Must Read More Classics!

Actually I have not done too badly this year in terms of reading more of the classics.  Why did I not start sooner--they are so good (generally speaking of course)!  I think this is the most I have read since I made a conscious effort to read those authors I missed when I was younger. I started this a couple of years ago, and I suspect it is due to the influence of other book bloggers in part.  As some have already started making their reading lists for The Winter Classics Challenge that Booklogged has organized, I thought I would do the same (always happy to look through my piles and bookshelves for new books to read!).  The challenge is simply to read five of "the classics" during the months of January and February 2007.  This shouldn't be a problem (fitting in five along with my other reading during those months might be, however, but I will do my best).

Recently I posted a list of classics that I would like to read in 2007.  Of course my lists are forever changing with my moods and interests, so this new list has only a few of the same titles.  I still want to read all the books mentioned previously, but reading five chunky books in two months (seeing as I am a slow reader) is not likely to happen.  I had quite a pile to begin with--do I pick Homer's The Iliad, since I asked for it for Christmas?  Will I be in the mood right away?  I want to read it critically, so perhaps not the best choice for this challenge.  Wilkie Collins or Ann Radcliffe (I want to read The Mysteries of Udolpho before reading Austen's Northanger Abbey--and I want to read/reread all of Austen's novels...but in what order?).  Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence or Henry James's Washington Square?  This is what I have come up with:

1. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas (I have the new translation and it has been waiting patiently by my bed).  Good holiday reading!
2. Armadale by Wilkie Collins (I wanted to read this anyway, but recent discussion has ensured it a place in this list).
3. Cheri and the Last of Cheri by Colette (how long have I talked about reading Colette?  Now is the time.  This seems like a perfect February book).
4. Sylvia's Lovers by Elizabeth Gaskell (another one I have been wanting to read, but it keeps getting pushed down the pile!)
5. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton (I have read this before--a long time ago--and it is a favorite, but it is due for a reread)
6. Bonus Read: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy (because I couldn't decide!)

I know there are a variety of reading challenges going on now.  It is hard to resist them.  I think this and the From the Stacks challenge work best for me as they fit in with the reading plans I already have. I am always looking for an excuse to start yet another book, but I still want to keep my nightstand pile under control and not let this happen again!

Comments

[booklogged]

So glad you're joining the challenge. I forgot when I wrote my list that I wanted to read The Three Musketeers. Loved the move, Scarlet Pimpernel and the soundtrack for the musical, but I haven't read it yet. Someday I want to see it on Broadway along with Wicked.

[iliana]

I think I've read more classics this year due to all the book blogs too! It's great. I love your list Danielle. I'm still working on mine but will post it soon. Gah, how I hate to commit to a book list though :)

[Ella]

You're going to have a busy winter, Danielle! I read "Age of Innocence" last February, I think, and it was the perfect thing for that time of year.

[Max]

Ooh, we can compare notes on Cheri! I might be slow at reading mine though, it's in French and I haven't read anything but newspaper articles in French for years. Could be interesting...

[Carl V.]

Either that or you need to buy a more industrial strength nightstand to hold up under the weight!

[Ex Libris]

Sounds like we will be reading The Three Musketeers together! The Scarlet Pimpernel - I've seen the 1934 (I believe that's correct) movie version several times. Lesley Howard (you may remember him as Ashley in the movie Gone With the Wind) was at his best in the role of the Pimpernel. I've read the book, too, and loved it. This is one for the re-read pile :)

[Danielle]

Booklogged--They made the Scarlet Pimpernel into a musical? I hope I get to it. I will eventually anyway!
Iliana--My lists are always changing, too. It is hard to "commit" to reading certain books aheadof time--what if your mood completely changes? But it is fun to think about it anway.
Ella--Yes, what have I gotten myself into? I am terible about reading everything I say I am going to...I am looking forward to rereading Wharton. I have been in the mood for somethin by her for a while now.
Max--I am always impressed by people who can read books in foreign languages. It would be nice to read the book as it was originally written!!
Carl--My table is pretty sturdy thankfully. It needs to be cleaned off though. I am going to work hard to keep it all under control...Ha.
Ex Libris--Even though the Dumas is a fairly lengthy read I have a feeling it will go pretty fast. I hope so anyway. I will have to watch the Scarlet Pimpernel. I have a vague recollection of it--I think it is one I saw a really long time ago.

[Susan]

For all of you Scarlet Pimpernel fans, the BBC produced a short series that aired on A&E a few years ago. It starred Richard E. Grant as the Scarlet Pimpernel. Haven't seen them in awhile, but I remember really liking Grant in the role and there were some great stories. You might want to check them out after you've read the book.

[Lazy Cow]

I loved The Scarlet Pimpernel, and seem to recall another BBC? production starring the then, gorgeous Anthony Andrews (who was in Brideshead Revisited) as the Pimpernel.
I haven't heard of that particular Elizabeth Gaskell. Must investigate.
Good luck with the challenge. It is so much fun knowing other people around the world are all doing a similar thing!

[Nessie]

Great choice on Dumas!! My fav of his is Count of Monte Criso... there are two other from the challenge doing the same~!