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An uncomfortable, yet compelling, novel
On the face of it, you would think that Adèle has it all: a good job as a reporter, a handsome surgeon husband, a young son, she’s slim and she’s beautiful. But this all masks another side to Adèle. She’s dissatisfied with her life: she controls what and how much she eats, and she engages in risky sexual behaviour with strangers. The sex is an addiction. When she’s not doing it, she’s thinking about it, and she wants a lot of it. There’s no eroticism in the telling of these encounters - it’s function, pure and simple, and quite violent sometimes. It’s like the drug addict getting their hit. You can feel the self-loathing emanating from the pages.
This is a dark, uncomfortable to read book, but it’s also compelling. There’s nothing voyeuristic about this book, no titillation, it’s just sad. And if you’re into books with a final resolution, then this is not the book for you.
It sounds as though no one could possibly enjoy this book, but strangely enough, I really did. I thought that the atmosphere of the book was really well written (and kudos to the excellent translator, Sam Taylor), and the main characters feelings of being trapped made for a really claustrophobic read. I think it’s definitely worth a read, if you’re in the mood for something as, dare I say, depressing, as this. I use the word ‘depressing’, but honestly, it was a good read!
This is a dark, uncomfortable to read book, but it’s also compelling. There’s nothing voyeuristic about this book, no titillation, it’s just sad. And if you’re into books with a final resolution, then this is not the book for you.
It sounds as though no one could possibly enjoy this book, but strangely enough, I really did. I thought that the atmosphere of the book was really well written (and kudos to the excellent translator, Sam Taylor), and the main characters feelings of being trapped made for a really claustrophobic read. I think it’s definitely worth a read, if you’re in the mood for something as, dare I say, depressing, as this. I use the word ‘depressing’, but honestly, it was a good read!
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated My Daughter, My Mother in Books
Jun 16, 2019 (Updated Jun 16, 2019)
Hard to get into but easy to finish
I usually go for books set a lot earlier that 1984 so when I picked this up I was full of anticipating I would immediately hate it and stop reading. Luckily that wasn't the case!
It jumps back and forth from past to present and includes real life issues going on in the world at that time. I personally love to see a story include real life problems as it feels like it actually happened and makes it so much more interesting to read. Don't worry, I know these people don't actually exist!!
It took me a few chapters to get into it but once I did I began to love it. Although the actual plot on both sides if good, it feels rushed to get the story out and some bits are quite difficult to grasp.
There is a family in the book that are sikh which despite my religious education at school I don't know much about so to an extent this book taught me something about sikhs. This is also hard because there are certain aspects to the writing i found hard to understand.
I like to see the good in every story so I'd say have a read of it yourself and see what you think.
It jumps back and forth from past to present and includes real life issues going on in the world at that time. I personally love to see a story include real life problems as it feels like it actually happened and makes it so much more interesting to read. Don't worry, I know these people don't actually exist!!
It took me a few chapters to get into it but once I did I began to love it. Although the actual plot on both sides if good, it feels rushed to get the story out and some bits are quite difficult to grasp.
There is a family in the book that are sikh which despite my religious education at school I don't know much about so to an extent this book taught me something about sikhs. This is also hard because there are certain aspects to the writing i found hard to understand.
I like to see the good in every story so I'd say have a read of it yourself and see what you think.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Before I Fall in Books
Feb 8, 2018
I think I would have enjoyed this book even more if it wasn't coming on the heels of me reading several other tragic YA books about teenagers dying (including <i>The In Between</i> and <i>If I Stay</i>). I sort of felt bludgeoned by the senseless tragedy of it all - perhaps I need to get out more?!
Anyway, the book follows the main character Sam, who dies in a car crash one night after a party. However, she finds herself reliving that day over and over (think <i>Groundhog Day</i>) for some reason and has to figure out how to make it stop. It's a rather weird premise and the way she finally breaks out sort of bothers me, so I felt a little deflated at the end.
That being said, I really liked Sam. She's a compelling character. Also refreshing is the fact that Sam and her gaggle of friends are the popular kids, on top of the pyramid at school. It's a change of pace from the usual romantics and geeks that show up in YA novels. (It does, however, make me 110% terrified for my children to reach high school.) As Sam starts to realize her own mean girl status-- and that of her friends--Oliver sets up a good message about high school and friendship. Not sure it would be readily apparently to every teen reading the novel, but I appreciate the effort.
Anyway, the book follows the main character Sam, who dies in a car crash one night after a party. However, she finds herself reliving that day over and over (think <i>Groundhog Day</i>) for some reason and has to figure out how to make it stop. It's a rather weird premise and the way she finally breaks out sort of bothers me, so I felt a little deflated at the end.
That being said, I really liked Sam. She's a compelling character. Also refreshing is the fact that Sam and her gaggle of friends are the popular kids, on top of the pyramid at school. It's a change of pace from the usual romantics and geeks that show up in YA novels. (It does, however, make me 110% terrified for my children to reach high school.) As Sam starts to realize her own mean girl status-- and that of her friends--Oliver sets up a good message about high school and friendship. Not sure it would be readily apparently to every teen reading the novel, but I appreciate the effort.
Saerie_Faerie (18 KP) rated Annihilation (2018) in Movies
Mar 3, 2018
actors (2 more)
plot
pace
So creepy-cool good! Very conflicted on rating
If you like all female, kickass smart science loving movies then this movie is for you! Unless you aren't a fan of creepy/thriller stuff then maybe steer clear. I also really wish the characters had more in depth backgrounds but for the sake of a movie it has to be somewhat short and this movie was already sitting at 2 hours so I don't think they could have really afforded to make it any longer.
It is based off a book series that I have not read yet but I have heard many a good thing about it that makes me want to read them. So I went in to the movie not really knowing much besides that it was very science heavy and about evolutionary things.
I loved the characters, the diversity of the characters and all that they go through, it is not a traditional thriller or horror movie that has one thing that happens to all of the characters in the movie, nor is it really predictable.
Basically, go see this movie and maybe read the books if you are a book reader. Just putting it out there that I want to be like Anya the most of the characters and also I identify with her the most, which is really cool because side characters being easy to identify with I feel like is super rare.
It is based off a book series that I have not read yet but I have heard many a good thing about it that makes me want to read them. So I went in to the movie not really knowing much besides that it was very science heavy and about evolutionary things.
I loved the characters, the diversity of the characters and all that they go through, it is not a traditional thriller or horror movie that has one thing that happens to all of the characters in the movie, nor is it really predictable.
Basically, go see this movie and maybe read the books if you are a book reader. Just putting it out there that I want to be like Anya the most of the characters and also I identify with her the most, which is really cool because side characters being easy to identify with I feel like is super rare.
Lindsay (1735 KP) rated Wasp's Nest (Roma Series Book 2) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
The Wasp Nest is a complicated scheme for what you learn from this. There is a professional assassin out the kill a few targets. We also meet some new friends along the way. Again who is Loki? What does Rendition want?
We are back in the United States with Bianca. Her friends show up in a few days laters. Things go from okay to creepy. This book really gave me the creeps and still was good. I enjoyed it none the less but think you can not be creepy out by how it goes.
I am still trying to figure out who Loki is and what exactly Rendition wants her to do. She seems to get the help she needs from this computer person who is named Loki. I will tell you there are lots of deaths. I believe we will see more in the coming books for they seem to all running though Roma Underground.
We find out more about Sergeant and Nasonia Pharmaceutical. I do not want to give away much here for it really bring to life and what this book is about. The author did have me confused, but I also enjoy the story along they way. How is Garnero and Farugia past involved in this all of this. We meet a few new characters and find new friends. There seem to be connection and something else also know as corruptions.
We are back in the United States with Bianca. Her friends show up in a few days laters. Things go from okay to creepy. This book really gave me the creeps and still was good. I enjoyed it none the less but think you can not be creepy out by how it goes.
I am still trying to figure out who Loki is and what exactly Rendition wants her to do. She seems to get the help she needs from this computer person who is named Loki. I will tell you there are lots of deaths. I believe we will see more in the coming books for they seem to all running though Roma Underground.
We find out more about Sergeant and Nasonia Pharmaceutical. I do not want to give away much here for it really bring to life and what this book is about. The author did have me confused, but I also enjoy the story along they way. How is Garnero and Farugia past involved in this all of this. We meet a few new characters and find new friends. There seem to be connection and something else also know as corruptions.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Year's Work at the Zombie Research Center in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I had to read this book for my zombie film course at UCI and I can honestly say it was incredibly interesting. I loved seeing all these ideas about how deep the zombie narrative is because it made me think in ways I would not have otherwise.
There are essays on race, post feminism, the health care system, and so many more.
I loved how it related to both zombie films from the 1930s as well as the more prevalent films known about today. These essays took into consideration the history of zombies and the actual cultural significance of these monsters instead of ignoring it. Many of these essays made references to the Haitian culture surrounding zombies which was awesome.
I enjoyed seeing the different cultural and gender perspectives on all of these issues. Instead of only seeing the viewpoint of some middle aged white male, we get to see women and men of color all engaging in this scholarship and being able to keep it entertaining enough to keep the readers engaged.
If you like reading essays on popular culture connecting to both social and political issues of the time period, then definitely pick this book up, it is worth the read. Honestly, even if you don't like reading those types of books, pick it up because it could give you a different perspective on something you feel like you already know.
There are essays on race, post feminism, the health care system, and so many more.
I loved how it related to both zombie films from the 1930s as well as the more prevalent films known about today. These essays took into consideration the history of zombies and the actual cultural significance of these monsters instead of ignoring it. Many of these essays made references to the Haitian culture surrounding zombies which was awesome.
I enjoyed seeing the different cultural and gender perspectives on all of these issues. Instead of only seeing the viewpoint of some middle aged white male, we get to see women and men of color all engaging in this scholarship and being able to keep it entertaining enough to keep the readers engaged.
If you like reading essays on popular culture connecting to both social and political issues of the time period, then definitely pick this book up, it is worth the read. Honestly, even if you don't like reading those types of books, pick it up because it could give you a different perspective on something you feel like you already know.
Merissa (12557 KP) rated Betrayed: Days of the Rogue (Law of the Lycans #4) in Books
Mar 26, 2018
Betrayed: Days of the Rogue (Law of the Lycans #4) by Nicky Charles
Betrayed: Days of the Rogue promised to be an intriguing read, highlighting one of my favourite characters - Damien. However I will admit to being slightly disappointed as he wasn't in it as much as I wanted. Now, don't get me wrong. He still plays a major part in this book, but mainly it is about Eve and Rafe (which I guess is as it should be being as they're the romantic stars!) Still, Damien is such a fantastic character that I wanted more.
Moving on - this book has plenty of twists and turns, and you don't know until the end just which side Damien is on. There are murders happening of those with Fae blood, and it looks like Eve will be the next one. Rafe knows all about rogues from his time working with them. He also knows that the man on his territory is Damien. Rafe thinks Damien is the one doing the killing - he is a rogue after all. With old friends showing up, this is a great story and also shows that Eve is more than capable of rescuing herself!
Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this was a great addition to the series, and definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Moving on - this book has plenty of twists and turns, and you don't know until the end just which side Damien is on. There are murders happening of those with Fae blood, and it looks like Eve will be the next one. Rafe knows all about rogues from his time working with them. He also knows that the man on his territory is Damien. Rafe thinks Damien is the one doing the killing - he is a rogue after all. With old friends showing up, this is a great story and also shows that Eve is more than capable of rescuing herself!
Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this was a great addition to the series, and definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dracoria Malfoy (690 KP) rated A Court of Frost and Starlight: Court of Thorns and Roses in Books
Jun 12, 2018
WALL SEX. FINALLY.
Contains spoilers, click to show
As you can see from my title, I was most excited about the wall sex we've been promised for two books. However, there were other things in this book that I loved so, so much.
First of all - RHYSIE!!! They used that name!! Canonically!! My bb High Lord was amazing as always. And the way Maas explained what Feyre was going through was positively poetic at times. It was so good.
Bryaxis??? Is still lost?? And if you don't find that hilarious, you are incredibly disappointing.
And my Illyrian Babies!! These are 500-year-old fae males, and they have annual snowball fights. If you don't think that's the most adorable thing ever, then you are also incredibly disappointing. The bois were a big mood throughout the entire book, and I loved it so, so, so much.
My sweetheart Mor deserves none of this shit btw. THREE SPIKES. EXCUSE MOI?? This isn't allowed; I almost cried.
Nesta's PTSD was well-written, as well as the tension between her and Cass. Also, the I don't want Cassian to know I'm reading Smut face is also my favorite face.
And, of course, smut. It was well-written, as usual, but I feel it could have been better. And longer.
Thank you for listening to me freak out about my children like there's no tomorrow.
PS I might add more in the comments, so stay tuned.
First of all - RHYSIE!!! They used that name!! Canonically!! My bb High Lord was amazing as always. And the way Maas explained what Feyre was going through was positively poetic at times. It was so good.
Bryaxis??? Is still lost?? And if you don't find that hilarious, you are incredibly disappointing.
And my Illyrian Babies!! These are 500-year-old fae males, and they have annual snowball fights. If you don't think that's the most adorable thing ever, then you are also incredibly disappointing. The bois were a big mood throughout the entire book, and I loved it so, so, so much.
My sweetheart Mor deserves none of this shit btw. THREE SPIKES. EXCUSE MOI?? This isn't allowed; I almost cried.
Nesta's PTSD was well-written, as well as the tension between her and Cass. Also, the I don't want Cassian to know I'm reading Smut face is also my favorite face.
And, of course, smut. It was well-written, as usual, but I feel it could have been better. And longer.
Thank you for listening to me freak out about my children like there's no tomorrow.
PS I might add more in the comments, so stay tuned.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America's Presidents in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Kid presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America's Presidents by David Stabler is a book of just that American presidents when they were kids. The book is an excellent source of information about the childhood lives of many American presidents. The book is presents in a way that gets children today interested in history.
The information is presented in a humorous and engaging way. By presenting information this way children will realize that they do not have to be perfect or great at everything they do; they just need to have motivation, interest, and the will to succeed in order to be successful. By reading this book children will learn that they to can have a positive impact on the world they live in.
This story shows that the American Presidents were normal children. Some were outdoorsy. Some were bratty. Some were brainy. Some were a complete mix. I loved the illustrations of the presidents. The illustrations really enhanced the book. The childhood biographies and fun facts helped to make the book interesting for children and adults.
This book could easily be used by parents and teachers to help children become interested in history and to learn about the popular and not so popular American Presidents.
I highly recommend this book. I give this book a 5/5 stars.
I received this book from Quirk Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The information is presented in a humorous and engaging way. By presenting information this way children will realize that they do not have to be perfect or great at everything they do; they just need to have motivation, interest, and the will to succeed in order to be successful. By reading this book children will learn that they to can have a positive impact on the world they live in.
This story shows that the American Presidents were normal children. Some were outdoorsy. Some were bratty. Some were brainy. Some were a complete mix. I loved the illustrations of the presidents. The illustrations really enhanced the book. The childhood biographies and fun facts helped to make the book interesting for children and adults.
This book could easily be used by parents and teachers to help children become interested in history and to learn about the popular and not so popular American Presidents.
I highly recommend this book. I give this book a 5/5 stars.
I received this book from Quirk Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A scarily plausible thriller that immediately made me change by router password!
Stalker is not what you would expect from the title. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, in the UK a stalker is "a person who illegally follows and watches someone, especially a woman, over a period of time" and although this book certainly covers this definition, it does so slightly differently to what you would imagine it would. For one, it isn't primarily about physically following someone around and for another, it's not primarily about a man stalking a woman.
It starts of a little slow but certainly builds to a very satisfying conclusion. The main character, Flint, is a bit weird but, strangely, he grew on me as the story developed and I found myself feeling sorry for him despite the creepy way in which he lives his life watching over other people living theirs.
Once the book got going proper (that's good English!), it never stopped it became a very riveting read that I found difficult to stop ... you know the feeling ... just one more chapter and before you know it, it's way past your bed time! There are twists that you can see coming and there are others that hit you right in the face!
Overall, a very entertaining and captivating read that I would highly recommend and my thanks go to the publisher, Avon Books UK, via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and genuine review.
Stalker is not what you would expect from the title. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, in the UK a stalker is "a person who illegally follows and watches someone, especially a woman, over a period of time" and although this book certainly covers this definition, it does so slightly differently to what you would imagine it would. For one, it isn't primarily about physically following someone around and for another, it's not primarily about a man stalking a woman.
It starts of a little slow but certainly builds to a very satisfying conclusion. The main character, Flint, is a bit weird but, strangely, he grew on me as the story developed and I found myself feeling sorry for him despite the creepy way in which he lives his life watching over other people living theirs.
Once the book got going proper (that's good English!), it never stopped it became a very riveting read that I found difficult to stop ... you know the feeling ... just one more chapter and before you know it, it's way past your bed time! There are twists that you can see coming and there are others that hit you right in the face!
Overall, a very entertaining and captivating read that I would highly recommend and my thanks go to the publisher, Avon Books UK, via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and genuine review.