Play Book Tag discussion

Michael wrote: "I sense some disappointment and uncertainty of where to fruitfully turn for reading choices. Not sure what I'll read. I render up for your imagination some thumbnail sketches of some of my favorite..."

Thanks so much, Michael, for so kindly helping all of us out who have no idea what we are doing!!

I am back in town now, so here's the scoop on the voting. Interestingly to me (and as often is the case), "betrayal" had nearly twice the number of members vote for it as "space opera", but the "space opera" voters really used their points aggressively averaging 6 participation points per voter vs. around 2.5 for betrayal.

Jen wrote: "Ancillary Mercy is the conclusion in the series..."

Good catch. The thumbnail I composed applies to the whole series.

I now see GR Listopia has two great lists of spacer opera for those looking for more choices. It's about time for me to read the Hyperion series as well as to try more Asimov.

Monique, thanks for the suggestion. I think I have seen that one. Dare I admit that when I look at books for this topic, I completely Blanch, and there is an operatic Noooooooo that pulses through my head? But as every single one of these titles brings me to that state, I might as well check this one out again. If feels to me that this tag is sort of in line with the rest of this month. Meaning that everything I need to read for August is actually in the library queue, and it will be interesting to see what arrives first. I am somewhere in the queue for my seventh prosperity book, which if it doesn't arrive I'll just have to purchase. I'm planning to read The Alice Network for the historical fictionistas in August, am in line for that. I might try to get it as a speed read, like when I'm almost done with one of these books, seeing if it's in the speed read section, where you have seven days to return it. I think that's my best shot at that. And then red rising might be the fifth book I order for space opera, startling that none of them are readily available. Additionally, my personal book club is doing both Big Magic in late August, and Exit West fit early September. I own them both, but I don't want to read either until closer to the end of the month. And then there's one more. I was given a giveaway box 7 months ago, that I never reviewed. It was the sequel to a book I didn't care for, which I didn't know when it arrived on my doorstep. It's also 400 pages, and I just hadn't gotten around to it. I sort of suspect that has something to do with why I haven't really won a give away since. I feel if I just get the darn review in I might get off a black list of some kind. And you each of these months, something has come up where it doesn't fit in my month plans. So right now it's all about the library Queue. That's how I ended up with the orphans tale. It was already out from the library. And nothing else was ready. Which is good because I'm really loving it. This is the second time it's been here from the library. I will put Red Rising in the queue, and when I am ready to read from this tag, we'll see which selections are here, and I'll have to see which holds the greatest possibility for coloration. Maybe I like it, other than Ireland, PBT has never failed me before.

ohhh, you are using your phone Amy? That's why your paragraphs are all run together. haha. sometimes hard to read.

I thought of another recommendation which qualifies and might be good for those without the "taste" for this tag.

The Book of Strange New Things

It's got a heavy Christian vibe, it's basically the colonization of a planet of beings and the pastor is trying to convert people. So you know, just like earth. :) It's by the author of The Crimson Petal and the White I think my review gives a good overview.

Given this crazy vexing tag, why not read about a priest trying to colonize people? At least you guys can count on my review being amusing, no matter what book actually gets picked. And at least the reviews, are the one thing I don't do on my phone. Lol!

Nicole D. wrote: "ohhh, you are using your phone Amy? That's why your paragraphs are all run together. haha. sometimes hard to read.

I thought of another recommendation which qualifies and might be good for those w..."

Thanks for the recommendation, Nicole. I am certainly one of those who don't have a "taste" for this tag. I didn't know this book could be counted as space opera. This might make things easier for me. I loved Under the Skin and liked The Crimson Petal and the White, both by the same author, and I definitely love his writing style. I am dubious because of the heavy Christian vibe, what with me being an atheist, but I think I might give this one a try.

Anita wrote: "I am back in town now, so here's the scoop on the voting. Interestingly to me (and as often is the case), "betrayal" had nearly twice the number of members vote for it as "space opera", but the "sp..."

Then I probably voted for space opera, because I remember using lots of votes thist time.

Marina wrote: "

Nicole D. wrote: "The Book of Strange New Things."

The Book of Strange New Things. Interesting. I hadn't thought of that one given the nature of the premise of the protagonist, but I think that is a great recommendation for people not usually into this. I liked The Crimson Petal and the White quite a bit better, but he certainly writes well.

And, of course, fans of Mary Doria Russell can read The Sparrow, which has been recommended already (but I liked the sequel much better).

Raising my hand as another person in the 'lost' category for this tag. Luckily all you guys have done the hard work, and I get to read through this and pick and choose what I think will work best for me.

I'm thinking The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Love British humor, has good reviews, has a movie to watch if I want to afterwards, also the page count is shorter- which is really all I can/want to commit to this tag.

My other thought is Ender's Game, which I've been meaning to read. I think a YA might be a good choice for me since I'm not a fan of sci-fi. (Yes, I'm the only person in the world who fell asleep during Star Wars).

Karin wrote: "And, of course, fans of Mary Doria Russell can read The Sparrow, which has been recommended already (but I liked the sequel much better). "

I liked the sequel and think you have to read both. I don't think the sequel would work as a stand alone, although she does reference everything well. For the full impact of the sequel, I think you need to feel the devastation of The Sparrow,

Thank you, Michael !!!!!!

My #1 recommendation has already been mentioned several times:
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
(or, if you've already read TS, try the sequel: Children of God)

I also really liked Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles, which 8 people have tagged "space opera"

Book Concierge wrote: "Thank you, Michael !!!!!!

My #1 recommendation has already been mentioned several times::The Sparrow..."

I adore Russell and her take on a priest assessing the moral state and messages of aliens. The enthusiasm of Marina for the Faber story in the same realm pulls at me for reading it (I bought an ebook version awhile back (invisble but insisting to be read). But in my personal use of the tag space opera, they don't fit it (the adventure and optimism features I use to justify the tag). I love it how so many literary writers are taking up sci fi scenarios. However you tag it, it's fun how the genre opens the floodgates of imagination. Even more so with fantasy, where so much writing talent resides now, though at the cost of barriers to suspending disbelief.

Booknblues wrote: "Karin wrote: "And, of course, fans of Mary Doria Russell can read The Sparrow, which has been recommended already (but I liked the sequel much better). ..."

One case where a sequel can sometimes be read before the original is when they cover the same story from another character's perspective. In my list of recommendations, I picked Zoe's Tale, which is a retelling of the soldier's tale in Scalzi's Ghost Soldiers (if I recall right) from a preteen girl's viewpoint. In the same vein I bet the sequel to Ender's Game, a retelling by Bean could stand well alone (same story from his young compadre on the streets of Rotterdam and in the techwar school).

Amy wrote: "Monique, thanks for the suggestion. I think I have seen that one. Dare I admit that when I look at books for this topic, I completely Blanch, and there is an operatic Noooooooo that pulses through ..."

Glad to see you settled on Red Rising. I gave it a solid review. At some points it resembles Riordan's tales of superhero kids with heritage from Roman gods. But in Red Rising its all tech based and not magical powers. Great David vs Goliath feel to the book, with revolutionary fervor from the hero's community of exploited miners. You may feel some connection to the Hunger Games. But Red Rising has one plus over that YA series in feeling it can stand alone. You can have the potential of the successors in the series, but not suffer feeling shortchanged by practice of ending a series entry on a cliffhanger to hook you into the next one.

Michael wrote: "I sense some disappointment and uncertainty of where to fruitfully turn for reading choices. Not sure what I'll read. I render up for your imagination some thumbnail sketches of some of my favorite..."

Thanks, Michael. I was counting on you to guide me with this choice, as I know this is something you read for pure enjoyment. My fallback is always mystery, but I've read one that you encouraged me to read before and liked it quite a bit, so will try to have a positive attitude about this.

I expect that I will read the memoir about photography first, as that is what I wanted.

I'd love some guidance about The Sparrow. I had it on my TBR but had heard it has a strong religious tone, so I took it off. What do you think?

Susie wrote: "I'd love some guidance about The Sparrow. I had it on my TBR but had heard it has a strong religious tone, so I took it off. What do you think?"

Well it is about Jesuits in space. There is discussion about why the Jesuits would be sending missions to other planets that has some religious tones but it isn't really preachy. The main characters faith is seriously challenged.

Susie wrote: "I'd love some guidance about The Sparrow. I had it on my TBR but had heard it has a strong religious tone, so I took it off. What do you think?"

Have you read others by this author? I wasn't a huge fan of this book

I haven't Nicole. This one had me dated because of the religion. Was that why you didn't like it?

Susie wrote: "I'd love some guidance about The Sparrow. I had it on my TBR but had heard it has a strong religious tone, so I took it off. What do you think?"

I didn't find it to have strong religious themes. The main character is a Jesuit and it is part of the storyline but it is didactic in any way. In her author's notes Russell addresses her religious viewpoint (she converted to Judaism) but that's more of an interesting aside. I don't normally like sci-fi but really enjoyed this one. I loved the characters.

Thanks JoLene and Regina. I think I'll keep it on the list and see whether I like it or not this coming month. I'll keep you posted!

Susie, I was happy I read it, but found the first 200 pages were a bit of a grind . . .but religion was not the problem. And I am not at all religious.

200 pages. Eek!

Susie wrote: "200 pages. Eek!"

Yeah unfortunately. But the latter half was really good, so not sure how to advise!

Anita wrote: "Susie, I was happy I read it, but found the first 200 pages were a bit of a grind . . .but religion was not the problem. And I am not at all religious."

I had the same experience - but loved the book in the end. Need to get to the second one.

in re The Sparrow
I listened to the audio - a snippet from my review:
David Colacci does a wonderful job performing the audio of this book. His skill as a voice artist allows him to have unique voices for the many characters, including pronouncing an invented language for the natives of Rakhat. His pacing is good and I never tired of listening to him perform the work.

LINK to my review

Oh that is good to hear BC. I love a good audio!

I am pleased to report that my library tells me that both the sparrow and red rising are in transit to my part of Massachusetts. Nothing else has turned up yet, but I'm still in 30% of Orphans Tale and loving it. Not at all what I expected. Maybe by the time I pick those two up, there will be more choices to choose from. I will report.

Way out of my element here! A co-worker recommended "Imzadi", which is a Star Trek Next Generation novel. Guess I'll go with that.

Oooo...for fans of graphic novels and Guardians of the Galaxy, I just came across Groot. That could be a nice, entertaining, quick read!

Susie wrote: "I haven't Nicole. This one had me dated because of the religion. Was that why you didn't like it?"

from my review

My issues were many - the slow build/rush being one. Way too much religion/crisis of faith. I didn't like the characters, and am never a fan of colonization. Basically, it was the same ole story - humans/the white man rush in and ruin everything. And not content to make to make their mark and leave in peace, they plan to return an ruin it some more. In the name of what? Science? Religion? Power?

Nicole R wrote: "Oooo...for fans of graphic novels and Guardians of the Galaxy, I just came across Groot. That could be a nice, entertaining, quick read!"

BOOM decision made. Just put this on hold at the library, thanks Nicole! Not a huge fan of graphic novels, but I'm a fan of Chris Pratt and have enjoyed the Guardians of the Galaxy series. Groot is SOO CUTE! I'm still going to try and read Ender's Game also, but this is a perfect quickie for the tag.

Joi wrote: "BOOM decision made. Just put this on hold at the library, thanks Nicole! ..."

Yay! Glad that my random googling came across something useful for once :) I may see if my library has it as well. Baby Groot was the most adorable thing ever in Guardians 2 ♥

And hitchhikers guide to the galaxy is also in transit. Why can't a little 96 pager be the one that's traveling my way? My plan is when they arrive, to basically hold my nose and open the one that looks like I could most tolerate it. Maybe I'll be surprised. After all, I am the ultimate PBT fan and believe and stretching outside one's comfort zone.

Ellen, I've read Imzadi! I went through a stage of reading Star Trek books when I was a student. They are quick and easy to read if you're a Star Trek fan.

Susie wrote: "Ellen, I've read Imzadi!
Thanks, Susie. That's 2 recommendations for the book so I'm good to go!

Jenni Elyse wrote: "Woot woot! I'm going to reread Dune since it's my all-time favorite book. I might read a Star Wars book too just for the hell of it. :) And, if I can get to it, I may read Illuminae since I own it ..."

I realized I didn't give any recommendations. Obviously, Dune, lol, since it's my all-time favorite book. If you do read it and hate it, please don't tell me. My heart will be broken, lol.

I also recommend the following:

Stitching Snow by RC Lewis: This is a lot like Cinder, except that it's a retelling of Snow White and it actually takes place on other planets. It's also a stand-alone. (YA)

Across the Universe by Beth Revis: The main characters start off on Earth, but they're part of 300 or so people who travel across the universe to colonize a new planet. It's a lot like Passengers (movie with Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt), expect there are actual people that are awake taking care of the people who are asleep. (YA)

The Paradise Snare by AC Crispin: This is a Star Wars book for anyone interested. It is part of the Han Solo trilogy and is basically about how he becomes a smuggler, meets Chewbacca, and gets entangled with the Empire and Jabba the Hutt. Of course, it's no longer cannon, but it was fun to read nonetheless. (Not YA)

Michael wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "Karin wrote: "And, of course, fans of Mary Doria Russell can read The Sparrow, which has been recommended already (but I liked the sequel much better). ..."

One case where a seq..."

Yes, Ender's Shadow can be read as a stand alone or first. But I have to say I was glad that I read Ender's Game first.

Jenni Elyse wrote: "Across the Universe by Beth Revis: The main characters start off on Earth, but they're part of 300 or so people who travel across the universe to colonize a new planet. It's a lot like Passengers (movie with Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt), expect there are actual people that are awake taking care of the people who are asleep. (YA)."

Yes! This was not only a 4.5 star read for me (rounded up to 5), but all three books in this trilogy rated equally high, and it's very, very rare that I find any trilogy that rates equally good throughout.

Please note that, and I don't actually agree with this being space opera even a little bit, that on the 3rd or 4th page of this tag, The Martian appears. It's another 4.5 star read of mine.

A book with 4.18 rated that I have read (only 3 stars for me, but I think for many of you it would rate higher) is House of Suns. I read it because I LOVED the opening, but I didn't love the book as much as many people did.

Karin wrote: "Please note that, and I don't actually agree with this being space opera even a little bit, that on the 3rd or 4th page of this tag, The Martian appears. It's another 4.5 star read ..."

I actually read House of Suns at a recommendation from Michael and I liked it.

Red Mars (on Michael's list) is on kindle sale -- not sure about other eReaders.

Booknblues wrote: "Karin wrote: "Please note that, and I don't actually agree with this being space opera even a little bit, that on the 3rd or 4th page of this tag, The Martian appears. It's another ..."

Yes, thanks for reminding me that Michael was one of the people who liked it! And you :)

Aargh - I managed to wreck my reading plans by blazing through my planned August read ahead of time...

Now I'm faced with a list of about 20 possibles - all of which were already on my shelf...

Sushicat wrote: "Aargh - I managed to wreck my reading plans by blazing through my planned August read ahead of time...

Now I'm faced with a list of about 20 possibles - all of which were already on my shelf..."

Lol, hate when that happens!!

Charlie wrote: "Michael wrote: " I'll rethink my prior dread of the tag based on your post/suggestions. Thanks. ."

Ditto Charlie.....Nice job Michael

I'm going to read Red Rising, as it's the only one on my TBR pile, but this will be the first tag that doesn't fit one of my other challenges!

I can recommend the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series though!

If you read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy... in the Dutch version Ford Prefect is said to be born in Schagen, which is my hometown! It made me loved this series even more!

Monique wrote: "If you read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy... in the Dutch version Ford Prefect is said to be born in Schagen, which is my hometown! It made me loved this series even more!"

Really? That's pretty cool - - a claim to fame!!