Bellepic
True Blue Farmgirl
460 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
460 Posts
Posted - Nov 14 2025 : 08:54:48 AM
Hey sisters!
I had a bunch of quirky reading scavenger hunt ideas percolating and wanted to capture them somewhere as a reading challenge (also helps with bibliophile badge series). If others want to add their ideas or follow along, they are welcome to!
#1 Something pedestrian. #2 A How-To #3 A Whodunit #4 A book suggested by a sister #5 (TBD!)
Bellepic
True Blue Farmgirl
460 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
460 Posts
Posted - Nov 14 2025 : 08:59:19 AM
#1 Something pedestrian.
Grandma Gatewood's Walk.
I read this entirely while walking on a treadmill (while thinking healing thoughts for Debbie who is recovering from ankle surgery). While I didn't lose the 25-30 pounds Emma was reported to have lost on her project, the scale has my numbers moving in the right direction. What an inspirational way to kickoff a new habit. If others read this title, let me know -- In what ways you think Gatewood's path was harder and in what ways was it easier than the challenge contemporary AT through hikers face?
LauraBell
True Blue Farmgirl
382 Posts
Laura
Corpus Christi
TX
USA
382 Posts
Posted - Nov 17 2025 : 10:10:26 AM
I've read this book! So happy to see it here. One of my bucket list items was walking on the AT. In 2020 right before we all stayed home, my sister had a conference in Tennessee so we packed up my son and dad and had an epic road trip. We visited the AT and I picked up that book in the visitor's center gift shop. We walked a little on the trail - just so I could check that off. Loved it! Such an interesting story and one that stuck with me!
Laura
Happy to be Farmgirl #7286
Bellepic
True Blue Farmgirl
460 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
460 Posts
Posted - Nov 17 2025 : 10:12:24 AM
Hooray! Do you have other books (any topic) that have stuck with you? I'm thinking I should have a scavenger hunt item to read a book suggested by a fellow sister...
LauraBell
True Blue Farmgirl
382 Posts
Laura
Corpus Christi
TX
USA
382 Posts
Posted - Nov 17 2025 : 2:23:17 PM
Let me think about that - what a cool idea!
Laura
Happy to be Farmgirl #7286
LauraBell
True Blue Farmgirl
382 Posts
Laura
Corpus Christi
TX
USA
382 Posts
Posted - Dec 01 2025 : 11:23:17 AM
I've really been thinking on this one and I know I'll have some more books to add. But for now, I'm using Goodreads this year to track my reading - I just have a list going of read books. I'm at 31 so far for 2025. I let life keep me from reading and it was making me sad so I challenged myself to actually read this year. I also include the books I listen too while driving. The 10 hour ride to Arkansas and the 6 1/2 hour drive to Tyler have provided me with good listening time this year.
If you like young adult - I picked up The Evolution of Calpernia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly at a thrift store. I'm looking for stories that will make good read aloud chapter books with Caroline in the future. The book is set here in Texas in towns I am familiar with but it was the relationship between the granddaughter and her grandfather that really made this a favorite book. I've got the sequel on my TBR list.
Another YA I really enjoyed was Candle Island by Lauren Wolk. Just a great story.
If you like cozy mysteries, the Shady Hollow series is a lot of fun. There are five of them so far - a little far fetched as the main characters are animals but they are fun reads. They are written by Juneau Black.
I'm currently listening to the Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion by Beth Brower. So much fun to listen to - love the narrator!
Laura
Happy to be Farmgirl #7286
Bellepic
True Blue Farmgirl
460 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
460 Posts
Posted - Jan 02 2026 : 08:02:47 AM
Thank you, Laura! My TBR pile is getting a little taller-- Unselected Journals looks like it will keep me busy on the treadmill. I love the idea of YA read alouds with this kids-- How old is Caroline now?
nndairy
True Blue Farmgirl
1948 Posts
Heather
Wapakoneta
Ohio
USA
1948 Posts
Posted - Jan 02 2026 : 12:07:26 PM
I no longer have it or I'd send it to you, but if you want a good whodunit I was completely surprised by The Coffin Dancer by Jeffery Deaver. It's an older book (late 90's) but if you find one I'd grab it. It was so good I read it years ago and still remember the name of it LOL!
~Heather “I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington
Bellepic
True Blue Farmgirl
460 Posts
Christine
Santa Ana
CA
USA
460 Posts
Bibliophile Challenge
Posted - Nov 14 2025 : 08:54:48 AM
