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message 601: by Nadine in NY (new)

Nadine in NY Jones | 2286 comments Aimee wrote: "I know cover prompts aren't everyone's favourite, but I've read a lot of books lately that had symmetrical covers and I wondered if there was a good prompt in there somewhere. Something along the l..."


I like cover prompts, and I understand what you mean by "symmetrical" ... but I think this one would make me crazy, as I stare at different covers and try to decide if they are symmetrical or not. So I'm leery.


message 602: by Ellie (new)

Ellie (patchworkbunny) | 2994 comments Aimee wrote: "I know cover prompts aren't everyone's favourite, but I've read a lot of books lately that had symmetrical covers and I wondered if there was a good prompt in there somewhere. Something along the l..."

There are some very pretty covers that fall into this category, I would certainly vote for it.


message 603: by Aimee (new)

Aimee (pebbles320) Thanks guys :) And sorry Emily, I forgot the covers wouldn't show up on the app!

As Kat said, hopefully it should have a wide appeal compared with other cover prompts as I found examples from lots of genres, including non-fiction.
But I need to find a way of wording it that makes it clear we're not expecting people to find perfectly symmetrical books. Or is that made clear using examples?


message 604: by Ellie (new)

Ellie (patchworkbunny) | 2994 comments To me "an element of symmetry" doesn't suggest the whole thing needs to be symmetrical.


message 605: by Edie (new)

Edie | 1149 comments Hannah wrote: "I don't mind list prompts - I've never encountered a challenge list that didn't have a few books on my TBR on it, and I kind of like the process of going through a list to find a book I recognize. ..."

I agree. One of the pluses of having a 650+ TBR list is that there always seems to be something that fits. As someone who would rather spend time reading rather than researching what to read, I love the listopias that are created.


message 606: by Pam (last edited Jul 09, 2021 09:51AM) (new)

Pam (bluegrasspam) | 3854 comments I think that it was last year that some of us were interested in a clergy (originally it was specific to a nun) prompt. After doing some research, I would like to suggest that one again. Any suggestions for wording? I was thinking - A main character who is a member of the clergy (any religion). This could include e.g. nuns, priests, bishops, imans, rabbis, ministers, monks...

There are tons of clerical mysteries with a variety of settings and religions! Here are a few examples:

Father Brown (made into a popular British TV show)
Sister Pelagia (Russian Orthodox)
Sister Agatha (set in NM)
Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn (Welsh)
Rev. Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne (a police chief and a female priest)
Sister Rose Callahan (Shaker)
Brother Cadfael
The Rabbi Small
Sister Fidelma (Irish nun, 7th century)
A Ministry is Murder (clergy couple)

There are also lots of other non-mysteries (fiction and non-fiction) to choose from. Any thoughts??


message 607: by Lizzy (new)

Lizzy | 910 comments Pam wrote: "I think that it was last year that some of us were interested in a clergy (originally it was specific to a nun) prompt. After doing some research, I would like to suggest that one again. Any sugges..."

and don't forget The Name of the Rose


message 608: by Kim (new)

Kim | 22 comments I'd be interested in the clergy prompt!

I've also been thinking for awhile about a prompt about reading from a different perspective, such as where the main character and/or author follows a different religion from your own. If you are non-religious, this could be any novel (or nonfiction) that has a main character of any faith, or a faith different from yours if you do practice. I'm not Muslim but read a couple books by authors who are Muslim (with characters who are the same), and I loved being able to see a glimpse of the culture/worldview.


message 609: by Kelly Sj (new)

Kelly Sj | 484 comments Pam wrote: "I think that it was last year that some of us were interested in a clergy (originally it was specific to a nun) prompt. After doing some research, I would like to suggest that one again. Any sugges..."

When this suggestion came up last year I added the first book in each series of all the crime-solving nuns to my TBR, so I'd definitely vote for this!


message 610: by Sarah (new)

Sarah Sands | 15 comments Kendra wrote: "I was thinking of an option for the multi week prompt - 2 books related to "Real" & "Fake". That way, readers could pick a fiction and a non fiction book, a book set in a real place version a made ..."

This is a multi-week prompt that I actually LOVE! Usually I'm not s super fan of them, but this would be delightful!


message 611: by Jillian (new)

Jillian | 2939 comments I think making it “main character” has to be a member of the clergy is too narrow for me since I have a few books that would work with the general theme but I’m not positive about the main character.


message 612: by Robin P, Orbicular Mod (new)

Robin P | 4036 comments Mod
Jillian wrote: "I think making it “main character” has to be a member of the clergy is too narrow for me since I have a few books that would work with the general theme but I’m not positive about the main character."

Maybe "a major character" instead of "the main"?


message 613: by Pam (new)

Pam (bluegrasspam) | 3854 comments Jillian- I had suggested A (not The) main character. My intent was that the person be an important part of the book rather than just a side character.


message 614: by Jillian (new)

Jillian | 2939 comments Unless it is an ensemble cast, most books I read only have one main character so saying ‘a main character’ is the same as ‘the main character’ for me. There is nothing wrong if you want it to be a very narrow prompt; it just is too narrow as stated for me.


message 615: by NancyJ (last edited Jul 09, 2021 10:06PM) (new)

NancyJ (nancyjjj) | 3680 comments Kendra wrote: "I was thinking of an option for the multi week prompt - 2 books related to "Real" & "Fake". That way, readers could pick a fiction and a non fiction book, a book set in a real place version a made ..."

I really like these kinds of pairings linked in some way. I often learn about a topic in a fiction book, and then want to learn more about it in a nonfiction book. Science & Science Fiction, History & historical fiction.


message 616: by NancyJ (last edited Jul 09, 2021 10:21PM) (new)

NancyJ (nancyjjj) | 3680 comments Conny wrote: "The Betty White idea is a great, creative idea for a prompt. I would upvote it :)"
Deborah wrote: "I love Betty White. I think this is a good one. I think since she is turning 100, you might be able to tie in books that take place 100 years ago, for 100 years, 100 years in the future...etc."
Jen K wrote: "Could also have the word "White" or "Golden" in the title or a character named Betty. Really fun idea! I love Betty White!.."
Nancy wrote: "It would get me to finally read her memoir! Elin Hilderbrand's newest book is called Golden Girl and it was really good."
Jill wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "OK I think I have one that might work for 2022. This is my first suggestion, so any help is appreciated.
Read a book that honors Betty White (who will turn 100 in 2022).
Love this I would definitely give an upvote."

Nicole wrote:
I love Betty White! This would definitely be an upvote for me.


Kim wrote: "Love the idea for a Betty White prompt!!"

Thanks for the support and the extra ideas!


message 617: by NancyJ (new)

NancyJ (nancyjjj) | 3680 comments Aimee wrote: "I know cover prompts aren't everyone's favourite, but I've read a lot of books lately that had symmetrical covers and I wondered if there was a good prompt in there somewhere. Something along the l..."

Kat wrote: "I don’t always like cover prompts as they can lean towards certain genres or niche interests. Symmetrical covers is a great idea and should work for everyone. They are also really satisfying to loo..."

I like it. I agree that those covers are pleasing. How about a cover 'with a symmetrical design?' To me, this would suggest that the background design would be symmetrical, but words or another image could be superimposed over it.


message 618: by Ellie (new)

Ellie (patchworkbunny) | 2994 comments Sorry to nitpick but I don't think the clergy technically includes nuns. It's a word that describes people who are ordained to do religious duties.


message 619: by Steve (new)

Steve | 615 comments Ellie wrote: "Sorry to nitpick but I don't think the clergy technically includes nuns. It's a word that describes people who are ordained to do religious duties."

Monks, friars, brothers would also fall under the non-clergy by definition.


message 620: by Pam (new)

Pam (bluegrasspam) | 3854 comments Ellie- you’re not nitpicking. That’s why I asked. I don’t know how to lump these groups of people together - religious leaders perhaps? I’ve seen articles referring to clerical mysteries and clerical sleuths which included nuns and brothers so I mistakenly assumed that it was a correct term. Thanks for the feedback everyone!


message 621: by Alicia (new)

Alicia | 1490 comments Maybe a “member of a religious order”?


message 622: by Conny (new)

Conny | 650 comments That is actually not easy :D How about something like "a character in a religious role or profession"?


message 623: by Pam (new)

Pam (bluegrasspam) | 3854 comments I like that wording Conny! Thanks.


message 624: by Robin P, Orbicular Mod (new)

Robin P | 4036 comments Mod
NancyJ wrote: "Aimee wrote: "I know cover prompts aren't everyone's favourite, but I've read a lot of books lately that had symmetrical covers and I wondered if there was a good prompt in there somewhere. Somethi..."

In 2020 we had “a cover with a geometric pattern” (or design , I forget which): Not exactly the same but similar.


message 625: by Nancy (new)

Nancy (fancynancyt) | 1842 comments When will the multi-week poll be?


message 626: by Emily, Conterminous Mod (new)

Emily Bourque (emilyardoin) | 11245 comments Mod
Poll 4!


message 627: by Kim (new)

Kim | 22 comments Would there be interest in a prompt connected to our own family history? I'm thinking something like "a book set where your family originated", or it could be written by an author from where your family came from too.

Thoughts?


message 628: by Alicia (last edited Jul 12, 2021 11:12AM) (new)

Alicia | 1490 comments Kim wrote: "Would there be interest in a prompt connected to our own family history? I'm thinking something like "a book set where your family originated", or it could be written by an author from where your f..."

My concern with "where your family originated", is for African Americans. Many of us don't know where our family originated from, with the exception of an entire continent. Others can point to specific countries, but we don't always have that option. Reading a book set in any African country is a bit broad and doesn't really include us within the fun of the prompt like others.


message 629: by Nancy (new)

Nancy (fancynancyt) | 1842 comments There are lots of people who don't know their origins. I was adopted, and until I did 23 & Me had just a vague idea of my background.


message 630: by Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads) (last edited Jul 12, 2021 11:12AM) (new)

Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads) I remember doing some kind of family history prompt a couple years ago (not sure if was Popsugar or here). I liked the prompt though I had a hard time finding something that was as closely related as I wanted and still enjoyable reading.

As a often literally brained person, I might have trouble with 'where your family originated', just because, what counts as originating? 100 years ago? 1000?

Maybe it could be something more like 'related to your ancestors' or even 'connected to your history' which could include religious history.

Edited to add: after seeing Nancy's post above, I'm shying away from the word 'ancestors', actually. There are lots of ways to interpret the word family, and that doesn't have to be biological, but ancestors does pretty much tie it to biology.


Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads) Ooh, what about ‘ book connected to where you come from’. That ties in the original idea of setting or place, but leaves it open to choose between family history, childhood home, or more metaphorical connections like reading about a family who shares a trait with the family you grew up in (many siblings, adoptive siblings, single parents, etc).


message 632: by Nancy (new)

Nancy (fancynancyt) | 1842 comments I would be open to that wording.


message 633: by Anastasia (new)

Anastasia (anastasiaharris) | 1731 comments where your family is from can be problematic if your family has not immigrated to another country.


message 634: by Alicia (new)

Alicia | 1490 comments What about "a book related to your family history"?

I still interpret "where you come from" to be origin or where I grew up, California. I wouldn't think of family traits, history, common professions (maybe a long line of farmers), etc.


message 635: by Nadine in NY (new)

Nadine in NY Jones | 2286 comments I like “where you come from” - I grew up in NJ and I enjoy reading books about NJ. (Example: Girl Waits With Gun is based on a slice of NJ history.)


message 636: by Robin P, Orbicular Mod (last edited Jul 12, 2021 01:02PM) (new)

Robin P | 4036 comments Mod
My experience with voting has been that some people shy away from anything that relates to their personal lives - family, childhood, etc.


message 637: by Kim (new)

Kim | 22 comments Love this conversation, thank you all! I certainly want to be inclusive to everyone, and understand that many people don't know of ancestors. I like both 'related to where you come from' and 'family history.' Where you come from might be broader, and could be where you grew up, where your grandparents lived or common professions as Alicia suggested.


message 638: by Ellie (new)

Ellie (patchworkbunny) | 2994 comments I find that personal element prompts are often not fair for everyone, so I usually wouldn't vote for them, even if I think it's OK for me.


message 639: by Nancy (new)

Nancy (fancynancyt) | 1842 comments I have an idea for an author prompt but need some word-smithing. I was thinking "an author with 3 names," like Mary Alice Monroe or Taylor Jenkins Reid. Hyphenated names would also of course work, and so would initials, e.g. JK Rowling or J Ryan Stradal.

Is "author with 3 names" clear enough that initials are also included? Am I overthinking this?


message 640: by Alicia (new)

Alicia | 1490 comments Nancy wrote: "I have an idea for an author prompt but need some word-smithing. I was thinking "an author with 3 names," like Mary Alice Monroe or Taylor Jenkins Reid. Hyphenated names would also of course work, ..."

To play devil's advocate, J.K. Rowling technically doesn't have three names. Her name is/was (don't know if it changed re: marriage) Joanne Rowling and she actually doesn't have a middle name but the publishers thought it should have two letters, so she added K for Kathleen. Long random facts aside, do you mean an author's real name or pen/publishing name? I'm guessing publishing name, since most authors would have a middle name. Or maybe I'm just overthinking it now too.

I like the prompt idea, I just don't know if I would automatically include each initial as its own "name".
- J Ryan Stradal, yes. It feels like three distinct publishing names.
- N.K. Jemisin probably not because it feels like she uses N.K. as one "first" name, even if it is a combination of her first and middle name.


message 641: by Rachel (new)

Rachel A. (abyssallibrarian) | 3285 comments Personally, I'm not interested in a book related to where my family is from. It's a prompt I've seen too many times before and I've never been invested in it in general. On the other hand, I do like the 3-named author idea, and I'd possibly vote for that.


message 642: by Nancy (new)

Nancy (fancynancyt) | 1842 comments Alicia, you hit the nail on the head with where I'm struggling with this prompt. JK Rowling is the perfect example of a name that doesn't quite fit the prompt, if you are a purist (which I usually am). I was thinking of publishing name, not actual name, which is why I used JKR as an example. And then you have someone like JD Robb, which in itself is a pen name, none of those are the author's name!

And that's why I wonder if I'm overthinking. I also don't people to start arguing over what "3 names" means lol.


message 643: by Emily, Conterminous Mod (new)

Emily Bourque (emilyardoin) | 11245 comments Mod
You could go with 3 names (3 full names like Taylor Jenkins Reid), and use initials as a KIS option. So tailor the actual prompt to mean three full names, but if people need to compromise, they can do it with initials.


message 644: by Conny (new)

Conny | 650 comments Re the family history prompt above, I have absolutely no problem with personal prompts, but we've has "A book related to your ancestry a couple of years back and I hated it. In the U.S. it is very normal to have ancestors who immigrated from somewhere else, but for others... not so much. I ended up bending that prompt as far as I could, but I wasn't happy with it, because the basic idea is just not doable for me (and, I imagine, many other European/Asian/African members).


message 645: by Joan (new)

Joan Barnett | 1972 comments For one of the polls I want to suggest Obama's summer reading list. He has suggested books I think from 2010 but I can't find them all compiled in one place.

If people thought it was too restrictive I thought we could open it up to include Michelle and maybe other Presidents. It wouldn't be too hard to go through and list the books from 2010 but I haven't had the time to do so.

On his lists he has everything from non-fiction to classics to best sellers. It's an eclectic list.

Anyone have opinions or maybe how to change the prompt up?


message 646: by Kathy Jo (new)

Kathy Jo (kjsotr) | 304 comments I get why people would not like the where your family is from prompt, but I don't think it needs to be that restrictive. My parents are from Illinois, which, as part of my family, would be fine. If you are adopted, they are still your family.


message 647: by Joan (new)

Joan Barnett | 1972 comments I actually found all of the years except for 2020 and 2021. There isn't as many as I thought. See link

https://qz.com/quartzy/1688457/all-of...

Here is 2020

https://www.afar.com/magazine/barack-...

and 2021

https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know...


message 648: by Alicia (new)

Alicia | 1490 comments He actually just posted Summer 2021 a few days ago. Here is the link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRHh9MtNZ...

Then here is favorite overall for 2020: https://www.instagram.com/p/CI6Hwx7g9...

That said, I wouldn’t mind the prompt, but I could see this not flying well for those that didn’t like Obama or are international and don’t have a connection to US presidents.


message 649: by Joan (new)

Joan Barnett | 1972 comments Alicia wrote: "He actually just posted Summer 2021 a few days ago. Here is the link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRHh9MtNZ...

Then here is favorite overall for 2020: https://www.instagram.co..."


I was thinking that too. His list is eclectic though and that's what inspired me.

Maybe the prompt could be changed to books recommended by world leaders? Or something along those lines.


message 650: by Juliet (new)

Juliet Brown | 264 comments Joan wrote: "Alicia wrote: "He actually just posted Summer 2021 a few days ago. Here is the link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRHh9MtNZ...

Then here is favorite overall for 2020: https://w..."


All concerns about potential downvotes because of politics and whatever aside, I'm mostly a genre reader (fantasy, scifi, horror etc) and I see almost nothing on these lists I would even think about reading, so it would probably be a downvote for me


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