BACK TO THE CLASSICS CHALLENGE 2015

Happy New Year! It's time to decide on my challenges for 2015. I'll be taking part in some old favorites and some new ones this year, so the first one I want to get settled is The Back to the Classics Challenge. This year it will again be hosted by Karen at Books and Chocolate. (Thanks, Karen!)

There are twelve categories this year. Check out the sign up post for all the details, including info on drawings for prizes at the end of the year wrap-up. The categories and rules are:

1.  A 19th Century Classic -- any book published between 1800 and 1899.

2.  A 20th Century Classic -- any book published between 1900 and 1965.  Just like last year, all books must have been published at least 50 years ago to qualify as a classic.  The only exception is books that were published posthumously but written at least 50 years ago.)

3.  A Classic by a Woman Author.

4.  A Classic in Translation. As in last year's category, this can be any classic book originally written or a published in a language that is not your first language.  Feel free to read it in its original form if you are comfortable reading in another language.  

5.  A Very Long Classic Novel -- a single work of 500 pages or longer.  This does not include omnibus editions combined into one book, or short story collections.  

6.  A Classic Novella -- any work shorter than 250 pages.

7.  A Classic with a Person's Name in the Title.  First name, last name, or both, it doesn't matter, but it must have the name of a character.

8.  A Humorous or Satirical Classic.  Humor is very subjective, so this one is open to interpretation.  Just tell us in the review why you think it's funny or satirical.   For example, if you think that Crime and Punishment and funny, go ahead and use it, but please justify your choice in your post. 

9.  A Forgotten Classic.  This could be a lesser-known work by a famous author, or a classic that nobody reads any more.  

 

10.  A Nonfiction Classic.  A memoir, biography, essays, travel, this can be any nonfiction work that's considered a classic, or a nonfiction work by a classic author.  

11.  A Classic Children's Book.  A book for your inner child!  Pick a children's classic that you never got around to reading.  

12.  A Classic Play.  Your choice, any classic play, as long as it was published or performed before 1965.  Plays are only eligible for this specific category.

And now for the rest of the rules:  

• All books must be read in 2015.  Books started prior to January 1, 2015, are not eligible.  Reviews must be linked by December 31, 2015. 

• All books must have been published at least 50 years ago; therefore, 1965 is the cutoff date.  The only exception is books published posthumously, but written before 1965. 

• E-books and audiobooks are eligible!  Books may also count for other challenges you may be working on.  

• Books may NOT cross over categories within this challenge.  You may NOT count the same book twice for different categories in this challenge.  One book per category -- otherwise, they won't count.  

• If you do not have a blog, you may link your review from Goodreads or other publicy accessible online format.  

Here are my choices. Reviews will be linked up here and back at Books and Chocolate when available.

1. 19th century classic:  Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte
2. 20th century classic: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
3. Classic by a woman author: The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
4. Classic in Translation: The Drinking Den by Emile Zola
5. Very Long Classic Novel: The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann
6. Classic Novella: The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
7. Classic with a Person's Name in the Title: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
8. Humorous or Satirical Classic: A Damsel in Distress by P.J. Wodehouse
9. A Forgotten Classic: Sir Nigel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
10. Nonfiction Classic: Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
11. Classic Children's Book: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
12. Classic Play: Edward II by Christopher Marlowe