Kathrin's Classics Reading Challenge Wrap Up

My hunger for the classics was piqued with Booklogged's Winter Classics Challenge, and so when Kathrin announced that she was going to host her own Classics Reading Challenge, I could not resist joining in. There are quite a few classics sitting among my TBR collection, and so there was no shortage of books to chose from. Kathrin tasked her participants with reading three to five classic novels over the course of five months, from July 1st to November 30th. I selected only three books for this challenge because I wanted to avoid being overwhelmed with this and all my other reading commitments.

My Classics Selections:
Persuasion by Jane Austen
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde


What was my favorite Classics novel book of the three I read?

You would think it might be Arthur Conan Doyle's novel considering how much I like mysteries, but in truth my favorite by far is Persuasion by Jane Austen. It was an entertaining and uplifting story. I enjoyed spending time with the characters and losing myself in Jane Austen's world.

What book could I have done without?

I can honestly say that there was not one book I regret reading. Although I have mixed feelings about Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, I am still glad I read it.

Did you try out a new author for this challenge? If so, which one, and will you be reading that author again?

Both Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle were authors whose work I had not read before. Being a mystery lover, I felt it was about time I read a novel featuring the famous Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson. I will most likely read more by Mr. Doyle in the future should one of his novels come my way. As for the other, I had long been fascinated with the character of Dorian Gray and thought this would be the perfect time to read the book in which he was born. The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde's only novel, but he has written poetry, short stories and plays. I may someday try reading some of his short story work since it's been recommended, however, I will not be rushing out to do so. And I would never pass up the opportunity to see one of his plays again if circumstances make it possible.

Persuasion was the third Jane Austen novel I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope to eventually read all of the author's novels.

What was the best part of the Classics Reading Challenge?

For the most part, I enjoyed many of the classic novels I have read over the years, even as required reading in school. My enjoyment of reading spans a broad spectrum of subject matter and time periods. There's still a hesitancy in selecting a classic novel to read over, say, a more contemporary piece of work, however. Somehow reading a classic carries the stigma of being work or something that requires more effort than perhaps I want to put into it. Sometimes that is true, but many times, I have found, it is not--at least not on a personal level. The classics are not so different than any other book I read, not really. They may hold a more honored place in literary history because they are older and have stood the test of time, but my expectations when I read them are the same I have for any other lesser known book. I read for a variety of reasons, but nearly always for pleasure. Reading is something I do as a hobby. Whether I am seeking knowledge, escape, comfort, inspiration, some deeper meaning, to feel, or simply to go on an adventure, I want to have fun doing it. I have found all of that in the classics as well as the non-classics.

All this to say that Kathrin's Classics Reading Challenge inspired me to renew my interest in the classics, reminding me yet again how much I do enjoy reading them. Most of the time, anyway.

Thank you, Kathrin, for hosting this wonderful challenge.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Dover, 1993 (Originally Published in 1891)
Fiction; 165 pgs

Completed: 09/21/2007
Rating: (Fair)

First Sentence: The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more delicate perfume of the pink-flowering thorn.

Reason for Reading: This is my final selection for Kathrin’s Classics Reading Challenge and my second for the Book to Movie Challenge. I first decided I wanted to read this book after seeing the movie The League of Extraordinary Gentleman. Although the movie itself didn’t impress me, several of the characters did, especially Dorian Gray.

From the Publisher: Enthralled by his own exquisite portrait, Dorian Gray makes a Faustian bargain to sell his soul in exchange for eternal youth and beauty. Under the influence of Lord Henry Wotton, he is drawn into a corrupt double life, where he is able to indulge his desires while remaining a gentleman in the eyes of polite society. Only Dorian's picture bears the traces of his decadence. A knowing account of a secret life and an analysis of the darker side of Victorian society, The Picture of Dorian Gray offers a disturbing portrait of an individual coming face to face with the reality of his soul.

Comments: I am not sure what to say about this book. It is difficult to take on a classic, a book revered and analyzed by many. I read this novel more out of curiosity than to gain a deeper meaning. Dorian Gray is a famous character that is mentioned and alluded to in all forms of media. I wanted to experience the “real” Dorian Gray and read his story.

Oscar Wilde is well known for his play writing, but he also wrote poetry and short stories. I had seen one of his plays in college, The Importance of Being Earnest, and remember enjoying it. The Picture of Dorian Gray is Wilde’s only novel, and it caused quite a stir in its day. It was deemed as being immoral, in part for its theme of aestheticism, which places value on youth and beauty, as well as hedonism and a rather superficial view of society. The other concern that many people in Wilde’s day had was the homoerotic undertones throughout the novel; this theme would play a part in the author’s own life, resulting in his arrest and conviction in 1895 on charges of gross indecency under British sodomy laws.

I was not overly impressed with Mr. Wilde's novel. The author’s penchant for poetry was obvious in his descriptions and drawn out thought sequences, which occasionally left my mind to wander. The playwright in him ensured there was heavy dialogue during the first third of the novel where the characters seem to engage in endless discussions. The conversations were at times amusing and had definite political and social overtones to them fitting to the time period. There was quite a bit of melodrama in both the characters’ speeches and actions throughout the book. I wish now I had counted how many times someone flung himself onto a couch, chair or whatever during a moment of anguish.

I did not care for most of the characters. I did have some sympathy for James Vane, the brother of Sibyl Vane who was a young and beautiful actress that fell madly in love with Dorian. Lord Henry Wotton annoyed me quite a bit in the beginning of the novel; however, he was one of the more interesting characters. He was quite comical, really. I cannot say if that was intentional or not. Basil Hallward seemed out of place most of the time, overly anxious, and only occasionally the voice of reason. His part was well played against Lord Henry during their discussions—the two balanced each other out both in opinion and manner.

Dorian Gray himself was somewhat in the shadows for the first half of the novel, only solidifying later on. A lot of his actions go unwritten but are alluded to throughout the book. I found myself feeling sorry for him early on, during his more impressionable moments, while at the same time wanting to shake him and tell him to stop being so egotistical. The author did a good job of conveying the pain and frustration that Dorian felt over his situation.

The last fifty-eight pages of the book were by far my favorite part. Oscar Wilde spent quite a while setting the stage for those final chapters, and once the book reached the twelfth chapter, the story took off, the plot moved forward quickly, and I did not want to put the book down.

I can see why The Picture of Dorian Gray is considered a classic. It captures several of the social and political movements of its time and stirs up controversy even today. The character of Dorian Gray is one that has become an icon of sorts through the years.

I am glad I took the time to read The Picture of Dorian Gray. I did not dislike it so much as to want to toss it in the unread pile. I liked it enough to finish it.

Visit The Official Oscar Wilde website for information about the author and his works.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Persuasion (quoted directly from The Free Dictionary by Farlex):

1. The act of persuading or the state of being persuaded.
2. The ability or power to persuade.
3. A strongly held opinion; a conviction.
4. a. A body of religious beliefs
b. A party, faction, or group holding to a particular set of ideas or beliefs.



Persuasion by Jane Austen
Dover, 1997 (originally published in 1817)
Fiction; 188 pgs

Completed: 09/05/2007
Rating: (Very Good)


First Sentence: Sir Walter Elliot, of Kellynch Hall, in Somersetshire, was a man who, for his own amusement, never took up any book but the Baronetage, there he found occupation for an idle hour, and consolation in a distressed one; there his faculties were roused into admiration and respect, by contemplating the limited remnant of the earliest patents; there any unwelcome sensations, arising from domestic affairs, changed naturally into pity and contempt, as he turned over the almost endless creations of the last century—and there, if every other leaf were powerless, he cold read his own history with an interest to which never failed—this was the page at which the favourite volume always opened:

ELLIOT OF KELLYNCH HALL.

Reason for Reading: This is my 2nd selection for the Saturday Review of Books Challenge (recommended by Barbara H), my 2nd for the Classics Challenge, and my 1st for the Book to Movie Challenge. This is my third Jane Austen novel. I have also read Pride and Prejudice and Emma, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Comments: Jane Austen's novels are comfort reads for me, I'm discovering. I can see myself reading and rereading them time and time again. Heck, I've read Pride and Prejudice a couple of times--and rereading books for me is rare. I love the banter between the characters and Jane Austen's style of writing. Her stories are relatively simple on the surface and yet meaningful and complex upon closer examination. Persuasion proved true to form.

On the surface, Persuasion is a love story but digging a little deeper, it is a novel that touches on the classism and elitism of the times. The novel also captures the different definitions of persuasion and questions its importance and value in every day life.

Anne Elliot is one of three sisters, her father being Sir Walter Elliot of Kellynch Hall. Facing hard times, Sir Elliot and his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, agree that a move a smaller home in Bath would be the best solution, and so they make arrangements to let their family home in Somersetshire to the respectable Admiral Croft and his wife.

The eldest Elliot daughter is Elizabeth, who took on the role of the lady of the house upon her mother’s death during the sisters’ childhood. She and her father are very close, relying on each other’s confidence and advice. Elizabeth and Sir Elliot share many of the same prejudices and opinions of those they think are beneath them. Neither pays much attention or puts much stock in the usefulness of Anne herself. Mary, the youngest of the Elliot children, is married to Charles Musgrove, a person whom Elizabeth in particular feels is beneath their family. Mary proves to be a bit of a hypochondriac and is quick to find fault with her situation and those around her. This in part stems from her own insecurities no doubt.

Another major player in Anne’s life, the one with the most influence over her is the widow Lady Russell. It was Lady Russell’s opinion that in the end persuaded Anne against marrying Captain Wentworth when first Anne and he met and enjoyed a brief romance. Lady Russell as well as Sir Elliot and Elizabeth felt that Frederick Wentworth was below Anne, not worthy of her hand in marriage. He owned no land, had not enough money, seemed not to be well-connected and appeared to have little to offer. It was with great sadness and broken hearts on both sides that the two parted.

And yet they would meet again several years later when Admiral Croft, his wife, Sophia, and Sophia’s brother, Captain Wentworth, visit the Musgroves, where Anne is staying for a couple of months to be near her sister, Mary and her family. Frederick’s anger and frustration toward Anne is renewed, and Anne more fully realizes what a mistake she made in letting herself be persuaded out of marrying the only man she has ever loved. In typical Austen fashion, the story is not so simple as that. Both have won the affections of others and their own feelings may not ever be reconciled with the other.

Anne is often lauded as the best liked of the Austen heroines. Her gentle nature, intelligence, practical attitude and thoughtfulness quickly won me over. She lacks a bit of the spirit that Lizzy and Emma, two other of Jane Austen’s heroines, share, however, that is in no way a bad thing. For Anne is her own person and earns her place as a heroine to be admired on other accounts.

I very much enjoyed Persuasion and can see why it is a favorite among Jane Austen fans. As the last book ever written by Jane Austen, and published posthumously by her brother, Persuasion is a fine farewell for an author who has a true gift for storytelling and getting her message across.

Favorite Parts: There were many parts of this novel that I enjoyed, including the way Anne took over when Louisa Musgrove was hurt in Lyme, the discussion between Mary and her husband over which of the Musgrove sisters Frederick liked most, and the banter between Frederick and his sister as they argued over whether women belong on ships or not.

Anne by far was my favorite character. I could relate to her on many levels, sharing many of her values and ideals—and even some of her faults.

Miscellaneous: We went to see Rush Hour 3 this past Monday. It was a fun movie to watch, nothing special or memorable. It was a way to stay out of this humid and hot weather we’ve been having.

Now I am anxiously awaiting the movie version of Persuasion (the one starring Amanda Root) to arrive in the mail from Netflix. Hurry, hurry, hurry!

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
Ballantine Books, 1901, 1902
Mystery; 173 pgs

Completed: 07/09/2007
Rating: (Very Good)


First Sentence: Mr. Sherlock Holmes, who was usually very late in the mornings, save upon those not infrequent occasions when he was up all night, was seated at the breakfast table.

Reason for Reading: I initially came upon this particular title while searching for a book to fit into the 1900 category for the Reading Through the Decades Challenge. It sounded like it might be interesting, and knowing how I enjoy a good mystery, I figured it was about time I read something by the famous Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes after all is a mystery icon.

The Hound of the Baskervilles is my 8th selection for the Reading Through the Decades Challenge (or By the Decades Challenge), my 3rd selection for the Summer Mystery Reading Challenge, and my 1st for the Classics Challenge.

From the Publisher: Perhaps the most popular of all Sherlock Holmes stories, The Hound of the Baskervilles combines the traditional detective tale with elements of horror. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on the wild Devon moorland with the footprints of a giant hound nearby, the blame is placed on a family curse-and it is up to Holmes and Watson to solve the mystery of the legend. Rationalism is pitted against the supernatural and good against evil, as Sherlock Holmes tries to defeat a foe almost his equal.

Comments: Sherlock Holmes is well known throughout the world as one of the finest literary detectives. His intelligence and skills in logic and observation surpass most, and he knows it. In fact, there was one part in the book where Holmes took offense to one of the characters referring to him as second best. Arrogance and a superiority complex are not qualities I tolerate well in significant characters in books, I'm afraid. Fortunately for Mr. Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle saw fit to have Dr. Watson as the narrator, therefore taking care of that little problem. Somewhat. My poor husband was worried as I read the first chapter that he was going to have to listen to my haranguing of the famous detective, which I had already begun to do. With a quick reminder to myself that if Watson, who was an intelligent man himself, was not insulted, I should not be. Hadn't I been forewarned that Sherlock Holmes thought a lot of himself? Of course, I had been. I had also been advised to take it with some humor, and so I did. Too, there was the consideration that the novel was written at the turn of the last century, over one hundred years ago.

With that behind me, I quickly lost myself in the mystery of The Hound of the Baskervilles, which I enjoyed immensely. The author laid out his story, leaving hardly a stone unturned. Sherlock Holmes is a whiz at putting the pieces of a puzzle together, even the little facts that may seem inconsequential at first. Dr. Watson himself is no slouch. He takes the lead throughout the book, even if the series is not named for him. It is he whom readers follow from London to Dartmoor to investigate the events at Baskerville Hall. It is from Dr. Watson's point of view that the story is told. While he may not be the one who figures everything out in the end, his findings and observations play a large part in Sherlock Holmes’ final wrap up of events.

The Hound of the Baskervilles is my first Sherlock Holmes novel and will not likely be my last. Even with my initial eye rolling at the character of Sherlock Holmes, I could not help but like him. He is not only smart and gifted, but there is some compassion beneath his rather logical and focused character. He is also a man of action, not just of thought. Dr. Watson provides good balance for the detective, being the more compassionate of the two. He takes notice of the beauty around him even when it does not have anything to do with the task at hand.

I cannot say I was surprised by much that occurred in the novel or by the outcome. The author left footprints all along the way so that the facts and details are all there for almost anyone who cannot help but add them up. The story itself was quite intriguing, just the same.

Favorite Part: I cannot tell you. It would ruin the effect.

Aside from that, I liked the setting of the novel. The author was able to give the moors a dark and foreboding feeling which was necessary for the story while at the same time capturing its beauty.

Note about the Author: If you would like to know more about the author, you can find a detailed biography here. The man led an extraordinary life. That alone makes me want to read some of his lesser known works.

Miscellaneous: Today is my dog’s anniversary with us. Six years ago today we brought him home from a local animal shelter. He had been a bit shy back then, taking his new surroundings in, unsure of what to expect. He settled in very quickly and soon gained his confidence. His initial shyness certainly wasn’t his natural state! He is actually very people-friendly and is a ball of energy that never rests. Except for now. He’s lying beside me, chewing a new rawhide bone at the moment.

More Classics, Medical Mysteries and a Taste of the South

Lately I have been feeling like the slowest reader on earth. I do so little reading during the work week and then on the weekend it's a mad dash to make up for lost time with whatever book I am reading.

I am on target with the TBR Challenge and am looking forward to the start of the Nonfiction Five Challenge that will begin next month. I am in the middle of my second book for the Once Upon a Time Challenge and am working through my selections for the Spring Reading Thing and the Reading Through the Decades Challenge. I still have not earned my place as an active participant in the New York Times Notable Books Challenge, but I hope to soon (I know, I know, I keep saying that and actions do speak louder than words . . .). I finished off my last book for the Chunkster Challenge this month, and am glad to now have two challenges under my belt for the year.

Although I made no announcement here on my blog, I had decided to stop signing up for reading challenges for the time being, especially during this busy time of the year when all the books I seem to be able to read are challenge books. While all the challenge books are obviously ones I want to read (why else would I select them?), it is nice to have room for a spontaneous choice now and then.

However, one of my fellow mystery readers, Kathrin (who has been reading mysteries enough for both of us since I seem to be slacking in that area lately), is running the Classics Reading Challenge this summer and into the fall. She was unable to participate in the Winter Classics Challenge but did not want to miss out on an opportunity to read a few classics before the year was out. I had indicated back when she was first considering the idea that I might be interested, and I have since decided to support her in the challenge she's hosting. Her challenge is quite flexible: participants will read 3 to 5 classic novels between July 1st and November 30th.


Classic Selections:
Persuasion by Jane Austen [read]
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle [read]
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde [read]



The last month or so I have been craving a good suspense/thriller novel, and when Debi over at Caught Between Worlds announced the Medical Mystery Madness Challenge, I gave it some thought. Since a lot of my reading seems to be dictated by challenges lately, why not sign up for a challenge reading one of those books I've been craving? This might be the only way I can fit them in! The challenge involves reading 2 or more medical thrillers between June 1 and November 1.


Medical Mystery Selections:
Brain Dead by Eileen Dreyer [read]
Life Support by Tess Gerritsen [read]
The Society by Michael Palmer [read]
The Pumpkin Seed Massacre by Susan Slater [read]

And what about Maggie's Southern Reading Challenge, which spans over three months, June through August? I really did plan on staying out of this one. I was actually surprised to discover how few Southern authors are among by TBR collection. It is shameful really. I am sure I will regret signing up for another challenge. I can just imagine my husband reading this and shaking his head, wondering if I will ever be able to make time for him outside of my reading. Challenges are like the snooze button on my alarm - just one more time won't hurt. Hopefully my selections all qualify since I'm kind of going Southern-lite this round (I might be stretching it a bit).

Southern Selections:
Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris [read]
A Garden of Vipers by Jack Kerley [read]
When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin [read]

There are many terrific sounding challenges out there that I would love to participate in, but it is not realistic for me to do so at this time. Check out Caribousmom's A Novel Challenge blog for the latest list of reading challenges. You may just find something you would be interested in!

On a different note, I was excited to see Anjin (aka Kira), post about one of our favorite mystery writers, Michael Connelly, on his Bullet Points blog. I love to see my darling husband excited about the books and it's especially nice when we can share an interest in a particular author or book.

Back to my own reading . . .