Winter 2014 Book Challenge: Month 1

Hello, readers! First, I sincerely apologize for the delayed posting of the first check-in. If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you may already know I was on my honeymoon until last night (err, early this morning), and thus I wasn't able to get the post ready for December 1. If you didn't know that, hopefully you weren't waiting too impatiently for the check-in! ;)

If you're new to the challenge, feel free to review the rules for the winter challenge here. Remember, all books you've read back to November 1 count, even if you join the challenge today! Continue reading after the jump to learn how to check in with your progress.

Please comment on this post in the following format to check in. Please do not forget page numbers! Remember all books must be at least 200 pages long unless otherwise specified. You may also link to your reviews or own check-in post if you wish, but that is not required. We operate on the honor code here, but I would love to read your posts and/or reviews if you have them! However, I would like you to put a simple rating next to each book in your check-in post (on a scale of 1 to 5 stars), based on feedback from past participants. :)

5 points: Freebie! — The Invention of Wings, Sue Monk Kidd (386 pages, 4 stars)
15 points: Read the first book in a series that is new to you. — If I Stay, Gayle Forman (first book of If I Stay series, 262 pages, 3 stars)
15 points: Read a book written by a local author. — The Valley of Amazement, Amy Tan (Born in Oakland and even attended San Jose State University! 589 pages, 4 stars)

PREVIOUS POINTS: 0
TOTAL POINTS: 35

I also read The Dinner by Herman Koch for the meal category, but it won't count for points until I've finished the other half of that category. I'm currently working on A Storm of Swords, which doesn't count for this challenge because I started it before November 1, but I was missing my characters. :)

Please record your progress thus far by December 11 (I'm giving you a one-day extension because I was late!) in order to be included in the first scoreboard, which will be posted with the next check-in on January 1. Good luck!

P.S. — If you have five extra minutes, please take my quick survey to help improve Semi-Charmed Kind of Life! All feedback is much appreciated, whether you are a regular reader or just stop by for the book challenges. :) The survey can be found here.