Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Archives
>
[2021] The Wild Discussion
I don't think the list of suggestions for poll 15 is correct - the author of your favorite book from 2020 was seconded but the list of characters was not. The list has the latter but not the former.
Nancy wrote: "I don't think the list of suggestions for poll 15 is correct - the author of your favorite book from 2020 was seconded but the list of characters was not. The list has the latter but not the former."I noticed that too, Nancy! I was looking back, trying to work out what I'd missed!
Kathryn wrote: "Nancy wrote: "I don't think the list of suggestions for poll 15 is correct - the author of your favorite book from 2020 was seconded but the list of characters was not. The list has the latter but ..."I swear I saw that Emily seconded the "list of characters" one but now it's not there...
I think, what happened is that Emily thought the author for 2020 was on the list so she seconded the list of character. But the author for 2020 was not already on the list so she deleted her first second (list of characters) and changed it to the author of 2020. I was just waking up and seeing what was left. It seems like it got confusing at the end.
Mod
Jillian is correct -- I thought the best reads of 2020 was seconded already, so I went with cast of characters, but then Katie pointed out that I was wrong so I switched my second. I will 100% suggest or second the list of characters prompt next round because I do hope that one gets in as well, but I wanted to second the best reads because I loved that prompt this year.
Again, sorry about the confusion! Me and Bryony have sorted it out and the voting thread will go up shortly!
I saw some of that but I too had not had my coffee yet (I'm only up this early because I had to get my son up to go take the SATs) so I wasn't quite following the action. Glad it's all sorted!
Nancy wrote: "I saw some of that but I too had not had my coffee yet (I'm only up this early because I had to get my son up to go take the SATs) so I wasn't quite following the action. Glad it's all sorted!"SATs on a Wednesday? That's odd! I used to proctor that when I was an English teacher. Wasn't a bad way to make some pocket money on a Saturday morning.
Mod
Steve wrote: "SATs on a Wednesday? That's odd! I used to proctor that when I was an English teacher. Wasn't a bad way to make some pocket money on a Saturday morning"Where I live, all HS Juniors (well he's a Senior now, but Covid) take the SATs on a school day, it's paid for by the district. Pretty sweet deal. If he wants to take them again it would be on a Saturday and we'd have to pay for the test.
Nancy wrote: "Steve wrote: "SATs on a Wednesday? That's odd! I used to proctor that when I was an English teacher. Wasn't a bad way to make some pocket money on a Saturday morning"Where I live, all HS Juniors ..."
Oh that's great! Definitely take advantage of that! My districts have always done that for PSATs, but not SATs.
Yes I was quite surprised when I learned about it, where I grew up (east coast) it was as you described, on a Saturday. Typically we don't even have to sign up and I think it might even be required, although I don't know what would happen if you weren't planning to go to college so didn't bother taking them. But because of Covid we did have to tell them he'd be taking them. A lot of colleges are waiving them for next year's freshmen but we figured he should take them anyway.
Emily wrote: "Sorry about the confusion guys! I obviously have not had my cup of coffee yet.Jillian is correct -- I thought the best reads of 2020 was seconded already, so I went with cast of characters, but t..."
I will definitely submit the cast of characters/family tree prompt next round!
Someone said something in the voting just now that made me want to try harder to get some light/fun/happy prompts into the list. I agree that next year it would be great to have uplifting light funny prompts on the list just due to 2020 being crazy. How about: A book that elicits humor, comedy, or satire
People can read the blurb or find a book on a list that claims to be funny, or that they think will be funny/satire. But this wording doesn’t require you to read the book first. And you don’t have to agree with it’s funny factor if you think it flopped in the funny department. But it could also just work for any book you read and decided was funny after the fact. Satire thrown in to broaden the options. Other words that could be used?
Also in the same vein: A book that elicits motivation, inspiration, or uplifting themes
This one could use some work, but I think it could be promising also. It could be actual self-help books, memoirs, up-Lit, or books where characters seem to have those traits. Could also be any book you read that motivated or uplifted you after you read it for whatever reason.
I like both ideas, especially the humorous one, Avery!
I normally don’t care for humorous prompts but I’d like to read The Constant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde. Inspirational would be a down vote.
I tried to get the character list in Jill but didn't quite make it!I would vote for a humor prompt but probably not the inspirational one.
Nancy wrote: "I tried to get the character list in Jill but didn't quite make it!I would vote for a humor prompt but probably not the inspirational one."
I saw that Nancy and I appreciate it. I knew since I live in California that the suggestions would probably be closed by the time I woke up so I was glad someone submitted the idea. Next poll we will try again.
I’d prefer the humorous prompt as well. Inspiring and uplifting brings my mind to self help books. Or if I’m thinking broader, as in a book that brings me joy, reading in general brings me joy and makes me feel better when things are stressful.
For light, fun or happy prompts, how about something like “a book you consider comfort reading.” It allows people to pick something light and easy to read, or a childhood classic that brings back happy memories, or even a really challenging book if you’re someone who finds intellectual challenge is comforting (maybe a distraction from a difficult situation).I guess everyone has their own idea of what’s a happy or fun read for them so this might give space for people to pick something light or funny or inspirational while leaving space for people who don’t enjoy humour or inspirational books to pick something different that makes them feel happy or inspired.
Mod
Bryony, I like that wording. I'd vote for it.
I also love that wording! The first thing I thought of when I thought “comfort reading” was Harry Potter. I just fell so totally in love with the books and the stories that when I reread them, it feels like going home after a long absence. There are lots of other ideas that come to mind after thinking about it for a while, too.
Love this idea. I was just thinking that the "brain candy" prompt should be resubmitted, and though I think the two are slightly different, I really love the idea of a prompt that would make it easy to reread something that just makes me happy. Or read more Becky Chambers.
I agree, Bryony's prompt sounds great. And Hannah, I would probably also use it to read Becky Chambers - she has a new book out in February!
Becky Chambers is the only author I can think of for comfort reading without having to do a re-read! I don't really like doing re-reads as part of challenges, but Becky has two books out next year, so she'll hopefully save the day.
Comfort means different things to different people as well. This year I have struggled to read some of the books I had planned as I was struggling with family and world problems. I would borrow them from the online library and then feel bad that I wasn't reading them. Instead I have read a lot of crime fiction which I found strangely comforting. It was good to be reading again and even if it wasn't what I planned at least it was something. You could also relate it to other things that bring you comfort like chocolate, kittens and warm socks.
Ellie wrote: "Becky Chambers is the only author I can think of for comfort reading without having to do a re-read! I don't really like doing re-reads as part of challenges, but Becky has two books out next year,..."Whaaaaat?! I've only heard about The Galaxy, and the Ground Within! I need info about this second book ASAP.
Aimee wrote: "Whaaaaat?! I've only heard about The Galaxy, and the Ground Within! I need info about this second book ASAP...."It's a new series: https://www.tor.com/2020/04/16/introd...
Ellie wrote: "Aimee wrote: "Whaaaaat?! I've only heard about The Galaxy, and the Ground Within! I need info about this second book ASAP...."It's a new series: https://www.tor.com/2020/04/16/introd......"
Oh man this looks so good: "Solarpunk is a form of hopeful SF, and it’s always the right time to introduce a little lightness into our lives." Would be perfect for the "comfort reads" prompt if it makes it in.
Ok, so I posted earlier that I think next year I would just read what I want and retro-fit it into the prompts ( so ... not make a plan). LOL. I should have known better. Am I the only one who started planning already?? I spent some down time yesterday going through the listopias and I made an idea cover collage and added it to my infinity list for safe keeping. There were some great suggestions on the listopias, and my collage is sooooo PRETTY!!!!!!!!!!Anyone else start with this madness yet?
Mod
(Also, I recently binged Get Organized with The Home Edit on Netflix, so I made my cover collage into a rainbow. It's very fancy.)
Solarpunk and Becky Chambers sounds good! I’ve never heard of solarpunk. Always learning something new on GR! I really like the phrasing “comfort reading”. Thanks Bryony for that idea!
I have been planning all along! Each time the prompts are announced I go through my TBR and the Listopias. I have at 1-2 possibilities for each prompt.
I've plugged in my most anticipated 2021 releases into prompts already. I am not very good at stick to my plan but I enjoy the process of it.
Oooh, a cover collage? That sounds amazing! I had to look Becky Chambers up, because I didn’t know who she was. I didn’t realize she was the author of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet. I actually have that on my Kindle, and have heard great things about it. Since I haven’t read it, I didn’t know it could be considered a comfort read, and actually wouldn’t have expected that, but now I’m even more excited to read it.
Mod
Tracy wrote: "Ok, so I posted earlier that I think next year I would just read what I want and retro-fit it into the prompts ( so ... not make a plan). LOL. I should have known better. Am I the only one who star..."I already have a list of at least five options for each category. I'll transfer the whole lot into a spreadsheet once the final list is completed.
I, also,have been finding options as the results have come through. I always do but don't actually always use them.
Mod
For comfort reads, I would go with Georgette Heyer or Spencer Quinn's Chet & Bernie series.
Emily wrote: "Tracy, I saw you started a cover collage, so I did too, in my 2020 Plan lolol. Thank you for being a bad influence.(Also, I recently binged Get Organized with The Home Edit on Netflix, so I made ..."
AHAHAHA.... I have to go check yours out! Happy to help influence you, lol :-)
I just started watching that show the other night, I'm doing my daughters closet today. I have to get this house super ORGANIZED by Monday, becuase I start work the following monday and I wont have time and honestly the clutter is stressing me out.
Nadine wrote: "What is a cover collage?"Nadine.... It's a book lovers feast for the eyes:
Tracy - I love your cover collage!I was thinking of suggesting the following prompt:
A book written by an author that shares the same first name as someone in your family.
Tracy wrote: "Nadine wrote: "What is a cover collage?"Nadine.... It's a book lovers feast for the eyes:
..."ohhhhhh I see! It is so pretty!!!
Where do you guys keep these? so I can go gaze at others too ...
Mod
IDEAS FOR 2021
Color coordinated, of course
Emily wrote: "Mine is obviously still a work in progress. I have it on my 2020 Plan.IDEAS FOR 2021
Color coordinated, of course
[bookcover:Mon..."So do you find yourself thinking things like: "I really need to read another book with a green cover next year"?
Ooh the color coordination is so beautiful, Emily.Also, I am SO excited for Concrete Rose. I can't even.
Also, you should definitely read Home Fire. It is AMAZING.
Mod
Emily wrote: "Mine is obviously still a work in progress. I have it on my 2020 Plan.IDEAS FOR 2021
Color coordinated, of course
Have you read/taught Things Fall Apart? I always loved teaching it. I wish I could now to tie in lessons on toxic masculinity!
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Mistletoe and Mr. Right (other topics)The Tourist Attraction (other topics)
Mistletoe and Mr. Right (other topics)
Hannibal (other topics)
The Beauty of Your Face (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
S.E. Hinton (other topics)P.D. James (other topics)
V.E. Schwab (other topics)
J.K. Rowling (other topics)
Bruce Alexander (other topics)
More...
I like the family tree addition. That is a great idea! Definitely works.