Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion
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Shirley (stampartiste)’s 2020 Classic Bingo Challenge
Have fun, Shirley. I hope we get some buddy reads out of this.
Brina wrote: "Have fun, Shirley. I hope we get some buddy reads out of this."Thank you, Brina! Have fun as well. And yes, I’m always up for a Buddy Read.
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2020 Bingo Challenge books read: (Date read, Bingo square, title, author, year of publication, pages, link to review)
1. Read 01/06/2020; O4: The Call of the Wild by Jack London (1903; 233 pp); my review.
2. Read 01/30/2020; I5: The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe (1846: 20 pp); my review.
3. Read 02/28/2020: I4: The Body Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson (1884: 22 pp); my review.
4. Read 03/19/2020; N4: The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (1915: 51 pp); my review.
5. Read 04/13/2020; B1: A Passage to India by E.M. Forster (1924; 376 pp); my review.
6. Read 04/15/2020; N3: The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene (1930; 210 pp); my review.
7. Read 04/25/2020; G4: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932; 288 pp); my review.
8. Read 05/07/2020; I1: 4:50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie (1957: 272 pp); my review.
9. Read 05/14/2020; N1: The Turn of the Screw by Henry James (1898; 96 pp); my review.
10. Read 07/13/2020; I3: The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (1895; 76 pp); my review.
11. Read 07/18/2020; B2: Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy (1891; 518 pp); my review.
12. Read 08/01/2020; I2 The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (1908: 208 pp); my review.
13. Read 08/13/2020; B4: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (1970; 97 pp); my review.
14. Read 08/19/2020; G1: 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke (1968: 237 pp); my review.
15. Read 08/28/2020; O5: The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett (1929: 217 pp); my review.
16. Read 09/26/2020; G3: The Best Poems of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Featuring I Heard the Bells on Chistmas Day, Excelsior, the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, a Psalm of Life, and More! by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1842 - 1875: 253 pp); my review.
17. Read 10/09/2020; B3: Ivanhoe by Walter Scott (1819: 541 pp); my review.
18. Read 10/19/2020: N2: But You Did Not Come Back by Marceline Loridan-Ivens (2016: 100 pp); my review.
19. Read 10/28/2020; N5: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (1959: 182 pp); my review.
20. Read 11/09/2020; B5: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859: 489 pp); my review.
21. Read 11/09/2020; G5: The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli (1532: 133 pp); my review.
22. Read 11/19/2020; O3: The Birds and Other Stories by Daphne du Maurier (1952: 256 pp); my review.
23. Read 11/20/2020; O2: Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey (1912: 265 pp); my review.
24. Read 11/27/2020; G2: The Stranger by Albert Camus (1942: 123 pp); my review.
25. Read 12/09/2020; O1: A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute (1950: 277 pp); my review.
GROUP PARTICIPANT PICK:I would love to hear what everyone's favorite childhood story was. I did not come to the US until my teen years, so I missed out on all English-speaking children's books. I've included two in my Bingo this year (the first Nancy Drew book and Charlotte's Web), but I would love to include a third.
Your ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Matt wrote: "Hi Shirley, I recommend The Mouse and the Motorcycle 
by Beverly Cleary. I loved that series when I was a kid."I have never heard of that series, Matt. It sounds like a fun read! I'll go check it out. Thank you!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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I would love to hear what everyone's favorite childhood story was. I did not come to the US until my teen years, so I missed out on all English-speaking children's books. I..."
My favorite is not from the USA. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Shirley, here are some of my favorites. All-of-a-Kind Family series by Sydney Taylor
Little House in the Big Woods series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and series by Judy Blume
Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary this one I need tissues for. It’s a personal favorite.
I hope you enjoy something from this list, Shirley. I’m curious about what you read as a kid, too.
Charlotte's Web was my favourite when I was little (7 or 8) , but Anne of Green Gables was my favourite when I got a little older (10 or 11). You've got some great books on your list. Good luck with the challenge, and I hope you enjoy reading them all!
Shirley, similar to you I was 9 when I came to the US. I also missed out on a lot of early children's books. My favorites that I did read as a child were Nancy Drew books and Watership Down.
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Where the Red Fern Grows
Black Beauty
The Call of the Wild
All three were great when I was young and all have been reread as an adult, still good.
Thank you for suggesting so many great children's books to choose from. Some I have already read, but I have added several others to my TBR shelf and will have to decide which one to read when I get there.
Brina wrote: "Shirley, I’m curious about what you read as a kid, too. ..."I know they're not popular in the States, but I LOVED Tintin and Milou books by Hergé. I owned every one of them and reread them hundreds of times! For the most part, they have fallen out of favor because they were so culturally insensitive. But as a 6-12 year old child, the caricatures went over my head and I loved the characters and the adventures.
I pulled some of the books from my shelf that are still with me after all these years. My favorite book was La soeur de Gribouille by La Comtesse de Ségur. I cried each time I read it. She wrote several other books, and I still own two others: Francois le Bossu and l'histoire de blondine.
A couple of my other favorites still on my shelf were Le Drame de Quatre-Vingt-Treize, (in English Ninety-Three by Victor Hugo); and Histoire d'un casse noisette, (in English The History of the Nutcracker) by Alexandre Dumas. I don't have it anymore, but I do remember that I loved a French translation of Quentin Durward by Walter Scott - which amazes me that I have never read Ivanhoe, but it is one of my Bingo selections this year.
Milena wrote: "Shirley, similar to you I was 9 when I came to the US. I also missed out on a lot of early children's books. My favorites that I did read as a child were Nancy Drew books and Watership Down..."I'm planning to read my first ever Nancy Drew book this year in this Bingo. As to Watership Down, I'm so hesitant about reading it. I watched the 1978 movie once based on the book, and it left me totally shaken. Is the book anything like the movie?
I'm curious what books you read as a child, Milena, and in what language?
My first language is Russian, but I don't remember what I read. I will have to ask my parents. My mom does say that I read newspapers as a child. Maybe we didn't own a lot of books?
Shirley I’m guessing your first language is French? As much as your children’s book selections sound interesting I’d need them in translation. French is one language I don’t know. English and Spanish is what I am able to read.
Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "Milena wrote: "Shirley, similar to you I was 9 when I came to the US. I also missed out on a lot of early children's books. My favorites that I did read as a child were Nancy Drew books and [book:W..."My sister and I read all the Nancy Drew's growing up and loved them all!
Watership Down is probably in the top five of all books I've read all time...
The book is definitely a 'heavy' read and I never liked the movie...
The book can be taken on so many levels in terms of parallels to humans and it stretched my soul about what is possible.
And I definitely cried...alot!
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I haven't re-read it since childhood, but believe The Wind in the Willows would hold up very well. I think I'll put it on my list. :-)
Milena wrote: "My first language is Russian, but I don't remember what I read. I will have to ask my parents. My mom does say that I read newspapers as a child. Maybe we didn't own a lot of books?"That is so interesting, Milena! We always read adult Russian novels, but I don't think I have ever come across one that was geared to children. I would love to know which books your parents tell you about.
Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "Milena wrote: "My first language is Russian, but I don't remember what I read. I will have to ask my parents. My mom does say that I read newspapers as a child. Maybe we didn't own a lot of books?"..."They're probably all translated from other languages, but I will let you know.
Brina wrote: "Shirley I’m guessing your first language is French? As much as your children’s book selections sound interesting I’d need them in translation. French is one language I don’t know. English and Spani..."Yes, Brina, my first language was French. It's a shame that La Contesse de Ségur's books weren't translated into English (she was actually Russian). They were really well written and always provided lessons in life. I guess since these are old books (published between 1857-1872), there's no interest in translating them. More the pity, really. How many other wonderful books in other languages have been buried with time?
That is sad. I have an affinity for Russian novels so I’m interested if the stories Milena read as kid were ever translated. Same with the French ones. You notice that there is a “Cinderella” type story in every nation around the globe but when it comes to everyday children’s books it’s hard to find translations. It would definitely be fun to read children’s books from other countries.
I am assuming there was also some version of Baba Yaga and snegurochka (which is like a snow princess). Not sure if they were written down or just told orally. I am seeing my parents for lunch on New Year's Day (a Russian tradition), so I will be sure to ask.
Susie wrote: "Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "Milena wrote: "Shirley, similar to you I was 9 when I came to the US. I also missed out on a lot of early children's books. My favorites that I did read as a child we..."I'm definitely looking forward to reading my first Nancy Drew book. I will be reading her first adventure The Secret of the Old Clock.
I'm glad to hear you didn't like Watership Down, the movie either. Maybe there's better hope for the novel for me. But it definitely looks like I'll have to get psyched up to read it!
Thank you for your personal experiences with these books, Susie!
Kathleen wrote: "Shirley, I have a particular favorite--a magical book from my childhood that seems pretty much unknown now: The Wish-Tree. Interesting that the pictures I loved so much are by the i..."These are great recommendations, Kathleen! I've never heard of The Wish Tree, but it definitely sounds good. When I clicked on your link to The Wind in the Willows, it was actually a Penguin Classics edition, which made me think that it might be a great choice to read. Thank you!
Brina wrote: "It would definitely be fun to read children’s books from other countries."I wholeheartedly agree! It would be nice to have a thread going where people from around the world posted their favorite childhood book.
Milena wrote: "I am assuming there was also some version of Baba Yaga and snegurochka (which is like a snow princess). Not sure if they were written down or just told orally. I am seeing my parents for lunch on N..."I'm just curious, Milena. Do you still speak Russian with your family?
I don't have an opportunity to speak much French anymore, but when my kids were little, my mom and I would speak French when we didn't want them to understand what we said. That's the only time they showed any interest in learning French. 😄
My mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother spoke Yiddish when they didn't want me and my sister to understand. It was so frustrating.Yes, I do still speak Russian with my parents. Even my daughter, who was born here, can speak and read Russian. She went to a Russian private school in Brooklyn until 4th grade.
Sorry for taking over your thread with this discussion.
Milena wrote: "My mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother spoke Yiddish when they didn't want me and my sister to understand. It was so frustrating.Yes, I do still speak Russian with my parents. Even my daug..."
Not at all, Milena! I am thoroughly enjoying this conversation!
I see my mother and I weren't the only ones who spoke our native language to keep the kids in the dark. LOL
That is so neat that your daughter went to a Russian school and speaks and reads it fluently. Here in south Louisiana, "immersion" public schools are becoming very popular where children are only taught in French and can speak/write only in French. It's an attempt to revive and preserve the Acadian culture. I love it!
Milena, you’re so lucky that you know Yiddish. My son is first learning now but my the grammar school here doesn’t use it. I’d have to send all my kids to New York for high school if I wanted them speaking Yiddish but they aren’t interested. At least they finally took the initiative to learn Spanish on their own so they can speak to my husband’s family. Sorry about hijacking this thread. I love languages and it really is intriguing to see which books get translated and which don’t.
Brina wrote: "Milena, you’re so lucky that you know Yiddish. My son is first learning now but my the grammar school here doesn’t use it. I’d have to send all my kids to New York for high school if I wanted them ..."I don't speak Yiddish, other than the few words everyone knows. That's why my sister and I were so frustrated.
I wish I spoke Spanish. My daughter is currently in Costa Rica, immersing herself. Otherwise known as vacationing.
Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "Milena wrote: "My mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother spoke Yiddish when they didn't want me and my sister to understand. It was so frustrating.Yes, I do still speak Russian with my parent..."
My daughter is by no means fluent, but she has retained the basics.
I studied French for 5 years. I wish I could do immersion, but I can't just take a break from my life. There must be a way. My co-worker used to go to a club at a French something (school, embassy?). I should ask her.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - my hands down children’s classic!
Kathleen wrote: "I haven't re-read it since childhood, but believe The Wind in the Willows would hold up very well. I think I'll put it on my list. :-)I forgot about that one. That's another one I loved when I was a kid. I read it again a few years ago, and I thought it held up well. Got me laughing at Toad's adventures, and I enjoyed it as much as I did when I was younger.
Renee wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "I haven't re-read it since childhood, but believe The Wind in the Willows would hold up very well. I think I'll put it on my list. :-)I forgot about that one. That's another one ..."
That's a ringing endorsement! ☺️ Thank you!
Brina wrote: "Milena, you’re so lucky that you know Yiddish. My son is first learning now but my the grammar school here doesn’t use it. I’d have to send all my kids to New York for high school if I wanted them ..."Not at all, Brina. I, too, am enjoying this discussion on languages as well as the added dimension of which books get translated and which don't. I think it's wonderful that you want your children to learn Yiddish! It's so much easier when they're young. I do think immersion schools are awesome, and it would be nice to have more of them!
Milena wrote: "I studied French for 5 years. I wish I could do immersion, but I can't just take a break from my life. There must be a way. My co-worker used to go to a club at a French something (school, embassy?). I should ask her.."Perhaps your local library could connect you with a group? In our area, of the ones I know, we have groups for people who want to speak/learn Spanish, French and Chinese.
Terry wrote: "The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - my hands down children’s classic!"Thank you, Terry. I actually read this a few years ago and really enjoyed it.
Bob wrote: "I can't disagree with the above list, but I will add three.Where the Red Fern Grows
Black Beauty
The Call of the Wild
All three were great when I was young a..."
Thank you, Bob, for your recommendations. I actually have The Call of the Wild slated to read for my Classic of the Americas square and am looking forward to reading it. I have put your other two selections on my TBR shelf, as I want to read both of them, either this year or next.
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I will read it with you.
Katy wrote: "Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "...I actually have The Call of the Wild slated to read for my Classic of the Americas square and am looking forward to reading it..."I will read it with you."
Awesome, Katy! What month will work for you? I was going to start in January (as the story takes place in frigid Alaska), but any time will work, really.
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I haven't planned my reading for January. So January it is. I'll put it out in the buddy reads in case someone else wants to join us.
Sounds great, Katy! Thank you.
Yeah!!! Finally made a Bingo! Well, I'm two months and five books ahead of last year to accomplish this small feat! 😂 Just enjoying the ride again.
Congratulations, Shirley! I can hear how happy and proud you are of this feat (virtual applause). Happy reading!
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Congrats, Shirley! On your way to a blackout!I see someone mentioned The Wind in the Willows as a great children’s book. It’s one of my Bingo books I have been avoiding, although I bought a copy last January. As a kid, I loved Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland (the original).
Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)
Books mentioned in this topic
The Wind in the Willows (other topics)The Twelve Caesars (other topics)
A Woman in Berlin: Eight Weeks in the Conquered City: A Diary (other topics)
The Moonstone (other topics)
The Woman in White (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Nevil Shute (other topics)Marceline Loridan-Ivens (other topics)
Agatha Christie (other topics)
Edgar Allan Poe (other topics)
Robert Louis Stevenson (other topics)
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This year, I wanted to add another level to my Bingo Challenge:
To read new-to-me authors. So with the exception of Charles Dickens (gotta have my Dickens fix) and Oscar Wilde, my book selections are from authors whose works I have never read. I'm excited about what lays in store for me!
My proposed book selection for the 2020 Bingo Challenge:
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Books actually read for the 2020 Bingo Challenge:
Updated through 12/10/2020 (25/25)