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Our authors for May are Naipaul through Paton.

Books over 600 pages are not included and books that have been past botm in 2022 are also not included.

Voting starts today and ends on the 24th when the winners will be announced. Please send your choices by private message to either myself or the Shelf Personality. Everyone gets one free vote. if you have participation points you can have up to 4 additional votes. You can use them all on one choice or you can make 5 different choices.

V.S. Naipaul
1. The Enigma of Arrival: A Novel in Five Sections
2. A Bend in the River
3. In a Free State

R.K. Narayan - India
4. The Guide

Thomas Nashe -UK
5. The Unfortunate Traveller - 2010 botm

Zora Neale Hurston
6. Their Eyes Were Watching God

Irène Némirovsky - Ukraine/Jewish
7. Suite Française - 2010 botm

Anaïs Nin - France
8. Delta of Venus

Cees Nooteboom - Netherlands
9. All Souls' Day
10. Rituals

Amélie Nothomb - Belgium
11. Fear and Trembling

Novalis - Germany
12. Henry of Ofterdingen: A Romance.

Edna O'Brien - Ireland
13. In the Forest
14. August Is a Wicked Month
15. Girl with Green Eyes
16. The Country Girls - 2014 botm

Flann O'Brien - Ireland
17. The Poor Mouth
18. The Third Policeman

Tim O'Brien - US
19. The Things They Carried, 2012, 2014 botm

Flannery O'Connor - US
20. Everything That Rises Must Converge: Stories
21. The Violent Bear It Away
22. Wise Blood

Ardal O'Hanlon - Ireland
23. The Talk of the Town

Jamie O'Neill
24. At Swim, Two Boys - 2020 botm

Kenzaburō Ōe - Japan
25. Pluck the Bud and Destroy the Offspring
Nip the Buds, Shoot the Kids

Michael Ondaatje - Sri Lanka/Canada
26The English Patient - 2010 botm

Juan Carlos Onetti - Uruguay
27. The Shipyard

George Orwell
28. 1984 - 2010 botm
29. Animal Farm - 2012 botm
30. Coming up for Air
31. Keep the Aspidistra Flying
32. Burmese Days

Mykhaylo Osadchy - Ukraine
33.Cataract

Amos Oz, Israel
34. A Tale of Love and Darkness
35. Black Box by Amos Oz - 2020

Arto Paasilinna - Finland
36. The Year of the Hare - 2014 botm

Marcel Pagnol - France
37. Manon des sources - this may not be translated

Chuck Palahniuk - US
38. Choke - 2010, 2016

Connie Palmen - Netherlands
39. The Laws

Orhan Pamuk -Turkey
40. Snow - 2014 botm

Giovanni Papini - Italy
41. Life of Christ

Viktor Paskov- Bulgari
42. Ballade pour Georg Henig - 2018 botm

Pier Paolo Pasolini - Italy
43. The Ragazzi

Boris Pasternak - Russia
44. Doctor Zhivago, 2010

Walter Pater - England
45. Marius the Epicurean

Alan Paton - South Africa
46. Cry, the Beloved Country, botm 2012

That's it folks, what have you read,? What would you like to read?

I have read 21 from your list. None of the others are on my dwindling shelf, but I love Edna O’Brien so I will vote for In the Forest

Easy choice this time: the one I haven't read is All Souls Day so going to put 5 votes to that.

I’ve read 27 of them. I am not sure what I want to read yet.

Only 18 read this month, below my average. There are 4 sitting on my TBR shelves:

- A Bend in the River (Naipaul)
- The English Patient (Ondaatje)
- A Tale of Love and Darkness (Oz)
- Doctor Zhivago (Pasternak)

I'll wait and see whether I back one of these or throw them all for the randomiser.

So far this is what I have on my shelf;
-Doctor Zhivago
-All Soul’s Day
-Wise Blood
-Burmese Days

Also available to me
-Coming up for Air
-Keep the Asphidistra Flying.

I will also wait and see what I might want to throw at the randomizer.

I’ve read 14 of these, only 3 are currently on my shelf
- A Bend in the River
- August is a Wicked Month
- Keep the Aspidistra Flying

I think I’ll vote for the Naipaul this time round

Can someone please explain what it means to throw points into the randomizer? I have seen this comment a few times and I'm a newbie, so I don't know what it means. Thanks :)

Jane wrote: "Can someone please explain what it means to throw points into the randomizer? I have seen this comment a few times and I'm a newbie, so I don't know what it means. Thanks :)"

Every book that someone votes for, even just one point, gets put in the "randomizer". Then a book is picked at random from that list. Then we have 2 books as monthly read- the top vote-getter and the randomizer pick.
The randomizer used to pick from all the choices of the month, but I like this method better.

I have seven of these choices in my very long to-read list. I think I will put a point on All Souls Day which is one of them and Amanda will be voting for. I'll probably put several points on The Violent Bear it Away which is highest on my list.
I've read twenty of these- more than my usual and probably the most I ever have.

Jane wrote: "Can someone please explain what it means to throw points into the randomizer? I have seen this comment a few times and I'm a newbie, so I don't know what it means. Thanks :)"

To complete George's answer:

Every month you have 1 free vote for the BOTM. However, you can use up to 4 of the participation points you have accumulated to buy an additional 4 votes. When you are voting, you need to specify that you are using participation points.

This is where voting strategy comes into play. If there is a book that you really want to have as a BOTM, you can elect to use up to 5 votes for that book. If you see that the book that is likely to be voted as BOTM is not one that you would want to read, you can use up to 5 votes on other books eligible for this month (say, 1 vote per book; that's what we mean by "throwing votes to the randomiser"). These books will become eligible for the random draw of the second BOTM. So, 2 BOTMs: 1 for the highest number of votes; 1 drawn randomly from all the other books that received at least a vote.

Jane wrote: "Can someone please explain what it means to throw points into the randomizer? I have seen this comment a few times and I'm a newbie, so I don't know what it means. Thanks :)"

In addition to Patrick’s well articulated explanation. Books that have been, previous botm do not go into the randomizer. I decided to use a 10 year span (so books from 2014 through 2023 that have been previous botm do not go into the randomizer). If you vote for a book, I vote for the same book and Patrick votes for the same book; I put that book into the randomizer 3 times. I use a wheel randomizer on line. It’s amazing but I think every month so far the winner has been a book that went in only once. It gives a chance to that person who wants something that just isn’t going to get the votes.

Thank you all so much -- that makes sense now!

I've read 25. I don't have any on my shelf. I can get All Souls Day or A Tale of Love and Darkness from the library, so I'm happy to vote for those. I've read the others that have been mentioned.

Pip mentioned O'Brien's In the Forest. I haven't read it, and it sounds fascinating so I'll likely give that one my vote.

Just so you are aware Manon des Sources is available in English. You do need to read Jean de Florette first though. I loved it and gave the combined volume I read 5 stars.

/book/show/3...

I will have a think about what to vote for. Maybe In the Forest as I have read all Edna O'Brien's other books on the list.

I feel so utterly embarrassed every month and I seldom comment due to the fact that all of you have read almost all of the books up for voting every month whereas I 've always read only between one and three of them (though I have some more in my physical book shelves). This month it's the same, I've read only two - The Animal Farm and Delta of Venus.

I wonder if I'm the only one in this group that has read so few of the 1001-list? I mean I've read a lot of books through out my life, I'm considered being a well-read individual whereas in this group I feel like I'm an outcast. It's embarrassing and I feel so ashamed. Am I really entitled of being a member of this group and of voting I ask myself.

I've never seen anyone comment that they have just read three books or none of the books. Help me out here, please - is there at least one other member in this group that haven't read as many yet? Sometimes I'm considering leaving this group because I feel I'm not worthy of being a member. Well, that's the reason why I'm commenting so rarely, I think noone is interested in what I will vote for since you all probably have read it.

I want to thank the person who asked about the randomizer, I've always wondered but felt to embarrassed to ask.

Nike wrote: "I feel so utterly embarrassed every month and I seldom comment due to the fact that all of you have read almost all of the books up for voting every month whereas I 've always read only between one..."
I don't think you're alone, Nike. There are people who do not comment, do not write reviews, etc, but they vote each month. You have nothing to feel bad about, we have all started from that place and if you're reading other stuff that you want to read, isn't that what it is all about? Your vote will go in the randomizer and who knows, maybe it will be picked. It has not been a previous botm that I see.

Nike wrote: "I feel so utterly embarrassed every month and I seldom comment due to the fact that all of you have read almost all of the books up for voting every month whereas I 've always read only between one..."

Oh my, Nike - don't feel embarrassed! Or ashamed for that matter. I think Krystal is correct - we all started at a low number (or zero) when the list first came out, and as long as you are reading it is all good.

It happens that this set of letters is apparently(!) the section of the alphabet that I have read a fair number from. This is not usually the case for our monthly lists. I rarely chime in on number read because mine is usually quite low.

Personally, I think not having read as many is a good reason to stay in the group. We all don't have the same reading 'goals' or needs or desires. The 1001 list does not dictate my choices generally (and I read A LOT) - I fit them in when I can. As an example, last year (which was extremely stressful hence the high number to follow) I read 12 books from the 1001 list - out of 165 books read in total! Obviously, I am not sprinting to the finish line. I like this 1001 group because it is smaller and somehow seems more friendly/personal and it is possible to influence the vote if you choose to.

Nike wrote: "I feel so utterly embarrassed every month and I seldom comment due to the fact that all of you have read almost all of the books up for voting every month whereas I 've always read only between one..."

BTW - I would be interested to know the book that appeals to you. When there is not one I feel strongly about (such as this month) I look at everyone's choices and see if any appeal to me. (Well, I also do consider if it will be possible for me to get!)

Kristel wrote: "Nike wrote: "I feel so utterly embarrassed every month and I seldom comment due to the fact that all of you have read almost all of the books up for voting every month whereas I 've always read onl..."


Thank you, Kristel 🙏. I appreciate your words a lot 🌺

Valerie wrote: "Nike wrote: "I feel so utterly embarrassed every month and I seldom comment due to the fact that all of you have read almost all of the books up for voting every month whereas I 've always read onl..."

Thank you Valerie, your comment is truly comforting 🌺

Valerie wrote: "Nike wrote: "I feel so utterly embarrassed every month and I seldom comment due to the fact that all of you have read almost all of the books up for voting every month whereas I 've always read onl..."

I'm curious of reading a book I've come to understand is a US classic. However none of her books have ever been translated into my language. I'm grateful for mastering English otherwise there would be a huge amount of literature which I could never read. Anyway the book I've come to understand is an important work - thanks to ŷ������, otherwise I still wouldn't know about it - is Their Eyes Are Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Nike wrote: "Valerie wrote: "Nike wrote: "I feel so utterly embarrassed every month and I seldom comment due to the fact that all of you have read almost all of the books up for voting every month whereas I 've..."

Good choice! Unfortunately, I have read that one. I would highly recommend it though - maybe throw a couple of votes at it! I will say though, that the dialect Hurston used for her characters can be a bit difficult - so be patient and you will be rewarded!

Nike wrote: "I feel so utterly embarrassed every month and I seldom comment due to the fact that all of you have read almost all of the books up for voting every month whereas I 've always read only between one..."

Please don't feel embarrassed! The list is heavily skewed towards English language books, and if you are not a native English speaker, it's not surprising you haven't read so many of them. Most of us probably read a lot of them (willingly or unwillingly) in school and/or college - I know I did. Also speaking for myself, I am over 60, so I have a lot of years of reading behind me, and probably not so many ahead. We are all on our own path :)

Thank you all for your input 🙂

When I first got a copy of the 1st edition of the 1001 Boxall list (about 12 yrs ago) I had read about 90, and I thought I had read a lot more classic books than most people- but only 9% of the list! Since then I've read 2 or 3 of the List books most months and am now up to almost 500; it just takes time and perseverance.
On the positive side Nike you have a lot of great books to look forward to reading. Hopefully you will stay in the group.

I have a copy of Jean de Florette and Manon of the Springs (Manon de Sources) in one volume. I thought they were excellent. The French movies of them were very good also. Depardieu played Jean. I will send it to anyone who wants it- I think I only paid a few dollars for it.

Yeah echoing everyone else here: when I started the list intentionally in 2014 I had only read ~ 60 books on the list, and now have ~60 left, but it has been 10 years of mostly reading list books...it is a lot and all milestones are good ones! I love listening to everyone here regardless of how far into the list they and how long they have been at it (and I lurked in a few 1001 groups for years before I actually posted anything).

(I am also aware that a few of us deep into the list may be swaying the picture of where the average person is at in this group, and the only reason I'm always quick on putting my thoughts out in the botm threads is that I like putting my few options out there early to see if other people may be into them, definitely would not want anyone being put off of posting because of that).

Thank you all of you, I'm so glad for the response and it feels so much better now. I'll stay in the group and I'll keep reading - both books in this list and a lot of others.

I've found a list of Women in Literature with writers who don't write in English and I've started to incorporate books from this list in my Reading Challenges. I've noticed that some of them can also be found in the 1001 list. Does anyone who is familiar with the WIT list know if perhaps all of them are to be found in the 1001 list?

Nike wrote: "Thank you all of you, I'm so glad for the response and it feels so much better now. I'll stay in the group and I'll keep reading - both books in this list and a lot of others.

I've found a list o..."

I'm glad! Also that list you mentioned sounds cool. Is this the one you are referring to?
because if not I'd love to see which one you are going off of. I love discovering women authors, and definitely want to keep expanding my horizons outside the Anglo world.

Amanda wrote: "Nike wrote: "Thank you all of you, I'm so glad for the response and it feels so much better now. I'll stay in the group and I'll keep reading - both books in this list and a lot of others.

I've f..."

No, this is it: /list/show/1...

I noticed that one of the books are one of the options above for which to vote for this month. I've already voted for Zora Neale Hurston's book but if I had two votes I would also have voted for Nr 7 Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky

Nike wrote: "Amanda wrote: "Nike wrote: "Thank you all of you, I'm so glad for the response and it feels so much better now. I'll stay in the group and I'll keep reading - both books in this list and a lot of o..."

Someone did vote for Suite Francaise, so it will at least go into the randomizer. You never know how the randomized will spin!

Here is the origin of the list on GR;

Some are on the 1001. Some are newer. Some are nonfiction I think.

Kristel wrote: "Here is the origin of the list on GR;

Some are on the 1001. Some are newer. Some are nonfiction I think."

Thank you, Kristel!

Kristel wrote: "Here is the origin of the list on GR;

Some are on the 1001. Some are newer. Some are nonfiction I think."

Nike, do you have the Swedish 1001 list? I think you’re from Sweden unless my memory is bad and that is possible. You could use that list and have your TBR from that list as well as your randomizer list and that would maybe help you get some books that are in your language.

Nike wrote: "Amanda wrote: "Nike wrote: "Thank you all of you, I'm so glad for the response and it feels so much better now. I'll stay in the group and I'll keep reading - both books in this list and a lot of o..."

Thanks for the list! It does look like there is a decent amount of overlap with this list.

I have read 16 of these and of the ones mentioned I also have not read: In the Forest, A Bend in the River or All Soul's Day so will vote for one of those.

Don't forget to get your votes in. Voting has been light. One more day after today to vote.

Kristel wrote: "Kristel wrote: "Here is the origin of the list on GR;

Some are on the 1001. Some are newer. Some are nonfiction I ..."

Yes, I do and there are still some that I haven't read.

Hi Nike -- I vote every month and I've only read about 13% of the list. I've been slowly working on it for years but after finding this group, I got really motivated to kick it up a notch.

Jane wrote: "Hi Nike -- I vote every month and I've only read about 13% of the list. I've been slowly working on it for years but after finding this group, I got really motivated to kick it up a notch."

And I would add, with success! You’re up at toward the top of the standings.

Jane wrote: "Hi Nike -- I vote every month and I've only read about 13% of the list. I've been slowly working on it for years but after finding this group, I got really motivated to kick it up a notch."

Great! (⁠✷⁠‿⁠✷⁠)

Winners are: (Drum Roll)
The Randomizer chose Their Eyes Were Watching God voted for by Nike!
The popular vote went to All Souls' Day

All Souls Day barely beat out A Bend in The River. 13 books were nominated. Congratulations Nike!

What will you be reading in May?

Kristel wrote: "Winners are: (Drum Roll)
The Randomizer chose Their Eyes Were Watching God voted for by Nike!
The popular vote went to All Souls' Day

All Souls Day barely beat out A Ben..."

Wow 😲! Great! 😄 🥂🍾📚

I will be reading All Souls Day and some books from my Random Challenge. I have read Their Eyes��

Well I'm happy about All Souls Day...will be reading!

I happen to have a “tree�� copy of All Souls�� Day so will be attempting that. I’ve previously read Their Eyes��., so doubt that I will do a reread.

I forgot to vote! All Soul’s Day looks great: two of my favourite things, Berlin and filmmaking. But I am travelling all of May, so will only be able to read it when I have internet as it is unavailable on Audible or Kindle. I have also read Their Eyes, which is just as well!

Looking forward to All Souls' Day!