Tournament of Books discussion
2021 TOB General Topics
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2021 TOB Longlist
The long list announcement is one of my favorite days of the year (especially THIS year), and I always come up way short on the books I have read in prep for the tournament. Have done much better this year, have 8 finished with several more on hold at the library and in my Audible account. I am a huge Liz Moore fan and was thrilled to see Long Bright River on this list! So many of these books are great so I am not sure which one I will be rooting for the most, but I am happy to see anything that brings attention to Liz Moore’s writing.
Happy Reading Everyone! You are such a great, funny, interesting group to follow and interact with.
Shannon wrote: "I am happy to see anything that brings attention to Liz Moore’s writing."I, too, am a big Liz Moore fan. SO, I own a copy of Long Bright River and was going to read after I finish The Vanishing Half. THEN I had the brilliant idea that I would ship LBR to a friend and buy myself ANOTHER copy. I'm thrilled to give Liz Moore more of my money.
I took next week off (been hoarding PTO) and got my hands on physical copies of These Violent Delights, The Resisters, and Sisters, alongside digital holds on Shuggie Bain and Interior Chinatown, which should fill up some cozy time over the next week!!! Is this Christmas morning or what??
Chrissy wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "lark wrote: "I just ordered The Down Days by Ilze Hugo from my local bookstore, because I could not help myself."That intrigues me too, I checked it out on Hoopl..."
Thanks! That was actually one of my DNF's, though. :/ I just thought the characters felt too stereotypical for my taste. Definitely fun reading, though!
Hi - I'm a first-time poster, but I've been following the TOB for about three years. I just recently discovered the Goodreads group, though. I'm so excited to have the longlist! I've read five, DNFed four, and have a bunch of others ready to go. The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree is my favorite so far - glad to see it made the list.
Looking forward to discussing all of these books with you.
Ellen wrote: "What DO people do with themselves if they don't read?..."
Drink? :-)
Elizabeth wrote: "Are any of these lighter? Not necessarily light as in easy to read, but books that don't leave you feeling like you've been run over by a tractor? Anything with a sense of humor?..."I thought Deacon King Kong was a wonderfully cheering book. It's got enough going on that you have to pay attention to keep up (at least I did), but there was a sweetness to the story and plenty of humor.
I have read 7 and I’m in the middle of an 8th title now. Four on the list are books I bought and just haven’t gotten to yet. Question now is do I hold off on the four on hand and try and broaden with additional books on the list? Theory being less procurement efforts for the shortlist allows more actual reading time. 😀
Nadine wrote: "I've read 21 - I think I've learned how to 'read for the long list' over the years. (Basically, read the buzziest books by the most critically acclaimed writers. Pretty obvious ;) What's nice about..."Pretty much twinsies, Nadine, but I think we already knew that. I've read 23 and have 10 in the house waiting for me. My faves so far have been Apeirogon, Deacon King Kong, Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line, and Hamnet.
I have 18 from the list and have 9 on my shelves waiting to be read. In true nerdy fashion I just spent the last 3 hours pricing and procuring copies of the books I did not have. There were only 3 that I could not find at libraries but I think I will hold off on ordering them until the shortlist comes out. My favorites so far are
Jan wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "Are any of these lighter? Not necessarily light as in easy to read, but books that don't leave you feeling like you've been run over by a tractor? Anything with a sense of humor?...."Thanks, Jan! I was considering Deacon King Kong because I liked Good Lord Bird, and it sounded so interesting. I just put it on hold!
Elizabeth wrote: "(Related to my headspace: Are any of these lighter? Not necessarily light as in easy to read, but books that don't leave you feeling like you've been run over by a tractor? Anything with a sense of humor?..."Of the ones I've read, We Ride Upon Sticks is charming, although I confessed I DNF'ed near the end because it went on so long that it began to feel a bit repetitious. Still, loved it up to that point. Deacon King Kong is McBride's best in my mind - I loved every character and his writing is the kind of jazz everybody can love, even if they don't like jazz.
Elizabeth wrote: "Thanks, Jan! I was considering Deacon King Kong because I liked Good Lord Bird, and it sounded so interesting. I just put it on hold!.."You're welcome, Elizabeth. I'm planning to listen to the audiobook again one of these days. Like Nadine said, his writing is like jazz, the fun, accessible kind, haha.
Thank you both! Our library has 14 copies(!!) and only a 2 person wait, so I should get my hands on it soon. I'm looking forward to it!
Hey, gang, in case anyone is interested or has a Scribd account already, I made two lists that I'm gonna share.13 ebook titles from the longlist here: https://www.scribd.com/lists/23964139...#
26 audiobook titles from the longlist here: https://www.scribd.com/lists/23964142...
I'm sharing an invite from Scribd. According to their site, my friends get 60 days of free reading when you join.
Invite here: https://www.scribd.com/g/4o5zu9
Happy reading, y'all!
Hey Guys! I made a list for the TOB longlist. Here's the link:https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Elizabeth, I'm putting in another vote for Deacon King Kong. In my mind, it's his best book yet by far, and his most accessible, and it's fun to read, and truly, truly funny while touching on a lot of deep thoughtful issues. It was arguably my favorite book so far this year; I gave it 5 stars. In the interest of full disclosure, he is yet another alumnus of my alma mater -- in fact, he and I were there at the same time (unlike Rumaan Alam or Kiese Laymon or Emma Straub or Myla Goldberg or a gazillion others, seemingly), although I did not know him at all. I never thought of it as a hotbed of creative writing, but apparently it was/is.
Someone usually posts a straight list of the books that's easily copied and pasted. Has anyone seen that yet? If not, I may have to type one up myself...
This list is a tough one for me to figure out! I think it's split down the middle with books being either obvious shoo-ins (but obviously they can't ALL make it in, which is the tricky part) or books that are really wacky, out there choices (which I always love to see!) I had not been aware of 7 of the 77 before this list and that is a higher number than usual for me! I'm surprised a few are missing like The New Wilderness, the Elena Ferrante and the Evie Wyld. But since there were probably 400 books published this year I am interested in reading, I do NOT envy the task in creating the long list. I have only read three of the list and only three on the TBR stack. As usual, I'm better at being aware of the books than actually reading them.
Added a metric crapton of books to my "want-to-read" list on Goodreads - ah, the time of year in which all the books I've BOUGHT and need to read go to the wayside...
Ellen wrote: "...Someone usually posts a straight list of the books that's easily copied and pasted. Has anyone seen that yet? If not, I may have to type one up myself....."Cheers for the deacon! And re a list, in addition to the Listopia that Michelle put together (Yay and thanks, Michelle), there's this spreadsheet from the official team, which s/b cut and pastable.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Bob wrote: "Hey, gang, in case anyone is interested or has a Scribd account already, I made two lists that I'm gonna share.13 ebook titles from the longlist here: https://www.scribd.com/lists/23964139......"
Thanks Bob! Sometimes Scribd makes it difficult for me to find titles when I've reached my limit for the month. Having them all in one place helps tremendously.
Jan wrote: "Ellen wrote: "What DO people do with themselves if they don't read?..."
Drink? :-)"
Obsessively watch the news....and drink.
Jenny (Reading Envy) wrote: "I’m starting off with Jack!"Looking forward to your report, Jenny. I've read her previous stuff but am not enthusiastic about this one for some unknown reason.
I'm halfway through my reread of Spring, so Summer will probably be my first official 2021ToB read. Also Transcendent Kingdom, which my IRL book group will be reading later this month.
So nice to get the long list on a Friday...I spent half of last night gathering the books I've already got and fondling/arranging them. What a great way to start the weekend! #booknerdChristmas
Hello. Long-time lurker/stalker here; no posts in quite a few years. Thank you everyone for keeping me sane and occasionally laughing this difficult year! I’ve read/listened to 13 and am in the middle of reading #14 (“Or What You Will” – thank you to whomever recently recommended it, I’m loving it). My ratings of the books I’ve read so far are surprisingly high – many 4 stars and even the coveted 5-star (“Summer”). Definitely interested in 21 more books, possibly another 7. 14 books on library hold; 4 sitting on my virtual bookshelf. 35 I probably won’t read…unless they get into the tournament, then maybe. Happy weekend and holiday of reading everyone!
Bob wrote: "Hey, gang, in case anyone is interested or has a Scribd account already, I made two lists that I'm gonna share.13 ebook titles from the longlist here: https://www.scribd.com/lists/23964139......"
Bob,
Scribd also has The Cold Millions in audio.
In order to avoid another "Golden State" fiasco, I offer to your knowledge the existence of these two books published in 2020:These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
I've read 11 and I'm half way through listening to Luster now.Some interesting choices. I'm really excited to get this this going.
Hi everyone! I’ve been following TOB for ages, but not courageous enough to comment. Dipping a toe in here, trying to change that!At first I thought I’d only read 1 on the long list, but it turns out I’ve read 3. I’ll take it.
You all have convinced me to bump Deacon up to the top of my pile.
I’m guessing The Cold Millions will make the short list but I’m strangely reluctant to read it. I liked the Beautiful Ruins a lot so I’m not sure why. Anyone finished it and enjoyed it?
I can’t believe I’ve read 17 off the list so far. That is definitely a record for me! And such a diverse list. Can’t wait to get reading some of the others.
Welcome Kathy and Meagan (and anyone else new to the group)! Choices choices on what to read next....
Janet wrote: "Bob, Scribd also has The Cold Millions in audio..."Thanks, Janet, I'll fix it!
I'm sending love for Or What You Will by Jo Walton. It's such a fun, loving read.
Michelle wrote: "Hey Guys! I made a list for the TOB longlist. Here's the link:https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1..."
Thank you! :D
Michelle wrote: "Hey Guys! I made a list for the TOB longlist. Here's the link:https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1..."
Thank you Michelle! Although I'm only seeing 19 of the books. I tried to add some but it doesn't look like they are showing up?
Ellen wrote: "It's been a pretty yucky week and this has just lifted my spirits immensely. I'm pretty easily pleased -- but I'm sitting here making lists and reading plans and it's taking me right out of myself ..."Live impoverished lives? ;-)
Bob wrote: "Hey, gang, in case anyone is interested or has a Scribd account already, I made two lists that I'm gonna share.13 ebook titles from the longlist here: https://www.scribd.com/lists/23964139......"
Are you going to perform your annual heroic feat of creating the spreadsheet with all the longlist books in order of page count? (She asks, full of hope ....)
I love you guys. I love knowing that I'm not the only one obsessively making lists and organizing and reorganizing my library pile to ensure I won't have to bring anything back before I get a chance to read it. Of course, my library pile is obscene -- but I'm sitting around messing with it lovingly and blissfully.
I’m missing, for real, the level of kvetching we typically do about what got left off of the long list! 🌝The 2020 list must be a most excellent list!
Heidi wrote: "In order to avoid another "Golden State" fiasco, I offer to your knowledge the existence of these two books published in 2020:These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever
These Violent Delights by C..."
Thanks, Heidi. Although I confess, any book with "violent" in the title, let alone "violent delights," is gonna be #77 on my ToB TBR list. :-)
So fun to have new people joining the conversation. Welcome! Meagan, not sure about the reluctance for The Cold Millions. It definitely sounds like a change of pace from Beautiful Ruins, and maybe more serious?? When in doubt, I'm blaming anything untoward on the nature of 2020. :-)
lark wrote: "I’m missing, for real, the level of kvetching we typically do about what got left off of the long list! 🌝The 2020 list must be a most excellent list!"
Okay, I'll kvetch. I'm sad it doesn't have The Lost Book of Adana Moreau. That book is on my favorites of all time.
Ellen wrote: "I love you guys. I love knowing that I'm not the only one obsessively making lists and organizing and reorganizing my library pile to ensure I won't have to bring anything back before I get a chanc..."Ellen, you are definitely not the only one. I've now made a short-stack of the 7 I have copies of. I had 24 on my "want to read" list, so I've made a short list of those to acquire copies, deciding in what order I want them. I had read 9 before the list came out. So that leaves me with 37 to think about - gonna wait on those to see if any make the ToB official list in December. My TBR mountain has a little more order to it today!
By the way, Crossings looks really intriguing to me. Have you (has anyone here) read it?
Bretnie wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Hey Guys! I made a list for the TOB longlist. Here's the link:https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1..."
Thank you Michelle! Although I'm o..."
Thanks Bretnie for the heads up😊 I figured out what I did. It's fixed now. 👍
Meagan wrote: "I’m guessing The Cold Millions will make the short list but I’m strangely reluctant to read it. I liked the Beautiful Ruins a lot so I’m not sure why. Anyone finished it and enjoyed it?"I'm reading it right now and liking it quite a bit. Walter has a skill for putting the reader immediately into a scene and making the characters real.
There had been some complaint earlier that the third Cromwell book of Mantel's, "The Mirror and the Light," didn't make it in. (It was brilliant, but not exactly one that you could pick up on its own merits.)I was also surprised that The Only Good Indians didn't get a nod. Not that I've read it, but I heard tons of buzz.
To be honest, most of my reading of the year tends to be fantasy/sci-fi in the moment, and then 'respectable' lit once the Tournament/year-end awards roll around...
Jan wrote: "Although I confess, any book with "violent" in the title, let alone "violent delights," is gonna be #77 on my ToB TBR list."I agree. What a terrible title for two books.
As far as any books that didn't make the list, I've been stumping for Vernon Subutex 2 for months now. But, since it's part 2 that was published this year, I'm guessing it didn't make much sense to add it. I thought Pew had a chance to make the list as it really sparks conversation. Selfishly, I was hoping The New Wilderness would make it as I bought a copy, and now I'll never read it. I was surprised to see Must I Go. It was an interesting read but not really the kind of book that will light up readers as a good ToB book should.
I seem to be in the minority that didn't love The Glass Hotel or A Children's Bible.
Ellen wrote: "I love you guys. I love knowing that I'm not the only one obsessively making lists and organizing and reorganizing my library pile to ensure I won't have to bring anything back before I get a chanc..."Let's reframe: not "obscene" but "overflowing (with love)". :-)
Jason wrote: "Jan wrote: "Although I confess, any book with "violent" in the title, let alone "violent delights," is gonna be #77 on my ToB TBR list."I agree. What a terrible title for two books.
As far as an..."
I was also a little surprised that Pew isn't on the list, because it seemed like prime ToB material, though I am certain I did not totally understand it when I read it. Like you, I didn't love A Children's Bible.
Tournament of Books
Books mentioned in this topic
This Mournable Body (other topics)Luster (other topics)
Shuggie Bain (other topics)
The Cold Millions (other topics)
Include Me Out (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
María Sonia Cristoff (other topics)Percival Everett (other topics)
Cormac McCarthy (other topics)
Brandon Sanderson (other topics)
That intrigues me too, I checked it out on Hoopla...One of several..."
I thought We Ride Upon Sticks was very funny, although it’s a particular flavor of humor that might not be for everyone?