Monday, May 19, 2008

It's the End of the World as We Know It.....



Becky, Becky, Becky. I hope you know you are KILLING me with all your challenge ideas!! This one, however, is one that I just can't pass up. It's the End of the World Challenge, and it's hosted by Becky from Becky's Book Reviews. And although I have been using these challenges to try to broaden my reading, this one goes right back to my roots! Rules are easy. Read 3 novels from May 2008 - Sept. 15, all dealing with end-of-the world or post-apocalyptic subject matter.

Well...I love this stuff. The Stand by Stephen King has been one of my favorite books since I first read it....YEARS ago. It's actually one of the few novels that has ever garnered a re-read from me. I've read it 3 times!! Not many books compare to it, but I guess I'm going to have to try!!

Here is my challenge list. Yes, I know. Longer than 3, but I just can't help myself. It's a sickness, you know.

  • Life as We Knew It by Sarah Beth Pfeffer
  • The Road by Cormac McCarthy
  • Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
  • A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller, Jr.
  • The Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld (Uglies, Pretties, Specials, Extras)
  • The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Oh yeah...this is going to be fun!! And since I know you are all singing REM in your head (and yes, I know every word to this song!):




Coming soon: My list for Darla's Irresistable Review Challenge!! At this point, it's hopeless to resist!!

19 comments:

Becky said...

So glad you're joining in. Yes, the song was in my head the whole time :) I'll be reading The Stand for the first time...and I'm looking forward to it. I knew it was Debi's favorite book, but I didn't know it was yours too. :) That's two good reasons I should read it sooner rather than later!

You've got some great books on your list.

By the way, I also joined the Irresistable Reviews Challenge :)

Stephanie said...

Becky - The Stand is fantastic!! I may even have to reread it again. And to be honest, the mini-series was actually very well-done. Superb casting...except for Molly Ringwald (don't get me started on that one!) Definitely worth watching, after you've read the book!

This will go down as one of one my favorite challenges, I'm quite sure!!

Debi said...

Hmmm...how did I know you'd be joining in on this one, too? ;) So glad you are!

I'm so glad you said that about Molly Ringwald...she is NOT Fran! That has always bugged me to no end! But you're right, other than her, everyone else was cast perfectly.

Stephanie said...

Debi - Say it again, Sister!! Am I that obvious that you knew I'd join??

I was so impressed with the mini-series. I loved Gary Sinese, Rob Lowe, Ossie Davis, Ray Walston, Laura San Giacomo. And Bill Fagerbakke, in my mind, was a stroke a genius as Tom Cullen. But Molly Ringwald. Damn...what were they thinking???

Laura said...

Since I started blogging about a month ago, I can't stop joining challenges! People come up with such great ideas! I am not familiar with most of the books on your list, so I'll be looking forward to your reviews.

Stephanie said...

Laura - Like I commented on your blog...Good Luck! There is no way avoiding all the fun challenges. I've tried. But I'm weak!

Melody said...

Another challenge!!! I knew you won't let this pass, hehe...

You've a great list there! Can't wait to read those reviews. :)

chrisa511 said...

I totally had to pick The Stand because of you and Debi...I thought that the two of you would crucify me if I didn't pick that one for this challenge. I've been meaning to read it for awhile anyway and I'm really excited about it! Hope you enjoy Life as we Knew it..it's great! I'm reading The Dead and The Gone right now which is the companion book to that one. And I forgot about the damn Road! That's another one I want to read!

Seriously...all the words????

Booklogged said...

Hmmmm...I may just have to read The Stand one of these days. Three rereads says a lot!

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

I didn't even try to resist this one! I'm planning on reading The Road as well--so we'll have to compare notes. I've heard such much about it and love McCarthy, but haven't been jumping to read it since I purchased it a year ago. Those darn TBR books!

Carl V. Anderson said...

If you are looking for a short story book to go with your reading you might want to take a look at this one:

http://www.stainlesssteeldroppings.com/?p=838

I reviewed it earlier this year and is where the button art for this great challenge comes from.

I love the challenge idea though I burnt myself a bit on post-apocalyptic reading earlier in the year and have so many review books and others on my plate that I don't really have time. Too bad though because this sounds like a really fun challenge.

Bellezza said...

Well, I can say that I've read The Stand three time from the beginning to the middle...then I get so scared I give it up. My friend loaned me her unabridged, 1400 page copy that was re-released in 91 I think, and I'm trying to get through that. Stephen King scares me, except for Kujo, The Shining, and Carrie. But, I've always wanted to read The Stand since it's referred to so often. Maybe I can this summer. Best to you, Stephanie!

Ana S. said...

Those are some great picks...enjoy them!

KyleeJ said...

hmmm this challenge sounds interesting... **blog hops**

Ladytink_534 said...

The Stand is one of my favorite re-reads! Great choices.

Angela/SciFiChick said...

Cool challenge! If I didn't have an organized pile of books that I have to read (somewhat) in order, I'd definitely be participating!
In fact, there are probably several in my piles that have to do with the end of the world!
I just read one the other day!

raidergirl3 said...

3 little novels, eh? I really liked the dystopian challenge last year, and I want to read nearly on the ones on your list - I've read The Road, but the rest...

I've already read Uglies, so I really want to find out what happens next. I'll be joining in, I know it.

The solution, bellezza, is to read The Stand in one sitting. Don't put it down. I read all night, through into the morning to finish The Stand, because I couldn't put it down. Oh, the wonderful days of summer vacation during university years. One of the best books ever.

raidergirl3 said...

oh, yes, and Great Big Sea also sing a version of that song. Awesome.

Bonnie Jacobs said...

Here are my reviews for three of the books:

Life as We Knew It
http://bonniesbooks.blogspot.com/2008/03/life-as-we-knew-it-by-susan-beth.html

The Road
http://bonniesbooks.blogspot.com/2007/04/road.html

which includes A Canticle for Leibowitz