Reading challenge - what would you read from these categories?

Oh thank you duchess

Poetry - Thomas Hardy.

Science Fiction - Kazuo Ishiguro, Never Let me Go.

I've just remembered the "page 69 test"!! That probably dates me!!

Oh yes, Lord Foul's Bane, Thomas Covenant IIRC, I think it's one of those books that either grab you by page 5 or that you never really get into.
Give it a try, but don't waste time on it if you are not enjoying it.

Not sure about poetry or small publisher

Science fiction, hitchhikers guide to the galaxy was a quick read.
Like you I normally give my books away when I've read them, but not The Day of the jackal, I love that book. That's a lot older than 10 years old.

For science fiction, read The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick. Alternate reality in which Germany and Japan won WWII. It is bloody brilliant.

I read the Christopher Reid earlier this year, Noelle and thought it was wonderful but very sad obviously. I recommended a different one by him, The Song of Lunch, further down the thread, which is equally good. He is very readable, and I would recommend even though I'm not normally keen on poetry, often finding it difficult or dull.

Stasiland by Anna Funder is one of the very best small publisher books I've ever read (Granta) and would massively recommend. Just a fascinating about Eastern Germany and the effect of the Stasi on people's daily life.

This poetry book was hugely recommended when it came out and won the Costa. It's about a man's grief for his wife and is supposed to be brilliant... It's on my list but I shrink away from the sadness but I will read it one day.

Louise Gluck is another really interesting poet who I don't know well yet.
Owen Shears, who wrote the near perfect poem 'Not Yet My Mother" is a really good poet and accessible.

I think this by Margaret Atwood sounds like science fiction by a serious writer but I haven't read it, I have heard it spoken highly of.

Poetry - collected Philip Larkin, or maybe some Duffy
Small publisher - Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (Persephone)
Sci fi - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
On shelf for ten years or more - any Jane Austen except, 'Mansfield Park'

I can heartily recommend Billy Collins for poetry. He was the US poet laureate and writes lovely, intriguing, readable poems that you don't need a special poetry voice for iyswim.

Small publisher, I'd go for a Persephone book or a Virago book (if they count as small). Virago publish Diary of a Provincial Lady which is charming but also lots of more serious books. Frost in May by Antonia White is a long term favourite.

Science Fiction - I'm not good on that genre. Never really read any.

A book that's been on my shelf for 10 years...Le Grand Meaulnes (translation). Keep meaning to read it.

You could read T.S.Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' to your dd, that should definitely count! And you'll both enjoy it

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day - is a Persephone book I think and totally charming.

I have just finished the oryx and crake trilogy, am still mulling it over three books later!

Seamus Heaney for Poetry?
Oryx & Crake by Margaret Atwood should count as science fiction, I reckon - or if you've never read it, Ender's Game.
Something by Virago (lots of early 20thC women authors)

Philip Larkin poetry?
YY to Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde, it's my favourite book.
Small publisher am not sure about.
Book on the shelf - pride and prejudice? An Enid Blyton book!!? Roald Dahl? Depends how old you are! Harry Potter?

Hmm, I don't think Under Milk Wood can be classed as a poem.

How about something by Wendy Cope? She's usually good fun to read. Or The World's Wife by Carole Ann Duffy. If you're looking for something more serious, then The Thing in the Gap Stone Stile is good. Also Sheenagh Pugh has some lovely collections.

Just realised I suggested four contemporary poets, all women! Wasn't intentional - just some personal faves.

I would second Tove Jansson's The Summer Book (and her other adult books) for the small publisher - they've done a really good job with the covers and the quality of the paper. They're a pleasure to read just from a physical point of view, as well as being good books.

How about Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde for the sci-fi? Or Bold as Love by Gwyneth Jones, or Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piecry. All future dystopias really, but interesting ideas. Also The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell is good (bit heart wrenching though!)

Posted too soon. I read Thomas's A Child's Christmas in Wales every Christmas Eve, it's a quiet moment all to myself.

For a book from a small publisher, you might like The Summer Book by Tove Jansson (who wrote the Moomintroll books). She and her granddaughter spend the summer on a small island off the coast of Finland. It's gentle, wise and beautiful. It's published by Sort Of Books who are fairly small.

Allalonenow I'd second the Dylan Thomas.

Dragon - if you're still looking for poetry, and want something more modern, and accessible, then you could try this The Song of Lunch by Christopher Reid. I read it earlier this year, and liked it very much.