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Uptown Oracle (24 KP) rated All That Remains in Books
Jun 30, 2017
A wonderful zombie thriller
All That Remains is a dystopian horror following Kyle, Tim and Sara 13 years after the apocalypse. After finding young girl Kaylee, they need to get to Oak Ridge to protect themselves and maybe save the world.
There's normal reanimated human zombies, but also other monster like creatures that roam the earth. All That Remains is able to describe the monsters, make them horrifying, yet not interrupt the plotline to do so. In previous books I've been pulled out of a tense moment because there's too much description, but Barrera is able to bypass that problem.
There's varying themes of hope and morality within the book. All four of our characters experience hope, and lose hope throughout the book. Whether it's hope to find more people, hope that cities are inhabitable or just hope for survival. Because of this focus, I felt attached to the characters. Even when they were being pessimistic, they still didn't give up.
Morality is a fine line in this new world. You must kill to survive at times, but is it the right thing to do? If you kill a bad person does it make you just as bad? One of the lines mentioned that right is nothing but a direction anymore which I think is relevant to the book as a whole.
As we get to see the point of views of both Sara and Kyle you do feel attached to them. The characters are extremely likable, even when they're not being the best they can be. They don't consciously make bad decisions which puts them in danger, which makes me route for them more. Although problems do arise due to accidents or it's out of their control.
Sara in particular is a great character. She shows both mental and physical strength by not only surviving 13 years but also with her mental fight with 'the walking cancer'. The walking cancer is a monster that no one has ever seen before. It's a new, worse monster in the world, and the main bulk of the book is spent running and hiding from it. Due to Sara being a scanner she can sense and also connect/talk with the monster.
The plague-like spread of zombies and natural disasters mirrors that Kyle is ill throughout the book. It's implied that it's a cancerous tumor, most likely in the brain due to headaches and blackouts. As the situation for the group gets worse, the illness gets worse. I think Barrera was definitely trying to show the similarities. There's also a underlying message of having hope throughout which I think is an important takeaway.
There's normal reanimated human zombies, but also other monster like creatures that roam the earth. All That Remains is able to describe the monsters, make them horrifying, yet not interrupt the plotline to do so. In previous books I've been pulled out of a tense moment because there's too much description, but Barrera is able to bypass that problem.
There's varying themes of hope and morality within the book. All four of our characters experience hope, and lose hope throughout the book. Whether it's hope to find more people, hope that cities are inhabitable or just hope for survival. Because of this focus, I felt attached to the characters. Even when they were being pessimistic, they still didn't give up.
Morality is a fine line in this new world. You must kill to survive at times, but is it the right thing to do? If you kill a bad person does it make you just as bad? One of the lines mentioned that right is nothing but a direction anymore which I think is relevant to the book as a whole.
As we get to see the point of views of both Sara and Kyle you do feel attached to them. The characters are extremely likable, even when they're not being the best they can be. They don't consciously make bad decisions which puts them in danger, which makes me route for them more. Although problems do arise due to accidents or it's out of their control.
Sara in particular is a great character. She shows both mental and physical strength by not only surviving 13 years but also with her mental fight with 'the walking cancer'. The walking cancer is a monster that no one has ever seen before. It's a new, worse monster in the world, and the main bulk of the book is spent running and hiding from it. Due to Sara being a scanner she can sense and also connect/talk with the monster.
The plague-like spread of zombies and natural disasters mirrors that Kyle is ill throughout the book. It's implied that it's a cancerous tumor, most likely in the brain due to headaches and blackouts. As the situation for the group gets worse, the illness gets worse. I think Barrera was definitely trying to show the similarities. There's also a underlying message of having hope throughout which I think is an important takeaway.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The World We Found in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Before I recieved my ARC from Goodreads in the mail I kept seeing comments on how beautifully Umrigar's writing is. I must say they were not lying!
This book tells the story of a group of friends who grew up in India & as typically happens with childhood friends the world watches them drift apart on their own separate paths. Then the Big C Word comes into their lives & they are pulled back together...kind of.
That kind of is what causes this to get a 4 instead of a 5. The story sees us through a space in time where the 3 friends still in India are trying to get to America where the 4th friend is (the 1 with cancer & little time left.) It tells of the trials & tribulations to get them all back together as their friend's last wish. Without giving too much away though the book ends rather abruptly. Now that's not to say that the ending was unsatisfying, it fit with the tone and message of the story. Yet at the same time I can't help but want to know more. What happened? I hate when a book does that!!! But the story was beautifully told and extremely well written. It was easy to read and had me laughing, horrified, crying, etc, etc.
This book tells the story of a group of friends who grew up in India & as typically happens with childhood friends the world watches them drift apart on their own separate paths. Then the Big C Word comes into their lives & they are pulled back together...kind of.
That kind of is what causes this to get a 4 instead of a 5. The story sees us through a space in time where the 3 friends still in India are trying to get to America where the 4th friend is (the 1 with cancer & little time left.) It tells of the trials & tribulations to get them all back together as their friend's last wish. Without giving too much away though the book ends rather abruptly. Now that's not to say that the ending was unsatisfying, it fit with the tone and message of the story. Yet at the same time I can't help but want to know more. What happened? I hate when a book does that!!! But the story was beautifully told and extremely well written. It was easy to read and had me laughing, horrified, crying, etc, etc.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Ivy (Blackbird #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The first thing that I loved about this book is that the main female character has a warmth and depth to her that makes her immediately likeable. She is a young widow (not a virgin for a change) who is still grieving for her husband who died unexpectedly from pancreatic cancer. She is encouraged (bullied!) to leave her flat to go Christmas shopping but whilst she is in the store there is a terrorist attack. She doesn't just scream and flap and wait to be rescued. No, she thinks about the advice her husband gave her and follows it to the best of her ability. And that, is just the start.
This book is amazingly written and it is hard to believe that it is the debut novel. I would have loved more scenes with the three of them as there were quite a few with Ivy, and Ivy and her friends, but not so much with Ivy, Gareth and Steve. Maybe I'm just being greedy but they had such a good connection, I wanted to see more. Hopefully they will be in other Blackbird books, which I am eagerly anticipating.
On the whole, this book has a well-developed plot line which proceeds with a great pace. The characters are all believable and have layers to them. The story itself is funny, warm and romantic. Definitely recommended.
This book is amazingly written and it is hard to believe that it is the debut novel. I would have loved more scenes with the three of them as there were quite a few with Ivy, and Ivy and her friends, but not so much with Ivy, Gareth and Steve. Maybe I'm just being greedy but they had such a good connection, I wanted to see more. Hopefully they will be in other Blackbird books, which I am eagerly anticipating.
On the whole, this book has a well-developed plot line which proceeds with a great pace. The characters are all believable and have layers to them. The story itself is funny, warm and romantic. Definitely recommended.
David McK (3248 KP) rated Superman: The Final Days of Superman in Books
Jan 30, 2019
"Superman is dying"
There's just something about those words, isn't there? Maybe it'sthe fact that he's the most famous Superheor of them all, or the fact that he is oftne portrayed as (effectively) a benign God-among-men, but those 3 words immediately hook you in.
Of course, we all know that it's not going to be permanent: perhaps it would be fairer to say "This incarnation of Superman is dying"!
Also, unlike [book:The Death of Superman|154795], this time his death is not caused by (essentially) being-hit-really-hard (Doomsday), but is instead an equivalent of cancer caused by a combination of events he has been through (none of which I had read): this Superman has the time to say his goodbyes over the course of this story arc: an arc that sees him slowly succumbing at the same time as another (Super)man appears, a man who claims to be Clark Kent and has all the same abilities.
It's hard, I think, to write a good Superman story: after all, the Man of Steel is virtually indestructible, so any approach that humanizes him is a good thing. Of course, that's not to say there's not lots of fighty-punchy within this (a Superman story without such? Nah!), but it's still interesting (morbid?) to see how he finally succumbs, even if it does leave several plot thread hanging!
There's just something about those words, isn't there? Maybe it'sthe fact that he's the most famous Superheor of them all, or the fact that he is oftne portrayed as (effectively) a benign God-among-men, but those 3 words immediately hook you in.
Of course, we all know that it's not going to be permanent: perhaps it would be fairer to say "This incarnation of Superman is dying"!
Also, unlike [book:The Death of Superman|154795], this time his death is not caused by (essentially) being-hit-really-hard (Doomsday), but is instead an equivalent of cancer caused by a combination of events he has been through (none of which I had read): this Superman has the time to say his goodbyes over the course of this story arc: an arc that sees him slowly succumbing at the same time as another (Super)man appears, a man who claims to be Clark Kent and has all the same abilities.
It's hard, I think, to write a good Superman story: after all, the Man of Steel is virtually indestructible, so any approach that humanizes him is a good thing. Of course, that's not to say there's not lots of fighty-punchy within this (a Superman story without such? Nah!), but it's still interesting (morbid?) to see how he finally succumbs, even if it does leave several plot thread hanging!
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Black and Blue: How Racism, Drugs and Cancer Almost Destroyed Me in Books
Nov 28, 2019
Even if you hate football or Chelsea, READ THIS
Wow. What a book. Sadly because this is a sports book non football fans may ignore this book. It doesn't matter what you are into you can't deny Paul Canoville's incredible journey. The first black player for Chelsea this incredible player came in to football at a very ugly time and endured abuse of sickening racism from his own supporters. That alone would make a good book in itself but Paul lost his career, turned to drugs, suffered grief, battled with cancer, fathered children, danced to lots of music and so much more. Paul has had an incredible life and is on the other side fighting against racism and educating the kids. The man is adorable, he's made some big mistakes but he learns from them.
You can HATE football and still find this book very special indeed and it deserves to be made into a movie. Every person i have persuaded to read it has thanked me for the recommendation. It one the best sports book the year it was released and would be a contender for one of the greatest ever.
You can HATE football and still find this book very special indeed and it deserves to be made into a movie. Every person i have persuaded to read it has thanked me for the recommendation. It one the best sports book the year it was released and would be a contender for one of the greatest ever.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Arctic Heat (Frozen Hearts #3) in Books
Sep 9, 2019
ARCTIC HEAT is the third book in the Frozen Hearts series, and although we stay in Alaska, we see a very different side of it. There is less emphasis placed on the beauty of the region, and more on the natural dangers that exist every winter.
In this story, we meet up with Owen, a cancer survivor, and Quill, a Ranger. Owen is out but Quill is firmly in the closet as he doesn't want to become the "gay poster boy" for the Rangers. They both have their own baggage from their pasts.
This is very much a slow-burner, filled with angst, and forced proximity. Like I said, there is less description of the surrounding area, and more detailing the kind of accidents that can happen, both natural and manmade.
Although I liked both Quill and Owen, I didn't connect with them like I have done with previous characters in this series. They both had things I liked about them, the same as they both had qualities I disliked.
On the whole, this was a book I enjoyed reading, but it didn't tick as many boxes for me as other books by Ms Albert. I would still definitely recommend it though, especially for those who like to meet up with previous characters when they make an appearance.
In this story, we meet up with Owen, a cancer survivor, and Quill, a Ranger. Owen is out but Quill is firmly in the closet as he doesn't want to become the "gay poster boy" for the Rangers. They both have their own baggage from their pasts.
This is very much a slow-burner, filled with angst, and forced proximity. Like I said, there is less description of the surrounding area, and more detailing the kind of accidents that can happen, both natural and manmade.
Although I liked both Quill and Owen, I didn't connect with them like I have done with previous characters in this series. They both had things I liked about them, the same as they both had qualities I disliked.
On the whole, this was a book I enjoyed reading, but it didn't tick as many boxes for me as other books by Ms Albert. I would still definitely recommend it though, especially for those who like to meet up with previous characters when they make an appearance.
ClareR (5603 KP) rated We All Want Impossible Things in Books
Feb 17, 2023
What a wonderful book this is! I started reading with trepidation, but as I read, I realised that this isn’t just a book about dying, it’s about the living right up until you die. It’s a book about life - and about having a good death. It’s incredibly moving, I wouldn’t say it’s depressing or morose at all, in fact I would say that it’s life affirming.
Edi and Ash have been best friends since childhood. When Edi is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Ash offers to take her home to where she lives, so that her young son doesn’t have to watch her final weeks.
The hospice that Edi stays in is full of interesting characters: from the patient who plays Fiddler on the Roof at full glorious volume, to the doctor who reminds Ash of one of the Sopranos, and a musician who can play any song you request.
This is a book of laughter and sadness, of letting go and moving on. Ash is a wonderful friend with a rather messy, frankly hilarious, sex life. Ash and Eli’s relationship is truly special.
We All Want Impossible Things is a touching novel that had me laughing and crying in equal measure, as well as bringing back memories of my own experiences.
This book really is worth reading. Utterly beautiful.
Edi and Ash have been best friends since childhood. When Edi is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Ash offers to take her home to where she lives, so that her young son doesn’t have to watch her final weeks.
The hospice that Edi stays in is full of interesting characters: from the patient who plays Fiddler on the Roof at full glorious volume, to the doctor who reminds Ash of one of the Sopranos, and a musician who can play any song you request.
This is a book of laughter and sadness, of letting go and moving on. Ash is a wonderful friend with a rather messy, frankly hilarious, sex life. Ash and Eli’s relationship is truly special.
We All Want Impossible Things is a touching novel that had me laughing and crying in equal measure, as well as bringing back memories of my own experiences.
This book really is worth reading. Utterly beautiful.
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated Storm Proof in Books
Feb 5, 2019
Storm Proof was something completely different then what I was expecting to read. I thinking it was going to be about a storm that you were going to proof. This is not a bad way to think that when I read the title it caught me to pick it up.
As I was reading the book that what I got the impression. This book was boring for me to read. I did finish it. The reason for that is because it was on a book tour with me. I just could not get into reading it. I really could have just left it on my kindle. Thats how boring it was for me to read.
Their was nothing wrong with it in any way. Author did good in writing it. It just was not a my taste of book. I felt like I was reading the bible or God Words, that is not me. If you are into reading the great book be my guess. No offense to the author.
I thinking I would be reading a bit more about the author experience with Depression or her Cancer battle and how she manage them though this book. Then I might have seen using the scriptures of the bible or god's words. This is my opinion on that.
Those that enjoy reading about God words or the bible, this book might be for you.
As I was reading the book that what I got the impression. This book was boring for me to read. I did finish it. The reason for that is because it was on a book tour with me. I just could not get into reading it. I really could have just left it on my kindle. Thats how boring it was for me to read.
Their was nothing wrong with it in any way. Author did good in writing it. It just was not a my taste of book. I felt like I was reading the bible or God Words, that is not me. If you are into reading the great book be my guess. No offense to the author.
I thinking I would be reading a bit more about the author experience with Depression or her Cancer battle and how she manage them though this book. Then I might have seen using the scriptures of the bible or god's words. This is my opinion on that.
Those that enjoy reading about God words or the bible, this book might be for you.
Ross (3282 KP) rated The Snowman (2017) in Movies
Jul 17, 2018 (Updated Jul 17, 2018)
Style over substance
Contains spoilers, click to show
This film is aptly titled - like when making a snowman I got bored 10 minutes in and just wanted it all to melt away.
The film seems like a stylish director's first attempt at the crime/thriller genre: a genre where details matter, the plot has to build up and unravel at a certain pace, with clever twists and turns along the way. Here there is none of that, there is a feeble attempt to suggest some disappearances are linked but no revelation that the snowmen were present at all scenes (a pretty key element of the whole plot). The film is just a series of things happening, in very nice, slow, moody, atmospheric scenes, and then the plot is crammed into the last 5 minutes at pretty frantic pace. And once its revealed it really makes no sense. We haven't been given enough of the key details along the way to try to empathise with the killer or at least understand why he did what he did.
The characters are all totally disposable. A cheeky spoiler: if a character seems like a creepy killer but has no apparent link to the case - he is the killer.
And I know Val Kilmer was recovering from throat cancer surgery so couldn't speak, but the voice dubbing was so badly executed that all of his scenes were just farcical and should not have made the final cut (they added literally nothing to the overall plot!).
The film seems like a stylish director's first attempt at the crime/thriller genre: a genre where details matter, the plot has to build up and unravel at a certain pace, with clever twists and turns along the way. Here there is none of that, there is a feeble attempt to suggest some disappearances are linked but no revelation that the snowmen were present at all scenes (a pretty key element of the whole plot). The film is just a series of things happening, in very nice, slow, moody, atmospheric scenes, and then the plot is crammed into the last 5 minutes at pretty frantic pace. And once its revealed it really makes no sense. We haven't been given enough of the key details along the way to try to empathise with the killer or at least understand why he did what he did.
The characters are all totally disposable. A cheeky spoiler: if a character seems like a creepy killer but has no apparent link to the case - he is the killer.
And I know Val Kilmer was recovering from throat cancer surgery so couldn't speak, but the voice dubbing was so badly executed that all of his scenes were just farcical and should not have made the final cut (they added literally nothing to the overall plot!).
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Aaru in Books
Nov 8, 2019
Rose is only 16 but her life is over. She has terminal cancer but a mysterious strangers offers her and her family the option of taking part in a trial. When she dies they assume the trail failed and mourn her passing, her sister being hit particularly hard. Then the message comes... Rose lives on.
This books takes one fascinating idea - what if people's personalities and memories could be copied at the point of death and then recreated inside a computer? - and looks at it from a lot of different angles. It is certainly thought provoking, and occasionally disturbing.
The first half of the book deals with Rose's death, the grief of her family and then the emotional trauma, denial and final acceptance that in some ways she is still alive. It also follows Rose's journey as she discovers her new virtual world and its other inhabitants.
The second half is darker and moves into thriller territory as Rose's new paradise shows that it may not be perfect and both her and her sister are exposed to danger. Some of the themes here - obsession, violence, sexual abuse, suicide - are made all the worse by their premeditated nature.
This book will make you think about a potential life after death but it doesn't flinch from showing the emotional, physical and moral implications that might arise both for those saved and those they leave behind.
This books takes one fascinating idea - what if people's personalities and memories could be copied at the point of death and then recreated inside a computer? - and looks at it from a lot of different angles. It is certainly thought provoking, and occasionally disturbing.
The first half of the book deals with Rose's death, the grief of her family and then the emotional trauma, denial and final acceptance that in some ways she is still alive. It also follows Rose's journey as she discovers her new virtual world and its other inhabitants.
The second half is darker and moves into thriller territory as Rose's new paradise shows that it may not be perfect and both her and her sister are exposed to danger. Some of the themes here - obsession, violence, sexual abuse, suicide - are made all the worse by their premeditated nature.
This book will make you think about a potential life after death but it doesn't flinch from showing the emotional, physical and moral implications that might arise both for those saved and those they leave behind.