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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Therapist in Books
Jul 29, 2021
An average locked neighborhood thriller
Alice and Leo have been in a long distance relationship for eighteen months when they finally move in together and buy a house in the The Circle, a development in the middle of London. It's a gated estate made up of twelves house designed to be especially safe and secure. But Alice soon discovers a horrible secret about her new home and becomes obsessed with Nina, the therapist who lived there before her. She starts trying to figure out what happened to Nina--at the expense of her relationship with Leo and her neighbors.
"It's only as I stand there, shrouded in perfect stillness that a thought slams into my head. I don't like this house."
This thriller was slow to start and was one of several locked neighborhood books I've read lately. I'm sort of over the trend of average folks up in everyone's business thinking they can solve murders. I didn't quite buy why Alice cared so much, even though there's supposed to be a "reason" for her attachment to Nina (she shares a name with Alice's late sister).
As with many of these types of thrillers, there's a cast full of mostly unlikable characters and a bunch of somewhat interchangeable neighbors. Alice forms an odd bond with a Private Investigator, Thomas, who is quickly added to the mix. She seems fast to accuse basically everyone she meets of nearly anything, so I suppose that added to the suspense/red herrings. The book does have a slightly ominous feel, though I think many of her problems would have been solved by simply changing the darn locks!
There are some good twists and the story held my interest once it picked up the pace. However, I'm afraid it will get lost in the swirl of recent locked neighborhood books and not stand out in a few months. 3 stars.
I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
"It's only as I stand there, shrouded in perfect stillness that a thought slams into my head. I don't like this house."
This thriller was slow to start and was one of several locked neighborhood books I've read lately. I'm sort of over the trend of average folks up in everyone's business thinking they can solve murders. I didn't quite buy why Alice cared so much, even though there's supposed to be a "reason" for her attachment to Nina (she shares a name with Alice's late sister).
As with many of these types of thrillers, there's a cast full of mostly unlikable characters and a bunch of somewhat interchangeable neighbors. Alice forms an odd bond with a Private Investigator, Thomas, who is quickly added to the mix. She seems fast to accuse basically everyone she meets of nearly anything, so I suppose that added to the suspense/red herrings. The book does have a slightly ominous feel, though I think many of her problems would have been solved by simply changing the darn locks!
There are some good twists and the story held my interest once it picked up the pace. However, I'm afraid it will get lost in the swirl of recent locked neighborhood books and not stand out in a few months. 3 stars.
I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Faris Badwan recommended track Eternal Source of Light by Kathleen Battle in Classic Kathleen Battle by Kathleen Battle in Music (curated)
ClareR (5784 KP) rated The End of Men in Books
Jun 8, 2021
Oh. My. Goodness. This book is totally my cup of tea (unlike in this book, it has both tea and milk in it). I’ve always been drawn to science fiction, dystopian and apocalyptic styles of novels ever since I read Stephen Kings The Stand as a teenager. The End of Men drew me in and had me checking the news outlets, just to check that Covid-19 hadn’t taken a turn for the even worse - and I’m not joking here. I did question whether reading a book about a global pandemic during a global pandemic was a good idea, and then I told myself to shut up, sit back and just enjoy it (much the same as when I read Last One at The Party by Bethany Clift!). And I really did!
This is told from multiple perspectives. There are mostly recurring characters, such as Dr Maclean, some scientists, the anthropologist, intelligence and government types, interspersed with ‘ordinary’ people who were also affected and lost friends and family. We see perspectives from all over the world. The voices of these people all seem so real: their pain, confusion and determination coming through in their own voices, as their stories are all told in journal form.
The End of Men had pretty much the same effect on me as World War Z: I was checking the news and the windows (just in case), completely preoccupied with the book whilst I was reading it, and I predictably experienced a stonking book-hangover when it ended.
This is science fiction for people who wouldn’t normally pick up science fiction (a bit like a gateway drug!). It reads like contemporary fiction - the here and now.
This novel had me on the edge of my seat and in tears - and a bit angry at times, truth be told. This doesn’t feel like you’re reading science-fiction, it has a tinge of the non-fiction about it. Perhaps that’s because of the times we’re living in...
Would I recommend it? You’d better believe I would!
This is told from multiple perspectives. There are mostly recurring characters, such as Dr Maclean, some scientists, the anthropologist, intelligence and government types, interspersed with ‘ordinary’ people who were also affected and lost friends and family. We see perspectives from all over the world. The voices of these people all seem so real: their pain, confusion and determination coming through in their own voices, as their stories are all told in journal form.
The End of Men had pretty much the same effect on me as World War Z: I was checking the news and the windows (just in case), completely preoccupied with the book whilst I was reading it, and I predictably experienced a stonking book-hangover when it ended.
This is science fiction for people who wouldn’t normally pick up science fiction (a bit like a gateway drug!). It reads like contemporary fiction - the here and now.
This novel had me on the edge of my seat and in tears - and a bit angry at times, truth be told. This doesn’t feel like you’re reading science-fiction, it has a tinge of the non-fiction about it. Perhaps that’s because of the times we’re living in...
Would I recommend it? You’d better believe I would!
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated The Fate of the Furious (2017) in Movies
Jun 23, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
Hobbs and the family are back to face their most dangerous enemy yet, Dom in the 8th instalment of the 'Fast and Furious' franchise.
Like the last few films in the franchise, Fate tries to go bigger and louder with more action, guns, missiles, tanks and submarines although there is less time spent on the actual cars.
The film adds more of an element of mystery and questions the ties of family more than any of the other films when the team is betrayed by one of their own and they need to find out why,
I think 'Fate' has more stand out scenes than some of the other films in the franchise, mainly (and spoilers here) The prison break and Shaw shooting up the plane whilst carrying the baby.
I feel that we are now getting into the realms of 'more of the same', the first first few films tried to be a bit different but now we are getting 'The family gets hired by someone, mission goes bad, family need to sort it out' and this isn't necessarily a bad thing, trying to keep thing different is what lead to Tokyo drift, which most fans think is the worst of the franchise.
It's also nice knowing what you are going to get , a fast paced action film, with cars that is relatively safe for most people to watch. That is that, although there is some violence and peril, the language it quite tame, the humour is not to crude and, although there are plenty walking around with not much on, the franchise has never fallen into the trap of relying on sex to spice things up. Instead it keeps the pace fast, the story's (relatively) simple and the one liners fun.
Over all Fate of the Furious is a good addition to a franchise that is getting more over the top by the film.
Like the last few films in the franchise, Fate tries to go bigger and louder with more action, guns, missiles, tanks and submarines although there is less time spent on the actual cars.
The film adds more of an element of mystery and questions the ties of family more than any of the other films when the team is betrayed by one of their own and they need to find out why,
I think 'Fate' has more stand out scenes than some of the other films in the franchise, mainly (and spoilers here) The prison break and Shaw shooting up the plane whilst carrying the baby.
I feel that we are now getting into the realms of 'more of the same', the first first few films tried to be a bit different but now we are getting 'The family gets hired by someone, mission goes bad, family need to sort it out' and this isn't necessarily a bad thing, trying to keep thing different is what lead to Tokyo drift, which most fans think is the worst of the franchise.
It's also nice knowing what you are going to get , a fast paced action film, with cars that is relatively safe for most people to watch. That is that, although there is some violence and peril, the language it quite tame, the humour is not to crude and, although there are plenty walking around with not much on, the franchise has never fallen into the trap of relying on sex to spice things up. Instead it keeps the pace fast, the story's (relatively) simple and the one liners fun.
Over all Fate of the Furious is a good addition to a franchise that is getting more over the top by the film.
Kathleen Hanna recommended Tapestry by Carole King in Music (curated)
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Unmaking of Ellie Rook in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonist in this novel was Ellie, and the whole story was told from her perspective. Ellie comes back to her hometown after the news, that her mother drowned. But as I was going through the pages, it was clear, that Rook family is a very dysfunctional one, hiding many horrible secrets. I really liked the way the author chose her characters, they all have a story to tell, they all are interesting and play very important parts in this book. I liked the way Ellie opened up and shared her story throughout the pages. She seemed fearless but used to crumble after her father’s words. I think she represents many of those, who grew up with abusive, controlling parent.
The narrative was very fast paced, and every chapter allowed to see a little bit more of Ellie’s past, and what shaped her to be the way she is now. The topics covered in this book were emotional and physical abuse, bullying, teenage romance, controlling behaviour and many more. This book has some very cleverly written surprises and twists and was an easy and pleasant read for me.
The atmosphere of this book is very dark, gloomy and messy, filled with scrap cars, crows, and violence. I liked the writing style of this novel, it was complex and layered. The chapters were short, and the ending of this book left me very satisfied indeed. Even though a single perspective was sufficient for me, I would’ve liked to read Imelda’s thoughts as well. I don’t really know how I feel about all that folk story about Finella, it adds a nice touch to the story, but making it a core of this book wasn’t really necessary.
So, to conclude, it is a really good domestic noir, filled with complex characters and difficult situations. I really enjoyed this book and the topics it discussed, and I recommend it to people who are looking for a quick but important read. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
The narrative was very fast paced, and every chapter allowed to see a little bit more of Ellie’s past, and what shaped her to be the way she is now. The topics covered in this book were emotional and physical abuse, bullying, teenage romance, controlling behaviour and many more. This book has some very cleverly written surprises and twists and was an easy and pleasant read for me.
The atmosphere of this book is very dark, gloomy and messy, filled with scrap cars, crows, and violence. I liked the writing style of this novel, it was complex and layered. The chapters were short, and the ending of this book left me very satisfied indeed. Even though a single perspective was sufficient for me, I would’ve liked to read Imelda’s thoughts as well. I don’t really know how I feel about all that folk story about Finella, it adds a nice touch to the story, but making it a core of this book wasn’t really necessary.
So, to conclude, it is a really good domestic noir, filled with complex characters and difficult situations. I really enjoyed this book and the topics it discussed, and I recommend it to people who are looking for a quick but important read. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated The Elite (The Selection, #2) in Books
Jun 24, 2019
The Elite is the second book in the Selection series by Kiera Cass. It follows the progress of the Selection's participant America Singer, and her struggles within the palace.
First of all, I'd like to say that this book was actually a lot better than I had originally expected it to be. I'm not much into romances, and the main plot of this is relatively predictable, but there are definitely some unique aspects. Honestly, the situation with Marlee was just... awful. But in a good way. I mean, it was written wonderfully, and it made me really angry. But Maxon managed to bring it around so well, in a way that I really wasn't expecting (and neither was America!).
As for the king's reaction... I really wasn't expecting that either. I think it really brings some depth to Maxon's character, and some suspense to America's fight within the contest.
One thing I'm not so sure about is the way America just decides to accept the way Maxon flirts with the other girls. I understand that he has to have a back-up in case things don't work out with his first choice, but I would not be as calm as her about it. She does get a little upset by it, but I just feel like Maxon's just that bit shallower thanks to his relationships with the other girls.
America continues to be a strong character, and as defiant as ever. But something about her was missing in this sequel. I'm not sure, perhaps she seemed a little less passionate in this book or something. Something with her just didn't seem quite right.
Anyway, I did enjoy this book. There's a decent amount of action with the rebel attacks, and a fair amount of romance (if you're into that kinda thing). Some parts were a bit rushed in my opinion, but there were multiple unexpected, unique parts too. I think The Elite just about deserves 4 stars.
First of all, I'd like to say that this book was actually a lot better than I had originally expected it to be. I'm not much into romances, and the main plot of this is relatively predictable, but there are definitely some unique aspects. Honestly, the situation with Marlee was just... awful. But in a good way. I mean, it was written wonderfully, and it made me really angry. But Maxon managed to bring it around so well, in a way that I really wasn't expecting (and neither was America!).
As for the king's reaction... I really wasn't expecting that either. I think it really brings some depth to Maxon's character, and some suspense to America's fight within the contest.
One thing I'm not so sure about is the way America just decides to accept the way Maxon flirts with the other girls. I understand that he has to have a back-up in case things don't work out with his first choice, but I would not be as calm as her about it. She does get a little upset by it, but I just feel like Maxon's just that bit shallower thanks to his relationships with the other girls.
America continues to be a strong character, and as defiant as ever. But something about her was missing in this sequel. I'm not sure, perhaps she seemed a little less passionate in this book or something. Something with her just didn't seem quite right.
Anyway, I did enjoy this book. There's a decent amount of action with the rebel attacks, and a fair amount of romance (if you're into that kinda thing). Some parts were a bit rushed in my opinion, but there were multiple unexpected, unique parts too. I think The Elite just about deserves 4 stars.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Night School (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
I find Hart and Haddish to be two peas in a pod when it comes to their comedy style. The only difference is that I can watch a whole Kevin Hart film without getting bored of it. So having them both in a film together was a little worrying. But I really didn't need to worry. They work really well together.
What I will say is that I wasn't convinced until around the mid-way point when they change up the learning side of things. The first bit was a little short on the really entertaining comedy and I was getting restless, but the rest had everyone laughing out loud. I will say that there's one bit that really made me feel awful... I honestly was seconds away from throwing up... you'll see it coming and you will probably be hollering "nooo" like most of us in the screen did.
The support cast is great and everyone plays a brilliant little piece in the film. Mary Lynn Rajskub made me chuckle a lot, it's a very different character to what most of us would be used to seeing her doing.
There are some movie occurences that you can see happening and you can take comfort in that you know they're coming. This film teases one right under your nose for most of it's run and the rips it away from you. It is both nice and infuriating that they don't take that turn.
It's definitely a fun film, but it's a fairly average one. If it hadn't been for the awkward comedy in the first section of the film then I think this could have been one that went on my go to cheer up film list.
What should you do?
It's worth streaming and seeing at least once. It won't tax your brain and it'll be a good diversion for a couple of hours.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I think I'd really need to have some of that holy chicken.
What I will say is that I wasn't convinced until around the mid-way point when they change up the learning side of things. The first bit was a little short on the really entertaining comedy and I was getting restless, but the rest had everyone laughing out loud. I will say that there's one bit that really made me feel awful... I honestly was seconds away from throwing up... you'll see it coming and you will probably be hollering "nooo" like most of us in the screen did.
The support cast is great and everyone plays a brilliant little piece in the film. Mary Lynn Rajskub made me chuckle a lot, it's a very different character to what most of us would be used to seeing her doing.
There are some movie occurences that you can see happening and you can take comfort in that you know they're coming. This film teases one right under your nose for most of it's run and the rips it away from you. It is both nice and infuriating that they don't take that turn.
It's definitely a fun film, but it's a fairly average one. If it hadn't been for the awkward comedy in the first section of the film then I think this could have been one that went on my go to cheer up film list.
What should you do?
It's worth streaming and seeing at least once. It won't tax your brain and it'll be a good diversion for a couple of hours.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I think I'd really need to have some of that holy chicken.
ClareR (5784 KP) rated The Flatshare in Books
Sep 1, 2019
A great feel-good story - and who knew I liked romance?!
In The Flatshare, Tiffy and Leon share a flat and a bed, and yet they’re never in the flat or bed at the same time. This is the only way for Tiffy to be able to afford to live in Central London, and Leon has his own financial reasons for sharing his flat.
Tiffy has recently split up with her rich boyfriend, and she has to leave his flat. Her friends offer her their sofa, but Tiffy realises that she needs her independence (and a decent bed!) - even if it is a bit of an odd arrangement. Actually, when I was reading about it in the book, it didn’t seem at all unreasonable!
Tiffy is a great character. She’s an assistant editor for a publisher specialising in Arts and Crafts, and she’s a real individual - in both her dress and her attitude towards life. She’s also discovering that her ex-boyfriend may not have been as lovely as she thought.
Leon wants someone to share his flat so that he can pay the legal fees for his brothers court appeal. He works the permanent night shift at a local hospice as a nurse (the pay is better for this shift), and he’s a man of few words. He loves his job and he’s very caring towards his patients. And he’s a lovely man.
I really enjoyed this. It’s not your typical rom-com. I would say that there’s a serious side to it as well. I did laugh a lot, but I also worried along with Leon about his younger brother, and joined Tiffy’s friends in their dislike of her decidedly dodgy ex.
So if you’re not usually in to rom-coms, this might just be the book for you too. It was a really very pleasant surprise!
Many thanks to a Readers First for my copy of this book.
Tiffy has recently split up with her rich boyfriend, and she has to leave his flat. Her friends offer her their sofa, but Tiffy realises that she needs her independence (and a decent bed!) - even if it is a bit of an odd arrangement. Actually, when I was reading about it in the book, it didn’t seem at all unreasonable!
Tiffy is a great character. She’s an assistant editor for a publisher specialising in Arts and Crafts, and she’s a real individual - in both her dress and her attitude towards life. She’s also discovering that her ex-boyfriend may not have been as lovely as she thought.
Leon wants someone to share his flat so that he can pay the legal fees for his brothers court appeal. He works the permanent night shift at a local hospice as a nurse (the pay is better for this shift), and he’s a man of few words. He loves his job and he’s very caring towards his patients. And he’s a lovely man.
I really enjoyed this. It’s not your typical rom-com. I would say that there’s a serious side to it as well. I did laugh a lot, but I also worried along with Leon about his younger brother, and joined Tiffy’s friends in their dislike of her decidedly dodgy ex.
So if you’re not usually in to rom-coms, this might just be the book for you too. It was a really very pleasant surprise!
Many thanks to a Readers First for my copy of this book.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Shadow Reader (The Shadow Reader, #1) in Books
Oct 1, 2019
This starts with McKenzie doing in a test in a lecture hall at Uni, only she's interrupted mid test by her friend and love interest, Kyol--sword-master of the current Fae King. The rebels have found her and she's in danger. They run from the room but get attacked by the rebels as they try to escape. In the end, McKenzie fall into the rebels trap and ends up their captive. McKenzie keeps attempting to escape and though half of the rebels want her dead, the leader, Aren, wants her kept alive.
What follows is a complicated twisty tale of right and wrong, of realising that what you thought was the truth for so long has been twisted and put in a new light so you'll go along with it. Truths are revealed that you agree with.
There is an element of love-triangle going on in this. She's had a "thing" with Kyol for ten years: touches and kisses that are prohibited under the King's ruling of no relationships between humans and Fae. And then there's Aren. The rebel leader who steals her away and tries to convince her that the Court is using her for their own gains and not for the good of the people.
In truth I think I was more Team Aren. We got to see more of his relationship progression with McKenzie. They go from not trusting or liking each other particularly to that tender, sweet touches, stage of falling for each other. Don't get me wrong, I like Kyol. But I think because we missed the start of their relationship growth all those years ago that I don't feel as strong of a connection between them.
By the end of this I was urging our group to win the fight. And now I'm very interested in what's going to happen next with this ragtag group.
What follows is a complicated twisty tale of right and wrong, of realising that what you thought was the truth for so long has been twisted and put in a new light so you'll go along with it. Truths are revealed that you agree with.
There is an element of love-triangle going on in this. She's had a "thing" with Kyol for ten years: touches and kisses that are prohibited under the King's ruling of no relationships between humans and Fae. And then there's Aren. The rebel leader who steals her away and tries to convince her that the Court is using her for their own gains and not for the good of the people.
In truth I think I was more Team Aren. We got to see more of his relationship progression with McKenzie. They go from not trusting or liking each other particularly to that tender, sweet touches, stage of falling for each other. Don't get me wrong, I like Kyol. But I think because we missed the start of their relationship growth all those years ago that I don't feel as strong of a connection between them.
By the end of this I was urging our group to win the fight. And now I'm very interested in what's going to happen next with this ragtag group.