UPDATE: Decades Challenge

I think I first met 3M through this challenge, and I thought it was such a neat idea. Read books published in consecutive decades. I called it 15books/15decades orginally, but I think I'm stopping at 13 decades, which is pretty good. I had Jane Eyre from the 1840s as well, but I really can't see getting the three missing decades read to meet up with Jane. I combined this one with other challenges, as Michelle allowed, and having the two Classics Challenges - January and summer- really helped me get through the early years.

2000s American Gods, Neil Gaiman (chunkster challenge)
1990s The Gun Seller, Hugh Laurie
1980s The Indian in the Cupboard, Lynn Reid Banks (Banned Book Challenge)
1970s Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Paterson
1960s A Wrinkle in Time, Madelaine L'Engle (classic challenge)
1950s Night, Elie Wiesel (Reading Across Borders Challenge)
1940s The Stranger, Albert Camus (Reading Across Borders Challenge)
1930s The Maltese Falcon, Dashiell Hammett
1920s Partners in Crime, Agatha Christie
1910s O Pioneers!, Willa Cather (summer classics challenge)
1900s Hound of the Baskervilles, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (summer classics challenge)
1890s The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde (top 50_books list, summer classics challenge)
1880s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson (classic challenge)

What a great bunch of books I read for this challenge. The Picture of Dorian Gray would be my least favorite, but now I've read it and I am glad I got through it. I think I would prefer a biography of Wilde instead.

There were some great children's books, Newbery winners in fact, and some great mysteries, my default genre of books to read, and they are good even from the olden days.
Best book: American Gods and The Gun Seller

Thanks Michelle, see you next year.

BOOK: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

I really wanted to like this book. I always loved The Importance of Being Ernest when I studied it in university, twice. It's on all the 'important' lists of books to read, including the top 50_books list. I saw it could be a book for the RIP so I was expecting eerie and creepy. In truth, I liked the story, it was the execution that made me fall asleep every time I picked it up.
It's a classic story, one that I knew the gist of - Dorian Gray doesn't age, the painting of him does all the aging. There were parts I liked, such as when the characters spoke to each other, except when they began rambling on about art and the role of the artist. Lord Harry spoke in that Victorian double speak or irony, like he got lost from the comedy of manners play, The Important of Being Ernest and wandered into this novel. I wasn't expecting his more humorous comments, so it was confusing me from the atmosphere I was expecting. Lord Harry says things like "To get back my youth, I would do anything in the world, except exercise, get up early or be respectable." He's full of witticisms like this.

There are a lot of comments about beauty and art and probably some social commentary, but somewhere around the middle I began to really scan, as I realized I might never finish it if I didn't change something. Wilde was certainly making some statements about the classics with many literary allusions, as the Reader's Supplement at the back of my edition attests. I wanted to finish it but it may be a book best analysed with a professor in an English class, not me reading it for fun. Part of the problem is that I knew what the story was, and it was good a good story, just that reading how Wilde wrote it wasn't worth it to me. And knowing how Wilde lived and died, it seemed rather autobiographical, with the decadent lifestyle that Dorian Gray was allowed to live. Most of the debauchery was only hinted at, but with hindsight, and knowledge of Oscar Wilde, it could be a different book written today.

With this, I've finished off the summer classic challenge and this gets me to 13 books in 13 decades, a respectable amount.

BOOK: O Pioneers! by Willa Cather

I was expecting Little House on the Prairie with this book but got a big ole soap opera. Well, as soap opera-y as you can get written in 1913. But there was a lot more character action than I expected.

Set in Nebraska, it wasn't an easy life, mostly because it seemed like immigrants landed there and expected to be able to be farmers with no expereince. Hello? Alexandra was the oldest in her family, and her Swedish father recognized that she was the smartest and on his death bed, had her brothers agree to listen to her. She was smart, and strong, but not all that good at her own emotional stuff. She built up the farm but never married. Lots of American dreams being realized here, including getting successful enough that the youngest can go to school and not have to be a farmer. When will parents realize that telling their kids they can't do something (farm) isn't any different from making them do it. No choice.

It seemed a little rushed, and the characters and actions could have been a lot more drawn out, but maybe shorter was better. I could see this being studied in American high schools, because a lot of emotions and motives could be studied: politics, family relations, role of women, jealousy, violence, gun control, the family farm.

The Nebraska wheat fields are beautifully described and the characters love of land comes through. The multicultural background of America - Swedes, Bohemians, French, is nicely described, and could explain the modern day 'midwestern' character, when you see the people and customs that built it.

Another one for the decades challenge (1910s) and the summer classic challenge.

BOOK: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

It is hard to read a most beloved book that has earned so much praise. There is such an expectation while you are reading, that the poor book doesn't stand a chance. However, Jane Eyre was a great book and I really enjoyed it. I think if I had read it earlier in my life, I would absolutely love it, because I certainly developed a huge crush on Mr Rochester, but I didn't devour it, my usual judge of books that go on my best list.

I'm not sure what I thought this book was about; I knew there was some crazy person in it, but I didn't realize how wonderful Mr Rochester was and how tremendous of a heroine Jane was. Her confidence in herself, and strength to do the right thing for her impressed me. What a survivor! And Mr Rochester, I loved how she called him that right to the end. The atmosphere was creepy and gothic, wonderfully moorish. There was a little too much of St John at the end of the book, I just wanted Jane! But that is the reflection of the religious themes in the book; I preferred the mystery and love story aspect.

So, I liked the book and the characters. It's not going to be one of my favorite books, but I can see why it is for many people. I'm glad I read it, and wish I'd read it years ago.

BOOK: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

Classics are classics for a reason. This was immensely readable, and a mystery I've heard about and never read. Sherlock Holmes is perfect - arrogant and confident and right. 'Elementary', Dr.Watson narrates, so we don't know anything that Watson doesn't and he doesn't know what Holmes is doing or thinking. An interesting perspective. My book from the library had what must be the smallest font legally allowed, and the smallest space between lines - everything was crammed into 128 pages. However, I persevered and the mystery and suspence had me turning the pages through squinting eyes and anxious nerves. I thought it might be more cliched, but no. Good writing, good plot, and good characters are why we call this book a classic.

This counts as my first classic for Kathrin's Summer Classic Challenge, and also an early entry for the 15 books/15 decades challenge (1900s).

BOOK: The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

This is my entry for the 1930s in the 15books/15decades challenge and it screams the 1930s. In a good way. Hammett is described as the creator of the modern suspense story and it was very good. It probably helps if you loved the movie, which I haven't seen, or heard the radio recording, which I remember hearing once twenty years ago and becoming totally enthralled, but I couldn't finish listening for some reason. Also, I am developing a crush on Humphrey Bogart and he is so tied up with this role of Sam Spade that he really has become Spade.

The story takes a while to get going but sets the mood of the hard-boiled detective story, with dames and guns and double-crossing. Our hero is not the greatest guy, but you know he's the smartest one there and will come out on top. I loved the way things were alluded to between Spade and Brigid without any descriptions; even when Spade got told off, it was done in a way that no words starting with f had to be used, but it was very clear. Subtle.

I read this and The Big Sleep this year and I think I preferred The Big Sleep and Rick Diamond to Sam Spade, because I was more confused in The Maltese Falcon during the reading, but I often find intrigue and suspense confusing, because those red herrings get me everytime. Both are very good reads; I find myself slipping into this genre of story along with Agatha Christie's this year. These old mysteries are classics for a reason. The library has collections of stories by Chandler and Hammett that I plan to investigate further.

BOOK: The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

I remember reading this to a grade five class, maybe during student teaching, and I remembered that it was sweet. I picked it up at the second hand book store for my son, and then when the Banned Book Challenge started, I decided to reread it. What a great book!

I forgot the details of the story except that Omri recieves a plastic Indian for his birthday, and a cupboard that magically brings the Indian to life. From there, complications ensue. It was so well written, with wonderful characters and a great theme of the value of human life and the responsibilities of looking after a real person. Omri can't resist showing Little Bear, his Indian, to his friend, who then wants his own little person. Things start getting out of hand. This book was as good as I remembered and I'm glad I revisisted it. I would think the stereotypes of the Indian and his language were reason for banning. Now I need to get my son to read this.

BOOK: The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie

I picked this book because, well, Hugh Laurie has been hilarious any time I've seen him on an awards show, in that wonderful way British people can be (I'm thinking of Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, John Cleese, etc) So I requested The Gun Seller from the library. And, cool, it was autographed by Hugh Laurie! I confess I contemplated taking the page out; not really. I imagine it was donated to the library before 'House' was on TV.
The story is an action, military, espionage type story; hence, I couldn't keep track of anyone and who was screwing who. I would never be able to follow the movie. You know, the type of movie where you spend the whole time asking, "Who is that? Are they with him? Or against him? Did he double cross them? What just happened?"
Even though I was somewhat confused, I never let that stop my enjoyment of a funny book. Because Laurie is wry and self-deprecating and very humorous. And I think I figured out what had happened on the last page.
So, all in all, a great read. I was distracted by Laurie, in that his character in 'House' is so in my head, I could only picture Laurie as the main character. It doesn't take anything away from the novel though, but he will have to play Tom Lang in the movie.

BOOK: The Stranger by Albert Camus

The Stranger, published in the 1940s, was my entry for the 15 books/15 decades challenge. And it is also a French book for the Reading Across Borders Challenge, as it is translated from the French by Stuart Gilbert. I requested this book from the library since it was in storage. And it was really cool, because it was a really old, hardcover book, with a hint of mustiness odor. And the card in the back was first stamped March 24, 1959, almost exactly 48 years ago.

For the first time, I looked up the Sparks notes as I read a book. I'm glad I did, because the themes that are explored, and the symbolism, were much easier to understand. Camus wrote the book with the "absurdist idea that the universe is indifferent to human affairs and that life lacks rational order and meaning." I found the book enjoyable, reading it along with the analysis, because I usually just enjoy plot and characters, and this book had much more. The absurdist philosophy and the irony of the story were explained in a way I would never see myself.

The story is simple; the narrator, Meursault, has just discovered his mother has died. This sets the premise of his indifference to people, as he barely reacts, and his interactions and lack of feeling with other characters. He continues to live, gets a girlfriend, and yet he has friends, even with his lack of empathy. Eventually, a crisis happens that I don't want to give away and the rest is Meursault's observations of life around him.

I liked the story, and liked reading it, with the analysis. The narrative was very detached, since Meursault didn't make judgments on people or situations, just observations. Classic story, and set in Algiers, a colony of France. Kills two birds (challenges) with one read.

BOOK: American Gods by Neil Gaiman

This is a book I read for several reasons: it was on the top 20 reads list from the 50_book challenge at livejournal, I picked it for the Chunkster Challenge, and then it was a 2000s book for the 15books/15decades challenge. And, it was a pretty interesting read.
It reminded me of a Stephen King book in that Gaiman sets up a world that has supernatural elements, but does it in such a believable way that it all makes sense. I really liked the main character Shadow; just an ordinary man, but open to ideas, and also thinking for himself in the face of unbelievable situations. I really rooted for him. I also liked the premise about the gods we worship today and from long ago and how those long ago gods survive today. Easy to read and lots to think about, a well written book with fascinating characters and situations. What more can you ask for in a novel.

CHALLENGE: 15 Books/15 Decades Challenge

"Call me Ishamel", I mean call me crazy. I found another challenge. It is fun to use these challenges to pick books and realize you are stretching your reading brain. And lots of books overlap, so I will dive in.
3M, over at 15Books15Decades , also known as the queen of challenges, has put together this one. Combining with the Banned Book Challenge, makes this look not too bad.
Here's my list, easily changed as options arise:

• 2000s American Gods, Neil Gaiman (chunkster challenge)


• 1990s The Gun Seller, Hugh Laurie


• 1980s The Indian in the Cupboard, Lynn Reid Banks (Banned Book Challenge)


• 1970s Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Paterson


• 1960s A Wrinkle in Time, Madelaine L'Engle (classic challenge)


• 1950s Night, Elie Wiesel (Reading Across Borders Challenge)


• 1940s The Stranger, Albert Camus (Reading Across Borders Challenge)


• 1930s The Maltese Falcon, Dashiell Hammett


• 1920s Partners in Crime, Agatha Christie


• 1910s O Pioneers!, Willa Cather


• 1900s Hound of the Baskervilles, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle


• 1890s The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde (top 50_books list)


• 1880s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson (classic challenge)


• 1870s TBA


• 1860s Silas Marner, George Eliot


• 1850s Madame Bovary, Gustave Flaubert (Reading Across Borders)


• 1840s Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte (top 50_books challenge)

That's what I have for now. As I find some books to fill in the decades, I'll add. Something from the 1940s can get me 9 books in 9 decades. That looks like my goal for now.

Other readers are posting their reviews of books here Check out some other great books.

BOOK: Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie

After reading The Secret Adversary on www.dailylit.com, someone from 50_books at livejournal recommended this. Yay for recommendations. The SecretAdversary was the first book with Tommy and Tuppence, the young adventurers and amateur sleuths. I really enjoyed the snappy dialogue and characters. Partners in Crime is very good as well, following Tommy and Tuppence several years after their marriage. Tuppence is craving some of that old adventure and they get set up with a detective agency to help capture a Russian spy or something. It's a great set-up, because they model themselves after famous literary detectives for a series of cases. They adopt the mannerisms and emulate Sherlock Holmes, Roger Sheringham, and Edgar Wallace for different situations. (I confess, I did not recognize many of these characters. But I found this article about the stories. ) But they also said to use their "little grey cells, mon ami". Yes, Christie even has them use Poirot. Perfect! Anyway, I loved the book. I loved how Tuppence is treated as an equal or beyond. There is no mention of her not partaking in any adventure, nor leaving her behind. She is equal to Tommy and solves her share of the mysteries. Feminism in the 1920s is awesome.
If you haven't read any Christie, you should see why she is the master mystery writer. If it's been awhile, her books are great to reread. I'm feeling some Poirot in my future. Unfortunately, while perusing my library catalogue, I noticed all the Christie books are in storage. I can still get them, but why have they been removed from the shelves? I'll have to request some, like the ABC Mystery, or The Labors of Hercules. I haven't read them in 20 years or so.