The Quasi Official January Book Reading Game

[Geoffrey]

OK, so no stressing time this month - straight on to the game.     As a reminder, here are the Selectors and Selectees:

Selector	Selectee	Genres	Dealbreakers
Annalog	fadedrainbows	Paranormal Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Chick Lit My Goodreads	Classics
ciscokid	Jeff	biographies, non-fiction, fact-based fiction or historical novels. Goodreads.	Erotica, far-out fantasy.
djgross	KingAl	Sci-fi/fantasy, Mystery/thrillers.  Here's my Goodreads	Romance
drenfrow	Tuttle	Fantasy, Science Fiction (primarily classic science fiction)	Love triangle as primary plot element, extremely depressing Other notes: I cannot commit to reading a book costing me >$5 on my current lack of income. Feel free to list options that cost more than $5, and I'll buy them if they're interesting enough after the sample, but please list at least one book that costs no more than $5.
fadedrainbows	SinCityReader	Fiction, Historical Fiction, Crime, Mystery & Suspense. Goodreads	Science Fiction, Horror, Romance, & Religion
Geemont	djgross	Mystery, suspense My Goodreads account	No Deal Breakers
Geoffrey	ciscokid	Horror, Paranormal/Supernaturl Thrillers, Apocalyptic fiction, Some Sci Fi...my taste in books is actually pretty broad....these are just my favorites. Here's the link to my Goodreads page.	Erotica and homosexual romance. Please no long and involved books this month and nothing too expensive.  Life is pretty crazy right now.
Jeff	kaotickitten	ya, christian romances,  science fiction, zombies, apocolptic	Erotica, M/M Romances, atheist themes
kaotickitten	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
KingAl	Annalog	Science Fiction; Mystery; Fantasy, I have an account on Goodreads	No Deal Breakers
SinCityReader	Geoffrey	Science Fiction; Fantasy; Alternate History; gay themed books.  You can find me on goodreads here.	No Deal Breakers
Tuttle	Geemont	Goodreads	Media Tie-In, Romance, Series, Young Adult

[/quote]

[Geemont]

djgross,

Here are three very different choices for you to pick from.  Let me know of none work for you.  I've got others on the backburner.

An intriguing literary novel.



2012 is here and it's supposed to be the end of the world, so here is, perhaps, the best end of the world story ever written.  It's over 50 years so parts are dated, but it's a thinking person's apocalyptic novel and well worth reading.





"You put historical fiction in my horror novel!"
"No, you put horror in my historical novel!"
Either way, the results are great, and Dan Simmons is one of the most astute writers of any genre.  Only $1.99 as of 1/1/2012.  (Price may change, of course.)

[Geoffrey]

Cisco,

I was looking through your goodreads and I have to say I’m impressed.  Your apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic  departments are pretty well fleshed out.  You have some books listed that surprised me … so in honor of that, I’ve decided to break my own rules and going with Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic fiction for your selections this month and hoping they’re not books you’ve already read but just didn’t list.  (and in my excitement and glee, I kinda ignored your request for short – two of these are fairly long – but they’re all $7.99 except for the one that’s $4.00)

First I have two Post-Apocalyptic novels – both set several generations after their apocalypse: The Peshawar Lancers by S.M Stirling and The Gate to Women's Country by Sherri S Tepper.  Both are wonderful fun.

 

Your other two choices (yes, you get 4) are Apocalypses:  The Forge of God by Greg Bear and Lucifer’s Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle (this is the $4 one)


 


Now I debated this and completely different set of selections, so it you want me to stay out of your comfort zone, then let me know and I’ll give you the other list ….  

[drenfrow]

Hmmm...one of my New Year's resolutions was to not download so many books and really work on making a dent in the pile of books I already have on the Kindle.  I was intrigued by Geemont's description of Earth Abides (note to self: quit clicking on book links) and just downloaded it as an audio book on audible.com.  Only $6.95, too good a deal to pass up, right? Right?   Anybody else break their resolution already?

Anyway...here are my choices for you Tuttle.  I enjoyed the challenge of finding books under $5.00.

First is a fun, chick lit mystery:



Second is an historical fiction/mystery.  This is the first in a series and it is $4.72, but if it looks interesting to you, the first three books in the series are bundled for $8.83.



My third choice is a funny book based on the true-life experiences of an engineer who was laid off and ends up teaching 3rd grade math.



Let me know if nothing sounds tempting and I'll come up with some other choices.

[Jeff]

kaotickitten - You don't mention mysteries so let's see if we can find something a bit outside your comfort zone in that genre.

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane is an offbeat mystery ($9.99).



Executive Lunch by Maria E. Schneider is a cozy mystery ($1.99).



Cape Refuge by Terri Blackstock is a Christian mystery ($2.99).



Or, let me know if you want another choice.

[Tuttle]

drenfrow, I sent samples of the first two to my kindle to see if they jump out as something I'd like reading, but I bought the third one without even sampling.

I don't tend to read that sort of book, so I do feel it is somewhat out of my comfort zone, but its also one that just reading the description I know I'd enjoy. I'm a math tutor  who's not looking into being a teacher almost entirely because of not being able to deal with more than a few kids at the same time.

[drenfrow]

Tuttle, as a math tutor I'm sure you'll appreciate Learn Me Good.  I subscribe to his blog now and it's very entertaining. 

[djgross]

Greetings KingAl!

My first choice for you is...



Proving it is possible to blend a thriller and a scathingly funny commentary on medical care into one tasty book.   The protagonist is a medical resident and former hit man who starts having a very bad day when one of his former associates recognizes him at the hospital.   Alternating chapters provide "Dr. Brown's" back story.

Another option is...



As of today (1/1), Florida Roadkill is priced at 99 cents.  Serge A. Storms is devoted to the exploration of Florida's unique history/landmarks and to killing off the jerks who cross his path in very creative ways.  

Moving further afield, here is an Urban Fantasy title for your consideration.  

 

 Kitty and the Midnight Hour was the first book selected for me when I joined the game.   I ended up reading the entire series

If none of these appeal, let me know and I'll provide other options.

DJ


  

[Tuttle]

Tuttle, as a math tutor I'm sure you'll appreciate Learn Me Good.  I subscribe to his blog now and it's very entertaining. 

I'm expecting to! I just need to stop researching how to optimally take care of a cat in order to go back to reading about other things :p. I'm expecting that once I sit down to read it I'll read it in one sitting.

Geemont, you're being a huge challenge in a good way. Every book that I've thought of recommending to you you've already read and rated highly. I'm suspect I'm going to end up buying some books from your list of read books in the process of trying to find one I'd recommend to you that you haven't read.

[djgross]

"You put historical fiction in my horror novel!"
"No, you put horror in my historical novel!"

Hi Geemont!

With a description like that (and a price of $1.99), I snapped up the book

I've also downloaded samples of The History of Love and Earth Abides.   I'll let you know if I change up my selection for the month.  

Thanks for the interesting choices!

DJ

[fadedrainbows]

SinCityReader,

I have 4 choices for you. 3 are urban fantasy-ish and the other is a Dystopian that I would feel guilty if I didn't post.

 

This is something I highly doubt you would normally pick up, but I recently loved it and have to recommend it. It is very very outside your usual ranges though.

 

This was a super interesting take on ghosts, the afterlife, and family lore. I loved it.

 
This is a mystery with some super interesting and new paranormal elements.

 

This is the first book that I loved. It is action-packed and interesting. It is also a new and interesting take on the lore of faerie.

I hope you find one of these interesting! If you don't, let me know and I'll choose some more for you.

[KingAl]

Greetings KingAl!

My first choice for you is...



Proving it is possible to blend a thriller and a scathingly funny commentary on medical care into one tasty book.   The protagonist is a medical resident and former hit man who starts having a very bad day when one of his former associates recognizes him at the hospital.   Alternating chapters provide "Dr. Brown's" back story.

Another option is...



As of today (1/1), Florida Roadkill is priced at 99 cents.  Serge A. Storms is devoted to the exploration of Florida's unique history/landmarks and to killing off the jerks who cross his path in very creative ways.  

Moving further afield, here is an Urban Fantasy title for your consideration.  

 

 Kitty and the Midnight Hour was the first book selected for me when I joined the game.   I ended up reading the entire series

If none of these appeal, let me know and I'll provide other options.

DJ

Hi djgross!

They all sound really good, but I'm picking Florida Roadkill (because it's $0.99) and am getting samples of the others, which will probably end up on my already too long TBR list. Thanks!

[KingAl]

Annalog:

Picking something outside of your sci fi/fantasy/mystery genres is going to be a challenge.

My first selection is a historical fiction novel about a military family, many of whose members are caught up in the greatest events of World War II. (Warning: This is a very long book, and there is a sequel, which you don't have to read.)


My second selection is another historical fiction novel, based in 12th century England. This is also a very long book with a sequel.


My third selection is the wit and wisdom imparted by a computer science professor who had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.


Let me know if none of these work for you.

[SinCityReader]

Geoffrey,

I have combed thru your goodreads read books and I didn't find these on there.  So if you have read these or these do not work for you let me know.

1.

2.

3.

[SinCityReader]

SinCityReader,

I have 4 choices for you. 3 are urban fantasy-ish and the other is a Dystopian that I would feel guilty if I didn't post.

 

This is something I highly doubt you would normally pick up, but I recently loved it and have to recommend it. It is very very outside your usual ranges though.

 

This was a super interesting take on ghosts, the afterlife, and family lore. I loved it.

 
This is a mystery with some super interesting and new paranormal elements.

 

This is the first book that I loved. It is action-packed and interesting. It is also a new and interesting take on the lore of faerie.

I hope you find one of these interesting! If you don't, let me know and I'll choose some more for you.

Hi fadedrainbows,

I am picking

[ciscokid]

Jeff, I think I have a few good choices for you. I hope you find one you like.

The first is a book about a woman whose family was sent to a concentration camp during WWII for helping the Jews. I've been fascinated with Corrie Ten Boom's story since my sunday school teacher told us about her and how she had once met her. This is one that should be pretty much inside your comfort zone.



I've been waiting for this author's older works to be turned into kindle books for awhile and they finally have. Its a boy's coming of age story.



This one is a thriller by british author Dick Frances who generally deals with the world of horse racing, which in this book is just background material.




This last one is a paranormal thriller by an independent author and the first book I read on my new kindle.



I hope one of these grabs your attention.  If not, let me know and I'll come up with something else.

Toni

[Jeff]

Happy New Year, Toni.

I've read the first two. Sorry. My Goodreads list is woefully incomplete.

Both the others look interesting, but I think I'll pick No Good Deed, for no good reason.

Thank you.

[ciscokid]

Jeff, I hope you like No Good Deeds.  I think its one of the best books I've read in awhile.  Don't be sorry about your Goodreads account, mine is lacking too.  From time to time I think of another book to add.  I've read so many books, that I figure what I have listed there may be about 10-15% of what I've actually read.  Unfortunately I can't remember most of the books I've read.  I'm so bad to buy a  book, only to figure out a few pages into it that I've already read it.  lol

Toni

[Jeff]

I'm so bad to buy a  book, only to figure out a few pages into it that I've already read it.  lol

I sometimes get a hundred pages into a book and realize that I know what's going to happen next. Oops.

[ciscokid]

Geoffrey, thank you for making my decision on what to read this month the most difficult yet.    You did a good job picking something I would like..... maybe too good.  lol   While I like S.M. Stirling, I'm not much into alternate histories and I think I may have read The Forge of God.  I do know the titles of both The Forge of God and Lucifer's Hammer are familiar to me, but I don't think I've read Lucifer's Hammer.  lol  I really should have started keeping track of the books I read years ago.  The Gate to Women's Country looks interesting and I may pick it up at a later time, but I think I'm going with Lucifer's Hammer this month. It'll be a few days before I start it though since I just started Dean Koontz's newest book. 

Oh, and inquiring minds need to know.......which books on my Goodreads list surprised you?  You need to tell me or I might go crazy trying to figure it out on my own.   

Toni

[ciscokid]

I sometimes get a hundred pages into a book and realize that I know what's going to happen next. Oops.

Looks like you should have kept better track of the books you've read too.     Of course writing them down somewhere doesn't help if you're in a bookstore trying to find something to read......

I know you like history.  Have you read any of James Mitchner's books?  I didn't see any on your goodreads list and wanted to add one to my suggestions for this month.  Unfortunately, most of his books are not available for the kindle yet. They are historical fiction, but still very good...in my opinion.  I went throught a big Mitchner phase in my early 20s and read most of them.

Toni 

[Geoffrey]

Oh, and inquiring minds need to know.......which books on my Goodreads list surprised you?  You need to tell me or I might go crazy trying to figure it out on my own.   

Toni

I was surprised by The Parable of the Sower and The Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler.  She's not someone I see on just anyone's book lists - but I'm always pleasantly surprised when I do as I think she was a fantastic writer.   I was also surprised by Schindler's List; that's not an easy movie but it's an even harder book to make it through.

Lucifer's Hammer is a great choice and I hope you like it.

[Jeff]

Looks like you should have kept better track of the books you've read too.     Of course writing them down somewhere doesn't help if you're in a bookstore trying to find something to read......

I know you like history.  Have you read any of James Mitchner's books?  I didn't see any on your goodreads list and wanted to add one to my suggestions for this month.  Unfortunately, most of his books are not available for the kindle yet. They are historical fiction, but still very good...in my opinion.  I went throught a big Mitchner phase in my early 20s and read most of them.

When I was young I read all of Mitchner's early novels, but for some reason, I lost interest in his later work. I recently re-read Caravan on my Kindle. I enjoyed it almost as much as I did the first time I read it.

[Geoffrey]

SinCityReader,

I've had Water for Elephants on my Kindle for some time and I keep pushing it back off my TBR list.   I'm going to take this opportunity to just read it and stop putting it off ....



 

[kaotickitten]

drenfrow,
Sorry I didn't get to this till today. Posting that is.  Ok here are my three choices for you.  If you don't like any of them I can always choose more.

Ok so this is a children's book but it is still good.



The second is a book in a series.  It can stand alone.



The third is one I found last year.





These are all ones I have recomended to others in this game at diffrent times last year.  But they are all worth reading.