You may recall I was on the fence about buying the whole set of Melville House Publishing’s Art of the Novella series. 42 volumes (not 37 like I thought). I thought I was safely past feeling like I needed to have the complete set when Frances comes along and throws fuel on the fire. Next thing you know it my Paypal password is being entered and 42 books and tote bag are now winging their way my direction.
Crazy Frances (that is her new name) has created a reading challenge to read as many of the Art of the Novella series as possible in the month of August. She plans to read all 42! I am going to join her challenge, but I think I am only going to shoot for 9 during August–which puts me at the level of “Passionate”. I am not sure I can make it up one more notch to the 15-novella “Mesmerized” level. Because of course I plan to read other things that month as well.
And Frances notes that the good folks at Melville are sponsoring prizes for those who participate.
hogglestock 
Wowzers. That is an awesome book purchase, congrats! I'm slightly jealous ;) Sounds like a fun challenge so happy reading.
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Oooo look at the pretty coolloouurs 8-O
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Wow, that's pretty exciting. I am glad to know that I'm not the only one obsessed with book acquisitions — after I got those first four Wodehouse editions, I now crave the entire set of 75. Riiiight. This would not be so terrible if I didn't move every three years and had a bajillion books already.
Hey, at least they're novellas and therefore short — how much space can they take up?? You got them on sale, and the nice tote bag too. Right??
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That is a great collection Thomas,all the best stu
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It looks like a lovely collection, Thomas. I'm not sure you can beat those authors.
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This is going to be so awesome! Can't you just feel the thrill of it already? Just wait until that package arrives, Thomas. Every doubt will leave your mind and you will be saying, “Crazy Frances, I want to read them all!” You, me and Anthony. All 42. Fight Club for book geeks.
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I was wondering if you would succumb to her challenge. :) Enjoy your reading – and the loveliness the collection will add to your library!
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That is awesome that you bought all 42! Makes me a bit jealous :) I'm still not sure how many I'll be reading for the challenge yet. It'll definitely be a fun challenge and I can't wait to read all of Frances' posts – love that she plans on reading all 42!
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I would love to buy all 42 as well…they are so pretty :) Good luck with the challenge, it sounds fantastic!!
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Hm, I would beg to differ that Mrs Dalloway is a novella…
A number of these I own and The Awakening is an all-time favorite of mine.
Did you purchase the Penguin Mini Modern Classics boxset? I really want to own the complete Great Food series.
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Collection addict though I am, I don't think I can spring for this…
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Sometimes you just have to give in to these whims! They are lovely books and I might have to get a few myself!
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Ha you are bonkers. Though I love how you have just given into the urge completely.
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That is a tempting challenge. Sounds like a wonderful way to spend the closing days of summer vacation.
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Amy: In your picture you look a bit like Chloe Sveginy.
Relish: I wish I had a way to display them. The colors are great.
Karen: I have two of those Wodehouse editions. If I were a big fan of his I know I would be buying the whole set.
Stu: Hopefully it will be fun to read them.
Brenna: So mahy of the authors seem “serious” it makes me a bit nervous.
Frances: I must admit having them in hand does make me want to contemplate a bit more ambitious goal. But all 42…
Susan: I bought the books now the question is how will I do on the actual challenge part.
Nadia: I know, Frances is going to be busy.
Melwyk: It was a weak moment.
Claire: Oddly, the Woolf that showed up was Jacob's Room, not Mrs. Dalloway. I think the publishers may have changed their minds somewhere between the promo poster and the actual publishing. I haven't gotten the Penguin Mini Moderns. I almost did, but then something held me back.
Simon T: Perhaps it was geographical proximity to Frances that really pushed me over the edge. Like she and her novella henchmen might come over and put the thumb screws on me.
Danielle: Oh, I am never afraid of a whim.
Simon S: Frances is even more bonkers.
CB: I definitely think you should join us.
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