Our Mutual Read

I need another challenge like I need a hole in the head, yet, this was already something I was really wanting to accomplish in 2010, so I signed myself right up! I needs to read me some more Wilkie! And maybe that wanker Dickens too.

It’s a Victorian Literature Reading Challenge!

Plus the awesome Amanda at The Blog Jar is hosting, tis her first challenge and, well, dang it I can’t resist!

The DETAILS: This challenge will run from January 1st, 2010 to December 31st 2010.  And it is completely okay to double-dip, what you read/watch here can count on other challenges!

How to participate:  email Amanda or leave a comment to this post and I’ll add you to the blog so you can publish your reviews/updates on Our Mutual Read.  Also, I’ll add your blog to our participant list.

Next, decide on what level you’d like to participate:
~ Level 1: 4 books, at least 2 written during 1837 – 1901.  The other books may be Neo-Victorian or non-fiction.
~ Level 2: 8 books, at least 4 written during 1837 – 1901.  The other books may be Neo-Victorian or non-fiction.
~ Level 3: 12 books, at least 6 written during 1837 – 1901.  The other books may be Neo-Victorian or non-fiction.

Then, determine if you are up to a mini-challenge:
Period Film Mini-Challenge – watch at least 6 films that take place between 1837 – 1901 (they don’t necessarily have to be based on a book) and post a review.

Short Story Mini-Challenge – read 12 short stories written or taking place between 1837 – 1901 and post a review.

I think I’m going to try for Level 1 and hopefully be delighted when I make it to Level 2. And I might through in some short stories whilst I am at it.  Amanda has set up a blog for Our Mutual Read, if you are interested in joining.  I hope you do; it is going to be wicked fun reading the Victorians!

But wait! What do I plan to read you ask?  That is an EXCELLENT question because really, what is the best part of signing up for challenges?  THE BOOK LISTS. Am I right?  So, without further ado…

You wouldn’t believe the how long Wilkie has been hanging out here.  He’s getting quite insistent that I read more of his books.  So.  I will most likely be reading either Armadale, The Moonstone (*gasp* I know, I’ve read half and don’t know why it was only half), The Law and the Lady, and No Name. I also might reread The Woman in White and The Rogue’s Life because they are the BEE’S KNEES.  I also have some of that wanker Dicken’s books lying around.  Most specifically is Hard Times because it is the only one I can find at the moment. I just know I have more.  Somewhere. I think. I also wouldn’t mind getting into Thomas Hardy again, he of the most tragic novel I ever read (Tess of D’Urbervilles).  Then there is also Rudyard Kipling, Robert Louis Stevenson and, the ever elusive (for me), Bram Stoker.

I would also like to throw some of the ladies in there.  Some M.E. Braddon, Elizabeth Gaskell ( have the humongous Wives and Daughters on my shelf. It’s right there, staring at me in all it’s pinkness.  WHY B&N did you make it that horrid PINK COLOR???), ole George Eliot and some of the lovely Brontë‘s.  Perhaps this will be the year I make it through the insufferable Wuthering Heights?   Yeah, I doubt that too.

So, here’s to going Victorian in 2010. I do hope you’ll join us. Those Victorians made for some entertaining readings.