1JoeB1934
I have been involved with LibraryThing only since 2021, but have been reading a lot for the last 50 years, at some volume. When I joined LT I had evolved from being a British mystery devotee to the broader category of literary mystery reader. I now consider myself a fan of literary fiction books which contain an element of suspense.
My reading doesn't focus on any genres, geography, or epochs. Is the story well-written and does it contain an element of suspense. I am not trying to 'solve' a mystery but rather understanding how the characters in the story deal with the unknowns in their life.
In later posts I will enumerate my most memorable books for 2023, 2024 and 2025 YTD.
In case you wonder what a literary mystery book is like I would mention that my gold standard for such book is Possession by A. S. Byatt
My reading doesn't focus on any genres, geography, or epochs. Is the story well-written and does it contain an element of suspense. I am not trying to 'solve' a mystery but rather understanding how the characters in the story deal with the unknowns in their life.
In later posts I will enumerate my most memorable books for 2023, 2024 and 2025 YTD.
In case you wonder what a literary mystery book is like I would mention that my gold standard for such book is Possession by A. S. Byatt
4JoeB1934
These are the books I have found to be memorable for me in 2025. I have read quite a few additional books but my practice is to DNF books as soon as I decide they aren't good enough to finish. At 90 years old I need to focus on the very best books.
Memorable Books in 2025 YTD 05-24
Memorable Books in 2025 YTD 05-24
6countrylife
Hello, JoeB! Welcome to 75! Your memorable books contain some of my favorite reads, as well. So, I perused the titles you posted and have added even more to my library list for later. I'm looking forward to being able to tell you that I enjoyed them, too.
Side note: Our libraries share 447 of the same titles!
Side note: Our libraries share 447 of the same titles!
7JoeB1934
>6 countrylife: I'm pleased to make acquaintance whit another reader who shares some of the interests that I have. I like to display the covers because viewing them reactivates my emotions about them in a stronger way than just titles/authors do.
I should also mention that I only 'read' these books in audio format. That medium triggers my interest in a similar way to the covers.
Many of these books are from well-known authors, while others are new discoveries that I look forward to reading more of.
I will have to take a look at your library to see what works we share.
I should also mention that I only 'read' these books in audio format. That medium triggers my interest in a similar way to the covers.
Many of these books are from well-known authors, while others are new discoveries that I look forward to reading more of.
I will have to take a look at your library to see what works we share.
8JoeB1934
These are the books I have found to be memorable for me in 2025. I have read quite a few additional books but my practice is to DNF books as soon as I decide they aren't good enough to finish. At 90 years old I need to focus on the very best books.
Memorable Books in 2025 YTD 05-24
Memorable Books in 2025 YTD 05-24
9countrylife
Hi, JoeB! How has your reading been going since May? Looking forward to hearing what new character-driven books you've discovered.
I counted up the books on your list that I have previously read – 19 shared reads! I rated the ones with elements of fantasy probably rather less than you would. It is not a genre I enjoy as much but still dip into here and there.
My top five of those shared reads were:
The Weight of Ink
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store
A Gentleman in Moscow
Anxious People
The Remains of the Day
Using your list of Memorable Books, I have since completed:
A Long, long way - 4*
The Frozen River – 4.5*
The Quiet Librarian - 4*
Things in Jars – 3.5*
And am currently reading – Normal Rules Don't Apply.
Would love to see an update from you! Happy (audio) reading!
I counted up the books on your list that I have previously read – 19 shared reads! I rated the ones with elements of fantasy probably rather less than you would. It is not a genre I enjoy as much but still dip into here and there.
My top five of those shared reads were:
The Weight of Ink
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store
A Gentleman in Moscow
Anxious People
The Remains of the Day
Using your list of Memorable Books, I have since completed:
A Long, long way - 4*
The Frozen River – 4.5*
The Quiet Librarian - 4*
Things in Jars – 3.5*
And am currently reading – Normal Rules Don't Apply.
Would love to see an update from you! Happy (audio) reading!
10JoeB1934
When I looked at your library I was amazed at our similarities in the books we read but amazed at how different your list of favorite authors is!
The book universe is so vast that two readers with similar reading preferences can operate in different galaxy's.
I have been working very hard over the last few months totally revising the method I use to find books to read. If you are interested you can see what I'm doing at:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/372913#n8925936
I will be updating my thinking about this approach in the next few days.
The book universe is so vast that two readers with similar reading preferences can operate in different galaxy's.
I have been working very hard over the last few months totally revising the method I use to find books to read. If you are interested you can see what I'm doing at:
https://www.librarything.com/topic/372913#n8925936
I will be updating my thinking about this approach in the next few days.
11PaulCranswick
Nice to see you posting again Joe and thank you to Cindy for keeping in touch.
I don't know how I overlooked welcoming you to the group. I apologize for that but better late than never!
I don't know how I overlooked welcoming you to the group. I apologize for that but better late than never!
14JoeB1934
......................... My Focus on Genres tells me a lot about why I loved these books
16JoeB1934
Reading books can be driven by genre preferences like my reading is. However, we must ALWAYS respond to books that simply sound terrifically well suited to you as a person, regardless of genre.
Just this morning I read about a new book that is so interesting that I am using an Audible credit so I can read it before the 15 week hold wait. The book is When The Crane Flies South by Lisa Ridzen translated from Swedish.
The extensive description of the book is:
INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE SWEDISH BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD • A profoundly moving debut novel that follows an elderly man’s attempts to mend his relationship with his son before it’s too late: an emotional story of love, friendship, fatherhood, dogs, and atonement that is already an international sensation. One of those ‘you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to buy twenty copies and give them to everyone you love’ books.” —Fredrik Backman, bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, in The New Yorker “A powerful, sneakily emotional meditation on life and death, and the foundational relationships in our lives. This is a book that will echo in your soul.” —Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the RainBo is running out of time. Yet time is one of the few things he’s got left. These days, his quiet existence is broken up only by daily visits from his home care team. Fortunately, he still has his beloved elkhound Sixten to keep him company … though now his son, with whom Bo has had a rocky relationship, insists upon taking the dog away, claiming that Bo has grown too old to properly care for him. The threat of losing Sixten stirs up a whirlwind of emotion, leading Bo to take stock of his life, his relationships, and the imperfect way he’s expressed his love over the years.
The sentence: "The threat of losing Sixten stirs up a whirlwind of emotion, leading Bo to take stock of his life, his relationships, and the imperfect way he’s expressed his love over the years" expresses similarities with me at the age of 91.
Just this morning I read about a new book that is so interesting that I am using an Audible credit so I can read it before the 15 week hold wait. The book is When The Crane Flies South by Lisa Ridzen translated from Swedish.
The extensive description of the book is:
INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE SWEDISH BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD • A profoundly moving debut novel that follows an elderly man’s attempts to mend his relationship with his son before it’s too late: an emotional story of love, friendship, fatherhood, dogs, and atonement that is already an international sensation. One of those ‘you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to buy twenty copies and give them to everyone you love’ books.” —Fredrik Backman, bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, in The New Yorker “A powerful, sneakily emotional meditation on life and death, and the foundational relationships in our lives. This is a book that will echo in your soul.” —Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the RainBo is running out of time. Yet time is one of the few things he’s got left. These days, his quiet existence is broken up only by daily visits from his home care team. Fortunately, he still has his beloved elkhound Sixten to keep him company … though now his son, with whom Bo has had a rocky relationship, insists upon taking the dog away, claiming that Bo has grown too old to properly care for him. The threat of losing Sixten stirs up a whirlwind of emotion, leading Bo to take stock of his life, his relationships, and the imperfect way he’s expressed his love over the years.
The sentence: "The threat of losing Sixten stirs up a whirlwind of emotion, leading Bo to take stock of his life, his relationships, and the imperfect way he’s expressed his love over the years" expresses similarities with me at the age of 91.
17countrylife
>10 JoeB1934: : Funny about the favorite authors. It's probably been more than 10 years since I updated anything on my profile. My current favorites are vastly different!
I understand about the genre thing. When I'm looking for book ideas, I tagmash one of my favorite genres (for me - usually biographical fiction, historical fiction, historical mystery or mystery) with the time period I seek. Especially helpful for finding books for the Reading Through Time group, where we're currently reading books set or written in the 18th century.
I understand about the genre thing. When I'm looking for book ideas, I tagmash one of my favorite genres (for me - usually biographical fiction, historical fiction, historical mystery or mystery) with the time period I seek. Especially helpful for finding books for the Reading Through Time group, where we're currently reading books set or written in the 18th century.
18m.belljackson
>16 JoeB1934: Hello Joe - I just saw When Cranes Fly South on another book recommended site.
At age 81 here, it definitely feels like it will resonate!
At age 81 here, it definitely feels like it will resonate!
19JoeB1934
>18 m.belljackson: Yes, these are the years for reflections and memories. In my case I lost my dog Percy who had been my all-day/every-day companion for a decade.
20m.belljackson
Hi again today, Joe - I just opened my really old folder of "Writings - 2016"
and found this on little squares of paper -
"He knew that a dog was what he needed.
Yes, of course, he loved his daughter and wife beyond imagining,
but the daily company, the close touch,
the long, tender, and sometimes challenging walks with his dog
had been the best of his days, really of his life -
to love and be loved
in a way that only another dog would bring.
He so wanted a stray to just come and choose him, then ..."
I sure miss my dogs! Too hard now to get out for those walks in Wisconsin snow!
Peace, Marianne
and found this on little squares of paper -
"He knew that a dog was what he needed.
Yes, of course, he loved his daughter and wife beyond imagining,
but the daily company, the close touch,
the long, tender, and sometimes challenging walks with his dog
had been the best of his days, really of his life -
to love and be loved
in a way that only another dog would bring.
He so wanted a stray to just come and choose him, then ..."
I sure miss my dogs! Too hard now to get out for those walks in Wisconsin snow!
Peace, Marianne
21JoeB1934
>20 m.belljackson: Those words so precisely describe my feelings that I am astounded. Thank you so much for posting them.
This is a view of Percy every day when I drove to various walking trails.
As many fellow walkers observed: "your dog is taking you for a walk". His terrier personality meant he explored while I walked behind the expandable leash.
This is a view of Percy every day when I drove to various walking trails.
As many fellow walkers observed: "your dog is taking you for a walk". His terrier personality meant he explored while I walked behind the expandable leash.
22PaulCranswick
>17 countrylife: That is so true, Cindy. I need to go and look at that and update. How many of us put that our reading was eclectic and are now cringing?!
>21 JoeB1934: Percy is such a cute wee thing. Not a bad thing to be taken for a walk whichever does the taking!
>21 JoeB1934: Percy is such a cute wee thing. Not a bad thing to be taken for a walk whichever does the taking!
23JoeB1934
Last night I began reading When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen and early on I could understand the main character and the story which would unfold as it progressed. This led me to look up details about the author, Lisa Ridzen.
Lisa Ridzén is a doctoral student in sociology, researching masculinity norms in the rural communities of the Swedish far north, where she herself was raised and now lives in a small village outside of Östersund. The idea for her debut novel came from the discovery of notes her grandfather's care team had left the family as he neared the end of his life.
I also asked Copilot to provide an overall summary of the book:
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén is a poignant and introspective debut novel that explores aging, autonomy, and the emotional complexities of family and memory.
The novel uses a deeply personal narrative style, often addressing Fredrika directly in the second person (“du”), which adds intimacy and emotional weight. Ridzén doesn’t shy away from the raw realities of aging—bodily decline, emotional vulnerability, and the quiet dignity of holding on to one’s identity.
How does this story relate to me?
On the surface we are somewhat similar. Both about 90 and having a dog that is very important to our lives. However, our lives couldn't be more dissimilar.
I live with my daughter and am in excellent health. Yes, I do have problems coming up with names of people and books, but checkups don't come up with any condition that can't be controlled by normal medications.
An important similarity is the urge to document my life history so that family members and descendants will know the factual side of my life.
Soon after my 90th birthday I determined to document major events in my life. First, I spent several months documenting 40 years of my professional life using Google Slides as the form of documentation.
Part of this year was a visit with all family members to old Wyoming haunts from my childhood. It was on that trip that our beloved dog Percy died of heart failure.
The next 2 posts will document his passing from our lives.
Lisa Ridzén is a doctoral student in sociology, researching masculinity norms in the rural communities of the Swedish far north, where she herself was raised and now lives in a small village outside of Östersund. The idea for her debut novel came from the discovery of notes her grandfather's care team had left the family as he neared the end of his life.
I also asked Copilot to provide an overall summary of the book:
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén is a poignant and introspective debut novel that explores aging, autonomy, and the emotional complexities of family and memory.
The novel uses a deeply personal narrative style, often addressing Fredrika directly in the second person (“du”), which adds intimacy and emotional weight. Ridzén doesn’t shy away from the raw realities of aging—bodily decline, emotional vulnerability, and the quiet dignity of holding on to one’s identity.
How does this story relate to me?
On the surface we are somewhat similar. Both about 90 and having a dog that is very important to our lives. However, our lives couldn't be more dissimilar.
I live with my daughter and am in excellent health. Yes, I do have problems coming up with names of people and books, but checkups don't come up with any condition that can't be controlled by normal medications.
An important similarity is the urge to document my life history so that family members and descendants will know the factual side of my life.
Soon after my 90th birthday I determined to document major events in my life. First, I spent several months documenting 40 years of my professional life using Google Slides as the form of documentation.
Part of this year was a visit with all family members to old Wyoming haunts from my childhood. It was on that trip that our beloved dog Percy died of heart failure.
The next 2 posts will document his passing from our lives.
26PaulCranswick
Very moving tributes, Joe. Good for you and Percy.
27JoeB1934
>22 PaulCranswick: Do you have a Scottish background? I haven't heard the word 'wee' used very often since my Scottish mother and relatives used it.
I am half Scottish and half Slovenian.
I am half Scottish and half Slovenian.
28PaulCranswick
>27 JoeB1934: My background is Northern English, Joe, but I have lived in Malaysia for over 30 years. I have Irish antecedents and have a business partner from Saltcoats near Glasgow.
30JoeB1934
I am concentrating my reading using the genre focused analyses I have been working on since my 91st birthday. I have found that there are loads of books I have found that really interest me and this has caused me to choose The Best of The Best in order to whittle the list down to numbers I actually might read over the next year.
32JoeB1934
As I refine my searching for books which are truly outstanding reads I continue to come up with Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. So I have checked put the audio version from the DPL.
33JoeB1934
My current analysis has identified way more books than I can expect to read over the next year. A very long term favorite in books has been Historical Mysteries so I have identified 23 of them to focus on my reading for the next year.
These books will combine nicely with Books on Hold with Libby that represent my reading outside of Historical Mysteries.
These books will combine nicely with Books on Hold with Libby that represent my reading outside of Historical Mysteries.
34countrylife
What a lovely memoriam for Percy. We don't often get such a companion.
Your next year's book list is fun to peruse. I know a lot of people here love Laurie R. King. I started reading one of hers some years back, until I realized I'd grabbed one that was obviously part of a series, so I abandoned it till I had a chance to start at the beginning; still haven't gotten around to it. So many books! So little time! I did start the Ellis Peters series in order, though I haven't gotten very far. It's quite enjoyable! I hated the only Mary Balogh I've read - she spent way more time on the bodice ripper segments than the story. The Marriage Portrait was a four-star read for me, even though I thought the ending was contrived. My For-Later list at the library shares several others on your list.
Looking forward to seeing what you think of your next reads!
Your next year's book list is fun to peruse. I know a lot of people here love Laurie R. King. I started reading one of hers some years back, until I realized I'd grabbed one that was obviously part of a series, so I abandoned it till I had a chance to start at the beginning; still haven't gotten around to it. So many books! So little time! I did start the Ellis Peters series in order, though I haven't gotten very far. It's quite enjoyable! I hated the only Mary Balogh I've read - she spent way more time on the bodice ripper segments than the story. The Marriage Portrait was a four-star read for me, even though I thought the ending was contrived. My For-Later list at the library shares several others on your list.
Looking forward to seeing what you think of your next reads!
35almin
>32 JoeB1934: Bel Canto is one of my favorite books, as a gift to myself I bought the hardback annotated by the author. Favorite quote that made it to my commonplace book:
"Some people are born to make great art and others are born to appreciate it. … It is a kind of talent in itself, to be an audience, whether you are the spectator in the gallery or you are listening to the voice of the world's greatest soprano. Not everyone can be the artist. There have to be those who witness the art, who love and appreciate what they have been privileged to see.”
"Some people are born to make great art and others are born to appreciate it. … It is a kind of talent in itself, to be an audience, whether you are the spectator in the gallery or you are listening to the voice of the world's greatest soprano. Not everyone can be the artist. There have to be those who witness the art, who love and appreciate what they have been privileged to see.”
36JoeB1934
>35 almin: Thank you so much for that quotation!
I have come to this age having been affected so much by being an audience to remarkable artists of all 'genres'.
These experiences have shaped myself and all members of my family in profound ways. Both daughters with master's degrees in music. My granddaughter has a degree in art history, and she has used her writing skills on stories about artists of some importance.
Madeleine actually is an artist in writing, poetry and other visual mediums.
I have come to this age having been affected so much by being an audience to remarkable artists of all 'genres'.
These experiences have shaped myself and all members of my family in profound ways. Both daughters with master's degrees in music. My granddaughter has a degree in art history, and she has used her writing skills on stories about artists of some importance.
Madeleine actually is an artist in writing, poetry and other visual mediums.
38JoeB1934
As part of my searching for my next 'Best of the Best' books I have developed an interesting methodology with a lot of promise.
I tested the method out on the 124 books which I have called Memorable for the years: 2023, 2024 and 2025 YTD.
The algorithm designated 53 books as the best books I called memorable. These are the covers for those books
It is very noteworthy that this list truly captures the books that I most loved and remembered for those years.
I tested the method out on the 124 books which I have called Memorable for the years: 2023, 2024 and 2025 YTD.
The algorithm designated 53 books as the best books I called memorable. These are the covers for those books
It is very noteworthy that this list truly captures the books that I most loved and remembered for those years.
39JoeB1934
I applied this algorithm on ALL 450 books read during that same 2023-2025 time period. It came up with 99 books that I could have designated as Memorable.
This means that about 1/4 of the books I read in those years would have produced the same amount of 'reading enjoyment' as reading the whole 450 books.
Of course, during those times I didn't have a very good method for choosing what to read. At this time in my life, I must eliminate wasting time on 'good' books in preference for the 'best' books for me personally.
I plan to apply this algorithm to my huge TBR list to find the top 100 books for me to read going forward into 2026.
I will report soon on the books in that list.
This means that about 1/4 of the books I read in those years would have produced the same amount of 'reading enjoyment' as reading the whole 450 books.
Of course, during those times I didn't have a very good method for choosing what to read. At this time in my life, I must eliminate wasting time on 'good' books in preference for the 'best' books for me personally.
I plan to apply this algorithm to my huge TBR list to find the top 100 books for me to read going forward into 2026.
I will report soon on the books in that list.
40drneutron
>39 JoeB1934: What are you using to implement your algorithm?
41m.belljackson
>39 JoeB1934: You might want to add Montana author Ivan Doig to your future reading, starting with English Creek
and ending ten books later with a lovely black and white photo essay Inside This House of Sky -
my favorite today is that old Baseball Classic, THE BROTHERS K.
and ending ten books later with a lovely black and white photo essay Inside This House of Sky -
my favorite today is that old Baseball Classic, THE BROTHERS K.
42JoeB1934
>40 drneutron: My algorithm is a complex process whose objective is to identify the Genres & Sub-Genres for every book I have read over 60 years, and for every book in my TBR.
The website FictionDB.com is the source for genre tags for all of these books. I have read about 2000 books, and I have a TBR of about 1000 books.
I chose to use FDB because all of their books have been reviewed and given tags which come from a prescribed set of genres, sub-genres, themes and time periods.
Since I have so many books it was totally impossible to obtain these tags book-by-book, so I had to create two linked Excel workbooks to obtain what I desired.
The website FictionDB.com is the source for genre tags for all of these books. I have read about 2000 books, and I have a TBR of about 1000 books.
I chose to use FDB because all of their books have been reviewed and given tags which come from a prescribed set of genres, sub-genres, themes and time periods.
Since I have so many books it was totally impossible to obtain these tags book-by-book, so I had to create two linked Excel workbooks to obtain what I desired.
43JoeB1934
>41 m.belljackson: Thank you for those comments. Ivan Doig has been one of my favorite authors for decades but I haven't read English Creek so it will be added.
You are the only member that has mentioned THE BROTHERS K to me, which I have read.
You are the only member that has mentioned THE BROTHERS K to me, which I have read.
44m.belljackson
>43 JoeB1934: Not sure if these books are also on your lists -
I'm re-reading ARCTIC DREAMS and THE GEOLOGICAL STORY, a few pages a night, both for the third time.
Both English Creek and another of my favorites, THE WHISTLING SEASON are the start of a Doig series.
I'm halfway through THE BROTHERS K and again loving the kids, the baseball leaders and the thumb/toe doctor,
but had forgotten how crazy "Mama" went.
I'm re-reading ARCTIC DREAMS and THE GEOLOGICAL STORY, a few pages a night, both for the third time.
Both English Creek and another of my favorites, THE WHISTLING SEASON are the start of a Doig series.
I'm halfway through THE BROTHERS K and again loving the kids, the baseball leaders and the thumb/toe doctor,
but had forgotten how crazy "Mama" went.
45JoeB1934
I have been reading a fabulous book about the plight of women in the 19thCentury. I am horrified with their treatment, but encouraged by the response of the women in the story. The attached screenshot from FICTIONDB provides better info than I can dictate.
46JoeB1934
My revised and current set of books on hold with Libby is as follows:
I should note that these books are simply a sample of the many books I have identified to contain my favorite mix of Genres/Sub-Genres.
Their selection was strictly made by use of the FICTIONDB genre analysis system, rather than the recommendations by the media, or other LT members.
It is interesting to me that some of these books have been identified by other LT members whose threads I follow.
Those overlaps encourage me in my independent searching for really good books for myself.
I should note that these books are simply a sample of the many books I have identified to contain my favorite mix of Genres/Sub-Genres.
Their selection was strictly made by use of the FICTIONDB genre analysis system, rather than the recommendations by the media, or other LT members.
It is interesting to me that some of these books have been identified by other LT members whose threads I follow.
Those overlaps encourage me in my independent searching for really good books for myself.
47labfs39
Although I liked The Painter by Peter Heller, I LOVED his book The Dog Stars.
48Whisper1
Hello Joe:
A good friend on LT directed me to your thread. I am so glad that she did! WOW! Look at all the books you showed above!
I'll be back during the day tomorrow to begin to check them. I have no doubt I will be adding many to my thread.
My name is Linda. My thread is Whisper 1
I've discovered a love of illustrated children's books, and I am hooked. I also read British history, murder mysteries, poems, and my thread is filled with recommendations from others.
I hope you will enjoy joining our group. We are a well-read, friendly bunch. Welcome!
A good friend on LT directed me to your thread. I am so glad that she did! WOW! Look at all the books you showed above!
I'll be back during the day tomorrow to begin to check them. I have no doubt I will be adding many to my thread.
My name is Linda. My thread is Whisper 1
I've discovered a love of illustrated children's books, and I am hooked. I also read British history, murder mysteries, poems, and my thread is filled with recommendations from others.
I hope you will enjoy joining our group. We are a well-read, friendly bunch. Welcome!
49JoeB1934
>48 Whisper1: I am pleased that you found this thread, as not many have one so.
I haven't posted for a month as I have been working hard on my analysis of the genre, and sub-genres I have preferred over my lifetime of reading. That is almost finished, and I will be posting the results soon.
I haven't posted for a month as I have been working hard on my analysis of the genre, and sub-genres I have preferred over my lifetime of reading. That is almost finished, and I will be posting the results soon.
51JoeB1934
>50 labfs39: Good that you did as I have been wanting to comment on your comment about The Painter. I already had The Dog Stars in my book candidates and I know 'precisely' why, for me I will never read The Dog Stars, but it is a favorite for you.
The presence of Science Fiction in your favorite happens to be one of my least favorite genres. I do read books which have that genre, but only as a sub-genre dimension.
When I post what I have learned about my exhaustive review of my reading history this will be displayed for everyone.
I am positive the The Dog Stars is an excellent book for you, it simply isn't one for my preferences. All book readers are unique in some ways.
The presence of Science Fiction in your favorite happens to be one of my least favorite genres. I do read books which have that genre, but only as a sub-genre dimension.
When I post what I have learned about my exhaustive review of my reading history this will be displayed for everyone.
I am positive the The Dog Stars is an excellent book for you, it simply isn't one for my preferences. All book readers are unique in some ways.
52m.belljackson
Joe - Moving to my Dog's Hometown is a new book to inspire all of us dog lovers and your devotion to Percy!
53JoeB1934
>52 m.belljackson: Thanks so much for noting this book. I will read it for sure!
That book promises a lot for how we have dealt with losing Percy. We have a new red Havanese that has helped us immensely to recover from Percy.
I will post a picture of Mr Darcy and talk about him soon.
That book promises a lot for how we have dealt with losing Percy. We have a new red Havanese that has helped us immensely to recover from Percy.
I will post a picture of Mr Darcy and talk about him soon.
54labfs39
>51 JoeB1934: Absolutely no pressure to read The Dog Stars, I just happen to think the writing was phenomenal, especially about the valley in which he lives. Heller writes about nature very well, as you saw a glimpse of in The Painter. Although dystopian, in my mind I don't think of it as science fiction. I'm not sure I would have wanted to read it during Covid, however.
I actually knew Peter back in college. We once worked on restoring a canoe together.
I actually knew Peter back in college. We once worked on restoring a canoe together.
55JoeB1934
>54 labfs39: That is remarkable, you knowing Heller! I will take a look at The Dog Stars based on what you say about his writing. It is the writing that I most appreciate in any book.
56JoeB1934
I have spoken about my search for books to read based on their Genres/Sub-Genres.
I realize that most readers evaluate a book somewhat from their genre, or the theme of the book.
I also consider these factors but, in a way, far beyond what many others do. I have always been interested in developing a deep understanding of exactly which genres/sub-genres/themes I have actually been reading over my life.
I call this understanding my Reading Fingerprint I just completed a very deep dive into the nature of the 1700 books I have read in my lifetime. The result of that project is displayed in the next post.
I realize that most readers evaluate a book somewhat from their genre, or the theme of the book.
I also consider these factors but, in a way, far beyond what many others do. I have always been interested in developing a deep understanding of exactly which genres/sub-genres/themes I have actually been reading over my life.
I call this understanding my Reading Fingerprint I just completed a very deep dive into the nature of the 1700 books I have read in my lifetime. The result of that project is displayed in the next post.
58JoeB1934
For a very long time I have thought of myself as being a reader interested in suspenseful, literary stories. It is always important to me that the stories be more historical than contemporary.
Such books are commonly labelled as Historical Mysteries. Which are only 15 percent of my books. Apparently of equal interest to me were books labelled as Women's Fiction.
The top 12 sub-genres aren't a surprise to me, including the sub-genre of Relationships . It happens that when I read almost any book I end up being mostly interested in the individuals in the story. Who they are, what are their plans, how do they deal with their life problems, etc.
I need to explain more about these numbers. Please understand that there isn't any industry accepted definition of what constitutes a sub-genre. In LT and GR the readers apply their own words to place Tags on the books they read. In reality a small fraction of the readers even bothers to do so.
IK didn't want to depend upon uncontrolled reader tags, so my numbers have all come from FICTIONDB. That system has a clearly defined set of tag definitions for:
Genres, Sub-Genres, Themes, People, Age Level and Time Period
EVERY book in their very large library has been catalogued using their definitions in a very consistent manner. My numbers were arrived at by measuring each of my 1700 books as they have categorized them. When I look at any specific book in the LT, or the GR systems I recognize consistency, by-and-large, but also variability. This variability also exists between how LT members evaluate a book and how GR members evaluate the same book.
I am so pleased that I discovered FICTIONDB earlier this year as it provided me with a deep insight into the nature of the books I have read.
Such books are commonly labelled as Historical Mysteries. Which are only 15 percent of my books. Apparently of equal interest to me were books labelled as Women's Fiction.
The top 12 sub-genres aren't a surprise to me, including the sub-genre of Relationships . It happens that when I read almost any book I end up being mostly interested in the individuals in the story. Who they are, what are their plans, how do they deal with their life problems, etc.
I need to explain more about these numbers. Please understand that there isn't any industry accepted definition of what constitutes a sub-genre. In LT and GR the readers apply their own words to place Tags on the books they read. In reality a small fraction of the readers even bothers to do so.
IK didn't want to depend upon uncontrolled reader tags, so my numbers have all come from FICTIONDB. That system has a clearly defined set of tag definitions for:
Genres, Sub-Genres, Themes, People, Age Level and Time Period
EVERY book in their very large library has been catalogued using their definitions in a very consistent manner. My numbers were arrived at by measuring each of my 1700 books as they have categorized them. When I look at any specific book in the LT, or the GR systems I recognize consistency, by-and-large, but also variability. This variability also exists between how LT members evaluate a book and how GR members evaluate the same book.
I am so pleased that I discovered FICTIONDB earlier this year as it provided me with a deep insight into the nature of the books I have read.
59JoeB1934
I have more comments I can make about this genre analysis, but they will have to wait a bit while I tend to other lifetime issues.
60labfs39
>59 JoeB1934: I hope everything is okay, Joe.
61JoeB1934
>60 labfs39: I am in excellent health for a person my age. This genre analysis has kept my mind totally occupied with learning new techniques. Walking 1.5 miles per day with Carey and Mr. Darcy.
Darcy is an absolute treasure and in no way comparable to Percy. His own personality and as smart as you can imagine. His genes came from being a circus trick dog in Havana. All of Carey's students, and parents are just in love with him and his entertainment. He is now 6 months old and here is how he looks.
He is 8 pounds and probably won't get much larger His hair is very silky when brushed. He really loves to run and launches into what we call 'zoomies' which involves him running at a max speed weaving in and around furniture into other rooms and back. Sometimes with the sock of one of the kids. He is 'velcro' ' attached to Carey and never leaves her presence.
He isn't a hunter like Percy and what he really wants us to do is let him off the leash so he can run. It's never to run away, but to run around us at a speed that I can't understand.
So, things are good with me. Sorry for the phrasing that caused concern.
I am converging on my use of the genre analysis to choose really good books to read.
Darcy is an absolute treasure and in no way comparable to Percy. His own personality and as smart as you can imagine. His genes came from being a circus trick dog in Havana. All of Carey's students, and parents are just in love with him and his entertainment. He is now 6 months old and here is how he looks.
He is 8 pounds and probably won't get much larger His hair is very silky when brushed. He really loves to run and launches into what we call 'zoomies' which involves him running at a max speed weaving in and around furniture into other rooms and back. Sometimes with the sock of one of the kids. He is 'velcro' ' attached to Carey and never leaves her presence.
He isn't a hunter like Percy and what he really wants us to do is let him off the leash so he can run. It's never to run away, but to run around us at a speed that I can't understand.
So, things are good with me. Sorry for the phrasing that caused concern.
I am converging on my use of the genre analysis to choose really good books to read.
63m.belljackson
Mr. Darcy looks ready to take All of Us for a nice Long Run!
64almin
>58 JoeB1934: I agree about the tags in LT and GR, the variety is vast, from very specific to extremely broad and generic. I think tags are a personal choice in how a reader wants to categorize or track their books, so it would be difficult to use them for tracking your own Reading Fingerprint.
I have loved your idea of a reading fingerprint and appreciate the analysis you developed for my reading journey. I've recently moved toward reading classics (Victorian Literature is my favorite) and Virago and Persephone published books by female writers. I appreciate your love of mysteries, it is a favorite genre of mine, but I realized after listening to a few podcasts about 'backlisted' books there are so many wonderful books that are forgotten (out of print) that deserve an audience. Few women writers from the early 20th century got the audience they deserved, so I'm trying to catch up on some of the writers I have come to admire.
I will look into FICTIONDB to help categorize my books into comprehensive genres to analyze my reading journey. Thanks for the suggestion....
Also, Mr.Percy is adorable, we recently (in the early year) adopted a new puppy, about five years after our 15 year old border collie passed and are still adjusting to having a lively pet in our lives.
I have loved your idea of a reading fingerprint and appreciate the analysis you developed for my reading journey. I've recently moved toward reading classics (Victorian Literature is my favorite) and Virago and Persephone published books by female writers. I appreciate your love of mysteries, it is a favorite genre of mine, but I realized after listening to a few podcasts about 'backlisted' books there are so many wonderful books that are forgotten (out of print) that deserve an audience. Few women writers from the early 20th century got the audience they deserved, so I'm trying to catch up on some of the writers I have come to admire.
I will look into FICTIONDB to help categorize my books into comprehensive genres to analyze my reading journey. Thanks for the suggestion....
Also, Mr.Percy is adorable, we recently (in the early year) adopted a new puppy, about five years after our 15 year old border collie passed and are still adjusting to having a lively pet in our lives.
65JoeB1934
What Have I Learned from my analysis of 1800 books I have read?
Through use of some advanced computer software, I was able to extract from FICTIONDB a complete set of Tags for every one of my 1800 books I have read in my lifetime.
The advantage of using FDB is that all books have Genres/Sub-Genres/Themes attached to every book from a consistent set of definitions.
Tier A is very consistent with what I have always considered my main interests. But I didn't know how my interests were distributed. Of special note is that I have recently
become aware of my interests In Women's Fiction. I have always described myself as being interested in Literary Mysteries. This clearly shows in the top of Tier A.
I also have known for several years that when evaluating the books I really love the books that have a combination of Tags from many tiers come up very high in my estimation.
For example, Bel Canto has the following tags attached to the book:
Suspense,General Fiction,Literary,Mystery,Historical,Women's Fiction,Crime,Romance,Psychological Suspense,Action Adventure,Small Town,Coming of Age
This is very appropriate for a book which I consider among the very best that I have read in my lifetime.
I will describe in a later post how I am using this information to find the best books for me to read at this age.
Through use of some advanced computer software, I was able to extract from FICTIONDB a complete set of Tags for every one of my 1800 books I have read in my lifetime.
The advantage of using FDB is that all books have Genres/Sub-Genres/Themes attached to every book from a consistent set of definitions.
Tier A is very consistent with what I have always considered my main interests. But I didn't know how my interests were distributed. Of special note is that I have recently
become aware of my interests In Women's Fiction. I have always described myself as being interested in Literary Mysteries. This clearly shows in the top of Tier A.
I also have known for several years that when evaluating the books I really love the books that have a combination of Tags from many tiers come up very high in my estimation.
For example, Bel Canto has the following tags attached to the book:
Suspense,General Fiction,Literary,Mystery,Historical,Women's Fiction,Crime,Romance,Psychological Suspense,Action Adventure,Small Town,Coming of Age
This is very appropriate for a book which I consider among the very best that I have read in my lifetime.
I will describe in a later post how I am using this information to find the best books for me to read at this age.
66JoeB1934
This is Mr Darcy as he is disputing the idea that he needs to put his snow coat on
But, after some 'persuasion' we went on the golf course without a leash as the first snow arrived in Denver. He went absolutely 'wild' with delight running 100 to 300 ft. zoomies at max speed'.
He loved the snow and a golf course maintenance came by and he was overjoyed to see Darcy. He said "this makes my day! "
The only downside was that he accumulated snow balls on the long hair on his legs. We have a more complete snow outfit with leggings that stops that.
But, after some 'persuasion' we went on the golf course without a leash as the first snow arrived in Denver. He went absolutely 'wild' with delight running 100 to 300 ft. zoomies at max speed'.
He loved the snow and a golf course maintenance came by and he was overjoyed to see Darcy. He said "this makes my day! "
The only downside was that he accumulated snow balls on the long hair on his legs. We have a more complete snow outfit with leggings that stops that.
67JoeB1934
This is Mr Darcy eating sour cream leavings from Cary's birthday meal
This picture doesn't accurately portray the fine silky hair that Darcy has. Champion Havanese dogs have it hanging to near the floor.
The sour cream dish was there because we celebrated Carey's 68th birthday with a meal of Borscht and Inside-Out German Chocolate cake. The cake was from a 2000 Gourmet magazine that Carey had longed for ever since.
It is a very complex masterpiece that Shelley took all day to make for her sister.
This picture doesn't accurately portray the fine silky hair that Darcy has. Champion Havanese dogs have it hanging to near the floor.
The sour cream dish was there because we celebrated Carey's 68th birthday with a meal of Borscht and Inside-Out German Chocolate cake. The cake was from a 2000 Gourmet magazine that Carey had longed for ever since.
It is a very complex masterpiece that Shelley took all day to make for her sister.
68labfs39
I love the photos of Mr. Darcy and hearing about Carey's birthday celebration. Looks scrumptious and I love borscht.
69JoeB1934
My family has always given books for everything from childbirth to birthdays and celebrations. In recent years I haven't given books because the serious book readers know what they like and other members don't have time, etc.
Having spent so much time on my reading history I decided to choose books important to me and matching books to each family member, knowing them like I do.
I queried every member as to their preference as to hard back/paper/audio but not what books I will give them at Christmas. They are quite excited.
Here are the covers I have selected and purchased appropriate to each person. These choices are all important to me, but certainly isn't a list of my personal interests.
Having spent so much time on my reading history I decided to choose books important to me and matching books to each family member, knowing them like I do.
I queried every member as to their preference as to hard back/paper/audio but not what books I will give them at Christmas. They are quite excited.
Here are the covers I have selected and purchased appropriate to each person. These choices are all important to me, but certainly isn't a list of my personal interests.
70JoeB1934
As part of my research I gathered a variety of stats about my library. The results are presented below. After which I will explain the terminology.
71JoeB1934
I fully realize that your eyes are glassed over with this presentation. Why in the world would I go to all the trouble to develop such information?
My purpose was to help me locate the most excellent candidates to read. I have described this in the past as finding 5 Star books that have the attributes which meet with my interests.
A simple explanation is to hypothetically select the best books to read in a TBR of 500 books. (I must note that I don't have a physical library, so my TBR is as large as I want it to be)
I have in the past built a TBR by using another LT member's mentions about books they have read and reviewed. There are a couple of such members that I probably would be quite satisfied reading such books.
But even in such a case I need to look at the LT, or GR description of each book to help me determine if I would enjoy that book. Unfortunately, such descriptions don't usually tag the book with phrases like Literary Mystery and, even in GR which lists Top Shelves for a book is based on readers that might not even regard books alike.
This year I determined that using FICTIODB could provide me with a method to find books according to my personal preferences without regard to any other readers.
My purpose was to help me locate the most excellent candidates to read. I have described this in the past as finding 5 Star books that have the attributes which meet with my interests.
A simple explanation is to hypothetically select the best books to read in a TBR of 500 books. (I must note that I don't have a physical library, so my TBR is as large as I want it to be)
I have in the past built a TBR by using another LT member's mentions about books they have read and reviewed. There are a couple of such members that I probably would be quite satisfied reading such books.
But even in such a case I need to look at the LT, or GR description of each book to help me determine if I would enjoy that book. Unfortunately, such descriptions don't usually tag the book with phrases like Literary Mystery and, even in GR which lists Top Shelves for a book is based on readers that might not even regard books alike.
This year I determined that using FICTIODB could provide me with a method to find books according to my personal preferences without regard to any other readers.
73JoeB1934
As part of my research I gathered a variety of stats about my library. The results are presented below. After which I will explain the terminology.
74JoeB1934
I imagine that pretty much anyone who has stumbled upon this chat is about to abandon ship. I will bring this to the point where you can see how my reading life resembles all of these stats.
I certainly confirmed that my 3 favorite genres are: Literary, Suspense, Historical
It isn't that I expect, or often find books that have all these genres, but they are prevalent in high numbers. Generally speaking I find about 40% of my books to be in one, or more of these genres.
My 117 memorable books are remarkably consistent in the percentages across all 3 genres.
The 3 columns all labeled TOP aren't genres. What they are is a measure of the general quality of a book from the perspective of the FICTIONDB genre system.
Note, especially the ALL-TOP numbers. Very surprising to me is the 39% rating for my Memorable books of 2022-2025. That is the same value as for my 3 main genres.
Another interesting number is the 51% for my TBR. This arrives because in creating a brand-new TBR I used FDB search routines.
The bottom line with all these weeks of data analysis is that when I see a book being recommended to me from any source I :
Check to see if ANY of my primary genres LITERARY, SUSPENSE, or HISTORICAL are attached to the book by FDB.
If any of the key genres are present, I will test to see if the book is also marked as a TOP100, or TOP500 book.
I certainly confirmed that my 3 favorite genres are: Literary, Suspense, Historical
It isn't that I expect, or often find books that have all these genres, but they are prevalent in high numbers. Generally speaking I find about 40% of my books to be in one, or more of these genres.
My 117 memorable books are remarkably consistent in the percentages across all 3 genres.
The 3 columns all labeled TOP aren't genres. What they are is a measure of the general quality of a book from the perspective of the FICTIONDB genre system.
Note, especially the ALL-TOP numbers. Very surprising to me is the 39% rating for my Memorable books of 2022-2025. That is the same value as for my 3 main genres.
Another interesting number is the 51% for my TBR. This arrives because in creating a brand-new TBR I used FDB search routines.
The bottom line with all these weeks of data analysis is that when I see a book being recommended to me from any source I :
Check to see if ANY of my primary genres LITERARY, SUSPENSE, or HISTORICAL are attached to the book by FDB.
If any of the key genres are present, I will test to see if the book is also marked as a TOP100, or TOP500 book.
75JoeB1934
To put a concrete face to this process I will show the covers of the 40 books out of 117 memorable books I had during 2022-2025.
While this doesn't capture 100% of my memorable books, they are ALL very memorable to me and any process that can look at my TBR to flag books to read in 2026 will guide me in my reading at age 92.
While this doesn't capture 100% of my memorable books, they are ALL very memorable to me and any process that can look at my TBR to flag books to read in 2026 will guide me in my reading at age 92.
76JoeB1934
I want to thank you that have stuck with me through this process which is quite foreign to almost everyone else.
This post completes this thread for 2025, and I am not intending to initiate a thread in 2026. I will be reading in 2026 at a moderate volume . These books probably will focus on issues that are of more interest to me at my age than most readers.
This post completes this thread for 2025, and I am not intending to initiate a thread in 2026. I will be reading in 2026 at a moderate volume . These books probably will focus on issues that are of more interest to me at my age than most readers.
77labfs39
>76 JoeB1934: Even if you don't start a thread in 2026, I hope that you will pop in from time to time and update us on your life and reading. I wish you a joyful holiday season and many wonderful books in your future.
78m.belljackson
>76 JoeB1934: Sure hope you carry your new thread over into 2026 and, maybe then,
you will ask your LT fans to add Their favorite books of 2025...?!
you will ask your LT fans to add Their favorite books of 2025...?!
79JoeB1934
>78 m.belljackson: That is an excellent idea and it led me to the realization that I have become so obsessed with my tag searching method that I haven't lived up to the title of this thread which was to reveal the books I have been reading this year!
So, I will produce details on the books for 2025, and I encourage you to do the same for your reading.
So, I will produce details on the books for 2025, and I encourage you to do the same for your reading.
80JoeB1934
>77 labfs39: I definitely will be reading and, especially, following your reading & personal life. I can and will post occasionally on LT posts where I have something relevant to comment on.
I'm just not sure that my reading is actually contributing to other LT members.
I'm just not sure that my reading is actually contributing to other LT members.
81m.belljackson
>79 JoeB1934: I will add the books to your thread in 2026 so they don't get missed in the Holiday Shuffle.
82JoeB1934
......................................... 30 Books Read In 2025....................................
Relative to recent prior years my book reading was very limited but the quality was remarkably high. There isn't a single book on this list that I regret spending time on.
Even using the stringent criteria, I outlined in my recent presentation on Genre analysis 20 of the 30 books here are rated outstanding choices.
At one moment today I thought I would identify the books that really left me the strongest memories. It turned out that I simply couldn't reduce the list to the 'most memorable'.
Relative to recent prior years my book reading was very limited but the quality was remarkably high. There isn't a single book on this list that I regret spending time on.
Even using the stringent criteria, I outlined in my recent presentation on Genre analysis 20 of the 30 books here are rated outstanding choices.
At one moment today I thought I would identify the books that really left me the strongest memories. It turned out that I simply couldn't reduce the list to the 'most memorable'.
83JoeB1934
For those wondering how these books rank in my FDB developed system, here are the books that are premier TOP100 books.
I have other measures to rank books that produce slightly different books and I could easily combine them to produce a definitive collection which would amount to about 20 books. Thus, you could say that, historically about 2/3 of my books are truly well worth reading.
I have other measures to rank books that produce slightly different books and I could easily combine them to produce a definitive collection which would amount to about 20 books. Thus, you could say that, historically about 2/3 of my books are truly well worth reading.
84JoeB1934
One additional question about what I will be doing in LT in 2026 has occupied some time and I am now confident in what I will do next year.
My effort this year has been to refine my new book search in terms of my personal criteria.
As I have mentioned before I have mostly depended on other LT members, or media reporting to consider books to read. What I have done with such books is to read their descriptions wherever they came from and make a choice if I want to place the book on hold at my library, or purchase an audio on Audible.
This year I decide to launch out in an effort to find my own books to read using 'genres' that I prefer. The simplest statement I can make is that I prefer literary, suspenseful and historical books. As a sub-category within that description is a strong interest in what is called 'Women's Fiction'.
The title of this chat JoeB1934 Books I Am Reading in my 90's turned out to be more about my personal life in this grand search than what books I read. I have to thank @m_belljackson for bringing me back to the actual title of my chat.
It has occurred to me that this current talk is more like a personal diary of my thinking as if I was trying to explain everything to a friend, or my family. In fact, I plan to send my talk link to all my family members at the end of 2025. None of them are LT members and they only have glimpses into my book reading travails over the last year.
Thus, I have concluded that I will create for 2026 a chat titled something like JoeB1934 Book Reading Diary for 2026
It will be in 'Club Read'
I won't be pushing books for anyone else to read. Simply what I have found in my personal effort to find & read outstanding books for myself.
My effort this year has been to refine my new book search in terms of my personal criteria.
As I have mentioned before I have mostly depended on other LT members, or media reporting to consider books to read. What I have done with such books is to read their descriptions wherever they came from and make a choice if I want to place the book on hold at my library, or purchase an audio on Audible.
This year I decide to launch out in an effort to find my own books to read using 'genres' that I prefer. The simplest statement I can make is that I prefer literary, suspenseful and historical books. As a sub-category within that description is a strong interest in what is called 'Women's Fiction'.
The title of this chat JoeB1934 Books I Am Reading in my 90's turned out to be more about my personal life in this grand search than what books I read. I have to thank @m_belljackson for bringing me back to the actual title of my chat.
It has occurred to me that this current talk is more like a personal diary of my thinking as if I was trying to explain everything to a friend, or my family. In fact, I plan to send my talk link to all my family members at the end of 2025. None of them are LT members and they only have glimpses into my book reading travails over the last year.
Thus, I have concluded that I will create for 2026 a chat titled something like JoeB1934 Book Reading Diary for 2026
It will be in 'Club Read'
I won't be pushing books for anyone else to read. Simply what I have found in my personal effort to find & read outstanding books for myself.
85labfs39
I think that's a wonderful idea to share the link to your thread with your family members. I'm very glad you are going to continue sharing your musings with us next year.
86countrylife
>80 JoeB1934: : Your reading is definitely contributing to this LT member!
I've enjoying following along with your reasoning on refining your reading choices. May have to actually join the Club Read group to keep following your reading next year.
I've enjoying following along with your reasoning on refining your reading choices. May have to actually join the Club Read group to keep following your reading next year.
87m.belljackson
>84 JoeB1934: Can you also run your JoeB Book Reading diary here in 2026?
88JoeB1934
An answer to @countrylife and @m.belljackson , neither of you have to join Club Read. Anyone can follow chats from any other group without 'joining' them. When I create my 2026 talk I will post the link for the new chat and all you have to do is click that link to go to my new chat. Once there simply star it and it will always keep you up to date on what is going on there.
I certainly don't want to leave you as I have enjoyed your comments this year.
I certainly don't want to leave you as I have enjoyed your comments this year.
89JoeB1934
As part of my reporting on 2025 book reading I want to tell you of an exercise I just went through.
It started with a decision to give books as Christmas presents to my family. The thought was to give a book to each person that I thought they would enjoy reading. I asked each one of them for their preference as to format: HB/Paper/Audio.
So, I went through my list of favorites and matched them with family members that I thought would match their reading preferences. In other words, find an overlap book that I liked, and I thought they each would like.
I found about 12 books that matched this thinking. Obviously, in my 1800 book reading there are many books I could have chosen. I ended up selecting the ones that best defined myself in heritage, childhood and early reading books. This led me to construct a mini library that is totally focused on my reading without regard to anyone else.
It started with a decision to give books as Christmas presents to my family. The thought was to give a book to each person that I thought they would enjoy reading. I asked each one of them for their preference as to format: HB/Paper/Audio.
So, I went through my list of favorites and matched them with family members that I thought would match their reading preferences. In other words, find an overlap book that I liked, and I thought they each would like.
I found about 12 books that matched this thinking. Obviously, in my 1800 book reading there are many books I could have chosen. I ended up selecting the ones that best defined myself in heritage, childhood and early reading books. This led me to construct a mini library that is totally focused on my reading without regard to anyone else.
90JoeB1934
I just completed Christmas Day with family and friends. Wonderful meals and a lot of fun exchanging gifts. This year I created a mini library of SOME of my favorite books from my long career of reading. This collection centered around my early reading, searching for information about my Scottish Ancestors and books that represented one of my favorite genres: Wimen's Fiction.
Here are covers of books I actually purchased in paper/audio.
I also created a catalog which included for each of these book: A picture of the book page which included the cover, the summary description, the list of genres, and my commentary about why I chose the book. This was in the form of a PowerPoint presentation
printout.
Here are covers of books I actually purchased in paper/audio.
I also created a catalog which included for each of these book: A picture of the book page which included the cover, the summary description, the list of genres, and my commentary about why I chose the book. This was in the form of a PowerPoint presentation
printout.
91labfs39
>90 JoeB1934: Merry Christmas, Joe. I'm glad to see Dog Stars. I think you were hesitant to read it at first.
92JoeB1934
>91 labfs39: I placed it on the list for 2 reasons. First, I loved The Painter and your recommendation meant I really needed to do so. My grandson is a real SF reader so I thought he would really like it also. It turned out that my son-in-law somehow knew about Heller and he told Trevor make sure he gets it also. I have 5 family members, and I gave on average 2-3 books each. But this really is a family lending library, including audio because I bought them all from Libro.fm. I no longer will use Audible as they don't allow sharing with other readers.
This selection was mostly directed at specific members of my family where we shared questions about topics and heritage. I think in 2026 I will put together additional books where I feel there is a special place in my memory for certain books.
This selection was mostly directed at specific members of my family where we shared questions about topics and heritage. I think in 2026 I will put together additional books where I feel there is a special place in my memory for certain books.
94JoeB1934
....................................... WHY DID I SPEND HOURS & HOURS FINDING BOOK TAGS?
I started the year with the goal of finding books that matched my preferences without counting on other sources for ideas.
This goal led me down many paths which required me to learn all about FICTIONDB, which has a complete library of books curated by them according to strict guidelines. This source led me to excellent genre tags on many books, but left me wondering about other sources.
My final source is the book library named Calibre which will let me import 3600 books I am potentially interested in. (These books were 1800 books I have read in my lifetime and an equal number of books that I found in FDB that sounded good to me.
Along this path I used CoPilot an enormous amount because extraction from FDB required advanced computer techniques to search out what I wanted. Inherently FDB built in procedures wouldn't capture everything I was interested in.
Calibre was my final tool that resulted in searching and finding genre tags not only FDB but also major sources like Amazon and Google.
CoPilot led me through that maze very successfully.
In the end I found excellent genre tags on 3600 books that were beyond my dreams. Just to show what kind of tags these were the next post will display tags for my 2025 books read.
I started the year with the goal of finding books that matched my preferences without counting on other sources for ideas.
This goal led me down many paths which required me to learn all about FICTIONDB, which has a complete library of books curated by them according to strict guidelines. This source led me to excellent genre tags on many books, but left me wondering about other sources.
My final source is the book library named Calibre which will let me import 3600 books I am potentially interested in. (These books were 1800 books I have read in my lifetime and an equal number of books that I found in FDB that sounded good to me.
Along this path I used CoPilot an enormous amount because extraction from FDB required advanced computer techniques to search out what I wanted. Inherently FDB built in procedures wouldn't capture everything I was interested in.
Calibre was my final tool that resulted in searching and finding genre tags not only FDB but also major sources like Amazon and Google.
CoPilot led me through that maze very successfully.
In the end I found excellent genre tags on 3600 books that were beyond my dreams. Just to show what kind of tags these were the next post will display tags for my 2025 books read.
95JoeB1934
............................. Tags Found for 2025 Books Read
It is very important to note that these books were selected during the year using my long-time process of searching forbooks that were high in content which can best be described as suspenseful literary fiction books. Preferably with historical aspects.
Another very important concept is to note that I prefer books with multi-dimensionality. There are MANY outstanding books I have read that have only 2-4 different tags. Many years ago before doing this analysis I recognized from my LT Mirror studies that most of my favorite books had a large dimensionality.
One final note: I could have done this work very easily just using the LT Mirrors but I wanted to find out what the book reading universe could tell me about book genres.
It is very important to note that these books were selected during the year using my long-time process of searching forbooks that were high in content which can best be described as suspenseful literary fiction books. Preferably with historical aspects.
Another very important concept is to note that I prefer books with multi-dimensionality. There are MANY outstanding books I have read that have only 2-4 different tags. Many years ago before doing this analysis I recognized from my LT Mirror studies that most of my favorite books had a large dimensionality.
One final note: I could have done this work very easily just using the LT Mirrors but I wanted to find out what the book reading universe could tell me about book genres.
96DeltaQueen50
Hi Joe, I hope you have had a lovely holiday season. I have been reading a lot lately and, of coure, I am looking forward to 2026 and the books I will discover then. I went through your cover pictures of top books and have created my own list of books I want to look into. This should give me a head start on 2026. Have a happy New Years!
97JoeB1934
/>
We learned a few months ago that all of the Havanese in the U.S. were trained in Havana to be circus dogs.
Darcy exhibits all of those traits. He really likes every person and immediately will begin entertaining them. His jumping always involves standing on his hind legs and you can see the genetics for dancing in Havana.
He REALLY likes to run, and he will launch into zoomies weaving in and out of items in the house and, when off the leash will run circles around us around 100-200 ft diameter.
Most people when they meet us on a walk get a huge smile on their face as Darcy pulls on the leash to go over and say hello.
He is now 8 months old and about 8 pounds. Generally speaking, on the smaller size. His hair is getting very long and very silky and needs grooming every day. If you see a Havanese as a show dog you will see that their hair can hang down to the floor.
Mr Darcy has provided us an outlet for moving ahead without Percy, but remember him simply as another member of our family.
I should also mention that he can be quite a rascal! Any piece of white is always under risk of being captured, even from your hand.
He also will go into a closet to drag out a shoe and proceed to remove insoles, etc.
Finally, he avoids capture anytime he doesn't want to drop what he has. This extends to avoiding being place in his crate when we are going out. He is so agile and quick the only way to capture him is to entice him with a treat. Oh, also he sees himself in a mirror and barks at the image. Generally speaking, he is not a 'talker' like Percy was so we often haven't any idea what he is thinking.
We learned a few months ago that all of the Havanese in the U.S. were trained in Havana to be circus dogs.Darcy exhibits all of those traits. He really likes every person and immediately will begin entertaining them. His jumping always involves standing on his hind legs and you can see the genetics for dancing in Havana.
He REALLY likes to run, and he will launch into zoomies weaving in and out of items in the house and, when off the leash will run circles around us around 100-200 ft diameter.
Most people when they meet us on a walk get a huge smile on their face as Darcy pulls on the leash to go over and say hello.
He is now 8 months old and about 8 pounds. Generally speaking, on the smaller size. His hair is getting very long and very silky and needs grooming every day. If you see a Havanese as a show dog you will see that their hair can hang down to the floor.
Mr Darcy has provided us an outlet for moving ahead without Percy, but remember him simply as another member of our family.
I should also mention that he can be quite a rascal! Any piece of white is always under risk of being captured, even from your hand.
He also will go into a closet to drag out a shoe and proceed to remove insoles, etc.
Finally, he avoids capture anytime he doesn't want to drop what he has. This extends to avoiding being place in his crate when we are going out. He is so agile and quick the only way to capture him is to entice him with a treat. Oh, also he sees himself in a mirror and barks at the image. Generally speaking, he is not a 'talker' like Percy was so we often haven't any idea what he is thinking.
98JoeB1934
I couldn't resist showing Mr Darcy in his snow suit
He has to have leggings and booties because his long leg hair collects icy snowballs. He tolerates them well and runs around without hesitation.
/>
He has to have leggings and booties because his long leg hair collects icy snowballs. He tolerates them well and runs around without hesitation.
/>
99JoeB1934
>96 DeltaQueen50: Thanks so much for checking in. I follow your MUCH larger book reading and, truth be told I could easily choose 40 of your books to satisfy my interests. However, being who I am I just have to launch out on my own.
I'm sure your 2026 plan will be interesting and elaborate. Looking forward to following along with you.
I'm sure your 2026 plan will be interesting and elaborate. Looking forward to following along with you.
100labfs39
I love the photos of Mr. Darcy, and especially his snowsuit. So cute! We had snow boots for our lab back in Washington as we snowshoed a lot, and snow balls between their pads can be painful. In Florida, Ace sometimes had to wear lightweight boots to protect his feet from the hot pavement on really hot days. It could scorch their pads.
101JoeB1934
I promised to provide the link to my 2026 posting in Club Read here it is
https://www.librarything.com/topic/376997
I am looking forward to hearing from you on my reading as well as yours.
https://www.librarything.com/topic/376997
I am looking forward to hearing from you on my reading as well as yours.
102almin
>66 JoeB1934: He is adorable, those eyes are asking so many questions. I love it....
103almin
>69 JoeB1934: What a wonderful idea...I would love to know who got 'Plainsong'.
104JoeB1934
Where Have I Been and What Have I been Doing?
I decided to write about my Reading Journey in a form that my relatives and friends could understand why I have been spending so much time thinking about books but not reading very many.
Those of you who have ventured into any of my chats know that I have been forever analyzing the tags (sub-genres) of the books I read, or plan to read.
Trying to understand what draws me to certain books in search of indications for a book being promising for me to read. Certain tags, literary, suspense, historical, women's fiction and others are certainly essential to me, but not always to be sufficient.
A factor in this searching was the realization that I have read many 'Good' books that were enjoyable, but not 'Memorable'. The most classic example of such books were these two: Possession by A.S. Byatt and My Life as a Fake by Peter Carey.
Possession of course is a favorite of many readers, while My Life as a Fake is rarely mentioned anymore.
A few months ago, I decided that it was time for me to understand for myself what the differences are between 'Memorable' books and other books. I've been at this reading game for 60+ years, and I tackled in my professional life issues much more consequential to answer than this one.
After a very deep dive into the subject of book analysis, I truly can answer this question for my personal reading interests. I now know very precisely what much of the difference between Memorable and Good books is for me. It is important to note that this isn't likely to be the answer for other readers, but I am comfortable for myself.
When I finish documenting this research, I will make it available to anyone else that is curious about this issue.
What I can say is that the answer was partly explained by the sub-genres for a book, but that the key was the description of the story and the details describing what the book was about.
I decided to write about my Reading Journey in a form that my relatives and friends could understand why I have been spending so much time thinking about books but not reading very many.
Those of you who have ventured into any of my chats know that I have been forever analyzing the tags (sub-genres) of the books I read, or plan to read.
Trying to understand what draws me to certain books in search of indications for a book being promising for me to read. Certain tags, literary, suspense, historical, women's fiction and others are certainly essential to me, but not always to be sufficient.
A factor in this searching was the realization that I have read many 'Good' books that were enjoyable, but not 'Memorable'. The most classic example of such books were these two: Possession by A.S. Byatt and My Life as a Fake by Peter Carey.
Possession of course is a favorite of many readers, while My Life as a Fake is rarely mentioned anymore.
A few months ago, I decided that it was time for me to understand for myself what the differences are between 'Memorable' books and other books. I've been at this reading game for 60+ years, and I tackled in my professional life issues much more consequential to answer than this one.
After a very deep dive into the subject of book analysis, I truly can answer this question for my personal reading interests. I now know very precisely what much of the difference between Memorable and Good books is for me. It is important to note that this isn't likely to be the answer for other readers, but I am comfortable for myself.
When I finish documenting this research, I will make it available to anyone else that is curious about this issue.
What I can say is that the answer was partly explained by the sub-genres for a book, but that the key was the description of the story and the details describing what the book was about.
