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FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated 806 in Books
May 23, 2018
Reads Like a Pop Song
Fast, funny, and frequently surprising (even in spite of its contrivances), Cynthia Weil's rollicking YA road trip novella 806 centers on a trio of very different high school students who discover that they share the same unknown sperm donor father.
A contemporary teen fairy tale penned in a light, dialogue heavy style with clever hooks and twists to circumvent the narrative's overall predictability, 806 reads like a summer pop-song, which is only fitting considering Weil's background as a Grammy award winning, Oscar nominated songwriter.
Although it relies a little too heavily on cliches – never delving beneath the surface of its relatively one-dimensional characters long enough to give us a greater sense of who they are beyond some Breakfast Club-like introductions – 806 is inventive everywhere else.
Entertaining if ultimately forgettable, Weil's sophomore work is a wildly infectious read you can flip through at mix-tape speed in order to join the band and road trip along.
Note: I rounded up but (if able) would give this one 3.5 stars.
A contemporary teen fairy tale penned in a light, dialogue heavy style with clever hooks and twists to circumvent the narrative's overall predictability, 806 reads like a summer pop-song, which is only fitting considering Weil's background as a Grammy award winning, Oscar nominated songwriter.
Although it relies a little too heavily on cliches – never delving beneath the surface of its relatively one-dimensional characters long enough to give us a greater sense of who they are beyond some Breakfast Club-like introductions – 806 is inventive everywhere else.
Entertaining if ultimately forgettable, Weil's sophomore work is a wildly infectious read you can flip through at mix-tape speed in order to join the band and road trip along.
Note: I rounded up but (if able) would give this one 3.5 stars.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated To Hell With Love in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I seriously do not even know what to say about this piece of work. It's a rare and special day when you run across a romance novel where the male protagonist is death/devil/Hades. They are personal favorites of mine. So you can imagine I snatched this one up as soon as I saw it. I am glad I only dished out $2 for it.
The plot is as thin as wet tissue and more boring than watching mud dry. Every page was obvious and expected, the obstruction between the protagonists was blaring, and it was just very...bland. I will give the author credit for knowing how to write and tell the story she wants to tell. However, I must deduct points for the lack of creativity. I wanted so much to be wowed or at least enjoy the novel, but instead I felt like this would be a the love story about death and his lady as written by a high school freshmen, still dewy eyed.
The plot is as thin as wet tissue and more boring than watching mud dry. Every page was obvious and expected, the obstruction between the protagonists was blaring, and it was just very...bland. I will give the author credit for knowing how to write and tell the story she wants to tell. However, I must deduct points for the lack of creativity. I wanted so much to be wowed or at least enjoy the novel, but instead I felt like this would be a the love story about death and his lady as written by a high school freshmen, still dewy eyed.
Firsts is a novel about high school, friendships and growing up. Mercy hears a guy lament about making his first time with the girl he loves perfect. But all of the pressure is completely freaking him out, so Mercy steps in. She offers to essentially coach him through his first time, so when he's with his girlfriend it is perfect. (Like she expects.) His words, actions, and the ambiance will be all that she dreamed. Her "good deed" goes from five guys to ten, then continues to spiral until her life is out of her control, When her secret gets out, Mercy must find a way to walk the halls despite the cruel names (and food) flung at her. She learns who her friends are, even if she had taken them for granted in the past - learn and grow from her mistakes. This is an entertaining book with likable (and detestable) realistic characters and you might just learn a thing or two about life - or chemistry, from it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated 1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Travel to Oceania in this look at a world that was taken over by socialists. We follow Winston Smith as he lives out his life under the constant watchful eye of Big Brother. His vague memories of freedom lead him to hope for another revolution. Can he help in some way? What will happen when he starts an affair with a beautiful woman?
I read this book in high school, and it is just as sobering today as it was back then. Yes, as a novel it is a bit slow, but it does draw you in enough to really drive home the points Orwell is making. Sadly, as our technology begins to catch up to the technology Orwell created, our country begins to walk down this path as well thanks to politicians on both sides. This is a warning we still need to heed today.
You can read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/04/book-review-1984-by-george-orwell.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I read this book in high school, and it is just as sobering today as it was back then. Yes, as a novel it is a bit slow, but it does draw you in enough to really drive home the points Orwell is making. Sadly, as our technology begins to catch up to the technology Orwell created, our country begins to walk down this path as well thanks to politicians on both sides. This is a warning we still need to heed today.
You can read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/04/book-review-1984-by-george-orwell.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated License to Dill (Pickled & Preserved Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Piper’s ex-fiancee arrives in town hoping to get back together even though she has told him repeated they are over. However, the attention soon turns to the soccer team visiting from Italy and the mini-tournament against a team of locals. The Italian team’s manager was an exchange student when he was in high school, and his reappearance has opened old wounds from back then. When he is murdered, it becomes a question of which of those deeds from the past came back to haunt him in the present?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were just as fun and charming as they were in the first in the series. The plot was wonderful with so many suspects and twists to the story I had a hard time putting it down. Yet things came together for a logical climax.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/02/book-review-license-to-dill-by-mary.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were just as fun and charming as they were in the first in the series. The plot was wonderful with so many suspects and twists to the story I had a hard time putting it down. Yet things came together for a logical climax.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/02/book-review-license-to-dill-by-mary.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Dazed and Confused (1993) in Movies
Mar 24, 2018
You haven't seen this movie... It’d be a lot cooler if you did.
I quote this movie so much it's insane.. Like every single day type of quoting and I can hoestly say that as soon as someone gets my reference we become instant friends.
Dazed and confused is such a piece of life movie that it just works so beautifully. Even though I wasn't born until 89 and this movie wasnt made till 93 its such an iconic 70s movie that you just don't question it.
The casting was just so spot in that even the most minor characters feel like real people you could have gone to high school with and it's with that detail that Dazed and confused sucks you in and doesn't let you got to the point that you can watch this movie and rewatxg it multiple times and it's still just as good.
The other stand out factor is the soundtrack is one of the best there is each song just fits so well.
Dazed and confused is such a piece of life movie that it just works so beautifully. Even though I wasn't born until 89 and this movie wasnt made till 93 its such an iconic 70s movie that you just don't question it.
The casting was just so spot in that even the most minor characters feel like real people you could have gone to high school with and it's with that detail that Dazed and confused sucks you in and doesn't let you got to the point that you can watch this movie and rewatxg it multiple times and it's still just as good.
The other stand out factor is the soundtrack is one of the best there is each song just fits so well.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) in Movies
Jun 4, 2018
One of the most quotable comedies of all time!
When I was younger, I resisted watching Ferris Bueller for some reason. I cannot figure out why.
Once I eventually did view the film, I discovered what all my friends were saying. "Wow do I want to be like Ferris, he is the coolest."
Ferris seems to have it all figured out like fooling his parents, getting his best friend to come along and excusing his girlfriend fro class. Even when things start to go south, Ferris is always one step ahead of his pursuers in his quest for one last unforgettable day of fun before his high school days are over.
This is one of those films that will always make me smile if I catch it on TV some Saturday afternoon. I especially love that the film can break th fourth wall with ease. Not many movies can do that.
Give Ferris another watch soon, you will not regret it.
Even Deadpool thinks so.
Once I eventually did view the film, I discovered what all my friends were saying. "Wow do I want to be like Ferris, he is the coolest."
Ferris seems to have it all figured out like fooling his parents, getting his best friend to come along and excusing his girlfriend fro class. Even when things start to go south, Ferris is always one step ahead of his pursuers in his quest for one last unforgettable day of fun before his high school days are over.
This is one of those films that will always make me smile if I catch it on TV some Saturday afternoon. I especially love that the film can break th fourth wall with ease. Not many movies can do that.
Give Ferris another watch soon, you will not regret it.
Even Deadpool thinks so.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Bear Witness to Murder in Books
May 30, 2018
Oktobearfest is Off to a Murderous Start
It’s October, and the town of Silver Hollow is getting ready for their Oktobearfest, a teddy bear themed Oktoberfest event for the entire family. Things are kicking off with a kid and teddy bear friendly tea that Sasha Silverman is helping with. She’s trying to avoid her high school nemesis, Holly Parker, when Holly’s assistant Gina interrupts the tea to announce she is suing the mayor. The next morning, Sasha finds a dead body. Despite vowing to stay out of it, she finds herself pulled into the investigation. Will she learn the truth?
There is a lot going on here, and it really pulled me into the story. I finished the book in just a couple of days, in fact. I kept switching what I thought was going on, but when we reached the climax, everything made perfect sense. I did catch a major timeline issue, however, something that always annoys me. The main characters, both series regulars and suspects, are strong and really drew me into the story as well.
There is a lot going on here, and it really pulled me into the story. I finished the book in just a couple of days, in fact. I kept switching what I thought was going on, but when we reached the climax, everything made perfect sense. I did catch a major timeline issue, however, something that always annoys me. The main characters, both series regulars and suspects, are strong and really drew me into the story as well.
Tamzee (5 KP) rated Accidentally Perfect in Books
Jul 16, 2018
Rom-com love story (1 more)
Relatable
I absolutely LOVED this book!
I absolutely LOVED this book!
Piper and Roman we're perfection, there story was very believable despite the fact that it was a tad cliche, but maybe that's exactly what made it so amazing.
I started reading this book last night around ten and had to literally force myself to close the book and go to sleep at 4 am. Soon as I woke up I picked it up again and finished it and I was not dissapointed.
Piper is a relatable character, the fact she loves rom-coms and John Cusack is her favorite (because he's also mine) made for a connection to her that I rarely get with characters. This story was my high school fantasy and it was written out beautifully.
Honestly, I can't rave about this book enough. I will be re-reading it because this is my new rom-coms read and I can't wait to see Piper and Roman again.
I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Piper and Roman we're perfection, there story was very believable despite the fact that it was a tad cliche, but maybe that's exactly what made it so amazing.
I started reading this book last night around ten and had to literally force myself to close the book and go to sleep at 4 am. Soon as I woke up I picked it up again and finished it and I was not dissapointed.
Piper is a relatable character, the fact she loves rom-coms and John Cusack is her favorite (because he's also mine) made for a connection to her that I rarely get with characters. This story was my high school fantasy and it was written out beautifully.
Honestly, I can't rave about this book enough. I will be re-reading it because this is my new rom-coms read and I can't wait to see Piper and Roman again.
I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated the PC version of Emily Is Away Too in Video Games
Jul 9, 2018
For people of a certain age, Emily Is Away Too will remind them of being a teenager in the early aughts and late nineties. You play as yourself (more or less) as you attempt to woo either of two girls at your high school: Emily, the alternative hipster chick, or Evelyn, the punk rocker. In that way, it's much like many dating sims. You discover their likes and dislikes and play into them.
What makes Emily Is Away unique is the gameplay. It all takes place, so to speak, in a chat client called "EOL," which functions like AIM or Yahoo! Messenger. You can customize your font, profile, and avatar (the angstier the lyrics in your bio the better, of course). And don't forget to make your text as obnoxious as possible.
To compliment the retro look, the soundtrack consists of the sound of your hard drive working and really authentic chat notifications. It was a trip back in time for me, and it actually made me a little sad in a bittersweet way.
What makes Emily Is Away unique is the gameplay. It all takes place, so to speak, in a chat client called "EOL," which functions like AIM or Yahoo! Messenger. You can customize your font, profile, and avatar (the angstier the lyrics in your bio the better, of course). And don't forget to make your text as obnoxious as possible.
To compliment the retro look, the soundtrack consists of the sound of your hard drive working and really authentic chat notifications. It was a trip back in time for me, and it actually made me a little sad in a bittersweet way.