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Natalia (73 KP) rated Fangirl in Books

Dec 15, 2018

Fangirl

Rainbow Rowell | 2014 | Young Adult (YA)

8.9

(46 Ratings)

Book Rating

My First Introduction to Rainbow Rowell

I personally found the book touching and I think anyone in the current generation will understand. Cath is an introvert - which isn't a shocking thing in a protagonist - and going through so many issues that it's easily overwhelming, but the core of her character remains the same. Her character isn't taken as something that needs to be changed, her situation is, which includes issues in her family, personal goals and her love life which, spoiler, end up well for Cath. Who doesn't love a happy ending?
A big thing for myself personally is writing style, and if you've read a single one of Rowell's books you will know that her writing comes off brilliant no matter the concept. Her writing is a lot more casual and personal, something with makes a story feel all the more real and close to me as a reader. The story also flows perfectly due to how she writes, which is always a benefit - better than dense sentences and an unclear plot or point.
Overall, the story is something a lot of younger readers such as myself will enjoy and relate to. Even if some are ashamed to admit it, I'm sure we've all indulged in fanfiction before, both in writing and reading it. What's more, we've all had our lives take a turn for the worst at some point, or perhaps dread the time that it will. 'Fangirl' takes these experiences and put them in a palpable and engaging format for any kind of reader to consume.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone - unless you have a personal vendetta against "a tale of fanfiction, family and first love" it's worth a shot. Even if you end up disliking it, this book will certainly make a great addition to your bookshelf - and who can complain about that?

Kudos

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Walking Dead - Season 1 in TV

Jul 22, 2019 (Updated Jul 22, 2019)

The first season of The Walking Dead hits the ground (not) running

The first ever episode of The Walking Dead is one of the best hours of television I've ever seen.
After Rick Grimes falls into a coma following an shooting, he wakes up months later, abandoned in a hospital bed, and the whole world has gone to hell.
We have no idea how, we are not shown the outbreak. Instead, The Walking Dead jumps head first into the aftermath of a zombie virus outbreak.
He has no idea where his wife and young son are, but has reason to believe they're alive, and he sets out to find them in a strange new world.

It's a deliciously simple concept that sets the ball rolling, as we're introduced to the heart and would of the show - the wide spectrum of characters.

Stand out characters in season 1 include Darryl and Mearle Dixon, the latter who's casual racism and bad attitude cause issues withing the group. Shane is another character with many layers. The group mostly consists of characters that are looking to help fellow survivors, and as such, you will quickly find yourself caring about most of them.

The world of the Walking Dead can be harsh, and very violent at times, and the practical effects are a really nice touch The zombies look horrible for the most part, shuffling around (not running) causing big groups of them to be hugely dangerous, and there are some really tense moments as the series progresses.

It's a season at only 6 episodes but it ensures that there is no room for filler.

The Walking Dead hasbeen a hugely up and down and wildly inconsistent show throughout it's 10 years on air, so it's nice to look back on the early days, when it was pretty solid.

A must for any horror fan.

Kudos

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Draft Day (2014) in Movies

Aug 6, 2019

Draft Day (2014)

2014 | Drama

7.0

(2 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Draft Day wants to be the Moneyball of the National Football League. Probem is, Moneyball was based on a true story. Draft Day is pure fiction and it’s not particularly good fiction. Sure, there are realistic elements of what goes on behind the scenes on draft day, but the story that surrounds makes you wonder if this was really the best they could come up with to shine the spotlight on one of the biggest days of the year for football fans and NFL prospects.

Sonny Weaver (Kevin Costner) is a general manager of the Cleveland Browns. Now that’s a real team, although many people would question that fact. Weaver manages to acquire the number one draft pick on draft day and the movie is essentially about him trying to decide who to pick. Focusing on three potential players, Sonny has the heavy responsibility of making the right choice.

In addition to facing this daunting task of making the right decision for his team, Sonny is also wrestling with personal issues, such as a secret girlfriend and living up to his father’s legacy. There are plenty of cameos of stars of the NFL and Roger Goodell weighs in as the NFL commissioner. There were scenes that seemed meaningless in a sense but there’s a twist if you remain interested.

To the casual football fan this might be entertaining. To diehard fans, you probably know most of the goings on behind the scenes on draft day. It’s a backstage view in the day of the life of a GM trying to juggle his way through business and personal decisions on a big stage while facing a ticking clock. The movie does drags here and there but if you need a hit of the NFL drug while waiting for the next season, this might tide you over.