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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Catastrophic History of You and Me in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review will be available on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Soemthing Year Old Girl</a> from the middle of August).
I'd been wanting to read The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg for awhile now. I had found it cheap on Amazon and decided to buy it. Although it was a kind of good book, I wish I had seen if my library had it to borrow.
I don't really need to explain the synopsis in my words because the official one seems to describe what the book is about quite well. If I explain it, I'd just be saying the same thing, but not as good.
The title is a mouthful, but I like it. It's one of the first things that made me want to pick up this book. I do believe that the title fits this book perfectly!
The cover is what caught my eye the most! It is absolutely gorgeous! It's also a scene that appears in the book a few times.
The world building was done quite well, and I loved the setting! I love how when Brie dies, she's transported by bus to a pizza place she frequented quite a bit. There's something about that that I just found funny! There's only one time that I felt confused, but I don't want to say anything due to spoilers. Oh, and one more thing. Brie says her family called her by cheese nicknames due to her name. However, Patrick as well as other people she sees in the afterlife due that as well. However, I just don't think everyone would associate her name with cheese, nor would they be so blatant to tease her about it. Other then that, the world building is easy to imagine.
For about half of the book, the pacing seemed a bit slow to me. In fact, I was thinking about giving up on the book altogether. However, the second half picks up the pacing, and it becomes quite an enjoyable read from there on out..
I've always been interested in plots where someone dies and gets to look at their friends and family. Brie wants to get back at Jacob in the afterlife for breaking her heart. She sees the consequences, and we are left to wonder what Brie will do. We also find out Jacob's big secret which I didn't see coming. I also didn't see the other plot twist. I love being surprised!!
I started off liking Brie. She seemed like a really insecure but nice girl. However, I soon found her to be annoying and mean. I understand wanting revenge on someone who has hurt you, but what she did was really uncalled for. I also found her thought pattern to be really vicious and spiteful. I didn't like how she treated Patrick either. She tries to make amends, but it's just too little, too late for me. I did like Patrick and found him to be a rather sweet and friendly guy. The way he spoke sometimes annoyed me, but overall, he was very likable.
The dialogue was very easy to understand and flowed very well. Like I said, there were times I didn't like the way Patrick spoke, but that wasn't very often. I found it interesting to see how Brie's family and friends carried on without her. There's also some swearing in this book.
Overall, The Catastrophic History of You and Me started out a bit boring, but it got better. It turns out to be a sweet story with a moral to it, I believe.
I'd recommend this book to those age 14+ who are looking for a sweet read with a great message attached to it.
I'd give The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg a 3.5 out of 5.
I'd been wanting to read The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg for awhile now. I had found it cheap on Amazon and decided to buy it. Although it was a kind of good book, I wish I had seen if my library had it to borrow.
I don't really need to explain the synopsis in my words because the official one seems to describe what the book is about quite well. If I explain it, I'd just be saying the same thing, but not as good.
The title is a mouthful, but I like it. It's one of the first things that made me want to pick up this book. I do believe that the title fits this book perfectly!
The cover is what caught my eye the most! It is absolutely gorgeous! It's also a scene that appears in the book a few times.
The world building was done quite well, and I loved the setting! I love how when Brie dies, she's transported by bus to a pizza place she frequented quite a bit. There's something about that that I just found funny! There's only one time that I felt confused, but I don't want to say anything due to spoilers. Oh, and one more thing. Brie says her family called her by cheese nicknames due to her name. However, Patrick as well as other people she sees in the afterlife due that as well. However, I just don't think everyone would associate her name with cheese, nor would they be so blatant to tease her about it. Other then that, the world building is easy to imagine.
For about half of the book, the pacing seemed a bit slow to me. In fact, I was thinking about giving up on the book altogether. However, the second half picks up the pacing, and it becomes quite an enjoyable read from there on out..
I've always been interested in plots where someone dies and gets to look at their friends and family. Brie wants to get back at Jacob in the afterlife for breaking her heart. She sees the consequences, and we are left to wonder what Brie will do. We also find out Jacob's big secret which I didn't see coming. I also didn't see the other plot twist. I love being surprised!!
I started off liking Brie. She seemed like a really insecure but nice girl. However, I soon found her to be annoying and mean. I understand wanting revenge on someone who has hurt you, but what she did was really uncalled for. I also found her thought pattern to be really vicious and spiteful. I didn't like how she treated Patrick either. She tries to make amends, but it's just too little, too late for me. I did like Patrick and found him to be a rather sweet and friendly guy. The way he spoke sometimes annoyed me, but overall, he was very likable.
The dialogue was very easy to understand and flowed very well. Like I said, there were times I didn't like the way Patrick spoke, but that wasn't very often. I found it interesting to see how Brie's family and friends carried on without her. There's also some swearing in this book.
Overall, The Catastrophic History of You and Me started out a bit boring, but it got better. It turns out to be a sweet story with a moral to it, I believe.
I'd recommend this book to those age 14+ who are looking for a sweet read with a great message attached to it.
I'd give The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg a 3.5 out of 5.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Follow the Dog Home: How a Simple Walk Unleashed an Incredible Family Journey in Books
Jan 15, 2018
If you are a dog lover (like me) this is a book you will enjoy reading! So many of the stories & family experiences that are written about in this book were things that mirrored my own life & that with the few dogs I've been blessed enough to have share my experiences. I laughed & cried at the tales & truly found myself drawn into the adventures & mishaps throughout.
Of course with that being said this is also a book that will help people who aren't dog lovers better understand those of us who are...not an easy thing to do by any means. It allows you a glimpse into the passion, love, & heartache that a dog brings into your life. The emotions & stories are well told.
Being a 4th grade teacher, I loved the fact that Samantha Walsh (Kevin's 10 year old daughter) was involved in bringing this book to life. She has such a great storytelling voice. I plan to read a few pieces to my class to show them that writing (& reading for that matter) are real & important things to them.
Well done Walsh family!!!
Of course with that being said this is also a book that will help people who aren't dog lovers better understand those of us who are...not an easy thing to do by any means. It allows you a glimpse into the passion, love, & heartache that a dog brings into your life. The emotions & stories are well told.
Being a 4th grade teacher, I loved the fact that Samantha Walsh (Kevin's 10 year old daughter) was involved in bringing this book to life. She has such a great storytelling voice. I plan to read a few pieces to my class to show them that writing (& reading for that matter) are real & important things to them.
Well done Walsh family!!!
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) in Movies
Aug 26, 2017
Not quite in the same league as other Japanese animations
Just like those crazy Studio Ghibli films of fantastic tales and amazing creatures, Laika productions (famous for Coraline) has created a stop motion animation using Japanese folklore. Now as a fan of Ghibli, I can say that this is no way near that league although the animation is always amazing to behold.
The story is rather tragic of a boy from a magical powerful family, who has escaped with his mother as a baby, losing an eye in the process, and growing up to play an instrument that has the power to control paper. Both he and his mother are poor, livingin a cave, hiding away from this family - his father has also perished in this initial battle. However, they are found and his mother gives him her powers to escape and try and find a way of defeating her sisters and father.
It's a quest-based film, filled with perilous obstacles and while it was sad at times - I just don't think it was as heartfelt as other Japanese animations. The voices of Matthew McConaughey and Charlize Theron is always fantastic to hear though.
The story is rather tragic of a boy from a magical powerful family, who has escaped with his mother as a baby, losing an eye in the process, and growing up to play an instrument that has the power to control paper. Both he and his mother are poor, livingin a cave, hiding away from this family - his father has also perished in this initial battle. However, they are found and his mother gives him her powers to escape and try and find a way of defeating her sisters and father.
It's a quest-based film, filled with perilous obstacles and while it was sad at times - I just don't think it was as heartfelt as other Japanese animations. The voices of Matthew McConaughey and Charlize Theron is always fantastic to hear though.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Nest in Books
May 10, 2018
The Plumb family are anxiously awaiting the youngest, Melody's, 40th birthday that's when they are allowed to get "The Nest", an inheritance their father has left for them later in life, when they will be able to use it more sensibly. When the oldest, Leo gets into some trouble, their mother decides to use some of The Nest to help get him out of the jam. The time has now come for them to retrieve The Nest, but will Leo give them the money they need in order to get the amount they were expecting.
I found it very hard to connect with the characters in this book. No one grabbed my attention or made me interested to read the book. The story, overall has some interesting aspects to it, the connection to 9/11 and each individual character had an interesting enough story. The family as a whole seemed like a bunch of whiney babies that should be better able to handle their issues at 40 and over. I'm not sure if I will read other books by this author, but I'm down to try.
I found it very hard to connect with the characters in this book. No one grabbed my attention or made me interested to read the book. The story, overall has some interesting aspects to it, the connection to 9/11 and each individual character had an interesting enough story. The family as a whole seemed like a bunch of whiney babies that should be better able to handle their issues at 40 and over. I'm not sure if I will read other books by this author, but I'm down to try.
Lilyn G - Sci-Fi & Scary (91 KP) rated Paddington 2 (2017) in Movies
Jan 31, 2018
A worthy follow-up to the original Paddington movie
The original Paddington movie rather unexpectedly charms the pants off of our whole family. So, we were more willing than usual to take our daughter to see the sequel when it hit theatres. We found it to be a lovely experience that - while not quite as good as the original movie - was still rather charming.
You don't necessarily need to see the first movie to enjoy Paddington 2, but I think you'll enjoy it so much more if you do. The relationships between the family and Paddington are one of the reasons you come to like the movies so much.
And, I have to say, Hugh Grant actually cracked me up in this movie. I kind of rolled my eyes at him at first, but by the end of the movie I was definitely snickering.
The CGI is good. The acting is perfect for a kid's movie. The plot and pacing are well done as well. I wouldn't say go watch it even if you don't have kids, but if you have kids, it's one you won't regret going to theatres to see with your little ankle-biters.
You don't necessarily need to see the first movie to enjoy Paddington 2, but I think you'll enjoy it so much more if you do. The relationships between the family and Paddington are one of the reasons you come to like the movies so much.
And, I have to say, Hugh Grant actually cracked me up in this movie. I kind of rolled my eyes at him at first, but by the end of the movie I was definitely snickering.
The CGI is good. The acting is perfect for a kid's movie. The plot and pacing are well done as well. I wouldn't say go watch it even if you don't have kids, but if you have kids, it's one you won't regret going to theatres to see with your little ankle-biters.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Live Free or Die in Books
Mar 9, 2018
A string of fires in the village of Winslow Falls, New Hampshire, turns deadly when the body of Beulah Price is found in the town’s museum after it had burned. Volunteer fire chief Gwen Fifield finds herself teaming up with Hugh Larsen, the state’s arson investigator to figure out what is going on. The locals are ready to point the finger at the immigrant family in town, but Gwen suspects someone else is behind the crimes. Can she find out what is going on?
Having read Jessie’s other books, I had to go back and read her debut. While it was good, it needed more polish. Some of the characters tended to blend together, and I was really bothered by how all the villagers but Gwen treated the immigrant family. One scene introduces a sub-plot that is left hanging as well. However, the mystery itself was good and kept me turning pages. My irritants were all minor, and overall I did enjoy this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-live-free-or-die-by-jessie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Having read Jessie’s other books, I had to go back and read her debut. While it was good, it needed more polish. Some of the characters tended to blend together, and I was really bothered by how all the villagers but Gwen treated the immigrant family. One scene introduces a sub-plot that is left hanging as well. However, the mystery itself was good and kept me turning pages. My irritants were all minor, and overall I did enjoy this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-live-free-or-die-by-jessie.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
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