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[2022] Wild Discussion
Nancy wrote: "I've thought about Jewish as well, as I'm reading The Hidden Palace right now (sequel to The Golem and the Jinni) and Jewish culture is a big part of it."I don't think a Jewish prompt would be as clear cut as the Asian author prompt. I might prefer to read about the whole region. I'm noticing a lot of new fiction books with "Djinn" in the title.
I loved The Golem and The Jinni, and I'll be Reading Hidden Palace soon. Wecker writes about Jewish, Syrian and Arab Americans. I don't know what her heritage is. I plan to read Apeirogon, which is about the true life friendship between a Palestian father and an Israeli father who both lost children to the conflict. The author is Irish. I plan to read Hidden Palace and The Weight of Ink too. There are many other historical stories about Jewish people that don't necessarily involve WWII. (There is at least one GR group that focuses on this literature.) In the US, Jewish authors write about almost any topic. (I don't think many people here read Mailer or Bellow though.)
So I think for the Twilight Zone one, the wording might be confusing, and it's also very broad at the same time. I know there's been a lot of discussion about it but I lean toward the opinion that the prompt should be specific to that episode, not the Twilight Zone in general.This was how it was posted in the Poll 1 Voting thread:
In honor of the classic second season episode, "Twenty Two," read a book related to The Twilight Zone.
Maybe instead:
Read a book related to The Twilight Zone episode titled "Twenty Two."
However, I'm afraid with this one, people who don't read the discussion and don't want to do a lot of research are just going to go, "I don't know what that is so I'm not voting for it." So I'm not sure wording will really help, unless we go super wordy, which I know we try not to do.
Read a book related to The Twilight Zone episode titled "Twenty Two" which has themes of healthcare, dreams, and repetition ?
I prefer author prompts because I like to read own voices. There are a lot of Jewish authors, it’s pretty easy to find them. For example:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
I’m wondering about suggesting - “ A book that pushes you out of your comfort zone” or maybe “A book that nudges you out of your comfort zone”. That could be a genre you don’t typically read, a subject that makes you feel a little uncomfortable, a really long book, one with an experimental format or style, or that one book that intimidates you. This year we had a comfort read so this could be seen as a counter- a sort of uncomfortable read. I voted for this weeks Sgt Pepper prompt since James Joyce was on the cover and I haven’t read Ulysses since I find it slight intimidating. you’d think I’d be relieved and instead I’m finding ways to make myself read it.
Nancy wrote: "So I think for the Twilight Zone one, the wording might be confusing, and it's also very broad at the same time. I know there's been a lot of discussion about it but I lean toward the opinion that ..."Thanks, that's an interesting idea! I'll have to think of some way to phrase it. I agree that I like more specific prompts, but share the same worries that people wouldn't vote for a prompt related to something they've never seen. At least with the whole series, most people are vaguely aware of what kind of show it was without having had to actually watch an episode, especially since it's stayed relevant due to the 2019 revival, Disneyland/world rides, etc.
Mod
Also anything negative, like "avoid" "out of comfort zone" "something you thought you wouldn't like" tend to be down voted. It is probably the case that items voted in, such as alternate worlds or gothic, are already out of some people's comfort zones. (I would never pick gothic but I like historical mysteries and read a lot of classics, so I'm sure I'll find something.)
These are my observations, it's only my 2nd time seeing this process. Just wanted to state that if your prompt is voted down, it's not personal, or not that you didn't present it well. However, it never hurts to try something original.
Nadine wrote: "I prefer author prompts because I like to read own voices. There are a lot of Jewish authors, it’s pretty easy to find them..."I am sure there are a lot of Jewish authors but I have found it quite hard to confirm some who I think might be Jewish because it doesn't seem something they put on bios much. For Muslims authors the media always talks about them being Muslim, rightly or wrongly. I don't really trust listopias to be correct.
Like is Mary Robinette Kowal Jewish? She writes Jewish characters but I can't find anywhere where she shares her religion.
I have read at least two interviews with Mary Robinette Kowal where she says she is not Jewish. I believe she has answered the question a number of times on her Twitter as well
Juliet Brown wrote: "I have read at least two interviews with Mary Robinette Kowal where she says she is not Jewish. I believe she has answered the question a number of times on her Twitter as well"Thanks! I can see Helene Wecker said she is Jewish in an interview at least, so if the prompt gets on the list I'll hold off reading her new book till next year.
You’re right, Listopias are never 100% reliable. I didn’t see that MRK was on that list. I still feel that Jewish authors are easy to find (and if they aren’t, that’s all the more reason to seek them out). Jewish people are generally proud to be Jewish and don’t make it a secret.
I'm playing around with a few ideas for suggestions for this round or the next one:Any feedback?
1. "Read a Blue book: Content, Title, Cover or all three."
For those who say "bring-it-on," read a book with 3 (or more?) blue elements. Or "keep it simple" with just one.
I thought of 5 different ways that the content of the book could relate to something blue (settings, characters, plots, emotions, objects, effect on the reader). Green would also work for multiple topics.
2. Read a book that is set (at least partially) in the early 1900's (before 1950). Time travel and dual time-lines are allowed.
I was going to focus on the jazz era, women's freedom/suffrage, Art-Deco, silent movies, etc. But each decade has interesting plot potential.
Unless Irene wants to include something medical in her prompt.
3. Read a book involving some aspect of health or medical science.
This could include medical settings, doctors, a characters with an illness, other medical plots, a pandemic, medical research, pharmaceutical industry, or other health topics.
This is my favorite one.
4. Read a cultural or cross-cultural book.
Goodreads often links "cultural" to different countries, but it can also refer to different cultures or subcultures within a country - based on ethnicity, religion, race, or indigenous peoples. Cross-cultural refers to interactions between two or more cultures or subculture, such as in an immigrant story.
"Culture" often refers to values, norms, expectations, traditional rites or ceremonies, level of formality. It can also refer to the arts (art, music, theatre, dance), the "personality" of a community, social structure, or social commentary.
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/cult...
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/most...
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Ellie wrote: "NancyJ wrote: ""Read a book with an Asian or Pacific islander main character or author." This should cover Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines as well...."Coming back to this prompt, I think it woul..."
I hope you submit this. I wouldn't limit it to one or the other. There is great value to reading books by Asian immigrants to hear their unique experiences, and there are a lot of great new books. There is also great value to reading about different Asian cultures. I got the most out of my Asian and Asian immigrant reading so far this year.
Nadine wrote: "You’re right, Listopias are never 100% reliable. I didn’t see that MRK was on that list. I still feel that Jewish authors are easy to find (and if they aren’t, that’s all the more reason to seek th..."She wasn't on that list, just someone I thought might be Jewish but turned out not to be. Turns out less that 1% of the UK population identifies as Jewish which is probably why I never see articles about Jewish authors in our media. I guess I am better of looking for US authors?
Ellie wrote: "Nadine wrote: "You’re right, Listopias are never 100% reliable. I didn’t see that MRK was on that list. I still feel that Jewish authors are easy to find (and if they aren’t, that’s all the more re..."I would focus on the topics rather than the authors because history has given people plenty of reasons to protect their privacy. Attitudes towards Israel are becoming more politicized in the US, and some groups who were previously anti-semitic are suddenly pro-Israel.
Israel is a country, it is not the same thing to criticise a country's actions as it is to hate all people of a religion. I imagine there are some horrible people who are anti-Semitic but also agree in bombing Palestine and it has nothing to do with a change of heart.
Ellie wrote: "Israel is a country, it is not the same thing to criticise a country's actions as it is to hate all people of a religion. I imagine there are some horrible people who are anti-Semitic but also agre..."That should be true, but according to an article, people are expressing views along party lines, as a knee-jerk reaction to something said by our president or former president. Apparently a man argued one position vehemently on camera until his friend told him he was agreeing with Biden, so he flipped positions. The list of unnecessarily partisan issues seems to get longer everyday. You're probably right that they aren't truly changing their minds (or hearts) that fast.
In general, I don’t like prompts that require the author to self-identify, whether it’s religion or sexual orientation, for example. I know there are lots of famous Jewish authors. I can only think of 4 (Wouk, Anne Frank, Roth, and Bellow) that I know for sure I’ve read. I’m sure there are others but I don’t usually pay attention to that kind of personal information. I think a prompt limited to a Jewish protagonist or the subject of Judaism would cover a lot of these authors (without including author in the prompt) since many include Jewish families in their books and some have written non-fiction on the subject of Judaism.
Jennifer Weiner is one author who is Jewish and most, if not all, of her protagonists are Jewish too.
While I was watching the Olympics this week, it occurred to me that next year is an Olympic year too. Would there be interest in a prompt related to the Winter Olympics in Beijing, or are people Olympic'd out since we had that last year?
Nancy- I would be interested! It’s different sports and country. I’m such an Olympics junkie!
I hope the book by a Jewish author/with a Jewish character makes it into the next round. I was actually heading into the thread to suggest it for the current round, but didn't get there in time. In terms of an Olympic theme -- personally, I don't care for it. I don't have an interest in sports or the Olympics whatsoever, so unless it allowed for books that weren't sports-related, I'd probably downvote.
Nancy wrote: "While I was watching the Olympics this week, it occurred to me that next year is an Olympic year too. Would there be interest in a prompt related to the Winter Olympics in Beijing, or are people Ol..."Love this idea! It's the Winter Olympics, so I'd love something specific to that rather than to the Olympics as a whole.
Ideas:
- Related to a winter olympic sport
- Book published or set in any Winter Olympic year
- Book set in any Winter Olympic host city (or country, to make it less limiting)
- Or even just a book set in winter in celebration of the winter olympics?
I was thinking of submitting for the next poll: A book with a Jewish character or author. I figured this wording would work for a larger group of people as it mirrors this years Muslim prompt and some people may not want to be restricted to author only. Personally, I really like the link Martha put up and plan to use it to find some new to me authors.
I’m glad to see there is support for a Jewish character or author prompt! If someone else doesn’t suggest it, I will.
Irene wrote: "Nancy wrote: "While I was watching the Olympics this week, it occurred to me that next year is an Olympic year too. Would there be interest in a prompt related to the Winter Olympics in Beijing, or..."I would vote for this. Any Olympic year makes it easier.
Beartown and Us Against You are about small town youth Ice Hockey. Would this fit?
Cinder is set in New Beijing.
I like books set in Winter locations, ski resorts, survival stories.
Serendipity wrote: "I’m wondering about suggesting - or maybe “A book that nudges you out of your comfort zone”. That could be a genre you don’t typically read, a sub..."I like it. Stretches or expands might be more empowering than pushes, but everyone knows what it means.
James Joyce is very ambitious. I'd have to take a plane out of my comfort zone to get there.
Pearl wrote: James Joyce is very ambitious. I'd have to take a plane out of my comfort zone to get there.
I'm with you on that one, Pearl :)
Irene wrote: "Nancy wrote: "While I was watching the Olympics this week, it occurred to me that next year is an Olympic year too. Would there be interest in a prompt related to the Winter Olympics in Beijing, or..."I'm not very interested in sport, but I do like challenging myself to read books set in places I don't know much about so the "book set in a Winter Olympic city/country" would be right up my street.
Personally I'd be in favour of leaving it as city/country so people can choose, if they want a BIO option they could go for the exact city but it keeps the country option open for those who would prefer that. Seeing as the USA have hosted 4 times that means there are plenty of book options for 'country'!
Rachel wrote: "I was thinking of submitting for the next poll: A book with a Jewish character or author. I figured this wording would work for a larger group of people as it mirrors this years Muslim prompt and..."
Sounds good to me, I would vote for that. As you point out, it mirrors the Muslim prompt so the wording seems fine.
I'm leaning toward keeping it "A book related to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing." Then it could be about a sport in the Winter Olympics (so yes Beartown/ice hockey would work), set in Beijing specifically or China generally, or any other city/country that's hosted in the past.Also, IMO, New Beijing would totally count.
Last year's prompt was "A book related to the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Japan" and I read Fast Girls: A Novel of the 1936 Women's Olympic Team, about the first women to complete in Track and Field in the Olympics.
I would love to see the Jewish author/character AND the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing on the next poll. I'd also love to see Rabbit and Disney be re-suggested. :)
My favorite part of the Olympics is usually the opening ceremonies and cultural information. If someone wrote a book about this summer's Olympics would that count too? There are some interesting stories about the mental side of competition (and mental health) this year that might make it into a book in 2022. That might work for a medical or mental health topic too.
NancyJ wrote: "My favorite part of the Olympics is usually the opening ceremonies and cultural information. If someone wrote a book about this summer's Olympics would that count too? There are some interesting ..."
I suspect there will be several books released over the next year or two by and about the athletes themselves. Most likely they will all touch on the mental aspects of competing. I don't think that a year would be long enough to write and publish a really in depth look at the mental health of Olympians but if it is published then yes, it would count.
Thanks Amy, There might be a lot of books out there already (the swimmer for one), but the Simone Biles story seems different because of the positive reactions I heard to her decision not to compete in all her events. (I don't follow athletes so this might just be one that I happened to hear about, or I just haven't heard the negative repercussions yet.)
NancyJ wrote: "Thanks Amy, There might be a lot of books out there already (the swimmer for one), but the Simone Biles story seems different because of the positive reactions I heard to her decision not to compet..."Oh the news articles I saw on fb were full of jerks with opinions. Thankfully the majority seem to be supportive.
I like the idea of the signs of the zodiac challenge and the one that has two words with two syllables in each word. Another idea could be two books by different authors with the exact same title.
Mod
I've been surprised how often I have run into books with the same title, for instance I have 2 with the title Dry Bones (2 mysteries with totally different authors and settings). But I think a lot of people want to read from what they already have and some don't have a TBR in the hundreds like I do, so they might balk at it. If we ended up with a prompt of 2 books with the same word in the title, the BIO option could be exact same title.
Pop Sugar did two books with the same title a couple of years ago, it was fun. I made life harder for myself by only picking books with the exact same title, e.g. Invisible Man and The Invisible Man did not count. It would be a great BIO option for the multi-week prompt for sharing a word in the title.
Kate wrote: Another idea could be two books by different authors with the exact same title."
Exact same title could be a BIO challenge for our existing multi-week 2 books with the same word in the title. Otherwise you would have to wait until next year to suggest this, since the multi-week prompt suggestions and voting are complete for this year.
Robin P wrote: "I think I will propose the zodiac this week. There was discussion of including the Chinese one, but I want to limit it to the "western" one, there are still plenty of options. I've been surprised..."
That sounds good to me. How will you phrase it? I can only think of one book I read in the last few years that mentioned astrology directly - Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead - but I think the planets, elements and signs can all be found in titles directly or through interpretation. The four elements -air, water, earth and fire - can all be found in titles or covers, and the concepts (intellect, emotions, stability, and energy/drive) might be linked to the content of books.
For Zodiac, people can also steal from the PopSugar lists to find authors with their same zodiac sign: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...Outside of that, do you have any examples? It can be either a very narrow prompt or an overly broad prompt if you start including characteristics of the different signs.
Mod
1. Literal - for instance, for Leo - a book about a lion,
for Gemini, a book featuring twins
for Virgo, a book whose main character is a young girl
2. Figurative/symbolic - For Aries, Capricorn, Taurus - a book set on a farm (ram, goat, bull)
For Sagittarius, the hunter - a book about a hunt or quest for something
For Aquarius, the water bearer - a book featuring a servant
Robin P wrote: "Here is my idea - 1. Literal - for instance, for Leo - a book about a lion,
for Gemini, a book featuring twins
for Virgo, a book whose main character is a young girl
2. Figurative/symbolic - F..."
Personally, I like the more figurative/symbolic route, because as a Scorpio, the literal route would mean I'd have to find a book featuring a scorpion!
That said, this year's Popsugar challenge has the prompt of an author with the same zodiac sign as you so I'm a little tired of seeing the word "scorpio" everywhere, lol. So it'd be nice to go broader, such as Scorpio as a water sign.
Irene, all the women in my family, except me (Sag), are Scorpios. Maybe I should read a book about them to switch it up!Robin, will it be related to our specific zodiac sign or any zodiac sign?
Mod
Ooh, I like that! I never identify with Sagittarius so I like the option of choosing other signs! I’ll definitely be voting for it
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I know I'd probably have to change up the wording since it wasn't a close call so I'd love any feedback! I've wanted to submit this prompt since I started doing reading challenges five years ago and am still hopeful about it. I know some people don't like the phrase "related to" so it'd be great to hear suggestions on how to make it more palatable for those people.
This was how it was posted in the Poll 1 Voting thread:
In honor of the classic second season episode, "Twenty Two," read a book related to The Twilight Zone.
Background: This episode is about a dancer hospitalized for fatigue who gets recurring nightmares about the hospital morgue, Room 22.
Wikipedia for episode summary
This would work for a book related to any revival of the Twilight Zone as well, which opens it up to, for example, reading any book related to Stephen Spielberg since he directed the 1983 Twilight Zone movie!
Some ideas for this prompt:
- A sci-fi or dystopian book
- A dark/scary book
- A book published or set in any year the show aired: 1959-1964, 1985-1989, 2002-2003, 2019-2020
- A book with a surprise/twist ending
For a BIO option, read a book related to this specific episode:
- A book related to a hospital/healthcare/illness/doctors/nurses/etc
- A book related to entertainment because the main character is a professional dancer
- A book related to dreaming or nightmares
- A book related to premonitions
- A book where something keeps repeating
- A book considered not an author's best: this episode was one of just 6 filmed on a cheaper type of tape as a cost-saving experiment, and is therefore considered inferior, visually to the other episodes
- A second book in a series, as this episode was from Season 2
Creative takes:
- A book set in a hotel because of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride at Disneyland/Disney World
-A book related to any of the actors who starred in The Twilight Zone, like William Shatner, Burt Reynolds, etc