Kathleen Attempts Restraint at the 2020 Buffet

[Kathleen]

Thank you, Ila!

Added another short story above, Anton Chekhov's The Bishop. Here's a little review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Short stories have made a huge difference in my reading this year. I like the 24 different authors idea

[Kathleen]

Bob wrote: "Short stories have made a huge difference in my reading this year. I like the 24 different authors idea"

Thank you, Bob. You are an inspiration!

[Kathleen]

My challenges are taking a beating this year, but I'm happy as long as I'm reading good books. And this one, for my decade challenge of historical fiction, was SO good. Sure to be a future classic.

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sara, New School Classics]

I agree. Mantel is amazing.

[Kathleen]

Poor, poor little challenges! They've had a tough year. I'm trying to make some swaps and we'll see if I can make progress on some of them.

I have two to add:
Palace Walk for Historical fiction. This opened up a disturbing world to me, but I enjoyed Naguib Mahfouz's writing. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And for my Old and New Ireland challenge, I made a fantastic discovery of a new to me writer I love: J. Sheridan Le Fanu. I didn't know! His stories in In a Glass Darkly were so impressive, and some were truly scary. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Has anyone read Uncle Silas? I'm anxious to read more Le Fanu.

[Sara, New School Classics]

I think you are doing great, Kathleen. I have Le Fanu on my year you were born challenge list and haven't ever read him before--so I am excited that you liked this collection so much!

[Ila]

You're doing just fine Kathleen. I've read Carmilla by Le Fanu and although I can't say it was the best book ever, it was certainly intriguing.

I'm surprised you liked Mahfouz. I found him a terrible bore and his treatment of female characters endlessly misogynistic even if I allowed for historical accuracy. Could you please say what you enjoyed about his writing?

[Kathleen]

Sara wrote: "I think you are doing great, Kathleen. I have Le Fanu on my year you were born challenge list and haven't ever read him before--so I am excited that you liked this collection so much!"

Thanks, Sara. How fun that you will be introduced to him too! What will you be reading?

[Sara, New School Classics]

Ghost Stories And Tales Of Mystery or The Watcher, and other weird stories both first published in 1851 (or at least containing stories that were). I'm a bit excited to get to him now, since you liked him so much.

[Kathleen]

Ila wrote: "You're doing just fine Kathleen. I've read Carmilla by Le Fanu and although I can't say it was the best book ever, it was certainly intriguing.

I'm surprised you liked Mahfouz. I found him a terr..."

Appreciate the support, Ila! Your impression of Mahfouz is completely understandable, and I explain in my review how off-putting his description of the oppression of women was-extreme even for the time and place as you say.

While the parts that really delved into the mindset behind this treatment nearly made me sick, I didn't find the novel boring. I thought his storytelling was excellent, and I considered it an eye-opening exposure to this extreme way of life. Of course I'd have much preferred to read this from a woman's perspective, and though the info I found on Mahfouz argues against this, I'm not convinced he didn't share at least some of that misogynistic mindset, to write so convincingly about it.

So I'd say I liked his storytelling, his portrayal of the inner world of the different characters, and also, his abundant descriptive similes.

[Kathleen]

Sara wrote: "Ghost Stories And Tales Of Mystery or The Watcher, and other weird stories both first published in 1851 (or at least containing stories that were). I'm a bit excited..."

And I'm excited to see what you think! Your collection should include some if not all that were in mine. I want to warn you that in my collection, he used very different styles in each, so if you don't like one, it won't necessarily mean that you won't like them all. Enjoy!

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I agree with the other comments, you are doing fine. There is still plenty of time left in the year. I noticed that one of your challenges is the decade of the 50’s. I too, am doing the 50’s and have noticed several other 50’s decade challenges. What I found interesting is the lack of overlap in book titles in my challenge and others. That decade must have published a ton of books.

Good luck, and don’t sweat the small things like book challenges.

[Kathleen]

Thanks, Bob! I did notice there was lots to choose from in 50's books. I'm certainly enjoying my reading, so all is good. :-)

[Kathleen]

Finally, my second read for my Women's challenge from birth decade, The Ballad of the Sad Café by Carson McCullers. I found it sad indeed.
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I'm switching out almost all of my plans for this one (unable to get the books), and I have two good ones coming up, Jane and Prudence by Barbara Pym (1953) and The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith (1955).

The fun continues!

[Sara, New School Classics]

McCullers is a favorite author for me. The closing of the library has resulted in a lot of delay for me....glad you are able to switch them up. You are definitely in for some fun with Mr. Ripley.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I enjoyed your review. I haven’t got a lot of experience with McCullers, but I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read so far. I don’t know if your trouble in getting books is closed library related, but I too am having trouble sourcing planned books. My library is still closed, and I don’t know when they will reopen. It’s a double edge sword. My opinion, but since they are government funded they feel secure, so they feel comfortable erring on the side of utmost safety. The problem for the future is bad business is going to result is less tax revenue. Libraries are going to be on the chopping block if incoming revenues don’t meet budget needs. My library is in a rural area and could easily be closed if state funds start getting short.

Sorry, I guess I when off on an unnecessary rant.

[Kathleen]

Bob wrote: "I enjoyed your review. I haven’t got a lot of experience with McCullers, but I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read so far. I don’t know if your trouble in getting books is closed library related, but I too a..."

Thank you Bob. I don't think your rant is unnecessary. Libraries are so important to so many of us here. And yes, that has been my issue. I get 90% of my reading from the library, and am also afraid we may lose important government services, particularly in rural areas. I hope your library survives. Mine did just start doing curbside pickup, which is where I'll be able to get The Talented Mr. Ripley soon. :-) It is a lot of extra work for the librarians, but I think the community is grateful.

The positive side for me has been reading a few books I own, ones that typically get buried under library books. For everything there is a season, I suppose.

[Sara, New School Classics]

The long-term effects of this shutdown are yet to be felt and may be devastating, and you are right, Bob, the libraries could be among the first services deemed expendable. There is a lot of reading I simply could not do without the library, particularly if the book is a newer book and cannot be purchased second-hand.

[Kathleen]

Sara wrote: "McCullers is a favorite author for me. The closing of the library has resulted in a lot of delay for me....glad you are able to switch them up. You are definitely in for some fun with Mr. Ripley."

Thanks Sara--good luck with your changes as well!

This is my third McCullers, after The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter and The Member of the Wedding. I'm very much looking forward to Reflections in a Golden Eye.

[Cynda]

Hi Kathleen (and Sara), I hope to read some more 20th-century lit next year, with McCullers high on the list. . . . .Just checkkng in, Kathleen, as we get ready to read The Mysteries of Udolpho. I have Northanger Abbey ln my alternate list for Old&New, and I will use that alternate selection so I can full enjoy the humor more or less immediately after.

See you at Udolpho :-)

[Luke]

Kathleen wrote: "This is my third McCullers, after The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter and The Member of the Wedding. I'm very much looking forward to Reflections in a Golden Eye."

RiaGE was very different from those other McCullers in my experience, so I'll be interested in your thoughts on it, Kathleen.

[Kathleen]

Cynda wrote: "Hi Kathleen (and Sara), I hope to read some more 20th-century lit next year, with McCullers high on the list. . . . .Just checkkng in, Kathleen, as we get ready to read..."

I'm looking forward to it, Cynda! I may need the support to get through that one. Northanger Abbey is fun though--enjoy it!

[Kathleen]

Aubrey wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "This is my third McCullers, after The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter and The Member of the Wedding. I'm very much looking forward to Reflections in a Golden Eye."

RiaGE was very differe..."

Intriguing, Aubrey. I can't wait!

[Kathleen]

You know that feeling you have when you've been in a new-to-you place for a while, and you're starting to get a feel for it? I'm starting to feel that way through my Ireland reading. This is exactly what I wanted! It really feels like I'm spending time there.

My latest for this old-and-new challenge was Amongst Women. So many thoughts about family and roles and relationships and life after reading this one.

It's a little dark though. Have all of these Ireland reads been dark? No, just all the ones I've really liked. :-)

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sue]

Kathleen wrote: "You know that feeling you have when you've been in a new-to-you place for a while, and you're starting to get a feel for it? I'm starting to feel that way through my Ireland reading. This is exactl..."

I want to do more Irish themed reading. It's my heritage and I really don't know much about they history. I recently read Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland and read The Immortal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an American Hero a couple years ago. I definitely want to read more including fiction, so I need to check out which ones you've been reading.

[Kathleen]

Thank you, Sue. I have a feeling I won't stop with this theme when my challenge is over--so many more to get to. I may have to add one of those books of yours--sounds interesting!

[Sara, New School Classics]

I love the idea of a theme for this kind of challenge. I might steal the idea next year. Not sure if you have already ready The Whereabouts of Eneas McNulty but if you have not it is a great Irish book.

[Kathleen]

Sara wrote: "I love the idea of a theme for this kind of challenge. I might steal the idea next year. Not sure if you have already ready The Whereabouts of Eneas McNulty but if you have not it is ..."

Thank you, Sara! I have that and a few others of his on my TBR--looks like I have much to look forward to.

I was just going to peek at the short story for next month, but I couldn't stop reading. Turns out it's one I remember as a favorite from long ago childhood. Looking forward to the discussion of this one!

So two to add to my short story challenge, msg 49: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

The Country of the Blind review: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
and
There Will Come Soft Rains review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I've read Country of the Blind twice in the last month. It's amazing and thought provoking. I may read it again sometime, I'm sure to get something I missed the first times through.

As for Soft Rains, I've read it many times and I don't think I will ever forget the image of the shadows on the wall.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Two excellent short stories.

[Kathleen]

Bob, you are so right. Once you read that, I can't imagine it not staying with you. And I agree with both of you, that these two were excellent. I'm so glad we have the monthly short story read!

[Kathleen]

Latest updates:
For my Ireland Old and New and Short Story challenges, Dubliners by James Joyce. Completely lived up to its iconic status, in my opinion. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

And for Women Authors, an author who is fast becoming a favorite. Jane and Prudence by Barbara Pym. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I've started The Talented Mr. Ripley for Women Authors, but I haven't decided which Historical Fiction to read next. I have a LONG way to go on these challenges, but I love this stage, where it's all still possible! :-)

[Sara, New School Classics]

Kathleen wrote: "I love this stage, where it's all still possible!"

It is a lovely place to be, isn't it--more choices than you know what to do with. I'm enjoying following you through the process.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I too, am reading The Talented Mr. Ripley. It is my first by Highsmith, but for some reason I have bogged down about halfway. Picked up a no brainer and will get back to it next week.

[Kathleen]

Sara wrote: "Kathleen wrote: "I love this stage, where it's all still possible!"

It is a lovely place to be, isn't it--more choices than you know what to do with. I'm enjoying following you through the process."

Thank you, Sara! It's kinda like not wanting summer to end. :-)

[Kathleen]

Bob wrote: "I too, am reading The Talented Mr. Ripley. It is my first by Highsmith, but for some reason I have bogged down about halfway. Picked up a no brainer and will get back to it next week."

Bob, I totally relate to what you're experiencing with The Talented Mr. Ripley! I put it down a lot, but it was compelling when I picked it up. I had lots of mixed feelings about this one. I'm so curious to see what you think when you finish.

Here is my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

My first Highsmith too, and I'm just not sure about her.

[Sue]

I love your Irish Old and New with the shamrocks, Kathleen! I may have to copy that next year!

I like how you are doing your short stories with all unique authors too.

[Kathleen]

A belated thank you, Sue!

Time to update and assess. My beloved Irish Old and New challenge may be impossible to finish, since I no longer have access to some of the books. Not giving up til the end though! I am giving up on my Decade of Historical Fiction, but will still read a few of those. I'm going to try hard to finish my Birth Decade of Women, and my Short Story Challenge.

So for the birth decade, I have two updates. Adding one I read in March, for 1958, The Greengage Summer by Rumer Godden. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and
for 1954, a Eudora Welty novella I just finished, The Ponder Heart. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sara, New School Classics]

I might have to rethink my challenges now, as well. I don't see how I can finish all of the ones I have started before the end of the year. I have loved the way you themed yours!

[Kathleen]

Thanks, and you just might finish them, Sara--still months to go!

I forgot to update my short stories--two more in July (but none since, so have to catch up!) Msg 49: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Like a Winding Sheet by Ann Petry
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Eldest Child by Maeve Brennan
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sara, New School Classics]

Kathleen, you have the wrong link with "The Eldest Child", takes me to "The Winding Sheet".

[Kathleen]

Thanks so much, Sara! Fixed now.

[Lynn]

I have enjoyed reading about your Irish Theme progress. You had asked about Maeve Binchy. I have read one of her books and enjoyed it: A Week in Winter which was her last book. I own two others, but have not read them yet.

[Kathleen]

Thank you, Lynn! I look forward to trying Binchy, and will add A Week in Winter.

Updates:
For my short stories, message 49- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/..., I added two more authors:
The Nose by Nikolai Gogol
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and
a Virginia Woolf collection Monday or Tuesday
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

For my poor, neglected historical fiction challenge, I read the wonderful So Big by Edna Ferber
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Kathleen]

One more for my Irish Old and New:
The Sea by John Banville

This wasn't overwhelmingly Irish, but was absolutely my kind of thing. I already have my next Banville picked out!
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Another check mark and a five star read, life is good. I enjoyed your review.

[Kathleen]

Thank you, Bob! Yes, reading life is very good. :-)

[Kathleen]

I'm enjoying my Old and New challenge trip through Ireland, and the latest one let me see the country from the 1940's through to the 21st century: The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne is not to be missed! Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Also, adding to my short stories, I read a collection by Annie Proulx--Close Range. Very evocative of place. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and
for Halloween, a nice little gothic ghost story, The Old Nurse's Story by Elizabeth Gaskell. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sue]

Congratulations Kathleen! The Old Nurses's Story Sounds really good.