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Kristina (502 KP) rated All About You (Love & Hate, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
Let me just say, I'm so freaking pi$$ed! First off, I gave the book a 2 star rating because I felt like the writing was bad. I trudged through the first 2-3 chapters because I've realized that, sometimes it takes a book a few chapters to "loosen up". Unfortunately for me, the storyline was too interesting to stop reading. When I first understood what was happening, I was instantly angry. I know entering college doesn't make a person automatically mature, but do people seriously still continue to bully at that part of their life? At first, I didn't care for India, because she bullied Oliver; I felt awful when I found out what Christian had done to her, but I still don't feel like that excused the way she treated Oliver. Anyway, I was glad she wanted to apologize and make amends, though it's easier to say you forgive someone than to actually forgive them when it comes to bullying. So, I was literally sick of watching India get tortured and made fun of -do these kids not have anything better to do with their lives?? I kept reading because I wanted Oliver to shove his foot up his rear when he found out what his brother did to her. Then they became friends. I was immediately, like, "No, no. India, don't do it. No!" Of course, a book character can't hear the reader screaming at them, so she didn't listen. By the end, after Oliver's final attempt to tear India down and break her spirit, I had to do one of two things: gently set down my tablet and bite my pillow or throw my tablet against the wall and scream bloody murder. I love my tablet too much to abuse it, so my pillow took the brunt of my anger. Heck, I'm still angry and it's been 6 days! Part of me doesn't want to spend the money on the next 2 or 3 books in this series - like I said, I didn't care for the writing. But, at the same time, I HAVE to know what's going to happen. I don't know about India, but Oliver could save her life and I still wouldn't forgive him.
David (771 KP) rated A Quiet Place (2018) in Movies
Feb 2, 2019
Great idea
Contains spoilers, click to show
I found this film to be a new twist on the conventional creature, horror genre. I will say this first that I did enjoy the film and would watch it again.
Having kids myself I was intrigued to know how they were going to keep quiet throughout most of the film unless they or their parents met an untimely end, first kid was gone in the first 10 minutes, what a surprise! The scene at the dinner table where none of the kids moaned or whinged about what they were having would certainly not happen in my house.
I know it's a bit crude but how do you go toilet without making a sound? Surprisingly they didn't touch on this subject in the film.
I apologise if I missed it and this is why I will watch again, where did the creatures come from? Maybe this is explained in the book or a prequel movie is in the pipeline. If this was explained and I missed it please feel free to message me and let me know as I found this to be one of the disappointing bits of the film.
The film was a good length though, I didn't look at my phone once as it kept me interested and there was no long drawn out moments.
Most of the time the family was very harmonious, maybe the thought of impending death makes for a non-troublesome household (Wish I could try this with my family to avoid arguments, but it's kind of illegal)
I would recommend watching this film at least once, thanks for reading.
Having kids myself I was intrigued to know how they were going to keep quiet throughout most of the film unless they or their parents met an untimely end, first kid was gone in the first 10 minutes, what a surprise! The scene at the dinner table where none of the kids moaned or whinged about what they were having would certainly not happen in my house.
I know it's a bit crude but how do you go toilet without making a sound? Surprisingly they didn't touch on this subject in the film.
I apologise if I missed it and this is why I will watch again, where did the creatures come from? Maybe this is explained in the book or a prequel movie is in the pipeline. If this was explained and I missed it please feel free to message me and let me know as I found this to be one of the disappointing bits of the film.
The film was a good length though, I didn't look at my phone once as it kept me interested and there was no long drawn out moments.
Most of the time the family was very harmonious, maybe the thought of impending death makes for a non-troublesome household (Wish I could try this with my family to avoid arguments, but it's kind of illegal)
I would recommend watching this film at least once, thanks for reading.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated A Stolen Life: A Memoir in Books
Feb 5, 2020
I don't remember the first time I read this book. I think it was some point after Jaycee Lee Dugard had been found, but I was probably in late middle school, early high school - though I could be entirely wrong. I remember reading it the first time and having to stop every once in a while because it was so much. What she went through was so grueling and heartbreaking and to read her words, unfiltered, with all of her raw emotions, it's hard. That doesn't even feel like a good enough word for it.
More than anything, this memoir gives you hope. It gives you strength. It pulls your heart out to be reminded that there are these people in this world - the kind that could do this to people, let alone an 11-year-old girl. But despite all that, Jaycee remains somewhat positive. She knows that she has work to do on herself, on her relationships with her family, with the world, with life, but she also knows that she's going to be okay. I love that she never thinks that the recovery process is done and while this book was written several years ago, I can't imagine that mindset has changed much.
I think this book is phenomenal. Her story is insane, but her triumph is what wins you over in the end. I'm eager to read her other book and see where she is now and how she's doing. I would 1000% recommend this book.
More than anything, this memoir gives you hope. It gives you strength. It pulls your heart out to be reminded that there are these people in this world - the kind that could do this to people, let alone an 11-year-old girl. But despite all that, Jaycee remains somewhat positive. She knows that she has work to do on herself, on her relationships with her family, with the world, with life, but she also knows that she's going to be okay. I love that she never thinks that the recovery process is done and while this book was written several years ago, I can't imagine that mindset has changed much.
I think this book is phenomenal. Her story is insane, but her triumph is what wins you over in the end. I'm eager to read her other book and see where she is now and how she's doing. I would 1000% recommend this book.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Life She Wants in Books
Nov 21, 2021
I am a fan of Mel Sherratt's work and always look forward to reading her books but, I have to say, never have I been so confused as I was with this one.
Now, whilst at first this might seem to be a negative, let me reassure you that if you stick with it, everything falls into place very nicely and the confusion was well worth it in the end.
Told from different perspectives over different timelines, this is a complex storyline which deals with various unsavoury but important and contemporary themes; coercive control, domestic abuse and loss. These are hard-hitting subjects but Mel deals with them with respect.
There are a number of characters and all have a part to play but I found I didn't really focus on them that much as I was more interested in the story and how it was going to play out. That's not to say they weren't great characters, far from it, it's just that the story was so engrossing that they felt secondary to me somehow.
Full of secrets, lies and manipulation, this is a book that makes you angry and sympathetic all at the same time. It's definitely one that kept me totally engrossed and I couldn't read fast enough.
With atmosphere, suspense and tension aplenty, this is a book that I would definitely recommend to lovers of psychological thrillers and I have to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Now, whilst at first this might seem to be a negative, let me reassure you that if you stick with it, everything falls into place very nicely and the confusion was well worth it in the end.
Told from different perspectives over different timelines, this is a complex storyline which deals with various unsavoury but important and contemporary themes; coercive control, domestic abuse and loss. These are hard-hitting subjects but Mel deals with them with respect.
There are a number of characters and all have a part to play but I found I didn't really focus on them that much as I was more interested in the story and how it was going to play out. That's not to say they weren't great characters, far from it, it's just that the story was so engrossing that they felt secondary to me somehow.
Full of secrets, lies and manipulation, this is a book that makes you angry and sympathetic all at the same time. It's definitely one that kept me totally engrossed and I couldn't read fast enough.
With atmosphere, suspense and tension aplenty, this is a book that I would definitely recommend to lovers of psychological thrillers and I have to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Merissa (11958 KP) rated After the Wanting in Books
Jun 28, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
AFTER THE WANTING is a novel about a young woman trying to escape her ex. After feeling unsafe in her apartment, she moves to a friend's house in the middle of nowhere. He'll never find her there, right?
There are many threads that help weave this tale - a husband looking for forgiveness, a daughter lost in her emotions, and a psycho who feels justified in his atrocities. Put them together and you get a tense thriller that will keep you turning the pages until you figure out just who the big bad is. I will say he didn't surprise me when I found out, although I was surprised by how long it had been going on.
The pacing is quite fast and there are a number of supporting characters to help the story move along. Told as a current story, with flashbacks, and also some scenes from the future, it was a little confusing, to begin with, until I got used to the writing style.
This was a quick read that I can recommend.
** 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!
Jun 28, 2021
There are many threads that help weave this tale - a husband looking for forgiveness, a daughter lost in her emotions, and a psycho who feels justified in his atrocities. Put them together and you get a tense thriller that will keep you turning the pages until you figure out just who the big bad is. I will say he didn't surprise me when I found out, although I was surprised by how long it had been going on.
The pacing is quite fast and there are a number of supporting characters to help the story move along. Told as a current story, with flashbacks, and also some scenes from the future, it was a little confusing, to begin with, until I got used to the writing style.
This was a quick read that I can recommend.
** 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!
Jun 28, 2021
Merissa (11958 KP) rated Hydromancist (7 Forbidden Arts #4) in Books
May 20, 2023
Maya, as we know from previous books, is one tough cookie. She doesn't have many friends, but those she does have, she holds close and gives her all. So when she finds herself alone on a mission, she isn't bothered because she knows how to take care of herself, and there are very good reasons why her teammates aren't there with her. So you can imagine the shock to her system when she finds herself falling for the very guy that she's there to investigate. Tim has many layers to him (why do I always think of Shrek when I say that!) and you don't find them all out at once. I have to say, that even by the end of the book, I don't think we know all there is to know about Ambassador Fardel!
This book does not pull any punches - it is hot, heartbreaking, poignant, and tender. With intrigue and mystery aplenty, it will keep you gripped from page to page. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, and with a brilliant supporting cast, this makes an excellent addition to the 7 Forbidden Arts series. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jan 30, 2016
This book does not pull any punches - it is hot, heartbreaking, poignant, and tender. With intrigue and mystery aplenty, it will keep you gripped from page to page. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, and with a brilliant supporting cast, this makes an excellent addition to the 7 Forbidden Arts series. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jan 30, 2016
Beautifully-written, incredibly captivating book
Sadie's pretty much always been an adult. Her mom struggled with drugs and alcohol since Sadie was born. Sadie basically raised her younger sister, Mattie. So when Mattie is found dead at the age of thirteen, Sadie's life completely falls apart. The police have no idea who killed her, so Sadie is determined to find justice for her little sister. She leaves town following the only bits of evidence she has. Meanwhile, a few months later, West McCray, a radio anchor, hears about Sadie's story while on the road. He starts thinking about missing girls, as Sadie's de facto grandmother, May Beth, is now convinced she's missing. He starts a podcast that tracks Sadie and her trail for Mattie's killer, trying to find out what happened. But is he too late?
"I'm going to kill a man. I'm going to steal the light from his eyes. I want to watch it go out. You aren't supposed to answer violence with more violence but sometimes I think violence is the only answer."
I had heard a lot of hype about Sadie before I started it, but luckily this is one of those rare books that really lives up to all the buzz. The novel gets off to a captivating start and never really lets up. It's quite the page-turner and really a tense, heartbreaking journey. You get fully immersed into Sadie's journey between Summers' gorgeous writing and the book's format. The novel alternates between chapters told in Sadie's point of view and then chapters told in West's podcast format.
The result is really spellbinding: West is just a little behind Sadie in her quest, but somehow it all works perfectly, and you feel like you're hurtling (to nowhere good) along with these characters. I wouldn't have thought the podcast pieces would work so well, but they were great, and I found myself enjoying those chapters a lot. You get swept up with West and his desire to find Sadie.
Part of feeling so much a part of this book is because it's so, so well-written. Wow, Courtney Summers can write. This novel is almost lyrical it's so beautiful in its descriptions, in Sadie's narration of her life and her situations. The characters--both the good guys and the bad--are so vivid they almost fly off the pages. You can just picture Sadie--alone in the world and hurting--with the world against her. The book is magical in that sense.
I live in a place that's only good for leaving, is all that needs to be said about it, and I don't let myself look back. Doesn't matter if I want to, it's just better if I don't.
I mean. C'mon. This girl. I dare you to read this book and not fall for Sadie. It's pretty much impossible. It's certainly not an easy read, and I felt like this one sort of broke me down and spit me out a bit. I wasn't sure about that ending, but I completely understood it. It was what the book deserved, just perhaps not what I hoped.
Overall, this is a beautifully-written, incredibly captivating book. I was immediately sucked in wondering what happened to Mattie and Sadie. The characters are real, and it's a read that will stick with you. Definitely recommend.
Thank you to Wednesday Books for my copy, which I received in return for an unbiased review.
"I'm going to kill a man. I'm going to steal the light from his eyes. I want to watch it go out. You aren't supposed to answer violence with more violence but sometimes I think violence is the only answer."
I had heard a lot of hype about Sadie before I started it, but luckily this is one of those rare books that really lives up to all the buzz. The novel gets off to a captivating start and never really lets up. It's quite the page-turner and really a tense, heartbreaking journey. You get fully immersed into Sadie's journey between Summers' gorgeous writing and the book's format. The novel alternates between chapters told in Sadie's point of view and then chapters told in West's podcast format.
The result is really spellbinding: West is just a little behind Sadie in her quest, but somehow it all works perfectly, and you feel like you're hurtling (to nowhere good) along with these characters. I wouldn't have thought the podcast pieces would work so well, but they were great, and I found myself enjoying those chapters a lot. You get swept up with West and his desire to find Sadie.
Part of feeling so much a part of this book is because it's so, so well-written. Wow, Courtney Summers can write. This novel is almost lyrical it's so beautiful in its descriptions, in Sadie's narration of her life and her situations. The characters--both the good guys and the bad--are so vivid they almost fly off the pages. You can just picture Sadie--alone in the world and hurting--with the world against her. The book is magical in that sense.
I live in a place that's only good for leaving, is all that needs to be said about it, and I don't let myself look back. Doesn't matter if I want to, it's just better if I don't.
I mean. C'mon. This girl. I dare you to read this book and not fall for Sadie. It's pretty much impossible. It's certainly not an easy read, and I felt like this one sort of broke me down and spit me out a bit. I wasn't sure about that ending, but I completely understood it. It was what the book deserved, just perhaps not what I hoped.
Overall, this is a beautifully-written, incredibly captivating book. I was immediately sucked in wondering what happened to Mattie and Sadie. The characters are real, and it's a read that will stick with you. Definitely recommend.
Thank you to Wednesday Books for my copy, which I received in return for an unbiased review.
Emeli Sande recommended My Love Is Your Love by Whitney Houston in Music (curated)
As a Downton Abbey enthusiast, I enjoyed this book immensely! Full of romance, sorrow and drama! Just like the beloved show, Downton Abbey. Only, these people, really lived! I admit without shame, that I am an avid Downton Abbey fan. Having been sucked into it by the time the third season aired, I have been in love ever since. As some of you may know I have an obsession with finding out the real history behind stories that I love. Whether the Dark Ages or Contemporary Fiction, I want to know what actually happened. What I found the most intriguing about this book, is that there are many, MANY, similarities between Downton Abbey and the true history of Highclere Castle. (I am pretty sure that was no accident on Julian Fellowes's part.) This was one of my first real experiences with an audiobook, and I honestly wish I had just read the book instead. I am much more of a visual learner, and it was hard for me to retain all the dates and names...Especially since I was always driving as well. I believe I am more suited for novels on audiobook, rather than history. Any fan of Downton Abbey, or of Edwardian history in general, will enjoy this book. It was so much fun to learn about the real people that lived at Highclere one hundred years ago.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Die of Shame in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I am a huge Mark Billingham fan and am at the front of the queue when a new book comes out so it is with massive regret that I have to say that this one just didnt grab me by the neck like his other books have - you have no idea how upset this makes me feel. Its not that it is a bad book - its well written, has interesting characters and a good story line - but I found myself being rather indifferent about reading it and it took me a little longer than it normally does to read it when I compare it to others written by the same author.
Review at <a href="https://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/synopsis-from-goodreads-from-british.html">Reading Stuff 'n' Things</a>
Review at <a href="https://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/synopsis-from-goodreads-from-british.html">Reading Stuff 'n' Things</a>