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[2024] Poll 2 Voting
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2. A book with gold on the cover
Either in color or in the title. Pure gold has 24 karats (2024, get it? 😅🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️)
3. A book related to We Didn't Start the Fire
Either something mentioned in Billy Joel's version, Fall Out Boy's version, or a book with fire in the plot.
From our 2020 prompt (Billy Joel version only): https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
4. A book about or featuring a landmark
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
7. A book related to the name of one of Snow White's seven dwarfs
For example:
Happy - a romance (happily ever after), a book that makes you happy
Grumpy - grumpy x sunshine romance, a book with a grumpy character
Sleepy - characters with sleep issues (ie. Insomnia, Stay Awake)
Sneezy - a book with characters with allergies or who are sick,
Dopey - a silly or comedic character, something like the Jeeves and Wooster series, a character who struggles with drugs or addiction
Bashful - a book with a very shy/introverted character
Doc - character who is a doctor, or has a PhD or is a doctorate candidate
9. A book related to or by an author we lost in 2023
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
10. A book with a single word title
(not even A, An, The, or a subtitle) — “A Novel” is not considered a subtitle.
Examples:
Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer
Hopeland by Ian McDonald
Aurora by Kim Stanley Robinson
Homecoming by Kate Morton
Caucasia by Danny Senna
Trust by Hernan Diaz
Shogun by James Clavell
Run by Ann Patchett
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
11. A book with a piece of fruit on the cover
For example:
Apple - https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7...
Pomegranate - https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7...
Cherry - https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7...
12. A book involving magical realism
"Magical realism is a genre of literature that depicts the real world as having an undercurrent of magic or fantasy."
Magic realism or magical realism is a style of literary fiction and art. It paints a realistic view of the world while also adding magical elements, often blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. Magic realism often refers to literature in particular, with magical or supernatural phenomena presented in an otherwise real-world or mundane setting, commonly found in novels and dramatic performances. Despite including certain magic elements, it is generally considered to be a different genre from fantasy because magical realism uses a substantial amount of realistic detail and employs magical elements to make a point about reality, while fantasy stories are often separated from reality. Magical realism is often seen as an amalgamation of real and magical elements that produces a more inclusive writing form than either literary realism or fantasy.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
14. A book with at least 247 pages
(24/7)
15. A book related to dragons
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/5...
My only definite downvote is sci fi. Unsure about magical realism others either okay or great
Well for once I'm glad I totally missed the suggestions window and the chance to suggest a prompt because there are so many good ones! Initial thoughts are 7 up, but I am looking forward to the discussion.
I really like the idea of a book with a title that ends in A, T or Y. Would the subtitle count as the end of a title or not?
Wow! so many great prompts this time! I want to choose them all.
I'm having a hard time finding books on my shelf that end with a word ending in A, T, or Y. I'm mostly finding Y and occasionally A. It would be easier if there was a word in the title that ended with A, T, or Y so I might hold out on voting for an ATY prompt this voting session and hope for something easier to fill.
Another strong list. Magical realism is my favorite of the whole list. It's a wide category, with something for everyone.
Favorites
12. A book involving magical realism
7. A book related to the name of one of Snow White's seven dwarfs
2. A book with gold on the cover
3. A book related to We Didn't Start the Fire
4. A book about or featuring a landmark
5. A sci-fi novel
10. A book with a single word title
14. A book with at least 247 pages
Least favorites
6. A book where a main character is a writer, a librarian or a bookseller - I like it but I like this year's prompt wording better.
11. A book with a title that ends in A, T or Y - I like the location ending in A T or Y more, because it's the flip to this year's prompt.
8. A book related to masks or a masquerade
9. A book related to or by an author we lost in 2023
11. A book with a piece of fruit on the cover
13. A book related to X marks the spot
15. A book related to dragons
I am looking forward to the discussion too.
Martha wrote: "I'm having a hard time finding books on my shelf that end with a word ending in A, T, or Y. I'm mostly finding Y and occasionally A. It would be easier if there was a word in the title that ended w..."I went looking for something that ends in t and found The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat, Vol. 1
I am absolutely loving the 7 dwarfs and the X Marks the Spot prompts as they can be interpreted a bunch of different ways.I am feeling positive about:
- title that ends in A, T or Y (because we need an ATY prompt)
- book related to We Didn't Start the Fire (so many possibilities)
- book where a main character is a writer, a librarian or a bookseller
- author we lost in 2023
- single word title
- piece of fruit on the cover
- related to dragons
I don't think I ever had a week with 8 upvotes, but everyone was on fire with their suggestions this week
Martha wrote: "I'm having a hard time finding books on my shelf that end with a word ending in A, T, or Y. I'm mostly finding Y and occasionally A. It would be easier if there was a word in the title that ended w..."I liked the idea for a location ending in A, T or Y. I would have more options.
I'm probably going to be 8 upvotes. I'm at 7 and trying to decide on an 8th. There really aren't any that I deeply dislike.Definite upvotes for me:
3. A book related to We Didn't Start the Fire
I can see this being one of my favorite prompts because there are a lot of ways to be creative with it. Joel's original happened to span the 40 years from 1948 to 1989 and ended up (by serendipity I think) painting a picture of culture during the Cold War, which opens up a lot of possibilities. You could of course also go with one of the themes of the actual lyrics. And there have been a lot of parodies and covers (The Simpsons, the MCU version, Fallout Boy, "Here Comes Another Bubble" - there have been a lot!). You could go with the interplay of songs and history as a broader theme, or things about the relentless passage of time, as well.
4. A book about or featuring a landmark
I also really love this one. Lots of hauntings and ghost stories fit. Travel books mentioning actual landmarks work. So does any fantasy with a significant building or mountain or what have you. (I have a lot of books with mountains and rivers on the covers, as well.) Just a lot of ways to go here.
8. A book related to masks or a masquerade
I always love anything with a theme of masks. You could do a cover hunt here also.
10. A book with a single word title
I've got a lot of these and I'm always trying to get them read for some reason. Love this one.
11. A book with a piece of fruit on the cover
Cover/title/or even author hunt! Yes!
13. A book related to X marks the spot
Love, love, love this prompt. Also destined to be a favorite. Maybe you like maps and treasure, or maybe you're reading archeology (for that Indiana Jones line) or something about the Jersey Devil (X-Files). Or maybe you just have a book with a big X on the cover. Love it!
15. A book related to dragons
Like I said for the last vote, I'm always going to be here for the Chinese zodiac prompt for the year.
Somebody convince me yay or nay on the eighth slot!
I love all these choices as well!I just started a listopia for books with fire in the plot (I was really surprised there wasn't one already!)
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
While I was browsing my reading history, I found a TON of books that end in A, T, or Y. While it might not be the most obvious version of ATY, I think it's very doable.
Once I started looking at my TBR I have quite a few with ATY endings. This is one of my favorite prompts suggested so far. I also really like X marks that spot.
I love most of these prompts. Will have 8 upvotes for sure, just not solid on which 8.
Regarding at least 247 pages. Is the idea to read that exact number of pages or can it be more than 247 pages?
If “authors we lost in 2023” doesn’t make it this time I suggest that it not be brought back until nearer the end of voting season as we will then have a better idea of more of the authors we will have to choose from. Sorry if that sounds morbid.I love the idea of this, but right now the only authors I’m familiar with are celebrities, a picture book author, and an author I’m not much interested in reading. Not that I’d hope that an author I want to read would die…
There was no explanation with the Mask prompt. What was the intention here? Am I missing out on a big mask theme in literature?
Going through my TBR to match potential prompts with books has lead me to start purging some of those books. My TBR has dropped by about 20 books or so. It feels very liberating.
Tracy wrote: "If “authors we lost in 2023” doesn’t make it this time I suggest that it not be brought back until nearer the end of voting season as we will then have a better idea of more of the authors we will ..."Thanks Tracy! I was struggling to find a way to express the same idea. My book club already decided to read a Cormac McCarthy book this year.
Tracy wrote: "There was no explanation with the Mask prompt. What was the intention here? Am I missing out on a big mask theme in literature?"There’s phantom of the opera, carnivale in rio and Italy I believe, masked balls, masks that are used in crimes,
Mod
I'm sure any amount from 247 up is fine.
Mod
There’s phantom of the opera, carnivale in rio and It..."
There are masked balls in some Regency romances but you rarely know about it till you read the book.
Mod
Anastasia wrote: "Going through my TBR to match potential prompts with books has lead me to start purging some of those books. My TBR has dropped by about 20 books or so. It feels very liberating."I’ve been doing that too. Sometimes I ask myself- what was I thinking? Oddly I sometimes find books I rated, but I know I didn’t read them. I think it happens when I’m scrolling through a listopia on a small touch screen. So it’s either a random finger touch, poor eyesight, or Alzheimer’s. I pick a.
8 ups but I still have to decide which 8. Nothing here that I wouldn't want on the final list. 😊
Martha wrote: "Regarding at least 247 pages. Is the idea to read that exact number of pages or can it be more than 247 pages?"“At least” means a book with 247 pages or longer. So 250, 370, 500 pages would all work.
Thanks for bringing this up. I initially misread the prompt as 247 or lower - probably because last year we had under 220, and over 440. Most of my books are longer than 247 pages, so I probably won’t vote for this one.
I really liked the under220 and novella prompts because they encouraged me to make a long list of short books I can turn to when I need one. Sometimes due to fatigue or brain fog, I really appreciate a short book. I wouldn’t mind a long book prompt every year too.
Amy (Other Amy) wrote: "I'm probably going to be 8 upvotes. I'm at 7 and trying to decide on an 8th. There really aren't any that I deeply dislike.Definite upvotes for me:
3. A book related to We Didn't Start the Fire
..."
Amy, how about Magical Realism for your 8th prompt? Seanan McGuire books have hundreds of magical realism tags. This category has become broader than its original definitions, but it’s far from a gimme. My books tend to be at the realistic end of the magical realism continuum, but I’m trying to push myself to explore more magic/fantasy authors. This prompt gives me room for both. I also like haunted house books that make me wonder- is this really magic or something else?
First impressions after seeing the list just now:1. A book with a title that ends in A, T or Y - Interesting variation on this scavenger hunt type prompt. Not sure I love it enough to vote for it, but I'd be absolutely fine if it got in
2. A book with gold on the cover - I've had this prompt or similar ones on other challenges for the past year or two, although I'm not sure I ended up reading the books yet. There are some good options though.
3. A book related to We Didn't Start the Fire - I think I'd prefer if this was limited to the new version only. As it stands, I don't like that it seems like a repeat of the same prompt we just had recently (and I wasn't a fan of it originally)
4. A book about or featuring a landmark - Not particularly interested. Likely a downvote for me.
5. A sci-fi novel - It's a genre that I like but don't necessarily read so often, so it might be a good opportunity to fit one in. I'd consider upvoting.
6. A book where a main character is a writer, a librarian or a bookseller - An easy yes. I know this one has been done before (or similar enough), but I love it every time.
7. A book related to the name of one of Snow White's seven dwarfs - Thanks Dubhease and Ellie for making sure this got in! It was my suggestion so obviously I want it on the list
8. A book related to masks or a masquerade - I would need to look at options, but I like theoretically like this.
9. A book related to or by an author we lost in 2023 - Downvote. I looked through the list, and the only author that interested me at all was Ian Falconer who wrote the Olivia picture book series. So while I could easily read one of those to fit, it's not particularly appealing.
10. A book with a single word title - I like this, but not sure whether I want to vote for it
11. A book with a piece of fruit on the cover - I would need to check out what kinds of options there are, but I'm interested
12. A book involving magical realism - Again, it's a prompt I've done before but I don't mind repeating this one. It's a genre that often confuses me but I'm starting to get more of a feel for what I enjoy in it.
13. A book related to X marks the spot - Loved it when it was first pitched. My intent is likely to go with the "ex" route as in ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend, although my brain is fighting me a bit on the need to stick to the more literal interpretation (since an ex-partner relates to the X component, but not "marks the spot")
14. A book with at least 247 pages - Not an upvote for me since it fits nearly every book I read. I'd be mildly disappointed if it got in since it's so easy, but not strongly enough to downvote.
15. A book related to dragons - I'm not sold on this one. I theoretically like books that involve dragons, but rarely read them and don't have very many that I'm actively interested in on my TBR
I’m really hoping my writers one doesn’t bottomed just cos 2 in a row is a poor score. While I’m not keen on magical realism I can live with it so. All upvotes this time ( but magical realism won’t be one of them)
The suggestions happened overnight for me...I like most of the suggestions though. Is there any significance for 247 pages? I don't get it at first glance. My mind thinks 224 is more related to 2024 but not sure what 247 relates to (if anything).
Pearl wrote: "Another strong list. Magical realism is my favorite of the whole list. It's a wide category, with something for everyone.Favorites
12. A book involving magical realism
7. A book related to the..."
Pearl, we have a lot of the same favorites! I really like the Seven Dwarfs, We didn’t Start the Fire, Magical realism too. I’m going to upvote #6. I agree it’s similar to this year’s books are important prompt, but I like the new focus on writers, librarians, etc. because there are a lot of books about writers that don’t really fit the 2023 prompt.
I’m probably going to do all upvotes again. 3,4,5,6,7,12 are all upvotes. I think the Landmarks idea has a lot of potential. I’ll decide on the last 2 based on discussions, examples, and research. I like the elegance of one word titles, so I’ll see what I have. I’m sort of “cover blind” but these are OK. I’ll skip the 2023 memorial list for now.
Bec wrote: "The suggestions happened overnight for me...I like most of the suggestions though. Is there any significance for 247 pages? I don't get it at first glance. My mind thinks 224 is more related to 202..."24/7. 24 hours a day (for 2024), and 7 probably because 24 and 7 go together. (Eg. A store is open 24/7, All day, every day, 7 days a week).
For masks, I also think of a character that may be pretending or putting forth one idea of who they are, while their real self/intentions are hidden. That’s a harder interpretation to plan for, but is what I would probably try for if it gets in.
NancyJ wrote: "24/7. 24 hours a day (for 2024), and 7 probably because 24 and 7 go together. (Eg. A store is open 24/7, All day, every day, 7 days a week)."Thanks Nancy.
I've looked more closely now and have 5 definite up votes:
1. A title ending in ATY - there is plenty on my TBR shelf
6. A book where a main character is a writer, a librarian or a bookseller - no idea what I will read but I like the concept
7. A book related to the name of one of Snow White's seven dwarfs- again no idea what I will read but I like the concept and I'm sure there will be something on my TBR
10. A book with a single word title - I've been meaning to read the Uglies series for a while so this will push me to read it.
11. A book with a piece of fruit on the cover - this was initially neutral for me but when I looked at my TBR shelf I realised I've had Where the Fruit Falls on there for a while but need a push to read it.
I'm thinking about downvoting 3. A book related to We Didn't Start the Fire - we did it before. I would rather a different song rather than this one. That said I checked the listopia and I have 1 book on my TBR and many books that I have read and enjoyed - so I guess if I could find more like them it's doable. I'll sit on it for a while.
Another great list! I see a lot of upvotes in my future.
8 upvotes for me! The only one I'm not keen on is the authors deceased in 2023, simply because there's no one on the list that I want to read. I won't downvote it though, just hope it doesn't get in.
Alicia wrote: "For masks, I also think of a character that may be pretending or putting forth one idea of who they are, while their real self/intentions are hidden. That’s a harder interpretation to plan for, b..."
Thanks Alicia! It’s a harder interpretation to plan for, but I would find it so much more satisfying to discover the theme in the reading. I might also see clues in descriptions or reviews.
Romance readers should definitely upvote fruit on the cover. There are many choices. There are books in other genres too, but some of the covers convey a certain mood. 😉
I have some book ideas for magical realism incase these are helpful to anyone who is unsure of this prompt. There is lots of magical realism in Latin American authors books such as Isabelle Allende or Gabriel Garcia Marquez, which I love. Here's examples of other books which you may have read which include magical realism. If you enjoyed any of these then you will be able to find another magical realism book to read on the listopia.
Sourdough by Robin Sloan
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
In Five Years by Rebecca Searle
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia
A Year of Marvellous Ways by Sarah Winman
Hopefully this helps anyone who is unsure of this prompt!!!
NancyJ wrote: "Seanan McGuire books have hundreds of magical realism tags. ..."I have read many of her books, I would not classify a single one of them as magical realism. Either people are being book snobs or they don't know the difference between urban fantasy and magical realism.
Masks were a major cover trend a few years ago:https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...
There are also books about doctors or those set during Covid times (I just read The Sentence, so that springs to mind with the mask wearing).
Lindsay wrote: "I have some book ideas for magical realism incase these are helpful to anyone who is unsure of this prompt. There is lots of magical realism in Latin American authors books such as Isabelle Allende..."Thank you for this, Lindsay, I'm wanting to get Isabelle Allende's Violeta .....
And I have a couple of these on my TBR that I didn't know were Magical Realism :)
Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and the Wizard of Oz are magical realism classics.
Possible Prompts:1. A book with a title that ends in A, T or Y ~ I like this one. It is a nice twist on a word starting with these letters.
2. A book with gold on the cover ~ Not so interested, neutral. Colors on cover are hard to find due to the differences in sight, unless Tineye is used.
3. A book related to We Didn't Start the Fire ~ I am unfamiliar with this song. Probably a neutral one for me even though I would use "fire on the cover" to complete this prompt.
4. A book about or featuring a landmark ~ I like the challenge of finding something for this. I am sure a non-fiction book would be relatively easy, but fiction?
5. A sci-fi novel ~ not my favorite genre, but it would push me to read more of those series that I have a toe into.
6. A book where a main character is a writer, a librarian or a bookseller ~ I like this one...always up for a book about a librarian. Probably a cozy mystery for me.
7. A book related to the name of one of Snow White's seven dwarfs ~ I love this prompt. It would be challenging to find a book to meet this one.
8. A book related to masks or a masquerade ~ neutral.
9. A book related to or by an author we lost in 2023 ~ neutral. I haven't seen the list, and I could probably find a book...still.
10. A book with a single word title ~ neutral. I have done this prompt several times. Can usually find a book.
11. A book with a piece of fruit on the cover ~ I think there are a few that I have not yet read.
12. A book involving magical realism ~ not my favorite genre. I either like the book in this genre or hate it. I can probably find something in fantasy that would qualify.
13. A book related to X marks the spot ~ neutral.
14. A book with at least 247 pages ~ why not (since the year is 24) say a book with at least 240 pages or containing 24 in page count? That would make more sense to me. Too vague and too unfocused.
15. A book related to dragons ~ yay! Definitely an upvote.
Anastasia wrote: "Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and the Wizard of Oz are magical realism classics."they are portal fantasies, not magical realism.
Magical realism is when everything about the world in the story is completely 100% realistic and like our real world, EXCEPT for one little thing, which is accepted as normal within the bounds of that story. It's not fantasy. If wizards and magicians exist, then it's fantasy (or urban fantasy). If there is a portal to another world, it's a portal fantasy. If there are fairies or vampires or other creatures, it's fantasy.For example: Like Water for Chocolate, total realism, EXCEPT one character can bake emotions into her food, or Natalie Tan's Book of Luck & Fortune which is total realism EXCEPT for some reason the heroine's tears are crystals, or The Round House or Sing, Unburied, Sing both are totally realistic, EXCEPT sometimes a ghost appears.
Around the Year in 52 Books
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Voting will open in the morning of Saturday, July 8 and results will be posted in the morning of Wednesday, July 12 (CST time).
How it works:
- When the voting opens, follow the link to the mini-poll that will be added at the end of this post
- You have a total of 8 votes this poll to spread across your favorite and least favorite prompts (you can also use less than 8 votes)
- You can find examples of acceptable voting practices on the Introduction thread.
- The prompts with the more favorable votes (comparing top votes to bottom votes, and looking at the overall number of votes it received) will be added to the final list
We are asking people to include their Goodreads profile address when they vote. To find this, just go to your own profile and then copy the URL/web address. If for some reason you can't link to your Goodreads profile, please post your full Goodreads name with enough identifiable information that we'll be able to access your profile.
Possible Prompts:
1. A book with a title that ends in A, T or Y
2. A book with gold on the cover
3. A book related to We Didn't Start the Fire
4. A book about or featuring a landmark
5. A sci-fi novel
6. A book where a main character is a writer, a librarian or a bookseller
7. A book related to the name of one of Snow White's seven dwarfs
8. A book related to masks or a masquerade
9. A book related to or by an author we lost in 2023
10. A book with a single word title
11. A book with a piece of fruit on the cover
12. A book involving magical realism
13. A book related to X marks the spot
14. A book with at least 247 pages
15. A book related to dragons
Feel free to discuss the prompts below, but please remember to be respectful to the other group members.
VOTE HERE: https://forms.gle/Wsg7LTkiMSd8CYKf7