Pick Three (3) Mini-Challenge, May 2021

Remember that you may combine 3 books from any of the categories any way you wish. You may choose one book from 3 different ones; 3 books from the same; 2 from one and 1 from another etc.…just so you end up with 3

It’s MAY!!!

Let’s celebrate the gorgeous month of May! The Sun is warming, the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and the garden is growing. See what fun and interesting days May has to offer.

May 1-May Day. In Hawaii, it is celebrated as Lei Day. Leis made of garlands that are often made with native Hawaiian flowers and leaves. Nowadays, they are given as a symbol of greeting, farewell, affection, celebration, or honor, in the spirit of aloha

May 5 – Cinco De Mayo - This day celebrates the victory of the Mexicans over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862.

May 9 – This is Mother’s Day. Don’t forget! Have something special planned to show appreciation for your mother?

May 16 – Armed Forces Day – This is an American holiday and honors those who serve in all branches of the United States military.

May 18 – Victoria Day – A holiday of our neighbor...Canada. This holiday celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria, who was born on May 24, 1819.

May 22 – National Maritime Day - Created in commemoration of the first transoceanic voyage via steamboat by the U.S.S. Savannah in 1819. This holiday recognizes the efforts of the U.S. merchant marine during both war and peace.

May 25 – Memorial Day – A Day that is a poignant reminder of the tenacity of life. It’s tradition to raise the flag on this day and remember those that gave their all for us.

The entire month of May is “Get Caught Reading Month” ...I know we can all celebrate this one!


Pick 3 Challenges – May 2021

The Challenge

1.Pick a book(s) that has flowers or other spring related items on the cover(s) OR a book(s) that the word “MAY” appears in the title.

2.Pick a book(s) that are set in Hawaii or any other island OR a book(s) that someone leaves on a trip or is visited by a friend.

3. Pick a book(s) that features a mother or a grandmother as a character OR that someone receives a gift.

4.Pick a book(s) that are set in Mexico or France OR that features a war or a character that is a soldier.

5.Pick a book(s) that the authors first and last initial can be found in MEMORIAL DAY.

6.Get caught reading any book you choose.

1.Pick a book(s) that has flowers or other spring related items on the cover(s). The Brief Life Of Flowers - Fiona Stafford

2. Pick a book(s) that features a mother or a grandmother as a character. Dachshund Through The Snow - Roxanne St Claire (Grandmother)
3. Pick a book(s) that the authors first and last initial can be found in MEMORIAL DAY. The Prince And The Troll - Rainbow Rowell 10/05/2021 4⭐

📌 - ★
Carol Picks 3 - DONE 5/12
Pick A book that features a mother or a grandmother
📌1.Don't Look For Me - Wendy Walker - 4★
📌2.The New Husband - D.J. Palmer- 3★
📌3.Just Get Home - Bridget Foley- 4★

📌 - ★ - Done /5/19
Pick a book that the authors first and last initials can be found in MEMORIAL DAY
📌1.The Boatman's Daughter - Andy Davidson- 5★ (A & D)
📌2-The Girl From Widow Hills - Megan Miranda - 4.5★ (M & M)
📌3.-Fish Out of Water - Amy Lane - 5★ (A & L)

📌 - ★ - Done - 5/17
Get caught reading any book you choose
📌1.Rainbow Blues - K.C. Burn- 5★
📌2.Bone Rattle - Marc Cameron- 5★
📌3.The Deep - Alma Katsu- 4.5★

This may be overly ambitious, but I'll give it a go anyway!

3) Book featuring a mother or grandmother:

Eleanor of Aquitaine by Regine Pernoud, which I inherited from my mother and read during my younger years (teenager most likely). So, it's double-mothered!

Eleanor of Aquitaine by Alison Weir - to compare biographies of this remarkable woman and mother of kings. Which is where I become a bit ambitious :)

4. Book that features a war:

The March by E.L. Doctorow that features the Civil War. As an Atlantan, I really really want to read something written in a more modern era about this war and Sherman's March to the Sea. ✔

Fallen into the Pit - Ellis Peters 4.5★ (One of the main characters is a Mum)

>5 Sergeirocks:


Good job!

Well, I finished one of the three! The March was a fantastic, gripping, well-written book. And here, at the end of May, I thought I could read 2 biographies of Eleanor of Aquitaine this month. It was a fine and noble gesture, I'll say that much.

But I must say, reading 2 biographies of Eleanor is an unexpected gift. I first thought I would read one then the other, but there is so much history and change during that period that I began instead to read a portion of each to see how they described the life of this remarkable woman differently. I've gotten to the part in both with the death of Thomas a Becket, and next is (sadly) her imprisonment.

The fashion of writing a biography has changed over the decades: Regine Pernoud's is from the late 60's, where Alison Weir's was published in 1999. What they cover is basically the same story, but with a different point of view on what they will cover. Detailed reviews will be sometime next month.