Amy Christmas (171 KP) rated Northern Lights in Books
Jan 14, 2019
We follow Lyra a girl from Oxford who is looked after by the scholars of Jordan college. We are introduced to her deamon 'Pan' (for short because I couldn't for the life of me work out how to say his name) and the workings of this world, of this child's world. Before being thrown as Lyra is into the politics and shenanigans of adults.
Lyra's character is a complex one she is a feisty intelligent girl but at times the way she behaved and is described to talk is unrealistic for a child her age, however these small things can be overlooked.
As I had only ever seen the movie before, which pales in comparison, I was shocked by the twist at the end of the book concerning Ms Coulter and Lord Asriel, and made me feel as if my journeying with Lyra through the north, meeting Iorek and the witches and the Gyptians had all been worth it and there was another adventure ahead, as it is not over at the end of this book rather it tells you loud and clear that you've barely begun... and I love it.
The Art of Football: The Early Game in the Golden Age of Illustration
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The Art of Football is a singular look at early college football art and illustrations. This...
Freshwater
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Olive Rush: Finding Her Place in the Santa Fe Art Colony
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This engaging biography brings light to the life, art, and extraordinary contributions of Olive Rush...
After the Titanic: A Life of Derek Mahon
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Over forty-five years have elapsed since Derek Mahon announced his arrival at the forefront of Irish...
The E-Connected World: Risks and Opportunities
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Contrary to writings that herald the internet as a great liberator or see the information age as a...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2516 KP) rated Killing in a Koi Pond in Books
Jun 13, 2021
Although I’ve been a fan of the TV show for years, I just started reading the books a couple of years ago. While I enjoyed those books, they felt a little off for the franchise. This book captures the feel of the show much better, especially Jessica on a trip episode (which were the majority). Jessica is her charming best here, and I enjoyed several other characters as well as appreciating the growth in Delores. I did feel that Delores’s step-granddaughter was a bit young for the age she was supposed to be and the suspects were thin. The plot was good, although the pacing was off. Still, it did provide some enjoyable red herrings before we reached a classic Murder, She Wrote climax. Fans of the series will feel right at home here.
Unearthed
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It is the Age of the Xxyryn ... a strange and mystical time, even for people of magic. In ancient...
Debbiereadsbook (1699 KP) rated Escaping Camp Roosevelt in Books
May 30, 2019
I'm going to struggle with this review, I know I am, so please bear with me, okay?
I don't usually like books with college age young adults as the main characters, but something about the blurb must have grabbed me for me to say yes to reading it, even though the blurb says how old Tucker and Dancer are. I can't tell you what though. And Tucker is a little naive at the beginning of this book. Dancer is far more world wise than a 21 year old should be, but he's been on the streets a long time.
There are some difficult topics dealt with here. Tucker's mum is a drug user. Dancer is selling himself (although nothing is described in any great detail). Some abuse. Homelessness, how families cope with that. All topics are, I thought, dealt with well.
Both Tucker and Dancer have their say, in the third person. Both voices are distinctive and clear, and they tell their story well.
I just *insert sigh* don't know that I LIKED it. I certainly did not love it, but I'm not left with any negative feelings about it, either. It just does not push my buttons, I'm afraid.
But I DID finish it, and it held my attention the whole way through. So for that reason . .
3 stars.
I'm sorry, I really I am! Someone will love the pants off this book, but it's not me.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**