The History Book Club discussion

Radiah, this is your thread for 2018. I have included the link to the required format thread and an example. If you had a 2017 thread - it will be archived so when you get the opportunity move over your completed books and formats to the 2018 thread - but we will allow time for you to do that.

Please follow the standard required format below - I hope you enjoy your reading in 2018. Here is also a link for assistance with the required guidelines:

Link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Our Required Format:

JANUARY

1. by Winston S. Churchill
Finish date: January 2018
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.

IMPORTANT - THE REVIEW SHOULD BE SHORT AND SWEET - THERE ARE NO LINKS OF ANY KIND IN THE BODY OF THE REVIEW ALLOWED. NONE. DO NOT REFER TO ANY OTHER BOOK IN YOUR BRIEF REVIEW. THE ONLY BOOK CITED IN YOUR REVIEW IS THE ONE YOU ARE REVIEWING - NO OTHERS. ALL LINKS TO OTHER THREADS OR REVIEWS ARE DELETED IMMEDIATELY - THERE WILL BE NO WARNING. WE CONSIDER THIS SELF PROMOTION AND IT IS NOT ALLOWED AND IS IN VIOLATION OF OUR RULES AND GUIDELINES.

Radiah, I sent you a PM which indicated to you that your 2017 thread had been archived but was still accessible and I included a link to this thread which is your new 2018 one

JANUARY

1. by Carole Satyamurti
Finish date: January 2018
Genre: Mythology / Fiction
Rating: B
Review: An incredibly dense philosophical epic. The Mahabhrata is first and foremost a Hindu epic where the earliest preserved parts dated back to 400 BC. Much like some ancient texts, stories are found here which are similar to those in the Old Testament. I read a translated non-religious version, therefore, it was more like one long story for me, and it was pretty complicated, but I could see that this story was deeply meaningful to the Hindu people. It showcases the folly of human emotion and pride, honour, courage, and doing the right thing to achieve a better reincarnated state. To me, it was worth the time reading it, though it took almost 2 months.

Very good start, Radiah.

FEBRUARY

2. by Michael Wolff
Finish date: February 2018
Genre: Non-Fiction
Rating: B
Review: It seemed like most people were very excited about the release of this book, as if it would reveal something about Mr. Trump that nobody knew. I don't believe I learnt that much about him, though it ended up confirming a few thoughts which had risen whenever I saw him on television giving a speech. The writer relayed an atmosphere of chaos and uncertainty - which we felt here in Asia after the announcement of the new President. It was fluid, but to be honest I was a little bored about three-quarters into the book. An interesting read, nonetheless.

3. by Travis Bradberry (no photo)
Finish date: February 2018
Genre: Non-Fiction
Rating: B
Review: This is my first time reading up about EQ, though much has been made about it in the corporate world. This is quite a general read, and therefore was relevant to me as a beginner learning about the basics of EQ. It is rather frustrating as you can't quantify it in any concrete terms, but I would say this is an important part of the soft-skills every human needs to learn to be able to survive and thrive in this world.

MARCH

4. by Peter G. Tsouras(no photo)
Finish date: March 2018
Genre: Military History / History
Rating: C
Review: This was mainly a report about the German ordeal in the Eastern Front during WWII. It was rather informative, especially the way in which the Nazis viewed the Russians as a whole. It was interesting to read this from the perspective of a race who thought they were the most superior.

Radiah, I did not catch this before - but message 7, 5 and 3 need edits.

Please make sure that the month is in all caps and all bold - look to message one for assistance. Then make sure that you skip one blank line between the month in caps and bold and the citation underneath.

I always delete my assists once the edits are made.

APRIL

5. by Colleen McCullough
Finish date: April 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: A
Review: This was such an enjoyable read, it was difficult to put down. I haven't read much historical fiction, but this is one of the most incredibly detailed historical fiction stories I have ever encountered. Colleen McCullough has weaved together a rich story for Rome's greatest military transformer, Gaius Marius. It is a tad long at 900+ pages, but very much worth it.

6. by Alan W. Watts
Finish date: April 2018
Genre: Philosophy
Rating: C+
Review: Alan Watts does a pretty good job of breaking down Eastern philosophy to a Western audience. The book is centered around breaking down the self in relation to the universe.

7. by James Allen
Finish date: April 2018
Genre: Philosophy
Rating: B
Review: For such a short book, this has deep impact. I particularly like the writer's no-nonsense way of awakening the reader to how powerful the mind is. I wish I had read this a long time ago.

MAY

8. by Virgil
Finish date: May 2018
Genre: Classic
Rating: C
Review: This is a fantastic work weaving the myth of the founding of Rome on the back of the fall of Troy. It is rather long-winded but the breath of scope is incredible, involving Roman Gods and Goddesses and Roman heroes. I unfortunately got hold of an older translation and it took some concentration to read through the thees, thous and thys.

9. by William MacLeod Raine
Finish date: May 2018
Genre: Classic
Rating: C
Review: What a pleasant surprise this book was. Written in the 1930s, it reads like the adventure stories of old. This one is complete with mutiny on the high seas, a love interest, villains, heroes and buried treasure in an exotic location.

10. by Bret Harte
Finish date: May 2018
Genre: Classic
Rating: C
Review: What a strange story. It is about the imagination of children...or is it? I'm not too sure what to make of it. It is a rather enjoyable short read, but at the end of it, I wondered what I had just read.

11. by John Dickie(no photo)
Finish date: May 2018
Genre: Crime
Rating: B
Review: An exhaustive read on the beginnings of Italy's three mafias. John Dickie does it again and tells the story of crime families that have plagued Italy for years, weaving in major court cases, news reports, reports from the police and eyewitness reports into the story of the mafias through the ages and up to their migration to the USA. It is informative, and very detailed.

12. by Jeremy Clarkson
Finish date: May 2018
Genre: Comedy
Rating: B
Review: I believe this could be classified as comedy. Otherwise, it would be classified under the shelf of "rants of a cranky man sliding into old age". Put your political correctness aside, Jeremy Clarkson has something to say. I laughed through this, though I suppose being a fan of Top Gear helps.

JUNE

13. by Mike Jackson(no photo)
Finish date: June 2018
Genre: Autobiography
Rating: B
Review: General Mike Jackson has always appeared on television to me, as a capable General. What I didn't expect after reading his autobiography, is how likeable he is as a person. His career spanning the Troubles of Northern Ireland, the Kosovo war and the Iraq war is remarkable but here is a man who is down-to-earth and always looks out for his soldiers. His actions stem from his strong principles, and it comes through when he argues that military force is not a means to an end, rather it is a tool for a greater political goal. The autobiography is honest and straightforward - very much like the man himself.

14. by Quintus Curtius (no photo)
Finish date: June 2018
Genre: Essays / Philosophy
Rating: A
Review: This was one of the first publications from a blogger I often read. No, his name isn't really Quintus Curtius, but I gather he admires the ancient historian. This is an excellent collection of essays and each essay made me ponder my life and contribution to society at large. I particularly liked that what may be deemed a politically incorrect work was published by a modern-day writer with no apologies.

15. by Roberto Escobar Gaviria (no photos)
Finish date: June 2018
Genre: Non-Fiction
Rating: B
Review: The book doesn't have a definite timeline and rather seems to be a collection of Roberto Escobar's memories and thoughts on his brother's criminal enterprise. I couldn't decide if he was simply deceiving himself on his brother's good work, but one thing is very certain - he was always loyal to Pablo Escobar and grieves deeply over his death. It was an interesting insight into the rise of cocaine and the myths of Pablo Escobar.

16. by John Gwynne
Finish date: June 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: This book has me hooked into this new series. The story is drawn out, mysterious and has all the usual elements of traditional fantasy: powerful objects, good VS evil and mankind's last hope. John Gwynne is a talented writer and this story hits all the right spots.

17. by Brent Weeks
Finish date: June 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: An interesting start to a new series. I've heard both good and bad things about this series, and I thought I'd give it a try. So far, so angsty but I felt as if the "normal" characters might be a little one-dimensional. The underworld characters are rather colourful.

18. by Brent Weeks
Finish date: June 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: The story got a little more teen angsty but otherwise, the way the events are unfolding are pretty exciting.

19. by Brent Weeks
Finish date: June 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: The story built up really well, though it seems that this story ends with more questions. I wish the author answered more of the mysteries before ending the story.

JULY

20. by Quintus Curtius (no photo)
Finish date: July 2018
Genre: Non-Fiction / Philosophy
Rating: B
Review: Quintus does it again in his second publication. This time, he is more introspective and delves into his favourite philosophers and historical figures who stood up in the face of popular opinion.

21. by Ivanka Trump
Finish date: July 2018
Genre: Non-Fiction
Rating: B
Review: While some may feel that a privileged rich-kid like Ms Trump is in no place to give advice, I think it is quite interesting that she wasn't in the scandal sheets constantly when she was young and what she says in the book regarding seizing upon the opportunities presented to you is very much relevant to everyone. She doesn't apologise for growing up wealthy instead she tries to relate her experiences to the excellent points she lays out for young graduates to adopt when facing the competitive working world.

22. by John Gwynne
Finish date: July 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: This series - The Faithful and The Fallen - has managed to get me invested emotionally into the story and the characters. Mr. Gwynne does a good job making them real; their fears, their desires and their ambitions. What is great is that he writes from the perspective of characters on all sides of the good VS evil theme in the conflict. It is thoroughly enjoyable and I am looking forward to the next instalment in the series.

23. by John Gwynne
Finish date: July 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: A
Review: This series keeps getting better. I hardly surfaced for air or food through this entire book. The surprises hit hard and most I didn't see coming.

24. by John Gwynne
Finish date: July 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: A
Review: Wonderful end to an epic debut series by John Gwynne. The series is well-written and had such unexpected turns. I'm definitely going to look forward to more from John Gwynne.

AUGUST

25. by Sheri Riley (no photo)
Finish date: August 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: D
Review: I don't know what made me pick up the book - perhaps thinking about where my career and life is heading and thoughts of that nature. After reading it, I found it to be slightly preachy and a little snoozy. She truly does believe in what she is saying and she lives her dream but, perhaps I have not reached that level of enlightenment yet. I did not enjoy this one.

26. by David Gemmell
Finish date: August 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: An oldie but a goodie. This story has elements of time travel combined with a society reminiscent of the Scottish highlanders and a very angry woman.

27. by David Gemmell
Finish date: August 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: A continuation from my last read. David Gemmell managed to confuse me yet his time travel explanation was clear at the same time. I think the first book had a better plot, though this one had better villains.

28. by Michael J. Sullivan
Finish date: August 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: I picked up this book upon recommendation from Goodreads and I did not regret it. It's an omnibus edition of the first 2 books in the series. The first part was alright, but it got progressively more intriguing towards the end. I feel as if Epic fantasy has been suffering from the same plot formula for years before the introduction of grimdark fantasy. Michael J. Sullivan has written here an interesting take on Epic fantasy, it is humorous though the story suffers from not having in-depth character exploration.

29. by Michael J. Sullivan
Finish date: August 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: This is a continuation of my last read, I was so engrossed in it and its many twists and turns and close shaves I don’t think I emerged for air for 2 days. The characters are written to be incredibly likeable you wouldn’t mind accompanying them on their adventures.

Good progress Radiah.

30. by Michael J. Sullivan
Finish date: August 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: A satisfying conclusion to the series, Michael J. Sullivan writes with a sense of humour and flair for story twists. The only gripe I have with this one was that it reached its conclusion too fast and raised more questions than answers. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the Riyria world.

31. by Michael J. Sullivan
Finish date: August 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: A wonderful prequel to the series I just read. I think I prefer the prequel's plot to the actual series.

32. by Michael J. SullivanMichael J. Sullivan
Finish date: August 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: I wish this story was longer and at the same time, I wish I didn't read this series because I just discovered the rest of the series has not been brought to Singapore yet and now I have to wait.

SEPTEMBER

33. by Brian Staveley
Finish date: September 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: I picked this book up randomly while in Barnes and Noble, mostly for its rating of 4 stars. The plot kept me totally riveted, and I just found out that the writer is a historian - which explains why the setting of the royal family in this story is like the old Chinese dynasties, gone amuck. However, I don't remember disliking a main female character as much as I have in this story - she is annoying.

34. by Michael J. Sullivan
Finish date: September 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: I went back to reading the prequel of the Riyria series. This one is interesting - the writer managed to write the characters are naive and wholly untrusting.

35. by Michael J. Sullivan
Finish date: September 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: This series has become the highlight of my reading year. I hope the writer keeps churning out stories this readable.

36. by Michael J. Sullivan
Finish date: September 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: The ending of the prequel is strangely unsatisfying. It still hasn't answered a few questions. Still, it was humorous and thoroughly enjoyable.

37. by Brian Staveley
Finish date: September 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: A continuation of Brian Staveley's series. The plot continuation is fantastic, but my previous peeve with the main female character has gotten worse - I now dislike her intensely.

Wow - remarkable progress

OCTOBER

38. by Brian Staveley
Finish date: October 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: C
Review: I understand this book received good reviews, but I felt it wasn't paced well and it wasn't explored well, either. I was rather disappointed with the rush to the end in the last few chapters.

39. by Brian Staveley
Finish date: October 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: I felt this prequel was rather more enjoyable than the series.

NOVEMBER

40. by Neil Oliver
Finish date: November 2018
Genre: History
Rating: A
Review: I picked up a copy of this book while visiting Hadrian’s Wall, having been familiar with Mr. Oliver’s work the last time I visited the UK. Once again, Neil Oliver’s enthusiasm and passion for his homeland’s history leaps out of the pages. He invites us on a journey from the Neolithic era up to the end of the Roman era, describing the findings both old and recently uncovered as well as explaining new and outdated theories on ancient British history.

I felt privileged to be reading the book while I was physically present at some of the sights he mentions – namely Stonehenge , the Housesteads at Hadrian’s Wall and the Lakes District. It was almost surreal to be there while reading about how significant the findings in these places are to British history. Having this book as a companion while visiting the sites felt like I was having insider information; it certainly added to my excitement – sort of like having a personal archaeologist explaining to me the significance of the finds.

I absolutely devoured the book. It was wonderful to read and the way it was written is perfect for a history lover with no formal training.

41. by Christian Cameron
Finish date: November 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: B
Review: I rather enjoyed this ancient Roman tale of a boy becoming a man. His journey through slavery and the atmosphere set up by the writer felt authentic.

43. by Giles Kristian
Finish date: November 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: B
Review: This is a continuation of the viking story I had been following. This instalment is not quite as fast-paced, but I enjoyed reading about the Viking's experiences in Paris.

44. by Giles Kristian
Finish date: November 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: B
Review: The last instalment was also interesting. The Vikings have reached the Middle East, where historically, they were trading slaves. I found it interesting to go back to that time through the writer's story.

DECEMBER

45. by Mark Lawrence
Finish date: December 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B
Review: I've heard a lot of good things about this epic fantasy and how unusual it was and I certainly found it very unusual. A mix of sword and sorcery, mythology and modernity told from the point of view of a cowardly prince and his Viking companion forced to be together. Its a recipe of success in Mark Lawrence's case.