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Island Detour (Sunrise Island #1)
Island Detour (Sunrise Island #1)
Maria Imbalzano | 2024 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
throughly enjoyable 4 star read
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Sophie is accused of doing something she knew she did not do, and is suspended from her teaching post. Taking a job in Florida, helping out a friend, seemed the best thing to do during that time. But she was unprepared for taking a lead role in the school and she was totally unprepared for Max, another teacher at the school, trying to get his environmental institute off the ground. They both have demons to fight, but will they be stronger together?

What I especially liked about this book was the slow burn between Sophie and Max. There was immediate attraction, sure, but Max thinks Sophie has ulterior motives for being at the school and he trusts so rarely. It takes him time to see that Sophie can calm his demons, and he, hers. They both just need to admit, trust and give in to each other.

Both Max and Sophie get a say, and I'm glad they did.

There is passion, heat and love here, but I found the smexy times were very much faded to black and I liked that. I do like the smexy books, sure, but I can also appreciate a fade to black book, if the story is a good one.

And this is a good book! It's a great book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, my first by this author. I'd like to read something else, something with a bit more bite.

A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Compete (The Atlantis Grail #2)
Compete (The Atlantis Grail #2)
Vera Nazarian | 2015 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
After reading Qualify, the first book of The Atlantis Grail series, I was completely invested in the fate of Gwen Lark, her siblings, and her friends and could not fight the urge to continue reading!
Compete brings us one step closer to finding out what awaits the Qualified Earth refugees in Atlantis.
We begin this journey aboard a fleet of arkships where each teen from Earth must make a decision to determine their place on Atlantis. Gwen remains adamant to save the rest of her family from the asteriod and rejects the choices offered her, instead making a choice that enrages her Commanding Pilot Aeson Kassiopei and worries her siblings.
Since there is not near as much action in this installment, we get to enjoy the year-long trip through the galaxy to Atlantis right along with Gwen and her friends. We get to learn more about the Atlanteans (especially Aeson Kassiopei) and their customs as well as what is expected of the Earth refugees when their final destination is reached.
We also get to see relationships blossom and fade and new alliances forged.
Vera Nazarian did an excellent job creating a complete environment aboard the arkships with just enough drama snd action to keep me reading.
Sometimes the descriptions of the classes were a little long-winded but in the end, I understood why it was necessary and believe it would have detracted from the story if anything was omitted.
The ending was my most favorite part of the entire book! I was overcome with emotion and could not believe what I had just read! I had been rooting for it to happen since Qualify and was pleased at the way Vera worked it into the story.
Now, on to Book 3, Win! I can't wait to discover the planet of Atlantis with Gwen and her friends!!!
  
Night (The Night Trilogy #1)
Night (The Night Trilogy #1)
Elie Wiesel | 1958 | Biography, History & Politics
10
8.7 (21 Ratings)
Book Rating
My heart broke while listening to this novel. I cannot even imagine what this experience was like to live. Just reading this book made me thankful for the life that I have lived. I can only hope that we will never again let anyone experience these atrocious acts again.

I bought this audiobook from audible during one of the 2 for 1 sales. I knew I needed to read it, I just never truly wanted to. There are some books that demand to be read even when the reader is reluctant. It is important to read books that will challenge you, and hopefully encourage you to view the world a little differently. This is one of those books.

Night is a memoir by Elie Wiesel and it is beautifully written. It will break your heart to read it, it will challenge you, it will change you. I wish I would have read this book before I toured a concentration camp in 2007. I wish I would have known this personal account when I saw the cells, the tombstones, and the utter lack of humanity. We are taught about the concentration camps, we are told of the horrors, we are shown pictures but nothing has affected me as much as this novel.

I know that we wish to forget the past, but we cannot let this fade. We cannot stand aside as our world becomes a reflection of the past. We must move forward.

If you're on the fence about reading this novel, do it. It is a hard one to read due to the subject matter but it is worth every tear you shed.

"We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." - Elie Wiesel
  
Out Of This World by John Coltrane
Out Of This World by John Coltrane
1962 | Compilation
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"There's so much of his stuff I could have chosen. The reason I chose this one is, this was the first time I heard this band. I remember sitting in the car with my friend and saying "my mate's given me this tape, let's check it out". And I put it on and we both just looked at each other and went, "Oh my God!". I'll never forget it. It was a day like today, really sunny, and this giant doorway that you didn't know was there opened up, introducing you to this whole new world. It still feels like that now. He's another one where the colours never fade. The thing about the two as well, Coltrane and Miles Davis, is that they both represent two parts of myself. I always think of Coltrane as being outdoors music. Organic, countryside music. Elvin Jones [drummer in John Coltrane quartet], just sounds like waves crashing against the shore, the wind blowing in the trees. The music feels like this stormy day and then Miles Davis feels really urban, like city lights. When I was discovering this whole Coltrane thing, there were quite a few years where that was my religion. When I was learning the saxophone, I was studying a lot, practising 12 hours a day, and listening to Coltrane all the time and I was doing a lot of meditation as well. I was really involved with Tibetan Buddhism, doing retreats and doing a lot of study. I was very into it for quite a number of years. I've come out of that feeling like these pentatonics, these Nubian rhythms, these ancient rhythms, they make a lot of sense of the universe."

Source
  
Suburbicon (2017)
Suburbicon (2017)
2017 | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Suburbicon is a peaceful, idyllic, suburban community with affordable homes and manicured lawns -- the perfect place to raise a family, and in the summer of 1959, the Lodge family is doing just that. But the tranquil surface masks a disturbing reality, as husband and father Gardner Lodge must navigate the town's dark underbelly of betrayal, deceit and violence.



I saw this trailer so many times in the run up to the Unlimited Screening. It initially intrigued me, I'm not a particular fan of Matt Damon, but I do like Julianne Moore, and Oscar Isaac the more I see him. Both Moore and Isaac seemed at home in this 50s setting, but Damon didn't feel very convincing.

The story had a lot of potential. Lodge wants to kill his wife who has become bitter towards him since he caused an accident that left her in a wheelchair. The plan is to stage a home invasion that leads to her death. This will leave room for her twin sister to move in and take her sister's place in the family. But when a suspicious insurance investigator comes sniffing around the case things start to fall apart. In the background of this though there is a story about the new African-American neighbours that have moved into the property behind the Lodge's. I know that this is fitting for that era, and some sort of big "distraction" was needed for a lot of things to work, but it just felt very detached from everything.

This isn't one that I'd watch again, I feel like it's going to fade into obscurity in my mind and in about ten years someone is going to ask me if I've seen it and I won't be able to remember.
  
Mending the Dragon's Heart (Heartstone Rescue #1)
Mending the Dragon's Heart (Heartstone Rescue #1)
Minerva Howe | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
MENDING THE DRAGON'S HEART is the first book in the Heartstone Rescue series. We start off with an introduction to both worlds - the dragon world where Lake is escaping from, and the human world where the dragons hope to live in peace.

Oh, boy! This was an amazing start to a series. Lake is from a noble family and gets matched (betrothed, basically!) by a seer to another noble. He's an omega and capable of getting pregnant. He is happy with his match until Norbert dies in a freak accident. Then the dragon world shows how cruel it can be. He has his heartstone broken and discarded, leaving him to fade away - quite literally.

Boone is an alpha dragon who has also escaped the dragon world and, together with other dragons, is in the business of helping those who need it. The sparks fly between Lake and Boone from the start. I loved the responses from his team members - Reno and Durango. Reno is his bond-brother, and Durango is his actual sibling. I honestly can't wait for their stories. I know Reno's is going to be a hard one, just from the hints given.

I can't wait to return to this world and see how it is changing. I'm also hoping to find out more about these heartstones and the traditions involving them. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in recommending it.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some more of Minerva Howe's dragons!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 24, 2023
  
Winterian Sky (Ninety Planets)
Winterian Sky (Ninety Planets)
Rafe Jadison | 2023 | Erotica, LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
WINTERIAN SKY is the first book in the new Ninety Planets science fiction series. In it, we find a planet besieged on two fronts - one is by an incoming attack force, the other is by a virus with no known cure that is decimating the population.

Chesterfield is the lone scientist dedicated to finding a cure. Danacio is a Guard of Winterian, prepared to lay down his life for his planet. Together, these two go on a journey to figure out where the virus originated from and how to cure it. They meet a brilliant couple who have suffered their own losses, just as determined as Chesterfield to find the answers and the cure.

This is a fast-paced book that will keep you turning the pages. All of the characters are well-rounded and I loved how they all worked together, meshing with purpose. As the first book in a new series, there is world-building but also worlds-building. You get an idea of the Alliance and the things they stand for. I can't wait to read more in this series, and I'm seriously hoping for an update on Winterian and how their war is going on.

Love plays a big role in this story - whether it is familial love or romantic. There are moments of closeness between our two MCs but it is closed-door/fade-to-black which worked perfectly in this story.

A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and I can't wait to return to the Ninety Planets!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 6, 2023
  
Peace of Mind - Single by frogi
Peace of Mind - Single by frogi
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
frogi is a singer-songwriter and producer based in Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, she released a lovely debut single, entitled, “Peace of Mind”.

“How many days can we fade away? All that is left is every mistake. You know sometimes we’re picking it up to let it go. Are we alright? All I want is for you to let me know. All this time we’ve been playing all of the same notes. Can we find some peace of mind?” – lyrics

‘Peace of Mind’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who invites her significant other to share a moment of clarity with her.

Apparently, she’s concern about their fading relationship and desires for them to be on a more serene plateau.

‘Peace of Mind’ contains a relatable storyline, retro vocals, and soft organ-driven instrumentation flavored with an alternative-pop aroma.

“I was feeling pretty low about the state of the world and wanted to make a song about meeting someone halfway. I think if we all could just forget our own bullsh*t and break these patterns we trap ourselves in, the world could be a better place. The song is about having love for someone, but also confronting them in a ‘hey, I care about you, I wanna know where you’re at and how we are’ kind of way. Instead of a ‘what’s wrong with you? I don’t understand you’ kind of way.” – frogi

frogi grew up outside of Chicago and moved to L.A. when she was 19-years-old. Not too long after that, she lost someone dear to her. But writing songs and playing with her dog helped her get through that dark moment in time.

Shortly afterward, she started her musical journey in an indie-rock band called ‘After Arrows’.

Since then, she has worked with an old-time songwriter named Ned (The Monkees, The Archies). He taught her about the writing process and gave her access to his studio, where she nurtured her writing and producing skills.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/frogi-peace-of-mind/
  
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Colin Newman recommended The Amateur View by To Rococo Rot in Music (curated)

 
The Amateur View by To Rococo Rot
The Amateur View by To Rococo Rot
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"How I got to know about it was through knowing their original record label Kitty-Yo and working with people in Berlin and going over there, and then I met Ronald, and this album summed up a moment for me. Dance music had so completely dominated the 90s. Really you could only ever talk about music in terms of the beat. There was techno and electro and then there was drum & bass, and they were so dominant; there was no other music. I remember thinking at the time, at the height of drum & bass, why would you listen to any other kind of music besides drum & bass? That's the only kind of music there is. There's Britpop, but that's rubbish. And then towards the end of the 90s all that started to fade and there was Tortoise suddenly appearing with what Americans who didn't do dance music did as instrumental music. And then from Germany you had To Rococo Rot. I think they gave me that record, because I think the version I've got is a promo. And again it's one of those records we just listen to over and over again. Wire did a tour, I think it was in 2000, and when we started we hadn't provided any music to go on before the band. And in every venue they were playing something like Soundgarden. Sorry, but I can't stand Soundgarden. I can't take it. So then we said well why don't we give them some music to put on? And I had that album, so we had that on before every show and it was really good. It was like you have some thrashy support band and then some thrashy dirge playing after that and then Wire coming on and it's like an evening of dirge. So to lighten it up we put something else on that puts the audience in a different space. And it also set us up in a different way. We got to feel differently about what we were doing. It was very effective for that"

Source
  
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Becs (244 KP) rated Words That Kill in Books

Oct 2, 2019  
Words That Kill
Words That Kill
Vivid Vega | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I’ve always had a thing for poetry and have loved every single poetry collection that I have gotten my hands on. My husband got me Words That Kill by Vivid Vega for this past Christmas. When I started to read it, I couldn’t put it down, it was just so good and so emotional. But I eventually had to take a break because it was starting to mess with me. There are not many poetry collections that touch on the mental health subject and I’m glad that there is now one available to the public.

Genre: Mental Health, Young Adult

Audience: Young Adult but also mature audiences as well

Reading level: Middle to High School

Interests: Depression, Mental Health, Anxiety, Suicide, Abuse, Hope, and Love.

Style: Light to hard – depending on the person.

Point of view: First person

Difficulty reading: Very easy to read but be warned, it does make you very emotional.

Promise: Words That Kill promises a poetry collection that talks about mental health and it delivers.

Quality: I believe everybody should read this even if they haven’t dealt with mental health.

Insights: Not taking the grammatical and spelling errors, the poems were a lot lighter to read compared to Rupi Kuar or even Shakespeare.

Ah-Ha Moment: There wasn’t really a moment where I went ‘Ah yea, that’s the turning point’. This is only because it wasn’t really a story, more of a poem that brings memories of the past back to life.

Favorite quote: “There is no need to hide in the shade, the light will come and your pain will fade.” – This is a great representation of how depression works. You have your good and your bad moments.

Aesthetics: The thing that drew me to the book in the first place, minus the topic of mental health of course, was the fact that the entire book is white words on an entirely black background. I’ve never seen a book have that aesthetically pleasing style and I love it!

“Like a flower, I will bloom again – depression.”