2021 Recommended Reading Challenge - Jan 2022 BotM Selection

[kaitlphere]

Congratulations to everyone who read all 17 books on this year's Reading Challenge!

This is the discussion thread for members who have completed the entire 2021 Reading Challenge by Dec. 16th, 2021, to work together to select our January 2022 Book of the Month.

Like all BotM selections the comic book (or manga) picked for this month must fit these requirements:

- Available in English
- Available digitally (legally)
- Available in print
- Is NOT an Omnibus or multi-volume collection
- Is something the group has not read before (group bookshelf)

Please try to have a book selected by December 31st!

[Paul]

Since my nominee won for December BotM, am I disqualified from this or is it a special exception? Not offended if I should sit this out, just want to be clear either way.

[kaitlphere]

You're fine to suggest a book! Thanks for checking!

[Erin]

Alright, lets get down to it and pick a book! Any recommendations/nominations? I picked last year's January book so we absolutely don't have to pick any of these, but some books I've meaning to try/re-read:

- Relish - Lucy Knisley
- doing a Squirrel Girl re-read in 2022 so could be fun!
- Pearl - Brian Michael Bendis
- Daredevil - Chip Zdarsky

[Paul]

Quick, while I have some quiet time before I forget. I would be all for any of of Erin's picks. I was unable to get into Squirrel Girl the last time I tried, but am happy to try again; the rest I have not read and would welcome since, frankly, I don't have much on my list of "want to read and am confident enough to recommend to others at the same time".

Muddying the waters with books that come to mind for me:

My 2021 favorites [Sorry, not in trade yet]:
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr
The Six Sidekicks of Trigger Keaton, Vol. 1

Another 2021:
Delicates (I didn't like this as much as "Sheets" but absolutely worth reading)

"Back Catalog" Recommendations:
Kodi
Extremity, Vol. 1: Artist
Daytripper
Come Again

[Mike, Host & Producer of IRCB!]

Holy smokes these are serious contenders.

I’m torn between Daredevil by Zdarsky and The Many Deaths of Laila Starr.

I just a reminder: we need to pick a book by December 31!

[Chad]

Mike wrote: "Holy smokes these are serious contenders.

I’m torn between Daredevil by Zdarsky and The Many Deaths of Laila Starr.

I just a reminder: we need to pick a book by December 31!"

Well if it makes it easier the Many Deaths of Laila Star hasn't been published yet in trade. According to GR, it doesn't come out until January 11th.

[Tom]

The Book of Five Rings

[Erin]

Bummer, I've been dying to read Laila Starr!

[Paul]

Erin wrote: "Bummer, I've been dying to read Laila Starr!"

Highly recommended anyway, make up an excuse. (I see all the single issues in Hoopla if you still have borrows to burn before end of the month. 😉 )

[Chad]

Paul wrote: "
Highly recommended anyway, make up an excuse. (I see all the single issues in Hoopla if you still have borrows to burn before end of the month. 😉 )."

...or just wait two weeks for the trade to come out on Hoopla and just use one borrow.

[Paul]

Contenders that have been mentioned so far, with digital availability that I can determine. ("Cx" = Comixology purchase, not via Unlimited). Are there other avenues to consider?

I personally consider "Daredevil" in the lead right now since it's the only one called out by more than one person.

Relish: My Life in the Kitchen
[❌Cx, ❌CU, ❌Hoopla]

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1: Squirrel Power
[✅Cx, ✅CU, ✅Hoopla]

Pearl, Vol. 1
[✅Cx, ❌CU, ✅Hoopla]

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky, Vol. 1: Know Fear
[✅Cx, ✅CU, ✅Hoopla]

Delicates
[✅Cx, ✅CU, ✅Hoopla]

Kodi
[✅Cx, ✅CU, ✅Hoopla]

The Book of Five Rings: A Graphic Novel
[✅Cx, ❌CU, ❌Hoopla]

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms
[✅Cx, ✅CU, ✅Hoopla]

[Paul]

Chad wrote: "...or just wait two weeks for the trade to come out on Hoopla and just use one borrow."

Sure that works, but what about the instant gratification!? 😈

(I do tend to explore in-progress single issues with the last couple borrows in a month.)

[Mike, Host & Producer of IRCB!]

Paul wrote: "Contenders that have been mentioned so far, with digital availability that I can determine. ("Cx" = Comixology purchase, not via Unlimited). Are there other avenues to consider?

I personally consi..."

DANG! Thank you for this, Paul.

Gonna put my vote in for Daredevil.

[Brandon]

Could I nominate Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms? It's one of my favourites from this year, is available on Hoopla/Cx/CxU, and is currently on sale!

[kaitlphere]

Cheer Up is on my to-read list! Thanks for letting us know about the sale, I'll have to grab it.

[Paul]

Brandon wrote: "Could I nominate Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms? It's one of my favourites from this year, is available on Hoopla/Cx/CxU, and is currently on sale!"

Updated my "master list" to include this.

[Paul]

So, not much definitive discussion going on. Interested in trying Ranked Choice Voting for this? This allows folks to vote for their own nominee(s) while not feeling selfish about it because it then distills the ranked votes down to an overall compromise of preferences.

I set up a ballot at https://rankedchoices.com/o2m9 - drag and drop (and delete if desired) your preference, then vote. Feel free to remain anonymous, just don't stuff the box please.

I set this up for a deadline of 10pm Pacific, Thu Dec 30 to have it decided "by Dec 31". I believe things can be adjusted as desired.

[Erin]

Paul wrote: "So, not much definitive discussion going on. Interested in trying Ranked Choice Voting for this? This allows folks to vote for their own nominee(s) while not feeling selfish about it because it the..."

Great idea, Paul! Just submitted mine :) Thanks!

[Paul]

I see 6 ballots have been cast at https://rankedchoices.com/o2m9 so awesome that folks are using it.

Reminder that voting will close at 10pm Pacific tonight. Results will then be available at that link, and I will also post them here (assuming I remember before heading to bed).

[Paul]

Interesting. The ballot winner is Pearl, Vol. 1

Ballot results: https://rankedchoices.com/results#o2m9

[Erin]

Thanks again for setting that up, Paul! Super helpful :)