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message 1: by Melanti (new)

Melanti | 2125 comments Mod
Use this book to track your progress and chat about the challenge in general.

https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/...


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.

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.

4. One graphic novel with fairy tale/folklore/mythological references.

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:
http://endicottstudio.typepad.com/jom...

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

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


message 2: by Jalilah (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
I just completed by #5 "One poetry or short story collection inspired by fairy tales, folklore, and/or mythology or one collection of original tales or myths." without realizing it!
My Land Sings by Rudolfo Anaya!
I got it from my mom and just loved it! Here is my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 3: by Leah (last edited Dec 27, 2017 10:10AM) (new)

Leah (flying_monkeys) | 1009 comments ✅ 1. One sci-fi retelling...
A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan (my review)
Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay
The Book of Phoenix by Nnedi Okorafor (my review)

✅ 2. One with or inspired by the Djinn.
Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton (my review)
One Thousand and One Nights by Hanan Al-Shaykh (my review)
Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson (my review)
The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud (my review)
The Caliph's House: A Year in Casablanca by Tahir Shah (my review)
The Djinn Falls in Love & Other Stories by Various

✅ 3. One with or inspired by a creature...
Dragons:
Iron Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill
Uprooted by Naomi Novik (no actual dragons, just a character called "Dragon")
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
The Shamer's Daughter by Lene Kaaberbøl (my review)
Unicorns:
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima (my review)
Trolls
Bog by Karen Krossing (my review)
Fairies
What-the-Dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy by Gregory Maguire (my review)

✅ 4. One graphic novel...
Baba Yaga's Assistant by Marika McCoola (my review)
Tinder by Sally Gardner
Raven Girl by Audrey Niffenegger (my review)
Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy (my review)
Fairy Tale Comics: Classic Tales Told by Extraordinary Cartoonists (my review)
I Hate Fairyland Volume 1: Madly Ever After by Skottie Young (my review)

✅ 5. One poetry collection...
Transformations by Anne Sexton
The World's Wife by Carol Ann Duffy (my review)

✅ 6. One from any of the Endicott Studio lists.
MYTHIC: (carried over from last year's list)
The Antelope Wife by Louise Erdrich (my review)
The Grass Dancer by Susan Power (my review)
ADULT: (carried over from last year's list)
Lambs of God by Marele Day (my review)
The Fox Woman by Kij Johnson (my review)
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
Briar Rose by Robert Coover (my review)
YA: Beauty Sleep by Cameron Dokey

✅ 7. One based on the folklore/mythology of a holiday...
Midnight Robber by Nalo Hopkinson (my review)

✅ 8. One with or inspired by Indigenous American ( Native American or First Nations) folklore or mythology.
Skeleton Man by Joseph Bruchac (my review)
When the Chenoo Howls by Joseph Bruchac
Native Plant Stories by Joseph Bruchac (my review)
Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko

✅ 9. One based on the folklore or mythology of a non-European country or culture of your choice.
The New Moon's Arms by Nalo Hopkinson
Zahrah the Windseeker by Nnedi Okorafor
Dark Matter: A Century of Speculative Fiction from the African Diaspora
Mama Day by Gloria Naylor (my review)
Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson
Mother of the Sea by Zetta Elliott (my review)

✅ 10. One non-fiction book about folk or fairy tales or mythology.
The Book of Werewolves by Sabine Baring-Gould (my review)
Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked: Sex, Morality, and the Evolution of a Fairy Tale by Catherine Orenstein

✅ 11. 12. Two additional that fit into one of the other categories.
These are included in their respective categories above.


message 4: by Katy (last edited Jul 22, 2017 04:38PM) (new)

Katy (kathy_h) | 882 comments 1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

2. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by the Djinn. The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones

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.: His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik

4. One graphic novel with fairy tale/folklore/mythological references.

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

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. Two Old Women, 10th Anniversary Edition: An Alaskan Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival by Velma Wallis

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 When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

10. One non-fiction book about folk or fairy tales or mythology

Two additional original tales, short story collections or novels that fit into one of the other categories. Dragons
Thought I'd read the entire series, so makes for an easy challenge group.
11. Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik
12. Black Powder War by Naomi Novik


message 5: by wild~rose (last edited Jan 07, 2017 11:06AM) (new)

wild~rose (wild-rose) | 64 comments Leah wrote: "Not necessarily going to read every book on my list, but these are my working ideas, and I wouldn't be opposed to reading them all.

1. One sci-fi retelling...
A Long, Long Sleep by..."


This is super helpful. Thank you! Your choices for #1 led me to the GR page on retellings and I found Spindle which I think will fit the bill nicely for the sci-fi retelling category. A Long, Long Sleep also looks like a possibility.


message 6: by Margaret (new)

Margaret | 4476 comments Mod
Leah wrote: "3. One with or inspired by a creature...
Dragons:
Iron Hearted Violet by Kelly Barnhill
Uprooted by Naomi Novik."


FYI, Uprooted doesn't actually have any dragons in it. The guy is just called 'dragon,' but he's human. That was my biggest disappointment in an otherwise great book, but it was hard to get over!

I will compile a list soon. I've been busy lately! But Leah, your list is very helpful.


message 7: by Leah (last edited Jan 07, 2017 06:36PM) (new)

Leah (flying_monkeys) | 1009 comments Margaret wrote: "FYI, Uprooted doesn't actually have any dragons in it. The guy is just called 'dragon,' but he's human. That was my biggest disappointment in an otherwise great book, but it was hard to get over!"

Ah ha! I had vaguely remembered there being a book on my TBR Dragons list that someone here had said was not actually about dragons but I couldn't remember. Thank you! I will move Uprooted off my Dragons list :)


message 8: by Melanti (last edited Dec 24, 2017 09:20AM) (new)

Melanti | 2125 comments Mod
Here's mine...
This is more of a list of books I already own that fit the categories, rather than a list of what I plan to read.

1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.
Brown Girl in the Ring - 9/21

2. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by the Djinn.
The Djinn Falls in Love & Other Stories - 2/28

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 Forgotten Beasts of Eld - 9/12

4. One graphic novel with fairy tale/folklore/mythological references.
Snow White: A Graphic Novel - 4/9

5. One poetry or short story collection inspired by fairy tales, folklore, and/or mythology or one collection of original tales or myths.
One Thousand and One Nights - 2/13

6. One book from any of the Endicott Studio lists:
Love in the Time of Cholera - 12/16

7. An original tale, short story collection or novel based on the folklore/mythology of a holiday of your choice.
Midnight Robber - 2/27

8. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by indigenous American ( Native American or First Nations) folklore or mythology.
Skeleton Man - 12/17

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 Girl with Ghost Eyes - 3/20

10. One non-fiction book about folk or fairy tales or mythology
Once Upon a Time: A Short History of Fairy Tale - 12/23

11. 12. Two additional original tales, short story collections or novels that fit into one of the other categories.
The Little Red Wolf - 11/30
Through the Woods - 3/09


message 9: by Katy (new)

Katy (kathy_h) | 882 comments Love your list Melanti -- I'll use it for ideas for mine also.


message 10: by wild~rose (last edited Apr 05, 2017 09:23AM) (new)

wild~rose (wild-rose) | 64 comments Here is my wip list subject to change with the winds of caprice, disinterest, or fascination.

1. Sci-fi retelling

Spindle
Beauty
Watch the North Wind Rise
The Snow Queen {Joan Vinge}

2. With or inspired by Djinn

Rebel of the Sands
The Caliph's House: A Year in Casablanca
The Djinn Falls in Love & Other Stories
Requiem

3. With or inspired by a mythical/fairytale creature

Selkie Girl
A Natural History of Dragons
The Last Unicorn

4. One graphic novel

Tinder

5. Poetry collection inspired by fairy tales, folklore, and/or mythology or one collection of original tales or myths.

Apocrypha
The World's Wife

6. From any of the Endicott Studio Lists

The Hummingbird's Daughter
Away
Wild Life

7. Based on the folklore/mythology of a holiday...

TBD later in the year.

8. Inspired by indigenous American ( Native American or First Nations) folklore or mythology.

The Painted Drum

9. Based on the folklore or mythology of a non-European country or culture of your choice.

The Palace of Illusions
In the Night Garden

10. Non-fiction book about folk or fairy tales or mythology.

From the Beast to the Blonde: On Fairy Tales and Their Tellers
Landscape And Memory

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

Fudoki
Uprooted
The Fox Woman
The King of Elfland's Daughter
Briar Rose: A Novel of the Fairy Tale Series
The Ice Queen
The Bear and the Nightingale
Alphabet of Thorn


message 11: by Jalilah (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.

This is going to really be a challenge for me as I usually don't read Science Fiction! I'll be looking out with great interesting at what others here will be reading!

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

Definitely will count my current read Alif the Unseen. It's perfect for this 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.

Haven't decided yet. Do the Fae count as creatures?

4. One graphic novel with fairy tale/folklore/mythological references.

No idea yet!

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

I've already read My Land Sings

6. One book from any of the Endicott Studio lists:
http://endicottstudio.typepad.com/
Maybe La Maravilla or The Tiger's Wife or Mythago Wood?

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

Definitely want to read 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 did to find out if it has myths or folklore in it. Many of Louise Erdrich do, others are more realistic. Does anyone know about this one?

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
So much to choose from!

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.


message 12: by Jalilah (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
It looks like several of us want to read Midnight Robber. How about we read it for a carnival themed group read ( like we had a Samhain group read this year) some time in February?


message 13: by Melanti (new)

Melanti | 2125 comments Mod
Sounds fine. I'll be reading it around that time regardless of whether it's a buddy read or not.


message 14: by Jalilah (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
Melanti wrote: "Sounds fine. I'll be reading it around that time regardless of whether it's a buddy read or not."

Great! Is there an official date for Carnival time? The first day of Catholic Lent?


message 15: by Melanti (new)

Melanti | 2125 comments Mod
Um, it depends on how you define it. We're technically in the Carnival period now, though most of the big celebrations won't happen for another 3 weeks.

Historically, it's been from the end of the Christmas season to the beginning of Lent, with the parties & celebrations getting bigger and bigger towards the end of the season, ending on either Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) or noon Ash Wednesday.

Modern times, it's typically celebrated as a week-long thing, with it ending just as Lent starts. It varies a bit from country to country, but it's often from the Friday before Lent up to Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras.

Lent starts March 1 this year, so most official celebrations should be the last week of February. Feb 24-28th?


message 16: by Jalilah (last edited Jan 24, 2017 12:52PM) (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
Melanti wrote: "Um, it depends on how you define it. We're technically in the Carnival period now, though most of the big celebrations won't happen for another 3 weeks.

Historically, it's been from the end of the..."


Of course before Lent, duh-uh! What was I thinking! Shows you what kind of Catholic I am!
Okay should we have the Carnival read for the entire month of February or just a few weeks?


message 17: by Melanti (new)

Melanti | 2125 comments Mod
The last couple of weeks should be fine, IMO. It's not a long book (just 350 pages or so) and I've not found her to be especially slow reading in the past.


message 18: by Rachel (last edited Oct 18, 2017 05:14PM) (new)

Rachel | 169 comments Adding this as my working list. I hope to read multiple for each category.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.
Camelot 3000

--------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
East of the Sun and West of the Moon
Odd and the Frost Giants
Italian Folktales
In The Night Garden

--------------------------------------------------------------------
4. One graphic novel with fairy tale/folklore/mythological references.
Princeless

--------------------------------------------------------------------
5. One poetry or short story collection inspired by fairy tales, folklore, and/or mythology or one collection of original tales or myths.
Hungarian Folk Tales
The Olive Fairy Book

--------------------------------------------------------------------
6. One book from any of the Endicott Studio lists:
http://endicottstudio.typepad.com/jom...

--------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Do Aztec tales count? Specifically The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanos

--------------------------------------------------------------------
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
One Thousand and One Nights
When the Sea Turned Silver

--------------------------------------------------------------------
10. One non-fiction book about folk or fairy tales or mythology
The Enchanted Screen
Fairy Tale in the Ancient World

--------------------------------------------------------------------
11. 12. Two additional original tales, short story collections or novels that fit into one of the other categories.
The Bear and the Nightingale


message 19: by Leah (last edited Jan 26, 2017 05:00AM) (new)

Leah (flying_monkeys) | 1009 comments Rachel wrote: "Adding this as my working list. I hope to read multiple for each category.

9....Technically Hungary is in Europe, so this may not count. I just really wanted to read it: Hungarian Folk Tales"


You're right, it wouldn't count for #9, but it would count for #5...or one collection of original tales or myths.


message 20: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 169 comments Leah wrote: "You're right, it wouldn't count for #9, but it would count for #5...or one collection of original tales or myths. "

Oooh! Good catch! Updating it.


message 21: by Jalilah (last edited Jan 27, 2017 04:43AM) (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
This is what I have up to now:

2. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by the Djinn. Alif the Unseen
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
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:
currently reading One Thousand and One Nights


message 22: by Margaret (new)

Margaret | 4476 comments Mod
I may join in on the Midnight Robber read. I definitely want to read it and like the idea of going with a holiday I'm mostly unfamiliar with, but I'm not sure if I'll need to read something else then. If not, then I'll join in.


message 23: by Jalilah (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
Margaret wrote: "I may join in on the Midnight Robber read. I definitely want to read it and like the idea of going with a holiday I'm mostly unfamiliar with, but I'm not sure if I'll need to read something else th..."

Here is the thread for the Carnival Themed Group Read for Midnight Robber!
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...


message 24: by Margaret (last edited Nov 13, 2017 07:44AM) (new)

Margaret | 4476 comments Mod
✓ 1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.:
Midnight Robber

✓ 2. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by the Djinn.:
The Djinn Falls in Love & Other Stories
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.:
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (The Green Man)
In Calabria by Peter S. Beagle
Sealskin by Su Bristow
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
The Changeling by Victor LaValle
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip

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

✓ 5. One poetry or short story collection inspired by fairy tales, folklore, and/or mythology or one collection of original tales or myths.
Italian Folktales
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

✓ 6. One book from any of the Endicott Studio lists:
http://endicottstudio.typepad.com/jom...
Briar Rose by Jane Yolen

✓ 7. An original tale, short story collection or novel based on the folklore/mythology of a holiday of your choice.:
Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

✓ 8. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by indigenous American ( Native American or First Nations) folklore or mythology.:
Two Old Women: An Alaskan Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival by Velma Wallis

✓ 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.:
One Thousand and One Nights
Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

✓ 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.:
I've done this with #9, Non-European Tales, and #3, Creatures


message 25: by Katy (new)

Katy (kathy_h) | 882 comments Margaret wrote: "1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.: TBD. May need recs for this one...."

Found this list to help me on that item: http://bestsciencefictionbooks.com/my...


message 26: by Jalilah (last edited Feb 12, 2017 09:32AM) (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
Margaret wrote: "1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.: TBD. May need recs for this one! ."
Me too!
I am wondering if Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butlerwould count. I've been wanting to read it, so am looking for a way to include it in the challenge.


If you don't get Midnight Robber in time for the Carnival group read, you know the threads stay open right? You can always read it later.


message 27: by Jalilah (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
Kathy wrote: "Margaret wrote: "1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.: TBD. May need recs for this one...."

Found this list to help me on that item: http://bestsciencefictionbooks.com..."


Thanks Kathy!


message 28: by Katy (new)

Katy (kathy_h) | 882 comments I'm also wondering if Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler would count as a sci-fi retelling. I've just barely started that one, so I can't tell yet, the title just made me think it might be a retelling. But of course it might not be.


message 29: by Jalilah (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
A graphic novel series I enjoyed was Kin by Holly Black. I gave them 5 stars mainly because of the beautiful art work. The story was not bad, but not as good as The Darkest Part of the Forest.


message 30: by Katy (last edited Feb 12, 2017 09:29AM) (new)

Katy (kathy_h) | 882 comments Lila wrote: "A graphic novel series I enjoyed was Kin by Holly Black. I gave them 5 stars mainly because of the beautiful art work. The story was not bad, but not as good as The Da..."

That looks good. I generally really like Holly Black.

Has anyone read read any of the Fables Graphic Novel Series. I was thinking of this one for the challenge: Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall


message 31: by Jalilah (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
Kathy wrote: "Has anyone read read any of the Fables Graphic Novel Series. I was thinking of this one for the challenge: Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall

No, I haven't. I don't usually like graphic novels, so reading one really will be a big "challenge" for me! The same goes for science fiction!

I was able to read Holly Black's because I like her writing already and the illustrations were such eye candy.
And of course with Kindred only the time travel aspect made it science fiction, otherwise it was more historical fiction.


message 32: by Melanti (new)

Melanti | 2125 comments Mod
Lila wrote: "I am wondering if Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butlerwould count. I've been wanting to read it, so am looking for a way to include it in the challenge. ..."

Last year, didn't someone bring that one up and we looked and read it was based off of a particular African shapeshifter myth?

I hadn't realized it was mythology based when I read it, but that's just because I wasn't familiar with the myth in question.

Kathy wrote: "Found this list to help me on that item: http://bestsciencefictionbooks.com..."

Thanks, Kathy! I had no idea Fool's Run was based on Orpheus! I might stop putting it off now.

Lila wrote: "A graphic novel series I enjoyed was Kin by Holly Black. I gave them 5 stars mainly because of the beautiful art work. The story was not bad, but not as good as The Da..."

That's one I've been eyeing, since my library has them.
Other ones I've been considering are Mateki: The Magic Flute (though that's an opera, not a folk tale) and Through the Woods.


message 33: by Melanti (new)

Melanti | 2125 comments Mod
Kathy wrote: "Has anyone read read any of the Fables Graphic Novel Series. I was thinking of this one for the challenge: Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall..."

Fables is alright. I've read a couple but not that one.

And that "alright" is coming from someone who's not a graphic novel fan, so they've got to be at least decent for a person who does like the genre.


message 34: by Margaret (last edited Feb 12, 2017 10:19AM) (new)

Margaret | 4476 comments Mod
Kathy wrote: "Margaret wrote: "1. One sci-fi retelling of folklore, fairy tale, myth, or legend.: TBD. May need recs for this one...."

Found this list to help me on that item: http://bestsciencefictionbooks.com..."


Thanks! I will check this out!

Kathy wrote: "I'm also wondering if Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler would count as a sci-fi retelling. I've just barely started that one, so I can't tell yet, the title just..."

Actually, I think it could count. She bases her new religion off of Christianity, so I think it counts a mythological sci-fi.

Kathy wrote: "Has anyone read read any of the Fables Graphic Novel Series. I was thinking of this one for the challenge: Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall ."

I've only read a single Fables, and 1001 Nights of Snowfall was the one I read! :) I enjoyed it. It has a bit more writing than the typical graphic novel, which made it more accessible for me. I had a bit of an appropriation issue with it, Snow White gives Scheherazade the idea to tell the sultan stories, but there are some cool stories in it. I would definitely recommend it.

Lila wrote: "If you don't get Midnight Robber in time for the Carnival group read, you know the threads stay open right? You can always read it later. "

That may be what happens. I have 2 books I need to review soonish...I suspect it will be the end of February or the beginning of March before I check Midnight Robber out of the library.

All of the graphic novel suggestions look really good! I will keep an eye out for them at work!

I will add The Sandman, Vol. 3: Dream Country to the recommendation list. These work fine on their own, and contain one of my favorite Sandman stories--a retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream.


message 35: by Rachel (new)

Rachel | 169 comments Norse mythology is considered European, correct? I ask because Neil Gaiman released a new book on the subject. I normally associate them with iceland, but i believe they're historically more from sweden, norway, finland areas. Want to categorize it correctly if I add it to this challenge.


message 36: by Jalilah (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
Rachel wrote: "Norse mythology is considered European, correct? I ask because Neil Gaiman released a new book on the subject. I normally associate them with iceland, but i believe they're historically more from s..."

Absolutely! Norse Mythology is considered European, Northern European. Scandinavia is Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.
While Finland is Northern European it's not part of Scandinavia.


message 37: by Jalilah (last edited Feb 12, 2017 04:11PM) (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
Melanti wrote: "Lila wrote: "I am wondering if Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butlerwould count. I've been wanting to read it, so am looking for a way to include it in the challenge. ..."

Last year, didn't someone bring that one up and we looked and read it was based off of a particular African shapeshifter myth?"


Yes, I remember! That's how the book first got my attention. Then I read Kindrid and wondered why I'd waited so long to read her! I believe someone used it for the around the world Challenge for Africa.
Was it you or Margaret?


message 38: by Melanti (new)

Melanti | 2125 comments Mod
Not me, I read it years ago. Looks like it might have been Lacey? I see a review from her at about the time I remember talking about it.


message 39: by Jalilah (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
Melanti wrote: "Not me, I read it years ago. Looks like it might have been Lacey? I see a review from her at about the time I remember talking about it."

Yes! It was Lacey! I read her review and wanted to read it!


message 40: by Margaret (new)

Margaret | 4476 comments Mod
Nope, not me, though I did read it last year. I don't remember there being any folklore?


message 41: by Melanti (new)

Melanti | 2125 comments Mod
There was a comment in the Wikipedia article about the main character being based off a certain shape shifting character from African folklore.

A mention in Henderson’s book to the Onitsha legend of Atagbusi, who was believed to be able to transform herself into large animals, became the basis for the character of Anyanwu.[22] As Butler told McCaffery and McMenanin,

"Atagbusi was a shape-shifter who had spent her whole life helping her people, and when she died, a market gate was dedicated to her and later became a symbol of protection. I thought to myself, "This woman's description is perfect—who said she had to die?" [25]



message 42: by Lacey (new)

Lacey Louwagie | 236 comments 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 as a sci-fi writer ... it felt much more like fantasy/magical realism to me.

I'm planning to read Winter, the last book in the Lunar Chronicles series, for my sci-fi retelling.

I also read Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall, but I honestly remember nothing about it! Looking at my review, though, I gave it four stars and I apparently loved the artwork, so it must have been a decent read. :) I've got tons of grahpic novels that fit that challenge item so I haven't made a decision yet. I've heard Matt Phelan's Snow White: A Graphic Novel is good, and I also have the Hamster Princess books, Far Out Fairy Tales, a graphic novel of Norse myths, and probably some others I'm forgetting.


message 43: by Margaret (new)

Margaret | 4476 comments Mod
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..."

Oops, I thought we were talking about Kindred! I haven't read Wild Seed yet.

Hmm, I forgot about the Lunar Chronicles. I've read the first, Cinder, but I could read the 2nd.


message 44: by Katy (last edited Feb 13, 2017 09:26AM) (new)

Katy (kathy_h) | 882 comments Lacey wrote: "...I've got tons of grahpic novels that fit that challenge item so I haven't made a decision yet. ..."

I'd love recommendations as graphic novels is not a genre I generally read. Okay, actually I've never read a graphic novel.


message 45: by Leah (last edited Feb 13, 2017 09:58AM) (new)

Leah (flying_monkeys) | 1009 comments Kathy wrote: "I'd love recommendations as graphic novels is not a genre I generally read. Okay, actually I've never read a graphic novel. "

I don't read many either. Matter of fact the only ones I've read are because my daughter or her friends recommended them to me. And a few others simply because they're related to fairy tales.

Fables is quite popular. I've only read Fables, Vol. 1: Legends in Exile and it was okay. It has a heavy noir feeling and it reads like something written by a man for men.

Off top of my head, another one I read and really enjoyed was Through the Woods by Emily Carroll. It's darker in tone, like Fables, but it felt more like a fairy tale.

Below are what I'm reading for this year's challenge. I have the first two at home so I'll be reading those first.

Baba Yaga's Assistant by Marika McCoola
Tinder by Sally Gardner
Raven Girl by Audrey Niffenegger
Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy
Fairy Tale Comics: Classic Tales Told by Extraordinary Cartoonists


message 46: by Margaret (new)

Margaret | 4476 comments Mod
Kathy wrote: "I'd love recommendations as graphic novels is not a genre I generally read. Okay, actually I've never read a graphic novel. "

How Mirka Got Her Sword is a fun MG graphic novel with Jewish folklore.

Creatures of the Night by Neil Gaiman collects two short stories in graphic novel form. I liked them, but I see some members rated them as 3 stars. I already recommended his Sandman series, but there are a ton of mythological and fairy tale references in them.

A friend keeps recommending me Habibi by Craig Thompson. It's supposed to have Arabian Nights influences.

There's a new graphic novel coming out by Catherynne M. Valente, The Refrigerator Monologues, that's about the women in superhero comic books. It's supposed to take place in Hell, and it's Valente, so I'm sure there will be myth/fairy tale references galore. This may be the one I go with, though my friend really wants me to read Habibi.


message 47: by Leah (new)

Leah (flying_monkeys) | 1009 comments Margaret wrote: "A friend keeps recommending me Habibi by Craig Thompson. It's supposed to have Arabian Nights influences.

There's a new graphic novel coming out by Catherynne M. Valente, The Refrigerator Monologues, that's about the women in superhero comic books. It's supposed to take place in Hell, and it's Valente, so I'm sure there will be myth/fairy tale references galore. This may be the one I go with, though my friend really wants me to read Habibi. "


Those both sound really good.


message 48: by Jalilah (last edited Mar 09, 2017 10:40AM) (new)

Jalilah | 5069 comments Mod
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..."

Good to know! I guess Octavia E. Butler will always be categorized as Science Fiction, although she seemed to be in a category all of her own, writing about diverse subjects.
I was planning on reading Wild Seed anyway regardless if it works for the challenge or not, but I wonder if it would fit for 3. One original tale, short story collection or novel with or inspired by a creature from fairy tales/folklore/mythology/legends?

Leah wrote: "Margaret wrote: "A friend keeps recommending me Habibi by Craig Thompson. It's supposed to have Arabian Nights influences...."

Although I've been reading a lot of Arabian Nights influenced books lately I must say Habibi looks the most appealing of the the graphic novels mentioned. As I said before, I usually don't like them. I only made it a few chapters in Sandman before abandoning it!


message 49: by Katy (new)

Katy (kathy_h) | 882 comments Thanks for recommendations all


message 50: by Margaret (new)

Margaret | 4476 comments Mod
Lila wrote: "Although I've been reading a lot of Arabian Nights influenced books lately I must say Habibi looks the most appealing of the the graphic novels mentioned. ."

Looks like it won a lot of awards. 5 of my GR friends have read it, and 4 out of the 5 gave it 5 stars. My friend says it's her favorite graphic novel, and she's a GN fiend. I may end up reading it too...eventually!


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