Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
Progress Posts 2016
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27: A book with a beautiful title (in your opinion)
Progress Post:-What are you reading this week? The Master Magician by Charlie Holmberg
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title? Before picking this book for this week, I had read the 1st in the series. I thought the title of this one was a beautiful wrap up of what I had envisioned for this series. I was blown away by the direction the books took - really enjoyed them!
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title? I thought so - it was a nice 3rd in a trilogy and ended the series nicely. A beautiful story and a beautiful love story woven into it.
Progress Post:-What are you reading this week? The Winter People
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
I think it sounds poetic and mysterious
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
Well it was definitely mysterious, and was a speedy read that kept me interested all the way through, but it felt a bit thin in spots, like the plot hadn't been fully fleshed out and the reader was left to make a few too many jumps of the imagination to fill in the gaps.
Overall a good read but maybe not totally deserving of its title.
What are you reading this week?I read Through Painted Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road for this prompt.
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
It conjures up a strong image for me--I see a car driving through a desert at sunset. It's rare for me to get such a clear mental picture from a title.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
Ehhhh. I felt like it wasn't a very original book. It's a white guy on a roadtrip to find himself, which has been done plenty of times before.
What are you reading this week?
01/27/2016In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
Just that the title is so simple but can have such a deeper meaning. Even if you don't know what the book is about, I felt attracted to the title in its simplicity, yet great depth. You just know somehow, its about someone, a woman obviously, saying for whatever reason it may have been, I AM STILL ME. I am Alice.
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
This book was nothing short of beautiful, poignant, and necessary. I think it's an important work that didn't get enough deserving praise from the literary world. It may have been simply written but was gripping and essential in having people understand how devastating a disease this is, and how we must find a cure in this lifetime or at least something to slow its progress.
This is the seventh challenge I have completed and I chose to read There Is No Long Distance Now by Naomi Shihab Nye. This book is comprised of forty extremely short stories. Each story is about five pages long. The title is taken from one of the stories. Overall the book was okay in my opinion.
What are you reading this week?The Art of Peeling an Orange
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title? It is the association with peeling an orange on a warm spring day. I remember being outside in the sunlight, so that as I peeled the skin away from the orange I could see the oils spray out into the air. The smell was incredibly fresh and mouth-watering. Then, to free the orange slice and put it into my mouth...heaven.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title? I will let you know. I think it will have to really work at it to be that beautiful. No, I do not think it was as good as the title. Yes, the author highlighted the sensuousness in peeling an orange, but it was more about a sexually seductive way of peeling an orange. It was a turn-on to watch. Also, I felt that it was almost a code phrase for physically turning someone on sexually. While that can be beautiful, it was not what I was looking for in reading this book. Or, actually the sexual act of making love to someone.
-What are you reading this week?The Diver's Clothes Lie Empty
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
It's very mysterious and poetic. The title combined with the book description made me want to read this book.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
I'm not sure yet as I'm only about a quarter of the way through. So far it is very mysterious. It is also written as a second person narrative, which adds to the strangeness.
-What are you reading this week?Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
I love the images the title conjures up in my mind. It has great onomatopoeia.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
In my opinion, yes. It is a great story set in Victorian London, has a lot of supernatural elements and the atmosphere feels very gothic. I'm enjoying it a lot.
Before Ever After
Three years after the death of her husband, a woman finds out that not only is he still alive, but that he may be immortal.
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
I'm not sure why, I was just drawn to the title.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
Wow, I was amazed by how much I liked this book. It jumps back and forth from present to the past, which I usually dislike, but I really liked this one. The author kept me interested the entire way through -- which is a little tough for me lately. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. Please tell me someone else has read it! I really need to discuss the ending lol
What are you reading this week? I read The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim EdwardsIn your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title? I don't know if it was a combination of the title and the cover, but it just seemed so delicate and innocent. "The Memory Keeper," it just seems like there's a beautiful sadness about it.
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title? I think the title was very fitting. It was sad, but there was a beautiful innocence with Phoebe. I didn't love the book, but there was something about it.
What are you reading this week?What Dreams May Come
In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
The title is tragically beautiful. It's about suicide, and a couples love crossing from life to death. It sounds hopeful and optomistic, but it's wrapped in heartache, pain, and deep sorrow.
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
I don't know yet. I will be starting the book soon. However, based on the movie I would say it does.
Reading Hearts in AtlantisNot sure what it is, but there is something very powerful about the title. Hoping the book lives up to it.
Edit:
Having finished, I still find the title poetic, but the meaning has changed. Whereas I took it to mean something lofty like "confused minds lost at sea", the actual story redefines it as "playing cards while the world is sinking". Not what I had imagined but evocative nonetheless.
What are you reading this week?The Whole Golden World
In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
I just think it sounded like a really beautiful image, and especially when combined with the cover. I liked how it made the world sound so...optimistic, I guess.
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
I'm just starting, so I don't know yet but I'll update after I finish the book.
Update: Now that I've finished the book, I have to say that it was definitely good enough to deserve the title. It was very well-written, and one of the most realistic stories on this topic (student-teacher relationship) that I've read. I really loved the character development throughout the book.
-What are you reading this week?The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
The two words themselves - "enchanted" - like a fairy tale, and "April" - the month when things turn green where I live. (Although there's snow on the ground at the moment...)
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
I'm just starting the book and will find out soon!
What are you reading this week?Together Tea by Marjan Kamali
In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
Tea always connotes family and happy time to me. Tea was always treated as the great elixir when I was young. My Irish grandmother believed it would cure all the world's ills. As a family, when we will all get together for dinner, we still have tea afterwards.
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
Yes, yes it was.
oooo Together Tea does sound like a beautiful title!
-What are you reading this week? A Brush of Wings-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title? The title pertains to guardian angels walking among us, protecting us. That is beautiful.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title? I thought it was a good read. The basis of the trilogy is beautiful.
-What are you reading this week? I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
To me, a beautiful title is one which immediately conveys ideas to the reader. If a title, on its own, can cause me to start weaving my own tale around it, then it is quite successful.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
The book definitely deserves a good title, and I think that the title is the first reason why this book became so popular. It is definitely a book that most people should have read.
That said, I'm not entirely sure that it is fitting. I think Maya is a bird that was sought to be caged but couldn't be. So, it is a bit misleading.
Progress Post:-What are you reading this week?
I read Among the Hidden to discuss with my stepson at his request.
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
I'm not sure why I liked it so much. Something about hidden children really moved me.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
For it's intended age group, I thought it was very good.
Mod
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title? There's something poetic about it
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
Only a couple chapters in, but so far yes. Although starting this with the title in mine, I've been paying attention to those things that could prove innocent and in the end be killed.
-What are you reading this week?Fates and Furies
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
The alliteration and just the words.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
It was so good! My second favourite book this year. (A Little Life) was my favourite.
-What are you reading this week?The Forgetting Time
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
Something that sounds good to the ear and makes you want to know more.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
I think it fit the subject very well and I quite enjoyed the book.
-What are you reading this week? Salt to the Sea-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title? I just really liked the title and I feel the cover helped with it.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title? Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was pretty well done.
I am reading Last Ride to Graceland. I think the title has a nice ring to it! Reminds me of the song "Last Train to Clarksville". So far, the book is good enought to deserve such a beautiful title!
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy MontgomeryI am fascinated by octopuses and the title really beckoned me. I am also familiar with another book by the author, so overall I was very motivated to read this book.intrigued me also.
Yes, the book was beautiful.. The octopus really is a beautiful, soulful creature.
For this week, I tried to reread
.In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
The image it conjures up of a defiant, older woman is what makes it beautiful.
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
I remember loving this book when I was younger, so I thought I would reread it. It isn't sticking with me, for some reason this time around.
I read The Forgotten Garden.The title reminded me of the beautiful movie the Secret Garden, which I loved as a child. I really enjoyed the book, which I thought had a twist of Secret Garden, Anastasia, and Snow White throughout the story. There was mystery, romance, historical fiction, and fairy tale stories. I love how the story jumps around through three different time periods with the plot weaving through all three!
What are you reading this week?If on a Winter's Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino
In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
I find it very poetic, with a beautiful flow to it.
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
I'm about to start it, so I'm not sure yet. This is one of my most looked-forward to books from the challenge this year. Fingers crossed.
-What are you reading this week?
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
Besides the WORD Beautiful, the title evokes a hopefulness and permanence that are inviting
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
At least one of my friends thought so. I am just starting it but am hopeful that it will be so.
-What are you reading this week?By the Pricking of My Thumbs, by Agatha Christie
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
It's a Shakespearean quote from Macbeth, I think - it's haunting.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
From memory, it's not one of Dame Agatha's better books, but she is such a superb writer that I'm going to re-read and see what I think.
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-What are you reading this week? I read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title? It so beautiful in a sad, heart-breaking way.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title? Absolutely! There is so much going on in the book with all of the different characters, their sense of loneliness, isolation and struggles with identity.
What are you reading this week? Under the Wide and Starry Sky
In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title? Brings to mind beautiful imagery.
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title? Absolutely. The story of the beautiful love story of Robert Louis Stevenson and his American wife and forever true love Fanny Osbourne. I think I fell a little in love with Louis (as she called him) myself.
I read The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. I find the title poetic and playful, like it is inviting you to imagine whole worlds in your backyard. Which is kind of a summary of the book. Beautiful and atmospheric, full of magic - and somewhat creepy.
-What are you reading this week? ...And The Stars Fell Silent-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title? It captures very well the atmosphere when you're outside in the dark, watching the never ending sky. I really like these kinds of things :)
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
Nop, I'm very sad. The title is still beautiful :(
-What are you reading this week?Limerence by Charlotte McConaghy
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
i think its a fascinating and word and sounded poetic in a way
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
i hope so! it sure fits with the theme of the trilogy: fury and melancholoy.
-What are you reading this week?I will be reading The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng.
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
The Garden of Evening Mists just sounds like such a beautiful and tranquil place to be! However from the blurb it sounds like the gardener in question had some horrific wartime experience and so I expect it may be a rough ride.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
Not started it yet but the cover is just as beautiful as the title I think! (in hardback it is stunning - not sure the 3D effect translates in this thumbnail but it really is lovely)
What are you reading this week?The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
I don't really know why...I just like it lol. I think it's all in the word "unbecoming"
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
I thought the title perfectly described the plot of the book. Basically a girl who is becoming undone and possibly going crazy. I am not 100% behind the ending of the book. I will continue the series, and I am really hoping that it will stay in the psychological aspect of it all. *fingers crossed*
-What are you reading this week?The Smell of Other People's Houses
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
There is a lot of longing, reflection and emotion in that title. And it gets me immediately started on thinking about houses I've visited that harbor a particular smell
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
No - but others (Publishers Weekly i.e.) think differently. The scene in which the heroine contemplates the smell aspect was very unimportant. But all in all the title fits, because all four narrators were not comfortable/satisfied with their own family and situation. Two of them were really jealous of their peers and their lot in life.
-What are you reading this week?The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
There is a lot of information in the title and it makes me wonder what will happen in the book.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
The book was ok, but not one of my favorites.
What are you reading this week?Let The Great World Spin by Colum McCann
In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
The title comes from the Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem Locksley Hall. Although it's classically poetic, it captures contemporary New York and the lives of contemporary New Yorkers perfectly
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
Yes, it's a beautifully spun tale
What are you reading this week?I just finished reading Gone With the Wind, it took me a lot longer than a week to finish it though!
In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
I'm not really sure, I just like it.
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
Yes, I think so.
-What are you reading this week?This week I read A Thousand Pieces of You.
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
The title is somewhat poetic in its own right, but it's a beautiful fit with a story involving parallel universes.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title? I really enjoyed the book, so I think so. I'm looking forward to the next one.
-What are you reading this week?I just finished Life is Awesome by Jordan Castillo Price
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
I'm sure we are all after an awesome life - what is more beautiful than that??
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
It was the third book in the Mnevermind series and I really enjoyed it, so yep!
-What are you reading this week? Ööliblikas by Katja Kettu-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title? Butterflies are beautiful, even moths. :)
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title? It was a very interesting book and it deserved such a beautiful titel.
The Song Before it is Sung-What are you reading this week?
The Song Before It Is Sung by Justin Cartwright.
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
No explanation surely, such a beautiful title
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
Not really good book but not excellent.
-What are you reading this week?South of the Border, West of the Sun
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
It just sounds poetic to me.
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
Yes! Murakami's writing is absolutely beautiful and profound.
What are you reading this week?With Love from the Inside
In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
It just sounded pretty.
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
Yes, definitely!
What are you reading this week?The Dust That Falls from Dreams by Louis de Bernières
In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
This selection was a rare case in which I chose a random book off of the library shelf because of its title and not its cover. I could not escape its pull. The title radiated such an ethereal sense of hope with its melodic vagueness that I had to learn more about it.
Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?
We shall see.
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
A Thousand Pieces of You (other topics)The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (other topics)
A Thousand Splendid Suns (other topics)
Caribbean Chill (other topics)
Everything is Illuminated (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Khaled Hosseini (other topics)Jonathan Safran Foer (other topics)
Lisa Kleypas (other topics)
Katja Kettu (other topics)
Tan Twan Eng (other topics)
More...
Suggestions for this week:
Most Poetic Book Titles
Books With Pretty Titles
Most Beautiful YA Titles
Books With Titles That Sound Great
To discuss the book, don't forget to add it in the A-Z folders or join the existing discussion.
Progress Post:
-What are you reading this week?
-In your opinion, what makes this a beautiful title?
-Was the book good enough to deserve such a beautiful title?