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ClareR (5906 KP) rated The Road Trip in Books
Aug 4, 2021
I loved this book. The Road Trip has a different feel to it compared to Beth O’Leary’s previous two novels, and whatever direction she’ll take next, I’m going along for the ride (see what I did there!🤭)
I just love the way that O’Leary writes characters: in this book they’re funny, flawed and feel like genuine, real people. There are those with mental health problems, dysfunctional families and strong sibling relationships.
We see the contrast of the carefree student on holiday, and the way that real life has a habit of sticking its oar in - and not always in a good way.
The road trip element was hilarious though. Deliciously awkward, thanks to Addie, Dylan and Dylan’s friend Marcus, with the devil-may-care attitude of Addie’s sister, Debs. And than there’s Rodney (I’l leave him right here - I don’t want to spoil THIS character for you!).
This book is a little darker in places in comparison to her other books, but I absolutely loved every page. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Beth O’Leary. Oh, and you should definitely read this book!!
Many thanks to Quercus for my copy via NetGalley.
I just love the way that O’Leary writes characters: in this book they’re funny, flawed and feel like genuine, real people. There are those with mental health problems, dysfunctional families and strong sibling relationships.
We see the contrast of the carefree student on holiday, and the way that real life has a habit of sticking its oar in - and not always in a good way.
The road trip element was hilarious though. Deliciously awkward, thanks to Addie, Dylan and Dylan’s friend Marcus, with the devil-may-care attitude of Addie’s sister, Debs. And than there’s Rodney (I’l leave him right here - I don’t want to spoil THIS character for you!).
This book is a little darker in places in comparison to her other books, but I absolutely loved every page. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Beth O’Leary. Oh, and you should definitely read this book!!
Many thanks to Quercus for my copy via NetGalley.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The LEGO Ninjango Movie (2017) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Lloyd Garmadon, like every teenager, hates going to school. But unlike every other teenager he's hated by pretty much everyone because of his father... Lord Garmadon. Not a day goes by where he doesn't try to destroy Ninjago, and they always say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
He's not entirely alone though, with his five friends he's actually part of a special ninja team that protect the city and thwart Garmadon's evil plans.
When a new plan emerges, and it looks like Garmadon might win, Lloyd decides it's time to use the ultimate weapon. A truly devious device that in the wrong hands could see the destruction of everything.
The Lego Movie was amazing, and it's still one of my go to feel good films. Lego Batman was funny, and well, superhero-y so of course I enjoyed it. Lego Ninjago was amusing, but I really feel like it missed something. I'm trying to think of something more to say about it than "amusing", but I'm coming up a bit blank... which I think is only slightly to do with the brain melt due to man flu.
He's not entirely alone though, with his five friends he's actually part of a special ninja team that protect the city and thwart Garmadon's evil plans.
When a new plan emerges, and it looks like Garmadon might win, Lloyd decides it's time to use the ultimate weapon. A truly devious device that in the wrong hands could see the destruction of everything.
The Lego Movie was amazing, and it's still one of my go to feel good films. Lego Batman was funny, and well, superhero-y so of course I enjoyed it. Lego Ninjago was amusing, but I really feel like it missed something. I'm trying to think of something more to say about it than "amusing", but I'm coming up a bit blank... which I think is only slightly to do with the brain melt due to man flu.
Some Like it Haute
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Her career is on ice. An arsonist turns up the heat. Can she snuff out the danger? After agreeing...
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Shifter Woods: Growl (Esposito County Shifters #3) in Books
Feb 12, 2023
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is book number 3 of the Esposito county shifters series. Although it belongs to a series I feel it can be read as a stand-alone as you can understand what each character is to the story. I haven't read any of the other books in this series but I am interested in looking into reading the others.
I like Nicola as an author whatever she is doing in a story she seems to give with all her heart and make you feel that character's story.
This is a very steamy story with a lot of intimacy so if you blush easily then this is not a book for you! If you don't, go for it! I guarantee you will enjoy! It also has the element of danger and suspense with a bit of magic in there too.
I recommend it highly.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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. *
This is book number 3 of the Esposito county shifters series. Although it belongs to a series I feel it can be read as a stand-alone as you can understand what each character is to the story. I haven't read any of the other books in this series but I am interested in looking into reading the others.
I like Nicola as an author whatever she is doing in a story she seems to give with all her heart and make you feel that character's story.
This is a very steamy story with a lot of intimacy so if you blush easily then this is not a book for you! If you don't, go for it! I guarantee you will enjoy! It also has the element of danger and suspense with a bit of magic in there too.
I recommend it highly.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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 (13003 KP) rated Midnight Sun (Arctic Love, #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
I received this book from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.
This is Frey's story - we've had Andreas and Varg's and now it's time for the 'quiet' twin. I have been enjoying this series. It's light but still manages to convey emotions and connections. I have been intrigued by Frey's story with the snippets we have already heard so I was looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately for me, this one seemed to fall a bit flat. I don't know if it's because of the short length, although this didn't seem to be a problem with the other books, or what. For me, the bare bones of the story was there but the meat was missing. It felt like the story was just skimmed over, rather than allowing the reader a bit more of an explanation and chance to digest.
I still liked the story and feel that Frey and Jørgen make a brilliant pair but I also feel a bit sorry that their story wasn't as good as I thought and hoped it would be.
December 18, 2018
This is Frey's story - we've had Andreas and Varg's and now it's time for the 'quiet' twin. I have been enjoying this series. It's light but still manages to convey emotions and connections. I have been intrigued by Frey's story with the snippets we have already heard so I was looking forward to reading it. Unfortunately for me, this one seemed to fall a bit flat. I don't know if it's because of the short length, although this didn't seem to be a problem with the other books, or what. For me, the bare bones of the story was there but the meat was missing. It felt like the story was just skimmed over, rather than allowing the reader a bit more of an explanation and chance to digest.
I still liked the story and feel that Frey and Jørgen make a brilliant pair but I also feel a bit sorry that their story wasn't as good as I thought and hoped it would be.
December 18, 2018
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Woman Outside the Walls in Books
Oct 16, 2022
Anna is in her 90's and living a quiet and peaceful life but she has lived with the horrors and struggles of her past and of the fear that it's going to catch up with her.
Told from different time lines - pre-war, post war and the present - and mainly from Anna's perspective, this is the story of her life; the good, the bad and the ugly. I admit it did, at times, feel like it was jumping from one time to another and not always, I felt, in a logical way which made it a bit hard to keep up but you soon get caught up in the story.
This is a real thought-provoker and makes you ask yourself some difficult questions about what you would do to survive and if you do, how do you reconcile the decisions you have made.
Although this is a work of fiction, there are historical facts that are interwoven in the story which makes it feel quite authentic and I must thank Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Woman Outside the Walls.
Told from different time lines - pre-war, post war and the present - and mainly from Anna's perspective, this is the story of her life; the good, the bad and the ugly. I admit it did, at times, feel like it was jumping from one time to another and not always, I felt, in a logical way which made it a bit hard to keep up but you soon get caught up in the story.
This is a real thought-provoker and makes you ask yourself some difficult questions about what you would do to survive and if you do, how do you reconcile the decisions you have made.
Although this is a work of fiction, there are historical facts that are interwoven in the story which makes it feel quite authentic and I must thank Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Woman Outside the Walls.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Poltergeist (2015) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
I struggle with my view of this film. Mostly because I want to compare it to the 1982 horror classic it is a remake of. But rather than pick apart how it does or does not compare to the original I realize I must judge this film on its own merit. As such, I feel this film is just…ok. Not bad, not great, just ok.
That isn’t to say this film is not a good time. In fact, It is quite fun. I feel there are more laughs in this film than scares. Fun times indeed. Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt play good spirited parents trying to make the best of their financial burden while moving into a new home. The three kids are the typical modern type. The older teenager concerned with her cell phone, the tech savvy son, Griffin, who seems to be sacred of everything and the “gifted” little daughter, Madison, who is innocent. The film starts lighthearted enough with jokes and everyday family squabbles. But that quickly changes as Madison starts to have conversations with her closet and the television. Yet, the only one who sees these freak events are scardy-cat Griffin, who won’t sleep in his room when there is a squirrel but doesn’t scream for his parents when he notices the electricity doing things it shouldn’t. But I digress.
And here is where the problems of this film arrive. Rather than create its own memorable scenes that sets it apart from the original, it is in such a hurry to give its own take on the classic scenes from the first film. As such, there is no real sense of rhythm to the pacing of this film that is a staple of good horror films with drawn out sense of suspense the help heighten the sense of dread. And so we are left without any real worry for our characters or us as the audience. We have a few jump scares before a long conclusion that feels more like “Classic” made for TV than big budget film.
In the end, we are left with a “popcorn” horror film that is fun but forgettable at best. Fans of the original will be disappointed. Parents who want to take their young teenage kids to their first horror film will appreciate the wholesome family feel.
That isn’t to say this film is not a good time. In fact, It is quite fun. I feel there are more laughs in this film than scares. Fun times indeed. Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt play good spirited parents trying to make the best of their financial burden while moving into a new home. The three kids are the typical modern type. The older teenager concerned with her cell phone, the tech savvy son, Griffin, who seems to be sacred of everything and the “gifted” little daughter, Madison, who is innocent. The film starts lighthearted enough with jokes and everyday family squabbles. But that quickly changes as Madison starts to have conversations with her closet and the television. Yet, the only one who sees these freak events are scardy-cat Griffin, who won’t sleep in his room when there is a squirrel but doesn’t scream for his parents when he notices the electricity doing things it shouldn’t. But I digress.
And here is where the problems of this film arrive. Rather than create its own memorable scenes that sets it apart from the original, it is in such a hurry to give its own take on the classic scenes from the first film. As such, there is no real sense of rhythm to the pacing of this film that is a staple of good horror films with drawn out sense of suspense the help heighten the sense of dread. And so we are left without any real worry for our characters or us as the audience. We have a few jump scares before a long conclusion that feels more like “Classic” made for TV than big budget film.
In the end, we are left with a “popcorn” horror film that is fun but forgettable at best. Fans of the original will be disappointed. Parents who want to take their young teenage kids to their first horror film will appreciate the wholesome family feel.
Paul Smedley (141 KP) rated Attention Attention by Shinedown in Music
May 5, 2018
They’re back!
Well! The Shinedown guys are back with another rip roaring album that doesn’t fail to please.
It’s been long awaited since the last album, Threat to Survival and it does not disappoint.
It’s got that recognisable Shinedown stamp on it so as soon as you hear the riffs and vocals, there’s no denying who it is.
The songs are fuelled by a rebellion feel and motivating you to stand up against what’s holding you back. It is perfect for the gym to keep pushing you.
My favourite track on it is Human Radio so far although it is quite hard to pick a favourite.
It’s good to see the album at the front of my local HMV too as the music I tend to buy is hidden away deep within the shelves of the metal/alt rock section with no deserved place of its own.
If you haven’t listened to any Shinedown then I recommend you check them out. There are quite a few albums to listen to. Sound of Madness would be a good starting point although feel free to start with Attention Attention and work backwards as you will find a vein of familiarity with the songs that everyone can relate to.
An epic album from an epic band. Been to see them six times live and one of the best bands I’ve seen performing. Their energy is relentless and the engagement with the crowd is awe inspiring.
Welcome back, Shinedown!!!!
It’s been long awaited since the last album, Threat to Survival and it does not disappoint.
It’s got that recognisable Shinedown stamp on it so as soon as you hear the riffs and vocals, there’s no denying who it is.
The songs are fuelled by a rebellion feel and motivating you to stand up against what’s holding you back. It is perfect for the gym to keep pushing you.
My favourite track on it is Human Radio so far although it is quite hard to pick a favourite.
It’s good to see the album at the front of my local HMV too as the music I tend to buy is hidden away deep within the shelves of the metal/alt rock section with no deserved place of its own.
If you haven’t listened to any Shinedown then I recommend you check them out. There are quite a few albums to listen to. Sound of Madness would be a good starting point although feel free to start with Attention Attention and work backwards as you will find a vein of familiarity with the songs that everyone can relate to.
An epic album from an epic band. Been to see them six times live and one of the best bands I’ve seen performing. Their energy is relentless and the engagement with the crowd is awe inspiring.
Welcome back, Shinedown!!!!
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated The Wonder Years: 40 Women Over 40 on Aging, Faith, Beauty, and Strength in Books
Mar 5, 2019
It seems that when women reach a certain age in their life, they start to feel like their value is decreasing; they are facing the empty nest, (the children are leaving home), they tend to feel like they are limited in what they can do, and there is the fear of aging.
Well, it's time to start looking at life after 40 in a different light! In this book, well-known Christian women from ages 40 to 85 give their wisdom on how to face these worries. With Spiritual wisdom, a sense of humor, these women give some incredible insight into life after 40.
You will read the writings of Lauren F. Winner, Joni Eareckson Tada, Elisa Morgan, Madeleine Engle and kay Warren.
These women will provide ideas and thoughts about aging and to look at aging with your eyes open to new possibilities and most of all to grow closer to God. Each essay provides a look into God's perspective on the later years of life, reminding us that it's always possible to serve Him with the life experiences we have.
The book is comprised of short essays, that makes it quick to read, you can put it down and pick it back up at without interruption of the book.
It was interesting and it made me chuckle a couple of times. This is a good book for those who are in the 40 and over age, or those who are approaching it. It might even be a good book to do in a group setting with women of this age group.
Well, it's time to start looking at life after 40 in a different light! In this book, well-known Christian women from ages 40 to 85 give their wisdom on how to face these worries. With Spiritual wisdom, a sense of humor, these women give some incredible insight into life after 40.
You will read the writings of Lauren F. Winner, Joni Eareckson Tada, Elisa Morgan, Madeleine Engle and kay Warren.
These women will provide ideas and thoughts about aging and to look at aging with your eyes open to new possibilities and most of all to grow closer to God. Each essay provides a look into God's perspective on the later years of life, reminding us that it's always possible to serve Him with the life experiences we have.
The book is comprised of short essays, that makes it quick to read, you can put it down and pick it back up at without interruption of the book.
It was interesting and it made me chuckle a couple of times. This is a good book for those who are in the 40 and over age, or those who are approaching it. It might even be a good book to do in a group setting with women of this age group.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Quest of All Ages in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I already wrote a review for this once but I dont know what happened to it. I feel that this one wont be nearly as good as the first especially since I am aggravated that I have to retype it. I will try to capture some of the first one though.
When I requested this from NetGalley, it was because I am a fairytale/mythology buff who can never have enough novels about it. I enjoyed the authors interpretation because she stayed true to the originally mythology while making it her own. What I loved, however, was that it was not a modern telling, i.e. about the gods children or gods themselves in present day. Thats a trope I dont enjoy.
Maha Devi Li Ra La masterly weaves a fantastical story of self-discovery with dynamic characters. It is story about adventure and coming into oneself, discovering ones self. It was a powerful journey that had me on the edge of my seat and rooting for love in way I havent in a long time. I think it is because I have read erotica for so long where the couples have been hurt and jaded by the time they reach other. The love in Quest is fresh and dewy eyed like younger lovers falling in love for the first time. It has that hopefulness that young love seems to draw from.
Definitely a feel good novel. While it did not blow my mind, I walked away feeling optimistic and lighter.
When I requested this from NetGalley, it was because I am a fairytale/mythology buff who can never have enough novels about it. I enjoyed the authors interpretation because she stayed true to the originally mythology while making it her own. What I loved, however, was that it was not a modern telling, i.e. about the gods children or gods themselves in present day. Thats a trope I dont enjoy.
Maha Devi Li Ra La masterly weaves a fantastical story of self-discovery with dynamic characters. It is story about adventure and coming into oneself, discovering ones self. It was a powerful journey that had me on the edge of my seat and rooting for love in way I havent in a long time. I think it is because I have read erotica for so long where the couples have been hurt and jaded by the time they reach other. The love in Quest is fresh and dewy eyed like younger lovers falling in love for the first time. It has that hopefulness that young love seems to draw from.
Definitely a feel good novel. While it did not blow my mind, I walked away feeling optimistic and lighter.