Comments on: Two New Challenges: The Summer Mystery Reading Challenge AND Book Awards Reading Challenge

By: Bellezza

Bellezza — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 03:04:00 +0000

Oh, Liz, too late! I’m already halfway through it. But, the good news is, I like it. I’m very fond of British writing (the phrasing is so beautiful), and Francis does a nice job of filling us ‘new to Sid’ readers in. Optimally, I should have started with Enquiry as you say, but, at least I’m enjoying this. I hope to finish tomorrow to post a review. Thanks for commenting.

By: Bob

Bob — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 02:24:00 +0000

As my great-grandmother used to say, It’s none of my business, BUT…

You might not want to read COME TO GRIEF as your first Dick Francis book. Dick Francis wrote most of his many books as single, non-series books. COME TO GRIEF is one of six exceptions. It features jockey Sid Halley and is the second of four Halley books (the first written in 1969, the fourth last year). Francis is an excellent writer and you will enjoy the book, but you might enjoy the way the character evolves.

My father, a devoted Dick Francis reader, recommends that people new to the series start with ENQUIRY. You can read his review at: http://reviewedbyliz.com/?p=207

Liz Clifford
reviewedbyliz.com

By: MyUtopia

MyUtopia — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:56:00 +0000

I am doing the award winning one as well.

By: Bellezza

Bellezza — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:40:00 +0000

Now, getting all the books read which one owns qualifies as a Challenge in and of itself! My Award list is similar to yours in that respect: it’s comprised of books already on my shelf, though sadly, unread. It’s amazing you can work out and read at the same time! The print is too jumbly for me, plus, I’m not all that good at working out. Just this summer I’ve been riding my bike for an hour a day. If only I had that much time when I was teaching during the school year!

By: Trish

Trish — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:14:00 +0000

I’ve heard great things about Empire Falls. I had to do my list for BARC strategically (use as many books that I own as possible), which makes for a strange list. Maybe in 2008 I’ll have read all the books I own and can pick some other ones. I guess that means 9 million for me to read the rest of the year too.

When I lived in the big city with a gym, I would take my book and read while on the bike (I can’t walk and read at the same time). Kill two birds, one stone…

By: Bellezza

Bellezza — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 21:51:00 +0000

Les, Meryl Streep is one of my favoites! I didn’t know she sang, too! I’m crazy about Out of Africa, and oddly enough, Falling in Love with Robert deNiro. I’m posting on Kavalier and Clay tomorrow, and Penderwicks was a Christmas gift one of the children in my class; I’m hoping I can use it as a read aloud, but they may be too young. Maturity wise. I still envy you working in a bookstore. In a good way…

Stephanie, I’m amazed how many people have listed Kavalier and Clay on their lists. (You’d think it was a good book. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think.

Gentle Reader, it’s embarrassing to me that I haven’t read Bridge to Terebithia, and I call myself a teacher. That book seems like it should have been a requirement; everyone’s read it! I’m glad you endorse The Known World and Empire Falls. Pulitzer prize winning novels are usually not disappointing to me.

By: Gentle Reader

Gentle Reader — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 20:41:00 +0000

Great list! For the awards challenge, I’ve read Bridge to Terabithia, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, the Known World, and Empire Falls, and liked them all. Sounds like you’re in for a good ride!

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 20:39:00 +0000

I have Kavalier and Clay on my list too!! But at least I’ve HEARD of most of them!! I haven’t read Empire Falls, but I did read Nobody’s Fool. I’ve always wanted to read something by Eudora Welty.

Looks like a great list!! Go Challenges!

By: Bellezza

Bellezza — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 22:27:00 +0000

Nymeth, it’s a funny thing about the books for the Awards Challenge: I have 90% of them! I just haven’t read them yet. My copy of Heartbreaking Work…is starting to yellow, and that is sad that it’s sat so long unread. I’m really looking forward to it, since you advocate it. I’ll have to come double check your list to see what else we can talk about.

By: Nymeth

Nymeth — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 21:56:00 +0000

yay, you’re joining the Book Awards Challenge too! We have two books in common, 4 and 5. I have read “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius” and it was indeed heartbreaking. I loved it.