2012 June Pick It For Me! Challenge

[Lisa]

Newbie here. Just so I understand, each person will pick a book or a list of books (?) for someone else to read. They will be romance. Is the object to pick something you think they will like? Or something off their normal likes? I have an enormous tbr selection. But I have never listed them. Am I supposed to do that?

[D.G.]

Lisa wrote: "Newbie here. Just so I understand, each person will pick a book or a list of books (?) for someone else to read.
A list of books, usually 8-10. How many will be depending on the rules.

They will be romance.
Not necessarily. It could be any genre that fits the rules (these will be revealed later today.) But you should see what your pickee reads and recommend accordingly.

Is the object to pick something you think they will like? Or something off their normal likes?
A little bit of both but when you recommend something that they don't read often, then you should have a reason why you think they would like it.

I have an enormous tbr selection. But I have never listed them. Am I supposed to do that?
Yes. :) Most people like to give a mix of recs of books that the person has and books that are completely new to them. If you haven't added your TBR to GR, then you run the risk that people just recommend you books that are completely new to you (although if your TBR is really large, maybe not.) However, the most important thing is to make sure the books you READ are updated because then you won't get recommendations of books you've already read.

Hope that helps!!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Thanks D.G.! Lisa, I think she did a pretty good job answering your questions. I feel pretty confident that you will get mostly romance for your picks, there may be one or two outside of that genre, but this is a challenge within a Romance Readers group. Sometimes the rule will be to pick something new - genre or author, but that could mean you mostly read Paranormal and I might recommend a Contemporary Romance. I don't want you to feel like you might be getting yourself into something where you would be compelled to read something you didn't like. And remember, you only have to read one book to fulfill the challenge. It is very helpful to have your TBR listed, but I agree with D.G. here, it is most important to have your READ books updated. It is frustrating to get books suggested that you have already read. I rarely have time for rereads anymore, I keep finding too many good book suggestions here! This challenge is a lot of fun and quite addicting! I hope you join us!

[Mandy]

Hi, Lisa! Welcome to the Pick It For Me(PIFM) challenge! It might be helpful to look at last month's PIFM to see how it all plays out. The rules for each month change, but May's picking rules are on the first page. The picks start on page 3.

[Dee]

its almost time ;)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Just five more hours!! =)

Oops, I was just getting things ready and typed that the picks are due at two, but signups are open until 4 PM PDT.

[Dee]

maybe if we ask MK nicely, she'll post the categories a little early ;)

[Rishika]

I hope this time I get different picks, since i have read most of them on my shelf.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Dee wrote: "maybe if we ask MK nicely, she'll post the categories a little early ;)"

Maybe....

[Dee]

Rishika - are you saying that your person shouldn't use your to-read shelf? since you only have a few books on there...you might want to be clear about that to make things easier for them

Rishika wrote: "I hope this time I get different picks, since i have read most of them on my shelf."

[Rishika]

yes .... i want to clear things out before they see my shelf

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Rishika wrote: "yes .... i want to clear things out before they see my shelf"

This challenge is a great motivator for getting your shelves in order!

[Rishika]

Yes thats what i am doing, almost everything is in order

[Rishika]

I am done organising my shelf, cant wait :)

[Lisa]

Ok, I would love love to try this. I have never done a reading challenge before. So I hope I dont make things a mess for someone else. I will do my best. Please dont hesitate to tell me if I break rules or etiquette. What do I do now? Oh, pick! haha I pick salt water because I am reading Cherry Adairs Vortex at the moment. Now what?? haha I am a little giddy! :-)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Lisa wrote: "Ok, I would love love to try this. I have never done a reading challenge before. So I hope I dont make things a mess for someone else. I will do my best. Please dont hesitate to tell me if I break ..."

You'll do just fine! When I post the rules and pairing in a little while you will find out who you pick for. Check out their shelves and come up with some ideas of books to recommend and then wait for your picks! Come June you get to read! I think this is my favorite challenge - it is always fun to see what others pick for you!

[Lisa]

MountainKat wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Ok, I would love love to try this. I have never done a reading challenge before. So I hope I dont make things a mess for someone else. I will do my best. Please dont hesitate to tell m..."

I am looking forward to it. :-)

[D.G.]

1.5 hr to go!

I don't know if I'll be able to post my picks tonight because my husband is working in the desktop ( and no way I'll try to post the picks via the iPad.)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

D.G. ~Shameless Hussy~ wrote: "1.5 hr to go!

I don't know if I'll be able to post my picks tonight because my husband is working in the desktop ( and no way I'll try to post the picks via the iPad.)"

Can's say that I blame you there! Short quick messages are one thing, something long and complicated - not going to happen!

[Dee]

whining...is it time yet...

[MountainKat, Moderator]

And for those of you anxiously waiting by your computers for the witching hour, the rules are posted in message #3!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Sign-ups are now closed!! Parings will be up momentarily in message #4.

For anyone who missed sign-ups, if you are still interested in participating, let me know and I will try to get you will the repicks!

[D.G.]

OK, I booted my husband out of the computer...let's see if I can do the picks!

[D.G.]

Woohoo!! I'm working on your picks, Brett!

ETA: I knew I had picked for you before! Luckily I keep track of picks so I'll know not to recommend the same things again.

[Penney]

I get to pick for Jim! So the question is, do I torture him, or do I play the good pal? Hmmmm...decisions, decisions. {why isn't there an evil villain face?}

[Tiffanny]

Can I still join??

[Dee]

torture penney torture !!!

[Dee]

Amy J - working on your picks!!

ETA - got distracted by having to do laundry...i'll get them up tomorrow ;)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Tiffanny wrote: "Can I still join??"

I'll put you down for repicks, should be able to make that work! ; )

[Lisa]

Ok, I am in trouble already. Where are the pairings on message #4? Really, I am not stupid. I can read and everything. But its not too late to kick me out! haha Where are they??????

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Lisa wrote: "Ok, I am in trouble already. Where are the pairings on message #4? Really, I am not stupid. I can read and everything. But its not too late to kick me out! haha Where are they??????"

One the first page of the thread in the fourth message. You pick for the person below you in the list - you pick for Kami. Hope that helps! =)

[Tiffanny]

MountainKat wrote: "Tiffanny wrote: "Can I still join??"

I'll put you down for repicks, should be able to make that work! ; )"

Thank you!!

[Maija]

Irina- I'll post my picks tomorrow, because I live in +2 GMT time zone and it's pretty late and I have an exam in english tomorrow

[Sarah]

Hi Dee! Here are my recs for you! I hope you find something you'll enjoy!

Schools Out for Summer!:
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - I noticed you had her on your TBR, I love Richelle Mead. If you haven't started this series then I highly recommend it! I've only read the first book, myself, but I've heard wonderful things for the entire series.
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver - I didn't see this on your TBR, but I highly recommend it! It is very well written. Enjoy!
Flag Day, June 14th:
This is also a category I don't have a lot of experience with.
Uniform Desires by Simone Anderson - I saw this on your TBR (which you have very nicely categorized!!), and I thought it looked interesting.
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks - This is not on your TBR. It is a very cute story and I cried (but Nicholas Sparks books tend to do that!). Plus the movie is coming out (or is out??)!
Don't Forget the Sunscreen:
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - This book is on your TBR so I know you've heard of it, and have been curious about it! Now I encourage you to read it!
Desire Untamed by Pamela Palmer - I did not see this on your TBR (the book or the author). It is a shifter book, and it sounds really interesting. I have it on my TBR but I have not read it yet.
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream
Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison - This is on your TBR, but if you've read it let me know. Rachel "cooks" her spells. Not exactly baking but it is important for the story.
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie - This book is not on your TBR. It is a very cute story and it was fun to read. Plus it is perfect for a day at the beach.
Fire up the BBQ:
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel - I saw this on your TBR and I know a lot of people who have enjoyed it and read it.
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa - This book is not on your TBR. I am pretty sure most of this book takes place outside. Julie Kagawa is a very talented writer. This book is a YA title but it is still a fun read.
Summer Solstice:
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler - This book is not on your TBR. It has a pretty good rating for the amount of people who have read it. The book is on my TBR too. The summary sounds cute and another good read for the beach.
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks - This is on your TBR, and I cried (definitely not unusual for NS books!). It was a quick read even though it was long.
Divine by Mistake by P.C. Cast - This is also not listed in your books, but you read and enjoyed her Goddess Summoning series. This one also has a mythological element and takes place during the summer. I hope you enjoy it.
Gay Pride Month:
I don't have a lot of experience with this category so I went with what you had selected as M/M that you owned and wanted to read.
Murder at Black Dog Springs by Sarah Black - I read the summary and thought it sounded interesting. For some reason I'm drawn to things regarding WWII. If you pick this I hope you enjoy it!
Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn - This book is on your TBR plus the cover has three colors from the rainbow. I have seen Julia Quinn mentioned in many threads and I have not read anything by her but she seems to be popular.
Old Maids Day, June 4th:
Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake - I don't know if this is considered "cheating" but the main character is a vampire that is many centuries old. If that isn't an old maid! LOL I did not see this on your TBR. I just finished this book yesterday and I found it be a great book. Jocelynn Drake does a great job of world building!
Into the Dreaming by Karen Marie Moning - This is on your TBR. I really love KMM's writing (and I noticed that you do too!), and plus there is a new edition of this out with a great cover! I am not positive that this fits the category but I hope so.
Macbeth by William Shakespeare - I have a BA in English, so I've come to appreciate the classics. I didn't see this on your TBR but it is a quick read and one of the easier plays to follow.

Buddy Reads:
Pick at least one from their TBR.

Sand in Your Shorts:
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper - I have seen Molly Harper on a lot of threads through out Goodreads so I know she's worth reading. I have not read anything by her before but I want to. Plus, her books are supposed to be funny so it is perfect for the beach. A great way to relax!
Best Friends Day, June 8th:
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin - I'm pretty sure this book also takes place during the summer. I saw the movie and I have had a copy of the book for even longer than that. I'd really like to cross it off my TBR, and see how it compares to the movie. Plus this wasn't on your TBR.




If you haven't found anything that you'd like to read please let me know and I will pick again! Happy reading!

[D.G.]

I'll post my picks tomorrow too. I'm having problems with some of the categories. Books by themes are the most difficult for me because I never remember details (where they're set, the timeframe or the age of the characters.)

[Jim son of Jim (formerly PhotoJim)]

Yay! Penny picks for me!

Kate, I'm pleased to see how many books we have in common and with similar ratings too! I don't know if I'll have picks up tonight or tomorrow. But I will have them no later than tomorrow night.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

D.G. ~Shameless Hussy~ wrote: "I'll post my picks tomorrow too. I'm having problems with some of the categories. Books by themes are the most difficult for me because I never remember details (where they're set, the timeframe or..."

They seemed easier when I came up with them, but now that I am trying to match it to someone's preferences... Not so much!

[D.G.]

MountainKat wrote: "They seemed easier when I came up with them, but now that I am trying to match it to someone's preferences... Not so much! "

Specially when we are trying to match them with books from their TBR that we haven't read. :)

[Kami]

I am lost in my pickee's 4,000 book TBR. This may take a while. Lisa, you doing okay now?

[Lisa]

Kami wrote: "I am lost in my pickee's 4,000 book TBR. This may take a while. Lisa, you doing okay now?"

Just going to look at your books. I just sent you an email. :-) I think we may be a l i t t l e different in regular reading! haha How many books do people normally put on a suggested reading list?

[Rachel-RN]

Hi KarenH ! Here are your picks. Tried to go for variety, hope there's something interesting. Only one was/is not on your TBR. 1/2 of these I haven't yet read....

1. Schools Out for Summer! *B?* Heard good things about this one
2. Flag Day, June 14th *B?* I saw you have other Bella Andre books on your TBR, but not this one.
3.Don't Forget the Sunscreen This cover caught my eye when I bought it and it's a great story too!
4.I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream = Sweet story
5.Fire up the BBQ If memory serves, this one takes place mainly outside and yum!
6.Summer Solstice *B?* I'm assuming this one takes places during the summer:-)
7.Gay Pride Month *B?*
8.Old Maids Day, June 4th I'm recommending this one for Virginia Kantra's Children of the Sea series (selkies- immortal, multiple generations present in books)
9. Sand in Your Shorts *B?* Heard great things about this one
10.Best Friends Day, June 8th Thought it'd be fun to pick a pick with "winter" in title. But- Cole's Immortals have good dynamics/interactions/friendships between each other that make the books fun.
*B* = buddy read?

[Susan (susayq ~)]

Kami wrote: "I am lost in my pickee's 4,000 book TBR. This may take a while. Lisa, you doing okay now?"

Sorry, Kami! I have an itchy clicker finger when it comes to adding books to my TBR LOL I'm sure whatever you pick will be great :)

[Emily]

Rishika,

Please let me know if you would me to pick some additional books for you.

1) Schools out for summer - or or

2) Flag day - or

3) Dont forget the sunscreen - or or

4) I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream -

5) Fire up the BBQ -

6) Summer Solstice - or or

7) Gay Pride Month - or or

8) Old Maids -

BUDDY READS
1) Sand in your shoes - or or

2) Best Friends Day - or

[Susan (susayq ~)]

Carrie, I'll do your picks tomorrow. I've had a migraine all day and am exhausted and am not quite sure I can focus enough right now. But I'm looking forward to doing them!

[[deleted user]]

Hello Lauren!

Here are your recs. Enjoy!

Schools Out for Summer! - Double Clutch by Liz Reinhardt, one of my favourite YA novels. It’s a love-triangle with a brilliant, focused heroine
Flag Day, June 14th - Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl, I loved the humour in this one. A real cracker with a serious cop and a funny writer
Don't Forget the Sunscreen - Bared to You by Sylvia Day, this one is seriously all the rage. And it’s good erotica. Funny, sad, and intelligent.
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream - Her Best Friend’s Brother by T.J. Dell, this is a sweet friends-to-lovers romance with a little hero groveling. The heroine runs a bakery.
Fire up the BBQ - Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie, a real foodie book with lots of cooking, eating, and enjoying food. A bit on the chaotic side with wedding preparations and dead bodies.
Summer Solstice - Almost by Anne Eliot, a peculiar little YA story of a fake boyfriend, a 3 year old memory, and protective parents
Gay Pride Month - It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas, one of my favourite books with a straight-jacket English hero and a “wild” American fun-loving heroine
Old Maids Day, June 4th - Slammed by Colleen Hoover, the hero is “older” as in he’s in different circles from the heroine. This makes them star-crossed. A very nicely written story about overcoming death and learning to heal.


Buddy Reads:

Sand in Your Shorts - Stolen Fury by Elisabeth Naughton, you have this on your TBR and it’s in Florida, so I thought it would be appropriate. I also really enjoy Naughton’s steamy and sweet romances.
Best Friends Day, June 8th - Mystery Man by Kristen Ashley, the heroine has lots of support from all areas, and she also has a smokin’ badass alpha commando. Very nice.

Bonus Pick: The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons, an absolutely amazingly romantic book set in World War 2 in Russia. The first of a trilogy.
Father's Day, June 17th, because we all love a good daddy! - Sempre by J.M. Darhower, an interesting romance about the Italian mafia and slavery

[Kami]

Lisa wrote: "Kami wrote: "I am lost in my pickee's 4,000 book TBR. This may take a while. Lisa, you doing okay now?"

Just going to look at your books. I just sent you an email. :-) I think we may be a l i t t ..."

Typically at least one for each pick or sometimes a few. So maybe 10 or 15 choices? I like a lot of choices.

[~KarenH~, Moderator]

Rachel- Goodbye Borders wrote: "Hi KarenH ! Here are your picks. Tried to go for variety, hope there's something interesting. Only one was/is not on your TBR. 1/2 of these I haven't yet read....

1. Schools Out for Summer! ..."

Wow, thanks for the great (and fast) picks! There are several that I'm interested in, but need to see how they fit with my other challenges to know for sure which ones I'll read. We can talk about buddy reads once things settle down, but I'm pretty sure I can fit at least one in!

[Megan L]

Hi Daffodil,

Here are my picks for you! If they don't work out for you let me know and I will pick again! I hope you have a great start to your summer!

Schools Out for Summer! - I recommend Enclave. It is a great apocalyptic YA book.
Flag Day, June 14th - I recommend Killing Floor. It is a good adventure story.
Don't Forget the Sunscreen - A Hunger Like No Other this series is very steamy! I love it!
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream - One For The Money. The Stephanie Plum series is funny and fun! Once you read the first one you will want to read all of them. The main character has a love for sweets!
Fire up the BBQ - Too Hot To Touch this is a great story about chefs.
Summer Solstice - One Reckless Summer. This book is a great love story!
Gay Pride Month - Cut & Run this is a good story.
Old Maids Day, June 4th - Proof by Seduction. Ok so the main characters are 30 but in the time period of the book it was considered old.


Buddy Reads:
Pick at least one from their TBR.

Sand in Your Shorts - In the Prince's Bed. Ok so you or I didn't have any beachy themed books so I took the best next option.
Best Friends Day, June 8th - Paranormalcy

Bonus Pick: Not necessary but nice.
Father's Day, June 17th, because we all love a good daddy! -Midnight's Daughter. This one was on both are TBR piles. It is about Dracula being a father.Sounds interesting!

Happy Reading!

Megan

[Lisa]

Ok, so I am thinking since we had to pick the water thing, that has to be a part of suggested choices, yes? So the beach, ocean, sailing, etc?
When you say "Typically at least one for each pick or sometimes a few. So maybe 10 or 15 choices? I like a lot of choices. "
At least one for each pick of what?? I really want to do this right. I really dont know anything about YA or paranormal. So I will be searching. :-)

[Kami]

Lisa, rules are in message 3. See how everyone is picking a book to fit the choices "School's out for the Summer", "Flag Day", "Don't forget the sunscreen". etc