Reading is such a big part of my life, but I rarely write about it. It's my relaxation, and I don't need to "process" it by writing, but maybe I should share more about one of my passions and pleasures. This year, I am joining the "Back to the Classics Reading Challenge." I will need to read a book published at least 50 years ago in each of 12 categories and write a review. The reading will be easy but maybe not so easy to write the review. Although the rules don't state it, I am not going to include re-reads. I may change my list, but this is what I have for now.
1. 19th Century Classic. Any classic book
originally published between 1800 and 1899.
Eris is scheduled to read Ivanhoe by Walter Scott (1819) in 7th grade, so I will pre-read it. I will likely read many others in this category, so I might substitute with something else.
2. 20th Century Classic. Any classic book
originally published between 1900 and 1969.
How the Heather Looks by Joan Bodger
(1965) is another book for Eris's 7th grade.
3. Classic by a Female Author.
I have recently learned that Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote some adult novels. I plan to try The Shuttle (1906).
4. Classic in Translation. Any classic originally
written in a novel other than your native language. The Way of a Pilgrim by
Anonymous Russian author (1860) which I got for Christmas OR the first book in Sigrid Undset’s Kristen Lavransdatter trilogy
The Wreath (1920).
5. Classic Comedy.
Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome (1889) is one I've heard is good and Philip says he'll read it aloud with me. Another possibility is something by
P.G. Wodehouse. I've never read anything by him, so I'll likely try something. I like books that make me laugh out loud, but my sense of humor is different than many readers it seems.
6. Classic Tragedy.
Wuthering Heights (1847) by Emily Bronte. I have actually never read this and really should. I don't generally like tragedy, but there are some classics I should get behind me.
7. Very Long Classic. Any classic single work 500
pages or longer.
War
and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (1867) is over 1,000 pages in any edition I saw. I will be reading this with an online reading group, taking it slowly throughout the year.
8. Classic Novella. Any work of narrative fiction
shorter than 250 pages.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote (1958) is only 149 pages or Lady
Susan by Jane Austen which is only 180 pages (1871).
9. Classic From the Americas (includes the Caribbean). Includes classic set in
either continent or the Caribbean, or by an author originally from one of those
countries.
I'm not sure about this one yet. I could just read something from an US author, but it would be good to stretch myself. I've never read One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Columbia; 1967), so this might be a good choice.
I'm not sure about his one, either. I might read something from Japan if I can find something at Project Gutenberg. Perhaps I will read The English Governess at the Siamese Court by Anna Harriette Leonowens (1870). I started it or maybe Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon and didn't enjoy the attitude of imperialistic superiority, but that is part of history, and I live in Thailand so I probably should read it. I can't get Anna and the King through Gutenberg, so I'll try the memoir.
11. Classic From a Place You've Lived. Read locally! Any classic set in a city, county, state or country in
which you've lived.
I could read The English Governess at the Siamese Court for this one. I could also read something from Israel, Oregon, or New Orleans (or even Wyoming). I haven't chosen something for this category yet.
12. Classic Play. Any play written or performed at
least 50 years ago. Plays are eligible for this category only. After Eris and I finish Twelfth Night, we will start another Shakespeare play, so I might choose that. I'm also considering something even older such as by Sophocles or Aristophanes.
This is the first time I've done a reading challenge, and I'm looking forward to stretching myself to read somethings I wouldn't otherwise. Anyone want to join me? (sign up for challenge here) Any suggestions for me? Hooray for another great year of reading!
