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Cori June (3033 KP) rated Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Other Tales in Books
Dec 3, 2018
I shain't think to make anyone suffer the presence of Mr. Hyde let alone my friend Dr. Jekyll. Although, not a direct quote, I can clearly hear Mr. Utterson saying this phrase.
Remember: this book was made in the 1800s and set in London words don't always mean what you think they do. My edition (1994) uses a word or two that could get someone expelled if they say it in schools today.
Had I not read this before as a preteen/teen I don't think I would have enjoyed this book as much. I think that this book is great for ages 10-15 (not that adults couldn't enjoy it). As a pre/teen it invoked deep thought; as an adult I think... it's a nice story. Still, I am quite impressed in a book (of less than 100 pages not withstanding) that was written in six days.
Remember: this book was made in the 1800s and set in London words don't always mean what you think they do. My edition (1994) uses a word or two that could get someone expelled if they say it in schools today.
Had I not read this before as a preteen/teen I don't think I would have enjoyed this book as much. I think that this book is great for ages 10-15 (not that adults couldn't enjoy it). As a pre/teen it invoked deep thought; as an adult I think... it's a nice story. Still, I am quite impressed in a book (of less than 100 pages not withstanding) that was written in six days.
Tom Turner (388 KP) rated Emperor of Thorns in Books
Apr 30, 2021
And so, the saga of Jorg Ancrath comes to an end. It's been quite a journey, and not a particularly easy one in more ways than one.
Mark Lawrence is not an author to make things easy for you. Reading his books feel more like running a marathon, despite then not being overly lengthy. But as with a marathon, if you see it through you are greatly rewarded. I almost gave up on this series a number of times. But I am so glad I persevered.
I will admit I didn't like The Broken Empire as much as I enjoyed The Book Of The Ancestors, but I believe that is more down to the latter having a more tangible plot. (And assassin nuns, don't forget assissin nuns!) but I am still extremely glad to have read them. I'm sure Jorg Ancrath will haunt my dreams and nightmares for years to come!
Mark Lawrence is not an author to make things easy for you. Reading his books feel more like running a marathon, despite then not being overly lengthy. But as with a marathon, if you see it through you are greatly rewarded. I almost gave up on this series a number of times. But I am so glad I persevered.
I will admit I didn't like The Broken Empire as much as I enjoyed The Book Of The Ancestors, but I believe that is more down to the latter having a more tangible plot. (And assassin nuns, don't forget assissin nuns!) but I am still extremely glad to have read them. I'm sure Jorg Ancrath will haunt my dreams and nightmares for years to come!
Will Young recommended Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman in Music (curated)
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Five Epic Disasters (I Survived True Stories, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
So anyone who knows me(or looks at my reading list) can see I love disasters. The [I Survived] series by [Lauren Tarchis] is a reading teacher's friend since it gets kids who don't read to pickup a book. I was really excited about [True Stories] because two of the events were little known (Children's Blizzard and The Great Molasses Flood) and two others were more contemporary. I liked the information given although I would love to see these written on a slightly higher level since I teach middle school.
I found it interesting that most of the sources that the author used were books I have read and have in my classroom. Hopefully I can use this book as a springboard to get kids to read something challenging just to learn more about it.
I found it interesting that most of the sources that the author used were books I have read and have in my classroom. Hopefully I can use this book as a springboard to get kids to read something challenging just to learn more about it.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House, #1) in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I was looking for a palate cleanser book and I stumbled upon this one through audible channels. I've always noticed the Magic Tree House series but I haven't ever had the chance to read any of them. When I saw this was on there & I could listen to it for free, I knew I had to listen to it.
This is obviously a very easy read where the writing is written for those just learning to read. It was a cute story and it was a really quick and fun listen. It doesn't stand out for me, but obviously, I'm not the proper age for this book.
All in all, if I have kids this would be one of the series I would read to them. It's educational along with adding an element of fantasy.
This is obviously a very easy read where the writing is written for those just learning to read. It was a cute story and it was a really quick and fun listen. It doesn't stand out for me, but obviously, I'm not the proper age for this book.
All in all, if I have kids this would be one of the series I would read to them. It's educational along with adding an element of fantasy.
Jemma Walsh (81 KP) rated iZombie - Season 3 in TV
Sep 26, 2018 (Updated Sep 26, 2018)
Story line (2 more)
Humour
Good characters
Amazingly addicted!
when I saw this come onto Netflix a long way back, I judged it hard refused to watch it because I thought it was some crappy zombie movies that I won’t like.
Then a friend insisted that I give it a try told me that the zombie solves crimes, so I thought to my self that’s the kind of thing I’m into
Well, now I’m lost because Iv seen all 4 season! Within a few days and now triddling my thumbs for season 5
It’s so good! I was addicted after 5 minuets Serves me right for judging before trying.
I Love the characters, I love the humour that they put into this, every episode there is something to laugh at.
Then a friend insisted that I give it a try told me that the zombie solves crimes, so I thought to my self that’s the kind of thing I’m into
Well, now I’m lost because Iv seen all 4 season! Within a few days and now triddling my thumbs for season 5
It’s so good! I was addicted after 5 minuets Serves me right for judging before trying.
I Love the characters, I love the humour that they put into this, every episode there is something to laugh at.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The S-Word in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review can be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
I was super excited to read this book! I had wanted it since I first heard about it. While it wasn't as good as I had hoped, it was still a good read.
The book blurb above does a good job in describing what this book is going to be about, so I won't put it into my own words or else it'll be a bit repetitive.
I don't really know if I like the title or not. It does sum up the book pretty well because it's the s-word that starts off a whole chain of events.
I do like the cover! I enjoyed the simplicity of it, really, so it was a great choice by the author. What I liked most was how some words were etched into the cover.
The world building was a bit wishy-washy. Personally, I really don't think someone would be as forgiving as Angie if their best friend (or any girl for that matter) slept with their boyfriend, especially one of four years. Secondly, I really don't think a high school student would conduct an investigation into who made their friend commit suicide. However, there is some creditably to this world. The different people in the high school really make it feel like it's taking place there. The feelings in the book also come across as being genuine.
The pacing was good. There were a few parts throughout the book where the pacing does get a bit shaky, but it quickly goes back to being a decent pace. I wouldn't say it's a book devouring pace, but it's still good enough where you do want to read it quickly.
I enjoyed the plot. It definitely picks up on a very real problem happening around schools (and well, a lot of places) - bullying and its consequences. I loved the message it was conveying. I did predict something about Lizzie which I can't say because of a spoiler. I also predicted a plot twist as well which I won't elaborate on due to spoilers. There was one plot twist that I definitely didn't see coming!!
The characters were alright. Sometimes the character of Angie felt a bit one dimensional and unrealistic. As I've said before, I can't imagine anyone conducting an investigation about who was calling someone a slut and all that after the fact. Sometimes, there was something about her that made her seem like she wasn't a teenager even though she was meant to be. She didn't really act like one through a lot of the book. I did enjoy that the author didn't make her out to be a stuck-up cheerleader though because not all cheerleaders are snobby. I liked how she would take chances on people. I felt like I didn't get to know too much about Drake to pass that much judgement on him. He comes across as a bit of a sleaze for cheating on Angie. I wish he was featured a bit more. I loved the character of Jesse. I enjoyed his flamboyant nature and how he didn't care what anyone really thought about him. I would even dare to say that I found him to be the strongest and most believable character. Lizzie comes across as a goody two-shoes and your typical teen sweetheart. I don't really have a a clear feeling about Lizzie because, although we get to read some of her diary entries and she's talked about, there's nothing strong enough to give me a clear picture of her personality.
The dialogue was believable for the most part. What I didn't find believable is some of the times Angie would question people. For example, in one scene in the book, Angie is questioning a character named Shelby. She circles around her interrogating her, and while Shelby is an actress, I just couldn't ever imagine that scene and that dialogue taking place. Also, there is a bit of swearing in this book, and while some of it does seem like everyday teen speak, some of it seems forced like the author was just throwing it in for good measure. Other then that, the dialogue came across as teens speaking which is what this book is.
Overall, The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher is a good read. However, the main character and some of the world building does let it down, but the plot and pacing do help to make this a good read.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 17+ who have been affected by bullying.
I'd give The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher a 3.5 out of 5.
I was super excited to read this book! I had wanted it since I first heard about it. While it wasn't as good as I had hoped, it was still a good read.
The book blurb above does a good job in describing what this book is going to be about, so I won't put it into my own words or else it'll be a bit repetitive.
I don't really know if I like the title or not. It does sum up the book pretty well because it's the s-word that starts off a whole chain of events.
I do like the cover! I enjoyed the simplicity of it, really, so it was a great choice by the author. What I liked most was how some words were etched into the cover.
The world building was a bit wishy-washy. Personally, I really don't think someone would be as forgiving as Angie if their best friend (or any girl for that matter) slept with their boyfriend, especially one of four years. Secondly, I really don't think a high school student would conduct an investigation into who made their friend commit suicide. However, there is some creditably to this world. The different people in the high school really make it feel like it's taking place there. The feelings in the book also come across as being genuine.
The pacing was good. There were a few parts throughout the book where the pacing does get a bit shaky, but it quickly goes back to being a decent pace. I wouldn't say it's a book devouring pace, but it's still good enough where you do want to read it quickly.
I enjoyed the plot. It definitely picks up on a very real problem happening around schools (and well, a lot of places) - bullying and its consequences. I loved the message it was conveying. I did predict something about Lizzie which I can't say because of a spoiler. I also predicted a plot twist as well which I won't elaborate on due to spoilers. There was one plot twist that I definitely didn't see coming!!
The characters were alright. Sometimes the character of Angie felt a bit one dimensional and unrealistic. As I've said before, I can't imagine anyone conducting an investigation about who was calling someone a slut and all that after the fact. Sometimes, there was something about her that made her seem like she wasn't a teenager even though she was meant to be. She didn't really act like one through a lot of the book. I did enjoy that the author didn't make her out to be a stuck-up cheerleader though because not all cheerleaders are snobby. I liked how she would take chances on people. I felt like I didn't get to know too much about Drake to pass that much judgement on him. He comes across as a bit of a sleaze for cheating on Angie. I wish he was featured a bit more. I loved the character of Jesse. I enjoyed his flamboyant nature and how he didn't care what anyone really thought about him. I would even dare to say that I found him to be the strongest and most believable character. Lizzie comes across as a goody two-shoes and your typical teen sweetheart. I don't really have a a clear feeling about Lizzie because, although we get to read some of her diary entries and she's talked about, there's nothing strong enough to give me a clear picture of her personality.
The dialogue was believable for the most part. What I didn't find believable is some of the times Angie would question people. For example, in one scene in the book, Angie is questioning a character named Shelby. She circles around her interrogating her, and while Shelby is an actress, I just couldn't ever imagine that scene and that dialogue taking place. Also, there is a bit of swearing in this book, and while some of it does seem like everyday teen speak, some of it seems forced like the author was just throwing it in for good measure. Other then that, the dialogue came across as teens speaking which is what this book is.
Overall, The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher is a good read. However, the main character and some of the world building does let it down, but the plot and pacing do help to make this a good read.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 17+ who have been affected by bullying.
I'd give The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher a 3.5 out of 5.
When I read the description of this book I got really excited. It's Quantam Leap from my childhood 90's tv viewing! A person waking up in a different body each day and having to take on their role and decide how to live. Every day did have a similar element however 'A' as this person is called can access previous memories of these peoples lives in order to carry on their day as normal. I had a hard time connecting with the love story in this book as the girl was pretty young but overall I liked the logical thinking of 'A' and how 'A' lived this life. I did feel like had more questions than answers by the end however. I guess I'll leave my questions and answers up to my imagination.
Erika (17788 KP) rated The Day of Creation in Books
Dec 19, 2020 (Updated Dec 19, 2020)
When I read Ballard, I tend to be completely engrossed, and creeped out. This novel features a doctor, who goes on the hunt for the source of a river that could make the Sahara a land of plenty. The dude, of course, becomes completely unhinged, as most of the main male characters in Ballard's novels.
The summary on the back of the library copy I read had a phrase to the effect of, is this a fever dream, or did it happen... In my mind, I'd like to hope it was a fever dream because it was completely disturbing (some pedo action).
Still, though I felt like I was reading something akin to a car crash (pun unintended), which has also been explored expertly by Ballard, I couldn't help but continue reading until the end.
The summary on the back of the library copy I read had a phrase to the effect of, is this a fever dream, or did it happen... In my mind, I'd like to hope it was a fever dream because it was completely disturbing (some pedo action).
Still, though I felt like I was reading something akin to a car crash (pun unintended), which has also been explored expertly by Ballard, I couldn't help but continue reading until the end.
