Play Book Tag discussion
2016-19 Activities & Challenges
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Listopia Challenge
Jason remains my hero (in a literary Goodreads sort of sense that is.) See, you can teach a middle aged but still young looking dog new tricks. That was a great tip. I guess the same would actually work for the listopia list itself (duh!).
Amy wrote: " But where is the URL link I am supposed to cut and paste? .."I was wondering if there was anyone who wasn't sure what a URL is or where to find it. Anita offered, if you wanted to send her your email address, to send a screen shot. This might be the way to go!
ETA: OK, it looks like you've figured it out, Amy! Good job!
OK, I have two listopia lists I am planning to finish. My second more serious list was Amazon's Top 100 Fiction for 2017.Book One: Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, reviewed in January 2018, in the Other Books folder. Link to review is below.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
I would like Fairytales and retellings.When I went back to look more closely at this, I now find is says Sci-Fi in front. Unsure if I would like that or not. However I doing a bingo card through my library and one of the squares is try a new genre of books.
other ones would be 80's early 90's. I would maybe do the middle school or YA books. I have two teenage sons that like when we read the same book.
Listopia List: Books by Utah AuthorsBook One: Reaper by Kyra Leigh ★★★
Review Link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Listopia list: Causes of Ugly Crying1 - All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven - 4 Stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Book #3https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
The Most Disturbing Books Ever Written
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
3 stars
Humbert Humbert is an older man obsessed with twelve-year-old 'nymphette' (his word) Lolita. He is so desperate to have his way with her that he marries Lolita's mother to stay within arm's distance of his heart's desire. Lolita, however, is not quite what he imagines her to be.
I wavered in giving this book 2 stars but settled on 3 because there are parts of the book that were quite good. I intensely disliked both of the main characters and considered their union not much more than rutting pigs. Nabokov's language skills are hugely apparent but sometimes they are just beyond my comprehension. I don't think I have ever used the instant dictionary on my IPad so often before. I know most people just adore this book but frankly I could not wait to be done with it.
Cross posted to other books (February)Title: Beauty
Author: Robin McKinley
Genre: Fairy Tale
Rating: ★★★★
This book is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, the book not the movie. Although there are changes to the original story there is enough in the book to please fans of the movie also.
Beauty is one of three sister, Grace, Hope and Honor. At an early age Hope stated she’d rather be Beauty and the name stuck. Her mother died at an early age so it was just the four of them, the three girls and their father. They lived in an unnamed city where the father is a very wealthy merchant. Unfortunately the family falls on hard times after several business catastrophes and they have to pack up and move to the country where Hope’s beloved has family and where he plans to start a business as a blacksmith. So the family will move from a large luxurious home to a house of four rooms. They auction off all their belongings and set off, not knowing what lies ahead.
From there the story is pretty basic; the house abuts a dark forest that they are told to never enter since it is enchanted and occupied by a great beast. One day the father is returning from a trip and goes through the forest. He finds a castle that is obviously enchanted for he finds all his needs taken care of for the night. In the morning as he begins his journey home he finds a garden of roses and picks one for his daughter Beauty. At once a beast appears and in exchange for his life the father has to return with one of his daughters to abide with him in the castle. Beauty volunteers and like all fairy tales in the end every one lives happily ever after.
I love fairy tales and retellings. Although this retelling has some changes to the original it most closely resembles the movie, so much so that I thought the author copied a lot of it. However the book was written well before the movie; if anything Disney incorporated a number of elements into their story. Still an enjoyable read that I stayed up very late one night to finish up.
Ladyslott wrote: "Cross posted to other books (February)Title: Beauty
Author: Robin McKinley
Genre: Fairy Tale
Rating: ★★★★
This book is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, the book not the movie. Although ther..."
This is one of my favorites. I have re-read this so many times, and I still get immense pleasure out of it each time. I love that magic library, and Greatheart!
annapi wrote: " I love that magic library, and Greatheart! "
The library and Greatheart were so good. I was sad for the Beast when he asked Beauty to marry him every night.
I don't could not find my post with my first listopia book (from January) in this thread so I am including it here with the one I just finished.Books 1&2 from my Listopia list:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
President Obama's Reading List 2009-2017
Book #2 - Cross Posted to February Tag folder:
The Three-Body Problem - Liu Cixin
4 stars
The Three-Body Problem is a science fiction novel written by a Chinese author that was translated for publication in the United States. It won the Hugo in 2015. I don't want to give away most of the plot, but it follows two physicists - one who survived the Cultural Revolution in the sixties and one that is working in the book's present time. In the course of exploring their science, strange things begin to emerge and scientists around the world seem to be dying in strange circumstances or committing suicide.
I really enjoyed reading is book. I liked reading this type of book from the perspective of a different culture. I feel like I learned a lot about China and its Cultural Revolution, even though that is only a small part of the book. I liked how the translator used footnotes to explain some of the references that an American reader might not understand. My biggest struggle with the book was understanding the physics and mathematics that was explored. Most of it was beyond my understanding and I often felt myself zoning out or missing out on important points due to my own ignorance in these areas. I am intrigued by the problems presented in the story and look forward to seeing where the author takes it in the other books in the trilogy.
Book #1 (Cross Posted to January Tag Folder)
The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History - Elizabeth Kolbert
4 stars
The Sixth Extinction makes the case that we are currently in the midst of a sixth major extinction event (there have been five previous events in the history of life on the planet) that is mainly driven by human factors. The author examines previous events and their causes and highlights modern extinctions and their causes.
I have studied conservation biology so many of the concepts and examples in the book were not new to me. However, I think the author does a good job highlighting the issues and the history for those that are not already familiar with them. I agree with others, that the way the book was organized was not as clear as it could be and that it jumped around a bit. I thought the best part of the book was the stories of the scientists studying the issues. She does a great job of showing what it is like being a scientist in the field and the kinds of evidence they have for humans being a major factor in extinction and climate change. These are not politically motivated people with an agenda. They are people that have dedicated their lives to studying the world and the changes occurring. I also think she does a good job highlighting the history of scientific theory regarding evolution and extinction. I believe that this shows that scientific consensus can change, but that it takes a whole lot of evidence for it to do so.
Anita wrote: "It isnt, Barbara, but I will show you later how to do it. Frankly it is a giant pain . . ."If it's a giant pain - I don't need to know! :-)
Around the World Through Fiction. [https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8...]#2 -
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...
**Cross posted to the monthly tag - Asia**
I don't know if you need this, but message #13 updated!
List: Book 1: Packing for Mars: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Book 2: Into Thin Air: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Message #13 updated & half-way there!
I can't find my original post, but I chose this list: Best Middle Ages Books https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3... 1. Timeline by Michael Crichton
4 stars
I can't believe I waited this long to read this book as it has everything I love in a novel. It has time travel, medieval history, a bit of suspense, great characters and a fast pace. ITC has developed in secret the ability to go back in time and experience the past. They are employing a group of historians to excavate a 14th century castle ruin in France, but have not told them their plans to turn the past into a kind of theme park. When the researchers begin to demand answers, their head professor disappears. It is up to his assistants to discover the truth and bring him back, but they must come face to face with the reality of their research to do it. Absolutely great. I forgot how much I loved this author. It only loses a star because of a little bit of historical inaccuracy, but most wouldn't notice because they don't study the 14th century as I do. Highly recommended!
My first book read off my LISTOPIA list: Best Literary MysteriesLISTOPIA list, # 21
Matches Monthly Tag for FEBRUARY: Asia
Snow Falling on Cedars – David Guterson – 4****
At once a courtroom drama, a love story, a war story and a coming-of-age story, Guterson’s debut novel is a marvelous work depicting one man’s struggle against his baser instincts. A murder trial serves as the framework for exploring the complex relationships between Kabuo, Natsue and Ishmael.
LINK to my review
My first book from Best Modern Australian Literature - Book #8 on the listPicnic at Hanging Rock - Joan Lindsay - 4 Stars
Picnic at Hanging Rock is one of those novels that I've started several times but just couldn't get involved enough in to keep reading. Now that I'm older, and have committed to reading Modern Australian Literature for my Listopia Challenge, it seems like a great time to reacquaint myself with this Gothic tale. Is is a real story or just an urban legend?
Written in 1967, this novel is quietly terrifying with some fascinating themes regarding class and colonialism. As it begins, most of the young ladies of Appleyard College board carriages to head off on their Valentine’s Day picnic at Hanging Rock. While the picture may look sweet and innocent, we know something is about to go horribly wrong.
After lunch, Miranda, Irma, Marion, and Edith decide to climb up into the rock. Some time later, Edith comes running back to the others in a state of hysterics, unable to recall anything that has happened. The other three girls are nowhere to be found. Also missing is Greta McGraw, one of the chief governesses. The other adults and the remaining girls spend hours searching but are forced to return to the college empty-handed.
The author did a great job of creating a sense of foreboding out of a simple picnic trip and the gothic styling is very evocative. I'm glad I finally took the time to read this intriguing classic.
From Best Middle East Fiction(Also fitting for February Decathlon)
1. Midaq Alley by Naguib Mahfouz - 4 stars
The book is told from varying perspectives of the people living in the Midaq Alley, a rather poor neighborhood where nothing much really happens. Each in their own way they look to improve their circumstances.
The book gives an interesting insight into a society very much driven by honor and social position, where men make life changing decisions for their families based entirely on their own desires. I liked the variety of characters introduced and learning their very different dreams. I found the high drama in their fights a bit much
Listopia List - I'm Glad Someone Made Me Read This Bookhttps://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Aslo fits February Tag
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
4 stars
Author, Amy Tan, writes the story of four women and their daughters. The women have immigrated from China and Tan discusses their families in both China and then in the United States. Their daughters were born in the United States and we see this generation's different points of view. The author showed how the daughters are more Americanized and that this creates issues with their mothers. The stories are moving and as the daughters grow older they have a better understanding of what their parents have been through.
My Listopia--My Favorite Memoirs#3
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
In Search of the Missing: Working with Search and Rescue Dogs
2 stars
Good but not great book. It is more about the people who work with the dogs then it about the dogs. It is like reading snippets of the dogs training and work life and long draw out stories about the people. I did find parts very interesting but I just wanted more. Lots of short stories about rescues and the things that went right and wrong but not put together very well, plus some stories did not have closure.
I have a Listopia question (sorry if it has already been asked and answered). I have decided to change my list as I can't bear the thought of forcing myself to read more non-fiction! The list I am changing to contains a few books that I have already read this year. Is it ok to include them in my completed books?
Susie wrote: "I have a Listopia question (sorry if it has already been asked and answered). I have decided to change my list as I can't bear the thought of forcing myself to read more non-fiction! The list I am ..."I am going from memory, so it might be better to skim through previous replies... But, I think someone asked and the answer was if you change your list, you have to start over. Again, this is from memory, so maybe either check back, or wait for Nicole to reply.
Ok, page 2 has a bit of a discussion. Post #63 asks about changing lists... there is some discussion, then Nicole gives an answer in #75. Now, the question wasn't exactly the same. Here is part of Nicole's answer:
"I am going back to your question many posts ago about changing your list. The admins chatted and you may change your list if you like. BUT, any books read from your prior list will not count.
So, after you start reading, that will pretty much lock you in unless you want to start over from scratch."
Though, she adds a bit more info in her post.
Now, this was answering about any books read from the prior list, not whether or not books you read from your new list when it wasn't your chosen list.
So... I'm not sure!
Listopia List - I'm Glad Someone Made Me Read This Book Book #2
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
4 stars
In this unique story characters' lives are connected by a book called The History of Love. Amongst others there is a lonely old man named Leo who wrote the book. He was young and living in Poland at the time before the Nazi's entered the country. A widowed woman many years later is translating it to English, and her teenage daughter happens to be named Alma after women in this same book.
They have all been affected by loss in different ways. Leo's life was changed by war and his first love moving to America. Alma’s mother has never gotten over her husband's death and Alma can barely remember her father.
They eventually all end up living in the New York area and Alma is secretly looking for ways to help her mother be less alone, she uses the manuscript as a starting point. However, she may not be seeing it the right way. The parts we the reader sees of Leo's actual book do not mean much, but it does to other characters in the story.
The author conveys feelings of the characters well. Often they are writing down their thoughts instead of speaking them to others. Questions that are unanswered for part of the story finally come together nicely and in ways that may not have been expected.
Kelly wrote: "Listopia List - I'm Glad Someone Made Me Read This Book Book #2
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
[bookcover..."
One of my favorite books, I just loved it.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...The Most Disturbing Book Ever Written
Book #4
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
4 stars
Gregor, a harried traveling salesman, has taken on the responsibility of sole provider for his aging parents and younger sister. He is happy to take care of his family but has become over-worked and endlessly fatigued. Waking up one morning he finds that he has become a large insect. What has caused this metamorphosis is never explained. His family is understandably repulsed by the formerly benign Gregor. Although his sister has been brave enough to bring food to her brother's bedroom, Gregor feels the isolation and sees the looks of horror on his family's faces. Eventually Gregor realizes that his family would be happier without him.
I liked this much more than I thought I would but I am not sure I quite understand it. To me it seems like Gregor did not literally become an insect but instead suffered some sort of mental breakdown that alienated him from his family. I did enjoy the mental images evoked by this novella; quite creepy.
List A year in the life https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...Book #1
Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen: How One Girl Risked Her Marriage, Her Job, and Her Sanity to Master the Art of Living -Julie Powell 3 stars
Julie Powell is almost thirty, may have a tough time having children and is working in an uninspiring job as a receptionist when she decides to cook all 524 recipes from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume 1 in a year. She also starts a blog to follow her project and over time gains followers and media attention. I thought this book would be more about cooking than it actually was. It's more about Julie's life and marriage with some struggles over cooking recipes thrown in. There is also very little about Julia Child if that's who you're interested in you'll need a different book. I found myself not liking Julie very much in places which brought down my rating. It's also never really clear why she decided to do this in the first place. I could never eat some of the things she makes, such as brains, but the book does make me feel like cooking more, though not French cuisine.
List: Around the World Through Fiction - [https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8...]Book 3 - India (cross-posted to Other Books March)
A Fine Balance
John Lee did an excellent job of narrating as he usually does. I love audio for books set in other countries, with different cultures and names I don't know how to pronounce.
Although there are many moments of humor, this is more of a tragedy. It is a book that had me running to the internet to research the political situation in India in the 1970s. The character development in the novel had me hooked. The reader is introduced to the characters of Dina and then Ishvar and Om in two seemingly separate stories. Then their paths meet and the story continues. These were the days of the caste system in India where Ishvar and Om should have been tanners but are now tailors - a bold move. They are forced to take their trade into the City (unnamed) where they meet Dina who hires them help her sew dresses in her home for a larger company. Many more wonderful minor characters are introduced, every one of them unique and special. It's hard to forget the young man Manek who boards with Dina, the hair-collector, the beggar master, and the legless beggar Shankar.
Life in India is hard at nearly every level. Corruption is rampant. Sometimes it is almost laughable and you do learn to love these characters. That's why it is also sometimes heartbreaking. There is only one mention of the 'fine balance' of the title, "You have to maintain a fine balance between hope and despair". That is a excellent description of this unforgettable book.
Pearl of China from the list - Around the World Through Fiction. https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
The "pearl" of the title is Pearl Buck. Her story is told, in this fictional account, by Willow. Pearl meets Willow when they are both just children and Pearl catches her stealing. Willow and her father are poor and, in the sight of Pearl's missionary father, heathens that he is charged to convert to Christianity. Pearl and Willow become life-long friends and this book tells that story.
There was no Willow in real life, but this is a wonderful way to learn about Pearl Buck's life in China. Pearl's mother and missionary father are well-drawn. The early life of Willow and Pearl are the years before Mao. Both marry and are separated for a time but when the Revolution comes to China, Pearl has to leave and return to an American she doesn't really know. Willow cannot follow her to America and we don't either. We learn a lot about China and the Revolution through Willow's eyes.
This story has me wanting to read more of Pearl Buck's books. I'm sure that I read The Good Earth but that was many, many years ago. This also led me to look up Anchee Min who has a wonderful story of her own that she wrote about in two biographies, one of her early life in Mao's China and one about adapting to life in America after she left China.
This audio book was narrated by Angela Lin who has many places where she has to sing, she does an excellent job of both narrating and singing. I have not found any relationship between Angela Lin and Anchee Lin.
Dlyn wrote: "I know it's March but is it too late to join this challenge? lol"You are definitely not too late to join in the fun! Welcome, and I look forward to seeing what you read . . .
After viewing Jason's (and Anita's) list, I have decided to join the challenge and start from scratch with this list: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7...
I seem to be reading more books/non-fiction than originally anticipated year, so hopefully I'll have time to fit in 6 books. If not, that is okay. I'll give it a try anyway.
I seem to be reading more books/non-fiction than originally anticipated year, so hopefully I'll have time to fit in 6 books. If not, that is okay. I'll give it a try anyway.
Lisa A wrote: "After viewing Jason's (and Anita's) list, I have decided to join the challenge and start from scratch with this list: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7......"Awesome.......look forward to reading your review. Do you know what 6 books you plan on reading?
Jason wrote: " Awesome.......look forward to reading your review. Do you know what 6 books you plan on reading? ..."
Books I am highly considering so far:
Lab Girl (I own)
Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us
The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World's Great Drinks
Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World (My favorite fruit!)
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness
One of the books about "Bees." There are 3+ books listed on the subject, so I'll need to research which one sounds interesting.
Books I am highly considering so far:
Lab Girl (I own)
Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us
The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World's Great Drinks
Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World (My favorite fruit!)
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness
One of the books about "Bees." There are 3+ books listed on the subject, so I'll need to research which one sounds interesting.
That banana book looks interesting and bees are amazing creatures. I hope those two are good. Drunken Botanist.....I don't remember seeing this one. I might read this one outside of Listopia. Great list.
List - I'm Glad Someone Make Me Read This Book - Book 3https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
4 1/2 stars
This novel based on Mary Boleyn is excellent. It is historical fiction, so keep in mind it may not be exactly how events happened. The author tells the story from Mary's point of view and we see how her family manipulated her into a marriage, an affair with King Henry VIII and then stepping aside for her sister Anne. There is a rivalry between the sisters that is always felt. Both sisters are close to their brother George, but the rest of the family wants to use the girls to get ahead.
Mary sees the King of England's first wife, Queen Katherine, being pushed out and the means needed to do it. She is there as her sister becomes the new queen and then watches her fall from grace. Author Philippa Gregory captures the drama of the king's court and has told the story in an exciting way. There is a range of characters from good to ruthless and you can not help but want to see what happens next. I look forward to reading another book by Gregory.
List - I'm Glad Someone Make Me Read This Book - Book 4https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
The science fiction book A Wrinkle in Time was first published in 1962. In it a girl named Meg, her younger brother and an older boy meet up with three beings to help them search for Meg’s father. The man is a scientist who has been missing. The kids must travel to other planets and be up against unknown forces.
The writing includes themes of being different, conformity and family. The author gave each of the three kids a skill as part of their personality that they need for this journey. Due to when it was written A Wrinkle in Time may not be as exciting as a recent space travel novel, but it is still a good story.
New To PBT and want to get in on the fun-Late to the game, but I will work to catch up!Chose Best Strong Female Fantasy
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Joanne wrote: "New To PBT and want to get in on the fun-Late to the game, but I will work to catch up!Chose Best Strong Female Fantasy
Glad you are jumping right in! And, great list selection, I look forward to seeing your reviews!
Joanne wrote: "New To PBT and want to get in on the fun-Late to the game, but I will work to catch up!Chose Best Strong Female Fantasy
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1..."
Great list! I might have chosen this except I've read most of the best ones already. And I disagree with some of the choices (Jeanine Frost, for example).
I'm always looking for strong female characters especially in fantasy there's just not enough so this is really helpful thank you!
annapi wrote: "Joanne wrote: "New To PBT and want to get in on the fun-Late to the game, but I will work to catch up!Chose Best Strong Female Fantasy
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1......"
LOL-should have checked the list first-I must agree with you on both counts. But I have picked my six(it is 6??right??)
Joanne wrote: "LOL-should have checked the list first-I must agree with you on both counts. But I have picked my six(it is 6??right??) ..."It is 6! But, feel free to read as many as you want from your list!
New member, so I couldn't join in January ... may I join now?
Cheryl wrote: "New member, so I couldn't join in January ... may I join now?"Yes, you can. :)
I am going to try to join in. I will be reading books from this list:https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
I am going to work my way through the Harry Potter books, I think!! Have wanted to start them for a long time....this is a good reason to dig in!!
Olivermagnus wrote: "My first book from Best Modern Australian Literature - Book #8 on the listPicnic at Hanging Rock - Joan Lindsay - 4 Stars
Picnic at Hanging Rock is one of those nov..."
I have seen the movie several times. I didn't know there was a book....thanks for bringing this to my attention!!
LibraryCin wrote: "annapi wrote: "How do you find out how many you have read off the list? I couldn't ..."Anna, at the top right of each list page, it will tell you how many you've read and how many are on your tbr..."
I am learning all kinds of things about Goodreads from this group...thanks for this info!!
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time (other topics)Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood (other topics)
One Hundred Years of Solitude (other topics)
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity (other topics)
Fahrenheit 451 (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Ned Vizzini (other topics)Khaled Hosseini (other topics)
Donna Tartt (other topics)
Julian Barnes (other topics)
Robert Ludlum (other topics)
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List: Remarkable Women in Historical Fiction
Book 1 - The Other Queen by Phillippa Gregory
Link to my review, found in January other Books Here:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...