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Jim, here is your 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.

JANUARY
1. by Jordan Mechner (no photo)
Finish date: January 2016
Genre: History, Graphic novel
Rating: A
Review: This is a nice, quite extensive graphic novel (it is graphic violence in places!) that tells a good story about the Templars and adds some thought-provoking fictional elements.

2. by R.G. Vliet (no photo)
Finish date: January 2016
Genre: Historical novel
Rating: A
Review: I had never heard of this Texas author. Reviews described how well he captured the central Texas landscape--and they were right. The story is set in several different times and jumbles them together somewhat. Except for one fantasy element, it is a historical novel. Really quite different. I really can't describe it--love stories, obsession, lust, and murder. You just have to read it.

3. by Joe Abercrombie
Finish date: January 2016
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: A
Review: This is a great trilogy in the sword and sorcery genre, but far seamier than something like Lord of the Rings. If you love happy endings, don't read this. However, I did find the ending satisfying, in the sense of completing the story arc in a manner I found plausible.

Jim.......if there is not a picture of the author, you do not need to add the blank avatar. Instead, it should look like this.

by Jordan Mechner (no photo).

A couple of other small things. In your first post, please bold the lead January. Also in that post, please put a review.....that can just be one line so that those reading your posts get an idea of what the book is about. In post 4, please add the word "Review".

It takes a couple of tries before you get the hang of it but it soon becomes second nature.

Jim as Jill mentioned you are off to a good start.

You have JANUARY in caps and that is great - just make sure to bold it as well.

You are missing your review in message 2 - it does not have to be long - brief is good and faster.

You are doing great job attempting to do the citations - pretty close. Just try to type in on your own the word by with one space before and after the word and look at message 5 which is the example that Jill gave you for books that do not have an author's photo.

But you are off to a great start.

Update: Jim if you need some help with the standard - reach out to us and we will give you some help. Bold the month - check out some html is OK above the comment box.

FEBRUARY
4. by Margaret Atwood
Finish Date: February, 2016
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: B-
Review: Just weird. There are some thought-provoking ideas of course.

5. by Kazuo Ishiguro
Finish Date: February, 2016
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: A-
Review: It reminds one of some Arthurian tale. I probably missed some of the layers of meaning and might appreciate it more if I read it again.

Jill wrote: "A couple of other small things. In your first post, please bold the lead January. Also in that post, please put a review.....that can just be one line so that those reading your posts get an idea o..."

I don't know where the Bold key is located. I will add review and remove blank avatar and add spaces.

Check out message seven. I gave you an update.

< b > the text < / b >

Just take out all of the spaces. The month would go where the words the text is but no spaces. Just keep trying. You will soon wonder why these simple things escaped you. We try to make sure that everybody's format is exactly the same for easy reading and easy extracting of the exact info you are looking for, remember your entry has to look exactly like message one in format and it is there for you to refer to every time. This is easy as pie. Honest.

Jim....don't forget your "Finish date" in books 4 and 5. I promise you that we are not picking on you!!!!!!......we just want to be sure that you are familiar with the format to keep things consistent across the membership. Bentley can tell you that I made more mistakes when I started than most people!!!! We are very happy that you are participating. Stay with it, it just takes a few tries.

6. by ] Stieg Larsson
Finish Date: February, 2016
Genre: Mystery
Rating: A
Review: I have enjoyed reading this trilogy. Lisbeth Salander is such a fascinating character. As other reviewers have stated, it takes a while for this book to grab you, but it is worth trudging on to that point.

7. by Robert Knott
Finish Date: Feburary, 2016
Genre: Western
Rating: A-
Review: I enjoyed the original Hitch and Cole books by author Robert Parker and was glad to see the series continued. Knott does a pretty good job of capturing the characters. I have found some of the books not quite up to Parker's style or content, but I thought The Bridge was among the better ones.

Jim....you are on a roll now. Good job.

8. by Jason Segel
Finish Date: February, 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Rating: A-
Review: I read this because this middle-grade novel was a Texas Bluebonnet nominee. I have found most of the Bluebonnet winners to be quite good. This one was not bad. It is the beginning of a trilogy. I don't know if I will read on or not. It does make some good points about how much we can let fears and preconceptions about people dominate our lives and actions.

9. by Robert Knott
Finish Date: February, 2016
Genre: Western
Rating: B+
Review: This is the most recent in the Hitch and Cole series by Robert Knott. While it has some nice scenes, I felt the novel did not hold together overall. Knott adds a complication with a Brother for Cole, which I thought took the plot off in unnecessary directions.

MARCH
10. by John Dominic Crossan
Finish Date: March, 2016
Genre: Religious
Rating: A+
Review: This is a very deep and complex book. I think it would be difficult for anyone without a fairly strong New Testament background. It analyzes the idea of parables, developing several categories for them, primarily using the parable of the sower from the Gospel of Mark. Then, it broadens into a deeper inquiry into the idea of examining each Gospel as a parable and the implications from that. It is highly structured, with each chapter clearly outlined in the opening pages, but contains so much to think about one has to read slowly and pause to reflect to fully consider all that is there.

Added it to my list, thanks!

11. by Harper Lee
Finish Date: March, 2016
Genre: Fiction
Rating: B
Review: This book might have been controversial and created a stir for its contents had it been published several decades ago. Now, of course, it received attention because Harper Lee wrote it. It sadly demonstrates that, just because you write one enduring piece of literature, that does not guarantee all you write will achieve the same level. This book rambles, often without clear direction, and really is a not-so-great coming of age novel (pretty late in life, too). There are any number of far better young adult novels that deal with the same issue far better.

12. by Brady Carlson
Finish Date: March, 2016
Genre: History
Rating: A
Review: I have read other books about President's burial sites and how they are honored and this was among the best I have read in this area. It had a nice personal tone, with the author often sharing anecdotes of his own journey to the different sites. The book also included nice information on how different Presidents have been (and still are) perceived and rated. I liked how he grouped them in different categories than the more commonly-seen pattern of in chronological order.

13. by Terry Pratchett
Finish Date: March, 2016
Genre: Fantasy, Satire
Rating: A
Review: What can I say? It is a Terry Pratchett Discworld story. If you have read them, you know what I mean. If not, I can't really explain in a few words. I always enjoy the somewhat wacky and convoluted tale and how right and goodness triumph, despite the best efforts of all characters involved. Like a few other Pratchett books I have read, this one took a bit of dedication to get into but ended up engaging and rewarding by the end. These books contain continuing characters and, while you can enjoy each one on its own, you have a greater appreciation of the depth of individuals and plots if you read them in order.

Jim wrote: "13. by Terry Pratchett
Finish Date: March, 2016
Genre: Fantasy, Satire
Rating: A
Review: What can I say? It is a Ter..."

I love Pratchett.

I do also. I think those who don't particularly like fantasy and never read him have no idea of the great insights in human character in his books. Not to mention that you learn about things like scientific theories (of time, etc.) and literature (Shakespeare for example). Finally, you find yourself laughing at something that is so true about your own self.
Peter wrote: "Jim wrote: "13. by Terry Pratchett
Finish Date: March, 2016
Genre: Fantasy, Satire
Rating: A
Review: What can I say?..."

14. by Ed Strauss
Finish Date: March, 2016
Genre: Religion
Rating: A
Review: This is a nice little book that links Christian faith with The Hobbit, which of course is something that Tolkien himself did in writing this book (though not in so obvious a fashion). Each short devotional takes a particular piece of the story and then provides a discussion that arrives at a point for one to ponder regarding faith. I don't think anyone who has never read The Hobbit would get much from this but, for those who have, it is a pleasant way to think about what one has read there from another angle.

Jim wrote: "12. by [author:Brady Carls..."

I think I might have to put that book on my tbr list, Jim. Looks really interesting.

15. by Félix J. Palma
Finish Date: March, 2016
Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction
Rating: A-
Review: This is the third volume in a lengthy trilogy that constructs an alternate reality (actuality realities) primarily featuring H. G. Wells and other authors from his time. Each volume has a slightly different focus, though they are all interwoven by the end (I think). If you like elaborate, convoluted plots that reach across time and space (and draw heavily on the stories of Wells) then this is for you. I do think you need to read them fairly close together to appreciate all the intricacy. A fair amount of time elapsed between volumes for me (as they were being published) so I did not recall the earlier ones too well while I was reading the final volume.

16. by Anne-Marie O'Connor
Finish Date: March, 2016
Genre: History
Rating: A
Review: During a visit to Vienna, Austria last December, this book was recommended to me. It was a great read! I knew nothing about early 20th Century Vienna, the painter Klimt, and the Jewish community there. While centered upon the story of this famous painting, the book does a great job of recreating the world in which it was produced and the world that came after once the Nazis came to power. Once again, I was amazed by the inhumanity people can display to others they define as different or inferior. The history of the painting to the present is detailed and, while the ending is not the most satisfactory, it is what happened. If you have ever been to Vienna, this will give you new eyes to see/remember it. If you haven't, it is still a fascinating read.

APRIL
17. by Danielle Paige
Finish Date: April, 2016
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
Rating: A-
Review: This young adult novel provides a very different take on on the Wizard of Oz world. A new character Amy Gumm is the narrator and Dorothy is now an evil leader, supported by her three famous friends. This is a rather grim tale that is part of a larger series. I can't say it was the best I have read, but it is definitely interesting to see familiar character and types (flying monkeys, witches, etc.) in such drastically different roles.

18. by Oliver Pötzsch
Finish Date: April, 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: A
Review: This novel is loosely based upon the author's ancestors. A murder mystery set in medieval Germany, it paints a realistic picture of this time and place. I do think there are some anachronism is some of the turns of phrase and actions that seem too contemporary. Overall, however, the novel does a great job of capturing the terror of the supernatural that underlay this period. The leading characters are strongly drawn and I look forward to encountering them in other books in the series.

I liked that one too, Jim, and I think "painting a picture" are good words to use to describe Potzsch's writing. I have the next two in the series on my Kindle and hope to get to them soon.

Oliver Pötzsch

I picked up a used copy of book 2 in the series and hope to get to it soon.

19. by Gilbert King

Finish Date: April, 2016
Genre: History
Rating: A+
Review: While I did not participate in the group discussion on this book, I thought it looked interesting so I read it solo. I found it a fascinating read--one of those that grips you because it is so difficult to realize it is horrifyingly true. As I knew virtually nothing about these events, there was a great deal of suspense for me. I liked the way the author had multiple threads and perspectives and would move from one to another, often leaving you hanging at the end of one episode, while he wrote about some other aspect. I highly recommend it. I wish I had had time to be part of the discussions. I know that would have enriched my reading.

20. by Paul H. Santa Cruz (no photo)

Finish Date: April, 2016
Genre: History
Rating: A-
Review: I received a correspondence offering this book at a reduced rate so I bought a copy. Like many, I have read quite a bit on the Kennedy assassination and all the different issues that swirl around it. While covering the assassination events briefly, the primary purpose of this book is to focus on what certain groups and individuals did with that event in terms of how they defined it or interpreted or presented it as part of a reflection or definition of themselves. The three primary ones in this regard are, first the city of Dallas, then Lyndon Johnson during his presidency and Robert Kennedy, especially as he chose to run for president himself. This provides a slightly different angle and provides some new perspectives to consider. Cruz does include some other people and places toward the end of his book. The one I found most interesting was the Kennedy Presidential Library. The most difficult part about the book was its tendency to repeat something to the point of distraction. Probably worth the read if you have an interest in the Kennedy assassination or Johnson or Robert Kennedy but not recommended for the casual reader.

Jim.....dont forget to put (no photo) after your author link in the posting above: thus:

Paul H. Santa Cruz (no photo)

Thanks so much.

K

JUNE
21. by David Gelernter
Finish Date: June, 2016
Genre: Science
Rating: A-
Review: Gerlernter offers a provocative argument that the current approach to creating a thinking machine, an artificial intelligence, is wrong because it doesn't include understanding of the true complexity of the human mind. Our minds operate across a spectrum that changes across the day, much like the rise and fall of ocean tides. We have two regions--consciousness and memory--from which we operate that range from the highly conscious aware mind to the unconscious level operated by memory. Feelings are an important part of consciousness. Thus, a mind requires both a body and a brain. The book includes much to consider. However, I felt that the author took forever to make a point at times and there was a great deal of what I felt was repetition. While not easy reading--I had to work to keep going--I think the book is a must read for those interested in the area of artificial intelligence. It offers a uniquely different take on the entire debate. I also found "interesting" Gerlernter's regular use of literary examples to make his point.

Jim..........please put (no photo) after the author link on post 37. Thanks.

22. by Sharon Penman
Finish Date: June, 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: A
Review: This sprawling historical novel centers around the 12th century struggle between Maude and Stephen for the throne of England. The story unfolds through multiple points of view, including that of the two principal characters, as well as several fictional ones. Well-written the book contains enough interesting plot lines (based on historical fact) to both keep the readers engaged and informed about this traumatic time in England's history. While sympathetic to both protagonists, the novel does not attempt to advocate for either of them, but rather lets the story unfold. A tragic subtext is the collateral damage done, especially to the less influential and powerful, during this protracted struggle.

23. by Brad Thor
Finish Date: June, 2016
Genre: Fiction
Rating: A-
Review: I read this book after it was recommended to me by a random encounter at a fast food restaurant. While it is certainly entertaining in the action/suspense genre, I felt there were just too many narrow escape from bullets by the principal character. If professional killers were after him, I don't think they would miss their shots this many times. Other than that, it is a good read about the efforts of the main character, ex­Navy SEAL Scot Harvath to unravel the complex international plot and locate the President of the United States who has been kidnapped. This is the first book in a series featuring this character. I will probably read at least one more.

24. by Elizabeth P. Benson
Finish Date: June, 2016
Genre: Archaeology
Rating: A
Review: This collection of essays focuses on the issue of human sacrifice in Peru as examined through the archaeological record of several Peruvian cultures through time. Different essays focus on different artifact records to present their case. Collectively, they leave the reader with a strong sense of some of the gory weirdness of the ancient Peruvians. After my visit to the Nazca lines last year, I was especially struck by the taking and ritual use of human heads. This fascinating book enlarged my perspective on how much Peruvians world view included a continued active presence of the dead with the living.

25. by Joe Abercrombie
Finish Date: June, 2016
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: A-
Review: These are good stories, most with a "sharp end," both in terms of plot and the lives of some of the characters. However, if one has not read an Abercrombie book before, especially The First Law trilogy, then much of the irony in these stories will be missed. I would not recommend this as an introduction to Abercrombie, as he writes sprawling, complex novels with multiple lead characters. This is better savored as a small dessert tray for afterward.

Jim.....don't forget to put the author link in posts 39-42 and "finish date" in posts 41-42. Thanks.

Jill wrote: "Jim.....don't forget to put the author link in posts 39-42 and "finish date" in posts 41-42. Thanks."

Done

Thanks, Jim.

26. by Erik Larson
Finish Date: June, 2016
Genre: History
Rating: A
Review: While most readers will know the final outcome of this story, Larson does a good job of building what suspense he can. He also builds a detailed story of how the German submarine warfare brought them to this point. Through a great deal of meticulous detail, he brings alive many of those aboard the Lusitania so that we feel more sharply their passing or survival when the ship is attacked. There is also more than a little sense that the British contributed to the sinking of this vessel, at best through some unbelievable carelessness and at worst through a callous disregard for the ship's fate because it might serve their wartime interests. Like all of Larson's books, it delivers a well-written and research story.

<27. by B. Traven
Finish Date: June, 2016
Genre: Fiction
Rating: A
Review: The movie based on this book is among my favorites. I thought it might be fun to see how the book compared. The basic plot line of the movie is close to the original. There are a couple of movie tweaks with the bandits and Dobbs that I think are actually better than the book. The other main difference is that the book also has all these lost treasure tales embedded into the story. While they slow the action a time or two, they are fascinating reading in themselves and of course reinforce the basic premise about the corrupting power of the lust for gold.

JULY

28. by David Plotz
Finish Date: July, 2016
Genre: Religion
Rating: A
Review: The subtitle pretty much says it all, "the bizarre, hilarious, disturbing, marvelous, and inspiring things I learned when I read every single word of the Bible. As a non-believing Jew, Plotz is speaking of the Old Testament only. While he makes a few comments regarding the New Testament and Christ, he did not read and write on them. This book may bring some comfort to agnostics and atheists because it should reinforce what they believe. It will probably upset or anger some believers (Jewish or Christian) who may be upset or even horrified by what Plotz says. That said, it does provide an interesting commentary on this significant historical work. Plotz does have a nicely discerning eye for the details on which he writes. I think it helps if the reader has also already read the Bible in depth or does that in conjunction with this book. Otherwise, much of the nuance and meaning will be lost. The God of the Old Testament is a fascinating challenge, even to the most devout believer. I left with much to think about even though I did not change my basic belief that there is a deity out there far beyond what we can understand or even write about Him. I also gained some new insights into Judaism and how a "modern" person from a Jewish background might think.

29. by Kathleen Thompson (no photo)
Finish Date: July, 2016
Genre: History
Rating: A
Review: This book is a collection of essays centered upon what happens to the field after several major Civil War battles. It provides some fascinating and gruesome details regarding bodies, human and animal, as well as how they are dealt with. Many essays have a concluding sidebar regarding the present-day status of the site, many of which may be visited. There are also chapters on cemeteries, Arlington being the most prominent. While a specialized study, it will provide new details that many Civil War enthusiasts.

Some great books, Jim. I've read a couple of them and we pretty much agree .

BTW, please go back over your posts and add "finish date" where you have omitted it. Thanks.