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Fatoumata Diawara recommended New & Ancient Strings by Toumani Diabate and Ballake Sissoko in Music (curated)
Awix (3310 KP) rated Judy (2019) in Movies
Oct 9, 2019 (Updated Oct 9, 2019)
Biopic of the legendary actress and singer is pretty much exactly the film you'd expect, which may be an issue. Another one of those movies depicting an icon in their later years, struggling for happiness, reappraising their life - it's not unlike Stan and Ollie, and the two films do share a character (though played by different actors).
Full-on give-me-an-Oscar performance by Zellweger, and as a piece of impersonation it's very impressive; perhaps it works so well because Garland was one of those people so hollowed out by the demands of the entertainment business and their own talent that they only really had any kind of identity when they were performing. Consistently tragic, as you would expect - I ended up feeling quite angry on Garland's behalf, which I didn't expect, and there are some unexpectedly moving moments. Well put together and nicely played, it covers all the basics but doesn't really excel in any department.
Full-on give-me-an-Oscar performance by Zellweger, and as a piece of impersonation it's very impressive; perhaps it works so well because Garland was one of those people so hollowed out by the demands of the entertainment business and their own talent that they only really had any kind of identity when they were performing. Consistently tragic, as you would expect - I ended up feeling quite angry on Garland's behalf, which I didn't expect, and there are some unexpectedly moving moments. Well put together and nicely played, it covers all the basics but doesn't really excel in any department.
GustavoCampello (6 KP) rated Hive (2021) in Movies
Feb 10, 2022
Sundance Film Award winning film, it took me a while to write because even now things are still hammering in my head. It is a simple film, but extremely strong. A portrait of a society so different from ours, with a Muslim and sexist majority. The delivery to the role of all the actresses is impressive as it is so realistic. The scenes that caught my attention the most are the moments of calm and happiness of women in the midst of such a chaotic and sad life. The ghosts of conflict and the scars they cause are present in every second of the film and it manages to convey, as far as possible, the horror that is war. A film about empowerment that anyone who cares about feminism has to watch. Now I'm in the mood to try ajvar, I have a friend from Macedonia who confirmed that it's delicious, looking for it in a market.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Bell Chime in Books
Dec 29, 2023
207 of 235
Kindle
The Bell Chime
By Mona Kabbani
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Can you hear the bell chime?"
A girl suffering from paralyzing night terrors finds a missing poster hanging from the door of her apartment building. On that poster is a photograph of a frighteningly familiar face.
It’s her.
Only, she’s never seen this photo before and something about its grin scares her. How its eyes seem to follow her no matter where she finds herself in the room.
Over a series of strange events to follow—events that will make her question whether her sanity is still there or fleeting—she must discover:
What is real and what is the nightmare?
This was eerily sad in so many ways. As someone who deals with psychosis and depression it struck home so hard! The question in the the foreword is thought provoking what exactly would you give up for peace of mind or happiness? Really well written.
Kindle
The Bell Chime
By Mona Kabbani
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Can you hear the bell chime?"
A girl suffering from paralyzing night terrors finds a missing poster hanging from the door of her apartment building. On that poster is a photograph of a frighteningly familiar face.
It’s her.
Only, she’s never seen this photo before and something about its grin scares her. How its eyes seem to follow her no matter where she finds herself in the room.
Over a series of strange events to follow—events that will make her question whether her sanity is still there or fleeting—she must discover:
What is real and what is the nightmare?
This was eerily sad in so many ways. As someone who deals with psychosis and depression it struck home so hard! The question in the the foreword is thought provoking what exactly would you give up for peace of mind or happiness? Really well written.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Less of More: Pursuing Spiritual Abundance in a World of Never Enough in Books
Nov 4, 2019
Synopsis: For most Americans, the pursuit of happiness really means the pursuit of more--more money, more prestige, more stuff. We've made idols out of innovation, growth, power, and wealth. Far from offering us happiness and satisfaction, this has only left us exhausted, isolated, miserable, and wondering if there is a better way.
There is. Less of More exposes our pursuit of more for what it truly is: an attempt to satisfy our souls with the temporary instead of the eternal. Pastor and writer Chris Nye invites us to consider what a full and abundant life looks like apart from money, status, and power. He exposes the lies inherent in our obsession with growth, fame, and wealth and calls us to a countercultural life marked by connection, obscurity, vulnerability, and generosity.
If you have gained the world but lost your soul, Less of More offers a compelling path toward a life of true, deep, lasting satisfaction with Jesus--not us--at the center of it.
My Thoughts: We live in a world that seems to push bigger is better, more makes us happier, but is that really true? Is that what God really wants for us? In this book author, Chris Nye takes a long hard look at how the world and the culture are forming what we think we need to live our lives. The author asks us to think about what a full life looks like without all the extras in our life; the money, status, and power that individuals seek every day. The author shows us the lies that are in these things, the obsession with having it all, the fame, the bigger churches, instead of seeking what God wants for us in our lives.
This book is an eye opener and a must read for everyone.
????
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
There is. Less of More exposes our pursuit of more for what it truly is: an attempt to satisfy our souls with the temporary instead of the eternal. Pastor and writer Chris Nye invites us to consider what a full and abundant life looks like apart from money, status, and power. He exposes the lies inherent in our obsession with growth, fame, and wealth and calls us to a countercultural life marked by connection, obscurity, vulnerability, and generosity.
If you have gained the world but lost your soul, Less of More offers a compelling path toward a life of true, deep, lasting satisfaction with Jesus--not us--at the center of it.
My Thoughts: We live in a world that seems to push bigger is better, more makes us happier, but is that really true? Is that what God really wants for us? In this book author, Chris Nye takes a long hard look at how the world and the culture are forming what we think we need to live our lives. The author asks us to think about what a full life looks like without all the extras in our life; the money, status, and power that individuals seek every day. The author shows us the lies that are in these things, the obsession with having it all, the fame, the bigger churches, instead of seeking what God wants for us in our lives.
This book is an eye opener and a must read for everyone.
????
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Susan (45 KP) rated Eat Pray Love: One Woman's Search for Everything in Books
Jul 4, 2017
A book that inspires you to live while you're alive and to find yourself (2 more)
Easy to get lost in this book, you'll find yourself wandering thru Rome, India and Bali, personally experiencing Elizabeth's journey
Loss, humor, insight and drama and romance, this book has it all
"I used to have this appetite for my life. And now it’s just gone. I want to go someplace where I can MARVEL at something." Elizabeth Gilbert
Contains spoilers, click to show
Elizabeth Gilbert is one of my favorite authors so I knew this would be an amazing book and I was not disappointed! She has this amazing ability to make you forget you're reading a book...suddenly you're in the book, experiencing everything due to the beautiful detail and honesty with which she writes. An inspiration to everyone who has ever felt lost, stuck, hopeless or lost their zest for life. While we can't all take off and travel the world to find ourselves like Elizabeth, we can live vicariously through her writing and gain hope, insight and in the end happiness.
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated Between Heaven and Earth in Books
Jan 29, 2018
This was an adorably sweet story. I love good vs evil and I love angels so this was a plus on so many levels. I was happy with the characters and I was sad with them. The writing made me feel with them and made me feel as if I was in the story with them. I love when a writer yanks me into the story so I am part of it with the characters. Damascus was awesome but I will admit... his brother was hotter ;) I know he wasn't the "good" one but what can I say... I love a good bad boy. Amelia was very strong and smart. She was pretty and sassy and I loved her character. I loved who she was and how she loved. I was glad that it wasn't just a "wam bam we love each other no issues" type story. They had issues, they had happiness and sadness, and it wasn't easy. It was a very good story and I would recommend it to my YA loving friends for sure.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Saving Me in Books
Mar 5, 2018
The Perfect Book
I simply cannot find the right words to use in this review that will do Saving Me any justice. First I'll say that this is the first book I've read written by Sadie Allen and I loved every single moment of this story. You know that you have found the perfect book when you find that you can relate to the story and characters in such a way that it feels like the author could be retelling your own story. We are allowed access to the very soul of Ally, and we can feel her emotional despair, her hopes, desires and what will ultimately be life changing moments. I wept for her, felt anger for her, but I also felt moments of extreme happiness for her. The reflective message contained within the pages of this book will stay with readers of all ages.
{I received a copy for review purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own,}
{I received a copy for review purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own,}
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #6) in Books
Jul 10, 2018
Review Updated as of 12/21/2017:
J. R. Ward has a way of making you love and hate characters. Lover Enshrined infuriated me and made me cry tears of happiness. This is the story of Phury which is about as messed up as anyone would expect. You see a lot of the addict in him and you get to know him better in this novel.
I liked this book just like all of the others in this series but I will say that it frustrated me to the point of having to change back to reading the book instead of listening. The narrator did a great job but there is just something about reading while frustrated vs. listening while frustrated.
This book brings you new characters to fall in love with and relate to. The characters are well thought out and are still unique and interesting. J.R. Ward definitely knows how to make characters that you will fall in love with and relate to.
All in all, it's a good book.
J. R. Ward has a way of making you love and hate characters. Lover Enshrined infuriated me and made me cry tears of happiness. This is the story of Phury which is about as messed up as anyone would expect. You see a lot of the addict in him and you get to know him better in this novel.
I liked this book just like all of the others in this series but I will say that it frustrated me to the point of having to change back to reading the book instead of listening. The narrator did a great job but there is just something about reading while frustrated vs. listening while frustrated.
This book brings you new characters to fall in love with and relate to. The characters are well thought out and are still unique and interesting. J.R. Ward definitely knows how to make characters that you will fall in love with and relate to.
All in all, it's a good book.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Days of War, Nights of Love in Books
Oct 29, 2019
Radical revolutionary
This book is a manifesto of sorts that challenges you to challenge yourself and the things around you. To deliberately seek meaning in all you do and live your life in ways that bring joy and make the world a richer place because if it.
Crimethinc take you away from the false idea of anarchy if safety pins and riots and show it as an intellectual intelligent philosophy in being a more positive human being. It changed the way I think and live and I hope I've managed to bring others more happiness because of it. And after all, like the books says, is there anything more anarchic and radical than falling in love? It goes against all conventions of reality and is irrational and yet something we live for.
My only criticism is Crimethinc's ideas often act on the fringe of an existing society instead of bringing everyone with us.
Crimethinc take you away from the false idea of anarchy if safety pins and riots and show it as an intellectual intelligent philosophy in being a more positive human being. It changed the way I think and live and I hope I've managed to bring others more happiness because of it. And after all, like the books says, is there anything more anarchic and radical than falling in love? It goes against all conventions of reality and is irrational and yet something we live for.
My only criticism is Crimethinc's ideas often act on the fringe of an existing society instead of bringing everyone with us.