I can hardly believe it, but this year marks the 10th anniversary of the annual R. I. P. Challenge, hosted by Carl of Stainless Steel Droppings typically, but this year by Andi and Heather of the Estella Society. I look forward to this challenge more than any other every year, and it think it’s mainly because it’s the perfect marriage of time of year (fall) and subject matter—anything creepy, scary, or as Carl says, “Mystery. Suspense. Thriller. Dark Fantasy. Gothic. Horror. Supernatural.” I plan to go for broke and read four books. Might be ambitious considering I have a book club and school is starting, but I am going to go all in this time and see what happens.
I need to figure out what I am going to read, but my longlist includes the following books, some of which I already have and should read:
It looks like a good list! Some of these books were on my list last year, and were probably there the year before. I really need to read the ones I’ve bought already, but I have to admit, I’m giving several of these books that I don’t own some rather longing looks.
Aside from starting the challenge, there isn’t much news. I have continued working my way through a re-read of both King Lear and A Thousand Acres in preparation for teaching them. I am also listening to the second book in the All Souls trilogy by Deborah Harkness, The Shadow of Night. I can’t count it for the R. I. P. Challenge because I started it before the official start date of September 1. I have some other books I pick up from time to time. I’ve also been re-reading the Harry Potter series and am nearly finished with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I really loathe Dolores Umbridge. She’s too realistic a villain. I’ve known crappy teachers like her, and yes, sometimes they go on to be crappy administrators. That book is a really interesting study of what happens when the government interferes with education. I understand the purpose of oversight, but when you have a bunch of people who know nothing about teaching running the show, you’re going to have a disaster. And frankly, this book is too accurate a portrayal of what that looks like in the real world, never mind Hogwarts.
So, are you joining me in the challenge?
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So many good books in here! Things Half in Shadow was a really fun read and I might look for a copy of The Ghost Map. I hope you have a fantastic reading season!
Kristen M. recently posted…Joining In: RIP IX
I have heard such good things about The Ghost Map. Thanks for the info on Things Half in Shadow.
Dana recently posted…Sunday Post #29: R. I. P. Challenge X
These look like such great reads! I’ve not heard of a few of them so I’m off to GoodReads to add them to my TBR (and borrow them for my own RIP list!)! Happy RIP-ing!
Sharlene recently posted…It’s Monday and September is nearly upon us!
Thanks! You have fun, too!
Dana recently posted…Sunday Post #29: R. I. P. Challenge X
Dolores Umbridge IS the worst. To me, she’s a worse villain than Voldemort, kind of for the reasons you say — Voldemort’s just committed to evil, and that’s what it is, but Dolores Umbridge is the type of person you encounter in the real world. Exaggerated, sure, but still. Could be real. She’s the one I really wished ill on from that whole series; if she had died in some awful gruesome way I’d have been happy about it because I’m a bloodthirsty jerk. :p
Jenny @ Reading the End recently posted…But realistically I think we are in an eternal summer: A links round-up
Yeah, she is the worst for sure. And I think because, as you say, she is so common in the real world. Did you read her backstory on Pottermore? I thought it was interesting.