20.1 - Most Improved Player - Bea's task: January and Janus

[Kristina Simon]

20.1 - Most Improved Player - Bea's task: January and Janus

My mother has been in the hospital for the past two months, and, thus very much on my mind and in my heart. She will be 92 in January, so I am dedicating this task to her.

The month of January was named for the Roman god Janus. He is considered to be the god of beginnings and passages, the god of change and time, and the first of all the Roman gods. He is pictured as facing two directions at once, which is interpreted as looking to the past and the future.

For this task, you will chose one option. It is a ONE BOOK task. Required: State the option chosen when you post and include any specific requirements of the chosen option.

Options:
1. Janus is the god of passages. Read a book with a cover showing a gate, door or doorway. Required: Include the cover when you post.
Ex:

2. Janus faces both the past and future. Read a book with the main page genre of either Historical Fiction or Science Fiction. Genre may be embedded or stand alone. Historical Fiction should be earlier than the current century (21st). Science Fiction should be later than 2100. It can also be any undisclosed date as long as it does not match settings that are current to our time. Required: State the century or year of the setting when posting. If unknown, indicate why you consider this book as one which meets the requirement.

3. Janus is the god of transitions. One major transition of life for all humans is the transition from childhood to adulthood. Read a book with the main page genre of "coming of age." This may be an embedded genre.

4. There are other transitions in life, and one that my mother is dealing with is aging. Read a book from one of these shelves: Memory or Aging. There are overlaps between the two shelves. As long as the book is on one of those shelves it will be OK. Required: State which list the book appears on and which page when posting.

5. This option is for my mother. She was trained as a nurse. Read a book with a medical setting/practice and whose main character is either a nurse, doctor or midwife. It is intended that the primary story is dependent on the medical practice. The GR description must include the mention of a doctor, a nurse, a midwife and/or the medical setting. Examples:

[Bea]

Approved option choices

Option 1: Gate, Door, Doorway



Option 2: Hiatorical Fiction


= conditionally approved

Option 2: Science Fiction

[Bea]

More approvals:

Option 3: Coming-of-Age



Option 5: Medical setting, doctor/nurse/midwife

[Bea]

NON-Approved choices

and (not medical story)
and (medical setting incidental to story)
and (not far enough into future)
(need clarification on storyline)
(not required profession)
(focus of book is on the heart; not MD or practice of medicine)


Please note for option 4 that your chosen book must meet SRC requirements.

(graphic novel)

[Kristina Simon]

This thread is now open!

[Morgan]

*Sends lots of good thoughts/prayers to you and your mom.* Extended hospital stays are tough no matter how you cut it. This is a lovely dedication to your mother. <3

I was scrolling through my TBR for options for #1 and ran across a question for option 2:

Winterkill is one I've been meaning to fit in this go around. it has BOTH historical fiction AND science fiction as genres and doesn't appear to have a stated year/date. An Amazon review states that it's really an alternate history set in remote Canada: "The Prairies". Reviews compare to the Village or Oregon Trail.

Would it work for this? And if so, what would I state for the required century or year if it remains unstated after reading the book? Right now it just seems to be looking both ways at the same time like Janus which isn't as helpful as one would hope.

[Kathy G.]

Is this gate okay?

[Teri-K]

For Option 5, will a midwife work? Historically, I'm not sure the woman was technically a nurse, but I've been wanting to read A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812.

Thanks!

[Bea]

Morgan wrote: "*Sends lots of good thoughts/prayers to you and your mom.* Extended hospital stays are tough no matter how you cut it. This is a lovely dedication to your mother.

Winterkill is one I've been meaning to fit in this go around. it has BOTH historical fiction AND science fiction as genres and doesn't appear to have a stated year/date.

Would it work for this? And if so, what would I state for the required century or year if it remains unstated after reading the book? Right now it just seems to be looking both ways at the same time like Janus which isn't as helpful as one would hope."

Thanks, Morgan, for your good thoughts for mom. Your book choice is challenging to me. I am unsure how a book is both Historical Fiction and Dystopia. I checked out the author's website, but it was not much more helpful than the GR description. For now, I am going to tentatively consider it as more dystopian. As long as the setting seems to be other than the current time frame of experience, I think it will work.

I am traveling back to SC starting tomorrow and should be home Tuesday AM. I will try to give you a definitive answer then.

[Bea]

Kathy G. wrote: "Is this gate okay?

"

Yes, I can see the gates. This book has a "childrens" genre on the main page, so be sure to check out the SRC Winter Challenge Rules regarding that.

[Bea]

Teri-k wrote: "For Option 5, will a midwife work? Historically, I'm not sure the woman was technically a nurse, but I've been wanting to read [book:A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary..."

Teri-K, I will accept it. The GR description describes her as a healer and talks about the medical practice. I will revise this task to include midwives and healers.

[Kathy G.]

Bea wrote: "Kathy G. wrote: "Is this gate okay?

"

Yes, I can see the gates. This book has a "childrens" genre on the main page, so be sure to check out the SRC Winter Challeng..."

Thanks- It qualifies under AR.

[Teri-K]

Thanks! My daughter is a new RN and asked for this book for Christmas, but I want to read it first. lol (Fortunately she never minds when I pre-read her gift books, as she does mine.)

Bea wrote: "Teri-k wrote: "For Option 5, will a midwife work? Historically, I'm not sure the woman was technically a nurse, but I've been wanting to read [book:A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Bas..."

[Karen Michele]

Do you see this as a gate?



Also, this one is dystopian, but is it too close to current time?

Station Eleven

Nice task - thinking good thoughts for you.

[Morgan]

Bea wrote: "Morgan wrote: "*Sends lots of good thoughts/prayers to you and your mom.* Extended hospital stays are tough no matter how you cut it. This is a lovely dedication to your mother.

Winterkill is o..."

I have a couple other options on hand so no rush or stress either way it was just a "huh...." moment for me, so curiosity, etc.

Have a safe trip!

[Mindy]

Teri-k: "I want to read it first. lol (Fortunately she never minds when I pre-read her gift books, as she does mine.)"

LOL, very cute.

Best wishes to you and your mother, Bea.

[Julia]

Thinking good thoughts for your mother.

Does count as a doorway?

I'm not sure if it's enough of science fiction to count for option 2 since it's supposed to be fairly near future, although the past scenes are Edwardian/Titanic disaster, so...

[Bea]

Karen Michele wrote: "Do you see this as a gate?



Also, this one is dystopian, but is it too close to current time?

Station Eleven

Nice task - thinking good t..."

Thanks, Karen Michele. Yes, that is a gate.

Station Eleven is listed as Apocolyptic/Post-Apocolyptic. Since I hope the apocalypse is not in the near future, I will accept it.

[Bea]

Morgan wrote: "Bea wrote: "I have a couple other options on hand so no rush or stress either way it was just a "huh...." moment for me, so curiosity, etc."

Thanks, Morgan. I sent a message to the author, so let's see what she says.

[Bea]

Mindy wrote: "Best wishes to you and your mother, Bea."

Thanks, Mindy.

[Bea]

Julia wrote: "Thinking good thoughts for your mother.

Does count as a doorway?

I'm not sure if it's enough of science fiction to count for option 2 since it's supposed to be fairly near future, although the past scenes are Edwardian/Titanic disaster, so..."

Thanks, Julia.

Yes, there seems to be arches overhead, so that would count as a doorway.

The main setting seems to be fairly similar to current time, so I do not believe this book will work for option 2. (The time travel back is a series of occurrences rather than the main setting.)

[SamZ]

So for Historical Fiction in the previous century, World War II works, right? I'm thinking of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

[Denise]

Does work for Option 1 - doorway?

[Melissa]

Bea wrote: "Karen Michele wrote: "

Also, this one is dystopian, but is it too close to current time?

Station Eleven"

Station Eleven is listed as Apocolyptic/Post-Apocolyptic. Since I hope the apocalypse is not in the near future, I will accept it. "

I don't to be a downer, but I've read Station Eleven, which is amazing and IMO everyone should read it, but it takes place maybe 20-30 years into the future. The "Last Night" is sometime in the year 2014-2015ish and the main events of the book are about 17 years after that. It's Bea's decision about approvals since it's her task, but just wanted to note that it's definitely set pre-2100 and quite close to our current time.

[Bea]

Sam wrote: "So for Historical Fiction in the previous century, World War II works, right? I'm thinking of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"

Yes, it does. I really enjoyed that book. I hope you do to.

[Bea]

Denise wrote: "Does work for Option 1 - doorway?"

Yes, it does.

[Bea]

Melissa wrote: "I don't to be a downer, but I've read Station Eleven, which is amazing and IMO everyone should read it, but it takes place maybe 20-30 years into the future. The "Last Night" is sometime in the year 2014-2015ish and the main events of the book are about 17 years after that. It's Bea's decision about approvals since it's her task, but just wanted to note that it's definitely set pre-2100 and quite close to our current time."

OK. Thanks, Melissa, for the information.

In that case, I will need to disapprove it, Karen Michele. Determining how far in the future some of these books are will be tough. (I could not imagine an apocalypse taking place in the near future. Silly me!)

[Karen Michele]

Bea wrote: "Melissa wrote: "I don't to be a downer, but I've read Station Eleven, which is amazing and IMO everyone should read it, but it takes place maybe 20-30 years into the future. The "Last Night" is som..."

That's fine, Bea. I'll use the Nemirovsky book for the task and find another place for Station Eleven. Thanks for the help, Melissa. I'm excited to read it and I'm finally getting to the top of the holds list at the library!

[Melissa]

Bea wrote: "(I could not imagine an apocalypse taking place in the near future. Silly me!)"

It's a superflu (which is scary-making)

[Hina]

Would this work for option 5...One Night with the Doctor by cindy kirk. The blurb mentions the hero's name as Dr. Benedict Campbell. Would that be enough or would I need more?

[Wanda]

Option 1-

Will this doorway be acceptable?

[BellaGBear]

Hey,

nice task ;)

Is this on e good as sci-fi? Starship Troopers It is obvious it is far into the future, but no date is specified in thew goodreads description.

[S.L.]

Option 5 - Would work?

[Barbara ★]

Would work for Option 1 - door?

[Bea]

I am finally home, so I will catch up on this thread today. Thanks for everyone's patience.

[Bea]

@Morgan - The author responded that, although the time frame is vague for Winterkill, she had in mind an alternate history of the settlement of the North American West. That would make this book eligible as Historical Fiction. Approved for option 2 Historical Fiction.

@Hina - One Night with the Doctor from GR description appears to be a romance with little medical setting or practice. So, although one of the main characters is a doctor, this is not what I was looking for. Disapproved.

@Wanda - - This cover appears to be a bridge over a road, not a door or gate through which one would walk. Disapproved.

@Bellagbear - Approved for option 2 Science Fiction.

@Susan - . This book's medical setting is incidental to the story from GR description. It, therefore, does not meet the spirit of the type of story I am looking for. Disapproved.

@barbara - Approved for door (option 1)

[Bea]

If I have missed anyone, please re-post. Thanks.

[Morgan]

Oh awesome! Thanks so much, Bea.
Above and beyond. <3

[Bea]

I have submitted a revision of Option 5 with some examples to the moderators to clarify that option. Please monitor for this clarification if you are interested in that particular option.

[Bea]

Kaora, I am going to say no to Saul of Sodom: The Last Prophet. The GR description states that it is set in a world of perpetual war. Since 2100 is only 85 years from now and there is much war, I do not think it is far enough in the future. Regarding the drugs and removing memories. Medicine has some of that capability now. Sorry but this book is not approved.

[Melissa]

Hi Bea,
Would the first two Imperial Radch books by Ann Leckie work for the SF genre in Option 2?

Book 1
Book 2

I've read Book 1 and it is set so very far in the future humanity has conquered a significant portion of the galaxy and is now winding down that industrial framework. I'd like to read Ancillary Sword for this task (probably).

[Wanda]

Bea wrote: "@Morgan - The author responded that, although the time frame is vague for Winterkill, she had in mind an alternate history of the settlement of the North American West. That would m..."

Actually the cover you have by your reply is not my book. It is not a bridge but part of a stone gateway and there is a door to the cottage that is visible.

[Bea]

Kaora wrote: "Ok then I'm using The Fall of Hyperion which is definitely in the future since the world has died and people live on other planets."

Kaora, that one works fine. Enjoy.

[Bea]

Melissa wrote: "Hi Bea,
Would the first two Imperial Radch books by Ann Leckie work for the SF genre in Option 2?

Book 1
Book 2

"


Melissa, both books work as they are set on other planets. Since it is unlikely that living on other planets will happen in the next 85 years, such books definitely meet Science Fiction past 2100 criteria. Both are approved.

[Bea]

Wanda wrote: "Actually the cover you have by your reply is not my book. It is not a bridge but part of a stone gateway and there is a door to the cottage that is visible."

Wanda, you are correct. I put the wrong book cover in my response to you in post 36. (It belonged to the answer above yours.) I have corrected that in that post.

I looked again at the cover. I still think the arch is a bridge as it spans over the road. However, this time I checked a clearer cover on Amazon and saw the house. There is a door in the house so I will approve this book for Option 1.

Thank you for following up with me on my response. It is always good to advocate for yourself when you believe a mistake has been made.

[Pia]

Would any of these books work for Option 1?

Northanger Abbey

Dust

[Vicki Willis]

Can you approve Under the Knife byTess Gerritsen for Option 5. One of the main characters is a Dr. being sued for malpractice and she is seeking the truth.

[Mindy]

Mindyrecycles
The task doesn't specifically approve graphic novels, but "Can't We Talk about Something Pleasant?" is in the Aging list, so is it okay for Option 4? It has Graphic Novels as one of its genres.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

[Melissa]

Bea wrote: "Melissa, both books work as they are set on other planets. Since it is unlikely that living on other planets will happen in the next 85 years, such books definitely meet Science Fiction past 2100 criteria. Both are approved. ..."

Thanks Bea :)

Shameless plug - if anyone is looking for a Sci-Fi book for this task and enjoy a bit of space opera with big themes I highly recommend Ann Leckie's Imperial Radch series. Great reading and world-building.

[Bea]

@Pia - and - both approved for Option 1

@Vicki - - approved for Option 5

@Mindy - Unfortunately, does not qualify for a 20 point task due to SRC rules, since I did not specifically allow it for this task. ("5. Books whose main page lists any of these genres: Sequential Art, Comics, Comic Book, or Manga may only be used for 5, 10, and 15 point tasks unless specifically allowed in the task description for a higher point task.