Mandy's Monthly: April 2010 Challenge -- Let's Get Literal!

Welcome back to Mandy's Monthly, a new segment that I introduced on this blog.  My plan is to create a challenge for myself every month and then talk about it here.   To read what I accomplished in March, please click here. 

My challenge for April 2010 is to Get Literal (in other words, to dedicate an entire month to literacy).  Cue 1980's cheezy music from Olivia Newton-John.  But instead of picturing her in a leotard whipping overweight people into shape, you need to picture a librarian cracking a steel bookmark over my head so I'll finish reading my books.

So, how will I achieve this literacy challenge?

Isn't it sad that I have a Bachelor's degree in English but I almost never read these days? Also, there are many classic pieces of literature that I've never even picked up before?  I never read anything notable except for what was required of me in school and college when it comes to literature.  I haven't read much modern critically aclaimed stories either --  ya know, all the good ones that are later made into films. 

So, I'm doing something to change that now!  Here is my four-step "Let's Get Literal" plan: 

(1) I intend to read four (maybe even five) novels in the month of April. 

(2) In addition, I will take my daughter Vivian to the library once a week to expose her to fine literature.  I will read at least twelve books to her per day. 

(3) Furthermore, I will work on increasing my vocabulary by exploring new words.  I signed up on two different "word a day" email sites -- dictionary.com and Merriam-Webster's dictionary. Therefeore, each day in April will bring me a new word that I have not ever seen or heard before.  I will make it a point to use those new words in a sentence. 

(4) I will write about my literacy progress along the way, here on my blog.  I will discuss this challenge at least weekly to share my thoughts on the novels I'm completing, reveal interesting words I'm learning and detail any exciting library visits worth talking about. 

Let me kick things off with some word fun for you now.  Here were my first two words for April -- very appropriate and very timely considering my recent trip to the ER.  My words are hugger mugger and puerile.  And now, like a good English student would, I will use them in a sentence....

Our house was in a state of hugger mugger Tuesday night with the paramedics, ambulance crew and a sick woman (me) lying on the bathroom floor.

To ignore my illness would have been a very puerile thing to do.

Wow, I like this!  I need a good mental challenge before I end up going mental on someone!  Hahaha!  Besides, if I truly want to be a good writer, then I should expand my vocabulary and read the works of some of the greatest writers in recent history.  Don't you think?

I enlisted my friends and former co-workers to help me in selecting my four novels to read for this month. Then I had to rely on what my local library had in their inventory.  Here are the books that I am challenging myself to read in April, based on reviews from those who know me best and what my library had in stock:

• "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee -- (281 pages) Yes, I have never read this book NOR have I seen the film.  I have no excuses, sorry.

• "The Old Man and The Sea" by Ernest Hemingway  (127 pages, Oh good, a short one!) -- I know I've read some of his works years ago but I don't recall reading this book.   Based on the plot summary, I think I will enjoy it.
   
•   "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (348 pages) -- I haven't read this OR seen the film yet.  I thought it would be fun to read this one since not only did it come recommended by my pals but it is also the featured book in one of my favorite romantic comedy films, "Serendipity" with John Cusack.  I heart him!
   
•  "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver -- (546 pages) -- this is a very recent book, having only been published within the last few years but sooo many people have told me I need to read this one so I'm giving in.  Even though it's insane for me to think about reading over 500 pages!!!   Aaaahhhhhh! 

Whew that is over 1300 pages of total reading!  For a girl who hasn't completed a book in about six months, THIS is going to be a real challenge for me!   Okay wait, that averages to about 43 pages of reading per day.  That seems reasonable, I hope. 

But seriously, I don't read much these days - just recipes for cooking and parenting magazines.  I feel a little rusty (and scared)!  This will not be an easy thing for me to do.  But I think (and hope) it will be good for me.  I need to sit still more-- relax my body and expand my mind. 

And if by some miracle, I can get through these books I've mentioned, before the April 30th deadline, then I will also try to read the French classic "Dangerous Liaisons" by Choderlos de Laclos.  This work of art came highly recommended by another friend of mine.  My library is trying to obtain it from another branch for me.  But let's see if I can get through the above list first! 

I will also make it a point to read a lot more books to Vivian too.  We read at least six books per day, before her nap and bedtime typically.   However, I want to double that to twelve books per day.  We already read most Dr. Seuss and Sesame Street works cover to cover now; so I look forward to finding new material through our weekly library visits. 

Reading is something Viv and I can both do together which I am happy to do even more now.  The television will be turned off and we will let our imagniations run wild with the words and descriptions in front of us.

If I grow tired of reading or become sleepy if I hit a not-so-interesting chapter (and you know it's bound to happen at some point!), then at least I know I can put on my Jillian Michaels 30-day shred DVD to wake myself up again!  I hope to continue being physical even during my literacy challenge month. 

Okay well....Today is day one.  I have work to do.  So let me get out of the blogosphere and start reading!  Tomorrow I visit the library!   Let the challenge begin! 

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Have you ever read any classic books later in life that you really enjoyed?  What are your favorite kinds of books to read and who are some of your favorite authors?   I may want to continue this after April and I will need ideas for other great works to read....