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Merissa (12838 KP) rated A Lightness in My Soul in Books

Jan 18, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)  
A Lightness in My Soul
A Lightness in My Soul
Annette Oppenlander | 2020 | Biography, History & Politics
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A LIGHTNESS IN MY SOUL is a fictional novella based on a true story, one that happened in Germany many years ago.

Just like the British evacuated their children, so did the Germans, although not everyone was put into homes, but camps instead. This is a heartbreaking and harrowing tale, told in the first person, as Arthur goes to a KLV camp. You stay with him as he begins to question just what is going on, then the Americans arrive, and you stay with him in the aftermath of that.

The conditions Arthur has to face are very well-written, managing to give the reader the horror and hopelessness of the situation without making it gruesome or unnecessarily violent.

For anyone with an interest in the history of WWII, especially if you are interested in the German perspective, then this is definitely one for your bookshelves. A one-sitting, engrossing read highly recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 18, 2021
  
We Three Queens
We Three Queens
Rhys Bowen | 2024 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
An Invasion of Guests
Lady Georgiana is enjoying her new life as a mother, but she is about to be besieged by guests. First comes Wallis Simpson at the request of King Edward while he tries to figure out how he can marry her. Then comes Georgie’s brother and sister-in-law as they look for a school for their son. Finally, Sir Hubert returns home with a film crew in tow. They want to feature the estate in a film about Henry the VIII. Unfortunately, not long after the film crew arrives someone vanishes. Can Georgie figure out what is happening?

Over the course of this series (hard to believe we are on book 18), I’ve enjoyed watching real history unfold, and I liked that again here. Unfortunately, the story started slowly and was uneven. Still, the ending did tie things up logically. Fortunately, the regular characters are their normal charming shelves, and the new characters fit into Georgie’s world. Fans will enjoy catching up with Georgie and the gang. If that’s not you, head back to the beginning to get to know the characters before you pick up this book.
  
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    Worms Crazy Golf HD

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Where We Belong
Emily Giffin | 2012 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.0 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wow! Let me begin by saying that I don't often recommend a book on my Facebook status, but for this 1 I did! Yes, it was that good!
The characters are all so well written & so incredibly believable...they could be your next door neighbor, your friend, or you. The plot was so real & emotional without being preachy or cheesy. I compare it to a Jodi Piccoult work minus the hidden social agenda that sometimes bugs me with her work.
This book tells the story of a thirty something TV producer woman names Marian. At the same time it is also told from the viewpoint of 18 year old Kirby. Their lives are separate, until a chance knock on a swanky, Manhattan penthouse door. The story follows both women through their journey by alternating chapters. Sounds confusing, but it flows together seamlessly. The stories follow in order, just alternate from each of their points of view. I hate to say more for fear of ruining the plot for someone who might chance upon this review. (I hate when that happens to me!!)
If you want to know more, go get the book! It will be worth your time & $$...TRUST ME!
  
TS
The Second Sister
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Lucy Toomey is busy working on a Presidential campaign. Her days and nights are consumed by work and punctuated only by late night calls from her sister, Alice, who still lives in Lucy's hometown of Nilson's Bay, Wisconsin. We learn that Alice suffered an accident at 18, which left her mentally disabled, and for which Lucy still feels guilty, many years later. However, not even her guilt can convince her to return to Nilson's Bay. Until she receives a call that Alice has passed away.

As the campaign winds down, Lucy finds herself once again in her hometown, settling Alice's affairs, living in her old home, and trying to figure out her life.

Overall, this is a fairly easy read, though I found the beginning a bit slow. Lucy is not the most likeable of characters, though she did grow on me as she herself grows. The plot is rather predictable, though you don't find yourself fighting the ending much. Once I got through about the first third, the book went quickly and was a pleasant read, but nothing amazing. (It did make me want to visit Door County, Wisconsin, however! Well-done on that front.)

Note: I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
  
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Ross (3284 KP) rated The Giver (2014) in Movies

Aug 27, 2018  
The Giver (2014)
The Giver (2014)
2014 | Drama, Sci-Fi
7
7.8 (6 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The premise and storyline (0 more)
Jeff Bridges' mumbling (0 more)
Watch this for the story, not for the cast
A very good premise in this film, following a community generations after the decision has been made to strive for a eutopia of bland polite sameness. No longer do people see colours (literally), all phrases have to be precise (something I think we could gain a lot by bringing in now!) and there are strict rules around curfews and behaviour, with everything being watched and lives pre-ordained.
The film follows three young people as they turn 18 and are allocated their jobs for life. Jonas has been selected to be the next Receiver of Knowledge - a role where he will receive all knowledge before the new world (of colours, wars, love, emotions, sledging).
Gripping dystopian vision of a future dreamworld and how wrong it would all be, and how, like religion, some good ideas become wrongly used as a strict framework for living life.
Needless to say, Jonas goes a bit daft with all this new knowledge (he somehow understood some of Jeff Bridges's incoherent mumbling) and looks to change the world for the better.
A short, enjoyable, family friendly version of Black Mirror with a slightly disappointing though happy ending.
  
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Pj Jones (4 KP) Aug 27, 2018

I loved the book,,,never seen the movie

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Ross (3284 KP) Aug 27, 2018

I only realised there was a book when I was looking at this on Amazon to update the listing. I will check it out. It is a decent film, its on Netflix in the UK at the moment.