Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion
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⭐️ COMPLETE ⭐️ Wobbley's 2024 Buffet Sampler
Congratulations on 2 more Challenges achieved!
I read Buried Alive last year for Bingo and liked it! So, now I am interested in The Grand Babylon Hotel -- that looks good!! I also read King Solomon's Mines last year and am trying to get to Allan Quatermain or She this year (don't know if I'll get to them). I may skip A Tale of Three Lions, though. At least it was only a short story....
Keep reading so you can tell me about more fun books! ;)
Wayne wrote: "Congratulations on 2 more Challenges achieved!"Thanks very much, Wayne! I'm happy to be making progress.
Terris wrote: "I read Buried Alive last year for Bingo and liked it! So, now I am interested in The Grand Babylon Hotel -- that looks good!! I also read King Solomon's Mines last year and am trying to get to Allan Quatermain or She this year (don't know if I'll get to them). I may skip A Tale of Three Lions, though. At least it was only a short story....
Keep reading so you can tell me about more fun books! ;)"
Thanks Terris! Yes, Tale of Three Lions was pretty short -- I think that's probably why I kept going with it.
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed Buried Alive and King Solomon's Mines -- I thought they were both pretty great!
Wobbley wrote: "Terris wrote: "I read Buried Alive last year for Bingo and liked it! So, now I am interested in The Grand Babylon Hotel -- that looks good!! I also read King Solomon's Mines last year and am tryin..."
I'm needing to read an action/adventure to finish up my Member's Choice challenge. I'm thinking Haggard would probably fit the bill!! :)
Terris wrote: "I'm needing to read an action/adventure to finish up my Member's Choice challenge. I'm thinking Haggard would probably fit the bill!! :)"Yes, H. Rider Haggard would be perfect for that!
Sounds like an interesting bunch, Wobbley, and congrats on more challenges done. You are doing great!
Thanks so much, Kathleen! My reading year started out very slow and unmotivated, so I'm happy to be back in the swing and making progress. :)
I've finished few more books for my Buffet.No Thoroughfare ⭐️⭐️⭐️½: A gothic-themed play co-written by Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. It was a bit too slight for me to become attached to the characters, but I enjoyed the gothic feeling of it. Pretty good.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall⭐️⭐️⭐️½: This one was a bit up and down for me, with some very engaging sections, and some sections I liked less. But on the whole, I quite enjoyed it. I was impressed with her ambition too, and feel that in many ways this book is more important than the most famous novels of her more famous sisters. It focuses on the plight of women at the time, who had no legitimate way to get themselves out of bad situations.
The Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️½: By Arthur C. Clarke, this won the 1956 Hugo Award for best Short Story. I thought it was pretty effective, with an interesting punch line.
Pretty solid choices for this set.
Mod
Wobbley wrote: "A few more completed, and I've completed my first of the challenges: Challenge #12 - Series Books
Books 14 and 15 of the Yotsuba&! series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: This completes my reread of this ..."
You are really making progress now!
I also love Wilde's plays, especially Earnest. Not long after we were married I dragged my husband to a little theater performance of it. Fortunately he loved it - I don't now how I'd have felt if he didn't!
I'm a fan of Heyer's lighter works, and I'm not going back over all these messages to see if I've mentioned my favorites - Grand Sophy, Unknown Ajax and Frederica. A Civil Contract, Talisman Ring and several of her mysteries round out the top spots for me. But she has a lot of back-story to explore.
I also noticed a discussion of Nancy Drew. I just read The Clue in the Diary, and found it surprisingly good. I didn't find any of the racism or sexism that can make these older books feel awkward. It's not great literature, but then it's not trying to be, is it? It was a fun step-back-in-time for me, though I was more of a Hardy Boys fan myself.
Bob wrote: "I read The Star a couple of times last year, but never recorded it as read. I really liked it, perhaps it is time for another reread. Thanks for reminding me it is out there."That's great Bob, I'm glad I've reminded you pick up a favourite again!
Teri-K wrote: "You are really making progress now! ..."Thanks Teri-K! I'm glad your husband had the good sense to love Oscar Wilde, haha.
I've also read The Talisman Ring, and I thought it was a lot of fun. But I haven't read any of the others you mention (apart from The Grand Sophy, of course). Thanks for the suggestions. :)
Wobbley, interesting that I have been wanting to read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Clarke's The Star for some time. I've always been a big fan of Clarke and would like to read another Bronte sister. And Collins and Dickens are two of my favorite Victorian authors, but definitely give a slight edge to Collins. I've never heard of No Thoroughfare. I'll have to check that one out. Anyhow, nice hearing your thoughts and congrats on the reading progress.
Franky wrote: "Wobbley, interesting that I have been wanting to read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Clarke's The Star for some time. ..."Thanks Franky. I too prefer Collins to Dickens, though in my case it sounds like a bit of a stronger preference than yours. No Thoroughfare is interesting, because they published both a play and a novel version of it in the same year. Apparently the play was more Collins's work and the novel more Dickens's, although they both were involved with writing both of them. I read the play, and I'm not sure how closely the play and novel follow each other.
I don't know how this has happened, but I've actually never before read anything by Arthur C. Clarke. I'd be interested in giving something else of his a try. Any suggestions on where to best start?
Wobbley wrote: "Franky wrote: "Wobbley, interesting that I have been wanting to read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Clarke's The Star for some time. ..."Thanks Franky. I too prefer Collins to Dick..."
For Clarke, two of my favorites are 2001: A Space Odyssey and Childhood’s End.
Franky wrote: "For Clarke, two of my favorites are 2001: A Space Odyssey and Childhood’s End."Thanks very much for the recommendations! Another book club I'm in has 2001: A Space Odyssey leading in the polls, so maybe I'll join in on that read. :)
Wobbley wrote: "Franky wrote: "For Clarke, two of my favorites are 2001: A Space Odyssey and Childhood’s End."Thanks very much for the recommendations! Another book club I'm in has 2001: A Space Odyssey leading ..."
That's the one I think you should read, Wobbley! I just finished "Childhood's End" and liked it fine. But "2001" is a story that really stuck with me. Also, it is such a classic and is referenced so often, it would be good if you had it on your "repertoire"! ;)
Thanks Terris, that's quite the endorsement!
Wobbley wrote: "Thanks Terris, that's quite the endorsement!"Lol!
Interesting comments Wobbly. Thank you for sharing. I too am a big fan of both Collins and Dickens. I don’t really focus on comparing authors, 19th Century English Literature is full of A List authors in my opinion. Like you, I prefer to comment on my challenge books here rather than on other threads but I only comment on a monthly basis.
Dave wrote: "Interesting comments Wobbly. Thank you for sharing. I too am a big fan of both Collins and Dickens. I don’t really focus on comparing authors, 19th Century English Literature is full of A List auth..."You're right, of course. There are a ton of terrific authors in 19th Century English Lit!
It's very restrained of you to only update your challenge once a month. Honestly, I update whenever I can add a few, because the encouragement from other group members keeps me motivated, and I find I need that fix more frequently than monthly, haha.
Wobbley wrote: "Dave wrote: "Interesting comments Wobbly. Thank you for sharing. I too am a big fan of both Collins and Dickens. I don’t really focus on comparing authors, 19th Century English Literature is full o..."A couple of reasons I don’t post more on GRs Wobbley. First I’m an introvert and my personality type does not need interaction with others. The second is the more threads I post on the more threads I have to follow.
I interact and write a lot on FB with several hundred FB friends, most of which served with me during my Navy career. Some of those posts turn into short stories remembering. None of these friends are interested in what I am reading.
I worked for fourteen years as a technical writer and I am obsessive about correct spelling, grammar and syntax. I listen to audiobooks on my iPad and post by hunting and pecking or dictating and then correcting all the errors in what I dictated.
Since I retired I have joined a number of different types of in person book clubs, but, to borrow what Gertrude Stein is reputed to have said of New York, “there was no there there”.
Actually it was you Wobbley who encouraged me to post more on this thread because of your comments on my own posts.
Dave wrote: "Actually it was you Wobbley who encouraged me to post more on this thread because of your comments on my own posts."Thank you for saying this, that makes me so happy! :)
Congratulations, Wobbley, on all the reading and challenges completed!Hadn’t heard of that play, but since I like Dickens and Collins, I reckon I need to have a look :O)
Thanks Veronique! I'm happy with my progress, although I confess my Bingo Challenge has been suffering in comparison. Still, it's only April. :)I too had never heard of the play before finding it for my challenge. This is one of the fun things about the Decade challenge: when you need a book from a specific year, you can run into some more obscure works.
I've finished couple more books for my Buffet.The Canterville Ghost ⭐️⭐️⭐️½: In one of Oscar Wilde's early stories, an American family moves into a haunted English manor, and gives the ghost no end of trouble. While not at the level of something like The Importance of Being Earnest, I did enjoy this one. I preferred the funny first half to the more serious second half.
North and South⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Although I have to make the slightly embarrassing confession that I actually prefer the 2004 mini-series, I did really get into this book. Elizabeth Gaskell is a reliable author for me so far. I really enjoy her writing style, and I got behind the main characters.
I'm pretty happy with this set.
Mod
The Canterville Ghost ⭐️⭐️⭐️½: In one of Oscar Wilde's early stories, an American family moves into a haunted English mano..."
Looks nice Wobbley. North and South is a hefty book LOL.
Mod
You're moving right along, Wobbley! North and South is actually one of my favorites of Gaskell's. But I can see why it might not be for everyone. However, I recently read Ruth by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. You might keep it on your list :)Just Keep Reading!!
I’m glad you enjoyed your first Gaskell. I just finished Mary Barton and have also enjoyed Cranford.
Lynn wrote: "Looks nice Wobbley. North and South is a hefty book LOL"Thanks Lynn! It actually reads quite smoothly and didn't drag, so it didn't feel overly long to me.
Sara wrote: "Two good choices, Wobbley. I enjoyed the mini-series as well and think Gaskell is an underappreciated author. Wives and Daughters is another good one!"Thanks very much Sara! Yes, I read Wives and Daughters last year when the group did it as a long read, and I loved it. It was one of my favourite reads last year. :)
Terris wrote: "You're moving right along, Wobbley! North and South is actually one of my favorites of Gaskell's. But I can see why it might not be for everyone. However, I recently read Ruth..."Thanks for the suggestion Terris. I think I'll be on the lookout for another Gaskell soon enough! I did really enjoy North and South, but there were just a couple of things that I wish had been handled differently.
Lori wrote: "I’m glad you enjoyed your first Gaskell. I just finished Mary Barton and have also enjoyed Cranford."Thank you Lori! Actually, this wasn't my first Gaskell. I generally enjoy her writing. I read Wives and Daughters last year. I've also read Cranford, but it was a really long time ago and I don't remember it well. My main impression of it now is just that it was sad. Maybe time for a reread? The only one I haven't enjoyed quite as much was The Grey Lady; it was fine, but I didn't become at all attached to the characters.
That does look like a good set, Wobbley. I haven't read either yet, but have enjoyed both authors.
Thanks very much Kathleen. Yes, they're both great authors, aren't they!
Mod
Thanks Bob! Yes, it's a solid addition to her oeuvre.
Wobbley wrote: "I've finished couple more books for my Buffet.The Canterville Ghost ⭐️⭐️⭐️½: In one of Oscar Wilde's early stories, an American family moves into a haunted English mano..."
I loved North and South and plan to reread it some day. Oscar Wilde is one of my favourite authors however this is the only one of his that didn't make it to my favourites.
Yes, Wilde is great, isn't he? Thanks Shaina!
I've finished 2 more books for my Buffet, and I've completed my century challenge. I think of my decade and century challenges as being the backbone of my 2024 challenges, so I'm happy to have gotten this one done!Leave It to Psmith ⭐️⭐️⭐️: Sort of a combined heist/comedy/light romance. It was amusing enough and never hard to keep going. But, as with many of this author's books, there's just something a bit slight about it. It's sort of like cotton candy: once it's done, it's almost like it was never there. Still, perfectly fine fare.
Season of Migration to the North ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: It's no surprise this is a 5-star read, since it's a reread of one of my favourite books. A small masterpiece. A story about colonialism in Africa in which nobody is right. The writing is beautiful, at times breathtakingly so. The content is thoughtful. It is much more complex than its description suggests. It is considered one of the most important novels in Arabic Literature (I read the English translation by Denys Johnson-Davies.)
Mod
Congratulations on your Century Challenge!
Lynn wrote: "Congratulations on your Century Challenge!"Thanks very much, Lynn!
Season of Migration is on my list--so glad you enjoyed it, Wobbley. Well done completing the Century Challenge!!
Thanks very much, Kathleen. I hope you'll like it as much as I do!
Wobbley wrote: Season of Migration to the North ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: It's no surprise this is a 5-star read, since it's a reread of one of my favourite books.Thanks for the recommendation! It's now on my TBR list. Cheers.
Wayne wrote: "Wobbley wrote: Season of Migration to the North ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: It's no surprise this is a 5-star read, since it's a reread of one of my favourite books.Thanks for the recommendation! It's now on my TBR list. Cheers."
Oh, I'm so glad to hear it! You won't be disappointed, I think.
Mod
Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)
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Challenge #13 - Travel the World One Continent at a Time, and
Challenge #4 - Members Choice
A Tale of Three Lions ⭐️⭐️: I really enjoyed his King Solomon's Mines, so I thought I'd give another Allan Quatermain story a try. It was alright. Of course it had the blatant racism one expects from a 150 year old book about an Englishman who spends his life hunting in Africa, but I was prepared for that. What didn't work for me was the strong focus on hunting and animal violence. I acknowledge this to be a weakness of mine, and I probably should have known to avoid this one based on its description. Oops.
From the Earth to the Moon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: This was a fun sort of adventure story, which can also be read as a satire on the American obsession with gun culture. It still had the author's usual proclivity for educating his readers (this time about astronomy), but that didn't detract from it. I feel like this book was the kind of fun I'd always imagined Jules Verne's stories to be, but that they somehow never were. It had some really funny sections too. For me this is his most successful book that I've tried so far. (I read the translation by Jacqueline and Robert Baldick.)
Tell Me Three Things ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½: A contemporary YA novel, in which a teenage girl trying to cope after the death of her mother is dragged across the country to a new life when her father remarries. Though not my usual genre, I actually really like this one. I rooted for the main character and the main couple, and I also thought it gave a pretty pitch-perfect portrayal of grief, without being a downer. Plus I enjoyed that it was told partly as an epistolary -- I'm a bit of a sucker for those...
The Grand Babylon Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½: I really enjoyed his Buried Alive when I read it last year. While this one wasn't as laugh-out-loud funny, it was consistently amusing. Sort of a light adventure/mystery. Actually, it kind of reminded me of a cross between an adventure story and an A.A. Milne novel (the kinds he wrote for adults, not his children's stories).
So, mainly really good ones this time!