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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Dakota and the American Dream in Books
Apr 24, 2020
"Dakota was tired of playing catch with his mother at the park," so he rested on a bench but was soon distracted by a peculiar talking squirrel. Chasing after the strange creature, Dakota finds himself in a fantasy world full of anthropomorphic animals. Before he knows what is happening, Dakota finds himself working for Corporate America with its odd rules and unhappy employees.
The fantasy world of Sameer Garach's Dakota and the American Dream is a satire of modern-day America. From a ten year old's perspective, the short story covers the corporate ladder, hierarchy, racism, discrimination, career success and an extreme love of coffee. Whilst all this is humorous to the adult mind, there is an alarming amount of truth that paints the "American Dream" as a corrupt society.
From the very start, Dakota's experience feels remarkably like Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and could almost be said to be a 21st-century version of the classic children's book. Most of Dakota's story will go over the heads of young readers, however, adults will enjoy the humour and childhood innocence as well as appreciate the connection with their favourite books as a child.
As a parody of both real life and fiction, Dakota and the American Dream is a clever story that entertains and makes you think. Although sometimes extreme, it is amusing to read about everyday life being acted out by squirrels, mice, rats, a cowardly lion, an 800-pound Gorilla and many more bizarre creatures. If the humour and satire was stripped away, we would be left with a child's confusion about the way America works with many things appearing stupid or unfair.
The fantasy world of Sameer Garach's Dakota and the American Dream is a satire of modern-day America. From a ten year old's perspective, the short story covers the corporate ladder, hierarchy, racism, discrimination, career success and an extreme love of coffee. Whilst all this is humorous to the adult mind, there is an alarming amount of truth that paints the "American Dream" as a corrupt society.
From the very start, Dakota's experience feels remarkably like Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and could almost be said to be a 21st-century version of the classic children's book. Most of Dakota's story will go over the heads of young readers, however, adults will enjoy the humour and childhood innocence as well as appreciate the connection with their favourite books as a child.
As a parody of both real life and fiction, Dakota and the American Dream is a clever story that entertains and makes you think. Although sometimes extreme, it is amusing to read about everyday life being acted out by squirrels, mice, rats, a cowardly lion, an 800-pound Gorilla and many more bizarre creatures. If the humour and satire was stripped away, we would be left with a child's confusion about the way America works with many things appearing stupid or unfair.
The Dictionary of Labour Quotations
Book
'The power of words is fundamental to political life. They help to influence, convince, change minds...
Only When I Laugh: My Autobiography
9.0
Rate It
Book
Known for his intelligent and often surreal humour, Paul Merton's weekly appearances on BBC1's Have...
Merissa (13389 KP) rated Deceived by Desire (Roaring Rogues #2) in Books
Oct 13, 2022
DECEIVED BY DESIRE is the second book in the Roaring Rogues series, and features Nash, who is currently beating himself up for the wrongs he thinks he has done. On a coach to Scotland, he is intrigued by a miss wearing hideous hats - complete with veils - who persists in speaking to him even when he doesn't want her to. What follows is a lovely story filled with humour and sexy times, as well as a dash of danger, as Laney tries to figure out her future as Nash bemoans his past.
Whilst loving the story between Nash and Laney, what I didn't enjoy so much were the quick trips to London and the time-hopping from one day to the previous one, or a few minutes earlier, for example. I know they are there to move the overall story arc forwards but they really didn't work for me. Instead of moving the story on, I found myself getting confused about what the point was, and reading past that to get back to Laney and Nash.
This was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to read more. It is Phineas' turn next and I look forward to finding out what happened to him on his wedding night. This is a wonderful series, full of humour and wit, as well as sexy times that will leave you blushing. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Whilst loving the story between Nash and Laney, what I didn't enjoy so much were the quick trips to London and the time-hopping from one day to the previous one, or a few minutes earlier, for example. I know they are there to move the overall story arc forwards but they really didn't work for me. Instead of moving the story on, I found myself getting confused about what the point was, and reading past that to get back to Laney and Nash.
This was a great addition to the series and I can't wait to read more. It is Phineas' turn next and I look forward to finding out what happened to him on his wedding night. This is a wonderful series, full of humour and wit, as well as sexy times that will leave you blushing. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Frozen (2013) in Movies
Dec 23, 2017
One of Disney's best
The first time I saw this, I wasn't a huge fan. I just didn't understand the hype. However since then I've really come to appreciate how good this film actually is, to the point where it's probably one of my guilty favourites.
Let It Go might still be slightly overrated, but all of the songs are fun and catchy and you can't help but sing along. There's good humour and the plot itself although typical Disney, is still heartwarming and entertaining. What I love the most is the fact that it makes fun of the typical Disney film - love at first sight, true loves kiss etc - it's refreshing for it not to completely follow the usual Disney formula. And who can't not love Olaf?
Let It Go might still be slightly overrated, but all of the songs are fun and catchy and you can't help but sing along. There's good humour and the plot itself although typical Disney, is still heartwarming and entertaining. What I love the most is the fact that it makes fun of the typical Disney film - love at first sight, true loves kiss etc - it's refreshing for it not to completely follow the usual Disney formula. And who can't not love Olaf?
tonidavis (353 KP) rated Doctor Who - Series 1 (New Season - 1) in TV
Dec 27, 2017
Rebirth of a great show (3 more)
Russell T Davies
Stephan Moffatt
Billie Piper
The ReBirth of Doctor who
Wether your a old doctor who fan or new to the show Christopher Eccleston performance launched the new generation of Doctor who to a much wider audience across the world. Bille Piper performance as Rose is relatable and bring humour to counter Eccelstons sterner side.
Show runners Russel T Davies and Stephan Moffat make a great team with Moffat being a great writer to invoke your inner fears the monsters he creates are top notch and Russel T Davies keeps the series well run and created thw Arc structure that Moffat fails at in later series.
Not to mention it always good to have cybermen darleck back on our tv screens
Show runners Russel T Davies and Stephan Moffat make a great team with Moffat being a great writer to invoke your inner fears the monsters he creates are top notch and Russel T Davies keeps the series well run and created thw Arc structure that Moffat fails at in later series.
Not to mention it always good to have cybermen darleck back on our tv screens
Vicky (1 KP) rated Collateral Beauty (2016) in Movies
Jan 8, 2018
Tackles a difficult subject well (1 more)
Incredible Cast
Although I was expecting this film to be good as it was. I was definitely not expecting it to become one of my favourite films. It managed to tackle a very difficult subject in an incredible good and tactful way. The cast was incredible with both well known stars like Will Smith and Helen Mitten to the (what I'm sure is to be) incredibly promising not as well known stars such as Jacob Latimore. Also the twist at the end was amazing! They also managef to include a good amount of humour whilst at the same time not making light of a very real and serious issue. All in all it well exceeed my expectations and easily made it's way into my top films.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Get Your Sh*t Together in Books
Sep 18, 2017
Not accessible, geared for certain audiences
I have to say I struggled to read this. Sarah Knight obviously comes from a very privileged background and gears her rhetoric to certain socio-economic classes. While at times she attempts humour, it falls a little flat as it sounds like she's trying too hard.
That being said, some of the advice is useful such as time management and prioritizing - however this sounds like a lot of other self help books and she doesn't seem like the 'anti-guru' she claims to be. It's a little pretentious, constantly talking about her Caribbean housing, when many don't even have disposable income.
She briefly mentions half way through that this book is not intended for such working-class people. That should have been at the front of the book.
That being said, some of the advice is useful such as time management and prioritizing - however this sounds like a lot of other self help books and she doesn't seem like the 'anti-guru' she claims to be. It's a little pretentious, constantly talking about her Caribbean housing, when many don't even have disposable income.
She briefly mentions half way through that this book is not intended for such working-class people. That should have been at the front of the book.
Daniel Holford (0 KP) rated American Vandal in TV
Sep 20, 2017
Far Better than expected!
There's not many TV shows that can grip me into watch all of their episodes back to back, especially comedies which I often have a hard time to really get into.
However this show is me gripped from the end of episode (plenty of cliffhangers to push you forwards immediately). The story is very focussed on the "dick drawing" and the trial of Dylan, whether he did do it and what motive he had for it?
This is filmed perfectly like making a murderer, less mocumentary and more like an actual serious docudrama with some added elements of humour. For a show I thought would immediately be about dick jokes, they steered fairly clear making a smarter and genuinely greater show than I could have expected.
However this show is me gripped from the end of episode (plenty of cliffhangers to push you forwards immediately). The story is very focussed on the "dick drawing" and the trial of Dylan, whether he did do it and what motive he had for it?
This is filmed perfectly like making a murderer, less mocumentary and more like an actual serious docudrama with some added elements of humour. For a show I thought would immediately be about dick jokes, they steered fairly clear making a smarter and genuinely greater show than I could have expected.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Gifted (2017) in Movies
Feb 8, 2019
A great surprise
I hadn't really expected very much from this film, but it was actually a brilliant and heartwarming surprise. It has a great cast and is wonderfully acted - McKenna Grace is exceptional for a child actor and I was even impressed with Chris Evans, it's been so long since I've seen him in something that isn't Marvel related and it's nice to see.
The film itself is a mixture of humour and a sometimes heartwrenching and emotional story about a gifted child. It has a fairly short runtime which is also refreshing, but I actually think it could have been a little longer. It's well shot and scripted and was just an all round delight to watch. And seeing Chris Evans with cats? Kinda hard to resist.
The film itself is a mixture of humour and a sometimes heartwrenching and emotional story about a gifted child. It has a fairly short runtime which is also refreshing, but I actually think it could have been a little longer. It's well shot and scripted and was just an all round delight to watch. And seeing Chris Evans with cats? Kinda hard to resist.