21st Century Literature discussion

It's time to pick our first Open Pick for the new year!

Nominations will be open through Nov. 22nd with the poll going up on the 23rd. The discussion will start January 1st. If you are nominating, please begin your post by stating "I nominate [name w. hyperlink to book]".

The usual rules: 21st Century work of literature, one nomination per person. Please see the How Things Work post if you are new to the group or need a refresher.

I'd like to nominate The Glorious Heresies by Lisa McInerney

Thanks Marc

Thanks for kicking things off with such a strong pick, Hugh!

I nominate All the Living by C.E. Morgan. No one will ever say that I am not tenacious!

Linda wrote: "I nominate All the Living by C.E. Morgan. No one will ever say that I am not tenacious!"
Sorry - I did my best to support you last month, but I had at least three other possibilities in mind this time...

Hugh wrote: "Linda wrote: "I nominate All the Living by C.E. Morgan. No one will ever say that I am not tenacious!"
Sorry - I did my best to support you last month, but I had at ..."

No problem Hugh. I like your nomination, so won't be disappointed if it wins, except that I will have buy it!

I nominate The Known World by Edward P. Jones.

All the Living... I swear I've heard that title somewhere before... :p
(I'll definitely be reading this in 2017 thanks to Linda's tenacity regardless if it ever gets chosen by the group!)

Fascinating looking nomination, Carol--thanks!

I nominate The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra.

Great options so far.

Ernie wrote: "I nominate The Tsar of Love and Techno by Anthony Marra.

Several of my GR friends have highly recommended this one. Looks like we can't lose starting off 2017 with any of these.

Ooh nice options so far I really want to read The Glorious Heresies after reading your review Hugh.
On a side note voting for 2017 already - where has the year gone ?

In honor of its winning The National Book Award yesterday I nominate The Underground Railroad.

I nominate Barkskins by Annie Proulx.


These all look like great choices! My nomination is a beefy one but I figured we could handle a big book in th new year :)

Suzy wrote: "In honor of its winning The National Book Award yesterday I nominate The Underground Railroad."

I'd like to change my nom to Swing Time.

I totally missed that Annie Proulx even had a new novel coming out, much less that it had already come out!

I've only read Smith's On Beauty, but it made me want to read more of her work.

Marc wrote: "I totally missed that Annie Proulx even had a new novel coming out, much less that it had already come out!

I've only read Smith's On Beauty, but it made me want to read more of her w..."

Swing Time was just released. This month, I believe. So those who use the library or paperback will not have easy access. I've read most of her books and like them and intend to read this one but not immediately.

Dianne wrote: "I nominate Barkskins by Annie Proulx.


These all look like great choices! My nomination is a beefy one but I figured we could handle a big book in th new year :)"

I have this also on my tbr!!

Linda wrote: "Marc wrote: "I totally missed that Annie Proulx even had a new novel coming out, much less that it had already come out!

I've only read Smith's On Beauty, but it made me want to read ..."

That's a good point. I just got my copy from the library, but I got on the list months ago after its publication was announced. Perhaps we should put on a list for future Open Pick?

Totally up to you, Suzy. You are likely to get more people joining in if the book is available in paperback and/or at most libraries. We generally try to lean in that direction, but sometimes members are really excited for a new book.

Marc wrote: "Totally up to you, Suzy. Your likely to get more people joining in if the book is available in paperback and/or at most libraries. We generally try to lean in that direction, but sometimes members ..."

I'll keep my nom to Swing Time and if it doesn't win, I'll nominate again at a later date.

I'd like to nominate Margaret Atwood's new one:

Hag-Seed

I know that not everyone feels the same way I do about nominating very new books but I would like to point out that none of the last three nominations has been available for more than six months. Fortunately there are already four nominations I can support.

Hugh wrote: "I know that not everyone feels the same way I do about nominating very new books but I would like to point out that none of the last three nominations has been available for more than six months. F..."

I am with Hugh; I prefer paperback editions. I will buy a copy if I can't get it in my local library which is very limited and takes time, if successful, to acquire loaner a loaner copy from another library. I don't mind a hardback if I really think I will end up keeping it for my permanent library.

Seven selections but only one will be lucky...

Vote here:
https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/145616-what-will-be-our-january-2017-open-pick-please-take-into-account-the

Looks like we'll be kicking off 2017 with The Glorious Heresies! It took an early lead in the polls and never looked back. Discussion will begin January 1st.

Care go lead the discussion for this one, Hugh?

I only read this very recently, so I probably won't read it again next month. But it is fresh enough for me to take a keen interest in the discussion. Wonderful book!

Yes, I am happy to lead that discussion.

Excellent! I've been wanting to read this one for awhile.

Me too. Happy about this win!

Thanks, Hugh!

Sounds like we've got an enthusiastic group forming for this one :D

I'd already ordered it from the library, so will be starting it shortly - hopefully it will still be fresh by the time discussions start!

And our moderator pick for January will be the Fidel Castro Memorial Read, 33 Revolutions.

Coincidentally, there is currently a giveaway running for this book until tomorrow.

Thanks Whitney - I managed to find a copy this morning, so I'll participate in that one too..

Yay!