Yes, this is a very long post. Thankfully, it is mostly book lists!
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
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
#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.
- Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith
- Dracula by Bram Stoker
- Magician’s Nephew and Lion Witch & Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
- Light a Penny Candle by Maeve Binchy [and many, many others]
- Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
PS I Love Youby Cecelia Ahern Read instead: Love, Rosie and the Book of Tomorrow both by Cecelia Ahern- Boy in Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Roomby Emma Donghue Read instead: Akin by Emma Donghue My Review Link
- Light in Amsterdam by David Park
- Aren’t You Somebody? Accidental Memoir of A Dublin Woman by Nuala O’Faolain
- The Group by Mary McCarthy and Memoirs of a Catholic Girlhood by her
- 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!
- Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney TRIED to read instead: Normal People by her, but DNF couldn’t stand it
- ONE OTHER to be reviewed this month
- ONE OTHER to be reviewed this month
Others Not On Those Lists
- 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.
- Ballroom on Magnolia Street; Teahouse on Mulberry Street; and The Tavern on Maple Street all by Sharon Owens
- 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.
I’m struggling to join in with *any* challenges except my own at the moment! But I will try to get to Japan soon! 😀
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Most years I sign up and get nowhere, this year I’m on a reading “tear” and bingeing regularly. Why not celebrate it! lol
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Many thanks for the mention! 😊
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I appreciate the time that went into compiling this! That’s really admirable that you read books based in each state. Pretty cool!
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Honestly, Goodreads and Google make it pretty easy. Plus I’ve tracked the books I’ve read for many years. It was fun. I’m working on the world–there are a few countries with next to nothing translated into English, but someone else has compiled the lists from each country so ,again, it isn’t that hard.
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I want to pick up something from Japanese lit certainly–I have The Great Passage by Shion Miura waiting on my TBR may be I’ll pick that one up. And I also came across a challenge to read Pratchett in March, so one at least of his. Hope you enjoy your challenge reads!
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If you are an animal lover I highly recommend the Traveling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
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Very much so. I have cats in fact, and have had dogs before.
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How fun!
But no – I don’t like readathons OR challenges. I’m a rebel and the second I’m SUPPOSED to read something, then my hackles get raised and I flat out refuse.
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Amen–that’s normally me!! But, this year, I’m loving it. Blame menopause I guess. I’ll likely get tired of it after a while. Thanks for reading!
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