Sara's Old and New Challenge 2019

[Sara, New School Classics]

Finished The Guns of August, a history of the first month of World War I, the personalities and the decisions that put the war in motion and doomed the conflict to last so long and rob so many men of their lives.

This was a bit like sitting in a history class in high school. It was dry and told from a remove that made it feel very much at times like just the expounding of facts. On the other hand, I learned a lot about what spurred these nations into war--the futility and downright foolishness of it all.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Sara wrote: "Timing is often everything. I think different things appeal at different stages in life. I waited too long to read The Catcher in the Rye, I felt that it would have had more meaning to ..."

I agree about timing being important. With Catcher in the Rye, I found young Holden to just be annoying and I just couldn’t enjoy reading the book. A younger version of me might have related, at least a little. Even more than Catcher, the book I read at the wrong time was The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I still feel like I’m standing on a dock watching a ship full of smarter passengers laughing at the humor I just didn’t grasp. I just can’t help think it would have been better if I had read it 40 years ago. Or maybe I’m just humorless.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Sara wrote: "Finished The Guns of August, a history of the first month of World War I, the personalities and the decisions that put the war in motion and doomed the conflict to last so long and ..."

Ouch, this is another one of those maybe someday reads. It just lost some of its appeal.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Gosh, Bob, I had the same exact reaction to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and I read it when I was in my early 20s and everyone around me was praising it to the skies. I think your last explanation might fit me--humorless, at least for that style of humor. On the other hand, I was reading Tolkien when I was in my teens and begging everybody I knew to read and love the trilogy. Nope, not interested. Now they are in love with him. Go figure.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Oh YES, A Parchment of Leaves by Silas House was terrific. I'm adding everything else he wrote to my TBR.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Well, with your recommendation and review this isn't just going on my TBR, I intend to buy a copy, hello Amazon!

[Sara, New School Classics]

Woohoo! Hope you love it, Bob.

[Cynda]

Well Done Sara. I too have enjoyed reading Charles Dickens. I hope our group reads more of his works. a little encouragement helps. Hope to see you here at Old&New again in 2020.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Officially finished. Used one alternative instead of reading Dr. Thorne, which means it will need to go on next year's list. I generally finish both the main entries and the alternates, but this year I feel lucky just to have finished.

[Annette]

Congratulations! Your accomplishment is grand especially with all that you’ve had on your plate.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Congratulations!! Mine went down in flames months ago, still have shot with Bingo. On to next year.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Annette wrote: "Congratulations! Your accomplishment is grand especially with all that you’ve had on your plate."

Thanks, Annette.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Bob wrote: "Congratulations!! Mine went down in flames months ago, still have shot with Bingo. On to next year."

I'll be cheering on your Bingo, Bob. And, yes, there is always next year!

[Rosemarie]

Congratulations on finishing, Sara!

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Sara wrote: "Officially finished. Used one alternative instead of reading Dr. Thorne, which means it will need to go on next year's list. I generally finish both the main entries and the alternate..."

Congratulations on your finish! Mine will be touch and go down to the last day of the year LOL.

[Cynda]

Well Done Sara.

[Candi]

Bravo, Sara!!!

[Laurie]

Yay, Sara. Congrats on finishing your challenge.

[April]

Congratulations.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Thank you all! I'm pleased to have completed this one and the bingo. Next year for everything else.

[Kathleen]

Well done, Sara! Loved your review of Fugitive Pieces, one I've had my eye on for a long time. Congratulations, and I'm looking forward to following your challenges next year. :-)

[Sara, New School Classics]

Thanks, Kathleen. I hope you get to Fugitive Pieces soon. I always enjoy doing the challenges with you!

[Renee]

Congrats on finishing, Sara!

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Did you have a favorite?

[Sue]

Congratulations on finishing Sara!

[Sara, New School Classics]

Renee wrote: "Congrats on finishing, Sara!"

Thamks, Renee.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Bob wrote: "Did you have a favorite?"

Ooooh, so hard to choose. I had so many great ones. Corrag was super and quite different. Loved To the Bright Edge of the World.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Sue wrote: "Congratulations on finishing Sara!"

Thank you, Sue.

[Sara, New School Classics]

You are going to LOVE it, Jillian. It is one of those one-of-a-kind reads and I have yet to find anyone who has read it and not been blown away.