A Note:

6/2/13

I once told myself: IF I am accepted into grad school, this blog would no longer be updated. As it turns out, in April, I received news of my acceptance for the Fall 2013 semester, where I will attain a Master's degree of Science in Nutrition.

Running a blog, as many of you may already know, is a demanding side job once the excitement wears off. And once I fell out of the blogging community's loop (have you SEEN how many blogs there are now? Wow!), it was like the kiss of death. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't get into a blogging routine once this happened due to the disconnect I felt from the community.

So I took a break. I struggled with the loss and with missing my blog. And then I realized I didn't have to run Book Faery to still be a book reviewer; I could read my books and post reviews online. I'm still a book review blogger, just not in the traditional sense.

I'll still be online. You can chat with me on Twitter, where I'll be posting links to my reviews and talking books. I'll also be posting links to nutrition articles. And if you'd like to connect with me where I guarantee I will post reviews, just add me as a friend on Goodreads.

So that's all, folks! It's been a fun and amazing journey, and I thank you all for listening to my thoughts about books. I hope we all can keep in touch elsewhere :)

Tori

Thursday, November 10, 2011

You Decide: To revive, or not to revive?

I'm thinking of adding Book Faery's very first challenge for the new year, but I need your help!

As an English major, I've grown to slowly (make that slooooowly) appreciate some of the classics that are out there. For example, upon reading Wuthering Heights in my sophomore year in college, I fell in love with Heathcliff's character. In my junior year of college, Milton's Paradise Lost inspired the first urban fantasy manuscript I ever wrote.

I'm ashamed to say that there are so many other classics that are out there that I have either not read, or haven't even heard of. I've never read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, nor have I cracked open Tolstoy's Anna Karenina... even though I insisted my mother buy me a copy. Hell, I haven't even read Orwell's Animal Farm (though I will be for my satire class!). And let's be honest: we've all seen the Wizard of Oz, but how many of you have read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz? Before this semester, I did not.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. These are the classics, and yet some high schools do not delve into the truly interesting books out there. Frankenstein? Dracula? Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?


I know that many of you out there would be interested in reading some sort of classic book, but like me, perhaps you've added it to your TBR but have never gotten around to it. There's nothing wrong with that... especially with how many wonderful novels that we enjoy reading and reviewing in the paranormal genre alone that comes out every month.


Here's my plan: for 2012, I want to do a monthly reading challenge. On the first of each month, I will post a book list (with 1-3 classic titles) and a widget that will make links public. The classics that are suggested will be simply that--suggestions. You can pick one of the titles on the list, or, if there's another book you're dying to read, you can read about that one.

Within that month, what you need to do is read the book (or if you're feeling adventurous, read more than one!), write a review, and then find a place to post it at. If you're a blogger, on your blog. If you're a reader, perhaps on Amazon or Goodreads (though if you are uncomfortable with the idea of writing a review, we can always work something out--this is the brainstorming stage, after all).

Once the review is published, you add a link to the widget on that month's post so that we can all see what you thought, and you will automatically be entered for a giveaway. The giveaway may be an item that is themed with that month's book, or it may be an Amazon gift card. The possibilities are endless.


Here's what I need from you: Tell me what you think in the comments!
  • Do you like this challenge idea? Hate it? Want to improve it in some way? 
  • Do you think there should be an option to suggest which classic to read for the following month?
  • Do you think re-reading a book should be an acceptable option?
  • Do you have an idea for a particular item in for the monthly prizes? 
  • What items would you like to win if you participated in this challenge?
  • What do you think of having authors participate in the challenge? Perhaps they can offer one of their own books as a prize for the month that one of their favorite classics is being highlighted?
  • For readers only: would you feel comfortable writing a review? Do you have a suggestion for how you can enter?
  • Any other ideas or comments or suggestions?

8 comments:

  1. I think this is a great idea. I haven't read any of the classics and always feel like I'm missing out on something good. I would definitely participate.

    I think suggestions would be extremely helpful since I really don't even know all of the favorites out there. As far as re-reading, it should be allowed. Classics are classics for a reason and I think that re-reading can be just as rewarding as the first time. Personally, I would love an amazon GC as a prize. Money is extremely tight and I could use the GC to get the next classic that I want to read (instead of having to spend money out of my pocket). Authors participating is always fun! They could offer a copy of their book, or a copy of their favorite classic.

    Hope that helps! :)

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  2. I think it's a great idea. I'm in the process of reading or re-reading many classics.

    I actually put up my own classic challenge this year (http://manoflabook.com/wp/?p=3937), my very first challenge.
    Let me know what you think.

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  3. Hey Theresa, thank you so much for taking the time to comment!

    The GC prize wouldn't be too much--I am a college student, but even $5 per month is a good motivator, I think. The only problem would be if there weren't many participants.

    You have an excellent point about re-reading, and I would not want to limit anyone in that regard! Especially now that we're older, and we may appreciate a book we did not in the past in say... high school.

    Also, could you stop by your local library to pick up these books as opposed to buying them?

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  4. Hi Man, thanks for your input and your link. I will check it out soon.

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  5. Sounds good. I feel so guilty for having not read many of the books you mentioned. A few I read decades ago and don't remember.
    I went on this binge downloading about 20 classic books for free on my Kindle but STILL haven't read them.
    This might be the kick in the pants I need. Plus you can always text yell at me lol

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  6. Revive!!! I'm loving your idea!
    And I have confess, I did NOT know there was a book which the Wizard of Oz was based on!
    I'm truly ashamed, but I would really, really love to read classic novels. I've actually gotten 7 classic novels on my Android so I can read on the go. :D
    Yes to the first three questions.
    Hmm, I think anything that relates to the book can be a giveaway!
    What would I like to win? Maybe a copy of the book with swag?
    And oh my god; Yes! It would be awesome having an author participate!
    Oh, yes! I would really enjoy writing a review for a book and posting it. I actually need to get back to writing, and that would be an amazing start.
    Lastly, I would like to say, you mostly thought of all the things. I would really love to participate.

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  7. Karen, you better believe I will harass your ass ;)


    Hey Cindy, thank you for showing such enthusiasm about this! You made me all excited about hosting this event again :D Your answers are super appreciated!

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  8. Great idea! Would like to read and re-read some of the classics.

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