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Amy Curtis (49 KP) rated The Great Gatsby in Books
Dec 14, 2018
Not sure what the fuss is about
Just because I rated this book just above average, doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. I was expecting this book to be much longer than it is and I must admit that I'm glad it isn't. The first few chapters of the novel were tedious and slightly dull. I can understand the need for them in order to set the scene but it could have been improved on. The story follows Nick Carraway who moved next door to the well known Jay Gatsby. He is known to throw extravagant parties where most of the guests are unsure of what he looks like. It is focalised through Carraway as he develops a friendship with Gatsby and learns more about his life and not just by listening to the rumours. The book gives love, life, secrets, mystery and death. Out of all the books I have read, this is not one I rated highly. Whilst I did feel involved in the story line half way through and didn't want to put it down, there wasn't anything in the beginning that dragged me in. I would recommend for you to read it, purely to say you have done so. However, other than that, I can't see myself picking up this novel again. I may give the movie a go and see how DiCaprio plays his part though!
Accidentally Yours
Book
Possessive, dominant, undeniable. She and I are strangers, But there’s a billion-dollar...
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Polish Wife (The Secret Resistance Series) in Books
Apr 4, 2023
I am gradually getting into reading historical fiction and it is through excellent writers like Gosia Nealon that has kept me seeking out something I wouldn't normally consider.
The Polish Wife is part of The Secret Resistance series but the first I have read; I will say that I think it worked as a standalone very successfully.
Although this is a work of fiction, it feels realistic and I can imagine many of the experiences and events written about in this book are similar to what actually happened at various times throughout World War II. What I do know is that any member of the resistance, be they Polish, French, British, etc., were extremely brave individuals and I think Gosia captured that courage very well.
The Polish Wife is, however, more than a story about the fight against the Nazi regime, it's also about love, honour, freedom, survival and hope. The characters Gosia has created are strong and believable and the story if easy to follow but with twists that will have you holding your breath waiting for the outcome which was definitely not a foregone conclusion.
The Polish Wife is one of the top books of this genre I have read so far; I became totally invested and engrossed from the start and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it and my thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this great read.
The Polish Wife is part of The Secret Resistance series but the first I have read; I will say that I think it worked as a standalone very successfully.
Although this is a work of fiction, it feels realistic and I can imagine many of the experiences and events written about in this book are similar to what actually happened at various times throughout World War II. What I do know is that any member of the resistance, be they Polish, French, British, etc., were extremely brave individuals and I think Gosia captured that courage very well.
The Polish Wife is, however, more than a story about the fight against the Nazi regime, it's also about love, honour, freedom, survival and hope. The characters Gosia has created are strong and believable and the story if easy to follow but with twists that will have you holding your breath waiting for the outcome which was definitely not a foregone conclusion.
The Polish Wife is one of the top books of this genre I have read so far; I became totally invested and engrossed from the start and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it and my thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this great read.
Christina Haynes (148 KP) rated Out of the Blue in Books
May 30, 2018
I couldn't get in to this book :(
Contains spoilers, click to show
Out of the blue is a book about a girl called Jaya and how she one day finds an Angel that has fallen from the sky.
No one knows why or how these Angels are falling. No one even knows where they are coming from. Jaya’s mum died a year ago and it hit her, her dad and sister hard. Not long after the Angels started to fall. Her father quits his job and takes her and her sister Rani to Edingburg where he believes he can find an Angel and knows exactly where it will fall.
I couldn’t get into this book, I felt that it took such a long time to get into the story and ten chapters into it, it still didn’t grasp my attention. This is the first time I have not been able to get into a book since I started my blog and Youtube channel. I really did try but I just couldn’t.
It’s not fair for me to give this book a 1 cup of tea because I couldn’t get into it. But I want to give an honest review and tell you the truth.
I will have to give it a 1.5 cup of tea because of the fact I couldn’t get into it and I found that the book didn’t really tell you why these Angels are falling. I did read the last few pages to see if I could get into it more, however, that didn’t work. I also had a look at some other reviews for people to say the same. So I am very sorry Sophie Cameron but I couldn’t get into this book.
Love,
Christina
1.5 ☕ – POOR/OK
No one knows why or how these Angels are falling. No one even knows where they are coming from. Jaya’s mum died a year ago and it hit her, her dad and sister hard. Not long after the Angels started to fall. Her father quits his job and takes her and her sister Rani to Edingburg where he believes he can find an Angel and knows exactly where it will fall.
I couldn’t get into this book, I felt that it took such a long time to get into the story and ten chapters into it, it still didn’t grasp my attention. This is the first time I have not been able to get into a book since I started my blog and Youtube channel. I really did try but I just couldn’t.
It’s not fair for me to give this book a 1 cup of tea because I couldn’t get into it. But I want to give an honest review and tell you the truth.
I will have to give it a 1.5 cup of tea because of the fact I couldn’t get into it and I found that the book didn’t really tell you why these Angels are falling. I did read the last few pages to see if I could get into it more, however, that didn’t work. I also had a look at some other reviews for people to say the same. So I am very sorry Sophie Cameron but I couldn’t get into this book.
Love,
Christina
1.5 ☕ – POOR/OK
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Illuminae: The Illuminae Files: Book 1 in Books
Jul 5, 2018
First after reading this I gave it 5 stars - I still truly enjoyed this book and reading it in paper format this time was a definite plus - but for some reason it didn't hit the 5* for me, perhaps it was reading it so close together, but I wanted to complete gemina and obsidio this month so I decided to re-read ... ah well, live and learn right? I still highly love this book
I loved it I loved it I loved it - this is a must read book. However, my only complaint was that I read this in ebook format and I felt like it lost a lot of its luster. Reading it on my ipad I got half of the effect of reading it on the webpage version of the ebook. How is that possible? the blacked out words were not blacked out, the blacked pages were not black, a lot of it was messed up with formatting there, but webpage seemed a lot better. If anything, I say pick up a hard copy of the book, which I will be doing very soon!
How can you feel for an AI like this - for some reason I was on a rollercoaster of emotions with this book, I both wanted to hug it and punch it at the same time - or throw it across the room - but I'd break my precious ipad.
This book was laugh out loud funny - for real, there were parts where I could not stop laughing - and there were parts where you just wanted to cry.
Such a well written book, such a great book - I cannot wait to read book 2!!!!!!! In book format this time........get the full effect.
I loved it I loved it I loved it - this is a must read book. However, my only complaint was that I read this in ebook format and I felt like it lost a lot of its luster. Reading it on my ipad I got half of the effect of reading it on the webpage version of the ebook. How is that possible? the blacked out words were not blacked out, the blacked pages were not black, a lot of it was messed up with formatting there, but webpage seemed a lot better. If anything, I say pick up a hard copy of the book, which I will be doing very soon!
How can you feel for an AI like this - for some reason I was on a rollercoaster of emotions with this book, I both wanted to hug it and punch it at the same time - or throw it across the room - but I'd break my precious ipad.
This book was laugh out loud funny - for real, there were parts where I could not stop laughing - and there were parts where you just wanted to cry.
Such a well written book, such a great book - I cannot wait to read book 2!!!!!!! In book format this time........get the full effect.
ClareR (6067 KP) rated Heroes (Stephen Fry’s Great Mythology Volume 2 in Books
Oct 24, 2019
Greek mythology’s greatest heroes!
I loved this retelling of the heroes of the Greek myths. I knew I would. I enjoyed the first one (Mythos), and I had umpteen hours of Stephen Fry’s voice to look forward to (I listened on Audible). I could happily listen to him reading the back of a cereal packet, to be quite honest (but I do prefer books). He has a voice that you want to listen to: he brings these stories to life, and tells them in such a modern, engaging way. I have proof. My 15 year old son (Seb) would turn his headphones off in the car to listen along when I played this on our journey down to Devon from Cheshire (a six hour journey). And not one comment from him (anything Marvel or DC, he always has endless comments to make and often spoils the film - drives me mad!).
So, Stephen tells us about Heracles, Perseus, Jason and others that I wasn’t as familiar with, like Oedipus and Bellerophon. Honestly, this book is bursting with heroes, and whilst this sounds like a ridiculous thing to say, what I actually mean is that I didn’t feel as though they were short changed in their space. All of the heroes were given their moments of glory again: their stories were told with care, with humour and with feeling. I’m hoping more will come out of this ‘Great Mythology’ series, because I am well up for listening to more. I’ll even pick up my Audible subscription again. I just need to get through the long list of Audible books that I have first...
Anyway, I would highly recommend this book and Mythos as well, and if you can, definitely listen to the audiobook version. You won’t regret it!
So, Stephen tells us about Heracles, Perseus, Jason and others that I wasn’t as familiar with, like Oedipus and Bellerophon. Honestly, this book is bursting with heroes, and whilst this sounds like a ridiculous thing to say, what I actually mean is that I didn’t feel as though they were short changed in their space. All of the heroes were given their moments of glory again: their stories were told with care, with humour and with feeling. I’m hoping more will come out of this ‘Great Mythology’ series, because I am well up for listening to more. I’ll even pick up my Audible subscription again. I just need to get through the long list of Audible books that I have first...
Anyway, I would highly recommend this book and Mythos as well, and if you can, definitely listen to the audiobook version. You won’t regret it!
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Big Wishes for Little Feat in Books
Feb 24, 2021
I love children’s picture books, but I loved them with substance, <i>Big Wishes for Little Feet </i> gives me that and so much more!
Cheryl Olsten brought to life a vivid story of finding happiness right where you are planted, of never giving up even when things do not go your way, and that there is joy in the midst of sadness. I LOVED Lafitte and his story of perseverance. The narration was done beautifully (emphasized by the fantastic illustrations) and I enjoyed getting to watch him grow up. I also liked Ella’s story and how they intertwined together. I think there are a lot of kids who can relate to Ella and her family situation. I especially liked how Cheryl Olsten explained the phonics to say Ella’s nickname from her father <i>Brilliant étoile</i>. It was a fun interactive part of the story; plus, it reinforces dual language learning.
<b>“Little Feet, thought the horse. That is who I am—a horse of great courage, strength, and skill.”</b>
Paolo D’Altan’s work in this book is phenomenal. He truly conveyed the wonder and curiosity displayed by Ella and Lafitte and told their story in a colorful and eye-catching way. I want some of the pictures to hang in my home! As I look back over the story, I am again amazed by all the detailed work that went into this book and I am looking forward to showing my niece this book over Christmas to see which picture is her favorite. Well done Paolo D’Altan!
A definite 5 out of 5 stars for me! Some great themes combined with a good flowing storyline and some great imaginative art.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Cheryl Olsten brought to life a vivid story of finding happiness right where you are planted, of never giving up even when things do not go your way, and that there is joy in the midst of sadness. I LOVED Lafitte and his story of perseverance. The narration was done beautifully (emphasized by the fantastic illustrations) and I enjoyed getting to watch him grow up. I also liked Ella’s story and how they intertwined together. I think there are a lot of kids who can relate to Ella and her family situation. I especially liked how Cheryl Olsten explained the phonics to say Ella’s nickname from her father <i>Brilliant étoile</i>. It was a fun interactive part of the story; plus, it reinforces dual language learning.
<b>“Little Feet, thought the horse. That is who I am—a horse of great courage, strength, and skill.”</b>
Paolo D’Altan’s work in this book is phenomenal. He truly conveyed the wonder and curiosity displayed by Ella and Lafitte and told their story in a colorful and eye-catching way. I want some of the pictures to hang in my home! As I look back over the story, I am again amazed by all the detailed work that went into this book and I am looking forward to showing my niece this book over Christmas to see which picture is her favorite. Well done Paolo D’Altan!
A definite 5 out of 5 stars for me! Some great themes combined with a good flowing storyline and some great imaginative art.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Half Blood in Books
Jan 7, 2021
I read a few reviews of this after I started it. I was starting Chapter 3, I think, and really enjoying it. It was the spark between Alex and Aiden. Anyway, I saw a lot of people were comparing this to Vampire Academy Well I loved the Vampire Academy series and I did see some similarities between the two: kick arse, heroine and older guard she has feelings for; school for teens; love triangle aspect, three classes of power...but it WAS different.
As mentioned above, I loved that first meeting of eyes in the first chapter between Alex and Aiden, I just knew something was going to happen between them, though it was forbidden. It was kinda slow to start with but it was nice to read it happening. The odd touch here, a look there. Awww. I'm a sucker for even the slightest chance of romance.
Then there was Seth...Well in (possible)--cos nothing's happened yet--love triangles I always want the girl to go with the first guy. And I still stand by that. Seth might be all powerful but I don't feel anything between him and Alex. So they spark off each other, literally. I don't care. In this one I'm Team Aiden!
I have to say I liked Alex. She may have struggled with the training and all the news she found out about herself but she was strong throughout it all. In the end, she pulled through and kicked arse.
I am so going to have to buy the second book so I can figure out what's going to happen next relationship wise for Alex (and to figure out what's going to happen when she turns 18, of course).
(Team Aiden, Team Aiden... ;D)<br/>
As mentioned above, I loved that first meeting of eyes in the first chapter between Alex and Aiden, I just knew something was going to happen between them, though it was forbidden. It was kinda slow to start with but it was nice to read it happening. The odd touch here, a look there. Awww. I'm a sucker for even the slightest chance of romance.
Then there was Seth...Well in (possible)--cos nothing's happened yet--love triangles I always want the girl to go with the first guy. And I still stand by that. Seth might be all powerful but I don't feel anything between him and Alex. So they spark off each other, literally. I don't care. In this one I'm Team Aiden!
I have to say I liked Alex. She may have struggled with the training and all the news she found out about herself but she was strong throughout it all. In the end, she pulled through and kicked arse.
I am so going to have to buy the second book so I can figure out what's going to happen next relationship wise for Alex (and to figure out what's going to happen when she turns 18, of course).
(Team Aiden, Team Aiden... ;D)<br/>
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Dunkirk (2017) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Dunkirk really wasn't one that I was sure I wanted to watch. After watching it... I'm sure that I didn't want to watch it. It was interesting, in that it was a story from history that I didn't know, but I really didn't enjoy the film itself.
At the beginning I found the three story lines to be confusing, and almost everyone I've spoken to has said the same thing that I had thought during the film... "Was Cillian Murphy playing two people?"
Looking online I've seen some are quibbling about the effects being too loud and that there was very little dialogue from the troops... to be honest I didn't notice the sound "issue" while I watched as it seemed about right for the situation they were in. I did pause for thought about no one talking, but that again didn't seem that out of place in the context of the scenes.
While the timeline issues with the three strands did eventually sort themselves out I had already been put off. I really didn't feel this can be dubbed as the summer blockbuster that it was being pegged as.
That being said, I do think it will do well as we don't see many high profile films like this. And you know what... I was ready to sigh and say "yet another singer who should stick to what they're good at"... but Harry Styles wasn't bad, but I wouldn't like to comment on whether that was because there were barely any lines or not.
I think this one will have to be chalked up as "not for me", as I said it wasn't one I'd really wanted to watch in the first place.
At the beginning I found the three story lines to be confusing, and almost everyone I've spoken to has said the same thing that I had thought during the film... "Was Cillian Murphy playing two people?"
Looking online I've seen some are quibbling about the effects being too loud and that there was very little dialogue from the troops... to be honest I didn't notice the sound "issue" while I watched as it seemed about right for the situation they were in. I did pause for thought about no one talking, but that again didn't seem that out of place in the context of the scenes.
While the timeline issues with the three strands did eventually sort themselves out I had already been put off. I really didn't feel this can be dubbed as the summer blockbuster that it was being pegged as.
That being said, I do think it will do well as we don't see many high profile films like this. And you know what... I was ready to sigh and say "yet another singer who should stick to what they're good at"... but Harry Styles wasn't bad, but I wouldn't like to comment on whether that was because there were barely any lines or not.
I think this one will have to be chalked up as "not for me", as I said it wasn't one I'd really wanted to watch in the first place.








