 | harpandsong2 Dec 29 | I read a lot every year, but I don't usually follow a reading plan or have reading goals (though I did start keeping a spreadsheet of books I read). However, for 2023, I tried a reading challenge, suggested by the Literary Life Podcast. It was a bingo card of different kinds of literary works/reading activities. Here is a list of what I read for the various categories. - Book of Letters, Diaries, or Journals: The Journals of Louisa May Alcott (As with all material related to an author, it was interesting to read about the sources of inspiration which fed her work)
- Epic or Long Poem: Aurora Leigh by Elizabeth Barret Browning (This was so unexpectedly beautiful! The protagonist is a single female artist.)
- Book Covered by the Podcast: Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson (This was a reread for me, but a very pleasant one through the Scottish highlands.)
- Detective Novel New to You: The Five Red Herrings by Dorothy Sayers (delightful!)
- Work by Sir Walter Scott: The Bride of Lamermoor
- Work by Orwell that isn't 1898 or Animal Farm: Why I Write (in a collection with other essays)
- Important Historical Document or Political/Philosophical Work: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft
- Devotional or Theological Work: Life Together by Deitrich Bonhoeffer
- Work Written by a Member of a Literary Group: The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
- Work by Austen you have never read before: Sanditon (I read a book with the original 11 chapters fragment which had been finished by an author in the 70s. The ending was decidedly unAusten.)
- Travel/Walking Journal or Book: Nature Notes of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden (This was a lovely collection of watercolors from nature by the author with accompanying little notes about what she had seen or poems/quotes relating to the season.)
- Book of Mythology or Legend: Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliffe (A great historical fiction author, always a pleasure to read her work.)
- Well-loved Children's Book: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
- Work by Dickens you have never read before: Dombey and Son (This was a little on the scandalous side for Dickens. The first page was probably the most touching and had me crying.)
- Book or Short Story That was Adapted into a Favorite Film: Adaptions: From Short Story to Big Screen by Stephanie Harrison. Some of the stories I read..."Rear Window" by Cornell Woolrich, "The Wisdom of Eve" by Mary Orr (became All About Eve), "A Reputation" by Richard Edward Connell (became Meet John Doe), "Mr. Blandings Builds His Castle" by Eric Hodgins (became Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House), "Cyclists' Raid" by Frank Rooney (became The Wild One), "Bringing Up Baby" by Hagar Wilde
- Historical Fiction/Non-fiction: Lindbergh by A. Scott Berg (This was fascinating! Charles Lindbergh wasn't necessarily a "great man" in terms of exemplary character, but it was really interesting to read about the first worldwide celebrity (aside from those of royal blood or with military achievement) and how this impacted his life.)
- Book about Books: Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson (This is generally for artists.)
- Work by Shakespeare you have never read before: The Winter's Tale
Plus a few "bookish" activities: Donate or gift a book to someone, Read Aloud to someone, Read while outside, Share the podcast with someone, listen to a season of the Well Read Poem, and a Free Read. I also read a handful of books that didn't fit with the challenge just for fun. This next year, I am not going to participate in a reading challenge (though the Literary Life does have a good one up if you're interested). I am really glad I did it this year because it gave me a motivation to read books that I really enjoyed, but may not have picked up otherwise. However, I do know that, for me, taking on a challenge is like making a commitment. This challenge didn't leave me with a lot of time for "free" reads unrelated to the challenge. For this coming year, I think I would like to try reading some contemporary authors: Wendell Berry, Jonathan Rogers, Andrew Peterson, Leif Enger, etc. It would also be neat to read and support some of the new or emerging authors I am getting to know through the Habit membership and the Rabbit Room. What did you read this year? | | | |  | You can also reply to this email to leave a comment. | | | | |
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