Susan's 2014 Reading Blog: All Through the Year Quarterly Challenge

All Through the Year Quarterly Challenge

December 15, 2014 - March 14, 2015

Level 1: Read six books published in any different six months, regardless of the year. (6 Books)

Level 2: Read one book published in each of the twelve months. (12 Books)

Level 3: Read one book published in each of the twelve months and one book for each month's birthstone. (24 Books)

Level 4: Read one book published in each month of the year, one book for each month's birthstone and one book for each month's birth flower. (36 Books)

Birthstones: Read a book with a cover matching the birthstone color. Alternately, you may read a book that relates to the meaning of the birthstone.

January: Garnet (deep red color) - A gift of garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one's safe travel and speedy homecoming. So you may also read a book involving a journey of some sort.

February: Amethyst (purple) - The gift of Amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty. You may also read a book where a main character had to overcome a difficulty.

March: Aquamarine (pale blue) - A gift of Aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security, especially within long standing relationships. So you can also read a book involving an already married/mated couple.

April: Diamond (white, clear) - A gift of a Diamond is symbolic of everlasting love. You could also read a book featuring an immortal character.

May: Emerald (deep green) - Some people believe that wearing an Emerald brings wisdom, growth, and patience. So you may also pick a book where a MC experiences growth of character or gains wisdom. Or one character teaches another.

June: Pearl (white) - Only those with royal status once wore pearl jewelry. You can also choose a book that involves royalty.

July: Ruby (red) - It has been said that the Ruby's red glow comes from an internal flame that cannot be extinguished. You may also read a steamy book or one with a hot guy on the cover.

August: Peridot (yellow green; yellow and/or green on cover) - It signifies strength, both individual and within a relationship, as well as the promise of new growth in years ahead. So you may also read a book that includes family, children or pregnancy.

September: Sapphire (deep blue) - Sapphires have long been a favorite among priests and kings, who considered them symbolic of wisdom and purity. You can read a book with a virginal character.

October: Opal (multi-colored, a cover with at least 4 distinct colors) - A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence. As friendship should include both faithfulness and confidence, you can read a book that involves good friends.

November: Citrine (yellow gold) - A gift of Citrine is symbolic for hope and strength. You may also choose a book that features a character whose strength is tested, either physically or emotionally.

December: Blue Topaz (blue) - A gift of Blue Topaz is symbolic of love and fidelity. So you could read a book where a character pledges their love and fidelity with either a proposal or marriage, or the equivalent of those.

Birth Month Flowers: Read a book that has the specific flower for each month on the cover, is set during that month or that matches the meaning of the birth month flower.

January: Carnation - Love, Pride, Beauty, Purity, Distinction, Fascination, and Loyal. You can read a book with a prideful character.

February: Violet - Faithfulness, Wisdom and Hope. You may select a book with a wise character.

March: Daffodil - Spring, Rebirth, Domestic Happiness, Respect, Regard and Friendship. You could pick a book with a happy character.

April: Daisy - Love, Youth, Purity. So you can read a book that features an innocent character.

May: Lily of the Valley - Humility, Chastity, and Sweetness. You may choose a book that has a sweet character.

June: Rose - Love and Appreciation. You can select a book with a romantic character.

July: Larkspur - Levity and Lightness. You could read a book with a funny character.

August: Gladiolus - Strength, Moral Integrity, Remembrance, Infatuation. You may select a book that has a character who demonstrates moral integrity by doing the right thing.

September: Aster - Love, Faith, Wisdom and symbolizes Valor. You can read a book that has a brave character.

October: Marigold - Warm, Fierce. They exemplify elegance and devotion. You may pick a book with an elegant character.

November: Chrysanthemum - Compassion, Friendship, Joy. You can choose a book that has a compassionate character.

December: Poinsettia - Good Cheer, Success. You can read a book with a successful character.