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Labyrinths: Selected Stories and Other Writings
Jorge Luis Borges, Donald A. Yates, James East Irby and Andre Maurois
Book
Jorge Luis Borges's Labyrinths is a collection of short stories and essays showcasing one of Latin...
Kyera (8 KP) rated Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Unfiltered is Lily Collins honest, heartfelt letter to her fans, inspired by all of the times that they shared their stories with her and her desire to show that no one is alone.
A lot of her stories stem from her past relationships and how she learned from them. She discusses self-worth, battling addictions, and being strong enough to do what is best for you. It is genuine and likely resonates with a lot of people.
Her relationships with her parents are detailed, from her best friend bond with her mother to her more distant one with her father. Personally, I relate to her stories about her mother because mine is also my best friend - despite the fact that we dont always get along. I know, just as Lily knows, that our mothers will always be there for us no matter what.
She even includes some letters that you can use to express how you feel to someone else, tell yourself that you are worth it, or tailor to suit what you want to say.
I have always loved Lily Collins (it doesnt hurt that she played Clary and we share a birthday) so I was highly anticipating reading this book. Its a pretty short book, so it wont take very long to read but it has a few really poignant moments.
A lot of her stories stem from her past relationships and how she learned from them. She discusses self-worth, battling addictions, and being strong enough to do what is best for you. It is genuine and likely resonates with a lot of people.
Her relationships with her parents are detailed, from her best friend bond with her mother to her more distant one with her father. Personally, I relate to her stories about her mother because mine is also my best friend - despite the fact that we dont always get along. I know, just as Lily knows, that our mothers will always be there for us no matter what.
She even includes some letters that you can use to express how you feel to someone else, tell yourself that you are worth it, or tailor to suit what you want to say.
I have always loved Lily Collins (it doesnt hurt that she played Clary and we share a birthday) so I was highly anticipating reading this book. Its a pretty short book, so it wont take very long to read but it has a few really poignant moments.
Nollywood: The Video Phenomenon in Nigeria
Book
With over 1,200 video films produced each year, Nigeria has become one of the most prolific...
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated In Search of Darkness (2019) in Movies
Aug 12, 2020
In short, In Search of Darkness is a must watch for any horror fan.
It's 4+ hour runtime is a gushing love letter to 80s horror, covering the decade year by year, with interviews from an impressive cast of genre icons - John Carpenter, Larry Cohen, Joe Dante, Barbara Crampton, Doug Bradley, Tom Atkins, Lori Cardille, Nick Castle, Jeffrey Combs, Kane Hodder, Tom Holland, Heather Langenkamp, Don Mancini, Cassandra Peterson, Caroline Williams, Brian Yuzner, and many more!
The documentary doesn't break any new ground, truth be told, but it's hard to not to appreciate all of these films being covered in one place. The sheer amount of titles discussed is pretty vast.
It's put together nicely as well. Old grainy film trailers tend to set the tone of each entry, but all of the footage shown is crystal clear and HD. The graphics are eye catching, with classic one sheets on display throughout, and it's all set too a great synth soundtrack courtesy of Weary Pines.
Really worth checking out - I split my viewing over a few nights and was honestly gutted when I had none left to watch. Director David A. Weiner did a great job with this documentary, and has a second one coming next year entitled In Search of Tomorrow, focusing on the Sci-Fi films of the 80s, and I can't wait to see it!
It's 4+ hour runtime is a gushing love letter to 80s horror, covering the decade year by year, with interviews from an impressive cast of genre icons - John Carpenter, Larry Cohen, Joe Dante, Barbara Crampton, Doug Bradley, Tom Atkins, Lori Cardille, Nick Castle, Jeffrey Combs, Kane Hodder, Tom Holland, Heather Langenkamp, Don Mancini, Cassandra Peterson, Caroline Williams, Brian Yuzner, and many more!
The documentary doesn't break any new ground, truth be told, but it's hard to not to appreciate all of these films being covered in one place. The sheer amount of titles discussed is pretty vast.
It's put together nicely as well. Old grainy film trailers tend to set the tone of each entry, but all of the footage shown is crystal clear and HD. The graphics are eye catching, with classic one sheets on display throughout, and it's all set too a great synth soundtrack courtesy of Weary Pines.
Really worth checking out - I split my viewing over a few nights and was honestly gutted when I had none left to watch. Director David A. Weiner did a great job with this documentary, and has a second one coming next year entitled In Search of Tomorrow, focusing on the Sci-Fi films of the 80s, and I can't wait to see it!
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Mammoth in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Also find my review here: http://bookbum.weebly.com/book-reviews/mammoth-by-douglas-perry
NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UK!
Thank you to Netgalley and Amberjack Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this in an exchange for a review.
Not quite what I was expecting, which I think is the general feel judging by others reviews. Be warned, this isnt a creepy paranormal, alien type of thing. I dont think thats a spoiler either, I wouldnt want you to pick this up and be greatly disappointed. If you love character focused novels then this will be your kind of book! This gives you some really in depth information about each of the characters, but it can get confusing because there are <i>so</i> many characters! There are <b>eleven</b> main characters, plus more characters that relate to these characters in little sub plots.
<u>Characters: </u>
Tori
Billy & Becky
Jackson & Sam
Hicks & Lloyd
Oscar - King
Melvin & Gordon
Winnie Lloyd
If you find it difficult to keep up with lots of different people in books then this wont be for you. It can get a little confusing at times and I often forgot what was happening to one character by the time we got back to reading about them after having read about 4 characters in between.
I though this novel was superbly written. Possibly one of the best written books Ive read in quite a while! There is some really grotesque imagery in this book, not in a violent way though, so I wouldnt give it any trigger warnings, though rape is implied. My only problem with the writing was that sometimes it was really difficult to understand where the characters were in Mammoth View or Bakersfield or what. That was my one annoyance, I wasnt able to keep a grip on where each character was.
In terms of the plot that there was, which wasnt much, it was an interesting storyline. Lots of things going on a once which could definitely add to the confusion. I feel as though Perry had created seven(ish) separate short stories and then tried to mash them into one which in my opinion worked. I felt let down by the ending in a way but at the same time I thought it was really unique. You do find out why panic ensues in the small town of Mammoth View and I can bet you wont see it coming Though now Ive told you its not paranormal or aliens then maybe you might
If you like to really get to know a character and dont really care about a well developed plot then this book is a definite read for you, but if youre expecting something scary or creepy form this then dont bother as it isnt that kind of thing. I will definitely look out for more of Perrys work!
NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UK!
Thank you to Netgalley and Amberjack Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this in an exchange for a review.
Not quite what I was expecting, which I think is the general feel judging by others reviews. Be warned, this isnt a creepy paranormal, alien type of thing. I dont think thats a spoiler either, I wouldnt want you to pick this up and be greatly disappointed. If you love character focused novels then this will be your kind of book! This gives you some really in depth information about each of the characters, but it can get confusing because there are <i>so</i> many characters! There are <b>eleven</b> main characters, plus more characters that relate to these characters in little sub plots.
<u>Characters: </u>
Tori
Billy & Becky
Jackson & Sam
Hicks & Lloyd
Oscar - King
Melvin & Gordon
Winnie Lloyd
If you find it difficult to keep up with lots of different people in books then this wont be for you. It can get a little confusing at times and I often forgot what was happening to one character by the time we got back to reading about them after having read about 4 characters in between.
I though this novel was superbly written. Possibly one of the best written books Ive read in quite a while! There is some really grotesque imagery in this book, not in a violent way though, so I wouldnt give it any trigger warnings, though rape is implied. My only problem with the writing was that sometimes it was really difficult to understand where the characters were in Mammoth View or Bakersfield or what. That was my one annoyance, I wasnt able to keep a grip on where each character was.
In terms of the plot that there was, which wasnt much, it was an interesting storyline. Lots of things going on a once which could definitely add to the confusion. I feel as though Perry had created seven(ish) separate short stories and then tried to mash them into one which in my opinion worked. I felt let down by the ending in a way but at the same time I thought it was really unique. You do find out why panic ensues in the small town of Mammoth View and I can bet you wont see it coming Though now Ive told you its not paranormal or aliens then maybe you might
If you like to really get to know a character and dont really care about a well developed plot then this book is a definite read for you, but if youre expecting something scary or creepy form this then dont bother as it isnt that kind of thing. I will definitely look out for more of Perrys work!
Granta 119: Britain
Book
In 2012, Britain is a nation in flux, managing difficult socioeconomic realities, contending with...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated A Vampire's Salvation (Beyond Human Novellas, #1) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
*Copy received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review"
I could tell this was going to be a hot read from the first chapter when Frankie was fantasising about JakeSteamy!and I wasnt wrong.
You get to see from both Frankies and Jakes POV, which is an advantage when Jake is described as being a serious, moody guy by Frankie. But then seeing from Jakes POV just why hes behaving like that balances it out and it switches between every so often.
The first sex scene between the pair took up a fair bit of the book but it also contains an intriguing plotline. Who was Frankies stalker and why were they stalking her? Unfortunately we dont find out in this one but I hope the author is well on her way to finishing a second book in the series so we can.
I liked it but I also feel slightly cheated since we didnt find out who was behind the attacks against Frankie. Im left with more questions than answer but at the same time Im happy that Jake and Frankie got a happy ending as they are both really likeable characters and deserve some happiness after what theyve both been through.
Short and sweet. I will certainly read the next in the series when it comes out.
I could tell this was going to be a hot read from the first chapter when Frankie was fantasising about JakeSteamy!and I wasnt wrong.
You get to see from both Frankies and Jakes POV, which is an advantage when Jake is described as being a serious, moody guy by Frankie. But then seeing from Jakes POV just why hes behaving like that balances it out and it switches between every so often.
The first sex scene between the pair took up a fair bit of the book but it also contains an intriguing plotline. Who was Frankies stalker and why were they stalking her? Unfortunately we dont find out in this one but I hope the author is well on her way to finishing a second book in the series so we can.
I liked it but I also feel slightly cheated since we didnt find out who was behind the attacks against Frankie. Im left with more questions than answer but at the same time Im happy that Jake and Frankie got a happy ending as they are both really likeable characters and deserve some happiness after what theyve both been through.
Short and sweet. I will certainly read the next in the series when it comes out.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I read this novel as my BookBum Club book for November! Check out <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/297482-bookbum-book-club">this page</a> to find out more about my very own Book Club!
I decided I wanted to read a seasonal book this year and I found this one lurking on my shelf from last year when I also decided I wanted to read a seasonal book but didnt.
Ive reviewed each of the short stories one-by-one. Theres only 4, so its not a massive review, dont worry!
~
<b>The Mistletoe Murder</b>
I really loved the writing in this one! It hooked me straight away. I instantly connected with our narrator, even though shes a bit of an enigma. With short stories, you rarely get to know the characters very well, but I liked how our narrator was strong willed and sassy.
This story is a classic whodunit murder mystery. Not as complex as Christie, but definitely gives off those vibes. The conclusion to the story was pretty obvious, but the last little paragraph bought a smile to my face!
~
<b>A Commonplace Murder</b>
This one takes on a completely different tone from the story before it. Rather than being a cosy murder mystery, this one is that little bit darker. Youre introduced to a not very likeable narrator who holds an innocent mans freedom in his hands.
The story for this one is grittier and dirtier and comes to a shocking conclusion. When I first finished this one, I was adamant I didnt like it, but after letting it brew for a while, I realised that this one is very clever, and since it was published in 1969, was probably innovative for its time, and I can appreciate that!
~
<b>The Boxdale Inheritance</b>
This one was definitely my least favourite of the batch. It was definitely still a nice old school mystery to read about but it wasnt exactly exciting like the last two. This one took me a little longer to read than the others because I was getting distracted by various bits which didnt happen when I read the other two stories.
It was a nice introduction to Dalgliesh, and I think the conclusion of the crime was actually more intricate than the others, but it didnt gel with me like the others did.
~
<b>The Twelve Clues of Christmas</b>
I really liked this story in the collection! I connected with Dalgliesh in this one much more than I did in the other beforehand. I also liked how the characters in this one were sassy and outright with each other.
Even though the crime in this was easily guessable, I really enjoyed the way it was set out and how we came to know about the 12 clues of who committed murder!
~
Even though I hate a modern cosy mysteries, when it comes to old-school ones, I love them! This short story collection was exactly what I needed to help me on the track to enjoying reading again. I read it one sitting, and even though it is a short book, thats not something I do very often, so it really had me hooked!
I decided I wanted to read a seasonal book this year and I found this one lurking on my shelf from last year when I also decided I wanted to read a seasonal book but didnt.
Ive reviewed each of the short stories one-by-one. Theres only 4, so its not a massive review, dont worry!
~
<b>The Mistletoe Murder</b>
I really loved the writing in this one! It hooked me straight away. I instantly connected with our narrator, even though shes a bit of an enigma. With short stories, you rarely get to know the characters very well, but I liked how our narrator was strong willed and sassy.
This story is a classic whodunit murder mystery. Not as complex as Christie, but definitely gives off those vibes. The conclusion to the story was pretty obvious, but the last little paragraph bought a smile to my face!
~
<b>A Commonplace Murder</b>
This one takes on a completely different tone from the story before it. Rather than being a cosy murder mystery, this one is that little bit darker. Youre introduced to a not very likeable narrator who holds an innocent mans freedom in his hands.
The story for this one is grittier and dirtier and comes to a shocking conclusion. When I first finished this one, I was adamant I didnt like it, but after letting it brew for a while, I realised that this one is very clever, and since it was published in 1969, was probably innovative for its time, and I can appreciate that!
~
<b>The Boxdale Inheritance</b>
This one was definitely my least favourite of the batch. It was definitely still a nice old school mystery to read about but it wasnt exactly exciting like the last two. This one took me a little longer to read than the others because I was getting distracted by various bits which didnt happen when I read the other two stories.
It was a nice introduction to Dalgliesh, and I think the conclusion of the crime was actually more intricate than the others, but it didnt gel with me like the others did.
~
<b>The Twelve Clues of Christmas</b>
I really liked this story in the collection! I connected with Dalgliesh in this one much more than I did in the other beforehand. I also liked how the characters in this one were sassy and outright with each other.
Even though the crime in this was easily guessable, I really enjoyed the way it was set out and how we came to know about the 12 clues of who committed murder!
~
Even though I hate a modern cosy mysteries, when it comes to old-school ones, I love them! This short story collection was exactly what I needed to help me on the track to enjoying reading again. I read it one sitting, and even though it is a short book, thats not something I do very often, so it really had me hooked!
Ari Augustine (10 KP) rated Realm of Knights (Knights of the Realm, #1) in Books
May 4, 2020
In case you havent heard about this hidden gem, Realm of the Knights is the first book in a new series by Jennifer Anne Davis. Long story short: Since the day of her birth (and subsequent death of her mother) Reid Ellington has been forced to live as her fathers sole male heir. Shes had to walk like a boy, talk like a boy, and do all kinds of boyish things. Its the only way she can inherit her fathers estate.
But when the beans are spilled and by a prince with a taste for blackmail shes forced to accept his offer of silence in exchange for an act of treason. Shes sucked into a whole world of secrets, far more dangerous and deadly than the one shes fighting to keep. And it may cost her more than she realizes.
To be honest, Realm of the Knights isnt my usual cuppa. The last time I read anything close to a high or epic fantasy was during my Forgotten Realms phase, especially ones with courts or royal families.
But Realm of the Knights caught my eye first (admittedly) by its bold, beautiful cover and second, the major Arthurian-Mulan vibes I was getting. This was all I needed to abandon my High-Fantasy famine and dive right in.
And I dont regret it one bit.
You can hear more about my reflections at <a href="https://www.bookishvalhalla.com">Bookish Valhalla</a>
But when the beans are spilled and by a prince with a taste for blackmail shes forced to accept his offer of silence in exchange for an act of treason. Shes sucked into a whole world of secrets, far more dangerous and deadly than the one shes fighting to keep. And it may cost her more than she realizes.
To be honest, Realm of the Knights isnt my usual cuppa. The last time I read anything close to a high or epic fantasy was during my Forgotten Realms phase, especially ones with courts or royal families.
But Realm of the Knights caught my eye first (admittedly) by its bold, beautiful cover and second, the major Arthurian-Mulan vibes I was getting. This was all I needed to abandon my High-Fantasy famine and dive right in.
And I dont regret it one bit.
You can hear more about my reflections at <a href="https://www.bookishvalhalla.com">Bookish Valhalla</a>
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Pure Soapmaking: How to Create Nourishing, Natural Skin Care Soaps in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Soap making is something I have recently become interested in so imagine my delight when I saw this book on Netgalley. I was even more thrilled that my request as accepted. I had to download an app to be able to read it, but boy it was worth it!
For someone who has never made soap in her life and knows nothing about soap making, this was the absolute best book to start with. It describes everything from the tools you will need to the different processes you can use with such detail, that even an absolute novice like me can make it. In fact, I got it right on my first try thanks to the detailed instructions.
The writing is far from dry either. The author really knew how to make it interesting for the reader as well as instructing them. She breaks each section down to make it easier. It starts with a little science (which a science nerd like me loved!) then she follows it with a short glossary of commons terms you should familiarize yourself with. There is a section about safety guidelines (since lye is involved) and detailed section about the equipment needed as well as images to match. In fact, all the images through the book are beautiful and beneficial.
I dont think I can brag about this book enough. It was exactly what a novice like me needed. I am sure someone familiar to soap making wouldnt need all the extra information but there is still a lot of recipes in here they may interested in using.
Soap making is something I have recently become interested in so imagine my delight when I saw this book on Netgalley. I was even more thrilled that my request as accepted. I had to download an app to be able to read it, but boy it was worth it!
For someone who has never made soap in her life and knows nothing about soap making, this was the absolute best book to start with. It describes everything from the tools you will need to the different processes you can use with such detail, that even an absolute novice like me can make it. In fact, I got it right on my first try thanks to the detailed instructions.
The writing is far from dry either. The author really knew how to make it interesting for the reader as well as instructing them. She breaks each section down to make it easier. It starts with a little science (which a science nerd like me loved!) then she follows it with a short glossary of commons terms you should familiarize yourself with. There is a section about safety guidelines (since lye is involved) and detailed section about the equipment needed as well as images to match. In fact, all the images through the book are beautiful and beneficial.
I dont think I can brag about this book enough. It was exactly what a novice like me needed. I am sure someone familiar to soap making wouldnt need all the extra information but there is still a lot of recipes in here they may interested in using.