1% Well Read Challenge '08 - Recap

It is COMPLETE!!! Due to poor planning on my part, I had to make several last minute changes to my reading list. I happily made a list of what to read when I signed up for this challenge but I failed to plan ahead and find time to actually read the books I chose, so I ended up substituting several short stories.

I was supposed to read 10 books from the "1,001 Books to Read Before You Die" list by Feb. 28th. In the end, I read seven books and three short stories from the list (the links take you to my reviews) but I DID complete the challenge.

• Cannery Row - I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed this book. The writing is beautiful, and it is very short. Unfortunately it was removed from the 2008 revised 1,001 Books list.


• King Solomon's Mines - For those who've seen The League of Extraordinary Gentleman, this is where Alan Quartermain comes from.


• Dracula - Thought I'd hate it, but I LOVED it. And I'm not a horror fan either.


• Midnight's Children - This one I did hate. I know some of you loved it, but I just don't get it.


• Some Experiences of an Irish RM - Worth reading for me, but not worth talking about.


• Phineas Finn - Quite good! A classic from a series that I may continue reading.
  


• Delta of Venus - Not at ALL what I expected but very good in parts (and creepy in parts).
  


• A Modest Proposal - Yes, I understand that it is satire; no, I still don't like it.


• The Pit and the Pendulum - This story encompasses some of my worst fears. *shiver*
  


• The Fall of the House of Usher - Creepy in a very good way.
  

On the whole I really enjoyed this challenge. It introduced me to books that I otherwise would not have picked up. Here are some "challenge stats":

• Favorite: It's a tie between Dracula and Cannery Row - both were great reads!


• Worst: Again a tie, this time between Midnight's Children and A Modest Proposal.


• Do it next year?: Absolutely. There are some great books on this list and I'm looking forward to picking out ten more.
  

I'm still thinking that I need to get a copy of the 1,001 Books You Must Read Before You Die book ... I'd love to know the story behind the inclusion of each book on the list.

Whew, I barely finished this challenge before the deadline. Now it's time to sign up for the next one!