Play Book Tag discussion
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Trim 2020 Continuation - Announcement, Community, and Chit Chat Thread
I switched my #15 around so that I could read Sing, Unburied, Sing for the "Southern" tag. Just finished last night - 5 Stars. Super good, but very sad, and also thematically fit "Black Lives Matter," which I suspected it would. I posted my review here.
August completed - An Almond for a Parrot - 4 stars
Blurb:‘I would like to make myself the heroine of this story – an innocent victim led astray. But alas sir, I would be lying…’
London, 1756: In Newgate prison, Tully Truegood awaits trial. Her fate hanging in the balance, she tells her life-story. It’s a tale that takes her from skivvy in the back streets of London, to conjuror’s assistant, to celebrated courtesan at her stepmother’s Fairy House, the notorious house of ill-repute where decadent excess is a must…
Tully was once the talk of the town. Now, with the best seats at Newgate already sold in anticipation of her execution, her only chance of survival is to get her story to the one person who can help her avoid the gallows.
She is Tully Truegood.
Orphan, whore, magician’s apprentice.
Murderer?
Review I enjoyed this one - it's a bit like a mixture of Antonia Hodgson's series and Fanny Hill.
Blurb:‘I would like to make myself the heroine of this story – an innocent victim led astray. But alas sir, I would be lying…’
London, 1756: In Newgate prison, Tully Truegood awaits trial. Her fate hanging in the balance, she tells her life-story. It’s a tale that takes her from skivvy in the back streets of London, to conjuror’s assistant, to celebrated courtesan at her stepmother’s Fairy House, the notorious house of ill-repute where decadent excess is a must…
Tully was once the talk of the town. Now, with the best seats at Newgate already sold in anticipation of her execution, her only chance of survival is to get her story to the one person who can help her avoid the gallows.
She is Tully Truegood.
Orphan, whore, magician’s apprentice.
Murderer?
Review I enjoyed this one - it's a bit like a mixture of Antonia Hodgson's series and Fanny Hill.
Ugh- I am 2 books behind...still need to read July and August!
My trim is not going well. I started out so strong...
I have either 4 or 5 to read. I of course blame Proust....
Will naturally I’m up-to-date. I still have the idea that those of us who finish off the books and especially those of us who finished it in time, then maybe we can outright pick next year’s number as a reward.
I am 5 books behind. I did decide to "read" Anna Karenina via the Audio version read by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
It's just tough because the husband keeps challenging me on books per month and I could listen to three audiobooks in the time it's going to take to listen to Anna Karenina.
But I think it is time... I will probably start it after I finish listening to Tom Hank's Uncommon Type.
The other trim that I haven't read yet are:
The Stand by Stephen King
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish
The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman
Incantation by Alice Hoffman
July - #15
Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders - Vincent Bugliosi - 5 Stars
It's been over fifty years since one of the most famous murder trials in history occurred. I was a teenager when the news exploded that actress Sharon Tate and her friends had been brutally murdered in their home in Hollywood. Long before the days of social media, most people in America followed this story in their newspapers every day. With the arrest of Charles Manson and his "Family" the frenzy of interest grew even more. There was the disquieting implication that no degree of privilege can keep madness from stopping at your door.
This book is primarily a prosecutor’s view of the complex case and attempts to document the most comprehensive account of the murders, the investigation, the trials, and the aftermath of the case.
"Helter Skelter” was Manson’s name for a racial Armageddon in which black people rise up and take control of society. Because they’ve been oppressed for so long, Manson felt that they would not be able to rule for long, so they would turn over the reins of power to him. Manson and his cult would survive Helter Skelter because they would be hiding in a bottomless pit out in the desert. Right......
One of the things I was unaware of was the incredibly sloppy police investigation. The next night another brutal murder occurred at the LaBianca residence, that was remarkably similar. One was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department and the other by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office. These two entities investigated the murders separately and it took them weeks to compare notes and come to the conclusion that the same people carried out both sets of murders. The gun used in the Tate murders was found the next day by a young boy, and was never examined.
One of the intriguing parts of the story was that the Beach Boys’ drummer and one of the band’s founding Wilson brothers, Dennis, hung out with Charles Manson. He was interested in recording some of Charlie's music, but soon became terrified of Manson and severed ties, refusing to testify at the trial.
Another fascinating part of the story was about Family member Linda Kasabian. She was along on both nights of murder but did not participate in the slaughter. Her testimony for the prosecution gave first hand knowledge of everything that happened that night.
I like to watch True Crime on television and every now and then there is an update on the three women who committed bloodshed for Charles Manson, Bugliosi makes the case that these women had something seriously wrong with them long before they hooked up with a crazy madman. All three of them invited evil. They wanted it, relished it, and to appease Charlie, they willingly expelled all that was decent and moral. Two of them are still alive and after being denied parole numerous times, they have recently been approved. They are both over 70, and presumably no longer a threat to society, but their actions and attitudes during their trial make it easier to see why, even though they have been recommended for parole, both Governors Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom have vetoed it.
Rather than a dry, journalistic recounting of the events, Helter Skelter was detailed, and insightful, as equally fascinating as it was horrifying. It may be a bit dated, but thanks to the internet, everything you want to know about these murders is right at your fingertips. It's a long book, but I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about these infamous murders.
Amy wrote: "Will naturally I’m up-to-date. I still have the idea that those of us who finish off the books and especially those of us who finished it in time, then maybe we can outright pick next year’s number..."I'm also up to date. Haven't yet read this month's but I will get to it this month. :-)
Same! I saw you come on. I'm on a mad search for my purple fellows at the moment. Looking for Nancy and Anna, who I just emailed. But none of the purples are currently lurking about! I like to finish what I started.....
Charlotte wrote: "I am 5 books behind. I did decide to "read" Anna Karenina via the Audio version read by Maggie Gyllenhaal.
It's just tough because the husband keeps challenging me on books per ..."
The Stand is long but so good. I read this when I was in high school. It was the first book I ever stayed up all night reading because I couldn't put it down.
Sue wrote: "The Stand is long but so good. I read this when I was in high school. It was the first book I ever stayed up all night reading because I couldn't put it down...."I've heard great things about it but I'm not sure if I want to read another epidemic/pandemic book... I've recently finished Station Eleven and World War Z... The Stand might get put on the shelf until next year. We'll see though...
Finished August #4:Heat and Light: A Novel by Jennifer Haigh - 4 stars - My Review
Elaborately constructed novel about the energy industry and the environmental impact of fracking. Set in the fictional rural town of Bakerton, Pennsylvania, representatives of a Texas-based oil company convince landowning residents to sell their mineral rights. Fracking involves high-pressure injection of liquids into underground shale deposits to extract natural gas. Many residents see it as a way out of their economic woes. Some are concerned over the ecological impact.
The novel contains a wide array of characters, covering all sides of the fracking debate. They include local residents, Texas oil executives, salespeople, drilling crews, sub-contractors, and environmental activists. The characters are believable, and the community is well-drawn. It is as easy to sympathize with the family that wants to save money to fulfill their dream of opening a dairy farm as it is with the organic farmers that do not want questions about the quality of their products. In this depressed economic area, the author incorporates struggles related to job losses and drug addictions.
This novel is a story about class, economics, and the impact of drilling. Dramatic tension is maintained through the question of whether or not the drinking water is contaminated, resulting in disagreements among families and neighbors. Haigh’s writing is imaginative and perceptive. I am impressed by her ability to juggle the many storylines without seeming overextended. I will definitely be reading more of her work.
August #4The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood has written a dystopian novel that centers around a woman named Offred. Once her real name was different, now this is how she is referred to and it represents her role in the new society of Gilead where she is a Handmaid. What is most interesting to me is that Offred still remembers her life before all this happened. She still thinks about her old world and wonders what exactly happened to her daughter and husband when they tried to escape together. The rules in Gilead are complicated and men are in charge. Often people are punished by death. Part way through the book Offred starts to take chances and this adds to the storyline. This is a well thought out book and I see why it has become a classic.
My August Trim sucked! The Book of Lost Things. Maybe some of my fantasy oriented friends would appreciate it. But i'm 8 for 8 and on track... Good that it came off my TBR where it had lingered awhile.
Amy wrote: "My August Trim sucked! The Book of Lost Things. Maybe some of my fantasy oriented friends would appreciate it. But i'm 8 for 8 and on track... Good that it came off my TBR where it had lingered awh..."Sorry to hear that it didn't work for you, Amy. I loved it....
Then again ... I'm way behind in this challenge.Still haven't done
# 22
# 19
# 4
S*I*G*H
Funny that everyone so enjoyed this thing. I guess you think I'll love Verse despite my tendency toward complete predictability!
I hate to do it, but I need to put aside my August pick The Question of Red. I'm just not into it right now.... It's an incredibly depressing story about genocide and prison camps in Indonesia, and I just can't absorb the topic at this time.Looking forward to a more cheerful pick for me for September.
Hi. This looks like fun but I'm a bit confused. Where does our list go?
Sallys wrote: "Hi. This looks like fun but I'm a bit confused. Where does our list go?"I can't remember if I posted mine in this thread at the start of the game/year or if I just posted it in my own challenge thread.
There is a folder where people can post their own challenges and keep track there. That's where I have my list (as well as my own Word document), and keep track.
ETA: Here's a link to the folder where people have posted their challenge threads:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...
Sally - I can help! I am unofficially moderating this unofficial challenge.. So, based on a yearly challenge from last year, we all (who wanted to play) personally chose 24 books each from our TBR's to read, and many of them were buddy reads we had with one another, so they lined up. The list is above, if you want to join any of them when they are called. If you want to jump in, make a list of 24 books, (minus the ones we have already called for this year, and we can help figure those out.) I can list them for you, as soon as I get to my list. Feel free to jump in on the buddy reads. You don;t need to post the list anywhere. But by December, when our mods are rolling out the challenges for 2021, assuming they let us finish it out, I will be helping organize us for the final 12. At that point, there will be a planning and organizational thread, and I will help us be able to look at each others lists and line them up so folks can read books together. But for now, make your own list, and use our buddy reads as suggestions if you like. And you know, some of us are substituting too. Its unofficial, just for fun and to clear out the TBR. I have needed to use some of these for tags, or because they were in the house. We are figuring it out. Its supposed to be fun and not stressful, and something a new person can easily join into.... Hope that helps. Write to me, if you need help or more clarification. Meli is picking the number in the next day or two, so you might just free and clear pick one for September. Best, Amy
And Sue - even if you abandon your book (as you should - sounds depressing), I am still counting it as a try for the newly established idea that those of us who tried to finish the challenge the most, (in spirit) or made every month, or made all 12 by the end of the year, well we few might just outright pick the number for the following month.... I think that's fun, and well deserved for a few of us. I also think Joanne and Meli should outright pick as deference to their service to the cause...
Amy wrote: "And Sue - even if you abandon your book (as you should - sounds depressing), I am still counting it as a try for the newly established idea that those of us who tried to finish the challenge the mo..."At least it's off my TBR!
Since the September tag was announced we can pick the September trim. Joanne is on vacation, so I'll pick again, and September is...6!
I don't think we picked that one yet, but if we did let me know and I'll repick.
Since the September tag was announced we can pick the September trim. Joanne is on vacation, so I'll pick again, and September is...6!
I don't think we picked that one yet, but if we did let me know and I'll repick.
dammit.... what about 9?I don't have my spreadsheet handy.
Meli wrote: "dammit.... what about 9?I don't have my spreadsheet handy."
We did 9 as well.
Meli wrote: "omg, I'm a mess!! sorry guys.11??"
11 is good according to my sheet it hasn't been done yet.
My 11 is From Sand and Ash, which I think I am supposed to read with a few people. Maybe one of them is BnB? Not sure. Will order it from the library....
Amy wrote: "My 11 is From Sand and Ash, which I think I am supposed to read with a few people. Maybe one of them is BnB? Not sure. Will order it from the library...."Sand and Ash, yes! I've been waiting to get to that. I am several months behind with this, but I will start with Sand and Ash and work back.
3rd pick did the trick!My #11 is A History of Loneliness by John Boyne
On the one hand, feels like it might be another depression pit - in which case it'll be a fast trip back to the library! On the other hand.... John Boyne - so how bad could it be?
And from reviews everyone either loves or hates this book. 1 star or 5, with not much in between.
Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach. Looks like it might fit psychological :-)
I have 84, Charing Cross Road as my # 11. Since it is so short, I should be able to actually read it. I haven't been very good with this challenge so far. But I am doing really well in general with challenges, so I can focus a little more on trimming my TBR for the rest of the year (whether it is in the list for this challenge or not, I need to read more of the books I already own).
#11 for me is another long one... what was I thinking?!? A Game of ThronesWith all the long ones I have, I'm not sure I'll catch up for the year. I'll probably listen to the audio of this since my husband already purchased it on his Audible and Amazon lets us share since we are a family.
My #11 is Empire of SandBut who knows if I will get caught up?
@Amy and BnB - I have down to buddy read From Sand and Ash so I must have it in one of my TBR Towers.
Theresa wrote: "My #11 is Empire of SandBut who knows if I will get caught up?
@Amy and BnB - I have down to buddy read From Sand and Ash so I must have it in one of my TBR Towers."
That sounds like fun. Let's work out when we want to read it. I am pretty open in September.
My #11 is Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood and is a retelling of Shakespeare's The Tempest. I am looking forward to reading the retellings I've been collecting, but I don't think I will be able to get to this one in September because I have some other stuff I want to read and I am on hold for Midnight Sun 😈
Amy wrote: "Sally - I can help! I am unofficially moderating this unofficial challenge.. So, based on a yearly challenge from last year, we all (who wanted to play) personally chose 24 books each from our TBR'..."Thanks Amy!
Sallys wrote: "Amy wrote: "Sally - I can help! I am unofficially moderating this unofficial challenge.. So, based on a yearly challenge from last year, we all (who wanted to play) personally chose 24 books each f..."I just made my list. It was so much fun choosing. Would you mind telling me what numbers were picked already? Thank You.
Sallys wrote: "Sallys wrote: "Amy wrote: "Sally - I can help! I am unofficially moderating this unofficial challenge.. So, based on a yearly challenge from last year, we all (who wanted to play) personally chose ..."Here they are: 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 15, 19, 21, 22.
I am way behind reading....as I spent the first 6 months of 2020 reading Proust which was almost all I could manage with my workload on top of pandemic distraction. I should be able to read them by year end....
So that's like four or five of us for From Sand and Ash. I had the thought.... Sally, would you like to read it with us this month? It was number 11 for a few of us...... Thank you Theresa for posting the numbers for Sally.Also want to note that Amy Harmon is the author Nancy has been gushing about. That made me really happy to see that.
I am in the middle of And The ladies of the Club- meaning I have 600 pages left so I may not be able to read it this month. I will check in when I finish . My goal is to finish in a week before school starts.
Amy wrote: "So that's like four or five of us for From Sand and Ash. I had the thought.... Sally, would you like to read it with us this month? It was number 11 for a few of us...... Thank you Theresa for post..."I've fallen in LOVE with Amy Harmon thanks to What the Wind Knows... I may join in on the buddy read (if I can get out of this funk!) even though it's not my trim book.
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
Song of Susannah (other topics)The Reckoning (other topics)
Friends Like Us (other topics)
Women of the Silk (other topics)
Old Sparky: The Electric Chair and the History of the Death Penalty (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Stephen King (other topics)Sharon Kay Penman (other topics)
Imbolo Mbue (other topics)
Isla Dewar (other topics)
Annejet van der Zijl (other topics)
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August #4 The Desert and the Sea: 977 Days Captive on the Somali Pirate Coast by Michael Scott Moore- 4 stars
Engrossing account of a journalist held hostage by Somali pirates for almost 3 years. He took a gamble that he would be able to safely investigate the growing trend of pirates from Somalia and went much more in depth than he intended. I really couldn't imagine enduring that ordeal. Moore does a great job bringing the reader into the depravity of it, the constant unknown and instability. His years filled with regret for thinking visit Somalia was a good idea and the impact it would be causing his family in friends accompanied by the interactions with other hostages and the pirates, both guards and bosses. He contemplates the rage of being hostage and how to not let it overtake him. His survival is powerful and his mother is amazing for negotiating his ransom, fundraising money to pay the pirates and being there for her son.
I was able to hear Moore at a local reading when the book came out. It was obvious that this is a trauma that is not easily put in the past.
March #22: Siddartha by Hermann Hesse
A short but powerful story of Siddartha, the son of a Brahmin. He studies at home until he decides that he has learned all he can and so leaves his father to meet a renowned Guatama Buddha. He again decides that he has learned all he can from teachings and sets out on a new path despite a warning of thinking himself to wise. The new path is the opposite of spiritual fulfillment-lust, money and greed. The story is a thoughtful reflection of life and lessons to be learned expressing many philosophical views. I enjoyed more than I though I would.