Play Book Tag discussion
February 2023: England
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Announcing the Tag for February
Robin P wrote: "Yes, City of Darkness, City of Light is very good. Also, if you aren't put off by dense books, A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantelabout the French Revolution is amazing. Yes! A Place of Greater Safety is one of the best fictions I've read about the French Revolution.
Linda C wrote: "Anita wrote: "In all seriousness, I just want something fun and gossipy so it's definitely going to be either Spare "I think 84, Charing Cross Road is my all time fa..."
I adore that book!
I'm going to be reading Pandora! I've been eagerly waiting for this one for over a year as the release got delayed. Plus, just look at that gorgeous cover!
Hayjay315 wrote: "I'm going to be reading Pandora! I've been eagerly waiting for this one for over a year as the release got delayed. Plus, just look at that gorgeous cover!"That cover is fabulous! I look forward to your review, the book looks intriguing!
Hayjay315 wrote: "I'm going to be reading Pandora! I've been eagerly waiting for this one for over a year as the release got delayed. Plus, just look at that gorgeous cover!"That sounds and looks wonderful. Added to my TBR.
I am ao easy to seduce with a great cover.
I have really been struggling with what to read for England, nothing is really jumping out at me. But I finally just went through my whole TBR (which, admittedly is shorter than most of yours), and found a few that I am excited about:People Person
Shrines of Gaiety
The Whalebone Theatre
We'll see what floats to the top!
I will either: A) Do more research
or
B) Take the easy route- and read the next Bridgerton book, lol.
Joi wrote: "I will either: A) Do more research
or
B) Take the easy route- and read the next Bridgerton book, lol."
Ain't no shame! What Bridgerton book are you on?
Ah Nicole, was thinking about you -though nothing to do with England-have you started Hell Bent yet? I got my copy yesterday (i was number 3, but I got it, so no complaints) starting it today😁
It turns out I already have books I was planning to read for February that will count.
Joanne wrote: "Ah Nicole, was thinking about you -though nothing to do with England-have you started Hell Bent yet? I got my copy yesterday (i was number 3, but I got it, so no complaints) starting it today😁"Soooo, I have not started it. I read some reviews that it is scarier than the first and I am a HUGE baby. So, I want to read it in the light of day. Which is impossible during the work week and I had weekend plans last weekend. BUT, I am diving in first thing Saturday AM.
Keep me posted on what you think!
I have tons of books for England, a whole box of Regencies and mysteries set there. Just read 2 books set there (not on purpose) and listening to an audio set there now. It would be interesting to look at my year in books sometime and see if more books are set in UK or US (with of course some set in other places.)
Nicole R wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Ah Nicole, was thinking about you -though nothing to do with England-have you started Hell Bent yet? I got my copy yesterday (i was number 3, but I got it, so no complaints) starting..."The prologue is a bit creepy but then it goes back to the start of the story. There are more scary creatures but not too bad, more fantastical than terrifying, and I'm somewhat wimpy.
Robin P wrote: "I have tons of books for England, a whole box of Regencies and mysteries set there. Just read 2 books set there (not on purpose) and listening to an audio set there now. It would be interesting to ..."Just did this - UK-74, US-48! And I think only one was Scotland, the rest were England itself.
I have a ton of romances that could work for this, but I'm going to try to use it to read either:North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
or
The Unknown Ajax by Georgette Heyer (I just realized a few months ago that I've never read anything from this author, and I decided this is the year I will fix that!)
Robin P wrote: "Robin P wrote: "I have tons of books for England, a whole box of Regencies and mysteries set there. Just read 2 books set there (not on purpose) and listening to an audio set there now. It would be..."I suspect I have a high number as well but because most all those historical mysteries and romances I read are set in England during 19th century
Pam wrote: "I have a ton of romances that could work for this, but I'm going to try to use it to read either:North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
or
The Unknown Ajax by Georgette..."
The Unknown Ajax is delightful and quite entertaining! Heyer is a beloved author of mine and most of her books I have read more than once. Two favorites are Venetia and Frederica.
Think I'll do either The Graveyard Book or The Ocean at the End of the Lane since I have both on my physical tbr
I have a book pulled for another challenge that I am going to try (no promises that it will make the cut-lol) tagged 6 times Becoming Belle
If anyone is looking for a clever and fun book to fit the England tag, you might consider Monica Ali's book, Love Marriage. It can also be used in the PBT Birthday challenge. "February" Candle - Romance is a large part of the plot. It can fit in with Valentine's Day.
"India" Candle - It follows both an Indian family and an English family.
AJ wrote: "I was really hoping for speculative fiction, threw 10 votes at it, any suggestions for me would be highly appreciated"I think most of the Temeraire series is also tagged "ENGLAND" ... First book in the series is His Majesty's Dragon
Theresa wrote: "The Unknown Ajax is delightful and quite entertaining! Heyer is a beloved author of mine and most of her books I have read more than onec. Two favorites are Venetia and Frederica."Oh good to know, Theresa, thanks! I'm reading your January rec (Miss Delectable) right now and really enjoying it so far :)
AJ wrote: "I was really hoping for speculative fiction, threw 10 votes at it, any suggestions for me would be highly appreciated"You should be able to find lots of spec fic that fits! A Discovery of Witches comes to mind, but it's been a long time since I read that one so I have no idea how it holds up.
Some from my TBR:
Rivers of London
To Say Nothing of the Dog
Stray Souls
Witchmark
Not spec fic, but I really enjoyed A Curious Beginning. Late 1800s historical mystery series. Fun, funny. Also Maisie Dobbs, post-WWI historical mystery series. More serious.
AJ wrote: "I was really hoping for speculative fiction, threw 10 votes at it, any suggestions for me would be highly appreciated"I love speculative fiction and have read quite a few recently. Here are some recommendations for those set in England:
Salt Lick
Machines Like Me
Klara and the Sun
The Wall
These two classics would probably be tagged "England" since they are by English authors:
1984
Brave New World
I am planning on:
Babel, Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution
Joy D wrote: "AJ wrote: "I was really hoping for speculative fiction, threw 10 votes at it, any suggestions for me would be highly appreciated"I love speculative fiction and have read quite a few recently. Her..."
I'm not sure that Klara and the Sun is set in England, the book never says but the author is English in any case.
Robin P wrote: "Joy D wrote: "AJ wrote: "I was really hoping for speculative fiction, threw 10 votes at it, any suggestions for me would be highly appreciated"I love speculative fiction and have read quite a few..."
I don’t know why, but some people thought Klara was set in the Midwest. The author lives in England and the book has England tags so it doesn’t matter anyway.
Watership down has all three tags. A couple other sci fit books are set in England
Joy D wrote: "AJ wrote: "I was really hoping for speculative fiction, threw 10 votes at it, any suggestions for me would be highly appreciated"I love speculative fiction and have read quite a few recently. Her..."
I guess this is a good time to tackle Babel. Does the Tob start in March or the summer?
Robin P wrote: "Theresa wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Theresa wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "It’s all fair and good. There is no need to assign blame or credit.I was flummoxed because I still can’t predict how a vote will go. ..."
Thanks for the recommendation. I read Scarlet Pimpernel and I agree. I have a couple other French revolution books I can read later in the year too.
AJ wrote: "I was really hoping for speculative fiction, threw 10 votes at it, any suggestions for me would be highly appreciated"A Darker Shade of Magic is another fantasy that would work
I’m also adding Not Forgetting the Whale, Nothing Ventured (art theft, Archer), The Uncommon Reader ( in honor of the queen), and maybe a Kate Quinn or Kate Atkinson book. I have a lot of mystery sequels, and for something completely new to me, Children of a time or Crystal Cave, or Say Nothing, or Good Omens. Lots of long books this month.
Nicole R wrote: "Joi wrote: "I will either: A) Do more research
or
B) Take the easy route- and read the next Bridgerton book, lol."
Ain't no shame! What Bridgerton book are you on?"
I've read the first two Bridgertons.
The next in the series is number 3- Benedict.
But apparently Netflix is skipping to book 4- Colin.
Lucky me- the Subdue the Shelf roll chose a book tagged England!
I'll be reading The Flatshare
Question for @ Joanne or other Mary Stewart fans:I’m considering The Hollow Hills for a 1973 book. Would it be a mistake to read it before The Crystal Cave?
NancyJ wrote: "Question for @ Joanne or other Mary Stewart fans:I’m considering The Hollow Hills for a 1973 book. Would it be a mistake to read it before The Crystal Cave?"
I think so. I read it first, and was a bit confused. Although, that might be attributable to the fact I was a teen at the time and did not really know much about the Arthurian legend - Stewart's books were my first introduction to Arthur and I absolutely loved them. But they really should be read in order.
Here's a great speculative fiction (sci-fi) book with 56 England tags: The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham. A classic!
annapi wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Question for @ Joanne or other Mary Stewart fans:I’m considering The Hollow Hills for a 1973 book. Would it be a mistake to read it before The Crystal Cave?"
I think so. I read it ..."
Thanks Anna.
My primary knowledge comes from a movie with a young Helen Mirren.. * and miscellaneous tv shows. I haven’t read other series.
*Excalibur
NancyJ wrote: "Question for @ Joanne or other Mary Stewart fans:I’m considering The Hollow Hills for a 1973 book. Would it be a mistake to read it before The Crystal Cave?"
IMO you really need to it order-although it is a Merlin story, it is very different from others you may have read. I think you might be lost if read book 2 first
I have lots of books on my physical TBR and hope to get to some of them,.... However.... I just got sucked into a two hour YouTube about the Plantagenet rulers - which was utterly fascinating (OMG, they make Game of Thrones look almost tame.) I remembered that I have an e-book on the Plantagenets on my Nook (600+ pages!). I may have to go that route as I want to know more now!
@Robin P - I thought Klara and the Sun was set in England, but perhaps I was mistaken. At any rate, you're right, the author lives in England so it would still qualify.ETA - I looked it up and it is set in the US.
@NancyJ - I don't know when the Tournament of Books officially starts, but I have been reading some of their list of books just because they sounded interesting to me.
Pam wrote: "Theresa wrote: "The Unknown Ajax is delightful and quite entertaining! Heyer is a beloved author of mine and most of her books I have read more than onec. Two favorites are Venetia and Frederica."..."
So glad! I do love my Regency Historical Romances! And Mysteries and mystery/romances!
Doughgirl5562 wrote: "I have lots of books on my physical TBR and hope to get to some of them,.... However.... I just got sucked into a two hour YouTube about the Plantagenet rulers - which was utterly fascinating (OM..."
Well GRRM is a big history and military history reader, and has stated that the War of the Roses was a huge influence on GOT - I'm sure the Plantagenets had influence too.
Book Concierge wrote: "AJ wrote: "I was really hoping for speculative fiction, threw 10 votes at it, any suggestions for me would be highly appreciated"I think most of the Temeraire series is also tagged "ENGLAND" ... ..."
I echo recommendation for Temeraire series by Naomi Novak. Just adored the first. I'll see what I can suggest for you for Speculative Fiction that fits ENGLAND. You could read a speculative fiction book written by an author living and publishing in England....
Pam wrote: "AJ wrote: "I was really hoping for speculative fiction, threw 10 votes at it, any suggestions for me would be highly appreciated"You should be able to find lots of spec fic that fits! A Dis..."</i>
I definitely recommend [book:Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch - really enjoyed the first and second. I'm up to the third.
A Discovery of Witches is set at least 1/3rd in London - rest split between France and US. I liked it didn't love it. What I did love was the locations and how incorporated. The Bodleian Library at Oxford is at the top of my 'must visit someday' list.
Joanne wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Question for @ Joanne or other Mary Stewart fans:I’m considering The Hollow Hills for a 1973 book. Would it be a mistake to read it before The Crystal Cave?"
IMO you really need to..."
I agree with Annapi and Joanne - these need to be read in order.
AJ wrote: "I was really hoping for speculative fiction, threw 10 votes at it, any suggestions for me would be highly appreciated"I agree with many of the books already mentioned. I really liked His Majesty's Dragon, which is often called alternate fiction.
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August sounds interesting.
Not Forgetting the Whale has a few spec fic tags. I've heard good things, and I plan to read it soon.
Watership Down has spec fiction and classic tags. It has a lot of fans here, and fits at least one of the 15 candles
Life after Life by Atkinson is loved or hated (I loved it)
If you consider time travel speculative there are at least 3 series I think set in England.
Rivers of London is about a paranormal detective, with ghosts, gods, demons, etc. It had a different title in my library.
Joy D wrote: "@Robin P - I thought Klara and the Sun was set in England, but perhaps I was mistaken. At any rate, you're right, the author lives in England so it would still qualify.ETA - I looked it up and it..."
To be fair, I'm almost positive the location is never stated, nor the year of course.
That's the great thing about Klara and the Sun - it works for any place you wish to picture. (I loved it.)
Joy, didn't you read something by George Eliot last year? I've always meant to read her (when I was young her name stuck with me), but I didn't feel up to it last year. Now might be a good time. Do you think I'd like one of her books? Does anyone else have opinions or recommendations for a George Eliot book?
Silas Marner is a short Eliot book! The only other one I've read is Middlemarch, which is a chunkster but will probably take longer than a month to read.
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
The Shadow of Water (other topics)The Shadow of Water (other topics)
Spare (other topics)
Barchester Towers (other topics)
The Warden (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Ben Aaronovitch (other topics)Hilary Mantel (other topics)
Marge Piercy (other topics)
Arnold Bennett (other topics)
I was flummoxed because I still can’t predict how a vote will go. I thought modern..."
Yes, City of Darkness, City of Light is very good. Also, if you aren't put off by dense books, A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantelabout the French Revolution is amazing. It's not as hard to follow as Wolf Hall, but has tons of detail, and takes a while to get started. What I hadn't realized was how young the main revolutionaries were. If the musical "Hamilton" had been written about France, this would be it - Robespierre, Danton, and the others were "young, scrappy, and hungry"- for liberty, glory, women, and sometimes each other. The level of detail is incredible. I swear Mantel has a time machine in her basement. But it's not a fast read.
The Scarlet Pimpernel is fun but just be warned that there is a nasty caricature of an "old Jew" toward the end.