Does following Wilkie Collins and Elizabeth Gaskell on tour not seem like enough? Do you want to feel more involved in reading Victorian authors? Are you sad that Trollope or Eliot didn’t win the survey so you’d have some motivation to read their

works? Do you need a challenge? Becky can help.

Becky is hosting not one, not two, not three, but FOUR challenges at Mini Challenges Hosted by Becky for the 19th century authors for whom The Classics Circuit considered organizing blog tours — Wilkie Collins, Elizabeth Gaskell, Anthony Trollope, and George Eliot. Sure, you can read these authors on your own, but wouldn’t it be more fun to do it with a group? Becky’s mini-challenges are great. You can read two books, read a book and watch a movie, or even watch two movies. (But really, isn’t the book usually better?)

The Wilkie Collins Mini-Challenge began October 1, 2009 and ends December 1, 2010. You won’t believe the number of books you can choose to read and review. Then you can post a link to your review and read everyone else’s reviews, too. I bet you’ll end up adding to your to-be-read pile.

The Elizabeth Gaskell Mini-Challenge started January 1, 2009, but don’t worry. You have until June 1, 2010 to complete it. Gaskell has something for everyone–novels, short-story collections, and even a biography of Charlotte Bronte.

The Anthony Trollope Mini-Challenge has even more options–novels, short stories, travel, essays, biography. He even wrote series. It’s a good thing the challenge doesn’t end until August 31, 2010.

George Eliot may be the least prolific of the three authors with only seven novels to her name, but in a mini-challenge, quantity isn’t so important. Sign up for the George Eliot Mini-Challenge; you’ll find at least two books that pique your interest.

Warning: Reading challenges can be highly addictive.

If you are hosting a read-along or mini-challenge that revolves around classics (especially those that are by dead authors), let us know on the Notify Us of a Classic Event Page. We may highlight it on this site.