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Marylegs (44 KP) rated Call Me By Your Name in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So I heard lots of good things about this book. It was being (has been) made into a film. So I thought I'll give this a go. And after the effort it was to read this book, all I can say is, meh.
The were elements I really enjoyed, where I started to go "Ooo its starting to get good" and then I would be dragged back into really abstract ways to describe the scene. I honestly don't mind a bit of well done descriptions of visuals of feeling etc. But this just felt pointless. I think its a very, arty, type of writing and honestly its just not my cup of tea.
The story as a whole, is interesting and would normally be my cup of tea. Over a beautiful hot summer in Italy a young professor finishing off his philosophy book and the son of the people housing him in Italy begin a romantic affair in secret. The concept of the story brilliant and refreshingly new. The execution... honestly, not my style and the writing style really stopped me following the story easily. I just like a bit more instant gratification from my books.
The were elements I really enjoyed, where I started to go "Ooo its starting to get good" and then I would be dragged back into really abstract ways to describe the scene. I honestly don't mind a bit of well done descriptions of visuals of feeling etc. But this just felt pointless. I think its a very, arty, type of writing and honestly its just not my cup of tea.
The story as a whole, is interesting and would normally be my cup of tea. Over a beautiful hot summer in Italy a young professor finishing off his philosophy book and the son of the people housing him in Italy begin a romantic affair in secret. The concept of the story brilliant and refreshingly new. The execution... honestly, not my style and the writing style really stopped me following the story easily. I just like a bit more instant gratification from my books.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Post (2017) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
A cover-up that spanned four U.S. Presidents pushed the country's first female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving editor to join an unprecedented battle between the press and the government.
A colleague asked me what I thought of this one and I honestly had to pause before answering. His reaction was "You can't have liked it then!", but actually I did. It was very hard to describe the feeling I got from the film though.
Throughout, Hanks was brilliant, just what you'd expect for this sort of character. For a significant amount of time I really didn't enjoy Streep at all... but actually, that's kind of the point. She's a woman in a man's world, and she hasn't ever really found her feet. It takes a significant amount of the movie to pass before Kay Graham finally grows a backbone and starts to throw her authority around. And that's when I realised that I really was enjoying watching it, and Streep's 180 seemed so real.
Interesting all the way through. Technically accurate? I couldn't say, but then I don't go to the cinema for a history lesson.
A colleague asked me what I thought of this one and I honestly had to pause before answering. His reaction was "You can't have liked it then!", but actually I did. It was very hard to describe the feeling I got from the film though.
Throughout, Hanks was brilliant, just what you'd expect for this sort of character. For a significant amount of time I really didn't enjoy Streep at all... but actually, that's kind of the point. She's a woman in a man's world, and she hasn't ever really found her feet. It takes a significant amount of the movie to pass before Kay Graham finally grows a backbone and starts to throw her authority around. And that's when I realised that I really was enjoying watching it, and Streep's 180 seemed so real.
Interesting all the way through. Technically accurate? I couldn't say, but then I don't go to the cinema for a history lesson.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Redeem (The Caelian Cycle #2.5) in Books
May 5, 2023
OK, so I will admit before even starting my review that I am biased towards Kian. I love him!!! He is brilliant in every way so I was ecstatic to receive this ARC. I was not disappointed as Donnielle Tyner has managed to make her voice 'male' and completely believable. You learn things about Kian's past that are only alluded to, which help make him a more rounded character, giving me a new understanding of him and his behaviour.
Although this is a novella, it covers a fair amount of time so be prepared for a couple of 'time jumps' as you read through. You don't feel like anything of importance is missed out though, and the reading flows.
With a smooth pace, well-written and with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this is a wonderful addition to The Caelian Cycle, and I can't wait for the next book to come along! Highly recommended.
* 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!
Feb 10, 2016
Although this is a novella, it covers a fair amount of time so be prepared for a couple of 'time jumps' as you read through. You don't feel like anything of importance is missed out though, and the reading flows.
With a smooth pace, well-written and with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this is a wonderful addition to The Caelian Cycle, and I can't wait for the next book to come along! Highly recommended.
* 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!
Feb 10, 2016
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Check Out in Books
Oct 30, 2023
CHECK OUT tells the story of a shy librarian and an injured marine. Betsy is happy working at the library all her life. That is all shaken up when Nash brings his books back to the library, and her sister turns up for a stay, bringing baggage with her.
This had the potential for a great story. Instead, I read a good one. I don't know if it's the author's writing style or just how I was reading it, but I never once was drugged within the story, as I love. It was always very clear that I was reading a story. The characters were likeable but I couldn't really feel the chemistry between them. The dialogues were somewhat stilted at times which didn't help.
On the whole, this was a quick read that holds the potential for so much more. Still, it was enjoyable, and a good coffee break book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 2, 2018
This had the potential for a great story. Instead, I read a good one. I don't know if it's the author's writing style or just how I was reading it, but I never once was drugged within the story, as I love. It was always very clear that I was reading a story. The characters were likeable but I couldn't really feel the chemistry between them. The dialogues were somewhat stilted at times which didn't help.
On the whole, this was a quick read that holds the potential for so much more. Still, it was enjoyable, and a good coffee break book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 2, 2018
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Death in St. George’s in Books
Aug 13, 2024 (Updated Aug 13, 2024)
Failed Vacation, but Fun Case
Stefanie and Thomas are taking a week’s vacation in Bermuda. At least that was the plan. They’ve hardly arrived when they get pulled into a case. A bracelet that had recently been uncovered in a dig on the island was stolen. Stefanie and Thomas agree to join the dig for a day in hopes they can figure something out. But then a murder happens. Will they figure things out?
The mystery started well, and I was intrigued. Unfortunately, I did find the pacing was uneven as our leads spent quite a bit of time theorizing. Still, there was a strong mystery underpinning the book, and I was impressed when I reached the end. I love Stefanie and Thomas, so I enjoyed spending more time with them even if a sub-plot involving their relationship made me roll my eyes. The suspects became strong characters by the end of the book. I’ve definitely got some sights I want to see if I ever make it to Bermuda in person. Until then, I enjoyed this virtual vacation with murder.
The mystery started well, and I was intrigued. Unfortunately, I did find the pacing was uneven as our leads spent quite a bit of time theorizing. Still, there was a strong mystery underpinning the book, and I was impressed when I reached the end. I love Stefanie and Thomas, so I enjoyed spending more time with them even if a sub-plot involving their relationship made me roll my eyes. The suspects became strong characters by the end of the book. I’ve definitely got some sights I want to see if I ever make it to Bermuda in person. Until then, I enjoyed this virtual vacation with murder.
Kate (493 KP) rated Clio at War in Books
Oct 27, 2019
Pleasantly surprised
I wasn't sure whether I was going to enjoy this book as it is based in the war but I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the secrets which both myself as a reader and the main character Clio is trying to uncover.
I wouldn't normally read this type of book but glad I did.
The story took me a few chapters to get into and sometimes I felt I was going off it but something always happened to bring me back.
It was nice to see how Clio grew throughout the book and the friends she made. She really fit in within the community at the end.
Then book definitely exceeded the blurb. When I read the blurb I wasn't sure if it was a book I would enjoy but I am glad I took the opportunity and read it.
I wouldn't normally read this type of book but glad I did.
The story took me a few chapters to get into and sometimes I felt I was going off it but something always happened to bring me back.
It was nice to see how Clio grew throughout the book and the friends she made. She really fit in within the community at the end.
Then book definitely exceeded the blurb. When I read the blurb I wasn't sure if it was a book I would enjoy but I am glad I took the opportunity and read it.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Born Into Fire in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
An interesting story, to say the least. It was a different concept and I appreciate that. However, there were times when I didnt understand what was going on. The beginning for instance. I know he controlled air, but the passage itself was hard to grasp. I wasnt sure that what I was visualizing in my head is what the author intended.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, especially if you are looking for more erotica than story. While there was a plot, and it was fairly interesting, the sex heavily outweighed the story.
I suppose I am biased, however, since this novel was exactly up my alley. I love erotica, and I love stories that involve people who can control elements. Besides witches/warlocks, they are my ultimate favorite paranormals. However, if the author wasnt skilled, I wouldnt have enjoyed this story nearly as much. Despite the random scenes I found confusing, it was an enjoyable story.
_ Arec
<a href="https://rainythursdays.wordpress.com">Rainy Thursdays</a>
An interesting story, to say the least. It was a different concept and I appreciate that. However, there were times when I didnt understand what was going on. The beginning for instance. I know he controlled air, but the passage itself was hard to grasp. I wasnt sure that what I was visualizing in my head is what the author intended.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, especially if you are looking for more erotica than story. While there was a plot, and it was fairly interesting, the sex heavily outweighed the story.
I suppose I am biased, however, since this novel was exactly up my alley. I love erotica, and I love stories that involve people who can control elements. Besides witches/warlocks, they are my ultimate favorite paranormals. However, if the author wasnt skilled, I wouldnt have enjoyed this story nearly as much. Despite the random scenes I found confusing, it was an enjoyable story.
_ Arec
<a href="https://rainythursdays.wordpress.com">Rainy Thursdays</a>
Ronnie (304 KP) rated I Was Here in Books
Jan 26, 2020
Cody and Meg were inseparable, they knew each other inside out. But how well did Cody really know Meg? And what happens when your best friend leaves you behind?
Cody searches desperately for answers to why Meg would take her own life. Surely she could never do that?
I have been looking forward to reading this book for a long time and was really excited to finally start it. Usually I would only take a couple of days to read a book like this, but I took a lot longer than that for me.
I think this is an amazing idea for a book but something about the way it was written put me off. About halfway through I started to enjoy it more but that quickly faded away. I’m usually disappointed by endings but I was more disappointed by this one than I usually am.
I felt this book was quite boring and badly written. I wish I could say I had enjoyed it, but I can’t.
Cody searches desperately for answers to why Meg would take her own life. Surely she could never do that?
I have been looking forward to reading this book for a long time and was really excited to finally start it. Usually I would only take a couple of days to read a book like this, but I took a lot longer than that for me.
I think this is an amazing idea for a book but something about the way it was written put me off. About halfway through I started to enjoy it more but that quickly faded away. I’m usually disappointed by endings but I was more disappointed by this one than I usually am.
I felt this book was quite boring and badly written. I wish I could say I had enjoyed it, but I can’t.
Alice (117 KP) rated The Life of Pi in Books
Mar 3, 2021
I originally started to read this book on my mum's kindle years ago but never got round to progressing past the first few chapters. So when I was going solo on a day trip to London,I needed something light to read on the plane and I decided that it was the perfect time to pick it up again.
A light read is really what this is, it doesn't stretch you very much and not a lot actually happens yet it's written in such a way that it keeps you engaged and wanting to read on.
The ending however, everyone always tells of the ending right? well the ending is annoyingly open ended forcing you to question everything you just read.
I ended up bringing it to America with me as well just so I could finish it which I inevitably did. And when I finished, I guess you could say that I was satisfied, I wasn't left hungering for more or wishing it had ended pages ago so I guess that's just the sign of a good book.
A light read is really what this is, it doesn't stretch you very much and not a lot actually happens yet it's written in such a way that it keeps you engaged and wanting to read on.
The ending however, everyone always tells of the ending right? well the ending is annoyingly open ended forcing you to question everything you just read.
I ended up bringing it to America with me as well just so I could finish it which I inevitably did. And when I finished, I guess you could say that I was satisfied, I wasn't left hungering for more or wishing it had ended pages ago so I guess that's just the sign of a good book.
Alice (117 KP) rated The Time Traveler's Wife in Books
Mar 3, 2021
Before I begin, I would just like to say that I did, really enjoy this book so my three star review is by no means a bad thing, if I hadn't have enjoyed it I wouldn't have finished it, I just didn't get as absorbed in it as I wanted to. The book is beautifully and perfectly crafted and the premise was so well portrayed that you're almost led to believe that it all could be true. I don't even know what it was that made me fail to connect with this book emotionally because it's normally the sort of thing I would leap at and I'd been meaning to read it for so long yet somehow now that I've finished it feels more like a sense of achievement and a relief rather than a "what am I going to do with my life now" moment that I so often feel when finishing a book. Nevertheless, it was still very very good and I would still highly recommend it.