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ClareR (5911 KP) rated My Good Bright Wolf in Books
Mar 30, 2025
I knew that My Good Bright Wolf was a memoir, it says it is in the title after all, but when I started reading it, I thought I’d downloaded the wrong book. I’m a lover of fairytales, and this memoir reads as such in places, especially as it’s written in the 3rd person. This also seems to create a distance between the author and their story.
At its heart is Moss’ battle with anorexia. After reading about her childhood and her parents, it would be unrealistic to think that both of these factors had nothing to do with her eating disorder. In fact, some of her most intrusive thoughts have her parents voices.
Throughout is Moss’ love of literature, and how the books she read - the girls and women that they portrayed - influenced her self-worth.
This is a story of how women are policed, constrained and ultimately how they are treated in illness. It’s also a story of never feeling that you’re good enough and a lack of control over everything - except the control over what you put in your body.
This really is a stunning, shocking, very emotional memoir, and it reinforces to me what an exceptional author Sarah Moss is.
At its heart is Moss’ battle with anorexia. After reading about her childhood and her parents, it would be unrealistic to think that both of these factors had nothing to do with her eating disorder. In fact, some of her most intrusive thoughts have her parents voices.
Throughout is Moss’ love of literature, and how the books she read - the girls and women that they portrayed - influenced her self-worth.
This is a story of how women are policed, constrained and ultimately how they are treated in illness. It’s also a story of never feeling that you’re good enough and a lack of control over everything - except the control over what you put in your body.
This really is a stunning, shocking, very emotional memoir, and it reinforces to me what an exceptional author Sarah Moss is.
Darren (1599 KP) rated Hook (1991) in Movies
Jul 7, 2019
Director: Steven Spielberg
Writer: James V Hart, Nick Castle, Malia Scotch Marmo (Screenplay) J.M. Barrie (Books)
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith, Caroline Goodall, Charlie Korsmo, Amber Scott
Plot: When Captain Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.
Tagline – What if Peter Pan grew up?
Runtime: 2 Hours 22 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Verdict: Fun-Filled Fantasy
Story: Hook starts as we meet businessman Peter Banning (Williams) who has started over working leading to his children become distant, his wife Moira (Goodall) forces him to visit his Granny Wendy (Smith) in London for Christmas, where she sees how much Peter has changed since his childhood of never wanting to grow up.
Captain Hook (Hoffman) takes Peter’s children, which sees Peter needing to be pushed into returning to Neverland, a place he has long forgotten about, with Tinkerbell (Roberts) taking him there only for Hook to be left disappointed by the man Peter has become, Tinkerbell has three days to restore Peter’s faith in Neverland to save his children.
Thoughts on Hook
Characters – Peter Banning is a lawyer that has been neglecting his family, his Grandmother sees him losing his young heart that made her take him in, in the first place, Peter must confront his past to save his children from his old nemesis Captain Hook in Neverland, a place he has long since forgotten about. Peter has become everything he once hated as a child and shows how at times parents can get buried in their work. Captain Hook has been waiting for the day Peter Pan returns, he is left disappointed when he does return a shell of the boy that left, giving him three days to prepare for a battle, while having his own plan to get revenge on Peter. Tinkerbell comes to Peter to bring him back to Neverland, she helps transform him back to his original self, while showing him what he is still fighting for.
Performances – Robin Williams was a great choice for this role, he gets to manages the serious adult side of everything as well as the playful side of Peter Pan with ease being able to swap between the two whenever he needs to. Dustin Hoffman as the villainous Hook has great enjoyment in this role where he does get to play along with his character. Julia Roberts does all she needs to do without being as involved as the lead too.
Story – The story follows an older Peter Pan that must return to Neverland to save his own children after his old nemesis Captain Hook takes them there. This spin on the Peter Pan story is a wonderful on because see Peter grown up becoming everything he promised he wouldn’t shows us just how difficult being an adult can be, you will turn your back on parts of your childhood become what you once feared. This was always the meaning behind Peter Pan in the first place, finding an escape from the busy lives, now an adult must use this to save his own relationship with his children and family, which is what is important in life.
Adventure/Comedy/Fantasy – The adventure side of the film takes Peter to Neverland to relive moments of his childhood in a fantasy battle against pirates with fairies on their side. We do get elements of comedy, but even Robin Williams is held back from going into his full routine like we saw in Aladdin.
Settings – The film uses the same settings that we know from Peter Pan, the London setting might well be a more modern one, but Neverland hasn’t aged a day since Peter has left.
Scene of the Movie – The battle.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Pop culture references.
Final Thoughts – This is a magical version of Peter Pan’s adventures showing how life can change for adults who never thought they would be when they were children.
Overall: Magical adventure.
Rating
Writer: James V Hart, Nick Castle, Malia Scotch Marmo (Screenplay) J.M. Barrie (Books)
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts, Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith, Caroline Goodall, Charlie Korsmo, Amber Scott
Plot: When Captain Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.
Tagline – What if Peter Pan grew up?
Runtime: 2 Hours 22 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Verdict: Fun-Filled Fantasy
Story: Hook starts as we meet businessman Peter Banning (Williams) who has started over working leading to his children become distant, his wife Moira (Goodall) forces him to visit his Granny Wendy (Smith) in London for Christmas, where she sees how much Peter has changed since his childhood of never wanting to grow up.
Captain Hook (Hoffman) takes Peter’s children, which sees Peter needing to be pushed into returning to Neverland, a place he has long forgotten about, with Tinkerbell (Roberts) taking him there only for Hook to be left disappointed by the man Peter has become, Tinkerbell has three days to restore Peter’s faith in Neverland to save his children.
Thoughts on Hook
Characters – Peter Banning is a lawyer that has been neglecting his family, his Grandmother sees him losing his young heart that made her take him in, in the first place, Peter must confront his past to save his children from his old nemesis Captain Hook in Neverland, a place he has long since forgotten about. Peter has become everything he once hated as a child and shows how at times parents can get buried in their work. Captain Hook has been waiting for the day Peter Pan returns, he is left disappointed when he does return a shell of the boy that left, giving him three days to prepare for a battle, while having his own plan to get revenge on Peter. Tinkerbell comes to Peter to bring him back to Neverland, she helps transform him back to his original self, while showing him what he is still fighting for.
Performances – Robin Williams was a great choice for this role, he gets to manages the serious adult side of everything as well as the playful side of Peter Pan with ease being able to swap between the two whenever he needs to. Dustin Hoffman as the villainous Hook has great enjoyment in this role where he does get to play along with his character. Julia Roberts does all she needs to do without being as involved as the lead too.
Story – The story follows an older Peter Pan that must return to Neverland to save his own children after his old nemesis Captain Hook takes them there. This spin on the Peter Pan story is a wonderful on because see Peter grown up becoming everything he promised he wouldn’t shows us just how difficult being an adult can be, you will turn your back on parts of your childhood become what you once feared. This was always the meaning behind Peter Pan in the first place, finding an escape from the busy lives, now an adult must use this to save his own relationship with his children and family, which is what is important in life.
Adventure/Comedy/Fantasy – The adventure side of the film takes Peter to Neverland to relive moments of his childhood in a fantasy battle against pirates with fairies on their side. We do get elements of comedy, but even Robin Williams is held back from going into his full routine like we saw in Aladdin.
Settings – The film uses the same settings that we know from Peter Pan, the London setting might well be a more modern one, but Neverland hasn’t aged a day since Peter has left.
Scene of the Movie – The battle.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Pop culture references.
Final Thoughts – This is a magical version of Peter Pan’s adventures showing how life can change for adults who never thought they would be when they were children.
Overall: Magical adventure.
Rating
Handbook of Intraindividual Variability Across the Life Span: A Comprehensive Perspective
Martin J. Sliwinski, Manfred Diehl and Karen Hooker
Book
Intraindividual variability (IIV) of human development and behavior across the entire life-span is...
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.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Tryin' To Sleep In the Bed You Made in Books
May 10, 2018
Tryin' to Sleep in the Bed You Made is a story of three friends. It traverses their lives from childhood to adults. And we get to see all the fun, joy, and pain that goes along with it.
Pat, Gail, Marcus, and Freddie are inseparable. They are classmates and best friends. One day when Freddie finds a gun and decides to share it with the rest of the group, the most tragic thing happens. This changes the lives of the other three forever. Pat is taken from her mother and temporarily put into foster care until Gail and her family take her in. Marcus, who was Freddie's brother feels he has to fulfill Freddie's life dreams instead of pursuing his own.
As they graduate high school and spread their wings to find new things, they are torn in different directions and their friendship is never the same.
I love reading books about friendship. Friendship lost and found. It makes me feel good on the inside and that is exactly how this book made me feel. It made me laugh and it made me cry, but overall, it made me want to call all of my friends and rekindle what we once had.
The DeBerry/Grant team are great writers. This is the second book I have read by them and I can't wait to read the next.
Pat, Gail, Marcus, and Freddie are inseparable. They are classmates and best friends. One day when Freddie finds a gun and decides to share it with the rest of the group, the most tragic thing happens. This changes the lives of the other three forever. Pat is taken from her mother and temporarily put into foster care until Gail and her family take her in. Marcus, who was Freddie's brother feels he has to fulfill Freddie's life dreams instead of pursuing his own.
As they graduate high school and spread their wings to find new things, they are torn in different directions and their friendship is never the same.
I love reading books about friendship. Friendship lost and found. It makes me feel good on the inside and that is exactly how this book made me feel. It made me laugh and it made me cry, but overall, it made me want to call all of my friends and rekindle what we once had.
The DeBerry/Grant team are great writers. This is the second book I have read by them and I can't wait to read the next.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Fixer in Books
May 10, 2018
3.5 Stars
Rick Hoffman is down on his luck. He's just lost his high paying job and along with it, is long term girlfriend. Forced to move back into his childhood home, a place that has been abandoned for many years, he makes a startling discovery that will change his life forever. But will it change it for better or for worse. Will Rick be able to stay alive long enough to get to the bottom of who his father was and ultimately who he is?
This is the first book I have read by Joseph Finder. I have had a number of his books on my TBR list for a while and after seeing him on an interview on my Facebook feed, I decided to give it a try. <u>The Fixer</u> was the only book that I was able to find at the time. I was hooked from the start. At about 50%-75% through the book my interest dwindled a little bit, but that last part of the book was hard to put down. I had to know who was at the end of the mystery. Was it who I was suspecting, or a character you would never guess? Overall this was a very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more Joseph Finder titles.
Rick Hoffman is down on his luck. He's just lost his high paying job and along with it, is long term girlfriend. Forced to move back into his childhood home, a place that has been abandoned for many years, he makes a startling discovery that will change his life forever. But will it change it for better or for worse. Will Rick be able to stay alive long enough to get to the bottom of who his father was and ultimately who he is?
This is the first book I have read by Joseph Finder. I have had a number of his books on my TBR list for a while and after seeing him on an interview on my Facebook feed, I decided to give it a try. <u>The Fixer</u> was the only book that I was able to find at the time. I was hooked from the start. At about 50%-75% through the book my interest dwindled a little bit, but that last part of the book was hard to put down. I had to know who was at the end of the mystery. Was it who I was suspecting, or a character you would never guess? Overall this was a very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more Joseph Finder titles.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I loved, loved, LOVED this book! Anne Lamott wrote this book as if she were teaching a writing class, but that description only covers about half of what the book is about, as the subtitle hints at with the word "Life." I would consider this book somewhat autobiographical in nature, since Lamott uses her own life experiences to demonstrate how she writes. The descriptions and metaphors were so vivid and on point that they had me at times laughing out loud, in tears, or having to put the book down just so I could contemplate what I had just read. The tips that she gave regarding the writing process were things that any person could both understand and use, whether or not he had any experience or formal education as a writer. Her tips ranged from tell the truth and write about your childhood to find a partner and use index cards to record ideas. She gives wonderful advice about the life of a writer, such as if your life is not enough before publication, then it won't be enough after publication.
I know that I will read this book again and again, gleaning her tips, stories, and metaphors like a prospector sifting for gold flecks. I can't recommend this book enough for any would-be writer or even any aficionado of the written word.
I know that I will read this book again and again, gleaning her tips, stories, and metaphors like a prospector sifting for gold flecks. I can't recommend this book enough for any would-be writer or even any aficionado of the written word.
Saffy Alexandra (89 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in Books
May 23, 2019
Character Development (3 more)
Continuation of Characters
Descriptive
Completing the long journey
I Open at the Close
A book that will put you through your paces, you will go from laughing, to hanging on from the edge of your seat to sobbing.
These books have been a part of my childhood, growing up reading these books and following Harry, Ron and Hermione through the ups and downs of their adventures.
Rowling knew what we all wanted but instead she gave us the book that we needed instead. As much as we wanted all the characters to live on and be happy, she knew (and we did too) that to complete Harry's and everyone's journey that certain sacrifices needed to be made. As much as I tell myself that those characters aren't actually gone I understand why Rowling did what she had to (doesn't mean I have to like it).
This last book tied everything together beautifully and I don't think any of us could honestly thank Rowling enough for not destroying the story as some authors accidentally end up doing. She kept true to her characters and the story and took us all on a journey.
Such a sad but beautiful way to end the long story, I'm thankful she let us all be a part of it with her!
These books have been a part of my childhood, growing up reading these books and following Harry, Ron and Hermione through the ups and downs of their adventures.
Rowling knew what we all wanted but instead she gave us the book that we needed instead. As much as we wanted all the characters to live on and be happy, she knew (and we did too) that to complete Harry's and everyone's journey that certain sacrifices needed to be made. As much as I tell myself that those characters aren't actually gone I understand why Rowling did what she had to (doesn't mean I have to like it).
This last book tied everything together beautifully and I don't think any of us could honestly thank Rowling enough for not destroying the story as some authors accidentally end up doing. She kept true to her characters and the story and took us all on a journey.
Such a sad but beautiful way to end the long story, I'm thankful she let us all be a part of it with her!
Peter Shephard (2822 KP) rated Call to Adventure in Tabletop Games
Jun 4, 2019
Different, in a very good way
This is unlike any game I have played before. It is totally possible to create a whole life story in one game, and with a little leap of imagination, the created character could be the Big Bad (or Main Support) for just about any fantasy role playing game.
The game uses a standard format for abilities (strength etc) but "casting runes" instead of rolling dice is quick to work out and able to be done quickly.
Having set "story points" which you need to advance your story, but being able to decide whether you take the positive/noble, or negative/shady path gradually builds to give a really developed character.
From one of the games I played, I was an acolyte; I went to war, but was greatly disillusioned by what I saw, so ended up leaving the faith and joining with the thieves. I encountered a childhood sweetheart, and we stayed together for ages. Finally, during my battle with a demon, to complete my return to favour with the diety I had abandoned, my sweetheart was murdered by the demons followers. Although I succeeded, it was at a huge cost....
This was all determined from the cards played; it's very varied and really well thought out.
Highly, highly recommended
The game uses a standard format for abilities (strength etc) but "casting runes" instead of rolling dice is quick to work out and able to be done quickly.
Having set "story points" which you need to advance your story, but being able to decide whether you take the positive/noble, or negative/shady path gradually builds to give a really developed character.
From one of the games I played, I was an acolyte; I went to war, but was greatly disillusioned by what I saw, so ended up leaving the faith and joining with the thieves. I encountered a childhood sweetheart, and we stayed together for ages. Finally, during my battle with a demon, to complete my return to favour with the diety I had abandoned, my sweetheart was murdered by the demons followers. Although I succeeded, it was at a huge cost....
This was all determined from the cards played; it's very varied and really well thought out.
Highly, highly recommended
Sapphire Jane Sawkins (3 KP) rated The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs in Video Games
Jan 28, 2018 (Updated Jan 28, 2018)
I would like to start by saying that I am probably too old to be playing this game anyway, however the Sims is a part of my childhood that I am not willing to give up just yet.
I was very excited for this to get released as I have 2 dogs (real life ones) and what more could you want than to have virtual ones too. I was looking forward to finally completing my virtual family and making it as close to my real one as possible.
I think this game would be great if you hadn't already played Sims 3 Pets. In this version you can't controll your pet, you can interact with them in a way that you can train them to do things, however you cannot use them as you would any other member of the family. This makes it hard to see their needs and therefore makes having a pet a bit of a chore.
This expansion pack does have many great additions, like a new neighbourhood and new decorations and clothes etc. which do add to the game and make it more interesting.
Overall, I think if you are new to the Sims and have come in at The Sims 4, this expansion pack is great. However if you have played previous versions it can be quite disappointing.
I was very excited for this to get released as I have 2 dogs (real life ones) and what more could you want than to have virtual ones too. I was looking forward to finally completing my virtual family and making it as close to my real one as possible.
I think this game would be great if you hadn't already played Sims 3 Pets. In this version you can't controll your pet, you can interact with them in a way that you can train them to do things, however you cannot use them as you would any other member of the family. This makes it hard to see their needs and therefore makes having a pet a bit of a chore.
This expansion pack does have many great additions, like a new neighbourhood and new decorations and clothes etc. which do add to the game and make it more interesting.
Overall, I think if you are new to the Sims and have come in at The Sims 4, this expansion pack is great. However if you have played previous versions it can be quite disappointing.