2020 Reading Through Time Reading Plans

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2020 Reading Through Time Reading Plans

1DeltaQueen50
Modifié : Oct 5, 2020, 12:23 pm

Since it appears that most people are happy with how we are setting up our monthly challenges it is now time to choose your month. If you haven't finalized a theme yet that's fine - you can add the theme later.

January: katiekrug - 19th Century Ireland - https://www.librarything.com/topic/314038
February: LibraryCin - Crime & Mystery - http://www.librarything.com/topic/315203#
March: DeltaQueen - Mothers and Daughters - http://www.librarything.com/topic/315681
April: This-n-That - Off With Her Head! - http://www.librarything.com/topic/317516
May: majkia - Explorers - http://www.librarything.com/topic/318918#
June: tess_schoolmarm - Get thee to a nunnery (or a monastery)! - http://www.librarything.com/topic/319728#
July: countrylife - On the Shore - http://www.librarything.com/topic/319646#
August: beebeereads - Epidemics, Famine and Other Health Disasters - http://www.librarything.com/topic/322281
September: Miss Watson - I'll Trade You (Economics in a wide sense) - http://www.librarything.com/topic/321374#
October: JayneCM - Deception: All Is Not As It Seems - http://www.librarything.com/topic/324432
November: Cindydavid4: Author Biographies - http://www.librarything.com/topic/325057
December: Familyhistorian: Predicting the Future

2majkia
Sep 19, 2019, 12:13 pm

We also need to talk about the quarterly themes and if we want to continue - either as is, or differently.

3Tess_W
Modifié : Sep 21, 2019, 1:06 pm

I like both the quarterly and monthly themes...although I guess some might choose a particular time period as a monthly theme. If I had to choose, I would choose the quarterly theme; that's why I joined: reading through time!

4DeltaQueen50
Sep 20, 2019, 1:25 pm

I also like the quarterly themes. I haven't been participating as much as I would like, but as an avid reader of historical fiction, it's a great way to organize my reading.

5katiekrug
Sep 20, 2019, 2:13 pm

I have so much historical fiction on my shelves and for whatever reason, I rarely get around to reading any. I think I will try to prioritize it next year, so I will try to participate here more. Whatever you all prefer in terms of organizing is fine with me :)

6LibraryCin
Sep 20, 2019, 10:59 pm

I do the monthly themes, but not the quarterly ones. I am hoping the monthly themes will continue into next year!

I am fine with the way we are doing it now, of if someone has ideas, I'd be open to see what other way we might want to continue.

7This-n-That
Sep 21, 2019, 10:50 am

I enjoy the monthly themes and try to participate when possible. Since the hosts choose themes well in advance, that allows me to plan my reading. As for the quarterly themes, I haven't joined in as much but I am fine with those continuing on next year. As others have stated, I'd be open to hearing new ideas.

8countrylife
Sep 29, 2019, 9:20 pm

I love it just the way it is! I participate in both the monthly themes and the quarterly time periods. I look forward to seeing what the monthly themes will be; the hosts do a good job with them. The quarterly time periods keep me grounded in time, and I try to read at least one book a month for each quarter. Because I'm a fan of historical fiction, this is my favorite group.

9DeltaQueen50
Oct 13, 2019, 12:59 pm

I am currently away from my home and my computer, but will be back next week. I think everyone seems to enjoy the current format so put on your thinking caps as when I get back, I will be looking for volunteers to host the months and come up with themes.

10DeltaQueen50
Oct 18, 2019, 3:03 pm

Does anyone have a month that they would like to host in 2020? Please let us know and I will reserve that month for you. I will add the list to the first message in this thread.

11This-n-That
Oct 18, 2019, 3:54 pm

I'll volunteer for April 2020. :-)

12katiekrug
Oct 18, 2019, 7:07 pm

I'll volunteer for January!

13LibraryCin
Oct 18, 2019, 7:32 pm

To keep things in order, I can do February (unless someone else really wants it). I have a couple of new ideas...

14DeltaQueen50
Modifié : Oct 19, 2019, 3:12 am

Thank you for volunteering - I will add you in at the top of the thread.

I will take March for now but if anyone wants that month, I will gladly switch to another.

15majkia
Oct 19, 2019, 7:41 am

I'll take May if no one else is chomping at the bit to get it.

16DeltaQueen50
Oct 19, 2019, 3:22 pm

Thanks, Jean.

17countrylife
Oct 20, 2019, 3:17 pm

You can put me down for July.

18DeltaQueen50
Oct 21, 2019, 11:28 am

Thanks, Cindy.

19Tess_W
Oct 21, 2019, 12:37 pm

I'll take June, please and ty!

20DeltaQueen50
Oct 21, 2019, 7:25 pm

>19 Tess_W: Gotcha, Tess! :)

21DeltaQueen50
Oct 21, 2019, 7:28 pm

We've got seven months filled already! If anyone is hesitating, I can tell you that hosting a month is easy. Just think up a theme and set up a thread and off we go. If you are interested but think you need some help, just let me know.

22MissWatson
Oct 22, 2019, 5:10 am

>21 DeltaQueen50: Thanks Judy, my problem is thinking of a theme...still mulling this over.

23beebeereads
Modifié : Oct 22, 2019, 6:27 pm

>21 DeltaQueen50: I would be willing to try August. I don't have a theme yet, but will put my brain on that. When do the themes need to be announced?
Oh, I just had an idea! Where is the best place to see the archives of this group so I don't repeat a topic that has already been done? I just joined this year.

24DeltaQueen50
Oct 23, 2019, 1:08 pm

>22 MissWatson: No problem, Birgit. :)

>23 beebeereads: I will add you to the host list for August. We like to give people plenty of notice so they can think of and obtain the book the wish to read so we usually set out threads up at least a month in advance. You can set it up as early as you wish. The monthly Wiki is the best place to see prevous topics. Click on this:

https://wiki.librarything.com/index.php/Reading_Through_Time_Challenge

This page covers about a year and then at the bottom of the page there is a link that will take to all of our previous topics. Repeats are not a problem as people can choose different books, so if you see a topic you like feel free to repeat it.

25beebeereads
Oct 23, 2019, 5:17 pm

>24 DeltaQueen50: Thank you for sending me in the right direction. I am all set with a topic although I think I need to find a way to broaden it. I will plan to post near the beginning of 2020 or sooner so people can plan.

26majkia
Oct 23, 2019, 6:45 pm

>25 beebeereads: Go glad you are joining us. And jumping right in there!

27MissWatson
Oct 24, 2019, 7:26 am

>24 DeltaQueen50: Looking at the previous themes has been helpful, I have one or two ideas now. You can put me down for September, that will give me sufficient time to work on them.

28DeltaQueen50
Oct 25, 2019, 2:18 am

>27 MissWatson: Thanks, I've added you to the list for September.

29DeltaQueen50
Oct 25, 2019, 2:19 am

Three more to go!

30JayneCM
Oct 30, 2019, 8:02 am

I'd be happy to try my hand, if you are ok with giving it to a newbie! I have an idea in mind. Up to you!

31majkia
Oct 30, 2019, 9:37 am

>30 JayneCM: we always encourage newbies! Welcome!

32DeltaQueen50
Modifié : Oct 30, 2019, 4:18 pm

Great Jayne! Which month should I reserve for you - October - November - December?

And welcome to the group!

33JayneCM
Oct 30, 2019, 6:52 pm

>31 majkia: >32 DeltaQueen50: Thank you! I hope I do ok! October would be good.

34DeltaQueen50
Oct 30, 2019, 9:50 pm

>33 JayneCM: I've added you to the host list - thanks.

35JayneCM
Oct 31, 2019, 7:08 am

>34 DeltaQueen50: Ooh, thank you! Do we need to let you know what our theme is?

36This-n-That
Modifié : Nov 2, 2019, 10:03 am

If it is okay, I'll just post my theme here now (otherwise I'll probably keep changing my mind).

April theme: You Are What You Eat (or drink) (updated theme on November 2nd)

My thought was readers could go two directions with this one. Either non-fiction, choosing books such as Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us or historical fiction where food (or drink) plays a prominent role, such as Like Water for Chocolate. I hope that will give everyone enough choices.

37JayneCM
Oct 31, 2019, 10:01 pm

Maybe I will just post mine too! I wasn't sure if it was meant to be kept under wraps but then I read the top post.

October's theme will be Deception: All Is Not As It Seems.

Again, plenty of non-fiction or historical fiction on deception through time, whether deliberate or unintentional - I was thinking spies; political coups or plots to overthrow governments or thrones; fraud of all sorts - financial, identity, art, forgery, etc.

Deception is everywhere! I think there should be lots of variety in choices.

Hope this is OK!

38DeltaQueen50
Nov 1, 2019, 4:09 am

I've added both April and October's themes to the first message. Cudos to you two for planning so well in advance. I better get my thinking cap on for March!

39Tess_W
Nov 1, 2019, 8:35 am

My theme will be: Get the to a nunnery! (or a monastery)

40JayneCM
Nov 1, 2019, 9:13 am

>39 Tess_W: Goody! I have had The Name of the Rose on my list for a while.

41sallylou61
Nov 1, 2019, 9:43 am

>39 Tess_W: Does your topic mean reading a book pertaining to any religion -- or just Catholics? For example, I'm a Quaker and still have some history books about Quakers which I have not yet read.

42majkia
Nov 1, 2019, 9:48 am

I'll choose Explorers for the theme for May

43MissWatson
Nov 1, 2019, 12:14 pm

I see some great ideas here!

44DeltaQueen50
Nov 1, 2019, 12:31 pm

I think I am going with "Mothers and Daughters" for my theme in March. Exploring this complicated relationship through historical fiction or non-fiction.

45beebeereads
Nov 1, 2019, 3:38 pm

I'm planning on Epidemics. I will broaden the topic to include Famine and Other Health Disasters. I know a little bleak, right? But the stories of the "helpers" in these circumstances can be very uplifting. I have a number of suggestions.

46Tess_W
Nov 1, 2019, 4:52 pm

>41 sallylou61: I was thinking that the setting would be a monastery, a nunnery, or a vicarage...but as always, you are free to read what you would like!

47JayneCM
Nov 1, 2019, 8:35 pm

Looking forward to all the topics!

48sallylou61
Nov 1, 2019, 8:38 pm

>46 Tess_W: We don't have clergy so that we do not have homes for them. However, I think that probably there are a lot of novels in English literature which have a vicarage as a setting. Thanks.

49LibraryCin
Nov 1, 2019, 9:47 pm

>45 beebeereads: Ooooh, I like this one!

50LibraryCin
Nov 1, 2019, 9:48 pm

I am debating between two themes for my month, so I don't want to announce quite yet, since I haven't decided! Although, I'll probably use the one I don't use next year for 2021. :-)

51This-n-That
Modifié : Nov 2, 2019, 10:03 am

>1 DeltaQueen50: After researching some historical fiction books that might work okay for April, I've decided to update the theme to You Are What You Eat (or drink). That should give us a few additional reading options. I have also updated message 36 to reflect the change. Thank you for your patience. :-)

52beebeereads
Nov 2, 2019, 6:15 pm

What does this group consider "history"? I am working on recommendations for my August theme--epidemics, etc. There are many modern day epidemics that have been written about already. I'd like to include them unless that is outside the parameters of the group. Should I limit suggestions to last century and back? Would appreciate any thoughts the group can offer on circumscribed time periods. Thanks.

53DeltaQueen50
Nov 2, 2019, 6:53 pm

>51 This-n-That: I have adjusted your theme title in the top message. And please, if you or anyone changes your mind or wants to change the wording of your theme, please let me know - nothing is locked in stone until the actual thread is up and running.

>52 beebeereads: My cut-off dates for what is "history" have been expanding as I get older. I used to think anything before 1950 was history, then after a few years I moved that date up to 1960, then 1970 etc. I think "history" is pretty much what anyone thinks it is - it can been a long time ago or as recent as within the last few years.

54Tess_W
Nov 2, 2019, 10:31 pm

>52 beebeereads: Not that this group is bound to, but the official historian's view of history is -50 years from current date. (I'm a historian!)

55DeltaQueen50
Nov 3, 2019, 12:55 pm

>54 Tess_W: Thanks for that information, Tess. I wondered what historians thought of as history, so officially 1969 and before is considered history. :)

56cindydavid4
Modifié : Nov 3, 2019, 1:22 pm

I'll take November. Looking at lots of ideas but sign me up for that pls :)

thinking medicine and illness, regime change, main character differently abled...

Oh, looks like beebee beat me to it, no worries! I read a book this fall that would be perfect The Great Believers

My original idea was biographies/memoirs; would love to see ones from other countries, and/or ones translated from elsewhere

57cindydavid4
Modifié : Nov 3, 2019, 1:27 pm

Tess I love your theme! Thinking Abelard and Heloise, one of my favorite star crossed lover stories. Ive read their letters, and one novel but it was ages ago. Need to find a good one. Also a historical fiction book about the same time period The Marriage of Megotta

58beebeereads
Nov 3, 2019, 2:29 pm

>56 cindydavid4: I loved that book and was on my list, but it doesn't meet the history parameter. It took place in 1985. There are many more that do though. I am working on my recommendations.
>54 Tess_W: Thanks for the definition. I will try to keep my recs prior to 1970 for this challenge. The research for this will be fun.

59Tess_W
Modifié : Nov 3, 2019, 4:11 pm

>58 beebeereads: ....Reading thru time doesn't follow that....that's just what we historians do! Besides, reading through time.......last week was time!

60This-n-That
Nov 3, 2019, 5:57 pm

>59 Tess_W: So true, Tess! :-)

>58 beebeereads: I usually search for a historical book to use for the themes in this group because I primarily read historical fiction and non-fiction. If a contemporary novel works better during a specific month, then I read that instead. Plus as Delta Queen basically said, history is relative to the pov of the reader.

61beebeereads
Nov 3, 2019, 6:16 pm

Ok this is a great help. I will include all the recs I can find and people will make their own choice. Love the flexibility in this group. I am very flexible with my own interpretations of challenges, but didn't want to go outside group expectations. Thanks all for the input! Looking forward to this reading year.

62DeltaQueen50
Nov 3, 2019, 11:20 pm

Yep, we definitely want to stay flexible. I also like the idea of people interpreting the challenges to fit their reading.

>56 cindydavid4: Cindy, you've got November, and you have plenty of time to decide on your theme. ;)

63Familyhistorian
Nov 4, 2019, 1:25 am

I didn't see anything about the planning thread until I read your post on this year's December thread. I'll take December if it's still available, Judy.

64DeltaQueen50
Nov 4, 2019, 12:30 pm

>63 Familyhistorian: You've got December, Meg.

I apologize to everyone for not announcing the 2020 Planning thread in our current November thread but I am glad that most of us found our way here and now we have hosts for the entire year. I am looking forward to some interesting themes.

65Familyhistorian
Nov 5, 2019, 5:43 pm

>64 DeltaQueen50: Thanks Judy, now I will have to put on my thinking cap to come up with a theme.

66katiekrug
Nov 22, 2019, 1:13 pm

I've signed up to "host" January. How early should I post it?

For all you planners out there, my theme is 19th century Ireland - lots of interesting stuff and a broad span to start the year off on a fairly easy foot :)

67Tess_W
Nov 22, 2019, 8:43 pm

Usually the norm is the 15th of the previous month..so for January, Dec. 15.

68JayneCM
Nov 22, 2019, 9:26 pm

>66 katiekrug: Oooh, love this theme! Now what will I read?!

69DeltaQueen50
Nov 23, 2019, 2:13 am

>66 katiekrug: Very interesting theme, Katie. As mentioned above the 15th of the previous month gives everybody plenty of time to decide what to read and order it from the library if necessary. Of course, if anyone wants to post their thread early that's fine as well.

70majkia
Nov 23, 2019, 10:02 am

Just a comment:

The 2020 Category Challenge group plans to read Hillary Mantel's trilogy beginning with Wolf Hall in February.

Also, the Lord Peter Wimsey novels by Dorothy L. Sayers, one a month. Beginning with Whose Body? in January.

You don't have to be 2020 Category Challenge group members to join us.

71cindydavid4
Modifié : Nov 23, 2019, 10:52 pm

>70 majkia: !!!!!! one of my favorite books of all time, had the privilege to see both nights of the play on Broadway. Stunning. Ive been rereading those books over the years, chomping at the bit for the third one, and its comin in March!!!

So yes I will attend, thanks for the heads up and invite!

ETA I cannot find the 2020 challenge group, could you direct me pls?

72JayneCM
Nov 24, 2019, 3:51 am

https://www.librarything.com/groups/2020categorychalleng

There is a thread in there called 2020 Groups Reads Planning Thread.

73MissWatson
Nov 24, 2019, 5:21 am

>1 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy, I made up my mind about my theme and it will be "I'll trade you...". Think economics in the widest sense.

74cindydavid4
Nov 24, 2019, 10:49 am

I thought I had looked there, but I'll try again thx

75cindydavid4
Nov 24, 2019, 11:08 am

My goodness thinking about this Dec is making me crazy, can't imagine next Dec. But since we are throwing themes out there - Id like my Dec thread to be Author Biographies. Tho in the next year who knows how many times I'll edit, but thats my choice for now :)

76LibraryCin
Nov 24, 2019, 1:54 pm

I was debating about two different themes, and I'll likely still come back to the 2nd one for 2021 :-), but I think for February next year, I'd like to offer the theme of Crime/Mystery. I may or may not come up with a catchier name for it!

77Familyhistorian
Nov 24, 2019, 8:14 pm

>75 cindydavid4: I have the 2020 Dec thread and you have the Nov one. If you want to swap just let me know.

78cindydavid4
Nov 24, 2019, 8:31 pm

oh, no keep it the same I don't know what I was thinking. No swap necessary :)

79This-n-That
Modifié : Nov 25, 2019, 3:09 pm

>1 DeltaQueen50: After searching for appropriate books to fit the April theme I initially picked, I am not feeling as good about it. If it is okay, I'd like to change the April theme to Off With Her Head! Everyone can probably guess the focus will be on Royalty/Queens.

Thanks again for allowing us to change our minds. I think this one will stick. :-)

80DeltaQueen50
Nov 25, 2019, 5:23 pm

Thanks everyone for coming up with themes. I have added them to the first message but please feel free to change your mind if something else grabs your attention. Our year is shaping up nicely.

81cindydavid4
Nov 25, 2019, 7:52 pm

>79 This-n-That:, or at least executed queens.... :) I do like the name for that theme tho - it has other possibilities as well: dream world, madness and children's literature, queens who were 'mad'....

82Tess_W
Nov 25, 2019, 11:49 pm

Are we still doing the quarterly themes (I hope!)?

83MissWatson
Nov 26, 2019, 5:08 am

>82 Tess_W: We have come full circle and would be back in the prehistory area next year, right? I have a book or two that would fit...

84majkia
Nov 26, 2019, 7:42 am

Yes, we're doing quarterly, and yes, prehistory. :)

85majkia
Nov 26, 2019, 7:45 am

Second time trying to respond. Yes, we're doing quarterly and yes we'll start with prehistory. (The case of the missing post).

86Tess_W
Nov 26, 2019, 7:33 pm

>85 majkia: Yeah (my fav part!)

87JayneCM
Nov 27, 2019, 3:09 am

>84 majkia: Interesting! That is an area of historical fiction that I rarely read. I will look forward to getting some ideas from everyone here. I am thinking I have been meaning to read The Clan of the Cave Bear for about a million years. Would that be the sort of book?

88MissWatson
Nov 27, 2019, 4:12 am

>87 JayneCM: Yes, it would.

89JayneCM
Nov 28, 2019, 6:02 am

>88 MissWatson: Yay! Looks like I have chosen then.

90This-n-That
Nov 29, 2019, 12:36 pm

>81 cindydavid4: >80 DeltaQueen50: I think that is a good suggestion to leave the "Off With Her Head!" up to interpretation and it might work well to remove the (royalty/queens) from the description for April. I actually had the Queen of Hearts in mind when I came up with the theme and that definitely could include madness or YA fantasy.

91majkia
Nov 29, 2019, 2:49 pm

January-March 2020 thread is up for quarterly: http://www.librarything.com/topic/313433

92DeltaQueen50
Nov 30, 2019, 7:14 pm

>90 This-n-That: I have removed the (royalty/queens).

93This-n-That
Déc 1, 2019, 6:03 pm

>92 DeltaQueen50: Thank you. :-)

94katiekrug
Déc 16, 2019, 9:52 am

The January thread is up! Come join me in reading about the 19th Century Irish Experience:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/314038

95Familyhistorian
Déc 21, 2019, 10:18 pm

At the end of December we often try to predict what lies ahead. So my theme for next December will be Predicting the Future.

96DeltaQueen50
Déc 23, 2019, 12:47 pm

>95 Familyhistorian: Sounds interesting, Meg. :)

97Familyhistorian
Déc 23, 2019, 1:25 pm

>96 DeltaQueen50: I figure that there will be a lot of predicting of the future right about then, Judy. The US election will have happened. It also takes in things like weather forecasting as well as the traditional crystal ball gazing (although those two things had a lot in common in the early days of weather prognostication.)

98LibraryCin
Jan 5, 2020, 5:31 pm

I've just posted February's thread:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/315203

99DeltaQueen50
Jan 17, 2020, 12:44 am

100JayneCM
Modifié : Jan 17, 2020, 3:56 am

>99 DeltaQueen50: You are organised! I have yet to read my January book!

101DeltaQueen50
Jan 17, 2020, 12:08 pm

>99 DeltaQueen50: LOL! I had just finished my January book and was planning ahead.

102DeltaQueen50
Avr 14, 2020, 12:23 pm

104majkia
Mar 14, 2021, 9:38 am

April-June Quarterly is up: https://www.librarything.com/topic/330564