Diana at Book of Secrets shared a couple of weeks ago that she had searched for a Gothic Fiction Reading Challenge all over and was not successful in finding one. There is a seasonal R.I.P. challenge that she and many of us enjoy, but she wanted one that would last all year. So she began her own. She's using it mainly to keep track of the books she reads this year that fit her idea of 'gothic'. If you'd like to take a look at her post, go here. She has some great links provided for definitions of 'gothic' and also links to lists of 'gothic' books - modern, haunted houses, southern, Gothic romances, ghosts - everything you might need to find a book considered to be 'gothic'.
I told her that I wasn't doing any challenges this year, but I got to thinking - I read a lot of books that by their very nature and by my personal definition are 'gothic' fiction. And as I've been considering my 'favorites from my keeper shelf', I've been tempted to reread many older books in that vein. So, I've decided to use this post as a place to keep track of just how many books I do read in 2016 that would fit the category. I'll have the badge on my sidebar and you can just click it at any time and see my list, with any reviews I write linked.
What do I consider 'gothic' fiction? Well, I'd include anything that includes spooky, foggy, haunted, ghostly, horror-like, castle or house on a cliff or in a swamp or perched above the sea, an asylum, a graveyard, secrets, diaries - get the picture? I know it when I read it. Personally, I think 'gothic' is what the reader says it is.
Feel free to join in. And may the 'gothic' reading begin....
1. The Gates Of Evangeline by Hester Young
2. The Mediator #1 - Shadowland by Meg Cabot (audio)
3. The Mediator #2 - Ninth Key by Meg Cabot (audio)
4. The Whispering Hollows (3 novellas - The Whispers, The Burning Girl, The Three Sisters) by Lisa Unger (audio)
5. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (audio)
Sounds like huge fun. I think I probably read quite a lot of gothic books too... without even realising it. LOL! Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteOh, I think you definitely do, Cath. Your taste and mine overlaps often. :-)
DeleteThis does sound fun. I use to read a lot of gothic when I was young maybe I'll look on my shelf and see what I have to jump in too.
ReplyDeleteI used to read more gothic in my younger years too, Peggy Ann. Those great authors like Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart and Phyllis Whitney and Dorothy Eden. Sigh. I'd love to read all those books again.
DeleteThis sounds like a good challenge Kay. I used to join lots of challenges but now just one RIP in the fall.
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought I wouldn't join, but actually, this one is really more just keeping a list of books that fit in this category. Which I already read many of each year. And I'll also be joining the RIP challenge again if it shows up.
DeleteThanks for joining, Kay! Yep, this is a very low-stress challenge, just a way to keep track of the Gothic books we read throughout the year. I'm looking forward to seeing what goes on your list. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Diana, for doing this! It will be fun. You can see that I already have picked up The Gates of Evangeline from your list. And I saw that you read Wait Until Helen Comes - I loved that book! My daughter's elementary librarian pointed me toward Mary Downing Hahn. I need to read that one again too.
DeleteI'll leave you to enjoy the gothic!~ Not my genre, too scary, but I can see its appeal.
ReplyDeleteHarvee, I know it's not everyone's type of story. And I understand that. For me, even when I was a young girl, I was a lover of the creepy. :-)
DeleteI'm not sure that I read many books that fall into this category, I'm allergic to ghosts which doesn't help!
ReplyDeleteI understand, Cleo. Not everyone is fond of the ghostly realm. :-)
DeleteI'm looking forward to reading all your reviews, Kay! I love gothic books so I can't wait to hear what you'll be reading. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteWe'll see how many I actually read, now that I've 'made a plan' - which is usually the death knell for me with planned reading. LOL
DeleteNow I'm going to have to check my shelves. Gothic is not something I read a lot of, but I'm sure I have something. I look forward to see what your choices will be!
ReplyDeleteI bet you do have a few, Monica. I think most people who read mysteries likely have a few.
DeleteHey! Just FYI, I added a linky at the bottom of the challenge post on my blog if you want to link up your Gothic fiction reviews. Totally optional. Someone expressed an interest, so I added one. Thanks again for signing up!
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know, Diana. I don't have anything to add yet, but I will at some point.
DeleteI'm so tempted to join this! When I think of Gothic one of the first authors that come to mind are the books by Barbara Michaels. There's a bit of romance, grand homes, strange noises and dashing men that might be evil. Have fun with the challenge!
ReplyDeleteOh yes. I love Barbara Michaels and I agree that her books are classic gothic. I suspect I'll get a reread of a few of hers this year.
DeleteI read mostly suspense, mysteries, thrillers so I'm sure a few of these I have could be considered gothic. The crowning jewel of all gothics for me would have to be Rebecca. I've already read it twice and I'm not one for rereads.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed Phyllis Whitney, Barbara Michaels, Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart... these are the authors of my teen years when I devoured gothic stories. Thanks for pointing out Diana's challenge though I hesitate to join a challenge-- let's just say my track record is spotty at best with them :)
I read Rebecca last year. Loved it. And I've read all the authors you listed many times over. Rita, this is the easiest challenge ever. Just make note of any gothic books that you do read. And that's it.
DeleteThis will be an interesting challenge! I don't read gothic fiction but it's a genre I would love to read. I definitely enjoy watching gothic movies.
ReplyDeleteI like those types of movies too. Always have.
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