It was only this year that I heard of Willa Cather. I had been browsing through some ebooks when I came across Cather’s books, and as she was listed under classics I became curious as to who she was. I was surprised to learn that she had won the Pulitzer Prize in 1923 for One of Ours, only three years after Edith Wharton had won it for The Age of Innocence.
I decided I had to give Cather a try. I had heard a great deal about O Pioneers! and My Antonia and wondered which one would be the best to start with. Then Chris Wolak from WildmooBooks pointed me toward his Willa Cather challenge. He is planning to lead participants through specific books each month, finishing 12 of Cather’s books by the end of 2012. While I doubt I can take part in every reading, I would like to read at least one or two, and being a part of a group would be easy. According to Chris’ list I’m likely to make O Pioneers! my first read, if I don’t manage to read her Youth and the Bright Medusa in January.
So to make give this challenge a number, I’m looking at reading at least 1-2 books by Willa Cather.
Wish me luck! ^_^
O Pioneers! is incredibly good. The main character is a strong woman fighting the stereotypes of the American Frontier. Just wonderful
Thanks for that, Elena…that helps a lot!
By the way, it’s great to see you back!….Have a lovely Christmas and a happy New Year!
Good luck! If you’d like to also try some of her short fiction, I recommend “Paul’s Case.”
Thank you, Katz! I was thinking of reading some of her short stories from Youth and the Bright Medusa in January. Just to get the hang of her writing. If “Paul’s Case” should be in this collection, I’ll read it. Thanks for the recommendation!
What a good way to try out Cather! I hope you enjoy her writing.
I hope so too!
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