Play Book Tag discussion

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

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KGSFGQ5

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 2/22.

Have not taken a good look yet, but I do know what I vote for will have to fit the Poll Tally challenge and another challenge I do-January was rough for me trying to fit things in, in a willy-nilly way. I can't do that the rest of the year, too much stress LoL

Not bad! I was hoping last night for a change of pace and direction. I have too many books that don’t fit any state tags, but they’ll fit one of these tags. Last night I was hoping for romance or short stories, and this is even better.

I don’t think I could stand to read advice on relationships, but I love to read fiction with all types of relationships. Though, I will say that The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate is absolutely fabulous, even if you just skim. Two of my all time favorite fiction books are pride and prejudice and The Language of Flowers, right on the first page.

For journalism, I really liked Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity.

For essays, I would start with something by David Sedaris.

Nancy, I might read that one with you if it wins. It’s the third or fourth oldest on my TBR a and I own it. Have been waiting for the right tag to read it. Our group seems to like the broad easy challenges these days. I think I am going to vote for journalism. It won’t win, but don’t worry Joanne. That fits plenty of tags. I think after all these years of being a picky broad, I am really coming to appreciate the narrow tags. I think if Journalism wins, I have plenty, but I want to read Unbelievable. And before it is hopefully no longer relevant.

I voted. I can find something to read for each of the tags. Narrative nonfiction is my favorite kind of book to read but I'm good whatever gets picked.

I've been wanting to read the Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI which would fit under journalism.
For essays I can read Slouching Toward Bethlehem by Joan Didion.

I recommend And The Band Played On by Randy Shilts. It is about the AIDS epidemic and the unfettered spread of the virus due to denial and neglect.

Amy wrote: "Nancy, I might read that one with you if it wins. It’s the third or fourth oldest on my TBR a and I own it. Have been waiting for the right tag to read it. Our group seems to like the broad easy ch..."

Which one? I’m finding many novels on my tbr that fit relationships, all types of relationships.

Behind the Beautiful Forevers is the one I was responding to.

Amy wrote: "Nancy, I might read that one with you if it wins. It’s the third or fourth oldest on my TBR a and I own it. Have been waiting for the right tag to read it. Our group seems to like the broad easy ch..."

Re unbelievable , I’m afraid we’re in for more of the same this year. I really hope Amy Klobuchar ends up on the ballot, in either spot. I have the upmost respect for her, and not just because she’s from Minnesota. I hate to think of how he’ll try to smear her name. The man has no shame.

I'm going to have to deliberate over this. Relationships seems to fit the moment, just a day late, but I almost never choose to go that way.
I have a few books about photographers which I've been wanting to read but need to see if they fit the journalism tag.

Essays comes up here now and again and it would really force me to push the reading envelop, but I'm generally not inclined to do that.

Amy wrote: "Behind the Beautiful Forevers is the one I was responding to."

I read it with a book club last year. Its hard to start, but it’s unforgettable. Every time I think about, I’m amazed by some of those kids. And I’m reminded to stop whining and be grateful for everything in my life, good and bad.

Booknblues wrote: "I'm going to have to deliberate over this. Relationships seems to fit the moment, just a day late, but I almost never choose to go that way.
I have a few books about photographers which I've been ..."

I like an essay book now and then, but one would be enough. Same with narrative nonfiction. The really good ones can take a lot out of me, so I couldn’t handle reading several in a row, like I’ve been doing with our monthly tags.

Ok, voted. I expect neither my first or second choice will be chosen, but that is the way it goes sometimes.

Both thriller and survival are tags which I can read a lot of so just fulfilling the tag and moving in other directions is alright with me.

voted, but none jumping out at me this month. will be able to find something for all of them though.

My F2F bookgroup book for next month fits the journalism tag, so fingers crossed!

I have a collection of essays I have been wanting to read for ages - The Long-Winded Lady: Notes from The New Yorker.

And for journalism...I have so many books on my TBR, and so many amazing books I have read....

Nancy, so you’ve already read it! Forgive my misunderstanding. Everyone says it’s incredible and unforgettable. As for our current American state of affairs, I like Amy. I donated to her campaign! Also to Joe, Pete, and Tom. I think she’s great. I am in the minority of the mindset that we need more than any Democrat and/or any competent adult. I feel we need to choose someone who can unify and heal. Therefore my worst nightmare is BS. Flying pan to fire in my opinion. We are all together hoping in this country to return to morals, values, and humanity. I do think the journalism tag will bring out more of this discussion - which I know is heated and delicate. I imagine we will all handle it well. Meanwhile, I wholeheartedly agree with your choice. She’s something for sure!

One seems way too easy, but I'm not crazy about the other two! Guess we'll see what happens. (I can make a "wild" guess... LOL!)

Voted. There are two I'd be quite happy with, but the third isn't bad, either!

For journalism I’m considering I’ll be gone in the dark

Voted-journalism. I have nothing for essays, if it wins I probably will just go through the list and find something. Relationships is [retty broad, could be just about any book.

I think I will let the fates decide...

If journalism wins Bad Blood would be great for that tag.
I am reading essays now, so unfortunately I am ahead of the game on that one.

I want essays so bad I can taste it, but I think it has been up for the vote a couple of times before . . .so not holding my breathe against two other strong options.

Really want to read What My Mother and I Don't Talk About: Fifteen Writers Break the Silence, but I'm sure I have plenty of options for the other two.

Anita wrote: "I want essays so bad I can taste it, but I think it has been up for the vote a couple of times before . . .so not holding my breathe against two other strong options.

Really want to read [book:Wha..."

Essays was my second choice. It seems like it comes up now and again and never gets voted through

Booknblues wrote: "Anita wrote: "I want essays so bad I can taste it, but I think it has been up for the vote a couple of times before . . .so not holding my breathe against two other strong options.

Really want to ..."

Yes, and I think it has been up against much less good tags . . .journalism and relationships both seem really good too.

But, a girl can hope ;). I just had survival - - a tag I love - - so really can't be complaining.

Anita wrote: "I want essays so bad I can taste it, but I think it has been up for the vote a couple of times before . . .so not holding my breathe against two other strong options.

Really want to read [book:Wha..."

Well that looks like a good choice for me Anita-I will keep it in mind just in case

Anita, I just checked and What My Mother and I Don't Talk About: Fifteen Writers Break the Silence also works for relationships, so you could end up reading it anyway.

I suspect that relationships is the tag which will win, but that is just a hunch.

Everyone has a book that would fit on that pile.

Booknblues wrote: "Anita, I just checked and What My Mother and I Don't Talk About: Fifteen Writers Break the Silence also works for relationships, so you could end up reading it anyway.

I suspect that relationships..."

Oh, you are a genius! Thanks for checking on that . . .not sure why I didn't think of it.

Relationships would be my last choice because it is so broad, but I feel your hunch is certainly not out of the realm. I also want to read Normal People for that one. But my journalism pick was readily available through Overdrive - - yay! So I am all SET no matter what.

Voted
Looks like a couple of good choices and one dud BUT I will be happy with any of them. Oh and no, I am not going to say which one is the DUD. LOL

I have several Joan Didion books I picked up at a library sale, and I’m pretty sure I can use something from that stack for any of the tags.

Anita wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "Anita, I just checked and What My Mother and I Don't Talk About: Fifteen Writers Break the Silence also works for relationships, so you could end up reading it anyway.

I suspect..."

I've had Normal People on my tbr for a while and haven't found a reason to move it up, the relationship tag might do it for me.

Any would work for me - a broad tag like ‘relationships’ is always easy and I’d be perfectly happy with it, but I’m more inclined to push myself outside my comfort zone by having a narrower tag this time.

Relationships definitely called to me when I first saw the choices. It’s right in my wheelhouse, which is exactly what I’m after at the moment. My head hasn’t the room for pushing myself right now!

Between the World and Me by Ta Nahisi Coates fits all three categories by the way. Outlander does not - lol!

Amy wrote: "Between the World and Me by Ta Nahisi Coates fits all three categories by the way. Outlander does not - lol!"

Oh wow, cool! I have that on my tbr...

Outlander doesn't fit all this time?? Had to happen at some point I guess.

Voted

Found it interesting that after I completed the survey to vote for the tag, I was asked to complete a survey on my view re current political situation. I answered that survey as well.

I did not see that BC. And I just voted! I like to make my voice heard on that front.

All Outlander books fit the Relationship tag, of course. Many will fit the Journalism tag, because multiple characters are printers or newspaper publishers. The books explore the impact of journalism on the American Revolution.

I don't see an obvious fit for essays for the main books, but the Essays tag is a good fit for both of the companion books. Those each contain multiple essays by the author. My favorite is an essay entitled "A Brief Disquisition on the Existence of Butt Cooties". Diana travels A LOT, and therefore has a lot of experience with public bathrooms. And she's got the medical background to talk about "butt cooties" with some authority. :-)

Voted. I went for the one that I have the most books for but I can usually find something for any tag.

Amy wrote: "I did not see that BC. And I just voted! I like to make my voice heard on that front."

I've voted for my local spring primary (nonpartisan election). Our Presidential won't be until April (same time as our Spring non-partisan general election).

I'm working the polls this Tuesday, and will probably work for future elections as well. They're rolling out a new computerized "poll book" to check registrations and our village clerk is a little worried that some of the poll workers from the past will have difficulty with this new system. When I went to village hall last week to vote early she asked me if I would be willing to come by on Tuesday and I immediately said yes. Technically I'll be a "back-up" worker, but it means I'll get trained on the new system and she can count on me for the larger elections coming up in April, August and November. As a bonus (being the "back-up") ... I can bring a book and read for most of my shift! NO Newspapers allowed, however.

That’s great BC that you are helping out!

Book Concierge wrote: "Amy wrote: "I did not see that BC. And I just voted! I like to make my voice heard on that front."

I've voted for my local spring primary (nonpartisan election). Our Presidential won't be until Ap..."

That sounds great BC! I have not been able to work an election or campaign since my back issues took over my life. Good for you for offering your time to your community!

Since I live in a state that only ever elects one party for president, the primaries are were my vote counts. Ours hasn't happened yet. I vote every November even if there is no one I like on the ballot.

Karin wrote: "Since I live in a state that only ever elects one party for president, the primaries are were my vote counts. Ours hasn't happened yet. I vote every November even if there is no one I like on the b..."

Same here Karin. I'm in New York State, which always elects a democrat. It seems that by the time our primaries come around, the race is practically over. I vote most years anyway, because there is usually one race that matters to me.

Book Concierge wrote: "Amy wrote: "I did not see that BC. And I just voted! I like to make my voice heard on that front."

I've voted for my local spring primary (nonpartisan election). Our Presidential won't be until Ap..."

That sounds great. I always wondered how they select and staff those roles. In my polling place there are always twice as many people as they need. I wondered if they staff people in dem/rep pairs.

NancyJ wrote: "I wondered if they staff people in dem/rep pairs..."

Back when I worked the polls in MA, we were in a small town and did paper ballots - of course I don't think there were any computerized ballots back in those dark ages! Anyway, we always had both Dems and Reps at every table for everything: in coming voters, ballots being turned in, and the counting after polls were closed. I was even a Warrant Officer one year. I loved the feeling of democracy that paper ballots gave me - it felt as if your vote really counted.

I live in Arizona, where the primary used to be near the trailing end. But this time we're moved up on the calendar and so they're ALL coming here soon - both parties. One with a rally and the other with a live debate. I'm planning to avoid all of it.

I always vote, but I'm sick of the election already!

Barbara M wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "I wondered if they staff people in dem/rep pairs..."

Back when I worked the polls in MA, we were in a small town and did paper ballots - of course I don't think there were any compu..."

That makes sense. I think it would be great to be a part of it.
In my area we have paper ballots that get scanned in to a machine. So they have a paper backup if needed. I wouldn't trust completely digital voting.

NancyJ wrote: "Barbara M wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "I wondered if they staff people in dem/rep pairs..."

Back when I worked the polls in MA, we were in a small town and did paper ballots - of course I don't think th..."

Same in this state--our paper ballots get fed into the machine that scans them.

Anita wrote: "I want essays so bad I can taste it, but I think it has been up for the vote a couple of times before . . .so not holding my breathe against two other strong options.

Really want to read [book:Wha..."

Well I threw all of my points to Esssys! I love to read books that make me think - and also love short stories. Essays are the best of both worlds.

And there are Essays on so many topics and genres! If it wins, I plan to read essays on Harry Potter and Philosophy and similar :-)