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BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Year of No Rules in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The blurb of this book, describes it quite accurately, however, there is way more to this book. It goes through all the parts of the relationship: love, separation, depression, acceptance and moving on.
The main characters of this book were Sasha and Kirk, later joined by Sam. The whole narrative was told only from Sasha’s perspective, so we have to believe of how Sasha portrayed them and don’t really have an insight into their personalities to judge them ourselves. Even though Sasha was the lead in this story, my favorite character in this book was Sam. I honestly liked him for his charisma, understanding nature, and all women should have a partner like him. Some of Sasha’s actions really annoyed me, it’s like watching a horror movie, where the actress is going to a dark cellar willingly when we know she is going to die. In these cases, I really want to shout to her “danger, don’t go!”/ “don’t be stupid, you are going to die!”, but the actress still does it and gets hurt in the end… Why Sasha? Why?
The whole book was divided into three parts: “The year with rules”; “After Kirk”; “The year of no rules”. In the first part, Sasha was sharing her life with Kirk. How their dates used to go, what Kirk did in the past, and how she loved to spoil him. In the second part, Sasha was telling how she was dealing (or not) with her life after Kirk walked off. She shared he sorrows, memories, and how Kirk was psychologically tormenting her even many months after their break up. (Sasha why did you allow it? WHY?) In the third part, Sasha started to gather her life again, by setting little goals to fight her major depression and finding a fantastic man.
The plot of this novel often jumped between past and present through Sasha’s memories about Kirk and their relationship. What I loved the most about this book, was the topics which McClelland discussed in this book: the danger of controlling partners; forgiving person even after grand betrayal; major depression and how people can fight it; how to deal with broken trust. I think this book can really help women who were/are in Sasha’s situation and need help, I think it could be a guide to taking those first steps to help yourself.
The writing style of this book was pleasant and really easy to read, with short chapters, which made it a great weekend read. It has a nice ending to the book, I would say realistic ending, not “happily ever after” one, which you can read in most fiction books. So, to conclude, even though there are many, many Sasha’s actions which made me question “Woman, why would you do this?”, I loved this book because it is funny, carries a strong message, and how relate-able it can be to some people. I do recommend it to all chick lit fans, and to all who are going through a nasty break up. Enjoy! :)
Was given this book by the author for honest review.
The main characters of this book were Sasha and Kirk, later joined by Sam. The whole narrative was told only from Sasha’s perspective, so we have to believe of how Sasha portrayed them and don’t really have an insight into their personalities to judge them ourselves. Even though Sasha was the lead in this story, my favorite character in this book was Sam. I honestly liked him for his charisma, understanding nature, and all women should have a partner like him. Some of Sasha’s actions really annoyed me, it’s like watching a horror movie, where the actress is going to a dark cellar willingly when we know she is going to die. In these cases, I really want to shout to her “danger, don’t go!”/ “don’t be stupid, you are going to die!”, but the actress still does it and gets hurt in the end… Why Sasha? Why?
The whole book was divided into three parts: “The year with rules”; “After Kirk”; “The year of no rules”. In the first part, Sasha was sharing her life with Kirk. How their dates used to go, what Kirk did in the past, and how she loved to spoil him. In the second part, Sasha was telling how she was dealing (or not) with her life after Kirk walked off. She shared he sorrows, memories, and how Kirk was psychologically tormenting her even many months after their break up. (Sasha why did you allow it? WHY?) In the third part, Sasha started to gather her life again, by setting little goals to fight her major depression and finding a fantastic man.
The plot of this novel often jumped between past and present through Sasha’s memories about Kirk and their relationship. What I loved the most about this book, was the topics which McClelland discussed in this book: the danger of controlling partners; forgiving person even after grand betrayal; major depression and how people can fight it; how to deal with broken trust. I think this book can really help women who were/are in Sasha’s situation and need help, I think it could be a guide to taking those first steps to help yourself.
The writing style of this book was pleasant and really easy to read, with short chapters, which made it a great weekend read. It has a nice ending to the book, I would say realistic ending, not “happily ever after” one, which you can read in most fiction books. So, to conclude, even though there are many, many Sasha’s actions which made me question “Woman, why would you do this?”, I loved this book because it is funny, carries a strong message, and how relate-able it can be to some people. I do recommend it to all chick lit fans, and to all who are going through a nasty break up. Enjoy! :)
Was given this book by the author for honest review.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Hen of the Baskervilles (Meg Langslow, #15) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Meg is the assistant direct at the Un-fair, a local alternative to the state fair. The first morning things get off to a rough start with some vandalism and theft, including two heritage chickens from the chicken tent. Throw in tension in the wine pavilion and things are hoping before the dead body shows up.
While I didn't find this one as laugh out loud funny as some of the previous entries, I did really enjoy it. The plot was good and the characters - new and old - were fun. Meg's twins stole every scene they were in, too. Fans of the series or lighter cozies in general will love it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-hen-of-baskervilles-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While I didn't find this one as laugh out loud funny as some of the previous entries, I did really enjoy it. The plot was good and the characters - new and old - were fun. Meg's twins stole every scene they were in, too. Fans of the series or lighter cozies in general will love it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-hen-of-baskervilles-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
ClareR (5991 KP) rated The Anomaly in Books
Jul 15, 2018 (Updated Aug 12, 2018)
A surprising debut!
Another book that I didn't expect to like, but the snappy dialogue drew me in much more than the action (to begin with!).
This has been described as Indiana Jones (if he didn't know anything about archaeology) crossed with Tomb Raider (except Nolan is NO Lara Croft!). This is hack archaeology on YouTube which no expert would touch with a barge pole, but the conspiracy theorists love.
The build up left me wanting to visit the Grand Canyon, the middle part made me think twice. The end made me glad there are photos!
It's a bit Sci-fi, adventure, mystery and really quite funny. I really enjoyed it and will look out for any follow-ups!
Thank you to the Pigeonhole for sharing this novel!
This has been described as Indiana Jones (if he didn't know anything about archaeology) crossed with Tomb Raider (except Nolan is NO Lara Croft!). This is hack archaeology on YouTube which no expert would touch with a barge pole, but the conspiracy theorists love.
The build up left me wanting to visit the Grand Canyon, the middle part made me think twice. The end made me glad there are photos!
It's a bit Sci-fi, adventure, mystery and really quite funny. I really enjoyed it and will look out for any follow-ups!
Thank you to the Pigeonhole for sharing this novel!
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Game Player (Game, #1) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
After one random hook up at the wedding of Mia's sister and Matt's brother, two years later Mia can't help but still want him. A well known player, Matt had never been into the "dating" thing yet something about Mia has him unable to stay away.. and once he's had her... there is no going back. Mia attempts to play the player and let their secret affair continue.. but can she trust him? How do you trust a man who is known to only spend one night and move on? These two are adorable together and hot as hell. The book was funny, moving and brought me to tears. A close-knit family that would do anything for one another, characters that you have to love and a fabulous storyline. Highly recommended - another incredible read!
Ross (3284 KP) rated Batman the Killing Joke in Books
Nov 9, 2018
Fantastically written self-contained story with superb artwork
This short graphic novel sees Batman trying to peacefully put an end to his conflict with the Joker (safely behind bars - or is he?) before one of them ends up dead. Needless to say Joker escapes and puts in place his plan to show the beauty of madness. He wants to show that everyone would be happier if they just let their brain snap under extreme strain, and then you'll always see the funny side.
Some superb artwork throughout the book, both in the current story and flashbacks of Mr J's life.
I think fans of the Arkham video games will get a real buzz out of this, it is totally in line with the stories and settings used in the games.
Some superb artwork throughout the book, both in the current story and flashbacks of Mr J's life.
I think fans of the Arkham video games will get a real buzz out of this, it is totally in line with the stories and settings used in the games.
David McK (3623 KP) rated Life, the Universe and Everything in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The third of the Hitch-Hikers Guide books, which starts with Ford Prefect and Arthur Dent still stuck on a prehistoric Earth.
It's not long, however, before they are back in 'our' time, roped into an attempt to save the Universe for destruction by an army of robots made by an alien race. Of course, they fail spectacularly in all their attempts to stop the robots gathering the items they need to release their masters, who were imprisoned inside a 'Slo-Time envelope' following a long and protracted war aeons ago.
To be honest, I found this book to be rather surreal. Despite a few good moments, it was never really laugh-out-loud funny, ending in a blatant attempt for a sequel (which, to be fair, I probably will read at some stage).
It's not long, however, before they are back in 'our' time, roped into an attempt to save the Universe for destruction by an army of robots made by an alien race. Of course, they fail spectacularly in all their attempts to stop the robots gathering the items they need to release their masters, who were imprisoned inside a 'Slo-Time envelope' following a long and protracted war aeons ago.
To be honest, I found this book to be rather surreal. Despite a few good moments, it was never really laugh-out-loud funny, ending in a blatant attempt for a sequel (which, to be fair, I probably will read at some stage).
David McK (3623 KP) rated Me Bandy, You Cissie (The Bandy Papers, #4) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The fourth book in Donald Jack's Bandy series of novels, following a Canadian aviator through the early parts of the 20th century.
This is the first novel not set in (or related to) The First World War, as it is set in the 1920s, and follows the trials and tribulations of its titular character upon his escape from Russia and return to America: events that see him join (and then get fired from) the postal service, and eventually become an unwitting early Hollywood star.
While it's still fitfully amusing, I have to say I didn't find this as funny as the earlier books: maybe because it is set in America, and relates to events and characters that we (in the West) are not as familiar with as our American or Canadian counter-parts.
This is the first novel not set in (or related to) The First World War, as it is set in the 1920s, and follows the trials and tribulations of its titular character upon his escape from Russia and return to America: events that see him join (and then get fired from) the postal service, and eventually become an unwitting early Hollywood star.
While it's still fitfully amusing, I have to say I didn't find this as funny as the earlier books: maybe because it is set in America, and relates to events and characters that we (in the West) are not as familiar with as our American or Canadian counter-parts.
Vicki Coyne (45 KP) rated The Bookish Life of Nina Hill in Books
Jan 3, 2020
The writing is conversational and witty, welcoming the reader right in (2 more)
The story flows really well to the point where it never seems like a good place to stop
It takes on anxiety, social awkwardness and modern family structures without breaking stride
Well written, funny and welcoming. Couldn't put it down.
Nina Hill is anxious, a control freak, competitive, smart and completely socially awkward. And you'll love her.
The story takes you briefly through her life growing up and gradually offers explanation for each of the character traits as her present story evolves.
I love that there are a couple of threads to the story and not just the love interest part.
Completely engaging and unputdownable.
The story takes you briefly through her life growing up and gradually offers explanation for each of the character traits as her present story evolves.
I love that there are a couple of threads to the story and not just the love interest part.
Completely engaging and unputdownable.
Can Anyone Hear Me?: Testing Times with Test Match Special on Tour
Book
For 25 years Peter Baxter toured the world for the BBC, producing and commentating on Test Match...
FF
Food Faces: 150 Feasts for the Eyes
Thomas Keller and Rudi Sodamin
Book
Edible ingredients are transformed into whimsical happy faces by the expert hand of chef Rudi...