The 2021 Classics Challenge

[Gemini]

I have just read another Classic. Swallows and Amazons. I didn't read it as a child, and I had put it on my Kindle some time ago for OH to read, so decided to read it.
I almost gave up as I found the beginning so tedious. However I continued and enjoyed it. Once I got over my adult horror at children with knives, fire, being alone at night, being on water, storms etc!!

I didn't love it, so its a 4 out for 5 for this one.

[Daisy]

Gem, well done for persevering. I read Swallows and Amazons when I was far too young to be worried about children with knives, etc. I was just envious at having such adventures.

[Gemini]

I have tried twice more with Middlemarch but I'm just not getting into it! Not to be beaten I have ordered an audio version from the library. I am 5th on the waiting list, so I hope it gets to me before the end of the year so it can be part of this year's challenge!

I am going to read A Christmas Carol next, rather than wait until December.

[Daisy]

Gem - I admire your tenacity. I would have given up on Middlemarch by now if I wasn't getting into it! You've done very well with this self-set challenge.

[Gemini]

I have started Christmas Carol, and put Frankenstein on my Kindle for my next one.

[Gemini]

I finished A Christmas Carol, a quick read which I enjoyed.
No surprises as we all know the story so well. When I told DD3 I was about to read it she said I would be surprised how accurate the film a Muppet's Christmas Carol was

[Plantaholic]

Well done Gemini

[Daisy]

Gem - have you started Frankenstein yet?

[Gemini]

Not yet Daisy. I am still reading Elizabeth Jane Howard's autobiography on my Kindle, then I MUST read a book I borrowed from the library weeks ago and have had to renew as I hadn't got round to starting it
Then Frankenstein.

[Daisy]

Gem - it sounds as though you could do with a nice pool-side holiday to catch up with all your reading.

I'm not finding time to read much at the moment. As soon as I sit down either the phone rings or someone comes to the door. Once the garden is finished I must prioritise some good books.

[Gemini]

Middlemarch is off my list!

I downloaded the audio version from the library and started from where I have got to reading it. The narrator had a boring voice and I soon found I wasn't listening. This is not the book for me, not this year anyway

[Daisy]

I agree, Gem. If you're not enjoying it - and you've certainly tried! - move on to something you will enjoy.

[Gemini]

I have now read Frankenstein. What a sad depressing story, and warning not to mess with nature!!
Mary Shelley was a young girl when she wrote the novel, which is amazing.

[Daisy]

I haven't read the whole book, Gem but I started it as some point and never finished it. I can't remember why, but if it's that sad and depressing I'll certainly give it a miss! Well done to you for getting through to the end.

What's next on your list?

[Gemini]

Daisy, I read Tom's Midnight Garden while we were away. I enjoyed it hadn't worked out the ending and shed a little tear
I have just started Wide Sargasso Sea, a modern classic based on the story of Mr Rochester's first wife.