New Leaf Theme Suggestion Thread

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ekbell

This reminds me of a book I have on the history of mapping which shows a map with quite interesting sea dragons and mentions the old tales of what could be in Terra Australis on the other side of the impassable torrid zone. Unfortunately, it's not currently in print but I'm sure other such books on mapping and traveler's tales would suit just as well.

Actually, I doubt it. Not unless the book mentions dragons. There is already a theme suggested that would do well for mapping and traveler's tales. Most traveler's tales (non-SF/F) wouldn't work.

[June]

Nothing that runs the risk of being too literal (like “dragons”) please? It would limit the nominated books too much for a theme IMO

[orlok]

Originally Posted by June

Nothing that runs the risk of being too literal (like “dragons”) please? It would limit the nominated books too much for a theme IMO

I agree, dragons implies a genre rather than a theme.

I really like the suggestion to go with themes, as it introduces so much more flexibility in the nomination choices.

[ekbell]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Actually, I doubt it. Not unless the book mentions dragons. There is already a theme suggested that would do well for mapping and traveler's tales. Most traveler's tales (non-SF/F) wouldn't work.

To state that dragons must be mentioned is like saying that books for the theme "don't count your chickens before they hatch" would must be confined to books mentioning chickens. If a phrase is used then books based on a commonally accepted idiomatic usage should be accepted. Using the phrase "Here there be Dragons" to refer to unknown and dangerous territory is such a commonly accepted usage.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ekbell

To state that dragons must be mentioned is like saying that books for the theme "don't count your chickens before they hatch" would must be confined to books mentioning chickens. If a phrase is used then books based on a commonally accepted idiomatic usage should be accepted. Using the phrase "Here there be Dragons" to refer to unknown and dangerous territory is such a commonly accepted usage.

Here be dragons also means "dangerous or unexplored territories".

[Catlady]

It shouldn't matter what catchy title is used as long as there's a line or two indicating the basic parameters of the theme.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Catlady

It shouldn't matter what catchy title is used as long as there's a line or two indicating the basic parameters of the theme.

What happens if books are found that fit, but are not part of the basic parameters?

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

What happens if books are found that fit, but are not part of the basic parameters?

Is there anything you don't question?

[CRussel]

Jon-- it's been said, repeatedly, that if the nominator thinks it fits, they should go ahead and nominate it. Further, issybird has said she'll be very liberal in interpreting the themes.

I think we've pretty much beat this horse to death.

[Bookpossum]

Well, we interpreted our February theme broadly to have books with a colour word in the title such as green, books with LGBTI characters or stories, and stories about (and by) people of colour, as with the book that won. So if it fits some part of the theme wording, it’s fine I would say.

ETA My message crossed with the two above but it should make sense I hope.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Bookpossum

Well, we interpreted our February theme broadly to have books with a colour word in the title such as green, books with LGBTI characters or stories, and stories about (and by) people of colour, as with the book that won. So if it fits some part of the theme wording, it’s fine I would say.

Unfortunately, the winning book wasn't all that good.

[Bookpossum]

So here's a summary of those suggestions which generated discussion, suggestions for titles etc. Those from issybird's post (No 52) which had previously been tossed around are added at the bottom.

* Courtly behaviour
* Back to school/Wasted on the young
* Revenge
* War
* Travel/Wanderlust/Whither shall I wander?
* Artfully chosen - books about music, art, theatre
* Seasonally appropriate - books about summer, spring, etc.
* Fiction is stranger than truth/The truth is out there/Real not fake/Truthful fiction
* Doomed to repeat it - books on history, historical novels, alternative history
* Help reduce my TBR pile/From my pile to yours
* Once upon a time - Myths, folklore, fairytales
* Food
* My favorite book that no one's ever heard of
* A book from your home area
* A book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture
* Children
* Best Friends
* Family
* Places

There were other suggestions of course, but I have just put in those on which one or more people made a comment or elaboration.

[JSWolf]

More suggested themes...

1. the first book in a series where the series is finished
2. Books released in a given month for that month
3. Books set in a fictional land
4. Books set in outer space
5. Books by an author who died in the 2000's.
6. Large books (that would have to be done in advance)
7. For September, Back to School (Books based in or around a school)
8. Young Adult books
9. Laughter is the Best Medicine
10. Money Talks (books where business and money play a major part)
11. Nature's Own (books about nature or animals or whatever)
12. Eastern Speculation (not sure about the phrase, but I'd like a theme that encourages a selection from Asia)
13. Crunchy and Goes Well with Ketchup (books with dragons)
14. Wasted on the young

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Bookpossum

* Back to school/Wasted on the young

Those are separate themes. I have them in my list as separate so you can remove them from your list. Thanks.

[Dazrin]

I don't think Bookpossum was trying to be comprehensive. She was just listing the themes that had some discussion and therefore probably have some general interest.

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Those are separate themes. I have them in my list as separate so you can remove them from your list. Thanks.

As I read it Wasted on the Young was suggested as an alternative title for the Back to School theme. I'm pretty sure Bookpossum would know since she is the one who suggested it.