My 2014 Reading Challenge

My 2013 book challenge was really rewarding, making me pick up books I would just keep skipping over in favor of lighter reading. I’m doing it again for the third year in a row.

Some books are carried over from last year and some I dropped because … well, I’m not married to these lists. If am inspired at all to reach higher than before, that’s good enough for me.

1. Les Miserables – Victor Hugo
   This was on my 2013 list and having begun it about a week ago, I’m enjoying it quite a bit. Unabridged. Of course.
2. Rabble in Arms – Kenneth Roberts
   My second favorite historical fiction author. This is a big ‘un I overlooked somehow about the Revolutionary War.
3. The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha – Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
   One of Rose’s favorites which she’s been pushing on me for a long time. Also, Scott from Good Story said he was interested in reading it this year. They were too much for my weak will.
4. Charles Dickens novel
   Not sure which one yet. I’m wavering between Our Mutual Friend and Nicholas Nickleby.
5. Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength – C. S. Lewis
   I’ve had this pushed at me by everyone and his brother. Never been able to get past the first few chapters of Silent Planet but recently I tried the audio. That did the trick so I have begun. I’ll give myself a year. That should be long enough.

1. The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
   I chose Tolkien as my 2013 saint last year (admittedly not a recognized saint, but at the very least as an inspiring Catholic I wanted to help me on my heaven). It was an amazing year filled with lessons that have definitely helped me. I want to know Tolkien’s thoughts in his own words now instead of just reading his fiction.
2. A Song for Nagasaki: The Story of Takashi Nagai: Scientist, Convert, and Survivor of the Atomic Bomb – Paul Glynn
   Takashi Nagai isn’t recognized by the Church as a saint but in my eyes he’s qualified. I find him extremely inspiring and am going to spend 2014 in his company, as I did last year with Tolkien. I’ve begun this and it is really fascinating.
3. Art: A New History – Paul Johnson
   It’s been on my coffee table for about a year. I’ve very slowly read some and loved it. This may help me read it more dedicatedly.
4. America: The Last Best Hope (Volume II): From a World at War to the Triumph of Freedom – William J. Bennett
   I really enjoyed the first volume last year. This is on my book stack and, as with Art, I hope this will get me to crack it open. That’s all it will take, I have a feeling, to hook me.
5. The Scarlet and the Black: The True Story of Monsignor Hugh O Flaherty, Hero of the Vatican Underground – J.P Gallagher
   This also was on last year’s list. I am really enjoying Song For Nagasaki and hope I’ll also enjoy this true story of faith under crisis just as much.