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The Oxford Handbook of Nietzsche

John Richardson and Ken Gemes

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The diversity of Nietzsche's books, and the sheer range of his philosophical interests, have posed...

Moon Grand Canyon

Kathleen Bryant

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Moon Travel Guides: Find Your Adventure! With 1.2 million acres of rocky expanse formed over...

The Plant-Based Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide for Transitioning to a Healthy Lifestyle and Achieving Your Ideal Weight

Howard Jacobson, Lani Muelrath, T. Colin Campbell and Neal Barnard

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It's been proven that a plant-based diet is good for your weight, health, budget, and the...

Cheryl Saban's Guide to a Happy and Mindful Life

Cheryl Saban

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A beautifully illustrated pocket-size gift book that explores the experience of mindfulness through...

ClareR (5674 KP) rated Heatstroke in Books

Dec 27, 2020

Heatstroke

Hazel Barkworth | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, Thriller

7.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Heatstroke is an aptly named thriller. It uses the atmosphere and oppression of the intensely hot weather, and reflects those feelings on to the main character, Rachel. I had an overwhelming sense of claustrophobia when I was reading this - it’s not just the heat, it’s also the state of Rachel’s mental health. SHe’s clearly more involved with what is going on with her daughters friend than she can safely admit, and she is more bothered about the repercussions in her own life than the safety of a 15 year old girl.
Rachel appears to be struggling with the fact that she’s ageing, and she wants to feel both young and attractive to men - and to some extent, boys. She is constantly thinking about what other people think about her: appearances are supremely important, and she can’t understand her daughters need to look older and alter her looks with makeup. Mia is growing up and becoming more independent, and this pushes Rachel further in to despair. Surely if her daughter is older, she is too!
I found it hard to excuse Rachel’s behaviour. She could have made her daughters friend safe quite easily, I think.
I liked the abrupt ending. I rather like it when a book finishes and you can make your own mind up as to what has happened afterwards. Don’t get me wrong - a book that ends with a resolution is just as enjoyable, but you can’t beat an unresolved ending! And i don’t think that this book would have been able to give the quick fix end. It’s clear that there is a lot that needs to be done to make Rachel’s family ‘better’.
I enjoyed this book: as a debut novel, it has certainly given me something to think about, and a name to look out for in the future!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this fabulous book.

Kudos

Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The House By The Cypress Trees in Books

Sep 20, 2019

I have always wanted to travel to Italy. My father was in the Navy and was stationed in Italy for some time and my aunt and uncle lived there during their military career. So, I have always heard lots of amazing stories about the culture there. I was excited to read this book by Dr. Mikalsen because, due to health reasons, I will never get to visit Italy. Upon opening this beautiful book, I was instantly taken to the heart of the story and felt as though I got to be there, in the middle of Italy, just like my dad and uncle got to be. Oh and let's not forget to eat before reading this book because Mikalsen will leave you hungering for delicious Italian food!

Julia Ramos and Daniel Stafford are both wonderfully chiseled characters! I loved how Mikalsen created their chance encounter when Daniel nearly ran her over! The attraction between them could be felt as if I was right there standing next to them. Nothing is seeming to go right for either of them while they are in Italy, and it just doesn't seem like the universe is going to help ease their predicaments with all the misunderstandings, the sparks flying and interference from family! But, one night stranded on the side of the road, may be just what they need.

With vivid details of the country side of Italy, and two characters who are from two separate worlds, yet fall into each others paths, and a plot line filled with emotional moments, this is a beautifully written, page turning novel that I highly recommend! Britain, Italy and America collide, quite literally, in this romantic roller coaster ride of a story. It's 4 star worthy, and I look forward to reading it again and again.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author, Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*