Play Book Tag discussion
2016-19 Activities & Challenges
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Announcing the 2019 PBT Challenges!
annapi wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "When we start posting our lists of 36 TBR books, would anyone like to try to coordinate their numbers, to allow the possibility of a Buddy read?"I like that idea!"
I love that idea too!
I don't think I have a lot that overlap with you all from what I have seen so far, but if they do I will try to coordinate.
NancyJ wrote: "When we start posting our lists of 36 TBR books, would anyone like to try to coordinate their numbers, to allow the possibility of a Buddy read? For instance if a lot of people want to read Ladder ..."LOL Nancy, I have been eagle-eying everyone's list for just this reason!
My Ladder if the Skies is number 19. Just saying! Anyone who wants to coordinate ladder of the skies, I humbly request you use number 19 as your number position.
My dilemma for the "trim your TBR" challenge is I like to pick books from my shelves based on feeling, then there are inevitably the books I pick up on my book store excursions so those may trump what I already have... So far my 36 books list is a mix of old and newer that I bought but never got around to mostly this past year. If a few of these were picked back to back it could be a bad slump for me (at least 3 easy thrillers - not bad, just not challenging). Depending on the books I am reading my max is about 2 books per month, so 1 for trim challenge and 1 for the tag (or something else if the tag doesn't catch my interest).Anyone else have that problem or consideration with the trim challenge and if so, what is your plan to combat / prevent potential disinterest if the mood isn't striking you for that book?
Meli wrote: "My dilemma for the "trim your TBR" challenge is I like to pick books from my shelves based on feeling, then there are inevitably the books I pick up on my book store excursions so those may trump w..."I thought about this too, Meli, and just decided to go with it-and if a number gets pulled that I am not up to reading that month, well I don't think anyone is going to kick me out🙄if I don't read it! I will defiantly try my hardest, but you never know.....
Amy wrote: "My Ladder if the Skies is number 19. Just saying! Anyone who wants to coordinate ladder of the skies, I humbly request you use number 19 as your number position."OK it will be #19 on my list!
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Darn, I spent the last couple of days focused on books even though I didn't finish all my shopping for out of town relatives. Fingers crossed they'll get their stuff on time.
Meli wrote: "My dilemma for the "trim your TBR" challenge is I like to pick books from my shelves based on feeling, then there are inevitably the books I pick up on my book store excursions so those may trump w..."I figure I will combat that just by the fact I average about 3 books a week. Plus by doing the Pop Sugar challenge, I can move those books around for more diversity.
Hi all! Tomorrow morning I will be posting a thread to make your(up to) three nominations for the culture challenge! I will leave the nomination thread open until the morning of December 27th and then will announce January’s culture theme that same day! So, if you haven’t decided on your nominations, now is the time to narrow it down!
And, just a heads up that I will also post the Trim the TBR random number for January that day too. That means that if you want to be eligible for all of the points categories in January, you need to have your list of 36 posted in your personal challenge tracking thread in one week!
And final reminder: you can start to plan your January read/work on getting a copy of the book when I announce on the 27th, but you cannot start reading until January 1!
And, to be clear,the Trim TBR number will be posted the 27th. Sorry for a,, of the individual posts, I am on my phone and cannot edit the posts!
27th - Just saying, last day of my half century. Aren't Joi and Book Concierge also having a party right around the same time? Planning the month of January in the last hours of my 50th year. And then the 28th - its skiing and family.....
Meli wrote: "My dilemma for the "trim your TBR" challenge is I like to pick books from my shelves based on feeling, then there are inevitably the books I pick up on my book store excursions so those may trump w..."My trouble is I like physical books and my library doesn't have some, so I'm trying to go through my books and make a not at library shelf for those so they don't get randomly picked.
Amy wrote: "27th - Just saying, last day of my half century. Aren't Joi and Book Concierge also having a party right around the same time? Planning the month of January in the last hours of my 50th year. And t..."LOL Amy, didn't you ask for earlier notice?
Happy Birthday!!!! Is it your 50th (or do you mean 51st)? I would love to be 50 again. You still look great, you have some perspective, and people take you seriously. If I had my 50's to do over again, I would exercise more.
Amy wrote: "My Ladder if the Skies is number 19. Just saying! Anyone who wants to coordinate ladder of the skies, I humbly request you use number 19 as your number position."I haven't started my list just yet, but I've been wanting to read Ladder to the Sky. It's going on 19.
Meli wrote: "My dilemma for the "trim your TBR" challenge is I like to pick books from my shelves based on feeling, then there are inevitably the books I pick up on my book store excursions so those may trump w..."I've been thinking about this too, in relation to moods, short vs long book, and potato chips versus spinach. First of all, it's not an 'all or nothing' challenge. If you miss that month, you haven't blown the challenge for a whole year. You just miss a few bonus points. No matter what you read, you can still earn at least a point for each book.
For what it's worth, I have two small motivation tips that really helped me to work out. 1) Why? 2) 5 minute rule
1) First, when you make your list of 36, write down a few words to remind yourself WHY you chose it to begin with. Each book might have a different reason. Author, key topic, a great review, high ratings, recommended by someone you trust, or by someone you'll want to talk to about it, why YOU might like it, etc. If you're motivated by the points, note why, or pick books (such as a cultural/international book) that will automatically add an extra point.
2) 5 Minute rule. This might work if it's hard to get started on something you're not sure you'll like.
My example: I committed to working out on my exercise bike for 5 minutes every day to build up my strength before and after knee surgery. If I felt bad (knee pain) to start, I'd go really slow for 5 minutes, and if I couldn't do more, I had permission to get off. But, I almost always kept going for 30+ minutes. I'd say, one more song, or get to the next 5 minute mark, etc. I had to get started, warm up, and I'd eventually start feeling great.
For a book challenge 5 minutes might not be enough for you to click with a book, so you may need to adapt it to the 15 minute rule, or 20 page rule, or 1 chapter rule. The key thing is to commit to opening it and STARTING it.
I've been grappling with which books to choose as well. Long books vs short books, books I've meant to read for years, easy books vs challenging book. I used to love mysteries. They were like potato chips, I could eat them without thinking too much. But ultimately most were easy to forget. And I've had some books that I didn't immediately like, but they were good for me, educational, nutritious - Spinach books. Others are like gourmet dinners. They take more effort to make, you doubt yourself and recipe many times, and it might be an acquired taste. But it might be really delicious and satisfying, and if nothing else, memorable. (A Thousand Splendid Suns was like that for me. I almost didn't read it, but it's one of my favorite books.)
Geesh, rambling on about food is making me hungry all of a sudden, and I'm thinking about the mushroom truffle ravioli with Marsala sauce I made last night. It was kind of weird but I feel good for being adventurous.
Ok Friends, if for any reason the randomizer does not grace us with number 19, Ladder to the Skies (33%) chance that it will, then it automatically becomes the Buddy Read for January 2020. Sorry I cannot say the same for Invisible Bridge (16). I’d love to be forced to read it, because I am having a hard time just picking it up. No matter how good a book is, over 700 pages is daunting! And we all know other books and challenges are competing for our attentions. Nancy (and all), I find the exercise question a challenging one. Having realized that I read 75 books in 2016 made me imagine that all 75 were sitting on my hips and torso. I joined a Zumba class right after. Was trying to work off the imaginary books from my body. Reading is wonderful, but it’s pretty sedentary. I struggle with it, and it goes in waves. In summer I like to swim 50 lengths, then read in the sun. With three kids and a demanding work schedule, I cannot remotely figure out how exercise fits in for the life of me. I am always asking others how they prioritize it. With shower and pick-ups, it seems impossible. It’s amazing enough I get through all the TV and books. Diet is a complete other roller coaster of excessive experience of eating followed by serious path to cleanse and detoxify. It’s amazing I fit it the books and my serious tv addiction. Food and exercise have little clarity for me. I do like yo hike, but it’s so incredibly rare. Ski vacation tomorrow will help. Biking is rare and more of a pleasure. I’m in two singing groups, and this year I took on guitar and French. Just cannot figure this one out. I spend a lot of time getting my kids through school, and my job also requires intense personal investment. So I am letting this one evolve. But it’s under serious consideration for sure. Great suggestion! I’ll need to think on it more.
Thank you all for the feedback, and Nancy J for the extensive input on how to cope with this challenge! I will reevaluate my 36 picks and finally commit them to paper (GR PBT thread) and just go for it. I can always temper it with the monthly tag or something completely outside the challenge as well.
As for sedentary reading... sometimes I pace around the house or walk in the park when I read but it can make you a little dizzy. 😊
There is a guy I work with who takes walking breaks reading a few times a day which I think is cool. I think he is working his way through the entire Dark Tower series.
NancyJ wrote: "Meli wrote: "My dilemma for the "trim your TBR" challenge is I like to pick books from my shelves based on feeling, then there are inevitably the books I pick up on my book store excursions so thos..."Nancy, your whole post is such good advice! Sometimes I come across something in my TBR and I can't even remember what it is, much less why I put it there.
I recently discovered that there's a secret field on a book record where you can record private notes to yourself. I'm probably going to start using that to jot down why I'm picking a book so I don't get confused later.
Meli, I have the same struggle. In fact, there are some things on my TBR that I might just take off because when faced with the prospect of having to read it I realize I don't want to. So this exercise might help trim the TBR that way too.
I did not know about this secret field... I will have to check that out!
I'm once again slightly sad that the Non-Fiction-Linking didn't win. I don't think it ever will, lol. I will continue to vote for it as long as admins put it as an option, haha. Super excited about these challenges. I realized, if I have 1 book as the PBT Tag, 1 book for the cultures per month, and the 1 Trim the TBR Number book- that's three books per month. If I can manage that- it would be 36 books, which is about half my reading. I think I can do that.... This is significantly less "reading what fits the mood" and a lot more planning- but maybe that's a good thing. Who knows.
Now to plan these 36 books.....
Amy wrote: "27th - Just saying, last day of my half century. Aren't Joi and Book Concierge also having a party right around the same time?"
Haha, YES! I will be celebrating on the 27th, Amy. Hubby has a surprise in the works, as we both took the day off- but I have no idea what it is!
Joi wrote: "I'm once again slightly sad that the Non-Fiction-Linking didn't win. I don't think it ever will, lol. I will continue to vote for it as long as admins put it as an option, haha. Super excited abo..."
Joi, me too! I thought about doing it as a challenge anyway.
The nonfiction linking was a strong contender but missed the cut!The admins still like the concept so you may see something similar pop up at some point in the future
Amy wrote: "Ok Friends, if for any reason the randomizer does not grace us with number 19, Ladder to the Skies (33%) chance that it will, then it automatically becomes the Buddy Read for January 2020. Sorry I ..."Amy, it sounds like you have a full and wonderful life, with your health at the bottom of a long list of priorities. If I could go back to age 50, the biggest change I would make would be to exercise more. I might not be in so much pain at age 60. I have to get moving, or I might be saying the same thing at 70 (if I make it to 70!) I'm reminding myself that exercise can be done while watching TV or listening to an audio book.
Meli wrote: "Thank you all for the feedback, and Nancy J for the extensive input on how to cope with this challenge! I will reevaluate my 36 picks and finally commit them to paper (GR PBT thread) and just go ..."
You can probably tell I'm a change and motivation geek. I taught change management but I don't always practice what I teach.
Quick walks are great for clearing your mind too. Some busy managers have spontaneous "walk with me" meetings when they have to discuss something with just a couple people.
One of my MBA students decided to increase his activity level by making one small change at work. He uses a standing desk instead of sitting at a regular desk. He managed to get half his IT department in on the experiment and the idea spread to other departments too.
Joi wrote: "I'm once again slightly sad that the Non-Fiction-Linking didn't win. I don't think it ever will, lol. I will continue to vote for it as long as admins put it as an option, haha. Super excited abo..."
Happy Birthday!
Next year if you were to suggest a modification to the non-fiction linking, to include some fiction, I would do what I can to support that. I especially like to link historical fiction and non-fiction.
Amy N. wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Meli wrote: "My dilemma for the "trim your TBR" challenge is I like to pick books from my shelves based on feeling, then there are inevitably the books I pick up on my book store exc..."Thanks Amy N.
I'll have to look for the secret field!
Joi wrote: "I'm once again slightly sad that the Non-Fiction-Linking didn't win. I don't think it ever will, lol. I will continue to vote for it as long as admins put it as an option, haha. Super excited abo..."
I agree! As I've been reading The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements, I keep thinking about how it would be a great book for that challenge since he mentions so many other books. I may have to do it as a personal challenge next year with Sam Kean other book.
NancyJ wrote: "Meli wrote: "Thank you all for the feedback, and Nancy J for the extensive input on how to cope with this challenge! I will reevaluate my 36 picks and finally commit them to paper (GR PBT thread)..."
Microsoft workers are all moving to standing desks. They even have personal meeting spaces where you can take a conference call while working on a treadmill. My company is moving to all standing desks as well, which I'm so excited about. I make it a point to step away from my desk and go on a walk at least once during the work day. During the winter when the weather I sometimes go to the gym or yoga studio instead of going outside.
Joi wrote: "I'm once again slightly sad that the Non-Fiction-Linking didn't win. I don't think it ever will, lol. I will continue to vote for it as long as admins put it as an option, haha. Super excited abo..."
I was also sad it did not win, especially seeing how many non-fiction books I have on my TBR
NancyJ wrote: "Happy Birthday! Next year if you were to suggest a modification to the non-fiction linking, to include some fiction, I would do what I can to support that. I especially like to link historical fiction and non-fiction. "
Thanks, NancyJ. Amy and I are both between Christmas and New Year babies.
I love this idea- linking fiction to non fiction, to historical fiction, whatnot.
NancyJ wrote: "Amy wrote: "Ok Friends, if for any reason the randomizer does not grace us with number 19, Ladder to the Skies (33%) chance that it will, then it automatically becomes the Buddy Read for January 20..."Nancy, I belong to a group called Silver Sneakers-I know they are National-it is exercise class for mature gals like us! I really enjoy it and have made a few good friends there-here is the link, you should check it out I am sure you can find a class near your area
https://www.silversneakers.com/
Ok I've figured out one of my Trim the TBR strategies.I'm going through OTHER PEOPLE'S lists, and copying books from that number. That way if that number get's pulled, I will already know who will also be reading the same book :) Instant buddyread!
I somehow think Tessa, Book Consierge is tight in there with us. Like the day before or the day after. As I have said before, I actually like this birthday for two strong reasons. I really love being born in this season of miracles and hope and gratitude and family togetherness. Everybody’s in a good mood. I have never once been in school Or worked on my birthday. I’m always on vacation and always with my family. It’s just a really beautiful time to be born, when people are a little kinder, a little more loving, little more grateful, a little more in the mindset of miracles and light. Secondly and it’s a practical thing, we turn with the year. Where I grew up I was the youngest in my grade always. But it just makes sense that the year starts January 1 and so does our next year. Like when everyone was thinking about how old they would be at Y2K, well I was exactly 32. That just made sense to me. New Year’s resolutions have a whole new meaning when they are truly the next year of your life. So those are my thoughts and being a December 28 baby. What do you guys think, Joi and Tessa?
Nicole R wrote: "The nonfiction linking was a strong contender but missed the cut!The admins still like the concept so you may see something similar pop up at some point in the future"
It could be fun as a group challenge or game with each member of the group having to link to what the member before them reads in some way.
My mother also belongs to silver sneakers. She plays pickle all like 3x a week!
Amy wrote: "My mother also belongs to silver sneakers. She plays pickle all like 3x a week!"I love it! It keeps me moving, even with my limitations.
BnB, we are on the same wavelength! Don&5 look for anything soon, but the admins have it in our idea bank to look at more in the future.
Nicole R wrote: "BnB, we are on the same wavelength! Don&5 look for anything soon, but the admins have it in our idea bank to look at more in the future."Cool!
I also had the NFL challenge as my top choice, so I hope it resurfaces in the future!
Admins- what was the challenge that we had in the middle of last year- also had a randomizer. Did we make book lists for that game? Prosperous? I was looking for old lists I've made, and dug up my PBT Baseball list- if anyone else want's theirs here they are.
No Crying in Baseball Book Lists
Bibliophage Crushers Book Listst
Joi wrote: "Admins- what was the challenge that we had in the middle of last year- also had a randomizer. Did we make book lists for that game? Prosperous? I was looking for old lists I've made, and dug up m..."
No crying in baseball... RIP Penny Marshall.
Booknblues wrote: "Joi wrote: "I'm once again slightly sad that the Non-Fiction-Linking didn't win. I don't think it ever will, lol. I will continue to vote for it as long as admins put it as an option, haha. Super..."
I was really hoping that one would make it too! Maybe next year?
Joi wrote: "I'm once again slightly sad that the Non-Fiction-Linking didn't win...."I'm sad, too, Joi! It was my favourite!
Joanne wrote: " Silver sneakers.."Joanne, it's funny you mention this now because I was thinking about that too. I used to watch them through the window when I was on the treadmill, and it was nice knowing that was an option for when I got older. I just started getting vertigo, so I guess I'm old enough now. There is also a chair exercise class on PBS that I've been recording for my mom, and we can do that together.
I've been thinking about all the books on my list of 36 and the prospect of random picks is becoming more and more appealing. I can't wait for the 27th! I think I will swap out something for Rebecca because that is a classic I own but haven't read and I saw it on someone else's list...
If you see this message, let me know who you are so I can coordinate with your # in case it is picked.
EDIT: found it, annapi, and added Rebecca to spot #7 in case we can buddy read :)
NancyJ wrote: "Joanne wrote: " Silver sneakers.."Joanne, it's funny you mention this now because I was thinking about that too. I used to watch them through the window when I was on the treadmill, and it was ni..."
Because of my limitations there are days I have to use a chair-you;d be surprised what you can accomplish!
So excited to have found this group! This TBR challenge is just perfect! Starting my list...
Vanessa wrote: "So excited to have found this group! This TBR challenge is just perfect! Starting my list..."We are thrilled you found us too! Welcome!!!
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
The Tuscan Child (other topics)Just So Stories (other topics)
Rebecca (other topics)
The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Rhys Bowen (other topics)Rudyard Kipling (other topics)
Sam Kean (other topics)
You can start posting your books now in the members 2019 challenge folder.
I have my list already, but if you have several books which you think members might be interested in you could post them here, there may be people interested.
If you list a book that is on my tbr, I am willing to change out a book on my list for that.
I think it is a good idea to do the lists ASAP, but there is still time to coordinate with other members.