Sara's Nearly Impossible Old & New Classic Challenge

[Pink]

Sara wrote: "Just finished Bleak House and had a wonderful 5-star experience. Two more to read and I will have completely my choices plus my two alternates."

Well done, I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

[Sara, Old School Classics]

One more crossed off the list with The Winter of Our Discontent. One more to go to complete all fourteen.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Well, Sara,

We are only into the beginning of November (as if you didn't know!), so you have time to complete that 14th book!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Yes, Foucault's Pendulum. Pretty thick, but very doable. It was an alternative, so I wouldn't feel guilty if I don't, but I can't see any reason to leave until next year what I might read today.

[Leni]

Awesome! Looking forward to your thoughts on Foucault's pendulum as I'd like to read that myself. (But definitely not this year.) I loved In The Name of the Rose, but I've heard that Foucault's Pendulum is rather different in style and a lot of people don't like it for some reason.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I have heard the same, Leni, so I am crossing my fingers. I did love The Name of the Rose. I also have Prague Cemetery on my shelf and I'm hoping to get to it next year.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I have finished Foucault's Pendulum and with it this challenge.
I went out with a bust and not a bang. It was not horrible, but it was not good. I'm afraid Leni and I have not been mislead...loving The Name of the Rose will not necessarily recommend Foucault's Pendulum, IMHO. The Name of the Rose was my introduction to Eco, and I am glad of that, because I don't think I would have read it had I begun with Foucault's.

On to 2017. I am already thinking about what is going on my list for next year. Many thanks to everyone who has traveled with me through this challenge!

[Leni]

Ouch. Sorry to hear that. And I'll not be in any rush to read it myself. It's a shame, because In The Name of the Rose was ever so good!

Congratulations on finishing the challenge! That must feel good, even if the final book was a disappointment.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Congratulations on finishing!

[Amanda]

Congrats on finishing Sara! You had some great reads and some chunksters. Great accomplishment! Can't wait to see what you come up with for next year :-)

[Kathleen]

Well bang or bust, you got through the challenge--even the alternates! Very impressive and inspiring, Sara.

[Duane]

Way to go Sara!

[Pink]

Well done for finishing! A shame your last book wasn't so enjoyable, but I'm glad you've enjoyed the challenge. Onwards to next year!!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Leni, Bob, Amanda, Kathleen, Duane and Pink...I have appreciated all your encouragement and support throughout the year. Thank you so much.

[Brina]

Wonderful that you finished with time to spare. Looking forward to what you have in store for next year.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Congrats on finishing your challenge.

[Sarah]

Great job!

Congrats on finishing.

[Laurie]

Congrats on finishing your challenge. You read some awesome books. Too bad about your final book. It's on my TBR, but based on several comments I've seen I think I will take it off.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Thank you Brina, Kathy, Sarah, and Laurie.

Laurie--as I was reading, I was wondering why I had to find this out firsthand. I had been warned.

I did have some fabulous books this year, though, and most of the ones on this list were among the best I have ever read.

[Sue]

Congratulations Sara! Amazing job especially since there were so many long ones. I think I'm still going to have to try Foucault's Pendulum some time. I hope I like it better. I know many say they like it better than The Name of the Rose.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Interesting, Sue. I couldn't find anyone who liked it better. I was determined to read it myself, so I appreciate your desire to do the same. I'll be interested in hearing what you think.

[Sarah]

Congrats on finishing! I agree about Foucault not being nearly as good as The Name of the Rose.

What was your favorite?

[Veronique]

Congrats Sara :0)

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Sarah Anne wrote: "Congrats on finishing! I agree about Foucault not being nearly as good as The Name of the Rose.

What was your favorite?"
Very hard to pick a favorite. I loved both Bleak House and War and Peace...and how do you top those kinds of classics? But, I believe I would chose Crossing to Safety. It really touched a place in me and I can remember it in great detail. It is a book I have promised myself to read again because I think there is a lot there that a single reading probably doesn't tap.

[Amanda]

My in person group read Crossing to Safety a couple of years ago. I always meant to read it again because I felt like I missed some stuff. I liked it but felt like I should have loved it.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I loved it and still felt like there were depths I hadn't plumbed. Hope you do get to it again sometime, Amanda.

[Katy, Quarterly Long Reads]

Sara wrote: "What was your favorite?"...I believe I would chose Crossing to Safety. ..."

I"m adding it to my list!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Wonderful, Kathy. Can't wait to see what you think.

[Susie]

Congratulations Sara, on finishing this challenge! I have 'grabbed' a couple for next year, The Buccaneers and Crossing to Safety, after seeing your reviews...both look good!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Both were excellent. I hope I have as much luck picking for next year. I don't regret reading any of these and the only one I felt disappointed in was the last.