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Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Keeper - Single by Olivia Nelson in Music
Jun 25, 2019
Olivia Nelson is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter based in East London. Not too long ago, she released an honest R&B tune, entitled, “Keeper”, the third track from her upcoming EP.
“I hope he cracks your back and treats you better than he did to me. I hope he builds a bridge and gets over his insecurities. I’m so over the complications, over the not letting go. I’m ready to move on, ready to open the door. And she’s a keeper if she can deal with all your sh*t. No, I wasn’t the one, wasn’t no fun to play with.” – lyrics
‘Keeper’ tells a straightforward tale of a young woman who sends her ex-beau an evergreen message.
Apparently, not too long ago, the once budding couple called it quits. Their breakup occurred because she lived in a fairytale world while he simultaneously dated someone else.
Later, after healing from her heartache, she tells her ex to keep his new girl close because she’s the only one who will deal with his shenanigans.
‘Keeper’ contains a bittersweet storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and funky instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
“It’s a message to his new girlfriend. A warning of what’s potentially to come.” – Olivia Nelson
Olivia Nelson blossomed after releasing her collaborative debut, “Someone That You Love”, which has amassed over 15M streams; and her standalone single, “Smother Me”, has over 1M streams online.
She is labeled one of British R&B’s most exciting new talents and set to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading & Leeds Festival this year. Followed by her own headline show at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen in London on October 15, 2019.
“I hope he cracks your back and treats you better than he did to me. I hope he builds a bridge and gets over his insecurities. I’m so over the complications, over the not letting go. I’m ready to move on, ready to open the door. And she’s a keeper if she can deal with all your sh*t. No, I wasn’t the one, wasn’t no fun to play with.” – lyrics
‘Keeper’ tells a straightforward tale of a young woman who sends her ex-beau an evergreen message.
Apparently, not too long ago, the once budding couple called it quits. Their breakup occurred because she lived in a fairytale world while he simultaneously dated someone else.
Later, after healing from her heartache, she tells her ex to keep his new girl close because she’s the only one who will deal with his shenanigans.
‘Keeper’ contains a bittersweet storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and funky instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
“It’s a message to his new girlfriend. A warning of what’s potentially to come.” – Olivia Nelson
Olivia Nelson blossomed after releasing her collaborative debut, “Someone That You Love”, which has amassed over 15M streams; and her standalone single, “Smother Me”, has over 1M streams online.
She is labeled one of British R&B’s most exciting new talents and set to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading & Leeds Festival this year. Followed by her own headline show at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen in London on October 15, 2019.
TheBookMother (105 KP) rated My Name is Leon in Books
Jun 25, 2019
Emotive flashback to the care system in the 80s
Contains spoilers, click to show
I couldn't actually put this book down. I fell in love with the protagonist character Leon from page one.
You begin to really imagine how he feels living in a neglected home, being passed around and watching everyone he cares about leave him.
One of the most heartwrenching bits of the book is where is baby brother whom he cared and doted on is adopted without him.
He then finds a supportive foster family but once again cruel fate intervenes and she is taken into hospital.
He is such a lost little boy, the pain he is feeling literally radiates from the pages. The use of emotive language is stunning.
There were times I was close to tears and I had to keep reading to find out if he got the happy ending he so deserved.
The author sets the scene so beautifully and I really did get taken back to the 80s from the talk of toys, TV and the Royal Wedding.
A surprise from the book was the coverage of the Black Riots and you do really feel for all those involved and also the confusion and fear that rippled through different communities I felt the author portrayed this really well.
If I really had to find a negative it would be that at times it was a tad predictable, but it didn't really ruin my experience reading this book.
I did consume this in a couple of days and it was very powerful it was one of the most emotive books I have read in a while.
I thoroughly recommend it, but best get the tissues on hand.
You begin to really imagine how he feels living in a neglected home, being passed around and watching everyone he cares about leave him.
One of the most heartwrenching bits of the book is where is baby brother whom he cared and doted on is adopted without him.
He then finds a supportive foster family but once again cruel fate intervenes and she is taken into hospital.
He is such a lost little boy, the pain he is feeling literally radiates from the pages. The use of emotive language is stunning.
There were times I was close to tears and I had to keep reading to find out if he got the happy ending he so deserved.
The author sets the scene so beautifully and I really did get taken back to the 80s from the talk of toys, TV and the Royal Wedding.
A surprise from the book was the coverage of the Black Riots and you do really feel for all those involved and also the confusion and fear that rippled through different communities I felt the author portrayed this really well.
If I really had to find a negative it would be that at times it was a tad predictable, but it didn't really ruin my experience reading this book.
I did consume this in a couple of days and it was very powerful it was one of the most emotive books I have read in a while.
I thoroughly recommend it, but best get the tissues on hand.
TheBookMother (105 KP) rated Big Little Lies in Books
Jun 25, 2019
A perfect example of a who done it with added school politics!
Okay, so a small confession...
I may have watched the TV series before this book and didn't know it was actually a book before Nicole Kidman and Reece Witherspoon brought the rights.
I loved the TV show and the book certainly didn't disappoint.
It was quite relevent for me too ATM as my son is about to start reception class and I can certainly imagine all the different school politics that go on!
This book was hard to put down and whilst on holiday of managed to read it in a couple of days.
It delivered everything I want in a book and more.
(This bear in mind with me knowing what does actually happen as I had seen the series already). To read this for the first time without seeing the show I can imagine locking myself away and calling in sick to work to keep reading.
I loved the pace, tone and voice of the book and how it switched between each character and how they thought and felt.
As a mother I identified with all of the main characters at one point of another as their lives all intersect around a fatal event which occurs at a fundraising Trivia Night.
You know this from the outset, and I really enjoyed the comments from all the secondary characters throughout the chapters too.
They really did help set the scene and tension in the build up to the big event.
I loved this author so much I've already brought and started reading another one of her books and will likely be buying them all!
I may have watched the TV series before this book and didn't know it was actually a book before Nicole Kidman and Reece Witherspoon brought the rights.
I loved the TV show and the book certainly didn't disappoint.
It was quite relevent for me too ATM as my son is about to start reception class and I can certainly imagine all the different school politics that go on!
This book was hard to put down and whilst on holiday of managed to read it in a couple of days.
It delivered everything I want in a book and more.
(This bear in mind with me knowing what does actually happen as I had seen the series already). To read this for the first time without seeing the show I can imagine locking myself away and calling in sick to work to keep reading.
I loved the pace, tone and voice of the book and how it switched between each character and how they thought and felt.
As a mother I identified with all of the main characters at one point of another as their lives all intersect around a fatal event which occurs at a fundraising Trivia Night.
You know this from the outset, and I really enjoyed the comments from all the secondary characters throughout the chapters too.
They really did help set the scene and tension in the build up to the big event.
I loved this author so much I've already brought and started reading another one of her books and will likely be buying them all!
Natacha (374 KP) rated The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles #1) in Books
Jun 29, 2019
A nice easy read
This was another book that I wanted to pick up when I got back into reading but I ended up reading The Name of the Wind instead. I should have picked this one up...
This was an easy and interesting read. We have a strong female main character and we see that through her actions and not just because the author tells us so.
Things that I liked:
-Lia. She is strong, stubborn and she cares a lot about her friends.
-The mystery of who is the assassin and who is the prince. I thought that was a nice idea, it kept me guessing for a little but if you pay attention to a couple of details you'll guess who is who.
-Love triangle. Yes, that's an unpopular opinion but well-done love triangles are my guilty pleasure.
-Lia's actions have consequences that she needs to deal with.
Things I didn't like:
-This is the first of a trilogy so this was mostly to get to know the characters. The majority of the book is Lia getting on with her new life in Terravin and getting to know Kaden and Rafe, and falling in love. So not too much action.
Worth mentioning:
-If you like complex magic systems in your fantasy book this is not it. There is not magic as see in epic fantasy. The gift that some people have in the book, is another way to say that they are some kind of psychic. They can see into the past and future, sometimes with the help of the dead. And that's all we get magic wise., so don't go in expecting complex magic systems.
This was an easy and interesting read. We have a strong female main character and we see that through her actions and not just because the author tells us so.
Things that I liked:
-Lia. She is strong, stubborn and she cares a lot about her friends.
-The mystery of who is the assassin and who is the prince. I thought that was a nice idea, it kept me guessing for a little but if you pay attention to a couple of details you'll guess who is who.
-Love triangle. Yes, that's an unpopular opinion but well-done love triangles are my guilty pleasure.
-Lia's actions have consequences that she needs to deal with.
Things I didn't like:
-This is the first of a trilogy so this was mostly to get to know the characters. The majority of the book is Lia getting on with her new life in Terravin and getting to know Kaden and Rafe, and falling in love. So not too much action.
Worth mentioning:
-If you like complex magic systems in your fantasy book this is not it. There is not magic as see in epic fantasy. The gift that some people have in the book, is another way to say that they are some kind of psychic. They can see into the past and future, sometimes with the help of the dead. And that's all we get magic wise., so don't go in expecting complex magic systems.
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The Municipalists in Books
Sep 24, 2019
Watch the Friendship Bloom :)
I didn’t imagine I would like this novel much but in fact, I did. It’s a rather quick read but the adventure is quite the ride!
Henry starts off as an average, run of the mill model employee. He pretty much blends in the background and plays by the rules. Sounds uninteresting doesn’t it? He’s got a thing for trains and his past isn’t shining bright considering what happened to his parents. He’s a wallflower with a sad past and he just immerses himself into his work.
Then comes OWEN.
He changes Henry - a lot. Their friendship is laughable at first and off to a rocky start. (like most when you have an odd couple/opposites in a team) OWEN has wit and a rather unconventional way of solving things whereas Henry likes to stick with the rules. Yet it’s because of OWEN that Henry’s character develops and changes. They end up being a likable pair and they start growing on you despite the rather awkward start. OWEN does provide the comic relief in the story though, he’s a supercomputer you would not mind hanging out with.
The plot is straight to the point and there’s not much in the way of twists and turns. There are a few revelations here and there but it’s mainly about Henry and his view on the world and how it changes. That’s really the main point of the novel. There’s some action scenes and some intrigue but nothing over the top. There are going to be parts that pack a punch but it’s effective as you really do connect with both Henry and OWEN.
It’s a quick read and an enjoyable one, I say read it for character development and watching the friendship between Henry and OWEN- and enjoy it.
Henry starts off as an average, run of the mill model employee. He pretty much blends in the background and plays by the rules. Sounds uninteresting doesn’t it? He’s got a thing for trains and his past isn’t shining bright considering what happened to his parents. He’s a wallflower with a sad past and he just immerses himself into his work.
Then comes OWEN.
He changes Henry - a lot. Their friendship is laughable at first and off to a rocky start. (like most when you have an odd couple/opposites in a team) OWEN has wit and a rather unconventional way of solving things whereas Henry likes to stick with the rules. Yet it’s because of OWEN that Henry’s character develops and changes. They end up being a likable pair and they start growing on you despite the rather awkward start. OWEN does provide the comic relief in the story though, he’s a supercomputer you would not mind hanging out with.
The plot is straight to the point and there’s not much in the way of twists and turns. There are a few revelations here and there but it’s mainly about Henry and his view on the world and how it changes. That’s really the main point of the novel. There’s some action scenes and some intrigue but nothing over the top. There are going to be parts that pack a punch but it’s effective as you really do connect with both Henry and OWEN.
It’s a quick read and an enjoyable one, I say read it for character development and watching the friendship between Henry and OWEN- and enjoy it.
Merissa (13303 KP) rated Where Love Grows in Books
Sep 26, 2019
Where Love Grows is a beautiful story between two men who have struggled with hard times, set in the gorgeous backdrop of Wales. Stephen has been seriously ill and is struggling to get his life back on track. It appears hopeless and he feels helpless. Luke is suffering from depression and has no idea on how to make his life better OR be able to move forward. Together, these two are amazing.
Oh my, I loved this story. I am not a gardener although my heart is in the right place. Unfortunately, my brown thumb doesn't cooperate! So I was immediately sympathising with Luke as he struggled to understand the difference between a weed and a flower. Stephen is a prickly character that endears himself to you as you learn more about his story. Yes, I wanted to slap him upside the head a couple of times, but I want to do that to my husband at times too, so count it as a compliment 😉
The writing is excellent, with clear descriptions of places, weather, emotions, you name it. The pacing is smooth, with the ending sneaking up on me. I was so engrossed in the story, I didn't realise I was nearing the end. I could have carried on reading! There is only a small cast of characters but this works so well. The storyline is superbly simple, focusing on the important things between our two characters rather than unnecessary drama.
This is a book to enjoy all year long, no matter what the season, or what is growing in your garden. Absolutely fantastic, and highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oh my, I loved this story. I am not a gardener although my heart is in the right place. Unfortunately, my brown thumb doesn't cooperate! So I was immediately sympathising with Luke as he struggled to understand the difference between a weed and a flower. Stephen is a prickly character that endears himself to you as you learn more about his story. Yes, I wanted to slap him upside the head a couple of times, but I want to do that to my husband at times too, so count it as a compliment 😉
The writing is excellent, with clear descriptions of places, weather, emotions, you name it. The pacing is smooth, with the ending sneaking up on me. I was so engrossed in the story, I didn't realise I was nearing the end. I could have carried on reading! There is only a small cast of characters but this works so well. The storyline is superbly simple, focusing on the important things between our two characters rather than unnecessary drama.
This is a book to enjoy all year long, no matter what the season, or what is growing in your garden. Absolutely fantastic, and highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13303 KP) rated The Devil in Disguise (Broken Halos #4) in Books
Sep 27, 2019
The Devil in Disguise is the fourth book in the Broken Halos series, and MUST be read as part of the series, or it just won't make sense. With the help of her new-found friends, Hel is back on earth, but that's where the good news ends. Earth isn't at all how it is supposed to be, and Eric is still unconscious. Not only that, but things aren't looking too good as Hel and the others try to get one step ahead of Mammon and his crew.
If you follow my reviews, you will know that I am an avid fan of Maya Daniels. She hasn't written a bad book yet, and no matter what the storyline is, she manages to suck me in. It is the same with this book! Hel and Eric still remain my favourite couple, but I really want to know what is going on with Maddison and Leviathan!! Beezlebub is a firm favourite, and I adore how he interacts with Hel. My heart does ache for Raphael in this book though, so consider yourself warned.
With no errors that disrupted my reading, I was thoroughly engrossed in this story and, once again, found it to be over far too quickly. Not that the story is short, just that I didn't want it to end. A fantastic storyline with characters and situations to love, plus a sexy time. I am loving this series and have no hesitation in highly recommending it.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
If you follow my reviews, you will know that I am an avid fan of Maya Daniels. She hasn't written a bad book yet, and no matter what the storyline is, she manages to suck me in. It is the same with this book! Hel and Eric still remain my favourite couple, but I really want to know what is going on with Maddison and Leviathan!! Beezlebub is a firm favourite, and I adore how he interacts with Hel. My heart does ache for Raphael in this book though, so consider yourself warned.
With no errors that disrupted my reading, I was thoroughly engrossed in this story and, once again, found it to be over far too quickly. Not that the story is short, just that I didn't want it to end. A fantastic storyline with characters and situations to love, plus a sexy time. I am loving this series and have no hesitation in highly recommending it.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated This Island Earth (1955) in Movies
Sep 28, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
A scientist working on a new form of atomic energy is recruited by the mysterious Exeter to work with other scientists on secret project, but all is not what it seems.
This Island Earth is a classic 1950’s Sci-Fi flick, it starts as a bit of a mystery, a plane fails and is then remotely controlled, strange components arrive from an unknown company and Exeter is strange. Considering the age of the film, the effects aren’t too bad, there is the almost obligatory use of coloured light when things are being controlled, there are no visible string on the flying saucer and the costumes aren’t too terrible. Without going over the top with make up or prosthetics the film mangers to show that there is something ‘otherworldly’ about Exeter and his companions and even the alien planet of Metaluna is quite good.
This Island Earth also has, what has to be one of my all-time favourite aliens, the Metaluna Mutant. These are the total opposite of Exeter and costumed to look totally alien. They are almost pointless to the plot of the film. The normal Metaluna’s are not really an enemy so, to add a bit of threat to the end the film the mutants are introduced as a servant type race that have been mind-controlled but the hero’s run into a couple that are hurt which gives the opportunity to have the female lead chased around for a few minutes. The point is the mutants are unnecessary, the Metaluna leader has already created a threat which could have been used.
This Island Earth easily fits into the ‘Atomic fear’ movies of the 1950’s but also shows the hope the world had for nuclear power which makes the film a refreshing change from the normal alien invasion flic.
This Island Earth is a classic 1950’s Sci-Fi flick, it starts as a bit of a mystery, a plane fails and is then remotely controlled, strange components arrive from an unknown company and Exeter is strange. Considering the age of the film, the effects aren’t too bad, there is the almost obligatory use of coloured light when things are being controlled, there are no visible string on the flying saucer and the costumes aren’t too terrible. Without going over the top with make up or prosthetics the film mangers to show that there is something ‘otherworldly’ about Exeter and his companions and even the alien planet of Metaluna is quite good.
This Island Earth also has, what has to be one of my all-time favourite aliens, the Metaluna Mutant. These are the total opposite of Exeter and costumed to look totally alien. They are almost pointless to the plot of the film. The normal Metaluna’s are not really an enemy so, to add a bit of threat to the end the film the mutants are introduced as a servant type race that have been mind-controlled but the hero’s run into a couple that are hurt which gives the opportunity to have the female lead chased around for a few minutes. The point is the mutants are unnecessary, the Metaluna leader has already created a threat which could have been used.
This Island Earth easily fits into the ‘Atomic fear’ movies of the 1950’s but also shows the hope the world had for nuclear power which makes the film a refreshing change from the normal alien invasion flic.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Captain Underpants (2017) in Movies
Jul 11, 2019
Based off the bestselling kids’ book series by Dav Pilkey, Captain
Underpants tells the story of George Beard (Kevin Hart) and Harold Hutchins
(Thomas Middleditch), a couple of over imaginative elementary school kids
that spend their days trying to make the most out of the daily monotonous
chore that is school by secretly playing pranks to keep themselves and
their fellow schoolmates entertained. And, trying to make sure they don’t
get caught by the school principal, Mr. Krupp (Ed Helm). Outside of
school, they spend countless hours in their treehouse creating comic
books.
Their greatest creation is the underwear sporting, high flying,
overly friendly, and extremely unintelligent superhero Captain Underpants.
Mr. Krupp’s main purpose in life is to make everyone else’s life
miserable. When he threatens to separate the boys, put them in different
classrooms, after being caught playing a prank. The boys decide to
hypnotize their principal into becoming the incredible Captain Underpants.
Ecstatic about seeing their comic book come to life, they suddenly realize
their plan backfires when Mr. Krupp in Capt Underpants persona hires
Professor Poopypants (Nick Kroll) to be the school’s new science teacher.
He’s no ordinary school teacher. Professor Poopypants wants to rid the
world of laughter starting with kids the at George and Harold’s school. Oh
NO!!!!
This film is everything you would expect it to be: outlandish, vibrant, and
full of potty humor. Just enough to keep parents entertained and the
kiddos completely engaged. From what I gather, not having read the books,
but my son has, it follows the storyline pretty closely to the first novel
in the 8 book series. I am not surprised if Dreamworks capitalizes on this
and releases a movie for each book.
Underpants tells the story of George Beard (Kevin Hart) and Harold Hutchins
(Thomas Middleditch), a couple of over imaginative elementary school kids
that spend their days trying to make the most out of the daily monotonous
chore that is school by secretly playing pranks to keep themselves and
their fellow schoolmates entertained. And, trying to make sure they don’t
get caught by the school principal, Mr. Krupp (Ed Helm). Outside of
school, they spend countless hours in their treehouse creating comic
books.
Their greatest creation is the underwear sporting, high flying,
overly friendly, and extremely unintelligent superhero Captain Underpants.
Mr. Krupp’s main purpose in life is to make everyone else’s life
miserable. When he threatens to separate the boys, put them in different
classrooms, after being caught playing a prank. The boys decide to
hypnotize their principal into becoming the incredible Captain Underpants.
Ecstatic about seeing their comic book come to life, they suddenly realize
their plan backfires when Mr. Krupp in Capt Underpants persona hires
Professor Poopypants (Nick Kroll) to be the school’s new science teacher.
He’s no ordinary school teacher. Professor Poopypants wants to rid the
world of laughter starting with kids the at George and Harold’s school. Oh
NO!!!!
This film is everything you would expect it to be: outlandish, vibrant, and
full of potty humor. Just enough to keep parents entertained and the
kiddos completely engaged. From what I gather, not having read the books,
but my son has, it follows the storyline pretty closely to the first novel
in the 8 book series. I am not surprised if Dreamworks capitalizes on this
and releases a movie for each book.
Lenard (726 KP) rated The Kitchen (2019) in Movies
Sep 2, 2019
Hell's Kitchen 1977... the Irish mob takes care of the neighborhood, but times are tough these days. The economy created a new term: stagflation where prices rise, unemployment increases, and the economic growth slows. The supply of gas was cut off. There was a serial killer on the loose. The Irish mob had just experience a change in leadership that changed the dynamic of the neighborhood. The old leader was arrested doing a job as well as his associates. The mob could not afford to take care of the "widows." Using the education of one, the street sense of another, and the killer instinct of the third, they begin to operate their own gang in the neighborhood. A gang that will actually protect the neighborhood from street thugs. But going against the Irish mob is never a good idea no matter how weak they are, so a couple of pacts are sealed and Fate is tempted.
"The Kitchen" is based on a graphic novel series. Multiple story threads and divergent schemes are explored. The whole thing is much better suited for a miniseries or limited series than a feature film. Nowadays there is a cinematic quality to certain shows on pay channels so it wouldn't even lose the visual quality Andrea Berloff wants. This is the only problem with the film. The acting is top-notch, especially character actor Bill Camp. The writing is good. The story just needed a lot more space to grow. Ruby is an extremely complex character that would have benefited from character development inherent in a long-form series. A girl from Harlem who had the softness beaten out of her who has a long game which could have been explored in more depth especially considering the co-conspirators she acquires.
"The Kitchen" is based on a graphic novel series. Multiple story threads and divergent schemes are explored. The whole thing is much better suited for a miniseries or limited series than a feature film. Nowadays there is a cinematic quality to certain shows on pay channels so it wouldn't even lose the visual quality Andrea Berloff wants. This is the only problem with the film. The acting is top-notch, especially character actor Bill Camp. The writing is good. The story just needed a lot more space to grow. Ruby is an extremely complex character that would have benefited from character development inherent in a long-form series. A girl from Harlem who had the softness beaten out of her who has a long game which could have been explored in more depth especially considering the co-conspirators she acquires.