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

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

I have one book left to read and the first 7 challenges will be complete. For the birthday challenge I finished The Wapshot Chronicle and I only need one more from the year 1857 to finish.

Review

Outstanding! You maybe the only one to complete all nine, congratulations.

I've been putting off War and Peace for years, Congrats on being so close to your Blackout!!

I agree that these challenges need to be for fun and not taken as a chore. That said, it is hard not to get completive with oneself and fun does becomes a chore. The closer the end of the year gets the harder it is for me to not to push to finish. As of now I will finish 7 or the 9 challenges, I only have a book and a half to go. I don’t see finishing the A-Z’s, but who knows, and I will complete two bingo cards, 50 total reads. But somewhere along the year it has lost some of its enjoyment and has become a task. I will think hard about what to do next year.

By the way, good luck on finishing, sounds like you have it under control.

For the birth year challenge I simply hunted for books that would fit the years needed. I then whent through as picked the ones I thought I would like the best. I can’t believe how lucky I’ve been with my selections. I’m currently reading my ninth of the ten needed and so far it is great. It wasn’t a first choice, it is one that just came my way and fit the need. I hope it continues as enjoyable as it has started. It's The Wapshot Chronicle

Congrats!!

Sara wrote: "Participated in my final group read with 84, Charing Cross Road."

I read this earlier this year for my bingo challenge. Such a good story.

Welcome Laura and Jyoti!!

Congratulations!

Welcome Chaitra!

Yesterday I finished Light-Horse Harry Lee: The Rise and Fall of a Revolutionary Hero - The Tragic Life of Robert E. Lee's Father, it completes my B-4 Square. This gives me 22/25 finished on my second card, three to go!

By the way, I really enjoyed Light-Horse Harry Lee. I always marvel at how people can attain levels of greatness and still be susceptible to human weakness and folly. During the Revolutionary War this man performs as a warrior beyond measure. After the war a life of business and politics defeats him and leaves his finances and reputation in ruins.

Sara wrote: "Short and powerful tragedy, So Long, See You Tomorrow.

Super progress. You will definitely make it. How impressive you are!"

This is good enough tor me, it is on order, I'll start it as soon as it arrives.

Kathleen wrote: "Good job, Bob!

For the tragedy square, I readJude the Obscure and loved it. I know you like Wharton--have you read Ethan Frome?"

Kathleen, Hardy and Wharton are favorites. I have read both and agree they are tragic. Ethan Frome was the first book by Wharton I ever read and hooked me.

Welcome Stefan!

Ryan, welcome!

A Simple Heart by Gustave Flaubert is our December 2020 Short Story/Novella Read. I understand that it is also titled as A Simple Soul.

This discussion will open on December 1

Beware Short Story Discussions will have Spoilers

I'm glad you are enjoying your challenge and your trip through Ireland.

Irphen wrote: "Just completed today my Old & New Challenge!"

Congratulations!

Welcome Emma! glad you are with us.

Darcy, welcome to the group.