Search
Search results
Debbie (52 KP) rated The Poet X in Books
Sep 8, 2018
The Poet X By: Elizabeth Acevedo
Young Adult 357 Pages
This book is written in verse. I wasn't a fan of this book so I only gave it 3 stars. I am getting use to reading books that are written in verse and starting to enjoy them. They are actually quick reads.
The main character is 16 year old girl named Xiomara. She has a twin brother, Xavier and her best friend, Caridad. Mom is from the Dominican Republic and Dad is from America. Mom married Dad to come to the states but she really wanted to become a nun. Mom is extremely religious. Dad doesn't do much. He is a womanizer. X loves to write poetry and her brother gave her notebook one year for their birthday to keep them in. She hates going to church. She isn't allowed to date or have contact with boys except for her brother. She is punished for the smallest things. (SPOILER) For example when she starts her period. Her mom hasn't told her anything about this or allowed her to watch the movie that they show in school so she has to look it up on google to figure out what to do. She gets money from a stash and goes to the store to get tampons but doesn't insert correctly and cries. Her mother is freaking out telling her that 11 is to young to be having a period and that only ho's use tampons. In high school during biology she meets a boy, Aman. They like each other and find ways to see each other. This is were her best friend helps out. They are eventually discovered and mom goes nuts. X wants to join the poetry club at school but mom makes her go to confirmation classes at the church. Again her best friend helps her to be able to eventually go to poetry club. There are a few more things that happen and make the book interesting I just could not stand the mom in this story.
Brother has a secret what is it? Does mom and X get to understanding each other better? You will have to read the book to find out. Just be warned that mom is not a nice person.
Young Adult 357 Pages
This book is written in verse. I wasn't a fan of this book so I only gave it 3 stars. I am getting use to reading books that are written in verse and starting to enjoy them. They are actually quick reads.
The main character is 16 year old girl named Xiomara. She has a twin brother, Xavier and her best friend, Caridad. Mom is from the Dominican Republic and Dad is from America. Mom married Dad to come to the states but she really wanted to become a nun. Mom is extremely religious. Dad doesn't do much. He is a womanizer. X loves to write poetry and her brother gave her notebook one year for their birthday to keep them in. She hates going to church. She isn't allowed to date or have contact with boys except for her brother. She is punished for the smallest things. (SPOILER) For example when she starts her period. Her mom hasn't told her anything about this or allowed her to watch the movie that they show in school so she has to look it up on google to figure out what to do. She gets money from a stash and goes to the store to get tampons but doesn't insert correctly and cries. Her mother is freaking out telling her that 11 is to young to be having a period and that only ho's use tampons. In high school during biology she meets a boy, Aman. They like each other and find ways to see each other. This is were her best friend helps out. They are eventually discovered and mom goes nuts. X wants to join the poetry club at school but mom makes her go to confirmation classes at the church. Again her best friend helps her to be able to eventually go to poetry club. There are a few more things that happen and make the book interesting I just could not stand the mom in this story.
Brother has a secret what is it? Does mom and X get to understanding each other better? You will have to read the book to find out. Just be warned that mom is not a nice person.
JT (287 KP) rated Only God Forgives (2013) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
Now here is a film that completely split critics. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea and it’s clear to see why. Anyone expecting a well constructed follow up to Winding Refn’s hit Drive are going to be sorely disappointed, as Only God Forgives serves up a mix of beautiful neon visuals, character dreamscapes and minimal dialogue.
Julian (Ryan Gosling) runs a Thai boxing club deep in the heart of Bangkok using it as front for a drug smuggling ring with his brother. Events take a horrific turn when his brother rapes and murders an underage prostitute. Enter retired cop Chang (Vithaya Pansringarm), more well known as the ‘Angel of Vengeance’ who has a unique and almost godlike way of handing out retribution to those who cross his path.
When he allows Julian’s brother to be murdered by the father of the girl he killed, Julian’s mother Crystal and family matriarch heads out to demand that Julian take revenge for his brothers death.
Only God Forgives is a film doused in deep colours that awash the actors on screen and cast them in a variety of different lights. It feels a bit art house and at times arrogant. This must have been the easiest pay cheque that Gosling has ever picked up. He barely speaks and stamps any authority on screen by long drawn out stares of which he is the master.
Scott Thomas is not the mother figure that you would expect to have. Goading Julian into submission in a vile and disgusting manner she belittles him, prompting the question that he is half the man his brother is. She is one of the few standouts. All blonde hair and jewellery along with a arsenal of foul language. However, it will be Chang that leaves the afterthought, as he glides about unleashing his sword on those who stand in his way.
Only God Forgives is violent, and it is certainly not for the faint-hearted, the spilling of blood (particularly one hard to watch scene) is in keeping with the tonal colour of the setting. It doesn’t have Drive’s slickness but does come with an equally pulsating sound track.
There is no arguing that from a cinematography point of view this film his head and shoulders above others. But there is the odd occasion when you really have to question the director and what it was that he set out to achieve?
Julian (Ryan Gosling) runs a Thai boxing club deep in the heart of Bangkok using it as front for a drug smuggling ring with his brother. Events take a horrific turn when his brother rapes and murders an underage prostitute. Enter retired cop Chang (Vithaya Pansringarm), more well known as the ‘Angel of Vengeance’ who has a unique and almost godlike way of handing out retribution to those who cross his path.
When he allows Julian’s brother to be murdered by the father of the girl he killed, Julian’s mother Crystal and family matriarch heads out to demand that Julian take revenge for his brothers death.
Only God Forgives is a film doused in deep colours that awash the actors on screen and cast them in a variety of different lights. It feels a bit art house and at times arrogant. This must have been the easiest pay cheque that Gosling has ever picked up. He barely speaks and stamps any authority on screen by long drawn out stares of which he is the master.
Scott Thomas is not the mother figure that you would expect to have. Goading Julian into submission in a vile and disgusting manner she belittles him, prompting the question that he is half the man his brother is. She is one of the few standouts. All blonde hair and jewellery along with a arsenal of foul language. However, it will be Chang that leaves the afterthought, as he glides about unleashing his sword on those who stand in his way.
Only God Forgives is violent, and it is certainly not for the faint-hearted, the spilling of blood (particularly one hard to watch scene) is in keeping with the tonal colour of the setting. It doesn’t have Drive’s slickness but does come with an equally pulsating sound track.
There is no arguing that from a cinematography point of view this film his head and shoulders above others. But there is the odd occasion when you really have to question the director and what it was that he set out to achieve?
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Never Never (Detective Harriet Blue, #1) in Books
May 10, 2018
Harriet "Harry" Blue is a detective with Sydney, Australia police department. When her brother is accused of a terrible crime, her superior sends her away on assignment to keep her out of the way. He sends her to the desert to investigate the disappearance and/or murder of three miners working in the uranium mines. She is given a new partner, but is not sure if she can trust him or anyone. In the middle of the never never, you are one of the hunted, the object is to make it out alive. Will Detective Blue be able to find out who is behind this hideous crime before she becomes a victim herself.
This is a new series by James Patterson and Candice Fox.
I gave this book three stars because I wanted to know more about Harriet. Maybe as the series develops we will get to know Harriet better. We know her "mother was a prostitute and a drug addict." We also find out that she and her brother were in and out of foster homes most of their lives. I love female lead characters and I hope this is a series I will be able to get into and enjoy.
Sent into the hot desert of Australia, Harriet Blue is completely out of her element. The mine is its own community that includes bilbies(prostitutes), a drug dealer, and protesters who are against the mining. It's a tight nit community that doesn't take well to outsiders. While everyone has a fear of the killer, money is much more important than clearing the mine to find a killer. I'm not sure why the story of Harriet's brother was integral to this story, but I hope that story line will develop more over the series.
This is a new series by James Patterson and Candice Fox.
I gave this book three stars because I wanted to know more about Harriet. Maybe as the series develops we will get to know Harriet better. We know her "mother was a prostitute and a drug addict." We also find out that she and her brother were in and out of foster homes most of their lives. I love female lead characters and I hope this is a series I will be able to get into and enjoy.
Sent into the hot desert of Australia, Harriet Blue is completely out of her element. The mine is its own community that includes bilbies(prostitutes), a drug dealer, and protesters who are against the mining. It's a tight nit community that doesn't take well to outsiders. While everyone has a fear of the killer, money is much more important than clearing the mine to find a killer. I'm not sure why the story of Harriet's brother was integral to this story, but I hope that story line will develop more over the series.
Jesusita is collection of stories about immigrants. The author mainly talks about a woman named Jesusita. All the characters mentioned end up with this Jesusita. Padre comes to California to help with the Mexicans and to help with the ministry. It's really a good book. The main story is about a woman and her children. The other stories that Ronald adds in are almost side stories.
Angie learns only one thing while growing up. She only knows how to make money one way. Filipino laborers want this from her. She agrees to do this to survive and to make money. Filipino laborers are not allowed to have any contact with white woman. What ever will happen to Angie and the Filipino men. She does meet a man at the theater at a young age. She does not want to do what her mother did for a living.
Felix is abandoned by his mother and placed in a foster home on an isolated ranch away from his brother. He worries about his little brother. When he a turns eighteen, he will need to learn to survive and can come and go as he pleases. When does he decide to walk to where his brother is staying and come back at night? He does this weekly.
Jesusita has to deal with her children and when she leaves and can not work cleaning offices she gets work though the government as a foster parent. She gets two little girls and a little boy to live with her. She deals with a little girl that seems to make her do strange things.
There is some abuse and sex that goes on throughout the book. I advise parents to only allow their children 15 or older to read this. I will let you decide what you want your children to read.
Angie learns only one thing while growing up. She only knows how to make money one way. Filipino laborers want this from her. She agrees to do this to survive and to make money. Filipino laborers are not allowed to have any contact with white woman. What ever will happen to Angie and the Filipino men. She does meet a man at the theater at a young age. She does not want to do what her mother did for a living.
Felix is abandoned by his mother and placed in a foster home on an isolated ranch away from his brother. He worries about his little brother. When he a turns eighteen, he will need to learn to survive and can come and go as he pleases. When does he decide to walk to where his brother is staying and come back at night? He does this weekly.
Jesusita has to deal with her children and when she leaves and can not work cleaning offices she gets work though the government as a foster parent. She gets two little girls and a little boy to live with her. She deals with a little girl that seems to make her do strange things.
There is some abuse and sex that goes on throughout the book. I advise parents to only allow their children 15 or older to read this. I will let you decide what you want your children to read.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Buying Samir (India's Street Kids #2) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Buying Samir</i> is the second book in the <i>India Street Kids</i> series by Kimberly Rae. Previously Jasmina and her brother, Samir, had been sold to traffickers who treated the children as slaves. Jasmina, however, managed to escape and found safety amongst a group of American missionaries. Now aged 14, Jasmina is determined to locate and save her brother.
Initially with the help of one of the missionaries, Jasmina begins searching for Samir at various locations hoping she can free him from whatever slavery he has been forced into. However desperation encourages Jasmina to secretly go alone on this dangerous mission. Although she finds her brother there is no happy reunion. Samir has become one of the traffickers and Jasmina finds herself in a lot of trouble.
Jasmina learns a lot more about the world she lives in, who to trust and who to avoid. She also learns of Christian forgiveness – a concept that was alien to her as she was used to being punished.
Rae shocks the reader with her descriptions of horrors children in India face on the streets. Many are tricked into dreadful situations by false promises of luxury. What is the most disturbing is that this story is not about the past, these things are happening now! Thankfully there are people such as the missionaries who, with Gods help, give up their time to rescue these children and give them a better life or restore them to their families.
<i>Buying Samir</i> is a very short book and suitable for both adults and teens. Readers would benefit from reading the previous book first however Jasmina’s narrative reflects on the past providing enough information to understand what is going on.
Buying Samir</i> is the second book in the <i>India Street Kids</i> series by Kimberly Rae. Previously Jasmina and her brother, Samir, had been sold to traffickers who treated the children as slaves. Jasmina, however, managed to escape and found safety amongst a group of American missionaries. Now aged 14, Jasmina is determined to locate and save her brother.
Initially with the help of one of the missionaries, Jasmina begins searching for Samir at various locations hoping she can free him from whatever slavery he has been forced into. However desperation encourages Jasmina to secretly go alone on this dangerous mission. Although she finds her brother there is no happy reunion. Samir has become one of the traffickers and Jasmina finds herself in a lot of trouble.
Jasmina learns a lot more about the world she lives in, who to trust and who to avoid. She also learns of Christian forgiveness – a concept that was alien to her as she was used to being punished.
Rae shocks the reader with her descriptions of horrors children in India face on the streets. Many are tricked into dreadful situations by false promises of luxury. What is the most disturbing is that this story is not about the past, these things are happening now! Thankfully there are people such as the missionaries who, with Gods help, give up their time to rescue these children and give them a better life or restore them to their families.
<i>Buying Samir</i> is a very short book and suitable for both adults and teens. Readers would benefit from reading the previous book first however Jasmina’s narrative reflects on the past providing enough information to understand what is going on.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Dragon Pearl in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Disney-Hyperion in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</b></i>
<i>Dragon Pearl</i> by Yoon Ha Lee is the latest in Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint under Disney that “highlights cultures and mythologies from around the world,” selected by author Rick Riordan. An #ownvoices novel based on Korean mythology and folklore, Lee’s novel follows a fox spirit named Min who runs off on a space adventure to find her missing brother and instead finds the highly sought-after Dragon Pearl to save the Thousand Worlds.
I found myself struggling with <i>Dragon Pearl</i> at times. There are moments the novel slows from the pace of the action, which could potentially drag the reader’s attention away from Min’s journey. Min’s quest to find her brother is easy, but it is expected as the novel is aimed at a middle-grade audience.
Ignore the slowness and the ease of the journey, however, and the story is a magical ride through the Thousand Worlds. I loved seeing Min encountering obstacles and working her way around them while figuring out her own magic. Most importantly, I enjoyed seeing how valuable her relationships are, both with her brother and with the developing friendships with the other cadets.
Fans of Rick Riordan’s novels who enjoy a journey through space with touches of mythology will love going on an adventure of their own with Min through Yoon Ha Lee’s <i>Dragon Pearl</i>.
<a href="https://60secondsmag.com/dragon-pearl-review/">This review is originally posted on 60 Seconds Online Magazine</a>
<i>Dragon Pearl</i> by Yoon Ha Lee is the latest in Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint under Disney that “highlights cultures and mythologies from around the world,” selected by author Rick Riordan. An #ownvoices novel based on Korean mythology and folklore, Lee’s novel follows a fox spirit named Min who runs off on a space adventure to find her missing brother and instead finds the highly sought-after Dragon Pearl to save the Thousand Worlds.
I found myself struggling with <i>Dragon Pearl</i> at times. There are moments the novel slows from the pace of the action, which could potentially drag the reader’s attention away from Min’s journey. Min’s quest to find her brother is easy, but it is expected as the novel is aimed at a middle-grade audience.
Ignore the slowness and the ease of the journey, however, and the story is a magical ride through the Thousand Worlds. I loved seeing Min encountering obstacles and working her way around them while figuring out her own magic. Most importantly, I enjoyed seeing how valuable her relationships are, both with her brother and with the developing friendships with the other cadets.
Fans of Rick Riordan’s novels who enjoy a journey through space with touches of mythology will love going on an adventure of their own with Min through Yoon Ha Lee’s <i>Dragon Pearl</i>.
<a href="https://60secondsmag.com/dragon-pearl-review/">This review is originally posted on 60 Seconds Online Magazine</a>
For the Fourth Generation
Book
For the Fourth Generation takes its title from a family memoir by Eva O'Malley written in 1954. In...
Fragile: The True Story of My Lifelong Battle With Anorexia
Book
Say the name Nikki Grahame and most people will remember the bubbly, highly strung and hugely...
I didn't like this book even though it is a genre I would read. There wasn't much of a story line. I understand the genre was erotic/romance so I knew the content but there was more sex then anything else. It was every few pages or so.
The first couple of chapters seemed promising then the story seemed to drag on with the main character sleeping with the 2 brothers because she couldn't decide what one she liked the most. There was so much sex that the story couldn't really develop.
As I said I would normally read this genre but I also like a book to have a story line . There was less sex in 50 shades of grey than this book.
I got bored very quickly but stuck with it. But I will admit it was difficult.
I thought the main character had come to a decision but towards the end of the book she seemed to have changed her mind again. I wanted to shout to her to just pick one or neither of them.
I believe I was the correct audience - female in her 30s.
I definitely expected more of a story to the book.
There are more books in the series but I will not be reading them. The book ended with the brother Vanessa picked going to Japan for work for 3 months and the other brother staying behind and spending time with Vanessa. The blurb to the new book even said she is back spending time with the other brother and will she go back there.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
The first couple of chapters seemed promising then the story seemed to drag on with the main character sleeping with the 2 brothers because she couldn't decide what one she liked the most. There was so much sex that the story couldn't really develop.
As I said I would normally read this genre but I also like a book to have a story line . There was less sex in 50 shades of grey than this book.
I got bored very quickly but stuck with it. But I will admit it was difficult.
I thought the main character had come to a decision but towards the end of the book she seemed to have changed her mind again. I wanted to shout to her to just pick one or neither of them.
I believe I was the correct audience - female in her 30s.
I definitely expected more of a story to the book.
There are more books in the series but I will not be reading them. The book ended with the brother Vanessa picked going to Japan for work for 3 months and the other brother staying behind and spending time with Vanessa. The blurb to the new book even said she is back spending time with the other brother and will she go back there.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder in Books
Mar 11, 2021 (Updated Mar 11, 2021)
Twisty thriller with a determined young protagonist
Pippa (Pip) decides to write her senior capstone project on the missing persons case of Andie Bell. Everyone in the town of Fairview believes popular Andie was murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh, who then killed himself. The story still haunts the town five years later--including Sal's family and his younger brother, Ravi. Pip knew Sal, though, and he was always so kind to her. As she starts digging into the case, with Ravi's help, hoping to cast some doubt on the investigation, Pip starts discovering evidence that could exonerate Sal--and a lot of dark secrets that people in Fairview do not want dug up.
"'Because I don’t think your brother did it—and I’m going to try to prove it.'"
This is a dark and twisty thriller with an improbable but immediately likable protagonist. While I found it a bit unlikely that this high schooler could become such an excellent detective, I soon put my doubts aside. Pip is tough and determined and while some of the plot bordered on implausible, I was there for it, because I quickly fell for her, and for Ravi, Sal's younger brother.
“'It’s not just that he’s gone. It’s that…well, we’re not allowed to grieve for him, because of what happened.'"
Forming a partnership, the two dig deep into Andie's case, interviewing friends, family, and turning their town on its side. The result is an incredibly twisty and dark story-its sad, but sweet too. I loved the pluckiness of Pip; her friendship with Ravi; and the way the clues slowly unfolded, allowing us to see the horrible secrets and lies that led to what truly happened to Andie.
All in all, this is a quick read, full of twists and turns, and featuring a strong protagonist.
"'Because I don’t think your brother did it—and I’m going to try to prove it.'"
This is a dark and twisty thriller with an improbable but immediately likable protagonist. While I found it a bit unlikely that this high schooler could become such an excellent detective, I soon put my doubts aside. Pip is tough and determined and while some of the plot bordered on implausible, I was there for it, because I quickly fell for her, and for Ravi, Sal's younger brother.
“'It’s not just that he’s gone. It’s that…well, we’re not allowed to grieve for him, because of what happened.'"
Forming a partnership, the two dig deep into Andie's case, interviewing friends, family, and turning their town on its side. The result is an incredibly twisty and dark story-its sad, but sweet too. I loved the pluckiness of Pip; her friendship with Ravi; and the way the clues slowly unfolded, allowing us to see the horrible secrets and lies that led to what truly happened to Andie.
All in all, this is a quick read, full of twists and turns, and featuring a strong protagonist.