Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
ATY 2026
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[2026] Poll 13 Voting
Mod
We don't normally edit once it's posted since it is supposed only things from the suggestions thread, but since you were last, I'll make a note to look at Message 26
Dixie wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Dixie wrote: "LeahS wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Quick notes Space opera - based on the few I read- this is very light sci-fi, popular wi..."
Space operas are not by definition light, f..."
No worries. I like a passionate argument! I realized later it sounded like I put it in the same category as chick lit. To be fair, it’s hugely popular, and romance is a top money maker, so they deserve some respect for that.
Charlsa wrote: Space opera - ."
Thanks Charlsa, that’s a great description.
I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,
I still need to complete the trilogy starting with The Three-Body Problem. I voted for the space opera prompt. I went 7 up, 1 down.
Leaning Up1. A book that could fit three prompts on the list. - I really like this and am currently doing it for this prompt 2 on this years list - A prompt suggestion for this year that did not make the list.
7. A book that was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in any year - I enjoy this every time it comes up so was happy to see it.
12. A book related to observation, experimentation, or inquiry - I have no idea what I would read but think looking for something would be fun.
13. A book considered a space opera - I don't really know much about this category but kind of like the idea of trying it.
14. A book with an Indigenous character or author - this would be pretty easy and I tend to enjoy books by indigenous authors.
Leaning Down
2. A book set in a NEW Place - I am a little on the fence with this and may end up being neutral. I think my initial reaction was it had to be an actual new place and didn't think of places with new in the name. I am still feeling a little like why? but also maybe its good. My brain is scrambled.
3. A book related to one of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales - I just finished a book based on Slavic folklore and think I would prefer a brooder prompt with all fairy tales maybe including folklore.
5. A book you've wanted to read for a long time - This is a me problem because in theory I like this. But I am already fighting with myself about what a long time is and what it means to want to read something.
Neutral for now
4. A book with a photographic element on the cover. - not my favorite type of cover but certainly doable
6. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation - religion, politics, sex or money. - I like this and it would be an upvote if I had more votes.
8. A mystery or true crime book - I read so many mysteries this is read a book for me so I don't hate but will leave it to the fates.
9. A book whose cover is divided or split in half - I think I struggled with this a bit when we did something similar.
10. A book with a word for a family member in the title - no real opinion either way.
11. A book that is not a novel - again no real opinion
15. A book that could earn you a Goodreads bookmark. - I had no idea what this was so had expected t to be a down but I found that I had fulfilled the requirements for several without trying so leaving neutral.
I feel like I have already changed my mind a lot on some of these so who knows how it will shake out.
Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"I am new to John Scalzi. I have a couple of his books waiting on my shelf, so I thought this would be a good way to get them read.
Pamela wrote: "Kendra wrote: "Pamela - could you please add at least some of the links I posted in msg26 to the details for 14. Thank you."We don't normally edit once it's posted since it is supposed only thing..."
I got the prompt number wrong - I meant 15. It was my prompt, but when you asked for a description, I couldn't give the links - so I came back later on a device where I could. Thanks for updating the description.
Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"I am new to John Scalzi. I have a couple of his books waiting on my shelf, so I thoug..."
If you are a fan of Star Trek, Scalzi's Redshirts is an absolute joy.
Mod
I am new to John Scalzi. I have a couple of his books waiting on my shelf, so I thoug..."
My bookgroup is reading Scalzi in December. So there could be a place to read more if I like him!
My favorites are two that are new and different: Forbidden topic in polite conversation
Observation, experimentation, or inquiry - I don’t know what I’ll read, but paying attention to these words will lead me to something new and interesting.
I had to downvote #1. I’m too lazy to change my spreadsheet, and the overlap isn’t something I notice.
I almost downvoted mystery because we always have it, but we voted in historical fiction, and fair is fair.
I’m up to 6 or 7 upvotes. I used to be less generous with them.I’m taking a chance on the photographic covers, space opera, gr choice, and a few new topics. I didn’t look at the gr challenge rules so I left it neutral.
Pamela wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"I am new to John Scalzi. I have a couple of his books waiting on my s..."
His books vary widely in tone, from fun and light (Starter Villain, The Kaiju Preservation Society) to more serious science fiction (The Collapsing Empire and its sequels, Old Man's War and its sequels). Fans of one of his "styles" might not enjoy the other as much, though I like it all. I always find his work inventive and interesting. The Lock In series, about a mysterious paralyzing epidemic and how it is dealt with, is particularly intriguing, I think (and would work for a medical prompt, if we get one).
KP wrote: "My favorites are two that are new and different: Forbidden topic in polite conversation
Observation, experimentation, or inquiry - I don’t know what I’ll read, but paying attention to these word..."
I have already decided that if this prompt is chosen, I will be reading a detective mystery since inductive reasoning would involve observations.
Thank you John. That was a very helpful observation about the prompt involving observations :)
Dixie wrote: "Pamela wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"I am new to John Scalzi. I have a couple of his books ..."
Thanks, Dixie. That is very helpful as I haven't read Scalzi yet. I have Starter Villain, but it is slated for a different prompt. I am also thinking about his newest book, When the Moon Hits Your Eye If any of those do not, in your opinion, fit a space opera, please let me know. By the way, I have created a "bookmark" for My Personal John Scalzi Expert and have award it to you.
Pro Tip: If you ever attend a book festival, and they have a Sci-Fi/Fantasy session, GO TO IT. You won't be sorry. These authors are so off the charts creative that there is no telling what might be said or done. Your welcome in advance.
Pamela wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"I am new to John Scalzi. I have a couple of his books waiting on my s..."
Yay! We all be excited to hear what they think.
John wrote: "KP wrote: "My favorites are two that are new and different: Forbidden topic in polite conversation
Observation, experimentation, or inquiry - I don’t know what I’ll read, but paying attention to..."
I left this as a neutral only because I wanted to vote some specific prompts in, but I will do the same. I found a great new series while in the UK a few months ago, so I'll use one of those books.
Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"Are there any that you do NOT recommend in that group?
Dixie wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"I am new to John Scalzi. I have a couple of his books waiting on my s..."
I grew up watching Star Trek but am not a Trekkie, per se,. However, you have piqued my interest!
Charlsa wrote: "Dixie wrote: "Pamela wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"I am new to John Scalzi. I have a couple..."
Hahaha thank you! I don't know if I've ever been a bookmark for anyone before. Neither Starter Villain nor When the Moon Hits Your Eye is a space opera. The Collapsing Empire and Old Man's War are his space operas, in my opinion. Both have sequels that would count, too. I was happy with Old Man's War as a stand-alone but after finishing Collapsing Empire I raced out to buy the sequels.
NPR called Redshirts "a cozy mystery of a space opera" (is that even possible?). I'm not sure I would describe it that way, but I'm not going to argue with NPR and say it wouldn't count as a space opera.
And thanks for the pro tip: I will absolutely follow your advice!
Mod
Are there any that you do NOT recommend in that group?"
Probably the one my book group is reading... the Kaiju one... ( I do not like sci fi- I want to get to the story, not worry about world building)
Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"Are there any that you do NOT recommend in that group?"
I like Scalzi, but I don’t think any of the books I read were Space Operas. Lock in, Starter Villain, agent to the stars, Kaizu…, Dispatcher, and Constituent services are NOT space operas.
The quickest way to tell is to check the genre tags. If space opera is listed as a genre on the book’s main page (without hitting “show all”) it’s a good bet. I expect that some members will simply read a book set in space.
Dixie wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Dixie wrote: "Pamela wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"I am new to John Scalzi...."
Old Man's War is what I chose, so Old Man's War, it is!
NancyJ wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"Are there any that you do NOT recommend in that group?"
I like Scalz..."
I just went to Old Man's War and clicked on the Space Opera tag. Found a great quote.
Quotes Tagged “Space Opera”
Brian W. Aldiss
“ Science fiction is for real, space opera is for fun. ”
― Brian W. Aldiss
Charlsa wrote: "Quotes Tagged “Space Opera”Brian W. Aldiss
“ Science fiction is for real, space opera is for fun. ”
― Brian W. Aldiss..."
Love it!
Mod
I am new to John Scalzi. I have a couple..."
I wouldn't say that Starter Villain or When the Moon Hits Your Eye are space operas. There are no large ships, aliens, other planets, etc.
Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"Are there any that you do NOT recommend in that group?"
Ender's Game is the only one I gave 5 stars to and I read it a long time ago. I like Scalzi's new stuff better than that one.
Dixie wrote: "Pamela wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"I am new to John Scalzi. I have a couple of his books ..."
Agreed about Scalzi--I've had mixed experiences with his various books! Not all of them are space opera.
His space opera books include the three Collapsing Empire books and the Old Man Wars (I liked the former, but not the latter.)
Space opera involves outer space adventures. Starter Villain is on earth with zero outer space in it and is arguably fantasy in that it has animals talking etc, (what makes fantasy is subjective, of course!)
And then there is his earthbound Lock In books which are not at all funny nor are they in outer space. They are about a cop who controls is robot body by his mind from a remote location.
Why, yes, I have read quite a bit of scifi in my life :)
Deborah wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"Are there any that you do NOT recommend in that group?"
Ender's Game..."
Of course, Scalzi didn't write Ender's Game. Orson Scott Card wrote those, and many people who like Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow don't necessarily like the others in the series (I'm in that boat.)
Karin wrote: "Deborah wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"Are there any that you do NOT recommend in that group..."
That one refered to Old Man's War.
2. A book set in a NEW Place - downvote: I'm sure I can easily find something if it gets in, but I'm just not interested in this prompt. 4. A book with a photographic element on the cover. - downvote: I have no interested in looking for a cover that fits.
6. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation - religion, politics, sex or money. - downvote: Not right now. No. Nope. Nuh uh.
7. A book that was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in any year - downvote: I don't care what was nominated for a GC award!
8. A mystery or true crime book - upvote: I love this suggestion. I love mysteries and true crime.
9. A book whose cover is divided or split in half - downvote: I am really not interested in this prompt
10. A book with a word for a family member in the title - upvote: this one could be fun, plus I've been meaning to read the sequel to The Guncle.
14. A book with an Indigenous character or author - upvote: there are so many amazing Indigenous authors who don't get the recognition they should
LOL - I just realized that all my downvotes were, "Meh. Just not interested." I guess I wasn't strongly disliking any. I really liked the three upvotes though! :)
Pamela wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Deborah wrote: "I've read Ender's Game, Old Man's War, Foundation, The Stars My Destination, and Space Opera,"Are there any that you do NOT recommend in that group?"
Probably the one my book group is reading... the Kaiju one... ( I do not like sci fi- I want to get to the story, not worry about world building)
The Kaiju Preservation Society is not a space opera, sorry. It's a fun story though!
So hard when there's so many that I like or could at least easily do. I decided to go with ones that either sounded the most interesting, or would lead me to types of books I normally don't gravitate to, but don't have a good reason why.UP:
1. A book that could fit three prompts on the list.
I organize my reading through for year using a spreadsheet, so it's easy for me (using a formula) to see not only how many books would use a certain prompt, but how many prompts a book would fit into. Most of my books fit at least a couple of prompts, and often more. This year I have several that fit 4-6 prompts, and single books that fit 7, 8, 9 or 10 prompts. So this "fits 3 prompts" idea not only would be easy for me, but would help me not have to pick between two books that fit at least one of our other prompts.
2. A book set in a NEW Place
I just like that this is open to MANY places, but with criteria that still limits the options.
3. A book related to one of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
I voted for this before, and still like the idea. It allows me some creativity, and also introduces me to a lot of Grimm Fairy Tales that are new to me.
6. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation - religion, politics, sex or money.
It's always a bummer that these are "forbidden" topics (I understand why though), as they are usually the most interesting!
8. A mystery or true crime book
I only occasionally READ mysteries, but I often enjoy them on TV. I've found some interesting mysteries to read recently, so time to open up my reading genres!
11. A book that is not a novel
Yes, we already have non-fiction, but this prompt also allow me to read short stories! I have a couple of collections I'd like to read without feeling that they are taking me away from the MANY novels I also want to read.
12. A book related to observation, experimentation, or inquiry
I was intrigued by the words in this prompt, but didn't know right away where they would take me. Someone mentioned mystery (the words made me think of Sherlock Holmes's method) and I also thought of the scientific method. I am a curious person, so I think that's why I was attracted to the set of words in this prompt.
DOWN:
15. A book that could earn you a Goodreads bookmark.
Although I applaud the creativity of this prompt for finding a new way to not only bring in a different list prompt than I've seen, but also to introduce a new challenge! BUT, I don't know, it all feels a bit random to me. And from what I can tell browsing through the current bookmark challenges, they aren't even released until mid-year. Also, in the support info given for this prompt, it was unclear to me what the links to a few blog postings has to do with the bookmark challenge.
Tracy wrote: "So hard when there's so many that I like or could at least easily do. I decided to go with ones that either sounded the most interesting, or would lead me to types of books I normally don't gravita..."Hi Tracy:
Just a friendly FYI and in case anyone else interested, they have Bookmarks to earn starting in January. They run for a couple of months-ish each and are staggered through the year. You wouldn't notice the older ones unless you expand the entire challenge to see the fully year. It's not the most intuitive path they've ever built.
Thanks Charlsa, you are absolutely right - both about me not seeing all the challenges, and also about the poor navigation on this challenge. I clicked “more challenges” and didn’t see that they are seasonal, with the past seasons being placed all the way at the bottom of the page, instead of immediately at the end of the current challenge.
Tracy wrote: "So hard when there's so many that I like or could at least easily do. I decided to go with ones that either sounded the most interesting, or would lead me to types of books I normally don't gravita..."Well as usual, our tastes are very similar. I still have more than 8 votes, so I’ll take another day or so to make my final decision.
I looked at the gr bookmark challenge a couple days ago. They had some tech issues that day, but I eventually found that I completed several bonus bookmarks this year based on the books I happened to pick. There were two bonus challenges that I didn’t complete yet. The deadline was yesterday. I read a book from the thriller list for the readathon. It’s the book I picked a year ago for the country song prompt, so that was an easy decision. The other list was 2025 debut novels. There was only one book that I already own, but it will have to wait a little longer. Maybe it will come up on the next challenge list. I’m guessing they’ll add something new today or October 1st.
The GR bookmark challenge just added 3 new extra challenges for Sept 15 to Dec 31. Each one requires that you read one book from a specified list (they all seem to come from GR blogs) during this period. The first bookmark called Community picks, has a list of Dark Acadamia books from the blog below. The second is Hispanic Heritage. They’ll have more on October 1st. Hint= boo.https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
I'm planning on reading Project Hail Mary next year. I'm asking you who have read it - it must count as a space opera right?
Again this was a round with so many good suggestions! I couldn't invite all of those I really liked so I'm sorry for the ones that I let go, there are only eight upvotes. I would have wanted to invite the photographs on cover for example but there were eight I liked even more.
I upvoted:
3 Brothers Grimm
5 A book I wanted to read for a long time
7 Goodreads Choice Award
10 Family member
12 Observation, experimentation, inquiry
13 Space opera
14 Indigenous
15 Goodreads bookmark (discovered this feature a year ago - it's so fun!
I would have wanted to upvote the following as well:
1 Fits three prompts
4 Photographic
8 Mystery
I would have downvoted:
2 NEW. Seems again a much to US-centered or at least North American prompt with New York, New Mexico and so on. Are there any "New cities" in Europe, Asia, Africa? Big enough to have a selection of books det there? I can't think of any apart from New Delhi and even though I love India I don't particularly want to limit myself to one city.
6 Forbidden subjects. I would have preferred if one could choose any subject that was forbidden in ones own family instead of the ones mentioned that are very general.
NancyJ wrote: "Nike wrote: "I've got a question concerning nr 6. Are those above mentioned subjects - politics, religion and sex - the only subjects valid for this prompt? I know that in my family (the one I co..."
Yes, I was not allowed to talk about literature except childrens books. And no, I was not allowed to talk about my periods, or my pregnancies with my mother. I've just passed and I can't talk about menopause with her either. Every aspect of the female parts are forbidden topics. And that's not normal, I've never understood her behaviour. I was surprised to get to know that one of my friends never discuss anything about sexuality or contraceptives with her daughter. She's so afraid and embarrassed. I believe it's wrong to not being able to talk to your teenagers about such matters.
Nike wrote: "2 NEW. Seems again a much to US-centered or at least North American prompt with New York, New Mexico and so on. Are there any "New cities" in Europe, Asia, Africa? Big enough to have a selection of books det there? I can't think of any apart from New Delhi and even though I love India I don't particularly want to limit myself to one city...."We have "new towns" in the UK, that's the collective name for places that were built post-WWII. The only one I know is Milton Keynes, but there's a pretty big list. There's also the New Forest (which isn't new at all). Whether or not there are any books that are set in any of those places I have no idea!
Nike wrote: "I'm planning on reading Project Hail Mary next year. I'm asking you who have read it - it must count as a space opera right?"No, not really. It is a lot closer to Space Opera than The Martian. But Space Opera tends to be lighter and more fun, with little real weight to the 'science'. I'd recommend Lois McMaster Bujold for solid Space Opera.
Mod
All sorts of places-- one is a good friend's town but I doubt there's a book there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_tow...
Nike wrote: "I'm planning on reading Project Hail Mary next year. I'm asking you who have read it - it must count as a space opera right?"I really enjoyed the book but I'm afraid it is not a space opera. Above all, space operas have to feel epic in scope, involving big casts in big spaces (solar systems or galaxies) doing epic deeds. If this prompt gets in and you want a short, fun book for it, try Space Opera, which is the only space opera I know of that involves actual opera, or The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet which is borderline but I feel would count.
I often hear space opera called "light" but I think that is misleading, both because the subject matter and its treatment aren't necessarily light (Hyperion and Leviathan Wakes come to mind), but also because many space operas are multi-volume epics, which in itself doesn't feel "light" to many people.
Here is a good list of space opera books:
https://www.shortform.com/best-books/...
Dixie wrote: "Nike wrote: "I'm planning on reading Project Hail Mary next year. I'm asking you who have read it - it must count as a space opera right?"I really enjoyed the book but I'm afraid ..."
J wrote: "Nike wrote: "I'm planning on reading Project Hail Mary next year. I'm asking you who have read it - it must count as a space opera right?"
No, not really. It is a lot closer to Spa..."
Thanks but I'm reading the unread books in my physical shelves at home. And the few I borrow would preferably be books translated into Swedish.
Has the criteria for Space Opera changed? Star Wars are considered to be a Space Opera and I wouldn't describe it as primarily light and fun. It's thrilling and dark.
NancyJ wrote: "The GR bookmark challenge just added 3 new extra challenges for Sept 15 to Dec 31. Each one requires that you read one book from a specified list (they all seem to come from GR blogs) during this p..."This link took me to a list of Dark Academia books, not anything related to bookmarks.
Pamela wrote: "Marie wrote: "Nike wrote: "2 NEW. Seems again a much to US-centered or at least North American prompt with New York, New Mexico and so on. Are there any "New cities" in Europe, Asia, Africa? Big en..."Weren't many with the word New in them though. And I doubt it would be easy to find a book for the few that has got New in them.
Dixie wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "The GR bookmark challenge just added 3 new extra challenges for Sept 15 to Dec 31. Each one requires that you read one book from a specified list (they all seem to come from GR blogs..."One of the bookmark challenges is read a book from this blog.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Project Hail Mary (other topics)Project Hail Mary (other topics)
Project Hail Mary (other topics)
Project Hail Mary (other topics)
Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Angeline Boulley (other topics)Edgar Rice Burroughs (other topics)
Edward Rutherfurd (other topics)
Lois McMaster Bujold (other topics)
Orson Scott Card (other topics)
Are those above mentioned subjects - politics, religion and sex - the only subjects valid for this prompt? I know that in my family (the one I come from, not ..."
Good question. The prompt only includes the topics that were most commonly mentioned in traditional, and recent advice about polite conversation. I did not include “such as” in the final prompt because I didn’t want it to be too broad. You are always free to interpret a prompt the way you wish of course. However, from the list you mentioned, I would most strenuously object to calling literature* a forbidden topic for our challenge. That could be any book at all!
Female issues (like periods) could fit under the sex category, and aren’t usually discussed in mixed company (of men and women). It wouldn’t be much of a stretch to include other private bodily functions. Illnesses that are stigmatized or make people uncomfortable would be a reasonable stretch or KIS option I think.
* Every group or family could have topics they like and don’t like, but literature is usually considered a safe topic with people you don’t know well. I think anyone with a passion has some family members who don’t want to hear the details. It might offend relatives who already told you they hate (or know nothing about) the topic, or if they think you’re insulting them by talking over their heads.