Tuesday 1 January 2013

Darcy's New Challenge for 2013

Well I am really pleased with myself for completing Darcy's challenges for 2011 and 2012....so got to go for the hat-trick right?

This year Darcy wants to get back into the "reading" habit, so she came up with the idea of reading a book each month, writing a brief review(eg love it or hate it and why) and using the experience to create a piece of art. LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!!

The only snag is trying to choose 12 books to read in advance. I have many many books...so this is an opportunity for me to do right by what turns out to be some pretty respected authors.

I buy books from Carboot /jumble sales and charity shops.....because I like the cover or the smell, or because they have an inscription....and on one occasion because a child had drawn in it!!! At the end of each month, I will tell the story of each book purchase, give a brief review, and show the art I made from it's inspiration.

These are the books I shall be reading( in no particular order);




Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Young Enthusiasts by Elizabeth Jenkins

Warriors Without Weapons by Marcel Junod

Religio Medici and Urn Burials by Sir Thomas Browne

Scenes of a Clerical Life by George Eliot

Portrait in Sepia by Isabel Allende

Winter Stock by Sally Dubat (e-book)

New Death and Others by James Hutchings (e-book)

Love Hate and The World Goes On by Katherine Rochholtz (e-book)


Some are novels, some are observational and some are collections of short stories and poems. I have 3 more books to add to my list...but am holding off as Sally Dubat's novel is the second in a series of 8 and she hasn't published the rest yet(and I will be reading them as they are released) :D Hope that's ok with you Darcy :D

Enjoy :D XXX

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31 comments:

  1. I couldn't choose all 12 either. :) It will be interesting to read all of the reviews. I have Alice in Wonderland and couldn't finish it. I think I wasn't in a mood or I'm too old for it. Lol! We'll see what Gina says. :)

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  2. Ooooh these look like proper old school books, I bet they smell lovely :) I look forward to seeing what you think of them

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  3. Thanks for joining in again Gina, my dear,dear friend. I am blessed to have you in my life and hope to see you again soon. x

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  4. Sounds like a great project to be involved in. Look forward to hearing your reviews. Happy New Year, Gina. hugs, Donna

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  5. Oh the old books look really interesting Gina, can't wait to read the reviews and I love Alice in Wonderland!

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  6. Looks a really unusual and interesting list - I love old books from car boots, they have a history, particularly if a name or dedication or library ticket is included.
    This looks like being an interesting reading year.

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  7. Love your list Gina....I'm still having trouble deciding on my books!
    Happy New Year.
    Hugs xx

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  8. I think I've read only two books of your pile and am really looking forward to your reviews. Nothing better than a good story to add to the pile! ♥

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  9. Nice list Gina! Looking forward to your unique mix of art and words :)

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  10. That's the problem! I flicked through looked at the pictures but never actually read the books! Sad thing is I have about 20 more too!

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  11. Ooh, I haven't read any of those books - looking forward to seeing what you think of them.

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  12. This sounds like great fun Gina, Good luck and I am looking forward to find out more about your book choices.
    May 2013 bring you everything you could wish for yourself and more.
    hugs {brenda} x0x

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  13. Looking forward to hearing about these books. I have only read one on your list: Alice in Wonderland.

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  14. You are going to be a busy girl! Can't wait to see everything you create and hearing about all the books!

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  15. You have a very interesting and varied list, Gina. I love old books too, it is the feel of the paper or something! Looking forward to your reviews.

    Janet xx

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  16. Oh I love all these old books. Happy reading. A xx

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  17. Interesting collection of books, looking forward to this, such a different challenge.
    Jen x

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  18. interesting collection Gina, looking forward to your reviews x

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  19. Gaaaargh! Just typed out a really long comment and lost it! Short version... Love the smell of old books, haven't heard of any of them apart from Alice... which I haven't read yet. Looking forward to your reviews :-)

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  20. LOL your list is short some and mine is too long! Opposite Gina vibes :) Your book selection looks really interesting!

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    1. ...there will be balance in the universe lol

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  21. That's a fabulous challenge, looking forward to your reviews. I only read Alice in Wonderland, all the others are unknown. The only time I'm reading books is during summer... sitting in the garden ;) During the other months I'm stamping, knitting and sewing....

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  22. A really interesting selection of books, they certainly will be fun to read. Preloved books are always good to have on our shelves.
    Looking forward to your reviews.

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  23. A fascinating selection. I love old books. I have only read a part of Alice In Wonderland. Isn't it amazing how we somehow miss these absolute classics!

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  24. ooh books and stories can't wait, I hope i can be better at stickign with it this year... dxxx

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  25. What beautiful books, I've only read Alice in Wonderland out of these. Looking forward to your reviews.

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  26. Here I am doing another of Darcy's challenges ;) keeping fingers crossed I will keep it up this year. All good intentions.
    It had crossed my mind to read my father's old books and looking at yours has made me feel I should have.
    ManonXx

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  27. Read Alice in Wonderland many moons ago. Haven't read the others so look forward to yoy reviews... and art!

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  28. Lovely reading list Gina... and yes... love pre loved books... especially with an inscription... looking forward to hearing more about your books...

    Jenny ♥

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  29. it sounds like you have some wonderful reading ahead of you this year. i would love to revisit alice in wonderland - such an escape!

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  30. Although I can't see the links on Darcy's blog, she sent them to me so I could visit before the big day on the 25th. I look forward to reading your take on each of these books, including Alice. It's good to "meet" you.

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