22.Nov.2009 In Which I Wish I Had More Time for Challenges
The year almost passes and we can see shiny new challenges for next year start popping up like weeds wild flowers blooming in the spring. I do manage to restrain myself and have some self-control. For now.
I wish I could join these challenges next year, but since the minimum requirement is at least 3 books, I decided to pass. I’m trying not to join any challenges next year that require more than 2 books, except for very selected few (if any). But I’d love to give them a shout and make my “if I were to join” list!
South Asian Author Challenge is hosted by S. Krishna’s Books requiring you to read 3, 5, 7, or 10 books by South Asian authors (including descendants) — India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. So far I have only read two books by South Asian authors: Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri (India) and Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie (Pakistan) and had only lukewarm feelings toward them (okay, even disliked the latter). I do want to read more and have a couple on my shelf. If I were to join the challenge, my list would look like:
- Brick Lane by Monica Ali (Bangladesh) – on shelf
- The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri (India) – on shelf
- A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry (India) – want to read
- A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Mohammed Hanif (Pakistan) – want to read
- A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth (India) – want to read
All About the Brontes Challenge is hosted by Laura’s Reviews. I read Wuthering Heights a couple of years ago and liked it, but I haven’t read any other Bronte’s. I have decided that next year would be the year for me to read Jane Eyre (and.. uhum.. Pride and Prejudice). But then again the challenge requires us to commit to three items (could be books or movies). I’m most probably going to read and watch Jane Eyre next year, but I’m not sure if I want to commit for another item! Anyway, if I were to join the challenge, my list would look like:
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
- Jane Eyre the movie
- The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (a gothic tale in the vein of Jane Eyre according to Laura)
- The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fford (a book that I have lately heard about and am intrigued)
GLBT Challenge is hosted by Amanda @ The Zen Leaf. Again, minimum required books is 4, so can’t join. I can hover on the side and follow the activities though. I don’t think I’ve read many GLBT books at all (definitely not on purpose). The last one that I read was Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides and it was absolutely wonderful! Since then, I have definitely gained much more interest in reading more books in the same vein. If I were to join the challenge, my list would be like:
- Normal by Amy Bloom (nonfiction)
- Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters (or anything by her)
- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wild (on shelf)
- The Screwed Up Life of Charlie the Second by Drew Ferguson (Nerds Heart YA Project runner-up, given to me by Chris)
ETA: I just knew that Gregory Maguire’s books would qualify and I also just remembered Daphne du Maurier. I read Wicked very recently and Rebecca last year. Both are great books! And of course, The Color Purple.
Let me just say that this is almost as fun as joining the challenge itself! :)
Are you joining any of them?
mee 
