Play Book Tag discussion
December 2018: Geek Reads
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Announcing the December Tag
Idit wrote: "So many way to geek out - so little time...anything by Neil Gaiman, Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett ..."
Oooh - or Neil Gaiman AND Terry Pratchett - I picked up Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch when I was in Melbourne recently at my favourite geek store, Minotaur... Now there's an idea!
and speaking of geeks:We just received an email at work now that had the words "pie charts with attitude"
Barbara wrote: "Joanne wrote: "OK-seems as though we all agree that you can "geek" out on anything-I spent the last 5 months geeking out on Temeraire,( I have mostly spared you with reviews posted only a few of t..."
Yea! Another Temeraire fan-I loved the whole series and now am sad that I have reached the last book-I am going to take it slow
LibraryCin wrote: "LiteraryMania wrote: "I'll admit, I'm pretty sure I threw all my votes against this one, but mainly because the category was so broad that I felt like at least 1/2 the books on my shelves fit, sinc..."Yeah, I think that's a good way to interpret it. The geek list Anita linked just seemed to have a little bit of everything and it threw me off, but I like your goal. I think I may do the same and focus on science books, because I ran into the same problem. I first interpreted it as geeky character, realized that was going to be ridiculously hard to find, looked at the geek list and became a little overwhelmed with the scope.
I can recommend:The Circle by Dave Eggers or
The Martian by Andy Weir
I will probably read:
The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan
I can recommend: We Are Legion - We Are Bob for humor
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet for a cozy sci-fi read
All Systems Red if you're looking for something short with a snarky sense of humor.
Nine Goblins if you'd rather something on the fantasy spectrum. This one has a Lord of the Rings vibe but with a Terry Pratchett-esque sense of humor and from the orc's point of view. It's also novella length.
Books I am looking at:
Redshirts
Space Opera
The Mad Scientist's Daughter
Dragon's Egg (life evolving on the surface of a neutron star- how cool is that???)
Record of a Spaceborn Few
Exit Strategy (next in the Murderbot series)
Mind Changer (next in the Sector General series)
It's funny, I had such a hard time with literary fiction, I am just going to scrape by with Cranford, but December looks to be a good month for tag reads! My tbr already has a whole sci-fi section, so the hard part will be narrowing it down!
Oh! I almost forgot the second book in the Wayfarers Three - A Closed and Common Orbit!! That would count, right?
Amy wrote: "Today will be different by Maria Semple, author of Where Dif You Go Bernadette, has portions of a graphic novel within the novel. This is not a reason to read this novel, and to be honest I don’t h..."You've never read these graphic novels? Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History and Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began ?
Amy wrote: "Today will be different by Maria Semple, author of Where Dif You Go Bernadette, has portions of a graphic novel within the novel. This is not a reason to read this novel, and to be honest I don’t h..."I might join you for that group read, as I just checked that book out from the library.
Also, if you're interested in trying out some excellent graphic novels and you like mythology and folklore from all over the world, I highly recommend Neil Gaiman's Sandman Series
I used to hate graphic novels. The panels jolted me out of the series, but the various stories woven together proved to be so fascinating and the artwork was so beautiful, that I couldn't put it down. I credit this series with teaching me to read and enjoy graphic novels and now I'm hooked.
As others have suggested, The Complete Book of Maus is also very good, but it is about the holocaust, so if you're not in the mood for something that depressing, I figured I'd provide an alternative.
My local book club is reading Eleanor Oliphant is Perfectly Fine. Eleanor is an awkward woman whose co-workers think of her as something of a geek. Does anything else think this would qualify?One of the definitions included something like fanatical enthusiasm. I often think of Star Trek, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and other fantasy or sci-fi series that have highly enthusiastic and organized fans who might be called Geeks.
When I "geek out" it means I do a deep dive into a subject that other people might not find as fascinating as I do. When I love a book or novel I might find related books about the time period, author, history etc.
During voting for the Great American Read, I discovered that Outlander and Pride and Prejudice have fans every bit as devoted as Star Trec, LOTR and superhero fans. They had fans groups, voting blocks, and a lot of activity. Outlander actors and fans dressed up like favorite characters can be seen at ComicCon. Jane Austen fans might not be at Comic Con but they can attend meetings, parties, academic conferences, and dress balls all over the world. There seems to be a subgenre of Austen related books (books about austen, about the books, continuation stories, fan fictions, or other books in the austenverse).
So for this tag I might read A book from the Outlander, LOTR, or Narnia series, or a book by Jane Austen (Persuasion).
Or if I were to geek out on christmas, I might read all of Dickens holiday stories, and a book about Dickens when he was writing those stories, and perhaps watch some related movies.
Or I might geek out on scientists, esp female scientists.
If anyone is interested, here is my 'geek' shelf - it's a mix of books about my favourite authors/books, dissertation topics, my ma degree, favourite actors/actresses etc! https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Jenny wrote: "If anyone is interested, here is my 'geek' shelf - it's a mix of books about my favourite authors/books, dissertation topics, my ma degree, favourite actors/actresses etc! https://www.goodreads.com..."Nice list Jenny! Thanks for sharing, you and I seem to "geek" to some similar things!
Well, no one objected so I am sticking withLeague of Dragons, and I also picked upFire & Blood this week-not sure I will finish that though, really dragging for me-any other GOT fans picked it up yet?
NancyJ wrote: "My local book club is reading Eleanor Oliphant is Perfectly Fine. Eleanor is an awkward woman whose co-workers think of her as something of a geek. Does anything else think this would qualify?One..."
I have read Eleanor Oliphant, and I think it qualifies . . .yes, definitely.
I'm hoping A Wrinkle in Time will fit as I have been wanting to get to it this year and would love to try to squeak it in before the end of the year!
Hayjay315 wrote: "I'm hoping A Wrinkle in Time will fit as I have been wanting to get to it this year and would love to try to squeak it in before the end of the year!"I personally think that since we are being a bit broad with this topic that it'll fit. I read it earlier this year, but if I remember right her dad was a geeky kind of guy and I think she was too.
Jenny wrote: "If anyone is interested, here is my 'geek' shelf - it's a mix of books about my favourite authors/books, dissertation topics, my ma degree, favourite actors/actresses etc! https://www.goodreads.com..."Thanks for posting Jenny! You've made my TBR shelf groan with some really interesting non-fiction choices.
Woot! I'm excited for this month's theme.Right on the nose, I have had Geekerella on my TBR for a while. I've also got Now a Major Motion Picture checked out for going on *mumblemumble* renewals from the library. The Pros of Cons has also been on my list...
I could also use this as a chance to revisit fav books like Fangirl or All the Feels.
I do kind of like the idea of exploring a topic that people really geek out over, so if I don't finish reading it this month, I can roll over Away with Words: An Irreverent Tour Through the World of Pun Competitions since it's about the world of pun competitions, a geeky topic if ever there was. Maybe I'll get around to Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom, which is about Jane Austen superfans.
Hebah wrote: "Woot! I'm excited for this month's theme.Right on the nose, I have had Geekerella on my TBR for a while. I've also got Now a Major Motion Picture checked out for g..."
Pun competitions? Count me in! I love it!
LiteraryMania wrote: "Pun competitions? Count me in! I love it!"It's a fun one, although I'm not sure what my husband was thinking in giving it to me since he's the one who has to live with my already groan-worthy punning...
Another one that isn't necessarily on my TBR, but it sounded interesting and might be geeky enough to count here is Otherwise Normal People: Inside the Thorny World of Competitive Rose Gardening.Oh! And my old book group also read The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary; I remember giggling over how utterly geeky a read it was when I realized how intriguing I found it. Simon Winchester in general writes pretty interesting micro-histories that might work for people for this tag.
Ooh, that pun book sounds good! My son would love it!@Hayjay315 - Meg Murray was definitely a nerd, and so were Calvin and Charles, so yes A Wrinkle in Time would fit! LOL I'm a nerd, and in 5th grade I totally geeked out on it, and kept reading it over and over throughout the years.
I think I'm going to join the Geekerela boat!Also-for a non-fiction memoir, I'd suggest You're Never Weird on the Internet, Felicia Day's memoir.
Joi wrote: "Also-for a non-fiction memoir, I'd suggest You're Never Weird on the Internet, Felicia Day's memoir. ."This is a great suggestion! And, before diving in, everyone should watch Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog on YouTube :)
Jgrace wrote: "I still don't know what I'll read, but I found this list. Geeky cookbooks!https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3..."
Love this list!
Anita wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "My local book club is reading Eleanor Oliphant is Perfectly Fine. Eleanor is an awkward woman whose co-workers think of her as something of a geek. Does anything else think this woul..."Thanks Anita, I now have several possibilities on my shelves or kindle.
Hebah wrote: "Woot! I'm excited for this month's theme.Right on the nose, I have had Geekerella on my TBR for a while. I've also got Now a Major Motion Picture checked out for g..."
These sound good. I met many Janites online, and they're quite funny and witty.
Another good choice is Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything. My son gave it to me and it was really interesting, especially for anyone interested in motivation, psychology or economics. There is a sequel as well that I might read.
KateNZ wrote: "Idit wrote: "So many way to geek out - so little time...anything by Neil Gaiman, Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett ..."
Oooh - or Neil Gaiman AND Terry P..."
I was just looking at this too. Audible has Good Omens.. on sale for 7.49 right now.
Pff. I have no unread books on my shelves that fit the tag, and anything on my TBR list that would fit they don't have at my local library, so I'll have to go to the big one downtown.I would have loved to read Firefly: Big Damn Hero, but it just came out last week and hasn't been ordered by either library yet. I'd order it myself or ask for it for Christmas, for with the mail strike, I'd get it in like March...
I might read Les Louves if I can get my hands on it, since it's a graphic novel, but I don't know if it's been translated into English, so I'm not sure if it would work for PBT?
My geekiness is words and languages, so I might go with Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries. Which I heard of through Anita once, if I remember correctly.
Or if I got the traditional sci-fi route, it'll be Leviathan Wakes, since I watch and enjoy(-ish) the show The Expanse.
Ellie wrote: "I might read Les Louves if I can get my hands on it, since it's a graphic novel, but I don't know if it's been translated into English, so I'm not sure if it would work for PBT?."There is no requirement that a book be in English for it to count on PBT! Feel free to read any of the books you review here in whatever language you prefer!
Ellie wrote: "Firefly: Big Damn Hero."!!!!
Ellie wrote: "My geekiness is words and languages, so I might go with Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries. ..."That is the one in my TBR pile that suggested itself to me last night as my perfect Geek Read! I also have some books about reading ....
Nicole R wrote: "Ellie wrote: "Firefly: Big Damn Hero."!!!!"
SQUEEE!!! I just hope the writing is good....
Ellie wrote: "Pff. I have no unread books on my shelves that fit the tag, and anything on my TBR list that would fit they don't have at my local library, so I'll have to go to the big one downtown.I would have..."
Ellie, I wonder if you can save yourself a drive. If the libraries are in the same system, they might deliver it to your local branch for you. In my county, I can request a book and if any of the 30+ branches in the county have it, they'll deliver it to my branch. It costs 25 cents, which is well worth it to avoid a long drive. It's all done online, but a librarian in a local branch (or on the phone) can help.
Suggestions:Murder in the Paperback Parlor
Tailing a Tabby
Arsenic and Old Books
The Last Librarian
Gravity
If Books Could Kill
NancyJ wrote: "Ellie wrote: "Pff. I have no unread books on my shelves that fit the tag, and anything on my TBR list that would fit they don't have at my local library, so I'll have to go to the big one downtown...."I'll check it out, but it's not a terribly long drive, I don't mind :)
Jenny wrote: "If anyone is interested, here is my 'geek' shelf - it's a mix of books about my favourite authors/books, dissertation topics, my ma degree, favourite actors/actresses etc! https://www.goodreads.com..."Love it! For your Books on books category, I highly recommend
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
What about War and Peace? I'm reading it with another group, but I keep setting it aside to read something else. I'm starting to think that only a real book geek would feel compelled to read the longest book on the list.
NancyJ wrote: "What about War and Peace? I'm reading it with another group, but I keep setting it aside to read something else. I'm starting to think that only a real book geek would feel compelled to read the lo..."I think that fits the geeky read category, and I so understand about 'setting it aside to read something else'. For me, that happens with almost all classic Russian Lit!
NancyJ wrote: "Jenny wrote: "If anyone is interested, here is my 'geek' shelf" ... "Love it! For your Books on books category, I highly recommend The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry ..."I second your recommendation NancyJ!
Well now I think I can identify the ultimate geek read: Proust! A La Recherche du Temps Perdu a/k/a In Search of Lost Time a/k/a Remembrance of Things Past has to be the ultimate geek read! Although I seriously doubt anyone could read the entire thing in a month! Certainly one book of it.🤣🤣🤣
Theresa, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry is in for me at the library, and I think six of us might try to read it. I don't think its long. I really can't entice you?
I have three more recs.Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation - a real fun geeking of grammar
Making History - by Stephen Fry (he is geek, right?) - A slightly disfuncional history student and even more disfunctional scientist + a time machine. What can wrong...
(or since it's including Hitler, what can go MORE wrong...
For the heavy ideas it's actually a real entertaining read.
A History of the World in 10½ Chapters - Julian Barnes can write - short, funny and smart stories/essays through history
and I'll stress again how lovely (and an easy read) is Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader - a short collections of personal essays about the love of books, collecting them, reading them, etc
Amy wrote: "Theresa, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry is in for me at the library, and I think six of us might try to read it. I don't think its long. I really can't entice you?"It's available in ebook from NYPL. I will borrow and see if I succumb. I have been mixing up my reading between 2 or 3 escapist Christmas and a more serious book. It is working well.
So Amy, the answer is probably.😁
Idit wrote: "I have three more recs.Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation - a real fun geeking of grammar
Making History - by Stephen Fry (he is geek, ..."
Oh man, I loved Eats, Shoots & Leaves!
Idit wrote: "I have three more recs.Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation - a real fun geeking of grammar
Making History - by Stephen Fry (he is geek, ..."
Ha - I actually picked up A History of the World in 10½ Chapters years ago on a whim because I liked the title, even though I knew nothing about the author or the book. It’s still waiting it’s turn on the shelf....
Why does this fit, though?
Idit wrote: "I have three more recs.Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation - a real fun geeking of grammar
Making History - by Stephen Fry (he is geek, ..."
Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation us one of my all time favorite geeky books!
Sushicat wrote: "Idit wrote: "I have three more recs.Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation - a real fun geeking of grammar
Making History - by Stephen Fry ..."
I think it was decided you can "geek-out" about just anything
Ellie wrote: "Pff. I have no unread books on my shelves that fit the tag, and anything on my TBR list that would fit they don't have at my local library, so I'll have to go to the big one downtown.I would have..."
Word by Word would so fit in my opinion. I wish I liked it more, but if language is your thing, it's perfect.
Play Book Tag
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Ha! Good stuff. I'll look forward to seeing what you pick. I don't usually think to read Christmas themed books at all (especially if they are set in winter, which hurts my brain when I'm looking out at summer sunshine, lol). But Flurries is making me focus a bit. Possibly some idiotic Christmas Regency romance thing that will only take me a couple of hours.