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Mariafrancesca (30 KP) rated Skyward in Books
Mar 30, 2019
Funny (2 more)
Character development
Unpredictable twists
It has been a long time since I was captivated by a book so badly I didn’t realised is was 3 am on a week night and I was still reading it. Brandon Sanderson is an amazing writer with a style the flows smoothly. However what I love about this writer is the way he depicts his characters. In a world where bravery is valued over everything (to the point that kids are thaught to blindly sacrifice themselves rather than be marked as a coward), Spensa grew up with the stigma of a coward father. But she is a fighter and she navigates life with the confidence of a hero from the past, only to find out - when faced with reality - that being an hero is not that easy. Skyward is a book about many things: spaceships, alien war, AI and human relations with them, post apocalypse society, and search for the truth. But mostly is the journey of a teenager who though she had everything figured it out only to discover that between black and white there are all the shades of colour and that everything in life comes at a price.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging in Books
Mar 11, 2018
An important and necessary conversation
There is a wealth of insight crammed into this book about race and identity in Britain, describing how important it is to have a cohesive self by accepting that you may have other identities alongside being a UK citizen.
What hinders this process is the apparent racism that plagues British society, from being 'colour-blind' and thus ignoring the issue, to the awkward and troubled relationship with Britain's history and its origins. The author, Afua Hirsch, also discovers her own Ghanaian roots throughout her journey of self-awareness, making this book both a memoir and social commentary. Hirsch checks her privilege immediately, which makes a refreshing change.
While I can completely relate to her opinions on the racist structures in place and the microagressions that have become normalised, the historical and anthropological elements were the most fascinating parts for me. Learning about the racist views upheld by leading western thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and David Huhne, as well as how the 1919 race riots ensued over the perception of 'white cleansing' was deeply concerning.
Hirsch's call for change on Britain's selective amnesia is not new but it has a contemporary angle following the country's move to leave the EU. Incredibly engaging.
What hinders this process is the apparent racism that plagues British society, from being 'colour-blind' and thus ignoring the issue, to the awkward and troubled relationship with Britain's history and its origins. The author, Afua Hirsch, also discovers her own Ghanaian roots throughout her journey of self-awareness, making this book both a memoir and social commentary. Hirsch checks her privilege immediately, which makes a refreshing change.
While I can completely relate to her opinions on the racist structures in place and the microagressions that have become normalised, the historical and anthropological elements were the most fascinating parts for me. Learning about the racist views upheld by leading western thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and David Huhne, as well as how the 1919 race riots ensued over the perception of 'white cleansing' was deeply concerning.
Hirsch's call for change on Britain's selective amnesia is not new but it has a contemporary angle following the country's move to leave the EU. Incredibly engaging.
Heather M (8 KP) rated Bear's Magic Moon in Books
Dec 31, 2018 (Updated Dec 31, 2018)
A story about bravery.
Little Bear loves his life on the ice, and has great fun all day long. However, there is one thing that Little Bear doesn't love: the DARK. He is afraid of the dark. So afraid is he, in fact, that when Daddy invites him to the new moon celebration, he cannot go, even to hear Wise Old Bear tell stories of his adventures.
Little Bear huddles in his home until a scary, shadowy figure appears in the entrance. This turns out to be Wise Old Bear, bringing a kind lesson to help Little Bear.
I love this lesson, and it's one that I always try to tell myself, my sons and the children I teach. Bravery is being afraid but going ahead and doing the thing you're afraid of anyway. Bravery isn't not being afraid. I believe that myself and it's great to see this being taught in a lovely picture book.
The illustrations are lovely, with lots of colour and interest added to the snowy landscape and Arctic skies.
This is a story that you will love to read with your children and would work well in the classroom too.
I posted this review on my blog:
https://wp.me/p9SEjW-76
Little Bear huddles in his home until a scary, shadowy figure appears in the entrance. This turns out to be Wise Old Bear, bringing a kind lesson to help Little Bear.
I love this lesson, and it's one that I always try to tell myself, my sons and the children I teach. Bravery is being afraid but going ahead and doing the thing you're afraid of anyway. Bravery isn't not being afraid. I believe that myself and it's great to see this being taught in a lovely picture book.
The illustrations are lovely, with lots of colour and interest added to the snowy landscape and Arctic skies.
This is a story that you will love to read with your children and would work well in the classroom too.
I posted this review on my blog:
https://wp.me/p9SEjW-76
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled in Video Games
Jun 24, 2019
I've spent a couple of afternoons now, playing this very shiny remake of the PS One classic, and I can safely say, I'm once again hooked.
It's another nostalgia fest, following on from the N Sane Trilogy, and it looks amazing, full of colour and impressive textures.
The gameplay itself is pretty identical to the original, and still just as challenging (I swear I used to be better at these games as a kid).
It's not just the original content we get here though, Activision and Beenox have added in content from the CTR sequels that followed in later years, bolstering Nitro-Fueled to a bulkier experience, alongside plenty of unlockable characters, and customisation items for your cart. There's also an in game store where you can buy various items with in game currency, but here's the best part - as it stands, you can only earn in game currency by playing the game! There's is no option to spend real money here, which is refreshing in today's gaming climate.
I'm already gunning for 100% completion on this one, and with an already-announced batch of FREE additional content incoming (including Spyro!), I get the feeling I'll be playing this one for a while.
It's another nostalgia fest, following on from the N Sane Trilogy, and it looks amazing, full of colour and impressive textures.
The gameplay itself is pretty identical to the original, and still just as challenging (I swear I used to be better at these games as a kid).
It's not just the original content we get here though, Activision and Beenox have added in content from the CTR sequels that followed in later years, bolstering Nitro-Fueled to a bulkier experience, alongside plenty of unlockable characters, and customisation items for your cart. There's also an in game store where you can buy various items with in game currency, but here's the best part - as it stands, you can only earn in game currency by playing the game! There's is no option to spend real money here, which is refreshing in today's gaming climate.
I'm already gunning for 100% completion on this one, and with an already-announced batch of FREE additional content incoming (including Spyro!), I get the feeling I'll be playing this one for a while.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) in Movies
Jul 16, 2019
An absolute joy from start to finish
Into the Spider-Verse is nothing short of excellent.
The animation style is beautiful, quirky, packed with colour, and doesn't let go of your attention until the credits have finished rolling.
The assembled voice cast are all great, and compliment the emotion and humour felt throughout.
The humour in question is flawless...every joke and humourous beat land perfectly. It's a funny movie, as well as carrying along a powerful message about growing up, and realising that you're not alone.
The storyline is pretty crazy, and as it deals with multiple dimensions, there's a chance to pull in some fun characters from the comic world, including Peni Parker, Spider-Ham, Spider Gwen, and Spider-Man Noir (hilarious btw). It's definitely out there, but it works very well.
Miles' universe, where the movie takes place, is a setting that allows the writers to take free reign, tinkering with classic villains we know and love, making this a Spider-Man movie worth seeing for fans old and new.
Possibly the best Spider-Man movie yet (maybe in a par with Far From Home).
End note - the post credit scene is just the best thing ever.
The animation style is beautiful, quirky, packed with colour, and doesn't let go of your attention until the credits have finished rolling.
The assembled voice cast are all great, and compliment the emotion and humour felt throughout.
The humour in question is flawless...every joke and humourous beat land perfectly. It's a funny movie, as well as carrying along a powerful message about growing up, and realising that you're not alone.
The storyline is pretty crazy, and as it deals with multiple dimensions, there's a chance to pull in some fun characters from the comic world, including Peni Parker, Spider-Ham, Spider Gwen, and Spider-Man Noir (hilarious btw). It's definitely out there, but it works very well.
Miles' universe, where the movie takes place, is a setting that allows the writers to take free reign, tinkering with classic villains we know and love, making this a Spider-Man movie worth seeing for fans old and new.
Possibly the best Spider-Man movie yet (maybe in a par with Far From Home).
End note - the post credit scene is just the best thing ever.
Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated Belle's Discovery in Books
Apr 10, 2020
As an adult reader I actually found myself quite enjoying this book! Don't get me wrong it was a very quick read but then the book is aimed at children so that is to be expected.
This tale of Belle as a child really stayed true to the character that we know and love in Beauty & the Beast. Belle knows she is different from her schoolmates and longs to have something in common with them. However, her original tendencies to learning and invention always shine through: a trait the other children label as odd.
I really appreciated the small nods to the famous Disney film throughout this book: the triplets in their different colour dresses and Maurice's familiar inventions make the reader comfortable in this provincial town and truly settle in to the story of Belle as a child.
Naturally the tale has to revolve around books and I would be disappointed if it didn't. The transformation of Belle into "the girl who could" mirrors that of the town's neglected bookstore and her childlike determination is inspiring.
Both the writing and the illustrations are perfect in this book. Sadly there is no mini gaston but that would have probably been too obvious and trite.
A great book for children (and big kids) alike.
This tale of Belle as a child really stayed true to the character that we know and love in Beauty & the Beast. Belle knows she is different from her schoolmates and longs to have something in common with them. However, her original tendencies to learning and invention always shine through: a trait the other children label as odd.
I really appreciated the small nods to the famous Disney film throughout this book: the triplets in their different colour dresses and Maurice's familiar inventions make the reader comfortable in this provincial town and truly settle in to the story of Belle as a child.
Naturally the tale has to revolve around books and I would be disappointed if it didn't. The transformation of Belle into "the girl who could" mirrors that of the town's neglected bookstore and her childlike determination is inspiring.
Both the writing and the illustrations are perfect in this book. Sadly there is no mini gaston but that would have probably been too obvious and trite.
A great book for children (and big kids) alike.
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