Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

And we are now at 50 prompts on our list... next poll will be the FINAL POLL!

Top:
A book that is not a novel
A book you want to read because of something you read in 2025

Bottom:
A book where the main character has an occupation that didn't exist before 1900
A book with a character with a disability or chronic health problem
A book with a character who is an astronaut

Close Call:
A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2025 or 2026

Polarizing:
A book that takes place in a country/place along the path of totality for the 2026 solar eclipse

The next round of suggestions will open around 9 am EST on Saturday, October 11.

Whew, breathing a sigh of relief. I was neutral on both of these. Downvoted two of the bottoms and was neutral on one.

Oh dear. Okay.

Not a novel is fine, I read lots of books of essays, and I have a big book of Thurber short stories I've been meaning to get to as well as The Assassin's Cloak: An Anthology of the World's Greatest Diarists, some poetry, and other misc. I'm not at all inspired by the other top, I downvoted it but I'll manage that one too. I'm really disappointed by BOTM only getting a close call. It is our one "reading connection" between our members. It's frustrating that so many people got fired up and literally added dozens and dozens of books to the lists, and it still didn't (quite) get in. If something connected to A, T, and Y can be a given every year, why not this one?

Path of totality, women crossing borders and boundaries, professional sports team, nature/climate/environment, and BOTM have been added to my rejects challenge.

Oh well, you can't win them all. The only one I voted for end on the bottom but one I didn't want also landed on the bottom. Although I didn't vote for the not a novel prompt, I can find either a non-fiction book that I'm interested in or a short-story book.

I think I upvoted the astronaut in addition to the two that got in. I would have loved the enviro prompt or geography one to get in as well but TWO science-y prompts in one year would be too good to be true!!

Happy with this.

Over all, it was an OK round. My two upvotes are somewhere not mentioned. I downvoted two of the 3 bottoms and was neutral on the third. I was neutral on the close call and downvoted polarizing.

I'm very happy about the inspired by something you read in 2025 prompt. And I didn't upvote it, but not a novel is always a good prompt for me to slide in a book of poetry or art book or manga that doesn't fit in elsewhere. I am most excited of all that we only have one poll to go. I think we have put together a really stellar list overall for 2026.

Dixie wrote: "I'm really disappointed by BOTM only getting a close call. It is our one "reading connection" between our members. It's frustrating that so many people got fired up and literally added dozens and dozens of books to the lists, and it still didn't (quite) get in. If something connected to A, T, and Y can be a given every year, why not this one?"

I'd guess the simple answer is something connected to A, T, and Y changes every year. The prompt has never been repeated, instead someone always manages to come up with a creative new version that people want to vote for. If it had stayed A book with the letters A, T & Y in the title, it likely wouldn't have been voted in again.

The BOTM is exactly the same prompt every year, and over half the books on list are the same as the previous year. I upvoted BOTM the first time it was suggested, because it was new and unique. I've downvoted it every time since then because it's a repeat. The only way my vote will change is if the prompt gets reimagined.

Nothing too exciting there. Will probably read poetry for the first prompt. I already seem to have a lot of books this year that link with last year's, but I think I can link that prompt with the failed path of totality prompt, since I read books relating to Iceland and Siberia last year.

I did upvote "A book posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month threads in 2025 or 2026" and get how it can be disappointing not to have a prompt directly related to the group. For those who really want it, the threads are a great source for books for other prompts. In the past, I've struggled with the ATY Best Book prompt because I wanted to use the books on the list for other prompts. So while there is not a dedicated prompt, the list and threads can still be used as a great resource.

What is and isn't getting voted in this year is very interesting. To me, it feels like something is missing (not exactly sure what though). Overall, I like what we have (I think there are only two prompts I really dislike but have made peace with them). I'm looking forward to seeing what the final two prompts will be.

Surprised. Boring result. There were more exciting alternatives, for example the astronaut who ended up in the bottom(?)!

Marie wrote: "Dixie wrote: "I'm really disappointed by BOTM only getting a close call. It is our one "reading connection" between our members. It's frustrating that so many people got fired up and literally adde..."

But the point of the prompt is to encourage people to participate in the BotM threads. The fact that it's only been in the last few weeks with the prompt being on the polls that people have remembered about the threads and actual posted is proof of why we need the prompt. And the reason the list is partially the same is for the planners who want to pick every book they're going to read next year ahead of time (I do not understand those people).

But it was the third time the prompt didn't make it, so now it's going to have to be my pick for the prompt that didn't make it.

I think I voted for one or both of the ones that made it, but can't remember anymore! I think I only downvoted one of the ones that didn't make it, but ditto on the remembering--it's been a busy week :) I didn't up or downvote the eclipse one because there were others I wanted to up or downvote more, but it's a fun one.

Nike wrote: "Surprised. Boring result. There were more exciting alternatives, for example the astronaut who ended up in the bottom(?)!"

Yes, I think we went with non-controversial choices.

Personally, I think of astronaut as narrow, even though I read a fair amount of sci-fi and could certainly find something. I know there were a lot of options discussed but for the voters who don't follow all the threads, they might think of a couple of books and not go any farther. Or dismiss it as sci-fi only, which it doesn't have to be.

I liked the totality path which would give a lot of options, but I know some people said they were tired of setting prompts.

Oh, good idea Kendra - I forgot about that!

I still support the idea of going back to how we did the pre-poll (at least) a few years ago. Things like Published This Year, something ATY, BBOTM, Prompt that didn’t make it. I forget what others were kind of “foundational”, but I know we have a shorter list for pre-poll. I think all these prompts are important for our list, but also don’t sound as exciting or interesting compared to the creative prompts we come up with the rest of voting season, so have a harder time in later polls.

Of the two prompts that made it in — one is useful (not a novel), and the other I think will be interesting to fill. It could be as simple as reading the next in a series, or could be reading more about a certain topic, or even possibly re-using a prompt from last year.

One thing I’m considering for “connected to last year” is reading a third book to go with the two I read for “two books with a connection but in different genres”. That may be my favorite prompt of the year.

I'm absolutely gutted the best books didn't make it in.

I didn't vote for either winner, but they are both bland enough that finding a book won't be hard.

I liked the idea of the eclipse prompt, but the countries it was passing through are hard to find books set there. It might be easier with a connected to prompt. Then you could set books partially set in those countries.

I don’t think we should do a pre poll. I’d be fine with a few basic prompts that automatically made it on every year to start. This would save time for the mods. We only manage to get a couple in every poll.

It’s called the 2026 ATY reading challenge and I like the prompts connecting to that.

Robin P wrote: "Yes, I think we went with non-controversial choices."

I think that when there are a lot of popular good choices in the same poll, the vote tends to splinter out across the field instead of coalescing around one of them. I don't think people were playing it safe on purpose. (Obviously that's just conjecture on my part, but it seems to me the close calls poll went like this last year, too.)

One was a top (not a novel), and I think the other was a bottom. I really don't like prompts that are dependent on something I did the previous year. Guess I'll have to purposely read something so I have something to read in 2026. You know, it says "something I read in 2025." It doesn't say it has to be a book. Maybe I could read a list of Hugo Award winners or something and pick something. I think that totally counts. I had to read the list, right?

I'm definitely good with most of the ones that didn't get in.

Robin P wrote: "I liked the totality path which would give a lot of options, but I know some people said they were tired of setting prompts..."

And that is beyond my comprehension. Doesn't every book, in every genre, happen in a setting? It would seem as if choosing a chunk of the world and saying "read anything at all, from any genre, it just needs to happen here, or relate in some way to this area", would be widely appealing. But apparently not. To each their own, for sure.

Erica wrote: "I don’t think we should do a pre poll. I’d be fine with a few basic prompts that automatically made it on every year to start. This would save time for the mods. We only manage to get a couple in e..."

Agreed!

Forgot to mention earlier that I’m especially disappointed that “Women who cross barriers, etc” not only didn’t make it in, but wasn’t even a close call! I think there are so many interesting people (real or fictional) that could be read about based on this prompt.

Tracy wrote: "Forgot to mention earlier that I’m especially disappointed that “Women who cross barriers, etc” not only didn’t make it in, but wasn’t even a close call! I think there are so many interesting peopl..."

Agree!

Dubhease wrote: "I liked the idea of the eclipse prompt, but the countries it was passing through are hard to find books set there. It might be easier with a connected to prompt. Then you could set books partially set in those countries..."

But isn't that what the KIS option is all about? Any prompt with a definite wording can be transformed to "related to" or "connected to" by using KIS. For every time a person has said the wording of a prompt is too narrow, another has said the new, slightly broader wording is too broad, or vice versa. Maybe the only way to get some of these prompts in is to stop focusing on the exact wording and just vote for the essence of the prompt idea -- then KIS or BIO if we want to.

My thought exactly Dixie.

No astronaut... guess I'll be reading a NF book about astronauts.

Almost there! Hope we don't mess up the last two. Since people want ATY prompt, I might nominate A Character Whose Job starts with ATY and get my astronauts!

Good idea Pamela! 😂

Tracy wrote: "Of the two prompts that made it in — one is useful (not a novel), and the other I think will be interesting to fill. It could be as simple as reading the next in a series, or could be reading more ..."

That is a really great idea. I also really liked the connected genre prompts this year.

Jillian wrote: "What is and isn't getting voted in this year is very interesting. To me, it feels like something is missing (not exactly sure what though)..."

I get that vague feeling, too. Looking back over the 52 prompts of previous years, voter preferences have certainly changed. In 2019 there were SIX awards/lists prompts voted in!

Amy (Other Amy) wrote: "Robin P wrote: "Yes, I think we went with non-controversial choices."

I think that when there are a lot of popular good choices in the same poll, the vote tends to splinter out across the field in..."

Very good point, Amy, multiple good choices do tend to split the vote.

Jillian wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Of the two prompts that made it in — one is useful (not a novel), and the other I think will be interesting to fill. It could be as simple as reading the next in a series, or could be..."

I went so crazy with the connected prompts this year I've been planning for this prompt all week, whether or not it made it through

Robin P wrote: "Amy (Other Amy) wrote: "Robin P wrote: "Yes, I think we went with non-controversial choices."

I think that when there are a lot of popular good choices in the same poll, the vote tends to splinter..."

I keep thinking about throwing out a total crap prompt just to help all the other ones!

Pamela wrote: "Yes, I keep thinking about throwing out a total crap prompt just to help all the other ones!"

Palindromic title anyone?😉🤪

Good Luck tomorrow.

Kendra wrote: "Pamela wrote: "Yes, I keep thinking about throwing out a total crap prompt just to help all the other ones!"

Palindromic title anyone?😉🤪"

Book written by an animal

Pamela wrote: "Kendra wrote: "Pamela wrote: "Yes, I keep thinking about throwing out a total crap prompt just to help all the other ones!"

Palindromic title anyone?😉🤪"

Book written by an animal"

A book written in the 1600s

Angie wrote: "One was a top (not a novel), and I think the other was a bottom. I really don't like prompts that are dependent on something I did the previous year. Guess I'll have to purposely read something so ..."

That is a great idea, Angie. You could read a list in AtY or anywhere in GR, a book review, a bookstagram post, etc., and it would fit the prompt. That will help those who really wanted the BOTM suggestion to make this year's list.

Charlsa wrote: "That is a great idea, Angie. You could read a list in AtY or anywhere in GR, a book review, a bookstagram post, etc., and it would fit the prompt. That will help those who really wanted the BOTM suggestion to make this year's list."

Yeah, definitely.

Kendra, Pamela, and Kathy E - you are too funny.

I wonder what would happen if we created a poll of all duds. If we all did 8 downvotes would something still get in? I’m guessing our bespoke algorithm (?right word for this?) would not let that happen though.

My entry to this effort:

A book written in a language you don’t read and is not available as translated to your language.

How about a book that doesn't fit any of the other 51 prompts?

That might pass the moderators as being valid, but might also be especially hard this year.

Oh Deborah - that’s evil! It sounds more doable than the others, but in reality would most likely be really hard, if not impossible 😏

Tracy wrote: "Oh Deborah - that’s evil! It sounds more doable than the others, but in reality would most likely be really hard, if not impossible 😏"

I found it in a list of ideas I have and was considering and then realized how many very broad prompts we actuallly have this year and decided it fit best in this conversation,

Don't worry the plan is to leave here at 8:30 tomorrow so I won't be suggesting anything.

Both were downvotes for me, unfortunately.

"Not a novel" felt too similar to other things we already have (even though I know there's enough of a difference) and it's also a prompt I'm a little burnt out on.

Actually, after checking, I realized the other prompt was not a downvote but one that I very, very nearly downvoted and left aside at the last minute because I figured I could at least fit in a series. Still, I wasn't a fan because I don't generally choose my books based on other books I've read, I guess? I'm just not such a fan that make a book choice contingent on another book, which is why I sometimes struggle with some multiweeks.

Deborah wrote: "How about a book that doesn't fit any of the other 51 prompts?

That might pass the moderators as being valid, but might also be especially hard this year."

But there's so many "read any book" prompts!

Tracy wrote: "Kendra, Pamela, and Kathy E - you are too funny.

I wonder what would happen if we created a poll of all duds. If we all did 8 downvotes would something still get in? I’m guessing our bespoke algor..."

Don't mock the algorithm! I don;t understand it, but it is a thing of beauty. Emily is not only a spreadsheet wizard, she's a mathematical genius. We just plug in the vote numbers and her spreadsheet does all the calculating. There is an explanation too, but I don't understand it. I took art history instead of any advances maths.

Pamela wrote: "Tracy wrote: "Kendra, Pamela, and Kathy E - you are too funny.

I wonder what would happen if we created a poll of all duds. If we all did 8 downvotes would something still get in? I’m guessing our..."

Long live the algorithm!

TOTALLY not mocking the algorithm. Sorry if it came across that way. Much respect!

Dixie wrote: Maybe the only way to get some of these prompts in is to stop focusing on the exact wording and just vote for the essence of the prompt idea -- then KIS or BIO if we want.

Totally agree. Sometimes I feel the "tweaking" of the wording to try to make everyone happy gets a bit silly.

Shannon SA wrote: "Dixie wrote: Maybe the only way to get some of these prompts in is to stop focusing on the exact wording and just vote for the essence of the prompt idea -- then KIS or BIO if we want.

Totally agr..."

I agree. We can't get too picky or legalistic about the prompts. I've changed the way I view prompts over the last 8 years. For each round of polling I look for a book that is on my TBR. If I find one that at least fits the spirit of the suggestion, especially if I already own the book, it is automatically considered for an upvote regardless of whether I "like" the prompt suggestion. I don't necessarily upvote it, but it isn't an automatic downvote just because I don't care for the prompt itself.

I've knocked out a quite a few books that have been on my TBR for a while by using this method. I've also noticed that more of the prompts I upvote are getting in, so I'm whittling down my TBR list at a faster rate. Alas, I still add to it faster than I whittle it down.