Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion

Going for blackout. Fingers crossed.

B1: By Nobel Laureate: The Phantom Rickshaw and Other Ghost Stories, Read 2/26 ***
B2: Sci-fi or Fantasy Classic The Metamorphosis, Read 3/31 *****
B3: Classic of Africa She, Read 3/31 **
B4: Children's Classic The Little Prince, Read 1/4 *****
B5: Winner of a Foreign Literary Prize To the Lighthouse, Read 4/6 ***

I1: Published/Written Before 1600’s The Art of War, Read 1/5 **
I2: New-to-You Author Middlemarch, Read 2/21 ****
I3: Classic Play Lady Windermere's Fan, Read 2/16 *****
I4: Banned Book As I Lay Dying, Read 1/7 ****
I5: Published in the 1700's The Adventures of Baron Münchausen, Read 1/12 *

N1: Classic of the Americas The Magnificent Ambersons, Read 5/16/16 ****
N2: Short Stories The Collected Ghost Stories of Oliver Onions, Read 1/26 ****
N3: FREE, Horror Stories: Classic Tales from Hoffmann to Hodgson, Read 1/30 *****
N4: Poetry Collection Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, Read 1/31 ***
N5: Classic of Europe Agnes Grey, Read 3/3 **

G1: Published in the 1600's Perrault's Fairy Tales, Read 1/31 ***
G2: Book from Le Monde’s 100 The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Read 1/12 *****
G3: Non-fiction The Monstrous-Feminine: Film, Feminism, Psychoanalysis, 2/10 *****
G4: Classic from School The Bell Jar, Read 2/25 ***
G5: Published in the 1800's The Turn of the Screw, Read 1/11 ****

O1: Literary Prize of Your Country/Region Neuromancer, Read 4/30 ****
O2: Gothic Classic We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Read 5/1 *****
O3: Classic of Asia or Oceania Rashomon and Other Stories, Read 1/17 ****
O4: Mystery or Crime Classic The Maltese Falcon, Read 1/15 ****
O5: Prize-Winning Female A Good Man Is Hard to Find And Other Stories, Read 3/9 ***

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Bingos
Level 1: 13/13
Level 2: 1/1
Level 3: 1/1
Level 4: 1/1

Let me know if anything looks wonky.

Welcome to the Bingo challenge for this year. Happy Reading & Looking good.

good list , enjoy your reading

Finished The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Counting it for B4 (children's), but it can be flexed to B5 (foreign literary award) for the Prix du Festival d'Angouleme, I2 (new to me), or G2 (Le Monde's List). Read because its one of the monthly group reads.

Finished The Art of War by Sun Tzu. My translation felt poor. Would have liked more examples and analysis. Counting it for I1 (pre1600). It was written in the 500s. It can be flexed to O3 (Asia) as it's Chinese or to I2 (new to me). Read because my husband showed interest and downloaded it to our Kindle.

Great start, well done! A shame the translation didn't seem up to scratch with The Art of War, it's always disappointing when this happens.

Wow, great job on getting two squares already.

Finished As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner. It was typical of Faulkner. Read the Sound and the Fury in school and needed booknotes on hand. The style is what you take away. Multiple unreliable narrators, always a fun game. Also enjoyed what sparknotes called the chiasmus (at the start some characters are less reliable while others are more and it inverts over the course of the story). Counting it for I4 (Banned Book) as it has been banned by school boards in the past. Reasons include “God’s name being used in vain”, abortion, profanity, promoting secular humanism, and obscenity. Can be flexed to N1 (Americas), G4 (School), or B1 (Nobel prize). Read because I've owned a copy for I don't know how long and this is a good excuse.

Change to schedule. Found out Lady Windermere's Fan is a play and moved it to I3 (probably buddy reading with Susie), since I wasn't that excited about Waiting for Godot. Added Hunchback of Notre Dame to N5 since I own a copy.

Finished The Aspern Papers and The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. Liked the Turn of the Screw. Though don't think I'll actively seek out more James as he's a bit wordy for my taste. Counting it for 1800's (G5). Can be flexed to gothic (O2), Americas (N1), new to me (I2), or Europe (N5). Henry James was an American who wrote most of his work in Britain and the story takes place in Essex. Read it because horror is one of my favorite genres.

Finished The Adventures of Baron Münchausen by Rudolf Erich Raspe. Found it exceedingly dull. Counting it for 1700s (I5). It's also German (N5), fantasy (B2), and new to me (I2). Setting is all over the world. Read it because I enjoyed the movie, but it didn't hold up.

Sylwia wrote: "Finished The Adventures of Baron Münchausen by Rudolf Erich Raspe. Found it exceedingly dull. ..."

Bummer -- well, one more down. Hopefully something you enjoy immensely next.

For anyone looking for plays and Nobel laureates. I recommend The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O'Neill. Also Quo Vadis or With Fire and Sword by Henryk Sienkiewicz. The latter of the two is far more Polish. You find more reviews for the Polish title of With Fire and Sword, Ogniem i mieczem.

Finished The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. My third book by Christie and the best so far. I love that I didn't see it coming. An easy read. Counting it for G2 (Le Monde's 100). Can be flexed to O5 (prized female), O4 (mystery), and N5 (Europe). Read it because I like the author and heard it was her breakout book.

Changed B5 from A Passage to India to Swan Song. I already own it and it won the Bram Stoker Award which is international. So I'm counting it. Hard to find foreign horror awards. Let me know if you find links.

Also changed I2 from The Phantom of the Opera to Storm Front as it's a classic of urban fantasy. A young genre I know. Trying to get through my owned backlog.

Sylwia wrote: "Changed B5 from A Passage to India to Swan Song. I already own it and it won the Bram Stoker Award which is international. So I'm counting it. Hard to find foreign horror awards."

I sure didn't expect to see Swan Song listed in the challenge but it is a great choice. I was big McCammon fan in the early to mid-90s. Even though I always considered him one of my favorite authors back then I hadn't read any of his 'come back' stuff until just last month with Speaks the Nightbird. Looking forward to the 2nd in that series.

Swan Song does seem to get the highest praise of his 80s stuff. My favorite, which I still have fond memories of even though I haven't read it in probably over 20 years, was always Usher's Passing. I really should read that again sometime.

I also have Boy's Life. Thanks for the recommend. If he's good, I'm glad he's coming back.

Boy's Life is a great read, too, though quite a bit different from his earlier work. I know he didn't like being considered a 'strictly horror' author and wanted to branch out. He's a talented storyteller no matter what he's writing.

Finished The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. Enjoyed it, the movie was very faithful other than the stuff taken out for the Code. Thought it would be harder to read than it was. Counting it for crime/mystery (O4). Can be flexed to Americas (N1) or new to me (I2). Read it because its on my other book group's bookshelf.

Sylwia wrote: "Finished The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. Enjoyed it, the movie was very faithful other than the stuff taken out for the Code. Counting it for crime/mystery (O4)...."

Hmm, Sylwia, you've given me an idea to consider this book. It has high ratings and it isn't very long either.

I don't think I've ever seen the movie though.

Finished Rashomon and Other Stories by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa. It was short. I enjoyed it. Fable-like. I feel I am misunderstanding some elements because of the differences in culture. Counting it for O3 (Asia). Can be flexed to N2 (short stories) or I2 (new to me). Read it because I love the movie Rashomon, but that felt more hopeful ultimately. The writer did commit suicide at 35; his outlook a bit bleak.

Sylwia wrote: "Finished Rashomon and Other Stories by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa. It was short. I enjoyed it. Fable-like. I feel I am misunderstanding some elements because of the differen..."

You've reminded me that I'd like to read this. I didn't realise it was so short, so I might bump it up my tbr list.

Depends on the edition you get. This one only had six stories.

Yes I realise now that it's a short story and most editions have about 16 other stories. I'll have to see what I can find.

Finished The Collected Ghost Stories of Oliver Onions by Oliver Onions. It took quite some time as the end of a story feels like a natural stopping point. As with most story collections some are better than others, but when he gets going he's really good. The Beckoning Fair One is his showstopper. Lots of artists as characters. I get the feeling he knew quite a few odd ducks. Counting it for short stories (N2). It can be flexed to Europe, for a British writer (N5). Read it because it was on my other book group's bookshelf and I had read some of his work previously in anthologies. Now, on to dreaded poetry.

I hope you find some poetry that is not "dreaded" for you. If you are not into the beauty of poetry maybe try some humorous poems -- Like Ogden Nash or perhaps some epic poetry -- Like Ramayana , The Iliad/The Odyssey, Paradise Lost, and The Lusiads are possibilities.

Gosh, you're fast! Congratulations on your wonderful progress so far!

Sad to hear about the Art of War. It's been on my to-read list for ages and it might stay a while longer. I'm using A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy for that corner and the first 30 pages I've read so far look promising.

The Art of War itself was fine. It was all the asides by the editors that put me off. Useful war strategy. Know yourself and your enemy. Don't fight if you can't win. If you can win without fighting that's the best. Etc.

Byron is giving me fits. Anyone able to suggest a nice anthology? The Highwayman is a poem I like. Also T. S. Eliot's work. But I think trying to read all one poet is a mistake for me.

Sylwia wrote: "Change to schedule. Found out Lady Windermere's Fan is a play and moved it to I3 (probably buddy reading with Susie), since I wasn't that excited about Waiting for Godot. Added Hunchback of Notre D..."

I got my copy today...a Kindle download with audio too, for fun...
I'm looking to read it by the end of March if that works for you? That way I can fit into an Irish Play quarterly read. :)

Probably ready to start anytime after mid February so again, does that work for you? It's pretty short...I'd like to think we could do it in a week or so...

If others want to join in, we could start a thread...otherwise I think we could keep discussion to one of our threads...thoughts?

That should be fine. Ill request it from the library in early Feb. I'm fine with opening it up if anyone else is interested. Not sure where to do the conversation.

Sylwia wrote: "Byron is giving me fits. Anyone able to suggest a nice anthology? The Highwayman is a poem I like. Also T. S. Eliot's work. But I think trying to read all one poet is a mistake for me."


I have just started to explore and read poetry and am really enjoying it.
Almost every classic author wrote poetry so you can discover some you might like that way. Also there are tons of choices of collections of poems that range from 50-60 pages, into the hundreds of pages...I suggest the former... :)


I discovered that I actually like the poetry of Yeats and Thomas Hardy (who can be quite dark though)...

Read as much of Selected Poems by Lord Byron as intend to. I feel he would have held his own in a rap battle. Several good short poems, but I have no stamina in poetry. Childe Harold is forever beyond me. Changing my poetry book to Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, much more my speed.

Sounds fun!

Finished Horror Stories: Classic Tales from Hoffmann to Hodgson by assorted. It was excellent. Many 5 star stories. Read it specifically for Blackwood's The Wendigo, which didn't dissapoint. I'm never camping in Canada. Bierce's Chickamauga was also terrifying. As I understand it he fought in that battle, which makes it even more terrible. Counting it for my free space which didn't really need a book, but I'm having too much fun. It could be used for short stories (N2). Poe's Berenice -A Tale was originally censored, so it's also kinda banned (I4). It's set in India, the America's, at sea, and Europe.

Finished Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot. It was okay, and blessedly short. Wish I'd had the Gorey illustrated edition. May seek that out for the art. Counting it for poetry (N4). Also can be use for Nobel (B1) or children's (B4).

Finished The Complete Fairy Tales by Charles Perrault. Too much moralizing, outdated. Have read Grimms many times, like their tales better. Wasn't aware Perrault predated them. Counting it for 1600's (G1). It is also European (N5), short stories (N2), and children's (B4).

Tried to read Man and His Symbols by C.G. Jung. Got through 50% and some bits a pieces but it gets so repetitive. I was particulary interested in the idea of the shadow and the anima/animus. Don't feel it counts though.

So, I'm counting the other nonfiction (G3) book I read for the challenge: The Monstrous-Feminine: Film, Feminism, Psychoanalysis by Barbara Creed. It was excellent. I love film analysis, especially in regards to sociology. I read this book because it was cited as a source for another film analysis book I read.

I recommend The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies, The Complete Maus, The Power of Myth, and Lies My Teacher Told Me for nonfiction.

Sylwia wrote: "That should be fine. Ill request it from the library in early Feb. I'm fine with opening it up if anyone else is interested. Not sure where to do the conversation."

There is another group, All About Books, where a few folks are currently buddy-reading and discussing Lady Windermere's Fan if you're interested...
Did you get your copy yet?
I have a pretty busy week ahead, but I may try to start reading soon...does that work for you?

I also learned that Librovox has audio of the play so I'm planning to listen too!

https://librivox.org/lady-windermeres...

Susie wrote: "Sylwia wrote: "That should be fine. Ill request it from the library in early Feb. I'm fine with opening it up if anyone else is interested. Not sure where to do the conversation."

There is another..."

I'm in several book groups and dont want to overwhelm myself, though I am interested. I'll start reading it soon. It looks quite short. Unlike Middlemarch with its 87(?) chapters.

Finished Lady Windermere's Fan. Counting it for classic play (I3). Want to see it performed. It's great. Need to read more Wilde plays.

Progressing well with your challenge Sylwia! :)

Might read that Wilde play soonish ...

Sylwia,

I got through the first 2 Acts and I'm with you...really enjoying it!
I plan to finish today...

This is my first Wilde and I will definitely be reading more!

I believe there are performances on You Tube I might watch...but the real thing would be great...

Sylwia wrote: "Finished Lady Windermere's Fan. Counting it for classic play (I3). Want to see it performed. It's great. Need to read more Wilde plays."

Oh sounds good!

You tube? Ill have to look for them. Ill check with my library too.

Its a vivid play. Easy to imagine settings and audience reaction.

It has interested me in the life of Wilde too. I plan on reading a biography in addition to his other works. My local library recently boasted that he included Denver in his speaking tour while alive. The only other work of his Ive read so far is The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Finished Middlemarch by George Eliot. Liked it. The language flowed easily if overly long. The story was a bit glum. But even characters I would normally despise I felt at least pity and understanding for and that is an accomplishment. Counting it for new to me author (I2). Oh, and bingo. Occurred on book 15/25.

Finished up Lady Windermere's Fan...what a great, fun read! Loved all the great, witty lines...funny yet so telling and many thought provoking...
And I liked how it ended...

Congrats on your Bingo! Middlemarch is a great one to get it with...I loved it!

Yes I liked how it ended too. Took a lot of sting out of the separation.

(view spoiler)[I loved the scene with her hiding from the men. There was so much dramatic tension. (hide spoiler)]

It was interesting reading Lady Windermere's Fan and Middlemarch so closely together and have them both deal with the theme of men controlling what women know and the consequences thereof.