LA12 Try 999

I'm also doing the 100 book challenge so I figured I should be able to complete one the these challenges.

My categories are;
1. Plays- 3 Greek, 3 Shakespeare, 3 Oscar Wilde (Done)
2. Classic Lit- 3 Ancient, 3 Before 1900, 3 After 1900 (8 of 9)
3. Cozy Mysteries- 3 Dick Francis, 3 Rex Stout, 3 Agatha Christie (Done)
4. Sci-fi/Fantasy-3 Anne McCaffey, 3 Robert Silverberg, 3 Robin Hobb (4 of 9)
5. Graphic Novels- 3 Jim Henson, 3 Star Trek, 3 New to me (3 of 9)
6. From my TBR pile- 3 Oldest, 3 Left over from last year, 3 I didn't know I had (7 of 9)
7. Audio books (Done)
8. Have you Read... (Done)
9. Just for fun. (Done)

Edited to finish out categories

1. Plays-(DONE)
Greek:
1.Agamemon read 4-20-2009
2. Antigone read 4-24-2009
3. Frogs read 3-30-2009

Shakespear:
4. Merry Wives of Windsor read 1-06-2009
5. As You Like It read 3-30-2009
6. Much Ado About Nothing read 2-18-2009

Oscar Wilde
7. Lady Windermere's Fan read 12-31-2008
8. The Canterville Ghost read 1-17-2009
9. The Importance of being Ernest read 1-7-2009

2. Classic Lit- (DONE)
Ancient:
1. Aeneid read 6-10-2009
2. The Republicread 8-6-2009
3. The Iliad read 6-10-2009

Before 1900:
4. Pilgrams Progress read 9-03-2009
5. Cyrano de Bergerac read 1-11-2009
6. Arthurian Romances read 6-11-2009

After 1900:
7. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn read 9-29-2009
8. Cabbages and Kings read 10-08-2009
9. The Great Gatsby read 5-12-2009

3. Cozy Mysteries-(DONE)
Dick Francis:
1. Shattered read 3-08-2009
2. Rat Race read 8-19-2009
3. Dead Cert read 6-26-2009

Rex Stout
4. Curtains for Three read 8-16-2009
5. Might as Well be Dead read 8-17-2009
6. Black Orchids read 4-16-2009

Agatha Christie-
7. The Man in the Brown Suit read 8-13-2009
8. Three Blind Mice read 2-19-2009
9. The Secret of Chimneys read 6-24-2009

4. Sci-Fi/Fantasy-
Anne McCaffey:
1. Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern
2. Nerilka's Story read 8-16-2009
3. All the Weyrs of Pern read 9-5-2009

Robert Silverberg:
4. Sorcerers of Majipoor read 9-04-2009
5. The Mountains of Majipoor read 8-18-2009
6. Valentine of Majipoor

Robin Hobb:
7. Fool's Errand
8. Golden Fool
9. Fool's Fate

5. Graphic Novels (Mangas)-
Jim Henson:
1. Return to the Labyrinth
2. Legend of the Dark Crystal Volume
3. TBA

Star Trek:
4. Shinsei/Shinsei read 12-31-2008
5. Kakan ni Shinkou
6. TBA

New to Me:
7. Case Closed read 12-29-2008
8. Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories read 04-03-09
9. TBA

6. From my TBR pile-
Oldest
1. Jane Eyre read 10-03-2009
2. Pride and Prejudice read 1-19-2009
3. Wuthering Heights read 9-31-2009

Left over from last year-
4. The Count of Monte Cristo read 8-16-2009
5. Divine Comedy
6. The Last Enchantment

Didn't know I owned-
7. The Three Musketeers read 10-05-2009
8. Don Quioxte read 1-11-2009
9. Great Expectations read 10-07-2009

Edited to correct title.

7. Audio-books- (DONE)
1. The Innocence of Father Brown heard 1-07-2009
2. The Wisdom of Father Brown heard 1-14-2009
3. Day Boy Night Girl heard 1-07-2009
4. The Haunted Bookshop heard-12-31-2008
5. The Return of Sherlock Holmes heard 1-09-2009
6. The Wind In the Willows heard 2-18-2009
7. My Man Jeeves heard 1-25-2009
8. A Man of Means heard 6-23-2009
9. Murder in the Gunroom heard 8-13-2009

8. Have you read...? (DONE)
1. The Lightning Thief read 10-01-09
2. The Secret Garden read 1-15-2009
3. The Camel Club read 3-23-2009
4. Looking Out the Back Door read 3-11-2009
5. The Lasko Tangent read 3-13-2009
6. The Big Bad Wolf read 3-19-2009
7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid read 4-06-2009
8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 read 4-06-2009
9. The Sea of Monsters read 10-04-09

9. Just for fun- (DONE)
1. Mister Roberts read 1-07-2009
2. Memories can be Murder read 1-6-2009
3. Wit and Wisdom of Don Quixote read 1-11-2009
4. The Penguin Who knew too Much read 3-14-09
5. And Then There Were None read 3-15-2009
6. Carrot Cake Murder read 3-21-2009
7. Dick Tracy read 3-27-09
8. A Man for All Seasons read 4-05-2009
9. Long Day's Journey into Night read 4-30-2009

Finished my first book. Manga-New to Me
Case Closed Vol.1
A cute book about a teen detective that was drugged and made physically younger. He has to try and find the men who changed him so he can change back. Along the way he helps a not to bright Private Investigator solve crimes.

2nd book-Audio book
The Haunted Bookshop
Roger Mifflin's second-hand bookshop is haunted by
"the ghost of great liturture". But why does Thomas Carlyle's book Letter and Speechs of Oliver Cromwell keep disappearing then reappering? And how does a german druggist fit in?

3rd book- plays: Oscar Wilde
Lady Windermere's Fan
A young husband is taken in by a con women or is she? His Wife sees through her or does she? An easy, fun and predictable read.

Book 4-Manga-Star trek
Shinsei/Shinsei
A collection of short stories. I liked the first one it had a surprise ending. But the last one was predictable. Still it was a good book for Star Trek fans like me.

I like your categories. I've read some on your list and enjoyed them all.
I just read The Iliad last week - the Fitzgerald translation was a great read.
I really like The Count of Monte Cristo and Watership Down and Pilgrim's Progress (a reread on my 2009 999 Challenge list).
I look forward to watching your progress. And I may add to my TBR pile now that I've seen your list.

Book 5-Just for fun
Memories can be Murder by Connie Shelton

A young women finds out that her parents death 15 years ago did not happen as she had thought. Questions reveal that everyone knows what happened but not why. And someone is determined to keep things that way. A good cozy that keeps you interested right to the end.

6. Plays- Shakespeare
The Merry Wives of Windsor By William Shakespeare

Start with an aging Knight trying to woo two wealthy wives, who are aware of his scheme. Add one jealous husband, an elderly suitor, two young lovers and a plot for revenge and you have a great story.

I loved this book. It was funny, witty and totally engrossing.

7. Audio book-
The Day Boy and The Night Girl by George MacDonald

A witch raises a boy to know only the sunlight and never be touched by the dark. While she raises a girl to only know the moon of night and never the sunlight. Can they come together to defeat the witch and find a life together?

8. Audio book-
The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton

A collection of short stories about a Roman Catholic priest who helps solve crimes using his wisdom and knowledge of human nature. Was fun to listen to and looking forward to the Wisdom of Father Brown next.

9. Just for Fun
Mister Roberts by Thomas Heggan

I just finished this book and decided to watch a little TV, when what do you think was on TCM? Yes! Henry Fonda in Mister Roberts, with Jack Lemmon and James Cagney. The book of course goes into more detail about the life abord the ship and the interaction of the crew.

10. Plays- Oscar Wilde
The Importance of Being Ernest

"To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness."
This is a fun and very witty play. Loved it.

That makes 4 books read or listened to today. Being sick has it's advantages.

I am sorry that you have been sick. I hope that you feel better soon!
--BJ

11. Audio Book
The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Still not feeling well and couldn't sleep so I finished listening to the book. I recognize many of the stories from the dvd collection of Sherlock Holmes movies that I own. All of them were good.

12. From my TBR pile- Didn't know I had
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

The most agreeable madman who ever lived!
I must say that I got really attached to Don Quixote. I could easily imagine traveling with him. And felt the biggest tragedy was his death after he regained his sanity. I couldn't help feel he would have been better off to die while insane.

13.Classic Lit- Before 1900
Cyrano De Bergerac by Edmond Rostand

Christian wants Roxanne to love him for who he is.
Roxanne loves Christian for his beauty and soul.
But Cyrano is the soul of Christian and the love of Roxanne.
A hauntingly tragic tale. I fell for Cyrano and his soul.

14. Audio Books-
The Wisdom of Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton

Father Brown has learned alot about human nature through his interaction with people. And this knowlegde helps him solve crimes. A good collection of short stories.

15. Have you read...?
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
recommended by my sister

This was a favorite of my sister's and I can see why.
Mary is strong willed, Dickon is friendly and Colin is misunderstood. They form a strong bond and create a world of their own. Despite the problems of the adults around them, they manage to make a good life for themselves.

16. Plays- Oscar Wilde
The Canterville Ghost

When a proper English ghost meets a modern American family the culture shock is almost more then he can bear. Yet in the end it turns out to be just what he needed.

A wonderful story.

17. From my TBR pile- Oldest
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Yeah! I finally finished Pride and Prejudice. I can now say I've read it.

18. Just for Fun...
Wit and Wisdom of Don Quixote de la Mancha by Harry Sieber

Love to go back and read the quotes. So many of them are in use every day I was very surprised.

19. Just for Fun...
My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

A collection of short stories about an English man and his Gentlemens Gentleman. They remind me of old TV sit-coms. There was only one that I didn't like.
All in all they were fun.

</i>So - how did you like Pride and Prejudice? I think I will check out The Wisdom of Father Brown. Thanks for your comments on what you've read.

It was Ok. I had heard so much about it I already knew what to expect.

I'm actually reading P&P right now. {I love the BBC five hour adaption, so I thought I really ought to read it.} It definitely helps to already know the plot.

And I see you read Cyrano de Bergerac. Ah, I love that book! It's so fun.

Yes it was, I can't believe it took so long for me to read it.

20. Plays-William Shakespeare
Much Ado About Nothing

Don John hates his brother the Prince Don Pedro.
Claudio loves the Lady Hero.
Benedick hates Hero's cousin, Beatrice, whom hates him.
So why won't Claudio marry Hero and why will Benedick marry Beatrice. And just what does Don John have in plan to ruin his brother?
You call this nothing?

21. Audio-Books
Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

I loved this book when I was young. Listening to it reminded me of my mom, who read it to me when I was eight. It was lots of fun.

22. Cozy Mysteries-Agatha Christie
Three Blind Mice

A collection of short stories some that have Miss Marple, some Poirot, some have other detectives. I really liked "The Tape-measure Murder" (even though the title is a spoiler) and "Third Floor Flat".

23. Cozy Mysteries-Dick Francis
Shattered

Dick Francis is one of my favorite writers and he didn't disappoint me. The mix up and the ending made for a fun read. I found the references to the glass blowing accurate and informative.

24. Did You Read...?
Looking Out the Back Door by Brian S. Elliott
Recommended by author

Four school friends, from any small town America, grow up to become the Guardians of the "Pathway". Living and dying the life of the every day man, till only one guardian remains.

25. Did you Read...?
The Lasko Tangent by Richard North Patterson
recommended by my boss

How do you do your job when no one wants you to do it for fear you will actually succeed? Washington D.C. intrigue and backstabbing make for a thrilling read.

26. Just for Fun-
The Penguin Who Knew too Much By Donna Andrews

Who knew moving into a new house would be so stressful? Between Meg's mother trying to decide where to put the sofa, her brother asking what to do with the punch bowl he just broke and her father wanting her to call the police for the body he just found in her basement; Meg hardly has time to figure out what to do with the penguins, llamas and that cage full of hyenas.

27. Just for Fun-
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Classic about the mystery of the death of the only ten people on a mysterious Island.

28. Have You Read...?
The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson
Recommended by a friend

The story and the plot were good. However it was drawn out and dragged in places. The ending wasn't a surprise but it was good.

29. Just For fun
Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

A family reunion, the return of a long lost relative and a cake to die for, what better way to spend a week at the lake.

I enjoyed the story the plot was well thought out and the recipes look yummy.

30. Have You Read...?
The Camel Club by David Baldacci
recommended by my best friend

The President of the United States has been kidnapped by a group of dead Muslim terrorist. Can Oliver and the members of the Camel Club find out how and who is behind it? And just how do the North Koreans figure in to this? With only eight hours till dooms day time is running out.

31. Just For Fun
Dick Tracy by Max Allen

I've seen the movie and it is not to different from the book. It followed the old cartoons pretty well and I really enjoyed the book.

32. Plays Greek
Frogs by Aristophanes

Dionysus goes to Hades to bring back Euripides because he believes him to be the greatest poet in the world. It was actually a fun read. I was surprised.

33. Plays: Shakespeare
As You Like It

I didn't like this as much as some of his other plays.
It took me forever to finish.
Rosalind dresses herself up as a man, she then falls in love with Orlando, while Phebe falls in love with Rosalind's male persona and Slivius falls for Phebe.

34. Graphic Novel: New to Me-
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories by Shiro Amano

King Mickey and Riku are trapped when the door to Kingdom Hearts is sealed. Now Goofy, Donald and Sora are in Castle Oblivion trying to save them. I really enjoyed this manga.

35. Just for Fun-
A Man for all Seasons by Robert Bolt

A play about the conflict between Henry the VIII and Sir Thomas More. More's speeches gives me pause to wonder how I would handle the same situation.

36. Did you Read...?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
recommended by my 8 year old niece

These books are so cute. Reminded me of when my own sons were younger. Brought back many memories and I just loved the drawings.

37. Cozy Mysteries; Rex Stout
Black Orchids

Nero Wolfe actually leaves the brown stone, worth reading the book just for that. Of course he can't ignore the beautiful black orchids or the dead body at the flower show.

38. Plays- Greek
Agamemnon by Aeschylus

Agamemnon returns home in triumphant after ten years of fighting the Trojans. Ready to resume the throne and get back to normal except...
Before he left he sacrificed his daughter,
Iphigenia, to ensure victory against the Trojans.
When he came back he brought his mistress, Cassandra, home with him. No wonder his wife wasn't happy to see him.

39. Plays- Greek
Antigone by Sophocles

This is the last Book in my Plays Category.

Against the orders of the king, Creon, Antigone preforms the burial rite over her brother, Polyneices's body. Even though she is to marry Creon's son, Haemon, she is sentenced to death and sealed in a cave to starve. Of course since this is a Greek tragedy she dies, then Haemon dies, and his mother dies and Creon is left a broken man.

40. Just for Fun.
Long Day's Journey into Night by Eugene O'Niell

As a mother slips into a drug induced fog, her family watches in despair. As she slip deeper she blames her husband for her loneliness. She blames her oldest son for giving his 2 year old brother the measles thus causing his death. And she blames her youngest son for the doctor giving her morphine to ease her pain after he was born.

41. Classic Lit-After 1900
The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald

Nick lives next door to Jay.
Jay loves Nick's cousin Daisy but Daisy loves money.
George loves his wife Myrtle but Myrtle loves money.
Tom has money and so gets Nicks cousin, Daisy, as his wife and George's wife, Myrtle, as his mistress.
Then Jay gets money and gets Tom's wife, Daisy, as his lover. But Daisy accidentally kills Tom's mistress Myrtle. Tom tells George, Daisy's lover, Jay did it. George shoots Jay then himself.
Tom's mistress is dead but he doesn't care. Daisy's lover is dead but she doesn't care.
Jay is dead and only Nick cares.

>41 LA12Hernandez: Awesome summary.
>40 LA12Hernandez: I've always wondered what that was about - again, thanks for the summary.

In fact, I love checking in for your summaries as you make progress through your 999 list.

How did you like The Camel Club? I read it recently, and I liked it.

> 60 Thank You lauranav

> 61 ChrDaisies
I liked the book. I understand from my friend who recommended it that the next book is even better.

42. Classic Lit- Ancient
The Iliad by Homer

Achilles and Agamemnon take two women as "spoils of war". When Agamemnon has to return his, he claims Achilles. Feeling he had been insulted Achilles withdraws his forces from the War and threatens to return home. All the while the gods have been playing ...well gods and interfering with the battle. What with the pride of man and the gods interference it's no wonder the Trojan War lasted so long.

43. Classic Lit- Ancient
The Aeneid by Virgil

The story of Aeneas and a band of Trojan refugees after the Trojan War. They set out to find a new homeland and end up setting the ground work for the Roman Empire.

I couldn't get into the book and so had a hard time reading it. Not that it is that easy to read to begin with. But It was worth the time and I'm glad I finished it.

* edited to correct spelling

44. Classic Lit- Before 1900
Arthurian Romances by Chetien de Ttoyes

Four wonderful romances full of Knights, Ladies, jousting and quests. I'm not much of a romance reader so I had to be in the mood to read this book, but I did enjoy it while I read it.

45. Audio Book
A Man of Means by P. G. Wodehouse

Six short stories about Roland and his uncanny ability to acquire money and foil those who try to take advantage of him. I really enjoyed this book. And plan to listen to it again.

46. Cozy Mysteries-Agatha Christie
The Secret of Chimneys

Anthony spends the weekend at the Historic Chimneys where kings, princes, police, thieves, young and old are not what they seem. Two deaths, blackmail, love letters, oil and the unpublished memories of the Prime Minister of Herzoslovakia, give Anthony more excitement then he expected.

Just stopping by to say that you are doing great with your challenge.
--BJ

Thanks. I had hoped to be further along but I'm keeping up.

47. Cozy Mysteries- Dick Francis
Dead Cert

Alan finds himself between the women he loves and the man she adores. But finding the bad guy doesn't mean Alan is safe. Sometimes your worst enemy maybe a close friend.

48. Classic Lit-Ancient
Plato's Republic

I finally ploughed through this book. Just like High School I found it hard to read and boring. It's like a prof's lecture, I learned a lot (the debate about Justice did make me think) but it was dry reading and my mind wandered a lot. Took me months to finish but I did.

49. Cozy Mysteries-Agatha Christie
The Man in the Brown Suite

Anne knew that the man in the brown suit wasn't a doctor or a killer but she didn't know how he was connocted to two seperate deaths. Determined to find out just who he is she uses her inheritance and follows him to South Africa. If she survies the trip she might just find the murderer.

50. Audio
Murder in the Gunroom by H. Beam Piper

Did Lane, an avid gun collector, really shoot himself accidentally, was it suicide or could it be murder? Gladys hopes Jeff will be able to find out while cataloging Lane's 2000 some odd guns for sale. What he finds are missing guns replaced by cheap copies and the man who made them dead. Jeff just has to tie all the ends together or so it seems.

51. Cozy Mystery- Rex Stout
Curtains for Three

Three short Nero Wolfe stories. I like the one "Disguise for Murder". the murder happens in Wolfe's brownstone and Cramer seal's the office as a crime scene.

52. From my TBR pile-Left over from last year
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Wrongly accused and imprisoned Edmond Dante escapes and exacts his revenge. I loved the movie with Gerard Depardieu and the book not only filled in the details but brought greater insights into the characters personalities.

53. Cozy Mysteries- Rex Stout
Might as Well be Dead

He wouldn't say anything and so was convicted of murder because he thought she did it. She didn't say anything to help him because she thought he did it. But three murders later Nero Wolfe knew exactly who killed Mollory.

54. Sci-Fi/Fantasy- Robert Silverberg
The Mountains of Majipoor by Robert Silverberg

I read the first 5 chapters, skipped and read chapters 9 and 10, and skipped to read the last 2 chapters 17 and 18 and had no questions. Boring. I loved Lord Valentine's Castle and Valentine Pontifex But this was disappointing.

Prince Harpirias is sent to rescue some paleontologist from a band of barbaians who have never had contact with the citizens of Majipoor. There are just two things they want, one is no problem but the second...

55. Cozy Mystery- Dick Francis
Rat Race

When a bomb blows up the plane Matthew, as the pilot, is held responsible. Then when he breaks the rules to save the popular jockey, Colin Ross and his sister, he is held responsible again. Will things never work out for him? Now he has to try and save the Duke of Wessex and his nephew. if he lives long enough.

56. Sci-fi/Fantasy- Anne McCaffery
Nerilka's Story

Nerilka leaves Fort Hold at the height of a deadly plague and makes her way to Ruatha Hold as a healers assistant. Once at Ruatha, Prince Alessan makes a pact with her, she hopes she never has to fulfil.

57. Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

I have tried several different times to read this and even though I found the story interesting I had trouble keeping my mind from wondering. I think I will give this book a try again next year.

>57 LA12Hernandez::
I think it also depends on the translation.
I have 3 and I think the version by L. Edward Hazelbaker is the best.
I think it is worth the time and effort. But this year may not be the right time for it.

>56 LA12Hernandez:: I need to go back and read some more Anne McCaffrey
Ooh, I've read Moreta's Story so this would be a good addition.

Thanks!

Thanks I never thought about the translation I'll try Hazelbaker.

58. Sci-Fi/Fantasy-Robert Silverberg
Sorcerers of Majipoor

A thousand years before Lord Valentine, Prince Korsibar steals the throne from Prince Prestimion and for the first time in a thousand years Majipoor is at war. But then the Oracle did tell Korsibar "You will shake the world." Question is can the world survive?

Boy I am so far behind on posting.

59. Sci-Fi/Fantasy- Anne McCaffey
All the Weyrs of Pern

We finally learn about the three sisters and the Red Star. An the ship that brought their ancestors from earth to Pern.

60. Classic Lit- After 1900
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

This was a favorite book of my sister and I can see why. The daily struggles of every day life and how Francie handled them reminded me of my sister. Gave me a better understanding of how she saw our life.

61. From My TBR pile-Oldest
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

First Jane has a hard childhood. Then she thinks things are finally going her way when on her wedding day she finds out that her Groom is still married. But just because she's insane and living in the attic doesn't make things right. So she moves on and receives a proposal from a nice steady man who doesn't love her but feels she'll make a good wife for a missionary. But she still loves Edward and finds out that he is hurt. So they finally get back together and live happily ever after. Is this an Opera?

62. From my TBR pile- Oldest
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Heathcliff spends his entire life trying to get revenge on those he feels hurt him. And spends his whole life hurting himself instead. He winds up denying himself the love he so desperately wanted.

63. From my TBR pile- Didn't know I had.
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

The movies are very close to the book. I did find the book filled out the story. I really enjoyed the book.

64. From my TBR pile- Didn't knew I had
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

It took me a long time to read this. Though I usally enjoy Dickens I coudn't get into this one. I just didn't connect with Pip. For some reason I felt like I was reading the Great Gatsby in ole England.

65. Did you read....
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy finds out he's no ordinary 6th grader, he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon. Well that explains a lot. So now all he has to do is go an a quest to recover Zeus's thunder bolt and survive 6th grade.

67. Did You read...
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Percy can't wait to get back to Camp Half-blood, a camp for demigods like himself, so when he hears it is in trouble he wants to help. But Clarissa, daughter of Ares, is given the Quest to save the camp. So What is Percy doing in the Sea of Monsters?

68. Classic Lit- After 1900
Cabbages and Kings by O Henry

When I started this Challenge I planned it around my TBR pile. But I've been temporarily re-located and even though I haven't finished the challenge I have finished the books I had with me. Since I don't want to re-buy any books I've decided to go ahead and start my 10-10-10 challenge. If I get to go back home before the end of the year I may try to finish the 999. I did manage to finish out 6 categories and just 13 books shy.