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The Challenge

This blog is an attempt at tackling all the "classics" of literature that alluded me while I was an English major in college over ten years ago. I loved studying the classics and I absolutely LOVE to read - its one of my passions but in college, there was often better things to do than study Spencer's, "The Faerie Queen." (Hate!!). Drinking, fraterninzing with the opposite sex and working 2 jobs often took priority. Now that I am well out of college I am ready to revisit those years in the academic sense (and maybe occasionally in the social sense). Technically, that is my story but more honestly, this is an attempt to combat extrememe boredom in a period of now 2 years of unemployment.  I have spent this time of nothingness, doing all of the things they tell you to do when you become unemployed: volunteering, getting more exersize, reconnecting with yourself, blah blah blah, but reading has been my constant go to and support in this time. It just seems fitting then that I tackle some of the greatest novels ever written and offer up my humble opinion about them. I'm not claiming to be any kind of expert on literature but I am pretty opinionated; there is rarely anything I feel just ok about. I'm a love/hate kind of gal especially when it comes to books.  Take, "Pride and Prejudice"for example:  this Jane Austen classic brings out a violent hatred in me. I find it so incredibly boring and dated yet my sisters all adore Jane Austen and it makes for some great heated discussions over Thanksgiving dinner.  I have cried uncontrollably, laughed out loud and had my heartbroken through reading great works of literature. I believe I have some interesting opinions and I have read thousands of books in my lifetime so I have given myself the challenge of reading as many classics as I can and offering up my humble commentary.  I sorted through dozens of lists on the internet trying to narrow down what I should read. Because I didn't want to read books by all long past deceased white guys, (so many of the classics are in this category, UGH!) I took some liberties with the word "classic" and tried to incorporate a diverse group of authors. All of the books on my list may not be considred classics but they all are consisered amazing works of art. So, let the fun begin!

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