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Paige (428 KP) rated The Alchemist in Books

Aug 19, 2017  
The Alchemist
The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho | 1993 | Fiction & Poetry
6
7.2 (35 Ratings)
Book Rating
easy to follow (0 more)
self- important (0 more)
A book for a particular audience
If someone tells me they love this book, I pretty immediately assume that they don't read for pleasure. This book was really made for people who think reading is like medicine, and it strives to be the best-tasting medicine. It is short, vaguely inspirational, uses simple language, and tailored to make you feel wiser after reading it.

In this way, the book is a success.


For readers who are more well-read, all this comes across as a not unpleasant, but not groundbreaking attempt at making capital L literature. It kind of drones, and seems a bit twee and trite.


If you think of books as vitamins (good for you, but a pain to procure and consume) then this book is the most delicious version of that.
  
Slayer (Slayer #1)
Slayer (Slayer #1)
Kiersten White | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, Young Adult (YA)
7
7.7 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
As someone who grew up watching and loving Buffy and the spin off series Angel. I also re-watched it about 4 years ago when it was on Netflix so I'm very tied to the Buffyverse. This book definitely kept the Buffy humor which is so it's own brand and it was on point so that contributes to the higher rating. I feel the last 1/4 of the book really picked up as well by the end I was left wanting the next book to come. The first half of the story kind of leaves Buffy as the villian and (for good reasons in Nina's view) that just did not sit well with me. Otherwise, I believe the writting was great and the Buffyverse was left in all it's glory and so well reserved by Kiersten.
  
Pet Sematary (2019)
Pet Sematary (2019)
2019 | Horror
Great story (0 more)
A few changes from the book (0 more)
Sometimes dead is better
I just about remember reading the book a very long time ago and it did stay with me for a long time. A typical chilling horror from Stephen King. I've not seen the '89 film but the trailer for this had me interested.
It's good, very atmospheric, interesting story and a decent cast. The only down side was the climax didn't feel as scary as I remember from the book and a tad abrupt. They have changed a couple of plot points from the book, one is quite a big change. Although I can understand why. But the ending is different and doesn't quite have the impact of the book. Despite that it's still an enjoyable film if you are a Stephen King fan.
  
This take on what it means to be on the Mayflower and the struggles that come along with it is very interesting. It makes what I just think of an event so much more. The character, even though it is hard to keep track at times, are relatable and you find yourself invested in their stories. The language was modern and that took away from the story for me. My only other problem was the flatness, while there was problems most of the book just felt monotonous. This could be just because I don't read much historical fiction but I am not sure.
Perfect for those fans who want to feel connected to a real event but with a fictional aspect instead of just facts. This will give them a good read that will keep you interested until the very end.
  
No Country for Old Men (2007)
No Country for Old Men (2007)
2007 | Thriller, Western
Lost in a coin toss
Number 7 of my #top10 #favourite #films is 'No Country For Old Men'. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Bleak & #depressing #NoCountryForOldMen takes all the #hope you have for the good guys winning and rips it out of your hands again and again. Not only is it #unfair, tense and #gorgeous to look at its constantly making you think deeply while toying with your emotions too. Acting is next level, the dialog is masterfully slick and #javierbardem might just be the #coldest & #scariest #villain ever put on screen making No Country For Old Men a film that really should be in everyone's top 10 list. Deciphering its intricate plot, many metaphors and head spinning #intelligence is something i sadly #feel i will never achieve fully but my god do i enjoy trying.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
#filmbuff #filmcritic #coenbrothers #saturday #weekend #beautiful #violence #joshbrolin #tommyleejones
  
MA
Murder at the Male Revue
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Catering a fund raiser for the community center is doing double duty for the Skinny Dipping Grandmas as they can also check “Visit a strip club” off Joy’s bucket list. But when the auction for the men gets started, chaos insures and the town council’s president is murdered. Who could as done it?

As always, Francine is our guide to this third wacky and fun mystery. There are some good secrets, twists, and surprises that come out, although the ending did feel a bit abrupt. The characters are fun and strong. Between a couple of slapstick scenes and the dialogue, we get some great laughs along the way as well.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/07/book-review-murder-at-male-revue-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
The Castles of Burgundy
The Castles of Burgundy
2011 | Dice Game, Medieval, Territory Building
Highly Strategic (0 more)
Component quality isn't very good. (1 more)
More luck based than I would like
I give the game a 6, my wife gives it a 10, so we'll settle on a 7.
My wife adores this game, she's incredible at it, my parents love it... I'm the wet blanket. It's ranked very highly on board game geek, but yet i don't love this game myself. It's a cool concept with a very boring theme. I love the idea of owning a village in burgundy and placing castles and boat houses, but it doesn't really make me feel anything when I play, and I worry too much about the dice and how to make them actually work with what I need. This one isn't for me, but everyone else loves it so you shouldn't listen to me.
  
GA
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I absolutely love Rosamund Hodge's writing. She somehow manages to balance beauty and darkness perfectly. It reminds me a lot of the Grimm fairy tales, but in a way, more romantic.

This is a retelling of Cinderella and has become one of my favorites. It keeps the darkness, but keeps it in some sort of fantastical world that makes it even more beautiful.

This was just a short story, but that doesn't mean I didn't absolutely love it. I need to get my hands on Crimson Bound soon. Even in this short story, Rosamund was able to fully flesh out the characters and make them completely believable. I didn't feel like the story was rushed or too drawn out. It was just right.

I would highly recommend this to people who love dark stories, fairy tale retellings, or just a good short story.
  
Well, I've found yet another cozy mystery series to add to my must-buy list! I really enjoyed the setting - a working historical farm - and learned everything I could want to know about maple syrup production. Not in a clinical way, but as interesting bits of information presented during the story.

Our heroine Kelsey has her hands full trying to run the farm, raise her kindergarten-age son, and solve a murder before the police can pin it on one of her young employees. There was an interesting cast of characters, and that homey, small-town feel that I love in a good cozy.

While previous events are mentioned, it's not necessary to have read book 1 to know what's going on.

NOTE: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
  
I am a big fan of Laymon and have been for a number of years. I have read most of his work and have enjoyed them all. I did enjoy this story, however, I did feel that this was one of his weaker works. It sort of lacked that Laymon intensity. If you enjoy cheesy B-movie horrors and thrillers then I would say you would enjoy this book...and all other Laymon books as well thinking about it.
I thought the combination of the two stories written side by side would of come to a very explosive crash but they kind of just touched, gave eachother a pat on the back and then wondered off.
Overall, weaker than I expected but still a good paced read to pass the time. Plus it's Laymon...you have to read it.