I can't resist the temptation. And if I have to succumb to temptation at least it includes reading classic literature (all from my own stacks by the way). By and large I have given up on joining reading challenges as I generally make a list of books I want to read (and I do always really want to read them) and then promptly forget about the list and move on to something new. However, since I am very much in the mood lately to read classics, and I am planning on reading more of them next year anyway, this seems like a good way to stay motivated.
The challenge is hosted by Katherine from November's Autumn and the idea is simple--to read seven Classics over the course of the year. Each month on the 4th Katherine will provide a prompt/question on her blog that participants will answer. The idea is to link back to her post/prompt and then follow the responses of the other participants in a sort of blog hop.
While rereads are allowed, the idea is to read several new Classics as well. So now comes the hard part...which to choose? My list is going to remain somewhat fluid. These seven books sound very appealing at the moment, but halfway into 2012 I might want something entirely different. These books are the pool I'll be drawing from initially and I'll go from there as the year progresses (what a thought...2012!). My list started out twice as long, and it was hard to narrow it down to a mere seven, but here they are:
In Chancery by John Galsworthy -- Last year I read The Man of Property, the first book in Galsworthy's The Forsyte Saga (which is made up of a total of nine books), which I found very addicting but haven't had a chance to get back to. I'm very ready to get back to Galsworthy's books and am excited to pick this one up soon.
Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy -- I've only ever read Tess of the d'Urbervilles, and bleak as it was, I want to read more of Hardy's novels. I do like his writing only I think he's someone best taken in small doses.
The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton -- Nobody writes about the upper crust of Old New York quite like Wharton does. And while I have heard many things about the spoiled and selfish Undine Spragg, I can't wait to find out for myself just what her story is.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley -- And for something a little different. I've long wanted to read this book. I expect this is a story that will resonate very strongly even today.
The Drinking Den by Emile Zola -- My first taste of Zola was Therese Raquin and it left me wanting more. I know this is one of his novels in the Rougon-Macquart series. I'm not sure if it matters in what order the books are read, but this one appeals to me. I am also considering The Ladies Paradise...decisions, decisions.
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas -- Ooh, swordplay. Need I say more? I count Dumas's The Count of Monte Cristo as one of my all time favorite books. I know it is long. Really long. He does go off on tangents, but darn if I don't love that story. I fully expect to love this one as well. When the new Richard Pevear translation came out I had to have it--even though it was in hardcover. As every book must get its day, surely it's going to be Dumas's day.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery -- I am probably one of the few people never to have read any of the Anne of Green Gables books. I even have a lovely Modern Library edition and think it will balance some of the other heavy-duty stories out a little bit.
I tried to vary my books a little, though I see both books that are translated are French novels. I'm top heavy with male writers. And only one American and one Canadian novel. There'll hopefully be plenty of time to include other books during the year, but best not to get ahead of myself!
I still plan on finishing this year out with Jane Austen's Emma and I'm halfway through Esther by Henry Adams, which I hope to finish very soon--so perhaps I won't end the year too badly when it comes to reading Classics, but I hope to do better next year. Usually I make a list of a dozen or so books I want to read each year, but I think I'll use this one in lieu of any other list. January 4 is not so very far away, so I will have to consider making a start on one of these soon...