Play Book Tag discussion
December 2023: Holiday
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Announcing the Tag for December
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I just saw that one come in. If it wasn’t holiday, I would have said, I didn’t hear that - La La La! Anyway, I have a bunch of winter books I’m excited to read. The women in black, recipe for Hope, bright winter lights, the toy makers, the no-show. Well that’s at least five of them. There may be one or two more on my list. Very excited.
So many choices. I think I'll just troll my library's shelves.
So excited for this one! The cheesier/ fluffier the better!
Thank goodness, I doubt many people are disappointed. And if Holiday was suggested by one of us, thank you!!I'll be reading
Lady Osbaldestone's Christmas Goose
Up on the Woof Top
A Christmas Carol (I read it almost every year)
Carla Kelly's Christmas Collection
maybe some more Regencies with Christmas themes
I have quite a few (too many) already lined up for this month, so it works out well for me:Rest You Merry
A Friend Called Alfie
The Women in Black
The Secret of Snow
The Christmas Guest
False Play At The Christmas Party: A Jack Sullivan mystery
Dachshund Through the Snow
A Cajun Christmas Killing
I realized that I have 9 Christmas books... plus an errant Thanksgiving book. I know that I will start with:Wreck the Halls
The Christmas Wager
Winter Wishes
Slashing Through the Snow
Mistletoe and Mr. Right
Yay - Holiday! Looking forward to some fun books!
I have NO SHORTAGE of holiday reads. Might just close my eyes and grab or point. I do have a Christmas shelf after all. Oh and a Thanksgiving shelf too. I do a lot of holiday reading starting now.... though this year I'm doing more non-holiday reading at the moment.
I do want to recommend a very specific audio reading of A Christmas Carol to all -- the one by Patrick Stewart. He actually did this for years (may still in UK) as a one man show. I got to see it and it was so enjoyable that when I saw on Audible that he had recorded it ... well, it's now in my very tiny audible library!
A Christmas Carol
I have one Christmas-y one, and one non-Christmas-y (I think it's a summer holiday), both already picked out for other challenges: Santa 365 / Spencer Quinn
Blue Heron / Avi
I have three orderdA Cowboy for Christmas
Ladies in Black
The True Story of the Christmas Truce: British and German Eyewitness Accounts from World War I
Well .... normally I would have planned my holiday reading well in advance - which is necessary because many of my books set during the holidays are in a series, so I have to read "up to" that book. (God forbid I should read out of order!) But this year my life has been very higgilty piggelty .... and still is. Almost all of my physical TBR books (well over a thousand books) is still packed in boxes in the basement.
So ... I'm going to go for the Christmas themed books on my Nook/Kindle apps. The two books that I plan to read are:
Christmas Bells by Jennifer Chiaverini
and
The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado
And if I make if past those two, I have plenty of fluffy Christmas freebies that I have received in the past from Nook/Kindle :-). Those are always hit or miss, but sometimes they are gems!
Theresa wrote: "I have NO SHORTAGE of holiday reads. Might just close my eyes and grab or point. I do have a Christmas shelf after all. Oh and a Thanksgiving shelf too. I do a lot of holiday reading starting now..."
Thank you for the recommendation on Patrick Stewart's reading of A Christmas Carol. This may just be the one I read for the holidays. As you know, I'm not a fan of "light and fluffy" but don't call me Scrooge haha!
It dawns on me that "holiday" is the term used in British English for what we Americans call "vacation." So any book where the characters take a holiday / vacay would also work.One of my favorites in this interpretation of the tag:
The Enchanted April
To round out my personal challenge to read a short story collection every month AND to kick start my 2024 challenge to read a biography or memoir each month, I came across this wild-looking book: You Better Not Cry: Stories for Christmas by Augusten Burroughs.I've enjoyed his other work, most of which is autobiographical and usually a mix of humor and WTF.
But I have to confess it was very inappropriate cover that drew me in as I scrolled through the Holidays tag:
threw as many points as I could at Vietnam LOL
Nicole D. wrote: "threw as many points as I could at Vietnam LOL"I wish that had worked personally, lol.
Sue wrote: "To round out my personal challenge to read a short story collection every month AND to kick start my 2024 challenge to read a biography or memoir each month, I came across this wild-looking book: [..."That's pretty tempting lol . . .it looks fun, and I like short stories.
Yes, I saw this one coming as well! Books I am planning to read, in no particular order (light reading, some may be cheesy), but there may be others, of course.Up on the Woof Top (Chet and Bernie, and there are reindeer involved...)
You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh
The Big Book of Christmas Mysteries
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn
I felt confident this tag would win. I have lots to choose from so I'll see what I'm in the mood for next month.
Olivermagnus wrote: "I felt confident this tag would win. I have lots to choose from so I'll see what I'm in the mood for next month."I have the Big Book of Christmas Mysteries too, but I'm not sure I'll get through it in a month.
Sue wrote: "To round out my personal challenge to read a short story collection every month AND to kick start my 2024 challenge to read a biography or memoir each month, I came across this wild-looking book: BAD Santa! Lol
I’m trying to remember if I liked Running with Scissors. It might be just the thing to read after a bunch of super sweet Christmas cookies.
I should look back at your other short stories. I really loved Sooner or Later Everything Falls Into the Sea
I’m really in the mood for something heart warming, especially because we had to cancel our Thanksgiving plans because of Covid. All the books sound alike at the moment (with Christmas in the title). Maybe something will stand out when I’m feeling better.
My favorite pairing was A Christmas Carol with Mr. Dickens and His Carol.
NancyJ wrote: "BAD Santa! LolI’m trying to remember if I liked Running with Scissors. It might be just the thing to read after a bunch of super sweet Christmas cookies.
I should look back at your other short stories. I really loved Sooner or Later Everything Falls Into the Sea."
Something to balance out Christmas cookies is exactly what I had in mind! I'm planning to read some light-hearted Christmas romances and I may need a break from all the books with guaranteed happy endings.
I'm so glad you enjoyed Sooner or Later Everything Falls into the Sea! A solid 5-star book for me.
And so sorry to hear you had to cancel your Thanksgiving plans. What a disappointment. Hopefully you'll still have a great dinner on Thursday!
Book Concierge wrote: "It dawns on me that "holiday" is the term used in British English for what we Americans call "vacation." So any book where the characters take a holiday / vacay would also work.One of my favorite..."
Not only is that an excellent point, it's an excellent recommendation!
The movie adaptation is special too.
Book Concierge wrote: "It dawns on me that "holiday" is the term used in British English for what we Americans call "vacation." So any book where the characters take a holiday / vacay would also work...."Yup! That's where my "Blue Heron" comes in. I think it's a summer holiday. (I use the words "vacation" and "holiday" interchangeably, really.)
(To be honest, though, I hadn't realized it was a US/British difference!)
Anita wrote: "Nicole D. wrote: "threw as many points as I could at Vietnam LOL"I wish that had worked personally, lol."
I had more books for Vietnam than holiday, for sure!
I don't have many at all and nor have I read many apparently but at least it is not miserable or hard work to read.....If i can't get going then there is always pretty much every Antarctic expedition ever Since the only time to get there (through sea ice) is our summer/Christmas. They all tend to have some sort of odd Christmas celebration in their stories.
Plus travel books can be about holidays so, I'm sure I can find something.
Jen wrote: "I don't have many at all and nor have I read many apparently but at least it is not miserable or hard work to read.....If i can't get going then there is always pretty much every Antarctic expedi..."
I didn’t think about travel books. Thanks! I need the variety if I’m going to meet my 5 book goal. Though maybe I should restate my goal as an “average” of 5 tag books per month rather than 5 every month. I averaged 10 a month so far this year, and i could use a break from planning.
NancyJ wrote: "Jen wrote: "I don't have many at all and nor have I read many apparently but at least it is not miserable or hard work to read.....If i can't get going then there is always pretty much every Anta..."
I can start reading again in about a week. Looking forward to it. Got over 250 psych exams, 150 chemistry exams and 60 sci studies projects to mark plus 6 chem papers for the academy of science to review to send to the USA for ISEF. plus 22 schools to moderate the teacher marked assessment tasks for the year in bio, chem and psych.
Reading nothing but science atm. Yay for Christmas or travel.
Jen wrote: "I can start reading again in about a week. Looking forward to it. Got over 250 psych exams, 150 chemistry exams and 60 sci studies projects to mark plus 6 chem papers for the academy of science to review to send to the USA for ISEF. plus 22 schools to moderate the teacher marked assessment tasks for the year in bio, chem and psych"Wow, that is a lot of marking to do! I hope you have fun things to read over your summer.
Now I have "Six White Boomers" running through my head.
Ugh Jen! Good job a flexible reading tag is on the horizon. And summer sunshine for both of us, yay!! Marking is something I don’t miss in the slightest from my academic years. The worst I ever had was 700 scripts across four different law subjects to turn around in three weeks. I think I slept for a week afterwards!
KateNZ wrote: "Ugh Jen! Good job a flexible reading tag is on the horizon. And summer sunshine for both of us, yay!! Marking is something I don’t miss in the slightest from my academic years. The worst I ever h..."
feel like death today and think i may have lost to Covid going round school atm. How do i escape until now then get it?
Oh Jen! I hope it is not Covid! Fell better, and rest that body!
Would like to read something that is not Christmas related. Anyone have suggestions for books for any other holiday?
Shelly wrote: "Would like to read something that is not Christmas related. Anyone have suggestions for books for any other holiday?"The Enchanted April is about a month-long holiday (as in the English term for vacation) spent in Italy. I really enjoyed it when I read it earlier this year.
Joanne wrote: "Oh Jen! I hope it is not Covid! Fell better, and rest that body!"Thank you! If it was I killed it before it took hold and didn't test positive so was back at work next day. Probably just stress and exhaustion trying to do 8 jobs and having no internet at home for a week and a half at the worst time of year. The Rona is doing the rounds of school again which always worries me as I keep expecting it will be my turn but so far my immune system has done its job. I did get lucky there for sure. My sister got the looks, the brains and the sporting ability but I got the killer immune system.
Jen wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Oh Jen! I hope it is not Covid! Fell better, and rest that body!"Thank you! If it was I killed it before it took hold and didn't test positive so was back at work next day. Probabl..."
That’s good news. I lucked out too. My sister had a bad case of Covid, and we spent a few days together just before she tested positive. We wore masks when she started feeling bad. I feel mildly sick, but my test was negative. I’ll test again tomorrow just in case.
Shelly wrote: "Would like to read something that is not Christmas related. Anyone have suggestions for books for any other holiday?"Unlikely Animals - I’m going to be reading this lit fic. It begins when a student goes home for Thanksgiving. I don’t know if they celebrate Christmas too, but it definitely isn’t “about” Christmas.
The Matzah Ball - I think Amy read this last year
New Year’s Eve
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
Rules of Civility
Bridget Jones's Diary - I think the second book is about a ski holiday.
When Harry Met Sally - there is a great New Year’s Eve scene in the film, so maybe it’s in the play too. (We watched it last night)
More New Year’s books-
https://www.beyondthebookends.com/9-n...
India books
A Holly Jolly Diwali - it has Christmas tags, but the description is all about India and Diwali.
The Bandit Queens - Diwali
Midnight's Children - begins on India’s Independence Day. It’s heavier than I want to read right now, but it’s not a romcom.
In a Holidaze is about joint family ski holiday. It’s called their Xmas trip, but I only remember the time travel plot that felt a lot like Groundhog Day to me.
Also look at the flurries discussions for books about Thanksgiving
Or Halloween. Or google adult books about _____ - any holiday you like
Honestly I think a lot of summer vacation and travel books would be fine too. I think we can be really flexible about this one.
Jen wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Oh Jen! I hope it is not Covid! Fell better, and rest that body!"Thank you! If it was I killed it before it took hold and didn't test positive so was back at work next day. Probabl..."
Good to hear it was not Covid-but do not sell yourself short-there has to be a brain in there for all the sciences you are involved in!! ;)
Shelly wrote: "Would like to read something that is not Christmas related. Anyone have suggestions for books for any other holiday?"Dia de Los Muertos celebration is key in The Butterfly's Daughter by Mary Alice Monroe (though it's really at the end of the novel).
And Lee Harris writes a mystery series starring former nun (now crime investigator) Christine Bennett. The first is The Good Friday Murder.
NancyJ wrote: "Jen wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Oh Jen! I hope it is not Covid! Fell better, and rest that body!"Thank you! If it was I killed it before it took hold and didn't test positive so was back at work next ..."
I'm around 1500 people most of whom are teens with no personal space boundaries so I can't believe I've avoided all strains or killed them without a positive test. Suspect I may be one of those with the mutated membrane proteins since I've never had flu either. I guess it is a good way to be a mutant.
At Double Nickels this month, I also have never had the flu in my life! Also have a very strong immunity. I did get Covid once on New Years Day last year. I had one tough night followed by plenty of walks outside. It was a mini vacation.
Does anyone recall reading India books (for adults) that include a celebration of Diwali or another holiday? So far I have The Bandit Queens
A Holly Jolly Diwali
Is anyone interested in reading the Chosen and the Beautiful with me? It doesn’t match the tag or anything, it’s just that since the swapping number of us seemed to be interested and I’m getting around to it this month.
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
The Matzah Ball (other topics)The Bandit Queens (other topics)
A Holly Jolly Diwali (other topics)
The Bandit Queens (other topics)
The Good Friday Murder (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Mary Alice Monroe (other topics)Lee Harris (other topics)
Rachel Cohn (other topics)
Toni Shiloh (other topics)
As anticipated, the tag is:
holiday
Please share your reading plans and recommendations below.
Remember, for the regular monthly reads, the book can be shelved as "holiday" on Goodreads, or be a book that is not yet shelved that way but you feel should be.
One way to find books to read for this tag is to please visit:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
We encourage people to link to additional lists below if they find them.
Happy Reading!!!