Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
ATY 2026
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[2026] Poll 13 Voting
Mod
Also see discussion below where more information on prompts can be offered
2. A book set in a NEW place.
Some ways to use this:
- a place name that includes “new”:
Cities: New Haven, New Delhi, New York City, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newport, etc.
States/Provinces: New York, New Mexico, New South Wales, Newfoundland, etc.
Countries: New Zealand, New Guinea, Nova Scotia (New Scotland), etc.
Regions: New England, New World, The New Forest (in England), etc.
Other: The New School (a university in NY), etc.
- a new location for a character: a new job, a new house, a new city/state/country, newly constructed building, etc
3. A book related to one of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
Here's a list of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales:
https://www.grimmstories.com/en/grimm...
listopia of Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/6...
Popular Grimm Fairy Tales include Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin, Snow White, etc. Retellings or books inspired by the Tales would fit the prompt
4. A book with a photographic element on the cover.
The cover art needs to contain a photo as part of the design. This doesn’t mean it has to look like an object you would put in a photo album, just that the cover art doesn’t fully rely (or rely at all) on an illustration or painting.
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
5. A book you've wanted to read for a long time
Could be because it's been on your shelf for years, or people keep telling you about it or because the author hasn't yet written the newest entry in a series (but hopefully in 2026!)
Could be a type of book you wanted to read but couldn't find before
(set in a certain place or time, or on a certain subject.)
Definition of "long time" is totally up to you.
6. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation - religion, politics, sex or money.
We are traditionally advised to avoid discussing topics such as religion, politics, and sex in casual conversation. We’re not supposed to talk about them, but we sure can read about them!
You could choose a book that delves deeply into one of these topics, or a book with a character or subplot related to the topics. If you have been waiting for a prompt on political satire, spirituality, financial scandals, queer lit, or steamy romance, here is your chance. If a priest who goes to space or solves murders sounds fun to you (yes please), that works too.
You could combine the topics and focus on how to survive all the controversies and the current cultural divide
https://lgbtqreads.com/2025/09/10/fav...
https://www.politico.com/news/magazin...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9...
https://bookriot.com/novels-religion/
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
https://bookriot.com/novels-religion/
https://ig.ft.com/sites/business-book...
https://ig.ft.com/sites/business-book...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
7. A book that was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in any year
https://www.goodreads.com/list/tag?id...
9. A book whose cover is divided or split in half
"Split covers have become common to indicate that two characters are from different backgrounds, or to show the book is about parallel worlds/alternate timelines."
Examples - Part of Your World, The Betrayal of Anne Frank, The Left Hand of Darkness, The Secrets We Kept
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
10. A book with a word for a family member in the title
This includes words like mother, aunt, brother, cousin, sister-in-law, grandson etc. Like Her Mother's Daughter by Marilyn French, Mother Earth Father Sky by Sue Harrison, Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith and Love
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...
11. A book that is not a novel
Could be a play/a book of plays, a book of poetry or essays or short stories, Manga, graphic novels or comics, and of course, any non-fiction including biographies or memoirs
12. A book related to observation, experimentation, or inquiry
The prompt can be taken as a science prompt, but experimenting could go in the direction of sexual experimentation or using new spices in a cooking recipe.
Inquiry could be a political or criminal investigation as well, so this can be easily broadened away from something science-y.
I would read a book about birding, personally.
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
13. A book considered a space opera
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/spac...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
15. A book that could earn you a Goodreads bookmark.
Goodreads awards bookmarks for reading at least one book a month, reaching the goal you set with them for number of books read, or for reading a book off of one of their lists that they post throughout the year. Unfortunately, GR doesn't tell you in advance which lists will earn you bookmarks, and there's a time limit that can be for as short as 1 month. But I said COULD - so reading a book that is on the list after/before the time periods would also be a KISS option.
See Message #26 below for links to a number of past challenges.
That suggestion round seems to have actually benefitted from taking its time. This is a really great bunch of prompts. I'm seriously thinking of going seven up. (I generally think it's better to go half and half, but I don't feel that strongly about downvoting any but one.)
Interesting line-up for Round 13. Here are the prompts I'm most likely to upvote for this round: - A book that could fit three prompts on the list
- A book that was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in any year
- A book with an indigenous character or author
Mod
And the title with antonyms didn't have time to get seconded!
A book that could fit three prompts on the list is my favorite. It is such a fun treasure hunt. The pre-poll prompts alone would be perfect for this:A book with a road trip or long journey
A book with a primarily red, green or blue cover
A book related to blood, sweat, or tears
And any number of other prompts groups would work, too.
I also really like NEW place, forbidden topic, not a novel, and space opera.
I need more votes. At first glance I want to vote 5 up and 6 down.
I decided to experiment this time and make some comments based on how I would vote with no context and not reading discussions of any kind (other than the NEW prompt... I saw that the other day). A lot of people vote that way, so I thought it would be instructive to see how prompts land when you have no context:1. A book that could fit three prompts on the list. I’m not sure I love the idea of a prompt being reliant on other prompts.
2. A book set in a NEW Place Not sure. I’d probably just default to a book set in New York. I read so widely that I’m not sure what kind of new setting I could come up with. Maybe a new-to-me fantasy book with a unique world? Just spit balling.
3. A book related to one of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales Neutral. I’m sure I could come up with something, but we already have five other related to prompts (by my count).
4. A book with a photographic element on the cover. I’d probably use it for a memoir since that didn’t get in.
5. A book you've wanted to read for a long time Seems like another “read a book” prompt, but it’ll almost certainly get in. I’ll just use it to read something that’s been on my TBR list for a while.
6. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation - religion, politics, sex or money. This is intriguing. No idea what I’d read, but it sounds like something interesting to dig into.
7. A book that was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in any year Well, we don’t have any award prompts. A quick glance at the first few years tells me that I do have books on my TBR that would work.
8. A mystery or true crime book This is one of my favorite genres, so it’s a no-brainer. Of course, I’ll upvote it.
9. A book whose cover is divided or split in half I’m jotting down these thoughts without reading the conversation around the prompts, so I have no idea what this means. I’ll have to look at the examples to see what I’d be looking for.
10. A book with a word for a family member in the title Neutral. I have a couple of things that would work.
11. A book that is not a novel I have plays, poetry, memoirs, etc. on my TBR list. I can work with this.
12. A book related to observation, experimentation, or inquiry Neutral.
13. A book considered a space opera Neutral.
14. A book with an indigenous character or author I’m sure I have something that would work for this. In fact, I have Love Medicine around here somewhere.
15. A book that could earn you a Goodreads bookmark. This is another one I have to read up on. I have no idea what it’s asking for.
Now, to actually read up on these.
Mod
For new you can do to new to the characters prompts.
I sometimes do Indigenous files at work and we were told that the new writing guidelines are to use a capital I.If the prompt gets in, can we spell it as Indigenous.
Beyond that, I see some prompts I haven't seen a zillion times"
- A book set in a NEW Place
- A book related to one of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
- A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation - religion, politics, sex or money.
I personally dislike SF. But I also dislike historical fiction, contrary to the rest of the group, so what do I know.
Initial thoughts:1 A book that could fit three prompts on the list.
I like working these out, so an upvote.
2. A book set in a NEW Place
Don't mind this, although we already have a location prompt, plus road trip, but it could be interesting.
3. A book related to one of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
Can't think of anything off hand, but no doubt could manage something. One to think about.
4. A book with a photographic element on the cover.
I seconded this prompt so....
5. A book you've wanted to read for a long time
A real heart sinker for me, that will probably be popular. If I haven't read a book that interests me it's because it's not available in the library system and I am not quite interested enough to buy it. Absolutely nothing comes to mind.
6. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation - religion, politics, sex or money.
I really like this one.
7. A book that was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in any year
Reasonable choices for a list prompt.
8. A mystery or true crime book
We have this one this year. I wouldn't down vote it because it's so easy, but I wouldn't upvote either.
9. A book whose cover is divided or split in half
Another neutral
10. A book with a word for a family member in the title
I like this one
11. A book that is not a novel
Possible
12. A book related to observation, experimentation, or inquiry
Some interesting possibilities - an upvote
13. A book considered a space opera .
Sci-fi - not my cup of tea/coffee or any other beverage
14. A book with an indigenous character or author
Fine
15. A book that could earn you a Goodreads bookmark.
Don't do this, don't want to have to do it to fulfill a prompt.
Quick notes “New” - Miss Benson's Beetle is an entertaining book set in NEW Caledonia.
Space opera - based on the few I read- this is very light sci-fi, popular with many women who don’t like sci-fi. Fun space adventures with romance and interconnecting characters. Like soap operas, but faster and in a new setting. If you don’t like sci-fi, you might like this. (Maybe vice versa. The more sci-fi I read, the less I like space opera.) Just my opinion.
@dubhease - thanks for the update re the capital I in Indigenous.
For the last 4 weeks, I’ve voted 6-8 up and looks like that’ll continue this week too! So many good suggestions this year.
First impressions1. A book that could fit three prompts on the list - not for me
2. A book set in a NEW Place. - yes upvote. I like these locations.
3. A book related to one of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales - not for me
4. A book with a photographic element on the cover. I like the idea, but I don’t like the lists.
5. A book you've wanted to read for a long time - maybe. A long time is relative.
6. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation - religion, politics, sex or money. Yes upvote
7. A book that was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in any year - maybe. I would rather have other awards prompts
8. A mystery or true crime book - neutral, too easy.
9. A book whose cover is divided or split in half - maybe. I saw one I like.
10. A book with a word for a family member in the title - yes, maybe, too easy? Is there a list?
11. A book that is not a novel - yes upvote. I have things that don't fit elsewhere.
12. A book related to observation, experimentation, or inquiry -
Maybe. I might have something related to journalism.
13. A book considered a space opera - probably yes
14. A book with an indigenous character or author- Probably yes.
15. A book that could earn you a Goodreads bookmark. I need more info
Judy, re: the Cover with a Photographic Element (my suggestion), I don’t love the list either, but some people feel more comfortable having a basis to start with and there weren’t many lists out there. I think that’s because this doesn’t really needs any examples. Just a cover where the cover art at least uses a photo as part of the design. I’ve seen some with mixed photos/illustration (fine) and others with just photos (except for the text obviously (also fine). Just cruise through your TBR to look for photos. If you like memoirs, photos tent to be used a lot, but PLENTY of other types of books use photos also.
Mod
If the prompt gets in, can we spell it as Indigenous.
Beyond that, I see some prom..."
sorry! I work with Indigenous. coalitions-- I should know better!
Mod
You don't have to vote 8 times. If you're just "I don't mind"- don't vote for it because that is how prompts people complain about get through.
First impressions (before reading anything else in this thread): 1. A book that could fit three prompts on the list. - Probably a downvote for me. I wasn't a fan of this last time it came up and I'm still not that interested.
2. A book set in a NEW Place - A pretty solid maybe.
3. A book related to one of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales - Still an upvote for me!
4. A book with a photographic element on the cover. - I'm not sure I quite understand this based on the examples that were shown.
5. A book you've wanted to read for a long time - This would help me get to some of the backlist books that have been stagnating on my TBR for a while, so maybe
6. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation - religion, politics, sex or money. - I like this one, but not 100% convinced I want to vote for it (yet)
7. A book that was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in any year - Likely an upvote, but I strongly prefer if it was for the current year instead. I'd just limit it that way myself, but I'd like it a little more focused.
8. A mystery or true crime book - Another strong maybe, and I would most likely pick a mystery rather than true crime, although I do like that genre too.
9. A book whose cover is divided or split in half - Another strong maybe. I remember voting for something similar in the past so I like the idea, but I'd need to see how many options I still have
10. A book with a word for a family member in the title - It's a prompt I've done a lot, but I still have so many books that fit easily, so it's a likely upvote
11. A book that is not a novel - This is another one that I've done repeatedly, but in this case I'm a little burnt out on it for some reason.
12. A book related to observation, experimentation, or inquiry - I don't quite understand this one either. I don't know how I'd figure out which books fit.
13. A book considered a space opera - Maybe, if I have options on my TBR.
14. A book with an Indigenous character or author - Completely indifferent. It's not something I tend to prioritize, and I haven't really enjoyed the few books I've picked in the past for similar prompts, unfortunately.
15. A book that could earn you a Goodreads bookmark. - For some reason, I find the bookmarks lists hard to navigate. Probably just leave it neutral.
Pamela - can you please remove the two “examples” links for my suggested prompt, #4 A book with a photographic element on the cover? The examples aren’t great and I’ve already seen a couple of “complaints”(?) about them. I think they are just confusing a very simple idea.All we need to know is that the cover art needs to contain a photo as part of the design. And by the way, that doesn’t mean it has to look like an object you would put in a photo album, just that the cover art doesn’t fully rely (or rely at all) on an illustration or painting.
Thank you :)
EDIT: Actually, in place of the removed links for this prompt, can you instead add:
"The cover art needs to contain a photo as part of the design. This doesn’t mean it has to look like an object you would put in a photo album, just that the cover art doesn’t fully rely (or rely at all) on an illustration or painting."
Still unclear about this one. 15. A book that could earn you a Goodreads bookmark.
I looked at the explanation, and I still don't know what would fit or how the criteria is decided...? So we don't know what counts until we do meaning that I can't plan ahead? I rely on the library, so that would be an issue.
Mod
15. A book that could earn you a Goodreads bookmark.
I looked at the explanation, and I still don't know what would fit or how the criteria is decided...? So we don..."
That is a valid point, we have no idea if that incentive will exist next year or what form it could take.
Would Amazon really remove a marketing tool after a year? They beta’d the bookmarks last fall, if something sells more books it stays.
Erica wrote: "Would Amazon really remove a marketing tool after a year? They beta’d the bookmarks last fall, if something sells more books it stays."I think it’s smart of Goodreads to provide additional easy challenges for casual members who haven’t yet engaged with a group. I probably joined 2 or 3 times over a ten year period and only looked up books. I was too busy to think about challenges, but if I did, an easy one might have whet my appetite for more. It also might get people to read the blogs. I’m a teeny bit motivated to switch out my next readathon book for one on their current challenge lists (it ends Sep 14 and I already own 2 of the books).
But then again few of us even knew about them until today.
NancyJ wrote: "Erica wrote: "Would Amazon really remove a marketing tool after a year? They beta’d the bookmarks last fall, if something sells more books it stays."I think it’s smart of Goodreads to provide ad..."
If you already participate in a challenge, it's pretty easy to earn the bookmarks. I've been doing them this year by using mostly books I already had slated to read for ATY. There have been a few that I haven't chosen for this challenge, but they have all been books I already had on my TBR.
NancyJ wrote: "Quick notes “New” - Miss Benson's Beetle is an entertaining book set in NEW Caledonia.
Space opera - based on the few I read- this is very light sci-fi, popular with many women w..."
Thanks for the book tip, Nancy. And now you've explained space opera, I'm afraid I like it even less....
Links for the GR Bookmarks:https://www.goodreads.com/readingchal...
There have already been several bookmarks and even if they're over and it's too late to earn the bookmarks, any of these books COULD have earned you a bookmark, so for those who want to plan a head here's the lists to check out:
Buzzy Books: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Epic Quest: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Era Explorer: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Essential Reader: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Sweet and Spicy: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Her Story: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Centennial Picks: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Heritage Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Armchair Explorer: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Rainbow Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Challenge Faves: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Poolside Puzzlers: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Chart Toppers: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Acclaimed Titles: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Debut Darlings: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
Lightning Round: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2...
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 come from, not the one I've raised) we must not talk about feelings, female "issues" like pregnancies and periods, philosophy, arts, literature, mental illness or disabilities.
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, fluffy reading, and a big "ouch" to the idea that they are "popular with many women who don't like sci-fi!" Here's a great description of space opera from Latterpress: "Space operas are epic tales set in, at minimum, full solar systems and at maximum, entire galaxies. These massive, far-future settings are populated by a wide variety of alien races and civilizations who either work together under some massive interstellar governing body or are constantly at war with each other - or both." It's the richness of the worlds created in these books that makes them so appealing to those who enjoy them.
The Expanse series, that starts with Leviathan Wakes, is referred to as a space opera and that is about as far from light & fluffy as I can imagine. Ditto Hyperion, The Collapsing Empire and its sequels, the Foundation series and many more. Yes, the genre also includes The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and other lighter fare. Books in this genre (or subgenre) can be light, very heavy, and everything in between. What they have in common is that they are outer space adventures written on a wide, sweeping canvas which is reminiscent of the expansiveness of opera. They should feel epic.
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 come from, not ..."
Great point. I believe, from the Wild Discussion before this was proposed, that the inclusion of all subjects was the intention of the author of the prompt. Almost every family seems to have forbidden subjects. I wish that the suggestion include "such as" to show that any forbidden subject is included.
Mod
You might want to post some examples though
Mod
Like they make updates to GR more than once a decade....
Dixie 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..."
Well, if it's open to a variety of subjects then I mote vote for it. I'm not particularly interested in reading about politics, sex or money.
Mod
I think it’s smart of Goodreads to provide ad..."
What I like about this prompt is there is a KIS option if you need a "read any book" prompt or you can BIO and pick a specific bookmark.
Mod
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 ..."
Not my prompt, but like all prompts, you can interpret as you want.
Mod
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, fluffy reading, and a big "ouc..."
Sorry, it was just an opinion, based on what I’ve heard from fans, and what I read. I consider it a big compliment to say the books were enjoyed by women. Too much classic sci-fi was overtly sexist, had few (or no) female characters, and the emotional depth of a computer. I prefer sci-fi by female authors, and newer sci fi in general. I like the Murderbot series, and A Closed and Common Orbit, but disliked an older series I tried. The space operas I liked weren't fluffy, they just weren’t too heavy on the science. They’re all different, so chances are good that we could all find something to fit our tastes.
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, fluffy reading, ..."
No worries, and if I came on too strongly I apologize! And it is 100% a compliment to say books are enjoyed by women, but the wording, "popular with many women who don't like sci-fi," hit me hard since for so many years, science fiction was considered a genre by and for men. And I've been in love with it for over fifty years, since I discovered The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet and the Heinlein juveniles, including at least one, Have Space Suit—Will Travel, that is most definitely a space opera! :D The response by LeahS that your description made her like the idea of space opera even less made me itch to tell a different story about it.
I just don't like the space opera one because it's a little specific to be easy to find a nonfiction or picture book. Yes, I do the entire challenge 3 times, once with only fiction, once with only nonfiction, and again with only picture books.
Star Wars is considered a space opera. I know I've seen Star Wars picture books, and there are several nonfiction books about the making of the movies.
Also I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story and The Princess Diarist. If that's not your bag, Neil deGrass Tyson has written some pretty epic and sweeping nonfiction that I think you could count.
Mod
If that's not your bag, Neil deGrass Tyson has written some pretty epic and sweeping nonfiction that I ..."
That how I would translate for NF- a "pop" science book.
Deborah wrote: "I just don't like the space opera one because it's a little specific to be easy to find a nonfiction or picture book. Yes, I do the entire challenge 3 times, once with only fiction, once with only ..."I'm impressed that you do that! Nonfiction lovers, unite!
Especially given that lots of the books in the "space operas" Listopia are NOT what I would call space operas (Fahrenheit 451, for Pete's sake?) , I imagine you could read any nonfiction about space travel/exploration/astronauts and count it.
Sandra wrote: "Also I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story and The Princess Diarist. If that's not your bag, Neil deGrass Tyson has written some pretty epic and sweeping nonfiction that I ..."
Thanks, that might help.
I've already read I am C-3PO and most Neil deGrasss Tyson books.
NancyJ wrote: "Quick notes “New” - Miss Benson's Beetle is an entertaining book set in NEW Caledonia.
Space opera - based on the few I read- this is very light sci-fi, popular with many women w..."
Apologies, folks. I suggesting that on the fly intending to put a better definition in the comments then forgot.
Here is a definition.
Space Opera Books: Space opera books are a subgenre of science fiction defined by sweeping, large-scale adventure stories that often involve large-scale conflict, galactic empires, and high stakes. They range from classic tales focused on grand, heroic adventure to modern narratives that explore complex social, political, and technological themes.
Classic space opera:
The Lensmen series by E. E. "Doc" Smith: Considered one of the foundational space opera series, this saga follows the adventures of the Galactic Patrol as they battle an evil alien civilization. The first book is Triplanetary
Dune by Frank Herbert: On the desert planet Arrakis, a young nobleman named Paul Atreides is caught in a galaxy-wide political battle for control of the planet's priceless psychoactive spice.
The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester: A tale of revenge, this novel follows Gully Foyle, a man abandoned in space who, after surviving, transforms himself to exact vengeance on those who left him to die.
Foundationby Isaac Asimov: A classic of the genre that follows the collapse of a galactic empire and the efforts of a group of social scientists to preserve knowledge and rebuild civilization.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/9825... by Lois McMaster Bujold: An enduring and highly decorated series of novels that centers on the Vorkosigan family and galactic politics.
The Culture series by Iain M. Banks: A series of novels exploring the post-scarcity anarchist utopian society of the Culture and its interactions with other civilizations. The first book is Consider Phlebas
Hyperion by Dan Simmons: Inspired by Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, this series follows seven pilgrims traveling to the
planet Hyperion to confront a terrifying creature called the Shrike.
Modern space opera:
The Expanse by James S. A. Corey: A bestselling series that follows a detective, a ship's officer, and a politician as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the entire solar system. The first book is Leviathan Wakes
Old Man's War by John Scalzi: A military space opera that sees a 75-year-old man join the Colonial Defense Force to fight for humanity's place in the universe, only to find himself fighting in the body of a much younger soldier.
The Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers: This series offers a more optimistic and character-driven take on space opera, focusing on the crew of a ship exploring what it means to be a community. The first book is The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (Wayfarers, #1)
Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie: The first novel in the Imperial Radch series, this story is about a fragment of a ship's artificial intelligence seeking revenge for the destruction of its human body.
The Machineries of Empire by Yoon Ha Lee: A complex military space opera focusing on a disgraced captain who is given a chance at redemption by retaking a fortress from heretics. The first book is Ninefox Gambit
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu: This series begins during China's Cultural Revolution and expands into a confrontation between humanity and a hostile alien race. The first book is The Three-Body Problem
A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge: An inventive novel in which a human ship carrying a powerful weapon crashes on a distant planet, leading to a desperate rescue mission.
Revelation Spaceby Alastair Reynolds: The first book in a series that follows different factions trying to understand a past alien civilization's destruction and an emerging threat to all life.
Space Operaby Catherynne M. Valente: A vibrant, witty novel that blends music and space adventure as sentient races compete in a universe-wide musical contest.
I was leaning toward Dune, but now I'm thinking about Old Man's War.
I can tell you that Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card is excellent. I'm not a big Sci-fi fan either, but we haven't done a prompt for space opera, so I thought it might be a fun twist and something different for us.
I went 4 up, four down. There are two I really don't want and two I'd rather not have.
Pamela - could you please add at least some of the links I posted in msg26 to the details for 14. Thank you.
LeahS wrote: "Thank you, that 's helpful."I would have posted them sooner, but I needed to go on a different device to do that.
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)
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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)
Voting will open in the morning of September 12 and results will be posted in the morning of September 16 (CST time).
How it works:
- When the voting opens, follow the link to the mini-poll that will be added at the end of this post
- You have a total of 8 votes this poll to spread across your favorite and least favorite prompts (you can also use less than 8 votes)
- You can find examples of acceptable voting practices on the Introduction thread
- The prompts with the more favorable votes (comparing top votes to bottom votes, and looking at the overall number of votes it received) will be added to the final list
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1. A book that could fit three prompts on the list.
2. A book set in a NEW Place
3. A book related to one of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
4. A book with a photographic element on the cover.
5. A book you've wanted to read for a long time
6. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation - religion, politics, sex or money.
7. A book that was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in any year
8. A mystery or true crime book
9. A book whose cover is divided or split in half
10. A book with a word for a family member in the title
11. A book that is not a novel
12. A book related to observation, experimentation, or inquiry
13. A book considered a space opera
14. A book with an Indigenous character or author
15. A book that could earn you a Goodreads bookmark.
Feel free to discuss the prompts below, but please remember to be respectful to the other group members. Additional information or suggestions for the prompts may also be posted below- the thoughts and ideas post only transfers them from the other thread.
Voting link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...