Search
Search results
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated After Life in TV
Apr 3, 2019 (Updated Apr 3, 2019)
Brilliantly written (1 more)
Fantastically performed by the entire cast
Beautiful
Ricky Gervais seems to be like Marmite to most people. I have always really liked the guy. I love The Office and Extras and his first 3 stand up shows are amongst some of the funniest that I have ever seen. In the years since however, I have seem to fallen away from his projects. Not for any particular reason, but this lull meant that shows like Derek, Life's Too Short and An Idiot Abroad all passed me by. I'm not sure what it was about After Life that got me back on-board, maybe it was the fact alone that it was on Netflix.
Regardless, this show is fantastic. It is hilarious, it is truly touching, it is brilliantly written, acted and surprisingly well shot for what it is. The characters are all fantastic and their relationships with each other and the way that they analyse and question each other is brilliant too.
I think that the most impressive thing about the show overall though, is how much Gervais is able to say with such a simple premise and a small cast. There are only about 15 characters that we see in the small village where the show is set and yet Gervais has managed to tackle some really serious issues like grief, depression and suicide in a realistically convincing way and on top of that, he still manage to make you laugh. It really a masterful script and the entire cast do a brilliant job in their respective roles.
Overall, this is one of the best things that I have seen this year and I would strongly encourage everyone to give it a go, even if you are not a fan of Gervais or his previous projects. This show can take you from splitting your sides laughing to tearing up in an instant and any piece of art that can make me feel that way is extremely valuable in my eyes. Also the dog is amazing.
Regardless, this show is fantastic. It is hilarious, it is truly touching, it is brilliantly written, acted and surprisingly well shot for what it is. The characters are all fantastic and their relationships with each other and the way that they analyse and question each other is brilliant too.
I think that the most impressive thing about the show overall though, is how much Gervais is able to say with such a simple premise and a small cast. There are only about 15 characters that we see in the small village where the show is set and yet Gervais has managed to tackle some really serious issues like grief, depression and suicide in a realistically convincing way and on top of that, he still manage to make you laugh. It really a masterful script and the entire cast do a brilliant job in their respective roles.
Overall, this is one of the best things that I have seen this year and I would strongly encourage everyone to give it a go, even if you are not a fan of Gervais or his previous projects. This show can take you from splitting your sides laughing to tearing up in an instant and any piece of art that can make me feel that way is extremely valuable in my eyes. Also the dog is amazing.
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Wicked Whiskey Love (The Whiskeys #4) in Books
Nov 7, 2018
Wicked Whiskey Love (The Whiskeys #4) by Melissa Foster
Wicked Whiskey Love is the fourth book in The Whiskeys series, but each book can be read as a standalone. In this one, we meet Sarah, a single mum of two with one on the way. Now she hasn't had it easy, but we don't find out the whole story all at once. Bones is the brother who plans, the one who checks out his options before making a move... until it came to Sarah and her children. Then he was all in from the get go.
This is an emotional book, both good and bad ones, that will have you laughing out loud and reaching for the kleenex too. Sarah's story is a hard one, but Bones is there for her every step of the way, even when she tries to push him away. With cameo appearances from the rest of the family, this book not only managed to give me what I wanted for Bones, but also has left me hanging on for more. There are so many more characters I want stories for. The brothers are done, but what about Dixie? And Josie, and Quincey? Do I need to go on?
This really was an exceptional read, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pacing was smooth, and the characters fully rounded and diverse. I thought Tru Blue was my favourite, but now I'm hedging my bets with this one. Absolutely loved it, and can I say, that cover? Yum! There is a warning at the beginning of the book about an ovary explosion when Bones gets going. Heed the warning, girls, because he makes my heart melt!
* 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 is an emotional book, both good and bad ones, that will have you laughing out loud and reaching for the kleenex too. Sarah's story is a hard one, but Bones is there for her every step of the way, even when she tries to push him away. With cameo appearances from the rest of the family, this book not only managed to give me what I wanted for Bones, but also has left me hanging on for more. There are so many more characters I want stories for. The brothers are done, but what about Dixie? And Josie, and Quincey? Do I need to go on?
This really was an exceptional read, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pacing was smooth, and the characters fully rounded and diverse. I thought Tru Blue was my favourite, but now I'm hedging my bets with this one. Absolutely loved it, and can I say, that cover? Yum! There is a warning at the beginning of the book about an ovary explosion when Bones gets going. Heed the warning, girls, because he makes my heart melt!
* 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!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated American Gods - Season 1 in TV
Jan 27, 2019
An intriguing & decent adaptation
I really enjoyed the book and had heard good things about the show, and I’m please to say that for the most part this is a very good adaptation.
I completely agree with everyone else that has compared this to Hannibal. From the effective visual imagery and the dream sequences, to the impressive amount of blood and gore, it’s difficult not to recognise parts of Hannibal in this. Unsurprising though considering they’re both made by Bryan Fuller. Ian McShane is truly fantastic as Mr Wednesday, they couldn’t have picked anyone better and even Ricky Whittle is brilliant as Shadow. He really has come a long way from his Hollyoaks days! There are also some great cameo/supporting performances from Gillian Anderson, Crispin Glover, Peter Stormare and Orlando Jones.
The story does at least start off following the book but does veer off slightly as the episodes move on. In some cases, this isn’t a bad thing. I like what they’ve done with Shadow’s character, making him more outgoing and vocal than his too quiet persona in the books. This works. What doesn’t work is what they’ve done with Laura. I can see why they’ve wanted to make her a more central character, but for me this just doesn’t work. She’s so annoying and brash and the episodes that concentrate mostly around her were the dullest of the entire series. I just hate her whole angry persona and if it wasn’t for the fact that she’s usually on screen alongside Mad Sweeney (who’s a great character), I’m not sure I could tolerate her. The show also puts you in the same position as Shadow, completely confused about what’s going on. It’s not too bad when you’ve read the book, but I can imagine it being a little too much if you haven’t.
In all a visually stunning show with a few flaws, but still some great potential.
I completely agree with everyone else that has compared this to Hannibal. From the effective visual imagery and the dream sequences, to the impressive amount of blood and gore, it’s difficult not to recognise parts of Hannibal in this. Unsurprising though considering they’re both made by Bryan Fuller. Ian McShane is truly fantastic as Mr Wednesday, they couldn’t have picked anyone better and even Ricky Whittle is brilliant as Shadow. He really has come a long way from his Hollyoaks days! There are also some great cameo/supporting performances from Gillian Anderson, Crispin Glover, Peter Stormare and Orlando Jones.
The story does at least start off following the book but does veer off slightly as the episodes move on. In some cases, this isn’t a bad thing. I like what they’ve done with Shadow’s character, making him more outgoing and vocal than his too quiet persona in the books. This works. What doesn’t work is what they’ve done with Laura. I can see why they’ve wanted to make her a more central character, but for me this just doesn’t work. She’s so annoying and brash and the episodes that concentrate mostly around her were the dullest of the entire series. I just hate her whole angry persona and if it wasn’t for the fact that she’s usually on screen alongside Mad Sweeney (who’s a great character), I’m not sure I could tolerate her. The show also puts you in the same position as Shadow, completely confused about what’s going on. It’s not too bad when you’ve read the book, but I can imagine it being a little too much if you haven’t.
In all a visually stunning show with a few flaws, but still some great potential.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Impractical Jokers in TV
Oct 28, 2019
It's harmless fun (2 more)
It's silly in a serious world
The guys actually seem like really nice guys.
They keep it fresh
So I've played the game snog marry avoid using these guys and I genuinely couldn't avoid any so for fun I have included what I said in the game lol.I've seen every episode atleast 3 times yet I am still so entertained.
Sal - he's the looker, the sassy dude. He gets some hilarious punishments because he just wears his heart on his sleeve.
I would love to be mates with Sal, feel like he'd be fun to date too, but I Couldn't marry him, his quirks would be so annoying long term lol.
Joe - he is just fearless. He will embrace any punishment and rarely refuse. He also seems like a really great dad and husband. He also actively encourages people to rescue dogs instead of buying them and you get to meet his adoreable dogs on the show.
I couldn't say I'd want to marry him as he seems just so in love with his beautiful wife but I'd love a husband like him.
Murr - He takes so much stick bless him but doesn't stop him being so funny. Especially when he annoys Sal. He just seems like someone you'd want in your life, someone that doesn't take things to heart and can laugh at themselves.
I'd want him as a brother, not my type in the slightest but he's so lovely I'd want to help find him someone lol.
Q - Now. Right, Q can be fearless, goofy and hilarious but one thing for me stands out. He has aged WELL. To my knowledge he is the oldest of the group and he kind of used to make me cringe with his long hair and baby face.
Then, he shaved his head and grew a beard, he just became so fit to me lol I'd definitely marry him.
Sal - he's the looker, the sassy dude. He gets some hilarious punishments because he just wears his heart on his sleeve.
I would love to be mates with Sal, feel like he'd be fun to date too, but I Couldn't marry him, his quirks would be so annoying long term lol.
Joe - he is just fearless. He will embrace any punishment and rarely refuse. He also seems like a really great dad and husband. He also actively encourages people to rescue dogs instead of buying them and you get to meet his adoreable dogs on the show.
I couldn't say I'd want to marry him as he seems just so in love with his beautiful wife but I'd love a husband like him.
Murr - He takes so much stick bless him but doesn't stop him being so funny. Especially when he annoys Sal. He just seems like someone you'd want in your life, someone that doesn't take things to heart and can laugh at themselves.
I'd want him as a brother, not my type in the slightest but he's so lovely I'd want to help find him someone lol.
Q - Now. Right, Q can be fearless, goofy and hilarious but one thing for me stands out. He has aged WELL. To my knowledge he is the oldest of the group and he kind of used to make me cringe with his long hair and baby face.
Then, he shaved his head and grew a beard, he just became so fit to me lol I'd definitely marry him.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated What We Do in the Shadows - Season 2 in TV
Jul 21, 2020
Still going strong
I always worry with tv shows, especially ones that have been brilliant in the past, that subsequent seasons are never going to live up to expectations. However this is not a problem so far for What We Do in the Shadows and this second series is just as brilliant as the first.
To say this show is hilarious would be an understatement. It’s so clever and funny and full of dark off beat humour, I cracked up constantly at every episode. Whilst Taika Waititi was apparently too busy on other projects to resume duties on this season, it was great to see that Jemaine Clement was still very much in charge and you can tell the formula and style of the show hasn’t changed (it’d be a travesty if it ever did). I have to give a shout out this season to Natasia Demetriou as Nadja is now by far my favourite character. Hearing her exasperations and admonitions at Lazlo is so funny and sums up how I feel most of the time! It was also great to see Colin Robinson taking a more prominent role in the group this time round as he’s such a wonderful deadpan character. There are also some wonderful guest stars this season too, they’ve really got some great names playing some hilarious roles (Mark Hamill and Benedict Wong are highlights) and while I didn’t think there was a standout episode for guests like the Vampiric Council in season 1, the guest episodes individually in season 2 were all a very high standard.
I’m never one to advocate dragging tv shows out unnecessarily, but I really think What We Do in the Shadows is an exception. If they can carry on making this show to this excellent standard with the same cast and crew, then they need to make as much as possible. 10 episodes a season just isn’t long enough, watching this is the highlight of my year and I can’t wait to see more.
To say this show is hilarious would be an understatement. It’s so clever and funny and full of dark off beat humour, I cracked up constantly at every episode. Whilst Taika Waititi was apparently too busy on other projects to resume duties on this season, it was great to see that Jemaine Clement was still very much in charge and you can tell the formula and style of the show hasn’t changed (it’d be a travesty if it ever did). I have to give a shout out this season to Natasia Demetriou as Nadja is now by far my favourite character. Hearing her exasperations and admonitions at Lazlo is so funny and sums up how I feel most of the time! It was also great to see Colin Robinson taking a more prominent role in the group this time round as he’s such a wonderful deadpan character. There are also some wonderful guest stars this season too, they’ve really got some great names playing some hilarious roles (Mark Hamill and Benedict Wong are highlights) and while I didn’t think there was a standout episode for guests like the Vampiric Council in season 1, the guest episodes individually in season 2 were all a very high standard.
I’m never one to advocate dragging tv shows out unnecessarily, but I really think What We Do in the Shadows is an exception. If they can carry on making this show to this excellent standard with the same cast and crew, then they need to make as much as possible. 10 episodes a season just isn’t long enough, watching this is the highlight of my year and I can’t wait to see more.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Tyranny in Books
Jun 24, 2019
So as you've probably realised by now, I have anorexia. And because of that, I am always drawn to books about eating disorders, including this graphic novel I found in the library. It's always good to see realistic and relatable presentations of ED's, and I'm also always quick to point out when something is being portrayed wrong.
This book was a pretty accurate representation of my own personal battle with anorexia. It addressed the starving and the bingeing that many anorexics go through, as well as the body dysmorphia and unhealthy habits and routines. It included friends of Anna (the protagonist of this book) who are also suffering - one of which eventually suffered a heart attack and died. It's not uncommon for people with anorexia to have friends who pass away as a result of the unhealthy habits brought on by the disorder.
Anna does eventually decide she wants life, and goes into treatment. She learns to tell Tyranny (the voice/persons of her ED) that she doesn't care about being thin anymore, and eventually she gets her to leave entirely. (I can't say that's happened to me; it's more of an ongoing, up-and-down struggle in my experience.)
One thing I wasn't sure was so good about this book was the inclusion of weights - her weight loss process, the weight of another patient. This can be incredibly triggering for people suffering with an eating disorder, and can make people feel invalidated - feeling as if their ED isn't as "bad" or "real" because their weight wasn't quite as low. For this reason, I would be hesitant about recommending this book to people who are trying to recover from their disorder.
Overall, I felt it was a good portrayal of anorexia. It was brutally honest and included both the starving and the bingeing, which lots of people don't often discuss. 4.5 stars.
This book was a pretty accurate representation of my own personal battle with anorexia. It addressed the starving and the bingeing that many anorexics go through, as well as the body dysmorphia and unhealthy habits and routines. It included friends of Anna (the protagonist of this book) who are also suffering - one of which eventually suffered a heart attack and died. It's not uncommon for people with anorexia to have friends who pass away as a result of the unhealthy habits brought on by the disorder.
Anna does eventually decide she wants life, and goes into treatment. She learns to tell Tyranny (the voice/persons of her ED) that she doesn't care about being thin anymore, and eventually she gets her to leave entirely. (I can't say that's happened to me; it's more of an ongoing, up-and-down struggle in my experience.)
One thing I wasn't sure was so good about this book was the inclusion of weights - her weight loss process, the weight of another patient. This can be incredibly triggering for people suffering with an eating disorder, and can make people feel invalidated - feeling as if their ED isn't as "bad" or "real" because their weight wasn't quite as low. For this reason, I would be hesitant about recommending this book to people who are trying to recover from their disorder.
Overall, I felt it was a good portrayal of anorexia. It was brutally honest and included both the starving and the bingeing, which lots of people don't often discuss. 4.5 stars.
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Pestilence (The Four Horsemen #1) in Books
Apr 25, 2023
This book starts with Aldo 'waking up' after a successful attempt at killing himself, so to say he was a bit confused should be taken as given. He finds out that he is now Pestilence, the White Horseman. It is his job to go where he is sent and spread epidemics in order to keep the balance between Heaven and Hell. He was a doctor in his life, so it is both ironic and heartbreaking for him to now be spreading disease. In an effort to distance himself from the human population, he lives in the middle of the Amazon jungle. So you can imagine his surprise when he sees a man stumble into his clearing, full of fever and virus.
Bart was left in the middle of the jungle by his lover and the rest of the research team. He doesn't know how he has made it to the clearing, but he is glad that he did when Pestilence looks after him and helps him to make a long and slow recovery. Pestilence is riddled with guilt over the deaths of his wife and son due to the Bubonic Plague, and his 'job'. Bart comes into his life like a dervish and Pestilence starts to question if he can actually have a relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world-building and characters in this book. It is the first of a new series, and I am looking forward to reading the others. Although I really liked Pestilence and Bart, I personally loved the scenes with Death, as I really enjoyed his dry wit and personality.
With a relationship that grows and develops, as well as forgiveness, guilt, love, and disease, this book is certainly worth the read. Definitely 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!
Nov 10, 2015
Bart was left in the middle of the jungle by his lover and the rest of the research team. He doesn't know how he has made it to the clearing, but he is glad that he did when Pestilence looks after him and helps him to make a long and slow recovery. Pestilence is riddled with guilt over the deaths of his wife and son due to the Bubonic Plague, and his 'job'. Bart comes into his life like a dervish and Pestilence starts to question if he can actually have a relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world-building and characters in this book. It is the first of a new series, and I am looking forward to reading the others. Although I really liked Pestilence and Bart, I personally loved the scenes with Death, as I really enjoyed his dry wit and personality.
With a relationship that grows and develops, as well as forgiveness, guilt, love, and disease, this book is certainly worth the read. Definitely 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!
Nov 10, 2015
Merissa (13427 KP) rated The Darkness Within (Etherya's Earth #3) in Books
Mar 14, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
THE DARKNESS WITHIN continues the Etherya's Earth series and it is Darkrip and Arderin's turn. Now, if you've read the other books, which you really should have, you will know that sparks fly whenever these two are near. Is it really loathing or something else?
I honestly don't know where to start with this book. So many things. First of all, we see Miranda nearing the end of her pregnancy and feeling like a blue whale (her words, not mine). Nolan makes his move with Sadie - and I really need more from these two!!! Latimus and Lila show up, with adorable Jack. And we finally meet Evie.
But this story is also about Arderin and Darkrip. I would say more about Arderin, being as it's written mainly from her perspective. She is stubborn, feisty, and a virgin - something she finds intolerable. When a trip to the human world causes problems for them, things look dire for our two main characters. Of course, they don't die, that would be ridiculous as the book was only half over! They do behave in ways they didn't think they would though, and Darkrip is left wondering how Arderin can even look at him, whilst she is amazed by his strength of will.
Arderin knows what she wants and will do what she can to get it. She refuses to take no for an answer, and Darkrip really doesn't argue much at all, considering he wants exactly the same as she does.
As I've said, there are other stories interwoven with theirs, and I loved every word. This is a series not to be missed, and I highly recommend this book so long as you read it in order to get the full benefit. Another brilliant read.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Mar 7, 2022
I honestly don't know where to start with this book. So many things. First of all, we see Miranda nearing the end of her pregnancy and feeling like a blue whale (her words, not mine). Nolan makes his move with Sadie - and I really need more from these two!!! Latimus and Lila show up, with adorable Jack. And we finally meet Evie.
But this story is also about Arderin and Darkrip. I would say more about Arderin, being as it's written mainly from her perspective. She is stubborn, feisty, and a virgin - something she finds intolerable. When a trip to the human world causes problems for them, things look dire for our two main characters. Of course, they don't die, that would be ridiculous as the book was only half over! They do behave in ways they didn't think they would though, and Darkrip is left wondering how Arderin can even look at him, whilst she is amazed by his strength of will.
Arderin knows what she wants and will do what she can to get it. She refuses to take no for an answer, and Darkrip really doesn't argue much at all, considering he wants exactly the same as she does.
As I've said, there are other stories interwoven with theirs, and I loved every word. This is a series not to be missed, and I highly recommend this book so long as you read it in order to get the full benefit. Another brilliant read.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Mar 7, 2022
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Yeah, but I Didn't in Books
Feb 15, 2020
I love books that deal with some sort of downward spiral. I don't mean that in a morbid sense. I just mean that I usually find them interesting. When I was presented with the opportunity of reading Yeah, but I Didn't by Ann Swann, I jumped at the chance.
Benji Stevens is a bright 14 year old high school girl. In fact, she's so smart, she's even skipped a grade in school. When something horrible happens to her one day at her house, her life begins to spiral out of control. With bad things happening right after one another, will Benji find the light at the end of the tunnel or will it be too late?
The premise for Yeah, but I Didn't is really interesting. There were some great aspects of this book. In fact, after reading this book, my new life motto is now, "You can’t control how other people treat you. But you CAN control how you react. And that’s how you take back your power." I love that quote, and it's said a few times throughout Yeah, but I Didn't. I liked the theme of hope and forgiveness towards the end of the book as well. Ann Swann did a fantastic job with her descriptive language at making it easy to picture each scene in the book. I found myself being transported to the setting of Yeah, But I Didn't whenever I started reading.
The characters in Yeah, but I Didn't felt fairly realistic throughout the novel, though Benji's character seemed more like she was 12 with how she would speak and act sometimes. I liked Benji though, and I admired her determination to get through this horrible part of her life. I enjoyed reading about Benji's mom and how (in the last quarter of the book) she turns to God to help her with everything. (Though this was a sudden shift and was a little jarring. The story went from no real mention of God to suddenly focusing on how God can help you.) Janie was a well-written character, but I just wanted to shake that girl sometimes for being so spiteful and horrible to her mom and Benji especially! My favorite characters were Uncle Aidan and Dr Blue. They always came across as being optimistic and wanting to help Benji be the best version of herself. I will also say that each character is described very well, so it's easy to picture each one as a real life person instead of just some character in a book.
As much as I enjoyed the book, there were things that didn't work for me. I found the pacing to be a bit too slow for my liking, and I felt like there was too much narrative description through much of the book; I didn't need to know exact details of every little thing. I could have done without the mention of politics in this book; it didn't seem necessary. And a pet peeve: it's mentioned that Benji and her uncle they order chicken nuggets from Sonic. Sonic does not do chicken nuggets; they do chicken strips, popcorn chicken, and boneless wings -- but never chicken nuggets!
I also felt like, although this book is considered a young adult book and deals with some heavy subject matters, it felt like it was written for a middle grade audience.
Trigger warnings for Yeah, but I Didn't include alcoholism, suicide, attempted suicide, teenage pregnancy, some violence, and attempted rape.
While I found Yeah, but I Didn't to be a bit of a slow read mostly, I do think younger teens that who are going through a dark patch in their life would enjoy this. I would recommend Yeah, but I Didn't by Ann Swann to those 14+ who need a bit of hope in their life.
--
(A special thank you to Lone Star Literary Life for providing me with an eBook of Yeah, but I Didn't by Ann Swann in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Benji Stevens is a bright 14 year old high school girl. In fact, she's so smart, she's even skipped a grade in school. When something horrible happens to her one day at her house, her life begins to spiral out of control. With bad things happening right after one another, will Benji find the light at the end of the tunnel or will it be too late?
The premise for Yeah, but I Didn't is really interesting. There were some great aspects of this book. In fact, after reading this book, my new life motto is now, "You can’t control how other people treat you. But you CAN control how you react. And that’s how you take back your power." I love that quote, and it's said a few times throughout Yeah, but I Didn't. I liked the theme of hope and forgiveness towards the end of the book as well. Ann Swann did a fantastic job with her descriptive language at making it easy to picture each scene in the book. I found myself being transported to the setting of Yeah, But I Didn't whenever I started reading.
The characters in Yeah, but I Didn't felt fairly realistic throughout the novel, though Benji's character seemed more like she was 12 with how she would speak and act sometimes. I liked Benji though, and I admired her determination to get through this horrible part of her life. I enjoyed reading about Benji's mom and how (in the last quarter of the book) she turns to God to help her with everything. (Though this was a sudden shift and was a little jarring. The story went from no real mention of God to suddenly focusing on how God can help you.) Janie was a well-written character, but I just wanted to shake that girl sometimes for being so spiteful and horrible to her mom and Benji especially! My favorite characters were Uncle Aidan and Dr Blue. They always came across as being optimistic and wanting to help Benji be the best version of herself. I will also say that each character is described very well, so it's easy to picture each one as a real life person instead of just some character in a book.
As much as I enjoyed the book, there were things that didn't work for me. I found the pacing to be a bit too slow for my liking, and I felt like there was too much narrative description through much of the book; I didn't need to know exact details of every little thing. I could have done without the mention of politics in this book; it didn't seem necessary. And a pet peeve: it's mentioned that Benji and her uncle they order chicken nuggets from Sonic. Sonic does not do chicken nuggets; they do chicken strips, popcorn chicken, and boneless wings -- but never chicken nuggets!
I also felt like, although this book is considered a young adult book and deals with some heavy subject matters, it felt like it was written for a middle grade audience.
Trigger warnings for Yeah, but I Didn't include alcoholism, suicide, attempted suicide, teenage pregnancy, some violence, and attempted rape.
While I found Yeah, but I Didn't to be a bit of a slow read mostly, I do think younger teens that who are going through a dark patch in their life would enjoy this. I would recommend Yeah, but I Didn't by Ann Swann to those 14+ who need a bit of hope in their life.
--
(A special thank you to Lone Star Literary Life for providing me with an eBook of Yeah, but I Didn't by Ann Swann in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Merciless in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Also read my review here: http://bookbum.weebly.com/book-reviews/the-merciless-by-danielle-vega
<b><i>Forgive us, Father, for we have sinned.</b></i>
Well, well, well, what can I say? This thoroughly disappointed me, after giving it some more thought, Ive taken this down to 2 stars.
So we have 3 beautiful and popular God-fearing girls who adopt the new girl into their secretive little gang and warn her against demon-possessed Brooklyn. To cure Brooklyn of her devilish ways they decide to kidnap her, stick her in a basement and torture her, or exorcise her Sound like Im giving too much away? Well yes, I probably am, but the blurb tells you the exact same thing, making the whole suspense element of this book completely useless and a waste of the author's time. <b>Dont try to keep us on our toes when youve already told us whats going to happen.</b>
Due to this being a novel aimed at Young Adult readers, the language, for me, felt simple and lack lustre. I can only read so much before it becomes laughable for me, and laughable it became. All the characters speech was so unrealistic and straightforward it was almost impossible to believe anyone would actually talk like that. This unrealistic speech really made it difficult to connect to any of the characters on a deeper level so I had no empathy for any of them.
The plot, overall, is just a little bit completely ridiculous and nonsensical. The blandness of the characters, scenes and speech make the whole thing feel like a pretty demented, but dumb dream. <spoiler>If Brooklyn had just been evil in a normal teenage girl way and didnt rip out Rileys fucking heart, maybe it would have been a better book</spoiler> I didnt find myself shocked, scared or creeped out at any point in the entire book because it was all so juvenile and cheesy. The reasons the girls did what they did was childish and cringy and it just wouldnt happen in the way Vega wrote it down. And lets not get me started on all the loose ends...
Anyone up for reading one of the most predictable endings ever? My God, what an unexciting end to a pretty unexciting novel - at least it was consistent.
I did read this over the period of just one day, so it had me wanting to finish it, but not for any of the right reasons. I wasnt reading it quickly because I wanted to know what was going to happen next, I was reading it quickly because it was getting stupider and stupider and I wanted to get it over and done with. Do I want to put myself through reading the second book in the series? I dont know Ill give it some time first.
<b><i>Forgive us, Father, for we have sinned.</b></i>
Well, well, well, what can I say? This thoroughly disappointed me, after giving it some more thought, Ive taken this down to 2 stars.
So we have 3 beautiful and popular God-fearing girls who adopt the new girl into their secretive little gang and warn her against demon-possessed Brooklyn. To cure Brooklyn of her devilish ways they decide to kidnap her, stick her in a basement and torture her, or exorcise her Sound like Im giving too much away? Well yes, I probably am, but the blurb tells you the exact same thing, making the whole suspense element of this book completely useless and a waste of the author's time. <b>Dont try to keep us on our toes when youve already told us whats going to happen.</b>
Due to this being a novel aimed at Young Adult readers, the language, for me, felt simple and lack lustre. I can only read so much before it becomes laughable for me, and laughable it became. All the characters speech was so unrealistic and straightforward it was almost impossible to believe anyone would actually talk like that. This unrealistic speech really made it difficult to connect to any of the characters on a deeper level so I had no empathy for any of them.
The plot, overall, is just a little bit completely ridiculous and nonsensical. The blandness of the characters, scenes and speech make the whole thing feel like a pretty demented, but dumb dream. <spoiler>If Brooklyn had just been evil in a normal teenage girl way and didnt rip out Rileys fucking heart, maybe it would have been a better book</spoiler> I didnt find myself shocked, scared or creeped out at any point in the entire book because it was all so juvenile and cheesy. The reasons the girls did what they did was childish and cringy and it just wouldnt happen in the way Vega wrote it down. And lets not get me started on all the loose ends...
Anyone up for reading one of the most predictable endings ever? My God, what an unexciting end to a pretty unexciting novel - at least it was consistent.
I did read this over the period of just one day, so it had me wanting to finish it, but not for any of the right reasons. I wasnt reading it quickly because I wanted to know what was going to happen next, I was reading it quickly because it was getting stupider and stupider and I wanted to get it over and done with. Do I want to put myself through reading the second book in the series? I dont know Ill give it some time first.