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Awix (3310 KP) rated Johnny English Strikes Again (2018) in Movies
Oct 10, 2018
Unwanted and underwhelming third outing for Rowan Atkinson's credit-card-advert-character from long ago. When a cyber-attack on the British government exposes the identity of every active agent, retired spy/moron Johnny English is brought back to find those responsible. Much obvious slapstick and many painfully telegraphed punchlines ensue; I did laugh a bit, but possibly out of sympathy.
This time around it seems obvious that the film is being pitched towards a very young audience, which explains its general silliness and reluctance to engage in anything resembling actual satire - as it is, the film's capacity to get real-world issues utterly wrong is almost uncanny (Britain and the Russians team up to stop cyber-terrorists). On the other hand, some of it feels aimed at older viewers who are generally suspicious and resentful of the modern world (the internet is bad, smartphones are bad, the Health and Safety Act is silly, etc). Maybe it's meant to be a film for right-wing grandparents to take their kids' kids to.
On the other hand, it's Rowan Atkinson, who is a superbly gifted clown, and there are inevitably a few amusing bits along the way - but not nearly enough, given his talent. Hopefully this is as close to actually not being funny as he will ever get.
This time around it seems obvious that the film is being pitched towards a very young audience, which explains its general silliness and reluctance to engage in anything resembling actual satire - as it is, the film's capacity to get real-world issues utterly wrong is almost uncanny (Britain and the Russians team up to stop cyber-terrorists). On the other hand, some of it feels aimed at older viewers who are generally suspicious and resentful of the modern world (the internet is bad, smartphones are bad, the Health and Safety Act is silly, etc). Maybe it's meant to be a film for right-wing grandparents to take their kids' kids to.
On the other hand, it's Rowan Atkinson, who is a superbly gifted clown, and there are inevitably a few amusing bits along the way - but not nearly enough, given his talent. Hopefully this is as close to actually not being funny as he will ever get.
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated My Arms Will Hold You Tight in Books
Jun 11, 2021
Have you been looking for a book that you could give your child or grandchild or read to when they are born to toddler age? Though they could never need to outgrow it. Well, “My Arms Will Hold You Tight” by Crystal Bowman, and Teri McKinley is a book to have on your little one bookshelves.
This book is adorable. I love the rhyming of the book. I felt the meaning and what this is all about as I was reading it. It is an excellent book for baby showers and gifts; You will be able to read this book to your little one from the time they are born and through years of their growth. The book shows how your loving arms are there for them throughout their happy times and sad times.
This book is great for grandparents and moms, and dads to tell their little ones how much love they have for them. This book shows an adult animal with its little one. The words describe what the pictures are offering, and it is sweet. I love the pictures.
Parents will want to read and reread this book to their little ones so much that their children will love it. Children will love having their little ones read to them and see that their loved ones hold them tight.
This book is adorable. I love the rhyming of the book. I felt the meaning and what this is all about as I was reading it. It is an excellent book for baby showers and gifts; You will be able to read this book to your little one from the time they are born and through years of their growth. The book shows how your loving arms are there for them throughout their happy times and sad times.
This book is great for grandparents and moms, and dads to tell their little ones how much love they have for them. This book shows an adult animal with its little one. The words describe what the pictures are offering, and it is sweet. I love the pictures.
Parents will want to read and reread this book to their little ones so much that their children will love it. Children will love having their little ones read to them and see that their loved ones hold them tight.
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks in Books
Nov 21, 2021
The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks is another excellent book to have for your child or children's bookshelves during the holiday season. Suppose you are looking for another good Thanksgiving book. This one is good.
This one somewhat brings in the fact of Sister's feelings about Thanksgiving dinner and a turkey. Have you had to distract a child from worrying and giving them something else to do? Well, this book shows that with Sister Bear and her worry about a turkey named Plymouth. Mama seems to come up with a suggestion that Sister can write a play about Thanksgiving or the Pilgrims Bears and their journey over to the new land. How we have our Thanksgiving feast and how it came about.
This book teaches several different life lessons and some meaningful things we should be thankful for. Children should be able to describe what Thanksgiving is at your house by their feelings or senses. What could they all be?
Some things children can do as they wait for the dinner on Thanksgiving occur act out or write a Thanksgiving story or what they think the Thanksgiving story is. You may be surprised what Thanksgiving means for them or your family.
Parents and grandparents might want to add this to your child's bookshelves, for they will want to read and reread it. It is terrific to read before the holiday.
This one somewhat brings in the fact of Sister's feelings about Thanksgiving dinner and a turkey. Have you had to distract a child from worrying and giving them something else to do? Well, this book shows that with Sister Bear and her worry about a turkey named Plymouth. Mama seems to come up with a suggestion that Sister can write a play about Thanksgiving or the Pilgrims Bears and their journey over to the new land. How we have our Thanksgiving feast and how it came about.
This book teaches several different life lessons and some meaningful things we should be thankful for. Children should be able to describe what Thanksgiving is at your house by their feelings or senses. What could they all be?
Some things children can do as they wait for the dinner on Thanksgiving occur act out or write a Thanksgiving story or what they think the Thanksgiving story is. You may be surprised what Thanksgiving means for them or your family.
Parents and grandparents might want to add this to your child's bookshelves, for they will want to read and reread it. It is terrific to read before the holiday.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Lopsided Christmas Cake in Books
Feb 27, 2019
In trademark fashion, Wanda Brunstetter, along with Jean Brunstetter, has created another captivating Amish novel. It's a fantastic start to a new series, and kept me hooked until the end. The blended writing style of these two talented ladies was a refreshing experience!
Thelma and Elma's characters stole my heart completely! Their characters are unique! They are identical twins, but they are older, in their 30s. That's unusual in books like these but I loved that twist to the story! They are twins, yet so different. These sweet ladies really kept me smiling! Their devotion to their grandparents, God and to each other was really wonderful. The mishaps of their lives, the possibility of being old maids and never finding love, the quirkiness woven into the story, all of it kept me engrossed in the story. Watching one lopsided yummy cake change that, well it was not what I was expecting but was also refreshing.
I loved Joseph and Delbert's characters, too. They really livened up the story!
This is definitely a book worth 5 stars and 2 thumbs up. It's going to the top of my list of 2017 top reads. If you love yummy cakes, quirky characters, God and family, be sure and snatch this one up! You'll be left wanting more mishaps from these lovely twins! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-the-lopsided-christmas-cake-by-wanda-and-jean-brunstetter/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Thelma and Elma's characters stole my heart completely! Their characters are unique! They are identical twins, but they are older, in their 30s. That's unusual in books like these but I loved that twist to the story! They are twins, yet so different. These sweet ladies really kept me smiling! Their devotion to their grandparents, God and to each other was really wonderful. The mishaps of their lives, the possibility of being old maids and never finding love, the quirkiness woven into the story, all of it kept me engrossed in the story. Watching one lopsided yummy cake change that, well it was not what I was expecting but was also refreshing.
I loved Joseph and Delbert's characters, too. They really livened up the story!
This is definitely a book worth 5 stars and 2 thumbs up. It's going to the top of my list of 2017 top reads. If you love yummy cakes, quirky characters, God and family, be sure and snatch this one up! You'll be left wanting more mishaps from these lovely twins! <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-the-lopsided-christmas-cake-by-wanda-and-jean-brunstetter/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated 'Twas the Morning of Easter in Books
Mar 27, 2021
Are you a fan of the classic book called "'Twas Night Before Christmas" by Clement Moore? The style implies it applied in this book called "'Twas the Morning of Easter." It is quite enjoyable; It sees the rhyming of the poem throughout the book. My rating is four and a half stars (Moons). I am curious about how the first book called "'Twas the Evening of Christmas" is done. I would love to read that one.
It is a neat way to do the story of Jesus' resurrection; It a book that will have children interacting with it or continuing to read every year. The could become a new Easter tradition by having this book read either the night before Easter, even a few days before, on the morning of Easter.
Children and grandchildren can see a fresh and new way to see Jesus' resurrection through this book. The poem style is down wonderfully. I enjoyed reading it this way. Not too hard to understand and is enjoyable. I have not found a better way to read the resurrection of Jesus as completing and knowledge as this book.
The pictures do it the story well. Children and adults will treasure this book and want to read it year after year—it an excellent book to start a new tradition with family. Grandparents and parents can read this to their children and youngsters. Children may even understand the meaning of Easter better than before.
It is a neat way to do the story of Jesus' resurrection; It a book that will have children interacting with it or continuing to read every year. The could become a new Easter tradition by having this book read either the night before Easter, even a few days before, on the morning of Easter.
Children and grandchildren can see a fresh and new way to see Jesus' resurrection through this book. The poem style is down wonderfully. I enjoyed reading it this way. Not too hard to understand and is enjoyable. I have not found a better way to read the resurrection of Jesus as completing and knowledge as this book.
The pictures do it the story well. Children and adults will treasure this book and want to read it year after year—it an excellent book to start a new tradition with family. Grandparents and parents can read this to their children and youngsters. Children may even understand the meaning of Easter better than before.
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated Night Night Bible Stories in Books
Aug 23, 2019
Night Night Bible Stories is a collection of stories for children. Parents can read them a story from this book each night. It good for parents and grandparents a like. The book is done well. I enjoyed each story and it understandable for children.
It was able to understand it better then reading the bible itself. It got stories from the old testament and some for the new testament. It broken down into these two parts. Though they flow together nicely in this one book.
The picture are done well. I really got the story behind each one with the pictures. The words and phrases were done well. I was really enjoyed them prase that chance with each story that you read. Some of the stories I got and knew well. I also got new stories I have not known or did not remember. It was really well done for me to understand and read.
Children will be able to grasp the stories being read to them and later be able to pick up the book and read themselves once they have learn to read. This book is worth having for young readers and parents. You can give it as a gift if you want or keep it yourself or for your children or grandchildren. Each story is different but they are written well. The easy to read and simple as well.
It was able to understand it better then reading the bible itself. It got stories from the old testament and some for the new testament. It broken down into these two parts. Though they flow together nicely in this one book.
The picture are done well. I really got the story behind each one with the pictures. The words and phrases were done well. I was really enjoyed them prase that chance with each story that you read. Some of the stories I got and knew well. I also got new stories I have not known or did not remember. It was really well done for me to understand and read.
Children will be able to grasp the stories being read to them and later be able to pick up the book and read themselves once they have learn to read. This book is worth having for young readers and parents. You can give it as a gift if you want or keep it yourself or for your children or grandchildren. Each story is different but they are written well. The easy to read and simple as well.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated The Christmas Caper in Books
Dec 19, 2022
Museum Robbery at Christmas
Tempest Raj and her family are reviving a Christmas tradition this year – Christmas in Scotland. Her grandparents have even booked a flat with a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle. However, a reunion with a family friend present Tempest with a puzzle to solve. The local museum was robbed recently, and no one can figure out how the thieves pulled it off. The friend has a connection to the museum and asks Tempest to see if she can figure out how the thieves pulled it off. Will Tempest’s background as a magician help solve the puzzle?
When I learned about this story, I immediate snagged it to read during December. It was exactly what I expected, a fun, short read. I finished it in under an hour. As a result, the story is a bit straight forward, but that’s not really a complaint. More an observation. While we don’t see all the characters we met in the first book, it was fun catching up with some of them again. The new characters work for the story here. While this does fit between the first and second novels in the series, you don’t have to have read them to enjoy this book. Speaking of enjoying, there are two recipes at the end that sound delicious. If you are looking for a short story to read in December, you’ll be glad you snagged this one.
When I learned about this story, I immediate snagged it to read during December. It was exactly what I expected, a fun, short read. I finished it in under an hour. As a result, the story is a bit straight forward, but that’s not really a complaint. More an observation. While we don’t see all the characters we met in the first book, it was fun catching up with some of them again. The new characters work for the story here. While this does fit between the first and second novels in the series, you don’t have to have read them to enjoy this book. Speaking of enjoying, there are two recipes at the end that sound delicious. If you are looking for a short story to read in December, you’ll be glad you snagged this one.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated The Things We Cannot Say in Books
Jun 5, 2019
The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer delves into how loved ones are never forgotten within the backdrop of WWII. At the drop of a hat someone’s life can change all of sudden, which is what happened to a family after the Nazis occupied Poland.
Based on her own family, Rimmer tells how “my grandparents were Polish Catholic. They never spoke a lot about what happened to them before they immigrated to Australia. We did not know about how they lived. They would not talk about the war and seemed to put it behind them. I saw this picture of my grandparents in the sunshine and so relaxed. This got me thinking about their story, how they had hope and despair. I decided to travel to the village where they lived in Poland with my aunt and sister. I was able to capture what life was like including Auschwitz and Birkenau, which was such a shocking experience. It is impossible to get my head around the violence of that era, the utter brutality and cruelty.”
The story alternates between war-torn Poland in the 1930s and 1940s and modern-day Florida. The main characters are Alina, having to endure the horrific Nazi occupation; Alice, and her grandmother Hanna, who has made a dying wish, find Tomasz, her soul mate in Poland.
Alice is living in Florida, juggling between being the mother of a six-year-old boy, Eddie, who has autism and her ten-year-old daughter, Callie, who is extremely gifted. Hanna, her grandmother, at the age ninety-five, has suffered a debilitating stroke where she can no longer speak. These present-day characters are somehow related to the past through Alina.
Enduring the Nazis, Alina is struggling to survive and find hope that she and Tomasz can marry at the war’s conclusion. But as their situation gets worse hope begins to dwindle and they wonder, after being separated, will they ever see each other again. This story does not spare the reader all the horrors of the Nazis where they killed in cold blood and used the tools of starvation, rape, and disease.
What makes this story stand out are the relationships. It is heartwarming to read how Eddie has connected with his grandmother and the love between them. Alice and Hanna also have a special relationship since she was the one who gave her granddaughter unconditional love and support, while Alice’s mother became a career mom. Alina and Tomasz also had a special love that was deep and touching.
“I wanted to write about autism and how Eddie is a real person who had the people around him benefit from his life. He and Hanna understood and accepted each other. I also wanted to show how technology helped both he and Hanna communicate through an App. I had some experience with not being able to communicate. Just before I left for Poland I collapsed from a seizure of temporal lobe epilepsy, and was not able to speak for half an hour. I realized how frustrating it is and how scary.”
This emotional historical novel brings together the present and the past. It encompasses loyalty, love, and devotion.
Based on her own family, Rimmer tells how “my grandparents were Polish Catholic. They never spoke a lot about what happened to them before they immigrated to Australia. We did not know about how they lived. They would not talk about the war and seemed to put it behind them. I saw this picture of my grandparents in the sunshine and so relaxed. This got me thinking about their story, how they had hope and despair. I decided to travel to the village where they lived in Poland with my aunt and sister. I was able to capture what life was like including Auschwitz and Birkenau, which was such a shocking experience. It is impossible to get my head around the violence of that era, the utter brutality and cruelty.”
The story alternates between war-torn Poland in the 1930s and 1940s and modern-day Florida. The main characters are Alina, having to endure the horrific Nazi occupation; Alice, and her grandmother Hanna, who has made a dying wish, find Tomasz, her soul mate in Poland.
Alice is living in Florida, juggling between being the mother of a six-year-old boy, Eddie, who has autism and her ten-year-old daughter, Callie, who is extremely gifted. Hanna, her grandmother, at the age ninety-five, has suffered a debilitating stroke where she can no longer speak. These present-day characters are somehow related to the past through Alina.
Enduring the Nazis, Alina is struggling to survive and find hope that she and Tomasz can marry at the war’s conclusion. But as their situation gets worse hope begins to dwindle and they wonder, after being separated, will they ever see each other again. This story does not spare the reader all the horrors of the Nazis where they killed in cold blood and used the tools of starvation, rape, and disease.
What makes this story stand out are the relationships. It is heartwarming to read how Eddie has connected with his grandmother and the love between them. Alice and Hanna also have a special relationship since she was the one who gave her granddaughter unconditional love and support, while Alice’s mother became a career mom. Alina and Tomasz also had a special love that was deep and touching.
“I wanted to write about autism and how Eddie is a real person who had the people around him benefit from his life. He and Hanna understood and accepted each other. I also wanted to show how technology helped both he and Hanna communicate through an App. I had some experience with not being able to communicate. Just before I left for Poland I collapsed from a seizure of temporal lobe epilepsy, and was not able to speak for half an hour. I realized how frustrating it is and how scary.”
This emotional historical novel brings together the present and the past. It encompasses loyalty, love, and devotion.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Surfacing in Books
Nov 28, 2017
Surfacing by Daniel Stephens
Surfacing is the engrossing story of a young man, hurt beyond belief and grieving, lost to his world but desperately trying to reconnect. Everywhere he turns, he drowns in memories of the life and loves that have been taken from him. So he returns to his roots, to the cabin where he spent the summers with his grandparents, hoping to find some solace. What he finds is a family - a group of people where many of them remember him from his youth. Where he can find out just who he is, and learn to deal with the grief, and maybe even move forwards and find love again.
The descriptions in this book are second to none - whether it is the characters, the wolf, or even the cabin. They will pull you in and keep you reading. It is a story of pain, of loss, of heartbreak. And yet there is also the glimmer of hope, of the future, if only you feed the right wolf! There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was smooth throughout. Whilst this book is also about love, the only thing that is 'shown' is kissing - the rest is fade to black.
This is a poignant story that I thoroughly enjoyed, and would highly recommend to all.
* 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!
The descriptions in this book are second to none - whether it is the characters, the wolf, or even the cabin. They will pull you in and keep you reading. It is a story of pain, of loss, of heartbreak. And yet there is also the glimmer of hope, of the future, if only you feed the right wolf! There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was smooth throughout. Whilst this book is also about love, the only thing that is 'shown' is kissing - the rest is fade to black.
This is a poignant story that I thoroughly enjoyed, and would highly recommend to all.
* 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!
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Hiding Places in Books
May 10, 2018
Kate and her family live at the Harrison Lodge, a hotel that has been in her family for generations. Together with her two older sister, Olivia and Alyssa; her mother Janet; her grandparents, Donna and Daniel; and her great grandmother, Pearl, Kate helps where she can around the lodge, but she spends most of her time in different hiding places listening in on her family and guests. When Kate discovers someone who is in need of her help, she doesn't hesitate to provide her assistance which helps to bring back the original purpose of the lodge. But when this stranger brings trouble to the only home Kate has ever known, will the hiding places be enough to keep them all safe.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I have read by Erin Healy and I'm excited to read more by her. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed that there was a child as the main character. Not because of the situation that they were involved in, but it showed strength and commitment to a character you may not always associate these traits with.
This is another book that was hard to put down. I got upset when I fell asleep or had other things I had to get done that would tear me away from the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book that will hold your attention throughout its entirety.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I have read by Erin Healy and I'm excited to read more by her. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed that there was a child as the main character. Not because of the situation that they were involved in, but it showed strength and commitment to a character you may not always associate these traits with.
This is another book that was hard to put down. I got upset when I fell asleep or had other things I had to get done that would tear me away from the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a book that will hold your attention throughout its entirety.