Phantom of the Opera

By: Gaston Leroux (I'm not sure who translated the edition I read)

Gothic or Horror Classic: Classics Challenge

This was a surprise. I was already familiar with the story but not the book story which is different than all the movie renditions. I was pleasantly surprised.

"Rumors abound that a ghost stalks the dark passages and cellars of the Paris Opera House. No one has actually seen this Phantom, but Christine Daaé, a beautiful and talented young singer, has heard his voice. He is her "Angel of Music," coaching her to sing as she never could before. When the handsome Viscount begins to court Christine, the mysterious Phantom-consumed by jealousy-rises up to seek revenge."

Little Women

By: Louisa May Alcott

A Romance Classic: Classic Challenge

I really didn't like this book. I couldn't even finish it. It was too slow and boring. Not my cup of tea, at all!

"Grown-up Meg, tomboyish Jo, timid Beth, and precocious Amy. The four March sisters couldn't be more different. But with their father away at war, and their mother working to support the family, they have to rely on one another. Whether they're putting on a play, forming a secret society, or celebrating Christmas, there's one thing they can't help wondering: Will Father return home safely?"

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

 Translator: Simon Armitage

A classic originally published before 1800: Classic Challenge


"One of the earliest great stories of English literature after Beowulf, Sir Gawain is the strange tale of a green knight on a green horse, who rudely interrupts King Arthur's Round Table festivities one Yuletide, challenging the knights to a wager. Simon Armitage, one of Britain's leading poets, has produced an inventive and groundbreaking translation that helps liberate Gawain from academia."

I'm not sure how I feel about this book. It was okay, and a little strange. I loved the way this edition was laid out: one side original text, the other side translated. I'm glad I can check it off my list.


I do have a question though. This book was written before 1800, I'm not entirely sure it was published before then? I hope it was, otherwise it won't count.