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ClareR (6054 KP) rated Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture in Books
Nov 23, 2018
This is an important book.
This is such an important book. Most of the contributions are from women who have experienced sexual assault, but there are contributions from men, and trans women as well. Some are terrible, life changing stories, some are stories of numerous occurrences that chip away at the writers self confidence and feelings of safety. Actually, the upshot is that a vast majority of women do not feel safe anymore.
As I began reading this, I thought that I was one of the lucky that had never experienced any of these things, but as I read on, I realised that I actually had. I think that the cat-calling, touching and looks are something that we don't so much expect as that we are just used to them. The fact that in my younger years I was very outspoken and told someone who touched me to keep their hands to themselves, or told a commenter to keep their mouths shut, probably meant that I was more lucky than effective when they backed down or apologised. And I also think that British culture was very different 20 years ago, as was I.
What saddens me, is that the people who should really read this probably won't. And if they do, they'll probably brush it off as women who exaggerate or are out to attack men, are men haters. But these are all genuine experiences. This isn't fiction. It's heart breaking, raw and something that shouldn't have any place in our modern world. I've never understood the need of some people to control, manipulate and hurt others, but I think I'm probably naive. Or hopeful, perhaps. Somehow, we need to stop this cycle of abuse and hurt, and until then, stories like this will continue.
As I began reading this, I thought that I was one of the lucky that had never experienced any of these things, but as I read on, I realised that I actually had. I think that the cat-calling, touching and looks are something that we don't so much expect as that we are just used to them. The fact that in my younger years I was very outspoken and told someone who touched me to keep their hands to themselves, or told a commenter to keep their mouths shut, probably meant that I was more lucky than effective when they backed down or apologised. And I also think that British culture was very different 20 years ago, as was I.
What saddens me, is that the people who should really read this probably won't. And if they do, they'll probably brush it off as women who exaggerate or are out to attack men, are men haters. But these are all genuine experiences. This isn't fiction. It's heart breaking, raw and something that shouldn't have any place in our modern world. I've never understood the need of some people to control, manipulate and hurt others, but I think I'm probably naive. Or hopeful, perhaps. Somehow, we need to stop this cycle of abuse and hurt, and until then, stories like this will continue.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Big Stone Gap (2015) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Wise County, Virginia in 1978. Ave Maria Mulligan (Ashley Judd), owner of the town pharmacy, director of the town’s outdoor drama. Ave having lived in Big Stone Gap all her life, is perfectly content in her place as the town spinster. Adriana Trigiani, the author of the book “Big Stone Gap” brings the little town with the big heart to the silver screen as the Director and Screenwriter.
We are taken by the hand from the opening scene where we Fleeta Mullins (Whoopi Goldberg) her acerbic assistant at the pharmacy; Ida Lou Wade (Jenna Elfman) best friend and Town Librarian; Theodore Tipton (John Benjamin Hickey) the school band director, star of the outdoor drama and Spec Broadwater (Anthony La Paglia) the town lawyer. These people are the pillars that help hold Ave up as her life gets upended with loss and challenges plus the awkward two-step of a courtship with Jack MacChesney (Patrick Wilson) whom she has known since childhood.
This film centers on relationships. The love of a mother and the secret that changes Ave’s path, the best friends on your side through thick and thin; the love that is timeless and enduring. Ashley Judd is exceptional, conveying to us what Ave’s feelings. Whoopi Goldberg delivering lines that are gems full of comedic punches; Jenna Elfman and Patrick Wilson(as Lyle Makin) giving a chaotic wedding scene with such physical humor that I wish could have gone on much longer.
This film is a Adriana Trigiani’s love story to the people of Big Stone Gap. The phenomenal ensemble of actors hook us in by charming us with comedy and warmth throughout the story, inviting the audience to be part of their town.
http://sknr.net/2015/10/09/big-stone-gap/
We are taken by the hand from the opening scene where we Fleeta Mullins (Whoopi Goldberg) her acerbic assistant at the pharmacy; Ida Lou Wade (Jenna Elfman) best friend and Town Librarian; Theodore Tipton (John Benjamin Hickey) the school band director, star of the outdoor drama and Spec Broadwater (Anthony La Paglia) the town lawyer. These people are the pillars that help hold Ave up as her life gets upended with loss and challenges plus the awkward two-step of a courtship with Jack MacChesney (Patrick Wilson) whom she has known since childhood.
This film centers on relationships. The love of a mother and the secret that changes Ave’s path, the best friends on your side through thick and thin; the love that is timeless and enduring. Ashley Judd is exceptional, conveying to us what Ave’s feelings. Whoopi Goldberg delivering lines that are gems full of comedic punches; Jenna Elfman and Patrick Wilson(as Lyle Makin) giving a chaotic wedding scene with such physical humor that I wish could have gone on much longer.
This film is a Adriana Trigiani’s love story to the people of Big Stone Gap. The phenomenal ensemble of actors hook us in by charming us with comedy and warmth throughout the story, inviting the audience to be part of their town.
http://sknr.net/2015/10/09/big-stone-gap/
Debbiereadsbook (1617 KP) rated Becoming Magic (Sleight of Hand #5) in Books
Dec 10, 2018
Not really one for me :-(
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm jumping straight in here, because this is one of those reviews that is going to be difficult to write!
Overall, I liked this book. Mostly.
It's reasonably well written, from both Carole and Connor's points of view, so that was good. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It just didn't grab me! I found myself wanting more, from Connor, about that break up with his ex-co-star. From Carole about what happened all those years ago in Hollywood. From them both, about each other, their feelings. . . . I. . . . just . . . .
Wanted MORE!!!! And I can't word just WHAT I wanted, and that's why this is a hard review to write, cos I cannot, for the life of me, find the right words, and you know how much that PAINS me!
It does deal with some difficult topics: being drugged and a sexual assault. It deals with these in a sensitive manner, but needs to be mentioned. I also found the assault story arc a little bit too much like what's going in the the REAL Hollywood right now, with the growing list of high powered Hollywood men being accused of various assaults. Maybe that's where the author got the inspiration from, I dunno, but I found it a little too much like it, you know??
This is book 5 in the Sleight of Hand series, and I have not read the others. I did not feel I was missing anything, by not reading them And although Sabrina and Walter (book4) play a huge part here, I didn't feel I HAD to have read their story before this one.
So, I'm sorry, but not one for me.
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I'm jumping straight in here, because this is one of those reviews that is going to be difficult to write!
Overall, I liked this book. Mostly.
It's reasonably well written, from both Carole and Connor's points of view, so that was good. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It just didn't grab me! I found myself wanting more, from Connor, about that break up with his ex-co-star. From Carole about what happened all those years ago in Hollywood. From them both, about each other, their feelings. . . . I. . . . just . . . .
Wanted MORE!!!! And I can't word just WHAT I wanted, and that's why this is a hard review to write, cos I cannot, for the life of me, find the right words, and you know how much that PAINS me!
It does deal with some difficult topics: being drugged and a sexual assault. It deals with these in a sensitive manner, but needs to be mentioned. I also found the assault story arc a little bit too much like what's going in the the REAL Hollywood right now, with the growing list of high powered Hollywood men being accused of various assaults. Maybe that's where the author got the inspiration from, I dunno, but I found it a little too much like it, you know??
This is book 5 in the Sleight of Hand series, and I have not read the others. I did not feel I was missing anything, by not reading them And although Sabrina and Walter (book4) play a huge part here, I didn't feel I HAD to have read their story before this one.
So, I'm sorry, but not one for me.
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated A Warm Place to Call Home (a demon's story) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The minute I picked up this book, I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved Frederick, his candor, his character, and just the way he looks at his story. Frederick is an absolutely amazing character, he knows he has faults but doesn't try to hide them from you. Instead, he comes running right into your face waving them at you. He is blatantly obvious when it comes to his feelings in regards to certain things, people, and places. He knows he's wrong, but he doesn't feel the need to constantly apologize for the way he feels. Frederick is an absolutely refreshing character, and nothing that I expected when I started reading this book.
I was thinking it would be another typical run of the mill demon story with paranormal twists and turns. However, Siemsen and his amazing ability to weave pure writing gold out of thin air is absolutely remarkable. My attention was grabbed from word one. I laughed with Frederick, I cried with Frederick, and in the end I cried for Frederick. I think no matter who reads this book at one point in time or another you can't help but to really connect with Frederick on some level. There were many points during the story that I could completely understand how he felt the way he did, and what brought him to that point. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know! I just can't seem to gush enough about it. I can't wait to read more work by Siemsen, he's now been added to my favorite author list.
Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and words above are my honest opinion. ***This book is not intended for young adults! ***
I was thinking it would be another typical run of the mill demon story with paranormal twists and turns. However, Siemsen and his amazing ability to weave pure writing gold out of thin air is absolutely remarkable. My attention was grabbed from word one. I laughed with Frederick, I cried with Frederick, and in the end I cried for Frederick. I think no matter who reads this book at one point in time or another you can't help but to really connect with Frederick on some level. There were many points during the story that I could completely understand how he felt the way he did, and what brought him to that point. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know! I just can't seem to gush enough about it. I can't wait to read more work by Siemsen, he's now been added to my favorite author list.
Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and words above are my honest opinion. ***This book is not intended for young adults! ***
After-all-this-time? (11 KP) rated 13 Reasons Why - Season 1 in TV
Dec 30, 2018 (Updated Dec 30, 2018)
Very gripping (3 more)
Thought provoking
Emotional
Relatable cast
Contains spoilers, click to show
I was gripped from episode 1 of 13 Reasons. The cast of young actors and actresses are brilliant, and they made it a really gripping show.
The show not only touches upon, but runs head long into some very serious, hard hitting subjects, including sexual assault and rape, bullying, sexuality, drink driving, peer pressure and, of course, mental health and suicide. So, definitely not one for the easily upset. It portrays all of them in a very honest, very graphic way. It can definitely be upsetting, but is very thought provoking and helps you see things from several different perspectives. It was great seeing mental health finally being spoken about and highlighted in such a mainstream way, without it being belittled.
The storyline follows Clay, a teenage boy, who has recently suffered a bereavement in the form if the suicide of his friend and love interest, Hannah. Some time after Hannah's death, a package containing several tapes is delivered to Clay's house, with instructions for him to listen to them. Every side of each tape describes how each of the 13 people the tapes are intended for contributed to Hannah feeling as she did. Not only does she explain her feelings and why she committed suicide, but also how their actions have had repercussions for other people. They reveal, deep, dark and dangerous secrets about a large number of peoole at their High School, and the revelation of the tapes to the public has the potential to destroy multiple lives, and sees multiple people getting hurt, physically and emotionally.
How far will Clay listen? Can he change things to make things right for others? Can he get restitution for Hannah? And what dark secrets is he going to reveal along the way? Hit play, and find out! You won't regret it.
The show not only touches upon, but runs head long into some very serious, hard hitting subjects, including sexual assault and rape, bullying, sexuality, drink driving, peer pressure and, of course, mental health and suicide. So, definitely not one for the easily upset. It portrays all of them in a very honest, very graphic way. It can definitely be upsetting, but is very thought provoking and helps you see things from several different perspectives. It was great seeing mental health finally being spoken about and highlighted in such a mainstream way, without it being belittled.
The storyline follows Clay, a teenage boy, who has recently suffered a bereavement in the form if the suicide of his friend and love interest, Hannah. Some time after Hannah's death, a package containing several tapes is delivered to Clay's house, with instructions for him to listen to them. Every side of each tape describes how each of the 13 people the tapes are intended for contributed to Hannah feeling as she did. Not only does she explain her feelings and why she committed suicide, but also how their actions have had repercussions for other people. They reveal, deep, dark and dangerous secrets about a large number of peoole at their High School, and the revelation of the tapes to the public has the potential to destroy multiple lives, and sees multiple people getting hurt, physically and emotionally.
How far will Clay listen? Can he change things to make things right for others? Can he get restitution for Hannah? And what dark secrets is he going to reveal along the way? Hit play, and find out! You won't regret it.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Sin Undone (Demonica #5) in Books
Nov 18, 2019
This one is Sin's - Sinead! - story, Lore(n)'s sister and the only female Seminus demon in existence.
We get to know her a lot more in this one and I feel sorry for a lot of the crap she went through. She tries to be this strong woman who can deal with everything but she doesn't want to be. So thank God for Con - who we met in Lore's book, Ecstasy Unveiled - and who Sin had sex with.
As a dhampire, a vampire/werewolf hybrid, Con is immune to the werewolf shifter virus which Sin unwittingly started in the last book and a great candidate to help start a vaccine against it by using his blood. The only downside to it is that as a dhampire, Con is susceptible to blood addiction if he drinks from the same donor too often yet he needs to keep drinking Sin's blood to fuel his resistance.
Feelings start to emerge beyond their physical attraction as the two are forced to spend so much time together and get to know each other. How he demands that she feel things instead of letting her body do it's physical pain release by bleeding. They'd both been through so much in their long lives and they deserved happiness.
They had a few ups and downs in this. Con had responsibilities within the shifter and dhampire communities and Sin was donating blood and trying to help those infected by the virus before they died and also to her assassin den.
And then let's not forget that last chapter! How cute was that with Lore? I've really fallen for this extended family. They all deserve happiness and I'm really glad they've all found it.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
We get to know her a lot more in this one and I feel sorry for a lot of the crap she went through. She tries to be this strong woman who can deal with everything but she doesn't want to be. So thank God for Con - who we met in Lore's book, Ecstasy Unveiled - and who Sin had sex with.
As a dhampire, a vampire/werewolf hybrid, Con is immune to the werewolf shifter virus which Sin unwittingly started in the last book and a great candidate to help start a vaccine against it by using his blood. The only downside to it is that as a dhampire, Con is susceptible to blood addiction if he drinks from the same donor too often yet he needs to keep drinking Sin's blood to fuel his resistance.
Feelings start to emerge beyond their physical attraction as the two are forced to spend so much time together and get to know each other. How he demands that she feel things instead of letting her body do it's physical pain release by bleeding. They'd both been through so much in their long lives and they deserved happiness.
They had a few ups and downs in this. Con had responsibilities within the shifter and dhampire communities and Sin was donating blood and trying to help those infected by the virus before they died and also to her assassin den.
And then let's not forget that last chapter! How cute was that with Lore? I've really fallen for this extended family. They all deserve happiness and I'm really glad they've all found it.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Long Cosmos in Books
Nov 20, 2019
The Long Earth saga - and Terry Pratchett's prolific output - come to an end with this fifth volume of the series.
From the intelligent beginning I found the series to gradually slip downhill to the extent that The Long Utopia garnered a mere two star review from me. So it was with mixed feelings that I started to read this. However this was very much a suitable and capable ending of the series, providing some answers but allowing enough freedom at the end for the characters to keep living on in the mind of the reader.
It is not perfect; I found the start rather drawn out with some of the characters showing up seemingly just to provide a valedictory cameo. Some of the writing joining the plot sections together - obviously done by Baxter following Pratchett's death - feels quite forced as well, but really under the circumstances this is to be expected. This must have been such a hard book for Baxter to complete on his own.
However it gets far more right; we get some good new ideas in the Long Earth (the big trees, for example, providing a desperate chase while also being fun and also a neat extension of biological evolution) and even The Next have something to do that justifies their rather 'stuck-on' plot strand that previously wasn't going anywhere.
Great characters abound as well; Joshua is front and centre as would be expected but the supporting cast works well. The adventure through the Long Cosmos is humbling and awe-inspiring, although I could have done without the 'search for grandson' excuse for doing it - surely Joshua and Lobsang would have done this anyway simply because it is there?
Overall a good ending to the series and even if you lost faith with the series as it went on, I would definitely give it a go.
From the intelligent beginning I found the series to gradually slip downhill to the extent that The Long Utopia garnered a mere two star review from me. So it was with mixed feelings that I started to read this. However this was very much a suitable and capable ending of the series, providing some answers but allowing enough freedom at the end for the characters to keep living on in the mind of the reader.
It is not perfect; I found the start rather drawn out with some of the characters showing up seemingly just to provide a valedictory cameo. Some of the writing joining the plot sections together - obviously done by Baxter following Pratchett's death - feels quite forced as well, but really under the circumstances this is to be expected. This must have been such a hard book for Baxter to complete on his own.
However it gets far more right; we get some good new ideas in the Long Earth (the big trees, for example, providing a desperate chase while also being fun and also a neat extension of biological evolution) and even The Next have something to do that justifies their rather 'stuck-on' plot strand that previously wasn't going anywhere.
Great characters abound as well; Joshua is front and centre as would be expected but the supporting cast works well. The adventure through the Long Cosmos is humbling and awe-inspiring, although I could have done without the 'search for grandson' excuse for doing it - surely Joshua and Lobsang would have done this anyway simply because it is there?
Overall a good ending to the series and even if you lost faith with the series as it went on, I would definitely give it a go.
EmersonRose (320 KP) rated Time & Knots in Books
Nov 20, 2019
Time and Knots is a beautiful book of poetry by poet Taran Singh. This collection was published in 2018. The book is broken down into sections y using seasons to lead you from Summer to Spring and ending with Void. Physically this book stunning. If you place it on your coffee table, you are sure to get comments on the exquisitely designed cover and beautiful aesthetic throughout the book. The level of detail given to the book is part of what makes the look so appealing, from the swirling design on the table of contents page to the Gurmukhi calligraphy at the beginning of each section.
The poetry itself throughout the book has a flowing language that sparks gorgeous imagery in your mind as you read. The topics fluctuate from poem to poem but overall look at the themes of time, memory, self, emotion, light, and dark. Reading this book, I simultaneously felt as though I was looking into the mind and heart of the author and exploring feelings and ideas that resonated within myself. I think this is because of the vulnerability that Singh shows in his writing, unafraid to explore any subject as long as he is searching for truth of feeling. It is hard to pick a favorite poem in this book because so many had lines that I found both beautiful and captivating. If I had to choose some of my top choices that I will surely come back to, they would be “Dark days leaving tangled knots,” “Autumn,” “Broken,” “Glow,” and “Void.” I also very much enjoyed that it was the last poem that was titled “Welcome.”
This is an exceptional body of work, and I immensely enjoyed reading each poem. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves deep and resonating poetry written in beautiful language — definitely a five-star read.
The poetry itself throughout the book has a flowing language that sparks gorgeous imagery in your mind as you read. The topics fluctuate from poem to poem but overall look at the themes of time, memory, self, emotion, light, and dark. Reading this book, I simultaneously felt as though I was looking into the mind and heart of the author and exploring feelings and ideas that resonated within myself. I think this is because of the vulnerability that Singh shows in his writing, unafraid to explore any subject as long as he is searching for truth of feeling. It is hard to pick a favorite poem in this book because so many had lines that I found both beautiful and captivating. If I had to choose some of my top choices that I will surely come back to, they would be “Dark days leaving tangled knots,” “Autumn,” “Broken,” “Glow,” and “Void.” I also very much enjoyed that it was the last poem that was titled “Welcome.”
This is an exceptional body of work, and I immensely enjoyed reading each poem. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves deep and resonating poetry written in beautiful language — definitely a five-star read.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Starve Acre in Books
Nov 24, 2019
His others were good. This is exceptional
I have enjoyed Andrew Michael Hurley's previous books very much but he has surpassed himself with Starve Acre. This is a dark and suturing read that gives you the same feels as Iain Banks' masterpiece The Wasp Factory. Anyone who was fans of the exceptional read as well as possibly Neil Gaimen's folk horror will find pleasure in this read.
I love it when you are so into a book you sprint upstairs when you get in from work to read a few pages before starting the evenings cooking etc, as I did with Starve Acre.
It's hard to tell you what happens in the story without giving away plot twists but this is a book of the supernatural, of a future dictated to by the past and of a family grieving trying to rationalise feelings and hurt. It is a place where they will remain outsiders and a tree that holds the mystery of it all.
Everything about this book should make it a classic. Its presentation and cover is beautiful. Michael-Hurley's writing is beautiful capturing the darkness in a way that is delicate and sweet which only makes the horror more shocking. The Lonely and Devil's Day were very good, but the writing here is some f the best I have ever read and the story is incredible. He has now become of a level that the next book he releases I standing outside the book shop at 9am and taking a day off work to read it, he is simply that good.
Miss this book at your peril, this is better than Stephen King and the rest. Andrew Michael-Hurley is now the true king!
I love it when you are so into a book you sprint upstairs when you get in from work to read a few pages before starting the evenings cooking etc, as I did with Starve Acre.
It's hard to tell you what happens in the story without giving away plot twists but this is a book of the supernatural, of a future dictated to by the past and of a family grieving trying to rationalise feelings and hurt. It is a place where they will remain outsiders and a tree that holds the mystery of it all.
Everything about this book should make it a classic. Its presentation and cover is beautiful. Michael-Hurley's writing is beautiful capturing the darkness in a way that is delicate and sweet which only makes the horror more shocking. The Lonely and Devil's Day were very good, but the writing here is some f the best I have ever read and the story is incredible. He has now become of a level that the next book he releases I standing outside the book shop at 9am and taking a day off work to read it, he is simply that good.
Miss this book at your peril, this is better than Stephen King and the rest. Andrew Michael-Hurley is now the true king!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Demon Magic and a Martini (The Guild Codex: Spellbound, #4) in Books
Jan 9, 2020
This has been borrowed from the Kindle Unlimited Library.
I read the first three books in this series a few months ago and got drawn into it quite quickly. The trio of friends grew on me a lot and I liked how they pulled Tori into their ranks and protected her from whatever dangers seem to follow them all around.
This one was no different with all the Guilds being put on a high alert after a warning of a loose demon in the area. Every member is given tasks and go out hunting for the rogue creature. As this one seems to be taking place around Halloween and Tori seems to find herself organising a Halloween Party she needs to head out and pick up some food she's ordered, only to find herself and Ezra being hunted by the demon. Only it seems the demon wants Ezra more than her anyone else...
I won't go into any more detail as that would totally ruin the story but we learn a lot more about Ezra in this. He takes a lot more of the spotlight and I enjoyed seeing more of him. It's definitely a bit of a surprise but he's still the gentle, sweet Ezra unless you royally pee him off
This has got a slight romance arc in it. She got together with Aaron in the second book, I think?, but they went their separate ways in the last one. She's always had a connection with Ezra and that grew in this one with them having a few moments where something flared.
I will definitely be reading the next one to see what other trouble this quartet get up to and to see if anything comes of her growing feelings for Ezra.
P.S. COVER LOVE!!
I read the first three books in this series a few months ago and got drawn into it quite quickly. The trio of friends grew on me a lot and I liked how they pulled Tori into their ranks and protected her from whatever dangers seem to follow them all around.
This one was no different with all the Guilds being put on a high alert after a warning of a loose demon in the area. Every member is given tasks and go out hunting for the rogue creature. As this one seems to be taking place around Halloween and Tori seems to find herself organising a Halloween Party she needs to head out and pick up some food she's ordered, only to find herself and Ezra being hunted by the demon. Only it seems the demon wants Ezra more than her anyone else...
I won't go into any more detail as that would totally ruin the story but we learn a lot more about Ezra in this. He takes a lot more of the spotlight and I enjoyed seeing more of him. It's definitely a bit of a surprise but he's still the gentle, sweet Ezra unless you royally pee him off
This has got a slight romance arc in it. She got together with Aaron in the second book, I think?, but they went their separate ways in the last one. She's always had a connection with Ezra and that grew in this one with them having a few moments where something flared.
I will definitely be reading the next one to see what other trouble this quartet get up to and to see if anything comes of her growing feelings for Ezra.
P.S. COVER LOVE!!