The History Book Club discussion

Jesse, here is your new thread in 2015. Happy reading in the new year.

Our Required Format:

JANUARY

1. by Winston S. Churchill
Finish date: January 2015
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.

JANUARY

1. by Maggie King
Finish Date: January 2015
Genre: Mystery/Cozy Mystery
Rating: C-
Review: My reaction seems to be consistent with the theme of most other reviews for the book: OK storyline, just not my style. Disappointed by no 'ah-ha' moments. It was a quaint whimsy of a mystery that is best suited for a fun lazy read. It struck me as murder mystery meets Gilmore Girls where all the 'whodunit' moments are worked through a series of gossip conversations. It was a nice light read but I was not suprised by the ending and with main characters named Hazel Rose, Lucy & Helen it seems to be written for an older audience. Only stand-out issue is that the language used seems to suggest that the author has an axe to grind with the Christian/Conservative agenda.
I received this book from a first-readers giveaway on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review after completion of the book.

2. by Jacob M. Appel
Finish Date: January 2015
Genre: Short Stories/Fiction
Rating: A
Review: Great quick read. What I enjoyed most about this collection of stories was its versatility and ability to stir deep reflection. As to the versatility: this book can be read quickly in one sitting or spaced out over time. At times it is amusing then heart-wrenching and finally thought provoking. It may seem some of the stories are unconnected and off-the-wall but they each have their own merit and the collection runs the gambit of thought. I generally split my reading throughout the year between entertainment and intellectually useful but this particular title accomplished both. There are very few books I have read that serve such a mix of amusement while urging you to think more deeply on issues maybe not even related to the story. I'm recommending it to my friends and this copy will be given to my father.
I received this book from a goodreads giveaway from the author in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts included are my own and unprejudice.

Doing great, Jesse, perfect format.

Thank you Bryan. I was worried the information might be a little jumbled because I cannot figure out (without useless type) how to drop it all down a few lines to be under my picture.

That is not a problem Jesse - everything is fine. But if you wanted to do that there would be a lot of wasted space - so what you have done is perfect.

So you like short stories - that is great - I find that not so many folks are into short stories as they once were when magazines serialized some of them. That is how Hemingway got started.

Actually, I've never ben much of a short story reader. I'm not even a fan of magazines. However, I saw such great reviews for this collection and was intrigued. Then I saw there was a giveaway going so I signed up. I feel as though, if done well, this avenue could be a perfect way to gauge new talent.
Thank you on the heads up for format. I love that we have the opportunity to share and discuss what we are reading with others.

Yes, all of the moderators take an interest in this section and we all contribute and it is a good way to get others to share what they are reading and discuss these books with you and others. Already your thread has 11 views meaning that 11 different people are already reading your thread.

It is nice when a give away opens up a new horizon for you.

3. by Terry Goodkind
Finish Date: January 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B+
Review: Goodkind has done it again with another epic entry to the saga of Richard, Kahlan & the Midlands. This is the third book of a large series and honestly, it was my least favorite of the three yet still 4 stars. The author stays within characters well and pulls aspects together that leave you going, 'so that's why that happened'. You get a real sense of destiny from the way things tie together and as both of the two titles before it; this one was filled with some sweeping moments of awesomeness. My only detractions were: (1)some of my favorite storyline characters have a significantly smaller role in this one, (2)the battle scenes seemed a little less thought out and were not quite as "LOTR" big like the ones in book 1&2, (3)one aspect seemed as though an afterthought and was awkwardly added near the end which did not aid the plot at all...unless it comes back up in later books.
Overall a good read and one that is written well enough that you can picture yourself transplanted into a world of magic, hope & love. Like watching a good movie for days. This has spurred my interest to continue in the series.

Good add Jesse.

Thank you Bentley. I spent last night looking at my line-up of what to read next and got worried that few of them are specifically History. My favorite genre is Historical Fiction but it seems as though my list is hitting on anything but to start the year. Thankful for a group who will put up with my branching out.

Jesse that is OK but try to get some more non fiction and history in there - we can help you with that too (smile)

4. by Phyllis Tickle(no photo)
Finish Date: January 2015
Genre: Religion/Theology, History
Rating: A+
Review: Dr Tickle suprised me in this book that I assumed (like most Christian literature) would ignore historical influences. However, she spends about as much time discussing the effects of individuals such as Albert Einstein, Gutenberg, Michael Faraday & others on Christianity as much as she discusses the religion itself. Leaving nothing to chance she also describes how certain inventions (printing press, radio, car) changed the face of Christianity over the decades. I have not read anything so expansive in so few pages.(under 200) A college textbook written in a manageable novel size. I will recommend this to everyone I know because of how well it sits everything into it's proper context. I agree with her observations and 'predictions' for the near future. This is a must read.

You are doing great. Interesting looking book.