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Controlling my book buying habits sounds like torture of the vilest kind... I probably should though. But then joining this group would have been wrong, and who would want that? I can live with it, as long there is enough room in my flat to settle down with a good book to read between all those I am going to read. One day.

I'm wondering if I should count Shalimar the Clown for #7... There are a lot of beliefs and stories in there, mostly Indian, but as a special treat one of the characters also offers her own version of Rumpelstiltskin... I think it would count, but I'll probably not count it to give me reason to read another one of these ever growing piles. Still a great book though.

Oh, and I just spotted Troll: A Love Story in the Endicott list... It's been years since I've read it, but I'd still dare to recommend it to anyone who has space in #1, 4 or 12. I think I'll change one of those for a reread of it myself. :)

For #8 Middle East, I am going to give this collection of short stories a try The Hedgehog

I've read my YA Fairy tale retelling: Wolf. It wasn't quite what I had expected and kept me guessing what it was, anyway, for quite a while, but I like its ambivalent portrayal of real and symbolic wolves. I'm glad this challenge led me to it.

I can't get Dreamer's Pool or The Priest's Soul to show on my challenge. I set the date before and after , had them tagged.
Does anyone know what I can do?
Thanks!

Jalilah wrote: "I can't get Dreamer's Pool or The Priest's Soul to show on my challenge. I set the date before and after , had them tagged.
Does anyone know what I can do?
Thanks!"

Do you have to shelf it under read also?

Jalilah wrote: "I can't get Dreamer's Pool or The Priest's Soul to show on my challenge. I set the date before and after , had them tagged.
Does anyone know what I can do?
Thanks!"

I don't know! I added The Priest's Soul to my challenge shelf just now, and it worked fine.

Kathy wrote: "Jalilah wrote: "I can't get Dreamer's Pool or The Priest's Soul to show on my challenge. I set the date before and after , had them tagged.
Does anyone know what I ..."

Yes, I have both books shelved under challenge and under read.
I check to make sure the start dates was before the finish, shelved correctly etc. It really strange!

Jalilah wrote: "For #8 Middle East, I am going to give this collection of short stories a try The Hedgehog"

Just finished this morning. I'm not going to use it for the challenge as the stories would be considered more surreal than mythic.

Ok! Figured it out! I had not written the name of the challenge, into-the-forest-2016-challenge, in my entry!

Jalilah, I see both those books there for your challenge. It might just be a caching issue... Some of these challenges, you have to go into the challenge itself and refresh or wait 24 hours.

I might be destined to read most of this challenge by accident... What do you think about Arthurian legend? Is that enough "surrounding the worlds major religions"? I'm rereading The Once and Future King and all this questing for the grail and having to be pure for it struck me as fitting...

Wolf wrote: "I might be destined to read most of this challenge by accident... What do you think about Arthurian legend? Is that enough "surrounding the worlds major religions"? I'm rereading [book:The Once and..."

Hmm, it might work better for Europe, though certainly the holy grail has a lot of religious mythology surrounding it!

Wolf wrote: "I might be destined to read most of this challenge by accident... What do you think about Arthurian legend? Is that enough "surrounding the worlds major religions"? I'm rereading [book:The Once and..."

That's up to you, Wolf. It's not like we mods critique people's lists!

IMO, though, chasing the grail alone isn't really enough... That's more of a King Arthur thing than a Christian thing. They could have been questing after anything, really.

But again, it's up to you! It technically does qualify, if you want to put it in that category.

No, no, it's perfectly alright, thank you for your opinions. I was thinking about it today and realized that, while trying to make them fit categories gives me new perspectives on the books I read that's not what I'm after with challenges. That actually is reading books I wouldn't have read otherwise... So I won't try any more to make books I read fit, I will choose books specificly for the challenge. -- Well, or let them choose me... I think my perfect #5 found me today:

Riders

Isn't that the most beautiful cover ever?

3. One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: The Phoenix Dance by Dia Calhoun

Wanted to like this one more than I did. I was so excited to find a new 12 Dancing Princesses story.

A bit flat in the telling. And none of the characters are really likable.

Kathy wrote: "3. One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: The Phoenix Dance by Dia Calhoun

Wanted to like this one more than I did. I was so excited to find a n..."

That's too bad Kathy! We've had bad luck lately with YA novels!

Wolf wrote: "No, no, it's perfectly alright, thank you for your opinions. I was thinking about it today and realized that, while trying to make them fit categories gives me new perspectives on the books I read ..."

As Melanti said, it's not like we mods check people's lists. Everyone can do what they like!
In the past sometimes I've only realized after I read something that it fit a catagory of a challenge. For instance as I mentioned before, I originally read The Priest's Soul for the Group read, but realised after I read it it would be suitable for the tales influencing or incorporating religions. The tale is very short, so I am going to read something else from the collection.

Yes, all the time I don't realize a book fits until after I've read it--I did that this year with the Darkest Part of the Forest. I use it if it fits!

I was thinking of reading The Sandalwood Box: Folk Tales from Tadzhikistan this year. I think of this as Central Asia. What region would this be considered for this challenge? Thanks.

Susan wrote: "I was thinking of reading The Sandalwood Box: Folk Tales from Tadzhikistan this year. I think of this as Central Asia. What region would this be considered for this challenge? Thanks."

Yes, it is Central Asia! Sounds good! Just today a friend of mine posted some a video of dance and music from Tadzhikistan on Facebook. It was beautiful and made me want to travel there!

Kathy wrote: "3. One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: The Phoenix Dance by Dia Calhoun

Wanted to like this one more than I did. I was so excited to find a n..."

I read this several years ago. Although I remember feeling that it could have been better, I really liked the way the author used the story of the 12 Dancing Princesses to explore bipolar disorder. I wish there were more fantasy/fairy tale retellings that incorporated a compassionate exploration of mental illness.

Lacey wrote: "I wish there were more fantasy/fairy tale retellings that incorporated a compassionate exploration of mental illness.
"

Yes, in all fiction!

I just finished The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin and I might have just accidentally finished either my Middle Eastern or my African category! Probably Middle Eastern ...

I knew the society was based off of Ancient Egypt, but in the afterword, she talks about how she based the magic system off of some of Ancient Egypt's beliefs - particularly in how medicine was entwined with magic, and the concept of Ka (the soul) as a separate entity from the Ba (the body).

But it also mixes in some other influences - like the Jungian collective unconscious. So, it's not pure Middle Eastern and nothing overt, but if I don't read something else more directly related by the end of the year, I might just go ahead and use it.

Melanti wrote: "I just finished The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin and I might have just accidentally finished either my Middle Eastern or my African category! Probably Middle Eastern ...

I knew the..."

I thought that was a pretty good book, but I never got around to reading the 2nd in the series. Might be good time to do so.

Melanti wrote: "I just finished The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin and I might have just accidentally finished either my Middle Eastern or my African category! Probably Middle Eastern ...

I knew the..."

That's a good idea! I've read the first one, but I have book 2, The Shadowed Sun, sitting on my bookshelf, unread.

I ended up putting it in my Africa list, because I already had 3 on my Middle Eastern list!

Margaret wrote: "I ended up putting it in my Africa list, because I already had 3 on my Middle Eastern list! ..."

I have the audio for the second book as well. Buddy read, perhaps, if three of us are going to read it?

I think my African slot is completely empty, actually, and I have several options for the Middle Eastern slot - including a long-overdue Netgalley book that I really, really need to get read soon. Maybe I should use Killing Moon for the African slot, and use one of the other options for Middle Eastern, then.

Melanti wrote: "Buddy read, perhaps, if three of us are going to read it? "

I'm in for April or after, but can't before then. Right now, I'm reading to nominate for the Hugos (so 2015 fiction) and for a research paper. Both are due by the end of March, so my reading opens up after March.

Melanti wrote: "Buddy read, perhaps, if three of us are going to read it? ..."

I'm in! I've the book -- just need to read it. I could probably sneak it in most any time.

Margaret wrote: "Melanti wrote: "Buddy read, perhaps, if three of us are going to read it? "

I'm in for April or after, but can't before then. ..."

I'm in no rush! Like Kathy, I could read it whenever. I'd have to finish up whatever audiobook I'm reading first - cause I generally only do one audiobook at a time - and perhaps check out the e-book from the library so I can see how names are spelled, but other than that, I really have no particular reading schedule to follow.

Then when I'm ready to read it, I'll let everyone know (though you two can get started without me if you want!).

I'm going to have to catch up on book 1! Looks like I read it in 2013.

Margaret wrote: "Then when I'm ready to read it, I'll let everyone know (though you two can get started without me if you want!).

I'm going to have to catch up on book 1! Looks like I read it in 2013."

I read it a little over a year ago.

I peaked at a few reviews for book 2 a couple days ago, to see if I would need to hurry up and read it before forgetting book 1, and it sounded like it's not a direct sequel.

It takes place 10 years after book 1. Nijiri is in it, but it sounds like he's a minor character and it focuses on another branch of Narcomancy.

Also, a couple of reviews had trigger warnings for rape - but it skimming those reviews (I didn't want to know too many spoilers) - made it sound like it was handled well.

I feel like I can trust N.K. Jemisin as a writer in terms of handling rape and violence.

Yep, same here.

I finally read The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter! And take it as my read for Asia. But since that was one more really quick read I feel so guilty about those that I decided to try reading 2 books per category- or at least 1 from each and 24 total. My second European was Troll by Stefan Spjut which I really liked for the Swedish setting even though it was strange in so many ways.

Melanti wrote: "I just finished The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin and I might have just accidentally finished either my Middle Eastern or my African category! Probably Middle Eastern ...

I knew the..."

Egypt is considered to be both part of the Middle East and Africa. For anyone who has ever been there you definitely feel like it's both.

Some of you know already that I don't like straight fantasy, preferring settings in our world with the magic hidden or not apparent at first. I tried The Killing Moona few years ago and did not get past a few pages. I felt like I was thrown into a story with lots of magic I did not understand. Initially I'd wanted to read the book because I was under the impression that it look place in Egypt. However the impression I got from the few pages was it wasn't Egypt at all, rather an alternative universe.
Now reading what you are saying, I feel I should give the book a second chance. Especially knowing now that N.K. Jemisin did base the mythology on Ancient Egypt.
So if I read it it March and end up liking it, I might just join you all in a buddy or group read for the second book.
In which case I'll use it for Africa.

Jalilah, knowing that you don't like straight fantasy and overt magic - I don't think it's the best book for your tastes. It's definitely more of a "inspired by" than true historical fiction, and the magic is very overt.

But feel free to give it another try!


Oh - it just occurred to me that this could also go into the LGBTQA category too!

Wolf wrote: "I finally read The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter! And take it as my read for Asia. ..."

I read a really beautifully illustrated version of that a couple of years ago: The Tale Of The Shining Princess

It included illustrations from an old 18th century manuscript of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.

I'm not sure if it was the full version of the story or just an adaptation but I enjoyed it regardless!

Wolf wrote: "I finally read The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter! And take it as my read for Asia. But since that was one more really quick read I feel so guilty about those that I decided to try reading..."

Last night I watched The Princess Kaguya, a Studio Ghibli movie that retells that fairtale (the tale of the bamboo cutter)! It was sooooo beautiful. Really, one of the best fairytale movies I've seen; I think it's going in my top 5 Studio Ghibli. I highly recommend it to everyone in this group. Here's the US trailer for it, but it doesn't do the movie justice.

I read it in Traditional Japanese Literature: An Anthology, Beginnings to 1600, since I couldn't make sure about any available translation that it was complete, and that one I had on my shelves. So we probably read the same version, Melanti, mine is also the translation by Donald Keene. The adventures od two of the suitors were left out, sadly. I will keep my eyes open for the anime, I love Studio Ghibli adaptations.

I'm still looking for a nice traditional emaki version you can look at online, so far I have only found a modern one:

Wolf wrote: "I'm still looking for a nice traditional emaki version you can look at online, so far I have only found a modern one: ... "

That's lovely! Very similar to the art in the movie.

Am going to try for all twelve, wish me luck.

1.One Mythic Fiction novel from the Endicott list
2.One Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list
3. One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list
4.A book with an LGBTQA character
5.A book that makes use of the stories surrounding one of the world's major religions (i.e. Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam)

A book or collection set in or using mythology/tales/folklore from:
6.East Asia (i.e. China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, etc)
7.Oceania and South & Southeast Asia (i.e. India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, Polynesia, Micronesia, etc)
8.Middle East
9.Africa
10.Central or South America
11.North America & Caribbean (Non-European based tales only)
12.Europe

I think for # 8 Middle East I will read The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran I know it is often tagged as spiritual, but I think it would also count as mythical, or not?
I just read this interesting article:

I've read pieces of The Prophet. Loved what I have read.

4/12, two more chosen.

1.One Mythic Fiction novel from the Endicott list: Little, Big by John Crowley
2.One Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter
3. One Young Adult Fairy Tale retelling from the Endicott list: Mirror Mirror by Gregory Maguire
4.A book with an LGBTQA character: A Song for Arbonne by Guy Gavriel Kay
5.A book that makes use of the stories surrounding one of the world's major religions (i.e. Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam)

A book or collection set in or using mythology/tales/folklore from:
6.East Asia (i.e. China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, etc)
7.Oceania and South & Southeast Asia (i.e. India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, Polynesia, Micronesia, etc)
8.Middle East
9.Africa
10.Central or South America
11.North America & Caribbean (Non-European based tales only) The Terror by Dan Simmons (Uses Inuit folklore)
12.Europe Staked by Kevin Hearne (Druids, Irish Pantheon, cameos and appearances by gods and monsters from various other pantheons {what is the plural to pantheon, anyway? Panthea?})

Melanti wrote: "Jalilah, knowing that you don't like straight fantasy and overt magic - I don't think it's the best book for your tastes. It's definitely more of a "inspired by" than true historical fiction, and t..."

You're probably right that I still wouldn't like it! It's one of those books I really wanted to like.

James wrote: "Update of 91..."

Hi James, just a quick note in case you didn't know, but you can edit your challenge placeholder post (#91) by hovering over your post and clicking on the Edit link in the lower right section of the post. That way you can stay within your original post and don't have to re-post/duplicate every time you finish a book, change a selection, etc.

Currently reading Nights at the Circus for #1. A crazy ride so far.

Leah wrote: "James wrote: "Update of 91..."

Hi James, just a quick note in case you didn't know, but you can edit your challenge placeholder post (#91) by hovering over your post and clicking on the Edit link ..."

Thanks, Leah

Finished today #6. East Asia: The Tale Of The Shining Princess by Sally Fisher

Quick read with beautiful illustrations.

Kathy wrote: "Currently reading Nights at the Circus for #1. A crazy ride so far."

I've been curious about that book for sometime now. Unlike others in this group I am not as enamoured by Angela Carter. I only have read The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories I found it too creepy! Maybe I should give her another try?

I am reading more stories in Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry for #5, as they definitely combine Christianity with pre-Christian Mythology.