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Discussion Forums - Classic Literature
Topic: Is anyone thinking of a Classics Challenge for 2011?
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I know that the 2010 Classics Challenge has greatly enriched my life; I've read many books I had never gotten around to. So does anyone want to do it again? (But maybe slightly differently?) I was thinking of reading all the Dickens books I've missed (there are about 9, in my case). Maybe I'll just do something like that. Does anyone have any suggestions? Rose |
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I would be up for a 2011 classics challenge. However, I would rather not be tied to one author. The advantage of reading so many different authors is that one expands the range of what one reads. I have only one book left to read for 2010 challenge. I think we read about the right number for 2010. The categories could change, of course. Perhaps, reading books appropriate to the season or the months with authors or titles beginning with the first letter of the month or tied to an appropriate activity for the month. Last Edited on: 10/10/10 8:35 PM ET - Total times edited: 2 |
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Even though I'm glad that I participated in this year's challenge, I probably will not do another one soon. This one was good for my reading will power. I thoroughly disliked a few books (but, I'm glad that I read them). A couple of others went on and on, but, again, I'm glad that I read those. And, I really liked the rest of them. Since I periodically read or re-read classics, I think that I'll just read the ones that I want. Or, if we do get back to doing a monthly book with discussion, I might join in with that. |
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I would do another, as long as there is the "light" option. I like meaningful categories like we had this year, although new ones would be great. Diane |
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I'm with Diane, in hoping there would be a "Classics Challenge LITE". One thought I have had regarding 'categories' is to set up a category for each of the topics we're not supposed to talk about in "polite society". Or, a book that centers on each of the "deadly" (cardinal) sins, perhaps? Maybe a classic in which an animal is the central 'character'? This is kinda fun to think about, but we have time to do that before 2011 is upon us. I'm glad I essayed the 2010 Classics Lite challenge. |
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I like reading the classics and I would certainly love to do new categories. No repeat categories. No epic, no horror, no lost in translation and so forth. New categories that are fairly open to interpretation such as Frontier/pioneer/wild west/western/settlers non-fiction - On the high seas - a novel with the ocean, seas, ship, pirates or anything else related to the theme. Examples Moby Dick, Sea Wolf, Children's classic - the list is endless Romance - Ivanhoe, and Wuthering Heights come to mind Adventure Stories that take place in London What's cooking? Stories that feature cooking - Read a classic with cooking or eating a meal and share w/others what was served.
I dunno, I am just brainstorming here.
Last Edited on: 10/13/10 1:28 PM ET - Total times edited: 1 |
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I'd really like to participate in a 2011 classics challenge. Even though I have done my share of mental whining while reading some of my selections, 2010's challenge has been very motivating and I am so happy to have been a part of it! I like the idea of new categories. The ones suggested sound good to me and I have a couple more to throw into the mix: A collection of poetry A classic play A work of Shakespeare All of the above would be a stretch for me (not my preferred reading fare) but that's a good thing. |
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It was nice to see that so many people have put some thought into next year already. I enjoyed the challenege this year even though I did get sidetracked. A Light Challenge is a good idea. The ideas suggested so far sound great. Reading a Classic Western would be high on my list. Here are some of my ideas for categories and some I stole fair and square from other posts:
My big thing for 2011 would be reading the western. Otherwise I am game for anything. |
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I've never done a challenge, but I like all of these categories so far..... CR |
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Recently joined "swap" & am excited about the challenge idea. Have included a couple of possible lists below plus my preferences from suggestions by TomeTrader & mickmikeown. (& if anyone can tell me how to make a list actually format as a "list" on here...much appreciated!)
More options (some have been mentioned already):
1) satire/parody/literature of the absurd;
2) Bildungsroman/Novel of Development (Jane Eyre, Great Expectations, etc.);
3) Contemporary;
4) Non-fiction;
5) Travel/adventure;
6) Science fiction/fantasy;
7) A work of political/spiritual/religious significance;
8) Feminist classic;
9) Horror/mystery;
10) Epic poem;
11) An author's greatest work (Moby Dick, anyone?);
12) A work by one writer that inspired a work by another.
Another option:
Global Classics
2 per geographic region (Asia, Australia/Southeast Asia (combine--?), N. Amer, Central/So. Amer, Europe, Africa)
{*"Challenge Lite" coule be 1 each}
Like these from TomeTrader & mickmikeown (my thoughts on these are in parentheses)
1) Frontier/pioneer/wild west/western/settlers;
2) non-fiction;
3) On the high seas;
4) Children's classic;
5) Romance;
6) Adventure (maybe combine w/ Romance...?);
7) Stories that take place in London (add a couple of other major cities, perhaps...?);
8) Play/Poetry;
9) Trials and Tribulations;
10) A Family Affair;
Last Edited on: 10/16/10 2:56 PM ET - Total times edited: 2 |
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Great ideas from everyone. It's so hard to pick now. The crossed out items are categories we've done this year.
Last Edited on: 10/16/10 4:07 PM ET - Total times edited: 1 |
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1. Frontier/pioneer/wild west/western/settlers 2. On the high seas 3. Stories that take place in London or another major city 4. Trials and Tribulations (court room dramas) 5. A Family Affair (family conflict) 6. adventure 7. satire/parody/literature of the absurd 8. Non-fiction 9. Feminist classic 10. An author's greatest work 11. A work by one writer that inspired a work by another 12. TBD: children's classic or Bildungsroman/Novel of Development...? I eliminated: "Travel" b/c that easily could be covered by adventure, non-fiction or an author's greatest work. "Political/spiritual/religious significance"b/c so many classics are p/s/r significant anyway Last Edited on: 10/16/10 5:57 PM ET - Total times edited: 2 |
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I am liking all the suggestions that we are seeing. Maybe we should start a tally of some categories that are must haves. Also do we want to keep any of the categories from last year? Besides reading a western I would really like to do a famous author like The Dickens category we did this year. Any prolific author people would like to read? My thoughts are:
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Maybe instead of voting we all could have the freedom to chose 12 (or 6) categories from our extensive list as wells as the books? Last Edited on: 10/17/10 7:22 PM ET - Total times edited: 1 |
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Sounds good to me. |
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TomeTrader's "freedom of choice" suggestion sounds good to me.
The only category I'm particularly interested keeping is science fiction/fantasy (could be combined with "adventure," maybe). I'd also like to add historical fiction as an option with "non-fiction" (i.e. non-fiction/historical fiction) if others agree. I also could easily go with the list as is, though.
As far as authors, I'd be most interested in checking out W. Somerset Maugham. Since I didn't participate last year, I'm wondering how the focus author was set up. Was it just, read as much Dickens as you can?
Last Edited on: 10/17/10 4:30 PM ET - Total times edited: 2 |
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I'm wondering how the focus author was set up. Was it just, read as much Dickens as you can? I chose a book by Dickens. Any Dickens was fine. Just one. |
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