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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2402 KP) rated When the Grits Hit the Fan in Books
Mar 9, 2018
To help make money in the cold February winter, Robbie Jordan has opened up her restaurant for dinner two Friday’s a month to the Sociology department of a nearby college. Any thoughts she had about this being a calm exchange of ideas goes out the window when one of the professors, Charles, picks fights with two different people. The next afternoon, Robbie is out with her friend Lou when they find Charles under the ice in the nearby lake. Since Lou had fought with Charles the night before, the police are looking at her as a suspect. But with Charles as universally hated as he was, surely Robbie can find a better suspect, right?
Charles’s habit of making enemies serves us plenty of suspects. The lack of clues to point the finger at any single person makes for lots of fun. I was never bored watching the plot unfold. A couple of the series regulars weren’t around for this book, but those who were around were certainly delightful. The suspects were all strong and viable, and the climax was creative and page turning. Can I just say how much I would love to visit Robbie’s restaurant? Seriously, it sounds delightful. (Well, when a murder isn’t taking place, of course.)
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/03/book-review-when-grits-hit-fan-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Charles’s habit of making enemies serves us plenty of suspects. The lack of clues to point the finger at any single person makes for lots of fun. I was never bored watching the plot unfold. A couple of the series regulars weren’t around for this book, but those who were around were certainly delightful. The suspects were all strong and viable, and the climax was creative and page turning. Can I just say how much I would love to visit Robbie’s restaurant? Seriously, it sounds delightful. (Well, when a murder isn’t taking place, of course.)
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/03/book-review-when-grits-hit-fan-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Container Gardening Complete: Creative Projects for Growing Vegetables and Flowers in Small Spaces by Jessica Walliser is simply written and contains beautiful photographs. The book discusses everything from the correct soil to use when planting, garden pests, and garden projects to make. I loved how the book gives descriptions on how to make your own containers. I love all of the full-color pictures in this book and the ideas shown, from rustic to cottage gardening, from flowers to veggies. This is a handy reference book.
There are 6 chapters in this book, and each one is full of useful information. The chapters cover Getting Started, Designing & Planting your Containers, Caring for your Containers, Troubleshooting, Harvesting & Seasonal Considerations and More Container Concepts.
This book covers the basics, which include pot drainage, choosing the right soil and harvesting to name but a few. In the Troubleshooting chapter, the author has taken the time to explain the different garden pests and how to deal with them along with beneficial insects.
There are a number of projects that could be taken on, such as a Gutter Garden, a Beginner's Berry Garden and a Good Bug Wheel-Barrow Garden. Each project includes the tools you require along with lots of photographs showing you how to go about it.
This is a great book to get you started in container gardening, and just about anything that can hold soil can be used as a container .
There are 6 chapters in this book, and each one is full of useful information. The chapters cover Getting Started, Designing & Planting your Containers, Caring for your Containers, Troubleshooting, Harvesting & Seasonal Considerations and More Container Concepts.
This book covers the basics, which include pot drainage, choosing the right soil and harvesting to name but a few. In the Troubleshooting chapter, the author has taken the time to explain the different garden pests and how to deal with them along with beneficial insects.
There are a number of projects that could be taken on, such as a Gutter Garden, a Beginner's Berry Garden and a Good Bug Wheel-Barrow Garden. Each project includes the tools you require along with lots of photographs showing you how to go about it.
This is a great book to get you started in container gardening, and just about anything that can hold soil can be used as a container .
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated The Philosopher's Flight in Books
May 29, 2018
For anyone who has been suffering withdrawal from the end of a certain magical boy wizard series, The Philosopher's Flight by Tom Miller is the perfect antidote! It's clever, and sharp, but also a quick read based on alternative history where special "powers" can do different things, and one boys journey to"fit in" this world where girls rule! The opposite sexism is interesting (women typically have the most refined powers and go to war, do the dangerous stuff, etc.) and Robert wants to do everything the women do - and we see if he attains that goal, while facing some pretty crazy "roadblocks" along the way.
I love stories that take me away to another place - get me out of reality and imagine what life would be like if things were "different". And this book does just that. It's very clever how it's pretty historically accurate, just with this twist of Sigilry, these signs and symbols drawn to move energy and ultimately produce some sort of effect (hovering/flying, restoring health, moving an object, sending messages). There are great stories of friendship, interesting characters, and stories of love as well. All wrapped up in a creative story of action, adventure and social-awareness.
There are a few "racy" scenes...so I'd recommend a more mature audience, but its fantastic all-around in general. I'm excited to see if the Philosopher Flies Again! Thanks NetGalley!
I love stories that take me away to another place - get me out of reality and imagine what life would be like if things were "different". And this book does just that. It's very clever how it's pretty historically accurate, just with this twist of Sigilry, these signs and symbols drawn to move energy and ultimately produce some sort of effect (hovering/flying, restoring health, moving an object, sending messages). There are great stories of friendship, interesting characters, and stories of love as well. All wrapped up in a creative story of action, adventure and social-awareness.
There are a few "racy" scenes...so I'd recommend a more mature audience, but its fantastic all-around in general. I'm excited to see if the Philosopher Flies Again! Thanks NetGalley!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated That’s You! in Video Games
May 31, 2018 (Updated May 31, 2018)
A fun party game
Multiplayer couch co-op games are sadly a rarity now with online gaming, so That’s You is a refreshing change. Not only does it let you play with up to 6 players in your own home, you also don’t need to have that many extortionately priced PlayStation controllers - it’s all controlled through an app on your phone or tablet.
The game itself is very fun and interactive and great to play with those you know fairly well. Playing with near strangers probably wouldn’t be anywhere near as entertaining or advisable. It switches between asking questions about statements and who they apply to most, to drawing challenges (either on selfies or generated artwork), completing sentences and posed pictures. It’s a lot of fun and it’s interesting to see what your loved ones think of you - I’m known as the ocd organised one, can’t say that’s a surprise!
Personally though there are parts of this game that didn’t appeal to me as much, but this is mainly due to my preferences. I’m not a fan of having my picture taken and my creative skills are a little lacking - especially in the short amount of time you’re given to create something! I also think they could do more with this game - more fun options, still centred around the same themes, but with a few different mini games. Otherwise this isn’t really a game that you can play too often.
The game itself is very fun and interactive and great to play with those you know fairly well. Playing with near strangers probably wouldn’t be anywhere near as entertaining or advisable. It switches between asking questions about statements and who they apply to most, to drawing challenges (either on selfies or generated artwork), completing sentences and posed pictures. It’s a lot of fun and it’s interesting to see what your loved ones think of you - I’m known as the ocd organised one, can’t say that’s a surprise!
Personally though there are parts of this game that didn’t appeal to me as much, but this is mainly due to my preferences. I’m not a fan of having my picture taken and my creative skills are a little lacking - especially in the short amount of time you’re given to create something! I also think they could do more with this game - more fun options, still centred around the same themes, but with a few different mini games. Otherwise this isn’t really a game that you can play too often.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2402 KP) rated Mardi Gras Murder in Books
Oct 10, 2018
Murder Dampens Mardi Gras This Year
Maggie Crozat's home town of Pelican was flooded out just three weeks ago, but the community is rallying together to repair and rebuild. And they certainly aren't planning to let that curtail this year's Mardi Gras celebration. Unfortunately, Maggie has gotten roped in to help with this year's Miss Pelican Mardi Gras Gumbo Queen Pageant, something she is definitely against. However, when she finds one of the judges dead, she begins to wonder if she is in danger because she's taken on this job. Or does it tie back to the body of the John Doe that was found during the flood?
This is a fantastic book with a creative mystery for us to solve. A strong sub-plot only adds to the fun of the book, and the climax ties everything together perfectly, including a plot point or two I'd forgotten about. The characters are fantastic as always; I truly love the large cast of series regulars. The suspects are strong, although it took a bit to remember how all of them are connected at first. The cast of characters at the beginning certainly helped with that. I did find the timeline felt a bit off at a few points, but this was a minor complaint. I love learning about a completely different region, and author Ellen Byron's love comes through. The recipes at the end will satisfy the cravings you'll develop while reading the book.
This is a fantastic book with a creative mystery for us to solve. A strong sub-plot only adds to the fun of the book, and the climax ties everything together perfectly, including a plot point or two I'd forgotten about. The characters are fantastic as always; I truly love the large cast of series regulars. The suspects are strong, although it took a bit to remember how all of them are connected at first. The cast of characters at the beginning certainly helped with that. I did find the timeline felt a bit off at a few points, but this was a minor complaint. I love learning about a completely different region, and author Ellen Byron's love comes through. The recipes at the end will satisfy the cravings you'll develop while reading the book.
natmac (13 KP) rated Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) in Movies
Oct 17, 2019 (Updated Oct 17, 2019)
The direction is perfect, George miller uses so many little techniques to elevate the action sequences (6 more)
The film looks gorgeous
All of the actors are on point
The characters are really interesting and depth full
George miller accomplishes so much without dialogue, nothing is over explained, a lot is left for you to figure out or imagine
The sound design and special effects are on point
The practical effects and real life stunts make a difference in the emersion.
Probably my favourite movie ever
The plot is very simple but the film isn't about the plot. It's about the world building, the characters and the action. I think I've seen this film close to 20 times in the 4 years that it's been out and it never fails as an enjoyable watch. A lot of people I have watched this film with have complained about it being weird, and that really frustrated me. It's set in the post apocalypse of the director's vision with an explanation behind most things that isn't given. Even elements like the door warrior don't really have logic behind them but are still very creative. It's really enjoyable to watch the relationship between max and furiosa develop over the course of the movie, in what on the surface looks like nothing more than a 2 hour car chase. I love this film and can't find anything about it that bothers me.
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