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Time to Vote for the November Tag
Wow, my immediate thought was that I don’t read about philosophy or dragons, but when I saw the lists, I realized that I was wrong on both counts. Before you rule anything out, check out the genre pages, with the new releases and related lists.
Philosophy genre page
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/phil...
Dragons
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/dragons
Magical realism
https://www.goodreads.com/genres/magi...
You know, Nancy, that Anita includes the links to the each suggested shelf in her original post. For the purposes of specific games THESE are the lists that count. Of course, we can always read a book we think fits, whether it has the tag or not.
I like all three tags but I don't see an obvious clear winner among the group. It should be an interesting vote!Due to other stuff in "real life" I'm leaning towards the lighter fun tag at this time of year.
We can see that Dragons might just have been the member choice. It will be curious to see if it wins. I can see a few potential Buddy Read choices:
For Dragons:
Priory of the Orange Tree
For Magical Realism:
The Chosen and the Beautiful
The Beautiful Ones
The Wishing Game
The Echo of the Old Books
Last Tale of the Flower Bride
For Philosophy-
Kafka on the Shore - (Murami) Who I have actually never read but our group clearly adores!!!!!
Wow! One of the rare times when the choices aren't singing to me.
I'm going to have to *groan at all of those...ETA: The first time we did dragons (in our first year of existence, I believe, in the summer), I did find one I actually liked enough to read the entire trilogy.
Book Concierge wrote: "You know, Nancy, that Anita includes the links to the each suggested shelf in her original post. For the purposes of specific games THESE are the lists that count. Of course, we can always read a..."
BC, the genre pages provide valuable supplemental information, most of which does “count.” They are especially useful for newer books, and make a huge difference with topics like philosophy.
The tag lists are the best place to start because they show the most popular books over time. However, they only show the first 25 pages of tags. They often cutoff hundreds or thousands of books with the tags. Newer books are at a disadvantage on these lists because they haven’t had time to amass the tags they might otherwise deserve.
The *new releases*and *most read this week* sections of the genre pages ARE based on tags, so these extra lists also “count.” You’ll have to check to see if they have at least 5 tags, just as you would for the books on the regular tag lists. These are every bit as official as the lists we’re used to - which btw are also shown on the genre page.
The listopias however are NOT based on tags, so you’ll need to check yourself to see if the have tags. Sometimes they’ll alert you to a whole set of books that you might not have thought of.
Booknblues wrote: "Wow! One of the rare times when the choices aren't singing to me."Unfortunately I'm in the same boat, but whatever is selected, I'm going to give it the ol' college try! I'm going to need a lot of recommendations this month. The only one I'm pretty sure on is if it is magical realism, I'm going to read something by Rushdie that fits my need for an India birthday candle.
Since the reader decides what fits monthly tag and what doesn't, I rely first on my TBR and own shelving, and second on Google. I almost never look to GR lists because I am much more tolerant of my personal idosyncratic shelving than I am of others. (example, a HF mystery I am reading has been tagged 'medical' which is a tag I need in another group's challenge. I am 65% in and cannot figure out why anyone would give it that tag but since I only need it tagged that, not really reflective of the tag, it works.)Here - philosophy is a 'no go' tag for me, though I can certainly name some fiction I've read that fits that tag, including a duology my Feminerdy Book Club is finishing next month: Becky Chamber's Monk and Robot duo (I really liked the first one and am looking forward to the second. Both are really short too). If a book shows 'philosophy' as one of its top tags - I move right past. NOTE: I read a lot of philosophy in college - from Hegel to Nietsche and beyond and plenty of fiction. I'm still sated. LOL.
Philosophy in a book has to sneak up on me.
Magical Realism and Dragons are mostly going to appeal to the same readers here, and not appeal to the same. I just want to point out that both exist outside the fantasy world and in other genres. Plenty of magical realism shows up in literary fiction, for example. But it only shows up in fiction. Dragons of course are often the image of China, and 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. One of Pearl S. Buck's HF on China has dragon in the title. Chinatown gangs in crime fiction have dragons in their name and imagery.
I voted.
Magical Realism is always an easy option for me. Some books in this category are simply light escapist entertainment, and others are quite meaningful or deep. They both have value. I’m really glad I read The Golem and the Jinni, One Hundred Years of Solitude and i really liked The Snow Child this month. I would love to hear which ones others in this group found more meaningful. Philosophy is a huge surprise for me. I have Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World on my holds list right now and I added The Maniac yesterday. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has been recommended to me by many people over the years. The Book of Delights: Essays and his new book seem perfect for Thanksgiving and light end of the year reading. There are also several science fiction books on the list by author:Ursula K. Le Guin|874602]. I have several on my TBR and I think there was one on our top 100 list.
I really liked these two newer books too,
When We Cease to Understand the World - his fic
Humankind: A Hopeful History - nonfiction
Dragons- I read more than my share of dragon books this year, so if this one wins, I’ll focus on November flurries. If you like New Adult fantasy romance adventure, Fourth Wing has dragons. Rebecca Yarros seems to be on fire this year with at least 3 new releases. Her next dragon book comes out in November.
I will add the Fourth Wing to possible Buddy reads if that tag wins.
I just wanted to let everyone know that Dragons Love Tacoshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7TY3...
and then there is The Knight and the Dragon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XQ09...
Amy!!!! You haven’t heard of Murakami?? And he will be on the magic realist list, bur definitely start with something shorter such as Sputnik Sweetheart or Norwegian Wood. I am not overly into the short stories, although I have read most because, particularly the earlier ones, don’t have enough room to work in my thinking.
I love magical realism - that subtle breaking through reality by a subtle bit of magic. Books by Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen are good examples.
And I have to say, I read a lot of Magic Realism,( don’t get me started on my household arguments re this!) , and have an interest in philosophy. Not dragons so much.
I will be reading dragons no matter what because Iron Flame comes out November 7th!! This is also my monthly reminder to read a book for this month still. 😂
Booknblues wrote: "I just wanted to let everyone know that Dragons Love Tacoshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7TY3...
and then there is The Knight and the Dragon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XQ09..."
Aww, now I have to go look for the box with the dragon books. Going to add some to the 'Books with Nana' box. This one's out of print but I think I still have a copy.
It was a favorite.
Of course I have heard of Murakami! This group is nuts for him. He almost just about or did win the Favorite Author challenge of last year. I for one, have simply never yet read one of his books. Norweigan Wood however is climbing up my list. But in doing my research, I did see Kafka on the Shore as a possibility for Philosophy. Which quite frankly I do not believe will actually win, so I didn't do an extensive research on that one. But I did put it on the possibility list for Philosophy. Meanwhile, Magical Realism is kind of my thing, and Dragons are kind of not. I will always have 100 books waiting for that, and will be reading it either way. Many of us as a point of pride or honor, do not often outwardly state how we vote. But anyone who knows me a little, could probably suspect that I would throw a good hunk of votes at Magical Realism. I have read a lot of Philosophy in my lifetime. Philosophy was one of my triple minors, and I have spent much of this week looking at Existential Psychotherapy. But I would not be apt to choose it for the tag. But... I have something to read for each of the three. Even those darn dragons... Now I have Priory of the Orange Tree, and the Fourth Wing!
Sorry Amy, misread. Am at work, bored out of my skull and escaping to my phone when the boss is in meetings…
Jgrace wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "I just wanted to let everyone know that Dragons Love Tacoshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7TY3...
and then there is The Knight and the Dragon
https://www.youtube.com/watc..."
That is a new one for me and really cute. If I were still teaching, I would have to have it to read to the kids.
Booknblues wrote: "I just wanted to let everyone know that Dragons Love Tacoshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7TY3...
and then there is The Knight and the Dragon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XQ09..."
Those are adorable! Thanks, BnB!
Apple, no need for apologies. I hope I didn’t come on too strong. Sometimes text does not convey tone. I never meant to make you feel like you had missed stepped in any way. I would feel that way for anyone, but particularly for a new member to our group, I want to make sure you feel completely welcome and embraced. We are all so glad you are here.
Theresa wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "I just wanted to let everyone know that Dragons Love Tacoshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7TY3...
and then there is The Knight and the Dragon
https://www.youtube.com/watc..."
I'm glad you liked them. I spent 40 years reading a children's book almost everyday and have always been impressed with their messages and their illustrations. Having the opportunity to share some occasionally is a pleasure.
Booknblues wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "I just wanted to let everyone know that Dragons Love Tacoshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7TY3...
and then there is The Knight and the Dragon
https://www...."
I actually have a small collection of children's books - many bought in my travels and often referencing Christmas. I think the last one I bought by impulse a few years ago - before pandemic when I would frequently stop by book stores as relaxation - was Cold Snap
. It inspired several friends to buy it too!Right now I'm borrowing from the library the Grumpy Monkey books and reading them with Lynn - one a month - and listening to those teacher read audios. Wonder what my family will say when I tell them I want the entire Grumpy Monkey 'set' for Christmas???
This is an interesting group of choices! Anyone know anything about this book --> Dragon Actually?
Looks like it could be sexy.
Unfortunately I already read The Dragon's Bride recently, so I can't choose that, but highly recommend to members who enjoy smut. 😈
PS. if anyone has thought 'where the hell is Meli?' - I was recently promoted and am SO freakin busy during work hours I can't check into GR as much :(
I am still reading, but a lot of my chat time was done while taking breaks at work. I never really get onto GR at home.
So, anyway, I am here! Hopefully things will calm down and I can check in more again.
Meli wrote: "This is an interesting group of choices! Anyone know anything about this book --> Dragon Actually?
Looks like it could be sexy.
What makes you think that? LOL 😉
I *did* wonder “where’s Meli?”
Congrats on the promotion !
Like Nancy, I've missed you Meli. Congratulations on your new position!
Meli wrote: "This is an interesting group of choices! Anyone know anything about this book --> Dragon Actually?
Looks like it could be sexy.
Unfortunately I already read [book:The Dragon's B..."
Glad to see all is well Meli, started worrying about you!
Meli wrote: "This is an interesting group of choices! Anyone know anything about this book --> Dragon Actually?
Looks like it could be sexy.
Unfortunately I already read [book:The Dragon's B..."
There are definitely some really fun light entertaining dragon romance type reads. Remember Miss Percy???? And there was a dragon shape shifter romance that was funny and fun too and not overly smutty as I recall. I think I have the 2nd in that series on my TBR somewhere.
I know the bane of work preventing checking in one's GR Groups! Congratulations on the promotion though and I hope you whip them all into shape quickly so you are back to being able to have work breaks dedicated to GR.
I can recommend -
Amy wrote: "Apple, no need for apologies. I hope I didn’t come on too strong. Sometimes text does not convey tone. I never meant to make you feel like you had missed stepped in any way. I would feel that way f..."I was apologising because I was worried I had offended! :) All good! (Sorry, been busy and unwell, so not able to respond sooner.)
Apple~ it’s so terrific you are joining us. I hope you get your wish for next month tag. Even if it is dragons or philosophy. Lol!
Meli wrote: "Anyone know anything about this book --> Dragon Actually? Looks like it could be sexy.
Unfortunately I already read [book:The Dragon's B..."
Glad to see you back! Even if it's only temporary and for short bursts! At least you are still reading!
Amy wrote: "Of course I have heard of Murakami! This group is nuts for him. He almost just about or did win the Favorite Author challenge of last year. I for one, have simply never yet read one of his books. N..."My favourite book by Murakami is a nonfiction one (I'm not into his fiction) called Absolutely on Music: Conversations with Seiji Ozawa which is a must read for anyone who listens to classical music.
Hi Karin, I have that on my shelf at home, but haven’t got around to it yet. I did love the one about the subway gas attacks in Tokyo (can’t remember the title, and at work so on my phone, so stuck with limited functionally, stupid app!)
Apple wrote: "Hi Karin, I have that on my shelf at home, but haven’t got around to it yet. I did love the one about the subway gas attacks in Tokyo (can’t remember the title, and at work so on my phone, so stuck..."Apple - if you scroll to the very bottom of the GR page accessing through the browser on your device, you will see in tiny letters on the right a link to the 'desktop version'. Click on it and voila you are at the site just like on your computer.
No need to be tortured by the awful app.
So, just log in through the browser? It’s very tiny. I will see if I can manage to navigate
Apple wrote: "So, just log in through the browser? It’s very tiny. I will see if I can manage to navigate"Yes, through browser. I can't stand the appand refuse to use it. I have been accessing through the browser for years, setting it to desktop. Once in a while agter an upgrade or something it reverts to the mobile app version, but just switch back.
You can also just log into the Gr's website from your browser, this is what I do when I am "desperate" to get on and only have my phone available.
LoL Theresa, look like you were still up at 3 AM and I just awoke at 4 AM-our sleep schedule may overlap at some point 😆
Joanne wrote: "LoL Theresa, look like you were still up at 3 AM and I just awoke at 4 AM-our sleep schedule may overlap at come point 😆"It nearly did last night....
Joanne wrote: "LoL Theresa, look like you were still up at 3 AM and I just awoke at 4 AM-our sleep schedule may overlap at come point 😆"These days, since that last major update they did that we all hated, first time you access GR from your browser on your phone, the phone will default to the mobile version. It happened to me. Also can happen when you have a major software update on your phone.
Just need to remember to scroll to bottom of page and if you see the words 'desktop version' in tiny type on the right, click on it.
No, I always google it and then I get the choice of web or app-much easier then finding that itty bitty "desk top version" LoL
Apple wrote: "Hi Karin, I have that on my shelf at home, but haven’t got around to it yet. I did love the one about the subway gas attacks in Tokyo (can’t remember the title, and at work so on my phone, so stuck..."I hope you enjoy it. One thing I did not do that I should have was to listen to the music on the website that is mentioned. I borrowed it from the library, but perhaps someday will borrow it again and do the listening.
I am a dinosaur in that I don't tend to use my phone that much and so, have not seen the GR app until last week. In having lunch with a friend, she mentioned that she is new to GR and doesn't understand how to use the site. She showed me the app on her phone and I couldn't make heads or tails of it. Your comments here explain why. She does not have a desk top computer.
I'm just back from a road trip, FL to OH and back. Very enjoyable but I've been totally out of touch with PBT! Although I have been talking about it with friends and encouraging them to check it out.This is so funny! When I joined in March of 2012 with Shelfari, Dragons was the tag. I felt the same as others, I don't read books about dragons! However, I'd made a commitment so I read what others were suggesting and I read some of the best books! So glad I didn't just pass. This group has had me reading many books I wouldn't have before I joined - right from the beginning.
Anita wrote: Unfortunately I'm in the same boat, but whatever is selected, I'm going to give it the ol' college try! I'm go..."
Let me recommend His Majesty's Dragon I think this would work for both Dragons and Magical Realism. It's an historical novel with dragons described in the most realistic way. I loved it.
Magical Realism AND Philosophy: Murakami. Paola Coelho. The God of Small Things, Midnight's Children, If on a Winter's Night a Traveler, Grief is the Thing with Feathers, Ficciones, The Invention of Morel, Veronika Decides to DieI know it doesn’t have a chance, but some of these Philosophy books look really great.
(some are/were on our top 100 list)
1984
Animal Farm
Picture of Dorian Gray
The Secret History added
Unbearable Lightness of Being*
Anathema
The Dispossessed*
The God of Small Things*
The Left Hand of Darkness. *
The Name of the Rose*
The Humans*
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End*
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse*
The Dalai Lama's Cat
Books by Yuval Noah Harari, Dalai Lama XIV, Julian Barnes, Mitch Albom, Matt Haig
I really liked:
Eat, Pray, Love
When We Cease to Understand the World -Benjamin Labatut
The Three-Body Problem
The Sparrow
Humankind: A Hopeful History - also fits November flurries
Exhalation
Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging - also sits flurries
I want to read:
The Secret History
The Elegance of the Hedgehog
The Left Hand of Darkness
The Name of the Rose
Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World The Maniac by Benjamin Labatut
The Death of Ivan Ilych
These new books look interesting:
The Book of Delights: Essays (for Thanksgiving)
The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness
Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole
Art Matters: Because Your Imagination Can Change the World
The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall
Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age
The Comfort Book
The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity
Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
The Morning Star
Upstate
Upgrade
There are a few essay books that sound timely and may challenge some of our beliefs
The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time
Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
Why Fish Don't Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
The Best Pet of All (other topics)The Secret History (other topics)
The Secret History (other topics)
The Secret History (other topics)
The Secret History (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Yuval Noah Harari (other topics)Dalai Lama XIV (other topics)
https://forms.gle/UrQJ2SsWxsKbMKjr6
Here are the lists of books for each tag:
dragons: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
magical realism: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
philosophy: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Remember, you may cast up to a total of 10 participation points for your choice. Every PBT member 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 5 pm EST on 10/21.