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A dense, rich plot (1 more)
Tons of interesting cultural glimpses
I loved this book. Translated works can sometimes be clunky, with little nuances lost along the way, but this one was so smooth and evocative that it didn't really feel translated at all. Kudos to Jonathon Lloyd-Davies.
The basic plot involves 2 missing girls: the 1989 kidnap and murder of a 7 year old and the more recent disappearance of Press Director Mikami's teenage daughter. With the anniversary of the original crime coming up, Mikami is charged with organizing a PR visit by the police commissioner to the family of the murdered 7 year old and discovers a previously unseen clue in the case files along the way. The insight into the minutiae of Japanese daily life is fascinating: the sense of failure Mikami feels from having been transferred to criminal investigations to press director, cops stopping to purchase a visiting gift of rice crackers before stopping at the victim's home, Mikami's knowledge from the glimpse of a home shrine that a key witness has passed away.
While this can be a slow read, I suggest sticking with it. Take it in small doses. It's worth it.
The basic plot involves 2 missing girls: the 1989 kidnap and murder of a 7 year old and the more recent disappearance of Press Director Mikami's teenage daughter. With the anniversary of the original crime coming up, Mikami is charged with organizing a PR visit by the police commissioner to the family of the murdered 7 year old and discovers a previously unseen clue in the case files along the way. The insight into the minutiae of Japanese daily life is fascinating: the sense of failure Mikami feels from having been transferred to criminal investigations to press director, cops stopping to purchase a visiting gift of rice crackers before stopping at the victim's home, Mikami's knowledge from the glimpse of a home shrine that a key witness has passed away.
While this can be a slow read, I suggest sticking with it. Take it in small doses. It's worth it.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated My Hurricane in Books
Sep 7, 2017
My Hurricane by J.A. Owenby
My Hurricane is the short story of what Walker's life was like before he met Lacey. When we first meet him, he is still with Brittany and certainly not the person we know from the other books. However, things happen which change him, and we as the reader are with him every step of the way.
I loved how he changed from Mr Fly High Party Boy into someone to be relied upon, not only by his family but also the school. Now, I've already read the three full-length novels in The Truth series, so knowing what I know now only makes my heart ache for Walker even more.
Excellently written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, I found this book to be outstanding. Giving just enough for you to learn about Walker, whilst leaving you wanting more.
Get this novella, and then lose yourself in The Truth series. I can promise you won't regret it. Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
I loved how he changed from Mr Fly High Party Boy into someone to be relied upon, not only by his family but also the school. Now, I've already read the three full-length novels in The Truth series, so knowing what I know now only makes my heart ache for Walker even more.
Excellently written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, I found this book to be outstanding. Giving just enough for you to learn about Walker, whilst leaving you wanting more.
Get this novella, and then lose yourself in The Truth series. I can promise you won't regret it. Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Welcome to Sap City!
This book is like Romeo and Juliet with a cute twist. in reality, if i really look at it from an author's perspective, it was pretty cute. the characters were developed instantly, and the sentinces drew me in. the prose was actually pretty good. aside from the sex, it was a good book.
yeah, it's got some sex in it. i mean, c'mon. it's about <i> chemistry </i> between the two most unlikely people. but whatever. it actually wasn't too bad.
though i could tell a lot about the author's morals. or lack therof.
the first paragraph in the book is: "Everyone knows I'm perfect. my life is perfect. my cloths are perfect. even my family is perfect. and although it's a complete lie, I've worked my butt off to keep up the appearance that I have it all." I mean, that pretty much develops a character instantly, doesn't it?
I'd have to go with these ratings:
storyline: 3/5
prose/sentences/grammar etc: 3.5-4ish/5
characters: 5/5
but again, sap city, people.
the weak points of this book:
the sex
the language
the sappy sappy sappy.
I realize this isn't my best review, but i'm trying to keep it honest here.
until next time,
~Haley
haleymathiot.blogspot.com
This book is like Romeo and Juliet with a cute twist. in reality, if i really look at it from an author's perspective, it was pretty cute. the characters were developed instantly, and the sentinces drew me in. the prose was actually pretty good. aside from the sex, it was a good book.
yeah, it's got some sex in it. i mean, c'mon. it's about <i> chemistry </i> between the two most unlikely people. but whatever. it actually wasn't too bad.
though i could tell a lot about the author's morals. or lack therof.
the first paragraph in the book is: "Everyone knows I'm perfect. my life is perfect. my cloths are perfect. even my family is perfect. and although it's a complete lie, I've worked my butt off to keep up the appearance that I have it all." I mean, that pretty much develops a character instantly, doesn't it?
I'd have to go with these ratings:
storyline: 3/5
prose/sentences/grammar etc: 3.5-4ish/5
characters: 5/5
but again, sap city, people.
the weak points of this book:
the sex
the language
the sappy sappy sappy.
I realize this isn't my best review, but i'm trying to keep it honest here.
until next time,
~Haley
haleymathiot.blogspot.com
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Coldest Winter Ever in Books
May 10, 2018
Winter Santiaga is a girl whose whole world gets flipped upside down in a matter of moments. Winter thinks she is living the high life. She dresses in the best clothes, dates whoever she wants and gets whatever she asks for.
Her father, who goes by just Santiaga, is a big deal in the neighborhood. Mostly everyone is on his payroll and nothing goes down without his knowledge. When the Santiaga's move out of Brooklyn and to Long Island, things take a turn for the worse. With both of her parents arrested and her sisters wards of the state, Winter does all she can to survive.
Winter is a bitch!! I hate to use that word, but she really is. All of these people who try to help her, but she can't see the help for the all mighty dollar. She wants to follow in her father's footsteps and make that quick money, but it's not going to work for her the way that she is hoping.
Will Winter be able to survive and make it for herself? Will she be able to save her mother from the thing that used to keep her family together? Will she get the man she has always wanted?
Her father, who goes by just Santiaga, is a big deal in the neighborhood. Mostly everyone is on his payroll and nothing goes down without his knowledge. When the Santiaga's move out of Brooklyn and to Long Island, things take a turn for the worse. With both of her parents arrested and her sisters wards of the state, Winter does all she can to survive.
Winter is a bitch!! I hate to use that word, but she really is. All of these people who try to help her, but she can't see the help for the all mighty dollar. She wants to follow in her father's footsteps and make that quick money, but it's not going to work for her the way that she is hoping.
Will Winter be able to survive and make it for herself? Will she be able to save her mother from the thing that used to keep her family together? Will she get the man she has always wanted?
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Girl Next Door in Books
May 22, 2019
One little lie just became deadly…
Perfect mother. Perfect wife. Jane Goodwin has spent years building her picture-perfect life in the quiet village of Ashdon. So when sixteen-year-old Clare Edwards is found murdered in Sorrow's Meadow, Jane knows she must first protect her family.
Every marriage has a few white lies and hers is no exception. Jane's worked hard to cover up her dark secret from all those years ago - and she'll do anything to keep it hidden..
Appearances can be deceptive, can't they?
This story is told from multiple points of view and are taken on the journey of what happened on the fateful day and also the aftermath.
This story has so many secrets that are revealed throughout. The village setting is so perfect but is it really all it seems?
The pace and plot were just perfect for this story. Great characters and the suspicions just keep mounting.
The ending has such a shock twist and revelation that will leave you stunned.
Perfect suspense throughout!!
Highly recommend reading!
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
Perfect mother. Perfect wife. Jane Goodwin has spent years building her picture-perfect life in the quiet village of Ashdon. So when sixteen-year-old Clare Edwards is found murdered in Sorrow's Meadow, Jane knows she must first protect her family.
Every marriage has a few white lies and hers is no exception. Jane's worked hard to cover up her dark secret from all those years ago - and she'll do anything to keep it hidden..
Appearances can be deceptive, can't they?
This story is told from multiple points of view and are taken on the journey of what happened on the fateful day and also the aftermath.
This story has so many secrets that are revealed throughout. The village setting is so perfect but is it really all it seems?
The pace and plot were just perfect for this story. Great characters and the suspicions just keep mounting.
The ending has such a shock twist and revelation that will leave you stunned.
Perfect suspense throughout!!
Highly recommend reading!
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated The Land Before Time (1988) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
Littlefoot, Petrie, Cera, Ducky and Spike made up the majority of my childhood. When I wasn’t watching ‘real’ dinosaurs in action, I was submersing myself in the animated world of the Great Valley.
The Land Before Time broke my little heart and it was for more reasons than that bas*ard sharp tooth killing Littlefoot’s mother. In 1994, I lost my nana and I remember sitting and watching this film and crying my eyes out.
In some ways though, this animated beauty helped me through an incredibly tough time. My mum tells me I became reclusive and barely spoke, naturally I don’t remember this but looking back at the message this film sent me, I’m sure it made me realise that loved ones never really leave us, they just move to a special place reserved for the very best of us.
The Land Before Time spawned over a dozen sequels that my little sister has enjoyed watching just like me over the years – it has a very special place in Brannon family history and for that reason, it has to be the most influential film in my life.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2017/07/08/films-that-influenced-me-adam-brannon-2/
The Land Before Time broke my little heart and it was for more reasons than that bas*ard sharp tooth killing Littlefoot’s mother. In 1994, I lost my nana and I remember sitting and watching this film and crying my eyes out.
In some ways though, this animated beauty helped me through an incredibly tough time. My mum tells me I became reclusive and barely spoke, naturally I don’t remember this but looking back at the message this film sent me, I’m sure it made me realise that loved ones never really leave us, they just move to a special place reserved for the very best of us.
The Land Before Time spawned over a dozen sequels that my little sister has enjoyed watching just like me over the years – it has a very special place in Brannon family history and for that reason, it has to be the most influential film in my life.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2017/07/08/films-that-influenced-me-adam-brannon-2/
ClareR (5721 KP) rated Now We Shall Be Entirely Free in Books
Oct 18, 2018
A beautiful yet brutal story.
A man is brought home to a house in Somerset, unconscious, from the ongoing war in Spain against the French. He is very ill, and consequently nursed back to health by his maid. Once he is feeling better, he decides to travel to the Scottish Islands to collect traditional songs. As the story progresses, you can see that there is a sense of urgency involved with this trip: he isn't properly better, but he has to get moving. John Lacroix' story is told alongside that of two other men: a British Infantryman and a Spanish cavalryman, who have been sent to find an officer who is supposedly responsible for the sacking of a aSpanish village. They are to kill him. The Englishman is brutal in both word and deed.
John Lacroix (who changes his name to Lovell) meets a family (two sisters and their brother) who are free thinkers who want to live a free life. Just what Lacroix needs, I think.
I liked this. The writing style had a peaceful, reigned air to it, even in the more unpleasant parts. It's a brutal story, gently told, in fact.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
John Lacroix (who changes his name to Lovell) meets a family (two sisters and their brother) who are free thinkers who want to live a free life. Just what Lacroix needs, I think.
I liked this. The writing style had a peaceful, reigned air to it, even in the more unpleasant parts. It's a brutal story, gently told, in fact.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Wreath Between the Lines in Books
Nov 21, 2018
Killer at Christmas
The town of Chrystal Cove, California is getting into the Christmas spirit, and Jenna Hart is busy with a bunch of Christmas themed events at the Cookbook Nook. Her life is more complicated by the fact that her sister and her family are visiting, and Jenna gets pulled into their drama. But things take a huge turn when her neighbor, Jake, comes over in a panic one night to report that a friend who had been staying with him has been murdered, trussed up with Christmas light and stabbed by a Christmas star. Who would want to kill a visitor to town? Or was Jake the intended target?
If you are looking for a cozy filled with Christmas spirit, you've come to the right place. This book is filled with Christmas. The mystery is a little weak since a couple of sub-plots crowd it out, but we do still get some twists before reaching a creative and fun climax. The series regulars are all here, and it is wonderful to catch up with them again. Once you've finished the book, you can keep the Christmas spirit with the many recipes for holiday goodies at the end.
If you are looking for a cozy filled with Christmas spirit, you've come to the right place. This book is filled with Christmas. The mystery is a little weak since a couple of sub-plots crowd it out, but we do still get some twists before reaching a creative and fun climax. The series regulars are all here, and it is wonderful to catch up with them again. Once you've finished the book, you can keep the Christmas spirit with the many recipes for holiday goodies at the end.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Next Time - Single by BLESSED in Music
Jun 17, 2019
BLESSED is a Sydney-based rapper, producer, and songwriter from Accra, Ghana. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his “Next Time” single.
“With no control, I’m living life. I’m outta mind, I’m outta sight. I’ve been rollin’ every night. All alone, that’s every night. Tears, they fall like moonlight rain. Shadows on my window paint, now. In the end, they’re all the same. In the end, you’re all the same.” – lyrics
The self-directed black-and-white confessional audiovisual finds BLESSED performing bare-chested. Also, his performance draws inspiration from icons of ‘90s rock ‘n’ roll and hip-hop music.
‘Next Time’ is the first string of singles and videos which BLESSED will be releasing throughout the year, ending in an EP which is slated for late 2019.
The likable tune contains a dreamy storyline, harmonious rap vocals, and chill instrumentation flavored with alternative, hip-hop, and indie-rock elements.
BLESSED moved to Australia as a child, where he was aptly named a blessing by his family.
This project marks the first time he is using his real name instead of a moniker. Also, he is fresh from a national tour supporting Matt Corby.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/blessed-next-time/
“With no control, I’m living life. I’m outta mind, I’m outta sight. I’ve been rollin’ every night. All alone, that’s every night. Tears, they fall like moonlight rain. Shadows on my window paint, now. In the end, they’re all the same. In the end, you’re all the same.” – lyrics
The self-directed black-and-white confessional audiovisual finds BLESSED performing bare-chested. Also, his performance draws inspiration from icons of ‘90s rock ‘n’ roll and hip-hop music.
‘Next Time’ is the first string of singles and videos which BLESSED will be releasing throughout the year, ending in an EP which is slated for late 2019.
The likable tune contains a dreamy storyline, harmonious rap vocals, and chill instrumentation flavored with alternative, hip-hop, and indie-rock elements.
BLESSED moved to Australia as a child, where he was aptly named a blessing by his family.
This project marks the first time he is using his real name instead of a moniker. Also, he is fresh from a national tour supporting Matt Corby.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/blessed-next-time/
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Wolf Wants In in Books
Oct 31, 2019
Sometimes I foolishly put off reading a book because I think it sounds “too smart” or something for me. I made that mistake with The Wolf Wants In, and I was such an idiot! This was such a wonderful, well-written psychological thriller. I don’t know what I was thinking!
Wolf is told from the perspectives of Sadie and Henley, who both live in the same small Kansas town. Sadie has recently lost her brother, Shane, and she’s looking for answers about how he died—even if no one else seems too concerned. Meanwhile eighteen-year-old Henley comes from a long line of known troublemakers: many of whom are drug dealers and users. She’s determined to leave town and her family behind. But events transpire that make that harder than she envisioned. Overshadowing everything is the town’s opioid crisis and the discovery of a child’s skull in the woods.
The characters in Wolf are vivid and nuanced. They have such depth and feeling. McHugh captures small town life so well—as well as how easily addiction can ravage families. What I loved was how she layered a mystery against all of this: the result was a completely compelling read. I was totally captivated by this one: definitely recommend! 4+ stars.
Wolf is told from the perspectives of Sadie and Henley, who both live in the same small Kansas town. Sadie has recently lost her brother, Shane, and she’s looking for answers about how he died—even if no one else seems too concerned. Meanwhile eighteen-year-old Henley comes from a long line of known troublemakers: many of whom are drug dealers and users. She’s determined to leave town and her family behind. But events transpire that make that harder than she envisioned. Overshadowing everything is the town’s opioid crisis and the discovery of a child’s skull in the woods.
The characters in Wolf are vivid and nuanced. They have such depth and feeling. McHugh captures small town life so well—as well as how easily addiction can ravage families. What I loved was how she layered a mystery against all of this: the result was a completely compelling read. I was totally captivated by this one: definitely recommend! 4+ stars.