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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Reason I Jump: One Boy's Voice from the Silence of Autism in Books
Aug 25, 2017
Pioneering incredible book about autism written by a young boy
This book is both controversial, yet pioneering. Pioneering because a 13-year-old boy with autism has found a way of communicating coherently through a computer. Controversial, because many claim it could be fraudulent and other so-called experts have debunked the severity of his autism. I am no expert, but I hope that it is real, because it's moving and wonderful to hear how helpless the condition can be from his perspective. And it's true that he probably shouldn't have used the royal 'We' to describe people with autism to all have the same reasons for symptoms. But he is just a young boy trying to help if that's the case. The translation from Japanese has been very much westernised using English colloquialisms, but it helps gauge western audiences. However it's incredible to hear how disconnected senses can become with autism, no sense of linear time, touch or taste, even words. Remarkable book.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Occupied (Okkupert)- Season 1 in TV
Mar 2, 2019 (Updated Mar 2, 2019)
When I read that Jo Nesbo had created a television series, I was all in. Nesbo is one of my favorite authors.
When Norway is the first country to move to using all green energy, the rest of the world, specifically countries that rely heavily on oil, try to convince the government to stop the move. When the PM of Norway refuses, Russia invades Norway. This series covers a month at a time, and features several characters in the government, as well as a journalist.
At first, this invasion is seen as temporary and friendly, but when everything starts to turn more sinister, the more interesting the show becomes. The show is mostly in Norwegian, with some portions in English, but the translation seems to be spot on.
Overall, an engaging series, and I can't wait to watch season 2. It is a little creepy that this invasion completely seems like it could happen in real life.
When Norway is the first country to move to using all green energy, the rest of the world, specifically countries that rely heavily on oil, try to convince the government to stop the move. When the PM of Norway refuses, Russia invades Norway. This series covers a month at a time, and features several characters in the government, as well as a journalist.
At first, this invasion is seen as temporary and friendly, but when everything starts to turn more sinister, the more interesting the show becomes. The show is mostly in Norwegian, with some portions in English, but the translation seems to be spot on.
Overall, an engaging series, and I can't wait to watch season 2. It is a little creepy that this invasion completely seems like it could happen in real life.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated The Friday Society in Books
Mar 19, 2019 (Updated Jul 27, 2020)
Fun characters (1 more)
nice intro to steampunk
slightly repetitive (1 more)
too much build up for a one off book
A fun teen book set in 1900 London. It follows three young woman whose paths seem fated to cross. Assistants to three famous men, they become entangled in a mystery only they can solve. I really hoped this book would become a series because there is a lot of build up and it makes the ending seemed a little rushed. While it is considered steampunk, I feel like it is more like getting your feet wet just enough to be curious about the genre.
You have the no nonsense scientist, flighty yet loyal performer, and the doesn't speak English Japanese fighter. Three girl which should have little in common are more similar than they'd think. You get all three girl's POV which is nice. And I can identify with some of their irritations. A cute, fun and quick read.
You have the no nonsense scientist, flighty yet loyal performer, and the doesn't speak English Japanese fighter. Three girl which should have little in common are more similar than they'd think. You get all three girl's POV which is nice. And I can identify with some of their irritations. A cute, fun and quick read.
ClareR (5885 KP) rated Blood on the Stone in Books
Apr 26, 2019 (Updated Apr 26, 2019)
A well-researched, exciting historical murder-mystery.
This is a very enjoyable murder mystery, set in 17th century Oxford. The English Parliament is being hosted by Oxford, with King Charles II, his wife and mistresses also present (although we don’t really see them)
Luke Sandys, Chief Officer of the Bailiffs, is called on to solve the murder of an MP (Member of Parliament), and also to stop a treasonous plot against the King.
The Bailiffs were an early precursor of the modern police force from what I could make out. There’s some great historical detail about them, about everyday lives at this time, and about religious and political tensions between Protestants and catholics. It’s just a really good story overall!
There is a historical note at the end of the story that was very interesting, and I really appreciated the extra information.
In all, a well researched and exciting story!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author, Jake Lynch, for reading along!
Luke Sandys, Chief Officer of the Bailiffs, is called on to solve the murder of an MP (Member of Parliament), and also to stop a treasonous plot against the King.
The Bailiffs were an early precursor of the modern police force from what I could make out. There’s some great historical detail about them, about everyday lives at this time, and about religious and political tensions between Protestants and catholics. It’s just a really good story overall!
There is a historical note at the end of the story that was very interesting, and I really appreciated the extra information.
In all, a well researched and exciting story!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author, Jake Lynch, for reading along!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Styx (2018) in Movies
May 1, 2019 (Updated May 1, 2019)
No-frills drama from Germany (not much dialogue, and most of that in English) achieves genuine tension after a slow start. Competent, compassionate doctor seems to be having no trouble sailing the Atlantic until she comes across a ship loaded with refugees in very bad shape: her small boat can't help, and the authorities advise her by radio to leave the area; but they show no sign of doing anything to help. The arrival on board of a young boy only complicates matters further. What is she supposed to do?
Wears its heart very much on its sleeve as a parable about civilised European attitudes to crises in other parts of the world; not exactly subtle and doesn't seem to have many answers to give. The slow start may also put some people off. However, Wolff carries the film impressively, and the moral dilemma at its centre is engrossing and resonant. Director does good work with what's clearly quite a low budget.
Wears its heart very much on its sleeve as a parable about civilised European attitudes to crises in other parts of the world; not exactly subtle and doesn't seem to have many answers to give. The slow start may also put some people off. However, Wolff carries the film impressively, and the moral dilemma at its centre is engrossing and resonant. Director does good work with what's clearly quite a low budget.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2353 KP) rated Assaulted Pretzel (An Amish Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Everyone, English and Amish alike, are talking about toy maker Rob Karble being in town to make a deal to distribute toys made by the local Amish. However, not too long after word leaks he intends to use his factory instead of the local Amish, he is found murdered. Once again, Claire Weatherly finds herself getting involved to clear her new Amish friends.
I still can’t get over how strong the characters in this series are. They pull you in and make you care about every page. The plot is good, and kept me guessing until the end. I did find the romantic triangle a bit too prominent, and yet with the way it ended, I can’t wait to find out what happens next there as well. The strong characters are to blame for that contradiction.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-assaulted-pretzel-by-laura.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I still can’t get over how strong the characters in this series are. They pull you in and make you care about every page. The plot is good, and kept me guessing until the end. I did find the romantic triangle a bit too prominent, and yet with the way it ended, I can’t wait to find out what happens next there as well. The strong characters are to blame for that contradiction.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-assaulted-pretzel-by-laura.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated A Heart's Obsession (A Journey of the Heart, #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
The story continues with Sarah. She get free from her family. We meet up with a few new characters. So Sarah and Joel decide to leave and go towards Fort Laramie. Wally has other plans. Will he seceded in what he wants for Sarah or will Rachel help her. Rachel is expecting her child soon. Will this make Wally more understanding or not.
Sarah and Joel ride out with Jacob and his wife. Once she arrives in Fort Laramie, sees Rand and she meets Jessica and her mother. She finds out that Rand and Jessica are to marry. In the meantime, Ben is out to get Sarah back in his arms.
We meet two new Indian girls and children. This put Sarah to help teach the children more English. What happens next is surprising. Rand is asked to see this new fur trader. When he finds out who it is. He needs to go ask Sarah if she knew that Ben was back.
Sarah and Joel ride out with Jacob and his wife. Once she arrives in Fort Laramie, sees Rand and she meets Jessica and her mother. She finds out that Rand and Jessica are to marry. In the meantime, Ben is out to get Sarah back in his arms.
We meet two new Indian girls and children. This put Sarah to help teach the children more English. What happens next is surprising. Rand is asked to see this new fur trader. When he finds out who it is. He needs to go ask Sarah if she knew that Ben was back.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Gods Of Egypt (2016) in Movies
Mar 17, 2018
Entertainingly bad
Let's face it, you know a film with Gerard Butler in it is never going to be good. But at least with Gods of Egypt it's that bad it's vaguely entertaining.
It's take on Egyptian mythology is actually an interesting one and it's just a shame they decided to take some of it too far with over the top and pretty naff CGI. Gerard Butler hams it up and it's quite funny to listen to his accent constantly switching between English, Scottish and American. Nicolaj Coster-Waldau is a good actor but he's given absolutely nothing to work with here other than a terrible cheesy and stilted script. Brenton Thwaites isn't too bad either but he does seem to be playing a very similar character to that of the latest Pirates film.
This is one of those films you watch just to laugh at how bad it is. And fortunately for this, I've seen worse!
It's take on Egyptian mythology is actually an interesting one and it's just a shame they decided to take some of it too far with over the top and pretty naff CGI. Gerard Butler hams it up and it's quite funny to listen to his accent constantly switching between English, Scottish and American. Nicolaj Coster-Waldau is a good actor but he's given absolutely nothing to work with here other than a terrible cheesy and stilted script. Brenton Thwaites isn't too bad either but he does seem to be playing a very similar character to that of the latest Pirates film.
This is one of those films you watch just to laugh at how bad it is. And fortunately for this, I've seen worse!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984) in Movies
Jun 15, 2018
Umpty-tumpth Tarzan movie goes back to Burroughs and features most of the stuff you'd expect from this kind of thing: posh English couple cark it somewhere in Africa, leaving infant son to be raised by wild apes. He grows up, quickly learns to wear a loincloth so as not to outrage the censor, rediscovers his heritage, and so on.
Christopher Lambert is pretty good as the Lord of the Apes, though the script has to explain exactly why Tarzan has a French accent; Ralph Richardson and Ian Holm are really better in supporting roles, though. If the film has a problem it's that it's just a bit too downbeat and glum for a Tarzan movie - you can take gritty realism just a bit too far, and director Hugh Hudson seems determined to make serious angry points about the evils of imperialism, colonialism, and the British establishment. Still, it's probably preferable to most of the previous, ultra-silly Tarzan movies.
Christopher Lambert is pretty good as the Lord of the Apes, though the script has to explain exactly why Tarzan has a French accent; Ralph Richardson and Ian Holm are really better in supporting roles, though. If the film has a problem it's that it's just a bit too downbeat and glum for a Tarzan movie - you can take gritty realism just a bit too far, and director Hugh Hudson seems determined to make serious angry points about the evils of imperialism, colonialism, and the British establishment. Still, it's probably preferable to most of the previous, ultra-silly Tarzan movies.
CJ (8 KP) rated The Bookshop (2017) in Movies
Sep 11, 2018 (Updated Sep 11, 2018)
Woman vs. town.
Based on the novel of the same title by Penelope Fitzgerald, it tells the story of widow Florence Green (Emily Mortimer) who opens a bookshop in an abandoned home in a small English village. Unfortunately, she does so against the wishes of some of the locals who try to get her removed from her shop. However, she does not find herself without allies and friends.
I was thoroughly delighted by the scenery and costumes in this movie. The stage was set very well. I’m a fan of Bill Nighy as a rule, but I can honestly say that this is the best role I’ve seen him in.
This isn’t a particularly feel good movie. If you’re looking for a Hallmark ending, keep looking. But it does have a few laughs, in that British small-town movie way, and I found it well worth my time. Especially in regards to Emily Mortimer’s and Bill Nighy’s performances.
I was thoroughly delighted by the scenery and costumes in this movie. The stage was set very well. I’m a fan of Bill Nighy as a rule, but I can honestly say that this is the best role I’ve seen him in.
This isn’t a particularly feel good movie. If you’re looking for a Hallmark ending, keep looking. But it does have a few laughs, in that British small-town movie way, and I found it well worth my time. Especially in regards to Emily Mortimer’s and Bill Nighy’s performances.