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[2024] Poll 17 Voting
Emily wrote: "Nike wrote: "Emily wrote: "While this is likely our last poll, I encourage you not to try to "game" the system. Upvote only prompts you'd like to see in the final list, and downvote the prompts you..."Ok, then I get it! 🙂
Nike wrote: "I haven't got a clue about which novels are having great last lines and I won't vote for it."I think this is one where its best not to really plan for. I think most of us come across a book throughout the year where it ends and we're smiling, shocked, crying, etc. But I definitely wouldn't want to go around reading last lines ahead of time hoping it would work.
dalex wrote: "Nike wrote: "I haven't got a clue about which novels are having great last lines..."I'm guessing you would have to find a list somewhere online of classic novels that are known for having great l..."
I won't vote for it. I never remember lines, I remember the overall experience of the book.
Alicia wrote: "Nike wrote: "I haven't got a clue about which novels are having great last lines and I won't vote for it."I think this is one where its best not to really plan for..."
The prompt is "a book KNOWN to have a great last line." You kind of have to know in advance that it fits.
Now if the prompt was worded "a book that has a last line that you thought was fantastic" or something like that, then not planning in advance would work.
The referring to a character prompt is very similar to the one on last year's list (or the year before) of a title that refers to a character without naming them (I forgot how it was worded which is embarrassing because I had suggested it!). I found that while I liked the prompt in theory, I ended up with far too many options for it. It's just a personal preference, but my favorite prompts are ones where I have between 5-15 options from books I already own. I'm definitely not downvoting it, but I hope that "seemingly" gets removed from it if it makes the final list!
Definite upvotes:
- A book involving a wild animal or endangered species, in the content, title, or on the cover
- A book connected to one of the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet
- A book with a trial or with a legal term in the title
On the fence about "A book you can read in 24 hours" since I think pretty much all the books I own could be read in 24 hours. The "spirit" of the prompt seems to point towards shorter books like novellas though, which I'm a big fan of. It's too late for this year but maybe next year we could have "A book with under 250 pages" for the 25 connection?
I don't know what "A cultural book" means since all people have culture (whether it's white dominant culture or a minority culture, to use the U.S. as an example) and I can't think of any book I wouldn't count. I would prefer it if it were reworded to be more specific, such as a book ABOUT culture, a book about a culture that is not your own, etc.
Overall, I like a lot of these prompts and I wish we had more available slots on the final list!
Edit: pretty much exactly what Alicia said - I'm an overthinker and my OCD literally prevents me from sleeping if I think I cheated on a prompt or misinterpreted it.
https://shepherd.com/bookshelf/court-...Not sure if the link will work but list of books with trials including some non-fiction options
dalex wrote: "Alicia wrote: "Nike wrote: "I haven't got a clue about which novels are having great last lines and I won't vote for it."I think this is one where its best not to really plan for..."
The prompt ..."
I know, and when I looked at the list I found several books that I've read, that I believe was fantastic and still - I had no clue that they have/had great last lines which tells me that this is of no interest to me. Not one bit. Because I don't even remember reacting to the last lines in any of those books.
Ooh good point dalex. I missed the “known” part. I thought it was just “a book with a great last line” so it could be subjective for us. Now I don’t know if I’ll upvote it. Hmmmm
Irene wrote: "The referring to a character prompt is very similar to the one on last year's list (or the year before) of a title that refers to a character without naming them (I forgot how it was worded which i..."Oh, I haven't got OCD But (!) I do feel like I'm morally corrupted if I cheat on a prompt.
The great last line is the only one that I know I’m down voting because it feels like a spoiler (I can’t even look at the list).
Dubhease wrote: "Thomas wrote: "Fine Emily celebrity book club is now a definite down vote for me"I haven't thought through my votes yet (other than loving the two with the 24 connection), but I'm downvoting this..."
Oprah and Reese probably have a whole team of people working on it, but there are others too. There is a book of the month type group with monthly selections from interesting people including Malala, a psychologist, an athlete, and others. I don’t have a link, but I heard about it from someone in this group. You could read a book picked by a library book club in your area (or 1000 miles away if they’re online). Obama has his lists. I would count the TED lists too if that prompt doesn’t get in.
Also, since it says media book club lists, I’d count podcast book clubs and similar ideas since those are forms of media.
I would like to thank Dalex for suggesting the celebrity and media book club prompt! Even if it doesn’t get voted in, while trying to figure out what a media book club is, I found the Doof! Book Club (sponsored by Doof Media). With that name, I had to check it out! I’m definitely going to listen to some of their podcasts and I like their book selections. I think it fits the prompt description. https://www.doofmedia.com/book-club/
Pearl wrote: "There is a book of the month type group with monthly selections from interesting people including Malala, a psychologist, an athlete, and others. I don’t have a link, but I heard about it from someone in this group'..."This sounds like the Literati book clubs group, which ceased to exist less than a year ago, much to my disappointment. Everyone you describe had a club within the group, along with Austin Kleon and Atlas Obscura, whose books I often chose.
Okay so I think there is differences in thinking for the book you can read in 24 hours...so the way I see it there are 2 differnet interpretations:1 - a book you can read within a 24 hour time period - so taking into account you don't actually spend 24 hours reading as we work, sleep, eat, exercise, and do plenty other things in a 24 hour period
or
2 - a book you can read within 24 hours of reading time - so the book may take a week to read, but less than 24 hours of reading time (which surely most books would count for??)
So is #1 the intention of the prompt?
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I’m actually dreading if known to have a great last line gets in but I suppose I could repurpose my WC. Throwing this out there until recently I ran a book club on Facebook does this mean any books my book club did would count if that prompt got in?
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Emily wrote: "No, I'd say celebrity or media means it has to be either hosted by a celebrity (Reese, Oprah) or a media group (Good Housekeeping, GMA)."Then I’m definitely downvoting it. No one tells me what I should read ( except maybe my friends like you guys)
I actually disagree. The intention of the prompt may be a media group/conglomerate, but since it just says media I think it does expand to Facebook, Instagram, podcasts etc. all of those are forms of media.
Mod
As a reminder, only the top two prompts will be available to make the list.
Bec wrote: "Okay so I think there is differences in thinking for the book you can read in 24 hours...so the way I see it there are 2 differnet interpretations:1 - a book you can read within a 24 hour time per..."
I think, either works.
For me when I have this prompt, I have to actually read it all within 24 hours.
Thomas - If the Last Line prompt gets in, I recommend, instead of wild carding it, you try The Land of Laughs by Jonathan Carroll. The ending is a surprise but then the last line is a mind-blower! It’s one of those Wait, what?! moments. I immediately wanted to read another one of his books, partly because of the ending!
What will we do now? I mean after the poll results. Will we not socialise here until next year? I've started to really feel at home with all of you here.
Nike wrote: "What will we do now? I mean after the poll results. Will we not socialise here until next year? I've started to really feel at home with all of you here."Robin has started various threads to keep discussion going when this is done I will go there more
In additional to Robin's weekly question, there is a book discussion thread for each month.
I found another media book club that looks interesting. It has a focus on the intersection of food, politics, and culture. It’s called Real Food Reads (sponsored by Real Food Media) and is a book club and podcast. https://realfoodmedia.org/programs/re...
First impressions (not a great batch for me, unfortunately): 1. A book known to have a great last line - Not a huge fan, mostly because I'd have to pull from a pre-existing list instead of being able to judge for myself if the book fits since it is "known for" and not just in my opinion, although even then, I'd worry about the risk of spoilers
2. A book that is an Audie award winner or nominee (read in any format) - I'm never a fan of this prompt because I feel like the option to read the book in a different format defeats the purpose of the prompt. I get that it makes it more inclusive for people with hearing impairments, but it doesn't make sense to me to read a physical copy of a book based on the fact that it has an award-winning audiobook, if that makes sense.
3. A book involving a wild animal or endangered species, in the content, title, or on the cover - I think I downvoted this both times it was suggested already. I don't think I have much that really fits.
4. A book that helps you reflect or recharge - Not a downvote, but probably wouldn't vote for it either
5. A book that features at least three generations of a family - Same for this one. I'm not really opposed, but I don't see it being something I'd actively want to look for and read
6. A hot book, or a book with a hot topic - Probably an upvote
7. A book title that seemingly refers to one or more characters in the book - I somehow missed this completely while reading the suggestion thread, but I like this. It fits a lot of thrillers that I read.
8. A book connected to one of the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet - I'm not particularly interested, but could possibly be convinced if I had enough options
9. A book you can read in 24 hours - Maybe. I'd probably end up using a graphic novel or children's book. Just not sure I want it strongly enough to vote for it.
10. A book suggested by the phrase “Summertime Blues” - Downvoted this last time because I just really didn't get it, and I'm probably going to downvote again. The options m make it seem like a bit of a "catch-all" kind of prompt
11. A book involving travel - Extremely prompt fatigued with this. I've had so many travel-related prompts ever year.
12. A book featured on a list for a media or celebrity book club - I'm not quite sure what a "media book club" list is but I tend to like Reese Witherspoon's choices, so I might upvote this.
13. A book with a trial or with a legal term in the title - I'm confused about this one. Does it mean either a trial in the book OR a legal term in the title? I originally read it as the trial or another legal term must be in the title, but got confused when looking at the examples listed. I like it either way, but the wording throws me off.
14. A book that takes place in two centuries - Again, a little prompt fatigued about dual timelines in general. I do like that this is a little more limited, but not enough to vote for it.
15. A cultural book - I feel like I don't quite get what this means, despite the examples
Maybe we could have a new discussion thread- The Wild Discussion Off-Season.
Jillian wrote: "Maybe we could have a new discussion thread- The Wild Discussion Off-Season."Yes! 🥂🍾📚🍵📒☕📗🥤📙🍹📘🧃📕🫖📚
Mod
Robin has started various th..."
Yes, everyone is welcome. If you happen to notice there was a conversation from an earlier week that interests you, you can still post and it will theoretically show up as a new comment for people to see it. I say "theoretically" because of the recent problem messing up the read vs unread comments. But I think that's mostly resolved.
I would love to get more ideas for the Weekly Question. Please message me if you have some. I am set up to be able to receive messages from anyone.
Jillian wrote: "Maybe we could have a new discussion thread- The Wild Discussion Off-Season."Yes please! I would selfishly love to be to ask y'all for opinions and thoughts on prompts or books, which I don't think fits into weekly questions threads. Having a single thread for all types of conversations seems like it would be more engaging. I don't see conversations in weekly questions threads unless I'm subscribed to them all.
Thomas wrote: "I’m actually dreading if known to have a great last line gets in but I suppose I could repurpose my WC. Throwing this out there until recently I ran a book club on Facebook does this mean any books..."I'm with you on the last line. It's really a list prompt as it has to be a book 'known' to have a great last line so we would have to pick from a list of books with known great last lines. I think I'm talking in circles here, but I really really dislike this one.
Robin P wrote: "Thomas wrote: "Nike wrote: "What will we do now? I mean after the poll results. Will we not socialise here until next year? I've started to really feel at home with all of you here."Robin has sta..."
I think that all of you moderators of ATY 52 are incredible and you're all doing a fabulous job! I'm so impressed by all of you. And grateful for being a part of this lovely group 💜📚💜
Nike wrote: I think that all of you moderators of ATY 52 are incredible and you're all doing a fabulous job! I'm so impressed by all of you. And grateful for being a part of this lovely group "I agree!
Need a like button!
Initial thoughts (which will probably change!)1. A book known to have a great last line - I've looked at lists of books that are said to fit, and some suggestions I agree with and have already read the book, and with some I don't agree that they have 'great' last lines, and some I skip because it would spoil a book I do want to read. So, all in all, this is a downvote for me.
2. A book that is an Audie award winner or nominee (read in any format) - I feel a bit guilty about not liking this prompt because audio books don't often feature. However, I don't like listening to books - I can never get into them. I know I could read a paper copy, but then it just becomes another 'book that has won an award' prompt. I wouldn't downvote because it is doable, if not in the spirit of the prompt, but I wouldn't upvote.
3. A book involving a wild animal or endangered species, in the content, title, or on the cover . I like this and will upvote.
4. A book that helps you reflect or recharge . I find this one hard to plan for. I've just finished The Things They Carried. I'd just read several 'light' books and it was good to read Tim O'Brien's excellent writing. However, I don't think I would ever have picked a book about the Vietnam war as a refresher. I am hovering between neutral and downvote on this.
5. A book that features at least three generations of a family - Not thrilled by this but not actively opposed. Neutral.
6. A hot book, or a book with a hot topic . I need to think about this one a bit.
7. A book title that seemingly refers to one or more characters in the book . Quite an easy one, doesn't grab me but I wouldn't downvote.
8. A book connected to one of the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet . Can't get inspired by this one at the moment.
9. A book you can read in 24 hours . Neutral or upvote.
10. A book suggested by the phrase “Summertime Blues”
This reminds me a lot of the Jimmy Buffet prompt. There are enough ideas for it that I wouldn't downvote but probably neutral.
11. A book involving travel . Suggested this one, so... I do think it is a very wide prompt, and can be used for many genres, not just travel writing.
12. A book featured on a list for a media or celebrity book club. I want to automatically downvote this one, but unfortunately, having looked at options, there are a lot of books I'd be happy to read, so I might end with upvoting!
13. A book with a trial or with a legal term in the title. Neutral.
14. A book that takes place in two centuries . A dual timeline book, unless I can find a history book that happens to span centuries. I feel a bit prompt fatigued by this one. I might try The Clockmaker's Daughter which would give me a time related book for 24. May upvote.
15. A cultural book . Neutral.
I think as this is probably the last week, that I need more downvotes. I usually vote quickly, but this week needs more thought.
I struggled to cut down my downvotes this week which isn't like me. Fingers crossed for 2 good prompts. The next few days are going to drag by.
Here's how I voted:1. A book known to have a great last line
Downvote – there are so many "great last lines" lists, and they all contain the same books, mostly classics, which by this point I have either read already or am not interested in reading. The way the prompt is phrased, it practically restricts the prompt to those lists, too (as others have pointed out).
2. A book that is an Audie award winner or nominee (read in any format)
Upvote – I have Project Hail Mary ready to go in my Audible ;)
3. A book involving a wild animal or endangered species, in the content, title, or on the cover
no vote
4. A book that helps you reflect or recharge
Downvote – I had a look at that list and there was nothing on my TBR or even on my radar.
5. A book that features at least three generations of a family
no vote
6. A hot book, or a book with a hot topic
no vote
7. A book title that seemingly refers to one or more characters in the book
Upvote – loads of options on my TBR, and I simply enjoy these scavenger hunt-type of prompt.
8. A book connected to one of the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet
Upvote – I like the range of interpretation options with this one.
9. A book you can read in 24 hours
Upvote – for that prompt, I will count a book that I actually DO read in 24 hours, so it's going to be a new release by a favorite author or a re-read of a beloved favorite, so I'm just looking forward to it.
10. A book suggested by the phrase “Summertime Blues”
no vote
11. A book involving travel
Upvote – although there is some prompt fatigue associated with this one, it always works out nicely.
12. A book featured on a list for a media or celebrity book club
Downvote – Popsugar had it this year, and we've also had it before.
13. A book with a trial or with a legal term in the title
Upvote – this is going to be fun to find.
14. A book that takes place in two centuries
no vote
15. A cultural book
no vote
This week I feel more strongly about my downvotes than I do my upvotes so I’m downvoting eight. A book title that seemingly refers to one or more characters in the book
The word “seemingly” confuses me. If this had been worded “a book with a title that refers to a character in the book, either directly or indirectly” it probably would have been an upvote.
A book you can read in 24 hours
If this had been worded as “a novella” or “a book with less than 200 pages” or something like that it would not have been a downvote. But worded like this it doesn’t make sense to me. 50 pages read per hour times 24 hours equals 1,200 pages.
A book known to have a great last line
One, I don’t want to pick a classic from a list about great last lines. Two, I don’t want to know the last line of a book I haven’t read.
A book connected to one of the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet
Just … why? It feels completely random. Plus, we already have the Mediterranean prompt. And X represents the Greek letter ‘chi’ so you can use a book connected to Greece for the “connected to X” prompt.
A hot book, or a book with a hot topic
This feels like a pointless attempt to have a matched pair for the “chilling atmosphere” prompt.
A book suggested by the phrase “Summertime Blues”
For whatever reason this doesn’t inspire me. (Maybe because I love summer. Maybe because I dislike the song.) And I feel like it’s been suggested ten times (though in actuality it’s probably only the second time).
A book involving a wild animal or endangered species
I’m probably over influenced by the Wild Discussion about this and the passionate comments about environmental horrors. It feels like pushing an agenda more so than a reading prompt. If it had been revised to animal or beast (without the endangered part) I might feel differently.
A book that takes place in two centuries
I love dual narratives but the ones I’ve read and that I have on my TBR List are almost all separated by decades not centuries.
I can’t believe it’s (almost certainly) the last poll! 5 upvotes, 3 downvotes.Upvotes:
4. A book that helps you reflect or recharge - I need a bit of time to reflect and recharge lately! This just seems like a really nice prompt, it makes me smile and I like the flexibility.
6. A hot book, or a book with a hot topic - I like the wording here, and the flexibility. I could read a book set in a hot place, or I could read a book with a current news issue. Very exciting options.
7. A book title that seemingly refers to one or more characters in the book - I upvoted this the last time it came up, and still like it now. As a romance reader I have a lot of options here.
8. A book connected to one of the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet - I did Classics at university, so I am definitely predisposed to this prompt. I think you could get really creative with this!
9. A book you can read in 24 hours - I like the challenge, I suppose! I’ll probably read a novella for this, but I could also fit in a binge read romance novel.
Downvotes:
1. A book known to have a great last line
2. A book that is an Audie award winner or nominee (read in any format)
12. A book featured on a list for a media or celebrity book club
If celebrity or media gets in I will stretch it and use something recommended by Modern Mrs Darcy
Oh girl, I did use my downvotes.1. A book known to have a great last line - down. The Great Gatsby is on my all-time favorites list, too, but I don't need a prompt to get me to reread it.
2. A book that is an Audie award winner or nominee (read in any format) - no vote
3. A book involving a wild animal or endangered species, in the content, title, or on the cover - up. I like animals.
4. A book that helps you reflect or recharge - no vote
5. A book that features at least three generations of a family - down. Pretty rare in certain genres. Particularly genres I read a lot of.
6. A hot book, or a book with a hot topic - up. A good counter-prompt to our Chilling Atmosphere one.
7. A book title that seemingly refers to one or more characters in the book - no vote
8. A book connected to one of the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet - down. Seems too constrictive.
9. A book you can read in 24 hours - no vote (I read fast and almost any book can be read in 24 hours if I'm really dedicated)
10. A book suggested by the phrase “Summertime Blues” - no vote
11. A book involving travel - no vote
12. A book featured on a list for a media or celebrity book club - no vote
13. A book with a trial or with a legal term in the title - down. Again, rare in a lot of genres and I don't like legal thrillers.
14. A book that takes place in two centuries - down. Just not vibing with this one.
15. A cultural book - down. I think this is just a bit too vague. I'm sure I could find something on my shelves that would fit, though. If it does get in.
Emily wrote: "It's now time to get ready to vote for our next set of prompts! The thread will be open for at least 24 hours before the poll gets posted. This is a good opportunity to ask any question you may hav..."It's exciting coming down to the end. If there is a tie for second place, can the mods break the tie? You deserve some perks for all the long hours of work you do for us.
Amanda wrote: "A book with a trial or with a legal term in the title - down. Again, rare in a lot of genres and I don't like legal thrillers."You absolutely do not have to read a legal thriller. "Legal term in the title" can be found in pretty much all genres.
Just a few examples I found on my list of possible reads for next year:
The Reckless Oath We Made by Bryn Greenwood (literary fiction)
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich (literary fiction)
The Trials of Koli by M.R. Carey (sci-fi)
Trust by Hernan Diaz (historical fiction)
The Dragon's Promise by Elizabeth Lim (fantasy)
Transcription by Kate Atkinson (historical fiction)
Katie wrote: "Emily wrote: "It's now time to get ready to vote for our next set of prompts! The thread will be open for at least 24 hours before the poll gets posted. This is a good opportunity to ask any questi..."Seems fair to me I often wonder whether we should have a mods pick prompt
dalex wrote: "Alicia wrote: "Nike wrote: "I haven't got a clue about which novels are having great last lines and I won't vote for it."I think this is one where its best not to really plan for..."
The prompt ..."
There is a list which might help you to decide. I read most of them and there is only one I might want to read. I never notice last lines so this is a downvote for me.
Around the Year in 52 Books
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The Island of Sea Women (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jenny Lawson (other topics)Ben H. Winters (other topics)
Louise Erdrich (other topics)
Hernan Diaz (other topics)
M.R. Carey (other topics)
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Agreed with Pam. Go with what you normally do! I just wanted to encourage people to not change their voting habits just because there's a max of two prompts available.