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Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Room For Recovery (Hearts and Health #4) in Books

Mar 22, 2018

excellent addition to the series

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 4 in the Hearts and Health series, but you don't need to have read the others first, they are all stand alones.

I don't usually much care for younger main characters; end of high school, beginning of college age; probably because I'm far older than that, but while I KNEW Beau and Wade were that age, it never really sunk in, you know?? I KNEW they were 18 and 19, but they did not SEEM that age.

Wade and Beau have crushed on each other for as long as they can remember, but Wade's coming out led to disastrous consequences, and he doesn't want to admit that he's gay, not to himself, nor to anyone else. Beau, while not fully OUT, certainly aware of what and who he wants. When Beau is attacked, Wade goes all protective and the two get to really know each other.

I can't quite file this book on the warm and fuzzies shelf, like Bedside Manner, because Wade carries a lot of guilt about one thing and another BUT it is a fantastic read. Watching Wade and Beau getting to know each other properly, after being around each other for years, watching Wade deal with his demons, and watching them both fall, and fall far is excellent reading.

Wade pops up in Urgent Care, he is Trent's nephew and Wade is ANGRY at everything and everyone. We get just WHY he is so angry here and its painful reading, listening to Wade deal internally with everything, it really is.

An excellent addition to this series, and it introduces us to Dr Casper Rollins, who has his story next. I look forward to reading it.

5 not quite warm and fuzzie stars, but very nearly.

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

Kudos

Natalia (73 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books

Dec 14, 2018

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Becky Albertalli | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry, Gender Studies

9.0

(29 Ratings)

Book Rating

I have to admit that I will come off a bit biased in my review of this book, since it's one of my genuine favorites. Albertalli seems to just have this way of writing that can keep just about anyone engaged, and this paired up with such a touching, personal, and still-somehow-humorous story works perfectly.
The cast of characters is a realistic one. Simon's struggle to come to terms with being gay and to come out is coming from a place of understanding, and reflects perfectly the emotions most of us have or would feel in his position. Abby and Nick, though not particularly playing a large part in the overall story, act as normal people would in their situation, which is rare enough that I have to applaud it. Finally Leah, the last of the main group of friends, is a character we can probably relate to at least one person in our real life - and she's written perfectly for it, as a character we understand can be frustrating but still a good friend from Simon's perspective.
One of my favorite things about this book, however, would have to be the e-mails between Blue and Simon (or maybe calling him Jacques would be better when I talk about the e-mails?) All of these emails are scattered within the book, and give us an insight into the developing feelings between Simon and Blue such as when Simon (spoiler alert, possibly) finally signs off his e-mail with "love". Its the subtle details in these emails, and then also how their writing transfers to their real dialogue that makes it harder to not appreciate the care that went into this book - especially since its Albertalli's debut!
There's not much else I can really say about Simon without turning this review into a spoiler-filled minefield, but I would 100% recommend this book to anyone. Especially if the subject matter is something you can relate to, and if a romance with an original concept is what you're looking for!

Kudos

Fred (860 KP) rated Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) in Movies

Jan 24, 2019

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

2018 | Biography, Drama, Music

8.5

(156 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Listening to other people's reviews, I thought I would see a great movie about one of the greatest bands of all time & maybe the greatest singer of all time. But, in the end, I thought it was just okay.

Let's start with Rami Malek. Rami Malek was unbelievable & he deserves to win best actor. One of the best portrayals of a real person I've ever seen. He was Freddie Mercury. every move, every mannerism, perfect. The music is the best, because it's Queen & a couple of other great songs. Although the movie was over 2 hours long, it seemed rushed. Some great songs were missing and the time frame for some of the songs seemed way off. But any Queen songs is good enough.

But my main problem was I did find the movie to not be that interesting. There was nothing shocking, nothing we didn't already know. Freddie comes off as an egotistical prick, which he deserved to be, but it's not enjoyable to watch. There was not that much drama. And the drama there is, was just not played out right. Like the father is against his ways, but doesn't say anything. There's no tension there. When Mary breaks up with him because she knows he's gay, it's like nothing happens. Freddie is lonely so he throws big parties with people who aren't his friends. Yeah, we've seen that before. They play "Under Pressure" but no mention of David Bowie at all. Felt like they had to keep Freddie lonely for an attempt at some fake drama. They end the movie with a replica of Queen's appearance at Live Aid, which was great. It sent chills down my spine. And I'm guessing people are basing their love for the film, based on how the movie leaves them feeling. It was also great seeing Freddie Mercury himself singing during the credits. I enjoyed the movie over-all, but don't think I'd watch it again. I'd rather watch a Queen concert or Live Aid again.