Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
Progress Posts 2016
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25: A book whose main character is in a profession that interests you
- What are reading this week?
Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise
- What profession does the main character work in?
Aang is the Avatar....I'm very interest in one day achieving Avatar status in life.
- What do you like about the profession?
Hmmm....he is a bender of all four elements, promotes peace and harmony in the world, has a flying bison, and he is an all around bad ass. Team Avatar for life!
- What are reading this week?Completed The Messiah of Stockholm by Cynthia Ozick
- What profession does the main character work in? Book Reviewer
- What do you like about the profession? Love to read...wish I had the talent to analyze works well enough to review them for publication as the character did in this book. Here, the reviewer came to believe that he was the son of a real Polish writer who was killed by the Nazis...leaving an unfinished and unfound manuscript for a novel called "The Messiah". A manuscript surfaces...but is it genuine?
Mod
- Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
- Actress (at least trying to be)
- I'm a huge movie/tv lover so it would be amazing to actually get paid for being around them all the time. The idea of changing into different people, especially through hair and makeup, also sounds amazing. The salary wouldn't hurt either :P
- What are reading this week? The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen- What profession does the main character work in? Doctor (an emergency trauma surgeon)
- What do you like about the profession? It's my dream job! I really admire people who can do that kind of job, they are amazing.
I just finished Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise.This is a memoir by Ruth Reichl about her time as the restaurant critic for the New York Times.
I think being a restaurant critic would be so fun because I love love food and restaurants and writing.
What are reading this week? Rogue LawyerWhat profession does the main character work in? He is a criminal lawyer.
What do you like about the profession? I think it would be interesting. I couldn't ever be a criminal lawyer, I think it carries too many dangers, but I think its fun to read criminal lawyer books.
- What are reading this week? Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg- What profession does the main character work in? Supreme Court Justice & Champion of Equality.
- What do you like about the profession? I've always been fascinated with the law and Justice Ginsburg has had a remarkable career.
What are you reading this week?
Like Breanne, I'm reading All the President's Men by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
What profession does the main character work in?
Investigative journalism
- What do you like about the profession?
The research and analytical aspects fascinate me, and the fact that if you do the job well, you can make a positive impact on society.
Beth wrote: "- What are reading this week? Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg- What profession does the main character work in? Supreme Court Justice & Champion of Equali..."
I was really wanting to read that book but did not know how to work it into the challenge. It is perfect for this week, thanks for the idea!
- What are reading this week?
"The Martian" by Andy Weir
- What profession does the main character work in?
An Astronaut.
- What do you like about the profession?
Growing up I always wanted to be an Astronaut, I love space and everything about it.
- What are you reading this week?I'm also reading Andy Weir's The Martian.
- What profession does the main character work in?
Astronaut
- What do you like about the profession?
There is no way I want to BE an astronaut but traveling into space to other planets and moons is fascinating in a scary kind of way.
- What are reading this week?H is for Hawk
- What profession does the main character work in?
Falconry. Maybe cheating here a bit, as I'm less sure it's actually her profession, but close enough�
- What do you like about the profession?
This is not something I've thought of doing myself before, but it just sounds really cool.
-What are reading this week?Hartley's Grange by Nicole Hurley-Moore
- What profession does the main character work in?
She is a dressmaker and designer, making formal and wedding gowns.
- What do you like about the profession?
It would be great to design and make beautiful clothing.
- What are reading this week?Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
- What profession does the main character work in? This is funny, because one of the main characters works with computers, which was my work, I actually experienced all the crazyness with Y2K changes :D But the job I felt interested was from the other main character, she is a journalist who works writing movie reviews. That sounds so interesting!!!
- What do you like about the profession?
I love go to the movies! Can you imagine being paid to see movies? Wonderful! Of course, after the movie comes deadlines and the pressure, but that happens in any job.
- What are reading this week?Devoted in Death
- What profession does the main character work in?
Police - Homicide
- What do you like about the profession?
I think it is amazing that people can enjoy this field, and be really good at it. To me, it's probably one of the most difficult and emotionally draining jobs there is.
I love seeing how all the information is analysed and synthesised, even though some of the storylines in this series are just plain creepy. The futuristic element of these novels also interests me.
Progress Post:- What are reading this week? Long Lost, Harlan Coben
- What profession does the main character work in? Sports Rep
- What do you like about the profession? I've always been into sports, and the profession just seems interesting to me!
- What are reading this week? Out of Africa by Isek Dinesen/Karen Blixen- What profession does the main character work in? Although she's a Baroness, she maintains a coffee plantation (with a lot of help from the Somali and Masai natives) in Nairobi, Kenya.
- What do you like about the profession? I especially love where she works! On the land, in the great outdoors of amazing Africa. She wakes up to a beautiful sunrise and sees it set each day, surrounded by animals, birds and the majestic flora and fauna. Several years ago, I was blessed with traveling there and it is truly beautiful. To live as one with nature, with animals all around me - that is heaven to me and when I die, that's where I'd like to be.
It's not an office, there are no suits and with the exception of the colonial government muckety-mucks in the city, basically, noone bosses her around. She makes her own rules and lives life to the fullest toiling the land, enjoying nature, writing and reading as she pleases. The hunting I could do without, but to live just a month or two like this sounds like paradise.
- What are reading this week?2010: Odyssey Two
- What profession does the main character work in?
He is an astronaut.
- What do you like about the profession?
I like everything about space.
- What are reading this week?Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops
- What profession does the main character work in?
This may be cheating a bit, since there is no one main character. This is a funny little book about the strange things people say in bookstores.
- What do you like about the profession?
I LOVE books so much. I work part time at a library. I would love to own a bookstore; or a bookstore/coffeehouse/tea room.
I think I've seen too many Mystery Woman movies on the hallmark channel.
I read Her Perfect Mate by Paige Tyler for my selection. I read this for my fourth week's read as I am reading the list out of order.The profession of the main characters is that they work for a super secret government organization. Ever since Alias aired on TV I have had a bit of a fascination with that type of thing--although I think I would be absolutely awful at it. However, living it vicariously through TV and books is a lot of fun!
Progress Post:-What are reading this week?
House of Cards by Michael Dobbs
-What profession does the main character work in?
Politician
-What do you like about the profession?
Making a difference, the excitement of being a part of history
- What are reading this week?Out of the Silent Planet
- What profession does the main character work in?
Philologist (linguistic studies)
- What do you like about the profession?
I have a master's degree in English and would someday love to get a degree in linguistics. Languages just fascinate me. When I was in high school, I tried to write my own language.
Joy, as a lover of languages, you should read Jhumpa Lahiri's new book, In Other Words, about her experience learning Italian and loving the language.
Julia wrote: "Growing up I always wanted to be an Astronaut."
I'm reading The Martian for this week as well... same reason. :)
- What are reading this week?A Cookbook Conspiracy by Kate Carlisle. It's a cozy mystery.
- What profession does the main character work in?
She's a bookbinder.
- What do you like about the profession?
I like the idea of restoring old books!
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- What are reading this week?Frontier Teachers: Stories of Heroic Women of the Old West by Chris Enss
- What profession does the main character work in?
This was a nonfiction collection of mini bios of women who worked on the frontier as teachers.
- What do you like about the profession?
So much! I think it is an admirable job to take on the responsibility of educating the next generations. Especially when you consider the fact that teachers are not paid nearly enough for the work and dedication they put into their jobs. The women in this book also had to overcome the fact that at the time teaching was not considered appropriate for women, and they had to adhere to some pretty strict guidelines to be given a job.
What are reading this week? Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon by Nick Trout and My Life with the Chimpanzees by Jane GoodallWhat profession does the main character work in? Animal surgeon, and Ethologist
What do you like about the profession? I wanted to be a vet when I was a kid and I just love animals! :)
The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths.The main character Ruth is a forensic anthropologist.
I would have loved a profesion in anthropolgy.
- What are reading this week?Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher
- What profession does the main character work in?
the main character works in a coffee/cake shop
- What do you like about the profession?
In an ideal world, I would love to bake and have my own cake shop
What are reading this week?Our Tragic Universe
What profession does the main character work in?
She's a novelist.
What do you like about the profession?
I love to write, but lately haven't had much time for it. I find it and reading to be very therapeutic. If I could quit my job (which I dearly love) and would be guaranteed to be paid to read and write, I would be the happiest person.
What are reading this week?The Storyteller of Marrakesh by Joydeep Roy-Bhattacharya
What profession does the main character work in?
Hassan is a storyteller. Each evening he welcomes a circle of listeners in the square of The Jemaa and enchants them with mysterious tales
What do you like about the profession?
I love the idea of writing my own stories one day. They say there's a book in all of us!
I just finished reading Cold Earth by Sarah Moss.The main characters are on an archeological dig in Greenland. I like the idea of working outdoors and uncovering the past via discovery of artifacts.
- What are you reading this week?I too am reading All the President's Men by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward. (I was initially considering it a side read, but was inspired by Breanne to use it for this prompt!)
What profession does the main character work in?
Bernstein and Woodward are investigative reporters for the Washington Post.
What do you like about the profession?
I was a journalism major for my first 2 years of college. I love the research aspects of the career and the having access to unusual information. However this book reminded me of why I didn't stick with it--there were times Woodward and Bernstein have to camp out in front of people's houses and/or wait hours for a source to show up for a scheduled meeting. I had an extreme flashback to being assigned stories on my college paper where I had to talk to the basketball coach and I'd have to wait outside his office for ages and ages because he didn't like talking to student reporters.
I needed a career where the bulk of success doesn't rely on other people, who may or may not be helpful. So I switched to history and am now studying library science because I really do like to do research.
Emily, that's great - congrats on finding something that incorporates the things you loved about journalism.
What are you reading this week? Kitchens of the Great Midwest
by J. Ryan StradalWhat profession does the main character work in? Chef
What do you like about the profession? I'm a little bit of a foodie and I love discovering new flavor profiles and unexpected combinations of ingredients that turn out to be delicious!
In this case, the book was more about the role food plays in our lives -- from pretentious dinner parties to the local Ladies' NoBake Bar Challenge. Enjoyed it just the same.
What are reading this week?Goodnight Tweetheart
What profession does the main character work in?
She's a bestselling author.
What do you like about the profession?
I used to really want to be an author. Specifically, a friend of mine and I had planned to go into business together writing and illustrating kids books (this was when we were in the third grade). I would write, and he would draw the pictures. That idea died out within the school year, but it did give us some interesting recess projects. Even when I was older, I'd thought about what it would be like to really write and publish my own books but I've never actually pursued it.
What are you reading this week? A Dying FallWhat profession does the main character work in? She is a forensic anthropologist
What do you like about the profession? I find it very interesting and would have liked to have been in that profession
- What are reading this week? Hide Away by Iris Johansen- What profession does the main character work in? Eve is an incredible forensic sculptor.
- What do you like about the profession? It is interesting and fits in my criminal jstice background. Eve focuses on children's skulls in order to bring them home, otherwise meaning find justice for their deaths.
What are reading this week?Sweet Caress by William Boyd
- What profession does the main character work in?
Photography
- What do you like about the profession?
It is an art form in which I dabble. It can tell stories, capture a moment, change how the viewer looks at the world. To me it is a powerful medium.
- What are reading this week?MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors by Richard Hooker
- What profession does the main character work in?
Surgeons, all three.
- What do you like about the profession?
It was certainly something I was considering going into as an undergrad. It falls into the category of 'real life superhero' as you get to save people while also requiring quite a bit of skill and intelligence (and probably invincibility).
Since the author was an Army Surgeon by profession and not a writer, it proved to be a very good choice for this topic. He's quite knowledgeable on the subject (but perhaps not the most skilled in storytelling).
I'm reading The Summer Garden. Tatiana is an ER nurse. I would love to save lives and help people, but I'm not really much of a people person
What are reading this week?The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
What profession does the main character work in?
He owns a bookshop.
What do you like about the profession?
I would LOVE to own a bookshop. I imagine one open a bit later, where you can sit and have a glass of wine and some cheese or tapas amongst all the books. Mixing food, wine and books together - my favourite things ;)
Progress Post:- What are reading this week?
Dying for Her
- What profession does the main character work in?
The main character in the series is a Death Replacement Agent.
- What do you like about the profession?
How cool would it be to be able to save a life by giving your own AND getting to come back to life again after to do it all over again?
What are reading this week? Up to This Pointe by Jennifer LongoWhat profession does the main character work in?
She is an aspiring ballerina and the supporting characters are scientists. Both very interesting professions.
What do you like about the profession?
Ballerinas are fascinating, the things they can do with their bodies and the amount of effort it takes to get there. And the final result is awe-inspiring. While I have never taken a single ballet lesson in my life, i enjoy watching ballet and love the gracefulness of the dance and dancers.
I also enjoy reading about scientists, my dad is an avid science buff and has passed on some of his passion to me.
I just started reading M. Butterfly by David Hwang.The main character is a diplomat, but the Chinese opera singer spy also seems interesting.
I like the idea of travel, international affairs, mutual agreements, culture, diplomatic immunity. Fascinating.
- What are reading this week?The One That Got Away
- What profession does the main character work in?
architect
- What do you like about the profession?
The creation of a living or working space that fits a want or need.
I totally cheated. I wanted to fit Ready Player One into my challenge, and I never really found a good book for this category, so I decided that "professional video game player" is indeed a profession that is interesting. It exists, too, check it out! In Korea Starcraft players play in huge arenas where people watch the matches, and players get huge endorsements. There are also plenty of people "farming" in online games and monetizing it. Not to mention all the video game testers, reviewers, and Youtubers.
What are reading this week?The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
What profession does the main character work in?
Librarian.
What do you like about the profession?
Umm ... books!
Jody wrote: "What are reading this week?The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
What profession does the main character work in?
Librarian.
What do you like about the profession?
Umm ..."
Jody, you are a genius. I'm going to copy you on this one!
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
2010: Odyssey Two (other topics)If You Ask Me (other topics)
Code Blue (other topics)
Ready Player One (other topics)
The Return of Hyman Kaplan (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Traci Hunter Abramson (other topics)Jack Thorne (other topics)
J.K. Rowling (other topics)
Jodi Picoult (other topics)
John Grisham (other topics)
More...
For those reading in order: June 17- June 23.
Suggestions for this week: /topic/show/...
To discuss the book, don't forget to add it in the A-Z folders or join the existing discussion.
Progress Post:
- What are reading this week?
- What profession does the main character work in?
- What do you like about the profession?