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Things Fall Apart
Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe, Biyi Bandele | 2001 | Essays
6
7.5 (11 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book as part of a book exchange for my book club. I was excited because it finally gave me a reason to read a book that has been on my "I should read this" list. I finished this book and I honestly have no idea what my thoughts are. I'm trying to put them into words and I'm failing.

I liked this book for the multicultural issues that it proposes. It had elements that I have never grasped or read before which I enjoyed. I loved learning about the culture and customs of this tribe. I also loved how complex the main character was. I loved how at moments you're wanting him to be shunned and at other moments you want him to be fully embraced by his tribe.

I didn't like how abrupt the ending was. It was leading to the climax of the story and then just halted leaving me extremely unsatisfied. I want a resolution and I want a cookie cutter ending where everything is wrapped up tight with a cute little bow. Unfortunately, that isn't this book.

All in all, I'm happy that I read this book. I'm thrilled that I finally found time to read it. I'm just not so sure how I feel about it either.
  
Eldritch Horror
Eldritch Horror
2013 | Adventure, Book, Fantasy, Fighting, Horror
One of my all-time favorites!
Eldritch Horror is a difficult, horror-themed, co-operative board game. You and your fellow teammates play as characters with different abilities and, together, you are trying to stop an elder monster from awakening and destroying the world. If you'd played Arkham Horror, Eldritch is a streamlined version of it. There are TONS of expansions (I have all of them) that really add to the game through different characters, mechanics, bad guys, etc.

I wouldn't say this game was friendly to people who don't usually play board games because of all of the different rules and elements, though because of it's co-operative nature, it's not too hard to teach to people who do usually play board games.

This game has GREAT re-playability. It scales fairly well for different numbers of players, but does not play as well with odd numbers (the difficulty is the same as the even number one higher, but you have fewer turns). Because it's co-operative, you can have some players control more than one character. This is what we usually do if we play with odd numbers. It's challenging to do this, though, if everyone is new to the game.
  
40x40

Akward (448 KP) Jul 10, 2018

Thanks for the review! I just got this last week, and you're making me pumped to get it to the table.

40x40

Steph (468 KP) Jul 10, 2018

Nice! Let me know how you like it ?

One Hundred Years of Solitude
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Gabriel García Márquez, Gregory Rabassa | 2000 | Fiction & Poetry
6
8.5 (11 Ratings)
Book Rating
Weird and a little overrated
I thought this book was more of a historical epic, and although it's based around the history of one family, I hadn't expected the deep fantasy elements throughout the story.

To begin with this book was a revelation - it was weird and wonderful, entertaining and a little bit bonkers. However this for me could only keep me going so far. Around 2/3 of the way through I started to get a little bit bored and getting through the remainder of the book was such a drag. The book has a sort of dreamlike quality to it and the plot and narrative moves and jumps around quite a lot and it did become a little difficult to follow. It wasn't helped by the fact that nearly all characters had different variations of the same 3 names, so it was a massive issue trying to remember which person was being spoken about. The characters themselves were also fairly unlikable and you can only read for so long when you don't like the characters.

It's an interesting story and a very unusual plot and writing style, but I just wish it had been at the very least a little shorter. Not one I'd read again.
  
Terrifier (2017)
Terrifier (2017)
2017 | Horror
Intriguing new character "Art" (1 more)
Gore galore
Doesn't seem to really have any depth (1 more)
Style over substance?
Does what it promises...but little more
So I finally got around to watching Terrifier, and yeah, it was pretty good.

Art the Clown is a captivating antagonist, with the playful tendencies of pennywise combined with the raw savagery of Jason, with just a pinch of the sadistic in there too.

The kills are largely effective, and brutal, the other characters are mostly fine and bearable, and certainly this is a film worthy of a sequel.

However, there is a niggling criticism that Terrifier is just a series of largely unrelated scenes, where they try to make Art as Brutal/Weird/Unsettling as possible, without really concerning themselves with any sort of a deeper plot, lore or moral.

The rules and motivations surrounding Art are unclear, at times hinting at mother issues, him just being an ordinary lunatic, but also having some supernatural elements too.

Its enjoyable enough without the lore and background, but for Art to transcend from a one off (if you ignore the short film starring him) we need to understand more.

Still, if you like your 80's gore horror, I am sure you will find something to like here.
  
Cover Me - Single by Camille Miller
Cover Me - Single by Camille Miller
2019
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Camille Miller is a German-born singer-songwriter who was raised on military bases all over Canada. Not too long ago, she released a cool indie-alternative tune, entitled, “Cover Me”.

“Stand before me, let me your soul. Let me feel the warmth of your touch. Hearts unguarded, bodies perfect in their flaws. I can’t do this on my own. Modern life through the telephone staring in and fading out. We’re all covered in lonely, we’re all covered in doubt.” – lyrics

‘Cover Me’ contains a relatable narrative, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with indie-pop and alternative elements. Also, the track possesses a tasty guitar solo.

“Thinking about how technology and social media sometimes make us doubt ourselves. How something that can brilliantly bring us together, can also keep us separated in ways we have never experienced before. How the need and want of human interaction is so important and deeply needed.” – Camille Miller

Camille Miller was brought up on a hearty diet of Motown, Carly Simon, The Carpenters, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and the Rolling Stones.

With the sound of these greats of yesteryear oozing through her veins, she continues her global trend of turning listeners into lifelong fans.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/camille-miller-cover-me/
  
Hurry - Single by Leena
Hurry - Single by Leena
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Leena is an up-and-coming Miami-raised singer-songwriter from Dallas, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a lovely urban pop tune, entitled, “Hurry”.

“I hate feeling like a stranger. I’m so sick of conversations that just leads to confrontations with you. Hoping that you’ll save me. Take my hand and fly away. You’re the one that I’ve been seeing. I can’t seem to find my way with you hoping that you’ll say. Baby, where you at? Im tryna relax so find me when you can and show me, babe.” – lyrics

‘Hurry’ is the second single from Leena’s upcoming EP.

The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and pleasing vocals. Also, the song possesses melodic instrumentation flavored with urban-pop and contemporary R&B elements.

“’Hurry’ is about finally finding your worth and not waiting for a man to control or contradict your next move. It’s about becoming independent, making your own money and bossing up” – Leena

Leena’s musical influences include Kehlani, Ella Mai, and SZA.

Her music consists of themes describing the hardship and enjoyment of life and love.

“‘Hurry’ is full of emotion that’s expressed with Leena’s lush vocals and beautifully written lyrics that will take listeners into a world of desire.”

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/leena-hurry/
  
Next Time - Single by BLESSED
Next Time - Single by BLESSED
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
BLESSED is a Sydney-based rapper, producer, and songwriter from Accra, Ghana. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his “Next Time” single.

“With no control, I’m living life. I’m outta mind, I’m outta sight. I’ve been rollin’ every night. All alone, that’s every night. Tears, they fall like moonlight rain. Shadows on my window paint, now. In the end, they’re all the same. In the end, you’re all the same.” – lyrics

The self-directed black-and-white confessional audiovisual finds BLESSED performing bare-chested. Also, his performance draws inspiration from icons of ‘90s rock ‘n’ roll and hip-hop music.

‘Next Time’ is the first string of singles and videos which BLESSED will be releasing throughout the year, ending in an EP which is slated for late 2019.

The likable tune contains a dreamy storyline, harmonious rap vocals, and chill instrumentation flavored with alternative, hip-hop, and indie-rock elements.

BLESSED moved to Australia as a child, where he was aptly named a blessing by his family.

This project marks the first time he is using his real name instead of a moniker. Also, he is fresh from a national tour supporting Matt Corby.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/blessed-next-time/
  
For, Lost Thoughts by Ballad
For, Lost Thoughts by Ballad
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Ballad is a rising singer-songwriter from Luanda, Angola. Not too long ago, he released a groovy contemporary R&B tune, entitled, “If”, produced by Jay Muse.

“‘If’ is the first track on my ‘For, Lost Thoughts’ EP, which touches on the themes of joy, love, depression, and acceptance. Also, ‘If’ represents joy.” – Ballad

‘If’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.

The likable tune is featured on Ballad’s latest EP, entitled, “For, Lost Thoughts”. Also, you can get acquainted with the artist’s music by streaming his project via Spotify.

“This felt like therapy for me, like I needed to get out all of these emotions that life has taken me through.”

Ballad’s soulful sound is reminiscent of Maxwell and Prince, all wrapped up in one. Also, his music has amassed over 200K streams online.

His “For, Lost Thoughts” EP is his most personal project to date because it’s laced with vulnerability. Also, every word uttered from Ballad tells a story, his story.

The 5-track project highlights a transitioning period in Ballad’s life where he ultimately learned some of his biggest lessons in love. Also, it includes his “Wondering” single, which is dedicated to love lost.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/ballad-if/
  
Don't Go by Xenia Manasseh
Don't Go by Xenia Manasseh
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Xenia Manasseh is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter with Kenyan roots. Not too long ago, she released a bittersweet R&B tune, entitled, “Don’t Go”, produced by Ayo n Keyz.

“Staring at your picture hanging on the wall thinking of our last encounter. Wasn’t ready for the fall. Wondering when you’ll get here, I wanna talk it out. If you’ll just be patient with me, we can work it out.” – lyrics

‘Don’t Go’ tells an interesting tale of a single young woman who regrets telling her ex-beau to depart from their problematic relationship.

But after some time alone, she realizes that he’s the only guy who truly gets her. Therefore, she wants him back and doesn’t want him to leave anymore.

Later, she admits that she can’t remember what was said that put them in a bad place, but apologizes for the part she played in their looming breakup.

Even though her heart is in the right place, she fears that it might be too late to rekindle the flames of their dying romance.

‘Don’t Go’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/xenia-manasseh-dont-go/
  
Phone Ringing - Single by Young Gurf
Phone Ringing - Single by Young Gurf
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Young Gurf is a 30-year-old rapper from a small town in Abbeville, Louisiana. Not too long ago, he released a harmonious rap tune, entitled, “Phone Ringing”.

“Phone ringing they calling me. Why they keep bothering me? All night in the studio, ni^^a can’t even fall asleep. I be like, ‘What? What?’ Answer like, ‘What? What?’ They be like, ‘Yup, yup’. I be done hung up.” – lyrics

‘Phone Ringing’ tells an interesting tale of a young street hustler who has his eyes on the prize. Apparently, he’s busy and all about his business.

Therefore, when he works in the studio at nighttime, he doesn’t like to be bothered by people who call him with nothing prosperous to say.

‘Phone Ringing’ contains a relatable narrative, harmonious rap vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with hip-hop and trap elements.

“I just want everybody to know my music and to show the world that it doesn’t matter where you are from, success comes from the depths of the earth. But everybody sleeps on us small-town boys and they put us as the underdog. My goal is to let everybody know where I’m from, rep my city, and let ‘em all know what it is.” – Young Gurf

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/young-gurf-phone-ringing/