Play Book Tag discussion

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

https://forms.gle/n46Hdamv7epseHBi9

Here are the lists of books for each tag:

beach reads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
New York City: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
theology: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...

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 noon EST on 5/22.

I just love these all! I haven’t even done research yet, but I don’t care what wins! June will be great for me no matter what!

I was thinking that none of these tags would be useful for Fly the skies, especially because I was thinking of visiting a communist country next.

Then I noticed that Crazy Rich Asians is #1 on the Beach Reads list. I would not have guessed that. It has tags for several Asian countries, AND New York City. Other books in the series might cover other locations too.

For Beach Reads - I loved Beach Read by Emily Henry. It's more than a romance novel. If Beach Reads wins, I'll be relying heavily on recommendations and reviews, to help me avoid formulaic romance novels.

I apparently love reading about New York City, because I seem to have read nearly everything on the first few pages.

Such interesting choices and one probably perfect choice.

I almost always can find a book, I really want to read and that is also on my tbr, however I have found one now where that does not apply. 11 pages in and only one on my tbr and I do not want to read it. Sigh. Extra points for the other two choices.

Even if it is the choice, I do have one book on my wishlist which I could read, so any will be good for me.

Nancy, I also really enjoyed beach read as well. Although I find I have a tag for New York City. I read a lot of it there. And a special interest in theology. I think crazy Rich Asians would be a lovely choice for those who want to travel with their tag book.

If theology wins - which would be a big surprise - I would recommend Gilead by Marilynn Robinson. It's a beautiful novel.

There is also a book by the Dalai Llama that I liked, but it's pretty light weight stuff.

The Theology link won't let you go past page 25 (26 tags), and the first 25 pages of the list seem to focus on Christian theology. Is the term "theology" most commonly applied to Christianity? There might be a broader range of books with only 5 theology tags. I would prefer a novel in which religion is one of many topics, or perhaps a book with Muslim, Jewish or Buddhist characters.

Well, 2 are easy peasy...and really, all 3 are easy for me to fill from my massive eclectic TBR Towers. I don't want New York City in June since that is my home destination in December!

But I don't vote based on where I am flying because just does not work for me.

Theresa wrote: "Well, 2 are easy peasy...and really, all 3 are easy for me to fill from my massive eclectic TBR Towers. I don't want New York City in June since that is my home destination in December!

But I don..."

It's a good tie breaker if nothing else.

I'll be using New York as my home destination, and there is probably a huge overlap with New York City. There are enough books I want to read that I won't use them all up in one month.

I just bought Let the Great World Spin (which I want to read before I read Apeirogon),
and The Hidden Palace (The Sequel to Golem and the Jinni) will be released June 8. They are both set in New York City. Neither works for my travel plans, but I plan to read them if New York City wins.

Voted. If New York City wins but the book is also tagged Pakistan - can I visit Pakistan for fly the pbt skies but get the extra 500 miles for the New York City tag, or should I stick to the same destination (New York City)?

I'm thinking of using The Reluctant Fundamentalist so that you can see what I mean if the above isn't clear!

I think I'm ok with any but theology is probably the most narrow, so that would be my overall preference. "beach reads" is just way too broad and subjective for my liking. :-)

NancyJ wrote: "I was thinking that none of these tags would be useful for Fly the skies, especially because I was thinking of visiting a communist country next.

Then I noticed that Crazy Rich Asians is #1 on th..."

I would think that Beach Reads is the very best one for Fly the Skies. New York is only good for, well, New York. As for Theology, I can't imagine that many of those are shelved by country or place, but it is possible if it's for the author or something.

Theology is not my choice, and I agree that it is narrow plus not of broad interest, but not all pro-religion--some of the books there denounce all religion (eg The God Delusion), and in my past experience on a homeschool forum where people were usually polite, it, along with math and politics, was one of the most divisive topics.

There is no way I would vote for Theology and I read stuff like that IRL, but virtually never think to put it on that shelf.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamont is tagged both theology and israel - that's what I'll be using if theology wins. It also works for beach reads.

Karin wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "I was thinking that none of these tags would be useful for Fly the skies, especially because I was thinking of visiting a communist country next.

Then I noticed that Crazy Rich Asi..."

I agree.

I would like to read books about characters with different religious beliefs, but so far I haven't found many theology tags in my tbr. I liked The book of Joy because it had a Buddist and a Christian (and a writer with psychology training) discussing common ground. There was a great deal of respect and affection between all of them.

On the homeschool forum - how is it possible that math is as divisive as religion and politics? I'm very pro-math and I'll fight anyone who says it's not important. Kidding, but... how? If it might stir up controversy we can take this conversation offline.

Jenny wrote: "The Red Tent by Anita Diamont is tagged both theology and israel - that's what I'll be using if theology wins. It also works for beach reads."

Good point. You took a closer look than I did. In any event, I can find something to read on all three shelves, although I am not sure if I want to go to Israel.

Jenny wrote: "Voted. If New York City wins but the book is also tagged Pakistan - can I visit Pakistan for fly the pbt skies but get the extra 500 miles for the New York City tag, or should I stick to the same d..."

Jenny, I'd say yes. Your book has enough Pakistan tags for the location, and enough New York City tags for the tag bonus.

I had a similar situation with a book that had both Chile and Africa tags. I used Chile for the location, and Africa for the bonus miles.
---
The Red Tent sounds like something I might like too, so now I have at least one option if theology wins.

Jenny wrote: "The Red Tent by Anita Diamont is tagged both theology and israel - that's what I'll be using if theology wins. It also works for beach reads."

I loved that book! Hope you get to read it

Am I wrong, or has there been a geographic location choice every month in 2021? It is like the randomizer is teasing those doing FtS!

I really try to read from my massive eclectic TBR for challenges.

For me beach reads is any book I read for light entertainment, that can be left behind, get spilled on, or dropped in the water. Usually the latest paperback. Back in the days when I went to the beach or such, the latest Judith Krantz would have fit the bill. Or Tom Clancy. I have plenty of those in my TBR. Easy as beach reads is, I think it is both too easy and too hard. Much as I love a good beach read, do I really want to spend June reading them?

New York City is also super easy. Besides the fact I will be reading one in December to get back home in FtS, I have many in my TBR:

Pete Hamill's books
Cleo Coyle's coffeehouse mysteries
Lawrence Block's burglar mysteries

Just as a tiny example.

Theology *shudder*. I doubt I have anything. It does not fit my mood or interests. I will definitely not vote for it.

I don't know yet how I will vote...maybe this is the month I don't vote.

Theresa wrote: "Theology *shudder*. I doubt I have anything. It does not fit my moid or interests. I will definitely not vote for it."

I'm there with you.

Well, for those who don't want theology, there are a number of books with that tag that would be easy to read:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Magician's Nephew
The Last Battle
The Sparrow
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
Siddhartha
The Prophet

I like 2 of these choices. I don’t have anything for theology but for beach reads I already have Crazy Rich Asians and Gone Girl on my kindle ready to read. For NYC I’ve got City of Girls. I’d be happy with either of these 2 😊 🤞🏻

annapi wrote: "Well, for those who don't want theology, there are a number of books with that tag that would be easy to read:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
[book:The Magician's Nephew|65605..."

Thanks, I do have Lamb on my TBR

Giveaway Alert - Malibu Rising (the new Taylor Jenkins Reid book) is on the goodreads giveaway list in advance of it's June release. There are several other beach read sounding titles coming out soon.

If beach reads wins, I will be looking at new books by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Amy Harmon, Beth Henry and maybe Christina Lauren (or is it Lauren Christina). Also the Golem and Jinni sequel.

annapi wrote: "Well, for those who don't want theology, there are a number of books with that tag that would be easy to read:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
[book:The Magician's Nephew|65605..."

I've read 5/7 of these, most as a child and have to agree with you except, for me, The Sparrow which is brilliant but dark and heavy :). BUT the sequel, once I finally read it years after it came out, was much better for me.

Michel Faber, author of The Crimson Petal and the White has a scifi that fits Theology, The Book of Strange New Things

It's been shelved Theologyt 4 times (once just now by me since, as I said, I don't use that shelf and forgot I had it, but I read this some years ago). Joy D here gave it 5 stars (3 for me, but the writing is good--3 stars from me.)

For the specific games, of course you need the tags, but just to post a review, I would say that Klara and the Sun is absolutely about theology.

Anita wrote: "Please vote for the tag you would most like to read for June at the following link:

https://forms.gle/n46Hdamv7epseHBi9

Here are the lists of books for each tag:

beach reads: https://www.goodrea..."


I've changed my mind and voted again. I thought that it would have me edit it but it just took me to new form.

Voted-and it wasn't the "t" word

I voted. Anyone notice how much cross-over there is between New York and Beach Read?

I have read 2 on the first page of theology. Confessions and City of God by Augustine of Hippo.

I DO NOT recommend either. Very boring reads. Interesting in an academic way, but boring.

Sue wrote: "I voted. Anyone notice how much cross-over there is between New York and Beach Read?"

Some of the ones, I most want to read are on both sites. This is what caused me to switch my choice.

Hi Jenny, regarding your question over, the answer is yes. So long as the book you are reading has at least 5 people tagging it both Pakistan and New York City, then you can travel to Pakistan and get the 500 bonus miles for New York City.

Voted. I want something deeper than Beach Reads for some reason but had some good items on my TBR. Then, when I checked my TBR for NYC there were lots but my favorite TBR titles were on Beach Reads. After 4 pages of Theology, nada. Kind of made up my mind to go with the other two, though if Theology is chosen, I know I'll probably find something I'll enjoy! I always do.

Can't wait to see the new tag!

annapi wrote: "Well, for those who don't want theology, there are a number of books with that tag that would be easy to read:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
[book:The Magician's Nephew|65605..."

I've had Lamb on my list for a long time! Also, I've read The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe and the next in the series - good time to continue that.

I got 6 pages deep and NOTHING on "theology" is on my shelf 😁
Not surprised.

New York won't work for skies since I have already been there, I mean I guess I can go back, right? But I don't want to - as much as I LOVE books set in New York.

That leaves only one choice, and personally I think it is the best one.

Your mileage may vary, particularly for folks playing games that need specific tags, but beach read is a very subjective category that would encompass a lot of options.

I mean, even Outlander strikes again.

Meli wrote: "I got 6 pages deep and NOTHING on "theology" is on my shelf 😁
Not surprised.

New York won't work for skies since I have already been there, I mean I guess I can go back, right? But I don't want t..."

Heh. I hit one read on page six, and that was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Another dozen pages or so, and nothing.

Hebah wrote: "Your mileage may vary, particularly for folks playing games that need specific tags, but beach read is a very subjective category that would encompass a lot of options.

I mean, even Outlander stri..."

That's what I was thinking regarding beach read, similar to DNF it should hit a lot of different books.

Nicole R wrote: "Hi Jenny, regarding your question over, the answer is yes. So long as the book you are reading has at least 5 people tagging it both Pakistan and New York City, then you can travel to Pakistan and ..."

Thank you - and I stop looking at books when I get to 4 people tagging it at the moment! :-)

Meli wrote: "I got 6 pages deep and NOTHING on "theology" is on my shelf 😁
Not surprised.

New York won't work for skies since I have already been there, I mean I guess I can go back, right? But I don't want t..."

You don't have to go to New York City to get the bonus points for the tag. Crazy Rich Asian has tags for both New York City and Beach Reads, and tags for at least 4 Asian countries or cities. I think all the Rosie books might have both too, even though they're from Australia.

Beach reads has a lot of variety toward the end of the list. It even has Gentleman In Moscow (which I had in mind for the 2016 tag). My (large print) copy of the book is huge, so I would never take it to the beach, but I think it was a hit a few summers ago.

Robin P wrote: "For the specific games, of course you need the tags, but just to post a review, I would say that Klara and the Sun is absolutely about theology."

That's good to know. I'm on a long wait list for it. I'll look for your review.

@NancyJ - oh yeah, duh! We'll have to see how it shakes out.

Where is May going?! I still have to finish (and start!) my short stories!

Jason wrote: "I have read 2 on the first page of theology. Confessions and City of God by Augustine of Hippo.

I DO NOT recommend either. Very boring reads. Interestin..."

Augustine is not someone I'd want to read, either.

Nicole R wrote: "Where is May going?! I still have to finish (and start!) my short stories!"

Same!!! I already missed a gothic read entirely!

I really hope Theology doesn't win. There is not a single book on the first 25 pages I have or have had any interest in. I understand others do, but honestly it would mean I don't complete the challenge this year. I have so few hours off work and there are so many books which are of interest.
Unless anyone can suggest something where theology is a sub-plot in a broader novel?

Voted.

Although there are people who vote without commenting here, I doubt that Theology will win, especially in summer and with so many things opening up as distractions. It reminds me of when I used to go to the video store (ancient history now) and think that I ought to rent Schindler's List or some other serious film but I would take a comedy or romance instead.

I don't think I ever knew how the 3 monthly options are chosen. Is it just some kind of random selection from all the possible tags?

Jen wrote: "I really hope Theology doesn't win. There is not a single book on the first 25 pages I have or have had any interest in. I understand others do, but honestly it would mean I don't complete the chal..."

Don't worry, Jen, there are many books with the tag, and it doesn't have to be tagged as such, as long as you feel the book you choose has a theology theme to it, it'll count towards the monthly tag. I have a short list of books I found in the GR list in message 19 (which will count for challenges), but there are more.

Robin P wrote: "I don't think I ever knew how the 3 monthly options are chosen. Is it just some kind of random selection from all the possible tags?"

Two of them are randomized from a list of popular tags, the third option is chosen secretly by a randomly chosen PBT member. Sometimes they reveal themselves at the end of voting, but not often.