Lynn's 2024 Buffet Challenge

[Wobbley]

Yeah, I generally have the same problem with Dostoevsky. (That's actually why I skipped this group read.) I hope your next one is more to your taste!

[Terris]

Lynn wrote: "I read The Gentle Spirit by Fyodor Dostoevsky Feb 25, 2024 2* because it was a Group Read. I really do not like hopelessness in writing. This was a very bad choice fo..."

I agree, I didn't really like The Gentle Spirit. Have you read A Jury of Her Peers. I'm sure I read it in high school, but reread it recently and really enjoyed it. It's sad, but I think you'd like the camaraderie of the women characters. If you read it or have read it, let me know what you think :)
(Also, it's pretty short. GR says it's 48 pages, but I don't think it's near that long!)

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Terris wrote: "Lynn wrote: "I read The Gentle Spirit by Fyodor Dostoevsky Feb 25, 2024 2* because it was a Group Read. I really do not like hopelessness in writing. This was a very ..."

I am embarrassed to say I started it and fell asleep in the middle. I never went back to it!!

[Terris]

Lynn wrote: "Terris wrote: "Lynn wrote: "I read The Gentle Spirit by Fyodor Dostoevsky Feb 25, 2024 2* because it was a Group Read. I really do not like hopelessness in writing. T..."

Oh, Lynn!! ....I got nothin'!!! ;)

[Wobbley]

Lynn, since The Tenant of Wildfell Hall didn't win the poll, Kathryn and I were talking about doing a buddy read. In Kathryn's Bingo thread you mentioned a while ago that you might be interested in joining. Are you still interested? We just wanted to check with you before settling on the timing of the buddy read and posting it in buddy requests thread.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Wobbley wrote: "Lynn, since The Tenant of Wildfell Hall didn't win the poll, Kathryn and I were talking about doing a buddy read. In Kathryn's Bingo thread you mentioned a while ago that you might be interested in..."

Sure, but I have so many books I want to read it's a bit ridiculous. Still this one is on my list for the year, so ya'll pick the best time.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Oh I am excited about a new Author who wasn't on my radar at all until this morning.

I randomly picked up my anthology American Gothic Tales to read a quick short story this morning and read "Snow" by John Crowley. This short story is not listed on Goodreads, but it turns out he has been nominated for multiple Science Fiction and Fantasy awards. I am adding in this collection of his Antiquities: Seven Stories. Published in 1993 it will work nicely for my Century Challenge. Plus he is a new author, and I do like to read a dozen or so new people each year.

[Rora]

Lynn wrote: "Oh I am excited about a new Author who wasn't on my radar at all until this morning"

I loved Little Big by him.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Rora wrote: "Lynn wrote: "Oh I am excited about a new Author who wasn't on my radar at all until this morning"

I loved Little Big by him."

I'm glad. I saw good reviews for that book.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

In other threads we keep mentioning how easy it is to forget the details of books we have already read. That led me to reread a story I read last year and could barely remember.

I reread The Doom of the Griffiths by Elizabeth Gaskell. It's still a good story. It will work in a few places in the buffet.

[Terris]

Lynn wrote: "In other threads we keep mentioning how easy it is to forget the details of books we have already read. That led me to reread a story I read last year and could barely remember.

I reread [book:The..."

I add that one to my TBR -- I'll read anything by Elizabeth Gaskell!

[Wobbley]

Lynn wrote: "Wobbley wrote: "Lynn, since The Tenant of Wildfell Hall didn't win the poll, Kathryn and I were talking about doing a buddy read. In Kathryn's Bingo thread you mentioned a while ago that you might ..."

Okay, we settled on April, since that's the month it was on the poll for. I've added it to the Buddy Reads request thread. Hope to see you there!

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins (1868) 528 pages, Mar 16, 2024, 5*

I just finished this. It took me two months, but I give it 5*. It works for so many Challenges: Old and New, both A-Z s, Member's Choice, Continents, and it's from our bookshelf. I liked it.

[Wobbley]

Yay, I'm so glad you loved it! I gave it 5 stars too. Now I'll head over to the buddy reads thread to see your comments.

[Terris]

Glad you enjoyed this one, Lynn, and that it fit so many different challenge categories! :)

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I'm glad you liked it. I got hooked on Collins when I read The Woman in White. Since then, I have managed 3 more, including Moonstone. Oh, if I could only read faster, a magic potion maybe?

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (1951) March 27, 2024 5*

I really liked this book. Classic Science Fiction from the Golden Age is right up my alley. It has creepy creatures, a post-apocalyptic setting, and strange lights in the sky. There is a struggle for survival like most good SciFi has. Fun book.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

The Day of the Triffids was my first by Wyndham. I agree he wrote unique "Classic" Science Fiction, I have followed up with The Chrysalids and The Midwich Cuckoos. All three are outstanding.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Bob wrote: "The Day of the Triffids was my first by Wyndham. I agree he wrote unique "Classic" Science Fiction, I have followed up with The Chrysalids and The Midwich Cuckoos. All t..."

Sounds good! I always like to find a new author to read.

[Terris]

Lynn, have you heard of the Aviary Hall series by Penelope Farmer? I had never heard of it before, but just happened onto it a few minutes ago. There are three books in this series. They are middle grade science fiction books written in the ‘60’s! And they look really good. I know you like science-fiction and you teach children, so I thought of you! I may try to read book one soon The Summer Birds and see what I think! Let me know if you’ve heard of them :)

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Terris wrote: "Lynn, have you heard of the Aviary Hall series by Penelope Farmer? I had never heard of it before, but just happened onto it a few minutes ago. There are three books in this series. They are middle..."

I have not heard of them. Thank you.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Lynn, I think I have you to thank for reinspiring my science fiction reading. I have read more this year than I've read in the last five.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Bob wrote: "Lynn, I think I have you to thank for reinspiring my science fiction reading. I have read more this year than I've read in the last five."

Thank you Bob! I am glad you are having fun with the books.

[Veronique]

Lynn wrote: "The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (1951) March 27, 2024 5*
I really liked this book. Classic Science Fiction from the Golden Age is right up my alley. It has cre..."

I must admit this made me very happy :O)
Wyndham is one of my obsessions and I’m slowly going through all his work. Chrysalids and Midwich Cuckoos are very much linked.
I wonder what you’d think ofChocky and /or Trouble With Lichen.

[Terris]

Veronique wrote: "Lynn wrote: "The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (1951) March 27, 2024 5*
I really liked this book. Classic Science Fiction from the Golden Age is right up my alley..."

I love Wyndham's books too! I've read several but have not heard of "Trouble with Lichen." That looks good! I'm definitely adding that one to my list :)

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Veronique wrote: "Lynn wrote: "The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham (1951) March 27, 2024 5*
I really liked this book. Classic Science Fiction from the Golden Age is right up my alley..."

I may hold off on Chrysalids because it is described as being about religious extremism, which just doesn't appeal to me at this time. But the other book sounds interesting.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

I am currently reading about five different books. That is not an optimal way for me to read. I need to focus on one or two so I actually finish something!

I have read about 1/2 of Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier so I will try to focus on that one.

Also (this is a cross-post from a Chit Chat thread) I am currently reading a cookbook. I am actually reading it, not just using it as a reference. It is the Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book . Betty Crocker of course was a marketing image not one person, but this is the first book that started the Betty Crocker Cookbook Industry.

The story of Betty Crocker.
https://www.bettycrocker.com/menus-ho...

Originally published in 1950 it still has War Era Recipes with War Era Names. I bought a version that was republished in 1980. It is more of a How To than just a recipe book. There are sections on the Nutrition - the 7 Food Groups, balanced meal planning, economics, how to set a table, kitchen equipment, and then the recipes. It is fun to see the older names for things; for instance, the word Goulash was replaced by "Hamburger Helper" when that product was introduced. (1970's?) I am really interested in the older recipes, but at the same time am using my Instant Pot pressure cooker a good bit more. Those recipes are working well. I can't wait to try Tamale Pie using my Instant Pot.

I think this will qualify as a "non-fiction" book for challenges. It might even be a "book that reminds you of someone", but not in my house. My mother's cookbooks were the Southern Living Series which I now own.

[Wobbley]

Sounds like a lot of fun!

[Kathleen]

Lynn wrote: "I am currently reading about five different books. That is not an optimal way for me to read. I need to focus on one or two so I actually finish something!

I have read about 1/2 of [book:Jamaica I..."

That does sound fun, Lynn. I grew up with the Betty Crocker cookbook--an old (probably original 1950) cardboard/hardback that I think had rings? I can still bring to mind some of the pictures!

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

I finished Challenge #7 - Expand Your Horizon With New Authors

All six things I read were either 4* or 5* in my opinion. The authors were

Edmond Hamilton and John Wyndham who each wrote Science Fiction. I read two Science Fiction novels.

Eric Knight wrote the first Lassie children's book , Lassie Come-Home

Wilmar H. Shiras, a female author, wrote a Science Fiction short story.

Tillie Olsen is a renowned feminist author. It was a very emotionally intense short story about motherhood I Stand Here Ironing

and finally:
The Problem Of Cell 13 by Jacques Futrelle
(1905) 5*
This is the first short story about a Professor Van Dusen who solves problems/crimes through logic.

[Wobbley]

This sounds like such an interesting set -- really good choices! Congrats on completing the challenge. :)

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Thanks Wobbley.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

I did a bit of reading this month, particularly focusing on the monthly reads and Challenges. I finished Challenge #14 by rereading 5 books or short stories this year. This month I read:

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (1811) reread June 23,2024 4*

"The Overcoat" by Nikolai Gogol (1842) reread June 29, 2024


Short Stories
I Stand Here Ironing by Tillie Olsen (1961) 4* June 11, 2024
The Problem Of Cell 13 by Jacques Futrelle (1905) June 12, 2024 5*
The Beauties by Anton Chekhov (1888) June 20, 2024 4*

A book from my Old and New Challenge:
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier (1935), 302 pages, June 12, 2024 3*

[Wobbley]

Look at all those 4- and 5-star reads. Fantastic!

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

I have discovered a lot of short stories lately. I Stand Here Ironing is one of them. I haven't read it yet, but it is nice to know it rates 4 stars. Congrats on finishing challenge #14.

[Shaina]

You always have very intriguing short story titles listed. I'm going to take a look at The Problem Of Cell 13.

I enjoy Wyndham too and read 1 of his books each year. This year I read The Chrysalids and I enjoyed it more than any of his other books I've read so far.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Challenge #5 Short Stories is completed. I will probably read more this year, but the 24 for this challenge are complete. This month (July) I was reading Modern Literature stories by James Joyce, Katherine Mansfield, Jorge Luis Borges, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. I found Joyce and Mansfield write about people who were depressing and slightly seedy. Borges is in a category all his own. I did like the short story by Fitzgerald.

[Wobbley]

Bravo! Well done completing this challenge.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Congrats from me as well! You always introduce me to authors and stories I would have missed otherwise.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Congrats and thanks, you have a bunch of short stories I haven't read. My TBR continues to grow.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

I got bogged down last month with three or four books going and not one that I wanted to finish. When that happens I watch TV for a little while and then start something completely different and just for fun.

I just read The Variable Man by Philip K. Dick (1953) September 2, 2024 4* This 100 page novella is available online for free download (Gutenberg.org or manybooks.com) . It is very early writing by P. K. Dick. It is a Golden Age Space adventure with Gestapo like government strong men. I was a good solid Science Fiction story that I read in one sitting this afternoon. Feminists won't like that there are only two female characters; a girl child and a half-naked woman standing in her front yard. But wait!! no that is not true. It is the P. K. Dick stereotype. Those characters do exist, but the head of the entire government, a wise and good character, is a woman. Funny, a review I read accused him of only having the one character - the half-naked lady standing in her front yard.

It is Golden Age Science Fiction. The characters are not well-developed. They fall into well-known categories: evil power hungry police man, ingenious engineer, soldiers with no words just actions, etc. Honestly, there is a lot of literature from the early and mid 20th Century with rather flat characters. I think Agatha Christie is very guilty of this for instance. A novel I am currently reading Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers also has rather silly and shallow characters.

Anyway, I thought The Variable Man was fun and it's the first time I've sat for sustained reading in almost a month.

[Wobbley]

Well, it sounds like this book is helping you get out of a reading slump, so that's a huge win!

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Wobbley wrote: "Well, it sounds like this book is helping you get out of a reading slump, so that's a huge win!"

Thanks Wobbley. Yes. Every so often we get bogged down and need to go in a different direction.

[Wayne]

Thanks for the thoughts and summary on The Variable Man. I agree that sometimes and good plot and mind-blowing concept are all a piece needs to be enjoyable.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Wayne wrote: "Thanks for the thoughts and summary on The Variable Man. I agree that sometimes and good plot and mind-blowing concept are all a piece needs to be enjoyable."

Thanks Wayne.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

I have spent the morning putting books into challenge slots and doing a little rearranging. So far the year looks like:

☑ Challenge #5 - Short Story completed September 25, 2024

This is where I did some rearranging. I have the 24 short stories for this challenge and have moved some to the Decade/Century Challenge - still in progress. By the end of the year I hope to have read 44 different short stories.

☑ Challenge #7 - Expand Your Horizon with New Authors - I have read from 7/6 new authors so I completed the challenge but there may still be more new authors this year.

☑ Challenge #11 - Old and New Linked Categories completed September 25, 2024

I cannot seem to pre-plan these categories. This was the right time of year to be able to find multiple books in the same genre.

☑ Challenge #14 - Rereading Some do Some don't - completed

I rarely reread (unless it was textbook items when I was teaching). This year is the exception. I have reread 7 things so this challenge is complete.

As always Old and New Challenge is not going so well, lol. 3/12 read. By the end of the year perhaps I can bring that up to 50%. I get distracted by the group reads. In fact the group reads this year are why I have so many Rereads. It seems to me that if I'm going to be in the group, those should get some time and attention.

[Sara, New School Classics]

Lovely to take stock and realize you are making great progress. I do think the Old and New is the hardest, simply because you cannot alter it. Three more months, so you might be stamping several others "completed".

[Wobbley]

Wow, you've made a ton of progress! This must feel very rewarding. I've also done more rereading than usual this year, and I like it!

[Kathleen]

Inspiring to see your progress, Lynn. One of the hardest for me has been the Old and New linked categories. I think I'll copy you and take a look and see if some have come together unplanned.

[Lynn, Old School Classics]

Today I was searching for a Title with a Q, X, Y, or Z. I was looking at several different lists of Award winners. I found the title story from The Queen of Air and Darkness and Other Stories by Poul Anderson This novella was published in the April 1971 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, which is perfect because it is a blend of Fantasy and Science Fiction. It won the Hugo Award for Best Novella and the Locus Award for Best Short Story in 1972, and the Nebula Award for Best Novelette in 1971. It's really unusual for one story to win all three of those awards. It is short enough to read in one sitting.

I liked it. 4* I think I spent more time trying to find texts to meet a couple of Challenge requirements than I actually spent reading!