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Sarah (7798 KP) rated Dead Man's Shoes (2006) in Movies
Feb 3, 2019
Brilliantly savage
Finally managed to get a hold of this after borrowing it on DVD from my brother, I’ve been wanting to watch it again for a long time and it’s still a fantastic hard hitting film.
This is a darkly savage and fairly brutal story of revenge that makes for a powerful watch. The plot is straight forward and simple, but it just goes to show that you don’t need a massive budget or fancy Hollywood effects to make an outstanding film. From the effective story telling (colour current day scenes vs black and white flashbacks), to a clever script, bleak, creepy and almost gruesome scenes and some great performances. Paddy Considine is a fantastic actor, and probably deserves a lot more accolades, and Toby Kebbell has an outstanding yet fairly small and moving breakthrough performance as Anthony. The final twist at the end too is one of the few film endings that has always stuck with me. And I will admit to having a bit of a soft spot for films that are set in or around my local area, and Derbyshire isn’t too far away....
This is a darkly savage and fairly brutal story of revenge that makes for a powerful watch. The plot is straight forward and simple, but it just goes to show that you don’t need a massive budget or fancy Hollywood effects to make an outstanding film. From the effective story telling (colour current day scenes vs black and white flashbacks), to a clever script, bleak, creepy and almost gruesome scenes and some great performances. Paddy Considine is a fantastic actor, and probably deserves a lot more accolades, and Toby Kebbell has an outstanding yet fairly small and moving breakthrough performance as Anthony. The final twist at the end too is one of the few film endings that has always stuck with me. And I will admit to having a bit of a soft spot for films that are set in or around my local area, and Derbyshire isn’t too far away....
Elizabeth (1521 KP) rated Next Year in Havana in Books
Apr 24, 2019
I completely relate to Marisol's romanticized idea of Cuba and the desire to see it first hand, being that I too have immediate family that emigrated from Cuba. Unlike Marisol, I don't have stories that my family told of their time there to paint a picture in my mind. For me, it is a desire to trace my roots, to learn my history.
I don't know how much of the present day portion of the story is based on fact. It makes me sad to think that the country is in such disrepair. I always thought that since tourism with other countries was still allowed, that the country was still in good shape and it was just the relations with the US that was in shambles. It just goes to show how little I really know since I've only just begun to learn more about the island where my family came from in the last few years.
The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because I reserve that honor to books that change me after having read them. I connect very deeply to this book, but it did not change me.
I don't know how much of the present day portion of the story is based on fact. It makes me sad to think that the country is in such disrepair. I always thought that since tourism with other countries was still allowed, that the country was still in good shape and it was just the relations with the US that was in shambles. It just goes to show how little I really know since I've only just begun to learn more about the island where my family came from in the last few years.
The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because I reserve that honor to books that change me after having read them. I connect very deeply to this book, but it did not change me.
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated Still Me in Books
May 11, 2019
Had me feeling a range of emotions throughout.
Yay. Feels like I have waited forever for this book! Finally. What a brilliant book! It was so good to be back in Lou’s crazy world, she is one of those characters you just cant help falling in love with. She yet again faces every challenge she can think of in this story but in the big city New York, making it even more daunting. However, Lou makes it through, she always does.
Still Me is a lovely book to read with a hidden message for all us readers within the story – BE YOU. Don’t be who others want/need you to be. I found it an easy read, fast paced and to round it up with that beautiful ending! Perfect. I would say read these books in order though as it does make references to the previous books and characters. If you enjoyed Me Before You or After You then you will love Still Me. I would highly recommend this story to you all, a well deserved five stars.
Still Me will have you feeling all the emotions. Happy, sad, upset, laughing out loud, regret and anger. Brilliant!
Still Me is a lovely book to read with a hidden message for all us readers within the story – BE YOU. Don’t be who others want/need you to be. I found it an easy read, fast paced and to round it up with that beautiful ending! Perfect. I would say read these books in order though as it does make references to the previous books and characters. If you enjoyed Me Before You or After You then you will love Still Me. I would highly recommend this story to you all, a well deserved five stars.
Still Me will have you feeling all the emotions. Happy, sad, upset, laughing out loud, regret and anger. Brilliant!
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Envy in Books
May 22, 2019
She wants your life and shell do anything to get it
Erica has always wanted to be exactly like her neighbour, Faye: beautiful, thin, and a mother. But Fayes life isnt as perfect as it seems she has a terrible secret, and slowly but surely, it is threatening to destroy her and everything she holds dear.
When Fayes daughter Tamsin goes missing after school, the police turn to Erica. But is Erica the only one who has been enviously watching Faye? Or is there another threat hiding in the shadows ?
Well this is a right tale of stalking,obsession, fury, longing and ENVY!
This story is very well written and flows easily.
The novel is broken down into several small chapters which makes this an easy fast read.
I really enjoyed the evolution of the characters throughout the book.
Be warned the story is told from 4 different POVs' which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I thought this was as an amazing thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed reading and can wholeheartedly recommend.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Erica has always wanted to be exactly like her neighbour, Faye: beautiful, thin, and a mother. But Fayes life isnt as perfect as it seems she has a terrible secret, and slowly but surely, it is threatening to destroy her and everything she holds dear.
When Fayes daughter Tamsin goes missing after school, the police turn to Erica. But is Erica the only one who has been enviously watching Faye? Or is there another threat hiding in the shadows ?
Well this is a right tale of stalking,obsession, fury, longing and ENVY!
This story is very well written and flows easily.
The novel is broken down into several small chapters which makes this an easy fast read.
I really enjoyed the evolution of the characters throughout the book.
Be warned the story is told from 4 different POVs' which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I thought this was as an amazing thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed reading and can wholeheartedly recommend.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated For Cheddar or Worse (A Cheese Shop Mystery #7) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Providence is hosting its first annual Cheese Festival, and several people involved in making and selling cheese are coming together to share ideas on the process. Newlyweds Charlotte and Jordan are excited to be a part of it – until Lara Berry shows up. Lara’s public persona hides a truly nasty person underneath, and she is murdered after telling the rest of the group exactly what she thinks of them. Can Charlotte figure out who actually killed Lara?
This book had some of the most intense scenes in the series, although I did feel the plot got a little sidetracked a couple of times. Still, it built up to a logical and exciting climax. Unfortunately, this is the last book in the series, but the author has done a good job of wrapping things up for those of us who are fans. That’s wonderful since these characters have always been strong, and they continue to be strong here.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-for-cheddar-or-worse-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book had some of the most intense scenes in the series, although I did feel the plot got a little sidetracked a couple of times. Still, it built up to a logical and exciting climax. Unfortunately, this is the last book in the series, but the author has done a good job of wrapping things up for those of us who are fans. That’s wonderful since these characters have always been strong, and they continue to be strong here.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-for-cheddar-or-worse-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Martian in Books
Mar 15, 2018
The idea of being stranded alone somewhere is certainly a terrifying one, and as such has been used countless times in literature (and film). Moving the location 140,000,000 miles from Earth adds a new twist to the tale though, and adds an increased sense of desperation. When astronaut Mark Watney finds himself trapped on Mars after an accident, he turns out to be more resilient and resourceful than many of us would, and goes about doing everything he can to ensure his survival and up his odds of rescue. Given that rescue is so far away, and the harsh Martian environment is so unforgiving, things don't always go his way. The series of setbacks he experiences keeps readers in suspense throughout the entire book. The story is told largely from the perspective of Mark dictating to his log, which gives it a casual tone, making Mark very likable, and keeping the technical bits easy to understand. As such, this is a fun read, that kept me on the edge of my seat. If the movie is anywhere near as good as the book, it should be one of the best of the year.
Sue (5 KP) rated Cards From Khloe's Flower Shop in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Khloe Harper’s dream has always been to run a successful flower shop. Now if she could only open her heart again to love after being betrayed by her previous boyfriend. Could the handsome yet mysterious entertainment lawyer Derek Thomas repair her shattered heart?
Connie Albright is a bit of a frumpy office mouse that is endlessly teased by the mean girls she works with. She creates an imaginary boyfriend that sends her flowers weekly from Khloe’s flower shop. When she finds discovers Walt and a possible happy ending, does her lies make her lose her prince charming?
Gabby Lewis is a recently widowed senior. She is trying to get over the loss of the love of her life and her friends convince her to sign up for a dating website for senior citizens. She is soon matched up with Harry an energetic widower. Can he help to ease Gabby’s grief and make her realize she can have another chance at love?
This is a wonderfully touching story about new love, second chances, and opening your heart to romance. Each character is wonderfully developed (with flaws and all) and has you rooting for a happy ending.
Connie Albright is a bit of a frumpy office mouse that is endlessly teased by the mean girls she works with. She creates an imaginary boyfriend that sends her flowers weekly from Khloe’s flower shop. When she finds discovers Walt and a possible happy ending, does her lies make her lose her prince charming?
Gabby Lewis is a recently widowed senior. She is trying to get over the loss of the love of her life and her friends convince her to sign up for a dating website for senior citizens. She is soon matched up with Harry an energetic widower. Can he help to ease Gabby’s grief and make her realize she can have another chance at love?
This is a wonderfully touching story about new love, second chances, and opening your heart to romance. Each character is wonderfully developed (with flaws and all) and has you rooting for a happy ending.
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated I'm Glad About You in Books
Oct 1, 2018
I struggled with what rating to give this book, if I could I'd give it 2.5 stars. lowest rating I've given a book in a very long time. it started off great, hooked me from the start. Kyle and Allison were easy enough to identify with and relate to in the beginning. however, this is one of the most redundant books I've ever read. in the dialogue someone was always using an annoyed tone, then every other thought or action was a "betrayal" for one reason or another. Allison and Kyle were increasingly whiny about everything, with Allison constantly thinking about how smart she was and how many people were treating her like a moron at any given time and her looks (how thin she was and did u know her eyes are a beautiful green) and how "Midwestern" she was with her manners and morals and values, even tho she's a thief and basically a whore. then Kyle was whining and complaining about his job, his family, Allison, his religion, etc. that's basically the sum of the story, a lot of repetitive whining with no real action. seriously disappointing after such a promising start.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Autofiction in Books
Nov 14, 2018
This was a very strange book that deserves a good rating as it's one that has been stuck in my mind for a while now and I always find that if a book is memorable it deserves great praise. A bizarre story about a fruit loop of a girl who is extremely possessive and a slave to dark thoughts. You are welcomed into a very disturbed mind, which I found fascinating.
Before reading this novel I had never heard of the author before and I picked it up as the cover caught my eye when browsing the shelves in my local library. After reading the blurb I thought the story sounded very interesting...a sort of twisted romance. I was not disappointed as I felt the author delivered. I found that I could not completely feel attached to the MC, however, which was the only downside for me and I wanted to slap her a few times but maybe that's how the author wished you to feel towards the MC, I am not sure.
Overall, I enjoyed this story...mostly because it was something different and bizarre...2 of my favourite things.
Before reading this novel I had never heard of the author before and I picked it up as the cover caught my eye when browsing the shelves in my local library. After reading the blurb I thought the story sounded very interesting...a sort of twisted romance. I was not disappointed as I felt the author delivered. I found that I could not completely feel attached to the MC, however, which was the only downside for me and I wanted to slap her a few times but maybe that's how the author wished you to feel towards the MC, I am not sure.
Overall, I enjoyed this story...mostly because it was something different and bizarre...2 of my favourite things.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! in Books
Aug 14, 2019
Is Pigeon Ready for a New Experience?
Pigeon has just learned that he has to start attending school. Surely, he doesn’t have to do that. After all, he already knows everything. Will there be math? There are too many letters! And Pigeon is not a morning bird. Will anything be able to change his mind?
Author Mo Willems continues to find ways to tell stories using only pictures and dialogue that keep us engaged. This is another fast yet entertaining read. Most kids are excited about getting to go to school, but this book should help those who might be more reluctant and will entertain all kids. While Pigeon presents some reasons to not go to school that kids might not have thought of, by the end he is very excited about the prospect. (Personally, I still understand Pigeon’s concern about not being a morning bird.) I appreciated the nod to one of Pigeon’s earlier books. The stylized illustrations are a delight as always and really do help tell the story. Whether you have a kid starting school soon or not, you and your kid will enjoy this book.
Author Mo Willems continues to find ways to tell stories using only pictures and dialogue that keep us engaged. This is another fast yet entertaining read. Most kids are excited about getting to go to school, but this book should help those who might be more reluctant and will entertain all kids. While Pigeon presents some reasons to not go to school that kids might not have thought of, by the end he is very excited about the prospect. (Personally, I still understand Pigeon’s concern about not being a morning bird.) I appreciated the nod to one of Pigeon’s earlier books. The stylized illustrations are a delight as always and really do help tell the story. Whether you have a kid starting school soon or not, you and your kid will enjoy this book.