Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
2025 Reading List Creation
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[2025] Poll 9 Voting
Mod
1. A book with a lucky or unlucky symbol on the cover
Lucky symbols - horseshoe, 4 leaf clover, rabbit’s foot, etc
Unlucky- broken mirror, the number 13, black cat, etc.
3. A book found on the NPR Books We Love list
You can use any year. Here's the list: https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#view...
5. A book related to something mentioned in the lyrics of "Come Away with Me" by Norah Jones
Lyrics: https://www.jiosaavn.com/lyrics/come-...
7. A retelling of a favorite story
Examples:
Circe (about Circe)
The Witch of Colchis (about Medea)
Juniper & Thorn (the Grimm tale)
Eligible (Pride & Prejudice)
8. A book set primarily in nature
Could be ocean, lake, river, mountain, forest, jungle, glacier, savannah, desert, plains, steppes… anything you’d call wilderness or that is not a populated area. E.g., a cabin or two in the woods would still count as “not populated”.
Some Listopias:
Mostly or Entirely Outdoors: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Rainforests and Jungles of the World: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7...
Fiction Books Set on a Lake: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
Amazon Rainforest: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...
Forest Themed Romances: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...
Wilderness Thrillers: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Desert Islands: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7...
Gibbs Smith Literary Naturalists (almost all non-fiction): https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Books Actually About Nature (non-fiction): https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Stories set in Antarctica: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Ships And The Sea Books with a maritime theme: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Fiction set in the Wilderness: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/8...
Best Books for Mountain Lovers: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...
Isolated Locations: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
A Walk in the Woods: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Walks and Rambles - Books on Walking Journeys:https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Trees, Woods, Forests: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...
9. A book with royalty
Examples include Star Wars books (Princess Leia, Queen Amidala), any number of fairy tales and fairy tale retellings, fantasies, Arthurian books, nonfiction about current or historical royal people, and probably lots of others I'm leaving out.
William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope
Leia: Princess of Alderaan
Star Wars: Age of Republic - Padmé Amidala #1
Macbeth
Hamlet
The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales
The Princess Bride
Spare
The Once and Future King
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
The Six Wives of Henry VIII
There are a lot of ways to go with this
10. A book set in a nation, territory, or commonwealth whose predominant language is Spanish
Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Equatorial Guinea, Andorra, Belize, and Gibraltar
13. A book related to a mirror
A mirror or mirror-image on the cover, mirror in title, doppelgangers, like a Black Mirror episode, Snow White retelling, set in a mirror world, etc.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...
14. A book with a major character who doesn't have a job
they could be unemployed, or retired, or a wealthy eccentric, or a robot, or a caveperson, or a child, or...
For a weird or intriguing title, I recommend Ulrich Haarburste's Novel of Roy Orbison in Clingfilm. Reading that is one of the weirdest experiences of my life.
This is a tough week for me since I like all of them except for 2. I have 5 definite ups and 1 up for grabs, which will be a gut feeling vote. I might vote 8 up and hope that others downvote or don't vote for the 2 I don't like. I would have never thought to suggest the song Come Away with Me since I haven't listened to Norah Jones in ages. (I think I still have the CD somewhere.) There's some beautiful imagery in the lyrics that make it perfect for a book selection! I feel like I should go look for that CD now...
Tracy wrote: "Sandra - that sounds TRULY weird!"It's completely bizarre, and I love it.
I might surprise myself and vote for faith, hope or charity, because I like that they can also be character names, and one of my must reads for next year fits perfectly: Faithbreaker, the final book in the Godkiller trilogy. Small Gods also came to mind for it (I know someone here is doing a Discworld re-read). I think I might have a book somewhere that is set in a charity shop too.
So many great choices this round!So.... has anyone else ever made a suggestion without the slightest idea of what they would read for it?? I have no idea what I might read for lucky or unlucky cover, it just sounded like a fun hunt! LOL
Ooooh I like our options this round!!I also suggest prompts that I think would be fun and don’t always check what books I’ll read for them. It’s part of the fun to start looking in January :)
I missed nominations again. Some thoughts1. A book with a lucky or unlucky symbol on the cover - I like the idea of this, but have zero clue what I'd read. A list would be helpful
2. A book by an author with a short last name (4 letters or fewer) - We have had 3 author name prompts already
3. A book found on the NPR Books We Love list - Other than the ATY best books list, this is my second favourite list - upvote
4. A book set in a big manor, mansion or estate - I feel like this would be easy
5. A book related to something mentioned in the lyrics of "Come Away with Me" by Norah Jones - I love when we have a song prompt. I've never heard of this song in my life, but there are a lot of easy words to link to - probably an upvote
6. A book about faith, hope, or charity - easy - probably an upvote
7. A retelling of a favorite story - I have a zillion of these on my TBR list - possible upvote
8. A book set primarily in nature - I know exactly what book I'd read - upvote
9. A book with royalty - neutral
10. A book set in a nation, territory, or commonwealth whose predominant language is Spanish - neutral
11. A book that is number 2/5/25 in a series - I could do this, but I can see how this would be a hard prompt for some people. I like "the next book in a series" better - neutral
12. A historical fiction novel - One of my most hated genres - I'm so over WWII (where half of "historical fiction" is set)
13. A book related to a mirror - This seems creative - upvote
14. A book with a major character who doesn't have a job - possible upvote
15. A book with a weird or intriguing title - We have some variant of this every year - I think it's an easy prompt.
It's a good list. Other than historical fiction, I could live with anything on the list. I could easily go 8 upvotes, but I need to sort out what I really love.
There’s a GR Listopia for Le Chat Noir - Black Cats on the Cover.
I really like the IDEA of "A book set in a big manor, mansion or estate" but I can't think of what I would read for that. I can think of books I have read in the past, but I can't think of anything I could read in the future. Are there listopias maybe?
The series prompt & historical fiction are easy downvotes for me. I am sick to death of genre prompts, & series prompts are my absolute nemesis, as a person who will go a mile out of my way to avoid serial fiction. But the rest will take some consideration. I love the NPR Books We Love list. One of my catnip tropes is books where the house is a character, so an estate/mansion/manor is very intriguing (though I also like it when the house is just a shack or a cookie-cutter suburban ranch home & it still messes with the characters somehow--truly modern gothic). I find re-tellings a challenge, but in a good way, & I love set in nature. I threw out character who doesn't have a job off the top of my dome in Wild Discussion as a possible character-based prompt because we get a lot of job-based ideas, but I don't have a job (I'm disabled) & sometimes reading too many work-based books in a row alienates me. I usually don't tell people that I don't work or why I don't work & just let them draw their own conclusions & let them think I'm a wealthy heiress or run a wildly successful private consulting firm or was recently paroled or whatever they want to think, & reading these types of books gives me more insight into the wild assumptions people make about me.
I am loving this list! I haven’t read the book ideas yet, but my initial favorites are 8. A book set primarily in nature. - I hope there is a list because I’m in the mood for a new book like this right now.
10. A book set in a nation, territory, or commonwealth whose predominant language is Spanish - great alternative to a focus on continents.
13. A book related to a mirror - I loved Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World, and could reread it for round 2.
5. A book related to something mentioned in the lyrics of "Come Away with Me" by Norah Jones - I like this one even before looking at the lyrics
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1. A book with a lucky or unlucky symbol on the cover - The serendipity suggestion last week makes this one very appealing.
2. A book by an author with a short last name (4 letters or fewer) - I want to try CJ Box
3. A book found on the NPR Books We Love list - I always get great ideas from past NPR lists
4. A book set in a big manor, mansion or estate - this doesn’t have to be British. These fit well: Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (China), Age of Vice (India)
5. A book related to something mentioned in the lyrics of "Come Away with Me" by Norah Jones - I like this one even before looking at the lyrics
6. A book about faith, hope, or charity - i want to explore this one, it doesnt have to be religious.
7. A retelling of a favorite story - I like it even though “favorite” makes this one harder for me. I loved The Lunar series, but not the stories they were based on. There are still lots of Pride and Prejudice Retellings I haven’t read yet.
✴️8. A book set primarily in nature - I love this one.
9. A book with royalty - not a favorite, but I always have a couple that would fit.
✴️10. A book set in a nation, territory, or commonwealth whose predominant language is Spanish. I love this.
12. A historical fiction novel - we need a few genre prompts and this is a favorite.
✴️13. A book related to a mirror - yes
14. A book with a major character who doesn't have a job - I’ll have to see the notes on this.
15. A book with a weird or intriguing title - this almost won the 2019 poll, and it’s a clear upvote for me.
ETA- haha I see there are a LOT of lists for the set in nature prompt- thank you!!!
Ellie wrote: "I might surprise myself and vote for faith, hope or charity, because I like that they can also be character names, and one of my must reads for next year fits perfectly: [book:Faithbreaker|21596097..."I’m with you Ellie. There are so many directions we can take with this one.
Pam wrote: "This is a tough week for me since I like all of them except for 2. I have 5 definite ups and 1 up for grabs, which will be a gut feeling vote. I might vote 8 up and hope that others downvote or don..."That was my reaction too. I have to dig through my old CD’s. This will be an all upvotes week for me too.
I did find some things about luck:https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Dubhease, your second link is not working.
An ecology list that I like browsing:(Includes a mushroom book I've heard some of you mention!)
https://bookmarks.reviews/50-of-the-b...
Jillian wrote: "Dubhease, your second link is not working."I think I fixed everything
A wikipedia list of lucky symbols (though it doesn't include praying mantis, which is what inspired the prompt!): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...Wikipedia list of unlucky symbols: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
Those sound like good books NancyJ - but I’m missing how “soul” fits into any of our prompt suggestions.
Jennifer W wrote: "A wikipedia list of lucky symbols (though it doesn't include praying mantis, which is what inspired the prompt!): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...Wikipedia list of unlucky..."
I am not a big fan of cover prompts, but even I can see that this is going to be a very fun one. Good job! I found interesting symbols from different cultures all over the world. I know I have at least one book with lady bugs on the cover, and I’ve seen a lot of big 7’s on covers. There was even a mushroom on the list.
For animal lovers - elephants, dolphins, pigs, and dragons are on different lists of lucky symbols. (These are easier for me to see than smaller items.).
For numbers, 7 and 8 (China) are lucky. 13 and 4 (Japan) unlucky.
https://culturalmixology.com/lucky-an...
I have never in my life intentionally listened to a Norah Jones song. If you put one on for me right now, I would have no clue. I know there was a period of time in the early 00s when they sold her CDs at Starbucks & I think she has won some Grammys & people describe her as "jazz-pop"? That was pretty much all I needed to know to know that I could not possibly be less interested. I looked up the lyrics & I guess we have night, song, bus, tempt, lies, walk, cloudy days, fields, yellow, grass, knee/knee-high, kiss, mountaintop, wake up, rain, tin roof/roof, safe, arms, & loving. I could pick a book based on one of those words but I feel that without having any personal connection to the song, my heart wouldn't really be in it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
First impressions:1. A book with a lucky or unlucky symbol on the cover - Love this! Not quite sure what I'll read, but I really like the creative concept. Definitely an upvote.
2. A book by an author with a short last name (4 letters or fewer) - I'm pretty indifferent to this one. I'd be fine if it got in, but don't actively want it either.
3. A book found on the NPR Books We Love list - This is one of the few list prompts that I consistently enjoy, so most likely an upvote
4. A book set in a big manor, mansion or estate - I'd have to look at my options, but I'm pretty sure I have several thrillers that are set in some kind of huge house or estate, so likely an upvote
5. A book related to something mentioned in the lyrics of "Come Away with Me" by Norah Jones - I like the song, but it's not really inspiring any book choices for me. I didn't find many lyrics to really latch onto as something to connect to a book.
6. A book about faith, hope, or charity - Neither upvote nor downvote
7. A retelling of a favorite story - I like this, but it's a little overdone as a prompt to me so I'll probably leave it neutral
8. A book set primarily in nature - Not the biggest fan of books set mostly in nature, so I might downvote but I might leave it alone.
9. A book with royalty - I like this one a lot, especially since it is open to fantasy books that involve royalty too.
10. A book set in a nation, territory, or commonwealth whose predominant language is Spanish - I don't think I have much on my TBR that would fit this, so likely a downvote
11. A book that is number 2/5/25 in a series - I already know I'd take the easy route and pick book #2 in a series, so it's not that inspiring for me.
12. A historical fiction novel - Possibly. I do have a goal to try to read more historical fiction, but the prompt itself has come up a lot in challenges so I might leave it neutral
13. A book related to a mirror - The "related to" wording throws me off a bit. A mirror image on the cover doesn't feel "related" enough to fit, but I'm also not quite sure how else to connect it except maybe by title
14. A book with a major character who doesn't have a job - I like that this is something I've never seen before in any challenges. I'd imagine it could be tricky to research options, but I like it anyway
15. A book with a weird or intriguing title - This kind of prompt always messes with my head a little. I get hung up on if the title is weird "enough" and often titles that others suggest don't seem weird to me at all. The intriguing title option may save it from a downvote, but it's definitely not an upvote for me
Tracy wrote: "Those sound like good books NancyJ - but I’m missing how “soul” fits into any of our prompt suggestions."Oops, brain fart. (Umm, I mean, my synapses aren’t firing correctly.) I don’t know why, but I thought soul was in the prompt with hope. I’ll cut and save that list for another day.
@Ciara, I love your attitude toward people thinking what they will. I would add a wildly successful writer or a former spy to your potential former careers.
Dubhease wrote: "I missed nominations again. Some thoughts2. A book by an author with a short last name (4 letters or fewer) - We have had 3 author name prompts already
Good reminder to review the list of voted-in prompts before voting.
Jennifer W wrote: "So many great choices this round!So.... has anyone else ever made a suggestion without the slightest idea of what they would read for it?? I have no idea what I might read for lucky or unlucky co..."
Yes, when I got the mushrooms idea I had absolutely no clue what to read for it. I still haven't managed to get it in but meanwhile I'm building my mushrooms-list.
NancyJ wrote: "I am loving this list! I haven’t read the book ideas yet, but my initial favorites are 8. A book set primarily in nature. - I hope there is a list because I’m in the mood for a new book like this..."
Look at #8 in post 2 of this thread, she posted lots of lists for the nature prompt suggestion!
Jennifer W wrote: "A wikipedia list of lucky symbols (though it doesn't include praying mantis, which is what inspired the prompt!): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...Wikipedia list of unlucky..."
This is going to be so much fun if it gets voted in!
I would be happy if all of these suggestions made the final list. There is only 1 that I’m not keen on (a retelling), but I am struggling to limit my upvotes to 7/8. My favourite is faith, hope or charity - I love reading about cults so I can definitely read one here.
And I suggested 2/5/25 in a series so that’s an upvote - as I’m in the middle of 40ish series!!! So picking one of these is definitely a win.
Oh and I’m trying to read a book from every country of the world, so the Spanish language one is an upvote too.
Ok so just another 4/5 to pick…
Dixie wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "I am loving this list! I haven’t read the book ideas yet, but my initial favorites are 8. A book set primarily in nature. - I hope there is a list because I’m in the mood for a new..."
Haha. I knew it was Tracy’s so I should have known she’d be prepared!!!
Nadine in NY wrote: "I really like the IDEA of "A book set in a big manor, mansion or estate" but I can't think of what I would read for that. I can think of books I have read in the past, but I can't think of anything..."I think a lot of gothic-esque books and regency romance would fit the bill. It's not always obvious that a big house is involved, but you definitely have some things on your TBR that'd work: What Moves the Dead, A Study in Drowning, Ink Blood Sister Scribe, The Book Eaters.
And, because we like to be confusing in the UK, estate has a few extra meanings. We have council estates which are social housing, and hunting estates which is land used for hunting (doesn't even need a house on it). Estate is also a type of car (I think it's what you'd call a station wagon).
Whodunit Mansions: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Novels about big houses: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/8...
Manor house shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Council estates: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7...
Initial thoughts:1. A book with a lucky or unlucky symbol on the cover
Might be fun, probably upvote. If all else fails, I have a huge backlog of Mary Higgins Clark books on my Kindle, and the German publishers just love to put cats on them, so I'm sure there will be a cover with a black cat somewhere :D
2. A book by an author with a short last name (4 letters or fewer)
Easy one, probably upvote.
3. A book found on the NPR Books We Love list
This is a list prompt I can work with, probably upvote.
4. A book set in a big manor, mansion or estate
Hm, I feel I've read most of the suitable books alread, like Rebecca or Jane Eyre... might not vote on that at all.
5. A book related to something mentioned in the lyrics of "Come Away with Me" by Norah Jones
I love the song but I find the options a bit ... meagre? I generally love song lyrics prompts, but this one is quite generic.
6. A book about faith, hope, or charity
Not overly interested.
7. A retelling of a favorite story
Not my favorite type of prompt, and a bit overdone by now.
8. A book set primarily in nature
Neutral.
9. A book with royalty
Not particularly interested, but I would definitely find something if it got in.
10. A book set in a nation, territory, or commonwealth whose predominant language is Spanish
Oh yes, absolutely! I have a couple of books in Spanish waiting, including one set in Andorra and two in Patagonia.
11. A book that is number 2/5/25 in a series
Upvote.
12. A historical fiction novel
A very generic prompt that comes up almost every year (this year, too!). Downvote or no vote.
13. A book related to a mirror
Nice one, probably upvote.
14. A book with a major character who doesn't have a job
I love the description of it :D Probably upvote.
15. A book with a weird or intriguing title
Always a goodie, always an upvote :)
Mod
Voting is open! https://forms.gle/GaeP78GxPemUoePs7
8 upvotes, and I could have used more!!
Nike wrote: "Jennifer W wrote: "So many great choices this round!So.... has anyone else ever made a suggestion without the slightest idea of what they would read for it?? I have no idea what I might read for ..."
Lol, and here I thought you were an amateur mycologist!
Jennifer W wrote: "So many great choices this round!So.... has anyone else ever made a suggestion without the slightest idea of what they would read for it?? I have no idea what I might read for lucky or unlucky co..."
Yes, if it sounds like a fun "treasure hunt" I'm in! I upvoted lucky or unlucky for that reason, no idea what I'll choose if it gets in but I'll enjoy looking for something that fits.
Nadine in NY wrote: "I really like the IDEA of "A book set in a big manor, mansion or estate" but I can't think of what I would read for that. I can think of books I have read in the past, but I can't think of anything..."I love Kevin Kwan for mansions, estates and generally fabulous lifestyles. Also, Alan Bradley has a series that is set at a crumbling British estate. Many Agatha Christie novels feature aristocratic settings. I'm not sure what you prefer to read, but I like this topic for a fun search.
NancyJ wrote: "I am loving this list! I haven’t read the book ideas yet, but my initial favorites are 8. A book set primarily in nature. - I hope there is a list because I’m in the mood for a new book like this..."
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6. A book about faith, hope, or charity - i want to explore this one, it doesnt have to be religious.
That's exactly why I suggested it this way. I plan to use it to read a faith based book, but I know that many will not. It's also why I used the translation "charity" instead of love. That translation makes it less a 'read a book' prompt that so many complain about.
Mod
I'm so happy to see retelling! I know it won't get through as voters seem to hate it but I love it. And if you totally broaden it for the naysayers, there was a Les Miserables movie in 1995 which took place in WWII. Amazing movie, but one of the premises of the movie is there are only 5 stories in the world, they just keep getting retold.
Mod
I've been thinking that would be a good prompt but taking it to Wild to discuss!
Mod
Ciara wrote: "I'm a wealthy heiress or run a wildly successful private consulting firm or was recently paroled or whatever they want to think, & reading these types of books gives me more insight into the wild assumptions people make about me."I knew it!
4 up and 4 down. Have to get in quickly, or I change my mind over and over again
Jennifer W wrote: "Nike wrote: "Jennifer W wrote: "So many great choices this round!So.... has anyone else ever made a suggestion without the slightest idea of what they would read for it?? I have no idea what I mi..."
Lol! I would love to be one. Unfortunately I can't walk in the forests any longer due to chronic illnesses. I haven't been able to go for a walk in the woods for 15 years. It's an everpresent ache in my soul that I can't. I'd love to dwell among the trees, mushrooms, mosses, berries and wildlife. But I can't even take a walk in a park. Only a very shory distance with my walking aid to sit on a bench. Life sucks sometimes. Who'd guess I'd be hit by illnesses when my kin are so healthy? Anyhow, I'm glad I can read. There was a period (20 - 25 years ago) when I lost my ability to read even and it took a few years to regain it and it's just been the last few years when I finally could read a lot again and that's heaven💜
Nike wrote: "Jennifer W wrote: "Nike wrote: "Jennifer W wrote: "So many great choices this round!So.... has anyone else ever made a suggestion without the slightest idea of what they would read for it?? I hav..."
This sounds really hard, Nike. I'm so sorry you're denied this basic pleasure by your health. Thinking of you with warm wishes.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
The Moonflowers (other topics)Fourteen Days (other topics)
The Haunting of Hill House (other topics)
Mexican Gothic (other topics)
The Shining (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Kevin Kwan (other topics)Alan Bradley (other topics)
Agatha Christie (other topics)
Mary Higgins Clark (other topics)
Voting will open in the morning of Monday, August 19 and results will be posted in the morning of Friday, August 23 (CST time).
How it works:
- When the voting opens, follow the link to the mini-poll that will be added at the end of this post
- You have a total of 8 votes this poll to spread across your favorite and least favorite prompts (you can also use less than 8 votes)
- You can find examples of acceptable voting practices on the Introduction thread.
- The prompts with the more favorable votes (comparing top votes to bottom votes, and looking at the overall number of votes it received) will be added to the final list
We are asking people to include their Goodreads profile address when they vote. To find this, just go to your own profile and then copy the URL/web address. If for some reason you can't link to your Goodreads profile, please post your full Goodreads name with enough identifiable information that we'll be able to access your profile.
Poll Prompts:
1. A book with a lucky or unlucky symbol on the cover
2. A book by an author with a short last name (4 letters or fewer)
3. A book found on the NPR Books We Love list
4. A book set in a big manor, mansion or estate
5. A book related to something mentioned in the lyrics of "Come Away with Me" by Norah Jones
6. A book about faith, hope, or charity
7. A retelling of a favorite story
8. A book set primarily in nature
9. A book with royalty
10. A book set in a nation, territory, or commonwealth whose predominant language is Spanish
11. A book that is number 2/5/25 in a series
12. A historical fiction novel
13. A book related to a mirror
14. A book with a major character who doesn't have a job
15. A book with a weird or intriguing title
Feel free to discuss the prompts below, but please remember to be respectful to the other group members.
VOTE HERE: https://forms.gle/GaeP78GxPemUoePs7