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Sarah (126 KP) rated The Martian (2015) in Movies
Jul 30, 2018
Brilliant Movie
I honestly didn't expect to enjoy this film half as much as I did. It wasn't my choice to watch and one I put off until we couldn't think of anything else to put on one night.
In fact, I actually loved it! I laughed, my heart was racing with fear and excitement, and I cried for the character played by Matt Damon and the struggles he faced.
The premise doesn't sound particularly thrilling, one man stranded alone on a planet, and yet seeing how he copes with the difficulties thrown at him and the problems that he and the team trying to get him home have to overcome make it an extremely watchable and enjoyable film.
I've watched this now a few times and, even though I know what's coming and how it ends, I still get the same feelings of apprehension and relief, and I've still cried at exactly the same points.
I normally shy away from giving a 10/10, as there's always something that can be improved, but (bearing in mind I haven't read the book of this one, so can't put the film into context in that regard), I don't think there's anything I would change about this.
In fact, I actually loved it! I laughed, my heart was racing with fear and excitement, and I cried for the character played by Matt Damon and the struggles he faced.
The premise doesn't sound particularly thrilling, one man stranded alone on a planet, and yet seeing how he copes with the difficulties thrown at him and the problems that he and the team trying to get him home have to overcome make it an extremely watchable and enjoyable film.
I've watched this now a few times and, even though I know what's coming and how it ends, I still get the same feelings of apprehension and relief, and I've still cried at exactly the same points.
I normally shy away from giving a 10/10, as there's always something that can be improved, but (bearing in mind I haven't read the book of this one, so can't put the film into context in that regard), I don't think there's anything I would change about this.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding in Books
Aug 17, 2018
Is It the Summer of Weddings for Lady Georgianna?
Lady Georgianna, Georgie to her friends, is finally planning her wedding to Darcy O’Mara. However, before they get married, they need to figure out where they are going to live. The answer comes from an unlikely place, and soon Georgie is out to the country to get their new home ready for them. She isn’t surprised when she arrives to find the house is running on a minimal staff, but the staff that is there is extremely surprising. Something is definitely up, but can Georgie figure out what is going on? Will she finally get married?
As is typical for the series, the book started off a little slowly for me, giving us updates on the various people in Georgie’s life and talking about the wedding plans. There was also a recycled sub-plot in this section that annoyed me. However, once the action moves to Georgie’s potential new house, things really picked up. I was intrigued by what she was facing and couldn’t wait to see how it all was resolved. There is some great character growth for Georgie and another series regular here; overall, the cast is great like always. I was very satisfied with how this book ended.
As is typical for the series, the book started off a little slowly for me, giving us updates on the various people in Georgie’s life and talking about the wedding plans. There was also a recycled sub-plot in this section that annoyed me. However, once the action moves to Georgie’s potential new house, things really picked up. I was intrigued by what she was facing and couldn’t wait to see how it all was resolved. There is some great character growth for Georgie and another series regular here; overall, the cast is great like always. I was very satisfied with how this book ended.
meg (46 KP) rated Fitbit Alta HR Fitness Wristband in Tech
Aug 20, 2018
This is the first fitness tracker I've ever had, and I'm really happy with it. I was expecting it to come charged, which it wasn't, but it charged very quickly. The battery life is pretty good, I only charge it while I'm showering and the charge lasts until my next shower. It was pretty easy to sync to my phone, after I realized I needed to charge it first. The Fitbit app is very easy to use and I love that it tracks my sleep too. Wearing it is much better than I thought it would be. I have very small wrists, but the slim design makes it comfortable. The band is also much more comfortable than I expected.
My reasons for not giving this device a perfect score are minor. You need to tap the face of the device to turn the screen on and flip through the various screens (time, steps, heart rate, etc), and it's kind of finicky and doesn't always engage when I tap, if I don't do it just right. The brightness doesn't compete with a sunny day, so it can be hard to read in that environment. Otherwise, I think it's great and I'm really happy with it.
My reasons for not giving this device a perfect score are minor. You need to tap the face of the device to turn the screen on and flip through the various screens (time, steps, heart rate, etc), and it's kind of finicky and doesn't always engage when I tap, if I don't do it just right. The brightness doesn't compete with a sunny day, so it can be hard to read in that environment. Otherwise, I think it's great and I'm really happy with it.
Paul Smedley (141 KP) rated Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote in Tech
Sep 30, 2018
Faster (2 more)
Higher Quality Resolution
Massive amount of content
Much better than G1
Well I won this beauty in the giveaway and used it quite a bit lately before giving a review.
I already had the first generation firestick so knew how they worked but wanted one with the voice search function to accompany my Sky Q box that does the same.
Not only is the Alexa voice search function good but I also found that the resolution is better, the speed is better and the load up is quicker!
The load up is still slower than a Sky box or Netflix on my smart TV but it’s the home to great shows such as Preacher which I highly recommend.
Overall, if you’re looking for a firestick then this model is the one to go for for speed and access to the great programmes and films available through Amazon Prime.
Setup is extremely easy, a PIN can be used to stop little ones going on anything not age appropriate or to stop any unauthorised purchases plus it’s interface is easy enough for children to use to watch kids programmes or even play some android games on!
Top product, top present and even better as I got it through Smashbomb’s giveaway!!!
I already had the first generation firestick so knew how they worked but wanted one with the voice search function to accompany my Sky Q box that does the same.
Not only is the Alexa voice search function good but I also found that the resolution is better, the speed is better and the load up is quicker!
The load up is still slower than a Sky box or Netflix on my smart TV but it’s the home to great shows such as Preacher which I highly recommend.
Overall, if you’re looking for a firestick then this model is the one to go for for speed and access to the great programmes and films available through Amazon Prime.
Setup is extremely easy, a PIN can be used to stop little ones going on anything not age appropriate or to stop any unauthorised purchases plus it’s interface is easy enough for children to use to watch kids programmes or even play some android games on!
Top product, top present and even better as I got it through Smashbomb’s giveaway!!!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Taskmaster in TV
Oct 9, 2018
Hilariously bonkers
My friends raved about this show and I was forced slightly against my will to watch an episode, but in the end I was very glad I did.
This show is absolutely hilarious and has such a simple premise - comedians undertaking deceivingly simple or bizarre tasks to be scored by the Taskmaster himself Greg Davies. The tasks themselves vary, and so do the results which makes for very entertaining television. Watching fairly to very intelligent people come up with the silliest, stupid or downright convoluted solutions to basic tasks is so much fun. I also love Greg Davies’ very harsh wit and criticism, and how badly some of the contestants take it. Some series are funnier than others, and series 1 has so far been my favourite, but all are very entertaining to watch. Watching this show makes me think this could be what it’s like to work behind the scenes in escape rooms or the Crystal Maze experience, people trying to solve puzzles in the strangest of ways. Fair play to Alex Horne for managing to keep a straight face most of the time!
If you’re looking for something silly and lighthearted to watch, then I’d definitely suggest giving this a go.
This show is absolutely hilarious and has such a simple premise - comedians undertaking deceivingly simple or bizarre tasks to be scored by the Taskmaster himself Greg Davies. The tasks themselves vary, and so do the results which makes for very entertaining television. Watching fairly to very intelligent people come up with the silliest, stupid or downright convoluted solutions to basic tasks is so much fun. I also love Greg Davies’ very harsh wit and criticism, and how badly some of the contestants take it. Some series are funnier than others, and series 1 has so far been my favourite, but all are very entertaining to watch. Watching this show makes me think this could be what it’s like to work behind the scenes in escape rooms or the Crystal Maze experience, people trying to solve puzzles in the strangest of ways. Fair play to Alex Horne for managing to keep a straight face most of the time!
If you’re looking for something silly and lighthearted to watch, then I’d definitely suggest giving this a go.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Choosing (Seer, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
I am finding it difficult to write a review without giving too much of the story away! This book is filled with so many aspects that left my mind reeling, my heart aching, and my stomach churning. But through it all, the message is clear. The Father has chosen us, chosen me. I am beautiful, I have worth. There is freedom in the truth.
With multiple viewpoints and storylines to follow, this book is intense and pretty heavy at times. But LIFE and TRUTH bleed through in even the most dreadful moments. Rachelle has created a brilliant dystopian world with intriguing characters. Reading this book kept me up late and had me biting my nails. I even had a dream or two about the story. It gets inside your head for sure! Watching Carrington develop and grow and become a seer of truth was beautiful.
The Choosing is the first book of a series and definitely leaves you wanting more. However, it does end with a fairly satisfying conclusion...for now. I enjoyed Rachelle Dekker's debut novel and look forward to continuing this series.
I received The Choosing as a gift. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
With multiple viewpoints and storylines to follow, this book is intense and pretty heavy at times. But LIFE and TRUTH bleed through in even the most dreadful moments. Rachelle has created a brilliant dystopian world with intriguing characters. Reading this book kept me up late and had me biting my nails. I even had a dream or two about the story. It gets inside your head for sure! Watching Carrington develop and grow and become a seer of truth was beautiful.
The Choosing is the first book of a series and definitely leaves you wanting more. However, it does end with a fairly satisfying conclusion...for now. I enjoyed Rachelle Dekker's debut novel and look forward to continuing this series.
I received The Choosing as a gift. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
ClareR (6106 KP) rated 99 Nights in Logar in Books
Jan 5, 2019
Just not for me...
I don't like giving low marks, but I really struggled with this book. The synopsis of the book was very interesting: 12 year old Marwand and his young cousins set off on a journey to find the family dog after it bites off Marwand's finger and escapes. They travel through a remote area of Afghanistan without any adults knowledge. So far so good. I liked the premise of the story.
Where I struggled was the style of writing. Pakhto and Farsi were used in the story, and I found it impossible to understand. Perhaps the end published book will have a glossary to refer to? Even the context where the language was used didn't help me. The family relationships and forms of address were complicates and I really couldn't keep track of who was who (could this be added into a glossary?). Finally, for me, the animal cruelty was pretty difficult to stomach.
Other readers may be able to see past this last point, and a glossary may well be added in the finished, published book, but I'm afraid this is just not for me personally.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book to read and review.
Where I struggled was the style of writing. Pakhto and Farsi were used in the story, and I found it impossible to understand. Perhaps the end published book will have a glossary to refer to? Even the context where the language was used didn't help me. The family relationships and forms of address were complicates and I really couldn't keep track of who was who (could this be added into a glossary?). Finally, for me, the animal cruelty was pretty difficult to stomach.
Other readers may be able to see past this last point, and a glossary may well be added in the finished, published book, but I'm afraid this is just not for me personally.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book to read and review.
Merissa (13866 KP) rated Dark One's Bride (Dark One's Trilogy #2) in Books
Dec 30, 2019
DARK ONE'S BRIDE continues where book one (Dark One's Mistress) finished, with a five-month gap. We rejoin Clara as she travels to Endlight to be reunited with Lucias and prepare for their wedding. Attitudes need to be adjusted all round, as Lucias needs to realise he can't just throw his life away recklessly, and Clara has to join in with the other noblewomen.
It was great to see Brenna had improved from book one. I found her to be a bit too obvious in that book, so to see this new side of her was delightful. I just hope she remains trustworthy in the last book.
There is a lot of action in this book, with many assassination attempts on Clara. There is also Thalia giving birth to Thad's son, which freaks Clara out as it doesn't go 'normally'. I found this to be refreshingly honest! How many 17-year-olds do you know that would accept that sort of birth without it raising concerns and questions?!?!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I want Clara and Lucias to return to the Citadel. Endlight is good, but the Citadel is their home. This book does end on a cliffhanger so I'm hoping book three won't be long to arrive.
Absolutely recommended by me.
It was great to see Brenna had improved from book one. I found her to be a bit too obvious in that book, so to see this new side of her was delightful. I just hope she remains trustworthy in the last book.
There is a lot of action in this book, with many assassination attempts on Clara. There is also Thalia giving birth to Thad's son, which freaks Clara out as it doesn't go 'normally'. I found this to be refreshingly honest! How many 17-year-olds do you know that would accept that sort of birth without it raising concerns and questions?!?!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I want Clara and Lucias to return to the Citadel. Endlight is good, but the Citadel is their home. This book does end on a cliffhanger so I'm hoping book three won't be long to arrive.
Absolutely recommended by me.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books
Jan 23, 2019
John Green's "Turtles All the Way Down" introduces us to sixteen-year-old Aza, a teenage girl with mental health issues who is desperate to blend in and just be a normal teenage girl. After giving in to Daisy's, her best friend, nagging, the two girls attempt to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Russell Pickett and collect the reward. Aza was not planning on connecting back with Davis, Russell's son, whom she knew when they were kids, but she does.
Of course there is romance, but it is not the focus of the story. It is more than just a typical YA romance novel. It deals with handling mental illness, going to counseling, thinking you are crazy, and knowing your uncontrollable behaviors are not normal. It is about trying to manage the pressures of being a teenager - family, school, friends, and a boy.
John Green's novels have probably touched as many people today as had John Hughes's movies in the 80s. He focuses on real teenage problems and allows a glimpse inside their thoughts and feelings. He allows young adults to realize they are not alone, that others feel the same way, and “Your now is not your forever.”
Of course there is romance, but it is not the focus of the story. It is more than just a typical YA romance novel. It deals with handling mental illness, going to counseling, thinking you are crazy, and knowing your uncontrollable behaviors are not normal. It is about trying to manage the pressures of being a teenager - family, school, friends, and a boy.
John Green's novels have probably touched as many people today as had John Hughes's movies in the 80s. He focuses on real teenage problems and allows a glimpse inside their thoughts and feelings. He allows young adults to realize they are not alone, that others feel the same way, and “Your now is not your forever.”
Merissa (13866 KP) rated Shadow of Deception (The Kazumi Chronicles #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
There is so much that goes on in this book, but that is not a bad thing. In fact, even when it had finished, I still needed more!!
You get a prologue with a young child, then it skips forward ten years and she is the sole survivor of a plane crash. You don't know how or why, and you stay with "Gabi" as she tries to figure out who she is and where she belongs. She is taken to a secret location where there is a specialised group of people called Sarcomeres.
I won't go into the story any further as I hate giving away spoilers. Suffice it to say, I loved every word. It is full of action and intrigue, with snippets of memory surfacing occasionally. There is certainly more than enough to keep your attention! With a hint of romance between Finn and Gabi/Kazumi as well, this is a well-rounded story with full-bodied and believable characters.
This is certainly an author I will be following and I really hope that she brings out more books in general, but specifically with this world and characters. Highly recommended.
* I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
You get a prologue with a young child, then it skips forward ten years and she is the sole survivor of a plane crash. You don't know how or why, and you stay with "Gabi" as she tries to figure out who she is and where she belongs. She is taken to a secret location where there is a specialised group of people called Sarcomeres.
I won't go into the story any further as I hate giving away spoilers. Suffice it to say, I loved every word. It is full of action and intrigue, with snippets of memory surfacing occasionally. There is certainly more than enough to keep your attention! With a hint of romance between Finn and Gabi/Kazumi as well, this is a well-rounded story with full-bodied and believable characters.
This is certainly an author I will be following and I really hope that she brings out more books in general, but specifically with this world and characters. Highly recommended.
* I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!