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Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Catching Fire in Books
May 10, 2018
Just when you think that this craziness couldn't get any crazier, it does just that. First of all, it's hard to imagine that there would be a competition where children have to fight to the death. I hope that our really never comes to something like that.
Katniss and Peeta are the first TWO to ever win the Hunger Games. Now, it's time for them to tour the districts as victors. Everyone is eager to see the "girl on fire" and her love that she saved. The couple brings hope to the people of Panem. Shortly after their visit to a few district, uprisings begin. This is something that the capital is not all too happy to hear about. So they take some drastic measures to reel their people in and try to regain control. No one would believe what is going to happen next.
The thing about this and the first novel that really gets you, is that these are only children. Katniss and Peeta are both only 17 years old, and yet they have so much responsibility on their shoulders already. I know I for one, would not have survived a Hunger Games, let alone been able to save my district mate as well.
This is one book, that you will be eager to finish it and then when you finish it, you are going to want to rush out and get Mockingjay, to find out how all of this ends!!
Katniss and Peeta are the first TWO to ever win the Hunger Games. Now, it's time for them to tour the districts as victors. Everyone is eager to see the "girl on fire" and her love that she saved. The couple brings hope to the people of Panem. Shortly after their visit to a few district, uprisings begin. This is something that the capital is not all too happy to hear about. So they take some drastic measures to reel their people in and try to regain control. No one would believe what is going to happen next.
The thing about this and the first novel that really gets you, is that these are only children. Katniss and Peeta are both only 17 years old, and yet they have so much responsibility on their shoulders already. I know I for one, would not have survived a Hunger Games, let alone been able to save my district mate as well.
This is one book, that you will be eager to finish it and then when you finish it, you are going to want to rush out and get Mockingjay, to find out how all of this ends!!
Cori June (3033 KP) rated The Neverending Story in Books
Sep 5, 2021
Beautiful chapter starters (2 more)
Good life lessons
Creative
Drags (1 more)
The childlike emperor's name
Contains spoilers, click to show
So, I didn't finish the book the first time I read this book (2016ish) because I couldn't get over the childlike emperor's name. I know that's a stupid thing to get hung up on but as it is a book that influenced a movie and I saw that movie at a young age. I had built up the mystery so much the let down was huge. I also kept comparing the book to the movies(they are better fight me. Ok not the second movie. I'll throw hands on the first.)
Don't do this.
I reread it and am glad because it is a good book for any age. It has good life lesson to learn or relearn and very creative in its creatures and world building. Its title is a little on the nose because by the end of the book I counted down the pages to the end. The first part of the book is the best, in my opinion.
Artax talks which is meh. And his death doesn't hit you as hard. But there are more fleshed out parts. Which I enjoyed.
Don't do this.
I reread it and am glad because it is a good book for any age. It has good life lesson to learn or relearn and very creative in its creatures and world building. Its title is a little on the nose because by the end of the book I counted down the pages to the end. The first part of the book is the best, in my opinion.
Artax talks which is meh. And his death doesn't hit you as hard. But there are more fleshed out parts. Which I enjoyed.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Jul 2, 2022 (Updated Jul 2, 2022)
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Nightingale in Books
Aug 12, 2021
A touching portrayal of family and love during wartime
In 1930s France, Vianne says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he leaves to fight in the War. She's left behind to care for their daughter Sophie. Her younger sister, Isabelle, is in Paris with their father when the war starts. Reckless and impulsive, Isabelle wants to fight for her country, but their father sends her to stay with Vianne. But soon, after being betrayed by the young man who helped her find her way to Vianne's home, Isabelle is fighting for the Resistance. As for Vianne, she finds herself forced to house Nazi soldiers and make horrible sacrifices to protect her family.
This was an excellent and informational portrayal of World War II. It's haunting and heartbreaking and hopeful all together. Hannah tells the story of the War through our two sisters--looking at how they approach the war, along with their father. Vianne is the practical older sister, who worries for her safety and that of her daughter. Meanwhile, Isabelle has felt betrayed most of her life after the death of their mother and perceived abandonment by her older sister and father. This feeling spurs her to join the Resistance. Following their different paths allows us to see many varied sides of this awful and terrifying War. As you form attachments to the characters, the snatching of Jewish families and children and the concentration camps become even more stark and brutal--it's horrifying.
While I cannot really know what happened during this time period, this book seemed realistic and authentic to me. It made me cry. It's sad and yet somehow sweet at times. It's a vivid look at loss and love--for sisters, family, and your country.
I read this book as part of my new reading project--choosing books off my shelves based on their Goodreads rankings. This is my first book of the project, forcing me out of my comfort zone and to try books in genres I don't usually read!
This was an excellent and informational portrayal of World War II. It's haunting and heartbreaking and hopeful all together. Hannah tells the story of the War through our two sisters--looking at how they approach the war, along with their father. Vianne is the practical older sister, who worries for her safety and that of her daughter. Meanwhile, Isabelle has felt betrayed most of her life after the death of their mother and perceived abandonment by her older sister and father. This feeling spurs her to join the Resistance. Following their different paths allows us to see many varied sides of this awful and terrifying War. As you form attachments to the characters, the snatching of Jewish families and children and the concentration camps become even more stark and brutal--it's horrifying.
While I cannot really know what happened during this time period, this book seemed realistic and authentic to me. It made me cry. It's sad and yet somehow sweet at times. It's a vivid look at loss and love--for sisters, family, and your country.
I read this book as part of my new reading project--choosing books off my shelves based on their Goodreads rankings. This is my first book of the project, forcing me out of my comfort zone and to try books in genres I don't usually read!
Grant Imperfection Mitchell (0 KP) rated Mice and Mystics in Tabletop Games
Mar 15, 2020
Co-op taking away tension of competitive (3 more)
Fun for all ages after a few rule adjustments
The story its self is a rich, beautiful tale of adventure
Combat is simple
Mice and Mystics is a great story telling boardgame in a series by Jerry Hawthorne. The game follows Prince Collin and his court of advisors who turn themselves to mice to escape certain death at the hands of an evil witch.
The whole game plays out by reading the story that accompanies the box and then playing out scenarios depicted by board pieces and using beautifully sculpted miniatures to navigate and fight the queens rat forces, spiders and more.
Its a game for the whole family which is brilliant, although to keep things moving smoothly for younger kids some rules can be stripped back for sure. This game is imaginative, difficulty can ramp up quickly making it challenging for all level of players and even though its co-op you can always just compete for kills......Centipedes only count as one.
The whole game plays out by reading the story that accompanies the box and then playing out scenarios depicted by board pieces and using beautifully sculpted miniatures to navigate and fight the queens rat forces, spiders and more.
Its a game for the whole family which is brilliant, although to keep things moving smoothly for younger kids some rules can be stripped back for sure. This game is imaginative, difficulty can ramp up quickly making it challenging for all level of players and even though its co-op you can always just compete for kills......Centipedes only count as one.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Rose of Sarajevo in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
I received, Rose of Sarajevo by Ayse Kulin, for free in exchange for a review from goodreads. I knew very little about the Balkans crisis prior to reading this book but now I feel that I understand some of what the people experienced and how families were torn apart for a crisis that is deep within the roots of the people. For the first part of the book the story appeared to creep along the pages as the author explained the reason for the war and give the backstory. Once the necessary explanation was completed the story took off and captivated me as the reader. Violence occurs. A town is destroyed. Heartbreak. Death. And finally, family members leaving to fight a war that so many see as senseless.
At the beginning Nimeta (the main characters) appears to be a woman is strong, dedicated, journalist whose a mother, a daughter, and a wife. She has done everything correct just as is expected of her until she meets Stefan who she unexpectedly fall in love with. She has to make the decision of doing what is right and doing what her heart says.
As a person who loves historical novels, this book was perfect. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about history, especially a part of history that is not discussed much.
I received, Rose of Sarajevo by Ayse Kulin, for free in exchange for a review from goodreads. I knew very little about the Balkans crisis prior to reading this book but now I feel that I understand some of what the people experienced and how families were torn apart for a crisis that is deep within the roots of the people. For the first part of the book the story appeared to creep along the pages as the author explained the reason for the war and give the backstory. Once the necessary explanation was completed the story took off and captivated me as the reader. Violence occurs. A town is destroyed. Heartbreak. Death. And finally, family members leaving to fight a war that so many see as senseless.
At the beginning Nimeta (the main characters) appears to be a woman is strong, dedicated, journalist whose a mother, a daughter, and a wife. She has done everything correct just as is expected of her until she meets Stefan who she unexpectedly fall in love with. She has to make the decision of doing what is right and doing what her heart says.
As a person who loves historical novels, this book was perfect. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about history, especially a part of history that is not discussed much.
T.N. Nova (30 KP) rated Bought: A Ripples in the Status Quo Story in Books
Jun 26, 2018
Bought (The Fate Of The Fallen Series Book 1) by R. Phoenix is a short, 68 page dark paranormal fiction. In this dystopian world where supernaturals are at the top of the food chain and humans are second class citizens at best, the status quo is not to be messed with. There are those supes though who help the band of human Rebellion gain their rights back. Or at least try to survive another day while living in poverty.
Jace, A werewolf, takes the fall for his pack leader’s attempts to help the Rebellion. His thoughts were that he would end up being executed in a gladiator type fight to the death with his own death being expected. Instead, he was put in chains geared to restrain even the most powerful werewolves and sold on the slave market.
Enter Elias Ivers. A witch from a powerful family. Jace gets bought by Elias and subjected to the witch’s depraved games. Jace tries desperately to withhold out and handle anything his new master can dish out. That is until he realizes his own pride has no place in his life and succumbs to the life he now lives as a witch’s pet.
Classified as a dark paranormal fiction, Bought is a book that I quickly and eagerly picked up to read. Even more so because it was written by R. Phoenix. Having already read Spoiled by her and her co-author Morgan Noel, I was glad to have been given the opportunity to read Bought. I found myself wanting to beat Ivers upside the head while protecting Jace. My only problem is that I wanted more. I wasn’t ready for this story to be over as soon as it was. I guess that really isn’t much of a problem though given it drew me in so thoroughly that I was lost until I finished it.
A must read for everyone who loves dark paranormal and puppy play
Jace, A werewolf, takes the fall for his pack leader’s attempts to help the Rebellion. His thoughts were that he would end up being executed in a gladiator type fight to the death with his own death being expected. Instead, he was put in chains geared to restrain even the most powerful werewolves and sold on the slave market.
Enter Elias Ivers. A witch from a powerful family. Jace gets bought by Elias and subjected to the witch’s depraved games. Jace tries desperately to withhold out and handle anything his new master can dish out. That is until he realizes his own pride has no place in his life and succumbs to the life he now lives as a witch’s pet.
Classified as a dark paranormal fiction, Bought is a book that I quickly and eagerly picked up to read. Even more so because it was written by R. Phoenix. Having already read Spoiled by her and her co-author Morgan Noel, I was glad to have been given the opportunity to read Bought. I found myself wanting to beat Ivers upside the head while protecting Jace. My only problem is that I wanted more. I wasn’t ready for this story to be over as soon as it was. I guess that really isn’t much of a problem though given it drew me in so thoroughly that I was lost until I finished it.
A must read for everyone who loves dark paranormal and puppy play
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Isla Emerged in Books
May 28, 2020
95 of 200
Kindle
Isla Emerged (Isla Emerged book 1)
By Deidre Sequeira
Anger. Betrayal. Exile.Isla always knew she would be queen. One day. But after the death of her mother, matriarch of the Southern Pacific merfolk kingdom, that day grew much closer than she was prepared for. Worse, to become a mermaid queen, she must marry. It is the only way to protect her kingdom.Forcibly betrothed to her childhood friend and father's fiercest warrior, Isla is desperate for an escape--no matter the cost. But until she marries, her father is filled with a power his body cannot handle, and his control is steadily slipping.After an explosive fight with her father, Isla flees to the surface, only to find herself in the middle of a violent storm with two choices: swim to safety or save the human man she sees drowning in the tumultuous waves.Her decision will change her life, as well as her kingdom, forever.A story inspired by "The Little Mermaid" like you've never seen before.
I am usually weary of classic stories being retold but I really enjoyed this one. Loosely based on The Little Mermaid it’s full of action! Decent characters and a well written story! I'm looking forward to more from this author
Kindle
Isla Emerged (Isla Emerged book 1)
By Deidre Sequeira
Anger. Betrayal. Exile.Isla always knew she would be queen. One day. But after the death of her mother, matriarch of the Southern Pacific merfolk kingdom, that day grew much closer than she was prepared for. Worse, to become a mermaid queen, she must marry. It is the only way to protect her kingdom.Forcibly betrothed to her childhood friend and father's fiercest warrior, Isla is desperate for an escape--no matter the cost. But until she marries, her father is filled with a power his body cannot handle, and his control is steadily slipping.After an explosive fight with her father, Isla flees to the surface, only to find herself in the middle of a violent storm with two choices: swim to safety or save the human man she sees drowning in the tumultuous waves.Her decision will change her life, as well as her kingdom, forever.A story inspired by "The Little Mermaid" like you've never seen before.
I am usually weary of classic stories being retold but I really enjoyed this one. Loosely based on The Little Mermaid it’s full of action! Decent characters and a well written story! I'm looking forward to more from this author
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2072 KP) rated Curds of Prey in Books
Apr 22, 2023 (Updated Apr 22, 2023)
Who Stabbed the Groom?
The wedding of Summer Harrington, daughter of the richest family in Yarrow Glen, and Nelson Trumbull, the nephew of the town’s mayor, is fast approaching. Willa Bauer is thrilled that several local businesses are involved in the shower, including Curds & Whey. Willa is busy setting up the cheese bar she will be offering, but it gives her a front row seat to a fight between the supposedly happy couple that leads Summer to call off the shower. However, things take a turn when Willa finds Nelson stabbed to death in the stable a little while later. Unfortunately, Willa’s almost boyfriend, Roman, looks to be the prime suspects. Can Willa prove Roman is innocent?
It was wonderful to be visiting Willa and the rest of her friends again. I like how a sub-plot brought in events from the previous book, making it seems like these are real people and not just characters. I’m interested in seeing where some of the storylines go from here. The plot starts quickly, and Willa has some interesting dynamics to deal with as she tries to get to the truth. The climax logically wrapped everything up and kept me turning pages. If you are left craving cheese, you’ll be interested in the three recipes at the end of the book. This story left me hungry for the next entry in the series.
It was wonderful to be visiting Willa and the rest of her friends again. I like how a sub-plot brought in events from the previous book, making it seems like these are real people and not just characters. I’m interested in seeing where some of the storylines go from here. The plot starts quickly, and Willa has some interesting dynamics to deal with as she tries to get to the truth. The climax logically wrapped everything up and kept me turning pages. If you are left craving cheese, you’ll be interested in the three recipes at the end of the book. This story left me hungry for the next entry in the series.
Gareth von Kallenbach (968 KP) rated Freeheld (2015) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Based on a true story about Detective Lauren Hester (Julianne Moore) who is dying of cancer and her life-partner Stacie Andree (Ellen Page, who “came out” herself last year), and their fight for their civil rights against the “Freeholders Committee” in Ocean City, NJ.
After more than 20 years of being on the force and highly decorated, Lauren Hester is seeking to give her pension to her domestic partner just like any straight married county employee has been able to do. The Freeholders, are a committee who governs the county, decided that Hester’s pension would not be given to Andree because they are lesbians and the fight begins. They are contacted by a gay rights activist, Steve Goldstein (Steve Carell), who with the help of Hester’s detective partner Dane Wells (Michael Shannon), try to get the Freeholders to change their opinion. Only with help from the community and police force, who are rallied by Goldstein and Wells,will anything be changed.
Right from the start the movie grabs hold of the viewer, and keeps them engrossed in their struggle to the end. Being so close to being a biography I was surprised at how well it was done and my interest was kept throughout. It is not just an account of a gay couple, more a depiction of a battle for everyone’s civil rights. Freeheld skillfully depicts the struggles of gay professionals to keep their identity a secret from society while still being successful in their field, having a fulfilling relationship and how society discriminated LGBTQ domestic partnerships which became fuel for the Marriage Equality movement.
The actors and director (Peter Sollett) keep the pace fluid and easy to follow without losing any of the important details of their lives or bogging it down with the legalities of the fight. The screenplay could easily have turned this into an exploitation just for the tear-jerking factor, but instead keep it realistic, even adding a bit of humor alleviate the dreariness the story, just like most people will do when facing the death of a loved one. I found Freeheld to be somewhat upbeat, even in the darkest scenes dealing with the misuse of the laws due to bigotry and how close to reality Moore simulates a person dying of cancer, instead turning it into another gloom and doom cancer or civil rights movie. Having been through it myself, I could fully connect with Page’s depiction how it feels to watch loved one dying of cancer and I know so many others will also.
I honestly loved Freeheld, I would suggest to anyone who prefers a matter of fact movie mixed with humor, compassion, and heartbreak that ends with you feeling like you were fully immersed in their life and closure with the finale.
http://sknr.net/2015/10/09/freeheld/
After more than 20 years of being on the force and highly decorated, Lauren Hester is seeking to give her pension to her domestic partner just like any straight married county employee has been able to do. The Freeholders, are a committee who governs the county, decided that Hester’s pension would not be given to Andree because they are lesbians and the fight begins. They are contacted by a gay rights activist, Steve Goldstein (Steve Carell), who with the help of Hester’s detective partner Dane Wells (Michael Shannon), try to get the Freeholders to change their opinion. Only with help from the community and police force, who are rallied by Goldstein and Wells,will anything be changed.
Right from the start the movie grabs hold of the viewer, and keeps them engrossed in their struggle to the end. Being so close to being a biography I was surprised at how well it was done and my interest was kept throughout. It is not just an account of a gay couple, more a depiction of a battle for everyone’s civil rights. Freeheld skillfully depicts the struggles of gay professionals to keep their identity a secret from society while still being successful in their field, having a fulfilling relationship and how society discriminated LGBTQ domestic partnerships which became fuel for the Marriage Equality movement.
The actors and director (Peter Sollett) keep the pace fluid and easy to follow without losing any of the important details of their lives or bogging it down with the legalities of the fight. The screenplay could easily have turned this into an exploitation just for the tear-jerking factor, but instead keep it realistic, even adding a bit of humor alleviate the dreariness the story, just like most people will do when facing the death of a loved one. I found Freeheld to be somewhat upbeat, even in the darkest scenes dealing with the misuse of the laws due to bigotry and how close to reality Moore simulates a person dying of cancer, instead turning it into another gloom and doom cancer or civil rights movie. Having been through it myself, I could fully connect with Page’s depiction how it feels to watch loved one dying of cancer and I know so many others will also.
I honestly loved Freeheld, I would suggest to anyone who prefers a matter of fact movie mixed with humor, compassion, and heartbreak that ends with you feeling like you were fully immersed in their life and closure with the finale.
http://sknr.net/2015/10/09/freeheld/