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Awix (3310 KP) rated The Hopkins Manuscript in Books
Mar 21, 2019
Powerfully moving, surprisingly obscure British SF novel. Eerily prescient in some ways: written in 1939 but set from 1945 onward, the story is told by Edgar Hopkins, a retired schoolteacher and champion poultry-breeder who is one of the first men in the country to learn of an impending cataclysm - the moon has been knocked from its orbit and will collide with the Earth in a matter of months. Hopkins' ability to tell the story is impaired by his own pompousness, powerful sense of self-regard and unerring ability to miss the significance of anything going on around him.
Initially it reads like a very black, absurdist comedy, but as the book progresses it becomes genuinely poignant and moving - almost a eulogy for an idea of England soon to be wiped away forever. I have no idea how much the author was motivated by fears of the coming Second World War, but its presence hangs inescapably over the book. The actual science in the book is rather risible, and (like much other mid-20th century British SF) the film also contains race-related elements that some modern readers could find problematic, but the core of the book remains as significant and thought-provoking as ever.
Initially it reads like a very black, absurdist comedy, but as the book progresses it becomes genuinely poignant and moving - almost a eulogy for an idea of England soon to be wiped away forever. I have no idea how much the author was motivated by fears of the coming Second World War, but its presence hangs inescapably over the book. The actual science in the book is rather risible, and (like much other mid-20th century British SF) the film also contains race-related elements that some modern readers could find problematic, but the core of the book remains as significant and thought-provoking as ever.
Sue (5 KP) rated Gone to Green (Green #1) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
The paper was an unexpected inheritance from a close colleague, and Lois must keep it for at least a year, bringing a host of challenges, lessons, and blessings into her life.
When Lois pulls into Green on New Year’s Day, she expects a charming little town full of smiling people.She quickly realizes her mistake. After settling into a loaned house out on Route 2,
she finds herself battling town prejudices and inner doubts and making friends with
the most surprising people: troubled teenager Katy, good-looking catfish farmer
Chris, wise and feisty Aunt Helen, and a female African-American physician named
Kevin.
Whether fighting a greedy, deceitful politician or rescuing a dog she fears, Lois notices the headlines in her life have definitely improved. She learns how to provide small-town news in a big-hearted way and realizes that life is full of newsworthy moments. When she encounters racial
prejudice and financial corruption, Lois also discovers more about the goodness of
real people and the importance of being part of a community.
While secretly preparing the paper for a sale, Lois begins to realize that God might indeed have a plan for her life and that perhaps the allure of city life and career ambition are not what she wants after all.
When Lois pulls into Green on New Year’s Day, she expects a charming little town full of smiling people.She quickly realizes her mistake. After settling into a loaned house out on Route 2,
she finds herself battling town prejudices and inner doubts and making friends with
the most surprising people: troubled teenager Katy, good-looking catfish farmer
Chris, wise and feisty Aunt Helen, and a female African-American physician named
Kevin.
Whether fighting a greedy, deceitful politician or rescuing a dog she fears, Lois notices the headlines in her life have definitely improved. She learns how to provide small-town news in a big-hearted way and realizes that life is full of newsworthy moments. When she encounters racial
prejudice and financial corruption, Lois also discovers more about the goodness of
real people and the importance of being part of a community.
While secretly preparing the paper for a sale, Lois begins to realize that God might indeed have a plan for her life and that perhaps the allure of city life and career ambition are not what she wants after all.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Don't Go by Xenia Manasseh in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Xenia Manasseh is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter with Kenyan roots. Not too long ago, she released a bittersweet R&B tune, entitled, “Don’t Go”, produced by Ayo n Keyz.
“Staring at your picture hanging on the wall thinking of our last encounter. Wasn’t ready for the fall. Wondering when you’ll get here, I wanna talk it out. If you’ll just be patient with me, we can work it out.” – lyrics
‘Don’t Go’ tells an interesting tale of a single young woman who regrets telling her ex-beau to depart from their problematic relationship.
But after some time alone, she realizes that he’s the only guy who truly gets her. Therefore, she wants him back and doesn’t want him to leave anymore.
Later, she admits that she can’t remember what was said that put them in a bad place, but apologizes for the part she played in their looming breakup.
Even though her heart is in the right place, she fears that it might be too late to rekindle the flames of their dying romance.
‘Don’t Go’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/xenia-manasseh-dont-go/
“Staring at your picture hanging on the wall thinking of our last encounter. Wasn’t ready for the fall. Wondering when you’ll get here, I wanna talk it out. If you’ll just be patient with me, we can work it out.” – lyrics
‘Don’t Go’ tells an interesting tale of a single young woman who regrets telling her ex-beau to depart from their problematic relationship.
But after some time alone, she realizes that he’s the only guy who truly gets her. Therefore, she wants him back and doesn’t want him to leave anymore.
Later, she admits that she can’t remember what was said that put them in a bad place, but apologizes for the part she played in their looming breakup.
Even though her heart is in the right place, she fears that it might be too late to rekindle the flames of their dying romance.
‘Don’t Go’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/xenia-manasseh-dont-go/
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Twisted Sisters (The Orion Circle #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The second book in the Orion Circle series is just as action-packed as the first book. I will admit to the beginning taking me by surprise but I loved how it was written, with the characters of Kacie and Logan being immediately recognisable and flowing to the forefront of my mind, even though it is a while since I have read the first book in this series, Tortured Souls.
This story is layered with intricate twists and turns as Logan and Kacie have to deal with a number of different things, and the opponents they're facing are very good at finding out their secret fears. Although the timing of this book is over a short period, it never seemed rushed or hurried. Each scene was well-written and time given to each action and character, so that you understand just what is going on. With excellent teamwork by the Orion Circle as a whole (although the Pastor did annoy me at the end!), action, adventure and a touch of romance, this is one story that I didn't want to end.
Absolutely recommended and I can't wait for more!
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This story is layered with intricate twists and turns as Logan and Kacie have to deal with a number of different things, and the opponents they're facing are very good at finding out their secret fears. Although the timing of this book is over a short period, it never seemed rushed or hurried. Each scene was well-written and time given to each action and character, so that you understand just what is going on. With excellent teamwork by the Orion Circle as a whole (although the Pastor did annoy me at the end!), action, adventure and a touch of romance, this is one story that I didn't want to end.
Absolutely recommended and I can't wait for more!
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I read this book while away for work, away from my family, stuck in a hotel room in the evenings, exhausted and spent. It might not have been the best choice in hindsight, as this book is rather brutal and sad in its own right, but it wound up being a great diversion. I love Elin Hilderbrand's books, and this was an enjoyable one, despite the sadness. I liked the characters, but loved the Josh the most, our wannabe writer who finds himself caught up in the drama of these women.
And it was easy to get caught up in their lives and craziness. Brenda and Melanie had melodrama, but Vicki, oh Vicki, her storyline broke my heart. I've always had this fear of cancer and leaving my own kids, so this one struck me right in the gut. This book is really heart-wrenching--and doesn't shy away from the hard stuff: Vicki's chemo, her fears of dying and leaving behind her kids, how sick and terrified she feels. It's a tough read, but it's also hopeful and a great story of friendship and family.
Overall, I enjoyed this one, and it only cemented my desire to keep reading Hilderbrand's back catalog. 3.5+ stars.
And it was easy to get caught up in their lives and craziness. Brenda and Melanie had melodrama, but Vicki, oh Vicki, her storyline broke my heart. I've always had this fear of cancer and leaving my own kids, so this one struck me right in the gut. This book is really heart-wrenching--and doesn't shy away from the hard stuff: Vicki's chemo, her fears of dying and leaving behind her kids, how sick and terrified she feels. It's a tough read, but it's also hopeful and a great story of friendship and family.
Overall, I enjoyed this one, and it only cemented my desire to keep reading Hilderbrand's back catalog. 3.5+ stars.
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