Into the Forest discussion

The theme Yuletide has won for the November 15-January 14 Group Read!
Now everyone can make 3 nominations that fit the theme:
One original tale ( can also be a short collection of tales )
One young adult novel
One adult novel
After one week the polls will go up to vote for the books!
New members please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions!

I did a quick search for books based on or inspired by Winter Solstice can found this:
http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2012/...
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...

I'll nominate Krampus: The Yule Lord as the adult book. I'll be reading this in November regardless of the poll.

Would Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A New Verse Translation work for an original tale?
It's a epic poem written in late 14thC England. It is about the quest of Sir Gawain, one of King Arthur's knights. His quest takes place during Yuletide.
If it works, I'd like to nominate it for an original tale.

Tamara wrote: "Would Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: A New Verse Translation work for an original tale?
It's a epic poem written in late 14thC England. It is about the quest of Sir Gawain, one of..."

Yes! Absolutely that counts! It was one of the tales that popped up when I did a google search!

Monica wrote: "I'll nominate Krampus: The Yule Lord as the adult book. I'll be reading this in November regardless of the poll."

I enjoyed The Child Thief from the same author very much.

Just to give us more options we can include books based on other festivals from other religions ( including Pagan) or cultures that occur around winter solstice time.
Also I am thinking that books on the origins of Christmas could be put in the original tale category, as they no doubt discuss origin myths.

I'll nominate Hogfather for adult, since I love Discworld, and that's one I haven't read yet.

For an original tale, I'd like to nominate Hoffmann's Nutcracker, since I'd been planning on reading it this year anyway. My family owns this edition with illustrations by Maurice Sendak, who designed the sets and costumes for the version of the ballet I grew up seeing in Seattle. (They got rid of the production a couple of years ago, much to my disappointment and fury.)

Robyn wrote: "I'll nominate The Dark Is Rising for a YA book."

Does this fit the theme? I didn't see anything about Yule, etc. in the description, but maybe I missed something.

For YA, I'll nominate The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum. It's not the typical 'North Pole" story...includes immortals, nymphs, and fairies.

Robyn wrote: "It was on the list linked to in the second post, and according to the description here

"The second book in the series, The Dark Is Rising, takes an interesting turn in that it uses the celebration..."

I was going to ask the same thing as Monica, if it fits the theme, but it looks like it does!

That being said, I would not go by these Goodreads lists 100%.
Some of the books are questionable as to how much of a Yule-Winter Solstice,Christmas content they really have.

Lila (formerly Jalilah) wrote: "That being said, I would not go by these Goodreads lists 100%.
Some of the books are questionable as to how much of a Yule-Winter Solstice,Christmas content they really have.."

Yes, I was running into that a lot with many of the GR lists. I found more hits searching with "winter solstice" than yuletide. Just a tip in case others are having trouble finding noms to fit the theme.

For an original tale or collection I'll offer up some choices that are in the public domain.."Christmas Tales from 'Round the World". (I know it says one nom per, but I don't know which of these 4 volumes would be of the most interest so thought the group could choose what appealed to them from the collection as noms.)

The collection is: In the Yule-Log Glow edited by Harrison S Morris. There are four volumes in the collection. Here are the links to Project Gutenberg's public domain versions where you can look through the table of contents. (I've got all 4 volumes on my Kindle!)

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/18720
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/19084
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20586
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20956

I've already nominated a YA so I'll throw this out there, just in case someone likes it. (I could always change my nom.) It's a retelling of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" (which refers to the eve of Epiphany in the 12 days of Christmas, so it fits the timing of the theme). The Fool's Girl

From the Goodreads blurb: This wholly original story is spun from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and includes both folly and suspense that would make the Bard proud.

Monica wrote: "I've already nominated a YA so I'll throw this out there, just in case someone likes it. (I could always change my nom.) It's a retelling of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" (which refers to the eve o..."

Thanks for suggesting that Monica!
I will nominate The Fool's Girl for my YA
I saw that our fellow member Shomeret gave it 5 stars, so that is incentive enough for me!

Robyn wrote: "Well, in that case, I have to ask if we are nominating only books that center on Christmas, Yule, etc. myths, or if we may also nominate books that include myths, magic. etc. and happen to include Christmas, Yule, etc. as part of the setting"

Back when the theme was first nominated Monica suggested Yule-Tide so that we could have more options.
We try not to be too strict here.
We are first and foremost a group for fairy and folktales and mythology, reading them both in the original form, as well as retellings and books inspired by. So the books should have some kind of myths, tales legends about Christmas, Yuletide or festivals from other religions or cultures that occur around Winter Solstice in them.
So in answer to your question I think either of what you said would be okay.

Robyn wrote: "I understand if this is not Santa Clausey enough and won't work. (Did not nominate Some Kind of Fairy Tale as an adult book because I assumed it would get that reaction.)
..."

Re: Some Kind of Fairy Tale looks like it might work too.
I see Margaret and Melanti have read it, so I am interested in knowing their opinions on this.

Lila (formerly Jalilah) wrote: "Re: Some Kind of Fairy Tale looks like it might work too.
I see Margaret and Melanti have read it, so I am interested in knowing their opinions on this.."

So my memories are very hazy, but it does take place on Christmas, and if I remember correctly, the line between our reality and faerie is blurred during Christmastime, and that's why what happens in the book happens. I don't remember a lot of Christmas or Yuletide folklore, and what happens in faerie seems to have nothing to do with that folklore, though I could be misremembering!

I didn't much like the book, but that shouldn't stop it from being nominated. It's written very modern.

I'l make nominations later in the day, or tomorrow. Even though I haven't read The Dark Is Rising since I was a teenager, I do remember some Christmas stuff happening.

Anyone looking for originals/classics, Dickens wrote more than 1 Christmas book--he wrote 5. While A Christmas Carol is my favorite, The Cricket on the Hearth is also good.

I originally thought I might skip this group read, but there are several nominations here I want to read!

Okay, so this was harder than I thought, but I found 3 nominations:

Adult: To Follow A Star: Nine Science Fiction Stories About Christmas by Terry Carr (looks interesting)

Young Adult: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (It's on the YA winter solstice list, so I assume it's related!)

Original/Classic: The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice

While I have many winter folkloric books, I had 0 Christmas/Yuletide books. I had to do some hunting to find ones I would be interested in reading (besides some of the ones listed here).

I also found a Checkov novel, At Christmas Time, that I almost nominated for classic. Feel free to nominate it!

Re Shadow and Bone--I don't see how the description relates to the theme. There have been books that have been enthusiastically added to as many lists that its fans can find. This is particularly true of YA books.

Robyn wrote:
I'm afraid of it being Christmas for only the first chapter or so of that one.

If you nominate it and it wins, but turns out not to really match the theme, it won't be the first time it's happened here! If you really want to read Some Kind of Fairy Tale, go ahead. Also don't worry about nominating a book that turns out to be a dud! That's happened before too here and no one is going to make you feel bad about it!

Shomeret wrote: "Re Shadow and Bone--I don't see how the description relates to the theme. There have been books that have been enthusiastically added to as many lists that its fans can find. This i..."

I agree, unless someone who's read the book can confirm otherwise it does not look like winter solstice part of the story .
Again these lists are not always reliable.

I've read Shadow and Bone, and I don't remember any winter solstice plot elements.

I think what the creator of that particular list had in mind was just the dark, wintery atmosphere that would make it good seasonal reading. There are also magical darkness powers and magical light powers.

Shomeret wrote: "Re Shadow and Bone--I don't see how the description relates to the theme. There have been books that have been enthusiastically added to as many lists that its fans can find. This i..."

Okay! I un-nominate it.

If I think of another YA, I'll nominate it.

The Fool's Girl may be a stretch as well, but the title is in the spirit of the theme.

Monica wrote: "For YA, I'll nominate The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum. It's not the typical 'North Pole" story...includes immortals, nymphs, and fairies. "

Ooh, that's the one I was going to nominate! I'll nominate The Toymaker’s Apprentice by Sherri L. Smith for YA instead.

Original Tale: Babushka

Adult: When a Child is Born - its in a series, but you don't need to have read the first one. The audio version is free.

I would recommend reading Crimson Frost .

Robyn wrote: "I guess I'll go ahead and nominate Some Kind of Fairy Tale for an adult book, and for an original tale I'll nominate The Night of Christmas Eve by Nikolai Gogol, whi..."

Both look good! Wouldn't The Night of Christmas Eve count as a novel rather than original tale?
By "Original tales " we usually mean traditional fairy-folk tales or myths.
It definitely fits the theme, I am just not sure where I should put it, with novels or original tales.
Anyone know?
Also is it the same as this book? The Night Before Christmas

I'll nominate it then Robyn. It looks wonderful. For maybe adult retelling?

Kathy wrote: "I'll nominate it then Robyn. It looks wonderful. For maybe adult retelling?"

Lol I was going to suggest the same thing!
I'd say it goes in adult novel category.

I'm going to mention that even though it totally doesn't work for any of the categories, one of my recent favorite Christmas-y things is this audio short story by Catherynne M. Valente:

https://soundcloud.com/cat-valente/tw...

I think it's very much in the spirit of the theme, and I thought that other members of this group might enjoy it as much as I do!

I don't know if the story is published anywhere else, but it might be?

Kelsey wrote: "I'm going to mention that even though it totally doesn't work for any of the categories, one of my recent favorite Christmas-y things is this audio short story by Catherynne M. Valente:

https://so..."

That's a funny one! I listened to it last Christmas.

I feel like I may have also read it somewhere, but I could be mistaken. I read all of her work, both short form and long, so it kinda gets blurred sometimes.

Kelsey wrote: "I'm going to mention that even though it totally doesn't work for any of the categories, one of my recent favorite Christmas-y things is this audio short story by Catherynne M. Valente:

https://so..."


I am curious as to why it does not fit the theme?

Also I wanted to mention that if anyone disagrees with the categories we moderators put books in, please let us know!
We often don't know ourselves and appreciate feedback!

Lila (formerly Jalilah) wrote: "I am curious as to why it does not fit the theme? ."

Maybe because it's so short? I usually don't nominate individual short story-length fiction in any category except original.

Margaret wrote: "Lila (formerly Jalilah) wrote: "I am curious as to why it does not fit the theme? ."

Maybe because it's so short? I usually don't nominate individual short story-length fiction in any category exc..."

Ah I see....if necessary we can also set up a third poll for short stories. Different than original tales.

The discussion about the book nominations has been fascinating by itself. Can't wait to see what gets chosen in the poll. I've already lost track of all the comings and goings with nominations.

Kelsey wrote: "don't know if the story is published anywhere else, but it might be?..."

It's in The Bread We Eat in Dreams.


I'm not a Tolkien fan, so I'm not sure why I'm nominating this, but I'll nominate Letters from Father Christmas for YA. (I think it's YA, at least.)

I'll nominate "The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds" for an original tale. Haven't read it yet, but the summary makes it sound a bit like Narnia. (Never ending winter, etc.)
http://fairytalez.com/the-little-girl...

Adult:
Krampus: The Yule Lord Monica
Hogfather Kelsey
To Follow A Star: Nine Science Fiction Stories About Christmas Margaret
Some Kind of Fairy Tale Robyn
When a Child is Born Chris


YA:
The Dark Is Rising Robyn
The Life and Adventures of Santa ClausMonica
The Fool's Girl Lila
The Toymaker’s Apprentice Lacey
Letters from Father Christmas Melanti

Original Tale:
Sir Gawain & the Green Knight: A New Verse Translation Tamara
Nutcracker Kelsey
The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice Margaret
The Night Before Christmas Robyn
Babushka Chris
The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds http://fairytalez.com/the-little-girl...
Melanti


Please let me know if I've put everything in the right category and also if there is a need to a a separate catagory for short stories and original fairy-folk tales!

"The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds" looks like a good story, Melanti.

Adult novel/short story The Night Before Christmas

Kathy wrote: "Adult novel/short story The Night Before Christmas"

Kathy, that one is on the list already.
I am just not sure if it should be with original tales or adult novels. It's kind of short novels, but the original tales category is usually for traditional folk/fairy tales or myths.

Any more nominations?

Perfect! Obviously I was not paying attention.

Kathy wrote: "Perfect!"

Any thoughts in which category it should go?

I think original tale sounds okay from the description.

Margaret wrote: "Lila (formerly Jalilah) wrote: "I am curious as to why it does not fit the theme? ."

Maybe because it's so short? I usually don't nominate individual short story-length fiction in any category exc..."

Right, there isn't really a category for contemporary short fiction stories/retellings. It would be VERY thorough of you all to include such a category, but I don't think it's necessary. The three categories we've got are already such a great selection!

That said, I'd love to be able to recommend things I've liked (such as short fiction) that fit the theme, but not a category. I hope this was an all right place to do that?

Kelsey wrote: "That said, I'd love to be able to recommend things I've liked (such as short fiction) that fit the theme, but not a category. I hope this was an all right place to do that? ."

Sure! I'm a huge short story reader, so I may start a folder for 'fairy tale short stories,' and then anyone can recommend good short stories they read--theme-related or not.

I added a general fairytale short story topic! https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Hope that's okay!

Margaret wrote: "I added a general fairytale short story topic! https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Hope that's okay!"

Of course!

Margaret wrote: "Kelsey wrote: "That said, I'd love to be able to recommend things I've liked (such as short fiction) that fit the theme, but not a category. I hope this was an all right place to do that? ."

Sure!..."

Kelsey wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Lila (formerly Jalilah) wrote: "I am curious as to why it does not fit the theme? ."

Maybe because it's so short? I usually don't nominate individual short story-length fiction in..."

If there are enough short stories that are not original folk or fairy tales I could put up a short story Poll.
Just let me know!

Any other nominations?
The polls go up tomorrow!

Polls are up! https://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/3...

Our winners are:

Nutcracker
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
Hogfather

A good variety for the theme. I have Nutcracker loaded on my Kindle. The other two I read within the past year so I'll pop in to the discussion...I enjoyed both of them.

BTW, if anyone needs a free download of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, here's a link:

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/520

I put in my requests with the library today. Nutcracker should come in quickly, but The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus has only one copy in the system, checked out until 11/30, plus one hold request ahead of me. That means I probably won't get to read it until after Christmas :( but I'm still looking forward to it.

(I wish I could do ebooks/online reading, darn ol' eyeballs.)