Piece of Shifter
Book
I’M COMING FOR UNDERBELLY CIRCUS… TO BURN IT TO THE GROUND. My whole life, I’ve wished for...
The First Woman
Book
At once epic and deeply personal, the second novel from prize-winning author Jennifer Makumbi is an...
Historical Fiction Africa Uganda Feminism Literary Fiction Coming of age
KyleQ (267 KP) rated A thousand and One (2023) in Movies
Apr 10, 2023
The acting is what carries the film the most. Everyone is fantastic. Grade-A performances.
The simple sets are well designed, and watching as their home evolves provides a brilliant layer to this film.
The brief moments of background narration showcasing the changing city as we progress through time was brilliant.
I only minus one star because I felt that the ending wasn't very satisfying, like the Director couldn't decide on whether the finale should be optimistic or not, so they opted for an anti-ending.
But I definitely recommend everyone give A Thousand and One a watch.
Blazing Minds (92 KP) rated Tremors: Shrieker Island (2020) in Movies
Oct 29, 2021 (Updated Nov 2, 2021)
With Tremors: Shrieker Island Burt is now on a lovely looking island and has removed himself from society and technology, but nothing lasts forever and a group of wealthy trophy hunters genetically modify Graboid eggs to create the ultimate hunting experience, but it’s not going to go to plan for them and it’s not long until the Graboids escape their captivity and run amok on the island and the shriekers have developed further than the ones we have seen before in the previous films.
Sisters
Book
Something unspeakable has happened to sisters July and September. Desperate for a fresh start,...
Literary Fiction Gothic
The Killer's Family
Book
We should never have kept our father’s secret. Before, my sisters and I were close. Now, a year...
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Six Wishes in Books
Jan 13, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
Told from the first perspective in present time, you see through Karyn's eyes as each of the characters tell their story, and see how they interconnect and overlap with others. Each of them has history, some of which is in the past, some of which is carried with them.
This was a gentle read that I read in one sitting. Whether the things that happen could ever happen in 'real' life remains to be seen. Still, this was worth the read and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
* 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!
Jan 12, 2021
ClareR (5996 KP) rated Glorious Exploits in Books
Feb 26, 2024
This is a story that shows the need for art even in a time of war and horror, and the importance of friendship, love, family and community.
Lampo, one of the two main characters leaps from the page in the way that he describes life in the city of Syracuse. He’s poor and uneducated, but he certainly has a lot to say! His venture with his best friend, Gelon, sees beyond the horrors that the Athenians must have committed - or perhaps he’s come to terms with what they’ve done - and he can see that their punishment doesn’t really fit their crime.
The Syracusans speak in the Irish vernacular, and what’s really strange, is that it doesn’t sound out of place (in my head, anyway!).
I laughed and cried whilst reading this. It really is a glorious read.
Lost Shores of Thonis
Book
A year ago, Azizi's island home abruptly sank into the Mediterranean, drowning her family, culture,...
Historical Mystery Ancient Egypt
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Rest of The Story in Books
Aug 5, 2019
This was just a good, refreshing read, you know? I found it to be touching and poignant. Emma is a likeable character and the oft told tale of a kid finding her way doesn't seem stale in Dessen's hands. The supporting cast is great--I loved Emma's cousins, and Emma and Roo are so great. There's wit and humor infused throughout this book. Scenes with an ice cream truck, for instance, will stick with you! It's so nice to read a book about meaningful family dynamics and relationships (especially one where the families aren't murdering each other, which is often my genre of choice, ha).
"The past was always present, in its way, and you can't help but remember. Even if you can't remember at all."
What I enjoyed about this one is that you just find yourself smiling as you read. Dessen is a wonderful writer--I don't think that comes as a surprise to anyone--and Emma and the other characters come alive from the pages. Emma has a lot to deal with: her late mom, meeting what is basically a new family, and the usual teen "stuff," but there's still plenty of fun here too. Her grandmother runs a motel by the lake, and there's never a dull moment. But, Dessen also deals with the serious moments with a touching grace. There are some good messages about family, as well as class and status. It's wonderful watching Emma learn more about her past--and herself--as she gets to know her mom's family and forge new friendships.
"But all my life I'd felt more like an observer than an active participant. Beside the wheel, not behind. It was safer there, but could be lonely too, or so I was now realizing."
Overall, this is just a lovely read. It's funny, sweet, and will make you smile. Emma is a great character, and it's impossible not to get caught up in her journey. Plus, with the lake setting, it's a perfect summer read! 4+ stars.




