Thanks to Rory at Fourth Street Review, I was made aware of this titillating reading challenge hosted by Stainless Steel Droppings. It runs for the months of September and October. The initial concept is for readers who share “Autumnal predilection for the works of Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Bram Stoker and other authors contemporary and classic who captured the spirit of Gothic literature” to come together for a mighty read.
I have never participated in a reading challenge but I thought this would put me right in the mood for Autumn (I am on a self-imposed writing retreat far away from New York in a tropical locale filled with palm trees, beaches, and HEAT and am certainly not feeling the lovely affinity I have for Fall with its orange leaves and hot spiced beverages).
There are a few different levels of the challenge, I have chosen Peril the First which is to read at least four books that fit into the criteria. But take a look at the website if you plan to join in the fun. There are various challenges. Here are the categories to choose from:
Mystery.
Suspense.
Thriller.
Dark Fantasy.
Gothic.
Horror.
Supernatural.
Or anything sufficiently moody that shares a kinship with the above. That is what embodies the stories, written and visual, that we celebrate with the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril event.As time has wound on I’ve honed this event down to two simple rules:
1. Have fun reading (and watching).
2. Share that fun with others.
I also thought this would be the perfect opportunity to finally sit down and read some moody classics that have been on my radar for some time. Here are my selections and I hope you join as well!
Oh my goodness it’s that time of year again! Thanks for pointing it out…
I hope you take part! I’m bookishly excited.
It was fun when I did it last year (in a very small way). I’m planning to do it again this year!
I really liked The Monk!
I’m looking forward to it. It has been on my to-read list for a few months now.
The Monk is both absolutely dreadful and absolutely ridiculous. You must read it. I do love Rosemary’s Baby and, as a devoted King fan, I think ‘Salem’s Lot is one of his best.
I’ve never heard of The Private Memoirs of a Justified Sinner, but I’m intrigued. And thank you for the mention, I’m glad you decided to join.
“Absolutely dreadful and absolutely ridiculous” is what I’ve heard of it before. I feel like it’s a must read. I’m almost finished with Salem’s Lot and am completely engrossed. I plan to review all 4 on the blog, so when finished with ‘Justified Sinner,’ I’ll definitely have info up about that one. I’ve only just heard of it last week.
This is a great first challenge to start with! Very low-key, very engaged participants, and VERY fun!
Sounds like I picked a good one. Just finished my first (review soon) and can’t decide which one is next. Maybe something Gothic because I just did a 20th Century horror? But who knows…