December 2022 Reporting

[Jayme, Moderator]

Please read through the reporting thread carefully to ensure to report correctly to get your badge/s.

After you have read your chosen book(s) for this month's group theme read, please report in the thread below.

Please state what book you read (and link it), how it fits the theme, that you discussed it (and where), and briefly summarize what you thought of the book and/or link to your review if you have written one.

If you lead the discussion, please state this in your post.

Here is an example for how to report your read:

“I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and discussed it in the [Harry Potter/Buddy Read/Other books in theme] thread. I really enjoyed the book. I watched the film first so I already knew the story line but I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book more as there was more detail involved. Plus I listened to the audio which was narrated by Stephen Fry who is a superb narrator. 4 stars.”

If you read more than one book which fits the theme, please report all your reads in the same post rather than in separate posts.

Please note, there are THREE different badges that can be obtained for group reads. Those reading and discussing one of the two chosen group reads will receive a colorful badge similar to those for previous group reads. Those reading and discussing any other book in the theme will receive a stamp. The discussion leader for the two chosen group reads will receive a badge stating they led the discussion. Maximum amount of badges you can receive for the group reads is TWO - one for the chosen group read/discussion leader and one for any other book in the theme.

In order to receive a badge you must:
1. put your Wall of Fame Name at the beginning of your post as follows: WoF Name - Sandra
2. have read the book(s) before or during December 2022.
3. discussed it in the relevant thread. Discussion must be more than "I read the book and I liked it". Discussion requires something more substantial and analytical of what you read, for example, thoughts, opinions, impact it had on you, what was your favorite part, was it what you expected it to be like etc. You may also like to review the book and post a link to the review in that thread.
4. Report that you have read AND discussed the book.

[Marnie]

WoF Marnie

I read A Thousand Ships and discussed it in the group thread.

I had checked this book out before but couldn’t get into it. Knowing that we could discuss it was the push I needed to try again. I’m so glad I did. The audio narration added to my enjoyment. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Janice, Moderator]

WoF Janice

I also read A Thousand Ships and discussed it in the thread for that purpose.

My takeaway from the book was the intent of the author to portray the womens' story and that fighting is not the sole definition of war. Women experience the atrocities of being "the spoils of war".

[Sharon]

WoF SharonBiskit

I read A Thousand Ships and discussed it in the appropriate thread.

I agree with Marnie that listening to the Audible book was the way to go for me as I was able to listen and enjoy the story. I had to go back and pull from my long ago college years to remember the versions of the Trojan War. I loved that the format of the book was told in chapters from the women’s point of view. It was a story that helped me make connections, made me think and take away scenes that will stay with me awhile.

[Katrisa]

WoF Katrisa
I read A Thousand Ships and am leading the discussion.
I LOVED this book. I have a thing for mythology and especially retellings. This retelling of the Trojan war and events before and after is from the women's points of view. I listened to the audio and thought the narrator did a great job and really added to my enjoyment of the stories. I already own another of this author's books, Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek Myths that I am looking forward to reading and she is coming out with another in February Stone Blind about Medusa that I also want to read. I gave it 5 stars

[Peggy]

WoF Peggy

As I read both chosen books already (but do not remember enough to properly discuss), I picked another book which is set in the 17th century: Het schaduwspel. I discussed it in the discussion thread. Overall I really enjoyed it and rated it 4 stars. It was interesting to read some more about this part of Dutch history, especially about Jan Pietersz. Coen, who is very famous but also very controversial.

[Kira]

WoF Kira's Treasures

I chose The Marriage of Time by Mariah Stone for this theme. It is a time travel romance and mostly set in 875AD, Norway - the Vikings age.

It was fun traveling back in time and reading a romance between two people literally poles apart. Mia and Hakon both shared a wonderful chemistry and the way the romance built between the two seemed genuine instead of insta love type situation. I liked Mia's considerate nature combined with Hakon's valor and the Beauty and the Beast vibes in romance.

[Kristie, Moderator]

WoF: Kristie

I read Hamnet and was the discussion leader in the group thread.

I actually read this one a couple of months ago and reviewed it for this month's discussion. I thought it was an excellent story. I initially avoided the book because I really didn't think it was going to be something I would enjoy, but it wasn't what I was expecting at all. This was about William Shakespeare's family and he was not the main focus of the story. It was much more intimate that I expected. I found it to be very well-written and would be interested in reading more by this author.

[Jayme, Moderator]

WoF Jayme

Since I had read both of the books for the December group reads I decided to read Dishonour and Obey by Graham Brack which takes place in the late 1600's.
This is the third book in the Master Mercurius Mysteries Series and it was the weakest. The history was well-researched, but I think it got away from the author because there was a lot of telling and very little showing and even less mystery. I will still read the next book in the series because I really like the main character.

[Margo]

WoF margo

I read Hamnet and took part in the group discussion on the appropriate thread.

This was the first Maggie O'Farrell story I've read and and I was really impressed with the writing. I liked the historical details and the characters, especially Agnes. It was interesting to read this fictional account of William Shakespeares family and to speculate over the effect that death of Hamnet had on the family.

[Jayme, Moderator]

Badges and Stamps have been posted to walls. Let me know if I missed anyone :)