Seconds Book Challenge

Joy over at Thoughts of Joy has issued a tempting little challenge…when I first saw it, I thought, what, another challenge? NOOOOO!!!

But I kept coming back to it, mentally…I would come across a book and think, hey, this could work…

So, I’m diving in. The idea is to “read 3 books by authors that you have only read one other”, and the time frame is October, November, and December of 2007. I’m going to list 5 books, because I’m having trouble deciding, and vow to read at least 3 of them. How’s that? 🙂 My 3 books, then, and two alternates, are:

March, Geraldine Brooks.

I’m already reading this book for my Book Awards reading challenge, as it won the Pulitzer prize. Last year, I went to the store with the intention of buying this book. It was out of stock, so I bought Year of Wonders instead. I really liked Year of Wonders, so I’m looking forward to reading March. Plus, I always loved Little Women.

Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton

I recently read The House of Mirth, which I found to be both devastating and wonderful. Several people noted in their comments on Mirth that Ethan Frome was their favorite Edith Wharton book. So I’m looking forward to reading this one, and since CA winters are pretty mild, I’m not worried that it will depress me, weather-wise.

Number the Stars, Lois Lowry

I read The Giver for the Book Awards Reading Challenge. I’ve seen Number the Stars in the stores quite for awhile now, picked itup and wondered about it. But I thought it might be too heavy for Maya (it’s a children’s book). But she’s at the age now, I think, where she would be fine. And maybe I am too.

The Almost Moon, Alice Sebold

This book isn’t even out until October, but maybe I can get my hands on it before the end of December. (I just put a hold on it at the library…they say I’m 21st in line, with only two copies on order…so I’m guessing I may need to break down and buy this one, or, alternately, skip it for the challenge, and read it when the library gets it to me. We’ll see.) I previously read The Lovely Bones (prior to me blogging, so no J review available.) That book was crushing, and stuck with me for a long, long time. I’m eager to give Sebold a second visit.

Never Let Me Go Kazuo Ishiguro

I mentioned this book long ago, when I was new to blogging, but I still haven’t read it. So this might be a good time to do so…Much longer ago, way before blogging was invented (late 80s, maybe early 90s), I read Remains of the Day. I was blown away by the language, and how Ishiguro was able to convey the stifled emotions of the main character so brilliantly. It made a pretty good film, too. Never Let Me Go, I have heard, is told from the point of view of a clone in a boarding school. I think. Whatever the case, I’m very much looking forward to reading it.

So that’s it, 3 books in 3 months, plus 2 extras, just in case. I have found that I’m really enjoying the reading challenge aspect to blogging…I find myself reading more, and trying to complete things for deadlines, and reading books that I might not otherwise consider. And yet, because I pick the books, I’m not reading outside of my interests, which is also great. Join in, if you’re so inclined. 🙂