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Andy K (10823 KP) rated First Man (2018) in Movies
Apr 9, 2019
Dull and boring
Anyone asking me how First Man was or should they see it I would tell to watch Apollo 13 instead!
The writing for Apollo 13 was very familiar subject matter, but kept things interesting even though the audience knows ahead of time how both stories end up. At nearly 2 1/2 hours, there were lots of drawn out/boring sequences of NASA getting ready for the launches and Armstrong's family life. I just wanted it to be more exciting.
I hate to say it, but the fact Apollo 13 was the one where the mission went wrong and they had to struggle to figure out a way to get back to Earth under extraordinary circumstances is more compelling than the story of landing on the moon where everything basic went to plan.
I have never been a Ryan Gosling fan (he always looks like he just woke up and needs a shower) and my opinion did not change here. I'm sure the studious Armstrong did not have a robust personality in real life; however, Gosling didn't seem to do much for the character.
Apollo 13 was released in 1995 and I still remember almost the entire film whereas I will have forgotten everything about this film in less than 2 years.
The writing for Apollo 13 was very familiar subject matter, but kept things interesting even though the audience knows ahead of time how both stories end up. At nearly 2 1/2 hours, there were lots of drawn out/boring sequences of NASA getting ready for the launches and Armstrong's family life. I just wanted it to be more exciting.
I hate to say it, but the fact Apollo 13 was the one where the mission went wrong and they had to struggle to figure out a way to get back to Earth under extraordinary circumstances is more compelling than the story of landing on the moon where everything basic went to plan.
I have never been a Ryan Gosling fan (he always looks like he just woke up and needs a shower) and my opinion did not change here. I'm sure the studious Armstrong did not have a robust personality in real life; however, Gosling didn't seem to do much for the character.
Apollo 13 was released in 1995 and I still remember almost the entire film whereas I will have forgotten everything about this film in less than 2 years.
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated And the Mountains Echoed in Books
May 11, 2019
A story I will never forget.
This is an unforgettable novel about finding yourself through someone else. This story revolves around the ways in which families nurture, wound, betray, honor and sacrifice for each other at times that matter the most. And The Mountains Echoed expands outwards becoming an emotional and powerful read with each page you turn. This is the perfect read for those who enjoy contemporary, bestsellers, drama and family genre’s and would make an outstanding read to discuss if you are part of a book club.
I have to admit this is another one of those books that I did not think was my kind of story, how wrong was I? Very. This has to be another of my all time favourite books! This is the first book I have read by Khaled Hosseini and it will not be the last, I cannot wait to dive into more of his outstanding stories. I chose to read this book as I had heard so many good reviews and recommendations and it did not disappoint me, so it would not disappoint you. I promise! I wouldn’t say i found this story an easy read but well worth the effort! And The Mountains Echoed is a beautifully written story that will leave you wanting more! This is a must read, page turner for you all to enjoy. You are welcome.
I have to admit this is another one of those books that I did not think was my kind of story, how wrong was I? Very. This has to be another of my all time favourite books! This is the first book I have read by Khaled Hosseini and it will not be the last, I cannot wait to dive into more of his outstanding stories. I chose to read this book as I had heard so many good reviews and recommendations and it did not disappoint me, so it would not disappoint you. I promise! I wouldn’t say i found this story an easy read but well worth the effort! And The Mountains Echoed is a beautifully written story that will leave you wanting more! This is a must read, page turner for you all to enjoy. You are welcome.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Heart Keeper in Books
May 22, 2019
How do you mend a broken heart?
It's been three months since Alison Miller-Juul's world fell apart when her six-year-old daughter, Amalie, died in an accident. Three months of sympathy cards, grief counselling and gritting her teeth, but it's still only the vodka and pills that seem to help.
Across town, Iselin Berg's life is finally looking up. Her seven-year-old daughter, Kaia, has survived a life-changing operation. After years of doctors, medication and hope, they can now start thinking about the future.
When Alison uncovers a dangerous secret, she is left in turmoil. She can now see a way to heal her broken heart, but will she risk everything to do so?
This is an intense family drama, it is being told from the viewpoints of two mothers.
Both of their stories start off separately but the they do become connected dramatically.
This such an emotional read, very intense and realistic.
The emotional turmoil was heartbreaking; as a mother could totally relate.
The characters were complex and very believably written.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat.
Totally gripping and magnificent story.
Recommend reading!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victoria Joss at Aria / Head of Zeus and Alex Dahl for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
It's been three months since Alison Miller-Juul's world fell apart when her six-year-old daughter, Amalie, died in an accident. Three months of sympathy cards, grief counselling and gritting her teeth, but it's still only the vodka and pills that seem to help.
Across town, Iselin Berg's life is finally looking up. Her seven-year-old daughter, Kaia, has survived a life-changing operation. After years of doctors, medication and hope, they can now start thinking about the future.
When Alison uncovers a dangerous secret, she is left in turmoil. She can now see a way to heal her broken heart, but will she risk everything to do so?
This is an intense family drama, it is being told from the viewpoints of two mothers.
Both of their stories start off separately but the they do become connected dramatically.
This such an emotional read, very intense and realistic.
The emotional turmoil was heartbreaking; as a mother could totally relate.
The characters were complex and very believably written.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat.
Totally gripping and magnificent story.
Recommend reading!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victoria Joss at Aria / Head of Zeus and Alex Dahl for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
This book was very interesting to read. As a memoir, it was great to be able to see into the author and her family's life. I had to read this book for one of my college courses and it has been very eye-opening to see what these people had to go through, not through the history books, the laws, or even the movies that have come out about the Chinese Americans. This very honest representation of their lives was well written and full of information. There were many things that I had learned differently or, in some cases, didn't even learn in my classes until now. It was all just swept under the rug by the writers of history
This book is set up with short vignettes that break up six other stories of, mainly, the men in Maxine Hong Kingston's family. It shows the struggle of Chinese-Americans in their immigration and their becoming American citizens when they first got here. The story touches a lot on the racism that they encountered as well. When there were stereotypes, Kingston was able to spin them to give them a sort of double-consciousness. There was the negative stereotyped version, then there was also the positive version.
This was a very interesting, and eye-opening book. If you want to learn more about the Chinese American history, pick this book up.
This book is set up with short vignettes that break up six other stories of, mainly, the men in Maxine Hong Kingston's family. It shows the struggle of Chinese-Americans in their immigration and their becoming American citizens when they first got here. The story touches a lot on the racism that they encountered as well. When there were stereotypes, Kingston was able to spin them to give them a sort of double-consciousness. There was the negative stereotyped version, then there was also the positive version.
This was a very interesting, and eye-opening book. If you want to learn more about the Chinese American history, pick this book up.
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Daughter of Rage and Beauty (Berserker Academy #1) in Books
Dec 22, 2019
DAUGHTER OF RAGE AND BEAUTY is the first book in the Berserker Academy series, and if this is any indication of what is to come, then I can't wait for book 2.
Elin is a half-breed, part Fae and part Berserker. She has been looked down upon by her father from birth, and now, at twenty-one, she is being shipped off to the Berserker Academy in a last-ditch attempt of her not 'sullying' the family name. Trouble is, Berserkers can be just as judgmental as her father!
I was completely engrossed in this story. I loved Hauk and the connection that grew between him and Elin. There are other characters that stand out that I hope will get their own stories. So many parts of this that I enjoyed, it's hard to narrow it down. One scene I will mention is the incredibly hot scene between Hauk and Elin. I think my kindle nearly melted. It was perfectly done, being sexy and sensuous without being gratuitous.
I found the pacing to be spot on with this, giving the reader enough time to enjoy each scene without it being stuck. The world-building was great and is one I hope to return to.
For a fun, sexy and adventurous Norse fantasy, then I have no hesitation in recommending this!
Elin is a half-breed, part Fae and part Berserker. She has been looked down upon by her father from birth, and now, at twenty-one, she is being shipped off to the Berserker Academy in a last-ditch attempt of her not 'sullying' the family name. Trouble is, Berserkers can be just as judgmental as her father!
I was completely engrossed in this story. I loved Hauk and the connection that grew between him and Elin. There are other characters that stand out that I hope will get their own stories. So many parts of this that I enjoyed, it's hard to narrow it down. One scene I will mention is the incredibly hot scene between Hauk and Elin. I think my kindle nearly melted. It was perfectly done, being sexy and sensuous without being gratuitous.
I found the pacing to be spot on with this, giving the reader enough time to enjoy each scene without it being stuck. The world-building was great and is one I hope to return to.
For a fun, sexy and adventurous Norse fantasy, then I have no hesitation in recommending this!
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