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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2196 KP) rated The Tuscan Child in Books
Mar 16, 2018
Can Joanna Solve the Mystery of Her Father’s Past?
When Hugo Langley dies, his daughter Joanna finds a letter in his possession addressed to someone named Sofia in Italy. It references “our beautiful boy.” Joanna knows her father was shot down in the Tuscany region during World War II, but does this letter mean she has a half-brother? Intrigued, Joanna sets out to learn about that time in her father’s life. What will she learn?
This book switches back and forth from Hugo’s story in 1944 and Joanna’s journey in 1973. The chapters are clearly labeled, so it is never hard to follow which time period we are in. While this is not a traditional mystery by any means, we do learn what happened back then and how it plays out in the more “modern” setting. This book is just as much about Joanna’s growth, and she lead a cast of very strong characters I quickly fell in love with as I read.
This book switches back and forth from Hugo’s story in 1944 and Joanna’s journey in 1973. The chapters are clearly labeled, so it is never hard to follow which time period we are in. While this is not a traditional mystery by any means, we do learn what happened back then and how it plays out in the more “modern” setting. This book is just as much about Joanna’s growth, and she lead a cast of very strong characters I quickly fell in love with as I read.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2196 KP) rated The Missing Map of Pirate’s Haven in Books
Jun 20, 2018
Will the Accidental Detectives Find the Pirate Treasure?
Ricky, his brother Joel, and their friends are off to San Diego to help Lisa’s uncle paint his new house. When they arrive, they learn a local legend about a pirate who has buried his treasure in the area. It sounds crazy until Joel finds a couple of silver coins. Meanwhile, Lisa’s uncle is acting strangely. Can Ricky figure out everything that is going on?
I’ve read this book a couple of times now, although it’s been over a decade since the last time I read it, so pieces of the plot came back to me as I was reading. Even so, I was still blown away by how well plotted the book is, with all the clues needed in very plain sight. The characters are strong as well, and they provide some wonderful laughs along the way. The Christian elements is woven in seamlessly and never overwhelms this plot driven middle grade book.
I’ve read this book a couple of times now, although it’s been over a decade since the last time I read it, so pieces of the plot came back to me as I was reading. Even so, I was still blown away by how well plotted the book is, with all the clues needed in very plain sight. The characters are strong as well, and they provide some wonderful laughs along the way. The Christian elements is woven in seamlessly and never overwhelms this plot driven middle grade book.
Tezzie Bee (7 KP) rated Monstrous Regiment: (Discworld Novel 31) in Books
Jul 11, 2018
It’s All In the Trousers
Contains spoilers, click to show
Polly Perks leaves home to join the army, to look for her brother. Naturally, as it’s a male dominated institution, she has to disguise herself. The short hair cut is easy, it’s the learning to belch, fart and swagger like an ape that takes time. Plus a well placed pair of rolled up socks in a strategic position makes all the difference.
She’s off to fight for her country Borogravia, a country that picks wars with other countries almost as often as a small child picks its nose.
Polly (or Ozzer as she becomes known) joins a raggedy band which becomes known as the Monstrous Regiment, lead by the legendary Sergeant Jackrum. A troupe consisting of a troll, a vampire, an Igor, and others. All with a big secret.
Although part of the Discworld novels, this can be read as a stand-alone novel. a thoroughly enjoyable read, which brings in some old Discworld characters we know and love.
She’s off to fight for her country Borogravia, a country that picks wars with other countries almost as often as a small child picks its nose.
Polly (or Ozzer as she becomes known) joins a raggedy band which becomes known as the Monstrous Regiment, lead by the legendary Sergeant Jackrum. A troupe consisting of a troll, a vampire, an Igor, and others. All with a big secret.
Although part of the Discworld novels, this can be read as a stand-alone novel. a thoroughly enjoyable read, which brings in some old Discworld characters we know and love.
This is about a girl that moves often because of the dad job. She doe not like having to move from one city to the next and leaving her friend and missing school, just after getting settled in a city.
This diary starts out in Washington DC, it set in Washington DC until they move to Hawaii. The rest of the book is about her getting use to Oahu, Hawaii her new home. In the book she experiences the attack on Pearl Harbor. Her brother Andy and Amber see Japanese Plane flying over Early Sunday Morning. Amber does make a friend name Kame.
The book tell you about the history of the Attack on Pearl Harbor though the young girl in the story. This is another book in the series of Dear America. It based on the real thing. If you enjoy History, this is good book along with it good for young reader and Children.
This diary starts out in Washington DC, it set in Washington DC until they move to Hawaii. The rest of the book is about her getting use to Oahu, Hawaii her new home. In the book she experiences the attack on Pearl Harbor. Her brother Andy and Amber see Japanese Plane flying over Early Sunday Morning. Amber does make a friend name Kame.
The book tell you about the history of the Attack on Pearl Harbor though the young girl in the story. This is another book in the series of Dear America. It based on the real thing. If you enjoy History, this is good book along with it good for young reader and Children.
Lee (2222 KP) rated I Kill Giants (2017) in Movies
Oct 28, 2018
I KILL GIANTS is a movie I'd never heard of before until I stumbled across it on Netflix. Based on a graphic novel, I Kill Giants tells the story of Barbara, a young teen who lives with her older sister and brother. Barbara doesn't really have any friends, is bullied at school, is thought of as weird by everyone and is currently seeing the school psychologist (when she can be bothered). She also sets traps and bait in order to catch and kill giants, researching the different types of giants and preparing herself for when the time comes that she must protect the town from a really big one. If you've seen A MONSTER CALLS then this movie treads very similar ground to that and is also similar in style. I wasn't quite as emotional at the end of this movie as I was at the end of that one, but I did find it just as enjoyable
Ross (3284 KP) rated Better Call Saul - Season 4 in TV
Oct 31, 2018
Following his disbarment and the death of his brother Chuck, Jimmy (Saul) tries to come to terms with life after lawyering. He soon finds himself partaking in various scams to make ends meet or, more telling, to alleviate the boredom of working in the world's quietest cellphone store. Jimmy's activities, and Kim being dragged into them shows the human desire to take risk and seek excitement, the thrill of winning against unassailable odds by bending the rules. More and more Jimmy becomes Saul.
Meanwhile, Mike oversees the construction of Gus Fring's underground meth lab and we start to see how the former cop, who has dealt out street justice and used his skills against some low-lifes and druglords, also starts to break more rules and will go beyond in order to protect his own interests, and keep his own honour.
Brilliant, arty but engaging series telling two stories that for now are distinct, but will start to overlap more eventually.
Meanwhile, Mike oversees the construction of Gus Fring's underground meth lab and we start to see how the former cop, who has dealt out street justice and used his skills against some low-lifes and druglords, also starts to break more rules and will go beyond in order to protect his own interests, and keep his own honour.
Brilliant, arty but engaging series telling two stories that for now are distinct, but will start to overlap more eventually.
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated Malevolent (2018) in Movies
Nov 2, 2018
Netflix.... Fuck off
Brother and sister team in the 80s try and make a quick buck by faking paranormal activity in "clients" houses...
The sister is allegedly a psychic and all of the activity appears to be EVP related.
I watch paranormal shows... Do i believe in them??? Sometimes..
But this... Is a hard sell.
I get it Netflix, i really do... But stop putting out every little indie horror flick that catches your eye and leave the scares to the pros.
I can honestly say i think ive only seen one Netflix horror movie that i actually enjoyed. And thats because it was written by Stephen King.
I get it, cash in on what people enjoy... Horror... But expecting fans of the genre to be happy with any slapped together piece of dog vomit is insulting to fans.
While this movie had great potential... It just didn't deliver in the finished product.
Back to the drawing board Netflix...
The sister is allegedly a psychic and all of the activity appears to be EVP related.
I watch paranormal shows... Do i believe in them??? Sometimes..
But this... Is a hard sell.
I get it Netflix, i really do... But stop putting out every little indie horror flick that catches your eye and leave the scares to the pros.
I can honestly say i think ive only seen one Netflix horror movie that i actually enjoyed. And thats because it was written by Stephen King.
I get it, cash in on what people enjoy... Horror... But expecting fans of the genre to be happy with any slapped together piece of dog vomit is insulting to fans.
While this movie had great potential... It just didn't deliver in the finished product.
Back to the drawing board Netflix...
Hazel (1853 KP) rated An Absolutely Remarkable Thing in Books
Nov 16, 2018
I read this because I'm a big fan of John Green. I love his writing style and have watched him and Hank on YouTube. I hoped Hank would be as good at writing as his brother. I was not disappointed.
This book, however, is nothing like a John Green story. The characters are in their twenties rather than their teens and the storyline is science fiction. Hank's writing style is also different, however, it is different in a good way. It is captivating, easy to understand and makes you think and feel a whole variety of things.
So, if you like John Green and want to see what Hank can do, you won't be disappointed. Likewise, if you're not John Green fan, you'll still love An Absolutely Remarkably Thing. It's a win-win situation.
The only negative? A cliffhanger. The story ends on a BIG question mark and it is unlikely we will ever find out what happened. I guess it's up to our own imaginations.
This book, however, is nothing like a John Green story. The characters are in their twenties rather than their teens and the storyline is science fiction. Hank's writing style is also different, however, it is different in a good way. It is captivating, easy to understand and makes you think and feel a whole variety of things.
So, if you like John Green and want to see what Hank can do, you won't be disappointed. Likewise, if you're not John Green fan, you'll still love An Absolutely Remarkably Thing. It's a win-win situation.
The only negative? A cliffhanger. The story ends on a BIG question mark and it is unlikely we will ever find out what happened. I guess it's up to our own imaginations.
Andrea D (21 KP) rated A Simple Favor in Books
Jan 10, 2019
Awful
Hello my name is Stephanie I'll be your protagonist tonight my best friend has disappeared and I've decided I'm going to wank over her husband while he's in the next room, also did I mention I had a sexual affair with my half brother that only ended when he and my husband died in a car crash?
No its not game of thrones its yet another shitty thriller I've put myself through the misery of reading because I can't remember what 90% of the books on my kindle are about. If the opening lines aren't enough of a warning about how terrible this book is then perhaps this accurate description might help - Gone Girl without the writing, without the character development, with incest and clearly written after the author had drunk a bath full of prosecco and found a over used thriller story line generator somewhere in the dark places of the internet. or probably tumblr.
No its not game of thrones its yet another shitty thriller I've put myself through the misery of reading because I can't remember what 90% of the books on my kindle are about. If the opening lines aren't enough of a warning about how terrible this book is then perhaps this accurate description might help - Gone Girl without the writing, without the character development, with incest and clearly written after the author had drunk a bath full of prosecco and found a over used thriller story line generator somewhere in the dark places of the internet. or probably tumblr.
Sarah Betts (103 KP) rated Midnight Alley (The Morganville Vampires #3) in Books
Dec 30, 2019
Claire is still trying to survive her freshman year at TPU and adjusting to her relationship with Shane. Michael is dealing with the results of becoming a vampire, and Eve is trying to stay away from her psycho brother Jason.
This book is great. It moves at a rapid pace and introduce news characters and still keeps the momentum going.
Claire's relationship with Myrnin is fascinating, because Claire actually gets to use her skills and show how important she is to Morganville.
Amelie is still very much the Ice Queen and there is a group f wannabe vampire hunters led by a guy who calls himself Captain Obvious.
The switch from every day life in the Glass House to the conspiracies and double-crossings that make up the Morganville social elite are contrasted nicely.
This book is funny, scary, and tragic. More YA books should be this well-written. Write faster, Rachel Caine!
This book is great. It moves at a rapid pace and introduce news characters and still keeps the momentum going.
Claire's relationship with Myrnin is fascinating, because Claire actually gets to use her skills and show how important she is to Morganville.
Amelie is still very much the Ice Queen and there is a group f wannabe vampire hunters led by a guy who calls himself Captain Obvious.
The switch from every day life in the Glass House to the conspiracies and double-crossings that make up the Morganville social elite are contrasted nicely.
This book is funny, scary, and tragic. More YA books should be this well-written. Write faster, Rachel Caine!