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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.

Jeremy Renner recommended A Clockwork Orange (1971) in Movies (curated)

Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) rated 9-1-1: Lone star in TV
Apr 4, 2021 (Updated Apr 4, 2021)
I tried to watch this one. I used to be an EMT and I miss the rush and the life so I want to find a good medical drama to satisfy my blood lust for intelligently written, exciting, tv. This is not it. It's painfully fake. I was unable to get through more than a few minutes. Now, I like Rob Lowe. I grew up watching him and the Brat Pack and he's a pretty man so all the girls my age had a crush on him. I really liked him in Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing and Parks and Rec. Rob Lowe does his best acting in a suit. I could not take him seriously as a first responder. I can't even remember if his character is a firefighter, police officer, or EMT in this show. All I know is that I had to tap out after the first few lines.
Perhaps my rating is unfair because I'm basing my judgment with 911 Lonestar being an extension of 911 with the same writing style and situations, and that show has stiff acting, and outrageously fake scenarios. I recently tried to watch 911 due to a draught of medical dramas and I ended up yelling at the tv about all the technical mistakes the EMTs and firefighters were making. I mean, they took an elevator up to an upper floor when the building was unstable and at risk of collapse or having a power outage. It was ridiculous. Who does that? If you are good at suspending belief, maybe you can tolerate this show. But I just can't. Sorry, Rob. See you in my dreams.
Perhaps my rating is unfair because I'm basing my judgment with 911 Lonestar being an extension of 911 with the same writing style and situations, and that show has stiff acting, and outrageously fake scenarios. I recently tried to watch 911 due to a draught of medical dramas and I ended up yelling at the tv about all the technical mistakes the EMTs and firefighters were making. I mean, they took an elevator up to an upper floor when the building was unstable and at risk of collapse or having a power outage. It was ridiculous. Who does that? If you are good at suspending belief, maybe you can tolerate this show. But I just can't. Sorry, Rob. See you in my dreams.
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 (17789 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.

graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Kitty and the Midnight Hour (Kitty Norville #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I have to say, I did not like the pack and when the story revolved around them and their politics, it rather ruined the book for me. They seemed to completely ignore anything human, and I get that the behavior is like real wolves, I do, but I guess I was hoping for something more original and not such a cliché. Kitty was a great character when she was on the air, then she turned into a sniveling, submissive pack member pretty much the rest of the time. Also, I hated that the author felt she needed a sacrifice in the story, especially one of the best characters in the book. That's all I'm going to say so I don't ruin it for future readers. Overall, it's a decent and fast read, although I'm not sure whether or not I want to continue; I definitely won't go out of my way to read the next book.

Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Charlie's Angels (2019) in Movies
Mar 3, 2020
Personally, I really liked this film. It was funny, the plot moved quickly, the characters were sound and the twist wasn't as noticeable as I originally thought. I am glad I didn't see it in theaters, but I'm glad I watched it overall. I wasn't disappointed. Kristin Stewart's Sabina was probably my favorite character. I thought Sam Claflin was hilarious, though he never fails to make me laugh. Naomi Scott first came on my radar when she was in Lemonade Mouth on the Disney Channel and I loved that film and have loved her since so to see her in a film like this, with a great cast, female-led, directed by a female, I was extremely happy.
This is definitely not a film to make you think, to make you ask questions, nothing deep. It's definitely a fun movie that you can just throw on and not have to work too hard to follow. I really enjoyed it, so take that for what it's worth.
This is definitely not a film to make you think, to make you ask questions, nothing deep. It's definitely a fun movie that you can just throw on and not have to work too hard to follow. I really enjoyed it, so take that for what it's worth.