Looking at the list of books that I read this year I’m finding it difficult to decide which single book was my favorite. Obviously, I enjoyed some more than others but every one of them had something worthwhile, some thought to ponder, some words to enjoy (and beg someone to listen to), some truth, some Thing that resonated with me. Some of the books drew me in instantly while others took a chapter or two or more. Some had endings that made me sit and smile and sigh and feel like all’s well with the world, while others left me hanging, feeling somewhat dissatisfied. The book didn’t seem quite finished. The author needed at least another chapter to bring about a proper conclusion…in my humble opinion.
Of the twelve books I read this year, six of them I already owned. Five books I borrowed from the library, and one I listened to with the Hoopla app through my library.
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| Five of the six books I already owned. One is packed away in one of my many book boxes. |
I introduced myself to a few new authors; Agatha Christie, Jules Vern, Junichiro Tanizaki, Aldous Huxley, George Macdonald, and revisited a few old favorites; Willa Cather, Elizabeth Gaskell, Benito Perez Galdos, and of course my most favorite, Anthony Trollope.
Since I have already posted individual reviews I won’t mention specifics about any of the titles. You can click on the links if you’d like my take on any of them.
1. A 19th Century Classic – North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
2. A 20th Century Classic – any book published between 1900 and 1966 – Mama’s Bank Account by Kathryn Forbes
3. A classic by a woman author – Sylvia’s Lovers by Elizabeth Gaskell
4. A classic in translation – Fortunata and Jacinta by Benito Perez Galdos
5. A classic by a non-white author – The Makioka Sisters by Junichiro Tanizaki
6. An adventure classic – Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Vern
7. A fantasy, science fiction, or dystopian classic – The Princess and the Goblin by George Macdonald.
8. A classic detective novel – Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
9. A classic which includes the name of a place in the title – Framley Parsonage by Anthony Trollope
10. A classic which has been banned or censored – Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
11. Re-read a classic you read for school (high school or college) – My Antonia by Willa Cather
12. A volume of classic short stories – Three Blind Mice and Other Stories by Agatha Christie
In addition to these books I’ve read a number of other works this year (and the year isn’t finished yet!), novels as well as short stories. I’m so glad I have participated in the Challenge these past two years because it has certainly broadened my reading horizons. I definitely look forward to participating again next year.
Keep On Keeping On 
A wonderful reading year for you, Linda. It's been the same for me, I've loved all the books I've read this year, some more than others, as you say, but I've read some wonderful titles, and some of the same you have.
I too look forward to those new lists we'll all be making, of our intentions and book selections for this challenge and other pursuits.
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Nice wrap up and it will be fun to see what you pick for next year! I am certain we both manage to fit a Trollope title in there somewhere! I just started the Palliser series, so probably one of those will be included in my list in 2017.
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Thanks Ruthiella. There will absolutely, positively be a Trollope title or maybe two on the list for 2017!
I'm just finishing up another Gaskell title, Mary Barton, and I keep comparing her to Trollope. Needless to say, I prefer Trollope's wit and humor. That's not to say Gaskell isn't very worthwhile, because she most certainly is. And this one has been a page turner at times!
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I'm looking forward to seeing how the categories will differ from this year. Of course some categories will stay the same but I'm sure there will be several that might prove challenging. I guess that's one reason it's a Back to the Classics Challenge! ha ha
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Congratulations on completing another reading challenge!
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Thanks Karen! Yes, I am quite pleased with myself and am looking forward to next year's Challenge.
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Some of my favorite books and authors are on here — I love Gaskell and Cather. And I read The Makioka Sisters too – this is the third list I've seen it on! It was a hot book this year among us classics lovers, it seems.
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Hi Lory…Thanks for stopping by! I enjoyed The Makioka Sisters but didn't much appreciate the ending. I think it needed a sequel or two to “properly” finish the story of the family and give a better resolution. But maybe it wouldn't have been too nice with WWII looming.
Have you made your selections for 2017 yet? I've been thinking on that…for sure Trollope will have a place!
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