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[2024] Poll 11 Voting
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Sigh... I feel that the really good lists always end up with like one prompt and it's the least interesting one! Y'all laugh when I say nominate throwaway prompts, but this is why!
My favorite prompt of recent years has been nominated- I hope it gets in although every year it comes up and doesn't get voted on (the famous person one).
And my least favorite- I'm in the club of people who hate short stories. Either it's bad. Or it's good and then it's over and I just get upset. Last time we did it, I wildcarded and I will again.
Sandra wrote: "I suggested this one. It could be either fiction with a real person as a character, or nonfiction about a real person."But do you mean biographical fiction (about any person who ever lived) or Real People Fiction (about a celebrity or other well known person)?
Pamela wrote: "Pam wrote: "Good list! I see 8 that I really like."Sigh... I feel that the really good lists always end up with like one prompt and it's the least interesting one! Y'all laugh when I say nominate..."
I think the reason is that there isn't consensus on what the "good prompts" are so our votes are spread out too much. I am not voting either way for short stories / essays even though I have a lot of unread collections. I usually read a few stories but rarely finish the book! I initially said that I liked 8, but I will probably be strategic and upvote 5 and downvote 3. I know some members say they only downvote if they can't find something. I frequently use my downvotes for lukewarm prompts to give my upvotes a better chance.
dalex wrote: "I assume "A book with a real person as a character" means biographical fiction? Is there some other way to interpret it?..."
Doesn't have to be "biographical fiction". I have read many books with "real" people as characters. It's hard to find a list, but we will build one.
Here are a few:
The Garden on Sunset by Martin Turnbull - This is the first book in the Garden of Allah series about early Hollywood. Lots of actors & actresses. Excellent series. (Free for Kindle on Amazon).
Bullet for a Star by Stuart M. Kaminsky - First in the Toby Peters detective series. Set in 1940's Hollywood. Love this series.
The Murder of Patience Brooke by J.C. Briggs - First in a series. Charles Dickens is the main character. Excellent series.
The Titanic Murders by Max Allan Collins - In Collin's "disaster" series the main characters are well-known authors. Excellent series
The Pale Blue Eye by Louis Bayard - A young Edgar Allen Poe is a main character. One of the best books I've read this year
Rubber Soul by Greg Kihn - The Beatles are main characters
Marie wrote: "I'd also say Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Rodham and The Christie Affair would work for this. I think there are some cosy mysteries that have famous people as the main characters"RE: a real person as a character
Elvis is a (vampire) character in the Vegan Vamp series, which would also qualify. Super fun urban fantasy comedy cozy mystery about a woman who thinks she has a ginormous hangover but finds out she has been turned into a vampire. Who can't drink blood, hence the moniker vegan vamp. I think there are a lot of fun options for this prompt.
Adventures of a Vegan Vamp
Edit: going to add some books I've read as I think of them with real people featured:
- Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines - Johannes Gutenberg
- The Archive of Alternate Endings by Lindsey Drager - Johannes Gutenberg & Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
- Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel - Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII, etc etc (there are a gazillion books written about historical royalty that would count for this prompt)
- Any non-fiction, for example In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
- Hyperion by Dan Simmons - John Keats
"Real person as a character" seems pretty self-explanatory to me. Does it matter if it's a famous person? As long as they lived outside of a book, it would count. So a book like Radium Girls counts, even though the characters aren't famous. They were real people.
If "character is a musician" were changed to "a book about a musician" it would open up the areas of memoir and biography as well as fiction.
Marie wrote: "dalex wrote: "I assume "A book with a real person as a character" means biographical fiction? Is there some other way to interpret it?"I'm guessing famous people count as real?! [author:Neil Gaim..."
There is also a series in which Eleanor Roosevelt is the amateur sleuth.
Mod
I personally interpret 'character' as 'person in book' for the purposes of my challenge and I think a lot of other people do too, but if you want to be more strict that's up to you.
Character is a musician and book about a musician are not the same thing though. E.g. the book is about a writer and they have a friend who's a musician. If the prompt were main character is a musician, then yes, book about a musician would be the same.And yes, memoir and biography work if you think of a character as the person in the book.
Mod
You could read a memoir or a biography for a character is a musician. Why not? A character is a person in a book, a biography is a book.
dalex wrote: "But do you mean biographical fiction (about any person who ever lived) or Real People Fiction (about a celebrity or other well known person)? "Either one, since they both have real people in them. The person doesn't have to be famous.
Sandra wrote: "dalex wrote: "But do you mean biographical fiction (about any person who ever lived) or Real People Fiction (about a celebrity or other well known person)? "Either one, since they both have real people in them. The person doesn't have to be famous."
I understand now. Thank you.
Vicki wrote: "Marie wrote: "dalex wrote: "I assume "A book with a real person as a character" means biographical fiction? Is there some other way to interpret it?"I'm guessing famous people count as real?! [au..."
oooh Vicki, what series is it with Eleanor Roosevelt? My dog's name is Eleanor Rosie....no clue where that came from :)
Sandra wrote: "dalex wrote: "I assume "A book with a real person as a character" means biographical fiction? Is there some other way to interpret it?"I suggested this one. It could be either fiction with a real..."
Thanks Sandra, I was on the fence on this one.
I love reading historical fiction to learn about history, but
it can be embarrassing to think you know a fact about history (especially when talking to your kids) only to discover it was pure fiction). I still love his fic, but I'm more fussy now.
I feel better knowing that I don't find something better, I could read a biography or memoir.
Here are a couple where Teddy Roosevelt is a main character:The Lunatic Fringe: A Novel Wherein Theodore Roosevelt Meets the Pink Angel by William L. DeAndrea
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
Others to consider: Biblical, Egyptian, Roman fiction, American Civil War (Generals, Lincoln), 1920's/30's crime fiction (Capone, Dillinger, B & C)
There are also tons of Jack the Ripper novels
This prompt has loads of possibilities. Can't wait to build the listopia!
Robin wrote: "Here are a couple where Teddy Roosevelt is a main character:The Lunatic Fringe: A Novel Wherein Theodore Roosevelt Meets the Pink Angel by William L. DeAndrea"
Another book I have to recommend is Ulrich Haarbürste's Novel of Roy Orbison in Clingfilm: Plus additional stories. It is one of the weirdest things I have ever read.
Also the sequel to theAlienist I believe talks about the famous female serial Amelia Dyer. That maybe be the wrong 1800s serial killer but there was definitely one in the book
For a real person as a character, I might go with a Narrative Non Fiction book by an author like David Grann or Eric Larson. They write about real people and historical events, and they are scrupulous about their research. The books flow as well as a novel.
I'm sure someone else would suggest this one, but Outlander and most of the series has cameos by various real historical figures. And I'd second The Alienist rec - I enjoyed that one. Also a lot of books by Philippa Gregory would count toward it, as she writes so much historical fiction based on real people (e.g. The Other Boleyn Girl). And it's YA, but I read Jane Yolen's Queen's Own Fool when I was young and it remains a favorite - it stars Mary Queen of Scots and her court as major characters. Also read Hamnet this year which was excellent and has William Shakespeare as a major character. There's a ton of books that could fill this prompt, and I like the flexibility of potentially doing a memoir or nonfiction book instead as an option. Definite upvote from me!Also really like the five books prompt! I think it's fun to get such detailed little lists and there's a lot of cool recommenders on there and a lot of list themes I wouldn't think of at first.
Kristina wrote: "I'm sure someone else would suggest this one, but Outlander and most of the series has cameos by various real historical figures. And I'd second The Alienist rec - I enjoy..."I think Outlander's history was well researched. I learned a lot about people and events in American history that I wouldn't have otherwise read.
I'm having fun with the 5 books list too. I just found a book called How Bad Are Bananas.
I'm positive or neutral on everything, except for two that I would find very difficult. 6. A book with a common household object on the cover - There are too many options, and too many lists, making this an unpleasant chore, even if my eyesight was perfect. This might be my first downvote for the year. If it gets in, I'm sure I'll get some good personal recommendations.
4. A book with a character who works in an eating establishment - I don't really like cozy mysteries any more, and there seem to be a lot of them on the long list of lists. My next favorite book might be on one of them, but I might not spot it in a sea of cozies. I probably won't downvote this, on the chance that I'll find another odd gem like The Lager Queen of Minnesota or Light from Uncommon Stars.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold has characters who work in a cafe. The chairs, table, lamp, and cups on the cover also qualify as common household objects to me. I can recommend this series to anyone having trouble with those two prompts.
@NancyJ - if you liked The Lager Queen, then maybe you’ll like Stradal’s newest “Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club”. I haven’t read it yet, but I loved his “Lager Queen” and also his “Great Kitchens of the Midwest”. Have you read any TJ Klune? His “Under the Whispering Door” takes place in a coffee/tea shop. I also just finished “Never Meant to Meet You”, which is not FOCUSED on the baker/bakery in the story, but it is still a very important plot point.
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The Lunatic Fringe: A Novel Wherein Theodore Roosevelt Meets the Pink Angel by William L. DeAndrea
[bo..."
ooo- the Alienist is a brilliant idea!
If the prompt is selected I will be counting biographical fiction for the "real person" prompt and recommend this list : https://historicalnovelsociety.org/ge...From my own collection I have Booth, The Master, The Magician, Jacqueline in Paris and a host of other books to choose from my shelves.
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Jackie- I voted 8:26 pm CST time and I put my name couldn’t post link cos on phone
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How dramatic of them! Thank you for your persistence!
A fun suggestion that works for the “real person” prompt is Anthony Horowitz’s Hawthorne and Horowitz series (genre: cozy mystery?).I think it is so creative and entertaining how the author has written himself into the books - highly recommend!
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Gotcha
Jackie wrote: "Thomas wrote: "Jackie- I voted 8:26 pm CST time and I put my name couldn’t post link cos on phone"Gotcha"
Thanks
Judy wrote: "Musician characters. Does anyone have recommendations or a good list? I saved this link from another challenge.
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/music"
I would recommend The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto. I would read this book again.
Or,
The Violin Conspiracy or Symphony of Secrets are also very good.
I just finished reading Hotel Cuba by Anthony Hamburger. It could work for A book with a character who is a fish-out-of-water . For this year it could also work for A book with a tropical setting (Latitudes 23.5 S to 23.5 N), which is what I'm using it for (Cuba is at 23.1N).
Jennifer wrote: "A fun suggestion that works for the “real person” prompt is Anthony Horowitz’s Hawthorne and Horowitz series (genre: cozy mystery?).I think it is so creative and entertaining how the author has wr..."
Oh, I'll second that! It's a very good mystery series and a fun way to fill the "real person" prompt. I don't know about "cozy" mystery for the genre, though - it's a little too bleak for me to match what I think of for cozy mysteries, but as a mystery writer in general, I think he's excellent! He has great pacing and a good nose for narrative tension that made his Alex Rider series a favorite of mine as a kid and made all of his mysteries I've read as an adult a thrilling ride.
Robin wrote: "Here are a couple where Teddy Roosevelt is a main character:The Lunatic Fringe: A Novel Wherein Theodore Roosevelt Meets the Pink Angel by William L. DeAndrea
[bo..."
Thanks Robin,
[book:The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey|78508]
I just read The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey. It was excellent. He has an amazing strength of character, with very firm convictions. He is also a bit of a *character* driven by a desire for glory.
Now I want to know even more about him.
Tracy wrote: "I just finished reading Hotel Cuba by Anthony Hamburger. It could work for A book with a character who is a fish-out-of-water . For this year it could also work for A book with a ..."
This sounds like something I would really like. Thanks Tracy!
An alright week this week! I will admit to not feeling hugely excited about many of the prompts, but there are a fair few I probably could get quite excited about when it comes to book finding time.Upvote:
5. A book by an author from a country bordering the Indian Ocean - A lot of quite exciting countries here. I’m largely voting because I have several crime series I want to read set in India, but there are a lot of other fun options too.
7. A book with a character reminiscent of a Nightmare Before Christmas character - I do love Nightmare Before Christmas, and all the characters in it. I just feel this one is very charming!
9. A book where a character is a musician - I am upvoting this for a very specific reason, and that is because Benjamin January from the Benjamin January books by Barbara Hambly is a musician, and I really want to read more of that series.
10. A book with a senior citizen character - This is the one I’m most excited about this week. I have a fair few books on my tbr with elderly characters, including a lot of Miss Marples! I could definitely find something for this.
13. A book with character who is a fish-out-of-water - This is a fun and versatile one. You could go for a classic Isekai fantasy novel premise, or just a romance novel with a provincial hero/heroine. I like the flexibility.
15. A book title that seemingly refers to one or more characters in the book - Mainly voting for this because I read a lot of romance novels, thus have a LOT of books referencing “dukes” or “scoundrels” (amongst other options).
Downvote:
3. A graphic novel/comic with a female main writer and female main artist
8. A book with a real person as a character
Thoughts:1. A book that’s a collection of short stories or essays
This comes up every year ... a bit of a case of prompt fatigue, tbh, but I would be able to make it work and won't downvote.
2. A book with a main character who is a bookseller, writer, journalist or librarian
This comes up a lot, but it also applies to a lot of books I love^^
3. A graphic novel/comic with a female main writer and female main artist
On the fence. There is nothing on my TBR, which I try to use to the greatest possible extent, but it is an interesting prompt and definitely one I would support if it got in. I would be able to make it work somehow even though I'm definitely not a graphic novel enthusiast.
4. A book with a character who works in an eating establishment
Nothing immediately springs to mind.
5. A book by an author from a country bordering the Indian Ocean
Huh, I guess I would just use something Australian then ...
6. A book with a common household object on the cover
Like it, will probably upvote.
7. A book with a character reminiscent of a Nightmare Before Christmas character
Love it! Will definitely upvote (but I'm afraid it's too specific to appeal to the group as a whole)
8. A book with a real person as a character
Always nice; not sure if I have something that fits, but sure to find something.
9. A book where a character is a musician
Nice, might upvote.
10. A book with a senior citizen character
Porbably upvote.
11. A book involving a crime other than a murder
Probably not as easy as it may seem ... what about detective novels where the central crime is not a murder but people still get murdered in the course of the book ...?
12. A book that is on a Five Books list (readers choice of which list)
Will have to check out the site, but at first glance it looks like a flexible list prompt, which I like, plus it's something new :)
13. A book with character who is a fish-out-of-water
Like this trope; not sure if I have anything, though.
14. A book with an ex
Huh ... might be fun to bend that a little and use as book with an "ex"traterrestrial or something :D
15. A book title that seemingly refers to one or more characters in the book
Love it, will definitely upvote!
Conny wrote: "Thoughts:1. A book that’s a collection of short stories or essays
This comes up every year ... a bit of a case of prompt fatigue, tbh, but I would be able to make it work and won't downvote.
2. ..."
I was actually just thinking it says “ a crime other than murder” which doesn’t strictly speaking mean there can’t be a murder as well
Yes a singer is a musician. Their voice is their instrument.
Connie, I don’t think that’s bending it at all. It’s however anyone interprets “ex” and I just didn’t think of extraterrestrial. I wanted to keep it broad so there could be fun interpretations like that.
Conny wrote: "11. A book involving a crime other than a murderProbably not as easy as it may seem ... what about detective novels where the central crime is not a murder but people still get murdered in the course of the book ...? ..."
haha I asked about that! And the answer was: it counts, because if people are killed in the course of solving the crime and/or rescuing the victim then that's self-defense, not murder.
Thoughts:1. A book that’s a collection of short stories or essays.
Not my favorite genre. Neutral for me since I do have some collections on my home shelves I could read.
2. A book with a main character who is a bookseller, writer, journalist or librarian.
An upvote for me as I have a lot of books and current series that would fit this prompt.
3. A graphic novel/comic with a female main writer and female main artist.
An upvote. I am wanting to increase my reading of GNs and this search would give me a reason to search for a book. Might need some recommends.
4. A book with a character who works in an eating establishment.
Neutral.
5. A book by an author from a country bordering the Indian Ocean.
An upvote as it gives me a goal of reading outside my own country and exploring others.
6. A book with a common household object on the cover.
I think this should be a relatively easy fill with some of my series. Probably an upvote.
7. A book with a character reminiscent of a Nightmare Before Christmas character.
Not familiar with Nightmare Before Christmas. Neutral.
8. A book with a real person as a character.
Not a fan, although I could probably come up with a book or two to consider. Neutral.
9. A book where a character is a musician.
I have loved the other books that I have read for a similar prompt. An upvote for me.
10. A book with a senior citizen character.
Fun books. Several of my current series fall in this category. Definitely an upvote.
11. A book involving a crime other than a murder.
I read murder mysteries. Not sure what would fill this. Neutral.
12. A book that is on a Five Books list (readers choice of which list).
Not a list I am familiar with but would love to explore options. Upvote.
13. A book with character who is a fish-out-of-water.
Neutral. I don't think I really understand what kind of a story I would be looking for. I will not put effort into looking, though, unless this becomes a prompt.
14. A book with an ex.
Not interested but will remain neutral.
15. A book title that seemingly refers to one or more characters in the book.
Again, not interested but will remain neutral.
Bea wrote: "Thoughts:1. A book that’s a collection of short stories or essays.
Not my favorite genre. Neutral for me since I do have some collections on my home shelves I could read.
2. A book with a main c..."
So probably no downvotes for you?
Around the Year in 52 Books
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https://daveastoronliterature.com/202...
I found this Listopia: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3."
The examples in those lists are what I would call biographical fiction, which sounds like a vastly different thing from Real People Fiction as described in the wikipedia article.
Now I'm confused. If it gets voted in I'll do biographical fiction but I'm not going to upvote it because I don't understand what the suggester meant.