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Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Heather, the Totality in Books
Mar 15, 2018
<b>2.5 stars</b>
I can understand the negatives reviews for this book because it was underwhelming.
People are complaining about the writing style but it didnt bother me that much. I guess this just felt like a slightly bulked out storyboard for a TV show, which would make sense as the author wrote Mad Men.
Some people think there is no character development in this novella, but I cant say I agree. Mark and Karen are well described throughout the book and though you dont get much history into each character, you learn enough about them as they grow older together and have a child. Same goes for Bobby. Heather, on the other hand, is more difficult to get to know. We didnt really get the chance to learn much about her.
I honestly feel like this book was a little above my level of understanding and maybe I didnt get the bigger picture, but to me this just felt like a slow story of overbearing, selfish parents, their confused golden child, and the obsession of a disturbed man. I know Im probably getting this all wrong but hey, what can you do.
I enjoyed Bobbys monologue, even though it was filled with sick and depraved rape imaginings. I guess because he was the only character that had any character, it made his part of the story worth reading. Other than that, it was pretty boring.
I agree with reviewers who said this felt cut off all of a sudden, because it does just seem to end out of nowhere, and in a pretty dull manner.
This novel reminded me of Hubert Selby Jrs work. Depressing, bleak, dark and slow. (But with worse characters and a less captivating plot).
<i>Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.</i>
I can understand the negatives reviews for this book because it was underwhelming.
People are complaining about the writing style but it didnt bother me that much. I guess this just felt like a slightly bulked out storyboard for a TV show, which would make sense as the author wrote Mad Men.
Some people think there is no character development in this novella, but I cant say I agree. Mark and Karen are well described throughout the book and though you dont get much history into each character, you learn enough about them as they grow older together and have a child. Same goes for Bobby. Heather, on the other hand, is more difficult to get to know. We didnt really get the chance to learn much about her.
I honestly feel like this book was a little above my level of understanding and maybe I didnt get the bigger picture, but to me this just felt like a slow story of overbearing, selfish parents, their confused golden child, and the obsession of a disturbed man. I know Im probably getting this all wrong but hey, what can you do.
I enjoyed Bobbys monologue, even though it was filled with sick and depraved rape imaginings. I guess because he was the only character that had any character, it made his part of the story worth reading. Other than that, it was pretty boring.
I agree with reviewers who said this felt cut off all of a sudden, because it does just seem to end out of nowhere, and in a pretty dull manner.
This novel reminded me of Hubert Selby Jrs work. Depressing, bleak, dark and slow. (But with worse characters and a less captivating plot).
<i>Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Georgina DeBurca (2 KP) rated Seduced by the Scrum-Half (Strathstow Sharks, #2) in Books
Jan 29, 2018
I received this in return for an honest review, so here goes.
This is my first Mina Carter experience and I wasnt disappointed. I won't give any of the story details away as that would be unfair to other readers.
It was impeccably well written. One of my pet peeves is reading a book that looks as though the author hasnt read it before publishing but this book doesn't fall into this category. It was a pleasure to read. A very easy to read novel, unless fanning yourself is hard :-P. So steamy I'm pretty sure it gave me a fever. The characters had sizzling sexual chemistry and on a whole I didn't want to put it down. The only thing I can say bad about the book is that the end left me wanting more, much more - but maybe that's my problem and not the books.
Would definitely recommend to friends that like hot and steamy reads.
This is my first Mina Carter experience and I wasnt disappointed. I won't give any of the story details away as that would be unfair to other readers.
It was impeccably well written. One of my pet peeves is reading a book that looks as though the author hasnt read it before publishing but this book doesn't fall into this category. It was a pleasure to read. A very easy to read novel, unless fanning yourself is hard :-P. So steamy I'm pretty sure it gave me a fever. The characters had sizzling sexual chemistry and on a whole I didn't want to put it down. The only thing I can say bad about the book is that the end left me wanting more, much more - but maybe that's my problem and not the books.
Would definitely recommend to friends that like hot and steamy reads.

Leah Rothwell (170 KP) rated My Neighbor Totoro (1988) in Movies
Sep 24, 2018
Beautiful and my favourite film
I was so young when I first watched this film and I can honestly say that I have never watched anything more beautiful and heartwarming.
This is a movie that shows love, friendship, loss and hardships. It’s so beautifully drawn you feel such a connection that it’s as if the characters leap off the screen and are sat there with you. Watch out for little Easter eggs that hint at their other creations and it will make the experience even more enjoyable. It’s hard to spot them all but it’s a fun game once you’ve watched it a few times.
If you haven’t watched this film yet I urge you to watch it, but be prepared to fall in love and never be able to forget this film.
Just remember once you’ve watched this, watch all the other studio Ghibli films as you can’t stop at this one.
This is a movie that shows love, friendship, loss and hardships. It’s so beautifully drawn you feel such a connection that it’s as if the characters leap off the screen and are sat there with you. Watch out for little Easter eggs that hint at their other creations and it will make the experience even more enjoyable. It’s hard to spot them all but it’s a fun game once you’ve watched it a few times.
If you haven’t watched this film yet I urge you to watch it, but be prepared to fall in love and never be able to forget this film.
Just remember once you’ve watched this, watch all the other studio Ghibli films as you can’t stop at this one.
What an incredible story! This was my first book by BJ Harvey and I can surely say I'll be back for more. I LOVED these characters! Callum is not the typical male rich slut found in most erotic novels, having come from a good home and family but this book is entirely from his POV, which was a much-welcomed change. He comes from a pure place that makes his secret sexual desires seem dirty and forbidden to him. Lucia, on the other hand, is a force of nature and I LOVED her beyond words! Again, unlike your typical female lead. She is strong, witty, independent and confident... all the things Callum truly needs in his life. When they push limits together their bond is tested.. yet I never thought for a second these two wouldn't make it.. their connection so palpable, I hoped it would only make them stronger. Incredible love story - Highly recommended!

Sarah (7800 KP) rated When You Disappeared in Books
Nov 14, 2019
A very good thriller
I’ve read and enjoyed quite a few of John Marrs books and couldn’t resist reading this when I spotted it on Kindle Unlimited, and I’m glad I did as it’s a rather enjoyable thriller.
As with all of John Marrs books, it’s definitely well written and as you get into this it’s very difficult to put down. The characters are well developed and interesting, even though neither of them are particularly likeable. Simon especially is rather a conflicted character and I developed a rather intense dislike of him by the end of the book, and I do love when a story can make you really feel something for the characters. There is a slightly unpredictable twist in this, but I couldn’t say it’s a massive surprise and it doesn’t really matter as this book is all about the journey to find out what happened to the characters over the 28 years. The ending is just a good resolution to a rather intriguing story.
As with all of John Marrs books, it’s definitely well written and as you get into this it’s very difficult to put down. The characters are well developed and interesting, even though neither of them are particularly likeable. Simon especially is rather a conflicted character and I developed a rather intense dislike of him by the end of the book, and I do love when a story can make you really feel something for the characters. There is a slightly unpredictable twist in this, but I couldn’t say it’s a massive surprise and it doesn’t really matter as this book is all about the journey to find out what happened to the characters over the 28 years. The ending is just a good resolution to a rather intriguing story.

Richard Curtis recommended Let the Right One In (2008) in Movies (curated)

Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated 12 Strong (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
12 Strong tells the story of the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11; under the leadership of a new captain, the team must work with an Afghan warlord to take down the Taliban.
This was definitely a film for the guys... and I say that because it was me and about ten lads in the cinema for this screening.
The cast of actors were brilliant, and it really felt like the story was performed with respect. It showed the sides of missions that we can only speculate about, so I really hope this one was done accurately.
One thing I did wonder... did they give Hemsworth coloured contacts for after his first battle? Because after all that talk of seeing the toll war takes on a man in his eyes I really felt like I could see the difference... so if they didn't, that script sure was good at sucking me in.
This was definitely a film for the guys... and I say that because it was me and about ten lads in the cinema for this screening.
The cast of actors were brilliant, and it really felt like the story was performed with respect. It showed the sides of missions that we can only speculate about, so I really hope this one was done accurately.
One thing I did wonder... did they give Hemsworth coloured contacts for after his first battle? Because after all that talk of seeing the toll war takes on a man in his eyes I really felt like I could see the difference... so if they didn't, that script sure was good at sucking me in.

Hazel (2934 KP) rated Don't Speak in Books
Nov 21, 2021
Well, I can safely say I enjoyed that!
This is a gripping read which has a great plot that had me guessing for the majority of the time, a fast pace and excellent characters which is what you want from a thriller. There is unpredictability and suspense with an ending that was very satisfying.
I admit, there were moments that pushed the boundaries of reality, Amelie 'disappearing' during an ongoing serial killer case for example, but I am able to push those to one side because, overall, the story had me engaged from the very beginning.
I am hoping there is more to come from DS Amelie Davis; she is an interestingly flawed character and there is definitely more mileage there for further stories especially if her colleagues are brought into it a little more than they were in this one.
Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
This is a gripping read which has a great plot that had me guessing for the majority of the time, a fast pace and excellent characters which is what you want from a thriller. There is unpredictability and suspense with an ending that was very satisfying.
I admit, there were moments that pushed the boundaries of reality, Amelie 'disappearing' during an ongoing serial killer case for example, but I am able to push those to one side because, overall, the story had me engaged from the very beginning.
I am hoping there is more to come from DS Amelie Davis; she is an interestingly flawed character and there is definitely more mileage there for further stories especially if her colleagues are brought into it a little more than they were in this one.
Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.

Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Homemaker [Audiobook] in Books
Jul 16, 2023
I have read and enjoyed one of Shari's previous books, The Stolen Twins, but this is entirely different but no less enjoyable.
This is a twisty and disturbing thriller that had me hooked from the first to the last word. Told from the perspectives of three very different women who all live within the same area but whose story is the one to believe?
Written at a good pace, with excellent characters, excellent twists and a fantastic narrator that only adds to the story, this is a great book that I would recommend to others who enjoy this genre. I do, however, have to say that there were times where I thought it was a little over the top but I just went with it because if you can't suspend reality in fiction, when can you?
My thanks go to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Homemaker.
This is a twisty and disturbing thriller that had me hooked from the first to the last word. Told from the perspectives of three very different women who all live within the same area but whose story is the one to believe?
Written at a good pace, with excellent characters, excellent twists and a fantastic narrator that only adds to the story, this is a great book that I would recommend to others who enjoy this genre. I do, however, have to say that there were times where I thought it was a little over the top but I just went with it because if you can't suspend reality in fiction, when can you?
My thanks go to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Homemaker.

Kaysee Hood (83 KP) rated Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp in Apps
Nov 22, 2017 (Updated Dec 26, 2017)
Crafting (2 more)
Market
Decorating
I Mayored A Town, So I Can Manage A Campsite!
12/26/17
So, I've played for a whole month. The updates were nice and errors were fixed, but I have to say I'll have to knock down some because I became bored with the app.
11/22/17
I've played the game for a few hours on and off now.
When I first downloaded the app previous night there were no issues with the error other than a little lag here and there. This morning the error has been popping up left and right. It took a few tries to be able to get connected through, but it was slow going and it would pop up often. Hopefully an issue that will be fixed soon and I can revise my review.
Overall I do love the app. The basics are there from the previous games. You build up your friendship with villagers (or animals as they call it in the app though I think the use of campers was missed) by doing requests and you'll get things in exchange. The better the level of friendship the more things you gain and unlock. By forming friendships with the animals your level is raised, which is how other things are unlocked and other animals.
Each animal and item has a certain type (natural, cute, hip, sporty, and cool). This helps you figure out what will attract certain animals to visit so you can than craft or purchase the furniture at the Market.
I do like the Market and how you can buy items from people in their own boxes if you do not have the item you need yourself. The Market is also where you can get help from Isabelle or purchase clothes.
All in all, so far it feels like Pocket Camp is a condensed form of the system games and that doesn't make it a bad thing. They've done well with turning Animal Crossing into an app. I cannot wait to play more and discuss it more.
So, I've played for a whole month. The updates were nice and errors were fixed, but I have to say I'll have to knock down some because I became bored with the app.
11/22/17
I've played the game for a few hours on and off now.
When I first downloaded the app previous night there were no issues with the error other than a little lag here and there. This morning the error has been popping up left and right. It took a few tries to be able to get connected through, but it was slow going and it would pop up often. Hopefully an issue that will be fixed soon and I can revise my review.
Overall I do love the app. The basics are there from the previous games. You build up your friendship with villagers (or animals as they call it in the app though I think the use of campers was missed) by doing requests and you'll get things in exchange. The better the level of friendship the more things you gain and unlock. By forming friendships with the animals your level is raised, which is how other things are unlocked and other animals.
Each animal and item has a certain type (natural, cute, hip, sporty, and cool). This helps you figure out what will attract certain animals to visit so you can than craft or purchase the furniture at the Market.
I do like the Market and how you can buy items from people in their own boxes if you do not have the item you need yourself. The Market is also where you can get help from Isabelle or purchase clothes.
All in all, so far it feels like Pocket Camp is a condensed form of the system games and that doesn't make it a bad thing. They've done well with turning Animal Crossing into an app. I cannot wait to play more and discuss it more.