BOTNS #282: BOTNS Summer Reading Bingo!

[Janet]

Cathy wrote: "Does anyone have any ideas for the "translation" square ... Without it being something heavy perhaps?"

[Sherry]

Martha wrote: "Linda wrote: "Alexandra wrote: "Does anyone have any good recommendations for a book with a red cover? I was thinking of The Rosie Project, but I already read that. Any other suggestions? Thanks in..." I enjoyed "Me Before You" and I believe that has a red cover. or "The Curious Case of the Dog in the Nighttime"

[Sandy]

Alexandra wrote: "Does anyone have any good recommendations for a book with a red cover? I was thinking of The Rosie Project, but I already read that. Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance!"

I just finished listening to The Martian by Andy Weir - has a red cover and is a great story. What an attitude that guy has. I counted it as science fiction and plan to read The Rosie Project for red cover.

Such fun ... thanks BOTNS

[Carey]

Thanks so much for the suggestions for a cozy mystery! I'm loving this summer reading challenge!

[Don]

I want to read a medical thriller for thriller/suspense. I once read a Robin Cook at the beach and enjoyed it. But I don't want to read a dated book. Recommendations?

Just started The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie for cosy mystery. I love it! It's hilarious. I never would have read this if not for Bingo!

[Laura]

Don, if you haven't read any Tess Gerritsen books, I would consider hers to be medical thrillers. Some of hers are in a series, but others stand alone. She is an MD so knows her stuff.

[Tina]

Don wrote: "I want to read a medical thriller for thriller/suspense. I once read a Robin Cook at the beach and enjoyed it. But I don't want to read a dated book. Recommendations?

Just started The Sweetness at..."

For medical thrillers, my recommendation is Kathy Reichs. She is behind the show, "Bones". I was reading her books before the show began & the two are very different. I was disappointed in the TV program but continue to read her novels. She has been compared to Patricia Cromwell. I am a nurse & not much disturbs me. However, I have found Cromwell books to be gory & graphic.
Reichs' main character Temperance Brennan is a forensic anthropologist who assists with crime scene investigations. She uses technical terms and explains them well. Temperance reappears but you don't necessarily have to read the books in order. Fatal VoyageFatal Voyage is one of my personal favorites.
Reichs' Virals series are YA books. I have yet to read them and cannot offer any insight.

[Sandy]

I'm listening to Treasure Island planning to fill my "what your should have read in school" only to find I don't have that square. Guess I'll count it as before 1970 ... don't really think it qualifies for something everyone else has read. Frees up Agatha Christie for short stories.

[Lara]

What does 'found in a u' mean? Should I be embarrassed for asking?

[Linda]

Lara wrote: "What does 'found in a u' mean? Should I be embarrassed for asking?"

I'm guessing you caught part of a sentence that included found in a used bookstore.

[Ellen]

Maureen wrote: "For ellen. Ellen gilchrist"

Hi Maureen,

Thanks for this author suggestion. I've decided to try one of her books to fill this square, since Wiseman just wasn't floating my boat.

[Victoria]

So sad, I have lost my partially completed bingo cards! They seem to have vanished from my house. I guess I will have to print a new card.

[Heather]

I printed a bingo card for my mother and she's trying to fill it all in. Any suggestions for a graphic novel she might enjoy? She tends to like more realistic plots.

[Lara]

Thanks, Linda! I love a good used bookstore. I was wondering if the u meant university.

[Carol]

Don wrote: "I want to read a medical thriller for thriller/suspense. I once read a Robin Cook at the beach and enjoyed it. But I don't want to read a dated book. Recommendations?

I'm going to suggest Carol Cassella as one of the new writers in this genre. I enjoyed all of her books but no one compares to Robin Cook and Michael Palmer IMHO.

[Linda]

Carol wrote: "Don wrote: "I want to read a medical thriller for thriller/suspense. I once read a Robin Cook at the beach and enjoyed it. But I don't want to read a dated book. Recommendations?

I'm going to sugg..."

In the last year I read a Michael Crichton from the 70s and didn't think it was too far "gone". A Case of Need (It was written under the pseudonym of Jeffrey Hudson).

Beat the Reaper is written by a doctor (who is the son of Robert Bazell who used to be the Science Reporter for NBC News). There is a follow-up that I didn't like as well, but it still was good Wild Thing

[Melissa]

Ann wrote: "Katie wrote: "Just about to listen to the episode, but saw all the comments here and immediately printed out my Bingo card. What fun!!! I think this will open up new horizons. By the way, what is..."

Simon from The Readers introduced me to my new favorite "cozy" mysteries - the Agatha Raisin series by M.C. Beaton. Agatha is stubborn and rude, yet very lovable.

[Marchelle]

My husband and I are playing the same card. he got bingo on the one book he's read so needless to say we are playing for black out. I was against using the same book for more than one square, but when my husband asked "why not?" I couldn't give him a good answer. His name is Marcello and mine is Marchelle so we're going to have fun trying to complete that square... :D

[Sandy]

I'm about to start "At Home in Mitford" which could either count as on my TBR list for over 2 years or bought at a used book store (in this case a used book fund drive).
I could use Marcello's technique of multi counting, but not sure I could ever fill a card

Good luck with the Marcello / Marchelle authors!

[Megan]

Heather wrote: "I printed a bingo card for my mother and she's trying to fill it all in. Any suggestions for a graphic novel she might enjoy? She tends to like more realistic plots."

The Complete Persepolis

She may enjoy something like Persepolis. It's told from the point of view of a girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. I loved it in college. While the topic can get heavy, Satrapi does a great job of adding a bit of wit in the mix.

[Sarah]

I'm really so excited about this. I proposed doing this as a summer reading game for my book club, and they loved it. So I drafted some rules, and we start tomorrow!

http://anovelideanyc.tumblr.com/post/...

Bring on the books!

[ril]

Janet wrote: "Cathy wrote: "Does anyone have any ideas for the "translation" square ... Without it being something heavy perhaps?"

"

Hector and the Search for Happiness.
I've not read it, but it's not a downer.

[Carol]

Linda wrote: "Carol wrote: "Don wrote: "I want to read a medical thriller for thriller/suspense. I once read a Robin Cook at the beach and enjoyed it. But I don't want to read a dated book. Recommendations?

Love Beat the Reaper!

[Suzan]

I printed my Bingo card! This will be fun. I am guessing each book counts for only one square, right?

I have 4 squares so far since Memorial Day weekend, and 3 are in the same row!:

UnSouled by Neal Schusterman - Science Fiction
Gypsy Davey by Chris Lynch - YA novel
We Were Liars (audio) - Recommended by BOTNS
Tell the Wolves We're Home by Carol Rifka Brunt - Library book

This is fun so far! I'm going to mention it on my blog to spread the fun...

Sue

2014 Big Book Summer Challenge

[Michael]

Heather wrote: "I printed a bingo card for my mother and she's trying to fill it all in. Any suggestions for a graphic novel she might enjoy? She tends to like more realistic plots."

previously mentioned on this thread, and a recommendation I can whole-heartedly get behind is March

[Elisabeth]

I just sent the bingo card link to my book club. Hopefully someone wants to compare with me!

[Amy]

Sarah wrote: "I'm really so excited about this. I proposed doing this as a summer reading game for my book club, and they loved it. So I drafted some rules, and we start tomorrow!

http://anovelideanyc.tumblr.co..."

Jealous. I printed out a bunch of cards and brought them to my last book club meeting. Thought it would be fun for all of us to do. Got a lukewarm reception and several of the cards were left on the table afterwards. I think I need to find a new book club. Sigh.

[Andrea]

Got a lukewarm reception and several of the cards were left on the table afterwards.
Whaaaaat?! Fun-haters.

[Amy]

Andrea wrote: "Got a lukewarm reception and several of the cards were left on the table afterwards.
Whaaaaat?! Fun-haters."

I know, right? I might have to move. Drastic times call for drastic measures...

[Laura]

They're party poopers -- BOTNS summer reading bingo rocks! I know, for me, it's getting me even more excited to read than I normally am.
--->giant book geek<---

Andrea, we'll be your virtual book club! You'll have to use your imagination for the snacks, but on the other hand, we can have as many as we want with no calories. I'll bring decadent brownies. :-)

[Amy]

Laura wrote: "we'll be your virtual book club! You'll have to use your imagination for the snacks, but on the other hand, we can have as many as we want with no calories. I'll bring decadent brownies. :-)..."

Sounds like a plan! I'll bring the wine. Although I guess I only need to wash one glass! ;)

[Suzan]

Heather wrote: "I printed a bingo card for my mother and she's trying to fill it all in. Any suggestions for a graphic novel she might enjoy? She tends to like more realistic plots."

Good idea, Heather! I think I will print one for my mom, too - she is coming to town next week to accompany me to two book discussions.

As for a graphic novel, I really loved This One Summer, a recent release. It is a teen/YA novel so not sure if she likes that, but it had great depth of character and a realistic story, all about summer vacation traditions and being an adolescent caught between childhood and adulthood. You can read my full review here to see if she'd like it:

http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2014/0...

Good luck!

Sue

2014 Big Book Summer Challenge

[Clara]

Andrea wrote: "Got a lukewarm reception and several of the cards were left on the table afterwards.
Whaaaaat?! Fun-haters."

I had thought that might happen at my group too. I am really excited about the bingo idea but maybe others don't want to read outside their comfort zone. So, I printed several versions for myself and am enjoying it alone!!! Or with all of you here.

[Valerie]

At least we can all find each other on Goodreads! I'm enjoying bingo enormously. Can't wait to see what everybody is reading for it.

Clara wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Got a lukewarm reception and several of the cards were left on the table afterwards.
Whaaaaat?! Fun-haters."

I had thought that might happen at my group too. I am really excited ab..."

[Ellen]

I've now filled 4 more squares:

Science fiction = A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle -- a first time read for me
Author with the same first name = A Dangerous Age by Ellen Gilchrist -- might check out more of her books in future
By an author of a different gender = The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje
A novella = The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye by A.S. Byatt

Also have a couple ideas for other squares (currently reading And the Mountains Echoed, which will fit "Set in another country.")

[Valerie]

Any suggestions for a one word title? I like mysteries, non-fiction, and novels from other countries. Thanks!

[Linda]

Valerie wrote: "Any suggestions for a one word title? I like mysteries, non-fiction, and novels from other countries. Thanks!"

Zeitoun nonfiction, I think everyone should read - made me furious.

Lift nonfiction

Sunflowers fiction about Van Gogh

Wonder YA I think EVERYONE should read

Faith fiction

Bossypants nonfiction and humorous

Mudbound fiction

Phantom fiction

Postmortem mystery

Disclosure fiction

Plainsong fiction

Redwall fiction anthropromorphic animals in an abbey

Scandalmonger fiction takes place in the colonies (politicians hiding things isn't new!)

Rebecca If you haven't read this, Valerie, you have to then watch the movie with Joan Fontaine

Deadline mystery (my 2nd favorite mystery writer)

I've read all of these and enjoyed them all.

[Michelle]

This is such a great idea! I've filled my first square, Novella, with Local Souls. I'm currently reading The People in the Trees(which I started a few months ago and had to set aside because I got too busy)and trying to decide if I can count it for the Set in Another Country square.

[Kate]

I am loving this challenge! I have only filled 2 squares, but am now concentrating on picking books to count - 1 book per square. I need help with "Science Fiction" which is NOT my genre. The only title I have seen mentioned in this thread is The Martian, which I will consider, but if anyone has other ideas, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

[Laura]

Kate, if you like Star Trek at all, Redshirts by John Scalzi is fun. It's not an official ST novel, but its title and plot are an obvious head nod to that "universe." Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is really good near-future dystopian science fiction.

[Pamela]

I'm loving my Bingo card ... my biggest challenge is what category to put books in. I just finished "The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair" and can't decide if it should be in the "Book with more than 500 pages", "Book published this year", or "Book with a mystery" category. Such problems, LOL.

[Summer]

My classic vote in Science Fiction would be for Frank Herbert's Dune if you haven't read it already.

I enjoyed the links to environmentalism, world religions, and timeless human in-fighting and intrigue :) However, it might not be everyone's cup of tea.

If that doesn't appeal to you, Laura's suggestion is also really good! I *loved* Ready Player One (and read it thanks to the review I heard on BOTNS).

[Linda]

Kate wrote: "I am loving this challenge! I have only filled 2 squares, but am now concentrating on picking books to count - 1 book per square. I need help with "Science Fiction" which is NOT my genre. The on..."

Kate,

I immediately thought of Redshirts which has me feeling as a traitor since my usual go to book for SF is The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. My son and I really, really like that one.

I also saw someone include A Wrinkle in Time and although it qualifies, I hadn't thought of it as SF.


Summer wrote: "My classic vote in Science Fiction would be for Frank Herbert's Dune if you haven't read it already.

I enjoyed the links to environmentalism, world religions, and timeless ..."
Summer,

I'm listening to Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief. Since I started this I've been thinking I might read Dune as "homework" after I finish the present book.

[Cory Day]

Kate wrote: "I am loving this challenge! I have only filled 2 squares, but am now concentrating on picking books to count - 1 book per square. I need help with "Science Fiction" which is NOT my genre. The on..."

There's always The Sparrow. I also loved The Best of All Possible Worlds :)

[Kate]

Thanks for all the suggestions for SF! I think I am going to try as my GR friends that have read it seemed to really like it. Also, it is half the length of and I am not sure I am ready for a 500+ page read.

[Janet]

Kate wrote: "Thanks for all the suggestions for SF! I think I am going to try as my GR friends that have read it seemed to really like it. Also, it is half t..."

Dune would be quite the leap if SF is not a genre you currently read, it's not for the moderate SF reader.

Since sci fi and fantasy are most of what I read, I thought I'd throw in a few more suggestions:

Ancillary Justice: A hive-mind computer with multiple human bodies loses all but one and goes on a mysterious quest. Very traditional SF, well deserving of the awards it keeps racking up.

The Sparrow: Far more about religion and faith, the aliens in this book are truly alien, and the book is just absolutely devastatingly emotional.

Wool Omnibus: The first short story is by far the best part of the novel, but it's a fascinating dystopia future society.

Ubik: I personally feel you can never go wrong with Philip K Dick, this one is my personal favorite. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, and Man in the High Castle are both also excellent.

Never Let Me Go: Definitely skirting the edge of genre fiction, this near-future society is a great book if you're only looking to dip your toe in. Much more about growing up and the relationships between the characters.

Snow Crash: My personal favorite Neal Stephenson, though I know some friends prefer The Diamond Age, which is also great. Written in 1992, and being heavily about the internet, computer viruses, and hackers, it is amazing how well it holds up.

1984: Also a great book for before 1970, which is on my bingo card. It's a classic for a reason.

[Ann]

Kate wrote: "Thanks for all the suggestions for SF! I think I am going to try as my GR friends that have read it seemed to really like it. Also, it is half t..."

Kate, I'm pretty sure you've read The Sparrow, but if you haven't, that's the one.

[Don]

Went to the beach last weekend and read The Surgeon in two days for Thriller Square. Very fast for me. It was a page turner, but not for everyone. Probably the most horrific and graphic novel about violence against women I've read. But it certainly was gripping. I doubt I would ever have chosen it if not for Bingo!

[Julie]

Okay...this should be an easy one, but for some reason no books are coming to my mind that fit this category. I'm looking for a book with only words on the cover. Any suggestions?

I thought of one...Room. Any others?

[Adore]

disgrace, disturbing but unbelievably good (at least imo!)

Disgrace