Unread Author Challenge

Here are the rules for The Unread Author Challenge:

September to February (six months total):

1) In this time, read six books by authors you have never read before. If you would like to read more in this time frame, go for it!

2) You are welcome to approach the Challenge in any of several different ways. You can choose one or two (or 3-5) unread authors and read several of their works, or you can choose six neglected (by you) writers and read a book apiece by them. Authors of fiction, non-fiction, genre fiction, graphic novels/comics, drama, and poetry are all welcome inclusions, although the individual works you choose should be book length. I will leave the definition of "book length" to your discretion, but in my mind a full length play or epic poem would certainly count, as would collections of shorter works.

3) Anytime before the start of the Challenge (September 1, 2007), write a blog entry that links back to this post and lists the authors and works you have chosen. You should feel free to change this list as you go along, or list "alternates," as I have below.

4) Then leave a note in the "Comments" section of this post, letting me know that you have joined and linking back to the blog entry that discusses your list. [If you link back to the specific post rather than to your main blog address, it will make it easier for your fellow participants to find your list.]

My choices:

(1 and 2) I've never read anything by M.F.K. Fisher although I've said for years that I'm going to. I've chosen Long Ago in France: The Years in Dijon and The Art of Eating and have no doubt but that I will love them both.

(3) I almost ordered Shadow and Evil in Fairy Tales (A C.G. Jung Foundation Book) by Marie-Louise von Franz for the Once Upon a Time Challenge, but got Mirror, Mirror on the Wall instead, so now is the time for it to step up.

(4) Jane Langston's mystery Emily Dickinson is Dead recommended by iliana.


(5) C.J. Sansom's Dissolution, because I'm fascinated by this historical period and Jill recommended it and gave terrific links in this post. Then I can move on to Dark Fire. Sansom has received high marks from Mary and Ann as well.

(6) Season of the Witch by Natasha Mostert will fit into this challenge and into Carl's R.I.P Challenge.

I have some alternatives in mind, but since the Challenge doesn't start until September, I'm not worried about it yet...and we have 6 months to complete the challenge. I don't really think I'll need any alternatives as these are all books I've been interested in.

UPdate (Friday): I've already ordered them.

I'm almost packed, have a few chores and some errands to run, then off to pick up Thomas and head to Dallas and Tai Chi Legacy. My books and weapons are packed and ready. My uniform and shoes are in the car. Fingers crossed...