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Lenard (726 KP) rated Pet Sematary (2019) in Movies
Apr 9, 2019
A Boston doctor moves his family to what is believed to be a quiet town in Maine. He soon discovers that the town has a secret past and supernatural powers. A good horror movie requires an atmosphere and a good movie based on the book makes you want to read the book to see what was left out. Neither requirement is met in this version of "Pet Sematary." The setting of the atmosphere I may have missed due to longer credits attached to "Shazam" that my gig required me to view. When I entered the theater, the family was already in their Maine house. In the short time I was not there, two things were established, the gas trucks that constantly careen through the town, a ominous sign of accidents to come and the family move to Maine to get away from the hustle of the city. The shadow of death could not have come until I was already in the theater. This aspect of the family dynamic was firmly established later when Ellie sees an animal dead on the road. The titular pet cemetary was also introduced while I was in attendance. The directors did not set up any foreboding specters for the cemetary or the family past, a sign of people in need of paying attention to their own creation. Throughout the film, there should be moments that terrify you from Church to the zombie child to Judd's mysteriously dead wife. None of these approach master level suspense.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit in Books
Jun 11, 2019
This is a sweet, southern f/f romance. Set in Georgia, it deals with a lot of things young lesbians might have to deal with in the south - religion, bigotry, the stress of coming out or not coming out (or being forced back in the closet by a move to a small town)! It doesn't deal with any outright violence against our lesbian protagonists, and it just barely touches on drug use, eating disorders, and abusive relationships. Joanna has a mostly supportive family, even if they do ask her to hide her sexuality for her senior year in the new town. Jo reluctantly agrees to do so, but doesn't count on falling in love with a girl at her new school.
The book deals a LOT with religion and sexuality; Jo's father is a radio preacher, and she attends a baptist church in town with her stepmother and new grandparents. At one point - one of my favorite scenes in the book - she snaps, and calls out her classmates for thinking homosexuality is a sin, while they eat shellfish and have premarital sex.
I liked the book, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it. I grew up Christian; I'm familiar with all the concepts in the book, but rather than progress to a kinder, more loving version of Christianity, I left it behind altogether. I'm glad that some people can reconcile religion with progressive values, but I can't. So it might be a good book for some, but not for me.You can find all my reviews and more at http://goddessinthestacks.com
The book deals a LOT with religion and sexuality; Jo's father is a radio preacher, and she attends a baptist church in town with her stepmother and new grandparents. At one point - one of my favorite scenes in the book - she snaps, and calls out her classmates for thinking homosexuality is a sin, while they eat shellfish and have premarital sex.
I liked the book, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it. I grew up Christian; I'm familiar with all the concepts in the book, but rather than progress to a kinder, more loving version of Christianity, I left it behind altogether. I'm glad that some people can reconcile religion with progressive values, but I can't. So it might be a good book for some, but not for me.You can find all my reviews and more at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Loney in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Also find my review here: http://bit.ly/25IFVT7
<b><i>’”It’s funny, int it?” he said. “How you church people can have more faith in something that can’t be proved than something that's standing right in front of you? I suppose it comes down to seeing what you want to see, dunt it?”’</i></b>
<b>3.5 stars!</b>
I had really high hopes for this book, more because I’d been wanting to read it since before it came out than due to others reviews, so I really didn’t want it to let me down, and I can’t seem to make up my mind as to whether it did or not.
Let’s just put it this way, <b>there was a lot left unsaid.</b>
This book classes itself as a horror, but I don’t see it that way myself, though I’m not sure what genre I would place it in. There were parts of the book that did in fact freak me out and I had to stop reading it at 2am in the pitch black because I was just a tad scared but in the end there was not a lot to be scared of. Just things to be curious about.
I’ve actually found it quite difficult to write a review for this <i>(hence the very short review)</i> because I’m not sure what there is to talk about. I loved the writing of this book, the characters and the setting but I’m not sure how to feel about the plot.
<b><i>’”It’s funny, int it?” he said. “How you church people can have more faith in something that can’t be proved than something that's standing right in front of you? I suppose it comes down to seeing what you want to see, dunt it?”’</i></b>
<b>3.5 stars!</b>
I had really high hopes for this book, more because I’d been wanting to read it since before it came out than due to others reviews, so I really didn’t want it to let me down, and I can’t seem to make up my mind as to whether it did or not.
Let’s just put it this way, <b>there was a lot left unsaid.</b>
This book classes itself as a horror, but I don’t see it that way myself, though I’m not sure what genre I would place it in. There were parts of the book that did in fact freak me out and I had to stop reading it at 2am in the pitch black because I was just a tad scared but in the end there was not a lot to be scared of. Just things to be curious about.
I’ve actually found it quite difficult to write a review for this <i>(hence the very short review)</i> because I’m not sure what there is to talk about. I loved the writing of this book, the characters and the setting but I’m not sure how to feel about the plot.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Exploring the Bible: A Bible Reading Plan for Kids in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Exploring the Bible A Bible Reading Plan for Kids by David Murray is a wonderful resource for families to use to engage their children in studying the Bible. This book is an interactive guide for children to explore the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, in one year. The overall focus is to discover key points throughout scripture that show how the books of the Bible are connected and tell the story of a loving and gracious God.
The devotional starts with an expedition. Each week is a map of where we are headed and chapters we are ready to explore. You will need a bible, as each day you will be required to look up scripture and with each scripture a question to challenge your heart and to direct you to God's redemptive plan. Along with scripture, you will have prayer points. The need of prayer is important with any study and to do this as family is the beginning of discipleship. Snapshots are memory verses to learn and to bring the point to your heart even more. A daily log follows that which encourages you to write what you learn and to apply. It also encourages every Sunday to journal Sunday's message at your church and to explore with others as family to share what has been learned and the insight each family member might have.
I give this devotional 4/5 stars.
I received this ARC from Crossway via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The devotional starts with an expedition. Each week is a map of where we are headed and chapters we are ready to explore. You will need a bible, as each day you will be required to look up scripture and with each scripture a question to challenge your heart and to direct you to God's redemptive plan. Along with scripture, you will have prayer points. The need of prayer is important with any study and to do this as family is the beginning of discipleship. Snapshots are memory verses to learn and to bring the point to your heart even more. A daily log follows that which encourages you to write what you learn and to apply. It also encourages every Sunday to journal Sunday's message at your church and to explore with others as family to share what has been learned and the insight each family member might have.
I give this devotional 4/5 stars.
I received this ARC from Crossway via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Toucan Keep a Secret in Books
Sep 12, 2018
It's No Secret - I Think You'll Enjoy This Book
Meg Langslow is taking a turn locking up the Episcopal Church in town. She's part of the brigade helping out since Reverend Robyn Smith is out on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. Meg just about has everything taken care of when she hears a pounding coming from the columbarium. When she goes to investigate, she finds several of the crypts have been opened, and the dead body of Junius Hagley on the ground. Mr. Hagley was a grouchy old man who Meg and her mother secretly call one of the Muttering Misogynists, but Meg didn't wish him dead. What has Meg stumbled into now?
My biggest issue with this book involved the use of the term misogynist to describe the victim as well as describing some of his actions as mansplaining. Honestly, I felt both of these terms didn't have much to do with the mystery plot in the slightest and were there more to lecture us than to entertain. Which is a shame because the mystery itself was very entertaining. Between a mystery from the past and how it is factoring into the events of the present, I was hooked until Meg pieced it together at the end. We get most of the series regulars here, and they entertain as always. The new characters are colorful and therefore plenty of fun as well. A few of the scenes were so much funny they literally made me laugh out loud.
My biggest issue with this book involved the use of the term misogynist to describe the victim as well as describing some of his actions as mansplaining. Honestly, I felt both of these terms didn't have much to do with the mystery plot in the slightest and were there more to lecture us than to entertain. Which is a shame because the mystery itself was very entertaining. Between a mystery from the past and how it is factoring into the events of the present, I was hooked until Meg pieced it together at the end. We get most of the series regulars here, and they entertain as always. The new characters are colorful and therefore plenty of fun as well. A few of the scenes were so much funny they literally made me laugh out loud.
Creepy demons (1 more)
Likeable main characters
A Mexican Supernatural
This appeared on my Netflix recommendations list, so I thought that I would give it a try. I am a huge fan of this type of series, and would liken the series to Supernatural and the exorcist.
Series 1 follows Elvis (a Diablero or demon hunter), Father Ramiro (a priest hunting for his daughter, conceived prior to his joining the Catholic Church, but later abducted by a demon), Keta (Elvis’ sister) and Nancy (a young women who attracts demons). The story primarily centres around the groups search for the truth in finding Ramiro’s missing daughter, although strongly hints at stories that could be followed up in a future series.
Despite being in Spanish originally, Netflix have dubbed the show in English relatively well. I am not opposed to subtitles, but I do like to be lazy at times.
I thoroughly enjoyed this show and binged on it in two sittings. The show itself was quite dark at times, which fits in well with the genre. The story line includes the plight of small children which encourages us to route for the main characters, there is also on and off romantic tension between Ramiro and Nancy, which I found interesting. One thing I will say though, is at times the special effects were a little low budget, although I can imagine that this will improve as the show picks up credibility.
I eagerly await a second season (please renew Netflix), and hope that series 2 is longer than season 1!
Series 1 follows Elvis (a Diablero or demon hunter), Father Ramiro (a priest hunting for his daughter, conceived prior to his joining the Catholic Church, but later abducted by a demon), Keta (Elvis’ sister) and Nancy (a young women who attracts demons). The story primarily centres around the groups search for the truth in finding Ramiro’s missing daughter, although strongly hints at stories that could be followed up in a future series.
Despite being in Spanish originally, Netflix have dubbed the show in English relatively well. I am not opposed to subtitles, but I do like to be lazy at times.
I thoroughly enjoyed this show and binged on it in two sittings. The show itself was quite dark at times, which fits in well with the genre. The story line includes the plight of small children which encourages us to route for the main characters, there is also on and off romantic tension between Ramiro and Nancy, which I found interesting. One thing I will say though, is at times the special effects were a little low budget, although I can imagine that this will improve as the show picks up credibility.
I eagerly await a second season (please renew Netflix), and hope that series 2 is longer than season 1!
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Staying Home (The Call of Home #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Staying Home is the third book in The Call of Home series, and we meet Sam Carmichael, the Reverend for the local Church of Scotland. He is gay, but keeps it to himself. He has become friendly with Tosh, whose husband was murdered in the previous book. Darach, partner to Brice, is an ex of Tosh's and also had 'liaisons' with Sam when they were a lot younger, so he worries that Sam is using Tosh and does his best to stick his oar in!
Sam and Tosh both have different things to work through. Sam in particular has a little bombshell that he has been keeping to himself. I thought that this part of the book was extremely well written, with honesty but without any overdramatisations. With everything that these two go through, you hope for a happy ending, but you're not completely sure you're going to get one.
One thing I will just say (without saying too much) is that Sam and Tosh did something when they were away that I had been hoping for! It brought tears to my eyes, and I loved every moment of that scene.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt your reading flow, I would recommend you read the previous two books before starting this one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sam and Tosh both have different things to work through. Sam in particular has a little bombshell that he has been keeping to himself. I thought that this part of the book was extremely well written, with honesty but without any overdramatisations. With everything that these two go through, you hope for a happy ending, but you're not completely sure you're going to get one.
One thing I will just say (without saying too much) is that Sam and Tosh did something when they were away that I had been hoping for! It brought tears to my eyes, and I loved every moment of that scene.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt your reading flow, I would recommend you read the previous two books before starting this one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
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Woodrow Wilson: Ruling Elder, Spiritual President
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When Woodrow Wilson was elected as a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in 1897, his preacher...
Philomena: (Film Tie-in Edition)
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When she fell pregnant as a teenager in Ireland in 1952, Philomena Lee was sent to the convent at...