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T Bone Burnett recommended Blood Simple by Carter Burwell in Music (curated)

 
Blood Simple by Carter Burwell
Blood Simple by Carter Burwell
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"Strangelove was one of the reasons I called the Coen Brothers. I became a fan after their first movie [Blood Simple], because it had so much of my home about it — I’m from Texas and I knew people who’d worked on it. And it had a sound and style of storytelling I thought was great."

Source
  
SV
Second Verse
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
(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 first saw this book on Goodreads, and I knew I had to have it when I read the word "haunted" in the book synopsis. I'm so happy I had a chance to read this book because it was awesome!

I think the blurb is fantastically written! It definitely made me want to read the book, and I like how it doesn't even mention the tiniest spoiler which I love.

I'm not a big fan of the title simply because it make me think of a book about someone's struggle with music. It doesn't really give off the whole ghostly mystery book vibe.

I also don't really care for the cover simply because based on just the cover, it never made me want to pick up the book to read it. I would've liked to have had a creepier looking cover for this book even if the cover photo is, what I think, supposed to be the picture Lange drew.

I did enjoy the world building very much. I felt that the world of Second Verse definitely had solid building. I was experiencing everything that Lange was, or at least, it felt that way. As for the setting, I was a bit confused at the very beginning about the type of school they were in. It was mentioned they had a creative period and there was talk about music, but it never really talked about them being in a music school. Perhaps it was implied, and I just couldn't work it out at the beginning or maybe I just read about it and forgot.

The pacing was only slow for about the first 5 or so pages. After that, the pacing picks up and holds your attention for the rest of the book only letting you go once the book comes to an end. I was super enthralled throughout the entire book (with the exception of the first few pages).

I really enjoyed the plot! There is a major element in this plot that I won't talk about due to spoilers, but it wasn't mentioned in the book's blurb. I would've never guessed it was a book on that theme. Trust me, I'd elaborate if I could, but I don't want to spoil it for those that may wish to read this book. There is a plot twist that I never saw coming, and the ending was just wow! I will say that the ending does leave this book open for a sequel.

The characters felt very real. I enjoyed the character of Lange. It was interesting to see how she reacted to everything around her. I felt as if I probably would've made the same choices if I was in her shoes. Vaughn is also a likable character, and I loved how he was always trying to make Lange feel safe. They were such a cute couple! Even though Ginny wasn't an actual character, it was still interesting to read about her and her love for her beau.

The dialogue flowed very smoothly, and the character interactions felt real. The language used works for this book and its genre.

Overall, Second Verse is a fantastic read that incorporates a bit of mystery, paranormal, and romance. It definitely held my attention, and I was sad when I had come to the end of the book because I didn't want it to end.

I'd recommend this book to those aged 14+ who enjoy paranormal, mystery, and romance books and those who love great plot twists.

<b>I'd give Second Verse by Jennifer Walkup a 4.5 out of 5.</b>

(I received a free paperback copy of this book from the tour host in exchange for a fair and honest review).
  
It had a beginning and an end (0 more)
Most of the book (0 more)
This book was not for me
I want to say something positive about this book. Okay, it is a quick read, I actually wanted to continue reading it although I am not sure if my reasons for this were because of enjoyment. I chose this book as I am going to be writing a part memoir for my dissertation. I liked the synopsis because I enjoy a bit of humour. In the past I have read (and enjoyed) a book by Mike Gayle called 'Turning Thirty' which I thought, and hoped, this book would have been similar. WRONG!!!!
Edwards basically writes some (I believe) far fetched memoir but mingles it with self help bullshit that has been regurgitated from other peoples ideas. I am confused by the author's objectives. Whilst I appreciate any woman who is a good and opinionated feminist, I feel that Edward's 'Sisterhood' is cringey. The writer comes across as middle class and perhaps would have benefited from excluding her middle class status to seem less arrogant to working class readers.

I learned of a technique for essay writing in college (PEE) Point, Evidence and Evaluation. This is a formula that Edwards uses throughout her book and it makes the flow very artificial instead of conversational.
On the plus side, it was her first novel, and she managed to write it and publish it. It just wasn't for me.
  
Pretty Girls: A Novel
Pretty Girls: A Novel
Karin Slaughter | 2016 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
8
8.4 (20 Ratings)
Book Rating
I absolutely loved "Pretty Girls"
I'm pretty biased, I'm a huge fan of Karin Slaughter.
I absolutely loved "Pretty Girls". It immediately had me hooked and I couldn't put it down.
I loved the twists and turns. I would definitely recommend this book.
  
SO
Season of the Wolf
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book was very good and a bit odd in places. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I really liked that she was believed. I think I was thinking this was different because of the title lol. Overall I enjoyed the story.
  
His Secrets (Inside Out, #3.1)
His Secrets (Inside Out, #3.1)
Lisa Renee Jones | 2014 | Erotica, Fiction & Poetry
8
6.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have to say that I am really loving this series. I liked that this novel was told through Chris's point of view. I love the characters and I love how they interact. All in all, this was a quick and fun read.
  
Sorry to Bother You (2018)
Sorry to Bother You (2018)
2018 | Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
8
7.0 (23 Ratings)
Movie Rating
I am not sorry that I bothered to watch Sorry to Bother You. All I can say is saddle up for a very entertaining piece of social commentary. I can lead you to the movies, but I can't make you watch them.
  
A Discovery of Witches
A Discovery of Witches
Deborah E. Harkness | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
9
8.5 (45 Ratings)
Book Rating
A mix between magic, love and history. I adore this book. Fantastic read, I couldn't put it down. I discover something new each time I read this. I fell in love with the characters and the story twists and turns are genius.
  
Escape from Witchwood Hollow
Escape from Witchwood Hollow
Jordan Elizabeth Mierek | 2014 | Paranormal, Young Adult (YA)
8
7.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
So.. certain parts of this book I had to reread to become less lost. Overall I really enjoyed it though. The characters made me feel with them and laugh with them. I felt like I was a part of the story and once I got through the confusion in the beginning I followed the story very easily. The ending was like a holy crap and yet I understood the ending at the same time. Very interesting story and I'm glad that I got to review it.
  
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Casey (3 KP) rated Spotify Music in Apps

Aug 24, 2018  
Spotify Music
Spotify Music
Entertainment, Music
8
8.6 (230 Ratings)
App Rating
Selection (1 more)
Playlist options
Price (0 more)
I understand that free music is expected today from alot of people. I also understand the premium options necessary on music sharing apps. I love using spotify, and I have a variety of playlists from metal, to reggae, to comedy skits. I had a premium account for around 2 years before I hit financial hardships and has to cancel the subscription. Hopefully I can get it back soon and enjoy spotify in all its glory, rather than what they decide I should enjoy.