March Madness Nerd Style! Readathons, Challenges and more!

Yes, this is a very long post. Thankfully, it is mostly book lists!

Welsh flag texture crumpled up

Last month I completed the challenge of reading a book from each of the 50 states, Puerto Rico and D.C.  You can read that post here. This month I’m starting two challenges, Read Ireland Month and the Welsh Readathon. Meanwhile, I’m finished with the Fitzcarraldo Editions Fortnight challenge and will end March by wrapping up the Irish, Welsh, and Japanese challenges!

The Welsh Readathon

#dewithon20

Readathon link

I accidentally returned the read-along book, the English translation of Un Nos Ola Leuad (One Moonlit Night) by Caradog Prichard (1904-1980). So, that leaves me scrambling. I own, and have not read, How Green Was My Valley. I’ve tried it before and didn’t get very far, so I may be a failure at this readathon. As for Welsh literature/Welsh authors I’ve read, it’s a short list: Going Solo by Roald Dahl.

Reading Ireland Month

Readathon Link

#begorrathon20  #readingirelandmonth20  #readingirelandmonth

Because I’m at the mercy of our regional library for most of my reading, I had to read two of my Irish books in February but will be posting my reviews during March. If I read another Irish book this month it is likely to be one of two McCarthy books that I already own.

What I’ve Already Read from the 100 Irish Novels List on 746 Books

or from the list 100 Books By Irish Women Writers also on 746 Books

This list includes both books set in Ireland and books written by Irish authors.

1. Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith
2. Dracula by Bram Stoker
3. Magician’s Nephew and Lion Witch & Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
4. Light a Penny Candle by Maeve Binchy [and many, many others]
5. Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
6. PS I Love You by Cecelia Ahern Read instead:  Love, Rosie and the Book of Tomorrow both by Cecelia Ahern
7. Boy in Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
8. Room by Emma Donghue  Read instead: Akin by Emma Donghue My Review Link
   
9. Light in Amsterdam by David Park
10. Aren’t You Somebody? Accidental Memoir of A Dublin Woman by Nuala O’Faolain
11. The Group by Mary McCarthy and Memoirs of a Catholic Girlhood by her
12. Damage by Josephine Hart –well, ok, I haven’t read it but I’ve seen Jeremy Irons in the starring role in the movie! Jeremy Irons!
13. Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney TRIED to read instead: Normal People by her, but DNF couldn’t stand it
14. ONE OTHER to be reviewed this month
15. ONE OTHER to be reviewed this month

Others Not On Those Lists

1. An Irish Country Doctor [series] by Patrick Taylor (Which I loved until he started cranking them out and lowering the quality. I quit after #9). Set in Northern Ireland.
2. Ballroom on Magnolia Street; Teahouse on Mulberry Street; and The Tavern on Maple Street all by Sharon Owens
   
3. Trinity by Leon Uris

Japanese Literature Challenge 13

at dolcebellezza.net

Readathon Link 

#JapaneseLitChallenge13

Unlike the other challenges, which run for a month or less, the Japanese Literature Challenge runs the whole of the first quarter of the year.  I’ve already posted my first review–of Strange Weather in Tokyo (aka The Briefcase). I’m behind on my second book, but will finish it along the way. My big feat will be completing the read-along of The Makioka Sisters, a dear friend’s favorite book. I want to succeed at reading it this time!

Books by Japanese authors regardless of the setting or novels set in Japan

links are to my reviews

When the Emperor Was Devine by Julie Otsuka

Traveling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

Strange Weather In Tokyo [aka The Briefcase] by Hiromi Kawakami

Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro [Japanese author]

Housekeeper and the Professor by Yōko Ogawa

The Diving Pool by Yoko Ogawa

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami

Buried Giant by Kazu Ishiguro [Japanese author]

Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka

 Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Do you like readathons or reading challenges? Are you doing any this year? Leave me a comment, or link to your own post.