The Parlor PI's discussion

As there seemed an interest in Thirteen Chocolates and a Nagio for next month's read & discuss, may I step out of Parlor's traditional nom/vote process to make a suggestion? If we could see our way to indulge the following-- Could you PI's go for a main read of 13 Chocolates and main read a deux of a Nagio title for April? I'd a nice chat w/13's author and she seemed fun and most gracious re: a spoiler incident on her book's page. It may've been handled (didn't get to go back to read) but careful in there lest admin not have fixed it. Anyway, I can't promise but I have a feeling she may agree to visit, chat w/us re: 13 Chocolates should we discuss it in April. I'd like to support her and the book, with it's mansion, characters and chocolate theme, seems fun so far.

As for Nagio title, you lot can pick it. What say you all? Would this work for you in April?

Works for me, Tina!

Nicole wrote: "Works for me, Tina!"

Thanks for the weigh-in, Nicole. It would be fun if we could get the author to participate. ;-)

Sounds good. I've only read one Marsh book so any one will do.

Great idea, i'm in. Ngaio - pretty sure i've only read 1 so any title would probably work

Tina wrote: "Jill, we are reading your pick, Crepes, near March end. Okay, this April move was a fluke thing, Jill. We might have the author on board which would make the read more interesting. The PI's bend fo..."

Praying for Butterscotch Boy, Tina, and for you! So sorry you're going through this.

Thanks, Nicole. His name is Chester but I call him my butterscotch boy, my caramel kid. Then there all those back and forths to vet, daily meds he's on, the cost. Ugh. Getting through it. ;-)

Tina wrote: "As there seemed to be interest in Thirteen Chocolates and a Nagio for our next month's read & discuss, may I step out of Parlor's traditional nom/vote process to make a suggestion? If we could see ..."

Hey, PI's, if the above is not good for any of you, please note. I'll scrap the idea if it doesn't work for majority. So far the majority is good with this plan.

I wish we could have a way to move forward with our reading without so much contention. It is difficult as there are only a fairly small group of regular readers, and many of us don't have to time or interest to read many books that we really aren't interested in.

I find it difficult myself, when we ask for suggestions for a month's read, that there are often 10 or 15 books suggested from our small group, so someone is bound to be unhappy if their favorite is not chosen. And the decision making is quite complicated with all those choices. (Not to mention the difficulty in reading and re-reading individual posts, to see who wanted what.)

I've been racking my brain trying to find an easier process, but it is difficult. Perhaps if individually we posted fewer options, perhaps just one or two, and then a brief explanation of why we think this/these would be a good choice. Then we can have two votes: one for the main read and one for the side read. That way, we would have the top two vote-getters on tap for the month.

Let me know what you think and whether you have any other ideas to remove the contention in our book choices.

Tina wrote: "Thanks, Nicole. His name is Chester but I call him my butterscotch boy, my caramel kid. Then there all those back and forths to vet, daily meds he's on, the cost. Ugh. Getting through it. ;-)"

Tina, my heartfelt prayers that Butterscoth Boy can be made comfortable on the meds and you get as much time with him as possible. January 3rd we had to make the decision to out our beloved Kirby on his final walk over tge Rainbiw Bridge. I still cry almost every day.

Mark Pghfan wrote: "I wish we could have a way to move forward with our reading without so much contention. It is difficult as there are only a fairly small group of regular readers, and many of us don't have to time ..."

I think we should narrow it down to 1 suggestion per person for the main read. At least fir awhile to see how it goes. I think the 1 with the most votes is main read, 2nd hughest side read.

Allison wrote: "Mark Pghfan wrote: "I wish we could have a way to move forward with our reading without so much contention. It is difficult as there are only a fairly small group of regular readers, and many of us..."

I agree, Allison. Also, what if we have set days for the nominations and voting each month so that everyone is aware ahead of time what they'll be, and if they are able to nominate and vote during that time they can but if they miss it they'd just (hopefully) be able to make it the next month. For example (and this is just an example!!!) - nominations are due by the 15th for the next month and close on the 17th voting starts on the 18th and closes on the 20th? Just an idea!

Mark Pghfan wrote: "I wish we could have a way to move forward with our reading without so much contention. It is difficult as there are only a fairly small group of regular readers, and many of us don't have to time ..."

Good idea, Pghfan. Just to recap: March/April were a bit off beaten path, I agree. But I've also learned in my Success books & CD's etc., that when opp. knocks, jump on that sucker. And so, opp. showed itself for April & I jumped on it lest it went away. Party may not have been up for idea in say, June, July or such.

Just to calm nerves, we'll go back to one title in May & perhaps one side read for those who'd like to participate.

Now, the beauty of a small group, this group, is that we don't have 50+ peeps straggling along & we can do a little maneuvering. For those who want rigid, they should be more comfortable in a group that is so. I've had rigid all my working life. Now's the time to twirl & dance a little. So I take out a Parlor lamp or wall sconce once in a while, so be it!! Just join in with me. lol

Allison wrote: "Tina wrote: "Thanks, Nicole. His name is Chester but I call him my butterscotch boy, my caramel kid. Then there all those back and forths to vet, daily meds he's on, the cost. Ugh. Getting through ..."

Aww, so sorry, Allison. It is a tough road to that Rainbow Bridge. But we will see them again. Pastor said that we just shed these old bodies in a better place. But I do know how you feel.

Nicole wrote: "Allison wrote: "Mark Pghfan wrote: "I wish we could have a way to move forward with our reading without so much contention. It is difficult as there are only a fairly small group of regular readers..."

Allison wrote: "Mark Pghfan wrote: "I wish we could have a way to move forward with our reading without so much contention. It is difficult as there are only a fairly small group of regular readers, and many of us..."

That's a good plan, Allison. Thanks for the input.

You got it, Nicole. ;-)

It's not just Pghfan, Nicole & myself who get to pick titles. NicoleG and Allison are very active members and if they participate, show up to nom titles, vote, compare to some who may not, should the active parties be denied waiting for someone who might show up? That doesn't seem fair.

Allison wrote: "Tina wrote: "Thanks, Nicole. His name is Chester but I call him my butterscotch boy, my caramel kid. Then there all those back and forths to vet, daily meds he's on, the cost. Ugh. Getting through ..."

So sorry, Allison. I've been there and I'm sending you a hug!

Tina wrote: "As there seemed to be interest in Thirteen Chocolates and a Nagio for our next month's read & discuss, may I step out of Parlor's traditional nom/vote process to make a suggestion? If we could see ..."

Author is on board for April IF everyone is good with that. May will return to one read and maybe one side. But I have to say, I love the livelier boards of March and April. Maybe a bit too busy but fun. ;-)

So, for those who want lock step and rigid, I think you'd be happier at another such group. Why put yourself thru angst to be in a group that is a bit non-conventional? There are plenty of groups that are same old, same old. I wish you well and happiness there. For me, I've had enough convention in the corporate world. I paid my dues. That's not to say we don't treat each other with respect. I'm old school there. But if an opportunity comes along, is made room for and majority of PI's are okay with it, then I should let it get away? Ouch.

Okay, I left the posts up for a few but need to delete them as visitors are coming by and want to see a stress-free zone. A happy place. ;-) If you want to write me privately, please do by Goodreads mail. I'll read your opines there. Peace!

PI's, Just give me first title in April -- Thirteen Chocolates and author visit, okay? Then you lot can vote for Nagio or not. Something else or whatever. I'm sitting out 2nd. title pick and will let you PI's have carte blanc for 2nd. pick for April.

To note: I'm not a Nagio fan but majority of you are. So, just because I'm not, should I deny you all? "Non," says Poirot and I! So, you see, I don't always get what I want and that's okay. It's a fair process that majority should get the pick.

Now, anyone want to run 2nd title pick for April? Manage it as you like. Post your preference here. ;-)

I'm okay with Thirteen Chocolates for main April read and I'm also okay with a possible second read of a Ngaio Marsh book! :-)

Nicole wrote: "I'm okay with Thirteen Chocolates for main April read and I'm also okay with a possible second read of a Ngaio Marsh book! :-)"

Thanks for the reply and vote, Nicole. So that's one for 13 Chocs and one for a Ngaio title in April. We're pretty much on time for the vote. All's well.

Jill wrote: "Tina wrote: "It's not just Pghfan, Nicole & myself who get to pick titles. NicoleG and Allison are very active members and if they participate, show up to nom titles, vote, compare to some who may ..."

Okay, fine. I just don't have time to read all these lengthy posts. Dealing w/health issues; doc said to avoid stress and that is what I'm trying to do. It's just a small reading group. Nothing to get sick over.

I wouldn't mind if everyone took responsibility for a different month and put up a poll with 2 or 3 choices or also having a 2nd person for the month to nominate for side reads. I honestly would not read a winning selection ONLY if I have read it before or could not obtain it at a reasonable price or from library. Then we wouldn't get too many nominations. I don't know what other solutions there are.

Tina wrote: "PI's, Just give me first title in April -- Thirteen Chocolates and author visit, okay? Then you lot can vote for Nagio or not. Something else or whatever. I'm sitting out 2nd. title pick and will l..."

I'm fine with Thirteen Chocolates.

NicoleG wrote: "I wouldn't mind if everyone took responsibility for a different month and put up a poll with 2 or 3 choices or also having a 2nd person for the month to nominate for side reads. I honestly would no..."

Thanks for the suggestion, NicoleG, and for the 13 Chocs nod.

Guess it's still open for 2nd. read. Anybody want to run April 2nd. title vote, toss hat in here. If no one wants to head it up, I'll do it but tomorrow, after someone has chance to weigh in. ;-)

Jill, this is where you get to vote (and) or head up voting process for April's 2nd. title pick. Have at it if you like.

I am up for the 13 chocolates. It is only 99 cents on Kindle today! And happy the author will be with us--that is always a nice attraction.

As far as a Marsh for the side read, I suggest Death in Ecstasy, a fairly early Marsh, and one I was planning to read for April anyway. I will volunteer to host that, if others will join in. It sounded like there was a few interested in Marsh, but with not specific one in mind.

I also like Allison's idea of fewer suggestions and first place and second place for main and side reads.

Im in for 13 chocolates...gotta go to store and get some good chocolate to "sample" as I read ;)

Mark Pghfan wrote: "I am up for the 13 chocolates. It is only 99 cents on Kindle today! And happy the author will be with us--that is always a nice attraction.

As far as a Marsh for the side read, I suggest Death in ..."

Pghfan, if dialogue isn't heavy with contractions in accented words, maybe I will join in on Death In Ecstasy. I read a Marsh some time ago and between slang and the contractions of words...yikes. I barely got thru Marsh's sentences. But that title would be okay with me. However, it is up to you PI's as I'm a maybe on a Marsh anyway.

Allison wrote: "Im in for 13 chocolates...gotta go to store and get some good chocolate to "sample" as I read ;)"

LOL That's what I'm doing, Allison. (Author said have one at end of each chapter. At my reading speed, it's a wait to get to each piece. lol) Not that my 1/2 # box is anything like story's but I am there. Told SO and he claims he got it. Said it was like (as a child lol) being in Spiderman costume while watching the show.

Allison, what brand? Someone in The Parlor posted a fave and it sounded great! We have three chocolatiers in the area. One is fairly new. A See's in the mall. I like some of their product but I find their creams are too solid. Chocolate snob, me. lololol

Mark Pghfan wrote: "I am up for the 13 chocolates. It is only 99 cents on Kindle today! And happy the author will be with us--that is always a nice attraction.

As far as a Marsh for the side read, I suggest Death in ..."

Thanks for that, Pghfan. Sure, if no one else wants it, please do host, Death or whichever Marsh you lot pick.

Title winner, runner up side read works by me. However, if in distant and rare occasion, should a spontaneous opp arise and titles haven't been picked yet, I reserve right to do a temporary schedule tweak. (Sounds so terse). lol But I think you get my meaning. If there's a great opportunity and by not acting we lose it, then that doesn't feel right. That okay with all? After all, we are not other groups for reasons noted earlier. Thanks Precious PI's!

Does any one want to host 13 Chocs at early part of April? It'll be fun with the author popping in and the whole chocolate theme going on.

Mark Pghfan wrote: "I am up for the 13 chocolates. It is only 99 cents on Kindle today! And happy the author will be with us--that is always a nice attraction.

As far as a Marsh for the side read, I suggest Death in ..."

Pghfan, do you have unlimited Kindle Reads? Do tell. I've Prime membrshp. for good prices, fast delivery so another mo. fee for me is getting out of reach.

I keep forgetting I have Prime and haven't checked out what they offer in terms of books.

NicoleG wrote: "I keep forgetting I have Prime and haven't checked out what they offer in terms of books."

NicoleG, I'm fairly new to Prime. Do you know if Unlimited Kindle is extra mo. charge? I'd hate to have to give up Prime (for noted reasons) to get Unlimited Kindle. Between all Ammy mo. programs, my bill would be close to $40. a mo. :-/

I think KU is a separate charge but I'm not totally sure.

NicoleG wrote: "I think KU is a separate charge but I'm not totally sure."

Thanks, NicoleG. That's what I'm guessing. Yeah, they've Prime, Reads, Audio, Video and probably more that I don't know about. Yikes!

Tina wrote: "Allison wrote: "Im in for 13 chocolates...gotta go to store and get some good chocolate to "sample" as I read ;)"

LOL That's what I'm doing, Allison. (Author said have one at end of each chapter. ..."

Brand? Well all of them lol. We have a Sees at the mall but I dont go there very often. They just opened a candy store by our local High School i havent checked iut yet. This sounds like a great reason to make a vusit.

NicoleG wrote: "I think KU is a separate charge but I'm not totally sure."

Its about$10 a month. I have it.

I don't have Amazon Prime. It really doesn't seem worth it to me at this point. At 99 cents, I can't complain about pricing! I seldom pay more than $3-4 for anything on my plain-old Kindle. (It really is quite old!)

See’s are good! My friend got me some for Christmas one year. I passed another local sweet shop when I went out last weekend that I had forgotten about but I heard they are overly expensive.

Tina wrote: "Does any one want to host 13 Chocs at early part of April? It'll be fun with the author popping in and the whole chocolate theme going on?"

If no one else wants to host 13 Chocolates then I will.
With chocolate as the subject how can I go wrong?

Allison, that means any kind of chocolate mentioned in the book you will have to find and sample then give us a thorough report LOL

NicoleG wrote: "Allison, that means any kind of chocolate mentioned in the book you will have to find and sample then give us a thorough report LOL"

Challenge accepted!

See my recent post under "freebies" for several free books I found

Allison wrote: "Tina wrote: "Does any one want to host 13 Chocs at early part of April? It'll be fun with the author popping in and the whole chocolate theme going on?"

If no one else wants to host 13 Chocolates ..."

Accepted, Allison! Thank you. Should be fun with the author joining in. She seems fun just like her mystery. Spring is lookin' so good!

Allison wrote: "NicoleG wrote: "Allison, that means any kind of chocolate mentioned in the book you will have to find and sample then give us a thorough report LOL"

Challenge accepted!"

LOL The sacrifices you make for the good of The Parlor and her PI's, Allison! Yummy!

Allison wrote: "NicoleG wrote: "I think KU is a separate charge but I'm not totally sure."

Its about$10 a month. I have it."

I'm jealous, Allison!!

Thanks for the feedback on those 99 cent titles, Pghfan. Awesome!

NicoleG wrote: "See’s are good! My friend got me some for Christmas one year. I passed another local sweet shop when I went out last weekend that I had forgotten about but I heard they are overly expensive."

NicoleG, there are See's butterscotch candies that are good. Forget the name as someone sent me some a few years back. I think this prompts a trip to our local location. ;)

Will post in last week of March, an open chat on Crepes as it was the side, side read for March and I want to follow through. Next month will have us back to reg. schedule of main title and one side. It's just that there were so many good titles and because of stuff and having a little more time, I got carried away. A good thing when it comes to books. lol