Classics: We love them, we hate them, now we are going to challenge ourselves to reading more of them. Because there are so many different types of classics, different genres are acceptable and encouraged--for example, novels, short story collections, non-fiction, poetry, essays--I'm open for other suggestions!
RULES (keep reading for the bonus):
- OPTION 1: Read FIVE classics.
- OPTION 2: Read FIVE classics from at least TWO different countries
- OPTION 3: Read FIVE classics with any combination of at least TWO different countries and TWO different genres (see above for genres).
- Cross-posting with other challenges is allowed (and encouraged!); Audiobooks are fine; books must be finished after July 1st to count for the challenge although re-reads are acceptable.
- Lists don't have to be set in stone; you can change your selections at any time.
- Have Fun. Oh ya...there will be a drawing for a prize or two. To be entered you must complete any one of the above options. You do NOT need a blog to participate.
Am I going to define what a classic is? Nope! There are lots of definitions offered on the Internet, but essentially we all have different opinions so don't stress too much--and see the bonus below.
BONUS!! (optional)
As you can see, I'm requiring FIVE classics for six months. For the sixth book, I would like the participants to offer suggestions for books that may not be considered classics but that you think should be or books that you think will be a classic one day. Leave your suggestions in the comments below. I'll compile a list of the suggestions and you choose a book from the list and make that your sixth read. I realize this means you may have to wait to make your list if you choose to participate in the bonus round, but I'm hoping this is a modern twist on the old classics challenge.
For example, I am going to suggest The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and The Remains of the Day by Kazou Ishiguro.
SIGN UPS...COMING SOON
Alright, let's do it this way... At the beginning of June I will put up the official Mr. Linky. By then, hopefully there will be a decent sized "should be/will be" classics list for participants to choose their sixth book. I hope I hope I hope at the beginning of June there aren't just the suggestions of The Handmaid's Tale and Remains of the Day. Won't I feel silly? ;) If you don't want to do the bonus (shame on you!!), please check back at the beginning of June to officially join. Feel free to leave a comment below, though, if you are interested!
Thanks everyone for your interest! I've been an avid challenge participant for almost a year and I'm thrilled to finally have the guts to host my own. Thank you to everyone who has given me support and suggestions along the way!
Finally: Happy Reading!
74 comments:
Ummm, you know I don't relish the idea of reading classics, however, I'm gonna do it. AND, I gonna do it without any grumbling. Well, I can't promise the no grumbling, but I will promise to try. :)
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the "Bonus" idea.
I agree with Joy...the "bonus" is a fabulous idea! Though I have no idea what I might suggest for that one yet. Can't wait, Trish!
Oh Trish, how can I say no? This will help me get a ton of those classics that I have on the bookshelf actually read. And that way when people ask me if I've read the books I actually own, I can say, yes, why yes I have! Can't wait!
Well, shoot. A little definition would've been a good thing. And the bonus idea is an excellent one.
I love the button, btw. It's beautiful.
cjh
I'm so glad you're allowing overlaps with other challenges. I really want to join the fun, and this way I can do it without getting too overwhelmed.
One question: would children's classics be considered a subgenre?
My suggestions for should be/will be classics: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides and The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.
*Joy - Fine, I'll allow grumbling...but didn't you see the part about audiobooks? Just for you, my dear!
*Debi - I look forward to hearing your bonus suggestions!
*Natasha - Yes, that's what I'm hoping for as well. I've been neglecting those gems all year, but it's time to buckle down!
*CJ - It is so difficult to define a classic and I don't want that responsibility! I've heard people say books published after a certain year, but I'm not sure if it can really be all that clear-cut. All of this is partly why I designed the bonus round. Thanks about the button--I used a picture of a few of my books for it and Joy helped with some size suggestions.
*Nymeth - Yay! Finally some bonus suggestions! And from experience I know that the key to joining any challenge is overlapping. ;) Yes, childrens classics will be fine!
I'm excited to join in this year. My suggestion for a should be/will be would be Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.
*Becky - I'm glad to have you and thanks for the suggestion! I'm hoping that this challenge will be a good compliment to the mini-challenge you are hosting.
Super fun Trish!! I'm totally in. My bonus suggestions: Peace Like a River by Leif Enger, Gilead by Marilynne Robinson and The Eight by Katherine Neville.
I think I'll be joining!
Of course I will join; I love classics. I'll have to think about some should-be-classics suggestions.
Love the sound of this challenge Trish - I'll be on board.
My choice for a "should be" classic is The Book Thief By Markus Zusak
I'm in! I've been bemoaning the lack of classics and the fact that I really need to read more. So, I'm really looking forward to this challenge. I just picked up a new classics this weekend that I want to read but I'll try to hold off until this challenge starts.
Suggestion for a modern classics: Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow.
Okay, I need to do my part in making a suggestion for the "bonus" book. I'm taking a leap here and suggesting a YA graphic book. There are two that I've been thinking about, but I'll leave the other one for someone else to suggest. :) My suggestion is: The Arrival (Shaun Tan), published in 2007.
See, Trish. I'm getting in the spirit!
AND...thank you, thank you, thank you for allowing audiobooks AND children's books. You are truly making this an easier experience for me. Much obliged!
I plan on joining this one and I would like to submit both The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns as could be/will be classics.
I will not be able to resist. I already know. :-) Count me in when the time comes!
hey.. This Challenge sounds great.. I was planning to re-read quite a few classics this year (Esp after reading "Reading Lolita in Tehran) and this seems to be the perfect opportunity! Love the bonus idea!:) My recommendation for would be "Wild Swans" by Jung Chang.. have you read that???
I'll definately play - I don't read enough classics and really welcome to chance to read more. As the will be/should be book, may I suggest:
The Book of Ruth (Paperback)
by Jane Hamilton
Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man (Paperback)
by Fannie Flagg
What a great idea! I was actually thinking that I needed a classics reading challenge cause I feel like reading lots of them recently,especially those children's ones that I never read.
bonus suggestions:
future fantasy classic:
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
War for the Oaks by Emma Bull
future children's/YA classics:
Journey to the river sea by Eva Ibbotson
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
The Book Thief by Mark Zusak
A Gathering Light by Jennifer Donnelly
adult future classics:
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
i love classics! and i would love to join in. i'm trying to think of something to one day be a classic and i would say something like ian mcewan's "atonement." though i think there are a lot of mixed feelings about the book.
*Corinne - Thanks for the suggestions! Gilead is not one of my favorites--but I think I'm in the minority. :) I've heard good things about Peace Like a River.
*Chris - I hope so! I know you read a lot of classics anyway, so this should be a breeze for you!
*Petunia - I'm glad you are onboard--I look forward to your suggestions. I'm sure you've got some great ones!
*Karen - I was wondering how long it would take for someone to mention The Book Thief--I definitely agree it is a "will be" classic! :)
*Thatsthebook - I've been thinking lately too that I need to read more classics--last year I did pretty well, but I've been avoiding them this year! Glad your in!
*Joy - thanks for the suggestion--I'm curious what the other books is. Aren't there ANY classics you like? ;) Well--thank you for being such a trooper! You're doing a great job of keeping the grumbling low...ha ha!
*Amy - Great books! Glad you're going to join. :)
*Lezlie - Yay, I'm glad you're in! Let me know if you want me to add a bonus book to the list--you don't have to do the bonus to throw in a selection.
*Ramya - Yes, that book had the same effect on me! I especially want to read Lolita now as well (and Invitation to a Beheading). Thanks for the suggestion--I haven't read or heard of it! :) I love making new discoveries.
*NotJustLaura - I LOVE Daisy Fay--one of my favorite books from last year! Thanks for joining in on the fun--and yes, everyone could use more classics! :)
*Valentina - Thanks for all of the great bonus suggestions! I'd really like to read Stardust as I loved the movie. I loved The Thirteenth Tale--especially all of the classic book references. ;)
*Veronica - Glad to have you! Atonement was one that I was thinking of as well when I was giving my selections. I definitely think it is future classic material! And hey...there are a lot of mixed feelings about current "classics" as well!
Oh, yes, count me in. I love classics. I think Jane Eyre should be listed as a choice, lots of people are recommending that on my poll for what to read next. Also, I long to get more Dickens under my belt. Phew, it's exciting!
i was thinking about this..and came up with another book.. can't believe i didnt think of it in first place - Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie.. you can add that to your list.. and i have written about Wild Swans in my blog, you can read the review if you are interested!:)
*Bellezza - I'm glad you're going to join! Yes, Jane Eyre is one of my favorite classics--you should definitely add it to your list. Don't forget to suggest a "bonus" book if you want to do that option--I'm sure you would have something valuable to add!
*Ramya - I'm SO glad you've listed that one. I have many ideas about should be/will be classics, but I've been trying to refrain from adding too many of my own. I was thinking about this particular book earlier today, though.
It's late for me here, so I can't think up a "should be" classic right now. Maybe "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman? But regardless, count me in. I'll just have to bookmark your page so I don't forget. Haven't decided on an option yet, but hey, I have time.
I'll be back to join this one for sure! Great idea.
Oh, dear. Another reading challenge I can not resist! I already read quite a few classics so reading five should not be too hard. As for a modern classic, I am not so sure which to suggest, but I will have to think about it for June. What do we count as classics because there are many books from the mid-twentieth century that I already count as classics. Must muse more on this. Good challenge. Be back for signups.
I love the classics! Count me in.
Trish, it's Karen Beth! I have been looking forward for months to getting involved in one of the challenges that you're doing, and this is DEFINITELY the one for me! Apparently, they don't let you get your PhD in English out here without the classics. ;)
A few of my preliminary bonus ideas are House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III, or possibly The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje, but I'm sure most of the classics I read will be nineteenth century novels.
*Unfinishedperson - Thanks for the bonus book--it's one that I've been very curious about and have heard great things! If you can think of anything else, feel free to suggest.
*Samantha - Glad you're interested! I'll be looking forward to seeing your list.
*Athena - Let me know when you've thought of a bonus book! In terms of classics, I really can't tell you. ;) My coworker and I were talking about this earlier and neither of us could really decide what the cutoff is for "classics." I'd say early-twentieth century books are definitely classics, but use your best judgment!
*Whitney - Great!
*KAREN BETH!!!!!! I can't tell you how thrilled I am that you are interested. This should be an easy challenge for you as I'm sure you have to read a bunch of classics anyway for school. What classes are you taking anyway? How did the Faulkner class go? We need to catch up! Thanks for the bonus suggestions--both great books!
This sound like a lot of fun, even though I'm not sure how this works. I found this link by clicking on a site my older son put on my del.icio.us (favorites) page about novels. I love to read and this year that son and I have a challange to not buy any books for the six months of the while at the same time reading at least 3,500 pages of books we already own. That challange finishes July 1, so I'll be ready for the next one. I also own many classics that I haven't gotten around to reading yet and my personal goal is to read 10,000 pages in my own library this year (so far I've read 4,000+). I will have to think about a "future" classic. One question--I'm planning on reading the autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini this year. Would that count--he was an artist at the time of Michelangelo?
Carolyn
*Carolyn - I'll let you use your best judgment about the autobiography, but if it is a current/modern book then it probably isn't classified as a classic (although it sounds fascinating!). Bottom line is the challenge should be fun and I don't think it is fair for me to tell people what they can and can't read! :)
In a few weeks, I will be putting up a Mr. Linky post where participants can link their posts to this main challenge blog. Every month I'll put up a new blog for participants to link their monthly reads. This challenge sounds like a great way to get some of those books on your shelves read! 10,000 pages is certainly an impressive number and quite an accomplishment! I need to try and be better about that.
If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know and I will be happy to answer. Thanks for your interest--keep the blog bookmarked for future information.
looks like your bonus book list is growing..:) am excited about the challenge.. so, do you have any restrictions about reading multiple books by the same author??? I was thinking of maybe making use of this challenge to re-read all austen books.. what say?
This dovetails nicely with a couple of other challenges, so I'm in.
I see "The Book Thief" has already made the should be / will be classics list, so I'm going to suggest "Small Island" by Andrea Levy.
I have been missing this too, while outside!!! Look what you have done! Great work girl, you are doing a challenge...I love it!
I am not a huge fan of classics, but maybe that is because I haven't read too many. I am in for this one, for sure.
I like Ramya's idea of reading the Austen books...I have not read one of them!! (shhh..another secret!)
*Ramya - Of course you can read multiple books by the same author! I've been thinking about Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn by Twain, but there are *so* many I want to read that I haven't made my list yet! :) Use this challenge however it works best for you!
*Lizzy - Great! I'm going to be cross-posting as well--this fits nicely with some of the other challenges going around. I'm glad you'll be joining us! Don't forget to suggest a "future" classics book if you'd like!
*Bethany - My friend Laura pushed me to do a challenge, but YOU also gave me a lot of courage seeing how successful your challenge is. ;) Classics can be fun--sometimes it's just a matter of what you choose. There are some great children's classics--Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland--maybe try some of those! Also--I would love to hear what you have to suggest for the bonus round.
Suggestions for “modern classics” (my criterion is books written after 1950 that I think will, or should, become classics. Books from the first half of the 20th century either have already become established as classics or probably won’t stand the test of time.)
The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara—historical novel of the Civil War that has a superb description of the Battle of Gettysburg that will have you on the edge of your seat even though you know how it came out. Genre: historical novel; Nationality: American.
Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem—this is a modern take-off on the hardboiled detective/gangster story with an appealing (sort of, anyway) “hero” who has Tourette’s syndrome. It’s difficult to convey how compelling a read this is, however not only I loved it but everyone I recommended it to when I read it also loved it. Genre: mystery; Nationality: American.
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison—I read this long before it was an Oprah book and consider this one of the best recommendations she has made. Genre: novel; Nationality: American.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe—a moving story, beautifully written, that portrays the clash of cultures and destruction of tribal life in Nigeria during the British colonization. This is a rather short book which might be welcome in the challenge—and also probably would classify as a regular classic already although it was written in the 1950’s. Genre: historical novel; Nationality: Nigerian.
Why I Wake Early by Mary Oliver—I love all her work but I think this is my favorite. It reminds me of Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek (another possible choice for modern classic!) distilled into poetry. If you love poetry, this is a “must read.” If you are not sure, try it—it might convince you to try more poetry. Genre: poetry; Nationality: American.
Two fantasy novels my son has recommended to me as classics (I haven’t read them yet but they are on my tbr list) are Dune by Frank Herbert and The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursala K. Le Guin.
I can hardly wait for July!
Carolyn
This is such a great challenge. I can't wait. You said the books have to be finished after July 1st. Does that mean you can start them for then?
As for modern classics, I just love Life of Pi by Yann Martel and believe that it will be considered a classic someday.
*Carolyn - Oh My Goodness! Thank you for all of the suggestions! I've read a few on your list, but the others sound equally compelling. Please let me know if I forgot any. I'm glad you and your son will be joining!
*Kim - Thanks for the suggestion! I read that one a few summers ago and found it very interesting. Yes, you may *start* a book before July 1st--which might be helpful if you are reading a longer classic (like some on my shelf that I am too scared to read!!). Anything finished *before* July 1 shouldn't be counted, though. Glad you'll be joining us!
I'm also an avid reader. I just finished Portrait of a Lady and I was surprised how much I liked it. I'd avoided James because he always seemed quite dry. My suggestion for modern classic is Iris Murdoch's The Sea.
Oh, I think that nobody mentioned Lord of the Rings! What is this? It is a classic in the fantasy genre. Oh I am so making my own list. Lovely! Lovely!
I'm so excited to join this challenge! My choice for a modern classic is His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman!
--Annie
I'm getting so excited about this one, Trish! I keep trying to decide what I'm going to read, but I've changed my mind about a hundred times so far. Anyway, I decided to go out on a limb here and suggest a non-fiction book as a modern classic. And The Band Played On by Randy Shilts. Hope that's o.k.
*Kya - Oh, I'm glad you liked it! I just couldn't get over what happened to Isabel's character near the end--I was hoping for some type of independence for her and was disappointed. Other than that I liked it. :) Thanks for the bonus suggestion! Glad you'll be joining us.
*Daydream - I'm not sure if you're asking whether this is a fantasy classics challenge--not specifically, but you can read any sub-genre of classics you would like--fantasy included! Thanks for the great suggestion--can't wait to see your list!
*Annie - I am so thrilled you are going to join! Thanks for the bonus suggestion--I recently watched The Golden Compass and am now interested in learning more about Pullman's works.
*Debi - Yes, I think that nonfiction works can be classics! I've heard In Cold Blood called a classic--or a will be classic. I look forward to seeing your final list--I keep changing my mind a million times too. It just seems like there are too many unread classics out there! Where to start??
I am not kicking it fantasy. I am just going old school with the Victorian era. These are teh classics that I love personally. I will soon post a link to my special Challenge Blog. Yup!
I think Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver "should be/will be" a classic.
I want to join. Will think about the books and come back to sign up.
*Daydream - I really like Victorian classics as well as early twentieth century classics. I look forward to seeing your list in a few weeks!
*Booklogged - Thanks for the great suggestion! Poisonwood Bible is one of the few books that I would love to re-read one day. Glad you'll be joining us!
Thank you! I am still figuring out what to choose as a sixth novel from your list and I think I can change some books as well. We shall see! ;)
Excellent idea!
I'd suggest "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen and "The Eyre Affair" by Jasper Fforde.
*Maria - thanks for the suggestions! Glad you'll be joining us. :)
I'm in, I've even published a list here: http://framedandbooked.blogspot.com/2008/05/classics-challenge-and-meme.html
Thanks so much for doing this. I was hoping for a classics challenge.
You have so many books on the list already that I would have suggested, but I'm reading one right now that should be considered a classic. "Lud-in-the-Mist" was published in 1920 and has really been overlooked. It hooked me right from the start. Beautiful writing. I hope I still love it when I reach the end.
Sorry, Lud-in-the-Mist was written by Hope Mirrlees
I've been thinking of more should be future classics:
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
*Framed - I can't believe there hasn't been a classics challenge yet this year--so I jumped on it. :) Your list looks great and thanks for the suggestion--I've heard good things about Lud-in-the-Mist!
*Becky - Thanks for the suggestions! I've been secretly hoping that someone would suggest The Road so that I can maybe use it. ;) The Giver is definitely one that I would put in this category as well--not familiar with the other two.
I submit as modern classics:
Bridget Jones's Diary (Helen Fielding)
The Lambs of London (Peter Ackroyd)
White Teeth (Zadie Smith)
On Beauty (Zadie Smith)
The Master (Colm Toibin)
The Time Traveler's Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (Susannah Clarke)
I also put my answer in my meme, but my suggestion as a potential future classic is The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman.
Thanks for hosting!
I don't read enough classics, so I'm definitely in. For future classics, I suggest
Blindness by Jose Saramago,
The End of the Alphabet by Cs Richardson
Love walked in by Marisa De Los Santos,
Astrid and Veronika by Linda Olsson,
and The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. Thanks for throwing this challenge!
Ok...I'm finally giving a suggestion for the bonus book--Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury. I want to re-read it myself!
*Katherine - Thanks for all of the suggestions! I've been meaning to read Zadie Smith for quite some while (and of course, Bridget Jones is my hero). :)
*3M - Thanks for the suggestion! It is not one that I'm familiar with. I'm glad you'll be joining us!
*N. Vasillis - I loved The Thirteenth Tale--and definitely agree with it as a choice! Thanks for all the suggestions and for joining us in the fun!
*Laura - Finally! :) Thanks for the suggestion--I may have to see about borrowing a copy--the name itself is very intriguing!
I'd like to participate too - and my suggestion is David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas. My reasons are here:
http://lostinagoodstory.blogspot.com/2008/05/classics-challenge.html
Great idea, thanks!
I have a couple of more suggestions for modern classics:
Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi (graphic novel)
Goodbye, Chunky Rice - Craig
Thompson (graphic novel)
Mystic River - Denis Lehane
The Book Eating Boy - Oliver Jeffers (children's)
Penelope - Marilyn Kaye (y.a.)
The Invention of Hugo Cabret -
Brian Selznick
Looks like I've come to this a little late... but I'd love to participate. I love classics and have been neglecting them of late, so maybe this will help me get going on some again.
As far as suggestions for a bonus classic...everything I would have suggested is on your list already! But if something pops into my head, I'll come back and suggest it! :)
*Joanna - Thanks for the suggestion! I'm glad you'll be joining us for the challenge.
*N. Vasillis - Wow, thanks for the suggestions. I've heard good things about several of these books. I look forward to seeing your challenge list!
*Suey - Not late at all! The challenge starts in July and I haven't even put sign ups yet, so no worries. :) Glad you'll be joining us!
Another suggestion for modern classic is Possession by A.S. Byatt. For a mainstream classic I like Bleak House and Middlemarch. I am presently trying to finish the Iliad. Have been halfway through now for a while. There are so many "classics" it's difficult to even narrow it down. I want to read The Golden Bowl and Les Miserables.
*Kya - I'd really like to read Les Mis one day as well (it is my favorite show), but it is very intimidating! :) Thanks for the bonus suggestion.
OK I have been thinking about this and there are never any science fiction/fantasy books on classics lists so I propose:
Perfume - Patrick Suskind
The Watchmen - Alan Moore (graphic novel)
Either or both The World Accoridng to Garp/A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
I am sure there are loads of others that deserve it and I agree with most of those already proposed although I would argue some are already considered classics.
*Rhinoa - There have been a few sci-fi books suggested already--overall I think it is a very diverse list! And I agree that some are probably already considered classics (Lord of the Rings definitely). But, I think that comes along with creating a list that isn't very concrete to begin with--there is so much debate about what is considered a classic and what isn't. Thanks for the great suggestions!
I'd love to join as I have several classics on my bookshelves that I just never get to. I'd love to be able to say that I actually read them and completed them. I'm new to the blogging world although I do have a blog. I'm not sure how to link things to my blog and such so maybe this will be a learning experience too.
As for books that could be considered classics and although I've already read them-some of Margaret George's like Henry VIII or Helen of Troy.
This will be the first challenge I join and I'm looking forward to it!
Ah well, so much for not joining any more! Count me in! I have classics on my TBR pile, and in my 888 challenge that I will cross to here too....it's a fun challenge, and will get me to read some of them! Instead of putting it off again!! thanks, Trish! and congrats on holding your first challenge.
My bonus suggestions are: Black and Blue by Ian Rankin (it will be a mystery classic one day), The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, and The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde.
I'd like to suggest A Fine Balance as a future classic.
This sounds like a great challenge. This will be only my second one!
Many of my votes for modern day classics have been listed - great list!
Excited to join in!
I see I'm coming in a bit late and I'm new to all these challenges, but really enjoying them!!!
Can I still join in?
I love classics. Modern classics you might want to consider are: "In Cold Blood", "The Color Purple", "Night" by Elie Wiesel, "The Things They Carried", "Nectar in a Sieve" and the Narnian Chronicles. Don't know if it's too late to add to your list.
Do I post this on my blog too?
Sign me up! The books that I feel should be considered classics are all of the books by British veternarian James Herriot. They are:
All Creatures Great and Small
All Things Bright and Beautiful
All Things Wise and Wonderful
The Lord God Made Them All
Every Living Thing
They were first popular in Great Britain and was made into a television series. I had to read the first book for Freshman English in high school and fell in love with it. Judy
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