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ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Red Queen in Books

Jul 5, 2018  
Red Queen
Red Queen
Victoria Aveyard | 2015 | Young Adult (YA)
4
8.0 (64 Ratings)
Book Rating
Definitely thought it was going to be more action packed after the first bit of the book was totaly good and I was like, I'm going to love this - then about 40% on I'd say was just boring AF - the end was action packed too which I get, most books do that, but at least give me something in between - the minor issues in there did nothing for the excitement level and I found myself wanting to DNF this book at 70% but I pushed through because that would have been sad. Definitely not continuing with the series but it was alright. I adore her family dynamic and her sense of right and wrong as well. and Cal is a treat.
  
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Cori June (3033 KP) rated Grown Ups in Books

Oct 31, 2021  
Grown Ups
Grown Ups
8
9.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Characters (1 more)
Descriptions
Starts a bit rough (0 more)
I normally don't read this type of book, however, I was gifted it while traveling in Iceland. And I loved it.
It starts a bit rough in the beginning as the change in perspective takes some getting used to, once I did it was a great read. The characters and thier issues were so immersive that you started to hope that they'd figure things out. I loved getting to know the family.
It is an emotional rollercoaster I did cry (it wasn't a bad one) and there are triggers for ppl who have eating disorders and depression.
The descriptions are amazing in felt like I was in Ireland and Italy. A great read and worth it.
  
Sealed Off (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #8)
Sealed Off (A Maine Clambake Mystery, #8)
Barbara Ross | 2019 | Mystery
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fall Brings Mysteries for Julia
The clambake that Julia Snowden and her family run on their family’s island is just running on weekends through Columbus Day. Unfortunately, tension among the staff seems to be reaching the boiling point. Romances among the staff have been causing issues all season, but Julia was hoping they could make it until the end of the season, and those issues would resolve themselves before the clambake starts up again in the spring. A fist fight as the guests and crew were leaving one days brings things to a head, and leaves Julia in the unfortunate position of firing her boyfriend’s brother. However, a dead body on the island the next morning only makes the situation worse.

There is a strong sub-plot, almost a second full mystery, in this book involving a room that has been sealed off since the 1890’s in the family mansion on the island. Between the two stories, this book moves forward at a constant pace, and the pages flew by. I never wanted to put the book down until I reached the satisfying end. Once again, I was left in awe of how the clues were woven into the story. Several series arcs were advanced here, and the chances for character development were put to full use. The new characters are just as strong as the series regulars, which is no surprise to anyone who has read the series. Those looking for recipes will be pleased with the five we get at the end of the story. There is not one wasted word in this story, and I set it down completely satisfied. Well, almost satisfied. As is always the case, I was left wanting to visit Julia and her family and friends again as soon as possible. Fans of the series will be delighted with this book. If you haven’t started this series yet, you need to fix that as soon as possible.
  
The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars
John Green | 2012 | Children
10
8.2 (185 Ratings)
Book Rating
Title: The Fault In Our Stars

Author: John Green

Read Dates: May 28th-31st

Why did I choose to read this book?

I chose to read this book because I just had thyroid removal surgery because of a tumor that was size of a tennis ball and was pushing my windpipe and stuff back that I found out is either cancer or precancerous also have other medical issues like my brain tumor. But read this because I felt I could relate to it.

Did I like it? Yes

Four things I liked about this book:
1. I can relate to how she is feeling. For example how she says she feels like a grenade I feel the same about my medical issues and don't want to hurt my family/friends either. It was very emotional.
2. I love the love story between Hazel and Augustus
3. I like how she doesn't give up
4. I like the thing Augustus did for her at the end

One thing I disliked: That Augustus dies it made me cry

Do I recommend this book? Yes

Questions for you:
1. Have you read this book?
2. Can you relate to the book as well?
3. Recommend a similar book.
  
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Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Nest in Books

May 10, 2018  
TN
The Nest
Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
6
7.3 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Plumb family are anxiously awaiting the youngest, Melody's, 40th birthday that's when they are allowed to get "The Nest", an inheritance their father has left for them later in life, when they will be able to use it more sensibly. When the oldest, Leo gets into some trouble, their mother decides to use some of The Nest to help get him out of the jam. The time has now come for them to retrieve The Nest, but will Leo give them the money they need in order to get the amount they were expecting.

I found it very hard to connect with the characters in this book. No one grabbed my attention or made me interested to read the book. The story, overall has some interesting aspects to it, the connection to 9/11 and each individual character had an interesting enough story. The family as a whole seemed like a bunch of whiney babies that should be better able to handle their issues at 40 and over. I'm not sure if I will read other books by this author, but I'm down to try.
  
Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses (2015)
Belief: The Possession of Janet Moses (2015)
2015 | Crime, Documentary, Drama
How mass hysteria and inverted cultural beliefs become fatal
Once more, Netflix has showcased another harrowing documentary, this time set in New Zealand.

In the heart of Maori culture, lies the belief of Makatu, a curse or demon, that can allegedly be 'exorcised'. A poor young mother, Janet Moses, who either had mental health issues or was seemingly depressed, was confronted by her large family attempting to help her. Unfortunately their misguided deeply held beliefs included holding her down and plying water into her for days on end in a bid to rid her of a demon. And while they believed they they were assisting her, she eventually died after five days.

And of course a court case ensued about culpability. A truly terrible instance of dogmatic beliefs, cabin fever, and hysteria.
  
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ClareR (5603 KP) rated Ravensong in Books

Jan 26, 2024  
Ravensong
Ravensong
TJ Klune | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I’m developing a serious TJ Klune addiction, and I’m ok with that.

This Bennett pack, though! They’re not just putting themselves through the emotional wringer - what about me?!

I loved reading Gordo’s story - his trauma, sadness, abandonment issues - and how he’s found again.

All of these books have been a joy so far (and I’ve already read the next in the series). What I particularly like, is how I’m drawn in to this book, and how I become so invested in their lives. Look, I know it’s a story about a werewolf pack, but at no point does it seem to be “just” a werewolf book. There are so many parallels that can be drawn to real people’s lives (especially that of found family). And that’s why I love them.

And werewolves. Of course.
  
Husk
Husk
Action/Adventure
Husk is a game with some great potential going in. The horror game is set in 1995 and involves a man with a questionable past taking the train home to his rural hometown of Shivercliff with his wife and teenage daughter along for the trip.

When the train derails and you are unable to find your family, players make their way into the small town to find it deserted with no signs of life anywhere.

There is a toxic fog about the town and soon strange creatures appear which forces players to look for keys, weapons, and other items of use in order to survive as they attempt to unravel the mystery, find your family, and escape.

The premise is compelling enough to take a look but sadly there are many issues with the game which really hamper the experience. I can overlook the dated graphics and the jerky controls and camera transitions, but the game made me feel like I was stuck in the 90s with the numerous glitches in the game. Keys would not be visible on a counter and I at times had to search wildly waiting to get the indicator that keys had been located.

Combat was very uninteresting as I had to simply flail about with a pipe at first without any real indication my blows were landing or doing damage until an enemy fell. I had hoped locating a pistol would make things a bit easier but once again the combat mechanics proved to be lacking.

If you do not mind bugs and glitches, dated graphics, and gameplay, then you will finds yourself entertained by Husk but for me the promising setup went away after the first hour or so of play and I found myself paying more attention to the numerous issues rather than the game.

http://sknr.net/2017/02/07/husk/
  
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Natalia (73 KP) rated Fangirl in Books

Dec 15, 2018  
Fangirl
Fangirl
Rainbow Rowell | 2014 | Young Adult (YA)
8
8.9 (46 Ratings)
Book Rating
My First Introduction to Rainbow Rowell
I personally found the book touching and I think anyone in the current generation will understand. Cath is an introvert - which isn't a shocking thing in a protagonist - and going through so many issues that it's easily overwhelming, but the core of her character remains the same. Her character isn't taken as something that needs to be changed, her situation is, which includes issues in her family, personal goals and her love life which, spoiler, end up well for Cath. Who doesn't love a happy ending?
A big thing for myself personally is writing style, and if you've read a single one of Rowell's books you will know that her writing comes off brilliant no matter the concept. Her writing is a lot more casual and personal, something with makes a story feel all the more real and close to me as a reader. The story also flows perfectly due to how she writes, which is always a benefit - better than dense sentences and an unclear plot or point.
Overall, the story is something a lot of younger readers such as myself will enjoy and relate to. Even if some are ashamed to admit it, I'm sure we've all indulged in fanfiction before, both in writing and reading it. What's more, we've all had our lives take a turn for the worst at some point, or perhaps dread the time that it will. 'Fangirl' takes these experiences and put them in a palpable and engaging format for any kind of reader to consume.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone - unless you have a personal vendetta against "a tale of fanfiction, family and first love" it's worth a shot. Even if you end up disliking it, this book will certainly make a great addition to your bookshelf - and who can complain about that?
  
Eight Hundred Grapes
Eight Hundred Grapes
Laura Dave | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Georgia Ford had just arrived at her childhood home, dressed in her wedding dress, but it's not her wedding day. As she was having her final fitting, she saw her fiance in a way she had never expected to see him. So she runs home to her parents and brothers only to find that there are even more problems there. Always being the fixer in the family, will she be able to solve all the issues she runs into by running away from her own? Or will this be a time when fixing isn't going to work?

Synchronization is the theme of this novel. All things happen for a reason. Because this happened(or didn't)thatwas able to take place(or not). Georgia Ford is living as an attorney in Los Angeles when her world is turned upside down. She runs home to her family's winery in Sebastopol during the final harvest of the year. Final harvest is always a big deal for the Ford family and this year, even more so.

I LOVED this book! It showed so many different family dynamics and so many emotions. It made me laugh and cry. This novel felt so real to me, I could see myself in this setting. I picture myself reading this novel on the porch of the winemaker's cottage looking out over the winery, enjoying a glass of Block-14. The imagery is that vivid. I could definitely see this book becoming a major motion picture.

Kudos to Laura Dave for writing an incredible novel that many will love.