[2023] Wild Discussion Showing 2,501-2,550 of 4,060

[Pearl]

dalex wrote: "Another way to do the shape prompt would be a book nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Awards.

https://www.bookcritics.org/awards/

The winner of the Newbury Medal receives a bronze ci..."

That could work. Those little circles tricked me a few times when I was searching for Source of Light on covers. Some looked like a sun or moon.

[NancyJ]

Tropical setting Listopia

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

I created a listopia for books set in Tropical regions around the world. Please check it out and add books if you can. Do you have any favorite books from Hawaii, Southeast Asia, Central America, Southern Mexico, Northern Australia, Central Africa, rainforests, the Caribbean, or other hot or exotic areas?

Related lists:

Indonesia
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/indo...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Southeast Asia
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...
Hawaii
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/hawaii
Amazon Rainforest
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...

[Irene]

Nadine in NY wrote: "I like to read picture books, so if anyone does the challenge in picture books, I can highly recommend three of my favorites ..."

I love picture books and Jon Klassen, thank you for the recommendation!!

[Irene]

@NancyJ, by "tropical setting" should the books be specific about the country they're set in or do books that have unspecified tropical island settings work as well, like the titular Treasure Island?

(Apologies if that has already been covered in this discussion, I'm not caught up yet)

[NancyJ]

Irene wrote: "@NancyJ, by "tropical setting" should the books be specific about the country they're set in or do books that have unspecified tropical island settings work as well, like the titular [book:Treasure..."

Good question. The original title was "Treasure Island or the Mutiny of the Hispaniola." Hispaniola sounds like the Caribbean, and it had palm trees. So it sounds tropical to me. (Some islands, such as Bermuda and some of the Bahamas are north of the tropics.)

I updated the country list on the listopia, with notes about the countries that are mostly tropical, half, or not worth counting.

[Irene]

NancyJ wrote: "Good question. The original title was "Treasure Island or the Mutiny of the Hispaniola." Hispaniola sounds like the Caribbean, and it had palm trees...."

Sorry for the confusion Nancy, so to clarify, are books set on fictional /unnamed tropical islands out? (Maybe Treasure Island was a bad example since it's definitely supposed to be somewhere in the Caribbean, perhaps The Island of Doctor Moreau or another sci-fi book is a better example).

[Mandy]

I’m going to be adulting today (chores and other unpleasant things) could someone please put my archetype suggestion into number 12 suggestions when it comes up please. Thank you.

[Alicia]

Mandy, Suggestions should be open tomorrow (Monday), since results come out today.

Mods, do we have an approximate time?

[NancyJ]

Irene wrote: .. Island of Doctor Moreau?

The Tropical prompt is a geographic prompt, defined in relation to the equator (on earth), so the location should be realistic. I think a fictional location is fine as long as you can tell where it's supposed to be - such as a Caribbean island, equatorial Africa, or a hot steamy jungle in the Pacific. (Most truly tropical locations are hot all year round, but the terms tropical and jungle might be used loosely.)

The Island of Doctor Moreau is sci-fi, but it's described as being in the South Pacific. It has a jungle and it sounds tropical to me, but the wikipedia description didn't use the term. The book sounds really interesting. It would work well for the Genetics prompt idea. There was a note that Wells also intended the book as a covert condemnation of homophobia. (It was around the time of Oscar Wilde's trial.) So it might even work for an LGBT related prompt (not this year's, but the new Pride prompt).

[Aimee]

NancyJ wrote: "Irene wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Good question. The original title was "Treasure Island or the Mutiny of the Hispaniola." Hispaniola sounds like the Caribbean, and it had palm trees...."
Sorry for the ..."

What about sci-fi / fantasy set in another world, if it's clear that the fictional place has a tropical climate? For example, the island of Bhangbhangduc in the Discworld novels is covered in jungle and orang-utans are native to it, so I would say a book set there would count as tropical.

[Alicia]

I think the intent behind the Tropics prompt is that it’s between 23 latitude and 23 longitude (I’m probably messing that up). So t needs to be set in a real country. Sci-if/fantasy wouldn’t count.

[NancyJ]

Aimee wrote: Discworld? "

If it's not set on earth, I would use it as a KISS option. He uses a mix of realistic and fantasy features in his locations. It does sound a lot like Indonesia, so it's up to you.

[Ellie]

I don't remember what the intent behind a prompt was when I come to select a book, unless it's specified in the wording. I would count something like The Extinction Trials because they go to a tropical region of their world. If people want to only use Earth then that's up to them.

[Tracy]

NancyJ mentioned the genetics prompt, which I’ve seen pop up again, in support, a few times. I think my original suggestion got a bit muddled because I included so many connected ideas. Then I was going to drop it because Science got voted in. But maybe there is room for both?

If I were to suggest it again, would just “A book involving genetics” be clearer? I was also thinking of including DNA. I know they are already very connected, but when I hear “genetics” I think mostly of medical ideas and family connections, but when I hear DNA I tend to also think about criminal investigations. So would suggesting “A book involving genetics or DNA.” open it up to more ideas, or just muddy it up again?

[Nancy]

I like genetics or DNA, because if it's just genetics that could cause confusion - can I just pick a book with a family or something? Adding DNA makes it more clear, IMO.

[Tracy]

Thanks Nancy

[NancyJ]

Alicia wrote: "I think the intent behind the Tropics prompt is that it’s between 23 latitude and 23 longitude (I’m probably messing that up). So t needs to be set in a real country. Sci-if/fantasy wouldn’t count."

Thanks Alicia, that's right. It's specific to the earth, our equator, sun, and latitude lines. The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn are about 23 degrees north or south of the equator. The trick will be to get the wording right. We had a prompt involving the Tropic of Cancer in the past, so I know people will get it. A clear map will make all the difference, and I haven't found the right one yet with an easy link.

I might not get the Tropics prompt ready for tomorrow and I hope no one will submit it for me (or a variation) if I can't be here! I want to get this one right, and not rush it.

The tropics cover 40% of the earth, and as many people and stories. There are a lot of fantasy, sci-fi, and magical realism books in some of these regions, right on earth. Most other genres too.

If anyone wants to explore the different regions,* I could use a little help. I'm having a lot of fun reading about different regions and looking at book lists, but it's easy to get sidetracked. (Esp by rainforest stories.)

*Southeast Asia, Equatorial Africa, Central America/Caribbean, South America/rainforests. India is half in the tropics, so I know it's easier to count the whole country. Australia too.

[NancyJ]

Tracy wrote: "NancyJ mentioned the genetics prompt, which I’ve seen pop up again, in support, a few times. I think my original suggestion got a bit muddled because I included so many connected ideas. Then I was ..."

I agree with Nancy about DNA. The 23 connection was to DNA specifically I think. There is a genetic testing company with 23 in the name too.

Since we have a science prompt, I agree that it would be better to make the wording open to other genres. There have always been stories about inheritance, infertility, family ties, bloodline succession, questions of paternity, and killings related to money or blood feuds. DNA testing, genetic testing, and now big databases add a new twist to family stories, inheritance, and murder investigations, with privacy and science issues tossed in.

Evolution is another big topic that is changing due to genetic research. They're finding that genetic adaptation happens faster than Darwin thought. (Apparently some aspect of our genes can change and our children or grandchildren's necks will be slightly different because of all the time we spend looking down at our cell phones.) I might propose a prompt on Evolution and Extinction later on (or next year) depending on what else gets through. Or a broader prompt on the environment, ecology or environmental change.

[NancyJ]

Regarding the wording.. maybe

A book involving DNA or genetics. (Simple, concise)

A book involving DNA or Genetic testing (Testing might be used in mysteries or family dramas. To solve murders/crimes, to find unknown relatives, to check health risks during pregnancy, for fertility/paternity issues, etc.)

A book involving DNA, genetics or blood lines. (Blood lines allows for historical stories in which genetic ties were just as important, but couldn't be tested.)

A book involving DNA, genetics or heredity (This is similar to the original prompt but leaves off some extra words.)

A book involving DNA, genetics or inheritance. (Includes financial motives.)

There are also interesting stories with Infertility and Sperm donation twists:
* I really liked a book (a true story) about a woman who found out through genetic testing that she was only half Jewish. She looked for her biological father who was a sperm donor.
* A murder mystery about a rich man who was having his sperm donor offspring murdered, because he feared they would find him with genetic testing.
*True stories about sperm donors who fathered MANY babies. They can be found now due to testing.
*A fertility doctor who fraudulently used his own sperm to impregnate his clients. (Yuck.)

You might use the simple wording, and highlight the different types of stories that might fit.

[Dubhease]

Genetics was connected to the 23 pairs of chromosomes. I proposed it, although I have never developed wording during all of the incarnations.

I like NancyJ's wording better than the last incarnation. Concise is better.

[Mandy]

Found some lists for fiction with genetics

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

[Joy D]

I looked up the definition of Genetics and found that "heredity" is included, and "genetic testing" would also be encompassed since studying it would include testing:

- the study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

- synonyms: congenital characteristics · congenital traits · genetic makeup · genes · ancestry · descent · extraction · parentage · congenital characteristics · congenital traits · genetic makeup · genes · ancestry · descent · extraction · parentage

- the genetic properties, characteristics, or features of an organism

- the branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms

The definition of Heredity includes blood lines and inheritance, per the following definition:

- the passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another

- a person's ancestry

- synonyms: ancestors · forebears · forefathers · progenitors · antecedents · family tree · lineage · line · descent · family · parentage · extraction · origin · derivation · genealogy · pedigree · blood · bloodline · stock · strain · roots · filiation · stirps

- the inheritance of a title, office, or right

Conclusion:

I think the simple and concise version is the way to go:

- A book involving DNA or genetics. (Simple, concise)

[Alicia]

I'm not sure if I'll be around for the suggestions. If someone is interested could you submit my prompt? Here is a link of the information below coded for Goodreads: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k...


==========

A book related to game, set, match

This could be a book about:
(1) tennis
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/5...

(2) games
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

(3) sets - twins, series (set of books), pairs or sets on covers (shoes, socks),
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/5...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...


(4) match - romance

(5) winning/victory/triumphant - books that have won an award

[JessicaMHR]

Ok so I'm not sure if this has been mentioned before but I saw this listed somewhere else and thought it would be a good choice for an ATY suggestion.

Two books written by authors belonging to the same family or related to one another.

As I usually do not get in to the suggestion feeds anyone who feels so inclined may you please submit this as a suggestion on the next round of voting. Thanks.

[Ellie]

JessicaMHR wrote: "Two books written by authors belonging to the same family or related to one another..."

We can only suggest multiweek prompts in the specific multiweek poll, which unfortunately has been and gone for this year.

[dalex]

Is someone going to suggest geometric shape when the thread opens today? I love that prompt!

[Mandy]

Could someone suggest my archetype prompt please. Didn’t get everything I needed to do done yesterday. So I’ll be busy a lot of the day.

Thanks!

[Joy D]

dalex, I will. suggest the geometric shape prompt if I am around when the thread opens. I do not think a time has been posted?

[Mandy]

It hasn’t, which is why I’m asking as well. They go so fast a lot of the time.

[Robin P, Orbicular Mod]

JessicaMHR wrote: "Ok so I'm not sure if this has been mentioned before but I saw this listed somewhere else and thought it would be a good choice for an ATY suggestion.

Two books written by authors belonging to the..."

That was suggested in the past, maybe last year? Although there are a few famous ones, there are way too few of them in my opinion (especially if you aren't interested in Stephen King.

[Joy D]

I have a family event later, so I hope I am around when it opens.

[Charlsa]

NancyJ wrote: "Tropical setting Listopia

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

I created a listopia for books set in Tropical regions around the world. Please..."

I like this prompt. I'm sure i can think of a few to add to your list.

[Thomas]

I’m hoping I can get in later but for all I know it could be 4am my time

[Joy D]

I have started a Listopia for Books Related to Geometric Shapes:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...#

Please feel free to add to it. The other existing Lists I found only referenced shapes in the title (which some of these do too). Please add a comment as to which shape is being referenced if it is not obvious.

I have a family outing later, so if I miss this week's prompts, I'll suggest it next time.

ETA - I particularly need help with love triangles and closed circle mysteries, since I do not read many of those.

[Ellie]

I added a few closed circle mysteries...my mind has gone blank on *good* love triangle books though.

[Joy D]

Thanks, Ellie. I think I have a few. I'm sure others will jump in.

I think it helps to compile a list in advance of the voting, like NancyJ has done for the tropical settings. (I added some, Nancy. I'll do more later - I read lots of these.)

[KP]

It appears to be a bad day for everyone including the mods. It's labor day in the US.

[Irene]

@Joy I'm adding what books I can think of to your Listopia! So far for love triangle I have Jane Eyre, Sense & Sensibility, Anna Karenina and some other classics and a lot of YA (Hunger Games, Twilight, To All The Boys I've Loved Before, etc).

[Joy D]

Irene wrote: "@Joy I'm adding what books I can think of to your Listopia! So far for love triangle I have Jane Eyre, Sense & Sensibility, and some other classics and a lot of YA (Hunger Games, Twilight, To All T..."

Thanks, Irene!

[Joy D]

I am going to have to leave soon, so here's the prompt info if anyone wants to post it for me:

A book related to a geometric shape

Examples: Circle, Oval, Triangle, Square, Rectangle, Kite, Semicircle, Rhombus, Trapezoid, Parallelogram, Pentagon, Hexagon, Octagon, Sphere, Pyramid, Cylinder, Cube, Cone, Obelisk, Torus, Cuboid, Ovoid, etc.

- Could be a word in a title
- A shape depicted on the cover
- A setting like The Pentagon, Egyptian pyramids, The Louvre, Trafalgar Square, Union Square, Tiananmen Square, Red Square, Times Square, Main Market Square, obelisk as a link to a monument such as Washington D.C.
- A topic such as a Love Triangle or Closed Circle Mystery
- A representation of the shape: a sphere could represent the earth or sun or planet or ball, or an octagon could represent a stop sign, an ovoid could be an egg, a cylinder could be a grain silo, torus could be a doughnut or toroidal spaceship, cuboid could be a raft or building or book or house
- Shape-related places: a football field, soccer pitch, baseball diamond, hockey rink, drum circle
- Shapes comprised of other shapes: heart, wheel, cross, star, arrow, pentagram, ring, diamond, etc.

I have created a listopia (feel free to add to it):
Books Related to Geometric Shapes:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...

[Dubhease]

Joy D wrote: "I have started a Listopia for Books Related to Geometric Shapes:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...#

Please feel free to add to it. The other existing Lis..."

You already have a duplicate of And then there were None.

[Joy D]

Dubhease wrote: "You already have a duplicate of And then there were None...."

I did not add it so maybe I'll have to get someone with edit rights to fix it for me.

[KP]

Joy D wrote: "Irene wrote: "@Joy I'm adding what books I can think of to your Listopia! So far for love triangle I have Jane Eyre, Sense & Sensibility, and some other classics and a lot of YA (Hunger Games, Twil..."

I clicked all the books on the second page to let you add more. This is very broad but let's see how it shakes out.
--

I hit 100 so I'll have to delete my votes for the ones that I disagree with, to make room for ones I like better. Buildings made of multiple shapes is over-reaching.

[Joy D]

Thank you KP. I have to leave now so I'll check back when I return from my family event.

[Tracy]

I love the shapes idea because you can be very creative in the interpretation. I hope people don’t downvote it thinking it is too broad. It certainly can fit a lot of books, but not all. It doesn’t really take research like some prompts might, just a little creative thinking.

[KP]

No problem. My party isn't until later, and it feels like it's going to rain anyway.

[Mandy]

Here’s the archetype for posting. My iPad is close to death. Could someone post for me. Thanks!

a character based on the literary archetypes.

The Innocent
Everyman,
Hero
Outlaw
Explorer
Creator
Ruler
Magician
Lover
Caregiver
Jester
Sage

example from the masterclass page:

1. The Lover

The romantic lead who’s guided by the heart.

1. Strengths: humanism, passion, conviction
2. Weaknesses: naivete, irrationality
3. Lover Archetype Examples: Romeo and Juliet (Romeo and Juliet), Noah Calhoun (The Notebook), Scarlett O’Hara (Gone With the Wind), Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/...

Joseph Campbell archetypes:

1. Hero
2. Mentor
3. Ally
4. Herald
5. Trickster
6. Shapeshifter
7. Guardian (Threshold)
8. Shadow

Example:

MENTOR

A teacher or trainer who aids the hero by teaching and protecting them. The mentor motivates the hero to overcome their fears and also prepares them for the journey.

https://libguides.gvsu.edu/c.php?g=94...

Usage:

Shapeshifter - character who changes during the book (Han solo) or and actual shapeshifter.

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

Poll 12 suggestions are open: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Cora]

Joy D wrote: "I am going to have to leave soon, so here's the prompt info if anyone wants to post it for me:

A book related to a geometric shape

Examples: Circle, Oval, Triangle, Square, Rectangle, Kite, Semic..."

I posted it for you.
(Nevermind, you were able to post it yourself).

[NancyJ]

I could use some feedback for a possible prompt today.

I was planning to submit a Tropics prompt next week, but I had a new idea.

Read a book about a hot place on the planet earth. This could be a Tropical location near the equator (between 23 degree North and 23 degrees South latitudes). Or a futuristic book about climate change. Or a specific hot year, place, event (recent or historical, e.g. drought, huge fire. )

I'll be back a little later.