Matt's 10 Trips to the Buffet in 2024

[Sara, New School Classics]

Break well deserved!

[Lynn]

Matt wrote: "Just finished The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne for an “old” book on my French Old & New challenge. 5 stars. It was great.

Phew, 😮‍💨 catching my breath a little ..."

I have been interested in this book since I read Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. I see you gave your book 5*. I also gave my Jules Vernes 5* Nice reading. Perhaps I will go back to that series when some time opens up.

[Terris]

Matt, I'm so glad you enjoyed "The Mysterious Island"! I thought you would. I also gave it five stars! Enjoy your reading break :)

[Sara, New School Classics]

I seldom DNF, Matt, and that happens to be one that I did. Eager to see what you think of the Stendhal...it is on my list as well.

[Wobbley]

It definitely sounds like you made the right call! Good luck the the Stendhal.

[Wobbley]

Matt wrote: "Inching nearer to completing my French Old & New challenge.

I finished The Red and the Black by Stendhal."

That's great! What did you think of the Stendhal? It looks like you're making great progress on lots of your challenges. Well done!

[Kathleen]

After reading your review of The Red and the Black, I think I'll put Stendhal off a bit longer. You're doing great, Matt!

[Wobbley]

Matt wrote: "Just finished Germinal by Émile Zola for my French Old & New.

I’m closing in on finishing the Old&New challenge. I have one more that I’m working on: [book:Journey to ..."

Wow, being so close to done New & Old TBR is a huge accomplishment! What did you think of Germinal? I've wondered where was the best place to start with Zola.

[Lynn]

Matt wrote: "Inching nearer to completing my French Old & New challenge.

I finished The Red and the Black by Stendhal.

2 left for my old and new! To finish off the “old” categor..."



Nice Matt! You're also finished with 4 more challenges by my count.

[Wobbley]

Matt wrote: "Germinal was great Wobbley. That was my first Zola but won’t be the last."

Thanks Matt, that's nice to hear. :)

[Sara, New School Classics]

Congrats, Matt. I still have Zola waiting in the wings. Love knowing you liked him!

[Kathleen]

I'm planning to finally read my first Zola next year, Matt. Your review has me wanting to start now!

[Wobbley]

Yay, congrats on finishing another challenge! You read some really long ones for your Fiction/NonFiction. You're doing really well in your challenges!

[Sara, New School Classics]

You have had some amazing finishes and are very close to a few more. The point is to have a good reading year--and BOY you have nailed that!

[Wobbley]

Yay, well done completing 2 challenges! I've only read a handful of the books you read for these, and of those my favourite was The Count of Monte Cristo. What were the highlights for you?

[Lynn]

Nice job on finishing your challenges Matt. Congratulations.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Bravo, Matt. I have been on the fence about reading Indiana. Maybe I will move it up the list since you liked it so much.

[Kathleen]

Great job, Matt! Doing some re-reading at the end of the year sounds like a wonderful plan. I've been wanting to read Indiana for years, and recently came across a copy at a library book sale, so I'm going to try it next year. Glad you enjoyed it!

[Lynn]

Matt wrote: "Challenge #5 Short Story Challenge complete!

Some hits, some misses on that challenge. I’ve come to a conclusion that George Saunders is not for me. Just a little too out there and t..."

Congratulations Matt!

[Terris]

Wow, Matt! You've done great on your challenges! Congratulations!

And regarding your comment on George Saunders -- I completely concur! I have read Tenth of December and Lincoln in the Bardo and probably won't read any more. Maybe his style just doesn't fit me :/

I guess we can just start planning for next year and choose a whole new set of reads that we love, and new authors that we fall in love with! Along, of course, with all our old favorites ;)
Can't wait!

[Wobbley]

Matt wrote: "Challenge #5 Short Story Challenge complete!"

Fantastic Matt! Which were your favourites from this challenge?

[Wobbley]

Thanks for the tip, Matt!

[Shirley (stampartiste)]

Congratulations on having read so many great books this year, Matt. I'm enjoying seeing what French books you read, and reading your excellent reviews. I still have quite a few of your reviews to read. ☺️. Happy reading in 2025!

[Sara, New School Classics]

I also ditched Lincoln in the Bardo after only a few chapters, Matt. Not all genres suit all people. I'll got at The Bet to the TBR. Congrats!

[Sara, New School Classics]

Just popped back over to say thank you for The Bet. Now this would be a great short story to discuss!

[Kathleen]

What a wonderful challenge, Matt. Congratulations!

[Wobbley]

Wow, finishing New & Old TBR is a huge achievement! And your is stacked hull of gigantic classics. Congratulations!

[Sue]

Congratulations on your challenges, Matt! You always put so many long books on your challenges. Getting to The Count of Monte Cristo and Don Quixote in one year, is along an accomplishment. I loved those two.