The Quasi-Official October Book Reading Game

[Geoffrey]

Happy October Everyone.   It's time to start the game again.   As a reminder, here are the selectors and selectees for the month:

Selector	Selectee	Genres	Dealbreakers
Annalog	Jeff	biographies, non-fiction, fact-based fiction or historical novels. Goodreads.	No erotica, please.
Berrytastic	imallbs	Mystery/Detective; American and Western European History This is supposed to be a link to my Goodreads list but I'm not promising anything.	No Deal Breakers
ciscokid	Tuttle	Fantasy, Science Fiction	I'm going to have to set some sort of monetary limit. This may be edited but for now lets say $5.   Nothing extremely depressing.
djgross	Annalog	Science Fiction; Mystery; Fantasy, I have an account on Goodreads	No Deal Breakers
drenfrow	ciscokid	Horror, Paranormal/Supernaturl Thrillers, Apocalyptic fiction, Some Sci Fi...my taste in books is actually pretty broad....these are just my favorites.	Homosexual romances, short story anthology(I like long, involved books), anything political
Emily King	fadedrainbows	Paranormal Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Chick Lit My Goodreads	No Deal Breakers
fadedrainbows	JimJ	Horror, Suspense, literary fiction, Some Sci-Fi/fantasy	Romance, Religious
Geoffrey	KingAl	Sci-fi/fantasy, Mystery/thrillers.  Here's my Goodreads	Romance
imallbs	Tripp	historical fiction; chick lit; family saga; drama; suspense; thrillers; religion is OK if it is presented culturally, not to convert.  This month, nothing too technical, just a good story.	Horror  and any creature that is typically associated with horror (vampires, zombies, werewolves, etc.).
Jeff	Leslie	I am losing my reputation of being high maintenance, after four months with four successes, four successes that include: 11 books (10 ebooks and one audio), a cookbook on pre-order, and a TV series on DVD! So, take me on someone and let's see if we can keep the string going...	No Deal Breakers
JimJ	Berrytastic	crime book reader and have recently discovered historical fiction such as pillars of the earth.	apart from a barbara cartland style romantic novel i am prepared to try most things .
kaotickitten	Emily King	Urban Fantasy; Paranormal; Horror; Mystery here is my Goodreads	Non-Fiction; Religious / political with the intent of change; Harlequin-style romance.  Chick Lit. I would prefer an indie or something less expensive, if possible.
KingAl	djgross	Mystery, suspense	No Deal Breakers
Leslie	drenfrow	Mystery, Fantasy/Sci Fi, Science/History of Science	extreme violence/gore, extreme sadness, horror/scary stuff, You can check out my books on Goodreads: Donna's Books
Tripp	Geoffrey	Science Fiction; Fantasy; Alternate History; gay themed books.  You can find me on goodreads here.	No Deal Breakers  -  I would love one of your favorite, go-to comfort reads
Tuttle	kaotickitten	Christian Romances, YA fantasy	No Deal Breakers

[Leslie]

Happy October everyone and good morning to my selectee, Donna!

I have two choices for you. I saw that you had read and enjoyed the Holmes and Moriarty books by Josh Lanyon. I read the first one of those and thought that it was okay. Much better, in my opinion, is the Adrien English series, also by Josh. There are five books in all. The first two books are bundled together for the reasonable price of $5.59.



My other choice for you is the first book in the six book PsyCop series by Jordan Castillo Price. This book was suggested to me in a quasi game over on Goodreads. Since I don't usually read paranormal stuff it was out of my comfort zone, but I got totally hooked on this series and read five books one after another in the space of a week or two, then had to wait more than a year for the sixth book to come out. I hope you have the same happy reading experience!



Let me know what you think of these choices and I hope you enjoy one or both.

L

[Jeff]

Leslie. Oh agony.

Leslie likes historical fiction, including military fiction, which is my favorite genre, BUT - not anything that might fall into the category of a classic and not anything long. Oh - and it might be acceptable if it has a gay theme interwoven. Hmm. This may take a few tries.

Try Number One - breaking all the rules:

From Here to Eternity: The Restored Edition

Leslie's rules broken:
  This is almost a classic.
  This is a big book, almost 900 pages in paperback.

Geoffrey's rule broken:
  I haven't read it. Well - I've read the bowdlerized version that was first published, but not this one with the gay sex included. I will, however read it - if Leslie accepts my challenge. Anna will be at an origami convention for a week so I'll have time to read From Here to Eternity: The Restored Edition before she makes a selection for me.

Leslie, if you choose not to accept my challenge, I have many other selections in mind. You didn't really think I'd make this easy for you, did you?

[djgross]

Greetings Annalog!

Many thanks for the link to your Goodreads account.   

Fantasy is one of your usual genres so I am cheating a bit with my first two recommendations.   

1. 

I haven't read a lot of Fantasy, but I stumbled on this book (and then read another six from the same author).  I would classify this as a hybrid of Fantasy and Women's Fiction (which is how I rationalized including it as a selection for you).   A large part of the narrative is focused on Zoe's personal growth.   $7.99 for the Kindle edition. 

2. 

Yep, another Sharon Shinn  book.   Also $7.99.   This is the first book in the five book Twelve Houses series, but it also works as a standalone novel.   I included this one as the book is a Fantasy and Romance hybrid.   A mystic who is a loner and a King's Rider who is distrustful of mystics are part of a five person team sent out by King Baryn to determine if the southern noble houses are planning a revolt.    Filled with action and intrigue (and a touch of romance). 

3. 

I debated including this book as it is priced at $12.99, but loved it too much to not include it.    Heart breaking and hopeful.   

If none of these appeal, let me know and I'll send more selections

Happy October!

DJ

[Leslie]

Leslie. Oh agony.

Leslie likes historical fiction, including military fiction, which is my favorite genre, BUT - not anything that might fall into the category of a classic and not anything long. Oh - and it might be acceptable if it has a gay theme interwoven. Hmm. This may take a few tries.

Try Number One - breaking all the rules:

From Here to Eternity: The Restored Edition

Leslie's rules broken:
  This is almost a classic.
  This is a big book, almost 900 pages in paperback.

Geoffrey's rule broken:
  I haven't read it. Well - I've read the bowdlerized version that was first published, but not this one with the gay sex included. I will, however read it - if Leslie accepts my challenge. Anna will be at an origami convention for a week so I'll have time to read From Here to Eternity: The Restored Edition before she makes a selection for me.

Leslie, if you choose not to accept my challenge, I have many other selections in mind. You didn't really think I'd make this easy for you, did you?

Well Jeff, I have to say, this selection comes at a very good time for me. 

I actually have the sample on my Kindle. I downloaded it earlier this year when I heard about the new, "restored" version with the previously edited scenes added back in.

This week I have been reading



in paperback (which, after three years of exclusive Kindle reading is a pretty painful experience). Lots of action in and around Pearl Harbor in Wingmen so I am in the mood for WWII in the Pacific stories, thus From Here to Eternity is a good choice for me right now. I'll read the sample and report back if I decide to give the whole book a go.

I've seen the movie several times. When my husband and I visited Hawaii, we went and visited Schofield Barracks where much of the movie was filmed. We also went up to Kolekole Pass--where the Japanese planes came through on their way to attacking Pearl Harbor. And of course we visited Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial.

Because of reading Wingmen, I was looking at some antique maps yesterday. I found this one:



I also found one (which I can't refind right now) that was all in Japanese. It was pretty interesting.

Enough rambling. The point of all this is...I think you made a good choice, Jeff! Thanks!

L

[Jeff]

Enough rambling. The point of all this is...I think you made a good choice, Jeff! Thanks!

Well, that's a nice surprise. Your reputation as a tough-nut is in danger.

I expected you to decline and had another choice in mind, so since Geoffrey permits two selections, and in case you decide against From Here to Eternity, here it is:

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Cool map. When I was a boy my next-door neighbor was a retired Army Colonel who was stationed at Schofield Barracks on December 7, 1941. His account was somewhat different from that of James Jones, but not enough to ruin the book for me. It really is astonishing how the events at Pearl Harbor changed the world. I wish I had the skill to tell that story to the younger generations.

[Leslie]

Well, that's a nice surprise. Your reputation as a tough-nut is in danger.

I expected you to decline and had another choice in mind, so since Geoffrey permits two selections, and in case you decide against From Here to Eternity, here it is:

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Actually, that's the book that Heather picked for me back in June, when I rejoined the game after my break. I couldn't put it down and read the whole thing in two days.

Cool map. When I was a boy my next-door neighbor was a retired Army Colonel who was stationed at Schofield Barracks on December 7, 1941. His account was somewhat different from that of James Jones, but not enough to ruin the book for me. It really is astonishing how the events at Pearl Harbor changed the world. I wish I had the skill to tell that story to the younger generations.

I'm still hunting for the map in Japanese...

L

[Jeff]

Actually, that's the book that Heather picked for me back in June, when I rejoined the game after my break. I couldn't put it down and read the whole thing in two days.

Oh crud. I looked at your Goodreads list and must have missed it. Well, let me know if you want another choice.

Edited to add: Hahaha. The joke's on me. The reason I didn't see Unbroken on your Goodreads list was that the "compare books" feature didn't show it. That's probably because Unbroken isn't on my list. Duh. Another embarrassing senior moment.

[drenfrow]

Ciscokid, I noticed that we have quite a few books in common including a bunch on your list that I have read but never got around to adding.  Well, except for the horror books anyway.  I tried to find some long, involved books that might be something you haven't read.  My first pick is The Winds of War by Herman Wouk.  It is the story of a family before and during WWII and it spans the globe.  The Winds of War at 896 pages only takes you up to Pearl Harbor.  You have to read War and Remembrance (1042 pages) to get the rest of the story.  It is one of my absolute favorite epic reads.



My second pick is shorter but a very interesting book that I read several years ago, The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.  It is loosely based on a biblical story but is not at all "religious".



Let me know if neither sounds good and I'll suggest something else.

[drenfrow]

Leslie, I was definitely interested in reading the other series by Josh Lanyon and the 2-for-1 deal was a good buy so I am going with the Adrien English mysteries.  I just finished a book this morning so I will start these later today.

[Leslie]

Leslie, I was definitely interested in reading the other series by Josh Lanyon and the 2-for-1 deal was a good buy so I am going with the Adrien English mysteries.  I just finished a book this morning so I will start these later today.

Great! I hope you enjoy them. I certainly did.

L

[Tripp]

Good morning Geoffrey,

Well I really struggled this month.  Partially because your Goodreads list is so extensive that you had already read many of the books I thought of and partially because of the pricing creep of the e-books.  Things that I have looked to recommend have gone up in price rather than down, so it is getting difficult.  Anyway, here are two that I came up with.  I hope they appeal to you.  If not, I have a few others in mind.  

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
      


Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel by Lisa See

[fadedrainbows]

JimJ, I have a few choices for you. They fall into the speculative fiction category, but aren't all necessarily sci-fi/fantasy.

The first one is a super great book that I read earlier this year. I love the author and this book is her first adult book. It's paranormal, and has an interesting take on hell and graves. (Graveminder by Melissa Marr)



The second choice I have for you is a futuristic dystopian society book. There is slight romance in it but I would not call the book a romance. It's more a novel of growth. The world Roth creates is amazing. (Divergent by Veronica Roth)



The last choice I have for you is a more classic novel. It is a futuristic semi-dystopian novel with robots. The book I've chosen relates to a series but is a stand alone novel of short stories. It was one of my first introductions to sci-fi and I love it



I hope one of these works for you. If they don't, let me know and I will try to find more!

[Geoffrey]

KingAl,

My choice for you is a fantastic book but also a major endeavor (its 24k locations long) that encompasses about 7000 years of history of Salisbury in the UK.  Sarum: The Novel of England is an historical fiction that's worth the commitment, IMO




Now, if that's too large an undertaking (which I completely understand), I have two very different options for you as a fall back position:  

The first is Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse and it's a series of Apocalyptic short stories by some very big names like George R.R. Martin, Orson Scott Card, Octavia E. Butler, and Stephen King.  You can get it on Amazon or for $2 cheaper at Baen's Webscription.net



Your other choice is the book that made me fall in love with Kurt Vonnegut back in High School, Breakfast of Champions.  It's humorous, irreverent, a little rude and an absolutely fantastic commentary on early 70's American culture.

[Leslie]

Leslie, I was definitely interested in reading the other series by Josh Lanyon and the 2-for-1 deal was a good buy so I am going with the Adrien English mysteries.  I just finished a book this morning so I will start these later today.

My selection wasn't all that far out of your comfort zone, but it was a little nudge towards a series I think you will enjoy.

L

[Emily King]

fadedrainbows  - I know we’re friends on goodreads, but I had no idea we have read and liked so many of the same books!!  We also prefer the same genres, so it was harder for me to find something out of your comfort zone.  I tried to go for the ones you don't have in your "to-read" list, too.

I feel a little like a broken record, since I recommended this one last month, but I love it and it’s a little different than your “norm”.  Blood of Requiem by Daniel Arenson… I just LOVED this book.


Another author I love is Shelly Laurenston…  they are pretty steamy, but also hilarious.  This is the first book in one of her series – The Mane Event:


Another absolute favorite series of mine is the Vampire for Hire series by JR Rain… I just love these!  Here’s the first book – Moon Dance:

***As a side note, it looks like you can get all 6 related books in one set for $9.99… I wish he had this out when I was reading them:


Let me know if these work for you!! I look forward to hearing what you think!

[Geoffrey]

fadedrainbows  - I know we’re friends on goodreads, but I had no idea we have read and liked so many of the same books!!  We also prefer the same genres, so it was harder for me to find something out of your comfort zone.  I tried to go for the ones you don't have in your "to-read" list, too.

I feel a little like a broken record, since I recommended this one last month, but I love it and it’s a little different than your “norm”.  Blood of Requiem by Daniel Arenson… I just LOVED this book.

AND ... Daniel will be doing a Read With the Author this month for this book.  So, you can play in two clubs for the price of one.  :-)

[Tuttle]

kaotickitten, I was frustrated that neither of the first two books I wanted to recommend are available in ebooks , so because I can't recommend those I'm going to go with a books Tuttle had been recommended in previous months theme for this month.

The first book is the one I was recommended for when I requested a book for its writing rather than its story. While the storyline is far different than what I normally read, I absolutely understand why this book is one of the most popular current books.


The next book is unfortunately over $9.99 but is one I read for this game anyways.  This is one of my favorite nonfiction books I've read in the last year, and it was incredibly interesting as well as well written. I'm not sure how much you're interested in astronomy, but despite me not having a strong interest in it, I still highly enjoyed this book.


The third is another book that is far from what I normally read, but was still highly enjoyable. This was recommended by Leslie a few months ago, and is one of the most realistic books I've enjoyed (I usually read sci-fi/fantasy and if I'm going to realistic I go all the way to non-fiction in subjects that interest me particularly much). A book getting me, who has difficulties doing so, to relate to the characters is impressive, especially when they are so incredibly different than me at the same time.

[Leslie]

The third is another book that is far from what I normally read, but was still highly enjoyable. This was recommended by Leslie a few months ago, and is one of the most realistic books I've enjoyed (I usually read sci-fi/fantasy and if I'm going to realistic I go all the way to non-fiction in subjects that interest me particularly much). A book getting me, who has difficulties doing so, to relate to the characters is impressive, especially when they are so incredibly different than me at the same time.

I loved this book. It is on my top ten list for the year. I hope you choose to read it.

That said, I really enjoyed Water for Elephants too.

L

[Jeff]

It is one of my absolute favorite epic reads.

Mine too. I read it every couple of years. The TV miniseries is also terrific.

[fadedrainbows]

Emily, I got both Moon Dance and Blood of Requiem (Moon Dance was free). I'm not sure which will be my official read yet, but I will let you know!

And I always see your reviews on Goodreads and want to read the books you are

Thanks for the recommendations this month

[imallbs]

Hi Tripp
I have a couple of options for you. 
A nonfiction book I that remains one of my favorites
The 23rd Psalm: A Holocaust Memoir


Or, for escapism
Trading in Danger

[KingAl]

KingAl,

My choice for you is a fantastic book but also a major endeavor (its 24k locations long) that encompasses about 7000 years of history of Salisbury in the UK.  Sarum: The Novel of England is an historical fiction that's worth the commitment, IMO

Geoffrey, I'll try Sarum. Definitely sounds fascinating, and I'll try (no guarantees!) to finish it in October. Thanks!

[kaotickitten]

Ok Emily, I had to think hard on this one for you. Esp. since your goodreads said you were slightly put of on ya right now.  Also that you would like indies, I barely read indies.  So I checked the ones on sale.

The first one is one I haven't read yet so breaking one of the games rules somewhat.  Only somewhat because it has been made into a movie, which I throughly loved. I will be buying this book for myself this month too.



This one I read awhile ago. It is a little juvinal but still worth a read.



The last one is one I recomended to someone else a few months ago and you happen to have it in your tbr list.


I hope I found something for you if not just let me know and I will pick something else.

[kaotickitten]

kaotickitten, I was frustrated that neither of the first two books I wanted to recommend are available in ebooks , so because I can't recommend those I'm going to go with a books Tuttle had been recommended in previous months theme for this month.

The first book is the one I was recommended for when I requested a book for its writing rather than its story. While the storyline is far different than what I normally read, I absolutely understand why this book is one of the most popular current books.


The next book is unfortunately over $9.99 but is one I read for this game anyways.  This is one of my favorite nonfiction books I've read in the last year, and it was incredibly interesting as well as well written. I'm not sure how much you're interested in astronomy, but despite me not having a strong interest in it, I still highly enjoyed this book.


The third is another book that is far from what I normally read, but was still highly enjoyable. This was recommended by Leslie a few months ago, and is one of the most realistic books I've enjoyed (I usually read sci-fi/fantasy and if I'm going to realistic I go all the way to non-fiction in subjects that interest me particularly much). A book getting me, who has difficulties doing so, to relate to the characters is impressive, especially when they are so incredibly different than me at the same time.

Ok so I am gonna go with Water for Elephants.  I wanted to read this earlier but I read Girl with a Dragon Tattoo first.  That one made me not want to read what is hot for a while.  The Plutto one I will put in my tbr for a later date.  The sample read like a quick read, so deffently one I will pick up when I get a gift card.  The third one that you and Leslie recomended I tried the sample.  Just couldn't get into te first 25% of it and know I wouldn't be able to get it to the rest of it.  I wish I could have seeing as so many have enjoyed that book in the last year of the quasi game.