Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
ATY 2026
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[2026] Poll 15 Voting
Mod
1. A magical realism or magical book
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/magi...
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/magical
2. A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2025 or 2026
2025 listopia: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...
3. A book about a family or family relationships.
Books for adults about families:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Books about quirky families:
https://modernmrsdarcy.com/quirky-end...
Books about found families:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Nonfiction books about families:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Memoirs about families:
https://celadonbooks.com/booklists/st...
Middle-grade books and series about families:
https://reedlibrary.blog/2023/06/27/m...
4. A book that is either frothy or gothy
Frothy is a book that is light hearted or a feel-good story.
Gothy is a book from the Gothic genre or has a gothic setting such as a Gothic Cathedral, castle, mansion, etc.
There's a very thorough list in the suggestions thread, so click here for the links:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
5. A book that won an international literary award
List of awards
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Categ...
See the gr awards section for lists of books with each award. Example:
https://www.goodreads.com/award/show/...
6. A book with characters in a club
They can be in any sort of club: book club, murder club, social club,fight club...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
7. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation, such as, sex, money, religion, politics, or personal issues.
We are traditionally advised to avoid discussing topics that might be too personal, sensitive, or controversial for the group we are with. We’re not supposed to talk about them, but we sure can read about them! You can choose a topic that is too sensitive for the groups in your life. (Mental health or alcohol were forbidden topics when I was growing up.)
There's a very thorough list from the last nomination, so click here and see #6 for the links:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
8. A book that is related to one of the group’s moderators
The author or a character in the book could have the same first name.
The book could be related somehow to one of the mod’s profile photos or the type of mod they are: Celestial, Contemporaneous etc.
Ideas from the Mods:
Emily - As for me, I'm a "retired" teacher who now works with her husband at our CPA firm in Louisiana. I have a toddler and another baby on the way. I started a book club 12 years ago and we vacation together every summer (here's a link to all of the books we've read in our book club: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c). I also enjoy running and eating sweets haha!
Jackie - I'm currently in Wisconsin. I'm a scientist, a mom, and a dog lover. My favorite genres are mystery, history, and nature books. Other hobbies include baking, DIY projects, and video games.
Robin - I can speak and read French. I grew up on a sheep farm but always lived in cities as an adult. I am retired but I have a paying gig where I speak about lesser-known women from history. I like cats, chocolate, and tea.
Pamela - I live in Salem, MA. I've worked my whole career in museums-- I started as a military/aviation curator but currently work at the House of the Seven Gables-- so here's your excuse to read Hawthorne. I wish I was a fashion curator though. I also knit and travel extensively. I read a lot of paranormal romance and try to balance it out with non-fiction, classics, and literary fiction. I've just started Moby Dick again- if anyone wants to use this prompt to shame me into actually finishing it, feel free.
Trish - I live in London. I work as a financial editor and proofreader. I have cats. I'm the wrong side of 60. I enjoy reading, photography and like to cook.
9 . A book featuring a feat of engineering
There's a very thorough list in post #3
10. A book with a character who is passing
Some possibilities for the definitions of “passing”:
- dying
- succeeding in a class
- being perceived as someone you are not (white for black (or vice versa), rich for poor (or vice versa), undercover character for a spy/police officer (secret identity), etc.)
- being perceived as a gender other than the one assigned at birth (i.e., for a trans person being perceived as the gender you ARE rather than the one assigned at birth — referred to most respectfully, not meant to be derogatory in any way, as can sometimes be the case)
- sports term for transferring the ball to a teammate (soccer, basketball, etc.), so an athlete in sports that use this move
- not accepting an offer
- “just passing through town”
- “ships that pass in the night” (e.g., people who live together but rarely see each other because they work different shifts OR two people who briefly cross paths, never to see each other again )
- to pass a law, so a lawmaker or member of Congress
There are several other meanings of pass: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/pass )
A few sources:
Listopia - Racial Passing: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Shelf - various types of Passing: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Listopia - Passing Away (Dying-fiction and nonfiction): https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9...
* I thought of this because I was reminded that the words in the English language with most meanings are “run” (potentially 645) and “set” (>430). These words didn’t really inspire me toward a prompt, so I was thinking of other more inspiring words that have a lot of meanings and thought of “pass” (109 according to the OED)
11. A book featuring a writer or the craft of writing.
A book featuring a writer or the craft of writing. This includes characters who are authors, diarists, poets, journalists, screenwriters, etc.
There's a very thorough list in the suggestions thread, so click here for the links:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
12. A book connected to Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody is considered to be about Freddie Mercury coming to terms with being bisexual - so a LGBTQ book
lyrics include references to:
fantasy
murder/crime
climate fiction (landslide, thunder and lightning)
horror (shivers down my spine)
https://genius.com/Queen-bohemian-rha...
15. A book you read in a -ber month
The prompt is self-explanatory since any book you read during a -ber month (September, October, November, December) would count. Thus it would make it really accessible for a lot of members to complete the prompt
Re: 9 . A book featuring a feat of engineeringSome Listopias and Goodreads shelves for feat of engineering, which can be any marvel of engineering skill, featured in any way in the book (major subject, key to the plot, providing a setting for the action, shown on the cover, mentioned in the title, etc.):
Listopias:
Architecture in Fiction
Books about Canals
Books About Landmarks
Launching the Space Age
Nautical Fantasy
Pyramids (in titles or on covers)
Space Opera
Space Race
Technology Themed (52 Book Club)
Water Engineering
Goodreads Shelves:
Engineering
Wonders of the World
A nonfiction option for number 14 is An Atlas of Extinct Countries. Not Imaginary worlds, but still places that don't exist (any more).
Amy (Other Amy) wrote: "Re: 9 . A book featuring a feat of engineeringSome Listopias and Goodreads shelves for feat of engineering, which can be any marvel of engineering skill, featured in any way in the book (major su..."
Amy this is my favorite suggestion this year. Thank you!
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/engi...
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/most...
This page has books I want, and some good children’s books. My family liked The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem.
Other Amy - Thanks for the great resources for Feats of Engineering!
Amy (Other Amy) wrote: "Re: 9 . A book featuring a feat of engineeringSome Listopias and Goodreads shelves for feat of engineering, which can be any marvel of engineering skill, featured in any way in the book (major su..."
Great lists!
To many good ones! Would need a lot more votes.
It's my pleasure! I'm glad I woke up enough to get a suggestion together LOL. Nike, thank you for the original prompt. KP, wow those are some good links. My to read stack was already high enough!
I don't think there is a single prompt for which I could not find a book. Nothing is jumping out at me as a downvote.
If anyone is looking for an excuse to read Oliver Twist, Bohemian Rhapsody is begging for it.He's just a poor boy from a poor family
Spare him his life from this monstrosity
If I could I'd just give 8 upvotes to Bohemian Rhapsody. xD
Yes Chrissie! And we could adjust the prompt to “Read 8 books connected to Bohemian Rhapsody” and we’d probably all be just fine :)
Tracy wrote: "Yes Chrissie! And we could adjust the prompt to “Read 8 books connected to Bohemian Rhapsody” and we’d probably all be just fine :)"I want to search for books with covers that have a little silhouetto of a man.
Or a character who is a “scaramouch”: a stock character in commedia dell'arte and farce who is a cowardly braggart, easily beaten and frightened.Or from “little high, little low” - characters who are cannabis users or depressed.
“Mama, life has just begun”: a bildungsroman/coming-of-age
And more…
I think is my favorite generated prompt list to date! I counted my checkmarks for up votes and counted 9. This is the one time I wish we had more votes.
Mod
Or that they could all pass through (I think 4 is the max allowed)
Shelley wrote: "If anyone is looking for an excuse to read Oliver Twist, Bohemian Rhapsody is begging for it.He's just a poor boy from a poor family
Spare him his life from this monstrosity"
That could be it! I'm planning of finally reading it next year.
But I will upvote:1
2
3
4
5
9
10
11
and
14
Mod
1
2
3
4
5
9
10
11
and
14"
That's 9....
Tracy wrote: "Or a character who is a “scaramouch”: a stock character in commedia dell'arte and farce who is a cowardly braggart, easily beaten and frightened.Or from “little high, little low” - characters who..."
Hahahaha! What fun!
Lots of possibilities for "shall we do the fandango", dance being only one..."Meanings of Fandango in slang:
A foolish or useless act: This is a common slang meaning, describing something nonsensical or wasteful.
A fuss or quarrel: The word can be used for a big argument or a heated exchange.
An extravagant or complicated event: It can describe a large party, a confusing situation, or a complicated plan, similar to the word "extravaganza".
A confusing situation or mess: The term can be applied to a complex situation that's hard to resolve.
Examples of usage:
"I don't want to get involved in a political fandango."
"The whole affair turned into a ridiculous fandango."
My favorites this week: 2. A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2025 or 2026- I think it’s beneficial to the vibrancy of the group. It encourages us to share and see what others member like.
12. A book connected to Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen - this song links to many great topics related to fantasy, music, identity, crime, family, classics, mental health, creativity, bohemians, opera, and so much more. 50 years and it’s still fun.
10. A book with a character who is passing - very very clever. It will be fun to search for multiple interpretations, tho I already have great options.
There isn’t one prompt that I dislike.
1. A magical realism or magical book - comfort reading for me
3. A book about a family or family relationships. Ditto
4. A book that is either frothy or gothy - fun title. Perfect for June.
5. A book that won an international literary award - I love global books and a challenging prompt.
6. A book with characters in a club - Briar Club, or a book about a book club
7. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation, such as, sex, money, religion, politics, or personal issues. Easier version, still not boring.
8. A book that is related to one of the group’s moderators - very fun, and great for group culture
9. A book featuring a feat of engineering - much easier than I thought. I already had books on my tbr (and relates to hubby)
11. A book featuring a writer or the craft of writing- Ann Patchett is my top choice. Lots of great fiction, including literary fiction.
13. A book that includes a single parent - I want more like Margo’s got money troubles, and Beautyland.
14. A book set in an alternate history or an imaginary world/universe - 2 great sub genres, lots of options.
15. A book you read in a -ber month -I choose Novem-bear ; )
Re: 4. A book that is either frothy or gothy.Frothy is a book that is light hearted or a feel-good story.
Gothy is a book from the Gothic genre or has a gothic setting such as a Gothic Cathedral, castle, mansion, etc.
Frothy:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
https://www.talkingwordy.com/7-lighth...
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
https://modernmrsdarcy.com/feel-good-...
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/th...
Gothy:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/gothic
https://www.epicreads.com/blog/gothic...
https://shereadsnovels.com/category/r...
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/book...
https://modernmrsdarcy.com/atmospheri...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Sandra wrote: "A nonfiction option for number 14 is An Atlas of Extinct Countries. Not Imaginary worlds, but still places that don't exist (any more)."I have this book and have been hoping for a prompt to slot it in, so thanks for the suggestion.
Love, love, love the Bohemian Rhapsody prompt!
Charlsa wrote: "Re: 4. A book that is either frothy or gothy.Frothy is a book that is light hearted or a feel-good story.
Gothy is a book from the Gothic genre or has a gothic setting such as a Gothic Cathedral..."
This is such a fun prompt idea!
I seriously regret that I have only 8 votes to give to this wonderful round of prompts. ATY Best BOM, frothy or gothy, forbidden topics, a nod to our mods, and Bohemian Rhapsody are absolute upvotes. But how to choose between so many other great suggestions? Argh!
Voting is going to be painful this time around.
I don't understand - 15. A book you read in a -ber monthTo me it reads like, a book you read in October, November, December, but given the challenge is a book a week, we are reading about 12 books in that time so it's just read a book?? I'm really confused - what am I missing?
Bec wrote: "I don't understand - 15. A book you read in a -ber monthTo me it reads like, a book you read in October, November, December, but given the challenge is a book a week, we are reading about 12 book..."
You are not confused, any book read in one of those months counts.
It is not a prompt that works for me. I think it is more for members who struggle to read 52 book in a year.
Jillian wrote: "Bec wrote: "I don't understand - 15. A book you read in a -ber monthTo me it reads like, a book you read in October, November, December, but given the challenge is a book a week, we are reading a..."
or September, but some people finish before September. I just don't think it fits well with the challenge.
Robin H-R wrote: "Love, love, love the Bohemian Rhapsody prompt!"Me Too!
Deborah wrote: "Robin H-R wrote: "Love, love, love the Bohemian Rhapsody prompt!"Me Too!"
Am I crazy, or does Space Opera sound like it fits the musical energy? I might read a biography or something with music along with the lyrics.
When I first joined, this prompt was suggested (a few years too early). It led me to read Bohemian Paris: Picasso, Modigliani, Matisse and the Birth of Modern Art.
Pearl wrote: "Deborah wrote: "Robin H-R wrote: "Love, love, love the Bohemian Rhapsody prompt!"Me Too!"
Am I crazy, or does Space Opera sound like it fits the musical energy? I might read a bi..."
It does, it's a little silly, I only gave it 3 stars, but I still might read the sequel someday.
Deborah wrote: "Pearl wrote: "Deborah wrote: "Robin H-R wrote: "Love, love, love the Bohemian Rhapsody prompt!"Me Too!"
Am I crazy, or does Space Opera sound like it fits the musical energy? I m..."
I tried a book by the author before but it didn’t fit my mood at the time. I’d like to try again.
Mod
Hahahaha
Pearl wrote: "Am I crazy, or does Space Opera sound like it fits the musical energy? I might read a biography or something with music along with the lyrics."
It would definitely work - both musical and BR is operatic (IMO). I got on with it better than some of the other books and short stories I've read by Catherynne M. Valente. I gave it 3*. No idea, what the sequel is like.
Pearl wrote: I tried a book by the author before but it didn’t fit my mood at the time. I’d like to try again..."My reactions to Valente's books have been all over the map. Some I've really enjoyed (I thought The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making was delightful), some were just okay, I have DNF'd more than one. I didn't finish Space Opera; I love science fiction, but as Deborah said, this felt a little silly and I wasn't enjoying it. I might try it again at some point but I might not. There are a lot of great space opera books and series out there.
Dixie wrote: "Pearl wrote: I tried a book by the author before but it didn’t fit my mood at the time. I’d like to try again..."My reactions to Valente's books have been all over the map. Some I've really enjoy..."
Thanks. Some days, silly is just what I need.
I’m hoping we can get three or four from this round. So mamy good options!
MJ wrote: "I’m hoping we can get three or four from this round. So mamy good options!"Me too! Getting only one last week was very disappointing. I'm ready to be finished.
Mod
I think "read in a -ber month" is a prompt in this year's 52 Book Club challenge. It's definitely one of the most annoying ones (on their list--a high bar as they also have both "told in verse" & "author has won an Edgar Award" this year, please kill me) as far as being a complete gimme & simultaneously something you have to wait months to check off. Hoping some more interesting prompts carry the day with this ballot.
PS--EIGHT upvotes from me this week. That's never happened before!
Deborah wrote: "MJ wrote: "I’m hoping we can get three or four from this round. So mamy good options!"Me too! Getting only one last week was very disappointing. I'm ready to be finished."
I felt the same way the last round. Hoped for a big week, and would have been happy with most of them making it in.
Since we'll have at least one more round, I really hope that some from this round and the round before that don't make it in are offered again. I could have easily upvoted four more this time, and several of last round's best didn't get in either.
3 up, 5 down - This round evoked stronger leanings for me than last week.1. A magical realism or magical book - neutral...I like it but not enough to change a downvote
2. A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2025 or 2026 - down - probably wlll get in, but not one of my favorites
3. A book about a family or family relationships. - neutral even though I've had enough of family relationships this year.
4. A book that is either frothy or gothy - UP - new favorite prompt of the year
5. A book that won an international literary award - neutral - I hope it gets in without my vote since the Goodreads Choice Awards were included. If not, oh well.
6. A book with characters in a club - neutral - could easily fill this one and if it was in any other poll, it would have been an upvote
7. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation, such as, sex, money, religion, politics, or personal issues. - up - I just ordered a book that fits perfectly. If it doesn't make it - I may KIS for rebellion, revolution, etc
8. A book that is related to one of the group’s moderators - neutral - I feel like this one will make it. Thank you, Mods, for all you do.
9. A book featuring a feat of engineering - down vote - not my cup of tea
10. A book with a character who is passing - down vote - my first thought is the negative connotation.
11. A book featuring a writer or the craft of writing - down vote -
12. A book connected to Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen - Up vote - takes me back to my younger days
13. A book that includes a single parent - neutral - changed from down vote as I needed it else where - not wild about the topic, but can make it work
14. A book set in an alternate history or an imaginary world/universe - Neutral - an upvote in a different poll, would love to fit a Discworld novel here
15. A book you read in a -ber month - neutral - it might be a nice break and a chance to slot in a just discovered book without trying to rearrange other filled prompts
Just thought of another use for “A character who is passing”. It could be a character who uses a pseudonym (stage name or pen name, etc.). I’m reading one now (The Fellowship of the Puzzlemakers) where a character uses a pen name to publish her crossword puzzles (can’t remember if it’s because being a woman who does this was unacceptable at the time, or if she was just insecure). Also, the Bridgerton books could be used for Penelope who uses the pen name Lady Whisteldown). This is assuming that the Netflix series follows the books in this regard.UPDATE: I went back and re-read the part about the character with a pen name in The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers and she most DEFINITELY is not insecure. In this story, pen names for puzzlemakers are common, and also happens to hide her gender as it was definitely NOT acceptable for women to be in this role.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
The Tsar of Love and Techno (other topics)The Tsar of Love and Techno (other topics)
The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge (other topics)
The Great Divide (other topics)
To Engineer Is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Anthony Marra (other topics)Anthony Marra (other topics)
Catherynne M. Valente (other topics)
Voting will open in the morning of Wednesday 24 September and the results will be posted in the morning of Sunday 28 September (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
We are asking people to include their Goodreads profile address when they vote. To find this, just go to your own profile and then copy the URL/web address. If for some reason you can't link to your Goodreads profile, please post your full Goodreads name with enough identifiable information that we'll be able to access your profile.
The prompts are:
1. A magical realism or magical book
2. A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2025 or 2026
3. A book about a family or family relationships.
4. A book that is either frothy or gothy
5. A book that won an international literary award
6. A book with characters in a club
7. A book that includes a “forbidden” topic in polite conversation, such as, sex, money, religion, politics, or personal issues.
8. A book that is related to one of the group’s moderators
9. A book featuring a feat of engineering
10. A book with a character who is passing
11. A book featuring a writer or the craft of writing
12. A book connected to Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
13. A book that includes a single parent
14. A book set in an alternate history or an imaginary world/universe
15. A book you read in a -ber month
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...