Bob’s Comments (group member since Jun 22, 2011)

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

Dickens, Hardy, and Greene, some outstanding reading ahead for you. Enjoy!!

Welcome Wobbley!

This is tuff, perhaps impossible. We have some great books on our list and if I am honest some real stinkers, at least for me. These three will always be held in high esteem for me, tomorrow I could pick three others that are just as good.

Les Misérables
All Quiet on the Western Front
The Razor's Edge

Thanks Lynn, I guess I started with tasting a little from the desert bar and got carried away.

Lori wrote: "That’s great Bob! You seem to have an adventure reading theme going in your buffet with the cowboys and Indians books you’ve chosen. Some I would like to read as well!"

It wasn’t an active intention. I had wanted to increase non-fiction and science fiction. But your observation is right. Can’t beat the subconscious, but one can never go wrong with action adventures. A little cowboys and Indians along the way doesn’t hurt either.

Shaina wrote: "Amazing, Bob! I like the variety in your short stories. Gimpel the Fool and Other Stories is available on kindle unlimited so I think I will go read that one. I haven't heard of the..."

The story is little strange. Could anyone be that naive and forgiving of wrongs committed against him. The writing is excellent. It doesn’t take long to read. I think you will enjoy it. It is currently being voted on in the short story poll, it won’t find it’s way to the group bookshelf this month, maybe sometime in the future.

I noticed you have also completed New Authors, a really good start.

My first challenge, Challenge #5 Short Stories, is complete. By the end of the year, I will probably read close to 70+ short stories, but it is still nice to complete the first course of my buffet.

I read my first book by McMurtry back in 1991. I was on a job and away from home for a few months and picked up a book called Anything for Billy. Right after that I read Lonesome Dove, I have been hooked ever since.

Welcome Shelly, I hope you enjoy your time with us.

I too, read Gimpel the Fool. It has lost in the poll, but I agree it would have been a worthy win.

The winner for March 2023 The Dream of a Ridiculous Man

These seven nominations are moving forward to the poll.

The Old Maid by Edith Wharton, 96 pages, 1922

Gimpel the Fool by Isaac Bashevis Singer, 10 pages, 1957

The Dream of a Ridiculous Man by Fyodor Dostoevsky, 32 pages, 1877

So Long a Letter by Mariama Bâ, 90 pages, 1980

The Blazing World by Margaret Cavendish, 94 pages, 1666

The Paying Guest by George Gissing, 80 pages, 1885

The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs, 32 pages, 1902

Short Story/Novella Poll

Finial nominations count.

4-The Old Maid by Edith Wharton, 96 pages, 1922
Marilyn - Kimberly, Terris, Janice, Jen,

4-Gimpel the Fool by Isaac Bashevis Singer, 10 pages, 1957
Bob - Milene, Terry, Sue, J_BlueFlower

3-The Dream of a Ridiculous Man by Fyodor Dostoevsky, 32 pages, 1877
J_BlueFlower - Paula W, Klowey, Chuck,

3-So Long a Letter by Mariama Bâ, 90 pages, 1980
Kimberly - Cynda, Aik, Michaela,

3-The Blazing World by Margaret Cavendish, 94 pages, 1666
Cynda - John_Dishwasher, Carolien, Shaian

3-The Paying Guest by George Gissing, 80 pages, 1885
Sara - Dave, Bob, Laurie,

2=The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs, 32 pages, 1902
Nike - George P, Greg,

0-The Intelligence Office by Nathaniel Hawthorne, 38 pages, ????
AiK -

Status to Date, Check me for Errors

The Old Maid by Edith Wharton, 96 pages, 1922
Marilyn - Kimberly, Terris, Janice, Jen,

The Dream of a Ridiculous Man by Fyodor Dostoevsky, 32 pages, 1877
J_BlueFlower - Paula W, Klowey, Chuck,

So Long a Letter by Mariama Bâ, 90 pages, 1980
Kimberly - Cynda, Aik, Michaela,

The Blazing World by Margaret Cavendish, 94 pages, 1666
Cynda - John_Dishwasher, Carolien, Shaian

The Paying Guest by George Gissing, 80 pages, 1885
Sara - Dave, Bob, Laurie,

Gimpel the Fool by Isaac Bashevis Singer, 10 pages, 1957
Bob - Milene, Terry, Sue, J_BlueFlower

The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs, 32 pages, 1902
Nike - George P, Greg,

The Intelligence Office by Nathaniel Hawthorne, 38 pages, ????
AiK -

I have mixed feelings on my years start. I am stomping a mud hole in the short story challenge, but lost focus on my reading plan. I have so completely planned these challenges as to not allow myself much leeway for change. Before I can get into my planned year, I find myself reading a book I never heard off before. While it was good it did take away valuable time. I also had no challenge spot to place it but unread author.

I have only read two by Trollope but have enjoyed both. This is not on my TBR and may never be, but I do plan to continue with the Chronicles of Barsetshire series. Better luck next read.

Thanks, Laurie.

You have sone really great books chosen and several I count as favorites. I just read I Am Legend last month and enjoyed it. Just finished the 10 short stories that were in my copy today. They were good but not as good as Legend. Good luck with your challenge.

I’m not familiar with either of your first two reads, but both sound interesting.