Hello Readers~
My name is Mary, and I'm an avid reader. I love fiction, particularly women's lit, historical fiction, memories, and some fantasies. Ever since my fiance and I moved to our new place, I have found myself with a very long bus ride into work. Riding the #6 from Edina, Minnesota to downtown Minneapolis is a 40+ minute ride each way. That's plenty of time for reading. Lots of reading.
I've always been a book worm. I remember it starting with a reading challenge from 5th grade teacher Mrs. Stolzenback (later Ms. Stillenger). I remember reading a book about a teenage ghost and the Babysitters Club. Things haven't changed so much since then, I'm still pushing myself to read lots and hit goals each year. Last year I challenged myself to read 18 books in a year, a goal which I blew out of the water. (This was inspired by my Uncle Tom and Mom, both of whom probably read 30 books a year, if not more.) I led a "ladies only" book club at work for a couple years. For a new years resolution this year, I challenged myself to read 6 Classics. (It's not looking like this will come to fruition, I'm only halfway through Classic #1 - Atlas Shrugged.)
Recently, one of my former book club ladies sent me this article from Time Magazine, and I saw it as a fantastic challenge.
http://www.time.com/time/2005/100books/the_complete_list.html
I recently watched Julie and Julia and loved the concept of cooking every Julia Child's recipe in 365 days while blogging on the success and failure. (The real blog is quite funny, take a peak: http://blogs.salon.com/0001399/.) My goal isn't time boxed, but I am intending on reading every single book on the Times 100 list.
So far, I've definitely read some of the books in school. There are several books I can't remember if I've read, so I am going to tackle those again (Animal Farm, Grapes of Wrath, the Catcher in the Rye, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe). Other than the books I read previously, I am going to try to generally read in alphabetical order. I am borrowing the books from the library, so they may not be exactly in order.
Books I have definitely already read:
Beloved - LOVE Toni Morrison, but Song of Solomon is my favorite
Gone With the Wind - one of my top 20 books and also a great movie
The Great Gatsby - I am still haunted by the eyes on the billboard
Lord of the Flies - I remember this being such a boy book, but the concept has stuck with me longer than many books I read growing up
1984 - Such a captivating concept
Slaughterhouse-Five - I wish this is one we did in book club, I still can't figure out what was reality with the main character
To Kill a Mockingbird - I know this one is influential to many, but this has never been a favorite story for me
So cosy up with your favorite glass of wine (mine is Da Vinci Chianti), a warm blanket, and a scented candle. Over the next months (more likely years), I'll keep you informed of my journey through twentieth century fiction.
Book 1:
All the King's Men By Robert Penn Warren
Happy Reading,
Mary
4 comments:
What a great idea Mary! I'll be bookmarking your blog and checking back for updates. I do miss my bus reading, but the 4 mile commute is better. =)
Welcome to the world of blogging. I look forward to reading your thoughts on various books. Also, any thoughts on the Twins, Ohio St. football or whatever would be appreciated as well.
This is excellent! I am always looking for new books to read other than the usual trash that is in my bookshelf.
The book you chose to read first is one of my favorite novels of all time. I first read it in middle school, reread it in high school (and actually understood it), the reread it once or twice in college. Neither movie based on the book does the book justice. It's so beautifully put together and the language is so rich---you can tell that it's a poet writing a novel. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.
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