Sarah's 2016 Exciting & Wondrous Classics Challenge

[Sarah]

Thank you, Pink :)

[Sarah]

So unfortunately my last one was also a DNF. I gave it two stars because I gave up on it because I was soooo bored. And it was taking a ridiculously like time to read. Anyway, I made it to 49% at least.

That makes 3 DNFs off my list, though! Overall I had some Best Books Ever (Light in August, Anna Karenina, Les Miserables), two major disappointments (This Side of Paradise, Salammbo), and three DNFs (The Wings of the Dove, Sacajawea, The Naked and the Dead).

The Wings of the Dove is one that I'll reread later, it just wasn't a good one for me right now. I get the feeling that I would love it when I was older.

Hopefully I choose better ones next year. On the other hand, I'm glad I challenged myself to these even if I didn't completely love them.

On to 2017!!!!

[Amanda]

Sorry about the disappointments but what a great job. You had some major accomplishments this year.

[Sarah]

Thanks :) I'll take the lousy ones because I also had brilliant ones. They balance out but I'll remember the good ones much longer than the bad.

I am SO excited that I got to read (and love) Anna Karenina and Les Miserables! I've been terrified of those for years.

[Amanda]

It's such a confidence boost to read those books and then when you love them all the better!

[Nathan]

The mixed results show that you were pushing yourself to try new things. Light in August, Anna Karenina and Les Miserables are not easy reads, but I agree, they are some of the best books ever. Getting through those is definitely a rewarding victory.

[Sarah]

Yes, I'll take the mixed results. Challenging myself is so important to me and I think the low points make me appreciate the highs more.

And yes, it is a major confidence boost!

[Katy, Old School Classics]

I love your attitude. Onward!

[Sarah]

Always ;)

[Sara, New School Classics]

It's wonderful that you read the three great books, and we all encounter books that just aren't worth the time for us. Maybe you will have a better ratio next year...but either way, you gave them a go.

[Sarah]

They can't all be perfect. It would be terrible to get a whole list of ones and twos, though. I do feel like double checking my plan for next year, though :)

[Veronique]

The whole thing is still a great achievement, and you found three amazing books.

Interested to see what list you have for next year :0)

[Pink]

I agree with the comments above, that it's great to have mixed results as it means you're trying a range of books. Nothing wrong with choosing to DNF a book you weren't enjoying, reading should be fun, not a punishment! Good luck for next year :)

[Sarah]

Thanks ladies!