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Cori June (3033 KP) rated Terminal Alliance in Books
May 9, 2019
wit (1 more)
Creative Aliens
pronoun confusion (1 more)
ends too soon
After the humans became ravaged from a plague that reverted all human life to cannibalistic savages, the benevolent Krakau cured them, as best they could. No longer savages their presence is barely tolerated and seen as boogey men by other sentient species.
The crew of the EMCS Pufferfish suddenly revert back to this crazed feral state killing their command Krakau crew. the only ones not affected are Marion "Mops" Adamopoulos and her team of Hygiene and Sanitation specialists. Completely in over their heads this ragtag crew have to figure out how to fly the ship, what kind of bioweapon was used, who used it, and what they have to do to clean up someone else's mess. Their world will never be the same.
Jim C. Hines does a wonderful job of bringing this futuristic world to life. His wit and humor elevate the craziness of the situation wanting more and more. The alien species are spectacular in their creativity. Although, I would have liked to know that some of the alien species used certain pronouns earlier in the book. The Glacidae species are referred to in the plural Them/they. I took me forever to realize Grom was one "person". Just wait until you meet a Tjikko, talk about a confusion of pronouns. An extremely fun, quick, and action packed read.
The crew of the EMCS Pufferfish suddenly revert back to this crazed feral state killing their command Krakau crew. the only ones not affected are Marion "Mops" Adamopoulos and her team of Hygiene and Sanitation specialists. Completely in over their heads this ragtag crew have to figure out how to fly the ship, what kind of bioweapon was used, who used it, and what they have to do to clean up someone else's mess. Their world will never be the same.
Jim C. Hines does a wonderful job of bringing this futuristic world to life. His wit and humor elevate the craziness of the situation wanting more and more. The alien species are spectacular in their creativity. Although, I would have liked to know that some of the alien species used certain pronouns earlier in the book. The Glacidae species are referred to in the plural Them/they. I took me forever to realize Grom was one "person". Just wait until you meet a Tjikko, talk about a confusion of pronouns. An extremely fun, quick, and action packed read.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Daisy Doodles in Books
Jun 6, 2019
Daisy Doodles by Michelle Robinson, and Irene Dickson is an illustrated book for kids, which combines a clever mixture of fun drawings and actual photographs to provide a real sense of creating a new, magical world in which Daisy slips into to become a drawing version of herself.
Yes, magical things happen when Daisy Doodles!Daisy Doodles
On a rainy day with nothing to do, Daisy doodled a mouse, Pipsqueak, who sneezed itself right off the page and into Daisy’s life. From there Daisy gets busy doodling and cutting out a magical land and suddenly her room disappears and adventures with Pipsqueak begin!
I wanted to review this book because I love rodents, (fancy rats in particular), and if you ask me this so-called mouse, is actually a bare-tailed rat! And as a fancy rat owner, this makes Daisy Doodles an even greater treat for me.
This is a fun, cute story which should appeal to children who love to use their imagination to draw and make things. If they don’t already, this should encourage them to do so!
Daisy is just like any normal little girl bored on a rainy day, and Pipsqueak, well, he’s an endearing character of whom Daisy brings to life through her drawings. A magical blend of colourful photos and beautiful illustrations, make this a super creative, kids picture book for all to enjoy!
Yes, magical things happen when Daisy Doodles!Daisy Doodles
On a rainy day with nothing to do, Daisy doodled a mouse, Pipsqueak, who sneezed itself right off the page and into Daisy’s life. From there Daisy gets busy doodling and cutting out a magical land and suddenly her room disappears and adventures with Pipsqueak begin!
I wanted to review this book because I love rodents, (fancy rats in particular), and if you ask me this so-called mouse, is actually a bare-tailed rat! And as a fancy rat owner, this makes Daisy Doodles an even greater treat for me.
This is a fun, cute story which should appeal to children who love to use their imagination to draw and make things. If they don’t already, this should encourage them to do so!
Daisy is just like any normal little girl bored on a rainy day, and Pipsqueak, well, he’s an endearing character of whom Daisy brings to life through her drawings. A magical blend of colourful photos and beautiful illustrations, make this a super creative, kids picture book for all to enjoy!
Ashley Catron (66 KP) rated Jurassic Park (Jurassic Park, #1) in Books
Mar 7, 2018
As most people are aware, the movie Jurassic Park is one of those movies I can watch over and over again without getting tired of. The book that inspired the movie made me feel the same, although there were some parts that were a bit too technical for my liking, but it added a new layer to some understanding of things that occur later that will have you constantly having lightbulb moments of realization. The book and the movie are the same in the fact they are about dinosaurs, but a lot of other details were changed. Now, this is definitely not unheard of when movie adaptations are made due to creative changes, but some things were definitely super different. Without going into spoilers, let's just say some characters died in this book that lived through the movie and vice versa. There were also things left out of the movie that were in the book that definitely could have, in my opinion, made the film better overall. As a book itself, it is a great, fun read. As I said, there are a few technical parts that I wasn't too keen on that the book could have done without, but overall an excellent story. I definitely can't wait to read Lost World and see how that compares to the first book.
Inspiration Kantha: Creative Stitchery and Quilting with Asias Ancient Technique by Anna Hergert explores the ancient technique of kantha.
The earliest written record of kantha appears in the book Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita which was written over 500 years ago. It is a traditional quilting/embroidery from the Indian peninsula and surrounding areas. It was a traditional thrifty method of binding together worn saris and dhoti into layers to use as coverlets. In white, red and blue stitches over the fabric helps to stabilize and decorate the fabric.
The author did extensive research to learn about kantha. The book begins with detailed information in the introductory chapters. The beginning chapters tells how the traditional quilting patterns and materials used depends on the different area.
Supplies and stitches follow the historical introduction, which are well photographed and described. Motifs are followed by specific projects more or less in order of difficulty. Beautifully photographed and with clear finishing instructions, there are many lovely things including a bucket bag (bag with round bottom), notebook cover and a drawstring bag.
At the end is a useful, well arranged appendix with line drawn motifs and stitch tutorials. There is also a useful, well referenced glossary and further reading list.
I receive this ARC from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The earliest written record of kantha appears in the book Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita which was written over 500 years ago. It is a traditional quilting/embroidery from the Indian peninsula and surrounding areas. It was a traditional thrifty method of binding together worn saris and dhoti into layers to use as coverlets. In white, red and blue stitches over the fabric helps to stabilize and decorate the fabric.
The author did extensive research to learn about kantha. The book begins with detailed information in the introductory chapters. The beginning chapters tells how the traditional quilting patterns and materials used depends on the different area.
Supplies and stitches follow the historical introduction, which are well photographed and described. Motifs are followed by specific projects more or less in order of difficulty. Beautifully photographed and with clear finishing instructions, there are many lovely things including a bucket bag (bag with round bottom), notebook cover and a drawstring bag.
At the end is a useful, well arranged appendix with line drawn motifs and stitch tutorials. There is also a useful, well referenced glossary and further reading list.
I receive this ARC from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel Maria Berney (114 KP) rated On Writing in Books
Dec 4, 2018
Want to be a writer? Read this.
If you are an aspiring writer, either wanting it as a career or just as a hobby for yourself, this is aust read.
The first half of the book King details his life, and what a life he has had. We follow his highs and lows of getting published and his personal ups and downs. From Carrie to being hit by a truck. This is a reality check, an understanding into the mind of a great and prolific writer. Overall, King is honest, even about Tommyknockers.
The second half of the book, King gets down to business. He lays it out, what it takes, what you need to know already (your toolbox) and how he does it. He covers that ever mysterious idea of where ideas come from, giving a good tip on how to find them. (What if a I was bitten by a vampire today? What if that girl in the wallpaper stepped out?). He really does help you, from getting the creative juices flowing to penning it down.
Love him (I do) or hate him, King is an epic author with a distinctive style. If you want to write, you wouldn't go far wrong emulating King. We all have to start somewhere.
The first half of the book King details his life, and what a life he has had. We follow his highs and lows of getting published and his personal ups and downs. From Carrie to being hit by a truck. This is a reality check, an understanding into the mind of a great and prolific writer. Overall, King is honest, even about Tommyknockers.
The second half of the book, King gets down to business. He lays it out, what it takes, what you need to know already (your toolbox) and how he does it. He covers that ever mysterious idea of where ideas come from, giving a good tip on how to find them. (What if a I was bitten by a vampire today? What if that girl in the wallpaper stepped out?). He really does help you, from getting the creative juices flowing to penning it down.
Love him (I do) or hate him, King is an epic author with a distinctive style. If you want to write, you wouldn't go far wrong emulating King. We all have to start somewhere.
Tiffany Reuter (2 KP) rated Cells at Work Vol. 1 in Books
Jan 30, 2020
Informative (2 more)
Interesting Storytelling
Creative Personification
Ever wanted to learn about the human body in a fun and interesting way? Ever thought about personifying blood cells?
Probably not but Akane Shimizu did and wrote a cute, wholesome manga while doing it too!
Cells at Work Vol. 1 is the beginning of a short series that follows a new Red Blood Cell (RBC) as she tries to figure out how to do her job within a human body. While doing so, she meets other blood cells like a White Blood Cell and cute little Platelets while the human body get attacked by everyday things like the flu or a scrape on the knee.
This manga takes the human body and makes it very interesting. Each character, which represent a different cell within the body, comes with unique characteristics and traits that match what that cell does beautifully. You can tell that the writer took the time to look up what each cell did within the body and how to personify it and make it relatable without tarnishing the job that the cwll does.
I highly suggest this manga to anyone who is new to manga as it's a nice introduction into the genre especially since the series is so short. It's also light hearted (thus far, I only read the first volume!) And enjoyable to read.
Probably not but Akane Shimizu did and wrote a cute, wholesome manga while doing it too!
Cells at Work Vol. 1 is the beginning of a short series that follows a new Red Blood Cell (RBC) as she tries to figure out how to do her job within a human body. While doing so, she meets other blood cells like a White Blood Cell and cute little Platelets while the human body get attacked by everyday things like the flu or a scrape on the knee.
This manga takes the human body and makes it very interesting. Each character, which represent a different cell within the body, comes with unique characteristics and traits that match what that cell does beautifully. You can tell that the writer took the time to look up what each cell did within the body and how to personify it and make it relatable without tarnishing the job that the cwll does.
I highly suggest this manga to anyone who is new to manga as it's a nice introduction into the genre especially since the series is so short. It's also light hearted (thus far, I only read the first volume!) And enjoyable to read.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Swallows in Books
Jan 30, 2020 (Updated Jan 31, 2020)
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.
While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.
The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.
I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.
Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.
While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.
The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.
I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Emma (2020) in Movies
Feb 21, 2020
It's customary for the makers of new Jane Austen adaptations to declare they've come up with a bold new approach to the material. This almost invariably turns out not to be the case (we end up with all the usual balls, carriages, and people swanking about in top hats and Empire-line dresses) and it would probably be a bad idea anyway: a large segment of the audience of Jane Austen movies turns up precisely because they know exactly what they're going to get (balls, carriages, etc) and would be upset if it wasn't there. This version of Emma should suit them very nicely.
The director is also a photographer which probably explains why the composition and look of the thing is so impeccable, but may also have something to do with why the story feels a little a bit flat and difficult to follow near the start (there are lots of characters to keep track of). Not what you'd actually call rip-snortingly funny or especially romantic, but the performances are decent. The most interesting creative choice is the use of traditional folk music at various points on the soundtrack (Johnny Flynn sings as well as acts), but its authenticity does feel rather at odds with the tone of the rest of the movie. Passes the time decently - people who like this sort of thing will probably like Emma, too.
The director is also a photographer which probably explains why the composition and look of the thing is so impeccable, but may also have something to do with why the story feels a little a bit flat and difficult to follow near the start (there are lots of characters to keep track of). Not what you'd actually call rip-snortingly funny or especially romantic, but the performances are decent. The most interesting creative choice is the use of traditional folk music at various points on the soundtrack (Johnny Flynn sings as well as acts), but its authenticity does feel rather at odds with the tone of the rest of the movie. Passes the time decently - people who like this sort of thing will probably like Emma, too.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Holdout in Books
Feb 25, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Even after a few years, working with jurors is fascinating to me. Each jury uses the jury room differently. When I read the description of Graham Moore's The Holdout, I knew what I would read next. Having recently finished one of his earlier books, The Sherlockian, I was even more eager to read this. As with The Sherlockian, The Holdout does not disappoint.
Juror 272, aka Maya Seale, was the lone holdout. She does the near-impossible task of converting the other jurors to her way of thinking and the defendant is found not guilty. Unfortunately, the trial of the jury has just begun.
Moore is able to accurately capture jury service and the deliberation process. His writing style makes the story move quickly. Some of the actions of the characters require a suspension of disbelief but it does not take away from the story.
I do not want to give away anything so it is hard to say anything about specific parts of the book. I will say I thoroughly enjoyed chapter 23! It was creative and I was pleasantly surprised how the issue was handled.
Graham Moore is on my "authors to read as soon as they publish" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/25/20.
Even after a few years, working with jurors is fascinating to me. Each jury uses the jury room differently. When I read the description of Graham Moore's The Holdout, I knew what I would read next. Having recently finished one of his earlier books, The Sherlockian, I was even more eager to read this. As with The Sherlockian, The Holdout does not disappoint.
Juror 272, aka Maya Seale, was the lone holdout. She does the near-impossible task of converting the other jurors to her way of thinking and the defendant is found not guilty. Unfortunately, the trial of the jury has just begun.
Moore is able to accurately capture jury service and the deliberation process. His writing style makes the story move quickly. Some of the actions of the characters require a suspension of disbelief but it does not take away from the story.
I do not want to give away anything so it is hard to say anything about specific parts of the book. I will say I thoroughly enjoyed chapter 23! It was creative and I was pleasantly surprised how the issue was handled.
Graham Moore is on my "authors to read as soon as they publish" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/25/20.
