I keep seeing these "thursday thirteen" posts around lately. I am not sure where they originated, or if there is a particular way you're supposed to "play", but inspired by Susan's post today, I thought I would put together a list of my own. For some time now I have really wanted to read more of the classics. I have done pretty well this year (compared to previous years)--I have read 19 books that I consider classics, and I am working on an additional 6 more that I hope to finish by the end of the year. Next year I hope to read more, and Booklogged is putting together a classics reading challenge for 2007. Of course my list changes with my mood, but some of these I have had close to the top of the TBR pile for a while now. Here are the (13) classics I am itching to read (not in any particular order):
- Great Expectations, Charles Dickens (or something by him--I have never read him!)
- Sylvia's Lovers, Elizabeth Gaskell (I have been wanting to read this!)
- The Three Musketeers, Alexandre Dumas
- Tess of the D'Urbervilles or Under the Greenwood Tree, Thomas Hardy
- Lorna Doone, R.D. Blackmore
- Mysteries of Udolpho, Ann Radcliffe
- Persuasion, Jane Austen
- Kristin Lavransdatter, Sigird Undset (I wanted to read this one this year, but it didn't happen--the deluxe edition, by the way)
- The Portrait of a Lady, Henry James
- The Age of Innocence, Edith Wharton
- Armadale, Wilkie Collins (definitely something by Wilkie Collins!)
- The Vagabond, Colette (something by Colette--not entirely sure what)
- Daniel Deronda, George Eliot (or maybe Adam Bede)
What is it about the classics? They all sound really good (I could easily put together a part 2 list!). How did I miss these when I was younger (though they would certainly have been wasted on me then--some of them anyway)? I always think I should spend a year reading nothing but the classics, but I know I would be tempted by other books as well. As long as I get in a good selection, I will be happy!