R.I.P. II Challenge/ On Being Nice
It's almost time for Carl's R.I.P. (Readers Imbibing Peril) Autumn Reading Challenge. The goal is to read gothic, dark fantasy, horror, mystery or simply eerie or creepy stories between September 1st and Halloween. The number of books to be read is variable, and I'm picking Peril the First: Read Four books of any length, from any subgenre of scary stories that you choose.
Coming up with a list of books for this challenge wasn't easy, simply because I love this genre and there's a lot I'd like to read. I am forcing myself to narrow my list down to 5 books, though, because I will be moving on the 15th of September, and who knows where my reading time will go for a while. My choices are:
On another subject, I want to thank Chris for nominating me for a Nice Matters Awards with the following kind words: Nymeth is one of the most passionate people I know in the blogosphere. Her love for all things creative, be it books, music, or art come across perfectly in all of her posts and she's a joy to talk to. I always look forward to a new post from her and her comments. Definitely a nice person ;).
Chris is one of my favourite bloggers, and reading this put a big smile on my face. Thank you so much, Chris!
I am going to be a bit of a killjoy here and refrain from passing the award on this time. The reason is that there have been a few awards going around lately, so I've lost track of who's been nominated and who hasn't. Also, I wouldn't quite know who to single out, because if there's something people on the book blogging community are, it's nice. It is frankly amazing - I've been an internet user since my teenage years, and I've been a part of several internet communities, and never have I found a place where people were so warm, kind, respectful and polite, even when they have divergent opinions. In fact, I am used to music communities, where unfortunately what you mostly find is arrogance, immaturity, disrespect and insulting. It is really refreshing to be a part of a community like this. Thank you all for being so nice!
Coming up with a list of books for this challenge wasn't easy, simply because I love this genre and there's a lot I'd like to read. I am forcing myself to narrow my list down to 5 books, though, because I will be moving on the 15th of September, and who knows where my reading time will go for a while. My choices are:
- The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly - Everything I've heard about this book has led me to believe it has the potential to become one of my all-time favourites.
- The House with a Clock in its Walls by John Bellairs - Recommended by Chris. If I have the time I will fit in more books in the series.
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley I've been meaning to re-read this classic for a while, and what time could be better than now?
- The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson - I thought I would fit in another classic. This one I've never read before, and the fact that it's such a short read is encouraging.
On another subject, I want to thank Chris for nominating me for a Nice Matters Awards with the following kind words: Nymeth is one of the most passionate people I know in the blogosphere. Her love for all things creative, be it books, music, or art come across perfectly in all of her posts and she's a joy to talk to. I always look forward to a new post from her and her comments. Definitely a nice person ;).Chris is one of my favourite bloggers, and reading this put a big smile on my face. Thank you so much, Chris!
I am going to be a bit of a killjoy here and refrain from passing the award on this time. The reason is that there have been a few awards going around lately, so I've lost track of who's been nominated and who hasn't. Also, I wouldn't quite know who to single out, because if there's something people on the book blogging community are, it's nice. It is frankly amazing - I've been an internet user since my teenage years, and I've been a part of several internet communities, and never have I found a place where people were so warm, kind, respectful and polite, even when they have divergent opinions. In fact, I am used to music communities, where unfortunately what you mostly find is arrogance, immaturity, disrespect and insulting. It is really refreshing to be a part of a community like this. Thank you all for being so nice!
I can't wait to read everyone's lists and reviews for this challenge, yours and Chris' in particular. So exciting!
ReplyDeleteFab list. The Book of Lost Things is an excellent choice, I adored it. Hope you do too!
Look forward to seeing what you think of Heart Shaped Box. I will be reading 20th Century Ghosts - Joe Hill's short story collection, for the challenge.
What a sweet comment from Chris and congrats on your award. Very well deserved! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your list of books for Carl's challenge. I've had a couple of those on my radar. I can't wait to start selecting books for this challenge.
Sorry to be cliche, but Chris hit the nail right on the head with his comments about you!
ReplyDeleteMove or no move, I'm willing to bet that you'll end up with a lot more than 5 read for this challenge. Which, of course, is wonderful for the rest of us who will get to read your reviews! (Sometimes, I think I must sound like an obsessed fan or something, but I do so truly enjoy your reviews.)
Many, many, many years ago this was definitely my genre of choice, but I haven't visited it much lately. I am definitely looking to diving back in!
I read this challenge was starting soon and it looks to be a good one. I haven't decided on my books yet and am thinking about not picking beforehand and just seeing what I read which will be a different way of doing a challenge for me. I have somany books I want to read for this challenge but there is a chance I will be away or moving house or both for part of this challenge. It won't spot me reading, but it does make things more unpredictable!
ReplyDeleteI want to read The Book of Lost Things at some point, will look forward to your review. I read Frankenstein so long ago now it will be due a re-read at some point. Having never read Bram Stokers Dracula it might be time now as well. Choices choices...
Great list! I've read the last three. I have John Bellairs on my list too, only I'm going to read the Johnny Dixon books.
ReplyDeleteAwesome list Nymeth! You're going to love The Book of Lost Things...I truly think it will become a favorite of yours, it's certainly a favorite of mine. It surprised me too! So much more than what I was expecting.
ReplyDeleteThe John Bellairs book is great :) Very fun read and I think you'll enjoy it. Glad to see you're reading Heart-Shaped Box, and Frankenstein is a favorite of mine as well :)
I want to read the Joe Connelly book too. What is going to happen is I am going to buy too many books as a result of this challenge. I am going to avoid bookstores for two months. lol
ReplyDeleteGood luck on the challenge!
good luck in the challenge (what with moving and all. )I read the Book of Lost Things and I think you will like it!! good to see it on your list!
ReplyDeleteYou will thoroughly enjoy Jekyl and Hyde! It's a fabulous little story, and quite easy to get through (which might provide a good, short distraction while in the process of moving!)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like my cup of tea!! LOVE dark, gothic fantasy. Mehehe. Must check this out.
ReplyDeleteDoes Poe count? I may do him. Well, not DO him. You know what I mean. :-P
Mailyn, Looks like someone's been reading a little too much Annabel Lee :p
ReplyDeleteQuixotic: Everything I heard about it (including your review) makes me think I'll love it too. I've heard of 20th Century Ghosts - I mean to read it someday. I look forward to your review!
ReplyDeleteIliana: Aw, thank you. I can't wait to see your list!
Debi: lol, an obsessed fan! You don't, you just sound like the very nice person that you are. I hope you're right and I turn out to be able to read more than 5. Your list is great too and I look forward to your reviews.
Rhinoa: That is actually a really good idea, and I'd like to do the same, except I have to try and find the books beforehand. And it's the same for me - I'm sure I will keep reading, but certain things (like internet access for example) will be a bit unpredictable. I think you'd enjoy Dracula!
Nicola: I have never read any John Bellairs before, but I think I will enjoy his work.
Chris: Your review is certainly one of the reasons why I want to read The Book of Lost Things so much. It'll be fun to compare notes on Heart-Shaped Box!
Kailana: lol, me too. I only own the last two books on my list. Ah well.
Deslily: Thanks! Everyone says such wonders about the book. I think there's no way I won't love it.
Court: Good to hear good things about it. It will probably be the first or second that I pick up.
Mailyn: You should definitely join! And yes, Poe counts. Other people will be "doing him" as well :P
you totally deserve the award!!
ReplyDeletefrankenstein and dr. jeckyl look cool...!
i've read dr. jeckyl and have heard lots about frankenstein. its interesting how these kinds stories have, through being so entrenched in our popular culture, have all veered away from what they are originally like in the books. dr. jeckyl is distinctly different from what i was expecting and i really enjoyed it!
Great List!! And, as you said, I can't wait to see what YOU think of The Book of Lost Things! I really enjoyed Dr. Jekyll. One of these days I would like to read Frankenstein. Such a classic should definitely be read. Maybe NEXT year's RIP!
ReplyDeleteMy brother swiped my Heart-Shaped Box and I haven't seen it since. I'm really hoping to get it back soon!
Can you tell, I'm pretty excited by this challenge??
Your list sounds great! I'll look forward to reading your reviews. Congrats, also, on the award!
ReplyDeleteWicked!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a very enjoyable list. I'm looking forward to your reviews. This is such a fun challenge, and I'm enjoying looking at everyone's choices.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tempting list. I've got the Book of Lost Things sitting on my shelf at the moment and may add it to my bonus list.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling this is going to be a repeat of the OUAT challenge and I'll end up with a year's worth of great books to read from everyone's recommendations :)
I'm very curious about "Heart-Shaped Box" - because it has been raved by Neil Gaiman of course. Is he as good as his dad, or different?
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to what you have to say about Joe Hill.
Jean Pierre: Thank you :) And yes, that is something that intrigues me too - the origin of stories that have become a big part of our culture. It is often surprising to see how much they changed, a bit like myths and folktales over time.
ReplyDeleteStephanie: Yep, I can tell :P And I'm really excited as well. Everyone's reading such interesting books, I'm sure I'll end up with a lot more titles on my wishlist!
Ex-libris: Thank you!
Robin: I am as well! OUAT was great, and it looks like this one will be too.
Kim: I hope you get around to reading it, I would love to exchange impressions with you. And yes, I have the very same feeling!
Dark Orpheus: I'm very curious too, but I must confess I haven't yet read any Stephen King. I really ought to do something about that.
Oh oh oh! I'm going to go ask Carl if he'll direct his challenge participants to submit their reviews to the October Bookworms carnival, because it has a spooky/creepy theme that month!
ReplyDeleteGreat list! I have never read Frankenstein, but really should give it a try. Perhaps when I finish my other choices...
ReplyDeleteAn interesting list! I've read the last two but the first three are completely new to me so I'll be very interested to read your reviews. Always looking for new authors to try.
ReplyDeleteHope the move goes well!
Lately I've heard a lot about heart shaped box, so I'll have to check it out. I'm not sure if I'll do this challenge (Stephanie is pressuring me, of course).
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats on the "nice" award. You are certainly that, and your blog is one of my favorites to read. I just wish I had more time lately, but I'm trying to catch up on everything I've missed! Actually have been putting blogging in front of reading the last couple of days that's how much I missed this little world!
Dewey: That is just perfect! A lot of reviews in that genre will be posted around that time, I imagine. I will submit one for the Carnival for sure.
ReplyDeleteMichelle: You really should, it's a great book and a very fast read too!
Cath: Thank you! I am always looking for new authors and books too. I can't wait to read everyone's reviews for this challenge.
Trish: I'll join in with Stephanie, then. Come on, it'll be fun! And thank you for your kind words :) It's very good to hear from you again, btw. You were missed!
I've been wanting to read The Book of Lost Things! I have been trying to Mooch it, but I guess I'm going to have to buy it. It sounds so good! I can't wait to read your reviews!
ReplyDeleteGreat list. The Book of Lost Things is on my TBR list so I look forward especially to your review of that one. Congratulations on your award. I agree that book blogging people are so nice as well as interesting, intelligent, generous, and even funny.
ReplyDeleteHeather: It really sounds like an awesome book. I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteFramed: Thank you :) This really is a great community of people.
Chris is a sweetie-pie and you're very deserving. Also, that makes two of us who are killjoys. ;)
ReplyDeleteFrankenstein's on my list as well...What a great challenge! My list is up, too...
ReplyDelete