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Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated American Psycho in Books
Mar 15, 2018
http://bookbum.weebly.com/book-reviews/american-psycho-by-bret-easton-ellis
<b><i>...there is an idea of a Patrick Bateman, some kind of abstraction, but there is no real me, only an entity, something illusory, and though I can hide my cold gaze and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours and maybe you can even sense our lifestyles are probably comparable: I am simply not there.</b></i>
I have no idea how to verbalise the fact that this has become a new favourite book of mine, because I absolutely <i>love</i> it, but I dont want people to think Im a maniac I wasnt expecting to not love this, I mean the film is one of my favourites, so I was really looking forward to giving this a read, but I didnt expect to love it as much as I do! I feel all kinds of wrong being so amazed by this book but I cant help it. Its funny, its dark, its brutal, its shocking and its eye opening.
<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/KYNywoibU1PQ4/giphy.gif"; width="500" height="210" alt="leo dicaprio shrug"/>
So, Patrick Bateman, our one and only POV of this story. Batemen is a young, middle class, good looking, sophisticated and intelligent stockbroker. Hes charming and arrogant, but hes also an ax and knife and nail gun wielding mad man.
<img src="http://media0.giphy.com/media/YfdumeFM14CGc/giphy.gif"; width="500" height="213" alt="americanppsychogif"/>
But hes also a total <b>goofy dork!</b> <i><b>Im clam, I mean calm, I say, breathing in hard, trying to smile</b></i> Bateman cant get a grip on himself <i>at all.</i> Not only does he have moments where hes running around Manhattan screaming like a banshee, sweating profusely, and having, what can only be described as, a mental breakdown, but hes also just a mess at all times. Hes constantly getting himself in a tizz, experiencing panic attacks all over the place. I mean he started talking about the ozone layer and then instantly told a couple of knock knock jokes, thats not smooth Bateman. This constant goofiness of Bateman is what makes this book so funny for me. Ellis is excellent at adding this clumsy human characteristic to an otherwise robotic man.
Bateman is troubled, in more ways than one. Not only is he a serial killer but hes also an outsider and he knows it. <b><i>Because, I say, staring directly at her, I want to fit.... in.</b></i> This is why hes always trying so hard to impress people, and why hes obsessed with being the best.
Normally I hate when there are long paragraphs in books that simply list things about what a person is doing or wearing, for example in Maestra I couldnt care less, but this excessive listing of things, unimportant materialist things, is such an important element of this book. These tiresome, obsessive lists give us such a clear insight, right from the start of the novel, into the incredibly paranoid, jealous and demented mind of Bateman. When we near the end of the novel Ellis does something absolutely mind blowing; he changes to third person. This sudden change on narrative has such a strong impact on the reader and is the perfect, <i>perfect</i> way of representing Patricks detachment to life.
Please, please, please do not read this book if youre faint hearted or youve gone through some terrible things in your life. I dont think this book needs specific trigger warnings, but in case you havent already guessed it, this book includes some very, <i>very</i> graphic and grotesque descriptions of torture, murder and rape. I think its quite hard to shock me, but this book made me wince and gasp quite often. I even had to put the book down briefly after reading some of the descriptions, breathe, and then get back to reading. It can be really tough on your imagination, thats for sure. <b>The rat scene </b> <spoiler>I mean I thought the scene with Bethany was bad but I had a whole other thing coming! It seriously worries me how well Ellis can describe this brutal torture. I could actually feel the bile rising in my throat when I was reading about the things Bateman did to Tiffany.</spoiler>
<img src="http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Jim-From-Office-Shiver.gif"; width="300" height="169" alt="jim from office shudder"/>
Im not going to go in depth on the claim that this is a misogynistic book, all you need to know is that I dont agree with that statement in the slightest. If you want to read some more on why that notion is ridiculous please look at <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/109385399?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1">karens review.</a>
This book is definitely a new favourite of mine and I can feel it becoming one of those books I read over and over again. Im so happy I finally sat down and read this, I dont regret a moment of it, plus I got it for only £2.99. Thank you Ellis for this wonderful piece of literature, I hope your other novels brings me the same joy as this did.
<i>P.S. Isnt it funny how Donald Trump is mentioned in this book over and over and over because Trump is the greatest example of everything this book represents.</i>
<b><i>...there is an idea of a Patrick Bateman, some kind of abstraction, but there is no real me, only an entity, something illusory, and though I can hide my cold gaze and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours and maybe you can even sense our lifestyles are probably comparable: I am simply not there.</b></i>
I have no idea how to verbalise the fact that this has become a new favourite book of mine, because I absolutely <i>love</i> it, but I dont want people to think Im a maniac I wasnt expecting to not love this, I mean the film is one of my favourites, so I was really looking forward to giving this a read, but I didnt expect to love it as much as I do! I feel all kinds of wrong being so amazed by this book but I cant help it. Its funny, its dark, its brutal, its shocking and its eye opening.
<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/KYNywoibU1PQ4/giphy.gif"; width="500" height="210" alt="leo dicaprio shrug"/>
So, Patrick Bateman, our one and only POV of this story. Batemen is a young, middle class, good looking, sophisticated and intelligent stockbroker. Hes charming and arrogant, but hes also an ax and knife and nail gun wielding mad man.
<img src="http://media0.giphy.com/media/YfdumeFM14CGc/giphy.gif"; width="500" height="213" alt="americanppsychogif"/>
But hes also a total <b>goofy dork!</b> <i><b>Im clam, I mean calm, I say, breathing in hard, trying to smile</b></i> Bateman cant get a grip on himself <i>at all.</i> Not only does he have moments where hes running around Manhattan screaming like a banshee, sweating profusely, and having, what can only be described as, a mental breakdown, but hes also just a mess at all times. Hes constantly getting himself in a tizz, experiencing panic attacks all over the place. I mean he started talking about the ozone layer and then instantly told a couple of knock knock jokes, thats not smooth Bateman. This constant goofiness of Bateman is what makes this book so funny for me. Ellis is excellent at adding this clumsy human characteristic to an otherwise robotic man.
Bateman is troubled, in more ways than one. Not only is he a serial killer but hes also an outsider and he knows it. <b><i>Because, I say, staring directly at her, I want to fit.... in.</b></i> This is why hes always trying so hard to impress people, and why hes obsessed with being the best.
Normally I hate when there are long paragraphs in books that simply list things about what a person is doing or wearing, for example in Maestra I couldnt care less, but this excessive listing of things, unimportant materialist things, is such an important element of this book. These tiresome, obsessive lists give us such a clear insight, right from the start of the novel, into the incredibly paranoid, jealous and demented mind of Bateman. When we near the end of the novel Ellis does something absolutely mind blowing; he changes to third person. This sudden change on narrative has such a strong impact on the reader and is the perfect, <i>perfect</i> way of representing Patricks detachment to life.
Please, please, please do not read this book if youre faint hearted or youve gone through some terrible things in your life. I dont think this book needs specific trigger warnings, but in case you havent already guessed it, this book includes some very, <i>very</i> graphic and grotesque descriptions of torture, murder and rape. I think its quite hard to shock me, but this book made me wince and gasp quite often. I even had to put the book down briefly after reading some of the descriptions, breathe, and then get back to reading. It can be really tough on your imagination, thats for sure. <b>The rat scene </b> <spoiler>I mean I thought the scene with Bethany was bad but I had a whole other thing coming! It seriously worries me how well Ellis can describe this brutal torture. I could actually feel the bile rising in my throat when I was reading about the things Bateman did to Tiffany.</spoiler>
<img src="http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Jim-From-Office-Shiver.gif"; width="300" height="169" alt="jim from office shudder"/>
Im not going to go in depth on the claim that this is a misogynistic book, all you need to know is that I dont agree with that statement in the slightest. If you want to read some more on why that notion is ridiculous please look at <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/109385399?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1">karens review.</a>
This book is definitely a new favourite of mine and I can feel it becoming one of those books I read over and over again. Im so happy I finally sat down and read this, I dont regret a moment of it, plus I got it for only £2.99. Thank you Ellis for this wonderful piece of literature, I hope your other novels brings me the same joy as this did.
<i>P.S. Isnt it funny how Donald Trump is mentioned in this book over and over and over because Trump is the greatest example of everything this book represents.</i>
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Initiated (Daywalker Academy #4) in Books
Mar 25, 2020
Initiated is the fourth book in the Daywalker Academy series and, yes, I know I've said this before but, it should definitely be read as a series or you just won't get what's happening.
So first off, thank you Ms. Daniels for giving me Zoltan back. I really do appreciate it! Sigh, every page he was on was just... *insert another sigh*. Now, if you could just get Franky and Zoltan to see eye-to-eye and stop giving me whiplash, that would be fantastic!
We are introduced to a major character in this book - and it's not very often I get the chance to say THAT with book four in a series! Tenebris, the black panther. You know, he hasn't spoken a single word (for obvious reasons) and yet he may just match the Queen of Snark, Maya, oops I mean, Franky, herself!
As with this whole series, this is a non-stop-action story. Franky is tired in one part and, to be honest, so was I! Honestly, I have no idea where she gets her stamina from. Maybe it's being a half-blood or maybe it's the dragon blood. Either way, I'm exhausted from reading but I wouldn't change a thing!
As always, it ends on one helluva cliffhanger. I really need to understand just what happened in those last couple of action-packed pages. All I can say is "Poor Franky!!!"
So... do I recommend this book? Abso-frickin'-lutely!!! Just, don't start here but back at book one so you get the full experience. You won't regret it. I promise you that!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
So first off, thank you Ms. Daniels for giving me Zoltan back. I really do appreciate it! Sigh, every page he was on was just... *insert another sigh*. Now, if you could just get Franky and Zoltan to see eye-to-eye and stop giving me whiplash, that would be fantastic!
We are introduced to a major character in this book - and it's not very often I get the chance to say THAT with book four in a series! Tenebris, the black panther. You know, he hasn't spoken a single word (for obvious reasons) and yet he may just match the Queen of Snark, Maya, oops I mean, Franky, herself!
As with this whole series, this is a non-stop-action story. Franky is tired in one part and, to be honest, so was I! Honestly, I have no idea where she gets her stamina from. Maybe it's being a half-blood or maybe it's the dragon blood. Either way, I'm exhausted from reading but I wouldn't change a thing!
As always, it ends on one helluva cliffhanger. I really need to understand just what happened in those last couple of action-packed pages. All I can say is "Poor Franky!!!"
So... do I recommend this book? Abso-frickin'-lutely!!! Just, don't start here but back at book one so you get the full experience. You won't regret it. I promise you that!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Debbiereadsbook (1694 KP) rated Shifter Woods: Growl (Esposito County Shifters #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2023
its only short but packs quite the punch!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is a short, slotting into the series after book 3, I think. (I'm a little puzzled by the listings on some sites about the order!) I've not read those, and I'll come back to that shortly. I didn't think I missed anything by not reading them, though, and so I would say this can be read as a stand alone.
I liked this, a lot. It gives you an insight into Esposito County, and the people who live in it.
It;s steamy and smexy. It's dark and dangerous. It's only short but packs a punch! I loved the twist with the magic spell that was shielding Marco, and what that was doing just a tad too well!
Going back to not reading the other books. I didn't feel I missed anything, and you know I'm all about sharing my book feelings, but what I am left with is a NEED to read those books. Not because I missed anything, but because I want to read everyone else's story!
So, my KU shelf needs clearing for those books 🙂
4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is a short, slotting into the series after book 3, I think. (I'm a little puzzled by the listings on some sites about the order!) I've not read those, and I'll come back to that shortly. I didn't think I missed anything by not reading them, though, and so I would say this can be read as a stand alone.
I liked this, a lot. It gives you an insight into Esposito County, and the people who live in it.
It;s steamy and smexy. It's dark and dangerous. It's only short but packs a punch! I loved the twist with the magic spell that was shielding Marco, and what that was doing just a tad too well!
Going back to not reading the other books. I didn't feel I missed anything, and you know I'm all about sharing my book feelings, but what I am left with is a NEED to read those books. Not because I missed anything, but because I want to read everyone else's story!
So, my KU shelf needs clearing for those books 🙂
4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Living on Air in Books
Mar 5, 2018
Living On Air by Susan Mac Nicol
Living on Air is a beautiful yet dark story. It tells of Cary, who went through something so horrific it still affects him to this day. And then we have Rhys, who has lived in war zones and seen the darker side of life for himself. When these two meet, there is an implosion that will affect both of their lives.
This was my first book by Susan Mac Nicol, and it definitely won't be my last. The story was woven with intricate details - enough so you can feel sympathy for the characters, or live vicariously through their triumphs - but without going into too much detail that it becomes gratuitous.
I will say that Rhys deserves a medal for putting up with Cary's moods, but I can also see why he would. The attraction is there, that pull you can't ignore, even if you want to. Rhys and Cary do make an excellent couple, but you are kept on tenterhooks.
The story flows exceedingly well, and the scenes transition from one to the next without disruption. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the characters were all vivid enough to jump out of the pages.
I will say one thing - Cary may not be the crying type, but I certainly am. I had to re-read the last few chapters as the words kept blurring in front of me!
Absolutely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was my first book by Susan Mac Nicol, and it definitely won't be my last. The story was woven with intricate details - enough so you can feel sympathy for the characters, or live vicariously through their triumphs - but without going into too much detail that it becomes gratuitous.
I will say that Rhys deserves a medal for putting up with Cary's moods, but I can also see why he would. The attraction is there, that pull you can't ignore, even if you want to. Rhys and Cary do make an excellent couple, but you are kept on tenterhooks.
The story flows exceedingly well, and the scenes transition from one to the next without disruption. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the characters were all vivid enough to jump out of the pages.
I will say one thing - Cary may not be the crying type, but I certainly am. I had to re-read the last few chapters as the words kept blurring in front of me!
Absolutely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Interesting but over dramatized
Everyone has heard of Guy Fawkes and the gunpowder plot, but how many can say they've heard of Robert Catesby? I hadn't, at least not until watching this, so I've learnt something new!
There are some good performances here from some great actors. I feel sorry for Kit Harington in this though, as although he does well, i dont feel he'll ever get away from being Jon Snow.
The main problem with this is that it is over dramatized. It's a very interesting story and a lot of this I don't recall ever being taught. I've heard that parts of it are fairly faithful to history, but sadly it's very obvious that it has been over dramatized, as there's no way of knowing that all of this actually happened. It's a shame really, I just wish people wouldn't meddle with history!
There are some good performances here from some great actors. I feel sorry for Kit Harington in this though, as although he does well, i dont feel he'll ever get away from being Jon Snow.
The main problem with this is that it is over dramatized. It's a very interesting story and a lot of this I don't recall ever being taught. I've heard that parts of it are fairly faithful to history, but sadly it's very obvious that it has been over dramatized, as there's no way of knowing that all of this actually happened. It's a shame really, I just wish people wouldn't meddle with history!
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Seven Up (Stephanie Plum, #7) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
So far this has been my least favorite book in the Stephanie Plum series...but that is NOT to say I didn't enjoy it. Grandma getting kidnapped, Stephanie buying a wedding dress, mud wrestling. How can you not enjoy that!?
This followed the same formula as the previous novels. The background gets explained at some point which is nice for people who haven't read all the books, but it gets a little tedious when you read that Stephanie was laid off from her lingerie buyer job for the 100th time. But I suppose that's just nit-picking.
That being said, I'm not sure what it was about this book that made it less likable than the previous 6. I guess ti boils down to the fact that I didn't feel quite as caught up in the plot of this as I did in the others.
This followed the same formula as the previous novels. The background gets explained at some point which is nice for people who haven't read all the books, but it gets a little tedious when you read that Stephanie was laid off from her lingerie buyer job for the 100th time. But I suppose that's just nit-picking.
That being said, I'm not sure what it was about this book that made it less likable than the previous 6. I guess ti boils down to the fact that I didn't feel quite as caught up in the plot of this as I did in the others.
Joe Julians (221 KP) created a post
Jun 20, 2018
Leah Rothwell (170 KP) rated The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) in Movies
Oct 17, 2018
Scenery (1 more)
Soundtrack
Beautiful cinematography
I am a massive LOTR’s fan and I can honestly say that every time I watch this film and it’s sequels that I’m still in awe of its beauty. The time and skill that went into this film doesn’t have anything else on par (that’s just my opinion, don’t shoot me). I am yet to find a film that blows me away as much as this. The extended edition and theatrical cut are both as brilliant as each other, the extended provides more story but even without it, you don’t lose the heart and beauty of this film.
If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves adventure, fantasy, twists and turns. You don’t have to have read the books to love them and you don’t need to watch the hobbit first to fall in love either.
If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves adventure, fantasy, twists and turns. You don’t have to have read the books to love them and you don’t need to watch the hobbit first to fall in love either.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Rumored Fortune in Books
Jan 2, 2019
A missing fortune? A swoony hero? A dastardly bad guy? You can probably see why I jumped into this book without hesitation. This second book from Joanna Davidson Politano reaches new heights and, dare I say it, even better than her debut novel (which was exceptional).
Set on a beautiful estate with a winery, I learned a lot. Donegan's wisdom and passion are beyond compare. Tressa's determination and longing for love make them the perfect pair! Watching them fight through their internal struggles and overcome so many threats, is inspiring.
Set in England 1866, you will be sucked into the story from the first page. And make sure you pick up a copy of Lady Jayne Disappears while you're at it.
I received a complimentary copy of A Rumored Fortune from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Set on a beautiful estate with a winery, I learned a lot. Donegan's wisdom and passion are beyond compare. Tressa's determination and longing for love make them the perfect pair! Watching them fight through their internal struggles and overcome so many threats, is inspiring.
Set in England 1866, you will be sucked into the story from the first page. And make sure you pick up a copy of Lady Jayne Disappears while you're at it.
I received a complimentary copy of A Rumored Fortune from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Death - Audio
Podcast
(PHIL 176) There is one thing I can be sure of: I am going to die. But what am I to make of that...