December 2024 - My Name Is - 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 2024.
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 Hera and discussed it in the group thread. Not my favorite book about mythology but it was nice to see different gods weaved into the story.

[Janice, Moderator]

WOF Janice

I read and discussed James which was one of the featured books. It's a retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin. I don't recall reading it in school, though I think it was on the curriculum. I would like to have the background to compare.

The story is about slavery and it made me feel angry that people would treat other people worse than animals. I can't say this was a happy read for me and I'm sure I won't forget it for a long time.

[Nistha]

WoF Nix

I read Circe and discussed in the thread. I feel I have read better Greek mythologies than this one - the plot felt very weak and empty. Having said that, the writing was good. Rated it 3 stars.

[Jayme, Moderator]

WoF Jayme

I read James by Percival Everett and am currently leading the discussion in the featured thread.

There is a lot going on this book and for those who love Mark Twain they may have some strong feelings about the liberties that Everett takes in his retelling.
Also, there are some pretty tough passages to read, it is after all about the brutality of slavery, so I would be mindful of that if triggers (rape, violence) are something that you need to be made aware.
Update: I have been thinking a lot about the book especially the end and I have to say (without spoilers) I really appreciate what Everett did with the ending. it is a smart book and is now a solid 4 for me.

[Katrisa]

I read and discussed Hera. I was excited for this one because I really enjoyed Ariadne and Atalanta, but this one wasn't as good. Saint's writing is good, but Hera just isn't a very sympathetic character. She is primarily known for jealousy and punishing her husband's conquests and bastard children. Saint tried to give her backstory to show why she is the way she is, but it didn't really help rehabilitate her character. I gave the book 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.

[Shirley]

WoF Shirley
I read and discussed Molly in the thread.
The title is a person’s name.
I enjoyed the audiobook, and would like to read more books by this author. She has a writing style that captures a strong sense of place.

[Kristie, Moderator]

WoF: Kristie

I read James and discussed in the group thread. It was sad to read how terrible people were treated and I was worried for both Jim and Huck. I liked this story, but I didn't love it. I think maybe there was too much hype around it. Overall, I didn't think it was one of the best books I've ever read. I gave it 3 stars.

I read Nimona and discussed in the general thread. It was a fun read where the villain is really the good guy. I saw the movie a while back and kept comparing the two in my head. I think I might have enjoyed the movie more, but still gave the book 4 stars.

[Margo]

WoF margo

I read Hera and I lead the discussion. I was really interested to see how Jennifer Saint would manage to make goddess a bit more palatable to a modern audience She is best known for punishing women tricked into bed by Zeus. The answer is that she didn't, but she did focus on events in Heras life that lead to such a thirst for revenge.

[Jayme, Moderator]

Badges and Stamps have been posted. Let me know if I missed anyone.