Macbeth by William Shakespeare

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. This was my last read for August 2025. I really enjoyed the LA Theatre Works production of Macbeth with its full cast dramatization of this play.

The fact is, I wasn't planning to read anything written by William Shakespeare this year. However, after comprising a list of literary villains for an upcoming meme I will be posting, I decided to read Macbeth because of Lady Macbeth.

As with all of Shakespeare's plays, there is a lot to chew in terms of the various themes presented in his plays. Macbeth's central theme "is the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and how it leads to moral and psychological corruption, ultimately causing the downfall of individuals and the destruction of social order."

I also found it interesting to ponder the thought of fate vs free will with regards to the prophecies set forth by the three witches at the start of Macbeth. The witches introduce the idea of destiny. However, it's Macbeth that acts on the ideas set forth by the witches and we see the consequences of his actions.

The following is the publisher's summary for Macbeth by William Shakespeare from Chirp's website:

Infamously known as the cursed Scottish play, Macbeth is perhaps Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy. When General Macbeth is foretold by three witches that he will one day be King of Scotland, Lady Macbeth convinces him to get rid of anyone who could stand in his way – including committing regicide. As Macbeth ascends to the throne through bloody murder, he becomes a tyrant consumed by fear and paranoia.

I am giving Macbeth by William Shakespeare a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

 

I first became aware of Gary D. Schmidt as an author back in 2021 via one of my former college professors I'm still in touch with decades later. I read Gary D. Schmidt's young adult novel, Just Like That, in 2021 and enjoyed it thoroughly. I've been meaning to read more of his novels ever since then.

The latest novel I finished reading this month was actually listening to the unabridged audio version of The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt and is well narrated by Joel Johnstone. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED everything about The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt from the characters, the writing, the humor, the pacing of the storyline, the storyline/plot itself, the narration by Joel Johnstone, and the lessons learned/imparted in this young adult novel. I couldn't be happier with this read. I enjoyed The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt even more than I did Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt. 

I have a physical copy of Okay For Now by Gary D. Schmidt lined up to read at some point down the road... Hopefully, some time later this year!!

Listening time for The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is 7 hours, 28 minutes.

Below is the publisher's plot summary for The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt I discovered on Chirp's website:

In this Newbery Honor-winning novel, Gary D. Schmidt offers an unforgettable antihero. The Wednesday Wars is a wonderfully witty and compelling story about a teenage boy’s mishaps and adventures over the course of the 1967-68 school year in Long Island, New York. Meet Holling Hoodhood, a seventh-grader at Camillo Junior High, who must spend Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, while the rest of the class has religious instruction. Mrs. Baker doesn’t like Holling-he’s sure of it. Why else would she make him read the plays of William Shakespeare outside class? But everyone has bigger things to worry about, like Vietnam. His father wants Holling and his sister to be on their best behavior: the success of his business depends on it. But how can Holling stay out of trouble when he has so much to contend with? A bully demanding cream puffs; angry rats; and a baseball hero signing autographs the very same night Holling has to appear in a play in yellow tights! As fate sneaks up on him again and again, Holling finds Motivation-the Big M-in the most unexpected places and musters up the courage to embrace his destiny, in spite of himself.

I am giving The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt a rating of 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

How to Read Shakespeare!

 

I have recently come across Lauren Wade's book vlog on YouTube and have enjoyed watching a few of the episodes in the past few weeks. 

I found Lauren's video on How to Read Shakespeare interesting for those readers that find reading Shakespeare's plays intimidating.

Why Shakespeare Loved Iambic Pentameter Explained In a Ted-Ed Talk!

With April being National Poetry Month, I thought it would be fun to share this video as to why Shakespeare loved iambic pentameter so much. Enjoy!

Why Should You Read Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Reading Shakespeare's plays can be tough going, but they are relevant today as ever! 

Check out the above video to see why reading Macbeth is worth the read.