HWC's 30 Day Challenge

[HandledWithCare]

I think if I felt a need for a challenge in reading I might finally read one of the Russian novels, or "Ulysses" by James Joyce - which my English teacher brother has recommended several times (and I have always found something else to read or do when he does ) I like, and still read, a number of books meant for juveniles; nothing wrong with them. But reading a book I cannot like, don't like the writing style, don't think is well written ... IMO that is just a waste of time.

I have read plenty of books and short stories that are "challenging" as in big words, meandering sentences and old language etc etc. If you want to read something that is "hard" read anything by HP Lovecraft. I love books like that, and the more difficult the better. Most young adult books are perfectly readable and enjoyable. I'm no book snob at all. Twilight in particular is difficult because I want to abandon it and ignore it's existence. I know to be a good writer--or reader--I have to be willing to read EVERYTHING, willing to struggle through annoying drivel to come out the other side and have a well-informed opinion on it. It is more respectable to list examples of why I don't like something than to simply say "I never got through it. It was bad." and give up. Who knows I may even learn to like it, and that's something I'd never know unless I forced myself past the slow parts.

Reading is not a challenge to me at all. I will read all day everyday but I have no discipline for reading something I don't instantly like. This is supposed to be a growing exercise by forcing me to change my routine. I don't think it's a waste of time anymore than going without sugar, biking to work, giving up soda and so on. Also, reading Twilight won't stop me from reading my usual things; I have thirty days to finish a mid-length book and I will space it out in reasonably painless intervals.

HWC

 

[Denim Deb]

If it makes you feel any better, I read the Hobbit, but didn't really enjoy it. I never read the rest of them, and had no desire to see the movie.

 

[CheerioLounge]

I must admit to being a fan of James Patterson and the like... Quick read murder "mystery" that I can read in 2 days max.

My favorite reads to date are One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. His writing style made it a challenge for me, but well worth every moment! There are three other novels of his that I need to find... Autumn of the Patriarch, In Evil Hour and The General in His Labyrinth.

 

[hqueen13]

You're better than I am, Deb, I tried to start the Hobbit and NEVER made it through. The movies were MUCH better, which rarely happens for me!

Good luck with your challenge, HWC!

 

[Denim Deb]

The only reason I was able to finish it was because it was better than being bored in English class! The teacher knew I was reading it, but never said a word. She knew she could count on me to know what was going on, get my homework done, and still get a good grade.

 

[HandledWithCare]

My friends and I used to "race" reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We all loved it. Now my series is the Sookie Stackhouse books but I read them in a day and have to wait a year for the next one. It's painful. I like short story collections like those by Stephen King, Lovecraft or Clive Barker. I read Watership Down at least once a year. I love to read. Time to stop procrastinating and start Twilight.

Also, no caffeine and I think I've walked a decent bit today. I need to get a pedometer because I'm not sure about my estimation skills.

HWC

 

[Denim Deb]

I actually have an idea for a book I can read. I'll be starting my challenge tomorrow.

 

[ORChick]

I think if I felt a need for a challenge in reading I might finally read one of the Russian novels, or "Ulysses" by James Joyce - which my English teacher brother has recommended several times (and I have always found something else to read or do when he does ) I like, and still read, a number of books meant for juveniles; nothing wrong with them. But reading a book I cannot like, don't like the writing style, don't think is well written ... IMO that is just a waste of time.

I have read plenty of books and short stories that are "challenging" as in big words, meandering sentences and old language etc etc. If you want to read something that is "hard" read anything by HP Lovecraft. I love books like that, and the more difficult the better. Most young adult books are perfectly readable and enjoyable. I'm no book snob at all. Twilight in particular is difficult because I want to abandon it and ignore it's existence. I know to be a good writer--or reader--I have to be willing to read EVERYTHING, willing to struggle through annoying drivel to come out the other side and have a well-informed opinion on it. It is more respectable to list examples of why I don't like something than to simply say "I never got through it. It was bad." and give up. Who knows I may even learn to like it, and that's something I'd never know unless I forced myself past the slow parts.

Reading is not a challenge to me at all. I will read all day everyday but I have no discipline for reading something I don't instantly like. This is supposed to be a growing exercise by forcing me to change my routine. I don't think it's a waste of time anymore than going without sugar, biking to work, giving up soda and so on. Also, reading Twilight won't stop me from reading my usual things; I have thirty days to finish a mid-length book and I will space it out in reasonably painless intervals.

HWC

HWC - sorry if I was sounding combative; that was not my intention. Sounds like you have good reasons for you to read the book. Go for it; as you say, you might end up liking it. To my mind, reading is the important thing - it is of less importance exactly what is being read. And it seems that fewer youngsters are learning the joys that can be found between the covers of a book - so we who have already learned that lesson need to teach by example. So, yes, read, and (hopefully) enjoy.

My 5th grade teacher read the Hobbit to us, and I really enjoyed it. And again, later, when I read it myself. Lord of the Rings didn't interest me that much, but that might have just been the age I was when I read it. I might like it better now.

 

[HandledWithCare]

I think if I felt a need for a challenge in reading I might finally read one of the Russian novels, or "Ulysses" by James Joyce - which my English teacher brother has recommended several times (and I have always found something else to read or do when he does ) I like, and still read, a number of books meant for juveniles; nothing wrong with them. But reading a book I cannot like, don't like the writing style, don't think is well written ... IMO that is just a waste of time.

I have read plenty of books and short stories that are "challenging" as in big words, meandering sentences and old language etc etc. If you want to read something that is "hard" read anything by HP Lovecraft. I love books like that, and the more difficult the better. Most young adult books are perfectly readable and enjoyable. I'm no book snob at all. Twilight in particular is difficult because I want to abandon it and ignore it's existence. I know to be a good writer--or reader--I have to be willing to read EVERYTHING, willing to struggle through annoying drivel to come out the other side and have a well-informed opinion on it. It is more respectable to list examples of why I don't like something than to simply say "I never got through it. It was bad." and give up. Who knows I may even learn to like it, and that's something I'd never know unless I forced myself past the slow parts.

Reading is not a challenge to me at all. I will read all day everyday but I have no discipline for reading something I don't instantly like. This is supposed to be a growing exercise by forcing me to change my routine. I don't think it's a waste of time anymore than going without sugar, biking to work, giving up soda and so on. Also, reading Twilight won't stop me from reading my usual things; I have thirty days to finish a mid-length book and I will space it out in reasonably painless intervals.

HWC

HWC - sorry if I was sounding combative; that was not my intention. Sounds like you have good reasons for you to read the book. Go for it; as you say, you might end up liking it. To my mind, reading is the important thing - it is of less importance exactly what is being read. And it seems that fewer youngsters are learning the joys that can be found between the covers of a book - so we who have already learned that lesson need to teach by example. So, yes, read, and (hopefully) enjoy.

My 5th grade teacher read the Hobbit to us, and I really enjoyed it. And again, later, when I read it myself. Lord of the Rings didn't interest me that much, but that might have just been the age I was when I read it. I might like it better now.

No problem at all. I was still feeling defensive from an earlier comment so I apologize for jumping to conclusions.

HWC

 

[HandledWithCare]

Not much of an update. No caffeine today and I've been walking a lot because our new silkie hens--Ruby, Agate and Obsidian--made it through quarantine and were placed into the coop with everyone else and suddenly Ruby has a runny nose and is coughing. So I ran around finding meds. Then I decided I'm cooking dinner--rigatoni Romano--and so there's that. Also trying to manage my seed inventory and decide what to start now and what to wait on. I read some Twilight last night after midnight, about nine pages. I don't understand why Bella is leaving Arizona. It is yet to be revealed and I don't know why despite living in Arizona she is described as being strangely pale and squishy. Why are you squishy Bella, why?

HWC