2017 Challenge Progress

[Lacey]

Kathy wrote: "I'd love recommendations as graphic novels is not a genre I generally read. Oka..."

These are the ones with fairy tale connections that I own or that are on my TBR, although I haven't read any of them so can't vouch for if they are any good!

Far Out Fairy Tales
Snow White: A Graphic Novel
Harriet the Invincible (I actually have all the Hamster Princess books -- they are a middle-grade series and each one retells a different fairy tale)
Gods and Thunder
Rapunzel's Revenge
The Eternal Smile: Three Stories
Wires and Nerve, Volume 1

I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting, too. So, yeah, I'm not too worried about this category. :)

[Melanti]

Lacey wrote: "Rapunzel's Revenge'..."

I enjoyed Rapunzel's Revenge, though it's really cutesy and geared towards children/middle grade. So, 2nd-3rd grade? Lower if someone's reading it to them.

[Katy]

Oh Lacey thanks for the recommendations. I did read Rapunzel's Revenge -- I had forgotten. Maybe I can read Calamity Jack for this one. I think I have a copy somewhere. Reading books I already have is always the best choice if possible.

[Leah]

Looks like Donna Jo Napoli has a new MG graphic novel coming out next month: Fish Girl.

[Jalilah]

Speaking of Octavia E. Butler I just came across this article https://www.modernghana.com/news/7562...
(a warning though, it's political)
So I think assuming that Parable of the Sower is a retelling of a tale or myth,( no one answered Kathy's original question, so I'm not sure), I'll read it for # 1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.
And for #3. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by a creature from fairy tales/folklore/mythology/legends
I will read Wild Seed because one of the characters is based on a shapeshifter from African mythology.

[Margaret]

Lila wrote: "So I think assuming that Parable of the Sower is a retelling of a tale or myth,( no one answered Kathy's original question, so I'm not sure), I'll read it for # 1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.."

I answered, but yes, I think it counts. The main character creates a religion based on Christianity, and often uses myths from that religion.

[Margaret]

Lila wrote: "Speaking of Octavia E. Butler I just came across this article https://www.modernghana.com/news/7562...
(a warning though,..."

Good article. I especially like the point that dystopias depend on perspective. The whole 'make America great again' (both in terms of the novel and reality) as a return to some greater past only means returning to a dystopia for me. There's no other time, as a woman, I would choose to live in besides now (well, maybe a couple years ago).

[Katy]

I finished Parable of the Sower, it is one of those books that I am not quite sure exactly what I think. I will continue with the next book, this is one that keeps me rethinking what I read -- in a good way.

[Jalilah]

Kathy wrote: "I finished Parable of the Sower, it is one of those books that I am not quite sure exactly what I think. I will continue with the next book, this is one that keeps me rethinking what I..."

Margaret wrote: "I answered, but yes, I think it counts. The main character creates a religion based on Christianity, and often uses myths from that religion. .."

Sorry, I just checked and Yes you did! I missed your comment!
I am really excited I'll be reading Parable of the Sower and Wild Seed!

However the next book I'll be reading will be Midnight Robber for #7. An original tale, short story collection or novel based on the folklore/mythology of a holiday of your choice.

[Margaret]

Kathy wrote: "I finished Parable of the Sower, it is one of those books that I am not quite sure exactly what I think. I will continue with the next book, this is one that keeps me rethinking what I..."

I didn't like Parable of the Talents as much, but I read some reviews that liked it better. I guess it just depends! I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Lila wrote: "Sorry, I just checked and Yes you did! I missed your comment! "

:)

[Jalilah]

In case anyone wants to read about vampires for #3. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by a creature from fairy tales/folklore/mythology/legends
Here is a list I came across:
https://theportalist.com/15-bloody-go...
Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler is on it as well as Robin McKinley's Sunshine

[Jayne]

Hi, I haven't posted much in this group, but I am trying to do the challenge. Here is what I have finished so far. I liked all of them except for the Fables, Vol. 1: Legends in Exile graphic novel.

Can anyone recommend something for #7 besides Midnight Robber?

1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.

2. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by the Djinn.
One Thousand and One Nights

3. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by a creature from fairy tales/folklore/mythology/legends; e.g., dragons, unicorns, trolls, mermaids, etc.
The Bear and the Nightingale

4. One graphic novel with fairy tale/folklore/mythological references.
Snow White
Fables, Vol. 1: Legends in Exile

5. One poetry or short story collection inspired by fairy tales, folklore, and/or mythology or one collection of original tales or myths.

6. One book from any of the Endicott Studio lists:

7. An original tale, short story collection or novel based on the folklore/mythology of a holiday of your choice.

8. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by indigenous American ( Native American or First Nations) folklore or mythology.

9. One collection of original tales, short stories or novel based on the folklore or mythology of a non-European country or culture of your choice

10. One non-fiction book about folk or fairy tales or mythology
From the Beast to the Blonde
11. 12. Two additional original tales, short story collections or novels that fit into one of the other categories.
H.C. Andersen Fairy Tales (in Danish)

[Leah]

Jayne wrote: "Can anyone recommend something for #7 besides Midnight Robber?"

In which holiday are you interested? That'll help other members narrow down their recommendations.

[Jayne]

Hmm, winter or summer solstice would be great.

[Jalilah]

Lacey wrote: "Yes, I read Wild Seed for the African folklore challenge item last year. I don't think I'd consider it to be science fiction, though, even though Octavia Butler is generally classified..."

I am reading Wild Seed now. It's definitely not magical realism. I'd say it's more fantasy, but it's my understanding that the Patternmaster series, of which Wild Seeds is the first, later evolves into a more science fiction-dystopian fantasy later on.

Can any one who's read the series confirm please?

[Melanti]

Um, it's been a while since I've read the whole series. But, really, it kind of depends on how you define science fiction.

I'd say by the end of the series (which was the first published book) it'd qualify as dystopian for sure, and it's set far, far in the future. But there's no highly advanced technology or aliens or anything of that nature that I can recall (there might be - I just don't remember any).




Plus, it was written in the late 70s/early 80s, so at the time it would have been marketed as sci-fi regardless of content.

Fantasy as an adult genre was just starting up right about then - and that was mostly high-fantasy Tolkien knock-offs... There were a few notable exceptions but people were still thinking of fantasy as either Kids' stuff or that pulp magazine fodder. Authors (and publishers) tended to shoe-horn as much as they could into the sci-fi genre - even giving otherwise purely fantastical books a sci-fi background and/or explanation.

People could be flying on fire breathing dragons, and they'd still come up with some explanation as to how the book is *really* science fiction and not fantasy at all.

[Melanti]

Jayne wrote: "Hmm, winter or summer solstice would be great."

Hm. It feels like I should know a ton but I can't come up with any off the top of my head. Yule/Christmas, etc - some. But not solstice.

Let me think about that for a bit...

There might be a few suggestions for Winter Solstice on the group read nomination thread.


Summer Solstice.. Um. All I can think of is A Midsummer Night's Dream but I don't think that's explicitly set on the solstice. In fact, it's more May-ish, even though the title indicates otherwise.

[Jalilah]

Melanti wrote: "Jayne wrote: "Hmm, winter or summer solstice would be great."
Hm. It feels like I should know a ton but I can't come up with any off the top of my head. Yule/Christmas, etc - some. But not solstic..."
Jayne wrote: "Hmm, winter or summer solstice would be great."

If I remember correctly something eventful that happens during winter solstice in Winter Rose.
Same goes for Some Kind of Fairy Tale
Neither of these books are about winter solstice , but they take place during that time and events take place.
In The Mystery of Grace major changes always occurring during The Day of the Dead, November 1 and Walpurgisnacht, April 30. Like the two other books mentioned above, the novel is not about these holidays but major events occur during them.

[Jalilah]

Melanti wrote: "Um, it's been a while since I've read the whole series. But, really, it kind of depends on how you define science fiction.

I'd say by the end of the series (which was the first published book) it..."

Octavia E. Butler certainly was ahead of her time, wasn't she! I guess if she were a writer starting nowadays she's be categorized more as speculative fiction.

[Melanti]

Lila wrote: "I guess if she were a writer starting nowadays she's be categorized more as speculative fiction. ..."

Probably so - if anyone could ever agree on what that term means - or at least agree that it applies to the not-quite-sci-fi, not-quite-fantasy books.

One of her other series is 100% sci-fi - aliens & space ships & genetic modification, etc. Then another book is 100% fantasy - Vampires, etc. But most of her stuff fits into that grey area between the Fantasy/Sci-Fi genre.

[Lacey]

Jayne wrote: "Can anyone recommend something for #7 besides Midnight Robber?"

I read The Life and Adventures of Santa Clause, which was a group read last year that I didn't get to in time. :)

[Jalilah]

Strange, I went on Listopia and typed in Summer Solstice and got this list:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
There are some books on it that imo have nothing to do with summer solstice, like One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera. Those were great books ( although I much prefer Hundred Years) , but if there is anything about summer solstice in them I missed it!

[Melanti]

I looked for that too, and if you read the description, the list creator is merely saying it's books she read during the summer time.

[Jalilah]

Melanti wrote: "I looked for that too, and if you read the description, the list creator is merely saying it's books she read during the summer time."
Ok, I see she wrote Summer Solstice
Books from all the summers of my life. But it would have been better us she just titled it "Summer Books" Why add the solstice at all?

[Melanti]

No idea. It's not a good title at all!

I was happy when I found that list, then got confused when I looked at the titles included, then a little irritated when I scrolled back up and actually read her description.

[Jalilah]

There's this list too https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
but seriously, finding a good holiday themed book that also fits in the kind of books we read in this group really is a "challenge"!
I'm glad I read Midnight Robber!
I was considering counting it as Science Fiction instead, but think I'll keep it for my holiday themed book.
I might use Wild Seed for the science fiction category. It definitely has mythic elements and it still seems more like science fiction to me.

[Melanti]

Well,, last year we established Tam Lin retellings often involve Halloween. I'll try to keep an eye out for more stuff though.

There's a lot of books that take place during a holiday that aren't actually about that holiday, so I don't really remember them as holiday books - but they'd fit for the challenge.


For myself, we'll see what I read first. I still haven't read Brown Girl in the Ring, nor have I read Fool's Run, so I've got two possibilities for Sci-Fi at the moment.

[Jalilah]

I decided to use Wild Seedfor the science fiction retelling. I think it qualifies as it uses an African myth and to me seems like science fiction.

I just finished LaRose for 8. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by indigenous American ( Native American or First Nations) folklore or mythology.

[Jalilah]

I can now add another book:
Fantasy Life for category # 3. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by a creature from fairy tales/folklore/mythology/legends; e.g., dragons, unicorns, trolls, mermaids, etc. There are Selkies and Mermaids in it.

So now I have 6 books:

1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.
Wild Seed

2. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by the Djinn.
Alif the Unseen

3. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by a creature from fairy tales/folklore/mythology/legends; e.g., dragons, unicorns, trolls, mermaids, etc
Fantasy Life

5. One poetry or short story collection inspired by fairy tales, folklore, and/or mythology or one collection of original tales or myths.
My Land Sings

7. An original tale, short story collection or novel based on the folklore/mythology of a holiday of your choice.
Midnight Robber

8. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by indigenous American ( Native American or First Nations) folklore or mythology.
LaRose


I was originally going to use One Thousand and One Nights for # 9. One collection of original tales, short stories or novel based on the folklore or mythology of a non-European country or culture of your choice,
but I am using it for a challenge in another group instead.

[Jayne]

Lila wrote: I was originally going to use One Thousand and One Nights for # 9. One collection of original tales, short stories or novel based on the folklore or mythology of a non-European country or culture of your choice,
but I am using it for a challenge in another group instead.

Is it against the challenge rules to apply a book to two different, unrelated challenges? Or is that a personal choice? I have been having fun thinking up books that met criteria both here and on the other (completely unrelated) challenge I am doing.

[Jalilah]

Jayne wrote: " Is it against the challenge rules to apply a book to two different, unrelated challenges? Or is that a personal choice?

Not at all Jayne!
It's totally personal choice!
In the past I've sometimes used the same books for different challenges.
It's just this time around I already 6 books for this challenge, 7 with the other book I took off. For the other challenge, I've read 3.
Ideally for myself I'd like to read completely different books for each challenge, just so I read more books, but when it doesn't work out and I don't have time I'll use the same books.

[Jayne]

Lila wrote: Not at all Jayne!
It's totally personal choice!
In the past I've sometimes used the same books for different challenges.
OK, thanks! That is good news :)

Here is what I have read so far:
#1: Cinder In process.
#2 One Thousand and One Nights
#3 The Bear and the Nightingale
#4 Snow White: A Graphic Novel
#5 Norse Mythology

#10 From the Beast to the Blonde: On Fairy Tales and Their Tellers In process.
#11 The Beauty and the Beast
#12 Børnenes H.C. Andersen

Planned:
#6 The History of Danish Dreams
#7 TBD
#8 TBD
#9 The Palace of Illusions

[Marianna]

I'm very time-poor with a new baby at the moment but I'm determined to do this challenge! I'd like to read The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale and Tender Morsel by Margo Lanigan. Can anyone see these fitting into any of the categories?

[Melanti]

I think Goose Girl is on one of the Endicott lists.

I'm not sure about Tender Morsel since I haven't read it yet.

[Leah]

Melanti is correct: The Goose Girl is on Endicott's YA list so that would qualify as an entry for #6 on our 2017 Challenge.

As for Tender Morsels, I believe, looking at how I shelved it, the story is based on/inspired by Grimms' tales. We're not super strict on which books fit a certain category. I mean, with a (very) loose interpretation of #3, you might consider the bear (if there is one in Tender Morsels) a creature a fairy tale/ folklore/ myth.

[Marianna]

oooh thanks guys! I'm reserving a copy of Goose Girl and Tender Morsel from the library...

[Carole]

I just read it myself and I have found a delightful photograph of it. Yes, I read the Grim Brother's version . I read it when younger too. The outline follows the classic folk tale outline of the required steps. I liked it for our heroine succeeded because she found the gift to speak out and speak her truth..so working with her fifth chakra. This story is to be recommended on this level too and to believe by doing this you help yourself.

[Marianna]

I have just found a new fairytale anthology East of the Sun, West of the Moon. It's an anthology of Norwegian fairytales, illustrated by Kay Neilsen. It looks beautiful! Am adding it to my Challenge list.

[Lacey]

Marianna wrote: "oooh thanks guys! I'm reserving a copy of Goose Girl and Tender Morsel from the library..."

To answer Leah's question, there is a bear in Tender Morsels. :)

It is a little hard to make it fit for one of this year's challenge items, but you should totally read it anyway -- it is one of my favorite books/fairy tale retellings.

[Jalilah]

I have to more books to add!
Snow White: A Graphic Novel for #4
And for 11 I decided to read one more from #3 magical creatures from Fairy and folktales. I read Seer of Sevenwaters
So now I have:

1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.
Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler

2. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by the Djinn.
Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson

3. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by a creature from fairy tales/folklore/mythology/legends; e.g., dragons, unicorns, trolls, mermaids, etc.
Fantasy Life by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

4. One graphic novel with fairy tale/folklore/mythological references.
Snow White: A Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan

5. One poetry or short story collection inspired by fairy tales, folklore, and/or mythology or one collection of original tales or myths.
My Land Sings by Rudolfo Anaya


6. One book from any of the Endicott Studio lists:
Don't know yet!

7. An original tale, short story collection or novel based on the folklore/mythology of a holiday of your choice.
Midnight Robber by Nalo Hopkinson

8. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by indigenous American ( Native American or First Nations) folklore or mythology.
LaRose by Louise Erdrich

9. One collection of original tales, short stories or novel based on the folklore or mythology of a non-European country or culture of your choice

10. One non-fiction book about folk or fairy tales or mythology
Don't know yet!

11. 12. Two additional original tales, short story collections or novels that fit into one of the other categories.
Seer of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

[Margaret]

You are way ahead of me! I need to catch up. At least I'll get #10 with the group read this month.

It occurs to me that When the Sea Turns to Silver would count as #9 as well. I may already have that one; I need to check.

[Leah]

A really rare thing for me with challenges, I'm ahead. Normally I drag my feet then have to cram everything into Nov-Dec. And I really challenged myself this year with a goal to read at least 2 for each category. Thankfully I went on a bit of a reading spree early this year (I always read the most in the winter) and now I only have #1 and #9 to complete.

My working list: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Books reads to date for this challenge:
https://www.goodreads.com/user_challe...

[Melanti]

Hm. I'm not as far behind as I thought once I fit any old book into the slots instead of hte specific ones I'd planned.

6 books - possibly 7 depending on what I go with for #11/12, and another couple in progress.

[Margaret]

Okay, I'm doing slightly better than I thought. I forgot that I was using Italian Folktales for #5. So I've finished 5, and have 7 left.

Here are the ones I have remaining:

1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.: TBD. May need recs for this one. Maybe Wild Seed

4. One graphic novel with fairy tale/folklore/mythological references.: I might go with one of the Sandman books, if I can remember where I left off, or I might read something different. Or Habibi or Raven Girl or Snow White: A Graphic Novel.

--Note, I orginally meant to use The Refrigerator Monologues for #4, but I'm reading it now and turns out it's not a graphic novel! Oops!

6. One book from any of the Endicott Studio lists:
http://endicottstudio.typepad.com/jom... I own so many of these, so I'll just see which one catches my fancy! I think either Briar Rose or The Armless Maiden: And Other Tales for Childhood's Survivors

8. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by indigenous American ( Native American or First Nations) folklore or mythology.: I have so many to choose from!

10. One non-fiction book about folk or fairy tales or mythology: Fairytale in the Ancient World.

11. 12. Two additional original tales, short story collections or novels that fit into one of the other categories.: 2 more Native American books.

So I'll have #9 after this group read. Mainly, I need to get started on NA books, which I own plenty of, just haven't had a chance to read any yet.

I've been struggling because I need to keep up with current releases more, so a lot on my TBR pile are going unread.

[Jalilah]

Margaret wrote: "Here are the ones I have remaining:

1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.: TBD. May need recs for this one. Maybe Wild Seed."

I can highly recommend Wild Seed! I know it's sometimes categorized as fantasy, rather than science fiction, but to me it seemed like science fiction.
Also the book I'm reading now, Shadows Cast By Stars could count either science fiction or Native American. I'm only a few chapters in, but up to now it seems good. Wild Seed actually blew me away.

[Lacey]

I'm actually on track with this challenge, which is a pleasant surprise because I am behind on my overall reading goal of 100 books/year. Here's what I've been reading and/or plan to read:

1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.
Winter by Marisa Meyer

2. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by the Djinn.
The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

3. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by a creature from fairy tales/folklore/mythology/legends; e.g., dragons, unicorns, trolls, mermaids, etc.
Planning to read Seraphina (dragons) by Rachel Hartman

4. One graphic novel with fairy tale/folklore/mythological references.
Far Out Fairy Tales by various

5. One poetry or short story collection inspired by fairy tales, folklore, and/or mythology or one collection of original tales or myths.
Planning to read Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins by Emma Donoghue


6. One book from any of the Endicott Studio lists:
http://endicottstudio.typepad.com/jom...
Haven't decided, but I also have a bunch on this list so I'll see what strikes my fancy.

7. An original tale, short story collection or novel based on the folklore/mythology of a holiday of your choice.
The Life and Adventures of Santa Clause by L. Frank Baum

8. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by indigenous American ( Native American or First Nations) folklore or mythology.
I have a couple short story collections and novels that fit this one, so I'll see what strikes me.

9. One collection of original tales, short stories or novel based on the folklore or mythology of a non-European country or culture of your choice
The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

10. One non-fiction book about folk or fairy tales or mythology
Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

11. 12. Two additional original tales, short story collections or novels that fit into one of the other categories.
Who knows!

[Leah]

Margaret, that's my struggle too. I think I'm currently 5 ARCs behind schedule (eek!) plus 4 new releases. But I wanna catch up on backlist especially group reads. The reader's never-ending struggle: so many books, limited time in a day.

[Margaret]

Leah wrote: "Margaret, that's my struggle too. I think I'm currently 5 ARCs behind schedule (eek!) plus 4 new releases. But I wanna catch up on backlist especially group reads. The reader's never-ending struggl..."

Oh, the struggle! ;)

[skadoosh]

This challenge is such a great way to read more fairytale-adjacent lit! I might end up skipping one or two of the categories, so to compensate I'd like to read two for most of the other categories.

1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.
A Long, Long Sleep (Sleeping Beauty)

I would love recommendations for this category! I really had to push myself to find a sci-fi fairytale on my TBR, and I’d like to read more than one for this category.

2. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by the Djinn.
I’ve been looking for a good djinn book for so, so long. I have a few on my TBR but nothing concrete yet. Recommendations appreciated!

3. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by a creature from fairy tales/folklore/mythology/legends; e.g., dragons, unicorns, trolls, mermaids, etc.
✓Promise of Shadows (harpies, along with sundry other creatures from Greek mythology)
The Seafarer's Kiss (mermaids)

4. One graphic novel with fairy tale/folklore/mythological references.
Graphic novels tend not to be my thing, so I might skip this category.

5. One poetry or short story collection inspired by fairy tales, folklore, and/or mythology or one collection of original tales or myths.
✓Sappho's Fables (a collection of lesbian fairytale retellings)
The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic (a mix of original fairytales and fairytale retellings)

6. One book from any of the Endicott Studio lists
The Kappa Child by Hiromi Goto

7. An original tale, short story collection or novel based on the folklore/mythology of a holiday of your choice.
Really stuck on this one! Would appreciate recs.

8. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by indigenous American ( Native American or First Nations) folklore or mythology.
Lightfinder (Cree mythology)

9. One collection of original tales, short stories or novel based on the folklore or mythology of a non-European country or culture of your choice
✓The Star-Touched Queen (Hindu mythology)
✓The Crystal Ribbon (Chinese folklore)
The Jumbies (Haitian folklore)

10. One non-fiction book about folk or fairy tales or mythology
I have Grimms' Bad Girls and Bold Boys: The Moral and Social Vision of the Tales, but I would also appreciate recs for this category!

[Margaret]

Great list, skadoosh!

Here are some thoughts:

#1. Lila loved Wild Seed, so I'm going to read that one. One I loved in the past is Silently and Very Fast. It's a novella that's free to read here: http://clarkesworldmagazine.com/valen...

#2. I read The Djinn Falls in Love & Other Stories and it was fantastic. If you like short stories, I recommend it.

#10. As a group read this month, we're reading Fairy Tale in the Ancient World. That's going to be my pick. Ones I've read in the past and enjoyed are: From the Beast to the Blonde: On Fairy Tales and Their Tellers (a long one but fantastic), Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype (another long one), and Clever Maids: The Secret History of the Grimm Fairy Tales.

Hmm, no immediate thoughts on holiday books.