Post date: Jun 22, 2015 1:51:35 PM
1. C.S. Lewis: A Life Inspired (Nonfiction)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though the content was fascinating and easy to digest, it was too brief. (I'm a huge Lewis fan, so I knew most of this information. It was good, but could've been better.)
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10- Easy read.
Content Enjoyment: 7/10- Like I said, I love C.S. Lewis.
Language Enjoyment: 4/10- Straight exposition.
2. The Heroes of Olympus: The Demigod Diaries (Free Choice)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though the plot lines were not quite as good as the earlier Riordan novels, the content still had reader appeal and the language was incredibly readable.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10- The target age group is middle-school. This makes it easy to read, but was a bit of a detraction for me as a reader.
Content Enjoyment: 7/10- I was impressed with Riordan's son's short story.
Language Enjoyment: 6/10- Riordan has conversational language down! However, it is written for a younger audience.
3. Conquer Your Fear, Share Your Faith: Evangelism Made Easy (Nonfiction)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Comfort and Cameron craft a clear, concise, convicting, and challenging text.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10- They don't linger. It is practical and to the point. One of the better works I've read on apologetics.
Content Enjoyment: 10/10- I'm a fan. This is something I think and pray about often...though not often enough.
Language Enjoyment: 6/10- It was well written exposition venturing into narrative at times.
4. David Copperfield (Classic)
(Side-note: As I have been reading this, I have stumbled across nearly all of our vocabulary terms... Interesting.)
Thesis Statement Analysis (In fact, just have a little introductory paragraph!):
Fields of Copper
“Ride over all obstacles, and win the race!” (Dickens). David Copperfield is a story about a boy from England at the turn of the century who overcomes trials and experiences a wonderful life. After being abused by his step-father, he is rescued by his wealthy aunt who changes the course of his life. Though this book moves very slowly, it has compelling characters and utilizes wonderful language.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 7/10- This is Dickens. Thus, it is not for the faint of heart, nor the struggling reader, nor the man who has other things to do with his time....but it's so good once you've plowed through it!
Content Enjoyment: 8/10- Ok, so I actually loved this book by the end. However, I'm going to give it an 8 because it really did take me some time to really get to that point.
Language Enjoyment: 10/10- Dickens is a wonderful crafter of language and characters. I'd put him amongst the best ever.
5. My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business: A Memoir (Nonfiction)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though terribly written, the content was extremely interesting and the format conducive to quick reading.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 7/10- Nothing about this book was challenging, so that is not the reason for the 7. Dyke writes like he talks--scattered. This makes the book fun (for a Dick Van Dyke fan), but destroys the flow. That impedes readability. HOWEVER, as I stated above, it does make for fast reading. It's like you're reading snippets rather than chapters.
Content Enjoyment: 10/10- Though portions of his life, particularly his spiritual life, disappointed me, it was fun learning about a man I have long enjoyed.
Language Enjoyment: 5/10- But that's ok. :D
6. The Giver (Free Choice)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though intriguing, the plot left something to be desired and the craft was more summative than narrative.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10- Very simple. Very short.
Content Enjoyment: 6/10- Ok. So, had this been my first dystopia, I might have enjoyed it more. It wasn't. Thus, the plot was too predictable. More distracting, however, was how the story moved along. Large portions was just us being told what was happening instead of shown. This hurt the enjoyment for me.
Language Enjoyment: 6/10- She writes well.
7. The Hobbit (Classic/Free Choice)
Thesis Statement Analysis: The Hobbit was captivating due to its fast pace, well-developed characters, and intriguing setting.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 8/10- For Tolkien, this is extremely readable...which might lend to its being one of my favorites.
Content Enjoyment: 10/10- This was so good. I've only read the first Lord of the Rings book (Fellowship of the Ring) at this point and, honestly, was about to give up on J.R.R. His writing is wonderfully descriptive, but SO SLOW. However, The Hobbit has piqued my interest in his world again.
Language Enjoyment: 10/10- Hands down, he's one of the best writers to ever tell stories. Period.
8. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy (Nonfiction)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though long, this biography was surprisingly detailed, wonderfully written, tremendously enjoyable.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 8/10- Some German and theological terms could be difficult for younger readers.
Content Enjoyment: 10/10- As stated in my thesis, I LOVED THIS BOOK. I feel like I literally lived alongside Bonhoeffer. Reading this was an experience--an impacting one.
Language Enjoyment: 8/10- Honestly, for a biography, this was incredible. At no point did I find it dry or slow.
9-12. Choas, Renagade, Lunatic, and Elyon (4 Free Choice Books)
Side Note: This was actually 4 separate books, but it was the end of a series and my feelings toward them were essentially the same.
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though the series itself represents immense creativity, these stories were too predictable and repetitive, and the characters were flat (the four main characters were really interchangeable).
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10- Simple
Content Enjoyment: 5/10- Too predictable. Too repetitive. Not enough character development.
Language Enjoyment: 3/10- :)
13. The Golden Ball and Other Stories by Agatha Christie (Free Choice/Classic)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though several of the mysteries were very predictable, the writing was wonderful, and the characters were unique.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10- She's a great writer, but this is modern enough for any reader to understand.
Content Enjoyment: 8/10- Even the predictable stories were fun to read. She's an artist. I'm now a fan.
Language Enjoyment: 9/10- Modern. Fast paced. Beautiful descriptions. She blends in all together in a very well-done craft.
14. The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis (Classic)
Thesis Statement Analysis: This short piece reflects Lewis' imagination, insight, and ingenuity.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 8/10- I only stop short of 10 on this one because Lewis is so very smart that some of his word choices might be unfamiliar. However, this is a very short and very well-written piece that should be easily understood at the surface level. Furthermore, it is a metaphor (which I loved!), and these, by nature, can be confusing to casual readers of fiction.
Content Enjoyment: 10/10 - I LOVED this. In fact, I want to read it again to find all the thing I missed the first time. There were several times when I thought for sure I was about to stumble onto a portion with which I strongly disagreed, but then his metaphor would continue and I would see his point more clearly. As long as a reader takes his opening admonition seriously and does not read this as what he thinks heaven will be like, but just a metaphor with a moral, I think this can be enjoyed for its great insight and imagination by nearly anyone. So GOOD!
Language Enjoyment: 10/10- It's Lewis. Can it be less than 10? He's, in my opinion, the standard.
15. The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis (Non-Fiction)
Thesis Statement Analysis: This written lecture was concise, powerful, and deep.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 5/10- This is not for the casual reader. It is an intellectual proposal. It requires close reading...and re-reading... but is worth the time (I want to re-read it).
Content Enjoyment: 10/10- So very well done. Lewis offers up what many have called one of the most prophetic pieces of the 20th century.
Language Enjoyment: 10/10- I love how he develops thoughts through illustrations and logical progression. Plus... it's Lewis.
16. The Book Thief (Free Choice)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though there was almost an excess of German cursing, the writing style was captivating and the plot was engaging.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10- Beyond some German cursing (which actually did feed into the plot), this was an easy to read piece that had strong reader appeal.
Content Enjoyment: /10- Good story. Great narration.
Language Enjoyment: 10/10- In my own writing, I try, with less than stunning success, to encompass two types of writing: strong descriptions and conversational tones. In my opinion, this book is one of the best blends I've found of these two.
17. Unbroken (Nonfiction)
Thesis Statement Analysis: This is a compelling story complete with vivid imagery, fast pacing, and inspiring characterization.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10- The only downside for some readers might be length. She did jump around a little bit, but no more than is typical for nonfiction writing.
Content Enjoyment: 1o/10- This is an excellent story. I find myself still thinking about the main character's experiences and bringing them up in conversation.
Language Enjoyment: 8/10- It was well-written nonfiction.
19. Something Wicked This Way Comes (Classic)
Thesis Statement Analysis: This was a well-written thriller with thought-provoking characters and captivating imagery.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 8/10
Content Enjoyment: 9/10 It started just a little slow, but grabbed me within the first few chapters. I loved the "father" character.
Language Enjoyment: 9/10 Bradbury is good.
20. Go Set A Watchman (Free Choice)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though Harper Lee is was wonderful author, this book lack any real plot line or character development and functioned more as a loosely narrative political commentary.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10 No struggles here.
Content Enjoyment: 4/10 See thesis
Language Enjoyment: 8/10 I must give some credit to the way Lee writes. Even in her earlier form, her skill so far exceed anything I will ever have.
21. Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Free Choice)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though there was some off-colored humor that could have been removed, the writing was clever and humorous.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 9/10
Content Enjoyment: 8/10
Language Enjoyment: 9/10 Douglas is just fun to read.
22. Mythology by Edith Hamilton (Classic)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Revealing a solid survey of classical mythology, this classic was entertaining and informative.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 9/10
Content Enjoyment: 8/10- I actually learned something from this, but disagreed with her world view.
Language Enjoyment: 9/10- Well written
23. The Essentials of Prayer by E.M. Bounds (Nonfiction)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though repetitive due to the sermon formatting, it was insightful and convicting.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 7/10- Due to age
Content Enjoyment: 10/10- Incredible
Language Enjoyment: 7/10
24. The Restaurant at the End of the Universe (Free Choice)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though as humorous as its predecessor, it lacked content and appeal.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10
Content Enjoyment: 6/10
Language Enjoyment: 10/10
25. That Hideous Strength (Classic/Free-Choice)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though slower than the first two novels, the conclusion of this series was well-written, thought-provoking and immensely enjoyable.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 8/10- C.S. Lewis is not for the light-of-heart. You have to pay attention and love his language. When you do, you'll love this.
Content Enjoyment: 10/10 -INCREDIBLE. This is probably the very best series I have ever read.
Language Enjoyment: 10/10- It's Lewis.
26. Fahrenheit 451 (Classic)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Bradbury is a master of description and intrigue, but ended this piece a little too soon.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10
Content Enjoyment: 10/10 - I loved this book, aside from the cursing, all the way until the last segment. When the plot gave way to commentary, I lost interest a bit. However, Bradbury is great, and his Afterward scared me away from being too critical.
Language Enjoyment: 10/10
27. Lion in the White House: A Life of Theodore Roosevelt (Nonfiction)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though brief and a relatively slow moving at times, the content was fascinating.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10
Content Enjoyment: 10/8 - Teddy Roosevelt is fascinating
Language Enjoyment: 10/5
28. The Princess of Mars (Classic SciFi)
Thesis Statement Analysis: This was well written and compelling, but a little too stereotypical and predictable.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10- Easy
Content Enjoyment: 8/10- The characters were a little too perfect and the storyline a little too predictable to pull me in completely.
Language Enjoyment: 8/10
29. The Maze Runner (Free Choice)
Thesis Statement Analysis: The language was a little juvenile, and the characters were a bit too familiar; however, the storyline was compelling.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10
Content Enjoyment: 7/10
Language Enjoyment: 7/10
30-31. Heroes of Olympus Series 1st two books (Free Choices)
Thesis Statement Analysis: Though extremely predictable, the stories are fast paced and enjoyable.
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: 10/10
Content Enjoyment: 10/10
Language Enjoyment: 8/10
TEMPLATE
Thesis Statement Analysis:
Rating (1 BAD- 10 GOOD):
Readability: /10
Content Enjoyment: /10
Language Enjoyment: /10