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Julie........here is your new thread in 2016. Happy reading in the new year.

Our Required Format:

JANUARY

1. by Winston S. Churchill
Finish date: January 2016
Genre: (whatever genre the book happens to be)
Rating: A
Review: You can add text from a review you have written but no links to any review elsewhere even goodreads. And that is about it. Just make sure to number consecutively and just add the months.

1. by William Shakespeare
Finish date: Mid January 2016
Genre: Classics
Rating: C
Review: This is one of the first plays that I read for my college course, Shakespeare in London. For this class we read around 5 or so plays and then over our 9 day Spring Break, visited both Stratford and London in the UK, and watched the plays. The play is probably Shakespeare's most famous comedy. It has a multi-layered story-line, as most of his plays do, and a play within a play. I enjoyed the back-and-forth between the lovers and the dynamic between Puck and Oberon. That being said, most peoples' favorite part is probably that of the rude mechanicals. I lost the plot by the end of the read and did not find the ending to be funny. I think I needed to see the play live to understand the "mechanics" of the mechanicals. Some parts are quite funny live but not for me. However, read this play. If you are a normal person you would most likely enjoy it lol. Also go see it! It's a really entertaining and enjoyable play to watch.

JANUARY

2. by William Shakespeare
Finish date: Late January 2016
Genre: Classics
Rating: C
Review: This play was ok. I liked that the two main characters were females and the story-line was relatively interesting. However, the speeches were a little long-winded for my liking and I got lost at certain points. Overall, I would recommend this play as it is quite lively and some of my classmates enjoyed it.

Seeing the play live was amazing and I would always recommend to anyone who reads a Shakespeare play to watch it performed. It takes on new meaning when you actually see it, as it was originally intended only to be seen, not read.

FEBRUARY

3. by W.E.B. Du Bois
Finish date: February 3, 2016
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: C
Review: I'm not a huge fan of African American literature but I did think this book was ok. The reason is because Du Bois wrote parts of this book as easily understandable nonfiction and other parts almost like a fiction novel. If you are burned out at reading to many Civil Rights books that seem the same, read this one. It focuses the time period right after slavery and is written in a creative way. In this, it is a breath of fresh air. Dr. Du Bois is a genius and it shows in this work.

4. by William Shakespeare
Finish date: February 9, 2016
Genre: Plays
Rating: B
Review: I enjoyed this play because I am more of a fan of Shakespeare's more dramatic or tragic plays. The story was great but certain parts of it were unbelievable. During class discussion, we were baffled by how everything can end happily when Mamilius is dead. I loved all of the interconnecting plots and my favorite character is Antigonus.

This play was absolutely spectacular live, a once in a lifetime performance. Autolycus is quite funny live. The Winter's Tale feels like one of Shakespeare's underrated plays.

5. by William Shakespeare
Finish date: February 17, 2016
Genre: Classics
Rating: A
Review: The Tempest was my favorite play that I read all semester. It is magical in a dark way, with dynamic characters like Ariel and Prospero. It seemed different than Shakespeare's other works: the setting mostly. Ariel is my favorite hands down. The relationship between him and his master is moving and he is an all-around likable creature. The movie version with Ben Whishaw was quite good also. The powerful theme of revenge and the way Prospero chooses to carry it out makes the play feel not overly-ridiculous. I would recommend this play of course.

MARCH

6. by William Shakespeare
Finish date: March 21, 2016
Genre: Classics
Rating: D
Review: All I can say is that I feel as though I slept through this play, that's how little I can remember about it/how much I liked it. It was just ok.

7. by Karl Marlantes
Finish date: March 28, 2016
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: C
Review: Marlantes' book was interesting at times and I learned a bit about the Vietnam War. However, just like Tim O'Brien, I think the author became too philosophical at times about the different selves of the warrior. He also seemed very contradictory about his feelings about the war at points.

by Tim O'Brien

APRIL

8. by William Shakespeare
Finish date: April 5, 2016
Genre: Plays
Rating: B-
Review: Measure for Measure was a surprisingly good play, as it has never been talked about much that I've heard. It has a true villain in Angelo and the interesting theme of familial loyalty. We had many good arguments about character motive in class. In conclusion: would recommend.

9. by Jean Rhys
Finish date: April 21, 2016
Genre: Fiction
Rating: D
Review: My main problem with Rhys' novel is that it is considered a prequel to Jane Eyre at all. There are too many glaring differences that do not add up. Essentially, Rhys should have just written a book with totally separate characters etc. as she's already 3/4 of the way there. The story was not bad, however. This setting is not something I have come across before and I learned quite a bit, especially about the practice of obeah. If you are interested in this time period or part of the world, it will probably be an interesting read for you.

by Charlotte Brontë

MAY

10.(no image) The Queen's Coronation Day by Beverley Nichols
Finish date: May 11, 2016
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: C+
Review: This tiny book was mostly filled with pictures. The facts were quite good and overall it was a quick read to learn about Elizabeth II's coronation. I plan to eventually read a book on Elizabeth II's life that I bought recently and might get more insight into the coronation day.

by Sally Bedell Smith

The book you bought recently is a good one.

Update: Thx for going back and doing the edit - always good practice

11. by J.K. Rowling
Finish date: May 25, 2016
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: B
Review: I know, I'm way behind on the HP band wagon. Not only that, but I need long breaks in between these books. I just can't devour them like most people. I've never done that with a series anyways, probably because I need constant changing entertainment. These books become increasingly more interesting. I'm not at all a fan of reading children's lit or even YA mostly as it can seem a little too simple for me. That sounds snobby but even for me Harry Potter is enjoyable even though it's a "kids' series". I'm more excited for the books where they are older and the themes become more adult-centered and darker. Also, I can't wait for the Ron x Hermione romance to become a thing. They are my two favorites. I liked most that this book gave the beginnings of the Marauders backstory, which I had been waiting for. The movie was quite different from the book but the movies make me so happy that I let it slide. I started the Goblet of Fire but school starts next week, and I have so much school reading to do that I don't read for pleasure until Christmas Break. I'm excited for teenage Golden Trio and the idea of the competition that happens in the next book.

by J.K. Rowling

Bentley wrote: "The book you bought recently is a good one.

As far as the citation - great try - but this is the way it should look - just put in parentheses - (no image) and use the link versus the cover since t..."

Thank you for the help, Bentley!

12. by Ethan Hawke
Finish date: May 26, 2016
Genre: Fiction
Rating: C
Review: I never usually care much about a book's cover but this book is very cute and simple design-wise. I love the small bird drawings done by Hawke's wife and the messages inside are sweet. I did not love it more than a C rating though because the philosophies in the book are all borrowed from others, as explained in the back of the book. This book was a cute read but probably not worth the $25 for such a small thing.

(no photo)Ryan Hawke

JUNE

13. by Christopher Marlowe
Finish date: June 1, 2016
Genre: Classics
Rating: C
Review: I was expecting more out of Faustus because I had done a project on Christopher Marlowe a few semesters ago. It was kind of unexciting as I knew the ending before I even read it. I liked Mephistopheles and would like to see this play performed at some point. I have to read this again this upcoming semester, so maybe I'll enjoy it more when in the context of a class.

14. (no photo)The Coronation Chair by James Wilkinson(no photo)
Finish date: June 2016
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: C
Review: I picked this short book up at Westminster Abbey in March. It explains the history and significance of the Abbey's Coronation chair. I was not that happy with it, as Wilkinson is obsessed with the technical details of how the Stone of Destiny is placed and how the chair is built. I was expecting more of a story of the monarchs that used the chair or the coronation in general, but the book was about the Scots more than the English.

15. by Ray Bradbury
Finish date: June 8, 2016
Genre: Classics
Rating: B+
Review: "It was a pleasure to burn." I had heard that first sentence before, but when I read it for the first time it struck me. I'm not super into dystopian novels but this one hit home as it probably would for most ÀÏ»¢»úÎÈÓ®·½·¨ members. Imagining a world where books were illegal was hard. I kept picturing myself in Guy Montag's world. I would definitely keep secret books and when things went awry, I'd be the only person who knew all of Richard II. When Guy is drawn into keeping books, it showed that books are truly irresistible. A world without books would be a sorry place. The ragtag band of men at the end look like superheroes.

by William Shakespeare

JULY

16. by Susan Richard(no photo)
Finish date: July 11, 2016
Genre: Fiction
Rating: C
Review: This book is pretty obscure but is part of a collection of multiple others: The French, The Irish, The Russians etc. I got this book and the others from my mom who read them in the 80's. I'm almost tempted to label it historical fiction because it is certainly close to that. It's a romance, generational saga, and a historical fiction novel all in one. I did enjoy learning about the problems in Poland before, during, and after the World Wars. But, the writing was quite rushed, as the author was trying to fit three generations in 400 pages. Also, the romance was a little unbelievable at times. I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to read this if it was only a modern romance without the history. One unrealistic part, for example, is that the main woman meets the man she always loved by chance during the war. After one night together, they part, she feels satisfied that she doesn't love him anymore, and that it was a part of her past. Very odd. I am going to read the others and because they are by different authors, I hope I enjoy them more.

by W. Maureen Miller(no photo)
by Doris Flood Ladd(no photo)
by Judith Shears(no photo)

17. by Seneca
Finish date: July 18, 2016
Genre: European Literature
Rating: C
Review: This play may be considered too short to count, but I'm going to count it anyways. I liked the commentary on royalty that Seneca makes but I felt as if I barely read anything. The play seems over before it began. Really, I doubt that the performance would take more than 45 mins. Therefore, I didn't like it too much. This review I just wrote feels longer than it.

18. by Kelly Sue DeConnick
Finish date: July 22, 2016
Genre: Graphic Novels
Rating: B
Review: I was not expecting to enjoy this book too much, as I knew it was blatantly feminist. I was afraid it would be the bra-burning kind. But it was great. The artwork and dialogue felt like a TV show and I would love to see it be made into one. It is a very feminist comic but it's equal parts enjoyable and thought provoking. The characters pull you in and every scene is surprising. The volume was broken into the smaller comic book sections and each ended with a great fake magazine cutout that made me laugh. I can't wait for Vol. 2 to come out. The only thing I didn't like was how short it was, but I suppose that's the curse of comics.

by Kelly Sue DeConnick

19. by Joëlle Jones
Finish date: July 28, 2016
Genre: Graphic Novels
Rating: C+
Review: I know, I know. Two graphic novels in a row seem like a cop-out. But I had been looking for both of these books for months and once I found them, I had to read them. Lady Killer was pretty good. I liked the 60's setting. Imagine Mad Men only Betty Draper is an assassin. The idea was quite cool but the story wasn't very surprising. You could guess what would happen next. I don't know if I'll buy part II. I have a rule that if I rate a book in a series 2 stars then I don't have to buy the next one. For once, I actually wish I could give 2 and 1/2 stars.

20. by J.K. Rowling
Finish date: July 31, 2016
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: C
Review: Another short book. Someone said in their review that this book is only great if you LOVE Harry Potter. I do enjoy HP but my favorite parts are not the creatures. I like the spells more. I read this to get ready for the movie. I liked the description of dragons and the notes that Ron and Harry made.

AUGUST

21. (no photo)The Withered Arm by Thomas Hardy
Finish date: Early August 2016
Genre: Classics
Rating: C+
Review: This book also contains The Thieves Who Couldn't Stop Sneezing. I like Thomas Hardy's work, so when I was in England at the British Library, I bought this skinny thing for 1 pound. The first story was superstitious Thomas Hardy at work, but the end was predictable. The second story (The Thieves), was very short and ok. I own way too much Thomas Hardy for someone who's only read Tess, Greenwood, and this. His poetry is quite good too.

by Thomas Hardy
by Thomas Hardy

22. by James Wilkinson(no photo)
Finish date: Early August 2016
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: C
Review: This is the other Wilkinson book I bought at the Abbey. Henry VII is my favorite historical figure and seeing the Lady Chapel was one of the highlights of my England trip. I especially love the relationship between Henry and his wife. This book did not talk about this at all. Wilkinson again was more interested in the construction than the back stories of the monarchs there. I should not expect this with this book and it was more interesting than the other one but still too technical. It's clear that Wilkinson is interested in architecture.

23. by Tracy Chevalier
Finish date: August 12, 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: B
Review: I burned through this book which is weird because I'm a lazy and slow reader. Medieval France is quite interesting and something I hadn't looked into much. I like how Tracy Chevalier works. I'm a proponent of truth in historical fiction. It's why I hate Phillipa Gregory's books. Chevalier took what little truth there was to the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries and stuck to it. She invented the story behind it and did not claim it was fact. She stuck to the rules that I think there should be in historical fiction: don't make things up that blatantly go against the truth, work with the facts and honor them. The ever shifting narrator that Chevalier works with is quite good, especially if you dislike one of the narrators. The only real problem I had with this novel was the characters of Nicolas and Claude were pretty shallow, which would be ok normally, but their lust for each other is pretty unrealistic. Claude is so attracted to Nicolas, who she's met once, that his voice turns her on. Also, Alienor should have hated Nicolas and yet she doesn't. I would have liked it if Alienor used Nicolas and left him by the wayside for Phillipe buy hey, I didn't write the novel.

Julie....you are doing a great job with the citations.....one little thing. When there is no photo of the author, please put (no photo) after the author link, not before.

Thanks for letting me know, Jill. I'll fix it now!

You are a gem!!!

SEPTEMBER

24. by Horace Walpole
Finish Date: September 1, 2016
Genre: Classics
Rating: D-
Review: This is considered the first Gothic novel so it's the first one we read in my Gothic fiction class. I really did not enjoy it. The dialogue was hard to read, the comedy was not funny, and the whole thing was just a little too ridiculous.

Hey, Julie! You forgot one little thing in your citation, the link to the author's profile after the photo. Can you, please, fix that? Thank you!! :)

25. by Rupi Kaur
Finish Date: September 13, 2016
Rating: C+
Review: I liked the poetry and obviously it was a quick read. Some of it seemed like anyone could write it, others were masterpieces. A lot of my friends love this and if you're having relationship problems, read it.

Hey, Julie! You are missing the "Genre" in your format. Thank you! :)

Samanta is right - you forgot the genre line in message 32 - always check back to message one to make sure your format is spot on.

Good luck in 2017