Melissa of One Librarian’s Books Reviews has a reading challenge so very awesome that I am making an exception to my challenge ban and joining up. It’s the Classic Double Challenge 2013, in which readers are to read pairings of a “classic” (a loosely defined term in this context) and a retelling of that classic. Last year, I didn’t join the challenge, but I ended up reading Persuasion (the classic) and For Darkness Shows the Stars (the retelling). I very much enjoyed the experience, so I would like to do it again this year, officially. I’m signing up for the “small” version of this challenge, so I just need to read one classic/retelling pairing. Here are some pairings I’m considering:
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund
Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike
King Lear by William Shakespeare
A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Illyria by Elizabeth Hand
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
The Turning by Francine Prose
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Splintered by A.G. Howard
I’m excited to get started on this!
Melissa is also, this very week, hosting Retell Me a Story Week, in which she is celebrating retellings by having giveaways, guest posts, reviews, and more! Head over there to join in the fun.
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Yeah! So glad you decided to join in this year and I look forward to seeing what you get read.
Thanks, Melissa! I’m very excited to get started. All of your lists really inspired me.
Good luck!!
Thank you!
I’m glad you decided to join. I look forward to seeing what you decide to read. :D
Thanks, Jenni. I think it’ll be a fun one for us a chat about in real life too.
I’m going to read Splintered and Alice in Wonderland. I’m excited. I think this will be much easier than trying The Scarlet Letter.
Ooh. We can discuss. I got this awesome illustrated (more like graphically designed) version of ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, which has me really motivated to read it.
*gasp* Oh, my gosh, this sounds awesome! I was going to avoid most challenges this year, but I cannot resist this one. I have a serious weak spot for retellings. They make me giddy beyond belief. Okay, I’ve talked myself into it. (Not that it was hard!) I’m signing up this week!
Yay! Another convert. I had to break my challenge ban too, but I think it’ll be totally worth it.
I did it! Yay!
Hooray! I’m heading over to your post right now!
This does sound fun. I guess I better wander over since I’m curious how you FIND retellings. I assume there is a list?
Melissa has put together a couple of great lists over at her blog, and I think there are a few websites out there with lists too. I hope you find some you want to read and join up!
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