The Reading Challenge Group discussion

I've been working my way through (and loving!) the Palliser novels. My goal is to finish all six by the end of 2014. I'd also Like to squeeze in his autobiography.

Any Trollope fans out there who would care to share some thoughts?

Just finished Phineas Redux and so far it's my favorite. I just couldn't put it down!

An author I'm yet to delve into, and I really wish I'd have the time to get into one of his novels.

Which one would you recommend first, Renee?

Although, Phineas Redux was my favorite, I'd start with Can You Forgive Her?, since it introduces Lady Glencora and Plantagenet Palliser. These two show up In all the books, but sometimes they are just in the background of the story and other times they are key to the plot.

Each novel stands completely alone, but Trollope has also woven them together with shared characters. It's a pretty neat trick!

Of course, Trollope was insanely prolific, and I've only read 4 of his books.

I read both the Palliser and Barsetshire series last year, and loved them. I have several more on my Kindle to read. I liked the Barset series better, but they were both really good.

That's interesting, Rebecca. I'm living the Pallisers. The idea that Barsetshire might be even better is thrilling. Something wonderful for which to look forward!

Oh, you all make this sound sooo inviting!!!

*adds incentive* I must say that it has been lovely living among the Pallisers these many months. :D

LOL. I feel your pain.

Good idea!

I'd be keen for 2015 too :-)

I know I have a couple of new authors that did not get read this year.

New Mini Challenge idea! Love it!

I'm closing in on the last chapters of the last of the Palliser novels with sadness. I will miss the characters all so much. :( these really were spectacular novels. :)

My husband bought me a collection of 23 Trollope novels for Christmas and I can't wait to start! I am a huge Dickens fan and I look forward to reading another prolific writer of a similar time. I'm not sure which to start with though but your comments are helping me narrow it down...

Oh my god that's an insane set! I'm so jealous!

Hopefully going to read a Trollope this year!

I think he wrote over 40! I hope I like them, if not they look pretty gorgeous on the shelf :D

I unwittingly committed to starting Barchester Towers in January. Having just finished The Palliser Novels, I was expecting a little break (to read War and Peace, actually). But I enjoyed those so much that I must have said something like "Barsetshire in 2015!" which, of course, starts in January. I'll be spending so much time in the 1800s, I may need to buy a corset!

I just bought the complete works of Anthony Trollope. I am really liking some of his short stories, not all. Any recommendations on his novels?

Try... Can You Forgive Her? It was a nice mixture of comedy and romance. Three romances actually. With some truly great characters.

Thanks I will add it to my TBR. If anyone has any good Anthony Trollope recommendations, let me know. I have been reading some of the short stories.

Can You Forgive Her? Is the first of the Palliser series. I just loved them all. CYFH was my first Trollope and now he's definitely a favorite!

Trollope has been on my radar for a while and I've decided to read the Barsetshire series throughout 2016 (funnily enough I made the decision while reading Thirkell's High Rising).
So got The Warden and Barchester Towers at the ready. Also bought Orley Farm since I liked the sound of it.

Why is there only 24 hours in the day? We should have at least a couple of extra hours reserved only for reading :O)

I'm in a group called Readers Review that's planning to read all the Barsetshire and Palliser novels as part of a Trollope Project. I believe the plan is to begin with The Warden in June, if you're interested.

Renee wrote: "I'm in a group called Readers Review that's planning to read all the Barsetshire and Palliser novels as part of a Trollope Project. I believe the plan is to begin with The Warden in June, if you're..."

I am interested. Always so much nicer to read with a group! I'll go and have a look

I would be interested. I have got Can You Forgive Her? on my TBR list. Do we have to join the Readers Review? I really don't want to add any more groups.

Yes, I'm pretty sure that you would need to. Also pretty sure they're starting with The Warden.