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August Types of Nonfiction Challenge
Duration: August 1 - 31, 2013

This challenge is about the different types of nonfiction books. You have two choices: read that type of nonfiction book OR do the task instead. Either counts towards this one!

1. Autobiography. Read an autobiography OR read a book told in the first person.

2. Diary. Read a diary OR read a book written in diary entries or letters. Some examples can be found here:

3. Dictionary. You're probably not going to read a whole dictionary, so instead, read a book whose title is only a single word that can be found in the dictionary. Examples: Speak, Dune

4. History. Read a nonfiction book about history OR read a book that takes place over 100 years ago.

5. Philosophy. Read a book of philosophy OR read a book in which the protagonist must make an ethical decision of some sort. (Don't forget to mark spoilers!)

6. Self-help. Read a self-help book OR read a book in which one character gives advice to another.

7. Popular science. Read a science book OR read a science fiction book.

8. Travel writing. Read a travel writing book OR read a book that takes place in a country that you would like to visit.

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Zara will be our leader for this challenge. Thanks, Zara!

I'm in ... I'll try for 4

I'm in for 4 too :) I might up my goal later if I'm not busy this month.

I will try for 3 but who knows, I might do more.


This challenge is about the different types of nonfiction books. You have two choices: read that type of nonfiction book OR do the task instead. Either counts towards this one!

1. Autobiography. Read an autobiography OR read a book told in the first person. The Name of the Wind

2. Diary. Read a diary OR read a book written in diary entries or letters. Some examples can be found here: ...

3. Dictionary. You're probably not going to read a whole dictionary, so instead, read a book whose title is only a single word that can be found in the dictionary. Examples: Speak, Dune

4. History. Read a nonfiction book about history OR read a book that takes place over 100 years ago. A Clash of Kings

5. Philosophy. Read a book of philosophy OR read a book in which the protagonist must make an ethical decision of some sort. (Don't forget to mark spoilers!) The Seeds of a Daisy (view spoiler)[ The mother (Daisy) of the main character (Lily) was in a terrible car crash and is in a coma with severe brain damage. The ethical decision that Lily had to make was to take her mom's feeding tube out and allow her to die. She also found a letter in her mom's paper work stating that she would like to donate her organs, so Lily donated her mom's liver to her brother, who she had just met. (hide spoiler)]

6. Self-help. Read a self-help book OR read a book in which one character gives advice to another.

7. Popular science. Read a science book OR read a science fiction book. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

8. Travel writing. Read a travel writing book OR read a book that takes place in a country that you would like to visit. Rebecca (England)

I'm going to be brave and go for six.
eta: not that other people going for less than six are not brave! I used that word just for me because I have a ton of work and personal commitments in August and not much time for reading :(

For #2 Diary would World War Z count? It is an epistolary novel but it's written as a series of interviews rather then letters or diary entries.

I'll go for two

#1 - First Person - Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris - completed

#2 - Diary - Violets of March by Sarah Jio - completed

#3 - Dictionary - Heartless by Gail Carriger - completed

#4 - History - Brida by Paolo Coelho - completed

#5 - Philosophy - Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts - completed

#6 - Self Help - The Silver Boat by Luanne Rice - completed

#7 - Science - Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - completed

#8 - Travel (Florence) - Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant - completed

8/2 - Got them all!

I'm going to try for 3 but hope for 4.

Lilac wrote: "For #2 Diary would World War Z count? It is an epistolary novel but it's written as a series of interviews rather then letters or diary entries."

Yes, I'd say this counts. :)

I am going to aim for five this month.

PARTICIPANTS:


Anna 3/3 - Woo Hoo Anna!! Congratulations on achieving your goal. Excellent work.
Elizabeth 0/4
Erika 2/5
Gecko 0/6 or more
Heather 0/3
Jack 4/4 - Woo Hoo Jack!! Congratulations on achieving your goal. Excellent work.
Jessica 0/5
Jo 0/6
Jodi 3/3 - Woo Hoo Jodi!! Congratulations on achieving your goal. Excellent work.
Lianne 3/4
Lilac 1/4
Megan 8/2 - Woo Hoo Megan!! Congratulations on achieving your goal. Excellent work.
Mim 0/3 - Woo Hoo Mim!! Congratulations on achieving your goal. Excellent work.
Sarah 0/4 - Woo Hoo Sarah!! Congratulations on achieving your goal. Excellent work. (message #9)
Sarah 0/3 (message #18)
ScarlettiMi 7/7 - Woo Hoo ScarlettiMi!! Congratulations on achieving your goal. Excellent work.
Sharon 0/4
Sibyl 7/6 - Woo Hoo Sibyl!! Congratulations on achieving your goal. Excellent work.
Strawberrysky 0/5
Theresa~October-Lace 8/8 - Woo Hoo Theresa!! Congratulations on achieving your goal. Excellent work.
Quenby 0/3
Zara 2/8

I have you all added.

Kara wrote: "Lilac wrote: "For #2 Diary would World War Z count? It is an epistolary novel but it's written as a series of interviews rather then letters or diary entries."

Yes, I'd say this counts. :)"

Thanks Kara :)

Count me in for 6 maybe more

I am going to attempt 3.

Is it too late to hop on? Count me in for 3. It's my favorite number and (with my other reading commitments) just enough to make me afraid. Lol!

Heather, Anna and Sarah you're all added. Thanks for joining. Good luck with your goals.

I'm going to be a glutton for punishment and aim for all 8. I think I may be struggling but I want to see if I can do it.

Kara, am I correct in thinking that we can only have one book per category? We can't put a book in more than one category even if it might fit in more than one?

Kara would Lolita count for single word title found in dictionary?

Jodi wrote: "Kara would Lolita count for single word title found in dictionary?"

Jodi I would say so. It seems to fit the task description.

Thanks Zara! I was hoping it would work.

That's correct, Zara--each book can only count toward one task.

I'll aim for 5.

Jessica wrote: "I'll aim for 5."

I've added you Jessica. Welcome to the challenge.

I'm in! I'm going to try to read 4 books.

0/4

1. Autobiography. Read an autobiography OR read a book told in the first person.
Water for Elephants

2. Diary. Read a diary OR read a book written in diary entries or letters. Some examples can be found here: ...
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War

3. Dictionary. You're probably not going to read a whole dictionary, so instead, read a book whose title is only a single word that can be found in the dictionary. Examples: Speak, Dune
Night

7. Popular science. Read a science book OR read a science fiction book.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

I'm in for 5.
1. Autobiography - The Kite Runner
2. Dictionary - Mythology
3. History - The Lady in the Tower
4. Self Help - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
5. Science - The End Games

I will try this challenge. Please sign me up for 3. I failed my previous one, but I'm coming in with some fresh ambition!

Strawberrysky and Quenby I have added you both. Welcome aboard and good luck.

Put me down for three for now!

Mim wrote: "Put me down for three for now!"

Mim I've added you. Welcome to the challenge.

I'm going to try for six.

August Types of Nonfiction Challenge
Duration: August 1 - 31, 2013

This challenge is about the different types of nonfiction books. You have two choices: read that type of nonfiction book OR do the task instead. Either counts towards this one!

1. Autobiography. Read an autobiography OR read a book told in the first person.
Until I Say Goodbye: A Book about Living by Susan Spencer-Wendel

2. Diary. Read a diary OR read a book written in diary entries or letters. Some examples can be found here: ...

3. Dictionary. You're probably not going to read a whole dictionary, so instead, read a book whose title is only a single word that can be found in the dictionary. Examples: Speak, Dune

4. History. Read a nonfiction book about history OR read a book that takes place over 100 years ago.
Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie

5. Philosophy. Read a book of philosophy OR read a book in which the protagonist must make an ethical decision of some sort. (Don't forget to mark spoilers!)

6. Self-help. Read a self-help book OR read a book in which one character gives advice to another.

7. Popular science. Read a science book OR read a science fiction book.

8. Travel writing. Read a travel writing book OR read a book that takes place in a country that you would like to visit.

Jo wrote: "I'm going to try for six."

Jo I've added you. Welcome aboard. I wish you success in achieving your goal.

Completed #8 - Travel (Florence) - The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. Story was entertaining but there were a few gaps in the narrative. It was almost as if the author was seeking to be coy in the narrative but it came off as either an incomplete thought or a mistake. There were a few things that were sensationalized beyond necessity as well. Overall, decent read. Will give this author another chance. 2.5 stars

1/2

Megan wrote: "Completed #8 - Travel (Florence) - The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. Story was entertaining but there were a few gaps in the narrative. It was almost as if the author was seeking to be coy in t..."

Congratulations Megan. I've updated your tally.

Completed #3 - Dictionary - Heartless by Gail Carriger. Perfect brain candy! Completely unrealistic, which is the majority of its charm, with a tongue-in-cheek look at Victorian England liberally salted with impressive words, its the perfect antidote to a sick day. Definitely worth reading if you like the rest of the series! 4 stars

2/2

August Types of Nonfiction Challenge
Duration: August 1 - 31, 2013

This challenge is about the different types of nonfiction books. You have two choices: read that type of nonfiction book OR do the task instead. Either counts towards this one!

1. Autobiography. Read an autobiography OR read a book told in the first person.

2. Diary. Read a diary OR read a book written in diary entries or letters. Some examples can be found here: ...

3. Dictionary. You're probably not going to read a whole dictionary, so instead, read a book whose title is only a single word that can be found in the dictionary. Examples: Speak, Dune

4. History. Read a nonfiction book about history OR read a book that takes place over 100 years ago.

5. Philosophy. Read a book of philosophy OR read a book in which the protagonist must make an ethical decision of some sort. (Don't forget to mark spoilers!)

6. Self-help. Read a self-help book OR read a book in which one character gives advice to another.

7. Popular science. Read a science book OR read a science fiction book.

8. Travel writing. Read a travel writing book OR read a book that takes place in a country that you would like to visit.

Completed #1 - First person - Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris. Quick, entertaining read and a good sequel. I don't particularly care for the immaturity of the main character, but the world that the author created is interesting. Worth reading for a sick day. 3.5 stars

3/2

Jodi and Megan I've updated your progress. Congratulations to you both for achieving your goal.

Thanks Zara. For sure I am going to do another two. I am reading a sic-fi right now and reading one that would work for number 1 of the challenge. I don't like to over-estimate how many books I can do for a challenge because sometimes I get distracted with other books that don't fit the challenge.

Just realized I can fit this one in my August schedule! I'll work on my list and post by this weekend.

Theresa wrote: "Just realized I can fit this one in my August schedule! I'll work on my list and post by this weekend."

Hi Theresa. I've added you to the list. I'll update your goal when you've decided how many you're going to try for. Welcome to the challenge.

I've read all 8! Challenge completed

1. Autobiography. Read an autobiography OR read a book told in the first person. The Kingmaker's Daughter Finished 8/9/13

2. Diary. Read a diary OR read a book written in diary entries or letters. Some examples can be found here: ... Dracula Finished 8/27/13

3. Dictionary. You're probably not going to read a whole dictionary, so instead, read a book whose title is only a single word that can be found in the dictionary. Examples: Speak, Dune Emma Finished 8/17/13

4. History. Read a nonfiction book about history OR read a book that takes place over 100 years ago. The Lady of the Rivers Finished 8/4/13

5. Philosophy. Read a book of philosophy OR read a book in which the protagonist must make an ethical decision of some sort. (Don't forget to mark spoilers!) Heart of Darkness Finished 8/20/13

6. Self-help. Read a self-help book OR read a book in which one character gives advice to another. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Advice from a caterpillar! Listened to the audiobook beautifully read by Jim Dale 8/9/13

7. Popular science. Read a science book OR read a science fiction book. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Finished 8/24/13

8. Travel writing. Read a travel writing book OR read a book that takes place in a country that you would like to visit. The Shadowy Horses Scotland! Finished 8/18/13

1. Autobiography - finished The Kingmaker's Daughter just after midnight, staying up a bit late to finish. It fits this category since it's written as if spoken by Ann Neville. Now I have read all 3 of Philippa Gregory's books that were used for the new STARZ series The White Queen that starts tonight.

Zara wrote: "Jodi and Megan I've updated your progress. Congratulations to you both for achieving your goal."

Thanks, Zara!

I shall join this group because I am already reading books that fit the non-fiction criteria but not all fit my August Spell Out Challenge

Philosophy Revelation
by the Apostle, John,
from the NIV Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible
DONEm 8/26/13

My Review The last book in the Bible brings the entire Bible full circle, from predicting Christ to the return of Christ. What was taught in Genesis is still taught in Revelation as to how to behave while here on earth. Without being too revealing, the Apostle John, who walked with Christ, describes events to yet take place with extravagant symbolism that rivals any prophet that came before him. A prophet, himself, John writes what he is told and what he sees. The book, like all other books of the Bible, is Divine

Self-help When Good Men Do Nothing: Who Will Speak?
by John J Matey
Done, 8/12/13

My Review I savor this book for all its common sense, inspiration, and excellent research. I especially relish the bonus speech by 40 year-old Noah Webster at the end of the book. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially the silent Americans who are shying away from a call to action.

Philosophy/Self-help Fight: Are You Willing to Pick a Fight with Evil?
by Kenny Luck
Done, 8/10/13

My Review Kenny Luck writes a book for Christian men that inspires in ways not anticipated and bases his research on the Word and his own struggles with the world and the flesh. This is a book for the times as a war against Christianity is obviously underway.

History/Philosophy
God and Caesar: Biblical Faith and Political Action
by John Eidsmoe
Done, 8/31/13

My Review I thoroughly enjoy John Eidsmoe's style in writing this book as he applies scripture to today's social problems. Without condemning anyone, John logically and intelligently states a case from an humanistic point of view and then a Biblical one. He backs his opinions with sound historical evidence and moral conviction. I quote and share a few of his comments:

“The framers were realists; they recognized that the best constitution in the world could be distorted and destroyed by men determined to do so.�

“Source of national strength. By providing leadership, guidance, restraint, security, and values, the family unit promotes the greatness of the nation. Should the family fail in these responsibilities, the nation will suffer as a result.�

“A graduate can be academically excellent but morally and spiritually bankrupt. We need to consider these dimensions in education as well.�

Completed #7 - Science - Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Wow! Arguably one of the best books I have read all year - I can't believe I waited this long to read it! I, wrongly, assumed it was a complicated, scientific science fiction work and that was why it had such a cultish following. I'm glad to say I was wrong - the book has incredible heart and simply lays out the ethical quandary to save the world should we sacrifice one amazing child. Not sacrifice in a physical sense, this book is not as bloody, though is equally chilling, as Hunger Games. Definitely worth reading and I cannot wait to see the movie! 5 stars

4/2

Megan wrote: "Completed #7 - Science - Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Wow! Arguably one of the best books I have read all year - I can't believe I waited this long to read it! I, wrongly, assumed it was a ..."

Your review has piqued my interest in Ender's Game Thank you for sharing.

Completed 1/4

Philosophy/Self-help - Fight: Are You Willing to Pick a Fight with Evil?
by Kenny Luck
Done, 8/10/13

Kenny Luck writes a book for Christian men that inspires in ways not anticipated and bases his research on the Word and his own struggles with the world and the flesh. This is a book for the times as a war against Christianity is obviously underway.

More about the author: