folk/fairy tale

1.3 Locke & Key, Volume 4: Keys to the Kingdom by Joe Hill pages: 160 genre: horror/suspense

I absolutely agree with the 4.5 star rating. This graphic novel has had me hooked from the very first and this latest compilation is the best yet. The tension just keeps ratcheting up. While it is a plot-driven story, the characters all seem very real to me, reacting to their current life circumstances in ways that seem very real to me, making a lot of cruel or stubborn or stupid choices that absolutely make sense in terms of who they are and how they relate to one another.

points addded: 10+5+10+5+10 +5 = 45
pages added: 848

Total points: 75
Total Pages: 1,353
Genres used: paranormal, graphic novel, folk/fairy tale, music, horror/suspense

1.3 Read a book that's at least 4 star-rated on goodreads and with your post tell us if you think it deserves the rank.

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King 336 pages

At first I was a little wary about this book. The jacket description does not really explain what the book is about. I listened to it, rather than read it, but I did go back and look at the flow charts. This is a very unique book in both format and voice and I do believe it deserves a 4+ star rating. King does a wonderful job of revealing plot points at a deliberate pace, keeping the reader pushing forward to the end in order to get the whole story behind Vera and Charlie.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Total Points: 45
Total Pages: 848

1.1 Bruiser by Neal Schuster; 352 pgs; 10 pts; See my discussion contribution - this is a pretty amazing book I can highly recommend
1.3 Divergent by Veronica Roth; 589 pgs, 15 pts: Genre: Apocalytic/Cystopia; I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
2.1 Sandpiper: 288 pgs; 15 pts Genre: Contemporary: A very interesting book
2.4 Boyfriends with Girlfriends, 224 pgs, 10 pts: Read this! It is very interesting.
3.2 Bumped, 323 pgs, 15 pts; Genre: Humor
5.1 The Summoning 390 pgs; 10 pts
5.3 The Iron King 363 pgs, 15 pts Genre: Fantasy
5.3 The Iron Daughter 359 pgs, 2 pts

Total Points: 102
Total Pages: 2588

5.3 K-ON!, Vol. 3 by Kakifly - members of the Pop Music Club are gifted with musical talent. 128 pages.

10 for 5.3
+5 for manga genre
15 points

Total = 60 points, 4 books, 1,080 pages.

Lydia, could you give me a link to the post you discussed Bruiser in? I can't seem to find it. And why do you enjoy Alex Sanchez as an author?

Also, I add your points to be 92, and I'm going to go by the standard goodreads books for the page numbers (so different numbers on your first two books). Hopefully we'll match up after?

Time for a Leaderboard!

Lydia: 92 points, 2764 pages
Ann: 75 points, 1352 pages
Beth: 60 points, 1080 pages
Cristen: 60 points, 1460 pages
Karis: 55 points, 1521 pages
Brandi: 45 points, 848 pages
Maree: 45 points, 1228 pages
Amy: 30 points, 720 pages
Angela: 15 points, 310 pages

6.2 The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson- 10 points
Genre Bonus (Sci-fi)- 5 points
Pages- 270
Points- 15

Total Points: 70
Total Pages: 1,791
Books Read: 5
Genres Read: Classic, Fantasy, Poetry, Sci-fi

What did you think of that book Karis?

Amy wrote: "What did you think of that book Karis?"

It was really good. As a parent, I found it very thought provoking. I think it would be for teens too, but from a very different pov.

You should definitely read The Fox Inheritance. Sort of a continuation of the series but from a different perspective. I really liked Adoration. Definitely could see how parents would want to preserve their child but in some ways it's completely crossing a line.

3.4 A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan- 10 points
Genre Bonus (Folk/Fairy Tale Retelling)- 5 points
Pages- 352
Points- 15

Total Points: 85
Total Pages: 2,143
Books Read: 6
Genres Read: Classic, Fantasy, Poetry, Sci-fi, Folk/Fairy Tale Retelling

5.1 I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter, 284 Pages
+5 Action/Adventure

Points: 15
Total Points: 75
Total Books: 5
Total Pages: 1,744
Genres Done: Horror/Suspense, Romance, Realistic/Contemporary, LGBT, Action/Adventure

I'd like to move White Cat by Holly Black and the paranormal genre from task 2.2 to task 5.3. It does not affect my points.

Amazingly I finally finished a book!!!


1.3 Read a book that's at least 4 star-rated on goodreads and with your post tell us if you think it deserves the rank.

Last Sacrifice - 594 pages

Genre: Paranormal

This book currently has a 4.5 star rating on Goodreads. Do I think that this one deserves this rating? No. I would say it is a 3 at best. I think this books rating was hyped up by the series as a whole.

I don't think I should have such a dislike for a main character after following them through 6 books as I do for Rose. She never seemed to grow, the growing that took place seemed artificial and still rather immature when looking at the larger picture (specifics that I cannot go into detail since they would be MAJOR spoilers).

Points: 15
Total Points: 15
Total Books: 1
Total Pages: 594
Genres Used: Paranormal

5.2 The Everafter by Amy Huntley, 244 Pages
+5 Paranormal Genre

Points: 15
Total Points: 90
Total Books: 6
Total Pages: 1,988
Genres Done: Horror/Suspense, Romance, Realistic/Contemporary, LGBT, Action/Adventure, Paranormal

1.2 Read one of the group reads chosen during October, November, or December and contribute to the discussion.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs 352 pages

Genre: Fantasy/Supernatural

Total Points: 60
Total Pages: 1200

2.5 Godless by Pete Hautman, 198 Pages
+5 Religious Genre

Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler, 177 Pages

Points: 25
Total Points: 115
Total Books: 8
Total Pages: 2,363
Genres Done: Horror/Suspense, Romance, Realistic/Contemporary, LGBT, Action/Adventure, Paranormal, Religious

2.1 Read a book by an author born in October and list their birth date with your post (examples: Phillip Pullman 10/19, Ursula Le Guin 10/21, Laurie Halse Anderson 10/23) +5 Bonus points for reading it in their birthday month

The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable - 256pgs (10 points) by Dan Gutman - October 19 (5 bonus for reading it during the month of)

Genre: Action/Adventure (5 points)

Points: 20!
Total Points: 35
Total Books: 2
Total Pages: 850
Genres Used: Paranormal; Action/Adventure

2.1 It's the First Day of School...Forever! by R.L. Stine whose birthday is October 8. Didn't really like this one, I don't think I would've finished if I hadn't wanted the points, though I remember loving his books when I was a kid. Bonus points for doing it in October. pages 192

3.4 A Year without Autumn by Liz Kessler pages 256

Points added: 10 + 5 + 10 = 25
Pages added: 448

Total points: 100
Total Pages: 1,801
Genres used: paranormal, graphic novel, folk/fairy tale, music, horror/suspense

3.3 City of Bones, 485 pages (Paranormal)
5.3 City of Ashes, 464 pages (Humor)
4.4 City of Glass, 683 pages (action/adventure)

Points: 45

Total Points: 90
Total Pages: 2860

2.4 Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick 438 pages (romance genre)

I love Becca Fitpatrick. I fell in love with her writing in Hush Hush. I loved how she was able to infuse her writing with laugh out loud sarcasm when the events in the books were serious. In Silence, the characters are very different than in the first two books. Patch has completely changed and I think definitely mature (which is funny because he's "old" anyway). Nora is the same spunky character but with a major negative in her favor. The author really does a good job of making the story flow and keep the reader's attention.

Points this book: 15
Pages so far: 1148

Alright, time to figure out what I've done so far! :)

6.4 All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin (354 pages)
Genre: Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Post-Apocolyptic

The girl in the story spends some time being locked up in a children's home.

1.3 Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar (142 pages)
Genre: Humor

I absolutely loved this book. It's one of our readers' choice nominees for my state and it definitely deserves to be rated even higher than a 4. :)

2.4 Down the Mysterly River by Bill Willingham (333 pages)
Genre: Fairy Tale

I absolutely adore Bill Willingham. He writes the Fables Graphic Novels as well as has another book called Peter & Max. His writing is superb and really knows how to create an elaborate fantasy world.

1.1 Bunnicula by Deborah Howe (128 pages)

I added to the discussion. I can't believe I haven't read this one before! I will have to try more in the series.

5.2 The World According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney (144 pages)

I would love to be given a stack of books, like the ones Humphrey is standing on. :)

2.1 Swindle by Gordon Korman (Oct birthday) (252 pages)
Genre: Action/Adventure

5.1 Extra Credit by Andrew Clements (183 pages)
Genre: Multicultural Fiction

Phew, I think that's it. :)

Total Points:95
Total pages read: 1,536
Books read: 7

1.4 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, 550 Pages
+5 War Genre

Finally got a chance to read this book after hearing quite a bit about it...it lived up to the hype and certainly deserves a place on the top WT Reads list. A beautifully-written story with an interesting narrative perspective.

Points: 15
Total Points: 130
Total Books: 9
Total Pages: 2,913
Genres Done: Horror/Suspense, Romance, Realistic/Contemporary, LGBT, Action/Adventure, Paranormal, Religious, War

2.5b Choker by Elizabeth Woods- 10 points
Genre Bonus (Mystery)- 5 points
Pages: 233
Points: 15

5.3 Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson- 10 points
Genre Bonus (Action/Adventure)- 5 points
Pages- 410
Points- 15

6.1 How They Met, and Other Stories by David Levithan- 10 points
Genre Bonus (LGBT)- 5 points
Pages- 224
Points- 15

Total Points: 130
Total Pages: 3,010
Books Read: 9
Genres Read: Classic, Fantasy, Poetry, Sci-fi, Folk/Fairy Tale Retelling, LGBT, Mystery, Action Adventure