Once again, I have signed up for the RIP challenge -- R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril. Participants read books or watch movies that are ghostly, ghastly, gothic, suspenseful, or sufficiently moody for the season. Even though it's September, it's not even remotely close to fall weather in Texas, but his will help me pretend we actually have seasons (oh, who am I kidding? It's going to be 100 degrees today!)
But back to the books. I've signed up for Peril the First, which is four reads over two months, which is quite manageable. I have a lot on my TBR plate at the moment, so this year I've really narrowed down my RIP reads. But I also got smart -- three of my four book group reads for September and October qualify -- probably because I chose all of them for the group. I wasn't thinking specifically about RIP months ago when I made the schedule, but I did think it would be fun to read something a little creepy.
First, the September read for my afternoon book group:
Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris. Not sure if it fits the challenge exactly, but it has some kind of mysterious element, so I'm including it for now. Been wanting to read this one for quite awhile
Then, selections for both book groups for for October:
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. This has been on the TBR list for awhile, plus it's on my Classics Club list. I really liked We Have Always Lived in the Castle which I read for RIP VI.
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill. I have selfishly reserved every copy in my library system for our book group. (Well, if people want to read it, they can join the group, right?) It's short, and I might even work up the nerve to watch the movie adaptation, which looks really creepy. I just hope it's not too scary for the group members -- oh well, you can't please everyone.
And I'll have to choose at least one more read to complete the challenge. I have this stack of mysteries, gothic novels, and short stories from my TBR shelves. (Quite a few of these were on the pile from last year's challenge):
Just in case you can't make out the titles, here's what's in the photo, from top to bottom:
The Doll and Other Short Stories by Daphne du Maurier
The Ghost Stories of Muriel Spark
The Mystery of Mrs. Blencarrow by Margaret Oliphant
The Mysterious Death of Miss Austen by Lindsey Ashford
A Conspiracy of Paper by David Liss
The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens
The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier
The Uses of Enchantment by David Liss
Any recommendations from the pile?
Has anyone else signed up this year? What are you planning on reading?
I love the RIP time of year! I also love Du Maurier, so definitely include one of her works, she's brilliant with the eerie setting. I'm currently listening to My Cousin Rachel in audio format narrated by Jonathan Pryce, and it is so wonderfully haunting. Du Maurier really knows how to ratchet up the suspense.
ReplyDeleteI really liked My Cousin Rachel, and I love Jonathan Pryce, that must be a great audiobook. I've also listened to an audio of Rebecca narrated by Anna Massey that was just wonderful.
DeleteI'm going to informally participate in RIP. I plan to read a few short stories around Halloween.
ReplyDeleteOf your list, I've only ever read The Scapegoat. It was the first Du Maurier I read when I was a teen and I am still really fond it.
Du Maurier has written so many books I want to read! I received The Scapegoat as a present a couple of years ago and I really want to get to it this year. I read Rebecca as a teenager and I still love it.
DeleteRIP is the best! This will be my third year participating. I've also got some Jackson lined up as well as du Maurier. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteJackson and Du Maurier are perfect for this time of year. It's my third year as well. It's not really fall here in south Texas but all the RIP posts help me pretend.
DeleteThe Ghost Stories of Muriel Spark is one I read for RIP IV. There were a couple of good stories but I wasn't super impressed over all. And I was thinking about The Mystery of Edwin Drood but then dropped it at the last minute. Now I'm thinking of Read-a-Thoning it and putting it back on my RIP list. We'll see! Enjoy your reading!
ReplyDeleteEdwin Drood is probably wishful thinking on my part -- I'm in an online group that just started Barnaby Rudge, and I don't think I can read two Dickens at the same time. (I honestly don't know if I can get through Barnaby Rudge on my own).
DeleteAnd the good thing about the Muriel Spark is that it's short, and someone gave it to me. If I don't like it, I'll just pass it along to someone else. Have fun during Read-A-Thon!
There are only a few challenges I get excited about but RIP is one of them! You're in for a spooky treat with The Woman in Black, Karen, preferably read late at night when you're all alone.
ReplyDeleteI'm toying with the idea of a reread of Her Fearful Symmetry, full of atmospheric Highgate Cemetery.
I'll read the book when I'm home alone, but I don't think I could watch the movie -- at least if I can reading I can shut the book and read something else. Or put it in the freezer if I get too scared, like Joey in that episode of Friends, which always makes me laugh.
DeleteThe Haunting of Hill House is one of my favorite books. If you like it, you might like the movie version, the one with Julie Harris and Claire Bloom. Don't even think about watching the second re-make (awful!!).
ReplyDeleteI've heard the remake is just awful, despite the presence of the dishy Liam Neeson. I'll definitely be skipping it!
DeleteI've heard The Haunting of Hill House is another Jackson masterpiece and you can't go wrong with Daphne du Maurier. I'm trying to decide whether to read David Liss's Whiskey Rebels or A Conspiracy of Paper this fall, probably the former but the later looks excellent as well.
ReplyDeleteHave a R.I.P.-roaring time reading for this challenge :)
I haven't read any David Liss but he's a local author and I've actually met him! I'm hoping someday today choose one of his books for our book group, maybe we can even score an author visit to our book discussion group.
DeleteI suppose I must sign up for the 4 book option. AND I really would like to do an old classic since I seem heavy on the current horror options. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed The Woman in Black although foolishly read it alone in the house, late at night when my husband was away ... scared me to death!
ReplyDeleteI love your list! I have only decided on two titles thus far, but your books have given me some ideas!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list! I've decided to do Peril the First, too. I'm reading The Little Stranger, Wuthering Heights, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and possible The Twelve. Or I may throw in a spooky movie in there, if I don't have time to read all four. I'm so excited! RIP means fall ;)
ReplyDeleteHello Karen,
ReplyDeleteI've recently rewritten a classic novel by Victorian author, Marie Corelli. Would you be interested in reviewing it? My novel is called The Contessa's Vendetta. If you are interested, you can contact me at: mirellapatzer@gmail.com.