Search
Search results
FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated How to Walk Away in Books
Jul 26, 2018
The kind of book you're enjoying so much that you can't wait to finish it but at the same time will hate to see it end, author Katherine Center managed to such a feat in How to Walk Away.
While as a disabled individual, I'm often disappointed by the way that popular culture portrays disabled characters as either saintly, pitiable, or evil, I was impressed by the way that Center creates a fully three dimensional heroine who goes through a wide range of emotions after surviving a horrific plane crash.
And although on the surface, the thought of adding a romantic comedy subplot to the novel seemed way out of left field, because Center kept the protagonist so firmly grounded in reality, it wound up working really well.
The second recent upbeat romance involving a disabled lead to be chosen as an official selection by Book of the Month alongside Helen Hoang's sexier title The Kiss Quotient, while some of the contrivances in How to Walk Away's final fifty or so pages move it into cliched romcom territory, it's such a sweet, well-earned finale that it's easy to forgive.
A terrific disabled centric beach read, this one will walk away with your heart.
While as a disabled individual, I'm often disappointed by the way that popular culture portrays disabled characters as either saintly, pitiable, or evil, I was impressed by the way that Center creates a fully three dimensional heroine who goes through a wide range of emotions after surviving a horrific plane crash.
And although on the surface, the thought of adding a romantic comedy subplot to the novel seemed way out of left field, because Center kept the protagonist so firmly grounded in reality, it wound up working really well.
The second recent upbeat romance involving a disabled lead to be chosen as an official selection by Book of the Month alongside Helen Hoang's sexier title The Kiss Quotient, while some of the contrivances in How to Walk Away's final fifty or so pages move it into cliched romcom territory, it's such a sweet, well-earned finale that it's easy to forgive.
A terrific disabled centric beach read, this one will walk away with your heart.
ClareR (5996 KP) rated Bottled Goods in Books
Aug 18, 2018 (Updated Aug 18, 2018)
Life in Ceausescu’s Romania.
Set in Romania in the 1970’s, this portrays life for Alina and her husband, Liviu, under the Communist Ceausescu regime. Life for them becomes even harder when Alina’s brother in law defects to Germany. Her husband is a head teacher and is transferred to a difficult, failing school and seems to rely heavily on the alcohol that he drinks on the long train journey home. Meanwhile, Alina is harassed by a Secret Service agent, and this becomes very sinister.
The bottled goods of the title could be used as a metaphor for different aspects of this story: the perfumes Alina covets from the West; Liviu’s reliance on alcohol; how the couple (and probably their countrymen) bottle up their emotions and desire to defect; and a final, more fairytale bottling up - which I won’t give away.
This was all presented in the form of flash fiction that joined together to make a whole story. I liked this approach. It made the whole book feel uncomfortable (you never quite get in to the swing or the rhythm of the story), probably how Alina and Liviu felt, constantly under threat of arrest.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Fairlight Books for my copy of this book.
The bottled goods of the title could be used as a metaphor for different aspects of this story: the perfumes Alina covets from the West; Liviu’s reliance on alcohol; how the couple (and probably their countrymen) bottle up their emotions and desire to defect; and a final, more fairytale bottling up - which I won’t give away.
This was all presented in the form of flash fiction that joined together to make a whole story. I liked this approach. It made the whole book feel uncomfortable (you never quite get in to the swing or the rhythm of the story), probably how Alina and Liviu felt, constantly under threat of arrest.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Fairlight Books for my copy of this book.
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Giver (2014) in Movies
Aug 27, 2018
Watch this for the story, not for the cast
A very good premise in this film, following a community generations after the decision has been made to strive for a eutopia of bland polite sameness. No longer do people see colours (literally), all phrases have to be precise (something I think we could gain a lot by bringing in now!) and there are strict rules around curfews and behaviour, with everything being watched and lives pre-ordained.
The film follows three young people as they turn 18 and are allocated their jobs for life. Jonas has been selected to be the next Receiver of Knowledge - a role where he will receive all knowledge before the new world (of colours, wars, love, emotions, sledging).
Gripping dystopian vision of a future dreamworld and how wrong it would all be, and how, like religion, some good ideas become wrongly used as a strict framework for living life.
Needless to say, Jonas goes a bit daft with all this new knowledge (he somehow understood some of Jeff Bridges's incoherent mumbling) and looks to change the world for the better.
A short, enjoyable, family friendly version of Black Mirror with a slightly disappointing though happy ending.
The film follows three young people as they turn 18 and are allocated their jobs for life. Jonas has been selected to be the next Receiver of Knowledge - a role where he will receive all knowledge before the new world (of colours, wars, love, emotions, sledging).
Gripping dystopian vision of a future dreamworld and how wrong it would all be, and how, like religion, some good ideas become wrongly used as a strict framework for living life.
Needless to say, Jonas goes a bit daft with all this new knowledge (he somehow understood some of Jeff Bridges's incoherent mumbling) and looks to change the world for the better.
A short, enjoyable, family friendly version of Black Mirror with a slightly disappointing though happy ending.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated For, Lost Thoughts by Ballad in Music
Jun 17, 2019
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/
“‘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/
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Dawn - Single by Mackenta in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Mackenta is a singer-songwriter based in Toronto, Canada. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Dawn” single.
“I’ve noticed a common theme throughout my past relationships. Both parties weren’t really ready for something serious yet boundaries weren’t established. Therefore, causing a lack of respect. ‘Dawn’ is about falling for someone that you know won’t work in the long run, but letting it happen anyways.” – Mackenta
The audiovisual finds Mackenta chilling at a skate park with her significant other, played by Ty Senoj.
‘Dawn’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and chill instrumentation flavored with a contemporary R&B aroma.
“I felt a lot of mixed emotions while writing ‘Dawn’. Nostalgia over the good memories and potential. Resentment about not being something more. Shame over allowing the situation to escalate so far. I’m telling it from my point of view, so there’s a sense of blame towards this person who is not mature enough to take things seriously. Also, realizing that I’m equally to blame for not drawing the line or understanding my own intentions. Ultimately, it’s about two people who both need to heal before they could ever be together.” – Mackenta
‘Dawn’ will be featured on Mackenta’s upcoming EP, which will drop later this year.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mackenta-dawn/
“I’ve noticed a common theme throughout my past relationships. Both parties weren’t really ready for something serious yet boundaries weren’t established. Therefore, causing a lack of respect. ‘Dawn’ is about falling for someone that you know won’t work in the long run, but letting it happen anyways.” – Mackenta
The audiovisual finds Mackenta chilling at a skate park with her significant other, played by Ty Senoj.
‘Dawn’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and chill instrumentation flavored with a contemporary R&B aroma.
“I felt a lot of mixed emotions while writing ‘Dawn’. Nostalgia over the good memories and potential. Resentment about not being something more. Shame over allowing the situation to escalate so far. I’m telling it from my point of view, so there’s a sense of blame towards this person who is not mature enough to take things seriously. Also, realizing that I’m equally to blame for not drawing the line or understanding my own intentions. Ultimately, it’s about two people who both need to heal before they could ever be together.” – Mackenta
‘Dawn’ will be featured on Mackenta’s upcoming EP, which will drop later this year.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/mackenta-dawn/
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The House on Foster Hill in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Just the right amount of suspense, mystery, romance, and creepiness......to satisfy the bookish mind!
I am not typically a "suspense" reader (and DEFINITELY not a suspense movie type of person at all). But when word about this book started circulating around the bookish world last year...I just knew I HAD to read it!!! I mean just look at that cover...It screams "YOU MUST READ ME! You MUST discover the secrets that I hold within these pages!"
Be prepared for a lot of emotions that will be brought to the surface while reading The House on Foster Hill. Jaime addresses some very difficult topics in this book. And I am SO glad she does. It is not easy to read about, but the TRUTH must be shared. The secrets, the pain, the shame, must all be brought forward for healing, restoration, and freedom.
With a dual timeline, the author alternates between the present and the past with flawless accuracy. Secrets and shame hide behind the walls of Foster Hill House. What will be revealed? And what will be lost to history forever?
I received a complimentary copy of The House on Foster Hill. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I am not typically a "suspense" reader (and DEFINITELY not a suspense movie type of person at all). But when word about this book started circulating around the bookish world last year...I just knew I HAD to read it!!! I mean just look at that cover...It screams "YOU MUST READ ME! You MUST discover the secrets that I hold within these pages!"
Be prepared for a lot of emotions that will be brought to the surface while reading The House on Foster Hill. Jaime addresses some very difficult topics in this book. And I am SO glad she does. It is not easy to read about, but the TRUTH must be shared. The secrets, the pain, the shame, must all be brought forward for healing, restoration, and freedom.
With a dual timeline, the author alternates between the present and the past with flawless accuracy. Secrets and shame hide behind the walls of Foster Hill House. What will be revealed? And what will be lost to history forever?
I received a complimentary copy of The House on Foster Hill. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated The Moor in Books
Jan 31, 2019
The Moor is Sam Haysom’s debut novel and though it seems to have pretty high ratings, I found it to fall short of my expectations. The book encompasses the story of a handful of thirteen-year-old boys on a hiking trip through the moors. During this trip, things go wrong and… well, that’s where it tries to be two stories at once: a ghost story and a creature feature.
The ghost story side of this book is fantastic. It’s written in a way that captures the reader’s imagination and honestly, I could picture the details quite well. What I didn’t like was the creature feature side of the book. The monster that makes up this horror tale should be terrifying, but instead I found it to be one dimensional–in fact, every single time the creature shows up, it’s described the same way which really put me off.
I felt no emotions or connections to the boys in the book, and this greatly diminished the emotional/fright factor of the novel for me. I really wanted to taste the fear that these teenaged boys were going through.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The ghost story side of this book is fantastic. It’s written in a way that captures the reader’s imagination and honestly, I could picture the details quite well. What I didn’t like was the creature feature side of the book. The monster that makes up this horror tale should be terrifying, but instead I found it to be one dimensional–in fact, every single time the creature shows up, it’s described the same way which really put me off.
I felt no emotions or connections to the boys in the book, and this greatly diminished the emotional/fright factor of the novel for me. I really wanted to taste the fear that these teenaged boys were going through.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Island Tales Vol. 1 (Island Tales #1-2) in Books
Jul 16, 2019
Island Tales Vol. 1 (Island Tales #1-2) by K.C. Wells
Two feel-good stories in one volume, both set in the gorgeous Isle of Wight, UK. Both of them are written extremely well, with emotions clearly showing, and reasons given for acting certain ways. The pacing is smooth, and the characters are well-rounded.
Out of the two, I preferred Waiting for a Prince. I loved how Mark and Sam became friends before lovers, and how Sam's history came to light. I was 'glad' to read about a woman abuser (although I know that sounds wrong!) It is something that happens all too often, and yet is not really spoken - or written - about.
I enjoyed September's Tide, but the whole business with Clark just annoyed me, especially when Michael got involved. And, to be honest, I still don't know why he did, or what he stood to gain by it. That's just me though.
A couple of great stories that are easy to read, and definitely recommended to read near the sea!
* 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!
Out of the two, I preferred Waiting for a Prince. I loved how Mark and Sam became friends before lovers, and how Sam's history came to light. I was 'glad' to read about a woman abuser (although I know that sounds wrong!) It is something that happens all too often, and yet is not really spoken - or written - about.
I enjoyed September's Tide, but the whole business with Clark just annoyed me, especially when Michael got involved. And, to be honest, I still don't know why he did, or what he stood to gain by it. That's just me though.
A couple of great stories that are easy to read, and definitely recommended to read near the sea!
* 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!
Andy K (10823 KP) rated A Vigilante (2018) in Movies
Aug 11, 2019
and the trucks won't stop coming...
Olivia Wilde is the main reason to watch this female empowerment/revenge film as her performance is visceral, raw, emotional and intense for sure.
Sadie is a young woman tormented by her family's history. She tried to cope with her uncontrollable emotions by attending a support group and by studying self defense. She has decided her course in life has become to defend the innocent women and children of domestic violence by being an Equalizer?Death Wish type "vigilante" on the batterers.
When her own past comes back to haunt her, she has to use all her newly acquired skills to escape and possible prevail.
While I don't obviously condone taking the law into your own hands, the audience is definitely with her as she exacts her raw justice on the domestic assailants.
I was disappointed in the 2nd half of the film which falls into a formula eroding the interesting character study which had been developing up to that point. Once the 3rd acts starts, it turns into a different film. I wish it would've stayed the plot line which showed her tortured soul more and showed her as the flawed heroine she is.
Sadie is a young woman tormented by her family's history. She tried to cope with her uncontrollable emotions by attending a support group and by studying self defense. She has decided her course in life has become to defend the innocent women and children of domestic violence by being an Equalizer?Death Wish type "vigilante" on the batterers.
When her own past comes back to haunt her, she has to use all her newly acquired skills to escape and possible prevail.
While I don't obviously condone taking the law into your own hands, the audience is definitely with her as she exacts her raw justice on the domestic assailants.
I was disappointed in the 2nd half of the film which falls into a formula eroding the interesting character study which had been developing up to that point. Once the 3rd acts starts, it turns into a different film. I wish it would've stayed the plot line which showed her tortured soul more and showed her as the flawed heroine she is.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
Nov 12, 2019
This is not cinema?
A hero of mine recently said this is not cinema. Is it the same as a pop puppet singing a song someone else has written with no emotion or soul? Well no actually. Good cinema is good art and art makes you feel things. Endgame will make you ride emotions from start to finish. Ok it is s visual feast but it's full of messages and commentary as well and the overall ethos is, well pretty much "for the many not the few", take that what you will. There is also that incredible moment when all the most powerful ones line up and they are female and you go "wow, go kick ass". They have been brave. They don't care if some spotty fanboy cries into his jerk off sock because captain marvel had a vagina, they wanted a strong female character so they did it. It is brave cinema.
It's almost as though they knew the people would leak spoilers too so they make the sentiment of the film and character start at the beginning almost as if they are mocking themselves. Brave.
Did I enjoy the actual film though I hear you ask? Yeah, it was great.
It's almost as though they knew the people would leak spoilers too so they make the sentiment of the film and character start at the beginning almost as if they are mocking themselves. Brave.
Did I enjoy the actual film though I hear you ask? Yeah, it was great.