Sara’s Comments (group member since Jul 20, 2015)

Sara’s comments from the Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) group.

Yes, it is a good one to be able to just say "done" to.

I seldom know any of the modern writers and had never heard of this one. My reasons are the same as yours. I like your idea of reading several things by an author before moving on. Gives you are real sense of their writing and whether they are a good match for you. Happy reading!

I have completed The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, a World War I novel, and used it in my travel (South America) and U.S. Bestsellers challenges. I have now completed both of those challenges.

The book was a little disappointing. Not bad, and actually brilliant in places, but a bit disjointed, too verbose, and with entire chapters of political discourse.

Lynn wrote: "Wow you've completed 11 challenges. That's quite a lot of reading. Your list is always varied and interesting. There are so many books I'm learning about."

I feel the same when I view your lists, Lynn. We have such different tastes and you are a trusted voice to steer me out into unknown waters. I'm satisfied with my reading this year. I'm going to leave some challenges unfinished, I think, but that will be okay.

I loved Doc Martin. Such fun. So many of my favorite British writing and film adaptations are set in Cornwall. I love the pounding of the sea on that rocky terrain and the mood it immediately sets.

I am taking all seven books forward to the polls. Thank you to everyone for participating.

I'm also glad you decided to start with the beginning, Franky. Post your thoughts in the original thread and you will get responses, and, as Kathleen says, we will be happy to talk about this one when you are ready!

Lori wrote: "Cornwall must be a magical place because so many books are set there! I’d love a visit too. I lived in England for 3 years when my boys were little. I was working on my masters and we travelled a g..."

How wonderful to have had such an opportunity! I missed my chance for a European trip when I was in my 20's and it never came again. I would so love to do a "bookish" tour, and wouldn't it be fun to do it with other "bookish" people!

Terry wrote: "You may have noticed, I also substituted Cornwall for Antarctica and read Frenchman’s Creek. It is also unlikely that I will ever get there at this point in my life.

However, if you drive north o..."

I did see your entry, Terry, and thought it could so easily be mine. I have not ever been north of San Francisco. I'm sure I would love the landscape there. It is all beautiful and I have lovely memories of our ride up the coastline, but Maine stole my heart!

You are having another marvelous reading year. Some of the best reading I do is re-reading. I allowed myself more of it this year and I think I am going to be doing a lot more of it next year.

Look at you!!!! I have Something Wicked as my October "scary" read. I also do not like horror, but Bradbury writes on a different level from other writers and I have not failed to enjoy all his books. I am looking forward to it after reading your review!

The image I have set in my mind is that it is probably the most romantic spot on earth. Craggy coastlines are so beautiful and a little bit dangerous and some of the best writers have used that setting!

I am planning to start reading this Wednesday. I should be finished with the book I am currently battling.

This is the perfect group for an English instructor, Justin. Hope you get set up soon and find some threads here that you want to follow and comment on. Welcome.

I know that feeling of time suddenly growing short and the list not being short enough. Sounds like you are still doing great, Pam.

Glad you are experiencing Greene with the other group. I love him. I have the Twenty-One Stories on my list for next year. Just couldn't fit it in right now.

Teri-K wrote: "Good choice! I have been to Cornwall - it was gorgeous! I loved the rocky coastlines, much more my style than a sandy beach. "

I would so dearly love to go. I love Maine's rocky coast and much prefer it to the beaches (although still very lovely) in California. I think Cornwall would be an unforgettable experience, but it is not one I am likely to have at this stage. Still, I have been there many, many times in my book travels (Winston Graham, Mary Stewart, Daphne du Maurier) and can go again at the drop of a hat. Hurrah for reading.

Wobbley wrote: "Totally fair, and well within the rules of the challenge. Good decision, Sara. And now you're nearly done the travel challenge!"

Combing now for ways to finish. Trying to decide what gets left undone. I am currently reading my South America entry, so the Travel challenge will be finished this month.

In the interest of time is running out, I have decided to forego Antarctica in the Travel challenge and use Under the Greenwood Tree for my country you'd most like to visit. I have been in love with the idea of Cornwall forever and while this book is not set in Cornwall, it is set in a neighboring county, so close enough. If I got there...jump and a step and I would be in Poldark country.

I second Papillion

Goodness, he is well recognized. I'm surprised you hadn't read him before, since you are the guru of sci-fi. Sounds like you have a new author that might become a favorite.

There isn't any time limit, Brian. You guys can just discuss until you feel you have all finished. The threads remain open indefinitely. I will probably remove it from the schedule at the end of the month, since anyone who had planned to join will probably have done so by then, but that won't affect this thread.