Saturday, March 21, 2015

Once Upon a Time IX: Reading Fantasy, Folklore, and More


The Once Upon a Time Challenge, hosted by Carl of Stainless Steel Droppings, takes place during the months of spring. As usual, I have a stack of books I have been saving to read at this time of year.

Carl describes this challenge thusly:
Saturday, March 21st marks the official start date of the ninth annual Once Upon a Time Challenge. This is a reading and viewing and gaming event that encompasses four broad categories: Fairy Tale, Folklore, Fantasy and Mythology, including the seemingly countless sub-genres and blending of genres that fall within this spectrum. The challenge continues through June 21st and allows for very minor (1 book only) participation as well as more immersion depending on your reading/viewing/gaming whims.
Check out the post for Once Upon a Time IX for an explanation of options for participation and sign-ups. The option I have chosen is The Journey. I want to participate but not commit to reading a specific number of books.


These books have been on my list for a long time:
  • The Black Company by Glen Cook
  • Tailchaser's Song by Tad Williams
  • Land of Dreams by James P. Blaylock
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
Other books I would like to read are:
  • Sweet Silver Blues by Glen Cook
  • Callahan's Crosstime Saloon by Spider Robinson
  • A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett
Four of these books are mine; four come from my son's bookshelves. Sweet Silver Blues by Glen Cook is the first book in the Garrett, P.I. series, which blends mystery and fantasy elements.

Other options that I might participate in would be reading short stories or watching movies or TV shows in one of these genres. I am especially interested in trying some short stories, but we will see if I have time or the inclination in the next three months.

14 comments:

Kay said...

My advice is to finish up that Harry Potter series. Enjoy your "once upon a time"-ing. :-)

Cath said...

That's a great list! The Earthsea books are amazing. The Land of Dreams looks interesting, will have to look that up. Have fun!

Anonymous said...

I've been hearing about this challenge for a while, and I think it's a great idea. I hope you enjoy it, Tracy, and I'll look forward to your reviews.

TracyK said...

You are right, Kay. I really do need to finish the series. After all the book came out in 2007 and I bought my copy in 2009, so what am I waiting for? (Well, it is really long.)

TracyK said...

Cath, reading What Makes This Book So Great makes me want to read Le Guin, and I thought the Earthsea trilogy was a good place to start, since my son has been recommending them for years.

TracyK said...

Margot, it is a great opportunity for me to focus on some fantasy books in my stacks. I think my husband even has a couple of fantasy / mystery books that I did not list.

col2910 said...

More you than me I think Tracy. I may sample a Pratchett book at some point. Good luck on another challenge then!

DesLily said...

Earth, Sea books are really good! read them eons ago lol.. looking forward to your reviews!

TracyK said...

As usual, Col, I think the amount of books I desire to read for the challenge will not match the number of books I have the ability to read in that time frame. But I do hope to get a start on Pratchett.

TracyK said...

DesLily, I am looking forward to trying those books. My son likes them a lot.

Prashant C. Trikannad said...

Tracy, since Harry Potter, I'm way behind in my reading of fantasy, partly because I don't know many contemporary authors in this genre. Your list will be helpful. Good luck to you on yet another challenge!

Sergio (Tipping My Fedora) said...

Thanks TracyK - I can't reall;y see myself passing this one up - cheers!

TracyK said...

Prashant, I always though I liked science fiction more, but I have a lot of a fantasy books too. I actually like science fiction or fantasy combined with mystery best.

TracyK said...

That is great, Sergio. I look forward to your reviews. You always find interesting books... and movies, of course.