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Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #2) in Books
Jan 21, 2020
I loved the first book in this trilogy so much so going into this one, I had expectations. I was nervous to see what happened between John Ambrose McClaren and Lara Jean, especially because I found myself being Team Peter all the way. I think that this book, actually just the series as a whole is one that is just so sweet and pure and I think it's a new take on a love story. I feel like young adult and fiction is so saturated with love stories that it's hard to find good ones, ones that feel real and make your heart stop, the kind of romance stories that would make a good movie, ya know? I really think this series is out of the box and I like the diversity that it brings not only to YA but to the entire romance genre in general.
It's clear that this book is a stepping stone between the first and the third. It's not as fast-paced as the first book and the details that end up mattering aren't always the biggest ones. It's definitely a bridge that I hope will bring the first and the third together in a way that rounds out the story and I'm excited to see what happens in the conclusion of the series.
I love Lara Jean as a character and her innocence. I know that I'm not that far out from being 16, going on 17, but it's easy to get caught up in the facets of adult life and having to take care of everything all the time and be serious and have a lot of responsibilities. What I like the most about this series is how it transports you and next thing you know, you're 16, going on 17, and you're falling in love with Peter Kavinsky alongside Lara Jean Song Covey.
It's clear that this book is a stepping stone between the first and the third. It's not as fast-paced as the first book and the details that end up mattering aren't always the biggest ones. It's definitely a bridge that I hope will bring the first and the third together in a way that rounds out the story and I'm excited to see what happens in the conclusion of the series.
I love Lara Jean as a character and her innocence. I know that I'm not that far out from being 16, going on 17, but it's easy to get caught up in the facets of adult life and having to take care of everything all the time and be serious and have a lot of responsibilities. What I like the most about this series is how it transports you and next thing you know, you're 16, going on 17, and you're falling in love with Peter Kavinsky alongside Lara Jean Song Covey.
Auburn (57 KP) rated The Mayflower Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower, #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
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.
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.
Dana (24 KP) rated Gilded Ashes (Cruel Beauty Universe, #1.5) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
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.
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.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated No Sanctuary: Do you dare to try this terrifying Halloween treat? in Books
Nov 14, 2018
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.
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.
Bubba Gee (147 KP) rated Black Mirror - Season 5 in TV
Jun 19, 2019
Absolute poppycock
Contains spoilers, click to show
This has nothing to offer, usually black mirror pulls you in and you feel fearful.
With this I just felt bored.
In Ashley too episode there was nothing on offer at all, cyrus's acting was wooden and unconvincing, the story was throughly unbelievable, and yes some fiction can be unbelievable. But this was just too mainstream in a way.
Striking vipers was just weird in the wrong way, virtual cheating i mean come on are we supposed to think that's all good.
Smithereens was probably the best of them all but that's not saying much.
Essentially enforcing the idea that social media is to blame for all the worlds evils.
They need to do much better for season 6 and bring black mirror back to its terrifying best.
F for effort
With this I just felt bored.
In Ashley too episode there was nothing on offer at all, cyrus's acting was wooden and unconvincing, the story was throughly unbelievable, and yes some fiction can be unbelievable. But this was just too mainstream in a way.
Striking vipers was just weird in the wrong way, virtual cheating i mean come on are we supposed to think that's all good.
Smithereens was probably the best of them all but that's not saying much.
Essentially enforcing the idea that social media is to blame for all the worlds evils.
They need to do much better for season 6 and bring black mirror back to its terrifying best.
F for effort
Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Force of Nature (2020) in Movies
Jul 10, 2020
It's all about those pesky expectations...
If you have seen a good number of action movies then you know that there are certain things that you should expect from them. Not that the stories don't change a bit, but the sequencing, the pacing, the overall feel and vibe of the movie is going to be quite similar. If that's what you have come to expect, you're on the right track here.
Wasn't a terrible movie. Emile Hirsch did a decent enough job in the titular role. Kate Bosworth held her own. Mel Gibson showed up with what has become his own grit and wit. The story is awkwardly similar to Hurricane Heist in many regards, but gets the job done a little better, probably due to stronger acting in general.
Decent popcorn tosser or background noise.
If you have seen a good number of action movies then you know that there are certain things that you should expect from them. Not that the stories don't change a bit, but the sequencing, the pacing, the overall feel and vibe of the movie is going to be quite similar. If that's what you have come to expect, you're on the right track here.
Wasn't a terrible movie. Emile Hirsch did a decent enough job in the titular role. Kate Bosworth held her own. Mel Gibson showed up with what has become his own grit and wit. The story is awkwardly similar to Hurricane Heist in many regards, but gets the job done a little better, probably due to stronger acting in general.
Decent popcorn tosser or background noise.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Sideways Stories from Wayside School (Wayside School #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2020
When I heard that another book in the Wayside School series was coming out, I had to reread the book that started it all. These books were my childhood! I found out that I still love this series even as an adult.
Each chapter tells a tale about each individual student, and there are three chapter dedicated to each teacher of the class on the thirtieth story of the school. Some of the time, the stories of each child/teacher don't make much sense, but that's the beauty of this book. It leaves you to ponder on what that chapter was about and come to your own conclusions. There are a couple of chapters that teach some good lessons too.
One thing I also loved were the illustrations of each character before their chapter started. They are drawn very well. It was a nice touch, and it made it easier to picture that person in the story. I think it's a great idea for kids who feel like they are too old for picture books, yet they still like some illustrations in their book.
This is such an easy and fun novel to read. It's not very long which is perfect for the intended age group. I believe kids ages 8 - 13 will definitely love these stories the most although it's a fun book for any age.
I would definitely recommend Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar!
Each chapter tells a tale about each individual student, and there are three chapter dedicated to each teacher of the class on the thirtieth story of the school. Some of the time, the stories of each child/teacher don't make much sense, but that's the beauty of this book. It leaves you to ponder on what that chapter was about and come to your own conclusions. There are a couple of chapters that teach some good lessons too.
One thing I also loved were the illustrations of each character before their chapter started. They are drawn very well. It was a nice touch, and it made it easier to picture that person in the story. I think it's a great idea for kids who feel like they are too old for picture books, yet they still like some illustrations in their book.
This is such an easy and fun novel to read. It's not very long which is perfect for the intended age group. I believe kids ages 8 - 13 will definitely love these stories the most although it's a fun book for any age.
I would definitely recommend Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar!
Good Grief: Heal Your Soul
Book
The star of TLC’s Long Island Medium and New York Times bestselling author Theresa Caputo provides...
Biography Spirituality
colin... (64 KP) rated Marriage Story (2019) in Movies
Sep 30, 2020
Hot. Take. Time.
I don't think this is nearly as good as everyone else thinks it is. Now, why do I feel that way? You can hear my full thoughts on Banter For Two.
Here are my initial thoughts. Sure, the performances are absolutely magnificent and I understand why this resonates so deep with everyone. Yet, for the life of me, I can't sympathize with either of our protagonists. I understand that they're flawed, as all humans are. However, I think there is a fine line between acting due to flaws and making irrational decisions that make neither logical nor story based sense. And I love films where we aren't meant to sympathize with our protagonists, but by the end of the film it is clear that Baumbach's intention is for us to genuinely sympathize with Driver and Johansson. You know who I COULD sympathize with? Evey single character in the Meyerowitz Stories! They all had distinct motivations and fleshed out characters, which I feel like Marriage Story does, EXCEPT for the actual decisions they make on screen. I'm aware that they are in a place where it is very difficult to think logically, but if you are thinking illogically, the least I ask of the movie is to write the characters to be consistent.
I know this is more of a rant, but I'll have more coherent thoughts on the podcast. Overall, yeah it was a pretty good movie.
I don't think this is nearly as good as everyone else thinks it is. Now, why do I feel that way? You can hear my full thoughts on Banter For Two.
Here are my initial thoughts. Sure, the performances are absolutely magnificent and I understand why this resonates so deep with everyone. Yet, for the life of me, I can't sympathize with either of our protagonists. I understand that they're flawed, as all humans are. However, I think there is a fine line between acting due to flaws and making irrational decisions that make neither logical nor story based sense. And I love films where we aren't meant to sympathize with our protagonists, but by the end of the film it is clear that Baumbach's intention is for us to genuinely sympathize with Driver and Johansson. You know who I COULD sympathize with? Evey single character in the Meyerowitz Stories! They all had distinct motivations and fleshed out characters, which I feel like Marriage Story does, EXCEPT for the actual decisions they make on screen. I'm aware that they are in a place where it is very difficult to think logically, but if you are thinking illogically, the least I ask of the movie is to write the characters to be consistent.
I know this is more of a rant, but I'll have more coherent thoughts on the podcast. Overall, yeah it was a pretty good movie.
Kate (482 KP) rated The Temptation of Gracie in Books
Sep 18, 2019
I usually read these types of books so was looking forward to it.
I enjoyed the romance in this book and the different stories of the other people involved. You got the full story - past and present. It wasn't hard to keep track of the past and present which can sometimes be the case. I think this was because the story was told in a story.
It took my about a couple of chapters to get into the book but once I did I was hooked. I couldn't put it down.
I was happy when reading the book and I fell in love with the characters. It gave me a good feeling.
The story stated the characters would grow and the author made sure this happened. I got to watch and feel the characters change, mature and grow.
I don't feel the book was aimed at a specific age. When I first started reading I thought it may of been for an older audience but as I read on I don't feel like this anymore. Anyone can read and love this book like I did.
The descriptions of Italy in the book made me want to visit. It sounded so serene and was described so well and in great deal. You can just see the place as your read the book.
The book exceeded the blurb. The blurb caught my attention but the book had me gripped.
I enjoyed the romance in this book and the different stories of the other people involved. You got the full story - past and present. It wasn't hard to keep track of the past and present which can sometimes be the case. I think this was because the story was told in a story.
It took my about a couple of chapters to get into the book but once I did I was hooked. I couldn't put it down.
I was happy when reading the book and I fell in love with the characters. It gave me a good feeling.
The story stated the characters would grow and the author made sure this happened. I got to watch and feel the characters change, mature and grow.
I don't feel the book was aimed at a specific age. When I first started reading I thought it may of been for an older audience but as I read on I don't feel like this anymore. Anyone can read and love this book like I did.
The descriptions of Italy in the book made me want to visit. It sounded so serene and was described so well and in great deal. You can just see the place as your read the book.
The book exceeded the blurb. The blurb caught my attention but the book had me gripped.