A new reading challenge came across my Reader last week courtesy of Dewey at The Hidden Side of a Leaf, and I just can’t resist. The challenge is to choose 10 books I really like, publish my list on my blog, then choose 3 books from the lists of other participants.
My motivation for joining this challenge comes from a recent conversation during the finals of our bowling league. I was chatting with my bowling team about what we were reading and flippantly pronounced that “I read all genres!” My husband immediately replied, “No — You don’t read what I read.” I realized that not only do I not read his current genre of choice — political thrillers (John Sanford, Vince Flynn, W.E.B. Griffith, etc.) — but I also do not read fantasy or science fiction either. So, I decided it was time to push my boundaries! My personal challenge will be to look for three books outside of my usual melieu and then report back with reviews.
First, my list of favorites — not exhaustive, obviously, but a pretty good sampling of what I like:
- The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
- Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker
- Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
- Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
- Jazz by Toni Morrison
- The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
And I have chosen:
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak — courtesy of Mrs. S. from 50 Book Challenge
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt – courtesy of Alix from Not Enough Book Shelves
- Twilight by Stephanie Meyer — courtesy of Planetgal
And I’m adding a 4th work, courtesy of my husband — something by W.E.B. Griffith (he gets to choose the title).
Sounds like fun — thank you, Dewey and Renay!
Great idea to push your boundaries – and nice of you to let hubby choose a book – it will be great for the two of you to be able to discuss it when you’re done.
I’m gad to see you’ve picked The Book Thief – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! I’m a big fan of Twilight too. I need to retry the Secret History – I didn’t get on with it last time I tried to read it!
I’m just too curious about The Book Thief not to choose it
I’ve also noticed SO many people on Yahoo Answers cite Twilight as their very favorite book! I’m looking forward to participating in the challenge!!
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I also LOVED the Book Thief, and am hoping you will really enjoy it as well.
From your list of favorites, I loved Invisible Man, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Jane Eyre, and Pride and Prejudice. I’ve never read The Color Purple, though I might need to take that on my list…I haven’t put mine together yet.
I’m glad to hear we have similar tastes! I bet that means I WILL enjoy Book Thief
Thanks for the comment and I hope you will read Color Purple soon — it is really good…
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