Play Book Tag discussion
2025 Activities and Challenges
>
Play Harder General Discussion
Lyn wrote: "Joy D wrote: "There are lots of non-fiction WWII books with battleships on the cover. One I gave 5 stars is:[bookcover:In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Stor..."
@Lyn - based on one of the reads you did in History Walk, this looks like a 'Lyn' read!
Theresa wrote: "Lyn wrote: "Joy D wrote: "There are lots of non-fiction WWII books with battleships on the cover. One I gave 5 stars is:[bookcover:In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extrao..."
It absolutely does!
I have several good choices for battleships from my 'Past Times in Good Company' shelf:Nicholas Monsarrat - The Cruel Sea
Herman Wouk - Caine Mutiny, The [one of the alternative covers]
Alistair MacLean - HMS Ulysses
Douglas Reeman - most of his books, but in particular: Battlecruiser ; Torpedo Run ; Rendezvous - South Atlantic ; Killing Ground ;
If you want to include the age of sail battleships, you can't go wrong with C S Forester and Patrick O'Brian. Excellent covers for both series [Horation Hornblower and Aubrey/Maturin]
The Alistair MacLean is one of his books I have not read! Will need to keep it in mind. I read his thrillers as a young teen and have continued to like them - with some re-reads over the years.
Theresa wrote: "The Alistair MacLean is one of his books I have not read! Will need to keep it in mind. I read his thrillers as a young teen and have continued to like them - with some re-reads over the years."It's his very first book and it is basically non-fiction, a journal of his period working on the Murmansk convoys.
Algernon (Darth Anyan) wrote: "Theresa wrote: "The Alistair MacLean is one of his books I have not read! Will need to keep it in mind. I read his thrillers as a young teen and have continued to like them - with some re-reads ove..."Even more interesting.
I need some help on one of my latest prompts:- Read a book where a character makes or serves something chocolate
Now you all know I am not a "cozy" type reader (nor am I a reader of cookbooks), so I'm looking for something else. I have already read Like Water for Chocolate and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Suggestions?
Chocolat by Joanne Harris? You probably already read this, I just wanted to say that I think the book is better than the movie adaptation
I put this one in as a prompt - and it literally just has to be a book where a character - and it can just be a secondary or cameo character - makes or serves something chocolate. Historical fiction of all kinds set in England and France have cups of chocolate being served at breakfast to the women of the house or at tea time to children. That's so common as to be easily not noticed. A book that has a baker - professional or just a mom - will have mention of a Mom baking or serving something with chocolate - even if only chocolate chip cookies. Obviously it is easier to just read a book with a chocolate baking theme rather than rely on coming across someone being served a chocolate something or making a chocolate something. While mysteries and romances are most common, there are others.
A book which also fits The Compass September mini-challenge if it works for you is The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop by Kate Saunders - Middle Grade story of a magical house and shop and children caught in an adventure relating to it. Very reminiscent of Harry Potter but much lighter. I gave it 5 stars and was totally charmed. Has a talking cat and a ghostly elephant, quirky characters.
Clementine in the Kitchen: Modern Library Foods - a memoir about a family's french cook during 1930s France and Marblehead, MA.
Lessons in Chemistry - this is a contemporary novel, not chick lit. I was inspired to read it when a group of jesuit priests were talking about it over dinner.
Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table
Books about Julia Child and her life or her influence like Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen.
When I got this prompt in my second list, I used an historical mystery Death in Saratoga Springs - a character was served a cup of chocolate.
I have to suggest the chocolate historical mystery series by Andrea Penrose - first is Sweet Revenge - history of chocolate and chocolate as a commodity is the background in Regency England -- and MC is a cook. The chocolate information was fabulous.
One thing I considered but ended up not needing to do was to borrow the book in ebook from the library and do a quick search for 'chocolate' in the book to see context - if didn't work and I wasn't going to read it right away, I would return it. I've done that with other prompts here and in PS or ATY. I do it even when I own a paper copy of the book!
A book on my TBR that I have yet to read - The Parrot Talks In Chocolate - quirky Also, chocolate is a key commodity and ingredient in Mexico so books set in Mexico usually include someone making or serving Mexican chocolate or mole.
Thanks for all the suggestions, Theresa. You certainly would have a better chance of "accidentally" stumbling on a chocolate reference than I would since you read mysteries and cozies. Algernon, I'll consider Chocolat, but am a little concerned by the book's description as being related to "sensuality" which generally means sexual content.
Joy D wrote: "Thanks for all the suggestions, Theresa. You certainly would have a better chance of "accidentally" stumbling on a chocolate reference than I would since you read mysteries and cozies. Algernon, ..."
I don't remember any explicit scenes, but there are some frank discussions. It's more a morality play with some magic realism inserts. I read it a long time ago.
Joy D wrote: "Thanks for all the suggestions, Theresa. You certainly would have a better chance of "accidentally" stumbling on a chocolate reference than I would since you read mysteries and cozies. Algernon, ..."
I also read a lot of books - especially memoirs - around food or fiction where there is a character that's a baker -- there was for example, an HF set during WWII in France with a woman who baked bread and used the deliveries as way to pass information.
BTW, I don't remember any explicit scenes in Chocolat. I too read it a long time ago - long before the movie.
Joy D wrote: "Thanks for all the suggestions, Theresa. You certainly would have a better chance of "accidentally" stumbling on a chocolate reference than I would since you read mysteries and cozies. Algernon, ..."
Joy, if you plan to read any WWII , the soldiers are always passing out chocolate.
Joanne wrote: "Joy, if you plan to read any WWII , the soldiers are always passing out chocolate...."Good idea!
Theresa wrote: "I also read a lot of books - especially memoirs - around food or fiction where there is a character that's a baker -- there was for example, an HF set during WWII in France with a woman who baked bread and used the deliveries as way to pass information...."There may be more instances of serving chocolate in the books I've read, but I just don't remember since I wasn't specifically looking for them.
Algernon (Darth Anyan) wrote: "I don't remember any explicit scenes, but there are some frank discussions. It's more a morality play with some magic realism inserts. I read it a long time ago.." Thanks! I'll keep in on the list.
Algernon (Darth Anyan) wrote: "Chocolat by Joanne Harris? You probably already read this, I just wanted to say that I think the book is better than the movie adaptation"This was also going to be my suggestion!
Joy D wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Joy, if you plan to read any WWII , the soldiers are always passing out chocolate...."Good idea!"
Just minutes after I read JoAnne's post, I picked up one of the books I am reading, Beautiful Ruins, to a chapter of a book written by one of the characters telling of his experiences in Italy in WWII, and handing out chocolate to a local.
True!
I just read Beautiful Ruins and loved it! Just goes to show I read more about chocolate than I recall. I have to be keeping an eye out for it.
Joy D wrote: "I just read Beautiful Ruins and loved it! Just goes to show I read more about chocolate than I recall. I have to be keeping an eye out for it."LOL.
So far , I am loving it too.
Joy D wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Joy, if you plan to read any WWII , the soldiers are always passing out chocolate...."Good idea!"
Great suggestion, Joanne ...
Miracle at St. Anna by James McBride has many references to chocolate. WW2 story set mostly in Italy.
Or Mary Doria Russell's A Thread of Grace (again, WW2 set in Italy)
I've read A Thread of Grace, but will put Miracle at St Anna on my list. Thanks!
Theresa wrote: "Joy D wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Joy, if you plan to read any WWII , the soldiers are always passing out chocolate...."Good idea!"
Just minutes after I read JoAnne's post, I picked up one of the boo..."
I knew I read something about a soldier with chocolate this year, but I couldn’t remember where. I loved it too. I was skeptical at one point but it won me over.
Of course, since we are talking about it, even the middle grade book I picked up to read for a PH prompt, as well as a book for The Compass, have chocolate bars given to children to eat mentioned. It's popping up all over, LOL.
In my most recent list, I received this challenge:1. Read a book with a hair color in the title.
My take is that red, black, brown or blonde can be in the title but doesn't have to refer to hair, is that correct.
As The Red Tent or Where the Red Fern Grows.
Is this correct?
Booknblues wrote: "In my most recent list, I received this challenge:1. Read a book with a hair color in the title.
My take is that red, black, brown or blonde can be in the title but doesn't have to refer to hair,..."
I think it is ok.
'Blonde' as a keyword would offer lot of options, in particular in the thriller and pulp categories
Booknblues wrote: "In my most recent list, I received this challenge:1. Read a book with a hair color in the title.
My take is that red, black, brown or blonde can be in the title but doesn't have to refer to hair,..."
That was my impression of it.
Robin P wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "In my most recent list, I received this challenge:1. Read a book with a hair color in the title.
My take is that red, black, brown or blonde can be in the title but doesn't hav..."
My impression as well. I also think you can include grey as a 'hair color'.
I thought I had an easy third list, but it turns out I'm a fish out of water when it comes to 'fashion. Scruffy and unkempt is how my kindest friends would probably describe me. So, any suggestions for : A book set in the fashion industry are welcome.I could also use a few examples of what is acceptable for an adverb in a title: colours? best? likely? always? never? etc
I was thinking, for example of James Hadley Chase - There's Always a Price Tag
thank you
Theresa wrote: "Robin P wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "In my most recent list, I received this challenge:1. Read a book with a hair color in the title.
My take is that red, black, brown or blonde can be in the title..."
or white - that is my current color!
Algernon (Darth Anyan) wrote: "I thought I had an easy third list, but it turns out I'm a fish out of water when it comes to 'fashion. Scruffy and unkempt is how my kindest friends would probably describe me. So, any suggestions..."always is fine
Not sure if this is the fashion industry but women's clothing in a department store features in the short and fun The Women in Black. There's also The Gown about the making of Queen Elizabeth II's bridal gown. There are some books about Coco Chanel that include more than just fashion.
Books about Designers like Coco Chanel, Versace, others of note - Versace and Dior: A Hood Love Story comes to mind. Historical fiction like:
A Dress of Violet Taffeta - enjoyable and based on one of the first british woman to establish a couture house in London.
The Time in Between - fab book - lead up to WWII Spain and Morocco
Peacock & Vine: On William Morris and Mariano Fortuny by A.S. Byatt - a perfect jewel of a book.
Ones I haven't read yet:
The Gown
The Dressmakers of London
The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard
The Seamstress
This might have been one of my suggested prompts - I have a shelf for needlework and textiles. If no one else claims it with differing advice, I'd include cozy mysteries with fashion settings like a vintage shop with a paranormal link. Here's my shelf which is broader than just fashion: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Robin P wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Robin P wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "In my most recent list, I received this challenge:1. Read a book with a hair color in the title.
My take is that red, black, brown or blonde can..."
And there is always gray.
Theresa wrote: "How could I forget The Women in Black? I would count that."
That works for either fashion or hair color, but I've already read it. :)
I have read great historical fiction on both Coco Chanel and Estee Lauder. Also there is a Beautiful Rival, but I actually tossed that one. My favorite dressmaker book is by Barbara Davis, and its so beautifully done. I adored it and so has everyone I recommended it to. I am struggling to recall the title.... It will come to me.
It's good to have choices, so a big than you from me from the titles. Several of them look appealing, right now The Women in Black would win, but I would search for more.Actually, the book I am reading right now has an interior decorator as one of the lead characters, so I guess I could settle for it, since I am also loving it: How It All Began
I would also count The Women in Black, and it is a quick easy read, I think you would at least enjoy it a little. Out of my box and I loved it
Algernon (Darth Anyan) wrote: "I thought I had an easy third list, but it turns out I'm a fish out of water when it comes to 'fashion. Scruffy and unkempt is how my kindest friends would probably describe me. So, any suggestions..."I think you might enjoy The Time in Between by María Dueñas. Historical fiction set during the Spanish Civil War and WW2.
Here is my final list of the year (maybe). I have plenty of time and no pressure. ( I’m taking one day at a time right now, and today is a good day.) Of course I would love to hear suggestions if you think of any. 1. Read a book with a title (including subtitle) that contains all the letters of HARDER in any order. — Should be easy with a long nonfiction title.
4. A book tagged "speculative" or "speculative fiction" — this is a gimme this month!
5. Read a book written by an author whose initials are sequential. eg: Amy Brown, Quinn Russell - should be easy
🔹6. Read a book that is a mystery but not a thriller - Rules???
7. A book in which the main character is a bartender, barista, or baker - (I’m not in the mood for a cozy, yet.) Sci-fi, lit fic, or Irish.?
♦️8. A book in which one of the characters is a real historical person - Could this be a person who is currently living? Suggestions?
9. Read a middle grade classic book - @ Fran would that wild robot book work ?
10. The book's title contains a word with the prefix "un"
11. Read a book set in December
I have three animal books.
🔸2. A book with a common farm animal in the title -I’m leaning toward bees or babe the pig (I found 1 that’s long enough). Or something else?
3. A book with one or more horses on the cover - I may need suggestions I know there are lists (but I’m not in the mood for cowboy smut atm)
12. Read a book that features a bear in the title, content, or on the cover. We have bears in the suburbs! I would like to read a serious book about their habitat problems, maybe with a focus on conservation, or national parks. Otherwise is there a CJBox book with bears?
🔸I thought Farm animal in the title might be the hardest one. But then I thought of Babe the Pig. There is a book by the author that is >150 pages, if I can find it. My second idea was bees. I asked AI if bees could be considered farm animals.
Yes, honeybees are considered farm animals, or livestock, in the United States because they are domesticated and raised for agricultural purposes like honey production and pollination. Government agencies, including the USDA, classify them as livestock due to their role in food production, and many states recognize beekeeping as an agricultural activity for tax and regulatory purposes. ….
♦️I am really looking forward to this one. Does “ historical person “ exclude a famous person who is still alive? Suggestions? If possible
I’d like to link it with one of the flurries Themes - war, Indigenous, Election Day, Veterans Day, what else? Suggestions are very welcome.
🔹6. Read a book that is a mystery but not a thriller - Rules??? Does anyone have guidelines for this one? Do I have to verify that the book has NO (or <5) thriller tags? Are books with any mystery-thriller tags disqualified? (Some people always lump them together. Or can I focus on Main page genres?
NancyJ wrote: "Here is my final list of the year (maybe). I have plenty of time and no pressure. ( I’m taking one day at a time right now, and today is a good day.) Of course I would love to hear suggestions if y..."I really enjoyed reading Silk Route Adventure: On Horseback in the Heart of Asia this year.
Have you read Perestroika in Paris?
Here is my animals shelf:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
A cozy is a good choice for one that is not a thriller
You might enjoy this one set close to you, Mayhem & Mass, but here is my cozy shelf and many have farm animals
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
NancyJ wrote: "🔹6. Read a book that is a mystery but not a thriller - Rules??? Does anyone have guidelines for this one? Do I have to verify that the book has NO (or <5) thriller tags? Are books with any mystery..."
I would just say some kind of cozy, sometimes there 's a theft rather than a murder, maybe a humorous mystery. I don't think you have to use GR tags to justify it.
Farm animals reminds me of Three Bags Full, where sheep solve a mystery.
NancyJ wrote: "Here is my final list of the year (maybe). I have plenty of time and no pressure. ( I’m taking one day at a time right now, and today is a good day.) Of course I would love to hear suggestions if y..."For 8. A book in which one of the characters is a real historical person - I would suggest The Journey of Crazy Horse: A Lakota History. I really liked it, and it would link with flurries because of the indigenous theme.
Mystery not a thriller - cozy is a place to start, also Golden Age Classics - think Agatha Christie, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Dorothy Sayers. For me, it's basically where focus is on solving the crime puzzle not on the MC facing life or death chasing a criminal. Not a lot of high action, chases, gun battles. I would consider the Marlow or Murder Club series as mysteries, not thrillers.
I have a cozy mystery shelf - it is quite varied.
Robin P wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "🔹6. Read a book that is a mystery but not a thriller - Rules??? Does anyone have guidelines for this one? Do I have to verify that the book has NO (or
I would just say some kind o..."
I keep eyeing that one. If the word sheep was in the title, it would work.
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
Grizzly Years: In Search of the American Wilderness (other topics)The Great White Bear: A Natural and Unnatural History of the Polar Bear (other topics)
Riders of the Purple Sage (other topics)
Memoirs of a Polar Bear (other topics)
The Bear (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Elizabeth Marie Pope (other topics)Patricia Van Tighem (other topics)
Marie Benedict (other topics)
Marge Piercy (other topics)
Pete Dexter (other topics)
More...
[bookcover:In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Stor..."
This sounds familiar. I wonder if we have it. My husband loves these books.