Sara's 2024 Another Year of Gluttony

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Congrats! You know I love short stories and this year has been exceptional. I am currently at 77. If you count the 100 from the The Decameron, I am at 176. I am only counting it as one. I have also reread 13. I don't know where I will finish, but I am enjoying it, a lot.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I have four collections I am reading this year (well, hopefully, only two of them so far), but I also do not count those separately. Reading The Decameron took a lot of determination for me, but Bierce is easy!

[Wobbley]

Well done completing this Challenge Sara, that's great! And you have so much variety among the ones you selected.

For the record, I think the Decameron counts as 100, if you're counting it under short stories.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I could add 100 to last year's count then. Thanks, Wobbley.

[Wobbley]

Sara wrote: "I could add 100 to last year's count then. Thanks, Wobbley."

Haha, any time!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Another for my Old & New The Well-Beloved by Thomas Hardy. This was a disappointment for me. I am a huge Hardy fan, and this missed on so many levels for me.

[Kathleen]

I guess Hardy is bound to disappoint sometime. And you only have one more Old and New to finish a great challenge!

[Terris]

Sorry this one was a disappointment. I'm glad you got to it before me -- I will not add it to my list!! I'm still looking forward to The Woodlanders which you gave 5 stars!!

Better luck on your next Hardy read -- if you have any left!! ;)

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Kathleen wrote: "I guess Hardy is bound to disappoint sometime. And you only have one more Old and New to finish a great challenge!"

I won't hold one so-so read against him, he has thrilled me more times than I can count.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Terris wrote: "Sorry this one was a disappointment. I'm glad you got to it before me -- I will not add it to my list!! I'm still looking forward to The Woodlanders which you gave 5 stars!!

Better ..."

I have loved so many of his works. I still have Under the Greenwood Tree, and I know YOU loved that one.

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "Terris wrote: "Sorry this one was a disappointment. I'm glad you got to it before me -- I will not add it to my list!! I'm still looking forward to The Woodlanders which you gave 5 st..."

I did! Hope you do too :)

[Wobbley]

I can't believe how close you are on New & Old TBR! This one may have disappointed you, but you've had so many successes!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Oh yes, Wobbley, my Old and New has been a great challenge this year. This book was a disappointment mainly because I expect SO MUCH from Hardy. I am in the process of reading my last selection from the O&N to complete, and it is a pleaser!

[Wobbley]

Sara wrote: "I am in the process of reading my last selection from the O&N to complete, and it is a pleaser!"

Fantastic!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Using my alternate The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley to complete my Old and New Challenge. I will read Jack later in the year, but wanted to get this one marked as complete.

What a fabulous book The Go-Between is! I love a coming-of-age story, with its innocent and confused viewpoint, when it is done well, and this one is among the best I have ever read. 5+ stars.

[Luffy Sempai]

Sara wrote: "Using my alternate The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley to complete my Old and New Challenge. I will read Jack later in the year, but wanted to get this one m..."

How nice, Sara :) I haven't seen anyone recently on GR being so pleased with a book, outside of a review. Glad for you.

[Wobbley]

I've had The Go-Between on my radar for a while, but it never seems to float to the top. Thanks for the push! I'm glad you had such a success, and well done completing your New & Old TBR challenge!

[Kathleen]

Loved your review, Sara. I need to rescue that one from my TBR. Congrats on finishing the Old and New, and so glad it was such a winner for you this year!

[Terris]

I'm so glad to see how much you enjoyed this book, Sara! I had only just heard of it recently, and now I see it everywhere on every list!! But I still couldn't decide if I wanted to read it or not -- NOW I want to read it! If you think it's good, then it's good!! I'll put it on the top of my list -- even if it's my 2025 list ;)

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Luffy Sempai wrote: "Sara wrote: "Using my alternate The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley to complete my Old and New Challenge. I will read Jack later in the year, but wanted to g..."

Thanks, Luffy. I am so happy I read this one!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Wobbley wrote: "I've had The Go-Between on my radar for a while, but it never seems to float to the top. Thanks for the push! I'm glad you had such a success, and well done completing your New & Old TBR challenge!"

Push it up the line, Wobbley. I think you will enjoy it! And, thanks for the encouragement.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Kathleen wrote: "Loved your review, Sara. I need to rescue that one from my TBR. Congrats on finishing the Old and New, and so glad it was such a winner for you this year!"

I try to be very careful in choosing the O&N, Kathleen, and this year I was successful at getting it right. You will love this book when you get to it.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Terris wrote: "I'm so glad to see how much you enjoyed this book, Sara! I had only just heard of it recently, and now I see it everywhere on every list!! But I still couldn't decide if I wanted to read it or not ..."

It is always so satisfying to read a book that you just want to remain inside of, and this one was like that for me. I could really feel how confusing the world can be for a boy at this age, especially in Edwardian England.

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "Terris wrote: "I'm so glad to see how much you enjoyed this book, Sara! I had only just heard of it recently, and now I see it everywhere on every list!! But I still couldn't decide if I wanted to ..."

That sounds wonderful! I can't wait :)

[Sara, Old School Classics]

How interesting that the Old and New Linked challenge would make me consider the parallels between Jane Eyre and Gilead. On the surface they have little in common, but both of them have a very deep rooting in religious belief and a struggle to be good in the face of human struggles, both are stories of undying love between an older man (granted much older in Gilead and less so in Jane Eyre) and a young woman who finds in him a life partner and everything she desires in marriage.

Both were re-reads for me, something I am allowing myself to do more of.

[Wobbley]

Yes, rereading is wonderful. It's sounds like you're really enjoying your reading!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

It has been a good year, Wobbley, although I have read less than usual. Hoping the winter months will help me catch up.

[Kathleen]

So interesting about Jane and Gilead. I want to re-read both now! I'm inspired that you're fitting in a few re-reads. I think that's the way to do it: a little at a time so we get some in but still plug away on the others.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Kathleen wrote: "So interesting about Jane and Gilead. I want to re-read both now! I'm inspired that you're fitting in a few re-reads. I think that's the way to do it: a little at a time so we get some in but still..."

I am happy to have fit in a few re-reads. I hope to fit in several more before the end of the year. I truly enjoyed both Jane and Gilead, and there are so many more that deserve a second read. I might have a year of just reading without any purpose, other than joy, next year.

[Laurie]

Sara, I am not much of a re-reader either, but this year has been different. I have reread seven novels and two novellas so far, and it has been a wonderful experience. I plan to take a break from challenges next year so I can read more by whim. I originally wanted to do that this year, but I got caught up in the excitement in December and I succumbed and joined in the challenges wholeheartedly. Reading for joy sounds like the best challenge next year.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I have done a bit more of just random instead of planned reading this year, Laurie, and I have enjoyed it. I might cut the challenges down to just a few and then just read whatever comes my way. I love to re-read good books, but lately I have felt I just didn't have the time to do that and get to all the ones I haven't read. I think I will discard that notion as well!

Glad you are having a good time revisiting old favorites.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Used Richard III as a re-read, a millennium entry, and paired with The Lost King: The Search for Richard III as a fiction/non-fiction entry.

Must say I enjoyed both re-reading the play and the account of the unearthing of Richard's body in 2012.

[Lori]

I remember watching some videos about the unearthing and think that read must have been fascinating!! A great pairing to read together!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I watched as well, Lori, and wanted to know more. My good intentions have a long time becoming realities sometimes. It took me twelve years to delve back into it. This was a very good read for me.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Spoon River Anthology completes my Century challenge and gets me one book closer to finishing 100 Years Before Me (a challenge which has gone on far, far too long).

What an interesting read this was.

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "Spoon River Anthology completes my Century challenge and gets me one book closer to finishing 100 Years Before Me (a challenge which has gone on far, far too long).

What an interesti..."

Glad you were able to finish your Century challenge, Sara -- Congratulations!

I also read this book for a challenge a few years ago. And recently I read How to Read a Book (which is very good, by the way!). A woman who leads a book club group in a women's prison has the prisoners read "Spoon River Anthology," and they love it! Now, the book is fiction, but I enjoyed how author Monica Wood talked about the women and how they connected with the people speaking from the grave, and their love of this poetry. It was touching.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

There you go adding to my TBR again! I cannot resist reading How to Read a Book now that I have Spoon River under my belt. I'm sure it will mean more to me with this poetry in mind.

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "There you go adding to my TBR again! I cannot resist reading How to Read a Book now that I have Spoon River under my belt. I'm sure it will mean more to me with this poetry in mind."

Sorry, not sorry!! I think you'll enjoy it!

[Wobbley]

Well done completing your Century Challenge, and with yet another winner!

[Kathleen]

I love the idea of both books, so two more to the tbr. And Sara, as long as you finish your 100 years challenge before 100 years after you, you're doing great!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Terris wrote: "Sara wrote: "There you go adding to my TBR again! I cannot resist reading How to Read a Book now that I have Spoon River under my belt. I'm sure it will mean more to me with this poetry in mind."

..."
😘

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Wobbley wrote: "Well done completing your Century Challenge, and with yet another winner!"

Thanks, Wobbley. I was afraid it wouldn't be an easy read, but it was very captivating.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Kathleen wrote: "I love the idea of both books, so two more to the tbr. And Sara, as long as you finish your 100 years challenge before 100 years after you, you're doing great!"

LOL. 100 years after me seems to be the pace I have set. Every year I think, "I can finish this one this year" and every year I find myself carrying it over. Oh well, someday.

[Lynn, New School Classics]

Sara wrote: "Spoon River Anthology completes my Century challenge and gets me one book closer to finishing 100 Years Before Me (a challenge which has gone on far, far too long).

What an interesti..."

Congratulations on this challenge!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Thanks, Lynn!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

With my participation in a group read and a buddy read this month, I have completed the 12 books required for Challenge #6. I have marked it complete, although I have upcoming reads in which I will still participate.

Also marked Challenge #11 Complete. Only 3 months to go and still Bingo and six unfinished challenges to which I committed. Might not make it this year, because I have promised myself to read only for pleasure in November and December--and some of these choices might not exactly fit that category.

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "With my participation in a group read and a buddy read this month, I have completed the 12 books required for Challenge #6. I have marked it complete, although I have upcoming reads in which I will..."

Try not to stress yourself, Sara! (though I know exactly how you feel!)
You're reading lots of good books that you actually want to read -- that's the best thing!
I'm thinking you have a good start for a list of books that you can read in your 2025 challenges!! All those books that you don't finish in 2024 will still be waiting for you at the stroke of midnight, January 1st, 2025, jumping up and down just waiting for you to read them!! Isn't that a funny image?! Haha! Laughter is the best medicine!
Just don't let the joy of reading be taken away by pressure to finish challenges (and I know you know all this), just Enjoy Reading :)

P.S. I expect you to say all this back to me when I feel the same pressure -- which I know I will!! ;)
AND Congratulations of the two challenges you just completed!!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Thanks, Terris, that little voice of sanity is always good to hear. I am determined to have the last two months stress free. NO Challenges, so whatever I don't get done in the next two months will just have to go over. Of course, if the reading at the end of the year happens to fit a slot, that is ok. I wandered a lot this year, with a lot of reading that just didn't fit, and I find myself contented with that. Overall it has been a very good year.

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "Thanks, Terris, that little voice of sanity is always good to hear. I am determined to have the last two months stress free. NO Challenges, so whatever I don't get done in the next two months will ..."

That's wonderful!! I find myself reading things I don't love, and I don't like that (though I've enjoyed lots of the books I've read this year). And I even made a list of "Books I Actually Want to Read!" haha! It includes lots of those women authors that we love like: EH Young, Barbara Pym, Elizabeth Taylor, Dorothy Whipple, etc. -- you get the gist! So I'm going to try to include more of those books into my challenges next year OR do less challenges so I have more time to read those authors.

AND I'm really going to try not to get so many NetGalley books like I did this year. I loved all of them BUT they make me feel like I'm under a timeline to finish by the date they are published, so I really felt pressured this year! Yuck! So now I only have two more to finish: a Korean book Marigold Mind Laundry that I think I'll love (comes out 10-1-24), and Saltwater by Katy Hays (she also wrote The Cloisters which I liked) -- it comes out 3-25-25!! So I have plenty of time on that one :)

SO, overall I'm trying to figure out how I can do a few challenges next year, and still read books I love at a more leisurely pace. Unfortunately, that doesn't exactly go with my personality!! Can you tell?! ;)

One last thing, I don't think I can give up the challenges because one of the things I like best about them is the "socialness" that comes with them. I love when everyone is planning for Bingo in November & December and cheering each other on. And then the comments throughout the year giving encouragement to each other. One of my favorite things about books is how they bring people together. I love the books so much -- but I love, and need, the people more!! You included :)

Okay -- Too much information, but just had to get that out there. Thank you for the therapy session ;)

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Oh we are so much alike! I will never give up the challenges, but I hope I can discipline myself to only do a few and give myself a chance to read all those books I have already bought and cannot get to because they don't fit a category.

I did NetGalley for a very brief time and realized it would not be a good thing for me. It can consume you.

Maybe you and I will both get all these marvelous women next year. I have 321 unread books on my Kindle and 93 on my physical bookshelf. I absolutely have to get to some of these. That's five years of reading all by itself!