2015 Challenge Progress

[Melanti]

Discuss your progress!

[Leah]

Here's my placeholder for 2015 progress.

As of today, I'm going to read the following:

#1 Endicott Mythic: ✔A Fine and Private Place & ✔The House of the Spirits
#2 Endicott Adult: ✔Briar Rose & ✔The Coachman Rat
#3 Endicott YA: ✔Ella Enchanted & ✔Zel & ✔Bound
#4 Legendary/mythological monsters/creatures: The Golem
#5 A book by a favorite author not yet read: ✔American Gods
#6 Unfamiliar theme: Fairy tale helpers - ✔Mira, Mirror & ✔Deathless
#7 Inspiration for a fave film, TV, etc.: ✔Big Fish
#8 A retelling of one of your favorite originals: ✔Sisters Red or "The Company of Wolves" or Red Hood's Revenge
#9 Legends/folklore of North America's native tribes: ✔The Girl Who Married the Moon
#10 A critical study or history of fairy tales: Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked which will coordinate nicely with #8 (ran out of time in December 2015; moved to 2016 reading list). I also plan to read ✔From the Beast to the Blonde & The Uses of Enchantment (moved to next year), substituted ✔Don't Bet on the Prince.
#11 A country you've never read from before: Love in the Time of Cholera Colombia (moved to 2016 #1), substituted ✔The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly Korea
#12 A book from the villain's POV: Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villainous Tales , substituted ✔The Gospel of Loki

I can't wait to see what everyone ends up picking for theirs.

[Katy]

Good idea!
I'm listing some ideas after reading others' lists.

1) One Mythic Fiction novel from the Endicott list: The Grass Dancer
2) One Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: The Stolen Child Read 2/8/2015
3) One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: Spinners Read 4/24/2015
4) A book or collection,Fiction or non-fiction, featuring legendary/mythological monsters or creatures: Ascendant
5) A novel or collection by one of your favorite authors that you have not read yet: Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier
6) A novel or collection based on a theme you aren't familiar with or haven't read in the last 5 years: Kate Crackernuts Read 2/12/2015
7) A poem, short story, novella or novel that inspired one of your favorite movies, TV shows, mini-series, or play: The Princess Bride
8) A retelling of one of your favourite originals: The Girls at the Kingfisher Club Read 3/26/2105
9) A collection of or novel based on or containing the legends and folklore of North America's native tribes. Tales of the Anishinaubaek: Ojibway Legends Read 3/21/2105
10) A critical study or history of fairy tales The Fall of Arthur
11) A novel or folk or fairy tale collection from a country you've never read a collection from before: Bound Read 5/12/2105
12) A book from the "villains' POV: Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villainous Tales

[Jalilah]

I have not decided on everything and might still change some books, but mine more or less goes:

1) One Mythic Fiction novel from the Endicott list: possibly either Journal of Antonio Montoya: A Novel or The God of Small Things
2) One Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list Sleeping in Flame
3) One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list Zel
4) A book or collection,Fiction or non-fiction, featuring legendary/mythological monsters or creatures. Not sure yet.
5) A novel or collection by one of your favorite authors that you have not read yet. The Little Countryby Charles De Lint
6) A novel or collection based on a theme you aren't familiar with or haven't read in the last 5 years. Not sure yet
7) A poem, short story, novella or novel that inspired one of your favorite movies, TV shows, mini-series, or play: Alice in Wonderland
My favourite movie is the French film Celine and Julie go Boating: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celine.... It is not really "based on" Alice in Wonderland, rather just inspired by or influenced by it.
8) A retelling of one of your favourite originals. The Girls at the Kingfisher Club
9) A collection of or novel based on or containing the legends and folklore of North America's native tribes. There are so many in this category I don't know where to begin!
10) A critical study or history of fairy tales: The Owl, the Raven, and the Dove: The Religious Meaning of the Grimms' Magic Fairy Tales

11) A novel or folk or fairy tale collection from a country you've never read a collection from before. Possibly The God Who Begat a Jackal: A Novel It is from Ethiopia.
12) A book from the "villains' POV: I have no idea yet!

[Lára]

I'm going with something like this:
(nothing's been fully decided yet)

1. (1.) One YA Fairy Tale Retelling from the Endicott list:
The Goose Girl

2. (2.) One Adult Fairy Tale Retelling from the Endicott list:
Daughter of the Forest

3. (3.) One Mythic Fiction from the Endicott list:
Tiger's Wife

4. (4.) A book or collection,Fiction or non-fiction, featuring legendary/mythological monsters or creatures.
Burned

5. (6.) A novel or collection based on a theme you aren't familiar with or haven't read in the last 5 years. Themes could be anything, really.
Rogues

6. (7.) A poem, short story, novella or novel that inspired one of your favorite movies, TV shows, mini-series, or play.
Stardust

7. (8.) A retelling of one of your favourite originals.
Ensnared

8. (11.) A fairy tale collection from a country you've never read a collection from before.
African Folktales

9. (5) A novel or collection by one of your favorite authors that you have not read yet.
Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances

[Leah]

#12 A book from the "villains' POV is the only one that I'm not even sure where to begin. Does anyone have suggestions off top of their head?

[Katy]

Leah wrote: "#12 A book from the "villains' POV is the only one that I'm not even sure where to begin. Does anyone have suggestions off top of their head?"

I am thinking of reading Grendel

[Margaret]

Okay, here's what I'm thinking about reading thus far:

1) One Mythic Fiction novel from the Endicott list: Little, Big by John Crowley

2) One Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: Either Sleeping in Flame, Possession, or The Fox Woman. I might read all of these! I noticed Haroun and the Sea of Stories is on the list, but I'd rather use another book for the challenge, since there are so many I want to read on that one.

3) One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: The Rose and the Beast: Fairy Tales Retold by Francesca Lia Block

4) A book or collection,Fiction or non-fiction, featuring legendary/mythological monsters or creatures. Not sure. Maybe No Go the Bogeyman: Scaring, Lulling, and Making Mock?

5) A novel or collection by one of your favorite authors that you have not read yet. Nights at the Circus by Angela Carter

6) A novel or collection based on a theme you aren't familiar with or haven't read in the last 5 years. Not sure.

7) A poem, short story, novella or novel that inspired one of your favorite movies, TV shows, mini-series, or play. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. This isn't my favorite movie, but I do like the movie and have never read the book before.

8) A retelling of one of your favourite originals. Not sure yet.

9) A collection of or novel based on or containing the legends and folklore of North America's native tribes. The Grass Dancer by Susan Power

10) A critical study or history of fairy tales: Disability, Deformity, and Disease in the Grimms' Fairy Tales

11) A novel or folk or fairy tale collection from a country you've never read a collection from before. Not sure. Maybe Russian Fairy Tales

12) A book from the "villains' POV: I like the Grendel idea.

This is my list right now, but it could very well change!

[Margaret]

Jalilah wrote: "I have not decided on everything and might still change some books, but mine more or less goes:

1) One Mythic Fiction novel from the Endicott list: possibly either [book:Journal of Antonio Montoy..."

That movie looks wonderful!

What great lists!

[Margaret]

Leah wrote: "#12 A book from the "villains' POV is the only one that I'm not even sure where to begin. Does anyone have suggestions off top of their head?"

Something I read last year from the villain's POV was Snow, Glass, Apples by Neil Gaiman. It's a short play from the Stepmother's pov in Snow White. It's quite good.

[Melanti]

Okay, here's my list. I've filled this out using mostly books from my TBR but all selections are subject to change without notice.

1) One Mythic Fiction novel from the Endicott list: Yume No Hon: The Book of Dreams by Catherynne M. Valente - 2/23/15
2) One Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: Red as Blood, or Tales from the Sisters Grimmer by Tanith Lee - In Progress
3) One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: Bound Donna Jo Napoli -5/18
4) A book or collection,Fiction or non-fiction, featuring legendary/mythological monsters or creatures: The Helmet of Horror: The Myth of Theseus and the Minotaur by Victor Pelevin - 12/15
5) A novel or collection by one of your favorite authors that you have not read yet" The Boy Who Lost Fairyland by Catherynne M. Valente - 3/15/15
6) A novel or collection based on a theme you aren't familiar with or haven't read in the last 5 years: The Red Magician by Lisa Goldstein - 4/22 (Wandering Jew)
7) A poem, short story, novella or novel that inspired one of your favorite movies, TV shows, mini-series, or play. - The 101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith - 12/15
8) A retelling of one of your favourite originals: Pelzmantel and Other Tales of Medieval Magic by K.A. Laity - 4/24
9) A collection of or novel based on or containing the legends and folklore of North America's native tribes: Star-Man & Other Tales by Basil Johnston - 3/23/15
10) A critical study or history of fairy tales: A Short History of Myth by Karen Armstrong - 1/18/15 -- but would like to use The Hero With a Thousand Faces or The Irresistible Fairy Tale: The Cultural and Social History of a Genre
11) A novel or folk or fairy tale collection from a country you've never read a collection from before: Mongolian Folktales by Hilary Roe Metternich - 12/16
12) A book from the "villains' POV: The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ by Philip Pullman - 4/19/15

[Melanti]

Leah wrote: "#12 A book from the "villains' POV is the only one that I'm not even sure where to begin. Does anyone have suggestions off top of their head?"

Well, Grendel has already been mentioned.

I liked Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins. When the heroine of a tale reaches and talks to the villain of her tale, the "villain" tells her life story in the next chapter - and of course she's the heroine of that tale and talks to the next villain, etc.

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West always works, but I've never managed more than a couple of pages of that one.

There's Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villainous Tales which I haven't read but it sounds good.

The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break - Kind of odd and philosophical.. The Minotaur's sort of a stand in for "the other" in society. And of course, it's in modern times so many centuries after his part in the maze myth.

Hm. I'll try to think of some more for you!

[Melanti]

I have NO idea what I'm going to use for my #7. I think I mentioned before that I really don't watch much TV or movies, and generally, if there's a book and a movie version, I'll read the book first anyway...

I'm slowly working through all the books that inspired the Disney films, though, so I might go with Pinocchio or The Hundred and One Dalmatians even though I really wasn't fond of either of those cartoons.

[Kirsten]

Leah wrote: "#12 A book from the "villains' POV is the only one that I'm not even sure where to begin. Does anyone have suggestions off top of their head?"

Almost anything by Gregory Maguire. Also, the first thing that came to mind is The Dracula Tape, which I read long ago but remember liking a lot. I might re-read it for this challenge, actually.

So I guess we're putting what books we intend to read for the challenge? I'll have to go make my list...

[Margaret]

Melanti wrote: "I have NO idea what I'm going to use for my #7. I think I mentioned before that I really don't watch much TV or movies, and generally, if there's a book and a movie version, I'll read the book fir..."

It's hard to give suggestions on the movie one, because I don't know what you've seen! If you like Studio Ghibli, Howl's Moving Castle, a beauty and the beat retelling, is based on the novel Howl's Moving Castle, both are excellent. Another of my favorite fairy tale movies is The Red Shoes, based on the HCA tale, but I know you're already familiar with that fairy tale.

You have some great books on your list. The Valente is excellent, and I'll be interested in what you think of Ketzia Gold. It's the first in a trilogy of sisters, and Bernheimer has some interesting writing techniques! The Hero With a Thousand Faces is fantastic as well.

[Leah]

Margaret wrote: "Something I read last year from the villain's POV was Snow, Glass, Apples by Neil Gaiman. It's a short play from the Stepmother's pov in Snow White. It's quite good."

Yes, that was an excellent story. I read it last year, too, in Smoke and Mirrors.

[Leah]

Melanti wrote: "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West always works, but I've never managed more than a couple of pages of that one.

There's Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villainous Tales which I haven't read but it sounds good.

Hm. I'll try to think of some more for you!"

Yep, I've read Wicked. I have Troll's Eye View on my to-read list, so I may go with that one.

Melanti wrote: "I have NO idea what I'm going to use for my #7. I think I mentioned before that I really don't watch much TV or movies, and generally, if there's a book and a movie version, I'll read the book first anyway..."

I understand, but I would second Margaret's recommendation of Howl's Moving Castle. I watched that movie (because my daughter loves those type of movies and I had to see what all the fuss was about) but I have not yet read the book. The film version was very good, so I imagine the book would be even better.

I have the opposite problem on #7, though. I'm a huge movie geek and to date I've watched over 5,000 movies/TV shows, so now I have to decide, out of all the fantasy, myth, legend, fairy tale type movies I love, which I want to read. I'm still leaning toward Big Fish.

[Dominique]

First of I want to say that I am really excited there haven't been a lot of people that I can talk fiction! I will do my best with this challenge I always want to read but life gets in the way sometimes but I will do my best. I will keep updating as I go.
2015 challenge:

1.One Mythic Fiction novel from the Endicott list
2.One Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list
3. One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list
4. A book or collection,Fiction or non-fiction, featuring legendary/mythological monsters or creatures.
5. A novel or collection by one of your favorite authors that you have not read yet.
6. A novel or collection based on a theme you aren't familiar with or haven't read in the last 5 years. (Themes could be anything;enchanted forests, snow maidens, the Evil Queen, coming of age, and so on.)
7.A poem, short story, novella or novel that inspired one of your favorite movies, TV shows, mini-series, or play.
8. A retelling of one of your favourite originals.
9. A collection of or novel based on or containing the legends and folklore of North America's native tribes.
10. A critical study or history of fairy tales
11. A novel or folk or fairy tale collection from a country you've never read a collection from before.
12. A book from the "villains' POV

[Melanti]

Margaret wrote: "It's hard to give suggestions on the movie one, because I don't know what you've seen! ..."

Almost nothing, unfortunately!

The older Disney movies, a handful of versions of Cinderella, Princess Bride, Stardust, ... I'm more likely to have seen an older film than a new one.

But I've read The Princess Bride and Stardust and most of the standard fairy tales already - including the older version of "Beauty and the Beast". I've never seen Howl's Moving Castle, but I did try to read the book and didn't get very far. Just wasn't in the mood for that type of humor.

Hm... Oh, there's always The Arabian Nights II: Sindbad and Other Popular Stories. I liked Aladdin.


I keep hearing good things about Campbell but it's such a thick, studious book that I've never had the courage to start it!

I'll keep you guys posted in the Ketzia Gold book then. I've been tempted to buy the rest of the trilogy, but I keep telling myself I need to read the first one before committing to the rest. Each book stands alone, from what I've heard, so there's no rush.

[Kirsten]

Okay, here's what I think I will be reading:

1.One Mythic Fiction novel from the Endicott list: The House of the Spirits

2.One Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: The Ice Queen

3. One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: Ella Enchanted

4. A book or collection,Fiction or non-fiction, featuring legendary/mythological monsters or creatures: Hellsing, Vol. 01 (Re-reading this series, finished first two books so far) READ

5. A novel or collection by one of your favorite authors that you have not read yet. Arrow's Flight

6. A novel or collection based on a theme you aren't familiar with or haven't read in the last 5 years.
A Princess of Mars (Early turn of the century Sci-Fi)

7.A poem, short story, novella or novel that inspired one of your favorite movies, TV shows, mini-series, or play: Howl's Moving Castle

8. A retelling of one of your favourite originals: Bound

9. A collection of or novel based on or containing the legends and folklore of North America's native tribes: Long Man's Song

10. A critical study or history of fairy tales: Lovely Violence: Chretien de Troyes' Critical Romances READ

11. A novel or folk or fairy tale collection from a country you've never read a collection from before: The Orphan's Hand Mill: Estonian Fairy Tales READ

12. A book from the villains' POV: Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister OR Rumpled

[Margaret]

Melanti wrote: "Margaret wrote: "It's hard to give suggestions on the movie one, because I don't know what you've seen! ..."

Almost nothing, unfortunately!

The older Disney movies, a handful of versions of Cin..."

I've thought I would read Arabian Nights II as well. I really enjoyed volume I last year.

Leah wrote: "Melanti wrote: "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West always works, but I've never managed more than a couple of pages of that one.

There's Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villain..."

I like Big Fish! Both the novel and the book. Actually, I don't know which I like better.

[Lacey]

Leah wrote: "#12 A book from the "villains' POV is the only one that I'm not even sure where to begin. Does anyone have suggestions off top of their head?"

I suggested this theme, and I was thinking about Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villainous Tales. There is also Gregory Maguire's Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. My novella, Rumpled, is told from Rumpelstiltskin's PoV. Also, if you like Disney's interpretations, there is Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen. Donna Jo Napoli's The Magic Circle takes the perspective of the witch from Hansel & Gretel, and Zel is from Rapunzel's witch's PoV.

Well, that should be enough to get started. :p As you see, I really like this theme.

[Margaret]

Margaret wrote: "Melanti wrote: "Margaret wrote: "It's hard to give suggestions on the movie one, because I don't know what you've seen! ..."

Almost nothing, unfortunately!

The older Disney movies, a handful of..."

I meant to say I liked both the movie and book, not novel and book. :)

[Jalilah]

Lacey wrote: "Leah wrote: "#12 A book from the "villains' POV is the only one that I'm not even sure where to begin. Does anyone have suggestions off top of their head?"

I suggested this theme, and I was thinki..."

I've been meaning to ask about your books Lacey! Now I have good reason to try one of them!

[Leah]

Lacey wrote: "I suggested this theme, and I was thinking about Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villainous Tales. There is also Gregory Maguire's Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. My novella, Rumpled, is told from Rumpelstiltskin's PoV. Also, if you like Disney's interpretations, there is Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen. Donna Jo Napoli's The Magic Circle takes the perspective of the witch from Hansel & Gretel, and Zel is from Rapunzel's witch's PoV. "

Thank you! I've read Confessions, Magic Circle and Zel - all of which I enjoyed. I'm thinking Troll's Eye View may be the way to go as you're the second person to recommend, and it's been on my to-read list for a while now.

[Lacey]

Is it important to read the books in the order listed on the challenge? I intend to mainly go in order but might end up reading a couple out of order because they dovetail with other reading/writing projects I'm undertaking this year (one of which is my blog, A Year in Disney Movies - http://ayearindisneymovies.wordpress.com), where I'm rewatching all the animated classics in chronological order. I've decided to read a few of the books that I hadn't already read, too, so I'm reading Pinocchio right now.

Here are my challenge ideas, which might change is the year unfolds.

1.One Mythic Fiction novel from the Endicott list - The Night Circus
2.One Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories
3. One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list Ella Enchanted (just finished this one tonight!)
4. A book or collection,Fiction or non-fiction, featuring legendary/mythological monsters or creatures. Rampant, or something else with unicorns.
5. A novel or collection by one of your favorite authors that you have not read yet. Probably something by Donna Jo Napoli or Margaret Atwood
6. A novel or collection based on a theme you aren't familiar with or haven't read in the last 5 years. (Themes could be anything;enchanted forests, snow maidens, the Evil Queen, coming of age, and so on.) The Rose Bride: A Retelling of "The White Bride and the Black Bride" (a friend got me this because she knows I like retellings, but I am not familiar with the original tale at all.)
7.A poem, short story, novella or novel that inspired one of your favorite movies, TV shows, mini-series, or play. Bambi, as part of my Year in Disney Movies project.
8. A retelling of one of your favourite originals. Probably something Rapunzel related -- maybe I'll finally get to Bitter Greens!
9. A collection of or novel based on or containing the legends and folklore of North America's native tribes. Killer of Enemies by Joseph Bruchac or Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikhaelson
10. A critical study or history of fairy tales The Hard Facts of the Grimms' Fairy Tales
11. A novel or folk or fairy tale collection from a country you've never read a collection from before. [Not sure of this one yet.]
12. A book from the "villains' POV Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister

Looking forward to them all!

[Margaret]

Lacey wrote: "Is it important to read the books in the order listed on the challenge? I intend to mainly go in order but might end up reading a couple out of order because they dovetail with other reading/writin..."

I always read them out of order.

[Jalilah]

Lacey wrote: "Is it important to read the books in the order listed on the challenge? I intend to mainly go in order but might end up reading a couple out of order because they dovetail with other reading/writin..."

No need to read them in order! I decide very randomly when I read each book depending on what I am in the mood for, if the book is available, or if something being read in a group read can also count for the challenge.

[Melanti]

Lacey wrote: "Is it important to read the books in the order listed on the challenge? I intend to mainly go in order but might end up reading a couple out of order because they dovetail with other reading/writin..."

I've slowly been reading all of Disney's source books. It's really interesting to get the "real" story. Bambi is quite good!

[Leah]

For anyone who wants to check out Lacey's Disney project but keeps getting an error message here's the link: ayearindisneymovies.wordpress.com/

Lacey, this sounds like so much fun! I followed your blog. One question, I saw that you rated Snow White 3/5 but no rating at top of post on Pinocchio. What's your rating on the latter? Also, are your ratings going to be based on this year's viewings only? Or will you be factoring nostalgia, your current age, # of times you'd watched a movie previously, etc.?

[Jalilah]

Leah wrote: "For anyone who wants to check out Lacey's Disney project but keeps getting an error message here's the link: ayearindisneymovies.wordpress.com/
Lacey, this sounds like so much fun! I followed your..."

I quite enjoyed Laceys' blog! As a child Snow White was my favorite, but as an adult something seemed off to me. A beautiful adolescent living with 7 old dwarves keeping house and cleaning house for them all day........and at night....I don't know, I just find the idea kind of icky.

Lacey you question the appropriateness of children watching Disney, it's often the children who decide on their own. I only had a son, but when he was younger he was frightened by many of the Disney movies. Then when he grew old enough not to find them frightening he just found them silly. With a daughter it might be different.

Melanti wrote: "Lacey wrote: "Is it important to read the books in the order listed on the challenge? I intend to mainly go in order but might end up reading a couple out of order because they dovetail with other ..."

I did not even know here was an original book for Bambi! For dome reason that's one of the Disney films I don't mind watching.

[Margaret]

Great blog, Lacey! I loved Disney movies as a child--my sisters and I watched all the classics--and I must admit I still enjoy them today for nostalgia. However, I often have feminist difficulties with them. There's part of me singing along with all the songs, and another part that cringes. And I agree with you about Snow White; it's not disturbing that she wants to find love, it's everything else. I find her passivity and behavior toward the dwarfs most disturbing as well.

Dumbo was always my favorite Disney movie, but then someone pointed out to me that the crow scene is racist, which had never occurred to me! Now, I watch it differently! I think I'll follow your blog as well. I'm interested to read about your Sleeping Beauty watch as well.

I don't have any children, but I have 11 nieces and nephews, and I've always found, like Jalilah's son, children choose what to take from things, and what they're ready for. Some of my nieces or nephews would be "too scared" to watch certain Disney movies, like Pinocchio, but then latch onto a completely different one. The same with books--I just throw as many as I can at them (not literally) and they'll read what they want to read. It doesn't matter to me if it's adult or appropriate; they'll decide what they can handle.

But then, I'm not the parent!

[Leah]

Margaret wrote: "...and they'll read what they want to read. It doesn't matter to me if it's adult or appropriate; they'll decide what they can handle.

But then, I'm not the parent!"

That's the kind of parent I am. Of course my daughter and I are quite close, and she knows she can talk to me about anything, and I don't shy away from the conversations that make most parents nervous. So if she reads something that doesn't sit right with her or she doesn't understand it, we discuss it. She actually tends to be much more political and feminist and all that than I am. For example, if she finds out an author's sexist she's done with them, period. Some things we watch or read and I wouldn't even catch the hidden messages, agendas, etc. and she'll be like, "Mom, that is SO sexist!" We teach each other :)

She's always enjoyed Disney movies, by the way, but her preferences have changed over the years. It was the princess movies in the early years until around 7-8. Then she went off Disney for a few years, preferring animated movies like Howl's Moving Castle. For the last year she's been re-watching Mulan, The Princess and the Frog, and the Hunchback of Notre Dame the most often. (I refuse to watch the Hunchback because I remember watching an old black and white live action version with my mom once when I was young and it made me so sad that I've never wanted to watch it again or the animated version.)

My personal Disney faves are:
animated -
Beauty and the Beast
Toy Story
Up
Bolt

live action -
Mary Poppins
Darby O'Gill and the Little People
The Gnome-Mobile
The Ugly Dachshund

Jalilah, I didn't know Bambi was based on a book either. Another reason why I love this group so much: I learn something new every time I join in.

[Lacey]

I didn't want to end up hi-jacking the 2015 Reading Challenge thread, so I started a discussion for Disney movies over in the Film Adaptations folder, and responded to your many thoughtful comments there: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/....

Thanks for the great discussion!

Lacey

[Julia]

Melanti,

For your #11 do you know about Deerskin by Robin McKinley ? It's one of my favorites, but it's not for everyone.

[Jalilah]

Julia wrote: "Melanti,

For your #11 do you know about Deerskin by Robin McKinley ? It's one of my favorites, but it's not for everyone."

It's excellent! We did it as a Group read here some years back. I highly recomend it, but agree with you Julia, that it's not for everyone, due to the themes of incest and rape. Parts were hard to read, but it's very well written.

[Jalilah]

For something from a country that I've never read anything before, nkw I can't decide between The God Who Begat a Jackal: A Novel,Redemption in Indigo or The Bone People. They are from Ethiopia, Barbados, and New Zealand, all countries Ive never read anything from. Juliet Marillier does not count of course, she's from New Zealand but her books are not set there.

[Jalilah]

Oh and for from a villans point of view I'd like to read Lacey's Rumpled.

[Leah]

Jalilah wrote: "For something from a country that I've never read anything before, nkw I can't decide between The God Who Begat a Jackal: A Novel,Redemption in Indigo or [book:The Bo..."

Jalilah, could you tell me if Love in the Time of Cholera counts for #11? I moved it today from #1 to #11 assuming it was set in South America (Columbia).

[Jalilah]

Leah wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "For something from a country that I've never read anything before, nkw I can't decide between The God Who Begat a Jackal: A Novel,Redemption in Indigo..."

I don't remember who originally suggested #11, but I would think if you've never read anything set in Colombia before it would count.

I just noticed it says specifically a collection and not a novel, so how does everyone else feel about it? Can we make it a novel and collection or keep it only a collection?

[Margaret]

Jalilah wrote: "Leah wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "For something from a country that I've never read anything before, nkw I can't decide between The God Who Begat a Jackal: A Novel,[book:Redemption in In..."

I made the suggestion, and I meant for it to be a collection of folktales--I'm always trying to read more original tales in addition to re-tellings--but I have absolutely no problem if people want to read novels instead!

[Jalilah]

Margaret wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "Leah wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "For something from a country that I've never read anything before, nkw I can't decide between The God Who Begat a Jackal: A Novel,[book:..."

Okay good to know! Generally I am more of a novel reader, but when I selected the novels I might read I had not looked carefully and really thought it could be a novel.
Since you're the one who suggested it, are you really okay about making it a collection or novel?

[Margaret]

Jalilah wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "Leah wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "For something from a country that I've never read anything before, nkw I can't decide between [book:The God Who Begat a Jackal: A Nove..."

Of course, I can still read a folktale collection, and anyone who wants to can read a novel. Either way, it's still expanding knowledge of folklore.

I have 2 of the novels you mentioned for this one on my TBR list--Redemption in Indigo and The Bone People.

[Leah]

Jalilah wrote: "I don't remember who originally suggested #11, but I would think if you've never read anything set in Colombia before it would count."

Thank you, and no, I haven't read much outside Europe. A little from Africa, a little from North American tribes, a little from China, and that's about it. So I was excited when Margaret recommended #11. But I did not see the "collection" part of it either. Oopsy!

Margaret wrote: "I made the suggestion, and I meant for it to be a collection of folktales--I'm always trying to read more original tales in addition to re-tellings--but I have absolutely no problem if people want to read novels instead!"

Thank you! I'd still like to read a collection of originals from a non-European country, too, but I prefer novels, for the most part.

[Carole]

Hi, I only have time at present to read the required texts. I am very busy writing, preparing for workshops in February and, of course reading. Enjoy. Reading Bitter Greens and Kate has a new one coming out and is writing another. she has white fire coning from her fingers. Time for me to find the white fire too.

[Jalilah]

Leah wrote: Thank you! I'd still like to read a collection of originals from a non-European country, too, but I prefer novels, for the most part
Thank you, and no, I haven't read much outsid..."


There are many great novels on the Endicott Mythic fiction list from places other than Europe or North America.
My all time favorite is The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende which takes place in Chile. I read this book for the first time years ago, so when I saw it on the Mythic fiction list I was not sure exactly what particular Myth it was based on, but regardless it's a great piece of literature. Some people have compared it to One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez, but personally I like House of the Spirits a lot more.
While I really liked Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez's Love in the Time of Cholera the first time around, the second time, which was ten years later after I'd married and become a mom, the leading character really started to annoy me.

[Leah]

Jalilah wrote: There are many great novels on the Endicott Mythic fiction list from places other than Europe or North America. My all time favorite is The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende which takes place in Chile..."

I just looked and you, Melanti and Margaret all gave The House of the Spirits 5 stars - wow! So I just added it to my "to-read this year" list.

These are the two editions available through my library. Do you know if there's any difference between these two? The one on right is longer but I don't know why.

[Margaret]

Leah wrote: "Jalilah wrote: There are many great novels on the Endicott Mythic fiction list from places other than Europe or North America. My all time favorite is The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende whi..."

I quite enjoyed The House of Spirits! I've read it twice now.

I don't know what the difference is between editions, but my guess as to the different lengths would be what font and font size each edition used, or how tall the pages, or how wide the margins.

[Melanti]

Julia wrote: "Melanti,

For your #11 do you know about Deerskin by Robin McKinley? It's one of my favorites, but it's not for everyone."

Deerskin is the main reason why "Donkeyskin" got put on my list! Yes, I've already read it, as well as Unnatural Issue (which I just can't recommend), and the vast majority of the short stories listed on Surlalune's page.

I have found Pelzmantel and Other Tales of Magic, and it has an introduction by Elizabeth Hand, so I'm hoping it can't be too horrible? I haven't had a chance to read the sample yet.

Jalilah wrote: "For something from a country that I've never read anything before, nkw I can't decide between The God Who Begat a Jackal: A Novel,Redemption in Indigo or The Bo..."

I enjoyed Redemption in Indigo, though it took a bit to get used to the narrative style. The Bone People is on my TBR too.

Leah wrote: "These are the two editions available through my library. Do you know if there's any difference between these two? The one on right is longer but I don't know why...."

The Modern Library books generally have supplementary materials - long intros, an essay or two, etc. Plus the font size and margins.

[Jenna]

I've just officially joined this group, with encouragement from Lacey, and I've officially joined this challenge.

Here is what I would like to read this year for the challenge. Some have alternates, because I reserve the right to change my mind.

1.One Mythic Fiction novel from the Endicott list:
It's time to read Love in the Time of Cholera, or: Sexing the Cherry because I've owned it for so long.
2.One Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list:
The Snow Queen, or Bluebeard's Egg because I've started and abandoned it so many times.
3.One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list:
The Night Dance, because after reading The Girls at the Kingfisher Club I am hungry for more Twelve Dancing Princesses retellings.
4.A book or collection,Fiction or non-fiction, featuring legendary/mythological monsters or creatures:
Tooth and Claw, because dragons!
5.A novel or collection by one of your favorite authors that you have not read yet:
I can't believe I still haven't read The Ocean at the End of the Lane or The Diviners, books by two of my most favorite authors.
6.A novel or collection based on a theme you aren't familiar with or haven't read in the last 5 years. (Themes could be anything;enchanted forests, snow maidens, the Evil Queen, coming of age, and so on.):
I am stretching it with The Bread We Eat in Dreams because it touches on various themes. But I say it fits.
7.A poem, short story, novella or novel that inspired one of your favorite movies, TV shows, mini-series, or play:
Time to read Big Fish and hope that I still love the movie and play when I'm done.
8.A retelling of one of your favourite originals:
When Rose Wakes
9.A collection of or novel based on or containing the legends and folklore of North America's native tribes:
The Girl Who Dreamed Only Geese: And Other Tales of the Far North
10.A critical study or history of fairy tales:
I just got Once Upon a Time: A Short History of Fairy Tale for Christmas (for myself), so this is perfect.
11.A novel or folk or fairy tale collection from a country you've never read a collection from before:
Wonder Tales: Six French Stories of Enchantment
12.A book from the "villains' POV:
I wasn't really interested in reading Fairest, but it works for this challenge. Either that, or Red as Blood, or Tales from the Sisters Grimmer.