read for PopSugar Reading Challenge 2018: a book that is also a stage play or musical

I feel like such a champion for conquering this book. Not since The Count of Monte Cristo have I felt so good getting through an audiobook!

I really enjoyed my time with this book. I can understand how it's the first "modern novel" because despite being 400+ years old, it's a real joy to get through (this could be due to this translation being done in the 1800's). I laughed out loud quite a bit, and reveled a bit in all the nonsense and absurdity, although the windmill adventure was MUCH shorter than I realized. My biggest gripe with part one was the seemingly endless side stories and interludes, especially the novel within the novel. However, the second novel gets meta and addresses many of the issues I and readers back in the day had with the first part of the story. The meta part of me was so interesting as Cervantes did get a chance to address his critics.

All in all, I really like this book and if I were to return, I'd pick up an abridged copy. More adventures and less side stories! Also, I have been listening to "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha nearly on repeat.