January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013
By "classics" you know I'm being very loose in my definition, as this challenge lets you read fairy tales, mythologies, classics, any kind of original story to compare with the retelling. Also "retelling" is pretty loose too - the original and the newer book have to relate in some way that you can define; it doesn't have to be a straight-forward retelling. Hopefully these definitions allow you the wiggle room needed to find something to fit your fancy.
Here are a few examples:
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.
The first is kind of a "classic" and in the second, the main character loves A Wrinkle in Time and it plays a part in the plot, but this is not a retelling.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein series by Kenneth Oppel.
The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein is a prequel series to Frankenstein.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Jane by April Lindner.
Jane is a retelling of Jane Eyre, set in a modern day.
So, you can see there are lots of options for you. If you need some inspiration for retellings, I've compiled a rather extensive list of retellings. I have another list for fairy tale retellings. Also, during the Retell Me a Story celebration next month I will be highlighting some newer retellings that have been released or are coming out soon.
And, of course, there are levels of participation, so you can choose how much or how little you'd like to commit to:
Small: You read 2 related books.
Medium: You read 4 books (2 sets of related books).
Large: You read 6 books (3 sets of related books).
Super Size: You read 8 books (4 sets of related books).
This reading challenge is hosted by One Librarian's Book Reviews. For more information and to sign-up, please see this post.
