Play Book Tag discussion
September 2017: American
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Announcing the September tag
I think one of the reasons I chose this tag, is to finally read Gone With the Wind and Go Set a Watchman. But I think a number of other titles I had planned for this month will also apply. Shotgun Lovesongs, Lincoln in the Bardo, Love and Other Consolation Prizes, and of course, Wolf Hollow, my middle reader middle school summer read book. There is also Housekeeping on my mind.
Nicole R wrote: "You guys, I am going to do it. I am determined to finish Alexander Hamilton."Me too. I think I can, I think I can,I think I can......
Amy wrote: "I think one of the reasons I chose this tag, is to finally read Gone With the Wind and Go Set a Watchman. But I think a number of other titles I had planned for this month will also apply. Shotgun ..."I LOVE Gone with the Wind. But given that we have virtually opposite views of books (a recent exception being Evelyn Hugo), you will probably not like it....
Jgrace wrote: "Nicole R wrote: "You guys, I am going to do it. I am determined to finish Alexander Hamilton."Me too. I think I can, I think I can,I think I can......"
WE CAN DO THIS!
Well, as for recommendations, I won't say anything - there are just way too many great books that fall on this category.I might be reading Small Great Things, although I'll probably get to it in some days' time - so, before the end of August. Or maybe I can save it for September?
Other than that, I have a couple of books planned that are or could be shelved as American, like The Help (although I'm still not sure I'll get to it), and The Thing From the Lake.
Nicole, we actually have many books in common in both directions. It just feels like a few are glaring differences. Hey, I even love a great Nora! I can't come up with any off the bat, could do some research, but I assure you that Evelyn Hugo was not the exception. I think your love of 100 Days of Solitude is skewing you. As I said to Karin the other day, you and she have more diverse interests than I, and a greater range of genres. Which is why PBT is so good for me. I admit to being narrow, and have been expanding thanks to PBT. But the books I read and rate are actually quite common with many of you. I rather think I would LOVE Gone With the Wind. Why wouldn't I?
Amy wrote: "I rather think I would LOVE Gone With the Wind. Why wouldn't I? ..."I hope you do! It is one of my favorite books of all time.
Marina wrote: " I have a couple of books planned that are or could be shelved as American, like The Help (although I'm still not sure I'll get to it), and The Thing From the Lake. ..."Loved, loved, loved The Help!
Ironic September is the 'American' tag. My actual reading goal this month was to NOT read American books- and to read around my travel destinations- right now I'm reading Julia Child's memoir for Paris.I think I'll use this opportunity to read a classic. Probably won't get much reading done this month due, but should be able to squeeze one in towards the end of the month.
Maybe The Catcher in the Rye or The Great Gatsby.
As per usual, it is so interesting to see the plans and recommendations.I'm 90% sure I'm going to read something by Cormac McCarthy. Ever since The Road (a top read for me), I've been wanting to try another book by him, and now seems like a great opportunity. Any suggestions on which one?
Books that I rated 5 stars and that fit the tag include:
Seabiscuit: An American Legend
Lincoln in the Bardo
East of Eden
Centennial or Texas or Hawaii
I was shocked that, on the first page, there was Game of Thrones! Yea, I don't think so :-)I'm looking at A Little Life, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Go Set a Watchman in audio, and possibly White Noise. We'll see how far I get! I'm also trying to finish up Prosperous.
Anita wrote: "As per usual, it is so interesting to see the plans and recommendations.I'm 90% sure I'm going to read something by Cormac McCarthy. Ever since The Road (a top read for me), I've been..."
I will be interested if you like other books by Cormac McCarthy as well as The Road. I found The Road to be a quicker and easier read than other McCarthy books which I have read, but I didn't like it quite as well as others.
I'm not recommending any books for this tag as there are so many good ones on the Goodreads page that I'm sure everyone can find something in their wheelhouse and I've got a quite a few on my to read list, though I have many more on my already read list.
Just ordered GWTW on my library app. And found a 2$ copy of Exit West in a thrift shop. So my friend can keep it and take her time.
My inclination is to use the tag for reads that reflect on America as a whole. For fiction, I likely will pursue American Pastoral, which deals with social turmoil over the Vietnam War. I also want to read Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation, which is a study of the intertwined lives and thinking of Founding Fathers Adams, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison, Washington, and Burr. Another TBR I would like to cash in is Nothing Like It in the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-69.I would highly recommend the accessible reads of Nathaniel Philbrick: Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War, Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution, and Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution. McCullough's biography John Adams is another great angle on history of the American Revolution.
For the exploration and growth of the U.S., subjugation of the Indians, and Manifest Destiny, I loved the following:
--Undaunted Courage: The Pioneering First Mission to Explore America's Wild Frontier--Stephen Ambrose
--The Men Who United the States: America's Explorers, Inventors, Eccentrics and Mavericks, and the Creation of One Nation, Indivisible--Simon Winchester
--Blood and Thunder: An Epic of the American West--Hampton Sides
--What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848--Howe
Barbara wrote: "I was shocked that, on the first page, there was Game of Thrones! Yea, I don't think so :-) ..."I think it is tagged that way because George R. R. Martin is an American. I guess it's how you interpret th tag. I think most of us are thinking of books set in America.
My recommendations are:Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry a quintessential American western
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler definitely a quirky read
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
At the moment, I'm thinking of
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Lila by Marylynne Robinson
Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West by Cormac McCarthy
Phew! I voted for Cliffhanger without looking at the list. I'm sooooo glad that didn't win! Two of my favourite books ever are on the list, as well as some that are up there in my best of collection. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, and The Road by Cormac McCarthy are my top recommendations, although neither are for the faint hearted. I also recommend Franzen's novels.
I think I, like Anita, will try another McCarthy. I tried All the Pretty Horses recently and the subject matter didn't grab me so I'd love to hear from others as to which one might be worth trying. If there's time I'd like to re-read Gatsby and Of Mice and Men.
I recently read Fifth Avenue, 5AM:: Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's - a story about the making of the movie version of the book. I have seen the movie numerous times, but never read the book. Since the book is set in NYC and written by Truman Capote - an American author it definitely fits the tag. And it's on the shorter side, which is good because I have 11 more books to finish for the PopSugar challenge I am doing this year - plus a ton of library books. Luckily I am going on vacation Sunday. I will be lolling on the beach in Montauk and reading, reading, reading.
Denizen wrote: "My recommendations are:Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry a quintessential American western
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler definitely a quirk..."
Oh, I really want to read Lonesome Dove too. Why does it have to be so long? I have so many reading commitments right now. Not sure I can do another long book after 4 3 2 1, but this one is really one I want to get to.
On the flip side, I'm excited to see several people want to read Cormac McCarthy. Leaning toward Blood Meridian . . .but curious what other people suggest.
Thanks for the forewarning, BooknBlues, that The Road might be different than McCarthy's other books. The saving grace is several people who do know my reading taste have recommended I give other books of his a try, but it's a lot better to go in with expectations properly set!
Susie wrote: "Phew! I voted for Cliffhanger without looking at the list. I'm sooooo glad that didn't win! Two of my favourite books ever are on the list, as well as some that are up there in my best of collect..."
Have you read East of Eden, Susie? It might be too long for this month, but I do think it should be on your TBR.
I've not Anita. I'm way ahead in my reading challenge this year so I'm up for a long book. Thanks fir the suggestion.
Anita wrote: "Denizen wrote: "My recommendations are:Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry a quintessential American western
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler de..."
I think you should give McCarthy a try. I love the books I read, but they are not in everyone's taste. They are not Magical realism, that is for sure and they are dark.
Many people think that Blood Meridian is his masterpiece, but it is not my favorite. I love the Border Trilogy and of those The Crossing was my favorite, but I think it best to read them in order and read all of them.
I'm thinking of No Country for Old Men as I own it and haven't read it yet....unfortunately I have seen the movie, but I don't think it will detract from his work, because his prose is so important.
Anita wrote: "As per usual, it is so interesting to see the plans and recommendations.I'm 90% sure I'm going to read something by Cormac McCarthy. Ever since The Road (a top read for me), I've been..."
I recommend No Country for Old Men especially if you haven't seen the movie. I've read All the Pretty Horses and The Crossing and both were good but I liked NCFOM better. Hope you like it if you read it.
I'm thinking No Country for Old Men too Booknblues.
Oh thanks for the recommendation Charlie.
Anita wrote: "A clear winner this month. 78% of the individuals who voted chose the winning tag, and the participation points (86) were overwhelming. But to my surprise, there were a few scattered votes for bike..."Sigh... well, I'm sure I'll have plenty to read without even picking out specific books!
Nicole R wrote: "You guys, I am going to do it. I am determined to finish Alexander Hamilton."Good luck, Nicole!!!
Michael wrote: "My inclination is to use the tag for reads that reflect on America as a whole. ..."I think this is the way I should go, as well. I will take a closer look and see what's on the tbr.
Susie wrote: "Phew! I voted for Cliffhanger without looking at the list. I'm sooooo glad that didn't win! ..."Cliffhanger was really what I was hoping for, but I'm not even a little bit surprised with American.
Booknblues wrote: "Anita wrote: "Denizen wrote: "My recommendations are:Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry a quintessential American western
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen..."
I also enjoyed The Border Trilogy with The Crossing also my favorite of the trilogy. When I closed No Country for Old Men, I said no more McCarthy for me. It was too harsh for me. My son tells me that they changed the ending for the movie (I read the book; he saw the movie). I went on to read (and loved) The Road anyhow because I'm drawn to dystopia. Then I tried one of his earlier books, Suttree, which I didn't care for - no intention of trying any more of his earlier preWestern books. I'm toying with the idea of reading Blood Meridian but am leary of it.
LibraryCin wrote: "Susie wrote: "Phew! I voted for Cliffhanger without looking at the list. I'm sooooo glad that didn't win! ..."Cliffhanger was really what I was hoping for, but I'm not even a little bit surprised..."
Have we ever done Canadian as a tag?
Anita wrote: "As per usual, it is so interesting to see the plans and recommendations.I'm 90% sure I'm going to read something by Cormac McCarthy. Ever since The Road (a top read for me), I've been..."
I just read Child of God and Outer Dark for Jen's Road trip challenge. I think they may be right in your wheelhouse: dark, quirky, and impossible to stop reading!
Susie wrote: "I've not Anita. I'm way ahead in my reading challenge this year so I'm up for a long book. Thanks fir the suggestion."Love, love love East of Eden!
Susie wrote: "I'm thinking No Country for Old Men too Booknblues."That would be fun! I've noticed that we have really high agreement when we compare books.., so it would be interesting to see if we both liked it.
Yay!!! I have two on board and ready to go!!!!!
Well, if I don't get my reread of Dune done by the end of the month, then I can just count it for September too, lol.Ha ha! I could reread Twilight. I kid, I kid.
I didn't vote for this one because most of my reads are by American authors or take place in America. Maybe, I'll do an opposite tag next month and read something by an author not from the US or a book that doesn't take place in the US. I'm a rebel, I guess. ;)
My top recommendations are To Kill a Mockingbird, The Outsiders, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.I am considering reading:
Dandelion Wine
The Last Picture Show
All the King's Men
All the President's Men
Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis
The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl
Columbine
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration
Front Row at the White House : My Life and Times
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West
Capital Dames: the Civil War and the Women of Washington, 1848-1868
The Water is Wide: A Memoir
The Sisters Brothers
Oooo, Sara, All the President's Men has been on my list forever.
I went to my personal "American" Shelf and have no less than 17 rated 5 stars, so what to recommend???I was really hoping for Cliffhanger. I have no doubt that I'll be reading books that qualify for this so am not making a plan now :).
I'm totally game, Nicole! Let's do it!
I will read "Rules of Civility" which will also finish my 'Hitting the High Notes' challenge and the grand finale to all of my official challenges of the year. !!!!Happy Dance!!!!
Ha! Jenni, I want to SO BAD! I am terrified to read them again though because 1) they consume my life and 2) will my fourth time reading the series hold up to the love I have for them?!
Denizen wrote: "Have we ever done Canadian as a tag? ..."It was a step for those who chose it for Climbing the PBT Stairs for this year. I've also chosen something similar for a PBT admin tag, but those would be the only times we've done Canadian. Never as a monthly tag, though.
ETA: Just checking our list of tags. In April 2012, it was an admin tag chosen by me for the PBT 4th Anniversary. 16 titles were read at that time. Looks like that's it, in addition to Climb the Stairs for those who chose to use it as their admin stair.
I have my path mapped to the West Coast based on 1001 books. I won't chase further reading for this tag.
It's either going to be Beloved, A Little Life or Catch 22 for me!
Here's the plan:Contact by Carl Sagan
The Shining by Stephen King
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
Home by Marilynne Robinson
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
Or maybe I'll need the shortcut and re-read Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (I normally don't do rereads, but it's been over 30 years....)
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
Lonesome Dove (other topics)Lonesome Dove (other topics)
The Help (other topics)
To Kill a Mockingbird (other topics)
To Kill a Mockingbird (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
John Steinbeck (other topics)Philipp Meyer (other topics)
Without further ado, the tag will be:
american
Please share your reading plans and recommendations below!
Remember, for the regular monthly reads, the book can be shelved as American on Goodreads, or be a book that is not yet shelved that way but you feel should be.
To find books to read for this tag, please visit:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...