Yippee! I'm halfway through!
Last Labour Day, I set out to read 50 NYRB Classics within a year, and I've now finished 25 books. I'm falling about a month behind, but the first half of the year is always really busy for me at work, and so I'm fairly confident that I can catch up. If I can't, I'll just extend my deadline until December 31st (hey, it's my challenge, I can change the rules) and that way, the length of the books shouldn't be as much of a factor in my selections (I have my eye on a 600 page novel as my next pick).
I must say, a part of me is happily surprised that I've gotten this far, as I'm always embarking enthusiastically on reading challenges and then quickly losing steam (or interest). But it's a credit to the editors at NYRB who really do have an eye for great literature, that this has been such an enjoyable journey. I keep discovering these amazing books and writers and the minute I've finished one book, I really look forward to browsing my NYRB shelf and seeing what next piques my interest. As an avid reader, I'm very grateful to all the folks at NYRB for keeping these books in print. For a full recap of my reading challenge so far, you can click here.
I know I'm not the only NYRB fan out there (or wanna-be fan) and so here's your chance to show your love. I'm giving away a fabulous NYRB bag filled with lots of NYRB books and galleys. Just leave a comment or e-mail me at mscott@randomhouse.com and tell me which NYRB Classics book is your favourite and why. If you've never read one, tell me which one you'd most like to read. Their full list is located here. (And yes, I'm looking for recommendations for the second half of my challenge). I'll throw all names into a hat, pick a winner and then contact you for your mailing address. This contest is open to anyone living in Canada or the United States and I'll accept entries until Monday, April 5th, 2010.
Note: This contest is now closed.
7 comments:
I cannot tell you how many of these books I have on my wishlist. Unfortunately, I imposed a new book buying rule on myself 6 months ago - only buying used books from local businesses. Still, I really want to read "Wish Her Safe at Home" by Stephen Benatar. I love a story about the fragile nature of psychological well-being. I especially can't turn away a 1st person narrative of a character's descent into madness.
I would like to read The Summer Book by Tove Jansson.
there's so much good stuff, of course, but my favorite has to be "hons and rebels" by jessica mitford. i'm a sucker for the mitford girls, i admit, but even if it were another family, there are so many elements here to be charmed by.
The Post-Office Girl by Stefan Zweig. Hands down.
This is a fantastic contest! I lurk here regularly, and jumped for joy at seeing this. And good luck with that reading path. Change those rules at will! :)
Congratulations on your progress! Reading about your challenge here inspired me to take a closer look at the NYRB titles. I'm about to start Sunflower, by Gyula Krúdy.
My favourite to date is Stefan Zweig's Chess Story — it's small and intense, pitting 2 characters opposite in manner and temperament against each other in a match. You don't have to know chess to appreciate their difference in worldview.
To my knowledge I've only read NYRB book but I'll happily proclaim it a favorite. Elaine Dundy's The Dud Avocado was so fresh and funny with such a charismatic narrator. It's so great that you have found a challenge that is keeping you excited to read more for it. I look forward to reading more NYRB book reviews.
I'm too late to enter the contest, but I recently read the Invention of Morel and really enjoyed it - I'd recommend it if you haven't read it already!
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