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Lenard (726 KP) rated Tolkien (2019) in Movies
May 19, 2019
Tolkien is a biopic of author/professor JRR Tolkien, the writer of The Hobbit and other fantasy novels. The only reason it was greenlit was to ensnare fans of the LOTR. The film opens with Ronald in the trenches of Belgium during WWI suffering from trench fever. He is overcome with a need to find his friend who he learns is nearby and in dire trouble. We then flashback to his country childhood home located in a village reminiscent of The Shire from his novels. His father has died and left the family with little hope of survival. The church has found a new home for the Tolkiens in Lake-town, I mean Birmingham. Soon, his mother is dead, Ronald and his brother become wards of the Catholic Church and are moved into the home of elderly woman who already cares for a young female pianist. Tolkien earns scholarship to a local private school where he accidentally becomes friends with other artistically inclined young men. One of whom, the poet, is secretly in love with Tolkien. Thus, with a kiss, I die in the trenches of Belgium fron poison gas. The whole film spends so much time finding connections to his famous novels, it never really gets to know the writer himself. Plus, Nicholas Hoult does not help much playing the writer like a Hugh Grant rom-com character. He even does the squinting quirk multiple times to romance his boarding house companion.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated As Long as We Both Shall Live in Books
May 22, 2019
My wife! I think shes dead! Matt frantically calls to park rangers, explaining that he and his wife, Marie, were out hiking when she stumbled on a cliff edge and fell into the raging river below. They start a search but arent hopeful: no one could have survived that fall.
Its a tragic accident.
But when police discover Matts first wife also died in suspicious circumstances a fire in their family home they have a lot more questions for him.
Is Matt a grieving husband, or has he just killed his second wife? Detectives Loren and Spengler dig into the couples lives to see what they can unearth. And they find that loves got teeth, its got claws, and once it hitches you to a person, its tough to rip yourself free.
So what happens when youre done making it work?
Well this is one crazy warped marriage ride!
Seriously I found myself laughing at the antics and thoughts of these two at times; then on the flip side being gripped by the suspense.
I really enjoyed this one.
Read what happens when 20 years of marriage becomes a minefield of love/hate.
If you love psychological twisty thrillers as much as me then you need to read this one!
Recommend reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book ARC to read and review. This is my honest voluntary review.
Its a tragic accident.
But when police discover Matts first wife also died in suspicious circumstances a fire in their family home they have a lot more questions for him.
Is Matt a grieving husband, or has he just killed his second wife? Detectives Loren and Spengler dig into the couples lives to see what they can unearth. And they find that loves got teeth, its got claws, and once it hitches you to a person, its tough to rip yourself free.
So what happens when youre done making it work?
Well this is one crazy warped marriage ride!
Seriously I found myself laughing at the antics and thoughts of these two at times; then on the flip side being gripped by the suspense.
I really enjoyed this one.
Read what happens when 20 years of marriage becomes a minefield of love/hate.
If you love psychological twisty thrillers as much as me then you need to read this one!
Recommend reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book ARC to read and review. This is my honest voluntary review.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated My Daughter, My Mother in Books
Jun 16, 2019 (Updated Jun 16, 2019)
Hard to get into but easy to finish
I usually go for books set a lot earlier that 1984 so when I picked this up I was full of anticipating I would immediately hate it and stop reading. Luckily that wasn't the case!
It jumps back and forth from past to present and includes real life issues going on in the world at that time. I personally love to see a story include real life problems as it feels like it actually happened and makes it so much more interesting to read. Don't worry, I know these people don't actually exist!!
It took me a few chapters to get into it but once I did I began to love it. Although the actual plot on both sides if good, it feels rushed to get the story out and some bits are quite difficult to grasp.
There is a family in the book that are sikh which despite my religious education at school I don't know much about so to an extent this book taught me something about sikhs. This is also hard because there are certain aspects to the writing i found hard to understand.
I like to see the good in every story so I'd say have a read of it yourself and see what you think.
It jumps back and forth from past to present and includes real life issues going on in the world at that time. I personally love to see a story include real life problems as it feels like it actually happened and makes it so much more interesting to read. Don't worry, I know these people don't actually exist!!
It took me a few chapters to get into it but once I did I began to love it. Although the actual plot on both sides if good, it feels rushed to get the story out and some bits are quite difficult to grasp.
There is a family in the book that are sikh which despite my religious education at school I don't know much about so to an extent this book taught me something about sikhs. This is also hard because there are certain aspects to the writing i found hard to understand.
I like to see the good in every story so I'd say have a read of it yourself and see what you think.
Kyera (8 KP) rated A Hot Glue Gun Mess: Funny Stories, Pretty DIY Projects in Books
Jan 31, 2018
This is not the usual book that I read, but I was intrigued when I heard about it. I've watched Mr. Kate's YouTube channel and she has some cool DIY projects/decorating tips. The structure of the book is not uncommon, as she tells a short story and then breaks it up with photos - except in this book, the photos are a DIY project that you can do.
There are 50 different stories and accompanying projects. While the DIY's are meant to relate to the story that Mr. Kate just finished telling, they're generally pretty nebulous and only remotely related. I personally found around 10 to be interesting, but that will vary from person to person. They're not just crafty projects, but beauty tips and fashion.
The stories themselves are also very varied, from cute tales about meeting her (now) husband to crude ones that won't appeal to everyone. She also is from a very well off family, so readers may be put off by her constant name-dropping or rich-kid woes. I wasn't completely turned off by it, but I also was 99% there for the crafts and didn't really borrow the book so that I could be engrossed by the stories.
Overall it was a cute book, but probably not one that I would go out and buy. I'll just borrow it from the library if I ever decide I want to do one of the projects.
There are 50 different stories and accompanying projects. While the DIY's are meant to relate to the story that Mr. Kate just finished telling, they're generally pretty nebulous and only remotely related. I personally found around 10 to be interesting, but that will vary from person to person. They're not just crafty projects, but beauty tips and fashion.
The stories themselves are also very varied, from cute tales about meeting her (now) husband to crude ones that won't appeal to everyone. She also is from a very well off family, so readers may be put off by her constant name-dropping or rich-kid woes. I wasn't completely turned off by it, but I also was 99% there for the crafts and didn't really borrow the book so that I could be engrossed by the stories.
Overall it was a cute book, but probably not one that I would go out and buy. I'll just borrow it from the library if I ever decide I want to do one of the projects.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Dont Look Now in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I think this book is very deserving of 4 stars rather than the 3 a lot of people have decided to give it. While I agree the last two books of the collection (The Way of The Cross and The Breakthrough) were disappointing in relation to the first three (Don't Look Now, Not After Midnight and A Border-Line Case) I don't think that knocked the book of a star as each story was well written and unique.
My favourite was, by far, A Border-Line Case. Du Maurier does a great job of building tension throughout and while people are complaining that it's twist ending is nothing new, you have to remember that this was originally published in the 70's and so the twist probably was something new and from that time since there have been repeats of the shock ending - meaning Du Maurier's story is unique and the others thereafter are not (though a lot of them are in other ways).
I haven't read any of Du Maurier's other stories and I'm glad of that because it seems like these short stories are being compared to her other works. So for me, having nothing to compare these stories with, it seems I found this a lot more enjoyable than other people seemed to!
Even though the last two stories weren't as fun and spooky they were still good stories and I would recommend this book to many of my friends and family.
My favourite was, by far, A Border-Line Case. Du Maurier does a great job of building tension throughout and while people are complaining that it's twist ending is nothing new, you have to remember that this was originally published in the 70's and so the twist probably was something new and from that time since there have been repeats of the shock ending - meaning Du Maurier's story is unique and the others thereafter are not (though a lot of them are in other ways).
I haven't read any of Du Maurier's other stories and I'm glad of that because it seems like these short stories are being compared to her other works. So for me, having nothing to compare these stories with, it seems I found this a lot more enjoyable than other people seemed to!
Even though the last two stories weren't as fun and spooky they were still good stories and I would recommend this book to many of my friends and family.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Aliens (1986) in Movies
Oct 23, 2018
Sci fi action at its finest
Alien and Aliens have to be up there with The Godfather I and II and Raiders/Temple of Doom and one of the greatest one-two punches in movie history.
"They mostly come at night...mostly"
Make sure if you are watching after not seeing for awhile or never seen you watch the 1990 "Director's Cut". As with several Cameron epics, the story and characters get flushed out a lot more and the extra scenes are very good. With Aliens, though, I would have omitted the scene near the beginning where we meet Next and her family when they discover the chestbursters. I think Newt's reveal works better if we were to first meet her while crawling around underneath the decks of the colony.
The only thing that ever bothered me was the extremely bad timing of Ripley being floating in space for 57 years, then she gets found, then they lose contact with the colony on LV426 right after that? Talk about a horrible coincidence!
Another remarkable item of the film;s slow progression is we don't even see an alien until well over a hour into the film and it doesn't matter. The tension built and anticipation Cameron delivers are amazing!
Nonetheless, Aliens is a masterpiece of sci fi cinema which has rarely been equaled. Now if only they wold quit trying!.
"They mostly come at night...mostly"
Make sure if you are watching after not seeing for awhile or never seen you watch the 1990 "Director's Cut". As with several Cameron epics, the story and characters get flushed out a lot more and the extra scenes are very good. With Aliens, though, I would have omitted the scene near the beginning where we meet Next and her family when they discover the chestbursters. I think Newt's reveal works better if we were to first meet her while crawling around underneath the decks of the colony.
The only thing that ever bothered me was the extremely bad timing of Ripley being floating in space for 57 years, then she gets found, then they lose contact with the colony on LV426 right after that? Talk about a horrible coincidence!
Another remarkable item of the film;s slow progression is we don't even see an alien until well over a hour into the film and it doesn't matter. The tension built and anticipation Cameron delivers are amazing!
Nonetheless, Aliens is a masterpiece of sci fi cinema which has rarely been equaled. Now if only they wold quit trying!.
Merissa (13915 KP) rated Lyle's Lynx (Itayu Lake, #6) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Lyle's Lynx is the sixth book in the Itáyu Lake series, and this one definitely follows on from the previous book. Lyle has come to Itáyu Lake after his ex-lover. However Adriano has definitely moved on. He has found his mate in Ignacio, a demon. When Lyle chases after him, he also finds his mate in Kai, a Lynx shifter. Lyle is ashamed of his reaction when he met Kai though, and so he needs a bit of time and space before he can accept him. Kai graciously gives him all the space he needs, whilst keeping an eye on him from afar. Soon though, Lyle turns up at Kai's door and realises that he has received a whole lot more than just a mate!
This was a brilliant addition to the series, with lots of character growth from Lyle as he shows he's not just a cheating-ho. He is now loyal Lyle, and is prepared to stand up for his new family, no matter what. This is very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow for me. I enjoyed the fast pace of this book, and the relationship that still managed to grow between them. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a brilliant addition to the series, with lots of character growth from Lyle as he shows he's not just a cheating-ho. He is now loyal Lyle, and is prepared to stand up for his new family, no matter what. This is very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow for me. I enjoyed the fast pace of this book, and the relationship that still managed to grow between them. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Last House Guest in Books
Jul 23, 2019
A stand-alone, slow-burn thriller by author of All the Missing Girls
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I discovered Megan Miranda a few months after her 2016 novel, All the Missing Girls, was published. Her latest, The Last House Guest, is the 3rd novel I read by her.
This slow-burn thriller is a story of a small, summer vacation town with a definite line dividing the haves and have nots with one exception, Avery Greer. Sadie Loman who only has to say who her family is and doors are opened and police look the other way befriends Avery. For a decade, they are inseparable each summer - until Sadie is found dead.
While it took a long time for me to get into the book, I am glad I kept reading. Told from Avery's point of view, using flashbacks, we are shown the summer of and the summer following Sadie's death.
Miranda is known for creating a small town with a lot of secrets. The Last House Guest is no exception. The characters are not what they first seem to be. She peppers her story with small details that can help you figure out secrets and the big reveal right before the characters.
According to Goodreads, we can expect to see more from Megan Miranda. I cannot wait!
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/22/19.
I discovered Megan Miranda a few months after her 2016 novel, All the Missing Girls, was published. Her latest, The Last House Guest, is the 3rd novel I read by her.
This slow-burn thriller is a story of a small, summer vacation town with a definite line dividing the haves and have nots with one exception, Avery Greer. Sadie Loman who only has to say who her family is and doors are opened and police look the other way befriends Avery. For a decade, they are inseparable each summer - until Sadie is found dead.
While it took a long time for me to get into the book, I am glad I kept reading. Told from Avery's point of view, using flashbacks, we are shown the summer of and the summer following Sadie's death.
Miranda is known for creating a small town with a lot of secrets. The Last House Guest is no exception. The characters are not what they first seem to be. She peppers her story with small details that can help you figure out secrets and the big reveal right before the characters.
According to Goodreads, we can expect to see more from Megan Miranda. I cannot wait!
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/22/19.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2520 KP) rated Not a Creature was Stirring in Books
Jan 24, 2019
Who was Enough of a Scrooge to Leave the Dead Body in Merry's Motorhome?
Merry is hoping to turn her Christmas crafting business into a full-time job, and as part of that plan, she's purchased a motorhome from her ex-step-daughter. The hope is she can use it as a mobile crafting studio and a place to show her stuff at some of the more popular craft shows. She's trying it out at the Christmas Holiday Bazaar, one of her favorite events of the year. However, when she's unloading her products, she finds the dead body of her ex-husband in one of the storage compartments. How did his dead body get into the RV?
With as much as I love Christmas, this book was a lot of fun. We got lots of talk about everything Christmas, even comparing characters to famous fictional Christmas characters. I did feel the book needed another polish to flesh a few things out, and I found Merry's concern for her ex-husband's family a little hard to believe considering how short her marriage had been. On the other hand, I loved the majority of the characters, and Merry's relationships with her own kids was fabulous. The plot was good with many twists and turns. I figured out a couple of things early, but I was left guessing about the rest of it until the end.
With as much as I love Christmas, this book was a lot of fun. We got lots of talk about everything Christmas, even comparing characters to famous fictional Christmas characters. I did feel the book needed another polish to flesh a few things out, and I found Merry's concern for her ex-husband's family a little hard to believe considering how short her marriage had been. On the other hand, I loved the majority of the characters, and Merry's relationships with her own kids was fabulous. The plot was good with many twists and turns. I figured out a couple of things early, but I was left guessing about the rest of it until the end.
Dan Lacey (7 KP) rated The Stranger in TV
Feb 26, 2020
Acting (2 more)
Storyline
Bingeworthy
A genuine masterpiece.
I want to start with the trailer to this Netflix original. Whilst flicking through the vast abyss that is the Netflix catalogue I stumbled upon this and allowed the trailer to play in full. It painted a picture of a bit of a mystery caper and I found it quite captivating.
Now I wont lie to you, my wife and I watched all 8 episodes over 2 nights not through choice but through what we deemed at the time (1am to be exact) a necessity. Every episode ended on a perfect cliffhanger.
Now I'm going to keep this spoiler free but I do want to talk about the story in general. I like to think of myself as someone who can normally guess early on 'who dunnit' why they 'dunnit' and any general twists and turns along the way, but the whole series I sat second guessing myself coming up with general theories that would feel at home with someone wearing a tin foil hat. And the moment I thought I'd worked it all out was the moment it was revealed to me some 5 seconds later.
This is the series you will recommend to your family, your friends and maybe even.... a stranger ( yep I just said that).
I emplore you to take a few hours grab the popcorn and give this a watch I promise you will not regret it.
Now I wont lie to you, my wife and I watched all 8 episodes over 2 nights not through choice but through what we deemed at the time (1am to be exact) a necessity. Every episode ended on a perfect cliffhanger.
Now I'm going to keep this spoiler free but I do want to talk about the story in general. I like to think of myself as someone who can normally guess early on 'who dunnit' why they 'dunnit' and any general twists and turns along the way, but the whole series I sat second guessing myself coming up with general theories that would feel at home with someone wearing a tin foil hat. And the moment I thought I'd worked it all out was the moment it was revealed to me some 5 seconds later.
This is the series you will recommend to your family, your friends and maybe even.... a stranger ( yep I just said that).
I emplore you to take a few hours grab the popcorn and give this a watch I promise you will not regret it.