...especially, isn’t that tough. It’s just a different style of writing. I also am a bit puzzled at your criteria for choosing these particular books. They’re all good, but there are so many “classics” of equal or comparable quality. Why these?

Personal enjoyment is ONE reason for reading. As a voracious reader I read for personal enjoyment daily. I usually read good stuff too, but stretching and challenging oneself is yet ANOTHER reason for reading. I want to do more of that kind of reading.

And drahknon, you’re probably right about “House of Mirth.” I have read “Ethan Frome” and “Age of Innocence” and they weren’t particularly tough. I’m revising my goal-to reflect the fact that I want to read classics that I wouldn’t normally elect to read. To step out of my comfort zone, so to speak.

As to why I chose the books I did? Totally random off a list of 100 American classics. I picked books by well-known authors who have shaped American literature and I had already read quite a few books on the list, so I wanted to read something new.