Portable Magic

I’m again challenging myself to complete the squares using books that I already have on hand. My goal is to keep whittling down my massive TBR and free up some space on my bookshelves, as I’ve spent the last several years accumulating books faster than I can read them.

So thanks once again to Moonlight and Obsidian, for your creativity and time in pulling this challenge together and giving us a fun format to share book experiences and to get to know one another a little better!

I probably won’t complete all the squares, but here’s my loose plan of attack:

Task the First: The Winter Wonderland:

Reading: Read a book that is set in a snowy place.

                Journey by James A. Michener (hardcover)

Task: take a walk outside and post a picture of something pretty you encountered on your way.

Task the Second: The Silent Nights:

Reading: Read a book set in one of the Nordic countries, where winter nights are long!

                The Shadow Wife by Dorothy Eden (inherited hardcover)

Task: Hygge - Put on your fuzziest socks, light a candle, and spend some time (reading) in front of the fireplace or your coziest nook.

Task the Third: The Holiday Party:

Reading: Read a book where a celebration is a big part of the action.

                Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (hardcover)

Task: Make something that is considered party food where you are from, and post a picture of it on booklikes.

Task the Fourth: The Gift Card:

Reading: Read a book that you either received as a gift or have given as a gift.

                Dog Songs by Mary Oliver, John Burgoyne, Illustrator (Hardcover, gift from sister)

Task: Give a book to a friend and post a picture of the wrapped present.

Task the Fifth: The Kwanzaa:

Reading: Read a book written by an African-American author or set in an African country.

                Maya Angelou Poetry Collection by Maya Angelou (audio, read by Herself)

Task: Make a small donation to a charitable organization that operates in Africa.

Task the Sixth: The Hanukkah:

Reading: Let the dreidel choose a book for you

      I wanted to use books by Jewish authors or related to the faith, but as I've not really considered the faith of the authors on my TBR, I could only come up with 2, with one as a re-read: Nun - Iggie's House by Judy Blume (paperback); Gimel - Night by Elie Wiesel (audio, re-read); He - Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume (paperback); Shin -  All Rivers Run to the Sea: Memoirs by Elie Wiesel (audio)

Task: Make a traditional Hanukkah food like doughnuts or potato latkes. Post a picture, or tell us how they turned out!

Task the Seventh: The Christmas:

Reading: Read a book set during the Christmas holiday season.

                A Midnight Clear by Katherine Paterson

Task: Set up a Christmas bookstagram-style scene with favorite holiday reads, objects or decorations. Possibly also a cat. Post it for everyone to enjoy!

Task Eighth: The Movie Ticket

Reading: Read a book that has been adapted to a holiday movie.

Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding (audio)

Task: Go see a new theater release this holiday season (during November/December. This does not have to be a holiday movie, so yes, Fantastic Beasts will qualify).

Task the Ninth: The Happy New Year

Reading: Read a coming of age novel or any old favorite comfort read to start the new year right.

                Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (audio) Also reading this for the GR Horror Aficionados November group read

Task: If you're feeling brave, post a holiday picture of yourself from your childhood or misspent youth.

Task the Tenth: The Holiday Down Under

Reading: Read a book set in Australia or by an Australian author,  or read a book you would consider a "beach read".

                I couldn't find any on my already purchased TBR. If I get this far, I'll re-read one of my Kate Mortons

Task: Christmas crackers are a traditional part of an Australian Christmas. Buy some (or make your own) to add to your festivities and share some pictures!

Task the Eleventh: The Polar Express

Reading: Read a book that involves train travel (such as Murder on the Orient Express).

                Nope. I got nothing!

Task: Read a classic holiday book from your childhood (to a child if you have one handy) or tell us a story about a childhood Christmas you'd like to share.

Task the Twelfth: The Wassail Bowl

Reading: Read a book set in the UK, preferably during the medieval or Victorian periods.

                A Christmas Story by Charles Dickens (Audio, re-read) Because I re-read this every year. Jim Dale’s narration is perfect.

Task: Drink a festive, holiday beverage, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Take a picture of your drink, and post it to share - make it as festive as possible!