Laurie's 2016 Old and New Challenge

[Laurie]

Sara wrote: "We sometimes want to share with our children the best experiences of our own childhood, so they push them that direction because they want them to have that sweet moment that they have already had."

I agree that people like to have a shared experience with their children. They want the special books from their own childhood to be special for their children as well. The books you read with your child are a lasting memory, but its even better if you have a similar memory of reading it as a child yourself.

[Laurie]

I've read my 11th book for this challenge, Broken April by Ismail Kadare. I enjoyed this novel, but it would be hard for me to review. It felt very dystopian but it isn't meant to be. Interesting enough to give 4 stars but very unusual story about blood feuds with very strict rules between families in the mountains of Albania.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Sounds interesting, Laurie. Sometimes books you can't really pigeonhole are the best.

[Laurie]

Whoop!! Challenge complete

I finished my 12th book of the challenge. This was The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas which I gave 4 stars- mostly I was impressed by the amazing imagery and powerful yet poetic prose. But the interaction between the two girls was confusing and simply irritating. I don't really like spending the whole book thinking WTH is going on? I think this book will generate lots of discussion if it ever gets voted in as a group read.

I had to DNF one of my original 12 and will probably carry The Makioka Sisters to next year. I most enjoyed Half of a Yellow Sun and A Town Like Alice. None of the books were less than 3 stars for me, so on the whole I am pleased with my list.

[[deleted user]]

Congrats on finishing, Laurie! :)))

[Sara, New School Classics]

Yes, congrats, Laurie. I loved A Town Like Alice and I have Half of a Yellow Sun sitting on my shelf waiting. I'm glad to see you recommend it so highly.

Nice to have a challenge behind you, I am sure.

[Pink]

Well done!

I'm also glad to see you liked Half of a Yellow Sun as it's on my bookshelf too :)

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person]

Congrats!

[Darren]

Congratualtions Laurie, and with over 2 months to spare!

I already have Town Like Alice down for 2017, and I keep meaning to add Half A Yellow Sun to my TBRs, so that's done now, thanks!

[Laurie]

Thanks Nargus, Sara, Pink, Andrea, and Darren. It is nice to have this challenge done. I want to finish my A-Z author challenge now if possible, so next up is Lolita. I've avoided this novel for a long time, but it's also on my personal challenge of best 20th century novels. It's time to get it off my TBR.

[Darren]

LOL what a coincidence - yesterday I drafted in Lolita as an emergency reserve for my O&NC, so will be reading it soon too!

[Sara, New School Classics]

I have Lolita on my Kindle and promising myself that next year is the year it gets read. I will be interested, of course, in seeing what you guys think of it.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Congratulations on finishing, I read The Ice Palace last year and agree it is an interesting read.

[Alissa]

congrats on finishing!!

[Laurie]

Thanks Bob and Alissa.

Darren, we'll have to compare notes.

[siriusedward]

Congratulations Laurie.
I want to read A town like Alice too.
Maybe next year.

[Laurie]

siriusedward wrote: "Congratulations Laurie.
I want to read A town like Alice too.
Maybe next year."

Thanks. I hope you get to read ATLA. It is worth reading.

[Kathleen]

Congratulations Laurie--finishing with some great books! I'm looking forward to Half of a Yellow Sun.

[Laurie]

Kathleen wrote: "Congratulations Laurie--finishing with some great books! I'm looking forward to Half of a Yellow Sun."

Thanks, Kathleen. I really like Adichie's writing. I haven't read Americanah yet but I plan to next year.

[Hayley]

Holy cow, was that a good one. But brace yourself for the ending.