[2026] Poll 13 Voting

[Sandra]

New Brunswick, New South Wales, New Zealand, Nova Scotia. Just off the top of my head.

[Marie]

Nike wrote: "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,..."

It doesn't have to include new in the name, just be a new place, at least that's my interpretation. If you wanted New in the name there's Newcastle, Newquay, Newark, Newport, probably a lot more. Again, I have no idea if there are any books set in any of them.

[Pamela, Arciform Mod]

Nike wrote: "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,..."

But if one wanted to read a book that took place in a British new town, that's the list. You could pick a popular one and see if any books take place there.

I actually have a TBR book on the Northampton list (who knew that was a New Town! I spent a fortnight there before heading to uni and it was rather drab and modern)

Actually looking at that article, a NF book about them could be fascinating.

https://www.goodreads.com/places/1068...

[Pamela, Arciform Mod]

Marie wrote: "Nike wrote: "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 ..."

As described, it can either have the word "New" in it or be a new place-- either a "new city" or a place that was just constructed. And the KIS example is a place new to the characters or reader.

Although like all prompts, once it's in nominations, everyone is free to interpret as they want.

[Tracy]

Marie wrote: "Nike wrote: "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 ..."

Yes, when I wrote this idea, I definitely included "new place", although I was thinking of it being "new" for the character (new job, new house, etc.), but I think the idea of it just being a newly created town/country definitely works too (and I like the thinking there!).

The list of places with "new" in the name that I provided definitely includes places that are NOT in the US. When I created the list I saw that it was starting out US-centric, so I worked on getting names from around the world. This list is in message 2 (where all the background info for the prompts is), but I'll repeat it here (non-US in bold:

Cities: New Haven, New Delhi, New York City, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newport (there are several, but one is in Wales), etc.
States/Provinces: New York, New Mexico, New South Wales, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia (New Scotland — misplaced in Countries originally), etc. 

Countries: New Zealand, New Guinea, etc.

Regions: New England, New World, The New Forest (in England), etc.

Other: The New School (a university in NY), etc.


Also mentioned by others since are New Brunswick (another Canadian province) and New Caledonia (an island in the South Pacific that is a French territory) — and maybe others I missed.

There is a feature in Goodreads that will tell you which books are set in a given location (goodreads.com/places), but unfortunately this is another place where the site does not work entirely as it should. For some reason the list stops at 100 pages, which puts us at places that begin with "Mo...". Maybe the coder thought there would not be more than 100 pages of place names? You can also try Listopia and just type the name of the place in the search field.

Re: The New Forest specifically, here is a list I found:
https://www.goodreads.com/places/4961...

For some reason a book I've already read that IS in The New Forest is not on this list. It is The Forest by Edward Rutherfurd

[Katie]

Nike wrote: "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 i..."

There are 10 African countries with new names.
Sydney is in in New South Wakes,
New Zealand has many books.

[Dixie]

Nike wrote: "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..."

That is why I am not a fan of referring to space opera as "light" or "fun". It can be, but it doesn't have to be. What it does have to be is epic: sweeping in scope, involving lots of characters (though often centering on a main group of several), stretching over a big area (solar systems or galaxies, usually), and involving very high stakes: saving an empire or overthrowing an empire are typical examples.

If it doesn't contain those elements, it may be science fiction but it's not space opera.

[Vicki]

I believe there is a book set at Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, which is literally New-swan-stone in English. There are probably many instances of "new" in European countries; one just has to know the language.

[Dubhease]

I downvoted space opera. I don't know what it means and am more confused after reading the listopia provided. I don't understand how Animal Farm, the Handmaid's Tale, and the Hunger Games fit since none of them are SF or take place in space.. (And that's only reading to page 3 where you still had 12 or more people agreeing.)

[Trish, Annular Mod]

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'd count it as space opera - space, science and first contact. And it's as good as The Martian.

[Tracy]

Good point Vicki! The only one that came to mind to me was Nova Scotia. Any place name starting Neu, Nuevo/a, etc. would also work.

[Dixie]

Dubhease wrote: "I downvoted space opera. I don't know what it means and am more confused after reading the listopia provided. I don't understand how Animal Farm, the Handmaid's Tale, and the Hunger Games fit since..."

None of those are even close to space operas. This is the Listopia problem; it's open to anyone's contributions and almost always includes some books that absolutely don't fit the Listopia topic. Ugh.

[Nike]

Katie wrote: "Nike wrote: "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 hav..."

Pamela wrote: "Nike wrote: "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 ..."

Then I've misinterpreted the prompt. I thought that the word NEW had to be included in the name. (Except for the new house, new neighbourhood etc but I prefer viewing it as a geographical prompt). I can't see anywhere that new names on countries or newly formed cities are included in the explanation of the prompt.

Thank you for informing me but I doubt that was the intention of the prompt suggestion.

[Nike]

Dixie wrote: "Nike wrote: "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..."

That is why I..."

Thanks!

[Deborah]

Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction focused on large-scale, dramatic, and often melodramatic adventures set in space, featuring advanced technology, interstellar conflict, heroic characters, and alien civilizations. The term originated as a derogatory comparison to "soap operas" but has since become a recognized and widely appreciated genre, prioritizing epic storytelling and spectacle over strict scientific accuracy.

Focus on adventure and drama: Unlike hard science fiction, which emphasizes scientific accuracy, space opera prioritizes dramatic storytelling, emotional stakes, and grand, imaginative spectacle.

[Nike]

This answer I got from AI about Project Hail Mary being considered Space Opera or not:

AI-översikt

Yes, Project Hail Mary can be counted as a space opera, though it blends elements of hard science fiction and space adventure; while it lacks the vast scope of intergalactic battles and political intrigue often associated with the genre, its epic scale, high stakes, and exploration of new life and worlds in space align it with the broader definition of a space opera.

Arguments for Project Hail Mary as a Space Opera:

Epic Scale:

The novel features a mission to save all of humanity from an extinction-level event, a truly massive and epic undertaking that is a hallmark of space opera.

Discovery of New Life:

The discovery of a new alien species (Rocky) and exploration of an alien world are key components that fit the adventurous aspect of space opera.

High Stakes:

The survival of Earth and humanity depends on the protagonist's actions, a common theme in space opera narratives.

[Dixie]

Nike wrote: "This answer I got from AI about Project Hail Mary being considered Space Opera or not:

AI-översikt

Yes, Project Hail Mary can be counted as a space opera, though it blends element..."

Okay, fair enough! I don't usually take AI (or Wikipedia) as a reliable source but the reasoning is sound in this case, so it seems fine to count it.

[John]

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?"

As others have indicated, if you believe it does it is; however, IMHO it would not. It lacks the large-scale aspect that Star Wars offers. Much of the setting occurs within the ship; therefore, lacing the panoramic nature. It is a good book, especially the audiobook version.

[Tracy]

I started searching for Space Opera using the Genre menu. I came across this series, and love the play-on-words of the series name “Mid-Solar Murders” (referring to the popular Midsomer Murders, the British TV show). I also liked that this could work for mystery readers who don’t necessarily love sci-fi.

Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

There are currently 3 books in this series, this is the first. The 3rd came out this year.

[Sibylle]

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?"

It's such a good book!

I wouldn't consider it space opera as such, but then again, it's not like it is an exact definition.

[Robin P, Orbicular Mod]

Nike wrote: "Katie wrote: "Nike wrote: "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...."

Good point, Nike! That's why I often harp on making sure the prompt to be voted on is really clear about the intention, without getting too long. That is often difficult. Anyone who doesn't read all the threads and just votes will make assumptions about what it means. So if a good suggestion gets voted down, it might be that people didn't actually understand what they were voting on.

[LeahS]

But also one person's good suggestion is another's 'please, no'. It doesn't necessarily mean a lack of understanding.

[Dixie]

Robin P wrote: "That's why I often harp on making sure the prompt to be voted on is really clear about the intention, without getting too long. That is often difficult. Anyone who doesn't read all the threads and just votes will make assumptions about what it means. So if a good suggestion gets voted down, it might be that people didn't actually understand what they were voting on..."

This is also why I'm not sure a short & sweet prompt suggestion is always best. We know from recent discussion that we do have voters who don't read anything except the suggestions, so it's important to make that phrase as clear as possible.

For example, I would use Deborah's original suggestion of "A book related to any large park such as a national, state, provincial, urban, castle, amusement, or skate park" over just "A book related to a park" or even "a large park." And that is why I included examples in my Poll 11 suggestion, " A book where all or part of the action takes place in a library, a museum, a school, or another public building." I think those examples have the potential to give voters lots of ideas for books that "a park" or "a public building" alone doesn't. And if they don't read anything but that one phrase before voting, that can make a big difference.

[J]

Nike wrote: "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."

Now you've got me wondering. The plot of Star Wars comes from Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen, including big concepts that Wagner created like the Leitmotif and Gesamtkunstwerk, So, it is an opera in space.

I wonder if that is where the idea of a space opera comes from, or if the term predated Star Wars.

I've seen Star Wars called a Science Fantasy series, and I think that fits well also. That term was created to describe the Barsoom series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, which was a major influence.

[Jette]

The space opera list and links are giving me regrets that I did not downvote it. I like some science fiction, but not necessarily epic, dark science fiction.

This may be a wildcard for me if it gets in. Although I say this every year, but usually find something posted that is interesting to me. I'll be watching this one closely.

[Erica]

The new set of goodreads bookmarks started today and run until the end of the year.

[Dixie]

Jette wrote: "The space opera list and links are giving me regrets that I did not downvote it. I like some science fiction, but not necessarily epic, dark science fiction.

This may be a wildcard for me if it ge..."

Space operas can be epic, light science fiction too! The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet and its sequels, and Space Opera are both lighter options. So is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and its sequels. We Are Legion (We Are Bob) doesn't have the big cast of characters usual for space operas, but it would fit in every other way, and I thought it was delightful (as well as its sequels). Even Binti could count as a space opera, though its sequels could not. I've seen A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe recommended as a fun space opera, though I haven't read it myself.

[Nike]

Dixie wrote: "Nike wrote: "This answer I got from AI about Project Hail Mary being considered Space Opera or not:

AI-översikt

Yes, Project Hail Mary can be counted as a space opera, though it b..."

Tes, I thought so too. I didn't rely on it because it was AI but I did find the explanation really good.

[Nike]

John 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?"

As others have indicated, if you believe ..."

Well, I haven't read it yet so I didn't know that. I don't want to know anything more about the book, I want to know as little as possible when starting a new book. I just wanted to know whether it is or isn't counted as space opera. But I thought the reasoning AI gave was informative but it also gave away some of story.

[Nike]

Robin P wrote: "Nike wrote: "Katie wrote: "Nike wrote: "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 e..."

Oh, yes it is true thst I might have missed some in the Wild Discussions - I haven't read everything during a couple of days. So I might have misunderstood the suggestion. But yes, that does prove how important the explanation is for people who never participates. I'm sorry if I have offended anyone. I don't want to do that.

[Nike]

Dixie wrote: "Robin P wrote: "That's why I often harp on making sure the prompt to be voted on is really clear about the intention, without getting too long. That is often difficult. Anyone who doesn't read all ..."

I believe you are so right. Your examples do make a difference.

[Nike]

J wrote: "Nike wrote: "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."

Now you've got ..."

Wow, I didn't know that about Nibelungen and Star Wars. It seems very plausible that the expression originates from that. I want to read some more about that. I've seen the first of the Nibelungen operas a few years ago. (I love going to the opera once a year, it's such an emotional rollercoster).

[Nike]

Erica wrote: "The new set of goodreads bookmarks started today and run until the end of the year."

Oh, I had forgotten - thanks for the reminder:)

[Charlsa]

Nike wrote: "This answer I got from AI about Project Hail Mary being considered Space Opera or not:

AI-översikt

Yes, Project Hail Mary can be counted as a space opera, though it blends element..."

Nike, I believe it fits the spirit of the prompt, so if that i what you want to read for it, go for it!

[Karin]

Charlsa wrote: "Nike wrote: "This answer I got from AI about Project Hail Mary being considered Space Opera or not:

AI-översikt

Yes, Project Hail Mary can be counted as a space opera, though it b..."

Yes, indeed, Project Hail Mary fits into space opera. It isn't a cut and dried area, but having read it from beginning to end I'd say it counts, and I lean on the selective side for that.

[NancyJ]

It doesn’t sound like Space Opera is a shoe-in to make it this week.

I don’t think we have other science fiction related prompts yet, do we? If it doesn’t get in, I think we should work on other sci-fi or Space prompts.

It’s Indigenous People’s Day next next month, and I plan to read Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley

[Tracy]

Well, just found a book that shouldn’t be up for discussion as to whether it is a Space Opera or not:

Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Robin P, Orbicular Mod]

I thought space opera came from soap opera and Wikipedia agrees. Not sure if the term "soap opera" is used around the world, but it started with radio melodramas broadcast during the day, aimed at women, and often sponsored by laundry detergents or similar products.

"The term does not refer to opera music, but instead originally referred to the melodrama, scope, and formulaic stories of operas, much as used in "soap opera", a melodramatic domestic drama, and "horse opera", a 1930s phrase for a clichéd and formulaic Western film.[2] "

[LeahS]

It would be good to have a space prompt which allowed the reading of non-fiction as well as sci-fi.

[LeahS]

Or perhaps an 'epic adventure' prompt which would open the door to space opera but leave other sort of epics open as well.

[Dixie]

LeahS wrote: "Or perhaps an 'epic adventure' prompt which would open the door to space opera but leave other sort of epics open as well."

I really like "epic adventure". That could include nonfiction as well -- books like The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon or Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage.

Edit: Unless people would think that is too similar to "a long journey or road trip." There might be quite a bit of overlap.

[Deborah]

LeahS wrote: "It would be good to have a space prompt which allowed the reading of non-fiction as well as sci-fi."

I would like that.

[Tracy]

Epic Adventure sounds good to me!

[Pamela, Arciform Mod]

NancyJ wrote: "It’s Indigenous People’s Day next next month, and I plan to read Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley"

Ooo, I just bought that! I keep using her for that "all the vowels" prompt (in the Anniversary list this year).

[John]

Charlsa wrote: "Nike wrote: "This answer I got from AI about Project Hail Mary being considered Space Opera or not:

AI-översikt

Yes, Project Hail Mary can be counted as a space opera, though it b..."

I guess even AI's disagree. I used Google's AI and received the following:

"No, Project Hail Mary is generally not considered a space opera; it is better described as hard-ish science fiction with elements of a space adventure, focusing on realistic scientific problem-solving rather than epic galactic conflicts or laser sword fights typical of the space opera genre."

[Nike]

John wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Nike wrote: "This answer I got from AI about Project Hail Mary being considered Space Opera or not:

AI-översikt

Yes, Project Hail Mary can be counted as a space op..."

Oh, there you go - Lol! I have to decide by myself then.

[Deborah]

Nike wrote: "John wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Nike wrote: "This answer I got from AI about Project Hail Mary being considered Space Opera or not:

AI-översikt

Yes, Project Hail Mary can be counted ..."

But, really it doesn't matter since it was bottomed.

[Nike]

Deborah wrote: "Nike wrote: "John wrote: "Charlsa wrote: "Nike wrote: "This answer I got from AI about Project Hail Mary being considered Space Opera or not:

AI-översikt

Yes, Project Hail Mary ca..."


Yes, unfortunately

[Jillian]

LeahS wrote: "Or perhaps an 'epic adventure' prompt which would open the door to space opera but leave other sort of epics open as well."

LeahS do you plan on suggesting this prompt in the next poll. It is one of my favorite ideas this year and I'd be happy to look for list and suggest it if you don't plan to.