Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

Another definitive round of results!

Note: The winner of the Summer Reading Challenge prize has been contacted. Their choice of prompt will be posted with the Poll 12 results.

Top:
A book with a character who appears in more than one book
A book where all or part of the action takes place in a library, a museum, a school, or another public building
A book with a window on the cover

Bottom:
A book with the name of a planet or their moons in the title
A book with a title that contains a pun, a dad joke, or other word play
A book exploring personal or cultural identity

Polarizing:
A book title that contains the name of a professional sports team

The next round of suggestions will open around 2:30pm UK (9:30 EST).

Hmm, not my favourites, but okay with them.

Three!! We're moving on at a clip!

I'm sad the planets and moons bottomed.

Onto the next round!

I'm sad about word play being a bottom prompt and very excited for the character appearing in more than one book since I am a series reader. I'm also glad that we added another three prompts.

Pamela wrote: "Three!! We're moving on at a clip!

I'm sad the planets and moons bottomed.

Onto the next round!"

I'm also sad about the planets and moons but delighted we got three prompts in. I also really love that window on the cover prompt and shall begin collecting covers for it immediately.

I am totally ok with the prompts that got in, and even happier that it’s three again. The ones I hoped for did not get voted in, but I’m not surprised They didn’t.

I would have found something for the dad joke prompt, but I’m relieved it got bottomed.

I like all three prompts, so I'm happy!

I think all three of the top prompts should be fun even if I end up reading a series for the character that appears in more that one book. I also like the idea of reading a non fiction as an easy alternative to a series.

I am a bit disappointed to see A book exploring personal or cultural identity in the bottom as it was one of my favorites.

Getting books from the library has gotten so much harder since the pandemic. It makes the quirky prompts harder for me to do so kind of like when we end up with easier prompts.

I downvoted the character, but am pleased about the others. Non-fiction just doesn't seem right IMHO for a book about a 'character' - also it seemed to me it ought to have been a multi-week prompt.

This is the poll that I feel relieved with the results. I didn’t have a favorite prompt this time, but there were two I really didn’t want . So, I upvoted 6 that I liked and hoped would be popular. I upvoted all the tops and one of the bottom prompts.

Samantha wrote: "I think all three of the top prompts should be fun even if I end up reading a series for the character that appears in more that one book. I also like the idea of reading a non fiction as an easy a...

Getting books from the library has gotten so much harder since the pandemic. It makes the quirky prompts harder for me to do so kind of like when we end up with easier prompts..."

Really? I wonder why? It doesn't seem harder to me, but I admit I have 2 counties to choose from, but interlibrary loans are still coming faster than before, although I still occassionally ask for one they can't get.

LeahS wrote: "I downvoted the character, but am pleased about the others. Non-fiction just doesn't seem right IMHO for a book about a 'character' - also it seemed to me it ought to have been a multi-week prompt."

I was thinking it would have been a really good multi-week!

Nonfiction is still telling a story, just a real one, so they're characters.

Samantha wrote: "I think all three of the top prompts should be fun even if I end up reading a series for the character that appears in more that one book. I also like the idea of reading a non fiction as an easy a..."

The change my libraries all made that you could put a hold on hold has made all the difference to me. I fill up my loans at the start of the year and if they come in too soon, I delay them. I feel like my library holds should be like that line of plane lights you see in the sky by busy airports... all lined up perfectly to land at the exact right time.

Deborah wrote: "Samantha wrote: "I think all three of the top prompts should be fun even if I end up reading a series for the character that appears in more that one book. I also like the idea of reading a non fic..."

OH, I should mention I primarily use the electronic books/audio library. I feel like when the libraries closed people discovered the electronic options and continue to use them. That is just impression it could also be budget cuts or other factors but I used to always be able to get things in a week or two and now it can be months. And that isn't even for new books its for everything that is kind of popular. Planning has become a bigger factor.

I'm happy with these -- one character, one setting, and one cover prompt. I'm sorry sports team and wildlife conservation didn't get in, though.

Glad we got 3!

Pamela wrote: "Samantha wrote: "I think all three of the top prompts should be fun even if I end up reading a series for the character that appears in more that one book. I also like the idea of reading a non fic..."

I would be lost without library holds! I feel like it is never ending game of what to add for what prompt. I do the challenge in order so that makes thing harder. It is usually when my pick for a prompt ends up being a DNF that things go sideways and I struggle with finding something.

Your analogy for plane lights is perfection! But is a DNF a extra unexpected plane showing up? Yikes!

Samantha wrote: "Deborah wrote: "Samantha wrote: "I think all three of the top prompts should be fun even if I end up reading a series for the character that appears in more that one book. I also like the idea of r..."

Yes, that makes a difference, my husband does mostly audio books and has a lot harder time getting books than I do. I read ebooks and dead tree whichever is available.

Samantha wrote: "I would be lost without library holds! I feel like it is never ending game of what to add for what prompt. I do the challenge in order so that makes thing harder. It is usually when my pick for a prompt ends up being a DNF that things go sideways and I struggle."

A storm? A crash?

This time of year I am constantly reshuffling "oh, that was a DNF, but I just found this book that looks good but it only works for prompt #6 which I've done but if I move the book in #6 to #18, the book I planned for #18 could do in the DNF's place"

Like others, very glad we voted in 3 this time!

Re: TOPSs — I Up voted 2 of the top ones, and was neutral on "character who appears in more than one book", although I'm happy that this will 'allow' me to read #2 of a few series that I started. I always feel like reading something more 'new' is more important to me, so in general I'm not really a Series Reader. But I've started a few series that I really enjoyed. OR I could read Lincoln in the Bardo finally.

Re: BOTTOMs —
1) Planets/Moons — VERY disappointed about this getting Bottomed. Once the larger list of many moons was shared I found that I have 2 books on my 2026 TBR with titles that fit: Pan and Galatea 2.2. I had had NO idea that these were the names of moons before!

2) Personal/Cultural Identity. I didn't vote for this, but only because I wasn't coming up with what to read. I LOVE the idea, and I'm sure once suggestions started flying around my choice would become obvious.

3) Puns, Dad Jokes, or Wordplay — this was my suggestion, and I totally get why it was Bottomed. I think in reality it would be more of a fun game to find the titles, but less of a reliable source of actually good reads! 😉

Re: CLOSE CALLS — I'm not a big Sports person, but I VERY MUCH see the opportunities with this prompt, and I hope it is tried for a 3rd time. I know some people get stuck on not liking the apparent topic, but I hope we can convince them that a list of sports teams (like the great ones already provided) can be a really good source for non-sports books.

Tracy wrote: "Like others, very glad we voted in 3 this time!

Re: TOPSs — I Up voted 2 of the top ones, and was neutral on "character who appears in more than one book", although I'm happy that this will 'allow..."

The sports one was polarizing this time (I think it was a close call last time). I think, in general title prompts have a harder time in the later polls because we get quite a few in the earlier polls. Plus the related to prompts could be title prompts.

I’m going to have to rely on the listopias and hope that one of my tbr books shows up on it. Buildings on the cover was the hardest for me this year, and windows is even harder.

Tracy wrote: "Like others, very glad we voted in 3 this time!

Re: TOPSs — I Up voted 2 of the top ones, and was neutral on "character who appears in more than one book", although I'm happy that this will 'allow..."

Just my opinion, but become a series reader. Anything to avoid Lincoln in the Bardo!

NancyJ wrote: "I’m going to have to rely on the listopias and hope that one of my tbr books shows up on it. Buildings on the cover was the hardest for me this year, and windows is even harder."

I did an AI search on this prompt and received possible interpretations of "windows" to include covers with cutouts revealing something on an inner scene, windows in a building, windows in vehicles, windows in submarines and spaceships, magnifying glasses, "windows" into another world, telescopes, etc. Hopefully, this and others might broaden your possiblities.

NancyJ wrote: "I’m going to have to rely on the listopias and hope that one of my tbr books shows up on it. Buildings on the cover was the hardest for me this year, and windows is even harder."

As far as I knew I had nothing for windows on the cover, but when I went to the Listopia, the first book on it was on my TBR list! And one is all I need, so, excellent.

Pamela wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Like others, very glad we voted in 3 this time!

Re: TOPSs — I Up voted 2 of the top ones, and was neutral on "character who appears in more than one book", although I'm happy that th..."

Pamela, amen to avoiding Lincoln In The Bardo.

Windows isn't as difficult as I thought it would be, easiest way is switch the shelf view to covers and increase the size.

Dixie wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "I’m going to have to rely on the listopias and hope that one of my tbr books shows up on it. Buildings on the cover was the hardest for me this year, and windows is even harder."

As..."
I lucked out with the public building list. Martyr is at the top of list, and i had no idea it would fight. Though I was planning to read it soon. I have a shelf for books about books that will help.

I just read Three Days in June, and I still didn’t notice the window on the cover. It’s so small. I really liked the book.

Increasing the size doesn’t help me unless I’m only looking at a couple pages. It doesn't take much eye strain to trigger a migraine. But I’m sure I’ll find something eventually.

NancyJ wrote: "But I’m sure I’ll find something eventually."

If you don't mind me searching your shelves, I'm happy to look, Nancy. It's like a wordsearch for me, and I'm procrastinating.

Nancy, I can also add books with windows from your shelves. If there are any shelves/types of books you’d like me to focus on.

Pamela wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Like others, very glad we voted in 3 this time!

Re: TOPSs — I Up voted 2 of the top ones, and was neutral on "character who appears in more than one book", although I'm happy that th..."

Pamela - LOLOLOLOL!!!

Thanks for the heads up. I was primarily considering Lincoln in the Bardo because a very dear old friend (my boys' 1-3 grade teacher from 20-25 years ago) had recommended it as one she'd really enjoyed. I will proceed with caution!

Tracy wrote: "Pamela wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Like others, very glad we voted in 3 this time!

Re: TOPSs — I Up voted 2 of the top ones, and was neutral on "character who appears in more than one book", although I'..."

I guess I’m in the minority here, but I really enjoyed Lincoln in the Bardo!

Very happy about the tops, I voted for 2 of them.

I downvoted sports team for the same reason as last time – the prompt's phrasing. I believe someone mentioned this the last time as well. The way it is phrased, I would feel I had to include the entire name of a sports team in the title, e.g. "Manchester United". For titles that include just the word "united" or "devils", I would prefer a prompt that said "A book title that contains all or part of the name or nickname of a professional sports team".

Just raising this since there is mention of suggesting the prompt for a third time.

Well, at least, this time only one that I downvoted got in! LOL! :)

Maggie wrote: "Very happy about the tops, I voted for 2 of them.

I downvoted sports team for the same reason as last time – the prompt's phrasing. I believe someone mentioned this the last time as well. The way ..."

Good point about how important phrasing is. As someone who is "creative" in fulfilling prompts, I would have gone with the most flexible interpretation. It wouldn't even dawn on me that someone thought it was the whole name. I think it's different with those British/European teams where a lot of them are "United" or "City" plus the place name. US teams tend to have a lot more variety - names of animals, professions, etc. and the city name isn't needed in order to recognize the team, such as Yankees or Cowboys.

It's tricky to get the right phrasing sometimes because we want to keep the prompts short but still convey the meaning.

Those who voted for the prompt a book with a trial (like me) can use a courthouse for the public building prompt, just a thought.

I am pretty okay with the results.

D.L. wrote: "Those who voted for the prompt a book with a trial (like me) can use a courthouse for the public building prompt, just a thought.
"

Good point!

Jillian wrote: "Nancy, I can also add books with windows from your shelves. If there are any shelves/types of books you’d like me to focus on."

Amy (Other Amy) wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "But I’m sure I’ll find something eventually."

If you don't mind me searching your shelves, I'm happy to look, Nancy. It's like a wordsearch for me, and I'm procrastinating."

Oh you are both so nice to offer. My shelves are ridiculously big and out of control. I add and add and never delete, I’ll look and post a link to the shelves that might be handy. I won’t be upset if you change your mind after you look at them!

Here you go.

Audible (books I own) :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Lit-fic
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Family drama
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...


Thank you!!!

NancyJ wrote: "Jillian wrote: "Nancy, I can also add books with windows from your shelves. If there are any shelves/types of books you’d like me to focus on."

Amy (Other Amy) wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "But I’m sure ..."

I took a random quick look through your WTR list and found these covers with windows on them-

Letters From the Olive Tree
The Imagined Life
Copenhagen
Company by Shannon Sanders
One in Four by Lucinda Berry
Interesting Facts About Space by Emily R. Austin

The other members who volunteered can probably find lots more :)

NancyJ - just sent you a message with a different offer to help with cover prompts.

MJ wrote: "I guess I’m in the minority here, but I really enjoyed Lincoln in the Bardo

Naw, I think I'm the minority given how critically acclaimed and awarded it is. Clearly people liked it- just not me or anyone I know IRL

I can't remember what I upvoted because I wanted to upvote about 10 things. I did like the winners. But I also liked the pun in the title prompt.

The two things that I thought were too narrow and I'd never find a book for them didn't get in, but oddly aren't in the bottom.

And I'm done with the Sports team prompt. I worked hard to find books for a zillion leagues. Maybe I'll try again next year.

NancyJ wrote: "Jillian wrote: "Nancy, I can also add books with windows from your shelves. If there are any shelves/types of books you’d like me to focus on."

Amy (Other Amy) wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "But I’m sure ..."

Everything with a car or building has windows.

Tracy wrote: "NancyJ - just sent you a message with a different offer to help with cover prompts."

Deborah wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Jillian wrote: "Nancy, I can also add books with windows from your shelves. If there are any shelves/types of books you’d like me to focus on."

Amy (Other Amy) wrote: "NancyJ wrote:..."

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the help. I added some that I knew had houses, and my road trip books from this summer. I really want to read Endling. I don’t know what that is on the cover, but I’ll trust you all it has a window. Lol. Prophet Song sort of looks like a house, so that’s a good option if I don’t read it in 2025. Emily Austin’s new book looks fun too.

Nancy, the white rectangle on Endling is an RV. I had to zoom in for that image. Glad you have a book you want to read.

I don't want to add all of these to our Listopia, but for anyone thinking about " A book with a character who appears in more than one book", this article has a list of many that would fit that prompt.

https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/book...

Dixie wrote: "I don't want to add all of these to our Listopia, but for anyone thinking about " A book with a character who appears in more than one book", this article has a list of many that would fit that pro..."

That looks helpful! Maybe you could put the link in the comments section of the listopia. (If the system will let you.)

I downvoted 6 so I'm happy that none of them got in. I'm good with our 3 winners. I'm thinking about rereading A Gentleman in Moscow, the perfect window cover!

Pam wrote: "I downvoted 6 so I'm happy that none of them got in. I'm good with our 3 winners. I'm thinking about rereading A Gentleman in Moscow, the perfect window cover!
[bookcover:A Gentlema..."

One of my favorite books for the last ten years. I believe this book will be a classic one day.

@NancyJ, you might already have enough help at this point but please feel to message me if you need more help with the cover prompt! The intention behind it was to be easier than the cityscape/building prompt, not harder since windows are on buildings but also on vehicles (cars, planes, trains, boats, etc). It also opens it up to cover images taken from the inside of buildings, which the above-mentioned A Gentleman in Moscow is a great example of, or A Room of One’s Own. I'll try adding a bunch of books to the Listopia in case that helps!

And as I posted in the voting thread, this prompts could work with different interpretations of windows too such as if you consider the glass on an astronaut helmet or diving helmet to be a window.

Edit: I was looking through your TBR shelf and was going to say that 14 of the 15 books you added today actually have windows on the cover but realized that you probably added them today because of the windows! So that wouldn't have been a helpful comment, LOL.

NancyJ wrote: "Dixie wrote: "I don't want to add all of these to our Listopia, but for anyone thinking about " A book with a character who appears in more than one book", this article has a list of many that woul..."

Thanks. I ended up putting most of them into the Listopia when I woke up so early that I had time to kill this morning!