Play Book Tag discussion

Last month was a horse race. This one was just a horse. The tag is:

animals

Please share your reading plans and recommendations below.

Remember, for the regular monthly reads, the book can be shelved as psychological on Goodreads, or be a book that is not yet shelved that way but you feel should be.

One way to find books to read for this tag is to please visit:

https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...

We encourage people to link to additional lists below if they find them.

Happy reading!

Well, Darn! I just finished The Zookeeper's Wife and it would have worked. Ah well, off to find out what's on my TBR but I know I only have a couple. Many I've already read of course. I'll be looking at the recommendations.

Was pretty sure this would win!

The following would work for Poll Ballot Tag:
Other Minds ~ Peter Godfrey-Smith (nature)
The Horse and his Boy ~ C S Lewis (horses)
His Majesty's Dragon ~ Naomi Novik (Navy)
Tamed ~ Alice Roberts (paleontology)
Ten Million Aliens ~ Simon Barnes (wildlife)
Plainsong ~ Kent Haruf (farming)

Will be back later with more recommendations!

Jenny wrote: "Was pretty sure this would win!

The following would work for Poll Ballot Tag:
Other Minds ~ Peter Godfrey-Smith (nature)
The Horse and his Boy ~ C S Lewis (horses)
His Majesty's Dragon ~ Naomi Nov..."

Loved Plainsong and His Majesty's Dragon! I would also recommend them.

I said I'd be back!

Here's my possible list ~ I'm probably going with Northern Lights as it fills a lot of other challenge prompts too!

animals
Life of pi
The wind in the willows
A street cat named Bob (Bob has recently died, so people might want to avoid this one!)
Fantastic mr fox
The lion, the witch and the wardrobe
The travelling cat chronicles
Northern lights
The horse and his boy
Moby-dick
We are all completely beside ourselves
The magician’s nephew
The curious incident of the dog in the night-time
Prince Caspian
The voyage of the dawn treader
A day in the life of marlon bundo
The Ravenmaster
The last battle
The giraffe and the pelly and me
The silver chair
The old man and the sea
The field guide to dumb birds of north america
The tale of kitty-in-boots

I voted for Animals, but am feeling underwhelmed by choices.
Last time animals was the tag I read
-Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, which I'd HIGHLY recommend
-Lily and the Octopus, which I also enjoyed.

Also Recommending
-The War That Saved My Life ,a middle grade WWII inspiring quick read.
-The Cat Who Went to Paris, the book that inspired my family to get a Scottish Fold cat when I was young
-The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, if you haven't already read it
The Zookeeper's Wife

Books I'm considering reading this month:
-The War I Finally Won- the sequel to the aforementioned 'War that Saved My Life'
-Charlotte's Web
-Seabiscuit: An American Legend
-Animal Farm

Joi wrote: "I voted for Animals, but am feeling underwhelmed by choices.
Last time animals was the tag I read
-Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, which I'd HIGHLY recommen..."

Seabiscuit: An American Legend is my vote for you Joi, it was and outstanding read that I was not expecting.

I can recommend The Feather Thief to anyone who is looking for something a bit different-I loved it

I have narrowed it down to these:

The Zookeeper's Wife
The Lady and the Panda: The True Adventures of the First American Explorer to Bring Back China's Most Exotic Animal
An Elephant in My Kitchen

Here are some books I recommend:

Fiction:
All the Impossible Things (middle grade book about a girl in foster care whose foster family runs a petting zoo)
The One and Only Ivan
Assassin's Apprentice
White Fang
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
The Midnight Zoo

Non-fiction:
The Elephant Whisperer
All Creatures Great and Small
Seabiscuit: An American Legend
The Way of the Panda: The Curious History of China's Political Animal


Here are some I am considering reading:

The Photo Ark: One Man's Quest to Document the World's Animals
American Wolf
White Man's Game: Saving Animals, Rebuilding Eden, and Other Myths of Conservation in Africa
The One and Only Bob
East
Redwall
Watership Down
The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival
Jaws

Yes, I was crossing my fingers for this tag, if only because I have a book I took out from the library recently that fits so this means I won't have to go back outside! So I'll be reading Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis!

I am so happy. After what feels like a week spent on the phone handling things (tech support and other things, nothing that unusual for the most part, just too many in that short of a time) it's great to have a fun, easy tag that I voted for, along with many others :)

So, any pirate horses who celebrate an October holiday that we can fit into fall flurries as well? Ideally published in the next Bingo year called? (anyone here who can see into the future like that ;) ?)

Can we count imaginary animals like werewolves and dragons? Asking for a friend...

Sue wrote: "Can we count imaginary animals like werewolves and dragons? Asking for a friend..."

A friend of mine says yes😁

Lots of cozy mysteries feature dogs or cats.

Since I recently reread His Dark Materials, which I recommend, I’m going to take the time to reread Jurassic Park. I’ve been wanting to for while and this is the perfect chance to do it.

I loved and heartily recommend:
Leaving Time - about a girl whose mother ran an elephant refuge. Lighter than many by this author.
Seabiscuit (I also just saw the last half of the film, which I really loved) - It also fits multiple Poll Ballot tags.
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Charlotte's Web
Curious Incident of the Dog... - Which also fits this month's psychological tag. So it would be a good crossover book.
The Death and Life of the Great Lakes - great non-fiction for ecology or great lakes tag
Never Cry Wolf: The Amazing True Story of Life Among Arctic Wolves (I read it ages ago along with Jack London books with my boys.)

I'm considering:
Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog - one of hubby's all time favorites.
The Feather Thief
Finding Gobi: The True Story of a Little dog and an Incredible Journey
Watership Down - which fits a Bingo year
The One and Only Ivan
Dog on It
Something about Wolves - non-fiction or a Jack London re-read
Something about elephants -
Maybe something about sharks, dolphins or whales -
I'm sure I won some books that have animals in them.
His Dark Materials

For halloween - something with werewolves, dragons. shape shifters, cats or other familiars. Maybe a paranormal short-story collection. Maybe one more Harry Potter book.

I'm reading the 2nd Temeraire I hope and as many K-9 suspense thrillers as I have time for - and that's the rub - reading time is rare and precious in my life these days.

But for those looking for lighter fare - there are a ton of cozy mystery series revolving around cats and/or dogs. Also fun but slightly more serious detective stories like the Chet & Bernie series. If you go to https://cozy-mystery.com/ you can find lists by theme to help find them.

I echo endorsements for Temeraire series, The Feather Thief and The Zookeeper's Wife.

Another angle is of course westerns -- and mysterys like Track the Cat by Nevada Bar or even some of CJ Box and other western thriller/myestery writers.

There is also always books like Watership Down, the middle grade Redwall series (which I personally have enjoyed), and pretty much any fantasy revolving around dragons.

Joanne wrote: "I have narrowed it down to these:

The Zookeeper's Wife
[book:The Lady and the Panda: The True Adventures of the First American Explorer to Bring Back China's Most Exotic Animal|106..."

These sound great. I really want to read something about elephants.

I saw nothing on the list when I researched, (so didn't vote for it) but knew it would win and that there would be a ton of things on my TBR. Narrowed to these:

A pigeon and a boy
millers valley?
sinners and the sea
the rainbow serpent
amazon wisdom keeper
the butterfly’s daughter
Lioness of Judah
the beekeeper’s promise
the mermaid’s sister
the life she was given
Queen Bee
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe
The Obsidian Tower
Yellow bird sings
When we believed in mermaids

NancyJ wrote: "Joanne wrote: "I have narrowed it down to these:



Nancy there is another I read Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II 5 star read for me

NancyJ wrote: "Theresa wrote: "I'm reading the 2nd Temeraire I hope and as many K-9 suspense thrillers as I have time for - and that's the rub - reading time is rare and precious in my life these days.

But for ..."

Redwall is the first book in the series.

Thanks Karin

Father Goose: One Man, a Gaggle of Geese, and Their Real Life Incredible Journey South - This is the story linked to the film Fly Away Home.

Jenni Elyse wrote: "Since I recently reread His Dark Materials, which I recommend, I’m going to take the time to reread Jurassic Park. I’ve been wanting to for while and this is the perfect chance to d..."

If I have time I will join you. Loved the book! The section on the bird house was one of my faves and when it was finally incorporated into one of tbe movie sequels, it was not done justice.

Between the great suggestions above and going through the list, I was able to find a number of options. First up, I have The Constant Rabbit if the hold comes through in time.

Joanne wrote: "Sue wrote: "Can we count imaginary animals like werewolves and dragons? Asking for a friend..."

A friend of mine says yes😁"

And of mine 🐉🐉🐉🐉

Amy wrote: "I saw nothing on the list when I researched, (so didn't vote for it) but knew it would win and that there would be a ton of things on my TBR. Narrowed to these:

A pigeon and a boy
millers valley?
..."

I don't think Millers Valley was about animals specifically, although I don't remember it that well. It does have to do with ecology.

YAY!!! Haven't yet looked at other replies, but wanted to pop in with recommendations...

These have all made my favourites list the years I read them... There is even too many to list, so I'll have to pick and choose (yes, this is picking and choosing!).

Where the animal does NOT die at the end (there may be others listed here , but I don't necessarily remember):
Homer's Odyssey / Gwen Cooper

Wildlife:
Babylon's Ark: The Incredible Wartime Rescue of the Baghdad Zoo / Lawrence Anthony
The Elephant Whisperer / Lawrence Anthony
Through a Window: My Thirty Years with the Chimpanzees of Gombe / Jane Goodall
The White Bone / Barbara Gowdy
Jaguar: One Man's Struggle to Establish the World's First Jaguar Preserve / Alan Rabinowitz

Pets:
A Dog's Purpose / W. Bruce Cameron
Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog / John Grogan
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World / Vicki Myron

Environment:
Eating Animals / Joanthan Safran Foer

Others/Misc:
Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals / Temple Grandin
Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence—and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process / Irene Pepperberg
Black Beauty / Anna Sewell
Charlotte's Web / E.B. White

And, one I will read for sure:
- Elephant Speak / Melissa Crandall

And I have so many other possibilities... It may depend whether or not I have time to add more in.

Sounds great, Theresa! I’d love to have a buddy if you have the time.

Joi wrote: "Books I'm considering reading this month:
-Charlotte's Web..."

I reread Charlotte's Web a year or two ago and LOVED It!

Sue wrote: "Can we count imaginary animals like werewolves and dragons? Asking for a friend..."

If you think it counts (for the monthly tag), it counts!

And as the PBT Shelver, I want to mention something for those who do their own shelving (I'll try to pop in early in the official thread for reviews to mention this, as well):

Since we already have an "animals" shelf, and I like to keep things separate (at least initially) to get some stats, I am going to (temporarily) rename the original shelf to "animals2016".

Please use the regular "animals" tag for anything you read this month. I'm hoping (for anyone who doesn't notice this note) that this should make sense, anyway!

NancyJ wrote: "Something about elephants -..."

I think I have two elephant recommendations - "The Elephant Whisperer" by Lawrence Anthony and "The White Bone" by Barbara Gowdy.

I am quite happy with this tag, as it is one of my favorites.

Not sure what I will read, but I have plenty available.

Jen K wrote: "Between the great suggestions above and going through the list, I was able to find a number of options. First up, I have The Constant Rabbit if the hold comes through in time."

Oohhhh - I've got Constant Rabbit on my Library hold list too. Got my fingers crossed my hold number comes up in time.

The Constant Rabbit sounds great. My library has it on order, and I'm #2 on the list. They haven't been processing orders very quickly lately, so I hope I get it in time.

Has anyone read Watership Down? It seems to be a book that many people read when they were younger, and I'm wondering if it's held up well.

LibraryCin wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Something about elephants -..."

I think I have two elephant recommendations - "The Elephant Whisperer" by Lawrence Anthony and "The White Bone" by Barbara Gowdy."

Thanks. They sound good.

Jenni Elyse wrote: "Sounds great, Theresa! I’d love to have a buddy if you have the time."


Don't wait for me! I have a crazy work life right now. But we will discuss it!

Robin P wrote: "Amy wrote: "I saw nothing on the list when I researched, (so didn't vote for it) but knew it would win and that there would be a ton of things on my TBR. Narrowed to these:

A pigeon and a boy
mill..."

Miller's Valley would not fit animal theme at all IMO.

NancyJ wrote: "The Constant Rabbit sounds great. My library has it on order, and I'm #2 on the list. They haven't been processing orders very quickly lately, so I hope I get it in time.

Has anyone read Watersh..."

I read Watership Down decades ago but as an adult and loved it. I don't see it as a youthful book.

Just remembered 3 marvelous reads for this theme if you can source them:

Deadly Safari by Karin McQuillan - murder on an African Safari. It is so incredibly atmospheric you can smell the animals and taste the dust on the safari.
Also by same author Elephants' Graveyard and Cheetah Chase.

Another mystery that fits this theme and is incredibly atmospheric: Murder on the Iditarod Trail by Sue Henry - when I gave this to a roommate to read decades ago, it led her to uproot herself from NYC and move to Alaska.

AJ I read Fifteen Dogs earlier this year and I loved it.
I listened to the audio book narrated by the author. He has a unique accent, which was interesting in itself. And I love hearing an author bring their own work to life.

I am going to read The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle. Besides, I see that Where the Crawdads Sing has this tag too. Maybe those who read it can help me. Is it about animals or it has this tag only because of its title?

I read Watership Down as an adult and loved it. I read it again to my daughter when she was maybe 10 (we used to read at night even after she was reading books on her own) and she enjoyed it too. It could be a bit intense for younger children. It wasn't written for children specifically.

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell fits this tag very well. I recently read it and liked it so much that now I'm watching the PBS television series adapted from it.

Diana H. wrote: "I am going to read The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle. Besides, I see that Where the Crawdads Sing has this tag too. Maybe those who read it can help me..."
I'd say Where the Crawdads sing does fit the tag. The main character lives in a swamp and she catalogs the animals that live there. The book has some beautiful descriptions of marsh animals.

OK - I am all set on the animals front. But if I get to Miller's Valley this month, I won't tag it for animals, but I put it there because it would be my 35th state and qualifies for Farming and its on my TBR. Just help me out here though. Is it worth reading? Or shall I just shoot for 34.... Its a busy month. Theresa and Robin, and anyone else, I humbly seek your advice. Worth reading? Worth reading now for the 35? Or stick in another animal or witchy ghosty thing instead?