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Sharon Horgan recommended Postcards from the Edge in Books (curated)
The Suitcase Kid
8.0
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Book
When my parents split up they didn't know what to do with me . . . My family always lived at...
300 Best Homemade Candy Recipes: Brittles, Caramels, Chocolates, Fudge, Truffles & So Much More
Book
The step-by-step bible for home sweets-makers. With hundreds of recipes for mouthwatering candies,...
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Storm Clouds Rolling In (Bregdan Chronicles #1) in Books
Nov 26, 2019
Describing this book makes it sound like it could be a tale of Southern romance set before the American Civil War; Carrie Cromwell is the teenage daughter of a plantation owner in Virginia and falls for the son of another plantation owner as the political and social storm of the events of the Civil War brew around them.
In reality however this is a far more complex work - yes the romance is there but it is very much overshadowed by the situation and events of the time. Firstly Carrie is not a Southern Belle happy to sit on the verandah and look after her hard working man - she wants to make something of herself and doesn't think that she will be happy running her father's plantation in later life. Secondly she has grave doubts about slavery, an institution that has become the basis of the plantation owner's very existence.
This novel then is far more an exploration of the confict the slave issue creates as well as the lack of opportunity for a bright woman to better herself in the nineteenth century.
The author does well with the slavery issue in presenting someone from the whole spectrum, from reactionary pro-slavery plantation owners to equally abhorrent abolitionlists who are in many ways just as bad. Carrie is very much undecided throughout the book and that is a good thing, we are essentially treated to a novel length essay on the causes of the civil war and the justifications for slavery that caused a lot of the friction, along with the North failing to take account of the depth of the pride of those in the South.
The characters are very well drawn, and although each more-or-less repesents one particular facet of the debate none are mere ciphers and indeed many of them evolve over time and change their outlook and opinions, not lease Carrie but also of note the slaves Rose and Moses, both young but who really grow during the course of the story. The author has necessarily put some perjorative terms for slaves in the mouths of some of her characters - for which she apologises in a brief forward - but this not only lends realism but underlines those characters attitudes towards the slaves.
The book does move at a relatively slow pace, and there are plenty of discussions around politics, society and slavery but it is quite immersive and acts to let each character become far more solid.
Overall a book I enjoyed and it provides a lot of insight into the state of America at the outbreak of war and why it happened
In reality however this is a far more complex work - yes the romance is there but it is very much overshadowed by the situation and events of the time. Firstly Carrie is not a Southern Belle happy to sit on the verandah and look after her hard working man - she wants to make something of herself and doesn't think that she will be happy running her father's plantation in later life. Secondly she has grave doubts about slavery, an institution that has become the basis of the plantation owner's very existence.
This novel then is far more an exploration of the confict the slave issue creates as well as the lack of opportunity for a bright woman to better herself in the nineteenth century.
The author does well with the slavery issue in presenting someone from the whole spectrum, from reactionary pro-slavery plantation owners to equally abhorrent abolitionlists who are in many ways just as bad. Carrie is very much undecided throughout the book and that is a good thing, we are essentially treated to a novel length essay on the causes of the civil war and the justifications for slavery that caused a lot of the friction, along with the North failing to take account of the depth of the pride of those in the South.
The characters are very well drawn, and although each more-or-less repesents one particular facet of the debate none are mere ciphers and indeed many of them evolve over time and change their outlook and opinions, not lease Carrie but also of note the slaves Rose and Moses, both young but who really grow during the course of the story. The author has necessarily put some perjorative terms for slaves in the mouths of some of her characters - for which she apologises in a brief forward - but this not only lends realism but underlines those characters attitudes towards the slaves.
The book does move at a relatively slow pace, and there are plenty of discussions around politics, society and slavery but it is quite immersive and acts to let each character become far more solid.
Overall a book I enjoyed and it provides a lot of insight into the state of America at the outbreak of war and why it happened
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2206 KP) rated Due or Die in Books
Jan 19, 2019
Due Read This Book
Carrie Rushton has just been elected president of the Friends of the Library. Even though Lindsay Norris isn't a member of the group since she's the head of the library itself, she is thrilled to be working with someone bringing fresh ideas and perspectives. However, after Carrie's first meeting in her new role, she returns home to find her husband shot to death. People are quick to jump to the conclusion that Carrie is guilty, but Lindsay is sure the woman is innocent. Will a winter storm coming to the area turn the trail of the real killer cold?
While I still don't have all the supporting characters straight in my head, the characters important to this mystery are all well developed. That includes not only the suspects, but the main characters. Thanks to a couple of sub-plots, I found the pacing uneven, although things did pick up for the climax. Things do fit together well, but there is a major timing issue in the climax. It annoys, but it is minor overall. While I always enjoy Jenn's books, I found this one super funny, laughing out loud multiple times over the course of the story. I'm already looking forward to my next stop at this library.
While I still don't have all the supporting characters straight in my head, the characters important to this mystery are all well developed. That includes not only the suspects, but the main characters. Thanks to a couple of sub-plots, I found the pacing uneven, although things did pick up for the climax. Things do fit together well, but there is a major timing issue in the climax. It annoys, but it is minor overall. While I always enjoy Jenn's books, I found this one super funny, laughing out loud multiple times over the course of the story. I'm already looking forward to my next stop at this library.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) in Movies
Aug 14, 2017
Surprisingly good, intense beyond belief
My face at the end of this film was like being hit by a car! With a stellar cast, fantastic acting, and a storyline that is absolutely gasp-worthy, it is a great set up for the next film in the Star Wars saga. Felicity Jones is superb as the leading lady, totally understated, and totally kickass. The action is incredible, and I'm pleased to say there isn't any sign of Ja Ja Binks anywhere. As it's also the last appearance of Carrie Fisher, it's almost a homage to her life.
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated The Princess Diarist in Books
Jun 5, 2018
For a memoir, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. While I’m not a huge fan of memoirs, and a particular fan of Carrie Fisher, I am a fan of Star Wars and strong female role models.
I’d never read any of Fisher’s work before this and was delighted with her sense of humor.
She really does just focus on her life leading up to landing the role of Princess Leia and on the time during and just after filming. She does touch a bit on how the role has continued to impact her life experiences towards the end.
I’d never read any of Fisher’s work before this and was delighted with her sense of humor.
She really does just focus on her life leading up to landing the role of Princess Leia and on the time during and just after filming. She does touch a bit on how the role has continued to impact her life experiences towards the end.
Kevin Phillipson (10021 KP) rated Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987) in Movies
Feb 19, 2020 (Updated Feb 19, 2020)
I remember watching this on VHS thrity years ago and rather liking it still do now I know it's basically a Carrie clone the setting a prom possed teenage girl taken by the spirt of a dead prom queen who wants revenge on her boyfriend who killed her accidentally killed her 30 years earlier during prom night. Wendy Lyon is the standout star of the movie showing two sides to her character sweet and innocent and then all bad girl. Anyway I know it's outdated and the effects not great but the film is still I will always watch again
Quilter's Academy: A Skill Building Course in Quiltmaking: Vol. 5 : Masters Year
Harriet Hargrave and Carrie Hargrave
Book
With a bachelor's degree under your belt, it's time to advance your quilting studies to the next...