Sara's Old and New Challenge 2019

[Sara, New School Classics]

Pre 1900:
1. Dr. Thorne
✔ 2. Martin Chuzzlewit
✔ 3. A Pair of Blue Eyes

1900-1999:
✔ 1. The Big Rock Candy Mountain
✔ 2. The Heart of the Matter
✔ 3. Plainsong

Wildcards
✔ 1. To The Bright Edge of the World
✔ 2. A Sound Like Thunder
✔ 3. Corrag
✔ 4. The Guns of August
✔ 5. Fugitive Pieces
✔ 6. A Parchment of Leaves

Alternatives
1. Elkhorn Tavern
✔ 2. Twilight

[Sara, New School Classics]

[Candi]

I love your list, Sara. I don't think I'm going to participate in this particular challenge, as I failed horribly this past year. I guess I have to stick to ones I can switch up if necessary! Who knows though, I may be tempted to do it anyway ;0

[Sara, New School Classics]

I treat this as my #1 challenge, Candi. I put the books I absolutely, positively want to read before the year is over.

[Candi]

That's a great way to strategize with this one, Sara. Should I cave in and participate, I will come at it from the same angle :)

[Terris]

Nice list, Sara! I loved Plainsong and am reading Eventide (Book #2) right now and am loving it just as much. Kent Haruf is such a good writer!
Many on there that I have not heard of, so I'll be watching your reviews to see which ones I need to add to my TBR list! :)

[Kathleen]

What a great assortment of books--half I've never heard of. A Parchment of Leaves is especially intriguing. Oh boy, I have a feeling you're going to expand my TBR again next year!

[Sara, New School Classics]

Thanks you guys.

Terris, I have been meaning to read Plainsong for forever. Candi, I think you were the one who told me it was a "no miss" book. Nice to know the second book is just as good. Plainsong is not very long, so I can see myself continuing to Eventide.

Kathleen, I have been promising myself to read a Silas House novel and decided to start with A Parchment of Leaves. I'll let you know, but I am expecting to love it.

Big Rock Candy Mountain is one I didn't get to from last year's list, so it is high priority for me. If I should get to it in December, I will make a switch.

[Candi]

Plainsong is definitely not to be missed, Sara! I have not moved on to Eventide, so maybe we can find a way to read it together once you read Plainsong :)

Also - I suspect you would really enjoy Elkhorn Tavern. I loved it :)

[Sara, New School Classics]

Sounds like a plan! Maybe I will put Plainsong at the top of my list for January. I missed the Southern Literary Trail read of Elkhorn Tavern and have had it sitting on my shelf, calling my name, ever since.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I thought The Big Rock Candy Mountain was a song. You learn something new every day. I am unaware of any of your selections, but looking through them I will have to add some to my tbr. A Sound of Thunder, Elkhorn Tavern, and Twilight seem like books I could start tomorrow. From my quick check I feel like you will enjoy these. Good luck

[Sue]

I had never heard of A Parchment of leaves either, but it sounds great. I've added it.

I've owned Plainsong forever but never seem to get to it. Maybe I will next year too.

Great list Sara!

[Erin]

Quite an interesting list! I must confess that I had not heard of any of them, except, like Bob, I had thought Big Rock Candy Mountain was a song, and then I experienced a moment of astonishment at seeing Twilight included, but then I saw it was not what I’d thought and felt properly silly! 😅

Good luck with your challenge! 😊

[Sara, New School Classics]

Bob wrote: "I thought The Big Rock Candy Mountain was a song. You learn something new every day. I am unaware of any of your selections, but looking through them I will have to add some to my tbr. A Sound of T..."

It is a song, Bob. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqowm...

The song is older than the book, so I'm guessing there is going to be a tie-in. I have loved the other Stegner books I have read, so I've got expectations on that one. I am REALLY looking forward to this list.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Sue wrote: "I had never heard of A Parchment of leaves either, but it sounds great. I've added it.

I've owned Plainsong forever but never seem to get to it. Maybe I will next year too.

Great list Sara!"

We'll have to compare notes on Plainsong, Sue!

[Sara, New School Classics]

Erin wrote: "Quite an interesting list! I must confess that I had not heard of any of them, except, like Bob, I had thought Big Rock Candy Mountain was a song, and then I experienced a moment of astonishment at..."

lol. Yes, I have passed on that other Twilight.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Thanks for the song, it made my day. Now I get to spend the day annoying folks and get funny looks as I hum and sing it. It's not leaving my head for awhile

[Sara, New School Classics]

It is a catchy tune and the idea of such a place pretty inviting for a hobo.

[Candi]

Oh, Sara, that link and that song made my day! I'm going to make the family watch it with me later, lol!

By the way, I have caught the fever and made my list of books for this challenge, which I said I wasn't going to do, as well as the others! I have to tweak them a bit, but will post them later today hopefully :) I am going to focus on this one first this time, and have tailored the others around this one as best I could.

[Sara, New School Classics]

You must face it, Candi, you are an addict just like me. This happens to be my favorite challenge every year, because every book on it is one I really, really want to read. Can't wait to see what you have selected this year. I'm crossing my fingers for some buddy reads.

[Pink]

I’ve read none of your choices! Good luck with your challenge :)

[Petra]

Nice list, Sara!
I've enjoyed Plainsong (Kent Haruf's books are all wonderful), Big Rock Candy Mountain and Fugitive Pieces. All very good reads.

Like Candi, these lists have encouraged me to try this challenge again next year.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Pink wrote: "I’ve read none of your choices! Good luck with your challenge :)"

Thanks, Pink. Good luck with yours as well.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Petra wrote: "Nice list, Sara!
I've enjoyed Plainsong (Kent Haruf's books are all wonderful), Big Rock Candy Mountain and Fugitive Pieces. All very good reads.

Like Candi, these lists have encouraged me to try..."

I've heard such good things about Plainsong! Glad you have decided to play.

[Brina]

If I didn’t have my 12 Pulitzer’s planned for the year, I would join you for Guns in August. It’s supposed to be a real classic and I should add it to my two year plan. The only thing I know about Big Rock Candy Mountain is the song. I’m looking forward to your reviews.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Thanks, Brina. I have high hopes!

[Cynda]

Hi Sara. Big Rock Candy Mountain looks interesting. A few people here do some drug running. Might be interesting to kow a bit about rum running too. Enjoy!

[Sara, New School Classics]

I don't think it will disappoint. I have loved his other books. Does seem it will be unique.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Finished The Big Rock Candy Mountain. I used an alternate last year and rolled this one over. I was determined to make it #1 and I am glad I did. Wonderful book. Stegner is such a thoughtful writer.

[Erin]

Sara wrote: "Finished The Big Rock Candy Mountain. I used an alternate last year and rolled this one over. I was determined to make it #1 and I am glad I did. Wonderful book. Stegner is such a thou..."

Off to a great start and glad you enjoyed your first read of the year! :D

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

No choice now but to read this. A catchy title, a song that sticks in your brain like Grandma got Run Over By a Reindeer, and “Wonderful book” praise, this book is now my hunt for a copy and read it soon list.

[Petra]

Nice start to the Challenge, Sara.
I read Big Rock Candy Mountain a few years back and really enjoyed it. I'm glad you did as well. I agree with you about Stegner and want to read more of his books one day.

Congratulations on completing the first book already.

[Marilyn]

Big Rock Candy Mountain was my first Stegner. Liked it and want to read more of his books.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Erin wrote: "Off to a great start and glad you enjoyed your first read of the year! :D

I did! Always nice to start with a winner.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Bob wrote: "No choice now but to read this. A catchy title, a song that sticks in your brain like Grandma got Run Over By a Reindeer, and “Wonderful book” praise, this book is now my hunt for a copy and read i..."

Ha! I am so glad, Bob. I know what you mean about the song...it can drive you nuts.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Petra wrote: "Nice start to the Challenge, Sara.
I read Big Rock Candy Mountain a few years back and really enjoyed it. I'm glad you did as well. I agree with you about Stegner and want to read more of his books..."

Thank you, Petra. Highly recommend Crossing to Safety

[Sara, New School Classics]

Marilyn wrote: "Big Rock Candy Mountain was my first Stegner. Liked it and want to read more of his books."

I hope you do, Marilyn. I have Where the Bluebird Sings to the Lemonade Springs on my list and think that might be next for me. It will be a departure from his other works, but I am curious to see what he has to say about both the West and other writers, like Steinbeck.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Finally read a second selection for this challenge. I have already fallen behind!

The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene. A terrific read and one that pierces the heart. Greene is never a light read, he wants to make you think, and he does.

[Katy, Old School Classics]

Sara wrote: "Finally read a second selection for this challenge. I have already fallen behind!

The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene. A terrific read and one that pierces the hear..."

That does look good.

[Candi]

I'm behind on mine as well, Sara. At least you know you have some wonderful books to look forward to!

[Kathleen]

You're making great progress Sara, reading and enjoying some wonderful books. I haven't read Graham Greene yet, and your review convinced me I need to do something about that soon!

[Sara, New School Classics]

I am happy with the two I have read, but I have some very hefty reads in the "Old" section, and I need to get started on them before I turn around and 3/4 of the year is gone. Has anyone else noticed how fast time moves these days?

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I haven’t read much of Graham Greene’s work, just enough to know he was a gifted writer. I’m looking forward reading more.

And yes, I’ve noticed time just seems to disappear, it just doesn’t seem possible that it is already March.

The passage of time is why, when I focus on my eyes in the mirror, the reflection is new and young, yet when I focus on the whole, it seems wrinkled and old.

[Sara, New School Classics]

lol. Oh, Bob, I own a mirror just like yours.

[Candi]

Just the other night I asked my husband if it was just me or if time is going by way too fast. He agreed! (In the past, he would deny this, lol!)

[Sara, New School Classics]

Oops, you just crossed a line, Candi, and believe me there is no going back. :)

[Candi]

Yes, Sara, I do believe it and it scares me, lol!

[Terry]

Speaking of Graham Greene, I have The End of the Affair on my TBR list, and I now have heard that Audible has a really good version of it, so I may listen to this one.

[Sara, New School Classics]

I really loved The End of the Affair, Terry. Interested in seeing what you think.

[Sue]

The Heart of the Matter sounds Great Sara. I'm glad you didn't get to Plainsong yet. Maybe we'll be on it at the same time. It won't be until June or July for me.