Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

June
1. National Ballpoint Pen Day
June 10th, the anniversary of the patent filing. Fun fact: the world's most popular ball point is the Bic Crystal, which sells on average 57 pens per second.
a. A book with a writing utensil on the cover
b. A book written under a pen name (real name is Marion Chesney): Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House by M.C. Beaton (8/31/24)
c. A book about a writer, bookseller, or librarian

2. National Prune Day
June 15th. Fun fact: prunes, the dried version of plums, were originally from China.
a. A book written by someone over the age of 60 (he is 80): The Girlfriend by R.L. Stine (7/30/24)
b. A book with more than 400 pages
c. A book with purple on the cover

3. Let's Catch a Movie
The term 'blockbuster' was originally used to describe especially destructive bombs, and then came to mean shocking news stories. It's current use as a movie with huge box office returns is often attributed to producer Max Youngstein
a. Author's initials can be found in BLOCKBUSTER FILM
b. A book that has been adapted into a movie or series: The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot (6/15/24)
c. A book published in the last two years

4. Happy Birthday Paul Gauguin
Born on June 7th 1848 Gauguin was a French artist most known for his contributions to the Post-Impressionist and Symbolist movements. He lived in France, Peru, Martinique, Tahiti, and the Marquesas Islands.
a. A book with at least 4 colors on the cover
Welcoming Seas by Lily Harper Hart (8/22/24)

b. A translated book see FAQ
c. A book with a seven in the page count


July
1. Happy Birthday Satchel Paige
Baseball pitcher Leroy R. (Satchel) Paige (1906-1982) was the first African American pitcher in the American League. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.
a. A book whose author's initials appear in CURVEBALL
b. A book featuring a sport
c. A book with a black main character: Forged by Fire by Sharon M. Draper (7/9/24)

2. The Apollo Moon Landing
Apollo 11, the first manned landing on Earth's moon, touched down on the surface on July 20, 1969.
a. A book set in space
b. A book with the moon on the cover
c. A book published in the 1960s (1968): They Never Came Home by Lois Duncan (7/15/24)

3. Let's Go on a Hike
Fun fact: Yellowstone National Park averages 1 bear attack per year, and there have only been 8 bear-caused fatalities in park history. For perspective that is 1 bear attack per 26.2 million park visits.
a. A book with a cover of a nature scene without people
b. A book set in a rural area: Spring Break by Nicholas Pine (8/4/24)
c. A book with an element of survival

4. Dog Days of Summer
Fun fact: this phrase refers to the time when Sirius the dog star is visible in the sky.
a. A book with a dog on the cover
b. A book with a hot setting
c. An author's first book


August
1. The Destruction of Pompeii
Pompeii was a Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash and pumice during the eruption of Mt Vesuvius on August 24, 79 CE sometime in the autumn, based on recent archaeological finds. Because of the particular method of its destruction it is extremely well preserved and offers a unique look at life in the ancient Roman Empire.
a. A book featuring an ancient civilization
b. A book with red on the cover
c. A book set in a city (Biloxi, Mississippi): The #1 Lawyer by James Patterson

2. Vacation Time
Fun fact: 60% of the Earth's lakes are located in Canada. Something to think about next time you're by a lake.
a. A book you've been meaning to read
b. A book by a favorite author: Funhouse by Diane Hoh (7/7/24)
c. A book set somewhere you would like to visit

3. Let's Play a Game
Fun fact: In Chile the Clue character Mr. Green is named Chef Lettuce.
a. A book with multiple points of view
b. A book by an author whose initials appear in SCRABBLE: Twisted by R.L. Stine (7/27/24)
c. A book in a series

4. Back to School Sales
Fun fact: in 2023 the average American household spent $890 on back to school shopping, according to an online survey. Ok, that one's not actually that fun.
a. A book borrowed from the library
b. A nonfiction book
c. A book with a character in an educational setting (high school): Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan (7/26/24)