Play Book Tag discussion
2025 Activities and Challenges
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Conversations at The Compass
Jen wrote: "Thanks Nancy. It's not so much about not being able to find something interesting as I am sure there are lots I can try. Just not sure I want to add something new versus working through the lists o..."Waiting a week to re-spin doesn’t use up a free ticket, so it makes the most sense if you’re working on other books. You don’t have to decide right away in any case.
Jen wrote: "Well hrm. South wasn't really what I was hoping for since that's basically Antarctica for me at this point. I'm sure I could find something from my library, just need to decide if I want to, or if ..."i do not see anywhere it says we can wait a week for another spin. And yet this is the 2nd or third time I have seen this. What am i missing?
Joanne, I have done this. It is allowed. If you don't like the direction you're given, you can wait a week and ask for a new one, hoping that it will be better.
Joanne wrote: "Jen wrote: "Well hrm. South wasn't really what I was hoping for since that's basically Antarctica for me at this point. I'm sure I could find something from my library, just need to decide if I wan..."While it doesn't say that you can do that in the rules, it is permissible to do so.
If you receive an unfortunate spin, you may wait a week and request another spin.
Going East from Australia, it looks like most of South America could fit (except for the far south and far north). Can anyone recommend a summery book in South America? I liked Cantoras and The Gods of Tango. I might need a break from politics and civil war, so I could go for something more personal, romantic or funny.Possibilities so far..
The Seven Sisters. - own
Exile Music,
What the River Knows,
The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao
The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts
The Spanish Daughter
The Seamstress
Allende…
Here are some possibilities for you, Nancy:The Bird Hotel
Hotel Cuba
Chilean Poet
Violeta
You can find my reviews of these books (as well as others set in Latin America) here. https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
NancyJ wrote: "Going East from Australia, it looks like most of South America could fit (except for the far south and far north). Can anyone recommend a summery book in South America? I liked Cantoras this year which is set in Peru, I believe part of it is in Lima which is close to the same latitude as Darwin. It is pretty interesting. My review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Nancy, Of your list, I have read and recommend:
The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao
Exile Music
Also, if you haven't already read it, this classic is excellent:
The Bridge of San Luis Rey
And if you're in the mood for non-fiction:
Ruthless River: Love and Survival by Raft on the Amazon's Relentless Madre de Dios
Thanks everyone, these all sound good to me. Now to see what I can get my hands on. Joy, it’s about time I read bridge of San Luis Rey. I’m surprised that of all the audios made of the bridge of San Luis Rey, my library doesn’t have one. Yet. I can get Euridice Gusmao I think.
Holly, Joyce Maynard sounds really interesting herself. I added this book when you first reviewed it. I don’t know why I skipped past Violeta in the past couple years.
Fran, I added Chasing the Sun already too. It sounds good,
Thanks!
I found several of the South America books on sale at audible today, so I have them for later. I found two books just East of where I was in Australia that I want to read one or both while I’m still in the area, Do we have a bonus theme for June? I totally forgot about Pride month until I heard the news today. I’ll be reading Yerba Buena for Play Harder (author initials). There is a trans author I want ti read too,
June's Free Ticket:For June you may earn one free ticket. Your book must have the 5 person tag for Summer. Your book title, cover, tag, author name or a significant portion of the book will be one of the following :
Graduation
Wedding
LGBTQ, (or similar)
Father (Dad, Daddy, Papa)
Flag
Juneteenth (Emancipation)
Please note on your review.
Booknblues wrote: "June's Free Ticket:For June you may earn one free ticket. Your book must have the 5 person tag for Summer. Your book title, cover, tag, author name or a significant portion of the book will be one..."
OOH, I think my current spin book, which I have been holding off starting until the June tag, will fit! Assuming it has 5 Summer tags ...
Booknblues wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Jen wrote: "Well hrm. South wasn't really what I was hoping for since that's basically Antarctica for me at this point. I'm sure I could find something from my library, just need to ..."I'm really confused by this - I had no idea I could skip a week rather than use a pass. I would easily have done this had I known at least twice since I don't start reading any of my The Compass books right away - too much work and other reading demanding my time.
What are the rules about this? How many times can you just wait another week for a spin on a turn? When do you have to either read for the direction or use a free pass? If we can just skip a week, not sure I see the point of free passes and earning more of them? I thought the free passes were the only way to get a different direction.
BnB - This needs to be put into the rules and clarified I think. It seems some of us had no idea about this - and though I saw posts that hinted that someone was going to wait a week, I just thought I was misunderstanding. My understanding from the rules is that you have to either read the direction you get or use a free pass.
I only learned about it because I saw someone did it and wanted to get clarification on this. I was going to either suffer with East or Ask, and then Holly asked. So I thought, I guess this is a thing. I don't remember if the first person was also Holly or someone else, but I went with it. I also have never used any of my four free tickets... So we shall see what Fran says.
The wait a week option was mentioned way back at the beginning, I think before we even voted. I remember asking about it, and Fran clarified how it would work. It was mentioned several other times, particularly when some of us kept getting Northern directions. It was offered as a way to avoid using up your free tickets too early.
NancyJ wrote: "The wait a week option was mentioned way back at the beginning, I think before we even voted. I remember asking about it, and Fran clarified how it would work. It was mentioned several other times,..."Then, I'm sorry, but it should have been clearly spelled out in the rules. Some of us are not able to monitor a challenge comments we are in that closely. Plus at the beginning there were several one time exceptions it seemed as the challenge launched and players were added.
We are now 6 months in and there's an unwritten rule not in the rules from which some have benefited and others were clueless? Does not strike me as creating an even challenge field. It definitely would have helped my challenge had I known, and I would have known if in the rules, which I find I consult regularly.
Booknblues wrote: "June's Free Ticket:For June you may earn one free ticket. Your book must have the 5 person tag for Summer. Your book title, cover, tag, author name or a significant portion of the book will be one..."
These are great options. Thanks Fran!
LGBTQ
Yerba Buena
The Guncle
Wedding-
Long Island
The Wedding People
Father - I like this theme
I agree with Theresa; I used two free passes that I never would have used had I been aware of this. Being mentioned in the discussion, before the challenge, and not in the rules does not help. Those discussions are so wild sometimes, it is impossible to read them all.
First I would like to apologize to those who did not realize that it was a possibility to request a spin if the previous spin had not worked out. I have put it in the rules.I really try to define as many rules before the game starts, however it seems as if there is always something which comes up in a challenge which has not been anticipated.
When developing a challenge my hope is that as many people as possible will participate and also complete the challenge. I think allowing a new spin the following week makes this possible.
That being said, a new spin does not guarantee a good spin and the free pass assures the direction.
The mini monthly challenges can provide participants with more free passes, but they have to find a book within their spin which meets the challenge, so in a sense it is not freebie, but I think it adds to the fun.
The fastest way through is to find a book for your spin each time, but I have seen enough "bad spins" to know that sometimes it can be nearly impossible.
Thanks Fran. I do appreciate the extra options and bonus opportunities. This month they fit other seasonal challenges too. Matching books to the right locations is part of the challenge
Booknblues wrote: "First I would like to apologize to those who did not realize that it was a possibility to request a spin if the previous spin had not worked out. I have put it in the rules.I really try to define..."
Thanks, BnB. Challenges always have what I call a 'shake out' period at the very beginning before it settles into a smooth game, with rules needing to be tweaked or clarified. I run some challenges and have written a few and there is always some rule or amendment to a rule that gets added in the first month at least.
I read the change added to the rules and just to be clear: one can keep asking for a new spin each week until you get a direction that works for you? Which isn't for everyone - but would be really good for me sometimes and the pace I'm reading this year.
BTW, do keep up the minis. While they usually do not work for me at all, I really enjoy seeing what you come up with and even seeing if whatever direction and crime fiction I'm reading might by some miracle work.
Theresa wrote: "I read the change added to the rules and just to be clear: one can keep asking for a new spin each week until you get a direction that works for you?..."Yes, I thought about it and wondered if I should just have a one time, but after considering it a bit decided not to, as this would help those not in a rush and challenged a bit by finding a book.
Booknblues wrote: "Theresa wrote: "I read the change added to the rules and just to be clear: one can keep asking for a new spin each week until you get a direction that works for you?..."Yes, I thought about it an..."
Having the minis every month is very helpful for those who are in their second set of 12 books. By 24 weeks, those free tickets get stretched very thin.
NancyJ wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "Theresa wrote: "I read the change added to the rules and just to be clear: one can keep asking for a new spin each week until you get a direction that works for you?..."Yes, I ..."
Think you are confusing the challenges, Nancy. There are no list of 12 books in The Compass. The minis don't earn you anything in Play Harder.
I've had moments of confusing my challenges myself.
Theresa wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "Theresa wrote: "I read the change added to the rules and just to be clear: one can keep asking for a new spin each week until you get a direction that works for yo..."I’m speaking of The Compass. Take a look at the rules.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
We set goals for our first set of 12 trips when we signed up. Awards will be based on 12 book sets, and we can complete as many as we want. I’m waiting to the end to add up my miles and points, but I’m thinking about my goals right now for my next set of 12.
NancyJ wrote: "Theresa wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "Theresa wrote: "I read the change added to the rules and just to be clear: one can keep asking for a new spin each week until you get a direction t..."That's right - there's a 12 book minimum to officially complete the challenge. For a while there I thought I'd barely make that! I ignored the 'theme change' bit because I picked my crime fiction theme to fit a year-long personal challenge I am doing, so was not going to change it ever. I just plan to read however many I read, no goal beyond the initial 12 - which I think I have or just about.
Thanks, Nancy! Did you switch up your theme?
I have no theme, but I do think I’ve taken about eight trips…. Possibly nine. I think my theme was stopping the north/east trend. If I had to name a theme, it would definitely be getting to some books that are very high on my TBR….
Theresa wrote: "I just plan to read however many I read, no goal beyond the initial 12.."Me too. I've already gone beyond 12 but I'm using the same goal. If I need to "declare" a goal, it will be the same for each set.
Just wanted to say that in terms of the free ticket for June, it would’ve been so amazing if Maryland from Provence would have been southwest like I’d had imagined. It’s really so much more just plain West. But that would’ve been wonderful because I just finished three days in June by aunt Tyler, and that’s around a wedding and is tagged heavily for summer. I mean, June is in the title and the setting. But it’s just not Southwest. But do not fear for me, my friends. Your girl is heading to Cuba instead. I really wanted to finish the very last of the Chanel Cleeton Perez sisters, and the compass challenge has really helped me do that. I am about to read the Cuban Heiress. Let me tell you could not be more perfectly southwest. I’m excited to be in a different part of the world and see where I land next. Given that I haven’t used any of my four free tickets. I’m really perfectly fine if it isn’t the perfect match. But oh so close with this last one.
I'll be hanging in the Caribbean too, Amy - Barbados! Cuba was under consideration but my 'theme' is crime fiction, so the books I spotted in my TBR were anything but mystery, or were really long. Barbados called to me.
Well, I'm not participating in this challenge, but I find this very confusing. Seems like not a level playing field if some people get a special advantage and others aren't even aware of the possibility. Glad it's in the rules now.
I’m headed South from Sweden. Italy and Prague are directly south. Summer seems like a great time to go to Italy, and Audible seems to have plenty of options. PT is getting very demanding so I really need a nice diversion from reality. Does anyone have any favorites to recommend in these locations or others on the path?
@Nancy - The Scribe of Siena - time travel historical fiction
The Sixteen Pleasures by Robert Hellenga - Florence 1966 after the Arno flooding
The Enchanted April - Tuscany
A Falco mystery by Lindsey Davis - all start in Ancient Rome but some end up elsewhere in the Roman Empire - The Silver Pigs takesyou to Britain and back.
Also Nancy, some oldies but goodies:The Secret of Santa Vittoria - WWII hiding a village's wine
The Venetian Affair and North From Rome both by Helen MacInnes. In fact The Venetian Affair led to one of my best adventures as a student in Europe and a day in Venice.
Ladtly, if you need a food memoir or memoir by a food writer, I recommend Heat: An Amateur's Adventures as Kitchen Slave, Line Cook, Pasta-Maker, and Apprentice to a Dante-Quoting Butcher in Tuscany by Bill Buford. It starts at Batali's restaurant in NYC but soon takes you to Italy, mostly Tuscany.
I am reading a book set in Italy tagged for Summer - the Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner.
I just now finished Murder in Chianti and thought it was really good. Lots of food and a main character who reminded me a bit of Bruno. Oh and a dog.
Thanks for all the ideas! I went with the book that I’ve been meaning to read for a decade or so since Prague was in the path. The Unbearable Lightness of Being. I’m regretting the decision a bit as it can get unbearable (I’m sure that’s not an original comment). I’ve been taking a lot of breaks, but it’s good enough to keep picking it up again (eventually). I’m on a really long streak in this game - and I’m a little worried I could blow it. It’s so hot I just want to nap. I have a busy day tomorrow, so wish me luck.
Lynda (Oliver) and Ellen already completed 26 books, with 26th consecutive weeks of spins!!! I hope I can do the same tomorrow.
NancyJ wrote: "Thanks for all the ideas! I went with the book that I’ve been meaning to read for a decade or so since Prague was in the path. The Unbearable Lightness of Being. I’m regretting the deci..."I read this last year. The most positive note in my review was that I liked the dog. For me this was one of those rare books where the movie was better than the book.
Sue wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Thanks for all the ideas! I went with the book that I’ve been meaning to read for a decade or so since Prague was in the path. The Unbearable Lightness of Being. I’m regr..."I don't believe I ever managed to finish the book or watch the entire movie. Rare behaviour for me but boredom did play a part I recall.
I'm going to Prague in about a week, so it might be a good idea to revisit also the Kundera book. I've read it before joining Goodreads, so I don't have a review, but I think being born in Eastern Europe and having seen the movie a couple of times before reading it made me more receptive to Kundera's admittedly self-important and slighlty offbeat narration.My other option for travel reading is The Good Soldier Švejk
Algernon (Darth Anyan) wrote: "I'm going to Prague in about a week, so it might be a good idea to revisit also the Kundera book. I've read it before joining Goodreads, so I don't have a review, but I think being born in Eastern ..."I was thinking “self indulgent “ but I like your term better. I’ve been wondering what life is like in modern day Prague.
Some of the political aspects reminded me of the short story collection The Tsar of Love and Techno set in Russia.
I really liked the offbeat Too Loud a Solitude by Bohumil Hrabal. I picked it because I liked the film Closely Watched Trains.
NancyJ wrote: "Algernon (Darth Anyan) wrote: "I'm going to Prague in about a week, so it might be a good idea to revisit also the Kundera book. I've read it before joining Goodreads, so I don't have a review, but..."I like Hrabal quite a bit more than Kundera, and I've read several of his novels. Too Loud a Solitude is my favorite, too, and I was a able to find a book version for Closely Watched Trains.
My first visit to Prague was two years ago and I loved the street life as a tourist. I think I would like to live there for a longer time.
Fran, I had sent you an email with this question, but I think that you may not have received it. (There have been notification problems here at GR for a long time.)Here is my question. I'm now reading Speak to Me of Home, which is located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I'm wondering whether I can use the book for Compass. Currently, my location is Maine. The spinner is sending me Southeast.
I've been using Travelmath.com to find straight line travels between locations. Travelmath shows that the line is Southeast, although not perfectly. Can I use the book?
Thanks.
Sorry, I thought i replied.It will work
Algernon (Darth Anyan) wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Algernon (Darth Anyan) wrote: "I'm going to Prague in about a week, so it might be a good idea to revisit also the Kundera book. I've read it before joining Goodreads, so I don't hav..."I hope you like it as much this trip. Do you have time to wander or do you have a lot of work or other obligations when you go?
All my travel is solely through books these days, so I like challenges like this. I’m looking at Berlin next. I was going to read Berlin Stories (and watch Cabaret scenes online). Then I remembered I Make Envy on Your Disco, which might offer a modern view of the same things.
Copenhagen also looks interesting, and it might relate somewhat to Oppenheimer and The Maniac
NancyJ wrote: "Algernon (Darth Anyan) wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Algernon (Darth Anyan) wrote: "I'm going to Prague in about a week, so it might be a good idea to revisit also the Kundera book. I've read it before jo..."Oh, It's all about wandering on the streets, hopefully even off the beaten track. I'm doing a central European circuit [Budapest, Vienna, Prague] with a couple of friends and my good Canon camera.
July's Bonus Free TicketYou may only earn one free ticket in July and this is how you can do it. You can find one of the following words in the title of the book or the authors name. You may also use the 5 person tag of one of these words, or a combination of the words. The book cover may illustrate them. Here they are:
Red
White
Blue
Stars
Stripes
And yes I do mean if the book cover is one of those colors you can earn a free ticket for a red book cover.
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I may just sit on this one for another week and see what next week's respin might bring as an alternative since I'm still working on some other books anyway.
Does a respin count toward one of my freebies?