Friday, November 27, 2009

December Trip to Russia

Throughout the entire month of December I'll be in Russia. I'll be hobnobbing with nobility and peasants alike. Maybe even partake of tea with the tsar and tsarina. Attend a ball or two and hear all the social gossip along with the latest war news. That Napoleon is really making a name for himself. It will be a glorious and enlightening visit! Through the incredible power of the printed word and my imaginary magic carpet, I will be mentally transported to Russia without even leaving my sofa.
While reading Take Me Away Saturday: Russia at Lost In Books, I realized I have some of the books Rebecca featured in her post. It reminded me that I've had these books on the shelf for a while now and it's time to get dedicated. I had promised myself that this month I am reading only what I want to read not what I am obligated to read; sort of like my own personal mini-challenge. So here is my tentative list:

War & Peace by Leo Tolstoy - Yes, I do realize it is over 1100 pages long.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Russka by Edward Rutherford
Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert K. Massie My local library has a few travel videos on Russia and if I have time I might even round out my trip with watching at least one of them. So, my magic carpet is all dusted off and ready to escape into the world of imagination; a world that is so accessible through the power of books.

If you were to take a magic carpet ride, where would it take YOU?
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16 comments:

  1. bermudaonionNovember 27, 2009 at 5:56 AM

    You had me going there at first. Your virtual trip sounds like a great idea. I'm not sure where I'd go - maybe Japan?

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  2. Mary (Bookfan)November 27, 2009 at 6:33 AM

    I'll be watching for postcards! Have a fun : )
    I'd go to Ireland, Italy or Switzerland -the list could go on...

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  3. L. Diane WolfeNovember 27, 2009 at 7:10 AM

    What a great way to travel - you won't even have to pack! And no lost luggage...

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  4. AnonymousNovember 27, 2009 at 7:45 AM

    I would travel to Africa on a Magic Carpet. I would also travel to the Carribbean.

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  5. serendipity_vivNovember 27, 2009 at 7:46 AM

    Oh my god. I thought you were actually going then. I was getting really jealous.

    What a good idea to base your whole month on one country.

    I think I will make December a month of what I want to read rather than what I feel obliged to read for challenges. I really want to indulge in my new books.

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  6. rhapsodyinbooksNovember 27, 2009 at 8:53 AM

    This sounds so wonderful. December is the perfect time to read books about Russia! I actually did go during December 3 times, and it looked just like a Dr. Zhivago setting there. It was unbelievably beautiful. I would recommend it to everyone!

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  7. MollyNovember 27, 2009 at 10:42 AM

    WOW --- glad I wasn't the only one who thought this was an "actual" trip :) Great enticing post!

    If I had a magic carpet where would I go? Normally I would say Paris or perhaps London -- I can never get enough of those two European cities. But in the particularly hectic time of year, I think I would like to be whisked away to some deserted island in the middle of the Carribbean :)

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  8. caiteNovember 27, 2009 at 10:44 AM

    I'll watch Dr.Zhivago..that is as much Russia as I have time for in December....and those winter scenes will help fulfill my snow desire.

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  9. StaciNovember 27, 2009 at 8:19 PM

    Russia is such an interesting country...enjoy your time spent there...now where would I like to go?????? India I think or Australia

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  10. BeckyNovember 27, 2009 at 9:43 PM

    You're so funny with that introduction! I was thinking, "Wow! She's got some connections over there!" :) I think your reading list is pretty amazing, and I take my hat off to you for jumping in on those great reads. Can't wait to see your posts!

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  11. bookmagicNovember 27, 2009 at 11:10 PM

    I love that we can go anywhere we want with a book!

    Russia sounds exciting. I read Nicholas and Alexandra, very good. War and Peace has been on my shelf forever along with Crime and Punishment. Someday...
    Right now I'm into traveling Victorian England with Drood and then The Last Dickens.
    Good Luck w/ you personal challenge!

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  12. kalea_kaneNovember 28, 2009 at 6:35 PM

    Oh how awesome! I really thought you were off to Russia! I can't wait to read all about it! :)

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  13. Missy B.November 29, 2009 at 8:25 AM

    Wow! Have a wonderful trip!

    I have an award for you at my blog...please just feel free to post it when you get time.

    Have fun!

    http://missysbooknook.blogspot.com/2009/11/over-top-award.html

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  14. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaNovember 29, 2009 at 10:09 PM

    I'd rather a virtual tour. Have fun, I know you will not be spending a lot of $$ and will be safe as well...LOL

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  15. WrightyDecember 1, 2009 at 12:02 AM

    The first time you mentioned this to me I thought you had some great ravel connections too! You just get home and you're taking off for Russia!

    You're braver and more ambitious than I am but it's a wonderful idea. Usually in December I read as many Christmas books as possible and love it. Always a great way to get me in the holiday mood!

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  16. ToniDecember 6, 2009 at 2:22 PM

    wow.. love this post Kaye!!! I tried War and Peace years ago. I think my translation had too much French in it... and I can decipher a good bit of French. I will be keeping an eye out for your updates. I did add this one to my Kindle. I'd love a trip to Russia too!

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