About

What is Reading Shakespeare about?
Owning a copy of Shakespeare’s complete works had me wondering the best way I could get myself to read the entire book. I have studied only about six or seven of Shakespeare’s plays from school through college, and there have been many others that I’ve wanted to read but have been a bit hesitant about tackling on my own. So, I figured, the best way to read Shakespeare’s plays and to read it with others, was to have a read-along. Hence Reading Shakespeare: A Play a Month in 2012 was born. A poll held from 01 November 2011 till 01 December 2011 determined the 12 plays we would be reading in 2012.

"The Plays of Shakespeare" by Sir John Gilbert (1849)

Initially, I had intended making just one post at the end of each month about each play and having a link-up for others add their posts to. But a few requests have me decided on making a post after every singly act that is read. It is true that there is so much in just one of Shakespeare’s play to summarise in a single post. An act-by-act analysis would ensure more coverage and a better understanding of these great works, not to mention more open ground for solid, in-depth discussions.This sort of coverage had me wondering if it wouldn’t be better if I opened up another blog solely for reading Shakespeare. I figured it would be as it would help to stem up any clutter at my book blog (Breadcrumb Reads) and the plays wouldn’t get lost midst the other reviews and discussions I post there.

Listing the plays for 2012.
I shall list them down along with the month in which we are reading them.

• January — A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• February — Macbeth
• March — Henry V
• April — Much Ado About Nothing
• May — Antony and Cleopatra
• June — Richard III
• July — As You Like It
• August — King Lear
• September — Cymbeline
• October — Twelfth Night
• November — Othello
• December — Pericles

IMPORTANT DATES: On the 15th, 18th, 21st, 24th and 27th of each month I will post Acts I, II, III, IV, and V of each play respectively.

Keeping pace.
No one is required to stick to these dates (save yours truly!). You can read at your own pace and join in on the discussions whenever you are ready.

Linking up.
If you write and post posts on your own blog please do give the links to them in the appropriate comments section and I will make a master list of links.

Requirements to join this read-along.
There are none. You don’t have to be a blogger. You don’t have to write posts anywhere. You don’t have to join in on every discussion. You don’t have to read every play. Just pick up the Shakespeare you want to read and have FUN. The rest is optional.

Looking to the future.
I figured, should the 2012 read-along be a success, I would continue with this for another couple of years — until we finish all of Shakespeare’s plays. However, I am jumping ahead of myself. It is just a thought which I shall come back to at the end of 2012.

Who am I?
View my profile.

Need to contact me?
Email me at: breadcrumbreads(at)yahoo(dot)com
Find me on Twitter: @breadcrumbreads
Find me on Goodreads: Risa