Play Book Tag discussion

Please vote for the tag you would most like to read for August at the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DY8XHM2

You may click on the answer choices in the survey to see a listing of books that fit each tag.

Remember, you may cast up to a total of 10 participation points for your choice. Everyone gets one vote for free so please vote even if you don't have any participation points!

You can see how many participation points you currently have in the spreadsheet below.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

Happy voting! Please cast your votes by 12 pm EST on 7/23.

Interesting choices... I think I will let the chips fall where they may and save my points.

Oh man, we need the “holiday” and “witches” tag for October to align with the fall flurries challenge!

Nicole R wrote: "Oh man, we need the “holiday” and “witches” tag for October to align with the fall flurries challenge!"

I know, right? I was thinking that completely myself . . .but alas, here they are in August. A month with no holidays.

The 21st century would come handy for all of you Mann Booker longlisters :)

I didn’t even need to research! Witches is it! I am most hated but I have to think about waiting for October to read these books. I have so many on my TBR and one out of the library waiting. I have more than enough to do it twice. And in fact I’d be grateful for the tag. Holidays is hard, because I have material saved for Fall Flurries, But I never want to do it twice. For one thing, we don’t all share the same holidays. Well I can appreciate the sentiment and feeling around the Christmas magic, and what it means to so many, let’s face it, Christmas is not my thing! It’s all about my birthday instead. And really the love of the season. Of course I’ll find something for that, and my December for flurries books tend to be much more snow and winter-based, with a little bit of Hanukkah thrown in, but it certainly wouldn’t be my first choice. And futuristic? You guys know how I feel about that! I’m hoping it’s witches all the way! I’ve been waiting for that tag!

Don’t know what I meant to say that my phone translated it into I am most hated, but that certainly doesn’t reflect my sentiment. Whatever I was trying to say had something to do with the fact that I could read witches all year round.

Idit wrote: "The 21st century would come handy for all of you Mann Booker longlisters :)"

Lol, you know us well.

Amy wrote: "Don’t know what I meant to say that my phone translated it into I am most hated, but that certainly doesn’t reflect my sentiment. Whatever I was trying to say had something to do with the fact that..."

LOL-I wondered what the heck you were trying to say🤣

Geez Louise-another month(3 in a row) when I still have all 3 of my books (Tag, Horizons and Trim) unfinished at this point...this is just not me and I don't know what is wrong.

I need to take a look at the lists before voting, but I have a feeling I will be with Amy on this one.

@Amy - I see 21st Century as newly published because being in the 21st Century means those are not futuristic.

Holiday can also mean books you would read on holiday or are set in a character's holuday, not just celebrated holidays. That is the category for which I have the most on my TBR!

I can manage any and all from my TBR. Will have to consider where to toss some points though.

Oof. I'm lowish on points, so I was ready to just let whatever tag win, but y'all just had to put witches in the running.

Amy wrote: "Whatever I was trying to say had something to do with the fact that I could read witches all year round."

Same, Amy. Same.

Witches it is-like Amy have the most on my TBR

Anita wrote: "I know, right? I was thinking that completely myself . . .but alas, here they are in August. A month with no holidays"

Rhode Island still celebrates Victory Over Japan Day (V-J Day) *insert eye roll* Ridiculous state holiday but I guess I could read something WWII related....

Theresa wrote: "Holiday can also mean books you would read on holiday or are set in a character's holuday, not just celebrated holidays. That is the category for which I have the most on my TBR!"

Ooo, a nice book that takes place when someone is on holiday sounds great!

Hmm, even my witch books are 21st century so I can't think of a reason to vote for anything but 21st century. Discovery of Witches almost made it to my Trim list, but I'd rather read it in October.

Question - Is it definite that we'll have Fall or holiday flurries this year? Is it an annual event for Oct, Nov, Dec?

It's too bad the luck of the draw didn't give us 'Holiday' for Xmas in July (or Nov/Dec), or 'LGBTQ' for June. They might have had a better chance then.

NancyJ wrote: "Question - Is it definite that we'll have Fall or holiday flurries this year? Is it an annual event for Oct, Nov, Dec?
"

Yep! I run it every year. It is totally optional though.

That was good timing, since I just wrapped up my July reviews last night :-) I'm going with witches too (is it too soon to say that this looks like the strongest contender?) since holidays does sound December-y to me, and I haven't got the mental energy to find a 21st century book that seems to say something about the tag rather than just being written recently (e.g. seeing Wolf Hall tagged that way makes me shudder).

Nicole R wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Question - Is it definite that we'll have Fall or holiday flurries this year? Is it an annual event for Oct, Nov, Dec?
"
Yep! I run it every year. It is totally optional though."

Thanks Nicole! That's good to know. We'll have plenty of chances to read about witches and holidays later this year.


@Nikki - Good point. If 21st century wins, it would be more interesting to focus on books that are set in the 21st century as well as published in the 21st century. I could also go for a non-fiction book that focuses on emerging trends or 21st century topics. Things are changing so fast, there should be many good choices.

Theresa wrote: "@Amy - I see 21st Century as newly published because being in the 21st Century means those are not futuristic.

Holiday can also mean books you would read on holiday or are set in a character's ho..."

I was thinking this way too - - books about people on holiday. I feel I have a better shot with that interpretation should holiday be selected.

I am going to be in dire straits if the choice is witches. I got nothing. Anyone have anything to suggest that they think I might like? A memoir maybe, lol? Non-fiction about the Salem witch trials or some other true historical approach?

Joanne, you aren't the only who hasn't started any of the books for the July challenges yet. Looks like I'll be cramming them in at the end of the month.

Anita you can always find some sort of wacky holiday to celebrate. I like this site for goofy holidays for each day https://www.daysoftheyear.com/
Happy Gummi Worm day everyone :-)

I voted though I can find something for any of the three tags.

21st century is a bit too broad for my liking, so I'm just hoping for either of the other two. :-)

Nicole R wrote: "Oh man, we need the “holiday” and “witches” tag for October to align with the fall flurries challenge!"

"Holiday" would have worked for those of you doing the Christmas in July, as well! Is that being continued into August? LOL!

Anita wrote: "I am going to be in dire straits if the choice is witches. I got nothing. Anyone have anything to suggest that they think I might like? A memoir maybe, lol? Non-fiction about the Salem witch trials..."

If it's witches, I'll likely end up with Salem-witch related, as well.

A really good nonfiction about the Salem witches, in my opinion, is A Delusion of Satan: The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials by Frances Hill.

Anita wrote: "I am going to be in dire straits if the choice is witches. I got nothing. Anyone have anything to suggest that they think I might like? A memoir maybe, lol? Non-fiction about the Salem witch trials..."

I have two on my TBR that might suit you Anita

A Secret History of Witches
The Witches: Salem, 1692-this one is a chunkster but I might give it a go if this tag wins

Anita wrote: "I am going to be in dire straits if the choice is witches. I got nothing. Anyone have anything to suggest that they think I might like? A memoir maybe, lol? Non-fiction about the Salem witch trials..."

I’d suggest The Heretic's Daughter.

I have had out of the library line two or theee times now and currently, The Witches of St. Petersburg. Also the Ami McKay book I liked last year, and it has a sequel.

Anita wrote: "I am going to be in dire straits if the choice is witches. I got nothing. Anyone have anything to suggest that they think I might like? A memoir maybe, lol? Non-fiction about the Salem witch trials..."

I was thinking I would finally read The Crucible.

Anita wrote: "I am going to be in dire straits if the choice is witches. I got nothing. Anyone have anything to suggest that they think I might like? A memoir maybe, lol? Non-fiction about the Salem witch trials..."

I have The Witches: Salem, 1692 as a possibility for witches.

I really don't want holiday to win - have voted for 21st century as that will have most on my tbr!

Jenny wrote: "Anita wrote: "I am going to be in dire straits if the choice is witches. I got nothing. Anyone have anything to suggest that they think I might like? A memoir maybe, lol? Non-fiction about the Sale..."

That is the one I probably go with too

Jgrace wrote: "Anita wrote: "I am going to be in dire straits if the choice is witches. I got nothing. Anyone have anything to suggest that they think I might like? A memoir maybe, lol? Non-fiction about the Sale..."

Great minds think alike - -that's one that seems interesting, doable, and short! So on the radar. There does look like some interesting non fiction about the salem witch trials though i.e. Six Women of Salem: The Untold Story of the Accused and Their Accusers in the Salem Witch Trials

Rachel N. wrote: "Joanne, you aren't the only who hasn't started any of the books for the July challenges yet. Looks like I'll be cramming them in at the end of the month.

Anita you can always find some sort of wa..."

Less worried about holiday than I am about witches, but feeling better after seeing some ideas here!

Karen wrote: "Anita wrote: "I am going to be in dire straits if the choice is witches. I got nothing. Anyone have anything to suggest that they think I might like? A memoir maybe, lol? Non-fiction about the Sale..."

Thanks, Karen! Will definitely look into that one. I like the title.

Jenny wrote: "Anita wrote: "I am going to be in dire straits if the choice is witches. I got nothing. Anyone have anything to suggest that they think I might like? A memoir maybe, lol? Non-fiction about the Sale..."

The description sounds awesome on this one, but the very low GR rating scares me . . .

Voted. I took the easy way out as usual.

Since everyone is talking about witches, it's probably not going to win, since this is what happens all the time here XD

I don't mind, I voted for something else!

I was also thinking of "holidays" more in the British sense of the word, as in "on holiday" as in vacation. I bet some beach reads/books with people going on vacation would count towards that.

I'm good with any of these choices :)

I feel very confident witches will be picked :P

Also, I haven't started my July trim which is unusual. Hopefully soon.

OK, so this is how I spent my day instead of working and cleaning:

If 21st century wins, I'd like to read fiction or nonfiction that touches on a topic that wasn't written about very much in the last century. Examples; Transgender kids, gay marriage, Google, social media, neuroplasticity, online dating, big data, Autism spectrum disorder, global warming, climate fiction, brain science, even happiness. New views on race, gender, tech, politics, immigration, global economics, or other 21st century realities.

Here are some possibilities and/or recommendations. I welcome comments or recommendations. This may be the start of my TBR short list for 2020.

Between the World and Me
When All Is Said
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
Recursion
This is How It Always Is
The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Behold the Dreamers
The Orphan Master's Son
21 Lessons for the 21st Century or his earlier book - Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead
Memories of the Future
The Hate U Give
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
Educated
Becoming
We Should All Be Feminists
I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
The Unhoneymooners
Still Alice
Disappearing Earth

Here's my 21st century shelf.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Nicole R wrote: "Oh man, we need the “holiday” and “witches” tag for October to align with the fall flurries challenge!"

And holidays is just a bit too late for Christmas in July!

BUT, I think of holidays as vacations as well, so in that sense, it fits in well for August, but I am not necessarily voting for it. Two of these shelves are fine and the other is just not summer fare for me. And, Meli, as much as I normally enjoy your posts, I am hoping it is not witches for AUGUST :)

NancyJ wrote: "OK, so this is how I spent my day instead of working and cleaning:

If 21st century wins, I'd like to read fiction or nonfiction that touches on a topic that wasn't written about very much in the ..."

That's a great idea and many titles to choose from.
You might be interested in these also:
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race

Those are two about race that come to mind immediately.
I haven't read these yet, but they are in the mental pile of want-to-read.

Karin wrote: "Nicole R wrote: "Oh man, we need the “holiday” and “witches” tag for October to align with the fall flurries challenge!"

And holidays is just a bit too late for Christmas in July!

BUT, I think of..."

HAHAHAHA! Oh no :O
Well, it's just a guess based on many of the responses I've seen today.
If the past is any indication, I do not have my finger on the pulse when it comes to tag voting.

Meli wrote: "HAHAHAHA! Oh no :O
Well, it's just a guess based on many of the responses I've seen today.
If the past is any indication, I do not have my finger on the pulse when it comes to tag voting. ."

I sometimes do and sometimes don't, but I have more points than I will ever use, so sometimes I use all 10 votes. BUT, even doing that it doesn't mean the vote will go my way!!!! But I'll take either of the other two with no trouble because I grew up using both the terms holidays and vacations for the same thing so won't feel tied to the American use of the word.

I feel like whichever tag is discussed the most in the voting thread, is normally not the chosen tag. No science or stats behind this, just a hunch.

Holidays and witches have been both discussed heavily so far!

Joi wrote: "I feel like whichever tag is discussed the most in the voting thread, is normally not the chosen tag. No science or stats behind this, just a hunch.

Holidays and witches have been both discussed h..."

Perhaps, but I've think I've seen it. I would say that I am not great at figuring out what is going to win most of the time.

NancyJ wrote: "OK, so this is how I spent my day instead of working and cleaning:

If 21st century wins, I'd like to read fiction or nonfiction that touches on a topic that wasn't written about very much in the ..."

Thank you so much for putting the thought into creating this list that I didn't!!

Thanks to you, I'm now decided on 21 Lessons for the 21st Century if 21st century gets it, and The Heretic's Daughter if it's witches. (Or A Discovery of Witches but the library queue is looking long for that one so it's unlikely it would reach me in time.) No idea what I'll do for holiday - possibly (whisper it) skip the month as I can't summon up enthusiasm for it right now, but I'm sure I'd get sucked in when the time comes...

Anita wrote: "Anyone have anything to suggest that they think I might like? A memoir maybe, lol? Non-fiction about the Salem witch trials or some other true historical approach?."

A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience was good!

Nikki wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "OK, so this is how I spent my day instead of working and cleaning:

If 21st century wins, I'd like to read fiction or nonfiction that touches on a topic that wasn't written about ve..."

I hear you Nikki! I own Discovery of Witches, but so far I haven't been able to get excited about reading it. I've already surpassed most of my annual reading goals, but I've been ignoring other goals, so it might do me some good to skip tag reading next month. My husband has been throwing around the R word, so if you don't see me around here for a while, it's safe to assume I've got my nose in financial planning spreadsheets or retirement books.