I so enjoyed my 2011 reading challenges that I’m going to try another one out this year. Check it out:
The classics are what inspire authors today, but I haven’t read many of them lately. My TBR has exploded, and it’s definitely leaning toward contemporary authors; I love following blogs, but there’s often a dearth of reviews and chats about the classics — something I hope this challenge will balance.
The Back to the Classics Challenge is hosted by Sarah Reads Too Much, and is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is read the following:
- Any 19th century classic
- Any 20th century classic
- Re-read a classic of your choice
- Any classic play
- Classic mystery/horror/crime fiction
- Classic romance
- Read a classic that has been translated from its original language into your language
- Classic award winner (the book must have won a literary award)
- Read a classic set in a country you’ll likely never visit (fictional countries count)
Defining a book as “a classic” can be difficult, but Sarah has posted some basic parameters in her post, “What is a Classic?” I think it’ll be fairly obvious which books are classics, but as long as you’re prepared to defend your choice, I say go for it!
What to read?
I have some ideas of books that fit the bill, I don’t want to restrict myself to a list just yet. I’ll ponder it over the holidays, and will update my 2012 Challenges page with some specifics.
Anyone else sign up for this challenge? What 2012 challenges have you joined?
Thanks for joining in! Definitely take your time to choose your books – a posted list is definitely not required. Having fun while enjoying the classics is required!
Yay, Sarah, I’m excited to get started! Is it January 1 yet? 🙂 I don’t think I’ll develop a formal list at all; I just kinda want to go with the flow and see where it takes me. I’m definitely planning to enjoy myself. I hope everyone does!