Announcing the April tag

[Anita]

Nicole R wrote: "Add me to the list of people excited for this tag!

I have narrowed down my choices and I am leaning toward:

The Power for my audiobook
[book:The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of A..."

I think you will really like The Radium Girls. Excited to hear your thoughts on The Power.

[Amy]

Nicole, when you finally get to Aneticanah, I am going to send (or hand deliver) a bottle of wine or box of chocolate. Interesting decathalon idea - the book that has been nagging you. That sits on the bedside table but that you just can’t get started or fit in? I think if me that book is Beartown.

[Booknblues]

For recommendations, I'm going to use books I read this year:
The Wolves of Winter
Remarkable Creatures
The Birdwoman's Palate
Manhattan Beach
Song of a Captive Bird
The Weight of Ink
Digging In
The March
The Kitchen House

Not sure what I will read, as I have so many on my TBR.

[Heather]

I'm all set! I joined too late to complete March's tag, but yesterday I just started A Tale for the Time Being. I don't know yet if the women in this book would be considered strong (especially since the main character is contemplating suicide), but personally I would still consider her a strong woman.A Tale for the Time Being

[Nicole R]

Amy wrote: "Nicole, when you finally get to Aneticanah, I am going to send (or hand deliver) a bottle of wine or box of chocolate. Interesting decathalon idea - the book that has been nagging you. That sits on..."

Americanah has definitely been nagging at me! And I own it. In print AND audio! And I know I will love it. I don't know why I don't just pick it up! Chocolates are a good incentive though! I don't drink, so I go for the desserts ;)

[Jgrace]

Heather wrote: "I'm all set! I joined too late to complete March's tag, but yesterday I just started A Tale for the Time Being. I don't know yet if the women in this book would be considered strong (especially sin..."

Definitely strong women. Three of them. A Tale for the Time Being was a 5 star read for me in 2013. I hope you love it as much as I did.

[Nicole R]

Hi all! I just posted the April Decathlon Challenge so you can start planning.

Check it out in post #130 here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Jason]

For this Tag I'm going to read True Grit (Thank you Michael) And Anne of Green Gables. (Thankyou Jenny)

[Magdalena]

Wow so many great suggestions I don't know how I'll ever be able to pick! Back in January I read a great art biography about four strong and fascinating women called Sargent's Women Four Lives Behind the Canvas.

[[deleted user]]

Jason wrote: "For this Tag I'm going to read True Grit (Thank you Michael) And Anne of Green Gables. (Thankyou Jenny)"

Eek.. I feel a lot of pressure on me now! From what I've read so far, if you are an introvert like me, Anne is going to drive you crazy - she's VERY talkative!

PS: I've temporarily abandoned the book so that I can read it in April.

[Jason]

Jenny wrote: "Jason wrote: "For this Tag I'm going to read True Grit (Thank you Michael) And Anne of Green Gables. (Thankyou Jenny)"

Eek.. I feel a lot of pressure on me now! From what I've read so far, if you ..."

I am far, far, far from being an introvert. I make extroverts look introverted with how much I like to talk. Anne has me beat, but not by much. I have watched the 1985 film and season 1 of Anne with an E on Netflix. Both are good but I have fallen in love with the series. The 1985 film is one of my wife's favorite movies and I have wanted to start this series for some time.

I am glad you are holding off until April. Looking forward to reading this together.

[Cheryl]

If anyone likes new SF about colonizing a planet where the aliens are truly alien, there are a lot of strong women in the new book Semiosis by Sue Burke.

I'll be writing the review soon for March 'other books' and I'll be giving it four stars.

[Anita]

Amazon has The Power (kindle edition) on sale for $4.99 today if anyone is considering it.

[[deleted user]]

It sounds as though The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women is receiving a lot of positive comments here. Another book I own, that I hadn't considered. Thanks everyone for posting your recommendations, as that is helpful to those of us still trying to make a decision.

[Kimber]

I'm definitely going to read:
The Underground Girls of Kabul: In Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan

And depending on how things go, possibly also:
Mistress of the Art of Death
The Night Circus

I recommend:
Ahab's Wife, or The Star-Gazer
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books
Moloka'i

[Jenni Elyse]

Jason wrote: "For this Tag I'm going to read True Grit (Thank you Michael) And Anne of Green Gables. (Thankyou Jenny)"

Oh yay! I'm so glad you're going to read it, Jason! :D

[Barbara M]

Michael wrote: "That was a helpful link from Anita for ideas. I think I will try for:
The Dovekeepers--Alice Hoffman
Code Name Verity--Elizabeth Wein
Manhattan Beach..."

I'm also looking at The Dovekeepers. Your list of recommendations is very helpful!

[Barbara M]

Nicole R wrote: "Add me to the list of people excited for this tag!

Then, if there is still time, is this the month that I FINALLY get to Americanah?!?."

You won't be sorry if you do!

[Barbara M]

I'm one who wanted this tag and am very pleased. I have so very many books that fit the tag on my TBR!

As for recommendations:
The Secret Life ofBees
The Help
The Color Purple
Room
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
Half Broke Horses and The Glass Castle
The Bean Trees

The list from which I'll choose, it's quite too huge to put here! Though a few seem to be coming to the top:
The Dovekeepers
The Alice Network
A Thousand Splendid Suns
A Monstrous Regiment of Women
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women
Much of this depends on the availability in the library and in what format. I like to intersperse my reading with listening.

[Karin]

Anita wrote: "This month we had a record number of votes thanks to the many new users who have chosen to try us out. We are excited to have this new burst of energy, so welcome to those who voted for the first t..."

I can't say as I'm surprised. I have a few on my TBR, but my decision is still TBD.

Here are the 5 star books on my personal strong women shelf for my recommendations:
Republic Of Dirt : A Return to Woefield Farm
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (I'm the only one who has shelved it just like this, but others have shelved it strong herione, strong female, strong female character...)
The Summer Before the War
The Pigeon Pie Mystery
Our Mutual Friend
Earth Girl
Earth Flight


And I probably the only one to put this book on the shelf:
Uncle Tom's Cabin

[Cynda]

Hilde wrote: "Love this tag, so many good suggestions already! :)

I haven't decided which book I'm gonna go for, but here are some that caught my eye that I have been wanting to read for a long time;
[book:The..."

Hi Hilde. I loved this book. I hope you enjoy it as much :-)

[Nicole D.]

Ladyslott wrote: "Susie wrote: "My number one recommendation for this tag is The Power by Naomi Alderman. I haven’t decided what I’ll read yet."

I am on a long wait list for this, so I will need to read something e..."

Linda, if you want I can "share" it from my audible library. can share one book with you. Let me know.

[Cynda]

I have put on hold at the local library
The Doctor Wore Petticoats: Women Physicians of the Old West by Chris Enss
And
When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present by Gail Collins
And
Sisters: The Lives of America's Suffragists by Jean H. Baker
I am looking forward to playing this tag. Another month of women's history study for me :-)

[Nicole D.]

I just got The Poisonwood Bible from Audible.

Other options include
Pope Joan (always there)
Irena's Children
the next Anne of Green Gable's book

We'll see what Nicole R picks for me

Recommendations:

Agree on Moloka'i
A Town Like Alice
Ahab's Wife
Fates and Furies

and if you like dark epic fantasy I recommend the Kushiel series, which starts with Kushiel's Dart

[Tessa (FutureAuthor23)]

Cynda wrote: "I will be reading books in honor of Earth Day and in honor of Shakespeare's birthday..."

Yay for Earth Day! And MY birthday is on Shakespeare's (rumored) birthday. :)

[Sushicat]

I gave my list of candidates to Nicole and the randomizer picked Their Eyes Were Watching God for me to read.

[Cynda]

Cool 🤓

[Anna]

Barbara wrote: "Michael wrote: "That was a helpful link from Anita for ideas. I think I will try for:
The Dovekeepers--Alice Hoffman
Code Name Verity--Elizabeth Wein
Manhattan..."</i>

I have read [book:The Dovekeepers and it was an amazing book. I highly recommend it.

[Anna]

I recently read Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover. This would fit well into this category and was a fantastic read.

I'm considering adding In the Days of Rain: A Daughter, a Father, a Cult by Rebecca Stott which I think will fit. Anyone else read it?

[Amaka]

I have a few books to read;
Tips for Living
The Handmaid's Tale
Girl Through Glass

[Anita]

Anna wrote: "I recently read Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover. This would fit well into this category and was a fantastic read.

I'm considering adding [book:In the Days of ..."

Oh, I really want to read Educated: A Memoir! Ack . . .I am definitely overwhelmed and have too many long books scheduled for April, so may need to choose a faster paced book for the tag than I had originally hoped.

[Anita]

Amaka wrote: "I have a few books to read;
Tips for Living
The Handmaid's Tale
Girl Through Glass"

I've not heard of Girl Through Glass before, but it sounds very interesting. I would love to see what you think . . .the description sounds so good, but the ratings are a little on the low side.

[Barbara M]

Nicole D. wrote: "I just got The Poisonwood Bible from Audible.

Other options include
Pope Joan (always there)
Irena's Children
the next Anne of Green Gable's book

We'll see what Nicole R picks for me

Recommend..."

Pope Joan has been on my TBR for quite some time. My list for this tag is HUGE! I'll be looking to see if you post a review for Pope Joan.

[Amaka]

Anita wrote: "Amaka wrote: "I have a few books to read;
Tips for Living
The Handmaid's Tale
Girl Through Glass"

I've not heard of Girl Through Glass before, but it s..."

Yeah, I tend to not take other's review into consideration until after I've read a book, usually to see if my own opinions are unwarranted. I'm wary to turn a book away, just in case the reason for another's low rating lies in some personal preference.

[Anita]

Amaka wrote: "Anita wrote: "Amaka wrote: "I have a few books to read;
Tips for Living
The Handmaid's Tale
Girl Through Glass"

I've not heard of Girl Through Glass be..."

That's probably a very smart approach because often times I find myself completely disagreeing with the majority! Unfortunately, I do let it influence me in book selections when the rating is low, and I shouldn't. Most of the issues I've encountered are that I don't care for highly rated books, lol.

[Jamie]

Recommendations:

Little Women
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
Beauty Queens
The Nightingale
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Awakening
Crocodile on the Sandbank

[Linda C]

I'm glad everyone seems pleased with the topic
This was my selection for the month.
When I was deciding on a shelf to suggest and saw this had so many books on my TBR pile and in such a broad spread of genres I had a feeling everyone would be able to find a match.

[[deleted user]]

Linda C wrote: "I'm glad everyone seems pleased with the topic
This was my selection for the month.
When I was deciding on a shelf to suggest and saw this had so many books on my TBR pile and in such a broad sprea..."

Good choice! Thank you. :-)

[Cheryl]

I'm considering two books off my irl dtbs:

Normal: Transsexual CEOs, Crossdressing Cops, and Hermaphrodites with Attitude
War for the Oaks

[Booknblues]

Linda C wrote: "I'm glad everyone seems pleased with the topic
This was my selection for the month.
When I was deciding on a shelf to suggest and saw this had so many books on my TBR pile and in such a broad sprea..."

Thank you, good choice. I was wondering which was yours.

[DianeMP]

I missed the voting for the April tag (I have no idea how I did that!) I really like the tag that was chosen. I have a few recommendations for the tag listed below:

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Year of Wonder by Geraldine Brooks
Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris
Chocolat' by Joanne Harris
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Mauriel Barberry

These books are among the best ever favorite books I've ever read!

For myself, I plan to read:

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett
Moloka'i by Alan Brennart and
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Thanks PBT for the great tag. Books I can really sink my teeth into.

[Huffy]

Hmm.
I’m thinking The Island at the End of Everything - the main character, Amihan (Ami) is a really strong woman. And so’s her moher, Nanay. Ooh, and Mari. She’s great too!

I also know a few other strong women - Luna Lovegood, Hermione Granger, and Ginny Weasley, all from the beloved Harry Potter series. 😝🤣

[annapi]

Huffy wrote: "Hmm.
I’m thinking The Island at the End of Everything - the main character, Amihan (Ami) is a really strong woman. And so’s her moher, Nanay. Ooh, and Mari. She’s great too!"

Never heard of this book before, thanks for the recommendation! The setting being the Philippines intrigues me. The author kinda looks Filipina but there's no mention of her ethnic heritage in her bio. I will have to look into this!

[Huffy]

annapi wrote: "Huffy wrote: "Hmm.
I’m thinking The Island at the End of Everything - the main character, Amihan (Ami) is a really strong woman. And so’s her moher, Nanay. Ooh, and Mari. She’s grea..."

You should! It’s a really great book! I finished it in a day because I was so absorbed. The author came and visited our school, so that’s why I thought if trying it out.

[Magdalena]

I'd never heard of The Island at the End of Everything it looks really good I'm definitely going to read it!

[Magdalena]

Also I completely agree Harry Potter has some of the best strong women!

[Magdalena]

Has anyone read The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman? It's another book I'm hoping to read in April.

[Amy]

Magdalina, that book is one of my favorites for life! I absolutely loved it and love her. But to be fair, many people loved it and there were others who did not feel the rave the way I did. Which I suppose is interesting, because I often characterize myself as being the one to come underneath the rave. But this one hit all the right notes for me. Wonder if you’ll feel the same when you get to it.

[Denizen]

So many excellent choices it should be an easy reading month. My recommendations are:
A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
and especially A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell

I'm one of those lucky people who had my Decathalon challenge match up with my April read. My official read for April will be The Obelisk Gate.

Several other books I may also try to tackle from my short TBR are:
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi
Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross
In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry

[Karin]

Moll Flanders fits the bill 100 percent for those of you wanting to get in an older classic. I had no idea Defoe had a female protagonist who was so bright, strong & resourceful, albeit spending much of her life, well not following the moral code or the law.