1bryanoz
This is my 13th year of these big book challenges and although I don't have a particular goal total in mind, plenty of the fantasy and classic novels that I read are well over 500 pages, so here I am.
The only reading goal I have is to read at least 100 books a year, a challenge that I have managed since 2010.
I managed 37 books big books last year so I'm expecting 40 or so, but no pressure.
I also plan to read at least 4 books of over 1000 pages, the real big books!
Good luck to all of us Big Book readers !
The only reading goal I have is to read at least 100 books a year, a challenge that I have managed since 2010.
I managed 37 books big books last year so I'm expecting 40 or so, but no pressure.
I also plan to read at least 4 books of over 1000 pages, the real big books!
Good luck to all of us Big Book readers !
3marell
Hi Bryan. I only read three big books last year but two of them were over 1,000 pages so I don’t feel too bad! Have a great reading year.
5atozgrl
>1 bryanoz: Wow, 40 is a LOT of big books! Good luck meeting your goal, especially if you can tackle 4 over 1000 pages.
6kac522
>1 bryanoz:, >5 atozgrl: Yep, Bryan is our star BFB reader!
7bryanoz
Thanks Irene and Kathy, although the star BFB reader is off to a slow start this year, reading The Lord of the Rings one chapter a day and not half way through a 770 page fantasy book!?
8AnishaInkspill
hi, that numbers impressive, best of luck
10johnsimpson
Hi Bryan mate, have another good year with the BFB's and i like your 1,000+ page target.
11bryanoz
1. Otherland, Tad Williams, 770 pages.
I loved Tad Williams' fantasy series Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, so had to try this four book series.
Otherland is more sci-fi/virtual reality which at first I wasn't sure but Tad writes great characters and intriguing plots so of course I am invested in continuing the series.
1 big book ; 770 total pages ; 770 average pages.
I loved Tad Williams' fantasy series Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, so had to try this four book series.
Otherland is more sci-fi/virtual reality which at first I wasn't sure but Tad writes great characters and intriguing plots so of course I am invested in continuing the series.
1 big book ; 770 total pages ; 770 average pages.
12connie53
>11 bryanoz: I loved that series, Bryan. Really very good. Looking forward to reading what you are thinking about the books as you progress.
13bryanoz
Thanks Connie, all the best for 2026!
2. Sleeping Beauties, Stephen King, Owen King, 718 pages.
'In a future so real and near it might be now, something happens when women go to sleep; they become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze.
If they are awakened, and the gauze wrapping their bodies is disturbed or violated, the women become feral and spectacularly violent; and while they sleep they go to another place.
The men of our world are abandoned, left to their increasingly primal devices. One woman, however, the mysterious Evie, is immune to the blessing or curse of the sleeping disease.
Is Evie a medical anomaly to be studied, or is she a demon who must be slain?'
Borrowed the official blurb which is a good summary, enjoyed the story and as usual with a King novel I was keen to see how the plot would resolve, with a satisfactory ending!
2 big books ; 1488 total pages ; 744 average pages.
2. Sleeping Beauties, Stephen King, Owen King, 718 pages.
'In a future so real and near it might be now, something happens when women go to sleep; they become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze.
If they are awakened, and the gauze wrapping their bodies is disturbed or violated, the women become feral and spectacularly violent; and while they sleep they go to another place.
The men of our world are abandoned, left to their increasingly primal devices. One woman, however, the mysterious Evie, is immune to the blessing or curse of the sleeping disease.
Is Evie a medical anomaly to be studied, or is she a demon who must be slain?'
Borrowed the official blurb which is a good summary, enjoyed the story and as usual with a King novel I was keen to see how the plot would resolve, with a satisfactory ending!
2 big books ; 1488 total pages ; 744 average pages.
14bryanoz
3. River of Blue Fire, Tad Williams, 634 pages.
Second book in his Otherland series, a virtual reality sci-fi story. Haven't met a Tad Williams book that I didn't enjoy so I will read on.
3 big books ; 2122 total pages ; 707 average pages.
Second book in his Otherland series, a virtual reality sci-fi story. Haven't met a Tad Williams book that I didn't enjoy so I will read on.
3 big books ; 2122 total pages ; 707 average pages.
15bryanoz
4. Sketches by Boz, Charles Dickens, 680 pages.
This is a collection of Dickens' earlier writings, described as 'a funny and touching collection of observation, fancy and fiction showing the London he knew in all it's complexity...', not to the depth of his later novels but still interesting.
4 big book ; 2802 total pages ; 700 average pages.
This is a collection of Dickens' earlier writings, described as 'a funny and touching collection of observation, fancy and fiction showing the London he knew in all it's complexity...', not to the depth of his later novels but still interesting.
4 big book ; 2802 total pages ; 700 average pages.
16bryanoz
5. To Ride Hell's Chasm, Janny Wurts, 692 pages.
A stand alone fantasy novel with a simple premise, a princess is missing and a veteran Captain is appointed to find her. This seemingly simple story quickly becomes a page turner and I recommend it.
5 big books ; 3494 total pages ; 699 average pages.
A stand alone fantasy novel with a simple premise, a princess is missing and a veteran Captain is appointed to find her. This seemingly simple story quickly becomes a page turner and I recommend it.
5 big books ; 3494 total pages ; 699 average pages.
17bryanoz
6. Mountain of Black Glass, Tad Williams, 711 pages.
Third book in the Otherland series and I'm certainly invested in finding out how this scifi, virtual reality story wraps up in the final book next.
6 big books ; 4205 total pages ; 701 average pages.
Third book in the Otherland series and I'm certainly invested in finding out how this scifi, virtual reality story wraps up in the final book next.
6 big books ; 4205 total pages ; 701 average pages.
18bryanoz
7. The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkein, 1193 pages.
A reread for me, a chapter a day since the 1st of January, my grand daughter read it at the same time and it was great to share the story with her, we have watched the first two movies with The Return of the King to go.
7 big books ; 5398 total pages ; 771 average pages.
A reread for me, a chapter a day since the 1st of January, my grand daughter read it at the same time and it was great to share the story with her, we have watched the first two movies with The Return of the King to go.
7 big books ; 5398 total pages ; 771 average pages.
19LisaMorr
You are doing great with the BFBs! I haven't read anything by Tad Williams yet - would you mind recommending a book to start?
20bryanoz
Hi Lisa, thanks for your encouragement, I am very happy to recommend The Dragonbone Chair, first in the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn trilogy. Tad takes a while (150 pages or so) to set the scene and characters and then the epicness takes off! Hope you enjoy the series as I did and let me know how it goes, regards.
21LisaMorr
>20 bryanoz: Thanks for the recommendation!
22bryanoz
8. Sea of Silver Light, Tad Williams, 960 pages.
Final volume of the Otherworld epic sci-fi virtual reality series and I was happy with how Williams brought the disparate threads and characters together to a satisfactory conclusion.
8 big books ; 6358 total pages ; 795 average pages.
Final volume of the Otherworld epic sci-fi virtual reality series and I was happy with how Williams brought the disparate threads and characters together to a satisfactory conclusion.
8 big books ; 6358 total pages ; 795 average pages.
23bryanoz
9. The Women of Chateau Lafayette, Stephanie Dray, 565 pages.
'An epic saga from New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray based on the true story of an extraordinary castle in the heart of France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy.'
This was an epic story told by three different women from 1774, 1914 and 1940, an enjoyable read.
9 big books ; 6923 total pages ; 769 average pages.
'An epic saga from New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray based on the true story of an extraordinary castle in the heart of France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy.'
This was an epic story told by three different women from 1774, 1914 and 1940, an enjoyable read.
9 big books ; 6923 total pages ; 769 average pages.
24bryanoz
10. King Sorrow, Joe Hill, 881 pages.
Recently published, this is a dark fantasy saga of a group of friends who summon a dragon from an alternative dimension to deal with some nasty people, however this horror will be returning every year and they need to put forward more victims, or one of them will be chosen. I'm not explaining the plot very well but it is an epic wild adventure with many twists and nasty moments, that career towards a spectacular ending. Enjoyed this very much, I read his NOS4A2 some years ago and it was a good read so will need to read the others!
10 big books ; 7804 total pages ; 780 average pages.
Recently published, this is a dark fantasy saga of a group of friends who summon a dragon from an alternative dimension to deal with some nasty people, however this horror will be returning every year and they need to put forward more victims, or one of them will be chosen. I'm not explaining the plot very well but it is an epic wild adventure with many twists and nasty moments, that career towards a spectacular ending. Enjoyed this very much, I read his NOS4A2 some years ago and it was a good read so will need to read the others!
10 big books ; 7804 total pages ; 780 average pages.
25bryanoz
11. Shirley, Charlotte Bronte, 701 pages.
Written after the popular Jane Eyre, Shirley seems to me to be an experimental novel, with direct comments by the narrator and numerous themes- roles of women, industrialization and, of course romance. Once I settled into the story and characters the story grew on me.
11 big books ; 8505 total pages ; 773 average pages.
Written after the popular Jane Eyre, Shirley seems to me to be an experimental novel, with direct comments by the narrator and numerous themes- roles of women, industrialization and, of course romance. Once I settled into the story and characters the story grew on me.
11 big books ; 8505 total pages ; 773 average pages.
26bryanoz
12. Shadowmarch, Tad Williams, 848 pages.
Finished one Tad Williams series and straight onto the next! First of a four book epic fantasy series that is reminiscent of his first Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series, but no problem for me as I am invested in the plot and rich character development.
12 big books ; 9353 total pages ; 779 average pages.
Finished one Tad Williams series and straight onto the next! First of a four book epic fantasy series that is reminiscent of his first Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series, but no problem for me as I am invested in the plot and rich character development.
12 big books ; 9353 total pages ; 779 average pages.
27LisaMorr
>25 bryanoz: Imagine my surprise when I went to enter my latest BFB to see you had just read Shirley, too - how funny! Your edition had a lot more pages though - mine was 572, which included an introduction, bibliography, chronology and explanatory notes - I guess mine had much smaller print, LOL!
28bryanoz
Hi Lisa, funny how these reading coincidences happen, especially with a book published 177 years ago! I always chose the Penguin Classics editions if I can get them, my copy has
Intro+Chronology 32 pages
Text+ Notes+Glossary 669 pages,
what will be your next classic? Mine will probably be No Name by Wilkie Collins, sometime in May.
Intro+Chronology 32 pages
Text+ Notes+Glossary 669 pages,
what will be your next classic? Mine will probably be No Name by Wilkie Collins, sometime in May.
29bryanoz
13. Shadowplay, Tad Williams, 765 pages.
Second in a four book epic fantasy series and as always Tad Williams pens a saga that gets the reader invested in the characters and then gradually ramps up the tension, very keen to get to Shadowrise soon.
13 big books ; 10,118 total pages ; 778 average pages.
Second in a four book epic fantasy series and as always Tad Williams pens a saga that gets the reader invested in the characters and then gradually ramps up the tension, very keen to get to Shadowrise soon.
13 big books ; 10,118 total pages ; 778 average pages.
30LisaMorr
>28 bryanoz: I'm reading Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte- I had a challenge to read two books by people related to one another and decided to take care of two 1001 books!
31bryanoz
>30 LisaMorr: Hi Lisa, I hope you enjoy Agnes Grey, I thought it was good although I enjoyed the later The Tenant of Wildfell Hall more.
32bryanoz
14. Shadowrise, Tad Williams, 592 pages.
Third in a four book epic fantasy series.
14 big books ; 10,710 total pages ; 765 average pages.
Third in a four book epic fantasy series.
14 big books ; 10,710 total pages ; 765 average pages.
33LisaMorr
>31 bryanoz: I did like it and I’m looking forward to that one also.
34bryanoz
>33 LisaMorr: Happy reading Lisa!
35bryanoz
15. Against the Day, Thomas Pynchon, 1220 pages.
Arguably Pynchon's most ambitious (and complex) novel since Gravity's Rainbow, this sprawling novel covers the years 1893 to post WW1, has a vast array of characters and topics, and is full of the creativity and humour that marks Pynchon's work.
I read this over 1.5 months, 30 to 40 pages a day, this method helped me to not be too overwhelmed with the size and complexity of this novel.
15 big books ; 11,930 total pages ; 795 average pages.
Arguably Pynchon's most ambitious (and complex) novel since Gravity's Rainbow, this sprawling novel covers the years 1893 to post WW1, has a vast array of characters and topics, and is full of the creativity and humour that marks Pynchon's work.
I read this over 1.5 months, 30 to 40 pages a day, this method helped me to not be too overwhelmed with the size and complexity of this novel.
15 big books ; 11,930 total pages ; 795 average pages.
36bryanoz
16. Shadowheart, Tad Williams, 736 pages.
Final volume of the Shadowrise four book series and more epic fantasy greatness from Tad Williams!
16 big book ; 12,666 total pages ; 791 average pages.
Final volume of the Shadowrise four book series and more epic fantasy greatness from Tad Williams!
16 big book ; 12,666 total pages ; 791 average pages.
37bryanoz
17. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, Kiran Desai, 671 pages.
Recently published, this is a big story of two modern young adult Indians who study in the US and are looking for connection. Encompassing themes of identity, cultural expectations of the young (and old) and much more I enjoyed many aspects of Sonia's and Sunny"s adventures.
17 big books ; 13,337 total pages ; 784 average pages.
Recently published, this is a big story of two modern young adult Indians who study in the US and are looking for connection. Encompassing themes of identity, cultural expectations of the young (and old) and much more I enjoyed many aspects of Sonia's and Sunny"s adventures.
17 big books ; 13,337 total pages ; 784 average pages.
38bryanoz
18. No Name, Wilkie Collins, 645 pages.
I have read and enjoyed two other books of Wilkie's, The Woman in White and The Moonstone and No Name was just as good! An intricate, twisting story that I wasn't able to predict, and ultimately very enjoyable.
18 big books ; 13,982 total pages ; 777 average pages.
I have read and enjoyed two other books of Wilkie's, The Woman in White and The Moonstone and No Name was just as good! An intricate, twisting story that I wasn't able to predict, and ultimately very enjoyable.
18 big books ; 13,982 total pages ; 777 average pages.
39kac522
>38 bryanoz: Great to hear you enjoyed it! I've read the 2 you did, plus Man and Wife (so good!) and couldn't put them down. I've got No Name, Armadale and The Law and the Lady on my TBR one of these days. So far the only that hasn't worked for me is The Dead Secret.
40bryanoz
Hi Kathy, I've got Armadale and The Law and the Lady to read sometime soon, I need to source the others after that, happy reading!
41bryanoz
19. The Calamity Club, Kathryn Stockett, 638 pages.
The author's second novel, her first was the brilliant The Help, The Calamity Club is just as good! Set in 1933 Mississippi during The Depression, we follow Meg, Birdie, Charlie and others who are women struggling in difficult times. A story of friendship, resilience and risk, loved it!
19 big books ; 14,620 total pages ; 769 average pages.
The author's second novel, her first was the brilliant The Help, The Calamity Club is just as good! Set in 1933 Mississippi during The Depression, we follow Meg, Birdie, Charlie and others who are women struggling in difficult times. A story of friendship, resilience and risk, loved it!
19 big books ; 14,620 total pages ; 769 average pages.
42bryanoz
20. Daughter of the Empire, Raymond Feist & Janny Wurts, 528 pages.
First of the sequels to the Magician trilogy where Mara, a young woman is suddenly thrust into leadership. Interestingly this occurs on the other world, where the invaders of the first series came from. Engaging and happy to read the sequels.
20 big books ; 15,148 total pages ; 757 average pages.
First of the sequels to the Magician trilogy where Mara, a young woman is suddenly thrust into leadership. Interestingly this occurs on the other world, where the invaders of the first series came from. Engaging and happy to read the sequels.
20 big books ; 15,148 total pages ; 757 average pages.
43bryanoz
21. Servant of the Empire, Raymond Feist & Janny Wurts, 827 pages.
Second in the Empire trilogy, the political intrigue continues and is engaging.
21 big books ; 15,975 total pages ; 761 average pages.
Second in the Empire trilogy, the political intrigue continues and is engaging.
21 big books ; 15,975 total pages ; 761 average pages.
44bryanoz
22. Fortunata and Jacinta, Benito Perez Galdos, 841 pages.
A Spanish classic novel set in the late 1800s, the story of two very different women who love the same man. It was interesting to experience the people's lives in a Spanish city at that time, also credit to the translator Agnes Moncy Gullon, the novel was long but an effortless read.
22 big books ; 16,816 total pages ; 764 average pages.
A Spanish classic novel set in the late 1800s, the story of two very different women who love the same man. It was interesting to experience the people's lives in a Spanish city at that time, also credit to the translator Agnes Moncy Gullon, the novel was long but an effortless read.
22 big books ; 16,816 total pages ; 764 average pages.
45bryanoz
23. Mistress of the Empire, Raymond Feist & Janny Wurts, 860 pages.
Final volume of the Empire trilogy, a reasonable engaging visit to the world of Magician, there are many more books in the series but I am happy to leave it there, the next fantasy series will be RJ Barker's Forsaken trilogy, starting sometime in August I hope.
23 big books ; 17,676 total pages ; 768 average pages.
Final volume of the Empire trilogy, a reasonable engaging visit to the world of Magician, there are many more books in the series but I am happy to leave it there, the next fantasy series will be RJ Barker's Forsaken trilogy, starting sometime in August I hope.
23 big books ; 17,676 total pages ; 768 average pages.
