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The Good Sister
The Good Sister
Sally Hepworth | 2021 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences
9
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth is the first book I read of hers, but it will not be the last.

It appeared Fern and Rose are as close as twin sisters can be. In reality, their relationship is much different. Rose is the responsible, pragmatic sister who always looks out for Fern. Fern is the quirky one who always sees the good in everyone. People do not realize Rose looks out for Fern because of her publicly perfect mother, who in secret is a sociopath, and because of what Fern did when she was younger.

The book is much more than I thought it would be. It is a psychological thriller that explores how people with high-functioning autism are treated and how they view everyday occurrences. It is also a family drama, a dysfunctional family, but a family nonetheless.

Hepworth builds the main characters and the people surrounding them well. She describes their world well enough to be in their world but without too much detail slowing down the story. Her storytelling and the story made Sally Hepworth an author. I want to read more of her work.

On Goodreads, Hepworth is the #1 most followed author in Australia.

This 200-word review will be published on Philomathinphila.com.
  
TM
The More you Ignore me
Jo Brand | 2022
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
31 of 230
Book
The more you ignore me
By Jo Brand
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Celebrity obsession, coming of age and cow shit - an hilarious, poignant and darkly comic novel by the Queen of Comedy.

Alice is a young girl growing up in a dysfunctional family in Herefordshire in the 1980s. Her mother is suffering a mental illness - she is on medication, is put away in an institution, but constantly escapes - while her father, Keith, very sweetly, tries to keep everything together. His in-laws, the Wildgooses, are a bunch of reckless, lawless country bumpkins and can offer very little help or sensible advice, preferring instead to remain in the pub or to use a shotgun to solve life's little problems. The only thing that gives meaning and hope to Alice as she makes her way through childhood, school and teenage trauma is her obsession with the singer Morrissey of The Smiths. She is desperate to see The Smiths at a live gig, but somehow her family always manages to derail her plans. Gradually her mother begins to share her fascination with the rock god and his presence in their lives goes someway to healing her and repairing her relationship with her long-suffering daughter.

This was really good! It was funny and darkly so. It follows the life of a young girl dealing with the effects her mothers mental illness has on her and her father. It’s has a dark underlay that as someone who struggles mentally I can relate too. So much better than I was expecting.
  
Broken Heart Attack
Broken Heart Attack
James J. Cudney | 2018 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Deadly Theater
When Kellan Ayrwick attends a dress rehearsal of King Lear with Nana D. and her friends, he expects the deaths to stay on stage. But not too long into the second act, he realizes that Gwendolyn Paddington isn’t asleep on his shoulder, but she’s passed away. Gwendolyn had been saying someone in her family was trying to kill her. Is that true? If so, can Kellan figure out who did it?

When you have a book with characters as dysfunctional as the Paddington family, it always makes me appreciate my own family. But it also makes for a great mystery plot, and that’s the case again here. There are plenty of twists along the way to catching the killer at the end. While some of the characters can be over the top, we care about enough of them, including Kellan, to keep us invested in the book. I did feel like the humor was hit and miss for me here. Sometimes, the character’s teasing worked, and other times it felt like they were picking on Kellan more than actually teasing him. Unfortunately, there were some timeline issues and a red herring that felt like it jumped quite a bit. Both could have been resolved with a good editor. There are several sub-plots involving Kellan and his family. While they veered a little more into soap opera territory than is typical for the books I read, they have me hooked and I can’t wait to make time for the next book to find out what happens.
  
DH
Deliver Her
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Like many of the readers that have turned the pages of this book, I selected <i>Deliver Her: A Novel</i> because it was one of this month's options for Amazon Prime subscribers via Kindle First. Listed under suspense, the title's description hinted at an edge-of-your-seat, fast-paced story. While the tragic tale of Alex Carmody, her dysfunctional family, and the hired transport were entertaining, it did not live up to my expectations when it comes to a novel of this genre.

After the horrific death of her best friend, Alex Carmody spirals out of control and she becomes the typical angst filled, rebellious teenager. In a last-ditch effort to save Alex from herself, her mother decides to hire Carl Alden, owner of Begin Again Transport, to take her to The Birches, a boarding school for troubled youth. En route, as stated in the description, Alex goes missing and things begin to spiral out of control.

The plot of the story is fairly simple and does bear realistic elements, even if a few of them, such as Alex's behavior, are a bit too cliche. While the story is centered around Alex's transport to The Birches, it seems as if her mother plays the most dominant role in the book. It is easier to feel "in touch" with Meg's thoughts, feelings, and realizations than it is Carl's or Alex's. Many times, I felt that Meg was closer to the brink of losing control than Alex was, perhaps due to the way in which her entire life was deteriorating around her. In her portrayal of a dysfunctional family and a marriage in shambles, Donovan succeeded in creating a feeling of empathy for the Carmodys.

On the other hand, the story progressed fairly slowly, and at times the style was inconsistent. There were many occasions in which I felt the word choice was too verbose, only to become more simple a few pages later. This, coupled with the frequent change in point of view, interrupted the story's flow while simultaneously blurring the line as to which of the three main characters served as the protagonist.

The minor characters seemed, more often than not, to be a convenient scapegoat, used to justify certain actions and outcomes. Evan is introduced to the reader as your typical drug-abusing kid, and despite Alex's feelings for him, plays a very minor role in the book. It's mentioned that Alex is his mule, however that subject isn't really touched upon beyond simple acknowledgment. Jacob, Alex's father, sits backseat for the majority of the story, only to become a major player toward the end, bringing to light his own shortcomings - and the truth behind some of the accusations that Alex has suffered. Shana appears to exist solely to substantiate the tragedy that started Alex's decline, while her brother is mentioned only in memories, despite the crucial role he's played in the Carmody family history.

Despite its shortcomings, and the fact that I do not feel it should be categorized as suspense, <i>Deliver Her: A Novel</i> was a fun read. I do not regret the time that I spent turning its pages, and should Donovan decide to turn this into a Transport series, I would probably read further installments.

<b>This book was acquired free of charge via Amazon Prime Kindle First. My review is an accurate expression of my own opinion, without bias.</b>
  
HC
High Cotton (Bucklin Family Reunion #1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
It's been quite sometime since I read a Debby Mayne novel, and I must tell you that I so glad to be brought back to her talented work. When I read the blurb of High Cotton, I knew it was one that I needed to pull me out of my book funk, and that's just what it did! To me, that says a a lot about the book and the person writing it.

Being southern born and bred, and loving anything that has to do with drinking sweet tea from a mason jar( I mean, really? How perfect is that cover!?), I really related to Shay. Her character was quirky, loving and I really enjoyed walking beside her in this story, watching how she handled things. Life isn't always easy in a family of people that you love but drive you absolutely, utterly wonky, but Shay.......she really gave me a lot to think about with my own life.

This book is worthy of so much more than just 4.5 stars. It deserves to be sitting on a shelf, to be read again and again. If you are looking for a book that is at times laugh-out-loud, dysfunctional and altogether, down right inspirational. Friends, family and old memories come together to create a novel that is both emotionally moving, and utterly heartwarming. Praise goes to Debby Mayne for her trademark writing style and bringing me back to the love her books! Well done!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
Jar of Hearts
Jar of Hearts
Jennifer Hillier | 2018 | Crime, Mystery, Thriller
8
8.3 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
You can run, but you can't hide!
What if you got involved with the wrong guy when you were sixteen years old? What if your best friends tied to warn you and you didn’t listen? What if someone ended up dead and no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t help but feel guilty because you were inexplicably involved in their demise? This is exactly what happens to Georgina Shaw (Geo for short), the main character in Jennifer Hillier’s latest crime thriller, Jar of Hearts.

One fateful night, Geo’s bad decisions alter the course of the rest of her life. As the years go by, she finds out just how painful and far-reaching the ramifications of those decisions will become. Even though she tries and tries to forget what happened and move on, the past refuses to stay buried. How far can she run before what she did catches up to her? And by the way, what exactly did she do?

Just when we think we’ve got Geo’s story figured out, Hillier throws us a curveball and we’re right back where we started: clueless and furiously trying to piece together what has transpired. I am quite a fan of this writing technique because it keeps you on your toes while you’re reading the story. Jar of Hearts is not for everyone; it is haunting and disturbing, it paints a picture of a seriously flawed and dysfunctional family, and it features grotesque crimes. On the other hand, it is a fast-paced and addictive read, a nontraditional love story, and it shows how something good can come out of even the worst of situations. Give it a try if you’re looking for a modern crime thriller that holds nothing back.
  
Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj (Van Wilder 2) (2006)
Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj (Van Wilder 2) (2006)
2006 | Comedy
6
5.5 (2 Ratings)
Movie Rating
It has been four years since audiences last met Taj Mahal Badalandabad(Kal Penn), as he interned under Van Wilder in the film of the same name.

In Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj, we catch up with a more seasoned and confident Taj as he embarks on a trip to England in order to earn his teaching Doctorate under an advisor program.

From a outrageous encounter on his flight to England to running afoul of the snobbish Pipp Everett (Daniel Percival), Taj soon finds himself watching over a house full of some of the most dysfunctional people he has ever seen.

Undaunted, Taj decides to mentor his charges in much the same way that Van Wilder helped him, and hopes to help them earn a sense of dignity and self respect.

When Taj encounters the lovely Charlotte (Charlie) Higginson (Lauren Cohan), he earns the wrath of Pipp who happens to be dating Charlotte and already has a strong dislike for Taj and his students.

What follows is a fun, if predictable romp, where Taj and company must battle Pipp and his minions and prevail.

While this version contains its share of gross out comedy, there are some genuine fun and light-hearted moments. While it will not be remembered as one of the great comedies, of the year, there are some enjoyable moments in the film, especially Kal Penn who carries the film as well as he can with the material he is given.

In many ways the film plays out as a by the numbers comedy, yet there are some fun moments here, and if you were a fan of the first film, you just might find this your cup of tea.
  
WT
Wild Things - Single by Annprincess
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Annprincess is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter based in Oslo, Norway. Not too long ago, she released a dance video for her “Wild Things” single.

‘Wild Things’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with electro-pop and tropical-dance elements.

Also, the likable tune showcases Annprincess’ effortless gift for writing R&B-infused pop tunes.

Annprincess fled her home country of Liberia at the age of seven as a refugee. Shortly afterward, she and her mother found sanctuary in Norway, the place she now calls home.

At the time, Liberia had internal conflict and attempted coups were an everyday occurrence.

Also, Annprincess’ father, Prince Yormie Johnson, was one of the prominent figures in the first Liberian Civil War (1989-1997).

He became notorious for killing anyone who opposed his views or actions. And Annprincess’ mother was repeatedly jailed for her opposition to him.

Also, his role in the torture and murder of President Samuel Doe in 1990 is well documented on video, a part for which there is a regular talk of him being indicted for war crimes.

One of ten children to Prince Yormie’s multiple wives, Annprincess grew up with a dysfunctional view of relationships.

Even those closest to her, leading to her songwriting in which many of her lyrics deal with failed interactions between people.

Forever feeling she has been the underdog in life, Annprincess’ resilience sees her balancing two jobs alongside her music career, not to mention being a successful football player and coach.

Along with her mother, she has overcome every obstacle life has thrown at her and adapted to an alien culture and language.

Also, she used the negative experiences of her story to become an inspirational example to others to never give up in the pursuit of your dreams.
  
Blinded (Club Indigo #5)
Blinded (Club Indigo #5)
Karen Nappa | 2020 | Contemporary, Erotica, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Blinded is the fifth book in the Club Indigo series and we start off with our main male character having to have PT due to a climbing accident. Sandra, our PT, is determined to help this grumpy patient and then have absolutely nothing to do with him. The only trouble is, he's a member of the Club Indigo, the same as she is, and he is a master of the ropes, which is something she wants to do more. Sandra has her baggage to contend with and GT has more than few walls to knock down.

This was a great addition to the series. Like with the others, I would say you could read it as a standalone but to get the most out of it, I would recommend reading them in order. Characters from previous books are mentioned so I found it helpful to have read their story first.

I loved how Karen Nappa managed to intertwine Sandra's relationship with her mother (dysfunctional, people!!!) with her budding relationship with GT. I found her fears and concerns completely relatable and, as someone who also shuts down and runs away rather than have a confrontation, I found her reactions to be completely realistic. The Colour Run sounded like so much fun but I would have killed GT for his "little surprise." 🤣

This was a brilliant addition to the series that I loved reading and I can't wait to see who comes next. Absolutely recommended by me.

(P.S. - please let me find out who was the first Top on the Blind Date night!! PLEASE!!!!)

* 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!
  
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
2017 | Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Returning cast, soundtrack is great, special effects and action, cameos (1 more)
Baby Groot
Some parts can be a bit slow, but are few and far between (0 more)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Writer/director James Gunn takes us back to Knowhere to join Star-Lord, Drax, Gamora, Rocket and Baby Groot in the follow-up to the unexpected smash Guardians of the Galaxy.
Taking up where we left off from the last movie, albeit a few years later, the Guardians are in the groove now and start the movie with a spectacular set piece with the super popular Baby Groot showing off some dance moves while the rest of them fight a gigantic intergalactic beast.
All the original cast return and have settled into the characters so the movie cracks straight on with the story. As rumours had it, this film is all about family and charts the discovery of Star-Lord’s father’s origin and how this relates to Star-Lord. Without giving too much away, Star-Lord meets his father (Kurt Russell) and has to choose between his dysfunctional family or his birth father. Another character arc of interest is in a returning character Yondu who also faces another dilemma over family.
Family pervades the movie in Gamora’s case too as Nebula (Karen Gillen) returns to provide a reluctant support to the Guardians while trying to fight them. Some impressive cameos including Sylvester Stallone and, get this, David Hasselhoff!!!
Guardian’s 2 is a fantastic (if not even better) than the first instalment and Gunn has already said he is on board for film 3. The quirkiness, the humour and the action from the first is ramped up in this one and doesn’t let you down.
There’s a shock and no less than 5 after credits scenes, so be sure to stay until the end of the movie to get your money’s worth.
A recommended movie if you like sci-fi, action or just a good exciting adventure story. It’s out now at all good cinemas.
(From @paulandpopcorn - https://popcornpaul.blogspot.co.uk/)