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[2023] Poll 13 Voting
Pam wrote: "I think the “banished” prompt is especially good for non-fiction, if banished also includes exiled. One book that comes to mind is The Immortal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an..."</i>Oh, I remember that (Cave...) it was very powerful. My first thought was [book:Circe when she was banished to that island for 100 years or so.
Kat wrote: "If someone has written a memoir does that make them a writer? There are a number of people who were honored by the Queen for other things but also have written books. Elton John and Marcus Rashford..."Julie Andrews was honored for acting or music, and she's written a few books. Someone in my bookclub was raving about one of them.
I would ask everyone to give it a couple days before ruling this one out. See what everyone comes up with.
There are 10 more books since the last time I looked, and there will be 10 more when I'm done here. The list is growing very quickly. (And the writers are getting younger and more varied.)
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
@Tracy, @Edie and @Nancy J - thanks for explaining to a Swedish woman what NPR is. 🙂And thankyou @Robin P and again @Nancy J for explaining "The Five Loves" ❤️🙏
Nadine in NY wrote: "Is there a clever and quick way to search for authors who have published more than seven books?"Last year we had a prompt about authors with very long careers (more than 20 or 21 years) . I think that listopia would be very helpful.
Dubhease wrote: "For Nancy, who asked about Leonard Cohen. I had to dig. There are 3 levels of the Order of Canada. Some people get put in the lowest order and then get promoted. Or you can be put automatically in ..."Thank you thank you! I really appreciate that digging. I'll take both descriptions and I'll consider him qualified. I love poetry in very small doses, but I have yet to be able to read a poetry book without feeling antsy. But it's so easy in song lyrics, so I figured he might be my first. Poetry book. I guess poetry books are intended to be read a little at a time.
dalex wrote: "Ellie wrote: "Honours listopia (I think I deleted of all Doyle's...)https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1..."
Yikes, that’s a really limited selection of ..."
I think the person who wrote the article only knew the oldest authors. There are a few fantasy writers on the list now, and the list is growing. Check back later to see what happens.
dalex wrote: "Ellie wrote: "Honours listopia (I think I deleted of all Doyle's...)https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1..."
Yikes, that’s a really limited selection of ..."
Well, there's at least Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro which is in some sci-fi subgenre, as the titular character is an AI Robot.
Robin P wrote: "Nike wrote: "I don't know what the NPR-list is, I guess it's a list known in the USA so I wonder if will someone be so kind to explain it to me? I'm not familiar with the expression "The Five Loves..."Well said.
Does anyone have suggestions for newer fiction with a journalist protagonist? The Paranormal list was a surprise. Last week all the questions I got about the tropics had to do with fantasy/sci-fi books. So I think that list might be welcomed. I could go for a good journalistic investigation - maybe one fiction and one non-fiction. I've been seeing the Stieg Larsson books a LOT lately - The series with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I loved the first three books, the main characters and the journalism aspects were really interesting. Has anyone read the books by the new author who took over after Larsson died? I could go for something intense like that, or if not, just a smart mystery with a journalist protagonist. With a story that doesn't jump the shark with something totally ridiculous. Or maybe a paranormal mystery with a journalist would be fine, because you don't expect it to be believable.
NancyJ wrote: "Thank you thank you! I really appreciate that digging. I'll take both descriptions and I'll consider him qualified. I love poetry in very small doses, but I have yet to be able to read a poetry book without feeling antsy. ..."He did write a semi-autobiographical, fictional novel The Favourite Game
And in October, a new book is coming out that is short stories and a radio play (stuff he wrote in the 50s and early 60s before he was really famous). It will be called A Ballet of Lepers
So, if poetry isn't your jam, there are other Leonard Cohen options.
If the prompt gets voted in, I will seek clarification on someone else on the Order Of Canada, who is definitely not there for writing, but who has written books.
Popsugar had the journalist prompt in 2020. Here is their listopia: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Mod
I would think pretty much any British or commonwealth writer of the past 70 years probably qualified. A piece of me is worried its too wide open.
Dubhease wrote: "Question for the OP of the 7 books prompt.Riley Sager has only published 6 books as Riley Sager. But he did publish 3 under his real name, and 1 under another pseudonym. Would he count? Or do all..."
Hi, I think that would count because it's the same author, just under a different name!
Ellie wrote: "dalex wrote: "Yikes, that’s a really limited selection of authors! (And apparently the Queen didn’t like sci-fi and fantasy haha.).."I think generally people get nominated for it first, and it's ..."
Terry Pratchett was knighted?? Okay I'm definitely voting for this prompt now.
I found an interesting article about authors who turned down an honour from Queen Elizabeth II: https://forreadingaddicts.co.uk/news/...
Mod
I think generally people get nominated for it fi..."
I'm excited to see Ian Rankin. I've been meaning to read another book of his for years!
It's a pretty good batch for me overall. There's nothing that I absolutely hate, and I know I could find something for any of them that would interest me, but there are some that I love a lot more than others.Possible upvotes:
- NPR - Of all the lists we tend to get suggested, this is one of the ones I like best because there are so many options, especially since it is not limited to a specific year
- Journalism - I love (fiction) books that involve writing or journalism in general
- 5 Love Languages - not quite sure how I'd tackle this one, but I really like this concept
- Banished - Not 100% sure if I want to vote for this one, but I like that it's open to fiction or nonfiction and could easily see some fantasy fitting
- 5 Senses - I've liked this idea every time it's come up in the past few years, and I think it could have some interesting options
- Wife/daughter in the title - easy for me and fits books by several of my top priority authors that I'm planning to read next year
The ones I'm least interested in:
- Writer honoured by Queen Elizabeth - I appreciate the concept, but it seems like an extremely limited list of options
- Roaring Twenties - I've had this prompt at least once per year since 2020, and I'm tired of it
- Set during a holiday - Might not downvote this one, but it's another prompt that I've seen too many times and I'm personally a bit tired of (I understand that it is not specific to Christmas, but that doesn't make much difference)
- Book that could be used for at least 5 other prompts - I definitely have books that would fit every year, but I feel like I'd find it more stressful than anything to try to plan for this, especially since I do multiple challenges and can't necessarily remember which prompt belongs to which challenge
Nike wrote: "@Tracy, @Edie and @Nancy J - thanks for explaining to a Swedish woman what NPR is. 🙂And thankyou @Robin P and again @Nancy J for explaining "The Five Loves" ❤️🙏"
Glad to help. Today's prompts generated a lot of interesting discussion. It's been busy considering the readathon. I like it.
But what books would actually work for the loves prompt? Other than romance books (which I don't read)?
Michelle wrote: "But what books would actually work for the loves prompt? Other than romance books (which I don't read)?"There a lot of ideas listed in the second comment:
5. A book related to "The Five Love Languages"
the languages and some ideas are:
1. words of affirmation
- a motivational book
- a book featuring an act of kindness
2. acts of service
- a book with a character in the service industry
- a book featuring a sacrifice act
3. receiving gifts
- a book where presents are received
- a book where someone receives a talent/ability
4. quality time
- a closed room mystery
- a book where characters plan a getaway
5. physical touch
- a book about someone in isolation
- a romance
and of course, one of the actual Five Love Languages books
Michelle wrote: "But what books would actually work for the loves prompt? Other than romance books (which I don't read)?"Michelle wrote: "But what books would actually work for the loves prompt? Other than romance books (which I don't read)?"
I don't read romances either, but I can think of several offhand that related to gifts/talents or people living in isolation:
Talents/gifts:
Parable of the Talents
Ordinary Monsters
The Girl with All the Gifts
Isolation:
A Whole Life
Three Apples Fell from the Sky
Our Wives Under the Sea
Possibly also books about people in a healing or comforting types of positions: doctors, nurses, or anyone in the medical profession, therapists, counselors, priests/pastors and the like. These would fit 1. Words of Affirmation.
None of those are actual books. Also I don't understand how closed room mystery works with quality time. But yeah none of those sound good to me, except for the mystery one, which I don't think even works. Though if this gets in, I suppose that's what I'll choose... but it has 0 to do with quality time
Michelle wrote: "None of those are actual books. Also I don't understand how closed room mystery works with quality time. But yeah none of those sound good to me, except for the mystery one, which I don't think eve..."I put some examples in my post above. Do any of those spur some ideas? I truly dislike romance but I think there are enough other options that I can make it work if it wins.
Tracy wrote: "dalex wrote: "Ellie wrote: "Honours listopia (I think I deleted of all Doyle's...).Authors_honoured_by_Queen_Elizabeth_II"Yikes, that’s a really limited..."
The Queen honored high quality sci-fi and fantasy authors.
Ishiguro - Never Let Me Go and Klara and the Sun
Philip Pullman - His Dark Materials series. The Golden Compass
Margeret Atwood - The MaddAddam Trilogy: Oryx and Crake / The Year of the Flood / MaddAddam
Terry Pratchett - Discworld series and Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
J. K. Rowling - Harry Potter series
Michelle wrote: "None of those are actual books. Also I don't understand how closed room mystery works with quality time. But yeah none of those sound good to me, except for the mystery one, which I don't think eve..."OK then.
Joy D wrote: "Michelle wrote: "None of those are actual books. Also I don't understand how closed room mystery works with quality time. But yeah none of those sound good to me, except for the mystery one, which ..."Those are good ideas.
Words - Books with teachers, coaches, counselors, medical staff providing words of encouragement, comfort, counseling. Boys in the Boat.
Service - Klara and the Sun lived to serve. Station Eleven. Some people heroically helped others. WWII books with soldiers or citizens risking their lives to help others survive or escape.
- Dsytopian, survival, and travel books can involve people helping others, even strangers in danger. WWII books involve people sacrificing or risking their lives to help someone hide or escape from the Nazis.
Quality time - could involve a family or a parent/child relationship, or spending time with an elderly person. A vacation together.
Touch - A hug...
KP wrote: "Those are good ideas.Words - Books with teachers, coaches, counselors, medical staff providing words of encouragement, comfort, counseling. Boys in the Boat...."
Yes, the more we discuss it, the more possibilities come to light! Thanks for the ideas.
5. A book related to "The Five Love Languages"1. words of affirmation
2. acts of service
3. receiving gifts
4. quality time
5. physical touch
I've thought about it a little more and I guess the prompt could be twisted for a horror slant. Like vacation gone wrong stories for quality time... still will most likely downvote, but I can see some more options.
Mod
Regarding a book about a battle. Would legal thrillers or legal justice issues count as a battle? I'm currently reading Wastelands: The True Story of Farm Country on Trial and it is a true story underdog type of book. I would vote for a book about a battle if such books were included under this category.
Emily wrote: "Voting is open: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/AUE5HE/"this survey is only 14 categories, I think it's missing "battle"
The least downvotes I've had in any of the polls. Love the idea of the NPR list. Found 21 titles (many of which I already own - yikes) that fit just 4 years in the list. Also found at least 12 titles on the Queen Elizabeth II list. Even Agatha Christie didn't receive her damehood until 1970!
Nadine in NY wrote: "Emily wrote: "Voting is open: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/AUE5HE/"this survey is only 14 categories, I think it's missing "battle""
Yes, only 14... Should we wait to vote?
I have several that I want to upvote:NPR
Honored by the queen
Love Languages
5 senses
Fits 5 prompts
Banished (I'll go the nonfiction route)
I only have two that I will downvote:
Named Chapters: there isn't any way for someone who reads ebooks or audiobooks to know if the chapters are names until they download the book and start reading. It isn't as easy as just picking up a book off the shelf and flipping thorough a few pages.
Wife/Daughter - I have a personal aversion to books that start off with the woman's identity being hinged entirely on a man. I could rant for hours about this but I'll save you all the headache! lol
Mod
KP wrote: "The Queen honored high quality sci-fi and fantasy authors."That's a very dismissive statement about many well regarded and talented authors.
5 up, 3 down! Another good set this time.Up
1. A book from the NPR “Books We Love” lists - I was sad this one didn’t get in the last time. There’s a lot of variety on this list!
2. A book by a writer honored by Elizabeth II - Over 70 years Elizabeth II honoured a lot of really interesting writers, a lot of them already on my tbr. This would be a fun prompt to fill!
4. A book set during the Roaring Twenties - I LOVE the roaring twenties, but I haven’t read that many books set in that era. I’d love to read more!
5. A book related to "The Five Love Languages" - I think this is an interesting one that could be interpreted in several ways! I mean, I read a lot of romance so that’s right up there. But actually my main thought was [INSERT LINK FOR GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS] for gift giving, which is creepy zombie horror
14. A book whose author has published more than 7 (2+0+2+3) books - I voted for the “less than” version, but I also very much like this one too. I just think it’s quite clever, and I do also have a fair few authors on my tbr who have published a LOT of books.
Down
7. A book that could be used for at least five of the 2023 challenge prompts - This prompt makes me a bit nervous just looking at it. I can foresee myself attempting to fit every book to 5 prompts and getting frustrated if they don’t fit, and I just think that wouldn’t be much fun for me.
8. A book that involves a nomadic lifestyle - I don’t really read that many books involving characters who travel!
9. A book including a female athlete - I don’t read that many books involving athletes either. This would be a slightly tough one to fill!
Although there is likely an element of genre snobbery in the authors who are considered worthy for honours (unless you're writing for children it seems), I would say a lot of respected British SF writers aren't exactly monarchists. Their politics might mean they don't get put forward or they decline the honours. You'd think Iain M Banks would have been honoured if it was on work alone, but he ruffled some political feathers.
I think the fits multiple prompts one is fun, but other than that I don't really know what to vote for. Nothing else is jumping out at me either to vote for or against. Feeling a bit neutral on the honours list after looking through the authors, I might want to read Henry Marsh's final memoir or the new Kate Atkinson, and there's always a Pratchett reread so I'm ok with it. But I get why people don't want it too.
@ Emily: Speaking of “missing prompts”, the last prompt that was seconded (Daughter/Wife in the Title) didn’t make it to the list at the top of Poll 13 Suggestions.Thanks for fixing the Voting form!
Mod
1. words of affirmation
2. acts of service
[bookcover:Mitama Securi..."
don't forget food, the ultimate love language!! Anything related to food.
The NY Times just did an article on the languages, including a link to find out what yours is (mine is "all of the above") https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/27/we...
Mod
LOL!! I totally confused Ian Rankin with Iain Banks, who is the author I wanted to read again! Ooops, lol (someone else did cause Wasp Factory was on the listopia when I checked if it was there, but it's been removed)
I posted this comment on the Wild Discussion erroneously, so here it is again.Here are a few links to novels with characters who are journalists:
https://booktrib.com/2021/07/29/break...
http://electricliterature.com/12-nove...
https://pressgazette.co.uk/18-pandemi...
I will vote for this one just because it gives me something to research. I have Nelly Bly but I’m sure there are lots of other interesting choices!
3 up, 5 down...this wasn't a group of prompts where I was excited about any particular topic. Banished, 'wife/daughter in the title', and 5 or more prompts were among those I downvoted. I like to use multiple fit books to move around other books as I find new ones that interest me. I upvoted NPR because I easily found several titles that were unfamiliar but seemed interesting. I also upvoted holiday because I could usually use some nice fluffy reading during that season.
dalex wrote: "KP wrote: "The Queen honored high quality sci-fi and fantasy authors."That's a very dismissive statement about many well regarded and talented authors."
I didn't write that but I think the intention was to say that the list isn't lacking in good sci-fi and fantasy authors (like the previous comment was saying), not to insult the authors not honored.
My upvotes:- honored by queen
- 5 love languages
- at least 5 prompts (honestly this is going to be hard but it's cool)
- someone banished
- more than 7 (I hope this gets in, I was a fun idea that someone else suggested and now that it's "more" and not "less" there's no conflict with debut prompt)
There's some more I might have upvoted but I really want to downvote some others.
I had 4 possible up votes, 1 neutral, and 10 down votes. I ended up with 1 up vote and 7 down votes. I always seem to think the opposite of the speaking members of the group on which polls I have tons of up votes.
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The NPR Books We Love lists are fabulous, with a mix of every genre including cookbooks. There is something for every taste, and for even obscure interests. Check it out. Start by looking a few years back. The titles added this summer might not be very familiar yet. My favorite categories are "eye opening," "really great writing," and a mix of others.
The Five Languages of Love is a book by Gray Chapman, that even cynics can appreciate. You can get the gist by reading 5-10 minutes of the online summaries. Not to be melodramatic, but these simple ideas might have saved my marriage 20 years ago. (I couldn't even stand to hear him breath.) We've been married 41 years now.
The premise is that we all have different ways we want to express love, and there are different things that make you feel loved. We often assume that others want what you want, but they don't. (For instance, some people need gifts to feel loved, I need words and little loving actions. ) I used to do a lot of leadership training, and once on Valentines day we talked about how to apply the ideas to leadership. Some people really need to be told they're doing a good job to feel appreciated. Others want gifts or bonuses. Others want the boss's time, mentoring, or to feel like they're in on things.
I'm going to have a lot of fun with this prompt.