January Reading Challenge: Discussion and Suggestion Thread

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

This is where we will discuss and help each other out on what book to pick for the categories.

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Since I've started this almost in the middle of January, instead of our usual 10 books a month, our categories for January will only be five.

Here they are:

1. New Year Challenge: In with the new, Out with the old: Read a book that has been in your TBR pile for so long.

2. Beginnings: Read a book that is the first in a series.

3. Tournament of Roses: Read a book that has a name of a flower in its title.

4. Winter Season: Read a book that has a word that starts with "W" in its title.

5. Martin Luther King Day: Read a book that has an African-American character in it or read a book that is set in the South or in a Southern state.

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

I just finished last month a book that would have meet #5, but now I don't have a book in mind. Anybody that has a suggestion?

[♥Tricia♥]

Wish I could tell you, thats the one that I am totally not sure about hehe

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

The one I read last month was Suzanne Brockmann's Into the Fire. Vinh Murphy, the hero, was half Vietnamese and half African-American.

[Nichole (DirrtyH)]

I think the first book of Nora Roberts' Circle Triology has an African American character. It's pretty sad that this is such a difficult category...

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Hmm...seems we are going to have trouble with category 5....I think I'm going to change it, and reserve that category for future challenges instead.

[Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~]

LOL well I have some suggestions for number five for you guys. I'm looking through my TBR for the books. They're AA paranormal romance books.

[Cheryl]

Yz.. Catagories look good! I can see you gave a lot of thought to it.

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Go ahead, Jael. I'm always up to try new books.

[Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~]

Pretty Evil
Fledgling
Descendants of the Light

Minion

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Thanks Jael....I think I'm going to see if I can get a copy of Minion before January ends...for the 5th category...if not, I might just grab another Sookie Stackhouse book for it.

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Ideas for category 3: Jayne Ann Krentz, writing as Jayne Castle, has a sci-fi romance trilogy where all the book titles are flowers. They are Orchid, Zinnia and Amaryllis. I read them a long, long time ago..but they were good as I can remember

Also Nora Roberts has the In the Garden trilogy with Blue Dahlia, Black Rose and Red Lily. Unfortunately, I read them already.

I might do a reread of one of the Jayne Castle books if I can get them in the library.

[Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~]

1. New Year Challenge: In with the new, Out with the old: Read a book that has been in your TBR pile for so long.

Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale

2. Beginnings: Read a book that is the first in a series.
Marked
3. Tournament of Roses: Read a book that has a name of a flower in its title.

4. Winter Season: Read a book that has a word that starts with "W" in its title.

White Lies

5. Martin Luther King Day: Read a book that has an African-American character in it or read a book that is set in the South or in a Southern state.

Minion


Can't seem to find a book with a flower in the title any suggestions?

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Jael wrote: "1. New Year Challenge: In with the new, Out with the old: Read a book that has been in your TBR pile for so long.

[b:Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale|46777|Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale (Book 1)|Holly ..."


Must have read your mind..because I just posted some category 3 suggestions....

Don't forget to copy and paste your list on the Participants' List section for easy tracking.

[Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~]

LOl just realized I posted in the wrong sec. I put it up in the Participants List section.

[Wendy]

Hi guys, Just brand new to this group (only been looking around so far). But I have a suggestion for no. 5 if you like romantic/suspense. Jordan Dane's books are set in Nashville, TN. but the characters are not african-american.

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

I've discovered that Sandra Hill's Cajun series are set in the South, if anybody is still looking for category 5.

[Nikki ♥]

Yz, the series is hilarious. I'm reading the 3rd one now. I'm using it for catorgy 5.

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

I moved Love Potion...the book I got from the library book sale to category #5. Started it last night, and it made me smile a lot already.

[♥Tricia♥]

I just noticed you have more then one suggestion thread! You are confusing me! lol

[Cheryl]

I am going to have to get that series as well. I really enjoy having humor thrown in.

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Tricia,

This one are for books to suggest for those who are looking to fill the categories in this month's challenge.

The other one is for suggestion on categories for future challenges.

[♥Tricia♥]

OH /hides

I knew that /whistes innocently! ;P

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

LOL...silly Tricia..LOL...we love you..LOL

[Nichole (DirrtyH)]

it's okay Tricia, I was confused too.... :)

[♥Tricia♥]

hehe

So, I never did find a flower book. This list is super hard this month! lol

[Wendy]

You know my Blue Dahlia book actually covers 4 of the challenges this month...been on my shelf for yonks, has a flower in the title, is first in a series, and is set in Tennessee!!!!

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Unfortunately, I've read all books in the In The Garden trilogy. That would have been cool because all the titles have flower names. (Blue Dahlia, Black Rose, Red Lily)

I might have to visit the library tomorrow to see if I can get a book with a flower name.

See, I made the categories myself and I'm floundering, Tricia...LOL..

Don't worry, February, I'm sure will be easier.

[Wendy]

I might actually change my no. 5...cos I don't really like books with african-americans as characters. Don't know why really...except the books always make a big deal about them being black and I just like to see couples as couples regardless of race or creed. I am married to a Maori man (dark skinned native NZer) and I am as white as they come so it is not a prejudicial thing, I just don't like how they push the whole race thing...the story should be about m/w. So I might just look for a book set in the South

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

I actually did the same thing. I found one where the heroine is African-American, but the book is part of a series, so I decided to pick somethine else, one that is set in a Southern state instead.

[Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~]

LibraryLass wrote: "I might actually change my no. 5...cos I don't really like books with african-americans as characters. Don't know why really...except the books always make a big deal about them being black and I ..."

IMO I agree a little with your comment. White writers do over-stress the black characters looks more so than the white ones but a black writer wouldn't feel the need to do that. I think people of another race feel they won't be able to connect/relate to characters that are black which is why a lot of AA in the PNR genre are looked over. I feel a good writer will connect with her audience no matter what race she/he makes her characters it's just that the readers has to give them a chance. If you don't want to read a book with black characters that's fine that's your preference but it really makes me mad when people start trying to justify with the "I have black friend or my husband is dark so I know I'm not prejudice" excuse. That to me, just makes me think that you have some type of prejudice that you feel you need to hide. Don't get me wrong I'm not attacking you this is just how I feel. Beside it's America we all have our prejudice (including me)that will never change. NE way just wanted to throw my two cents in.

[Wendy]

Wow - that's certainly telling me isn't it. I in no way feel the need to justify myself cos I have a husband of a different race. But thanks for your comments I will certainly be keeping my opinions to myself in future.

PS - I prefer books which are character driven not driven by race, religion or anything else for that matter. It doesn't matter to me about what race or colour or religion a character is...it just shouldn't be a major point in the book and often it is made to be.

[Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~]

That wasn't a tell you off type of thing. I in no way meant to offend you. I appreciate your opinions and I for one admitted myself that I couldn't find a book that fit that category as well. I just meant I run into a lot of people who say some very racist stuff and than justify it with those excuses. My comment wasn't meant to seem nasty or offensive and I'm sorry I made you feel that you can't express yourself. I truly am sorry that wasn't my intent.

[Wendy]

Jael, Yes I was upset by your comments, (hopefully not because I am a hidden racist), but I just like or dislike ppl cos of who they are not what they are and that is the only thing I meant by bringing up my husband's heritage.

[♥Tricia♥]

Lets not get easily offended here.. I dont think anyone was trying to attack anyone.

We are all different, black, white, purple - it really doesnt matter.
We like to read :)

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Now, you guys, are making me feel guilty about the category I created...I didn't mean to open a can of worms here....

[♥Tricia♥]

I dont get why when mentioning of the color of someones skin, it always has to be a race issue.

I never think that. Not once did I think about the topic that way. /shrug

[Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~]

YZ don't feel guilty Your challenges are great.

Library Lass- like I said I'm sorry for offending you. I was just going from my experience. I don't know you so me thinking your a racist(hidden or otherwise) just based on preference of book choices is just silly to me. It very really wasn't my intent to offend. I was just voicing my opinion like we all do in this group.

[Wendy]

Cheers Yz, Tricia and Jael....nuff said about this anyway.....Read any good books lately? (sheepish grin)

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

No sweat everybody....

On to the fun times of reading...and I'm still searching for a book that has a flower title..LOL...all the ones I know I've already read..talk about creating my own dilemma..LOL

[Wendy]

Do you read historical romances? Lauren Royal has a whole series with names of flowers as the title.

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Yep...i would read anything that has a romance angle..LOL..

[Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~]

Ok that one has thrown me as well. I know YZ you offered Nora Roberts Dahlia series but I haven't been interested. For some reason I have in my head that Nora is cheesy so my search continues. That truly is a stumper.

[Wendy]

Books are Lily, Violet and Rose by Lauren Royal OR Julie Garwood has trilogy of roses (one pink rose, one white rose, one red rose). Jane Feather has a book The silver rose and Christina Skye has one (tho it's part of a series) Hour of the rose.

Just been thru my librarything account to have a look

[Wendy]

Does it have to be a title name? Cos you could always go for Iris Johansen.??!!

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Well, the Nora Roberts In The Garden series is actually paranormal, with the Harper Ghost involved in the story. It's not bad, although my fave is the first book...I didn't care much for the other two, although overall they were decent reads.

I found Lauren Royal with her Flowers trilogy, Violet, Lily and Rose. I haven't read her before and they look like historicals..but I'm pretty eclectic with genre..so if the library has them..I'm going to get the 1st one. Thanks for the suggestion, LibraryLass.

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

Jael,

Robin McKinley has a book called Rose's Daughter, looks like a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story...might be more up to your alley.

Oh...if you can get your hands on Jayne Castle (that is Jayne Ann Krentz writing sci-fi) St. Helen's trilogy, Amaryllis, Zinnia and Orchid. That trilogy I would recommend....

[Yz the Whyz, Moderator]

I've read Garwoods For the Roses series...I love that series, too. Wow, this is bringing me back down memory lane...reminds me of Kathleen Woodiwiss A Rose in Winter, one of my all time favorite historicals.

I haven't read that many historicals lately.

[Wendy]

I haven't read a historical romance since about Sept. last year, unheard of for me. Not into them at the mo. I am actually dipping my toe into Paranormals after reading the Twilight series over Xmas. Never really been keen on vampires/werewolves etc. but those books got me hooked.