I really, truly, honestly intended to not join any more challenges, in light of my dismal performance thus far this year in completing any – I’m even behind on my own, for crying out loud! But I just couldn’t resist the opportunity to read some books from my homeland with The Canadian Book Challenge, Eh? I’ve got a bunch of books by Canadian authors on my shelves, many of which are still unread, so here’s my chance to rectify that. I don’t know if I’ll be able to read 13 challenge books by next summer, but I’m nothing if not stubborn. So … here goes!
Here, from the East Coast to the West Coast, are the books I’ve randomly chosen for the challenge, keeping in mind that I may switch one or more out as the mood strikes. Click on any book cover for more info:
Looks like a great list of books, I’ve got a few of them on Mt. TBR and my wishlist. I read Away this year and loved it. Hope you have more success with this challenge, as I’m looking forward to reading what you think of them. =)
Oh good, I’m glad to hear a vote of confidence for that one. I read Changing Heaven years ago and really enjoyed it, so this one’s been on my TBR shelf for awhile now.
Glad to have you on board! I had to check your profile after seeing you had Dale Jarvis’s book listed. My hunch was correct- you have Newfoundland roots (as do I). I don’t know how often you get back, but have you done his Haunted Hike in St. John’s?
Thanks! Yep, I’m a Newfie (a baygirl) although I don’t have my accent anymore. I haven’t been on the HH but will definitely keep that in mind for my next trip.
Of your selection, I’ve read The Birth House, A Fine Balance, Crow Lake, The Blind Assassin, and The Stone Diaries. I didn’t care too much for The Birth House or The Stone Diaries, but I absolutely LOVED A Fine Balance and Crow Lake. I honestly don’t remember how I felt about the Atwood book. I remember it was a bit of a challenge. I’ve heard good things about The Girls. Looking forward to your reviews.
I remember reading your review on The Birth House, so I’m going into that one with a ‘let’s wait and see’ attitude. I’ve only read a couple Carol Shields books (both for university courses) but I’ve collected a few more through the years, and figure I should try her out again when a grade isn’t depending on my reading and see what I think.
I loved The Blind Assassin. Such a good story!
Good to hear! I love the cover art for it.
What a delicious choice of books. You’ve got two that I read this year and so far have been right up there for favorite reads – The Girls and A Fine Balance. I did love The Stone Diaries too but it’s been a while since I’ve read that one. Have fun with your challenge!
I’ve been meaning to read A Fine Balance and The Stone Diaries (along with a few of the other books I chose) for years now, so I figure this is a good reason to try and do that. (key word: TRY)
This sounds like a really good challenge. But I honestly don’t think I’m the challenge sort…one good book catches my eye…and I’m gone. Hehe!
Yeah, my challenge track record is less than stellar, but I can’t seem to stop signing up for them!
Recently I feel like the reading challenges are dropping on me like the brick blocks in tetris game! So many of them that I’m afraid I might not be able to complete.
I’m still two books away from the finishing line of Armchair Travel, I sign up for Russian challenge which begins on New Year’s Day, and am considering the Reading Dangerously challenge.
This one sounds very interesting since I don’t know a lot of Canadian authors, except for Margaret Atwood and Russell Banks.
Yeah, I was feeling overwhelmed there for a bit. Now if I can just STOP signing up for any more challenges, I might be able to make some headway with these current ones. I’ve thought about the Russian and Reading Dangerously challenges, too …
I must resist the temptation!!!!!
I know the feeling!
Good luck!
Thank you – I will need it!
HA!!!! SUCKA!!!!!!!!!!! Well, excellent choices though. Be sure to report back here, there are a few I want to hear more about.
I hope you enjoy Crow Lake – a winter read…
and The Birth House was awesome!
Crow Lake is really good. Good luck on your challenge!
Thanks! Hopefully it’s one I’ll actually get to read.
I would have to say Fine Balance is the best of the lot with Blind Assasin close behind.
I’ve been meaning to read A Fine Balance for years now, and have slated it for a few challenge selections this year, so hopefully that means I’ll actually get to read it, finally. And good to know about Blind Assassin, too!